This section consists of original research performed by Tom Hartson over the years. It is probably the most comprehensive study ever done on the link between Aaron Hartshorn (1752-1800) of Danville, Vermont and the Hartshorn family of (perhaps) Aaron Hartshorn, "the younger" (1807-1887). This family, originating in Vermont, removed to possibly New York before emigrating to to the London, Ontario area before 1818. They re-emerge in Michigan in the 1830's.
I am deeply indebted to Tom Hartson, as well as Joan Curran and Art Kuhn who have all attempted to piece together this formerly mysterious family into a line that appears to be much more coherent than it was a few years ago.
The following is composed of e-mail messages containing the findings of Tom Hartson. His splendid research was originally addressed to Art Kuhn, Joan Curran and myself.
--Derick S. Hartshorn
4 July 2001
From: Tom Hartson <thart@mich.com
To: Art Kuhn <AERKDK@aol.com> & Derick
Hartshorn
Date: Saturday, January 09, 1999 12:54 PM
Subject: Re: HARTSHORNS & BISBEES
So, to begin, here is everything that I know or surmise about Aaron Hartshorn, husband of Hannah Peasley: As you read this, pay very particular attention to the repetition of the surnames Sanborn, Wood, Morden, Brown and Foster. These families had complex ties.
Aaron HARTSHORN, Sr. was born in New York State (info from death cert of Catherine Foster), probably in the 1780's (based on 1842 Census); his death reportedly occurred on 6 February 1847 (Sanilac County History). Nothing from Michigan or Canadian records has yet established his parentage.
Family tradition (Canadian Wade family of London, Ontario) also speaks of a Sally Hartshorn who married a Bennajah Rogers in the late 1700's. What connection existed between Aaron, Sr. and Sally is not known, but later generations of the Wade family firmly believed that when three of Aaron's grandsons married Wade sisters, they were actually marrying cousins because of this Sally Hartshorn in the Wade line. Jonathan Wade was the son of Nathan and Charlotte (Rogers) Wade.
Bennajah and Sally Hartshorn were supposedly in Charlotte (Rogers) Wade's direct ancestral line. According to research provided by a Wade cousin, Charlotte was the daughter of Bennajah and Sally Hartshorn. Sally was the daughter of a Richard Hartson whose parents were Edward Hartson (Heartshorn) and Elizabeth Osborne. Her source was "a New Jersey book." This information is very tentative and suspect.
Jonathan Wade and his wife Hily Elson had among their children, three daughters: Eliza Jane Wade, Mary Lorena Wade, and Letitia Esther Wade. These three sisters married three Hartson first cousins: Eliza to Hamilton Hartson, son of Aaron and Laura (Sanborn) Hartshorn, Jr., Mary to Charles Fremont Armstrong, son of James and Harriet (Hartshorn) Armstrong, and Letitia to Calvin Henry Foster, son of Hiram Abath and Catherine (Hartshorn) Foster. So, supposedly, these three couples shared Hartshorn blood in the ancestral lines of both spouses.
Aaron HARTSHORN, Sr. married Hannah Peasley. This is confirmed by the death certificates of both Catherine Foster and her sister Huldah Salmon. Huldah's death certificate gives further info that Hannah's birthplace was England. The only info on the father is his name "Aron Hartshorn".Nothing else is known about Hannah except that she reportedly died in 1843 (as determined from info in Sanilac County History). Aaron and Hannah had at least two documented children: Catherine and Huldah (death cert of both). It is based on the Wade family tradition of the first cousinship of the three "Hartson" men that Aaron, Jr., Harriet, and Catherine Hartshorn are considered siblings. Since Aaron is referred to in London records as "the Younger" and since he can be traced by land records back to lot 8 Concession 10, London Township, Ontario, where the elder Aaron Hartshorn had his homestead, his father is assumed to be Aaron. No record clearly indicates his parentage. As just mentioned, Huldah Hartshorn of London, Ontario who married James Salmon was a full sister to Catherine. According to Art Kuhn, we may now add James Henry Hartshorn as a sibling since his relationship to Catherine as a brother is accepted as fact in his research. For reasons that are partially evident below, I believe that three other siblings were Mahala (Hartshorn) Sanborn, Ambrose Hartshorn, and Calvin W. Hartshorn [their names indicated in brackets]. If we look at the birth info on these children, we can get some idea of the family's travel from the United States to what was then British Upper Canada.
Aaron, b. probably in New York State, US on 24 July 1807 (tombstone, death certificate). Census records indicate birthplace only as United States. New York State is inferred from father's birthplace. He married Laura Sanborn on 16 December 1829 in London and lived on lot 8 concession 10, London Township, Ontario. Later moved to the western side of the township. (I have a photo of Aaron).
[Mahala Hartshorn, b. between 1797-1828 ( based on age in 1842 Ontario Census). She married Simeon Sanborn on 27 March 1838 in London, Ontario (Middlesex County History). They had been in the province since 1822 (census info). She and her husband Simeon, lived one lot over from Aaron Hartshorn on lot 7 concession 10, London Township as late as 1854 (tax roll).]
Harriet, b. circa 1812-13 in New York State, US (info from an Armstrong Family History, not published, written in 1945 by Ada Armstrong Kroepel, her granddaughter). She married James B. Armstrong and lived in Port Huron, Michigan, then later the area known as Big Burning near Bad Axe, Michigan. Her husband's involvement in the Patriot War of 1838, Battle of Windsor, precluded their returning to Ontario. (I have photos of Harriet and her husband James).
[Ambrose Hartshorn, b. October 1818 in New York (1900 Hazelton Township, Shiawassee County, Mich. Census). His wife's name was Harriet. Ambrose and Harriet Hartshorn lived in West Nissouri Township just east of London Township in Ontario on lot 25 concession 2 at the time of the 1851/52 Ontario census. They removed to Michigan circa 1852-1853.] NOTICE THE CHANGE IN BIRTHPLACES OF THE CHILDREN (between 1818-1823)
Huldah, b. in London Township, Ontario on 20 June 1823 (determined from known age on her 99th birthday as reported in newspaper article, death certificate). She married (William) James Salmon and lived near Salmonville, Ontario, just east of London. (I have a photo of Huldah).
Catherine, b. 25 August 1826 in Canada (determined from age at death, Michigan Death registration, info from 1850 Port Huron, Michigan Census). She was supposedly married three times (1) Edward Foster (2) a Carpenter (3) Hiram Abath Foster. She lived in "thumb" area of Michigan, near James Henry Hartshorn.
[Calvin W.[atson?] Hartshorn, b. 16 November 1828 in Ontario (info from Joan Curran, great granddaughter). He married Mary Ann Sanborn. Calvin and Mary Ann Hartshorn are also found in the 1851/52 West Nissouri Township Census of Ontario right near the Ambrose Hartshorn family. They later lived in London Township on lot 6 concession 10 in 1856. One land document of theirs includes the signature of a Warren Wood, the son of Daniel and Louisa (Sanborn) Wood, the supposed brother-in-law of Aaron Hartshorn. Calvin and Mary Ann also came over to Michigan settling in Juniata Township near Caro, Michigan.]
James Henry, b. 6 February 1833 in London, Ontario (Sanilac County History and family info). He married Maria A. Bisbee, daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Foster) Bisbee in 1854. Maria was born in London, Ontario in 1829. James and Maria Hartshorn settled at Lexington, Michigan. The link to Catherine is strengthened by the fact that James was an apprentice to the shoemaker H. Foster (Sanilac History). Catherine's third husband was Hiram Abath Foster. Their son, Calvin Henry Foster, was a shoemaker in Port Huron before and after his service in the Civil War. Among Calvin's Civil War pension papers there is an affidavit of James H. Hartshorn. According to Art Kuhn, Sarah Foster is believed to have been a sister to Hiram Abath Foster.
A little about the Peasley family: although Hannah's parentage has not been determined, the Peasley family did exist in the London Township area. Land records and the London Township Minutes Book record that there were at least five Peasley landholders in the township. The nearest to Aaron and Hannah's location was a Renald Peaslee on lot 12 concession 10 (land patent dated 1832). Nearby was a John Peaslee on the N 1/2 of lot 5 in the 10th concession (patent dated 1839). This John Peaslee married Susan _?_ and was still at this location on 12 November 1840 when a Bargain & Sale was signed between them and one David Brown, Junior of London. This may be of significance since a David Brown married Mary Powell (Sanborn) on 3 March 1831 in London. One witness of the marriage was a Simon Sanborn. The Brown family had also sold land to Daniel and Louisa (Sanborn) Wood, a couple who were married on the exact same day and by the same clergyman as Aaron and Laura (Sanborn) Hartshorn. It is believed that Louisa and Laura are sisters. A little further away was one William Peasley on the N 1/2 of lot 11 in concession 8 (patent dated 1848, also mentioned in the 1825 London Township Minutes Book). Even further off, on the western side of the township, were Thomas Peasley (1842 township minutes) and Samuel Peasley (1844 township minutes). Samuel Peasley's name is given as "Paisley" in the minutes book.
