"Everything is held together with stories. That is all that is holding us together, stories and compassion." - Barry Lopez
The name of Daniel Otis' mother was Elizabeth Mary Young. She was born in the Maromas section of Middletown, Connecticut. The Young family was one of the surnames most frequently associated with the early history of Maromas.
Two different branches of the Young family arrived in Middletown in later years, but as far as I can tell, they were not related to the Young family of Maromas. To read a bit more about the "Other Young Families," go HERE.
This page houses all of my genealogical research for the Young Family of Middletown, Connecticut, which is the maternal family of Daniel H. Otis, and the individual who I connect all others to on this page. The following information has been extremely well-researched and is the result of myriads of hours of reading, researching, digging, sleuthing, cross-referencing, and good old-fashioned leg-work. The information also includes my narrative and thoughts, making for an interesting genealogical read!
To put together the following information, I consulted these sources: census reports; numerous city directories for various towns; birth, baptismal, marriage, and death records; plus certified copies of death certificates (to acquire death dates and causes of death)—which I have to say are quite expensive! Cemetery records; church records; and various newspapers. I also cross-referenced familial connections. There are also a number of other helpful works that I cite within the genealogy itself. Then, for each individual, I put together the pieces of information that have been garnered from each source (if available), and what happens next is that a picture starts to emerge—the information begins to tell a story about the person.
What the above sources don’t tell us is the daily circumstances of a person’s life or what was in their heart or mind. I wish there was some type of “cosmic catalog” that I could access to find out information of that sort!
The Young family was simply a pleasure to research!
Two different branches of the Young family arrived in Middletown in later years, but as far as I can tell, they were not related to the Young family of Maromas. To read a bit more about the "Other Young Families," go HERE.
Want more genealogy? See the following pages:
Daniel H. Otis, descendant of accused Salem Witch, Martha Carrier (via the Young Family)
Young Family Genealogy Chart. This chart makes it easier for the reader to follow the connection of family relations.
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Silvanus Young (grandfather of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, great-grandfather of Daniel H. Otis), also spelled: “Sylvanus” in places
Son of Robert Young, Jr. and Elizabeth Pepper.
Born: Saturday, April 23, 1735 in Eastham, Barnstable, Mass.
Son of Robert Young, Jr. and Elizabeth Pepper.
Born: Saturday, April 23, 1735 in Eastham, Barnstable, Mass.
Died: Wednesday, May 27, 1807 (age 72) in Middletown, CT. Silvanus is buried at Maromas Cemetery in Middletown beside his wife Ruth. I have not been able to locate a cause of death for Silvanus Young.
Silvanus Young married Ruth Carrier (of Colchester, CT) on April 6, 1761 in Middletown, CT.
Here are some dates for Robert Young, Jr and Elizabeth Pepper, who are the parents of Silvanus Young:
Robert Young, Jr. was born on December 11, 1691 in Eastham (Barnstable County), Mass. He died on May 1, 1775 in Maromas, Middletown, CT; age 83. Robert Young, Jr is buried at Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT in an unmarked grave. His burial site is unknown, but I would bet that he is interred in the Young Family Plot at Maromas. Robert Young, Jr was the son of Robert Young, Sr. (1667 - 1745) and Joanna Hicks (1669 - 1739). Robert Young Jr. married Elizabeth Pepper in 1717 when age 26/27.
Elizabeth Pepper was born on July 11, 1698 in Eastham, Barnstable, Mass. She died in 1738 (age 39/40). Elizabeth (Pepper) Young is buried at Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT in an unmarked grave. Her burial site is unknown, but I would bet that she is interred with her husband in the Young Family Plot at Maromas. Elizabeth Pepper was the daughter of Isaac Pepper (1659 - 1704) and Apphia Freeman (1666 - 1705).
Here are some dates for Robert Young, Sr. (grandfather of Silvanus Young). Robert, Sr. was born April 1667 in Eastham, Plymouth Colony, and died on October 9, 1745 (age 78) in Eastham, Mass, and is buried at Cove Burying Ground. Robert Young, Sr. was the son of Rev. John Young, Jr (1623 - 1690) of Eastham, Mass. and Abigail Howland (1629 - 1692).
A copy of Silvanus Young's will can be seen HERE.
Silvanus Young and Ruth Carrier had the following children together (great aunts/uncles of Daniel H. Otis):
>Samuel Young (Born: January 26, 1762)
>Robert Young (Born: October 10, 1763)
>Silvanus Young, Jr. (Born: September 2, 1765)
>Elizabeth Young (Born: September 2, 1767)
>Isaac Young (Born: May 10, 1770)
>Thomas Young (Born: July 17, 1772)
>Ruth Young (Born: May 27, 1774)
>Enoch Young (Born: July 10, 1778)
>William S. Young (Born: April 19, 1780), Grandfather of Daniel Otis, father of Elizabeth Mary Young. See below for his genealogy.
Ruth (Carrier) Young (grandmother of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, great-grandmother of Daniel H. Otis)
Daughter of Andrew Carrier, Jr. and Rebecca Rockwell.
Born: Tuesday, August 14, 1736 in Colchester, CT.
>Elizabeth Young (Born: September 2, 1767)
>Isaac Young (Born: May 10, 1770)
>Thomas Young (Born: July 17, 1772)
>Ruth Young (Born: May 27, 1774)
>Enoch Young (Born: July 10, 1778)
>William S. Young (Born: April 19, 1780), Grandfather of Daniel Otis, father of Elizabeth Mary Young. See below for his genealogy.
Ruth (Carrier) Young (grandmother of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, great-grandmother of Daniel H. Otis)
Daughter of Andrew Carrier, Jr. and Rebecca Rockwell.
Born: Tuesday, August 14, 1736 in Colchester, CT.
Ruth Carrier married Silvanus Young of Middletown.
Died: Monday, October 20, 1817 (age 81), in Middletown, CT. Ruth is buried at Maromas Cemetery in Middletown beside her husband Silvanus in the Young Family Plot. I have not been able to locate a cause of death for Ruth.
Ruth Carrier was the granddaughter of Andrew Carrier Sr., who was accused of witch craft and tortured during the Salem Witch Trials. Ruth is also the great-granddaughter of Martha Carrier, who was convicted and hanged as a witch during the Salem Witch trials.
For more information on the Carrier family, please see the page "Daniel H. Otis: Great-Grandson of Accused Salem Witch, Martha Carrier."
William S. Young (father of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, grandfather of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Silvanus Young and Ruth Carrier.
Born: Wednesday, April 19, 1780 in Middletown, CT.
William S. Young (father of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, grandfather of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Silvanus Young and Ruth Carrier.
Born: Wednesday, April 19, 1780 in Middletown, CT.
William S. Young married Elizabeth Bailey of Haddam on February 27, 1801 in Middletown, CT. Elizabeth Bailey was the daughter of Lt. Gideon Bailey, Jr. and Lydia Mary Spencer.
Died: Sunday, August 12, 1838; age 58 in Middletown, CT. William is buried in Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT beside his wife Elizabeth and with his daughter Ruth Marie Young Cook. Both William and his daughter Ruth share a gravestone. I have not been able to locate a cause of death for William S. Young.
Died: Sunday, August 12, 1838; age 58 in Middletown, CT. William is buried in Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT beside his wife Elizabeth and with his daughter Ruth Marie Young Cook. Both William and his daughter Ruth share a gravestone. I have not been able to locate a cause of death for William S. Young.
A copy of William Young's will can be seen HERE.
GO HERE to take a look at some pages from William S. Young's personal account book. It's extremely interesting!
William S. Young was the great-great grandson of Martha Allen Carrier who was hanged as a "witch" during the Salem Witch Trials. See the genealogy and connection HERE.
William S. Young and Elizabeth Bailey had the following nine children together (aunts/uncles of Daniel Otis):
>Zenas Coleman Young (Born: November 13, 1801 / Died: December, 27, 1872; age 71). Note that the Middletown Vital Records (1651-1854), page 350, under “Young,” list Zenas being born to William and Elizabeth Young:
William S. Young and Elizabeth Bailey had the following nine children together (aunts/uncles of Daniel Otis):
>Zenas Coleman Young (Born: November 13, 1801 / Died: December, 27, 1872; age 71). Note that the Middletown Vital Records (1651-1854), page 350, under “Young,” list Zenas being born to William and Elizabeth Young:
Zenas was married to Hannah Young and father to William Buell Young (1836), Eben C. Young (1840-1865), Enoch R. Young (1843-1864), and Robert C. Young (1852). William Buell Young shows up in the Middletown City Directory for 10 years, working as a teamster/driver, and living in close proximity to his Young-family cousins who grew up in Middletown. The 1880 Census Report shows William B. Young, age 44, living in Middletown and working as a carpenter. His marital status is "single." Just a side point: I thought the name "Buell" was unusual, so I looked it up. It is a boy's name of Welsh origin meaning "dwelling". Lovely.
>Enoch Clifford Young (Born: October 27, 1804 / Died: March 31, 1886; age 81) See below for his genealogy.
>Russell Bailey Young (Born: January 13, 1807 / Died: January 13, 1887; age 80 from "Influenza pneumonia" as the primary and "Sub-acute cystitis" as the secondary). Russell died on his birthday, just like his sister Elizabeth did. He is buried at Wetona Cemetery in Wetona, PA. Russell married Jemima Bailey of Haddam, CT. Was Jemima Bailey perhaps a cousin? See a sketch/portrait of Russell Bailey Young here. The book, “History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania” says the following about Russell B. Young:
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| Russell B. Young From the book, "History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania." |
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| Sketch of the Russell Bailey farm From the book, "History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania." |
>Ruth Marie (Young) Cook (Born: abt. 1809 / Died: December 3, 1838; age 29). Ruth married Alfred Cook, April 17, 1829 in Middletown. Ruth died in New York on December 3, 1838 and was brought back home to Middletown and buried with her father, William, in Maromas Cemetery.
>Robert I. Young (Born: June 27, 1812 / Died: January 11, 1889; age 76) See below for his genealogy.
>Charlotte S. Young (Born: 1814 / Died: September 16, 1825; age 11) Charlotte is buried in the Young Family plot at Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT
>Elizabeth Mary (Young) Otis, Mother of Daniel Otis. (Born: April 3, 1817 / Died: April 3, 1856, age 39). See the Otis Family Genealogy page for more information about Elizabeth Mary Young.
>William L. Young (Born: September 6, 1819 / Died: October 13, 1882 age 63) See below for his genealogy.
>Rufus D. Young (Born: August, 1822 / Died: March 26, 1823, age 7 months) Rufus is buried in the Young Family plot at Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT
All the Young sisters died at a young age! Baby Rufus too!
Elizabeth (Bailey) Young (mother of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, grandmother of Daniel H. Otis)
>Elizabeth Mary (Young) Otis, Mother of Daniel Otis. (Born: April 3, 1817 / Died: April 3, 1856, age 39). See the Otis Family Genealogy page for more information about Elizabeth Mary Young.
>William L. Young (Born: September 6, 1819 / Died: October 13, 1882 age 63) See below for his genealogy.
>Rufus D. Young (Born: August, 1822 / Died: March 26, 1823, age 7 months) Rufus is buried in the Young Family plot at Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT
All the Young sisters died at a young age! Baby Rufus too!
Elizabeth (Bailey) Young (mother of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, grandmother of Daniel H. Otis)
Daughter of Lt. Gideon Bailey, Jr. and Lydia Mary Spencer
Born: Saturday, January 15, 1780 in Haddam, CT (per death certificate).
According to the Middletown Vital Statistics, Elizabeth Bailey of Haddam, married William S. Young, of Middletown, on February 27, 1801.
Died: Sunday, March 8, 1857 in Maromas, Middletown, CT (age 77 years, 1 months, 24 days, per death records), which was almost one year after her daughter, Elizabeth M. Otis died.
Cause of Death: "dropsy of the chest" (Middletown Vitals). Dropsy is swelling caused by fluid retention. We call it edema. The most common causes of "dropsy of the chest" are organic disease of the heart, and long-term pleurisy. The attending physician was "A.B. Worthington."
Elizabeth Bailey-Young is buried in Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT beside her husband William in the Young Family Plot.
Since there is an alternate (and incorrect) birth-date floating around out there for Elizabeth Bailey-Young, I offer up some information to prove that Elizabeth Bailey-Young was the daughter of Gideon Bailey, Jr. despite the alternate birth-date of January 16 and 17, 1782.
It’s interesting to note that Elizabeth Bailey had five brothers (among others), who were named: Daniel, Russell, Rufus, Jeremy (who is also listed as “Jeremiah”), and Alven Bailey. She also had a maternal grandfather named Daniel (Spencer).
Elizabeth Bailey-Young, wife of William S. Young named one of her sons Russell and the other Rufus. One of her grandsons was named Daniel, and the other Jeremiah. Plus, in the will of her husband, William Young, it mentions an Alven Bailey to whom money is owed.
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| From the will of William S. Young, showing Alven Bailey being owed $24.26 |
A copy of Elizabeth Bailey-Young's will can be seen HERE.
I also located the will of Gideon Bailey, Jr. (the father of Elizabeth Bailey-Young). See the four images below. While combing through the will, I came across some familiar names, like, Lydia Bailey (who was Gideon's widow, as well as Elizabeth Bailey’s mother), and Alven Bailey, Daniel Bailey, and Rufus Bailey (who were Gideon's sons and Elizabeth Bailey's brothers).
The will was apportioning their deceased father’s land out to them. Also, receiving some land was: “Betfey the wife of William Yongs…”
Yes, that's how her name was spelled, with what looked like the letter "f." Betfey. The reader can see for themselves in the images below. At first, I thought this was some kind of pet-name, then I realized that the "f-looking" letter in "Betfey" is not an “f” at all. It’s actually a letter called the “medial S,” also known as the “long S,” which was a second form of the lowercase "letter S." This old-fashioned letter has a long history. It’s derived from the Roman "cursive S," and it survived as the "Old English S," then onward until the 1800s.
Therefore, "Betfey" is actually Betsey! Which is a nickname for "Elizabeth!"
"Betfey" is mentioned as being the wife of “William Yong [Young]” in her father's (Gideon Bailey) will. Within the will, William's name is also spelled "Youngs."
The will goes on to confirm that Lydia Bailey was Elizabeth Bailey-Young’s mother: “Set out to the [?] to Betfey in her Mother’s dower as follows…” This same language is used for all the Bailey sibling heirs (Alven, Daniel, Rufus, etc.).
Also, within Gideon's will, was a list of creditors. "William Youngs" is listed as one of the creditors. (fourth image below, partial list of creditors).
Could all of this be coincidence?
No.
It all proves that Elizabeth Bailey, was the daughter of Gideon Jr. and Lydia Bailey, the wife of William S. Young, the mother of Elizabeth M. Otis, and the grandmother of Daniel Otis.
“Set out to Betfey the wife of William Yongs [sic]…”
“Set out to the [?] Betfey in her Mothers land…”
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| “Total of Betfey’s share” |
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“William Youngs____6.33” William Young's name (in red) on the list of creditors for Gideon Bailey Jr., father of Elizabeth Bailey-Young |
Per the will of Elizabeth Bailey-Young, her land, at the time of her death in 1857, consisted of 23 acres with a dwelling house and cellar, a barn and shed, a woodhouse, a north pasture, a north garden and a south garden, and meadowlands near the river. Her land was bound southerly and westerly by the land of Erastus S. Otis. Maromas was beautiful back in the day!
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Though not part of the Young family, I found the Bailey family very interesting, and feel the following information would be of value to add here under Elizabeth Bailey Young's info.
Lt. Gideon Bailey, Jr. and Lydia Mary Spencer were the parents of Elizabeth Bailey Young, the grandparents of Elizabeth Mary Young Otis and the great-grandparents of Daniel H. Otis.
>Lt. Gideon Bailey, Jr. (Born: November 17, 1751 in Haddam, CT / Died: May 10, 1806 in Haddam, CT (age 54), was the son of Gideon Bailey, Sr. (1725 – 1809) and Sarah Center (1723 – 1811). Gideon Bailey, Jr. was a Patriot in the American Revolution and served as 2nd Lieutenant (1777) in the 6th Battalion, 5th Company under Col. William Douglas, Connecticut line (sources: U.S. Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775 - 1783; and North American Family Histories, 1500 - 2000). One of Gideon's younger brothers was Jessie Erastus Bailey.
Gideon Bailey, Sr. was the son of Ephraim Bailey (1691- 1761) and Deborah Brainerd (1698 - 1745). (Gideon Sr. was Daniel Otis' 2x great-grandfather, and Ephraim and Deborah were Daniel Otis' 3x great-grandparents). All of them were born and died in Haddam, CT.
Actually, Daniel Otis is a descendant of both John Bailey and Daniel Brainerd, two of the founders of Haddam, CT. That genealogy can be found at this page: Daniel H. Otis: Great-Grandson of John Bailey and Daniel Brainerd, Founders of Haddam, CT
>Lydia Mary Spencer (Born: May 18, 1754 in Middletown, CT / Died: 1831 in Haddam, CT (age 77). Daughter of Daniel Spencer (1694 – 1770) and Abigail Clark (1715 – 1771).
Per the “Haddam Vital Records (1668-1852),” Gideon Bailey, Jr. married Lydia Mary Spencer on September 6, 1773 in Haddam, CT. He was 22 years-old, and she was 19 years-old. The vital records list the following children born to them:
Gideon Bailey III (Born: December 10, 1773); Daniel Bailey (Born: May 20, 1775); Mary Bailey (Born: October 3, 1777); Russell Bailey (Born: November 29, 1779); Elizabeth Bailey* (Born: January 16, 1782); Sarah Bailey (Born: August 22, 1783); Lydia Smith Bailey (Born: August 22, 1784); Jeremy Bailey (Born: September 20, 1787); Lyman Bailey (Born: March 24, 1789); Lydia Bailey, Jr. (Born: November 5, 1792); Rufus Bailey (Born: October 24, 1794); Alvin Bailey (Born: December 13, 1796); Sally Bailey (Born: February 3, 1802).
* Elizabeth Bailey was the mother of Elizabeth Mary Young-Otis, and the grandmother of Daniel H. Otis.
This is a snip-view of the "Haddam Vital Records (1668-1852)," page 8.
Purple arrow. Notice the date that Gideon, Jr. and Lydia Spencer were married (Sept. 6, 1773).
Red arrow. Now notice the date that their first child (Gideon III) was born (Dec. 10, 1773). Gideon III was born only three months AFTER they were married. That means Lydia was six-months pregnant when she wed Gideon Jr.
Was this situation unusual for the time? As I discovered during my research on the families—and as I mention elsewhere on this site, is that I believe the situation of being with-child before marriage was more common for folks in the past than we “moderns” realize. It was common for:
>Erastus S. Otis and Elizabeth Mary Young (parents of Daniel H. Otis). She was 5-months pregnant with their first child, Robert, when she married Erastus in 1835.
>Stephen Otis, Jr. (father of Erastus S. Otis) and his first bride Lucy. She was 3-months pregnant when she married Stephen in 1794.
>Martha Allen and Thomas Carrier (3x paternal great-grandparents of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis). Martha Allen was 7-months pregnant when she married Thomas in 1674.
>Egbert J. Young (nephew of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis) and his wife Isabella Rogers. She was 4-months pregnant when she married Egbert in 1884.
And as we have just seen, it certainly was common for:
>Lt. Gideon Bailey, Jr. and his bride, Lydia Mary Spencer (maternal grandparents of Elizabeth Mary (Young) Otis. Lydia was 6-months pregnant when she married Gideon in 1773.
And these were just the couples that jumped out at me while doing the genealogy. I’m sure if I looked hard enough, I’d find more.
What I also mention throughout this site is that human nature doesn't change much throughout the ages. I truly believe that. Passion can run deep for young couples in love, no matter what the time period. Perhaps they figured that they were already betrothed, so what was the harm in making love to each other? Indeed, more common than we realize.
Elizabeth Mary (Young) Otis (mother of Daniel H. Otis, wife of Erastus S. Otis)
Daughter of William S. Young and Elizabeth Bailey
Born: Thursday, April 3, 1817 in Middletown, CT.
Died: Thursday, April 3, 1856 (age 39), in Middletown, CT. Elizabeth died on her birthday. She is buried in Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT near her husband Erastus and her son Daniel. See the page: "Otis Family Gravestones."
Cause of Death: A mystery. I was not able to find a cause of death for Elizabeth, however, I do believe her death was unexpected and sudden.
