Person Page - 13

     William Phelps Hotchkin was born on 18 March 1866 at Prattsburgh, Steuben County, NY, USA. He was the son of James Hervey Hotchkin II and Clarissa Jane Phelps Lewis. He married Mabel Crawford Culbertson at PA, USA, on 22 June 1892. He resided at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, USA, in 1892. William Phelps Hotchkin was employed in 1900 as a Construction Metal Worker. He appeared on the census of 1910 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, USA. The census lists the family as: William Hotchkin, 44 (1865), married first time, 18 years, NY, metal worker, parents born in NY; wife Mabel, 40, married first time, no children, parents born in PA.. He died on 13 January 1935 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, at age 68. He was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery, at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, USA.

     William was an expert metal worker and fell from a 60 foot high scaffold on March 9, 1903. He was admitted to the Protestant Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia, where he stayed until 1908 when he was transferred to an adjoining home for the incurables where he was residing in 1929.
     The 1920 census shows him as a patient at the Hospital of the P. E. Church of Philadelphia. At the 1910 Census of Philadelphia he is listed as age 44 and wife Mabel as age 40.

     Annie Haas was born in 1863 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, USA.¹ She married James Hervey Hotchkin III at Mt Airy, Philadelphia County, PA, USA, on 16 January 1890. Listed in Registry of marriages as Ann H. Simpson.. She resided at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, in 1896.

     Mabel Crawford Culbertson was born on 21 June 1868 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, USA.¹ She married William Phelps Hotchkin at PA, USA, on 22 June 1892. Mabel Crawford Culbertson appeared on the census of 1920 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, USA. The census lists the family as: Hotchkin, Mabel, age 51, born PA, living alone.. She resided at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, in February 1929. She died on 5 March 1958 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, at age 89. She was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery, at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, USA.

     Alethea Little was born on 21 February 1777 at Bolton, Tolland County, CT, USA. She was the daughter of William G. Little Jr. and Elithea (Alithea) Foote. She married Hubbard Hotchkin at New Haven, New Haven County, CT, USA. Alethea Little died on 5 September 1857 at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA, at age 80. She was buried at Messina Springs Cemetery, at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA. Died at age 80 according to cemetery records..

     William was born at Barkhamsted, Litchfield County, CT, USA, on 16 April 1798. His birth date is "written in" on the 1855 NY state census.. He was the son of Hubbard Hotchkin and Alethea Little. He married Hannah Gilbert at NY, USA. He resided at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA, in 1818. William Little Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1830 at Manlius, Onondaga County, NY, USA. The census lists the family as: William Hodgkin, Pg 385; 1 male under 5, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 30-40, 1 male 40-50, 1 female under 5, 1 female 20-30, 1 female 30-40.. William died on 8 September 1866 at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, at age 68. His obituary says that he died on the 8th of heart diease in Dewitt..² He was buried on 11 September 1866 at Messina Springs Cemetery, at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA.

     The 1850 census of DeWitt, Onondaga Co., NY found William a farmer and living with wife Hannah and 3 children; by the 1860 census of DeWitt, Onondaga Co., he and his wife Hannah are living with their son Jerome and wife Rosette; son Addison and Hannah's sister Ann Gilbert. The Syracuse City Directories describe him variously as an express man, cart man or driver. According to records of the Messina Springs Cemetery, he is buried with his wife Hannah and his parents Hubbard and Alathea. A personal inspection of the cemetery by the Compiler, finds his gravestone next to the Alvord Family monument but the rest of the family's stones have been knocked over or removed. Hardly a stone is undamaged in the entire cemetery. His son Jerome's obituary says that William came from Connecticut in 1818 and settled on a large tract of land, which was partially wilderness at that time.
     William was involved in several real estate transactions in Onondaga County. The first was in 1861 when he and his father Hubbard, acquired a property from T. Gilbert. That same year, William acquired five other properties from E. B. Perkins, G. Gregg, H. Hotchkin, and A. Hotchkin. The H. Hotchkin could be either his father or sister Hannah and the A. Hotchkin is likely Ashley Hotchkin. William is mentioned in the Will of his son Jerome and called William Jerome Hotchkin.
     There seems to be a male child miising according to the 1830 census. He would have been born 1800 to 1810.