Before I continue the narrative again. One short note to the 1840 Bargain & Sale of John Peaslee (grantor) and David Brown, Jr. (grantee): a witness to this land document was Anselm Foster, a conveyancer of London. Also one slight correction: Calvin Henry Foster was a shoemaker in Bad Axe, Michigan, his father Hiram was a shoemaker in Port Huron in 1850.
As you both notice, I'm trying to be very particular in pointing out how these surnames keep popping up over and over again. I suspect that the key to this Hartshorn line will have to come from a collateral family and that we should know as much as possible about the Hartshorns' connections.
Aaron and Hannah (Peasley) Hartshorn, then,
were respectively from New York and England according to the
death records of two daughters. They certainly had two children,
most probably 5, and very plausibly 8 children. A very
interesting POSSIBLE reference to Aaron Hartshorn, Sr. appears in
the records of an early New York merchant, John S. Ball. John
Ball probably kept the largest stock of goods in the county
outside of Buffalo (Erie County History). On his store blotter,
John Ball had noted the names of his customers that frequented
the store. It was the only store in Erie County, New York,
outside of Buffalo, settled on the Buffalo Road, about four miles
east of Clarence. There was a large amount of traffic through
Clarence, stages making their way to Buffalo, from which their
passengers took steamers up the lakes. In Early Settlers of
New York State by Janet Wethy Foley, these names are transcribed.
Here is a sampling of names found:
"...John Murray - Charges made by
Orris Carr...Noah Pease..."
"...Isaac Brown...Benjamin Sanborn -
Charge - Peasley. Horse ride from your house, home .25...Pearley
Pease...Hannah Carr. Paid Mr. Hartshorn. Charges for Asa and
Sarah. Paid Amos Chapman...Epaphras Arnold.
Charge for Jedediah Peasley..."
"...1817. David Brown, Pembroke,
N.Y."
"...1817. Eben J. Brown...1817.
Shubal Sanbon Peter Kimball. A. Hartshorn..."
"...1817. Aaron Hartshorn Paid to
Mrs. Sanborn..."
"...1818. Jedediah
Peasley...1817...Abel Foster...Dean Rogers..."
As you can see, the interesting juxtaposition of the surnames Peasley, Hartshorn, Sanborn, Brown and Foster causes one to wonder if by any chance Aaron and Hannah Peasley were in this locale (Erie County, New York) in the period 1817-1818.
The earliest mention of an Aaron Hartshorn in the London, Ontario area is on the settlement map of London Township (dated 12 September 1818) used by Colonel Thomas Talbot. Col. Talbot was in charge of placing settlers in the new district. This London Township where Aaron settled was a 12 mile square township where surveying had first begun in May of 1810 and was not yet completely finished in the fall of 1819 when some 40 families led by Richard Talbot entered the area.
Although Aaron's name appears on the 1818 map, he probably did not settle there in that year since all the 1818 settlers have been established by local historians. Aaron is not listed among them, and there is no date written next to his name on the map. Most of the names around him on the map, however, have the date 1819 recorded as the time of settlement. Even though the exact date of arrival is unknown, Aaron Hartshorn most certainly settled in London Township, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada by the late months of 1819. His son, Aaron Hartshorn, Jr., according to his Upper Canada Land Petition, arrived in the London area in 1820 at the age of twelve. In spite of that, it is known that on 3 January 1820, an Aaron Hartson (certainly the Senior), was chosen to be the roadmaster of the Eastern part of London Township (London Township 1820 Minutes Book). Aaron settled on the south 1/2 of lot 8 in concession 10 in the Eastern part of London Township on 100 acres of land. He received only a half lot of 100 acres from the government of British Upper Canada, because he was an American. Loyalist settlers were normally afforded 200 acres, because they had fought against the Colonies in the Revolution. This 100 acres was situated near the present-day corner of the 10th Concession Road and Highbury Road and is crossed by a branched fork of the Medway River.
The Hartshorn/Hartson family, then, was firmly established in the area seven years before Peter McGregor became the first permanent settler to build on land that eventually would become London, Ontario, building his log cabin in 1826. They had also arrived only three years after the first township settler in 1816. Aaron Hartshorn continued serving from time to time as a roadmaster of the township. The London Township minutes book which records the appointments that were always made on the first Monday of January in each given year show these entries:
5 January 1824 A. Hartshorn -
roadmaster of the second sideline of township
2 January 1826 Aran Hartshorn -
roadmaster of the third division sideline
3 January 1831 Aron Hartson - roadmaster
of the first sideline
4 January 1836 Aaron Hartshorn - Overseer
of the Highway of Concession 10 along with John Sandburn.
Freeman Talbot writes in a short history of London that the first settlers of London Township included the Hartson and Sanborn families. An interesting article in the London Free Press of 18 July 1942 contained two paragraphs that described the arrival of the Hartshorns in the area:
"Among the early American settlers in London Township was Aaron Hartshorn who took up property at the corner of Concession 10 and the graded sideroad. It was in the early twenties [1820's], when the Hartshorns drove over from Michigan [Michigan Territory] and pitched their tent on the land. In the Canadian forest, the Hartshorns carried on their woodworking trade, fashioning wooden buckets, wooden tubs, wooden troughs, and other articles. Irish settlers in the district were delighted to secure these products in their own neighborhood."
Aaron and Hannah lived in a pioneer fashion, to be sure. "The Forks", as the London area was then called, was little more than a clearing in the woods. In fact, it was even called "The Forest City" for some time. A photograph of unknown provenance and date of the original Hartshorn homestead appeared in a London area newspaper with this caption:
"Pioneer House Still Stands - A London Township landmark, standing on lot 8, concession 10, is the quaint stone house built by the Hartshorn family, early settlers of the district. Afterwards, the property was owned for many years by the Shoebottom family and in more recent times by Thomas Heale."
This house was described by one relative who had seen it as "a lovely little fieldstone farmhouse" with a loft. Absolute proof that Aaron Hartshorn and Hannah Peasley were the parents of Aaron Hartshorn, Junr. has not yet been obtained. Nevertheless, the fact is that the Upper Canada Land Petition for lot 8 concession 10 was filed by Aaron Hartshorn, Junr and was approved in Council on 25th October 1847. It should be noted that the land petition was filed the same year that the Sanilac County History states was when Aaron Hartshorn, James Henry's father, died. Also, in 1844, the son was referred to in a land document as "Aaron Hartshorn, the Younger".
As already mentioned, the elder Aaron Hartshorn reportedly died on 6 February 1847 in the London, Canada area. There are two more records, though, that apparently make reference to the elder Aaron which should now be considered. The first record is an Upper Canada Land Petition filed by one William Carlisle and dated 3 September 1838. Carlisle wanted the land on the south half of lot 16 Concession 7 to build a mill, and since one was apparently needed in the neighborhood, his application is accompanied by a list of willing neighbors' signatures. Among the signatures appear those of "Aaron Hartshorn," one "John Sanburn," "Reuben Bisbee" and "Aron Artshon."
Because these are actual signatures, the spelling and penmanship probably reflect the signer's education and age at the time of signing. The second record is the mention in the 1842 London Township, Ontario Census of two Hartson families. One is clearly Aaron Hartshorn and just a few lines above it is the entry of a given name which has been abbreviated. It appears to read "Andr". The final "r" is written as a superscript above a straight line with two dots below it. It is extremely difficult to make out, although it is positively a Hartson family.
The five individuals of this family were:
1 male under 14 but over 5 years old born 1828-1837
1 married male 21 and not 30 born 1812-1821
1 married female 14 and not 45 born 1797-1828
1 married male 30 and not 60 born 1782-1812
and 1 married female 45 and upwards born ? - 1797
The family had lived in Canada for 20 years making the date of arrival about 1822 (as often as not, dates and ages on census records are inaccurate). It should be noted that on the same census page there also appear Thos Peasley, Simon Sanburn, and George Sanburn.
One last possible reference to the elder Aaron Hartshorn: The Ontario Land Records Index lists an Aaron Hartshorn, Dover, lot 11 Concession 13, patents issued in the 1830's. To date, I have yet to locate the land patents referred to. (This may be a priority item for future research).
REFERENCES:
- Early Records of New York State by
Janet Wethy Foley Vols. I-III.
In Volume I pages 41, 53, 111,
and 112 under "The Records of an 1816 Merchant".