Elizabeth married Erastus Selden Otis on September 16, 1835. They were married by Reverend Robert McEwen of the South Congregational Church in Middletown, CT. (Please see the "Otis Family Genealogy" page for more information on Elizabeth Mary Young Otis).
Elizabeth married Erastus Selden Otis on September 16, 1835. They were married by Reverend Robert McEwen of the South Congregational Church in Middletown, CT. (Please see the "Otis Family Genealogy" page for more information on Elizabeth Mary Young Otis).
Elizabeth M. Young and Erastus S. Otis had the following children together:
>Robert S. Otis (Born: January 20, 1836 / Died: May 21, 1894; age 58)
>William Young Otis (Born: July 14, 1839 / Died: April 21, 1886; age 47)
>Daniel H. Otis (Born: April 15, 1847 / Died: December 16 or 17, 1862; age 15)
>George Calvin Otis (Born: October 11, 1855 / Died: March 21, 1933; age 77)
See the "Otis Family Genealogy" page for more information on the Otis Brothers.
See "Daniel H. Otis: His Story," for more information on Daniel H. Otis.
Enoch Clifford Young (brother of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, uncle of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of William S. Young and Elizabeth Bailey.
Enoch Clifford Young (brother of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, uncle of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of William S. Young and Elizabeth Bailey.
Born: Saturday, October 27, 1804, in Maromas, Middeltown, CT
Died: Wednesday, March 31, 1886 (age 81 years, 5 months, 4 days), in Middletown, CT. Enoch is buried in Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Typhoid and Malaria."
Enoch Clifford Young was born Wednesday, October 24, 1804 in Maromas, Middletown, Connecticut. He married Esther Clark of Middlebury, on October 21, 1829 in Middletown, CT. (Esther—Born: November, 1808 in Middlebury, CT / Died: July 20, 1878, age 69, from "heart disease.").
The 1868 Middletown City Directory lists the Enoch Young family home at “92 Cross Street," which house is picture #1, below. I was excited to discover that this house still stands! The home, built in 1754, now has an address of “202 Cross Street.” The home is currently owned by Wesleyan University and sits directly across the street from Middletown Fire Department, and on the west side of the back entrance to Indian Hill Cemetery. The road that is now the back entrance of Indian Hill used to be “South Avenue.”
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| #1: The first Enoch C. Young family home at "92 Cross Street." Address is presently "202 Cross Street." |
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| #2: The second Enoch C. Young family home. Through the years, this home location had the address of: "foot of Cross," "corner of Butternut," and "41 Butternut St." The address is presently "283 Cross Street." |
Above (#2), is a picture of the second Enoch C. Young family home, which was listed in the Middletown City Directory as "foot of Cross," and "corner of Butternut." The 1880 Census lists the address as “41 Butternut Street.” These are just different descriptions for the same physical home location. When I walked over to take a picture, there was a construction crew working on the home. I will post a better picture here in the future.
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| F.W. Beers & Co. map of Middletown, 1874. Showing both of the Enoch C. Young family homes, which are now in the vicinity of Wesleyan University. |
Enoch Young had three sons: Winfield, Robert, and Alonzo Young. Winfield, the youngest son, still lived with his father, and the two eldest, lived close-by in their own homes. Alonzo was at “94 Cross Street,” and Robert was at “Cross, corner of Babcock”—which house is now “43 Long Lane,” and still stands. Just a side note, the individual listed in the F. W. Beers map above as "J. Young" on Babcock is no relation to the Enoch C. Young family (see subheading below, “Robert C. Young,” for more info on who J. Young was).
In 1869, Enoch is now listed in the Middletown City Directory as living at “foot of Cross,” which house is picture #2 above. But yet, in the 1870 Directory he is listed at “92 Cross Street,” again, which house is picture #1 above. Then, by 1871, his daughter Gustelle Young and her husband, David E. Chapman, are living at “92 Cross Street,” and Enoch is permanently at the “foot of Cross” address now! Confusing, right? I know. It took me a while to sort it out.
I think this is what happened: In 1869, Enoch moved to the house at “foot of Cross,” yet still owned the home at “92 Cross Street.” In 1871, he sold (or gave) the family home at "92 Cross street" to his daughter Gustelle and her husband David.
The location of “foot of Cross” was also listed in the Directory in later years as “Cross, corner of Butternut,” and the 1880 Census as “41 Butternut Street.” Same physical home location, just different address descriptions. Enoch’s home at the “foot of Cross” still stands! The address is presently “283 Cross Street,” and is indeed on the corner of Butternut Street. See images of both homes, above.
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| Personal signature of Enoch C. Young, from the will of Elizabeth Bailey Young (his mother). |
Enoch’s occupations throughout his life were: "gunsmith" (per 1850 Census), “mechanic,” and “farmer.” According to the "1880 Agricultural Census," his 19 acres of land were valued at $3,500. This sum is equivalent in purchasing power to about $88,762 in the year 2020. Of those 19 acres, 12 of them were improved land, and 7 were unimproved land. Of the 12 acres, 6 were mown, and 6 were not mown.
Enoch owned $10 worth of farming implements, and $100 worth of livestock. The farming implements being worth $253 and the livestock being worth $2,536 in the year 2020. In 1879, Enoch paid $15 worth of wages to farm laborers, which he hired for two-weeks (worth $388. in the year 2020). That same year, Enoch harvested 6 tons of hay, and he owned one horse. I find these little details thoroughly fascinating and enjoy sharing them here.
These 19 acres of farmland were located all around the area of what is presently “283 Cross Street,” which was the Enoch Young family home at “foot of Cross,” (picture #2 home, above). Also, presently, a small condominium complex, called Butternut Knoll Condominiums, stands on what was once part of these 19 acres owned by Enoch Young.
The property of Enoch adjoined at the rear of his son, Robert’s property, who resided at “Cross, corner of Babcock” (now “43 Long Lane”)—see image of the F.W. Beers map, above.
In the 1860’s, Cross Street was arranged a bit differently than it currently is. According to the old Price & Lee maps, Cross Street went from High Street down to Butternut Street. But today, Church Street has been extended and actually becomes Cross Street at the intersection of Pine Street. Cross Street still continues down to Butternut Street. Currently, much of this land is now owned, and occupied, by Wesleyan University.
In my research on the Young family, I noticed that several family members dealt with multiple familial losses throughout their life, with a few of the losses being very tragic. Tragic, due to the circumstances of death or just because they were so young when they died. Enoch was one of the individuals who didn't get by unscathed: his 27 year-old daughter-in-law, Jedidah, (the wife of his son, Alonzo) dies in 1861. Then two years later, his 30 year-old daughter, Mary Louisa, dies in 1863. In 1868 his baby grandson, Ozem, dies (Ozem was the son of Alonzo). Then in 1874, his 43 year-old son, Alonzo, dies from “consumption.” Four years later, in 1878, his 21 year-old grandson, George (the son of Alonzo) also dies from “consumption.” That same year (1878) Enoch loses his beloved wife, Esther, to heart disease. How does one person cope with all that loss!
I can’t help but think that Enoch was extremely beloved by his children—and was a wonderful father and husband. Both of Enoch’s adult sons, Alonzo and Robert, had their own families, their own homes, and their own lively-hood and means of support, yet each of them lived within a “stone’s throw” of their father. The same went for Enoch’s daughter, Gustelle and her husband, who lived at the family home at “92 Cross Street,” and the same went for Enoch’s youngest child, Winfield. Even though Winfield eventually married and had his own means of support, he and his wife lived at “foot of Cross” with Enoch. After Enoch and his wife Esther died, Winfield continued to live in the family home at "foot of cross" for 10-years before moving to an address on Washington Street.
I’ve mentioned this numerous times before on this site, that human nature is absolutely timeless. So, if your father is indeed a horse’s ass, then why live near him? If you have the means and motive to live elsewhere, than you would, right? Of course you would, because that’s human nature—to want to get away from someone who is disagreeable. Yet, every single one of Enoch’s children remained close to their father, living a “stone’s throw” from him, well into their adult years. That speaks volumes about the kind of father and individual Enoch Young was, and how he was cherished by his children.
Enoch Clifford Young died Wednesday, March 31, 1886 (age 81) from "Typhoid and Malaria." Ouch! Poor Enoch must have suffered greatly. Indeed, an individual can contract both of these diseases, either concurrently, or as an acute infection superimposed on a chronic one.
Enoch is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown with his wife Esther, his daughter Mary, his two sons Alonzo and Winfield, and his four grandchildren George, Fred, Clifford, and Ozem. I refer to this burial site as the "Enoch C. Young family plot."
A copy of Enoch's will can be seen HERE.
I had to add this here, as a kind of addendum. I recently found some information on Enoch Young in the 1886, Penny Press newspaper. There is a death announcement and funeral announcement. But what was really fascinating to me (and I was extremely delighted to have found it), was a small article written by a correspondent for the Penny Press, titled: "Grandpa Young." The article description confirmed the kind of person that I had sensed Enoch was. My gut-feeling about the good-nature of Enoch Young, was the reason I wrote about how much his children cherished him, and the newspaper article confirmed that good-nature of his. I am fascinated by synchronicities like this!
When doing genealogy type of work, there will always be certain individuals that a researcher feels a particular connection with. For me, Enoch C. Young is one of those special individuals. Apparently, many others felt the same way, because Enoch was familiarly known to the locals as "Grandpa Young."
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| Death announcement for Enoch C. Young, son of William S. Young and Elizabeth Bailey April 1, 1886. The Penny Press. |
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| Funeral announcement for Enoch Young. April 2, 1886. The Penny Press. |
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| Enoch C. Young was affectionately known as "Grandpa Young." April 2, 1886. The Penny Press. |
Enoch C. Young and Esther Clark had the following children together (first cousins of Daniel H. Otis):
>Alonzo Dana Young (Born: Monday, November 1, 1830 / Died: Friday, September 18, 1874; age 43) See below for his genealogy.
>Mary Louisa Young (Born: Monday, September 30, 1833 / Died: Tuesday, September 8, 1863; age 29, almost 30). Mary was a milliner by trade, and never married. The Middletown Vital Statistics list her cause of death as "consumption." Mary Louisa Young is buried near her parents at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown, CT, in the Enoch C. Young family plot.
>Robert Clark Young (Born: Thursday, April 7, 1836/ Died: Thursday, June 15, 1905; age 69) See below for his genealogy.
>Gustelle M. (Young) Chapman (Born: Sunday, October 3, 1841 / Died: Saturday, September 19, 1903; age 61). See below for her genealogy.
>Winfield Enoch Young (Born: Thursday, October 31, 1845 / Died: Saturday, October 1, 1910; age 64 ) See below for his genealogy.
Alonzo Dana Young (son of Enoch C. Young, nephew of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, first cousin of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Enoch C. Young and Esther Clark
Born: Monday, November 1, 1830 in Middletown, CT
Died: Friday, September 18, 1874 (age 43), in Middletown, CT. Alonzo is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Consumption"
Alonzo Dana Young was born Monday, November 1, 1830 in Middletown, CT. He worked as a pump-maker and mechanic, and lived near his father Enoch, at "94 Cross Street" in Middletown. Enoch lived at "92 Cross Street," which house still stands. (See picture, above).
Alonzo Young, Wife #1: Alonzo married Jedidah Tyler on November 28, 1852 in Middletown. Jedidah was born about 1834 in Haddam. She died on September 11, 1861, at age 27, of “consumption” (Middletown Vitals).
Besides Jedidah, consumption (aka: tuberculosis) would claim several members of the Alonzo Young family, including Alonzo himself. Alonzo died on Friday, September 18, 1874 (age 43) from "consumption.” Sadly (and to me, tragically) 4-years later, Alonzo's young son, 21-year old George Robert Young, also died of "consumption,” as did Alonzo’s daughter Lizzie, and his second wife Lucy. Alonzo's younger sister, Mary Louisa, also died of consumption 11 years before he did.
Alonzo D. Young and Jedidah Tyler had three children together (first cousins, once-removed, of Daniel Otis):
>Lizzie Hannah (Young) Kriesing (Born: Tuesday, November 21, 1854 / Died: Friday, July 6, 1906, age 51). From 1884-1886, Lizzie is listed in the Middletown City Directory, as "Lizzie Young," and she works as an "usher at hospital." Lizzie married Henry Fred Kriesing of the South Farms District, Middletown, on October 13, 1880. (Henry—Born: abt. 1856 / Died: March 27, 1909). As a young tike of about 8 years-old, Henry Kriesing was sent to the "State Reform School for four years." I stumbled across this bit of information in the August 17, 1864 Middletown newspaper, "The Constitution." I quote: "State vs. Henry Kresing [sic], assault and battery, sent to State Reform School for four years." Henry probably ran with the wrong crowd, but "Reform School" must have set him straight, because in 1880 he married and worked as a "joiner" in Middletown. Henry's parents were born in "Prussia."
Note: during my research, I've seen Henry's surname spelled as "Kriesing" (the spelling I prefer, with "i" before "e"), "Kreising" (with "e" before "i"), and Kresing (with no "i").
According to the death record, Lizzie Young Kriesing died of “tubercular enteritis,” on Friday, July 6, 1906. The duration of her disease was "4 months." Apparently, tuberculosis (aka: consumption) can also affect organs of the body other than the lungs. So, “tubercular enteritis," would be "inflammation and ulceration of the intestines from tubercular disease."
The death record for Lizzie says that she is buried at “Farm Hill Cemetery”, and her husband, Henry, is listed on Find-a-Grave as being buried there as well. However, I searched that cemetery a few times and could not locate either of their graves. Of note, is that Henry’s Find-a-Grave page doesn't have a photo of his gravestone either. Also, I consulted the Hale Cemetery Records (compiled 1932-1935) for Old Farm Hill, and neither Henry nor Lizzie are listed within those records. I have reached out to Augie De France (who is president of Middletown Old Burying Ground Association) and he confirmed that Lizzie Young Kriesing and her husband, Henry Kriesing, are indeed buried in "Old Farm Hill Cemetery." He cannot tell me exactly where they are buried, because there is no burial plot map for that cemetery!
This is where I think Lizzie and her husband, Henry, are buried: beside their son, Fred Kriesing at "Old Farm Hill." Fred actually has a gravestone, marking his burial site. To the right of Fred's site, is an empty patch of grass, with no grave-markers, which is just the right size for two (or more) people. I would bet my "two front teeth" that is where Lizzie and Henry are buried—with no grave-markers! This would be the third set of Young family peoples who were buried with absolutely nothing to mark their final resting place. The other two were the William L. Young family, and the Martin Dana Young family (see further down this page for their information).
Lizzie and Henry had one child together, a son named Fred Henry Kriesing (Born: April 27, 1884 / Died: December 26, 1928, age 42; first cousin, twice-removed, of Daniel H. Otis). Fred worked as a weaver at the Russell Manufacturing Company in Middletown. The "WWI Draft Registration Card (1917-1918)" says that Fred was 5 feet / 7 inches tall, and had blue eyes and light hair. It also mentions that he suffered from "stomach troubles." Gosh, don't we all!
Fred Kriesing died very tragically. His death record says that he died from a “fracture of the skull from being hit by automobile on Saybrook Road in Middletown, CT.” He died at Middlesex Hospital. Fred was single, and never married. Fred H. Kriesing is buried at Old Farm Hill Cemetery, right in front of the Robert S. Otis family plot. A picture of Fred Kriesing's gravestone can be seen HERE.
Of interest, on the following pages, are the series of three newspaper articles that I located on the hit-and-run investigation of Fred Kriesing. All articles are from the Middletown Press, 1928. I did the best I could piecing them together. It makes for some disturbing and very sad reading. It’s really eerie what the license plate number of the car was, which hit Fred Kriesing.
I transcribed each article verbatim, for easier reading! A transcription follows each of the articles.
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| Death of Fred H. Kriesing, son of Lizzie Young Kriesing, grandson of Alonzo D. Young great-grandson of Enoch C. Young. Middletown Press, December 26, 1928 |
Transcription: Middletown Press, December 26, 1928. Death of Fred H. Kriesing.
HIT AND RUN. DEATH DRIVER. SUSPECT HELD
Is Operator of Car Whose Numbers Correspond with Those Taken.
FRONT STREET RESIDENT DIES OF HIS INJURIES
Was Walking with Companion on Saybrook Road—Carried on Hood of Automobile.
Struck by an oncoming car while walking toward this city [Middletown] on Saybrook road early last evening with a male companion, Fred Kreising, 43 of 49 Front Street, Farm Hill, died in Middlesex hospital at 12:05 this morning from fractured skull and other injuries. The driver of the death car did not stop after the accident, but the numbers on the machine correspond with those of a Ford coupe owned by John L. Hall of Essex. Mr. Hall was held at Centerbrook State Police barracks today for local police and Coroner Lowndes A. Smith. An inquest will be held this afternoon. This was [the] second fatality here within a week.
Kreising, with Peter Charboneau, who resides at the Park hotel, were walking along the right hand side of the highway and near the store of Peter Krawakulski on their way towards this city about 7 o’clock last night. The oncoming machine struck Kreising and carried his body from 55 to 75 feet on the radiator before it was released. Charboneau estimated the speed of the machine at 30 miles an hour and after the accident assisted his stricken companion until additional help arrived. The injured man was first taken into the home of A. Peter Melein and later to the hospital. Officer Buckman was detailed from headquarters to make an investigation and prepared a diagram of the scene. Immediately after the accident another machine set out after the unknown driver and secured its numbers.
Kreising was unmarried and boarded with the family of George H. Sauermann. He was employed at the plant of Russell Manufacturing Company and had worked there for many years.
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| Death of Fred H. Kriesing Middletown Press, December 27, 1928 |
Transcription: Middletown Press, December 27, 1928. Death of Fred H. Kriesing
HALL CANNOT RECALL THAT CAR HIT MAN
Mind of Alleged Hit-and-Run Driver Blank—Held Pending Further Probe.
SEEKING RECORDS OF HIS CONDUCT IN GLASTONBURY
Coroner Smith Will Conduct Formal Inquest Here on Next Monday.
Coroner Lowndes A. Smith will conduct an inquest next Monday into the death of Fred Kreising, 43 of 49 Front Street, Farm Hill, who died in Middlesex hospital early yesterday morning following an accident on Saybrook road the night before, when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver, alleged to be John L. Hall, 46, of Essex, a mechanic, held under bonds awaiting the coroner’s finding.
Hall was arrested yesterday on a homicide charge at the State Police barracks, Centerbrook, by Chief of Police, Charles A. Anderson and Sergeant John S. Ward, and brought to this city for questioning before the coroner. His mind is apparently a blank concerning the accident as he could not recall striking anyone on the highway at this point. He was on his way to Glastonbury at the time and the first intimation he had of the accident was from the state officers. Coroner Smith went to Glastonbury later to learn if Hall had been drinking on the day of the accident.
Peter Charboneau of the Park hotel, a friend of Kreising, was also questioned but could add nothing further to his story. He disclosed, however, that the tell-tale numbers on Hall’s machine were secured by a stranger who reported them to a station attendant at the filling station nearby. The stranger is apparently unknown and it is hoped that he will identify himself and aid in the investigation.
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| Death of Fred H. Kriesing Middletown Press, December 31, 1928 |
Transcription: Middletown Press, December 31, 1928. Death of Fred Kriesing
CORONER INQUIRES INTO AUTON DEATH
Hears Testimony of Man Who Noted Number of Hall’s Alleged Death Car.
When the driver of the Ford coupe which struck down Fred Kreising of Farm Hill on Christmas day, as Kreising was walking to this city with Peter Charboneau did the hit-and-run act, he did not know that the number of his car made an impression on the mind of Carl A. Carlson of New Britain, driving right behind the Ford at the time of the accident.
That was number “N—6663.” It was written out on a slip of paper handed to young Carlson right after the accident and the slip was handed to Peter Krawakulski, garage owner near where the accident happened on the Middlesex turnpike.
This number is on the car of John L. Hall of Essex, who is held under bonds to answer, pending the outcome of the investigation now under way by Coroner Lowndes A. Smith. Hall denies all knowledge of any accident. He claims he struck some animal. But there was blood on his car and the coroner has had that blood analyzed and it is declared to be that of a human being.
Coroner Smith begun this morning the public hearing on the death. He examined five witnesses, including young Carlson and his friend Gustave Graves, also of New Britain, who was riding with him. Both witnesses gave important evidence. The other witnesses were Chamboneau and Krawokulski and Officer Louis Buckman of the local police force.