     Samuel Hotchkin was born in 1804 at CT, USA. Most of the censuses say that he was born in NY, but the 1850 says CT, and this is most likely. Cemetery records say that gravestone says died at 59 yr, 1 mo and 26 days whick would calculate to 8 May 1806. He was the son of Hubbard Hotchkin and Alethea Little. He married Susan Unknown at NY, USA, circa 1825. Samuel Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1830 at Manlius, Onondaga County, NY, USA. The census lists the family as: Samuel Hodgkins, 1 male 20-30, 1 female under 5, 1 female 15-20.. He resided at Sylvania Twp, Lucas County, OH, USA, in 1850. Samuel died on 4 July 1865 at Amboy Twp, Fulton County, OH, USA. He was buried at Amboy Cemetery, at Amboy Twp, Fulton County, OH, USA.

     At the 1850 Census, the family is living in Lucas Co., Sylvania Township, Ohio, at Dwelling 1591, Family #1617 and Samuel and his son's occupation is listed as Cooper. Stanley Harris furnished the connection to Hubbard from his grandmother's notes. She says that daughter Melissa married Mr. Phillips of Toledo, Oh and that they had sons George and Frank and daughter Cora.

     Jerusha Hotchkin was born on 19 May 1800 at New Haven, New Haven County, CT, USA.² She was the daughter of Hubbard Hotchkin and Alethea Little. She married James Wadsworth Alvord at Syracuse, Onondaga County, NY, USA, on 22 March 1823. Jerusha Hotchkin died on 7 August 1859 at Syracuse, Onondaga County, NY, at age 59.² She was buried at Messina Springs Cemetery, at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA. James and Jerusha have a tall monument near the grave of William L. Hotchkin..

     Jerusha and her husband James are described in the Alvord Genealogy.²

     Anna Hotchkin was born on 9 August 1812 at CT, USA. Birth date from an Internet Posting. She was the daughter of Hubbard Hotchkin and Alethea Little. She married Lafayette Ludington circa 1829.¹ She married William Morris Pickett at KS, USA, before 1851. Anna Hotchkin died on 8 March 1878 at Manhattan, Riley County, KS, USA, at age 65. From Pioneers of the Bluestem Prairie:
Ann McCumsey Hotchkins was b 9 Aug 1812 CT, the d/o Hubbard and Alathea (Little) Hotchkins.

She married William Morris Pickett.

They came to Topeka in 1857, and then on to Manhattan.

They were the parents of Lydia Phillips, Mary Agusta Ferguson, Marjorie Young, Olive Anna Dodge, Thomas Weller Pickett, and Morris Pickett. In addition a son and daughter died in infancy.. She was buried at Sunset Cemetery, at Manhattan, Riley County, KS, USA.

     James was born at Whitestown, Oneida County, NY, USA, on 13 July 1795.³ He was the son of Thomas Gould Alvord Jr. and Nancy Scoughton. He married Jerusha Hotchkin at Syracuse, Onondaga County, NY, USA, on 22 March 1823. James Wadsworth Alvord died on 14 February 1867 at Syracuse, Onondaga County, NY, at age 71.³ He was buried at Messina Springs Cemetery, at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA. James and his wife Jerusha are buried under a tall monument next to the grave of William L. Hotchkin..

     Hannah was born at Dutchess County, NY, USA, on 21 October 1798. Her birth is "written in" on the 1855 state census..¹ She was the daughter of Thaddeus Gilbert Jr. and Hannah Vosburgh. She married William Little Hotchkin at NY, USA. Hannah Gilbert died on 20 March 1865 at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA, at age 66. Hand written on the 1855 New York State census says that she died 21 Mar 1864.. She was buried at Messina Springs Cemetery, at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA.

     Phrinda Richmond Hotchkin was born on 8 September 1827 at Syracuse, Onondaga County, NY, USA.² She was the daughter of William Little Hotchkin and Hannah Gilbert. She married Hiram King Edwards at Peck Hill, Onondaga County, NY, USA, on 8 January 1851. Married by Rev L. Wright of Fayetteville, NY.³ She resided at Linden, Genesee County, NY, USA, in 1904. Phrinda Richmond Hotchkin died on 20 September 1922 at Fayetteville, Onondaga County, NY, USA, at age 95.^4,2 She was buried at Fayetteville Cemetery, at Fayetteville, Onondaga County, NY, USA.

     She is called Friende Edwards in the Will of her brother Jerome, and is listed as living in Linden, Onondage Co., NY. In Jerome's obituary she is referred to as Mrs. H. K. Edwards.