- Colonel Thomas Talbot's land settlement map
dated 12 September 1818.
List of names from map appears in London
Township Pioneers by Fred T. Rosser,
published 1975, pages 78 and 195-205.
- Personal correspondence with the late Fred T.
Rosser, author of London Township
Pioneers. (1974)
- History of Middlesex County, 1889
edition, by Goodspeed Publishers, pages 510-511.
- Tombstone inscriptions, Siloam Cemetery and Mt
Pleasant Cemetery, both in London, Ontario.
- Original London Township Council Minutes Book,
stored in the vault of the London Township
Offices at Arva, Ontario, purchased
in 1819 for the first meeting of that municipal organization.
- Upper Canada Land Petition for Aaron Hartshorn,
Junr. Under bundle H 4#69 for the year 1847.
- Upper Canada Land Petition of 3 September 1838
regarding William Carlisle's application for
land for a mill, containing Hartshorn
signatures.
- 1842 London Township, Ontario Census.
- Looking Over Western Ontario, The
London Free Press, Saturday July 18, 1942 p. 29.
- The Fathers of London Township by Freeman
Talbot in London and Middlesex Historical
Society 1915, p. 8-9.
- Death records for Aaron Hartshorn and Huldah
(Hartshorn) Salmon, Registrar General,
Toronto, Canada.
- Death record for Catherine (Hartshorn) Foster,
Huron County Courthouse, Bad Axe, Michigan.
- Land Patent Index and 1844 Bargain and Sale,
instrument #6835, Middlesex Land Registry
Office, London, Ontario.
- Wade Family History by Samantha Wade,
unpublished, written circa 1952.
- Armstrong Family History by Ada Armstrong
Kroepel, unpublished, written in 1945.
- Hartshorn Homestead photograph clipping from
local newspaper, and photographs of Aaron,
Harriet and Huldah Hartshorn and
James Armstrong provided by Mrs. Edythe Dickison, London,
Ontario.
That is everything I know about the elder Aaron Hartshorn who may possibly be the son of Aaron Hartshorn of Danbury [Danville], Vermont.
Tom Hartson
thart@mich.com [e-mail address no longer
current--DSH]
E-mail to: Joan Curran
<JoanCur@aol.com>
Date: Sunday, December 06, 1998 1:53 PM
Subject: Hartson-Sanborn, from Tom Hartson
We are almost certainly relatives. I have been researching my Hartson/Hartshorn line since 1973. Unfortunately, the picture is not clear yet.
My great-grandfather Aaron Hartshorn, born 24 July 1807 in New York State, was the son of Aaron Hartshorn and Hannah Peasley. They settled in London Township, Ontario in 1819. They had Hartshorn relatives throughout Ontario and Michigan. What should interest you is that there were several marriages between Hartshorns and Sanborns.
Aaron Hartshorn (above) married Laura Sanborn in London Ontario on 16 December 1829. Several farms down the road from them in London Township were owned by Sanborn families. They included:
- Benjamin Sambourn on lot 6 concession 9; received land patent on 16 March 1848. He had settled there in 1819.
- George Sanborn, whose death record indicated his birthplace as Three Rivers, Quebec, lived on lot 7 concession 9 and received the crown patent on 13 March 1840.
- John Sandburn lived on lot 4 concession 10 and received the crown land patent on 18 November 1847. He likewise had settled there in 1819.
- Franklin Sandburn lived on lot 4 concession 10, having also arrived there in 1819. He received his land patent on 21 February 1848.
- Simon Sanborn on lot 7 concession 10 received his patent on 11 November 1847. (see below).
A Simeon Sanborn, who lived near Aaron & Laura Hartshorn, was married to a Mahala Hartson on 27 May 1838 in the London District by Rev Edmund Stoney. Simeon had a son, Calvin W. Sanborn, who married Alice Jane Weir. After Simeon's death, Alice remarried to Warren N. Wood (he will be mentioned again below).
The Calvin W. Hartshorn that you mention married Mary Ann Sanborn. (see more below). They lived on 150 acres of land in London Township on lot 6 of the 10th concession in 1856. They were signatories on a land document that was also signed by the Warren Wood just mentioned.
This Warren Wood was the son of Daniel and Louisa (Sanborn) Wood and the first wife he married was Huldah Sanborn, daughter of John Sanborn and Eleanor Lamb, who as you will see is Mary Ann's sister.
Daniel was a witness at Aaron Hartshorn and Laura Sanborn's wedding in 1829. Daniel Wood settled in Long Point Settlement, Norfolk County, Ontario in 1797. He was a cooper by trade and opened a shop in London village. He and Louisa had thirteen children.
A couple of other couples you should be aware of that were contemporary to Aaron Hartshorn and Laura Sanborn:
Elmira Sandburn of London was married to Barnard McIlroy of London on the 16th December 1829 and was given away by Daniel Wood. Witnesses were Freeman Talbot and David Brown. (NOTICE: They were married the same day as Aaron Hartshorn and Laura Sanborn).
The witness, David Brown, was married to Mary Powell (Sanborn) on 3 March 1831 by Rev Ed. J. Boswell at London. Mary was given away by Isaac Powell. Witnesses were: David Graham and Simon Sambon (husband of Mahala?). Daniel Wood & Louisa Sanborn had bought their land from a Brown family.
My Aaron Hartshorn was a witness to a wedding on 16 March 1832 between John Lambon (Lambore?) and Elenor Lamb, both of London Township performed by Hamilton Biggar, Minister at Vienna. The other witness was Barnard McIlroy, husband of Elmira Sandburn. The name of John Sanborn is unclear to the persons who transcribed the record. But the marriage record of their son, Henry Sanborn, beyond a doubt establishes the husband of Eleanor Lamb as John Sanborn. This John Sanborn is believed to have been the tenant of lot 4 concession 10. In later records, this lot belonged to an Ellen Sanborn.
Your Calvin W. Hartshorn's wife Mary Ann Sanborn was the daughter of this John Sanborn and Eleanor Lamb. Two of Mary Ann's siblings married into the Morden and Logan families. My Aaron Hartshorn's grandson married into the Logan family and Aaron's daughter, Julia, married into the Morden family.
As you can see, the interrelationships are complex. But I believe both families, the Hartshorns and Sanborns, either emigrated to London Township together in 1819, or both happened to settle next to each other in that year and resulted in many intermarriages.
I have not been able to conclusively prove who Laura's siblings or parents were, yet.
Does this help or confuse? Let's keep in touch. I am just now returning to active genealogical searching ( I had given it up for a while). Was the information you sent all that you had on your relatives? Please advise.
Tom Hartson
thart@mich.com
From: mich.com <thart@mich.com
To: Joan Currran <JoanCur@aol.com
Date: Thursday, December 31, 1998 11:04 AM
Subject: John & Eleanor Sanborn
Dear Joan
The family of John Sanborn who married Eleanor Lamb on 16 March 1832 appears to be the following:
(Not in order of birth!)
i. Henry Martin Sanborn, b. about 1843 in London Township. He was a carpenter and lived in Flushing, MI. His first wife was Ann. She was still alive as of 1873 when she signed a land document. Henry remarried on 8 August 1906, at age 63, to Sarah Elliott, age 46, in London Township, Ontario. At the time of his marriage, Henry was a resident of Michigan. Sarah had been born in London Township, the daughter of John Elliott and Eliza Guest. They were married in a Methodist ceremony by H. D. Tyler. Henry listed his parents as John Sanborn and Eleanor Lamb (London Township Register of Marriages, 1876-1908, p. 19).
ii. Benjamin Sanborn who married Margaret.
iii. Norval Sanborn, who settled on lot 5 Concession 10 of London Township. (I have a death record for a Norval Sanborn that may apply to him. I will send particulars when I recover it among my notes).
iv. Huldah Sanborn who married Warren Wood of Flushing, Michigan.
v. Mary Ann Sanborn, born about 1842, who married Calvin W. Hartshorn, born about 1828. Calvin was a tanner of "Cairo" (sic), Michigan. (Ontario Land Record, 1873). The ages I give are derived from census calculations. I'm sure you have more accurate info.
vi. Sarah Sanborn, born about 1838, married James L. Morden, born about 1837.
vii. Fanny Sanborn
viii. Nancy Sanborn who married John
C. Logan of Baldwin, Michigan. A Nancy Sanborn, aged 14
(birthyear c. 1847) appeared on the London Township 1861 Census
near James and Sarah (Sanborn) Morden.