Carlson told how he was driving along the road with a Ford coupe just ahead. He was not going fast, he said, “I never hurry,” he added. The Ford car was keeping just ahead of him. He could not give any estimate of speed. But he did notice that the Ford kept just ahead. Coming up the hill he had observed the number of the Ford car. It was N—6663. Those three sixes were fixed in his mind.
The Ford had drawn a little ahead going up the hill, but Carlson’s car began to crawl up on the other. Then in looking ahead the witness saw two men waling on the side of the highway. Suddenly one disappeared. The witness remarked the disappearance to others in the care. He kept [?] man on the side of the road gesticulated and called out. Then Carlson noted the body on the road and he had to turn sharply to the left to avoid hitting it. He stopped his car and got out. The Ford car had gone on without stopping.
Here it was that the garage keeper came up and began to ask about car numbers. Witness told him he had noted the number of the Ford car. He was asked to write it down and sign his name. This he did. Meanwhile, word had been telephoned to the Middlesex hospital and an ambulance was sent to take back the wounded man.
The records showed that Kreising died shortly after midnight, that his body was carried on the Ford car about 50 feet from the first blood spot and then tossed off into the center of the highway and left to be hit by any car if the driver was not careful. The blood spot was near the side of the road and Kreising’s companion, Chamboneau, was walking on the soft part.
The evidence of Graves corroborated that of Carlson, although Graves did not see the Ford car number. He estimated the speed of the Carlson car as between 25 and 35 miles an hour and the Ford car kept ahead of them. He saw the two men ahead of the Ford and then one disappeared.
The Carlson car went on and stopped just beyond the body. Witness heard the inured man’s companion say: “O my God, he’s gone. He did not stop.” Evidently referring to the driver of the Ford.
Chamboneau told of walking with Kreising along the highway. Without any warning, no sounding of the horn or anything, the witness suddenly felt his friend make a grab for him and then disappear. The Ford car went on. Krawokulski told of getting the number and Officer Buckman told of making the measurements. Coroner Smith then adjourned the hearing to make further inquiry later.
The other two children of Alonzo Young and Jedidah Tyler are:
>George Robert Young (Born: Monday, May 25, 1857 / Died: Thursday, November 28, 1878, at age 21). George died of "pulmonary consumption," which is tuberculosis. He was a young-man of twenty-one when he died, and just getting started with life. How sad! George Robert Young is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery, Middletown, near his mother and father in the Enoch C. Young family plot.
>Fred Alonzo Young (Born: July 12, 1861 / Died: August 23, 1948, age 86). See below for his genealogy.
Just to recap, since I cut the flow a bit with the hit-and-run newspaper articles—Alonzo and Jedidah had three children together: Lizzie Hannah Young, George Robert Young, and Fred Alonzo Young.
Alonzo Young, Wife #2: Alonzo married his second wife, Lucy Ann Johnson on April 17, 1864. (Lucy--Born: Saturday, January 25, 1834). Alonzo and Lucy had one child together, Ozem Johnson Young, who died August 7, 1868, at age 3 months, 21 days of a “disease of [the] heart.” Little Ozem was born on April 16, 1868.
After Alonzo died, Lucy continued to live at 94 Cross Street near her father-in-law, Enoch from 1877-1878. Then, from 1879-1880 she was Matron at St. Luke's Home at 144 Broad Street until she died of "tuberculosis consumption," on May 14, 1881, age 47 (Middletown Vitals).
Alonzo Dana Young is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown, CT. He is laid to rest near both of his wives, Jedidah and Lucy, and his three sons, George, Fred Sr., and Ozem, along with his grandson, Fred, Jr. They are all buried in the Enoch C. Young family plot.
Fred Alonzo Young (son Alonzo D. Young, grandson of Enoch C. Young, great-nephew of Elizabeth M. Young Otis, first cousin once-removed of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Alonzo Dana Young and Jedidah Tyler
Born: Friday, July 12, 1861 in Middletown, CT
Died: Monday, August 23, 1948 (age 86), in Middletown, CT. Fred is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Cerebral hemorrhage, and general arteriosclerosis"
Fred Alonzo Young was born Friday, July 12, 1861 in Middletown, CT. Tragically, only two-months after Fred was born, his mother, Jedidah died of consumption on September 11, 1861. She was 27 years-old. Just like his cousin, George Otis, Fred never knew his mother.
More tragedy was to come young Fred's way. On September 18, 1874, when Fred was only 13 years-old, his father Alonzo dies from consumption too. Then four-years later, when Fred is 17, his older brother George, also dies from consumption!
In 1884, 23 year-old Fred Young first appears in the Middletown City Directory. He is living with his Aunt Gustelle (his father Alonzo’s, sister) and her husband David Chapman at “92 Cross Street.” Also living there, are his first-cousins—Nellie and Nettie Chapman—twins! They are the daughters of Gustelle and David. The twins are about 5-years younger than Fred, with them being born in 1865.
From 1884 to 1886, Fred had a brief stint at the renowned “W & B Douglas Co.” (William & Benjamin Douglas) before becoming a “joiner” and then later a “carpenter,” both of which would be his life-long occupations.
Fred, who only went to school until, “elementary school, 4th grade,” would become a “joiner” at age 25. No doubt he learned the skill from his Uncle David Chapman, who was a carpenter and builder, with his own business at 93 Main Street (See subheading “Gustelle M. Young Chapman” below for more info on the Chapman family). Fred probably apprenticed alongside his Uncle for a few years.
Fred would live with his Aunt Gustelle, Uncle David, and cousin Nettie at “92 Cross Street” from 1884 to 1889. Then, for about a year, he lived with his other cousin, Nellie Chapman Umba, who was now married and residing with her family at “95 Lincoln Place.”
By 1892, Fred was once again living with Aunt Gustelle, Uncle David, and Cousin Nettie at their new address at “172 Cross Street.” In 1893, the Chapman’s moved to a new home at “154 Lincoln Place,” and Fred lived with them there until 1895, when he then married.
In 1895, Fred (age 34) married Effie Ethelyn Wells (age 27), daughter of George Wells and Henrietta Atwood. (Effie—Born: January 18, 1868 / Died: May 23, 1927, age 59). Effie also went by the nickname of "Minnie." That's cute! Fred is still working as a joiner with his Uncle David at his builder business.
From 1896 to 1899, Fred and his new bride live at “73 Grand Street.” In 1900 Fred and Effie move into her parent’s home at “10 Berlin Street,” which is right around the corner from Lincoln Place (house still stands). Also living there are Effie’s sister—Cassie, and her husband Arthur Clark.
Then in 1906, Fred and Effie’s first and only child is born—a son, Frank Alexander Young (February 19, 1909 - 1994). Fred is age 45 when his first child is born, and Effie is age 38.
By 1910, the George Wells family moved to “22 Berlin Street,” and it’s a full house! Head of house: George Wells, and his wife, Henrietta, their two daughters—Effie and Cassie, along with their children (one child for Effie and two for Cassie) and husbands—Fred and Arthur, all live at “22 Berlin.” The house still stands and is quite large and made of brick. So I'm sure there was a lot of room for everyone.
The 1920 Census Report shows Fred, (along with his wife, and 11 year-old son) still living with in-laws at “22 Berlin Street.” However, now Fred is listed as “head of house,” with his 82 year-old father-in-law taking a back-seat. Interestingly, Fred’s occupation is listed as “cartoonist!” Fred is close to 60 years-old now. Perhaps he retired from the physically-demanding job of carpentry and took up cartoon work. Obviously, Fred must have been an extremely artistic individual—something I always sensed his cousin, Daniel Otis, was as well.
Sadly, in 1927, Fred’s wife—Effie Wells Young—dies at age 59. Fred is age 66 and their son, Frank is age 18, which is much too young to lose your mother.
In 1930, widower Fred, and his 21 year-old son are now living in Cromwell—which is the town right next to Middletown. Fred is retired and Frank is working as a “clerk.”
The 1940 Census Report—which would be the last for Fred—shows him living with his now married son, 31 year-old Frank, daughter-in-law, Theresa, and grand-daughter—Barbara (age 7, born about 1933). Just an interesting bit: I found a 1940 "U.S. WW II Draft Card" for Frank Young. It says that he had a "light complexion, blue eyes, blond hair." He weighed "160 pounds," and his height was "5 feet, 11 inches." Sounds like a good catch! :)
Then on Monday, August 23, 1948, Fred Alonzo Young dies, at age 86, from a "cerebral hemorrhage, and general arteriosclerosis." Fred is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery beside his wife, Effie, and near his son Frank, and Frank's two wives. They are all buried in the Enoch C. Young family plot.
Robert Clark Young (son of Enoch C. Young, nephew of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, first cousin of Daniel H. Otis)
Born: Thursday, April 7, 1836 in Middletown, CT
Died: Thursday, June 15, 1905 (age 69), in Middletown, CT. Robert is buried in Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Stroke of apoplexy," resulting in unconsciousness. Died suddenly.
Robert Clark Young was born Thursday, April 7, 1836 in Middletown, Connecticut. The 1860 Census Report shows 24 year-old Robert working as a “mechanic,” at Wilcox & Crittenden Company, (W. & C.), and living with his father Enoch, and mother Esther, along with three of his four siblings, Mary, Gustelle, and Winfield Young
That same year, Robert marries Sarah A. Cook on December 2, 1860. (Sarah: 1838 – 1930, age 92!). The next year, Robert’s first child is born—a son, Elmer Clifford Young, followed by two daughters—Hattie (1863) and Mary (1867). See below for more info on the children.
By 1868, the Middletown City Directory shows the Robert C. Young family living in their own home at “Cross, corner of Long Lane.” Robert’s property is a “stone’s throw” away from his father, Enoch’s home. In fact, the rear of Robert’s property adjoined his father’s.
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| F.W. Beers & Co. map of Middletown, 1874. |
The above picture is a closer look at the same map that is featured under Enoch Young's info. Here, the property of Robert Young can be seen in relation to his father's property.
I have to add this note here. In the above map, the individual listed as "J. Young" at "37 Babcock," is NO relation to the Enoch C. Young family. In my research, I found that "J. Young," stood for "Jane Youngs." Her maiden name was Jane Daniels and she married a Charles Youngs on October 15, 1848. Charles Youngs was a "colored servant." In the Census Reports, Jane Youngs and her children are listed as "mulatto," which is a word for mixed-race ancestry that includes white European and black African roots. By 1874, Jane was widowed, hence the property at "37 Babcock" listed in her name.
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| Connecticut, Town Marriage Records |
Ok, now that we cleared that up. Back to business!
In 1872, the Middletown City Directory now lists Robert’s home address as “Cross, corner of Babcock.” Then in 1900 as “43 Babcock,” and finally, “house Babcock, corner of Cross.” It would seem that Robert moved all over the place, when indeed he did not. Instead, the numbers and names of streets changed over time. Long Lane became Babcock Street, and then changed back to Long Lane again!
The home of Robert C. Young still stands, and is currently at "43 Long Lane"—which is on the corner of Cross Street. Along with Robert’s original house, three other homes are currently built on a strip of what used to be his land: 263 Cross Street, 265 Cross Street, and 277 Cross Street.
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| The Robert C. Young family home. Address is now "43 Long Lane." |
I took a picture of Robert’s home and then walked up the block to his father Enoch’s home. They lived that close. I simply adore Robert's home! It looks like an enchanted "story-book" house.
In 1885, 49 year-old Robert is now a machinist “foreman” at his long-time employer, Wilcox & Crittenden Co. No doubt, he is earning a better wage to support his family with. Eventually, a bunch of the Young and Otis cousins worked at Wilcox & Crittenden: Ervin L. Otis, Frank M. Otis (Sr.), Charles S. Otis, and Elmer C. Young—who was the son of Robert C. Young. No doubt they were all introduced to the job by their eldest cousin, and in Elmer’s case, his father—Robert C. Young, foreman. (Otis Genealogy, go here).
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| 1887, Wilcox & Crittenden Co. South Main Street, Middletown. In 1901, when W. & C. built a two-story, brick machine shop, the above structure was converted into offices for executives. |
Besides his job as foreman, Robert also served on Middletown’s “common council,” and was a “well-known” resident of the town! Impressive.
On Wednesday, June 14, 1905, Robert woke up healthy and went to work as usual that day. However, later that night at home, shortly after retiring, he suddenly died from “a stroke of apoplexy and became unconscious.” A doctor was sent for, but there was nothing that could be done, and Robert Clark Young died a short time later around midnight on Thursday, June 15, 1905, age 69. The Middletown Vital Records lists his actual cause of death as "disease of brain, apoplexy." Apoplexy refers to stroke symptoms that occur suddenly, either do to bleeding into the brain or by a blood clot in the blood vessels of the brain.
The funeral was held at Robert’s home and one of the pall bearers was Albert R. Crittenden. Not only was Albert one of the owners of Wilcox & Crittenden, but he was also Robert’s boss. Albert Crittenden was formerly "Corporal Albert Crittenden" of Co. B, 14th CT Infantry Regiment—the same regiment that Robert's younger cousin, Daniel H. Otis served in. Albert Crittenden was also founder of the Middlesex County Historical Society, which currently operates in the General Mansfield house on Main Street in Middletown. He was also a two-term mayor of Middletown.
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| Death announcement for Robert Clark Young, son of Enoch C. Young and Esther Clark June 15, 1905. The Penny Press. |
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| Funeral announcement for Robert C. Young June 16, 1905. The Penny Press |
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| Funeral announcement for Robert C. Young June 19, 1905. The Penny Press |
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| Death announcement for Robert C. Young. Hartford Courant, June 16, 1905 |
Robert's widow, Sarah Cook Young, went on to live another twenty-five years, dying at the ripe old age of 92 in 1930!
Robert Clark Young is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown, CT with his wife Sarah, and son Elmer. His sister Gustelle M. (Young) Chapman and her husband David are buried in the same family plot, which I call the "Robert C. Young family plot."
A copy of Robert's will can be seen HERE.
Robert C. Young and Sarah A. Cook had the following children together (first cousins, once-removed, of Daniel H. Otis):
>Elmer Clifford Young (Born: April 20, 1861 / Died: February 4, 1943, age 81). See below for his genealogy.
>Hattie L. Young (Born: February 1863 / Died: ? ) Hattie married Frederick A. Guild in 1884 (Frederick--Born: November 1862 in Middletown, CT / Died: April, 1920). Frederick was actually the son of Augustus Guild, who was a Company B fellow soldier of Hattie's cousin, Daniel H. Otis. Two children were born from their union: Mabel Guild (Born: abt. 1885) and Beatrice Guild (Born: abt. 1884). Mabel married Thomas Fletcher Day. The 1900 Census Report shows them living in Atlanta, GA, where Frederick is working as a "traveling salesman." Sometime before 1910, they divorced, with Frederick marrying Leola Tatum on November 3, 1910 in Miami. The 1920 Census Report lists Harriet as "divorced," and living with her daughter, Mabel Day. Frederick died in April of 1920 in Florida. I cannot find any death or burial information on Hattie. Believe it or not, there are a number of individuals with the name Hattie Guild, but none of them are Hattie Young Guild.
>Mary L. Young (Born: Oct. 1867 / Died: March 13, 1941 ) Mary, who went by the nickname "Mittie," married George F. Francklow in 1893. George was born in England about the year 1866. They lived in Yonkers, NY with George working as a "pattern maker" for an elevator company. This probably means that he drew up blue prints and such. The 1910 Census shows that her elderly and widowed mother, Sarah lived with them. As far as my research shows, they didn't have any children together. I have not been able to locate Mittie's or George's final resting place.
When doing genealogy research, I've found that certain individuals are more difficult to track than others, and women, especially if married, are twice as difficult . I wasn't able to "dig up" a lot of information on the two daughters of Robert C. Young. I feel lucky to find what I did.
Elmer Clifford Young (son of Robert C. Young, grandson of Enoch C. Young, great-nephew of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, first cousin once-removed of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Robert C. Young and Sarah A. Cook
Born: Saturday, April 20, 1861 in Middletown, CT
Died: Thursday, February 4, 1943 (age 81) in Middletown, CT. Elmer is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Chordoma of sacrum, uremia, and paralysis of legs, bladder, and rectum."
Elmer Clifford Young was born Saturday, April 20, 1861 in Middletown, CT. Elmer, age 19, appears in the Middletown City Directory for the first time in 1880, and working as a "lather." He boards with his father Robert Young. In 1884, Elmer began working as a "machinist" and still boards with his father. A machinist would be Elmer's life-long occupation. He worked for Wilcox & Crittenden Company, the same company his foreman father, Robert C. Young, worked for, along with his fellow machinists and cousins, Frank Otis Sr. and Ervin Otis.
On July 7, 1886, Elmer Young (age 25), married Grace Rockwell (age 20) of Canton, PA. They were married in Middletown (Grace—Born: January 30, 1866 / Died: September 11, 1905, age 39). Grace was the daughter of Civil War Veteran, John Elias Rockwell, a Sergeant of Company D, 106th PA Infantry Regiment, and Amanda Albina Rockwell. While visiting friends in Middletown, Amanda Rockwell died. It was there, that Grace Rockwell met Elmer Young.
Elmer C. Young and Grace Rockwell had three children together (first cousins, twice-removed, of Daniel H. Otis):
Robert Le Roy Young (1888-1958), Florence G. (Young) Robb (1891-1967), and a stillborn infant who was born and died the same day on July 15, 1892. Robert LeRoy Young married Elsie F. Sauer and they are both buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown. Florence G. Young married John Robb.
Through the years, Elmer continued to work as a machinist at Wilcox & Crittenden, while living at various locations around Middletown, including numbers 34 Loveland Street and 88 Loveland Street (1887-1890). Incidentally, Loveland was the same small street his cousins, Frank Otis, Sr. and Ervin Otis, used to live on. Elmer then lived in house on Trench Hill (1891-1895), then at 80 Oak Street (1896-1898), and then back to Trench Hill again (1899-1903).
Then, in 1904, the Middletown City Directory lists Elmer as "removed to Rock Island, Illinois." Interestingly, in the same directory, for the same year, his cousin, Ervin Otis, is also listed as: “removed to Rock Island, Illinois.” Elmer and Ervin must've had a very close relationship to move together with their families out to Illinois.
The 1905 Iowa State Census Report (which was woefully inadequate), lists Elmer Young, his wife Grace, and their children Robert and Florence as living at a "post office address," of 1708 Iowa Street in Davenport (Scott County), Iowa. That's all the information the Census listed—no ages, no occupation, no nothing. The Ervin Otis family is also living in Davenport, at 1206 Perry Street.
What happened to Rock Island, Illinois? Well, Davenport, Iowa is literally a half-mile from Rock Island, Illinois, via a bridge over the Mississippi River. So the Middletown City Directory listing of "removed to Rock Island, Illinois" is NOT incorrect.
That same year, in 1905, tragedy strikes both the Elmer Young and Ervin Otis families, while they are all living out in Davenport together! First, on June 15, 1905, Robert C. Young, the father of Elmer Clifford Young, dies at age 69 back in Middletown, CT. Then, on August 25, 1905, Harriet Elizabeth Otis, the wife of Ervin Lewis Otis, dies at age 40. Ervin is age 36, and their daughter, Francis, is age 4. Seventeen days later, on September 11, 1905, Grace Rockwell Young, the wife of Elmer Clifford Young, dies at age 39. Elmer is age 44, and their children Robert and Florence are age 17 and 13.
Because their dates of death were extremely close together, my first hunch was that Grace Young probably nursed a sick and ailing Harriet Otis, and succumbed to what ever illness she had, since it was Grace who died second. Then I was lucky enough to find the obituaries for these two women. It was actually Grace who was ill for three-months, and Harriet was probably the one to nurse her, and Harriet was the one who succumbed to what ever Grace had. Harriet's obituary mentions that she had a short-term illness.
In a time when women were the primary caregivers for the sick and ailing, Harriet Otis probably nursed a sick and ailing Grace Young, who was not only her friend, but her family relation by marriage. Because of this close contact, Harriet probably contracted whatever Grace succumbed to, resulting in her own demise. Regardless of who was ill first or who nursed who, I think both women's deaths were related.
It has just been loss upon loss for these dear families!
Elmer brought his dear wife Grace, back home to Middletown and buried her at Indian Hill Cemetery in the Robert C. Young family plot.
Note the typos in the obituary: It should read E.C. Young, not E.L. Young, and it's Middletown, CT, not Middleton, PA, because Grace is indeed buried in Middletown, CT.