     Jerome W. Hotchkin was born in March 1830 at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA. He was the son of William Little Hotchkin and Hannah Gilbert. He married Rosette Blanchard at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, in 1855.² Jerome W. Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1860 at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY. The census lists the family as: Hotchkin, Jerome, age 30, b NY; wife Rosett, age 27, b NY; boarder Emily Post, age 18, school teacher.. He died on 16 March 1904 at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY.^3,4 He was buried at Fayetteville, Onondaga County, NY, USA. His burial location is given in his obituary but cemetery name was not given..

     Jerome's obituary says, "The city loses one of its oldest and most esteemed residents. The deceased, who was born in the house next west of his present home, was without a doubt one of the best-known men in Onondaga County. He was a man of a kind and genial disposition. In all his dealings with his fellow man, he was upright and honorable. As a neighbor he is spoken of in a very feeling manner and characteristically speaking he was always ready to extend a welcome hand to those who needed assistance". The obituary adds, "His father William Hotchkin, came from Hartford, CT in 1818 and located on a large tract of land, which was partially wilderness at that time; he erected a dwelling in the vicinity of the house where his son was born. The family consisted of three children, the other two, Mrs. H. K. Edwards of Fayetteville and Addison Hotchkin of James Street, are still living. Jerome was married 49 years ago to Miss Blanchard of Fayetteville, NY, who still survives him; they’re being no children. The burial was conducted by Rev Isaac Swift and he was buried at Fayetteville, NY".

     Addison R. Hotchkin was born on 11 July 1832 at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA.¹ He was the son of William Little Hotchkin and Hannah Gilbert. He married Susan Avis Wright at Syracuse, Onondaga County, NY, USA, on 2 October 1862.² Addison R. Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1870 at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY. The census lists the family as: Hotchkin, Addison, age 37, 1832 b NY, farmer; wife Susan, age 28 1841, b NY; son William, age 7 1862, b NY; dau Emma K., age 4 1865, b NY; servant Sarah Wright, age 24.. He died on 28 August 1907 at Manlius, Onondaga County, NY, USA, at age 75.³

     The 1850 census finds him living with parents in DeWitt, Onondaga Co., NY and at the 1870 census of Onondaga Co., DeWitt he is with his wife and two children. At the 1900 census of DeWitt, Onondaga Co., NY he is living with his daughter Florence; no one else is in the household. At this census, his birth is given in 1834. The notes of Alice Louise Edwards has his name spelled with only one "d", Adison; however, all the other records use two "dd", Addison.

     Rosette was born at Onondaga County, NY, USA, in June 1833. She was the daughter of Thomas C. Blanchard and Sarah C. (Sally) Cunningham. She married Jerome W. Hotchkin at DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY, USA, in 1855.¹ Rosette Blanchard died on 5 June 1908 at Fayetteville, Onondaga County, NY, USA. Her obituary says that death occurred on 6th..^2,3,4 She was buried at Fayetteville Cemetery, at Fayetteville, Onondaga County, NY, USA.

     The 1900 census found her in Eastwood, DeWitt Twp., Onondage Co, NY with her husband. At the 1870 census of DeWitt, Onondaga Co. she is still with her husband, Jerome.
     On 26 May 1863 Rosette sold her interest in fathers Fayetteville lot to her brother Orlow.
     In 1876 she was named in Will of stepmother Clarissa and left the "Family Register." She was also name in the 1889 Will of brother Orlow.

     Sarah Aulls was born on 3 June 1814 at Wheeler, Steuben County, NY, USA.^1,2 She was the daughter of Ephraim Thomas Aulls and Ruth Hand. She married Augustine Hall Hotchkin at Wheeler, Steuben County, NY, on 20 September 1833. Sarah Aulls died on 21 May 1890 at Saline, Washtenaw County, MI, USA, at age 75.^3,4 She was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, at Saline, Washtenaw County, MI, USA.