This information comes from only a few sources:
1. London Township marriage register, 1906, for
Henry
2. 1861 London Township Census, for Nancy, James
& Sarah Morden
3. 1851/52 Census of West Nissouri Township,
Ontario for Calvin and Mary Ann
4. Marriages of the London District, 1832, for
John & Eleanor
5. Land records pertaining to lot 4 Concession 10
of London Township (the N 1/2 of the N 1/2
of lot 4). These records
include:
i. Deed #3695, H.
M. Sanborn to Norval Sanborn
ii. Deed #5481, B.
Sanborn to H. M. Sanborn, dated 25 Sept 1873
iii. Deed #5585, an
application by Henry Martin Sanborn
These deeds clarify the relationships between these individuals. Obviously, land was being disposed of that involved Sanborns still in London Township and the married sisters (at least three of whom were resident in Michigan, at the time).
I have not transcribed the land document,
but I do have photocopies of it.
When I locate them and Norval's death record,
I'll write back.
Tom Hartson
thart@mich.com
From: mich.com <thart@mich.com
To: Joan Curran <JoanCur@aol.com
Date: Thursday, December 31, 1998 4:32 PM
Subject: Land Recs
Dear Joan
I've been busy searching through my notes again. I think I've located just about everything that I have re: relevant Sanborns.
1. A document filed in the Ontario land records for lot 4 Concession 10, London Township turns out to be the will of John Sanburn, Memorial #2551 (If you do research in Ontario, you should know that wills are often filed in land record offices):
"Memorial No. 2551
John Sanburn to
Henry Sanburn
Benjamin Sanburn
Norvil Sanburn and
Eleanor Sanburn
_________________
Will
Recorded the 8th day of April 1854 at 10
minutes past One o'clock PM in [illegible] Township of London
folio 257 on oath of H. Powell
A Memorial to be registered pursuant to the
Act of Parliament in that behalf of the last Will and Testament
of John Sanburn of the Township of London and County of
Middlesex, Yeoman, bearing date the Eighth day of December in the
Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty three
whereby the said Testator did give and bequeath unto his eldest
Son, Henry Sanburn, his heirs and afsigns forever Fifty Acres of
land containing by admeasurement more or lefs being composed of
the Northerly half of North half of Lot No. 4 in the Township of
London and County of Middlesex in the 10th Concefsion the said
testator also gave and bequeathed to his Son Benjamin Sanburn his
heirs and afsigns forever Fifty Acres of land being the same more
or lefs being composed of the East half of the South half of Lot
No. 4 in the Tenth Concefsion in the Township of London and
County of Middlesex being on the conditions of their remaining
with their Mother and under her controul [sic] until they are of
age, but if they act unruly and leave her before they are of age,
then they are not to pofsefs or have any call whatever to said
land until their Mother's decease the said testator also gave and
bequeathed to his Son Norvil Sanburn his heirs and afsigns
forever Fifty Acres of land be the same more or lefs being
composed of the South west half of Lot No. 4 in the 10th
Concefsion in the Township of London and County of Middlesex but
the said Norvil Sanburn is not to get pofsefsion or have any call
whatever to the said land until after his Mother's decease And if
any of the above named devisees died before their being of age or
before their Mother's decease, their part of the land shall be
divided after their Mother's decease equally among his Surviving
children the said testator also gave and bequeathed to his
beloved wife Ellenor Sanburn for her use and benefit during her
life the Fifty Acres of land being the North west half of Lot No.
4 in the 10th Concefsion of London and County of Middlesex with
all the Stock and farming implements and all the improvements
thereon during her life and also gave and bequeathed to his
daughter Huldah Sanburn one Cow and bed and bedding also gave and
bequeathed to his daughter Mary Ann Hartshorn One Pound Currency,
twelve months after his decease and also gave and bequeathed to
his daughters Sarah, Fanny and Nancy Sanburn to each of them one
Cow and a bed and bedding (each) when they are of age and the
said Testator did thereby nominate constitute and appoint his
beloved wife Ellenor Sanburn Executrix and Henry Powell Jnr.
Executor of that his last Will and Testament and thereby revoked
all other and former wills by him at any time theretofore made
which said will and testament was Signed Sealed published and
declared by the said John Sanburn as and for his last Will and
Testament in the presence of his said wife Ellenor Sanburn the
said Henry Powell of the said Township of London and County of
Middlesex and Henry Rigney (?) of 14th Concefsion of the said
Township of London, Yeoman, who Subscribed their Names as
Witnefses thereto And this memorial is hereby required to be
registered by me Ellenor Sanburn one of the devisees and
Executrix therein named
As witnefs my hand and Seal this Eighth day of
March in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and
fifty four.
Ellenor Sanburn (her mark)
Signed and Sealed
In the presence of
W. D. MacDonald (?)
Henry Powell"
2. Deed #5481:
"5481 26 October 75 Deed B. Sanburn Etal To H. M. Sanburn
This indenture made the Twenty fifth day of September one thousand eight hundred and seventy three (in duplicate) Between Benjamin Sanburn and Norvil Sanburn both of the Township of London in the County of Middlesex Huldah Wood formerly Huldah Sanburn a married woman and Warren Wood her husband of Flushing in the State of Michigan Mary Ann Hartshorn formerly Mary Ann Sanburn a married woman and Calvin Hartshorn her husband of Cairo in the State of Michigan Sarah Morden formerly Sarah [Hartshorn crossed out] Morden [sic] a married woman and James L. Morden her husband of the Township of London aforesaid Nancy Logan formerly Nancy Sanburn a married woman and John Logan her husband of Baldwin in the State of Michigan aforesaid parties of the first part Henry M Sanburn of the Township of London aforesaid Carpenter of the second part and Margaret Sanburn wife of Benjamin Sanburn one of the parties of the first part of the Third part Witnesseth that the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of one dollar of lawful money of Canada to them in hand paid by the Party of the second part at and [illegible] these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has & granted release and quitted claims and by these presents do grant release and quit claim unto the said party of the second part his heirs and afsigns their stake right title claims and [illegible] whatsoever both at Law and in Equity or otherwise howsoever or whether in possession or Expectancy of in to or out of All and Singular the North Half of the North Half of Lot number Four in the Tenth Concefsion of the Township of London aforesaid containing by admeasurement Fifty acres be the same more of less Together with the appurtenances thereunto belonging or appertaining To Have and To Hold the aforesaid Land and premises unto and to the use of the said party of the second part his Heirs and Afsigns forever Subject nevertheless to the reservations limitations and conditions expressed in the original Grant thereof from the Crown And the said party of the second part hereby bars her dower in the said lands In Witness Whereof the said parties to these presents haver hereunto set their hands and Seals the day and year first above written Signed Sealed and delivered in duplicate In Presence of by Benjamin Sanburn Norval Sanburn James L Morden Sarah Morden Huldah Wood and Margaret Sanburn Duncan Macmillan
[the document bears the signatures of
Benjamin Sanburn, Norval Sanborn, James L Morden, Sarah Morden
(her mark), Huldah Wood (her mark), Margaret Sanburn, Warren
Wood, Ann Sanborn, Mary ann hartshorn (sic), Calvin Hartshorn,
Nancy Logan and John Logan]
3. Deed #3695
"Deed H. M. Sanburn Et al To Norvil Sanburn 25 Sept 1873
This Indenture made this twenty Fifth day of
September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and
Seventy Three (In Duplicate) Between Henry M. Sanburn of Flushing
in the State of Michigan Carpenter Benjamin Sanburn of the
Township of London in the County of Middlesex Farmer Huldah Wood
formerly Huldah Sanburn a married woman and Warren Wood her
husband of [illegible] aforesaid Mary Ann Hartshorn formerly Mary
Ann Sanburn a married woman and Calvin Hartshorn her husband of
Cairo [sic] in the State of Michigan Sarah Morden formerly Sarah
Sanburn a married woman and James L. Morden of the Township of
London aforesaid her husband Nancy Logan formerly Nancy Sanburn a
married woman and John Logan of Baldwin in the State of Michigan
aforesaid her husband parties of the First Part Norvil
Sanburn of the Township of London aforesaid Yeoman of the second
part and Ann Sanburn and Margaret Sanburn wives
respectively of Henry M Sanburn and Benjamin Sanburn two of the
parties of the First Part of the Third Part Witnesseth that
the said parties of the First Part for and in consideration of
One dollar of lawful money of Canada to them in hand paid by the
said Party of the second part at or before the sealing and
delivery of these presents the receipt whereupon hereby
acknowledged have granted to leased and quitted claims and by
these presents do grant release and quit claim unto the said
party of the second part his Heirs and assigns all their Estate
right title and interest and all claims and [illegible]
whatsoever both at Law and in Equity or [illegible] howsoever
whether in possession or expectancy of in to or out of All and
Singular the South west quarter of Lot Number Four in the Tenth
Concefsion of the Township of London aforesaid containing by
admeasurement Fifty Acres be the same more or lefs together with
the appurtenances thereto belonging
or appertaining To Have and To Hold the
aforesaid land and premises with all and singular the
appurtenances thereto belonging or appertaining unto and to the
use of the said party of the second part his Heirs and afsigns
forever Subject nevertheless to the reservations
limitations and conditions expressed in the original Grant
thereof from the Crown and the said parties of the Third part
hereby bar their dower in the said lands In Witnefs Whereof
the said parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands
and seals the day and year first above written
Signed and Sealed and Delivered in duplicate in
presence of
Henry M Sanburn Benjamin Sanburn
James L Morden Sarah Morden
Huldah Wood and Margaret Sanborn
Duncan Macmillan
[the document is signed by: Henry M. Sanborn, Benjamin Sanburn, James L. Morden, Sarah Morden (her mark), Huldah Wood (her mark), Margaret Sanburn, Warren Wood, Ann Sanborn, Mary ann hartshorn (sic), Calvin Hartshorn, Nancy Logan and John Logan]
In both land documents transcribed above there were several notarized statements that the people in Michigan and in Ontario had signed in the presence of witnesses. It's apparent that the paperwork went back and forth between the parties and not everyone was together at one time for the signing.