To see Harriet Otis' obituary, click HERE (scroll down to the section for "William Young Otis," and see the listing beneath William for his son "Ervin Lewis Otis").
Through the years, Elmer continued to work as a machinist at Wilcox & Crittenden, while living at various locations around Middletown, including numbers 34 Loveland Street and 88 Loveland Street (1887-1890). Incidentally, Loveland was the same small street his cousins, Frank Otis, Sr. and Ervin Otis, used to live on. Elmer then lived in house on Trench Hill (1891-1895), then at 80 Oak Street (1896-1898), and then back to Trench Hill again (1899-1903).
Then, in 1904, the Middletown City Directory lists Elmer as "removed to Rock Island, Illinois." Interestingly, in the same directory, for the same year, his cousin, Ervin Otis, is also listed as: “removed to Rock Island, Illinois.” Elmer and Ervin must've had a very close relationship to move together with their families out to Illinois.
The 1905 Iowa State Census Report (which was woefully inadequate), lists Elmer Young, his wife Grace, and their children Robert and Florence as living at a "post office address," of 1708 Iowa Street in Davenport (Scott County), Iowa. That's all the information the Census listed—no ages, no occupation, no nothing. The Ervin Otis family is also living in Davenport, at 1206 Perry Street.
What happened to Rock Island, Illinois? Well, Davenport, Iowa is literally a half-mile from Rock Island, Illinois, via a bridge over the Mississippi River. So the Middletown City Directory listing of "removed to Rock Island, Illinois" is NOT incorrect.
That same year, in 1905, tragedy strikes both the Elmer Young and Ervin Otis families, while they are all living out in Davenport together! First, on June 15, 1905, Robert C. Young, the father of Elmer Clifford Young, dies at age 69 back in Middletown, CT. Then, on August 25, 1905, Harriet Elizabeth Otis, the wife of Ervin Lewis Otis, dies at age 40. Ervin is age 36, and their daughter, Francis, is age 4. Seventeen days later, on September 11, 1905, Grace Rockwell Young, the wife of Elmer Clifford Young, dies at age 39. Elmer is age 44, and their children Robert and Florence are age 17 and 13.
Because their dates of death were extremely close together, my first hunch was that Grace Young probably nursed a sick and ailing Harriet Otis, and succumbed to what ever illness she had, since it was Grace who died second. Then I was lucky enough to find the obituaries for these two women. It was actually Grace who was ill for three-months, and Harriet was probably the one to nurse her, and Harriet was the one who succumbed to what ever Grace had. Harriet's obituary mentions that she had a short-term illness.
In a time when women were the primary caregivers for the sick and ailing, Harriet Otis probably nursed a sick and ailing Grace Young, who was not only her friend, but her family relation by marriage. Because of this close contact, Harriet probably contracted whatever Grace succumbed to, resulting in her own demise. Regardless of who was ill first or who nursed who, I think both women's deaths were related.
It has just been loss upon loss for these dear families!
Elmer brought his dear wife Grace, back home to Middletown and buried her at Indian Hill Cemetery in the Robert C. Young family plot.
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| Obituary for Grace Rockwell Young, wife of Elmer C. Young The Daily Times of Davenport, IA, September 15, 1905 |
Note the typos in the obituary: It should read E.C. Young, not E.L. Young, and it's Middletown, CT, not Middleton, PA, because Grace is indeed buried in Middletown, CT.
To see Harriet Otis' obituary, click HERE (scroll down to the section for "William Young Otis," and see the listing beneath William for his son "Ervin Lewis Otis").
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| Funeral announcement for Grace Rockwell Young, wife of Elmer C. Young Davenport Weekly, September 14, 1905 |
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| Burial of Grace Rockwell Young, wife of Elmer Clifford Young September 21, 1905. The Penny Press, Middletown, CT |
The above burial announcement says of Grace Young that “she is the second of the Middletown party to die in the west in a few months [Harriet Otis was the first], and it is said that some of the others are discouraged and will return to Middletown.” You think? I bet both husbands, Ervin Otis and Elmer Young, cursed the day they ever decided to move out to Iowa!
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| Funeral of Grace Rockwell Young September 23, 1905. The Penny Press, Middletown, CT |
Elmer: Wife #2: By 1906, Elmer (age 45) was back in Middletown, working as a machinist for Wilcox & Crittenden Company again. He is also married to his second wife, Lena Ecker Doebner (age 37), whose parents were born in Germany. They married on November 22, 1906. This was Lena's first marriage. (Lena—Born: abt 1869 / Died: March, 18, 1949, abt. age 80, in Portland, CT)
The 1910 Census Report shows Elmer and Lena living at his parent's home at "43 Babcock Street," (currently 43 Long Lane), along with his two children, Robert and Florence, now ages 22 and 18. Elmer's widowed mother, Sarah (age 73), is also residing there with them.
I have to mention this here, since I get the feeling that Elmer and Ervin Otis had such a close relationship. On October 11, 1915, another calamity strikes! Ervin Otis dies at St. Barnabas hospital in Newark, NJ after being struck by an automobile. He was only 46 years-old. I imagine that Elmer was blindsided by the death of his dear cousin.
I located a "1917 Connecticut Military Census" for Elmer Young. It's exciting when I can locate personal information on individuals! The Military Census says that Elmer was 5 feet / 7 inches tall, and weighed 175 pounds. He could not ride a horse, handle a team, or drive an automobile! He wasn't a good swimmer either. The same 1917 Military Census says for Elmer's son Robert L. Young, that he was 5 feet / 9 inches tall and weighed 140 pounds. He could ride a horse and handle a team, but could not drive an automobile. Like his father, he wasn't a good swimmer either. This type of information is priceless!
The 1910 Census Report shows Elmer and Lena living at his parent's home at "43 Babcock Street," (currently 43 Long Lane), along with his two children, Robert and Florence, now ages 22 and 18. Elmer's widowed mother, Sarah (age 73), is also residing there with them.
I have to mention this here, since I get the feeling that Elmer and Ervin Otis had such a close relationship. On October 11, 1915, another calamity strikes! Ervin Otis dies at St. Barnabas hospital in Newark, NJ after being struck by an automobile. He was only 46 years-old. I imagine that Elmer was blindsided by the death of his dear cousin.
Also, Elmer Young was at one time a Chancellor of the Apollo Lodge, Knights of Pythias. This group was (and still is) a fraternal organization and secret society. A Chancellor is one of the presiding officers of a Lodge. The Knights of Pythias was founded by Justus H. Rathbone, a Freemason, therefore, the Knights got inspiration from Freemasonry.
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| 146 Highland Ave. Google Street View |
Now, I'll skip to the 1940 Census, as the other Census years are unremarkable. The 1940 Census finds Elmer (age 79) and his wife, Lena (age 71), renting a home at 146 Highland Avenue in Middletown (High Street turns into Highland Avenue near Pameacha Pond). By now, Elmer is retired. Three years later, Elmer Clifford Young dies on Thursday, February 4, 1943, age 81 from "chordoma of sacrum, uremia, and paralysis of legs, bladder, and rectum." (Middletown Vital Statistics).
Chordoma of the sacrum is a rare type of bone cancer that occurs at the base of the skull or the sacrum—which is the bottom of the spine. It’s no wonder that poor Elmer had paralysis of his legs, bladder and rectum, along with uremia! Uremia is when there is high levels of urea (a component of urine) in the blood, which is the result of kidney damage.
Elmer's second wife, Lena, died about 1-year later on March, 18, 1949. I'm sure she missed him terribly. They were married for almost 37 years by the time Elmer died. Closely-timed deaths like this happen quite often to those who have been together for a long time, and who are dependent on each other. It's quite sad.
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| Obituary for Elmer Clifford Young, son Robert Clark Young and Sarah A. Cook February 5, 1943. The Middletown Press. |
Note: the obituary says that Elmer was "born in Hartford and had lived here most of his life." This is a mistake. I believe the Editor meant to say "Middletown," as what I have documented here for Elmer, proves he lived in Middletown most of his life, and not Hartford.
Elmer is buried near his two wives, Grace Rockwell Young and Lena Doebner Young at Indian Hill Cemetery (Middletown, CT) in the Robert C. Young Family plot. Buried from left to right is: Lena, Grace, and then Elmer.
Elmer is buried near his two wives, Grace Rockwell Young and Lena Doebner Young at Indian Hill Cemetery (Middletown, CT) in the Robert C. Young Family plot. Buried from left to right is: Lena, Grace, and then Elmer.
Gustelle M. Young Chapman (daughter of Enoch C. Young, niece of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, first cousin of Daniel H. Otis)
Daughter of Enoch C. Young and Esther Clark.
Born: Sunday, October 3, 1841 in Middletown, CT
Died: Saturday, September 19, 1903 (age 61 years, 11 months, 16 days), in Middletown, CT. Gustelle is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Uterine cancer"
Gustelle M. Young was born Sunday, October 3, 1841 in Middletown, CT. She married David Enos Chapman on November 29, 1863. (David—Born: October 2, 1838 / Died: June 24, 1917, age 78). David was born in Kensington, CT to David E. Chapman, Sr. and Amy Coles.
David's occupation was that of carpenter and builder. He ran his own business, with his shop located at 93 Main Street in Middletown. He employed his wife's nephew, Fred A. Young (Alonzo Young's son), as a "joiner." Fred lived with his Aunt Gustelle and Uncle David for many years.
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| "D. E. Chapman, Carpenter, Builder." Advertisement as it appeared in the 1889 Middletown City Directory |
In 1871, David E. Chapman shows up in the Middletown City Directory. He and his wife, Gustelle, are living at "92 Cross Street," which was the former Enoch C. Young family home. This house still stands and now has an address of "202 Cross Street" (See the "Enoch C. Young" subheading above for more information on this home). From 1890 to 1892, David and Gustelle live at "172 Cross Street," and by 1893, they were living at 154 Lincoln Place with their daughter Nettie (now called Lincoln Street). Their other daughter, Nellie was married and living at 95 Lincoln Place. From 1893 to 1895, Fred A. Young also lived at 154 Lincoln with his aunt and uncle.
Gustelle M. Young and David E. Chapman had the following children together (first cousins, once-removed, of Daniel H. Otis):
Twin Girls!
>Nellie Esther (Chapman) Umba (1865 - 1944). Nellie married Henry Charles Umba (1857-1930). They had five children together: Ernest Chapman Umba (1887-1967), Ivanette L. Umba (1890-1939), Annie E. Umba (1892-1966), Arnold David Umba (1894-1973), and Walter Henry Umba (1896-1982). Nellie and Henry owned a home at 95 Lincoln Place.
>Nettie M. (Chapman) Bywater (1865 - April 16, 1938). Nettie lived the single-life with her parents. In 1919, after her parents had died, Ernest Umba, her nephew, lived with her in the family home at 154 Lincoln. He probably kept a very lonely Nettie company until she married the next year, in 1920. On June 30, 1920, Nettie (age 55) married Wilfred C. Bywater (born: February 24, 1866 / died: June 18, 1959). It was Nettie's first marriage, and Wilfred's second. Wilfred was previously married to Christina M. Bywater (died: 1918).
I am taking a guess, but since David Chapman owned his own carpenter and builder business, I wonder if he built the house at 154 Lincoln Place, which still stands! The 1874, F.W. Beers map shows that Lincoln Place consisted of mainly empty lots, with homes yet to be built. At the time, there was only one home standing, and it was at 148 Lincoln (house still stands).
Incidentally, I am very family with Lincoln Place (now Lincoln Street)! From 2019 to 2021, I lived on that street in a house, on a lot that was once owned by J.P. Pelton, which sat directly across the street from the home of Gustelle and David Chapman. It's such a small world, that J.P. Pelton (Jonathan Peters Pelton of the 24th CT Infantry) was the brother of John Graves Pelton--who was Daniel Otis' Sergeant in Company B (14th CT). J.P. Pelton ended up selling the lot to Frederick M. King, his business partner, who built a brick duplex on the site in 1879 (153 and 155 Lincoln). They were in business together as "Pelton & King Printers." The J.P. Pelton house still stands too, at 250 Court Street. Just a side point: Frederick King's father, Ernest King, was the editor of the Penny Press (a Middletown newspaper). Ernest King ran the paper with his other two sons: Gerald and Claude King. Ernest also lived on Lincoln—at 148 Lincoln, which was right across from his son, Frederick’s, duplex. All these homes still stand!
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| F.W. Beers & Co. map of Middletown, 1874. Red arrow: Showing home of Gustelle & David Chapman at 154 Lincoln Place. |
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| Chapman home at 154 Lincoln Place (now Linclon Street) |
After a two-year long illness with "uterine cancer," Gustelle M. Young Chapman died on Saturday, September 19, 1903, at age 61. After his wife's death, David Chapman continued to live with his single daughter, Nettie, at 154 Lincoln.
I mention the following on the page for Gustelle Chapman's grave, but I wanted to mention it here too. I found it highly symbolic and almost serendipitous that the plant “partridge berry” (Mitchella repens) would be growing wild all over Gustelle Chapman’s grave, and her grave alone! As an herbalist, I am very familiar with this plant. Partridge berry is a creeping, ground-hugging, herbaceous plant, native to North America. Partridge berry is a uterine tonic par-excellence and a wonderful strengthener of that female muscle we call the uterus. Gustelle died of "uterine cancer," so the fact that this uterine-loving plant would be growing all over her grave is beautiful and healing. I hope that is a sign that she is healed, whole, and happy, wherever she is.
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| Partridge berry (Mitchella repens) growing wild over the grave of Gustelle Young Chapman. Look at the beautiful red berries! |
The "1917 Connecticut Military Census" says that 78 year-old David Chapman stood 6-feet tall and weighed 214 pounds. He suffered from rheumatism. He could not ride a horse, handle a team, drive an automobile, or a motorcycle. That's okay David! Back then, I probably wouldn't be able to ride, handle, or drive any of that stuff! Oh, and David wasn't a good swimmer either. So what, neither am I.
David Enos Chapman died on Sunday, June 24, 1917, age 78, from "chronic endocarditis with mitral valve insufficiency, and chronic articular rheumatism." The certifying physician was Charles B. Young.
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| Obituary for David Enos Chapman, son of David E. Chapman Sr. and Amy Coles. June 25, 1917. The Penny Press |
Since the above obituary is difficult to read, I transcribed it: "David E. Chapman, who for many years was a well-known builder in this city, died Sunday noon at his home, No. 154 Lincoln Street. He was born October 2, 1838, in Kensington, a son of David E. and Amy Coles Chapman, and is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Henry C. Umba of 95 Lincoln Street, and Miss Nettie M. Chapman, living at home, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He was a member of the First Methodist church. The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o’clock at his home. Rev. W.D. Beach, pastor of the First Methodist church, will officiate. Burial will be in Indian Hill Cemetery."
Gustelle, David, and their daughter Nettie, are all buried in the Chapman family plot at Indian Hill Cemetery, in Middletown. They actually share a plot with Gustelle's brother, Robert C. Young and his family. Nellie Chapman Umba and her husband Henry are also buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in their own plot. Wilfred Bywater is buried with his first wife, Christina at Indian Hill Cemetery.
A copy of David's will can be seen HERE.
Winfield Enoch Young (son of Enoch C. Young, nephew of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, first cousin of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Enoch C. Young and Esther Clark.
Born: Thursday, October 31, 1845 in Middletown, CT
Died: Saturday, October 1, 1910 (age 64 yrs, 11 mo, 1 day) in Middletown, CT. Winfield is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Arteriosclerosis"
Winfield Enoch Young was born Thursday, October 30, 1845 in Middletown, CT. In 1869, Winfield (age 24), first appears in the Middletown City Directory working as a “machinist” and living at his father, Enoch’s home at “foot of Cross,” which address is currently “283 Cross Street.” The 1870 directory is the same.
There is something interesting in the 1870 Census Report, which shows Winfield (age 25) living with his parents, Enoch and Esther. Also listed in the report along with the family of three, is 27 year-old Irish immigrant, Mary J. Welch. She works as an overseer at “Warfers & Winders” cotton mill. The Census makes no mention of the relation between Mary J. Welch and the Enoch Young family, whether she was just a boarder or otherwise.
By 1871, Winfield is an “overseer” in the woodworking department at the I.E. Palmer Company, Arrowanna Mills in Middletown. The company manufactured embrace canopies, mosquito nettings, screen cloth, sheer-finished linings, and hammocks.
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| Advertisement for I.E. Palmer of Middletown, CT, where Winfield Young held life-long employment |
Then on February 15, 1872, Winfield E. Young marries Mary J. Welch—of “Warfers & Winders” (Mary: 1843– 1902, age 59). Who was this Mary that Winfield eventually married? Was she boarding at the Enoch Young home in 1870, and perhaps she and Winfield fell in love? Or, was she already Winfield’s “love,” and they were living together before they were even married, perhaps under the watchful eye of his parents? I find this possible scenario fascinating for the time period they lived in.
In 1875, Winfield is now working as a “mechanic.” He will keep this occupation at the I.E. Palmer Company (Arrowanna Mills) until 1888 (age 43). From that point onward, he then works as a “contractor” for the same company. In 1896, which would have been 10-years after his father, Enoch's, death, Winfield and his family move from the Enoch C. Young home at “foot of Cross” to 364 Washington Street. Winfield is also listed in the City Directory as living at “Cross, corner of Butternut,” and in the 1880 Census as “41 Butternut Street.” These are just different descriptions of the same physical address located at “foot of Cross,” which is indeed at the corner of Butternut Street.
In 1902, Winfield’s wife of 30-years, Mary J. Welch, dies at age 59. In 1906, Winfield retires from his long-time job at the I.E. Palmer Company. The 1910 Census Report, which would be the last Census Report for Winfield, shows his marital status as "widowed," and his occupation as "retired." Also, his son Clifford, daughter-in-law Harriet, and his two grandchildren, Ruth and Gertrude, were living with him.
Then on Saturday, October 1, 1910, Winfield Enoch Young dies at age 64 years, 11 months, and 1 day. The Vital Statistics of Middletown list his cause of death as "arteriosclerosis." The certifying physician was Charles B. Young.
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| Obituary for Winfield Enoch Young, son of Enoch C. Young and Esther Clark October 3, 1910. The Penny Press |
Transcription of Obituary for Winfield E. Young: "Winfield Enoch Young died at his home, No. 364 Washing street, on Saturday night at the age of 64 years, 11 months, and 1 day. He had been a sufferer for some time from hardening of the arteries. For some years he was employed in the woodworking department at the factory of I.E. Palmer. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Finch, wife of Dr. George T. Finch of Thompsonville, and one son, Clifford W. Young of this city. The funeral will be held from his late residence on Tuesday afternoon at 3 o’clock. The services will be conducted by Rev. E. Champion Archeson and the burial will be in Indian Hill Cemetery."
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| Funeral announcement for Winfield E. Young October 4, 1910. The Penny Press |
Winfield E. Young is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery near his wife Mary, his son Clifford, his brother Alonzo and his sister Mary Louisa, and both of his parents at the Enoch C. Young family plot.
Just an important side point: Winfield Young (age 17 at the time) was one of the few individuals who visited the Maromas schoolhouse around the time that the remains of his veteran cousin, Daniel H. Otis, were due to be brought back home (the other visitor was Daniel’s brother, William Otis). Winfield most-likely stopped by the school to say a few words about Daniel to the class-mates he left behind. I always had a hunch that he and Daniel had an especially close relationship, and I would even bet that Winfield was one of the people that Daniel wrote to while down south in the Army. I can’t prove it, because there are no surviving letters of Daniel Otis. It’s just a strong gut-feeling. There was about a year-and-a-half age difference between the two cousins, Winfield Young and Daniel Otis, and I feel that Winfield’s visit to Daniel’s school lends weight to my feelings: that they had a close relationship. See "Daniel H. Otis: His Story," under the "Saying Goodbye" subheading for more information about this visit.
Winfield E. Young and Mary J. Welch had at least two children together (first cousins, once-removed, of Daniel H. Otis):
>Ida Augusta (Young) Finch (Born: December 4, 1874 / Died: August 22, 1967; age 92! ). Ida was a graduate of the "New Britain Normal School," which was a training school for teachers. She taught in the Enfield (Hartford County, CT) public schools. Ida married Dr. George T. Finch on June 28, 1898. George was a good 20 years older than Ida, and he came with two sons from a previous marriage. (George--Born: June 28, 1854 / Died: July 29, 1924). The research shows that Ida never had any biological children of her own. She and her husband George are buried at Thompsonville Cemetery in Enfield (Hartford County), CT.
>Clifford Winfield Young (Born: November 5, 1877 / Died: February 20, 1937; age 59). The 1917 Military Census for Connecticut says that Clifford served in the United States military (infantry) as a Corporal for 7 years. The Census also says that he was 5 feet / 6 inches tall, and weighed 148 pounds. He had grey eyes and brown hair. He knew how to ride a horse, handle a team, and drive an automobile. He even had a little bit of experience with steam engines, and was a good swimmer.
>Ida Augusta (Young) Finch (Born: December 4, 1874 / Died: August 22, 1967; age 92! ). Ida was a graduate of the "New Britain Normal School," which was a training school for teachers. She taught in the Enfield (Hartford County, CT) public schools. Ida married Dr. George T. Finch on June 28, 1898. George was a good 20 years older than Ida, and he came with two sons from a previous marriage. (George--Born: June 28, 1854 / Died: July 29, 1924). The research shows that Ida never had any biological children of her own. She and her husband George are buried at Thompsonville Cemetery in Enfield (Hartford County), CT.
>Clifford Winfield Young (Born: November 5, 1877 / Died: February 20, 1937; age 59). The 1917 Military Census for Connecticut says that Clifford served in the United States military (infantry) as a Corporal for 7 years. The Census also says that he was 5 feet / 6 inches tall, and weighed 148 pounds. He had grey eyes and brown hair. He knew how to ride a horse, handle a team, and drive an automobile. He even had a little bit of experience with steam engines, and was a good swimmer.
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| The 1917 Military Census for Connecticut Clifford Winfield Young |
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| Personal signature of Clifford Winfield Young, son of Winfield Enoch Young |
Clifford Young worked as both a woodworker and an electrician in Middletown. On August 15, 1905, Clifford (age 27) married German-born, 18 year-old, Harriet M. Arendt in Middletown. Harriet was the daughter of Edward Arendt and Marie Ross. (Harriet--Born: May 11, 1887 / Died: August 16, 1934, age 47).
Clifford and Harriet had three children together: 1) Ruth Mary (Young) Myrick (Born: March 9, 1907 / Died: January 30, 2003, age 95!). Ruth married John R. Myrick on April 17, 1931 in Cromwell, CT. 2) Gertrude H. Young (Born abt: 1909), 3) Winfield Edward Young (Born: February 7, 1911 / Died: March 18, 1997, age 86, in Hillsborough, FL). Winfield Edward, who went by the nickname "Winnie," worked as an electrician. His WW II Draft Card says that he was 5 feet / 8 inches tall, and weighed 170 pounds. He had blue eyes, blond hair, and a "ruddy" complexion. Winfield Edward married Marion Virginia. Their children's names are Winfield J. Young and Kathleen Young. Winfield J., who went by the nickname of "Wink," died on March 9, 2011 in Farmington, CT. He was a professor at Ward College of Technology at the University of Hartford. He was married to Jane Southwick (Young). I love how this family passed the name “Winfield” on through the generations!
Harriet M. Young (wife of Clifford W. Young) died on August 16, 1934 from "acute dilation of the stomach," at age 47.
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| Obituary of Clifford Winfield Young, son of Winfield Enoch Young and Mary J. Welch February 20, 1937. The Middletown Press |
Clifford Winfield Young died at Middlesex Hospital on February 20, 1937, from "retroperitoneal sarcoma, metastases," age 59 (Source: Middletown Vitals). Retroperitoneal sarcoma is a rare cancer that occurs in the retroperitoneum. The retroperitoneum is an anatomical space located behind the abdominal cavity and pelvis, where organs such as the major blood vessels, kidneys, pancreas and bladder are located. I'm sure much suffering was involved. How terrible for Clifford!
Clifford W. Young is buried at Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown, near his mother and father in the Enoch C. Young family plot. His wife Harriet is buried at St. John's Cemetery in Middletown (Source: Middletown Vitals). Perhaps separate burials was due to religious regions?
Robert I. Young (brother of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, uncle of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of William S. Young and Elizabeth Bailey.
Born: Saturday, June 27, 1812 in Maromas, Middletown, CT
Robert I. Young (brother of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, uncle of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of William S. Young and Elizabeth Bailey.
Born: Saturday, June 27, 1812 in Maromas, Middletown, CT
Died: Friday, January 11, 1889 (age 76) in Chatham, CT (now the town of East Hampton). Robert is buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Erysipelas," and "Exhaustion"
Robert I. Young was born Saturday, June 27, 1812 in Maromas, Middletown, Connecticut. He married Laura Ann Johnson, daughter of Henry Johnson and Mary Whitmore of Chatham, on November 15, 1836. (Laura—Born: Sept. 23, 1813 / Died: February 1, 1886, age 72).
The 1850 census shows Robert and his family living in Maromas, with his occupation being that of “farmer.” Robert was actually neighbors of the Erastus Otis family, living not too far north of them. Robert was also a carpenter by trade. Robert I. Young was mentioned in Jessie Alsop's "Sketch of Maromas," where it says that "in August 1836 Robert Young superintended the raising and enclosing [of the James Smith home], and that "the interior of the second story was not completed until 1852 and was done by Robert Young."
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| The James Smith homestead on River Road in the heart of Maromas. This home was also occupied by J. C. Muller |
Above is a 1950's photograph of the James Smith homestead which was located along River Road in the heart of the village of Maromas. This is the home that Robert I. Young superintended the raising and enclosing of. He also personally finished the interior of the second story. Notice the ugly crane out front just waiting to demolish this home. The heart of the village of Maromas was razed by C.A.N.E.L (Connecticut Advanced Nuclear Engineering Laboratory) in 1956. Now the area is occupied by Pratt & Whitney. Thank you to Maromas native, Rich Agostinucci for sharing this photo with me!
By 1860 the Robert Young family was living in Middle Haddam, which is about one-half mile across the river from Maromas. His occupation is listed as "carpenter."
The 1870 Census shows Robert, his wife, and youngest son, Martin, living in Chatham (renamed East Hampton in 1915). Robert is working as a "joiner." No doubt, Robert apprenticed all four of his sons to the trade, because, Henry, Jeremiah, Martin, and Egbert Young would all work as carpenters or joiners as their life-long occupation. What a wonderful father Robert must have been, training each of his sons in an honest occupation that they could work at to make a living, and support a family. What an accomplishment. He must have been a proud papa!
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| Personal signature of Robert I. Young from the will of Elizabeth Bailey Young (his mother). |
Robert's personal estate was valued at $1,500 and his real estate at $5,000. Both the Young and Otis families were well-off, because $5,000 in 1870 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $98,462.
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| 1874, F.W. Beers "County Atlas of Middlesex, Connecticut." |
The above image is a snip-view of the 1874, F.W. Beers "County Atlas of Middlesex, Connecticut." The red arrow (added by myself) is pointing to the home of Robert I. Young. My husband, whose occupation is that of working with maps, was able to locate the land where Robert's home used to be, which is currently Coughlin Road off of Route 66 in East Hampton.
We took a ride down Coughlin Road, which is a tiny, dead-end street with only three houses on it. The home of Robert I. Young no longer stands. The homes currently there are two modern homes, and a home built in the 1920's by Mr. Coughlin (the road was named after Coughlin. I think it should have been named after Young, than again, I'm partial). We were able to speak with the home owner of the 1920's Coughlin home and informed him that the land was originally owned by Robert I. Young in the 19th Century. The home owner was unaware that fact. The home owner told us that a dry-stacked granite wall ran the entire perimeter of what is now Coughlin Road, and the only part that remains of the wall is along Rt. 66 and partly on Coughlin Road, extending only as far as the 1920's home. He told us that he hired a contractor to dismantle most of the stone wall and buried it out back! What a sin!!! How sad!! I thought these historic New England stone walls were protected? All of what is currently Coughlin Road used to be the Robert I. Young homestead. We were happy to have seen the land where the Robert I. Young family lived!
1880 finds 68 year-old Robert still living in Chatham, but he is now back to his original occupation of "farmer," as listed in the Census Report for that year.
Then on Monday, February 1, 1886, Robert's wife of nearly 50-years, Laura Ann (Johnson) Young, dies at age 72 from "heart and kidney disease." The secondary cause of death was "anemia." Almost three years later, on Friday, January 11, 1889, Robert I. Young dies at age 76. The primary cause of death, as listed on his death certificate, was "erysipelas," with "exhaustion" listed as a secondary cause.
From what I researched, erysipelas is a bacterial infection in the upper layer of the skin, with the most common cause being Group A Strep. Erysipelas is similar to cellulitis, which is an infection in the lower layers of the skin. Today, erysipelas can be serious, but it’s rarely fatal, and it responds favorably to antibiotics. Because the condition can be treated with antibiotics, local complications are more common than systemic complications. However, Robert I. Young, didn’t have the luxury of antibiotic therapy in the 19th century and therefore the infection probably went systemic and killed him.
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| The Hartford Courant, January 14, 1889 |
The Hartford Courant of January 14, 1889 had a small death announcement for Robert. It's interesting to note that he served in the legislature in 1873, and that he held many "local offices." The legislature is a group of individuals with the authority to make laws for a political entity such as a country or city. So, Robert Young held a governmental office and was probably a very notable citizen because of it. Many of the Young and Otis family men were of upstanding members of their community.
Robert I. Young is buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown, CT, with wife Laura, and daughter Caroline. Robert is also buried in the same family plot with his son Jeremiah, plus Jeremiah's wife, Josephine, daughter Eva Agnes (Young) Kieft, and her husband William...and, William's two parents. (The Robert I. Young family plot)
Note: Chatham (now East Hampton) includes the boroughs of Cobalt, Middle Haddam, and Lake Pocotopaug.
Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson had five children together (first cousins of Daniel H. Otis):
>Caroline Maria Young (Born: July 12, 1838 / Died: June 8, 1857; age 18 yrs, 10 mo. 27 dys.) Caroline Young, the eldest child of Robert and Laura, died of "consumption." The Middletown Vitals listed that she was a "houseworker," and "single." How sad that Robert and Laura lose their only daughter at such a young age!
>Henry Robert Young (Born: April 17, 1840 / Died: June 8, 1907, age 67). See below for his genealogy.
>Jeremiah B. Young (Born: October 27, 1846 / Died: July 27, 1926, age 79). See below for his genealogy.
>Egbert Johnson Young (Born: November 17, 1852 / Died: May 20, 1909, age 56). See below for his genealogy.
Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson had five children together (first cousins of Daniel H. Otis):
>Caroline Maria Young (Born: July 12, 1838 / Died: June 8, 1857; age 18 yrs, 10 mo. 27 dys.) Caroline Young, the eldest child of Robert and Laura, died of "consumption." The Middletown Vitals listed that she was a "houseworker," and "single." How sad that Robert and Laura lose their only daughter at such a young age!
>Henry Robert Young (Born: April 17, 1840 / Died: June 8, 1907, age 67). See below for his genealogy.
>Jeremiah B. Young (Born: October 27, 1846 / Died: July 27, 1926, age 79). See below for his genealogy.
>Egbert Johnson Young (Born: November 17, 1852 / Died: May 20, 1909, age 56). See below for his genealogy.
>Martin Dana Young (Born: October 14, 1855 / Died: January 14, 1944; age 89). See below for his genealogy.
Henry Robert Young (son of Robert I. Young, nephew of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, first cousin of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson.
Son of Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson.
Born: Friday, April 17, 1840 in Maromas, Middletown, CT
Died: Saturday, June 8, 1907 (age 67) in Middletown, CT. Henry is buried at New Farm Hill Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Pleuro-pneumonia," and "anemia and heart failure."
Henry Robert Young was born Friday, April 17, 1840 in Maromas, Middletown, Connecticut to Robert I. Young and Laura Ann Johnson. No doubt Henry was named after he maternal grandfather, Henry Johnson of Chatham. Henry Young attended the little red schoolhouse in Maromas with his cousin Daniel Otis. But by 1860, at age 20, Henry was living with his family in Middle Haddam, which is about one-half mile across the river from Maromas. He worked as a clerk.
Henry is listed in the 1868 Middletown City Directory, working for a grocer on South Main Street, corner of Warwick Street. He resides at 7 Warwick, which is the same address as his Uncle William S. Young’s grocery business (his father's brother). However, his uncle’s grocery business doesn’t show up in the Directory until the following year. In 1869, Henry is listed in the Directory as definitely working for “Young & Camp Grocery," his Uncle William's business.
By 1870, Henry is employed as a carpenter, which will be his life-long occupation, taught to him by his father Robert Young. For 8-years, Henry worked as “head carpenter” for “The Connecticut Hospital for the insane,” (aka: Connecticut Valley Hospital), and then he worked as a carpenter at W. & B. Douglas for 18-years. At one point, Henry was Commander of the Mansfield Post, No. 53, G.A. R. (Middletown). He was also a past Noble Grand of Central Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workman.
While living in Chatham with his parents and working as a mechanic, 22 year-old Henry R. Young enlisted as "Sergeant" in Company H, 21st Connecticut Infantry on August 6, 1862. He Mustered in as “Second Sergeant” on September 5, 1862, and was appointed “Sergeant Major” on October 12, 1862. Henry was disabled from exposure while on picket duty at Fredericksburg and sent to Eckington Hospital in Washington D.C. on February, 1863. Then on December 12, 1863, he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. He mustered out on August 11, 1865. Read more about Henry's service in his obituary, below. Left: photo from Penny Press, 1907.
On August 10, 1864, Henry R. Young (age 24) married Maria E. Norton (age 20) in Hartford, CT. Maria Norton (December 13, 1843 - November 3, 1913, age 69), was the daughter of Jeremiah Norton and Parnel Lucas. On December 2, 1866, their first child is born—a son named Frank Johnson Young. Henry was 27 years-old.
Henry is listed in the 1868 Middletown City Directory, working for a grocer on South Main Street, corner of Warwick Street. He resides at 7 Warwick, which is the same address as his Uncle William S. Young’s grocery business (his father's brother). However, his uncle’s grocery business doesn’t show up in the Directory until the following year. In 1869, Henry is listed in the Directory as definitely working for “Young & Camp Grocery," his Uncle William's business.
By 1870, Henry is employed as a carpenter, which will be his life-long occupation, taught to him by his father Robert Young. For 8-years, Henry worked as “head carpenter” for “The Connecticut Hospital for the insane,” (aka: Connecticut Valley Hospital), and then he worked as a carpenter at W. & B. Douglas for 18-years. At one point, Henry was Commander of the Mansfield Post, No. 53, G.A. R. (Middletown). He was also a past Noble Grand of Central Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workman.
On May 25, 1871, Henry’s second child is born—a daughter named Cora B. Young. Henry was 30 years-old. During the years 1872 thru 1875, Henry is missing from the Middletown City Directories, so perhaps he moved out of town, or state, just as a few of his cousins have done.
In 1876, Henry shows up again in the Middletown City Directory, working as a carpenter and living in a house at 78 South Main Street. In 1878, his third and last child is born—a daughter named Bertha N. Young. Henry was 38 years-old.
In 1886, Henry's beloved mother, Laura, dies, as does the wife of his brother, Jeremiah. I am sure the two brothers found consolation in each other. 1888 finds Henry working as clerk for a year, and then in 1889, he is back to working as a carpenter at W. & B. Douglas Company (William & Benjamin Douglas Company), which is the same company his first cousin George Otis worked at for several years. Henry will remain at this company until the end of his life. The year 1889 is also when his father, Robert I. Young, dies.
Through the years, Henry and his family lived at several different addresses in Middletown: in 1884 at 259 William Street, in 1899 at 58 South Main Street, and in 1902 at 25 Burr Avenue, which would be his final address. On Saturday, June 8, 1907, just before midnight, Henry Robert Young died at age 67 in Middletown, CT. The Middletown Vital Statistics list his primary cause of death as "pleuro-pneumonia," and the secondary cause of death as "anemia and heart failure." His duration of sickness was for "11 days." His obituary says that he was "a man highly respected by all who knew him." Indeed.
In 1876, Henry shows up again in the Middletown City Directory, working as a carpenter and living in a house at 78 South Main Street. In 1878, his third and last child is born—a daughter named Bertha N. Young. Henry was 38 years-old.
In 1886, Henry's beloved mother, Laura, dies, as does the wife of his brother, Jeremiah. I am sure the two brothers found consolation in each other. 1888 finds Henry working as clerk for a year, and then in 1889, he is back to working as a carpenter at W. & B. Douglas Company (William & Benjamin Douglas Company), which is the same company his first cousin George Otis worked at for several years. Henry will remain at this company until the end of his life. The year 1889 is also when his father, Robert I. Young, dies.
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| 25 Burr Avenue. The final home of Henry R. Young. His son Frank, also died here too. I'm positive the home was nicer in Henry's day. |
Through the years, Henry and his family lived at several different addresses in Middletown: in 1884 at 259 William Street, in 1899 at 58 South Main Street, and in 1902 at 25 Burr Avenue, which would be his final address. On Saturday, June 8, 1907, just before midnight, Henry Robert Young died at age 67 in Middletown, CT. The Middletown Vital Statistics list his primary cause of death as "pleuro-pneumonia," and the secondary cause of death as "anemia and heart failure." His duration of sickness was for "11 days." His obituary says that he was "a man highly respected by all who knew him." Indeed.
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| Obituary for Henry Robert Young, son of Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson June 10, 1907. The Penny Press |
Transcription of Obituary for Henry R. Young:
DEATH OF HENRY R. YOUNG
Well Known Resident Passed Away at Midnight, Saturday.
Henry R. Young, a lifelong resident of Middletown, died at his home on Burr avenue just before midnight, Saturday. Mr. Young had been out of health for some time, but continued at his work. Deceased was a man highly respected by all who knew him. He was a veteran of the Civil War and took an active part in G.A.R. matters, and was also prominent in fraternal circles.
The deceased was born at Maromas, April 17, 1840, and at an early age removed with his parents to Chatham, from where he enlisted for three years, August 6th, 1862, in Company H., 21st Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. [He] was mustered as second sergeant, September 5th, 1862, and assigned to 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th Army Corps, and was appointed Sergeant major October 12th, 1862. Disabled from exposure while on picket duty at Fredericksburg and was sent to Echington Hospital, Washington, February, 1863, and reduced to sergeant through prolonged absence from regiment. Transferred to Portsmouth Grove, R.I., July 1863, and to V.R.C., December 12th, 1863, and was appointed first sergeant, 18th Company, 2nd Battalion, V.R.C., on duty at Provost Marshals, Providence, R.I., from February, 1864, to May, 1865. Transferred to Ira Harris General Hospital, Albany, N.Y., and honorably discharged August 11th, 1865, by reason of G.O., No. 116, War Department, O.G.O., June 17th, 1865.
Mr. Young was prominently identified with Mansfield Post, No. 53, G.A.R., of this city, and of which he was a past commander. He was also a past noble grand of Central Lodge, No. 12, I.O.O.F., and was also a member of the A.O.U.W.
The deceased leaves beside his wife, one son, Frank J., of Philadelphia, and two daughters, Cora B. and Bertha N., of this city. The deceased is also survived by three brothers, Jeremiah B., and M. Dana Young of this city, and Egbert J., of Meriden.
Mr. Young was eight years employed as head carpenter at the Connecticut Hospital for the insane, but for the past eighteen years had been carpenter at the W. & B. Douglas works, in this city.
The funeral will take place from his late home at 2:30, Tuesday afternoon, and will be conducted by Rev. F.W. Greene, of the South Congregational Church. The services at the grave will be conducted by the G.A.R. and I.O.O.F. Interment will be in Farm Hill new cemetery.
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| Funeral announcement for Henry R. Young June 11, 1907. The Penny Press |
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| Henry R. Young June 12, 1907. The Penny Press |
Henry's wife, Maria E. Norton Young, died on November 3, 1913 (age 69) in Hartford, CT from a "cerebral hemorrhage," (Source: Middletown Vitals).
Henry Robert Young is buried at New Farm Hill Cemetery in Middletown, CT with his wife Maria, son Frank, and daughter Cora. His daughter Bertha and her husband have their own separate grave-site to the left of the Henry R. Young family plot.
Henry R. Young and Maria E. Norton had three children together (first cousins, once-removed, of Daniel H. Otis):
>Frank Johnson Young (Born: December 2, 1866 / Died: August 26, 1907, age 41 yrs, 8 mo. 24 dys). In 1891, Frank married Emma Annie Chappell (1865-1942) of Rhode Island. They had one child together, a son named Raymond Henry Young (March 3, 1892- May 22, 1979). Raymond married Maria S., and they had one child named Bettina Emma Young, who married John Granby Benjamin.