4. The death record from the Michigan Department of Health for a Norval Lee Sanborn of 13629 Manor Ave, Detroit says he was resident there for 35 years. He died on 15 March 1938 of a cerebral hemorrhage, nephritis, arterio sclerosis and uremia? at the age of 87 years 11 months and 25 days. A Miss Abbie Sanborn gave the following info: Norval was born 20 March 1850 in London Ontario, the son of John Sanborn birthplace unknown in England and mother's name was unknown as was her birthplace which was also in England. Norval had been married to Emma Sanborn, but died a widower. He was buried in New Lathrup Michigan on 17 March 1938. Could this be your Norval?
A correspondent of some years back, Earle Sanborn of London, Ontario, wrote to me that a Norval Sanborn, then an aged man, came back to London for a visit in the '30's. Earle remembers that he knew all kinds of info on the Sanborns and Hartshorns. Earle says he made a couple of pages of notes, but hadn't seen those papers around in years (that was back in 1985, I think).
5. In my notes I had further information on the family of James L and Sarah (Sanborn) Morden. "James S. Morden" and "Sarah Sanburne" had a daughter, Phoebe Morden, born 13 November 1876 in London Township (London Township Birth Register). In the London Township Death Register the following is given:
Phoebe Elizabeth Whitehead of lot 23 concession 5 died at age 50 years and 3 months on 28 February 1927. Born at London Township on Nov 13th. Parents were James L. Morden and Sarah Sanborn. Informant was her son Oliver L. Whitehead.
Also the 1861 London Township Census, page 51, line 17, shows James Morden and Sara with a 2 year old son, John.
6. In 1986, I attempted to get a copy of a death record for Calvin W. Hartshorn from Michigan Department of Health. The years 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893 and 1894 were searched with no success.
7. The History of Tuscola and Bay Counties, 1883 makes mention of several Sanborns of later date and on page 62 includes "C. W. Hartson" as one of the "trustees of the church". This was the Seventh Day Adventist Church. I have further info on some of the older Sanborns, but not much. Mostly conjectures.
I hope this info helps out. Would you be so kind as to give me whatever you can on the descendants of Calvin Hartshorn and Mary Ann Sanborn? And also how you are specifically related. Hope to hear from you soon.
Tom Hartson
thart@mich.com
From: mich.com <thart@mich.com
To: Joan Curran <JoanCur@aol.com
Date: Thursday, December 31, 1998 11:18 AM
Subject: One more item...
Dear Joan
Sorry, I forgot to mention one more thing. My notes show that Eleanor (Lamb) Sanborn was still alive as of 1875 and was married to a second husband, Moses Morden. Unfortunately, I not quite sure how I know this, it may have come from the land records. I'll check.
From: mich.com <thart@mich.com
To: Art Kuhn <AERKDK@aol.com
Date: Monday, January 11, 1999 9:20 PM
Subject: Aaron Hartshorn Jr
Here's more on the children of Aaron and Hannah (Peasley) Hartshorn:
Aaron Hartshorn, Junior, was born in the United States on 24 July 1807 (tombstone), probably in New York State; he died in London, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada on 18 March 1887. In Ontario land records, Aaron is listed as "Aaron, Junr." Since the death records of two of his sisters list their parents as Aaron Hartshorn, born in New York State, and Hannah Peasley, born in England, it appears as a near certainty that these were his parents also. In 1819, Aaron's family settled on lot 8 concession 10 of London Township, Ontario. He was twelve years old at the time. At the age of 22 years, after publication of banns, on Wednesday, 16 December 1829, Aaron was married to 18-year-old Laura Sanborn (Sandburn) in London, Middlesex County, Ontario by the Reverend Edward Jukes Boswell, a pioneer Anglican missionary in the area. The witnesses were Adolphus Cole and Richard Talbot. The bride was given away by Daniel Wood. [By law, marriage banns at that time had to be posted at three different places: a mill door, a distillery house door, and a large tree at the crossroads]. Laura Sanborn was born in the U. S. on 22 August 1811 (tombstone); she died in London East, Ontario on 28 June 1884. Although her parents have not been identified from the several early Sanborn families in the area, enough information has been gathered to give some background to the Sanborns.
Laura was the wife of a pioneer farmer and, undoubtedly, was kept constantly busy with household chores. In that early day, without modern conveniences, the only way things got done was by doing. One record calls her a "matron", but that term merely means "married woman". It is almost certain that she received little or no schooling. That knowledge comes from the only concrete clue to the woman, Laura Hartshorn: her mark or "X" on some land documents of 1871, 1880, and 1883. The documents "first [had] been read over and explained to the said Laura Hartson who said she understood the same." Another document was more explicit in saying that "the said Laura Hartson...[was]...unable to write." Being, unable to read or write in those days was commonplace. More importantly, however, there is a clear indication of her character as expressed by her family in this loving epitaph, "She made home pleasant". Aaron Hartshorn was a farmer in a time when farming was not automated. The hard work of clearing, planting, harvesting, and marketing products was an around-the-clock concern. The photo of him that survives shows a man with an ample white beard growing mostly below the chin, with a face almost stern, but capable of laughter. Large, rough hands betray his life's work. About the man's inner self one can only surmise. But evidence of a religious nature is found in this comment about him given by his granddaughter, Lilllie Edyth Little, in later years, to her aunt, Miss Margaret Wade:
"Mrs. Little herself has a vivid recollection of many occasions on which her grandfather Aaron Hartson spent part of a day in her father's home (Hamilton Hartson), at that time on Queens Avenue, London, a short distance east of Adelaide Street. She remembers her grandfather as an old gentleman wearing always a long, black coat and being a great reader of the Bible.
At that time, he lived at the home of one of his daughters, Mary, Mrs. Theophilus Standfield, which was on Dundas Street, east, and therefore not a very long walk from her father's house."
On 16 March 1832, Aaron Harthorn was a witness to a marriage performed by the minister, Hamilton Biggar, of Vienna, in London Township between John Sanborn and Elenor Lamb, both of London Township. The other witness was Barnard McIlroy. On 21 March 1842, Aaron signed a Bargain & Sale for 50 acres of land from Patrick McDonough. This land was on the S 1/2 of lot 6 concession 10. An Eliza McDonough, daughter of Peter McDonough, married a George Sanborn. In the April 1842 Census of London Township, Aaron's family was recorded as being made up of 2 natives of the U.S. and 5 natives of British Canada. They fell into these age groups:
1 married male born 1782-1812 [Aaron,
b. 1807]
1 married female born 1797-1828 [Laura,
b. 1811]
2 single males born 1837-1842 [possibly
James, b. 1840]
3 single females born 1828-1837 [possibly
Julia, b. 1834 and Laura b. 1836)
One single male and one single female of this census do not match the birthdates of the known children.
The census indicated the family's year of arrival as 1820 [established as 1819]. The Hartshorns were British Wesleyan Methodists and lived on 100 acres of land of which 25 acres had been improved. They had produced 60 bushels of wheat, 55 bushels of oats, 30 bushels of pease, 60 bushels of potatoes, and 150 lbs. of maple sugar. They owned 13 oxen, 2 horses, 16 sheep, and 5 hogs. They had also made 10 yds. of fulled cloth, 2 yds. of flannel, and 36 lbs. of wool.