Frank Young shows up in the Middletown City Directory in 1892, age 27, and working as a "foreman, chasing dept. M. Plate Co." and later for "Middletown Silver Co." He was a chaser and engraver by trade and worked at the Middletown Plate Company for 20 years.
He then became a traveling salesman for a similar company in Philadelphia, where he and his family moved to. While traveling by train for work, Frank was injured in an accident. Not long afterward, he suffered a hemorrhage of the stomach. He was taken to a hospital and found to have stomach cancer! “Surgeons could afford him no relief.”
A month after Frank became ill, his father, Henry Young, died. Sadly, Frank was not able to make it to his father's funeral because he was confined to his bed in Philadelphia. I feel so bad for Frank. What an emotional weight that must have been for him—not being able to say goodbye to his father because he himself was dying! Oh, the misery.
Frank J. Young suffered with stomach cancer for a total of three months and ended up dying at his parent's home at 25 Burr Avenue in Middletown on August 26, 1907 in the early morning hours. His obituary said that he was in “great pain.” Poor Frank! How awful for him. His poor mama was still emotionally raw from losing her husband, and now, her son.
The Middletown Vitals indeed list his primary cause of death as "carcinoma of stomach," and the secondary cause of death as a "railroad accident." Frank Johnson Young is buried at New Farm Hill Cemetery in Middletown, with his father, mother, and sister Cora . There is an infant girl whose name is also inscribed on Frank's headstone: "Barbara Sue Young, Feb. 26 - Oct. 2, 1920." This 7 month-old infant most certainly is not Frank's child. I am guessing the baby may have been his son's child—the granddaughter Frank never knew.
Franks' obituary says that he was a prominent member of the Temple of Honor and a past Grand Templar of the state of Connecticut. It also says that he was a “young man of many fine qualities that were generally recognized and earned for him the respect and commendation of his friends.”
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| Obituary of Frank Johnson Young, son of Henry R. Young and Maria E. Norton August 26, 1907. The Penny Press |
Transcription of Obituary for Frank J. Young:
“Frank J. Young died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Henry R. Young, 25 Burr avenue, at an early hour this morning, from cancer of the stomach, after three months of patient suffering. His latter days were accompanied by great pain. His age was 41 years, 8 months, and 24 days. Besides his mother, Mrs. Henry R. Young, he leaves a widow and one son, Raymond, and two sisters, Cora B. and Bertha N. Young. The deceased was well-known in this vicinity, where he had spent most of his life. He was a native of Middletown. Mr. Young was a chaser and engraver by trade, and was employed by the old Middletown Plate Company for 20 years and of late had been a traveling salesman for a firm in the same line of business, making his headquarters in Philadelphia. Previously he had been with and represented on the road the Middletown Silver Company. On May 17, while traveling on the Philadelphia and Reading railroad, he as injured in an accident and some time afterward suffered from a hemorrhage of the stomach. He was taken to a Philadelphia hospital where an operation was performed, but surgeons could afford him no relief, as it was learned what had been expected, that he was suffering from a cancer of the stomach. His death is doubly sad, as his father, the late Henry R. Young, died and was buried while Frank was confined to his bed in Philadelphia.
The family has the sympathy of a large circle of friends and acquaintances in their sad bereavement. Mr. Young was a young man of many fine qualities that were generally recognized and earned for him the respect and commendation of his friends. Mr. Young was at one time a prominent member of the Temple of Honor, and was a Past Grand Templar of the state of Connecticut.
The funeral will be held from his late residence on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. The services will be conducted by the Rev. E.W. Greene, and the burial will be in the new Farm Hill cemetery.”
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| Funeral announcement for Frank J. Young August 28, 1907. The Penny Press |
The other two children of Henry R. Young and Maria E. Norton are:
>Cora B. Young (Born: May 25, 1871 / Died: 1951, abt. age 80). The 1910 Census Report shows Cora (age 38 and single) living with her sister, Bertha, and her mother Maria (age 66 and widowed). They are living in a home on Sargeant Street in Hartford. Cora is working as a book-keeper at a packing house, and neither Bertha nor Maria have an occupation listed. Since both males of their family, Henry and Frank, are now dead, they are taking on a lodger, William H. Stevens (age 46), who works as a cover salesman.
The 1920 Census Report shows Cora Young (age 48 and single), living in Hampden, Mass. She works as a book-keeper in an office. Cora lives with her companion, 35 year-old Ruby S. Clark who is a school teacher. The 1930 Census Report is a similar status. Cora is age 58 and single, living in Hampden, working as a clerk at an insurance company. She still lives with her companion, Ruby S. Clark. At some point, Cora came back to Connecticut, because she died in 1951, at the age of 79/80 and is buried at New Farm Hill Cemetery in Middletown with her father, mother, and brother Frank.
>Bertha Norton (Young) Wells (Born: 1878 / Died: December 25, 1961, age 83). The 1910 Census Report shows Bertha (age 31 and single) living with her sister Cora and mother Maria (age 66 and widowed). They are living in a home on Sargeant Street in Hartford. Bertha has no occupation listed, and is probably keeping house and looking after her elderly mother while Cora works outside the home earning money. Since both "heads of their family," Henry and Frank, are now dead, the women are taking on a lodger, William H. Stevens (age 46), who works as a cover salesman.
A year after her mother dies, Bertha N. Young (age 36) marries William L. Wells (age 38) in Hartford, on June 16, 1914. (William—Born: 1876 / Died: October 31, 1927, age 51). William and Bertha continue to live in Hartford, with William working as a Clerk. They never had any children together.
After William's death, Bertha continued to reside in Hartford, working as a housekeeper. The 1956 Hartford City Directory shows 78 year-old Bertha, rooming at 40 Evergreen Avenue. This is the last time she shows up in the City Directory. Bertha dies on Christmas, December 25, 1961, at age 83.
Bertha and her husband William are buried at New Farm Hill Cemetery in Middletown. They have a joint gravestone right beside the Henry R. Young family plot. There is no date of death engraved into Bertha's side of the gravestone. It's just blank. She is definitely buried there, because her unremarkable obituary says that the burial was private and that she is buried at "Farm Hill Cemetery." Whoever oversaw her burial arrangements, either didn't have the funds to get the stone engraved with her date of death, or they just didn't care enough to have it engraved. Either way, her date of death is blank.
Son of Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson.
Born: Tuesday, October 27, 1846 in Maromas, Middletown, CT
Died: Tuesday, July 27, 1926 (age 79 years, 9 months) in San Diego, CA. Jeremiah was cremated at Clover Lawn Crematory in San Diego on July 29th with his ashes interred at Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown, CT.
Cause of Death: "carcinoma of prostate gland" with a contributory cause of "cystitis."
Jeremiah B. Young was born Tuesday, October 27, 1846 in Maromas, Middletown, Connecticut to Robert I. Young and Laura Ann Johnson. Might the "B" in his name stand for "Bailey," his paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Bailey's, name? His middle name is not stated anywhere! I was really hoping to find out what it was, but his death certificate just has the initial "B." Too bad, now only one can guess. Jeremiah went by the nickname of "Jerry."
Jeremiah also attended the little red schoolhouse in Maromas with his cousin Daniel Otis, who was 5-months younger. But by 1860, at age 14, Jeremiah moved with his family to Middle Haddam, which is about one-half mile across the river from Maromas.
On December 30, 1867, Jeremiah Young, age 21, married L. Josephine Tryon, age 18, in Old Saybrook, CT. (Josephine—Born: 1849 in Saybrook / Died: July 8, 1886, age 37)
Following in his older brother Henry's footsteps, Jeremiah also moves back to Middletown, and shows up in the 1870 City Directory, working as a carpenter and living in a home on 18 Hamlin. Both carpenter and builder would be Jeremiah's life-long occupations, a trade that his father, Robert I. Young, had taught him.
The Otis family (and Enoch Young) aren't the only ones who have the market cornered on family tragedies. Within a four year period, poor Jeremiah was pummeled with multiple family losses. After nineteen years of marriage, his beloved wife, Josephine dies on July 8, 1886, at age 37, from a "malignant pustule" and "blood poisoning." (Source: death certificate). A malignant pustule is a form of anthrax infection that begins as a small pimple, which then becomes a fluid-filled sac. The sac breaks with a discharge of toxins resulting in septicemia (aka: "blood poisoning"). The symptoms are miserably severe with vomiting, high fever, and profuse sweating. Even today, the infection is often fatal.
On December 30, 1867, Jeremiah Young, age 21, married L. Josephine Tryon, age 18, in Old Saybrook, CT. (Josephine—Born: 1849 in Saybrook / Died: July 8, 1886, age 37)
Following in his older brother Henry's footsteps, Jeremiah also moves back to Middletown, and shows up in the 1870 City Directory, working as a carpenter and living in a home on 18 Hamlin. Both carpenter and builder would be Jeremiah's life-long occupations, a trade that his father, Robert I. Young, had taught him.
The Otis family (and Enoch Young) aren't the only ones who have the market cornered on family tragedies. Within a four year period, poor Jeremiah was pummeled with multiple family losses. After nineteen years of marriage, his beloved wife, Josephine dies on July 8, 1886, at age 37, from a "malignant pustule" and "blood poisoning." (Source: death certificate). A malignant pustule is a form of anthrax infection that begins as a small pimple, which then becomes a fluid-filled sac. The sac breaks with a discharge of toxins resulting in septicemia (aka: "blood poisoning"). The symptoms are miserably severe with vomiting, high fever, and profuse sweating. Even today, the infection is often fatal.
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| Death announcement for L. Josephine Tryon, wife of Jeremiah B. Young. July 8, 1886. The Penny Press. |
The Penny Press announcement (above) lists Josephine Young's cause of death as "erysipelas." However, her death certificate lists her cause of death as "malignant pustule" and "blood poisoning." Erysipelas and a malignant pustule are NOT the same thing, so at least once source is incorrect. Regardless, Josephine died from a skin-related infection that went systemic. Uncannily, Jeremiah's father, Robert I. Young, would die from erysipelas a few years later in 1889.
That same year, in 1886, Jeremiah's mother, Laura Ann Young, also dies. Three years later, in 1889, his father, Robert I. Young dies. Then if that weren't enough, the next year, in 1890, his only son, Seth Colton Young, who was also his first-born, was lost at sea, dying at age 22.
Jeremiah Young finds the strength to go on, probably drawing comfort and strength from his two remaining children and family.
Jeremiah Young, Wife #2: In 1897, Jeremiah Young, age 51, marries his second wife, 38 year-old Leola Stiles, daughter of Andrew Stiles and Susan Frances Clark.
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| 40 South Main Street |
The 1910 Census finds them living in their own home on 40 South Main Street in Middletown, while Jeremiah, age 64, is working as a building contractor.
I came across a 1917 Connecticut Military Census for Jeremiah. I find these particular Census reports interesting because they list a few personal facts about the individual. Jeremiah was 5 feet, 8 ½ inches tall, and weighed 168 pounds. The Census listed him with a physical disability of a "hernia." He could ride a horse, handle a team, and drive an automobile, but he was not a good swimmer. His poor swimming skills is surprising since he grew up in rural Maromas with Hubbard Pond nearby.
Jeremiah and his wife continue to live on South Main Street until 1921, when they move to San Diego, California. I wondered what could have brought Jeremiah across the country at the advanced age of 75. It wasn’t until I researched his youngest daughter, Laura L. (Young) Rawson, that I discovered she and her husband were living out in San Diego with her son Kenneth. That was the draw for Jeremiah: family.
Jeremiah gets to enjoy his family and California-living for only about five-years, because on Tuesday, July 27, 1926, Jeremiah B. Young dies at age 79 in San Diego, California. His death certificate says that he died at 6:30 p.m. at Burlingame Hospital from "carcinoma of the prostate," with a secondary cause of "cystitis." He was ill for about 6-months with the prostate cancer and 2-months with cystitis. The death certificate also says that he was cremated at "Clover Lawn Crematory," on July 29th.
I imagine that one of Jeremiah's daughters, either Eva or Laura, arranged for his remains to be brought back home to Middletown and buried near his first wife, Josephine, in the "Robert I. Young family plot" in Pine Grove Cemetery, because Jeremiah has a grave-marker in the family plot, and his name is inscribed on the family's gravestone pillar. Cremated remains can be shipped back home, and apparently, a person's ashes can be buried in a cemetery just like their body would be buried in a casket. Also buried in the family plot are Jeremiah's father (Robert I. Young) and his mother, Laura. His daughter, Eva Agnes (Young) Kieft, and her husband William, along with William's two parents are buried there too. Jeremiah's son, S. Colton Young has a cenotaph there as well.
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| Obituary for Jeremiah B. Young, son of Robert I. Young and Laura Ann Johnson. July 28, 1926. The Middletown Press, Middletown, CT |
Jeremiah's obituary (above) is not a clean copy, and the last few sentences of it are faded, which is too bad. I have transcribed it here:
"Jeremiah B. Young of 856 17th Street, San Diego, California, died there at 6 o’clock last night, after five weeks illness. He was 79 years and nine months of age and is survived by his wife, Leola S. Young; two daughters, Mrs. Eva A. Kieft of Middletown and Mrs. Laura A. Rawson of San Diego, and a brother, M. Dana Young of Middletown. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Mr. Young was a former resident of Middletown, having been a carpenter and builder here for a number of years. About five and a half years ago he retired and went west to San Diego where he took up his residence until the time of his death….."
Jeremiah B. Young and L. Josephine Tryon had three children together (first cousins, once-removed, of Daniel H. Otis):
>Seth Colton Young (Born: 1868 / Died: 1890; age 22). Seth Colton Young, who went by the name "Colton" is listed in the Middletown City Directories from 1887-1890. He worked at "White & Deming Coal Co," and then the remainder of the years as a "laborer." He boarded at 48 Hanover with his widowed father, Jeremiah. Colton died in 1890 at the young age of 22.
The grave marker for S. Colton Young at Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown is a cenotaph. A cenotaph is an empty tomb or a monument erected in honor of a person whose remains are elsewhere. Colton could not be buried, because his cause of death is "lost at sea." I do not know the particulars of this tragedy and why Colton would be working one moment in Middletown as a laborer, and then "lost at sea," the next. I haven't found anything in the newspapers about Colton either. It is heart-wrenching to bury your own child, especially when taken so young. How much more so, when there is no body to bury! After all these years, my heart goes out to Colton and his parents. His cenotaph reads:
S. Colton Young
Son of Jeremiah B. & L. Josephine
Lost at Sea. 1890, age 22 yrs.
>Eva Agnes (Young) Kief) (Born: 1870 / Died: 1949, age 79). Eva married William J. Kieft (1873-1922). William emigrated from England in 1889. They had one child together, a son named Cecil William Kieft (Born: August 12, 1898 / Died: March 3, 1953). Cecil was a WW I Veteran. He married Florence Gromko (Born: October 17, 1905 / Died: August 26, 1980). Both Eva and her husband William are buried at Pine Grove Cemetery (Middletown) in the Robert I. Young family plot. Cecil and his wife Florence are buried in the same plot.
>Laura L. (Young) Rawson (Born: April 6, 1874/ Died: April 24, 1955, age 81, in Los Angeles, CA). No doubt, Jeremiah named his daughter Laura after his beloved mother, Laura A. Johnson Young.
Laura L. Young, (age 23) married 22 year-old Henry Rawson on November 3, 1897 in Middletown. (Henry—Born: January 16, 1875 / Died: May 27, 1946, age 71).
The 1900 Census shows Laura (age 26) married and living in Portland, CT (the town right across the river from Middletown) with her husband Henry (age 25), and their only child, a son named, Kenneth Colton Rawson (Born: September 13, 1899 / Died: September 20, 1974 in Los Angeles, CA). Henry Rawson was born in Marsden, U.K. and came to the U.S. when he was age 8. The Census lists Henry’s occupation as "moulder at a brass foundry." His employer is “W. B. & Douglas.”
The 1910 Census find them still living in Portland with Henry working as a “car maker.” The 1920 Census finds Laura and Henry living on Long Hill in Middletown. Their son Kenneth (now age 23) is a sailor living (and stationed) in San Diego, CA. Kenneth had blue eyes, red hair, and was 6 feet tall. Kenneth eventually married "Evelyn M." It’s no surprise that the 1930 Census finds Laura (age 56) and Henry (age 55) living in San Diego, California, most-likely to be closer to their son, Kenneth. Laura is a “homemaker,” and Henry is working as an elevator operator at a department store. The 1940 Census finds Laura (age 66) and Henry (age 65) still living in San Diego at 856 17th Street with Henry working as a “receiving clerk.” The highest grade Laura completed was “elementary school, 8th grade,” and Henry, “elementary school, 7th grade.”
Henry Rawson died on May 27, 1946 (age 71), in San Diego, CA. Laura Young Rawson died April 24, 1955 (age 81) in Los Angeles, CA. Henry Rawson's name, birth year, and death year, are engraved in the central gravestone pillar at the Robert I. Young family plot (Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown, CT). Henry Rawson's father-in-law, Jeremiah B. Young, is buried in this plot as well, and I assume this is where Laura Young Rawson (wife of Henry and daughter of Jeremiah) should be buried as well.
The 1900 Census shows Laura (age 26) married and living in Portland, CT (the town right across the river from Middletown) with her husband Henry (age 25), and their only child, a son named, Kenneth Colton Rawson (Born: September 13, 1899 / Died: September 20, 1974 in Los Angeles, CA). Henry Rawson was born in Marsden, U.K. and came to the U.S. when he was age 8. The Census lists Henry’s occupation as "moulder at a brass foundry." His employer is “W. B. & Douglas.”
The 1910 Census find them still living in Portland with Henry working as a “car maker.” The 1920 Census finds Laura and Henry living on Long Hill in Middletown. Their son Kenneth (now age 23) is a sailor living (and stationed) in San Diego, CA. Kenneth had blue eyes, red hair, and was 6 feet tall. Kenneth eventually married "Evelyn M." It’s no surprise that the 1930 Census finds Laura (age 56) and Henry (age 55) living in San Diego, California, most-likely to be closer to their son, Kenneth. Laura is a “homemaker,” and Henry is working as an elevator operator at a department store. The 1940 Census finds Laura (age 66) and Henry (age 65) still living in San Diego at 856 17th Street with Henry working as a “receiving clerk.” The highest grade Laura completed was “elementary school, 8th grade,” and Henry, “elementary school, 7th grade.”
Henry Rawson died on May 27, 1946 (age 71), in San Diego, CA. Laura Young Rawson died April 24, 1955 (age 81) in Los Angeles, CA. Henry Rawson's name, birth year, and death year, are engraved in the central gravestone pillar at the Robert I. Young family plot (Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown, CT). Henry Rawson's father-in-law, Jeremiah B. Young, is buried in this plot as well, and I assume this is where Laura Young Rawson (wife of Henry and daughter of Jeremiah) should be buried as well.
But honestly, I'm not sure where either Laura or Henry are buried, and have not been able to confirm where their final resting places are. Though, it certainly seems like that side of the family plot was meant for Henry and Laura.
Henry Rawson may have his name, birth year, and death year engraved at the family plot, but he has no grave-marker like the rest of the family does there. So, is he really even buried there? See pictures of the Robert I. Young family plot HERE. Laura Young Rawson's name is not engraved at the family plot in Pine Grove Cemetery, and there is no grave-marker for her there either.
Perhaps I will revisit this again in the future, and see if I can locate any documents. So far, I haven't.
Egbert Johnson Young (son of Robert I. Young, nephew of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, first cousin of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson.
Son of Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson.
Born: Wednesday, November 17, 1852 in Maromas, Middletown, CT
Died: Thursday, May 20, 1909 (age 56) in Meriden, CT. Egbert is buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Meriden.
Cause of Death: multiple internal injuries from falling four stories (30-feet) to the ground, plus a broken femur, and spinal column injuries—which resulted in paralysis.
Egbert Name Trivia: The name Egbert means "bright edge" from the Old English elements ecg "edge of a sword" and beorht "bright.” Egbert (also spelled Ecgberht) was King of Wessex from 802 until his death in 839.
Egbert Johnson Young was born Wednesday, November 17, 1852 in Maromas, Middletown, Connecticut to Robert I. Young and Laura Ann Johnson. Egbert attended the little one-room school house in Maromas with his first-cousin Daniel Otis, as well as his other Young family cousins.