On the 16th of May in 1844, "Aaron Hartshorn the Younger" and "Lora Hartshorn", his wife, sold 50 acres of land to James Dagg of London Township for 75 pounds. This land was on the southeast 1/4 of lot 6 in the 10th concession of London Township. This Indenture of Bargain & Sale was signed by two witnesses: James Goulding, an Innkeeper [probably the James Goulden chosen as township collector in 1820], and William Gleason, both of London Township.
It's interesting to note that 12 years later, the tax assessment rolls show a Calvin Hartson with 150 acres of land on that same lot. Calvin's relationship to Aaron is unclear, but there is little doubt that they were relatives. This Calvin Hartshorn is believed to be the Calvin who married Mary Ann Sanborn. Calvin and Mary signed land documents that included the name of Aaron's probable nephew, Warren Wood, son of Daniel and Louisa (Sanborn) Wood. Calvin and Mary eventually moved to Michigan. Aaron Hartshorn, Jr., received the Crown's original patent on his land on 11 November 1847. The Crown patent reads:
PROVINCE OF CANADA, VICTORIA by the Grace of GOD, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen - Defender of the Faith, TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME GREETING
KNOW YE, That We, of Our special Grace, certain knowledge, and mere Motion, have given and Granted, and by these Presents do give and Grant unto
Aaron Hartshorn, the Younger, of the Township of London, in the County of Middlesex in the District of London, Yeoman, a Settler located by Colonel Talbot...
The South half of Lot number Eight in the Tenth Concession of the said Township of London."
This legally recognized Aaron as the first owner of this piece of land. An interesting sidenote is that only property holders who had their patent from the Crown could vote. However, "great numbers of the early settlers simply had their names entered on Col. Talbot's map, and while this secured them their lots, it did not give them a clear title under which they could vote." Therefore, between their arrival in 1819 and the patent granted in 1847, the Hartshorns were not able to vote. It appears that, although Aaron's father, Aaron, had originally settled on this lot in 1819, the actual petition for ownership for the Crown was entered in the son's name (the elder Aaron reportedly died in February, 1847). The petition was not written until 1833, a little over thirteen years after the original settlement. Specific settlement duties would have had to have been completed before the filing of a petition. Between the date of the petition and the actual approval, another fourteen years passed. No reason for this is known. The Upper Canada Land Petition looks like this:
(IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ON CLAIM COVER)
Petition of Aaron Hartshorn Junr London S 1/2 8 - 10 Con London
Talbot Settler Rec'd 9th Oct' 47 Ref No 66 H
Comifsioner of Crown Lands'
Report filed with Petition of Samuel Bond. In
Committee 18th Oct 1847 Recommended Approved in
Council 25th Oct 1847 Con to the C.C. Lands 26 Oct
1847 James Court [26] Oct 1847
=============================
(THE ACTUAL PETITION)
To His Excellency Sir John Colborne, R.C.B. Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Upper Canada and Major General Commanding his Majestys Forces therein, &&& - In Council
The Petition of Aaron Hartshorn Junr. of the Township of London, Yeoman Humbly Sheweth That Your Petitioner Emigrated into this Province in the Year 1820 and was located by Colonel Talbot Upon One Hundred Acres of Land in the Said Township of London liable to Settlement duties which he has Performed and is Ready to Pay the Fees that may be Required, Wherefore Your Petitioner Prays that Your Excellency May be Pleased to Grant him the Said One Hundred Acres of Land and Your Petitioner as in duty Bound will Ever Pray,
London 10th May 1833
Recommended by Thomas Talbot [JusticeP.]
I certify that Aaron Hartshorn has
taken the Oath of allegiance before me -
Thomas Talbot, J.P.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Oath of Allegiance referred to was tantamount to a naturalization procedure making Aaron and family citizens of British Upper Canada in 1833.
After receiving royal patent to the land in 1847, Aaron is not found again in the records until his name appears in the London Township tax collector's rolls.
The tax lists of 1854 describe Aaron Hartson as a freeholder of 100 acres on lot 8 concession 10. The value of taxable personal property or income was 25 pounds, and his real and personal property was assessed at 335 pounds. The "Statute Labor No. of days" was 7. This seems to refer to how many days he would perform community work, possibly in lieu of paying taxes in cash.
In 1856, the tax roll shows Aaron on lot 8 concession 10 on 100 acres, his real property value assessed at 300 pounds and personal property valued at 50 pounds.
In 1859, the tax lists show "Aron" on lot 8 concession 10 with 100 acres of land. His real property was valued at 1,350 pounds, and his personal property valued at 100 pounds.
The 1861 Census showed the following names and ages:
Age, Estimated birthdate
Heartshorn, Aaron, 52, 1809 [established as 1807]
Lora, 41, 1820 [established as 1811]
James, 22, 1839 [established as 1840]
Hamilton, 21, 1840 [established as 1845]
Daniel, 19, 1842 [tombstone says 1844]
Dean [Dennis], 13, 1848
Mary, 14, 1847
Elizabeth Ann, 9, 1852
Malinda [Melinda Roach], 5, 1856
Charles, 7, 1854
Loira, 25, 1836
Melinda Roach was the granddaughter of Aaron and Laura, her parents being James and Louisa (Hartson) Roach. Aaron's family was living in a stone 1 1/2 story dwellling. Three males and two females were attending school within the year.
Ten years later, Aaron decided to sell his farm and move to another part of the township. On 18 April 1871, Aaron Hartshorn and his wife Laura Hartshorn signed a Deed of Land, instrument #1032, selling his property to James C. Shoebottom and his wife Margaret. The document was signed by all parties in St Johns in London Township and registered in the Registry Office at 2:52 o'clock that afternoon. The mortgage states that Aaron and Laura sold the south half of lot 8 concession 10 measuring 100 acres for $4,000 dollars Canadian. Laura Hartshorn "Bars her dower in the Said lands." Their decision to move was obviously planned to take advantage of a generous offer by their sons to rent land to them. On 5 June 1871, Aaron and Laura had signed a Lease for Life for 100 acres of land on the west 1/2 of lot 22 Concession 5 on the west side of the township from their sons James and Hamilton. Their yearly rent was $1. James and Hamilton had signed a mortgage for that land less than two months before. This Lease for Life arrangement contained the following paragraph:
"The said Lessors [James, Hamilton] covenant with the said Lessees [Aaron, Laura] for quiet enjoyment, To have and to hold unto the Said Lessees for and during their Natural lives and in case of any dispute ensuing between the said Lessors and the said Laura Hartson after the decease of the said Aaron Hartson in maintaining and keeping the said Laura Hartson then the said Lessors covenant to pay to the said Laura Hartson the yearly sum of One Hundred Dollars in case she shall select any place to reside other than with the said Lessors."
The 1871 Census records the family so:
AgeEstimated birthdate
Hartson, Aaron, 64, 1807 [established as 1807]
Laura, 55, 1816 [establlished as 1811]
James, 28, 1843 [established as 1840]
Hamilton, 26, 1845 [established as 1845]
Charles, 17, 1854
Betsy [Elizabeth Ann], 18, 1853
This census has an interesting feature, in that, under the column of origin, the censustaker has written
"Unknown American", then crossed it out and has written "English". Charles was the only one still attending school. James and Margaret Shoebottom paid off the mortgage gaining full ownership of the old Hartshorn homestead on 1 November 1875. That same year, the 1875 tax collector's roll of St George's Ward in London Township shows Aaron Hartson as owner with James Hartson, age 35, farmer and householder, of the W1/2 of lot 22 concession 5 on 100 acres of land. Ninety acres were cleared, and the value of it was assessed at $5,500. The farm was occupied by 1 dog, 5 persons of the Wesleyan Methodist faith, 9 cattle, 20 sheep, 5 hogs, and 4 horses.
The 1877 roll has Aaron living with James, age 30, and Dennis, age 28, on lot 22 concession 5. The 1878 assessment roll records Aaron, age 67, residing with sons Dennis, age 27, and Charles, age 23, on lot 22 concession 5 on 100 acres of land valued at $5,100. The occupants of the farm were 1 dog, 7 people, 5 cattle, 15 sheep, 7 hogs, and 4 horses. An 1878 Atlas of Middlesex County lists Aaron Hartson on lot 22 concession 5, a resident of the province since 1819, a native of the United States.
The next few years saw a series of land transactions involving Aaron and, in several instances, his children. On 13 October 1879, Aaron Hartshorn mortgaged 100 acres of land with the Royal Standard Loan Company of Canada for the sum of $3,144. The first payment would be due on 1 December 1880 and continue over a ten year period with yearly equal installments of $314.40 "at the usual interest".