By 1860, Egbert had moved to Middle Haddam with his family. The 1880 Census Report shows Egbert (age 27) living in Chatham with his parents, and his recently married younger brother, Martin. Egbert is single and “works on a farm.”
On December 4, 1884, Egbert Johnson Young (age 32) marries Isabella Virginia Rogers (age 38) of Meriden (New Haven County), Connecticut. Isabella (1846 - ?) was the daughter of Elam Hervey Rogers and Elizabeth A. Tryon. Some notes: I could not locate a date of death for Isabella, and no date of death is inscribed on her gravestone either. She seemed to just disappear. Also, Jeremiah, the older brother of Egbert, married a Tryon.
Egbert J. Young and Isabella V. Rogers had one child together, a son, Hervey Robert Young (Born: May 27, 1885 / Died: December 30, 1969 in Meriden, age 84). Woops! Look at the date of marriage for Egbert and Isabella, compared to the birth date of their first born. Isabella was 4-months pregnant when she married Egbert. From my research, I found that this situation was not uncommon.
Egbert worked as a joiner for C. L. Little, and as a carpenter. He also worked in the “casket trimming department” of C. Rogers & Brothers. The brothers being: Cephas Brainerd Rogers, Wilbur F. Rogers, and Gilbert Rogers. Egbert’s wife, Isabella V. Rogers, was the sister of the previously mentioned brothers. This made Egbert, a brother-in-law.
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| 1906, C. Rogers & Brothers facility in Meriden, CT Egbert J. Young was the brother-in-law of C. Rogers and his two brothers. Image from the 1906 book, "A Historic Record & Pictorial Description of the Town of Meriden," by Charles Bancroft Gillespie and George Munson Curtis |
The book, “History of New Haven County, Volume 1” by John L. Rockey, says that "C. Rogers & Brothers has now become one of the principal manufacturing centers of the city of Meriden…About three hundred hands are steadily employed…The products of the factory are ranged in three departments: silver plated spoons, forks, knives, and table ware, casket trimmings and undertaker’s supplies, furniture hardware.”
Here is a bit more on C. Rogers & Brothers, the in-laws of Egbert Young:
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| C. Rogers & Brothers from the same 1906 book, "A Historic Record & Pictoral Description of the town of Meriden," by Charles Bancroft Gillespie and George Munson Curtis. |
When I searched the newspapers for Egbert, it got really wild! He was like a celebrity, always in the local Meriden newspaper—“The Journal”—for one thing or another, and being especially accident-prone. As a researcher, finds like this are priceless. Lets' go through the articles!
A (incorrect) Moving Announcement!
“The Journal.” Friday, October 29, 1886
There is a little newspaper announcement that Egbert, and his wife of two-years are renting a place in Middletown. Though, I do believe the newspaper meant to say “Meriden,” because Egbert is not listed in the Middletown City Directory for 1886. In fact, he was never listed in the Middletown City Directories at any time. But, he is listed in the Meriden City Directory for 1886, living at “288 Crown” Street and working as joiner for “C. L. Little.” Egbert will be listed in the Meriden City Directory for the next few years.
Raffle Time!
“The Journal.” August 30, 1887
“The Journal.” August 30, 1887
I’m not really sure what to make of this. But I’m completely fascinated by Egbert’s eccentric behavior and out-of-the-box thinking in regards to the way he unloaded his house at "286 Crown Street!" (house still stands).
He held a raffle and actually had 1,500 tickets printed off, which he charged $4 each for. The tickets went on sale in New Haven, Hartford, and Meriden. This is genius! I guess the apple doesn’t fall to far from the tree, because his paternal grandfather, William S. Young, was the business-savvy individual as well!
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| "The Raffle House" Google Street View of "286 Crown Street," Meriden, CT This is the home Egbert raffled off! |
The above picture is from the Google Street View of "286 Crown Street." In more modern times, it looks as if a third floor level was added, or perhaps the original attic space was converted to a more livable third floor apartment. It's currently a nicely kept home, and I bet it was lovely in its day.
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| 1887 Meriden City Directory Egbert J. Young at "286 Crown." |
I Want My $20!
“The Journal.” September 14, 1887
“The Journal.” September 14, 1887
Egbert and his wife are being sued by Mary Quinn for $20. I guess it’s gotten to the point of a court case.
Now, I Want My $30?
“The Journal.” September 22, 1887
“The Journal.” September 22, 1887
The case of Mary Quinn vs. Egbert Young continues. Now the amount is up to $30. Funny how the media got such simple facts wrong, isn’t it? Guess some things never change. But apparently, the money owed to Ms. Quinn was for six weeks’ worth of nursing services. I believe Egbert's wife was not well.
The 1888 Meriden City Directory says that Egbert was “removed to New Haven.” I guess that was the reason for wanting to unload his home at “286 Crown.” I hope he made a profit.
By 1892, Egbert is back in Meriden, boarding at home on “Arlington,” and working at his in-laws company, “C. Rogers & Brothers.” His son Hervey is now 7 years-old.
The next year, in 1893, Egbert is “removed to New Haven” again.
In 1894, Egbert is back in Meriden, working for “C. Rogers & Brothers,” and rooming at “286 Crown.” Wait a second! This is the same house that he raffled off in August of 1887, and now he’s rooming there? I know I’m totally missing something in Egbert’s life that directories, census reports, and newspaper articles can never communicate!
Ouch!!!
“The Journal.” June 5, 1895
“The Journal.” June 5, 1895
Oh my goodness, I bet Egbert saw stars when that stone landed on his big toe, crushing it to oblivion. The pain! His poor toe was crushed so badly, that the bone had to be removed. And it seems like he had a long hospital stay because of it. So much so, that he was listed in the Meriden City Directory with his address as “in hospital!”
During the course of my research, I have looked at hundreds of pages from various city directories, and not once have I ever seen someone listed as "in hospital" in any of them, as Egbert is listed here in the 1895 Meriden City Directory! (image below). Usually the city directories are for listing an individual's home address and who they work for, not to list that they're in the hospital! This is so in-line with Egbert's eccentric behavior. I love it!
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| Snip-view of the 1895 Meriden City Directory for Egbert J. Young. "in Hospital." |
According to the Meriden City Directories, from 1896 to 1898, Egbert rooms in a home at 95 West Main Street in Meriden. His son, Hervey, turned 13 year-old in 1898.
Contempt of Court!
“The Journal.” October 13, 1898
“The Journal.” October 13, 1898
More troubles and court issues for Egbert.
Apparently, some guy William Trewhella assaulted Egbert Young, and it went to court. Egbert, who was not only the complainant, but also the principal witness, failed to appear at the court hearing! Instead he was home "in bed."
Oh Egbert, you can’t do that. Even if you, the victim, don’t show up, they will arrest your ass for “contempt of court!” That’s the rules of their game. Well, when Egbert was summoned, he told them that “he would not go to court.” Can’t say that I blame him.
Anyway, the article says that Egbert met this Trewhella character at a saloon on West Main Street. They had some words and the creep struck Egbert, drawing blood. It seems like Egbert didn’t want to deal with the legal nonsense, because he said that he’d “rather settle the case” even if he had to “pay the costs himself.”
The Prisoner.
"The Journal." October 14, 1898
This is so typical of our "justice" system. Here it is, Egbert Young was assaulted, yet he is the one whose name is sited in the papers as being “the prisoner,” when in reality he was the victim! The court left him in jail since "10 o'clock yesterday morning" (October 13th), which was probably close to 24 hours. I’d bet that Trewhella wasn’t even held that long for assault. In my opinion, a small fine for Egbert would have sufficed, instead of jail time.
The case was finally settled for a payment of $10, which in the year 2020 is equivalent to $311.
Back to Crown Street! By 1899, Egbert and his son are living in a home at 141 Crown Street in Meriden (house still stands).
The 1900 Census Report shows 48 year-old Egbert boarding at 141 Crown Street in Meriden with his 15 year-old son Hervey. There are six other boarders living at the house besides Egbert and his son. The “head” of the house is Josephine Davies, who lives there with her four children.
Egbert is working as a “carpenter” and his young son is “at school.” There is no sign of Egbert's wife, Isabella. Egbert’s marital status is listed as “married,” but I wonder if his wife may already be dead by 1900; perhaps even that same year? Did Isabella Young, wife of Egbert, fall sick? Was a sickness the reason for their needing six weeks’ worth of nursing services back in September 1887?
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| Google Street View of 141 Crown Street in Meriden |
Twice Broke.
"The Journal." February 6, 1901
In February 1901, Egbert runs into more bad luck.
Egbert, who is working for his in-laws at C. Rogers & Brothers, was in New Haven on business. He was on the way to catch a train, when he slipped and fell on an icy sidewalk, breaking his right leg in two places! I wonder if that was the same leg where his big toe got smashed back in 1895? Gosh, I hope not. The leg fracture was reported as “severe,” but despite that Egbert was “doing well.”
Some Good News: Hervey Robert Young Gets Married!
"The Journal." September 3, 1906
"The Journal." September 3, 1906
Egbert’s son gets married!
Hervey Robert Young marries Gertrude McElroy—daughter of Charles McElroy. Hervey, who preferred the name “Robert,” would have five children together with Gertrude: Mabel Isabelle Young-Higgins (1908 - 1987), Robert Wallace Young (1910 – 1988), Verna M. Young-Rhodes (1917 - no date on her grave), Virginia L. Young-McCarthy (1918 – 2010), Warren Stewart Young (1927 – 2002).
The 1917 Military Census Report, The WW1 and WW2 Registration Records for Hervey Robert say that he was 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and had hazel eyes, red (auburn) hair, and a "ruddy" complexion. He could ride a horse, handle a team, drive an automobile, and a motorcycle. He also had experience with a steam engine and a boat (power or sail). Plus, he was a good swimmer. Egbert taught him well!
A Tragic Accident!
"The Journal." Thursday, May 20, 1909
"The Journal." Thursday, May 20, 1909
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| Egbert Johnson Young dies on Thursday, May 20, 1909. |
This was one of the last articles I found in "The Journal" for Egbert, and I didn't except this. When I saw the title, my stomach dropped. I couldn't believe that this is how it ended for Egbert! What a tragic ending to such a unique human being.
There was staging set up because Egbert and a crew were making alterations to a building. Egbert was working on the staging and when he stepped on the edge of a plank, it tipped, causing him to plummet four stories down to the ground! He fractured his femur (damn, the leg again! I bet it was the same leg he broke back in 1901 with a fall on the ice), and sustained internal injuries, which proved fatal.
As my little son kept saying, "Poor Egbert! He didn't deserve to die like that." No, he certainly didn't.
Of note in the above article, is that by 1909, Egbert was a widower, "He was a widower and leaves a son in Bridgeport." However, his death announcement that appeared in the Middletown newspaper, Penny Press, contradicts this! See below.
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| "The Journal." May 21, 1909 |
Egbert Johnson Young is buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Meriden, CT with his wife Isabella, son Hervey (and Hervey's wife), and one grandson. To see their graves, please visit "The Young Family Gravestones" and scroll down to the "Egbert J. Young Family Plot."
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| Death announcement for Egbert Johnson Young, son of Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson. May 20, 1909. The Penny Press. |
This death announcement from the May 20, 1909, Penny Press newspaper, gives some additional information into Egbert's death.
Egbert actually fell 30-feet from the Barbour Silver Plate building, and on the way down, he crashed through the roof of a nearby shed! How utterly horrible! A loose plank is what caused Egbert to lose his footing. In addition to his broken leg and internal injuries, he also had a spinal injury, resulting in paralysis to one side of his body!
The Penny Press article says that he left behind a widow, "who has been out of health for some years." So, at the time if Egbert's death, was his wife alive or not? The plot thickens, because there is no date of death inscribed on his wife's gravestone, and I could not locate any trace of her during my research. I tend to believe what Egbert's hometown newspaper reported in Meriden—that he was a widower.
I transcribed the above death announcement here, since the type-face is not very clear:
DIED OF HIS INJURIES
Egbert J. Young Expired at the Meriden Hospital This Afternoon.
Relatives in this city [Middletown] this afternoon at 1 o’clock received a telephone message announcing the death of Egbert J. Young at the Meriden hospital about 12:30, as the result of injuries sustained on Wednesday, when he fell a distance of about 30 feet from the building of the Barbour Silver Plate company, and crashed through the roof of an adjoining shed. The fall was caused by a loose plank.
The injured man was taken to the Meriden hospital, where it was found that one leg was broken, and there were evidences of internal injuries and an injury to the spine. One side was paralyzed, and that was taken to indicate either a displacement or a break in the spinal column.
The deceased leaves a widow, who has been out of health for some years, and one son, a resident of Meriden, and two brothers, J.B. Young and M. Dana Young, of this city. Another brother, Henry Young, died about a year ago. All four brothers were carpenters.
It was simply a pleasure to research and write for Egbert Johnson Young! He emerged as one of my family’s favorite individuals from the Young family. Egbert will always have a special place in our heart.
Martin Dana Young (son of Robert I. Young, nephew of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, first cousin of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Robert I. Young and Laura A. Johnson.
Born: Sunday, October 14, 1855 in Cobalt, CT (Cobalt is a borough of Chatham, now East Hampton).
Died: Friday, January 14, 1944 (age 89), in Cromwell, CT. Martin is buried at Wilcox Cemetery in East Berlin, CT.
Cause of Death: "Cerebral hemorrhage" and "general arteriosclerosis"
Martin Dana Young was born Sunday, October 14, 1855 in Cobalt, CT to Robert I. Young and Laura Ann Johnson. Cobalt is a borough of Chatham (now East Hampton). From my research, Martin seemed to prefer his middle name “Dana,” and went by the name “M. Dana Young.” In 1879, Martin married Emma E. Belden, daughter of Perry Belden and Margaret Taylor. (Emma—Born: January 18, 1857 / Died: October 12, 1932, age 75 ). The 1880 Census shows Martin living at his parents' home in Chatham with his new bride. He "works on a farm."
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| 146 High Street |
In 1884, Martin shows up in the Middletown City Directory for the first time, living in a home at 93 South Main Street, and working as a "joiner." I don't want to list every single address Martin lived, at because he moved around just as much as his first-cousin George Otis did, which was a lot. In Middletown, Martin lived on: Court St., Broad St., William St., and then back to Broad St. again, living at various addresses on that street. The 1903 City Directory now lists Martin's occupation as "carpenter," which he no doubt learned from his father, Robert I. Young. In 1930, Martin lived at 146 High Street, which home is now owned by Wesleyan University. The house still stands, and is really cute too.
Martin D. Young and Emma E. Belden had one child together, Clifford Dana Young (Born: October 27, 1881 / Died: August 10, 1944, age 62). Clifford never married, and was living with his parents at age 48, per the 1930 Census. He worked as a Statistician at a textile mill. Clifford died at Sanibel Hospital, a private hospital in Middletown, from "cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and chronic pulmonary emphysema." The Vitals also listed him as "single."
The 1917 Connecticut Military Census says of Martin D. Young, that he (at age 60), was 5 feet / 8 inches tall, and weighed 180 pounds. He is listed with a physical disability of "bad kidneys." He could not ride a horse, nor drive an automobile, but he could handle a team. He wasn't a good swimmer. The 1940 Census says that the highest grade Martin D. Young completed was: “Elementary school, 8th grade.” So many of the Young and Otis family men didn't have education beyond 8th grade, but that didn't stop them from holding technical jobs like mechanic, machinist, carpenter, and joiner, to name a few. Those Young and Otis family men who didn't have technical jobs (like Martin's cousin, Earl Young, who was a "teamster and truckman"), still had steady employment that they used to support either themselves with, or a family.
On October 12, 1932, Martin Young loses his wife of over fifty-year. Emma Belden Young died on October 12, 1932; age 75.
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| Obituary for Emma Belden Young, wife of Martin Dana Young. Hartford Courant for October 13, 1932 |
On Friday, January 14, 1944, Martin Dana Young (age 89) died of a "cerebral hemorrhage and general arteriosclerosis." For the longest time, I could not locate the final resting place of Martin, his wife, or his unmarried son. It wasn't until I searched the Middletown Vital Statistics for his cause of death that I came across a lead as to where he may be buried. The Vitals only listed the town (not the cemetery) he was buried in. The town listed was "East Berlin, CT."
East Berlin is not a big town and they only have one cemetery, which is Wilcox Cemetery. Myself, my husband, and our son combed the entire cemetery for Martin and his family with absolutely no luck. We wondered if this was another case of "buried, but no grave-marker." As this was the exact situation we found ourselves in while trying to locate Martin's uncle: William L. Young, and his family (see the "William L. Young" subheading below). William, his wife, and his unmarried son were all buried in a plot without markers.
My husband made a phone call and got in touch with the caretaker of Wilcox Cemetery. The caretaker was extremely kind and helpful. According to his records, not only was Martin buried there, but his wife Emma, and son Clifford were too! The caretaker explained to my husband where their plot was located. We told him that we'd be going out soon to take another look.
My husband and I wondered how we could have overlooked them, as the cemetery was not very large. Then we wondered if it was possible that the entire family was buried without markers, exactly the same way William L. Young and his family were. We dismissed that idea, and thought for sure we overlooked them, because what are the chances of yet more Young family members being buried without grave-markers?
Unexpectedly, we got a phone call back from the caretaker, who, in his kindness, took it upon himself to physically go out to the cemetery to see the graves. Sure enough, he said there were no grave-markers for Martin and his family, and that's why we "overlooked" them!
My husband and I think it's already strange enough that yet another set of Young family members have no grave-markers, but it's even MORE strange that BOTH sets of Young family members who are without grave-markers, consist of a father, a mother, and an unmarried son!
William L. Young, his wife Esther, and their unmarried son, Earl were all buried in a plot at Pine Grove Cemetery with no grave-markers (again, see the "William L. Young" subheading below), and now Martin Dana Young, his wife Emma, and their unmarried son, Clifford, are also buried in a plot with no grave-markers! I wonder how common this was and if we are going to find a third set of Young peeps without grave-markers! I have accounted for all of the key members of the Young family, except for Lizzie Young and her husband Henry Kriesing, though I have my suspicions that they are buried beside their son, Fred Kriesing, at Old Farm Hill Cemetery, in unmarked graves. So yes, there is most-likely a third set of Young peeps without grave-markers!
Nonetheless, we placed some really nice (and quite sturdy) temporary grave-markers for the Martin Young family. I'm just happy we located this family!
Son of William S. Young and Elizabeth Bailey
Born: Monday, September 6, 1819 in Maromas, Middletown, CT
Died: Friday, October 13, 1882 (age 63 years, 1 month, and 7 days) in Middletown, CT. William is buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown.
Cause of Death: "Calculus of the kidney"
William L. Young was born Monday, September 6, 1819 in Maromas, Middletown, Connecticut. He married Esther A. Smith (born March 27, 1826) of Middletown on December 24, 1844. They were married by Reverend Andrew L. Stone. Esther's parents' names were Simeon and Eunice Smith. (Esther Smith—Born: March 27, 1826 / Died: January 12, 1875; age 48 ).
The 1850 census shows William and his family living in Maromas, with his occupation being that of “farmer.” Until 1865, William and his family lived in a house on Brooks Road that he acquired from his father William S. Young, who acquired it from his father, Silvanus Young (see "The William Young House on Brooks Road, Maromas, Middletown, CT" subheading below for more info on this house).
The 1850 census shows William and his family living in Maromas, with his occupation being that of “farmer.” Until 1865, William and his family lived in a house on Brooks Road that he acquired from his father William S. Young, who acquired it from his father, Silvanus Young (see "The William Young House on Brooks Road, Maromas, Middletown, CT" subheading below for more info on this house).
As of 1869, William began showing up in the Middletown City Directory, living in a house on Durham Avenue (now South Main St.). This is perhaps the same year he opened up a grocery business with his son-in-law Charles Coe Camp. The name of their business was "Young & Camp Grocers," at 7 Warwick Street in Middletown.
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| "Young & Camp, grocers" appears for the first time in the 1869 Middletown City Directory, as does William L. Young with a house ("h") on Durham Road. Now South Mains St. |
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| "Young & Camp" is both a grocers and butchers on 7 Warwick. Middletown City Directory, 1871 |
By 1871, "Young & Camp" was also a "grocers and butchers." The 1876 Directory lists "Young and Camp" in the business section under "Groceries and Provisions," and "Meat Markets." The meat market part of the business was listed under Charles Camp's name, and the groceries part was listed under William's name, with both grocery and meat being housed at 7 Warwick. However, in 1878, after nine years in business, "Young & Camp" closed its doors. Though no longer in the grocery/meat business, William continued to be listed in the City Directory, living in the same house on Durham Avenue (South Main Street).