The next day, 14 October 1879, "Arron Hartshorn (sometimes called Hartson) of the Township of London" paid off a mortgage with Henry C.R. Becher and Verschoyle Cronyn that had been made on 5 September 1879. One of these transactions was particularly of note, because it involved the settling of the Estate of the late John Sutton Morden, Aaron's son-in-law. Since his sudden accidental death (a steam tractor exploded) on 1 September 1877, it had taken more than two years to finalize the disposition of the land. On Christmas Eve day of 1879, a Chancery Court decision vested the lands belonging to the Estate of the late John Sutton Morden to Aaron Hartshorn enabling him to purchase them from his widowed daughter, Julia. On 13 January 1880, Aaron conveyed 50 acres of land to his son Daniel for the sum of $2,278 from the W1/2 of the W1/2 of lot 22 concession 5. Perhaps partly because of this sale, Aaron was able to pay off a mortgage (made the year before with a loan company) on 27 November 1880 as shown by a Discharge of Mortgage in the land registry office.
On 20 December 1880, Aaron conveyed 25 acres of land to his son Charles Henry Hartson for the sum of $1. The land was the northerly 25 acres of the E1/2 of the W1/2 of lot 22 concession 5. In the 1881 county directory, Aaron, Charles and Dennis Hartson are listed on Lot 22, Concession 5, as owners at Hyde Park Corner, a small suburb now about 5 miles west of the city. Daniel Hartson is at the same locale on lot 10 concession 6. On 20 February 1883, Aaron Hartson signed a land deed with Daniel Hartson for 75 acres on the W1/2 of the W1/2 of lot 22 concession 5 and on the SE1/4 of the W1/2 of the same lot. He sold the land to Daniel for $2,450.
The exact motives behind this series of land transfers and sales is not known, but it does seem as if, in he last two deals, Aaron wished to divest himself of his land holdings. Laura Hartshorn, at age 72, developed congestion of the lungs and was treated by a Dr. Nelles. She died, however, in London East, Ontario on 28 June 1884. She was buried with Rev. Henderson serving as the officiating minister in her son-in-law's plot in Mt Pleasant Cemetery in London on 30 June 1884.
Almost three years later, in his eightieth year, Aaron went to the same Dr. Nelles to be treated for an inflammation of the bladder. He died in London, Ontario on the 18th of March in 1887, and his funeral service was held by one Rev. Holmes on 20 March 1887. On that day, he was interred in Mt Pleasant Cemetery in London, in plot C 280 owned by J. S. Morden, his late son-in-law. Another son-in-law, Theophilus H. Standfield, was informant for the registration of death. Aaron's epitaph reads, "He died as he lived a Christian".
On the tombstone of Aaron and Laura, the surname is spelled "Hartshorne". Also the death registrations of both use this spelling. This is the only occurrence of that spelling encountered during research. Aaron signed his name as both "Aron Hartshorn" and "Aaron Hartson". The exact number of Aaron and Laura's children is in doubt. One source says there were 5 sons and 4 daughters. There is a Judith mentioned by some, but this seems to be a reference to Julia. There is also a mention of a daughter that was a Mrs. Sanborn; this has been said to be Judith and a Laura (see 1861 census). One of the sons of Aaron, most likely Dennis or Charles, lived in Detroit and had a daughter Cora who married Homer Styles. Homer and Cora Styles lived in Denver, Colorado and then possibly in Los Angeles, California. They had a son Homer and also a daughter. Taking all the records into consideration, this list of children seems to be the safest to accept.
Issue:
i. Julia, b. 1834 in London Township,
Ontario; d. 25 March 1924 in London, Ontario.
ii. Laura, b. circa 1836
iii. Louisa, b. 1839
iv. James, a farmer, b. 24 April 1840 in
London Township, Ontario; d. 10 March 1878.
v. Daniel W., b. 1844 in London Township,
Ontario; d. 12 December 1928 in North
Battleford, The
Battlefords, Saskatchewan.
vi. Hamilton, b. 19 January 1845 in
London, Ontario; d. 29 January 1908 in London,
Ontario.
vii. Mary, b. 1847 - 1848 in Canada; d.
in London, Ontario on 31 October 1890.
viii. Dennis, b. circa 1848; possibly
still alive in 1886 in Canada.
ix. Elizabeth Ann, b. 1852 - 1853 in
London, Ontario; on 9 January 1878, she was a witness
to the wedding
of Peter Downham and Sarah Wood, daughter of Daniel and Louisa
(Sanborn) Wood.
(Louisa is believed to have been Ellizabeth's aunt).
x. Charles Henry, b. 1854; alive as of 22
August 1883 in Canada.
REFERENCES
- Mt Pleasant Cemetery Register of Burials,
Vol I 1874-1889 (Entries #'s 422, 2048, 2708), in
Regional History Collection,
University of Western Ontario, London for Aaron, Laura, and James
Hartshorn.
- Death records for Aaron, Jr., Laura, Huldah
Salmon, James, Hamilton, Mary Standfield, and Julia
Morden Barnes, Office of the
Registrar General, Toronto, Ontario.
- The Fathers of London Township, by
Freeman Talbot in Papers of the London and Middlesex
Historical Society 1915, pp.
8-9.
- Tax assessment records, London Township for
Aaron Hartson for the years 1854, 1856, and
1859.
- Tombstone Inscriptions in Mt Pleasant
Cemetery, London, plot C 280 for Aaron, Laura,
James, Julia Barnes, and Hamilton
Hartson.
- Info supplied by Edward Phelps, Librarian,
Regional History Collection, University of Western
Ontario.
- Marriages of the London District 1800-1833,
p. 59 Ontario Register, Vol I, 1968, No. 1.
- Llyndinshire by Jennie Raycroft Lewis, a
history of London Township published in 1967,
pp. 29, 83.
- Info supplied by the London Chamber of Commerce,
P.O. Box 3295, London, Ontario.
- Miss Sharon Phillips, Office Secretary, London
Conference Office, United Church, Toronto,
Ontario.
- Middlesex Land Registry Office, London, Ontario
for Aaron's land transactions on lot 8
concession 10 and lot 22 concession
5, both of London Township.
- Upper Canada Land Petition of 3 September
1838 regarding William Carlisle's application for land for a
mill, containing Hartshorn signatures.
- 1881 Middlesex County Directory.
- 1842 London, Ontario Census
- 1861 London, Ontario Census
- 1871 London, Ontario Census
- History of the County of Middlesex, 1889
edition, Goodspeed Publishers, p. 350, 510, 617.
- Notes on the Hartson family written by Miss
Margaret Wade and dated 11 May 1954.
- London Township Pioneers, Fred T. Rosser
and personal correspondence with Mr. Rosser
(1974).
- Looking Over Western Ontario, The London
Free Press, Saturday July 18, 1942.
- Lost in Canada?, Vol 3, No. III July 1977
- Marriages performed by Rev. Edwd. J. Boswell
as recorded in St Paul's Anglican Church
for years 1829-1834.
- Personal correspondence with Dr. Earle Sanborn,
London, Ontario (1979).
- Personal correspondence with Mrs. Edythe
Dickison, London, Ontario (1979-mid 1980's)
- 1871-1872 Mackintosh & Co.'s City of
London and County of Middlesex Gazeteer &
Directory.
- Orlo Miller, London, Ontario, a local historian
through correspondence and use of his Genealogy
Card Index Files housed in the London
Room of the Main Branch of the London Public Library.
- The Naming of London Streets, by Miss
Harriet Priddis in Papers of the London and Middlesex
Historical Society, 1908-1909.
- The Founding of London by Col. T.
Campbell in Papers of the London and Middlesex
Historical Society, 1902-1907, p. 27,
and, in the same volume, The Pioneers of Middlesex by
Senator Sir John Carling, K.C.M.G.,
p. 31.
- Historical Almanack of London, Summer
1975 by Dan Brock, p. 13.
- The American and English Sanbornes,
Victor Channing Sanborn, 1895.
- American Families, p. 2899.
- London Township Vital Records, Register
of Marriages 1876-1908, entry on Henry Sanborn.
- Original London Township Council Minutes Book
(1819), London Township Offices vault, Arva,
Ontario.
- Death record, Catherine (Hartshorn) Foster,
Huron County Courthouse, Bad Axe, Michigan.
- Various land records pertaining to Sanborn
properties in concessions 9 and 10 of London
Township, Middlesex County Land
Registry Office, London, Ontario.
- Wade Family History, unpublished,
written c. 1952 by Margaret Samantha Wade.
Another researcher adds to the information above with several emails that describe similar relationships.
-------------------
Yes! I think I finally found someone who I can connect with! Your James Henry Hartshorn has to be related in some way, to my g-grandfather, James Henry Sanborn. Cousins? My James' mother was Mahila(?) Hartshorn. My James lived in your James' household at one time in Sanilac Co., before moving north. Mahila was apparently born in NY. Working on the group migration theory, I thought that perhaps Ambrose (allegedly born in Canada) and Chas. (allegedly born in NY) Hartshorn, who resided in Flushing, MI., were Mahila's brothers. They lived in the vicinity of my gg-grandfather Simon Sanborn. I am having a heck of a time trying to locate information on these families in Canada, where they seem to have resided for quite some time. Found Ambrose and his family in the Nissouri Twp., Middlesex Co., Ontario 1851 census, but that's it. Any info you can enlighten me with on the origins of your James, or my Mahila perhaps, would be greatly appreciated!
-------------------------------------
Your Calvin seems to be the one listed in
the 1851 Adelaide Twp., Middlesex Co., Ontario census record:
Skelvin W. Hartshorn, 24, Tanner, born Canada
Mary Ann, 18, born Canada
I have an interest in both of the surnames you listed, as my gg-grandfather was named Simon Sanborn (born circa 1809, VT), and my gg-grandmother was named Mahila(?) Hartshorn (reportedly born NY). All of their children that I have located seem to have been born in Canada (my g-grandfather in London, Ont.), so they must have resided there for quite some time. I can't place your Calvin or Mary Ann, but there is an Ambrose Hartshorn, age 30, and his family listed in the 1851 Nissouri Twp., Middlesex Co. census. I have been working on the slim chance that this Ambrose (allegedly born Canada), and one Chas. (allegedly born NY, and a couple of years older than Ambrose), are the brothers of my Mahila, as they both settled in Flushing Twp., Genesee Co., MI, in the same vicinity as my Simon, and seem to be about the right age. Slim chance, I know, but I have been working with the group migration theory. Research in Canada has been difficult. Any further information or theories you can provide on these families would truly be appreciated.
-----------------------------------------
Michigan Census 1870 for Flushing Twp.,
Genesee Co.:
Chas. Hartshorn, 53, Farmer, born NY
Delilah, 52, Keeping House, born Canada
Harriet, 22, At Home, born Canada
James, 24, At Home, born Canada
Sarah, 20, At Home, born MI
Charles, 17, At Home, born MI
John, 16, At Home, born MI
Elizabeth, 13, At Home, born MI
Lafayette, 11, At Home, born MI
I believe Harriet is also listed in the census under the A. Fell (Felt?) family, as a domestic servant, and Charles Jr. as a farm laborer. Sarah, I think, is also listed as a domestic servant for a Wilkinson family.
This is all I have come across and jotted down on this family, as I have been trying to connect Hartshorn's to my gg-grandmother Mahila(?) Hartshorn Sanborn. I would suggest you try the Genesee Co. Clerk's online records site and click into the Flint Genealogical Society site (don't remember the address offhand), but they list a couple of cemeteries in Flushing where Hartshorn's are buried and offer the books for sale. Might be of some help. Am thinking Chas. Hartshorn may be the brother of Ambrose Hartshorn whose family lived in the same twp., and in turn am hoping the two of them are brothers to my Mahila (who was also born in NY). Am having a hard time locating any Canadian info. Found Ambrose (who was apparently born in Canada, and was a couple of years younger than Chas.) and his family in Nissouri Twp., Middlesex Co., Ontario in the 1851 census there, but that's all so far. Good luck!
Also..........
Date: 7 Jul 2001 15:32:07 EDT
Subject: James Henry Hartshorn
Was perusing your site and would like to add
a piece of info to update the
James Henry Hartshorn descendant list.
The child who was born to James and
Maria, which died in infancy, was named
Frank. He died on December 29, 1872,
of croup; he was 1 month 23 days old.
Sincerely,
--Judy Yokom <rcom125@aol.com>
Another new find comes from Glen Hartshorn who shares his family Bible with us:
Here are the family history contents of my Hartshorn Family Bible as long promised. I will try to quote the entries literally including misspellings. Some of the writing is not easy to read so I may make errors with some letters (e.g. is that an 'a' or an 'e'?). I'll do my best.
I have other information and also my personal knowledge of additional births, marriages and deaths but I'm limiting this communication to just the bible entries.
I hope some of you find it helpful.
Marriages:
Ambrose Hartshorn
Hariet Hubbard Was Married apriael 8, 1840
Elijah Hartshorn
Mary Ann Farmer Was Married June the 7 1867 (the word 'the' is
written above the 7)
Thomas McEllroy To Hannah M. Hartshorn (Very flowery
writing)
Oct 16th 1868
Daniel Hartshorn Was Married
Leonora Hoskins Oct 19 1869
Aaron Hartshorn August 20th 1870
Clara Morgan
George Hartshorn
Delia Knapp (no date recorded. The hand is the same as for
Aaron and Clara above, both written with the same upward slant
across the page. The entries look like they were probably written
at the same time with the same pen. One possibility could be that
it was a double wedding)
Herman A Hartshorn was married (These are my paternal
grandparents. Herman's sister Minnie married George Baker below
and George's sister Edith married
Edith L Baker July 13th 1901 Herman)
Minnie M Hartshorn March 26th 1902
George E. Baker
Max D. Hartshorn
Margaret I. Goff June 15, 1933 (my parents. This is the last
marriage entry in the bible.)
Births:
Ambrose Hartshorn born October 13 1818
Hariet Hubbard born Apriael 19 1822
Elijah Hartshorn " May 19 1843
Daniel Hartshorn " December 9 1845
Aaron Hartshorn " March 29 1848
Hannah M Hartshorn " March 9 1852
Betsey Hartshorn " August 20 1856
George W. Hartshorn " October 24 1860
(new page)
Phyllis May Baker Oct. 4th 1943
Doris Jane Baker Jan 11th 1945
Inez Rae Baker June 30th 1947 (These 3 girls are my cousins.
Their father Clayton Baker was the son of George Baker and Minnie
Hartshorn - see above)
Max Daniel Hartshorn April 25, 1906 - Onaway
Theron Russell Hartshorn August 4, 1908 - Onaway
Sons of Herman and Edith
David Lloyd Hartshorn December 4, 1938 - Cheboygan Mich.
Glen LaVerne Hartshorn January 19, 1945 - Petoskey, Mich.
Ruth Ann Hartshorn February 4, 1950
children of Max and Margaret
Janice Marie Baker June 21. 1952
Kenneth George Baker March 27 - 1954 (These are siblings of
Phyllis, Doris, and Inez above)
Deaths:
Betsey Hartshorn died November 2 1859
Mahala Sandborn died November 4 1864 Age 44
Harriet Hartshorn died July 18/ 1870
Frankie Hartshorn died August 20 1873
Fred Hartshorn " Aug 30 1886
Ambrose Hartshorn Died June 1903
George W Hartshorn Died Feb 2nd 1906
Leonora Hartshorn April 14th 1910
Herman Hartshorn Oct 19th 1910 (my grandfather. He died
of diabetes when dad was 4, not long before insulin came into use
as a treatment. My brother David and I are both diabetic and take
insulin along with other medications. It's wonderful to have
these available especially when I think of what the end of
grandfathers life must have been like.)
Hannah McElroy Jul 2 1918 (I'm not sure of the month here.
It actually looks like Jall so I guessed July)
Daniel Hartshorn Jan. 5th 1919
Clara Hartshorn Jan 13th 1925
Aaron Hartshorn Sept. 11th 1929
Mary Hartshorn April 24th 1922
Elijah Hartshorn Jan. 15th 1937
Edith Hartshorn Dec 22, 1944
(new page)
George E. Baker Feb. 26 1946
Allen G. Hartshorn Oct. 22 1952 son of Aaron H
Everett George Hartshorn Feb. 21 1954 son of Elijah H.
I've tried to be very careful when typing these entries not to make errors or typos. Please let me know if you see inconsistencies and I will be happy to cross check against the source.
--Glen Hartshorn <glenharts@yahoo.com >
This, and
all information on the Hartshorn Web Pages, is copyrighted by
Derick S. Hartshorn on behalf of the original submitters.
This information is their property and can not be reproduced,
copied, or otherwise transmitted without their express
permission.
CURRENT MICHIGAN HARTSHORN RESEARCHERS
Tom Hartson
<lakeviewdrive48044@sbcglobal.net>
Art Kuhn <AERKDK@aol.com>
Joan Curran <JoanCur@aol.com>
Sandra Garand <SJGarand@aol.com>
Dawn Raye <raye102@hotmail.com>
Dallas Carley <Dgc4gen@aol.com>
Heather Wheeler <lwheeler@telusplanet.net>
Judy Yokom <rcom125@aol.com>
Glen Hartshorn <glenharts@yahoo.com>
Joanna Waugh <j.waugh@sympatico.ca>
Derick S. Hartshorn
1204 4th Street Drive, SE
Conover, NC 28613-1827