I would bet that William lived in the same building that housed his grocers business on Warwick, as the building itself wraps around to Durham Avenue (now South Main Street). See images below.
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| 7 Warwick Avenue in Middletown The former location of "Young &Camp" Grocers |
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| The building that once housed "Young & Camp" is relatively large and wraps around onto South Main Street (formerly Durham Avenue). At the time I took the picture (2019), it housed a laundromat, a Citgo gas station, and J & R convenience store. Click (tap) the image to enlarge. |
William's wife, Esther (Smith) Young, died on Tuesday, January 12, 1875 of "pneumonia." She was 48 years, 9 months, and 16 days old. After the death of his wife, William lived with his daughter Emilie and her husband Charles Coe Camp, who was his son-in-law and former business partner at "Young & Camp."
Seven years later, on Friday, October 13, 1882, William L. Young died of "calculus of the kidney." He was 63 years, 1 month, and 7 days old. Calculus of the kidney is another word for a kidney stone, and not a pleasant way to die! The CNN Health article, "Kidney Stones: Worse than Childbirth," (the title alone is enough to get the point across!), asks the question, "Can stones ever be fatal?" The article's answer: "They can. If you have a stone passing down and there's an infection behind it, and the urine can't get out, so the infection sits there, it festers and can be like an abscess and it can actually be fatal if you don't get treated."
Poor William!
I had a heck of a time locating the final resting place of William, his wife Esther, and their unmarried son Earl. But finally, on April 14, 2020 (incidentally, a day before his nephew, Daniel Otis' birthday on 4/15), I finally located them with the help of my husband! All three of them are buried at Pine Grove Cemetery (Middletown) in an unmarked plot!
Several months previously, as I visited the graves of Emilie Young Camp and her family, little did I know that William, Esther, and Earl were right there, in an adjoining plot with Emilie, yet with no grave-markers! The site of their graves is just an empty grassy patch, and one would never know anyone was buried beneath. No wonder why they weren't showing up in the Hale Cemetery Records (compiled 1932-1935), nor in Find-a-Grave, because they never had grave-markers! Ever.
The lead care-taker at Pine Grove was very helpful in locating them. A local funeral home created some really nice (sturdy and metal) temporary grave-markers for us. We placed them at William's, Esther's, and Earl's graves. Hopefully something more permanent can be gotten for them.
Poor William!
I had a heck of a time locating the final resting place of William, his wife Esther, and their unmarried son Earl. But finally, on April 14, 2020 (incidentally, a day before his nephew, Daniel Otis' birthday on 4/15), I finally located them with the help of my husband! All three of them are buried at Pine Grove Cemetery (Middletown) in an unmarked plot!
Several months previously, as I visited the graves of Emilie Young Camp and her family, little did I know that William, Esther, and Earl were right there, in an adjoining plot with Emilie, yet with no grave-markers! The site of their graves is just an empty grassy patch, and one would never know anyone was buried beneath. No wonder why they weren't showing up in the Hale Cemetery Records (compiled 1932-1935), nor in Find-a-Grave, because they never had grave-markers! Ever.
The lead care-taker at Pine Grove was very helpful in locating them. A local funeral home created some really nice (sturdy and metal) temporary grave-markers for us. We placed them at William's, Esther's, and Earl's graves. Hopefully something more permanent can be gotten for them.
To see the William L. Young Family Plot at Pine Grove Cemetery, go HERE.
William L. Young and Esther A. Smith had two children together (first cousins of Daniel H. Otis):
Emilie E. (Young) Camp & Earl E. Young.
Both Emilie and Earl attended the little red schoolhouse in Maromas with their first-cousins Daniel Otis, William Otis, Jeremiah Young, and Henry Young.
>Emilie E. (Young) Camp. Emilie was born Thursday, August 21, 1845 in Maromas, Middletown, CT. She attended the little red schoolhouse with her brother Earl, and cousins Daniel Otis, William Otis, Jeremiah Young, and Henry Young.
Emilie married Charles Coe Camp (Born: July 20, 1841 in Durham, CT / Died: November 25, 1915 in Middletown, CT, age 74), son of Abraham Coe Camp and Mary Ann Coe. Charles was a Civil War Veteran. When he was 21, he enlisted in Company A of the 24th Regiment on August 30, 1862 and mustered out as a Private, on September 30, 1863. More can be read about Charles Camp in his obituary, below. Emilie and Charles had two children together, Charles Curtis Camp (Born: February 24, 1881 / Died: May 16, 1964, age 83) and Ettie Eloise (Camp) Stokes (Born: 1868 / Died: July 10, 1951, abt. age 83).
Charles Curtis Camp married Fannie Lucy Coe (1881-1953). Interestingly, she had the surname "Coe." Perhaps she was a cousin? Charles Curtis and Lucy had two children together: Evelyn Coe Camp (Born: March 13, 1907 / Died: July 15, 1991, age 84) and Curtis Stokes Camp (Born: August 24, 1912 / Died: February 10, 1937, age 24). Evelyn Coe Camp married Willard Davis Hubbard on September 28, 1929.
Ettie Eloise Camp married John Angelo Stokes (1865 - 1952) on October 27, 1898, in Middletown, CT. John Stokes was the son of Joseph Stephen Stokes of Wednesbury, England and Elizabeth Heseltine. He was an engraver by trade. Ettie Camp Stokes died on July 10, 1951 and is buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Meriden, CT with her husband John.
Emilie E. (Young) Camp died on Saturday, August 25, 1900 (age 55 years, 4 days), from an "umbilical hernia" (Source: Middletown Vital Records). An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges through the opening in the abdominal muscles near the navel (bellybutton). This issue might not sound fatal, but it can be if the trapped portion of intestine gets cut off from the blood supply, thus leading to tissue death. Infection may then spread throughout the abdominal cavity, causing a life-threatening situation. Also, those with umbilical hernias are more likely to experience an intestinal blockage.
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| Obituary of Emilie E. Young Camp, daughter of William L. Young and Esther A. Smith August 27, 1900. The Penny Press |
Transcription of Obituary for Emilie E. (Young) Camp:
"MRS. CHARLES C. CAMP. Emilie E. Camp, wife of Charles C. Camp, the well known truckman, died at her home at Asylum View Place on the Middlefield road, Saturday afternoon at the age of 55 years and four days. She had been ill with a stomach trouble for more than a week. Beside her husband she leaves one daughter, Mrs. Angelo Stokes of Meriden. The funeral was held from her late residence at 2 o’clock this afternoon. Services were conducted by Rev. Herbert Welch, pastor of the M.E. church and the burial was in Pine Grove cemetery."
As mentioned above (under William L. Young's section), Emilie's husband, Charles Camp, and his father-in-law (William) were in the grocery business together for nine years. After their business closed, Charles worked as a "teamster" according to the 1880 Census Report. In the 1900 report, he worked as a "truckman," and the 1910 report, says he worked as a "farmer, working on a general farm." By 1910, Charles was 68 years-old. Bless his heart, that hard-working man! On November 25, 1915, Charles Coe Camp (age 74) died of a "cerebral hemorrhage." This was the primary cause of death with the contributory cause of death being a "previous cerebral hemorrhage." His duration of sickness was for "five days." (Source: Middletown Vital Records).
Both Emilie Young Camp and her husband, Charles Coe Camp, are buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown, CT with their son Charles Curtis Camp, their daughter-in-law Lucy, and grandson Curtis.
A beautiful obituary tribute was written for Charles Camp in the November 26, 1915, Penny Press newspaper. I transcribed what it says, as the type is difficult to read. 
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| Obituary for Charles Coe Camp, son of Abram Coe Camp and Mary Ann Coe. November 26, 1915. The Penny Press. |
Transcription of above obituary:
Charles Coe Camp, one of the best known residents of Middletown, died at his home what is known as Asylum View farm, Thursday night at the age of 74 years, 4 months, and 5 days. He had been in feeble health for some time, but was able to be about up to a short time back. He was born in Durham, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Abram Coe Camp, of that place, also natives of the town of Durham. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. J.A. Stokes of New Haven, a son C. Curtis Camp with whom he lived, and also a sister, Mrs. Sarah Dunham of Spokane, Wash. Mr. Camp was a member of Mattabassett Council, O.U.A.M. and prominent in G.A.R. affairs during his life. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 from his late home and the services will be conducted by the Rev. F.W. Green of the South Congregational church. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Charles C. Camp was one of the best known farmers of the neighborhood. For years his home, Asylum View Farm, has been a noted show place. Situated on a sightly spot and surrounded by fruit, shade, and ornamental trees, all of them set out by Mr. Camp forty-nine years ago, one of the finest views of the Connecticut river valley in this vicinity is to be found.
Mr. Camp was in his seventy-fifth year and had spent the greater part of his life in Middletown. He enlisted and served in Company A, 24th regiment, C.V., and was at Dry Tortugas and Ship Island, which is off the coast of Florida. His regiment was then sent to New Orleans and Baton Rouge and he was in the Battle of Irish Bend, April 14, 1863, and took part in the siege of Port Hudson, from May 22 to July 11. He was in a skirmish at Donaldsonville, July 13, 1863, and was mustered out of service in Middletown.
During his service in the army, Mr. Camp kept a diary and many things of interest were set down in pencil. One entry is that on May 3, 1863, he saw a body floating in the Mississippi river and taking a boat, went out and towed it ashore. It proved to be that of an old-time drummer boy, one a noted musician of this town. Mr. Camp also witnessed the burning and blowing up of Admiral Farragut’s flagship and secured a pulley block from the pilot house. At the time he was detailed with others as guard to a mule train, to procure a supply of soft bread for the army.
Since the war, Mr. Camp had lived on his farm and had worn out many horses in the trucking business in this city. He was a familiar figure on the city streets and was widely known and highly respected.
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| Charles Coe Camp. Photo from his Obituary of November 26, 1915. The Penny Press. |
My comments: I would have loved to have seen that farm of his! It sounds like an oasis of beauty and tranquility. According to the 1910 Census his farm was on Pine Street in Middletown. Charles Camp was in the same regiment (24th CT) that a number of the Maromas Men were in. The Maromas Men were in Co. D, while Charles was Co. A. What I wouldn't give to read the war-time diary that Charles Camp kept for himself. I wonder where that diary is now?
As a Civil War Veteran, Charles Camp was also "prominent in G.A.R. affairs. He was also a member of the "Mattabessett Council, O.U.A.M," which is the "Order of United American Mechanics." His wife's first cousin, Robert S. Otis, was also a member of the same Council. To read more about the O.U.A.M. go here, and scroll down to "Robert S. Otis."
In his photo (above), Charles not only looks like a very distinguished gentleman, but an extremely kind one too. It's in his eyes. A person's eyes speak volumes about their character. Wish there was an available photo of his wife, Emilie Young Camp. I bet she was lovely.
The second child of William L. Young and Esther A. Smith was:
>Earl E. Young (Born: September 24, 1850 / Died: September 22, 1932, age 81 years, 11 months, and 29 days). In 1872, at age 22, Earl shows up in the Middletown City Directory, working as a clerk and boarding on Durham Ave, either living near, or with his father William Young. Earl works as a clerk for ten years, until 1882—which is the same year his father dies. Earl then disappears from the City Directory for a year, and then re-emerges in 1884, working as a "truckman." He still boards on Durham Ave.
The 1900 Census Report lists 49 year-old Earl as single, working as a laborer, and living with his sister Emilie and her husband, Charles Camp. 1900 is the year his sister Emilie died. The 1920 Census shows 68 year-old Earl living with his nephew, Charles Curtis Camp and his family. Charles Curtis Camp was the son of Earl's sister, Emilie. By 1920, Earl's brother-in-law Charles Coe Camp is also dead (died 1915).
Earl never married, and at age 80, the 1930 Census Report lists him as working as a farmer of his "own account." A proud man! All of the Young family men are such hard workers! Two years later, Earl E. Young dies on September 22, 1932 from "chronic myocarditis," which is an inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall. Earl is buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown in an unmarked grave with his father, William, and mother, Esther.
Update: my husband and I had a local funeral-home create some "temporary" grave-markers for the family. They are lovely (and sturdy) metal markers that should hold up for a very long time until something more permanent can be placed at their graves.
To see the William L. Young Family Plot at Pine Grove Cemetery, where Earl Young is buried, go HERE.
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| Obituary of Earl E. Young, son of William L. Young and Esther A. Smith. September 22, 1932. The Middletown Press. |
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Though not technically part of the Young family, Israel Carrier, was the brother of Ruth Carrier, who married Silvanus Young, so I am going to add him here. Israel (and his wife, Mary Clark), are buried at Maromas Cemetery near his sister Ruth.
Israel Carrier (great grand-uncle of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, 2x great grand-uncle of Daniel H. Otis)
Son of Andrew Carrier, Jr. and Rebecca Rockwell.
Israel Carrier was the brother of Ruth (Carrier) Young and the son of Andrew Carrier Jr. and Rebecca Rockwell.
Israel was born March 3, 1742 in Colchester, Connecticut. He married Mary Clark on June 6, 1768 in Middletown. (Mary, daughter of Elisha Clark—Born: April 4, 1749 in East Haddam / Died: September 7, 1802). The 1790 census shows them living in Middletown, with a household consisting of 1 male under 16; 2 males 16 and over; and 2 females. The children of Israel and Mary that I can document (per the Middletown Vital Statistics) are:
> Levi Carrier (July 4, 1768 – January 29, 1854)
Israel Carrier Sr. died May 11, 1808, age 66. Both he and his wife Mary are buried at Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT, not far from his sister Ruth’s grave.
The estate of Israel Carrier went into probate on May 30, 1808 and was valued at $1,085.13.
$1,085.13 in 1808 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $22,163.01 in 2019! That’s a lot of money and I would even guess that the equivalent ($22,163.01) was able to stretch much further in 1808 than it would for us in 2019!
As touched on in the estate of Erastus S. Otis (here and here) these amounts of money are not the sign of poor farming families—but middle to upper-middle class families that are comfortable and well-off.
After all charges against the estate of Israel Carrier, the remainder was distributed to: Levi Carrier, Israel Carrier, Jr., and the heirs of Rebeckah Carrier Hubbard.
> Rebeckah Carrier (Hubbard) (December 7, 1769 – before Dec. 1794)
> Israel Carrier, Jr. (March 13, 1780 – 1835)
Israel Carrier Sr. died May 11, 1808, age 66. Both he and his wife Mary are buried at Maromas Cemetery in Middletown, CT, not far from his sister Ruth’s grave.
The estate of Israel Carrier went into probate on May 30, 1808 and was valued at $1,085.13.
$1,085.13 in 1808 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $22,163.01 in 2019! That’s a lot of money and I would even guess that the equivalent ($22,163.01) was able to stretch much further in 1808 than it would for us in 2019!
As touched on in the estate of Erastus S. Otis (here and here) these amounts of money are not the sign of poor farming families—but middle to upper-middle class families that are comfortable and well-off.
After all charges against the estate of Israel Carrier, the remainder was distributed to: Levi Carrier, Israel Carrier, Jr., and the heirs of Rebeckah Carrier Hubbard.
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The William Young House on Brooks Road, Maromas, Middletown, CT
The old “William Young House” still stands on Brooks Road in the Maromas section of Middletown. It’s an extremely cozy and cute Greek Revival style home that is in wonderful condition considering its age. It is currently occupied by a family.
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| August, 2011 Google Street view of the old "William Young House" on Brooks Road in the Maromas section of Middletown, CT. The enclosed porch on the right side of the house is not original, and is a later addition. |
Here is some information about the “William Young House” from the Middletown Land Records (bold is mine):
Quick Note:
Sylvanus Young, father of William S. Young
William S. Young, father of William L. Young.
William S. Young, also father of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, and grandfather of Daniel H. Otis.
William S. Young, also father of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, and grandfather of Daniel H. Otis.
"1774 Matthew Tallcott sold to Sylvanus Young part of the Samuel Robberds farm (middle section). Sold piece to contain 11 acres and ½ bounded East on part of the same lot which I have deeded to Abner Lucas, westerly on part of the same lot I have this day deeded to Samuel Carrier, north on highway and south on Samuel Brooks. 46 2/3 rods N & S. 38 1/2 rods E & W. "
"1805 Sylvanus Young to William S. Young three pieces of land. One of which contains one acre from the west corner of my home lot. Bounded: 13 rods west on a highway and 14 rods north on a highway."
"1844 Heirs of William S. Young to William L. Young."
"1865 William L. Young to James Killigan, 18 acres with house. Bounded north on highway, east on Widow Brainerd, southern Widow Brainerd (Allen) and Hezekiah Merwin, west on Jon Cone."
According to the Middletown Land Records, Matthew Tallcott sold the property to Sylvanus Young, who in turn sold it to his son, William S. Young.
William S. Young then sold it to his son, William L. Young.
By 1865 the home was no longer in the Young family’s hands.
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| 1978 photograph of the "William Young House." Same house as above, just an older photo. Notice the white half-circle ornamentation at the front gable, which is missing from the 2011 image above. |
Could the "William Young House" be the home that Daniel Otis' mother, Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis, grew up in? Her father, William S. Young acquired the land in 1805, and Elizabeth was born in 1817, which fits the time-frame. Whether Elizabeth grew up in the house all depends on when the house was built. However, if she didn’t grow up in the house, she most certainly grew up on the land.
By 1844, the house and land was passed along to Elizabeth M. Young’s brother, William L. Young. Daniel Otis (the son of Elizabeth M. (Young) Otis) was born in 1847, so no doubt he spent time at his Uncle William’s house—the same house that still stands on Brooks Road today, and which was only about 1-mile from Daniel’s own home in the hills of Maromas.
The 1937 book “Sketch of Maromas” by historian Jessie M. Alsop says something a bit different about the sale of land on Brooks Road than the Middletown Land Records does. Alsop says that it was Sylvanus Young’s father-in-law, Andrew Carrier, who sold him the land, and not Matthew Tallcott. I quote:
“Sylvanus Young married Ruth Carrier of Colchester in 1761. They had nine children. In 1767, Andrew Carrier sold to Sylvanus Young. Sylvanus Young sold to son William S. Young.”
The book goes on to say, (which agrees with the information in the Middletown Land Records):
“William S. Young was the son of Sylvanus Young from whom he acquired land, but it has not been ascertained when the house was built. William L. Young acquired land with buildings from the heirs of William S. Young in 1844. This was sold by him to James Killigan in 1865, and by James Killigan to John Mahoney in 1907. It passed through various hands until bought by Sarah Reid in 1934.”
It may not have been "ascertained" when the house on Brooks Road was built, however, I did find two tentative dates. There are at least 25 years between the two dates.
One document, by the Connecticut Historical Commission dates the house between 1830 and 1845. “The structure is of the Greek Revival style….and is representative of a building type popular in the city during the 1830s…and is a good example of Middletown’s most common version of the Greek Revival style.”
The other document, which I accessed at the “Middletown Room” in the Russell Library, is from “Old Houses of Connecticut,” by Jessie M. Alsop (1935). It says that the “William Young House” was probably built around 1805.
Though the Greek Revival style became especially popular in the United States around 1820, there are still homes of this same style that date earlier than 1820. I have seen an 1800 Greek Revival home in Sanford, NC, and another 1804 Greek Revival home in Danville, KY. Still yet, another one from 1805 in Mississippi, and two from 1810 in both Kentucky and Maine.
Also, in Middletown, the same town that the "William Young House" is located, there is a home of very similar style on Pearl Street that dates from circa 1800 (see photo on the next page). Notice the same half-circle ornamentation at the front gable of the Pearl Street house as in the 1978 photograph of the “William Young House” (see photo above).
So, it's highly possible that the “William Young House” could be from 1805, considering that is the year William acquired the land from his father, Sylvanus. Why purchase land in 1805 and wait until 1830 (or 1845) to build a home?
So, it's highly possible that the “William Young House” could be from 1805, considering that is the year William acquired the land from his father, Sylvanus. Why purchase land in 1805 and wait until 1830 (or 1845) to build a home?
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| July, 2018 Google Street view of Greek Revival style home on Pearl Street in Middletown, CT. This home dates from circa 1800. This house is a very similar style to the "William Young House." There are many of these little homes of similar style dotted around Middletown. |
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| Close up of "circa 1800" plaque on above pictured house on Pearl St. |