     Sarah Aulls and Augustine were married in Wheeler, NY on 20 September 1833. Her death is reported in the Washtenaw Co. Death Records of 1885-1900 as 21 May 1890, and her age at death as 76. An article in the Family History Capers titled, "They Came To Michigan," says that she died 21 May 1890 in Prattsburg, NY. Sarah is buried next to Augustine in the Oakwood Cemetery, Saline, Michigan. She was also a member of the Presbyterian Church of Saline and was admitted by Letter 10 August 1839 as a transfer from Wheeler, NY and was dismissed on 27 December 1857.
     The Will of Sarah's father, Thomas Aulls was filed in Wheeler Twp., Steuben Co., NY in 1846. (Case #140, Bk 4, pg 85). This Will lists Mary, his wife, sons William Henry, Samuel, Hiram, and Ephraim; daughter Sally or Sarah; and son-in-law Augustine Hotchkin. It also listed Eliz and Joseph Aulls, the children of his son Hiram.²

     Francis L. Hotchkin was born on 18 June 1840 at Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, MI, USA.² He was the son of Augustine Hall Hotchkin and Sarah Aulls. He married Anna Elizabeth Laing at Saline, Washtenaw County, MI, USA, on 17 April 1862.³ Francis L. Hotchkin was a Private, andserved in Co E, 17th Mich Infantry, during the Civil War. He was discharged due to a wound received at Antietam, MD on 16 September 1862.⁴ He was registered for Civil War Draft on on 1 July 1863 at York, Washtenaw County, MI, USA. Age 22, married, born MI, prior service in Michigan 17th INf, discharged December 1862.⁵ He was a Teamster. He appeared on the census of 1880 at Saline, Washtenaw County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Francis Hodgkin, age 38, b MI; wife Anna, age 37, b MI; son Harvey, age 9, b MI; son Ernest, age 5, b MI. 1890 Veterans Census, Saline, Washtenaw Co., MI, SD 1, ED 166.. He died on 29 October 1902 at Saline, Washtenaw County, MI, at age 62.^6,2 He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, at Saline, Washtenaw County, MI, USA.

     Francis was born in Michigan within a few years after his parents arrived there from Steuben Co., NY. His birth date is calculated from the age 62-4-11 given in his Burial Permit which is attached to his wife's Widows Pension Application. He was baptized in the Presbyterian Church by Rev Mr Hill. The 1880 Census of Saline, Washtenaw Co., MI calls him Francis Hodgkin and gives his age as 38 and born in Michigan. At that time they lived on Russell St., in Saline.
     Francis was a Civil War soldier who enlisted on 12 August 1862 at Ann Arbor, MI, into Co. E, 17th Regt, Michigan Infantry Volunteers as a Private. He was wounded in the knee at the battle of Antietam on 17 Sept, 1862. According to his file, he spent 10 days in the field hospital, then was transferred to Frederick City, MD for one night and then to Baltimore, MD for two weeks in the Camden Street Hospital. His wounding seems like such a short period after his enlistment that he must have been sent immediately to the front without any training. A letter in his file, from his father to the military authorities, says that he is too sick to return from a home leave. A doctors report on 12 December 1862 when he was discharged at Detroit says that he was three-fourths disabled. The Michigan Military Index lists him in Vol 17, Pg 39 but gives middle initial as J.
     When Ann applied for a widow's pension in 1902, she said that all she had was a small house and lot that brought in no money for support and that no one else was legally liable for any support. The pension file includes their marriage license, a death certificate for Francis and names their living children, on 4 June, 1898 as Harvey and Ernest and gives their birth dates.
     Francis' death is recorded in Washtenaw Co. records, Vol 3, page 61, which gives the cause of death as nervous exhaustion and his birth location as New York, which certainly is not true. The Michigan Death Records, Book 36, pg 343 call him Frank L. Hotchkin. His marriage to Ann Eliza Lane is recorded in Washtenaw Co. records, Vol 3, page 246, 1882. Francis, Ann, and their son Ernest are buried with his parents in the Oakwood Cemetery, Plot #A-5, alongside of US #12 in Saline. There are no markers on their graves. At the 1900 census the census taker reports that they had 5 children with 2 alive at that time. The Compiler has listed six children belived to be theirs.

     Thomas Aulls Hotchkin was born in 1835 at Prattsburgh, Steuben County, NY, USA. He was the son of Augustine Hall Hotchkin and Sarah Aulls. Thomas Aulls Hotchkin was a Private, andserved in Co H, 20th Mich Infantry, during the Civil War. Mustered in on 19 August 1862. Deserted on 7 June 1863.¹ He married Lydia Gingry Frick at De Kalb County, IN, USA, on 4 December 1897.²

     Thomas' Civil War Enlistment papers says that he was 27 years when he enlisted on 7 August, 1862 at Ann Arbor, MI. He said that he was a farmer and born in Steuben Co., NY. Thomas was present at his military post until October, 1862 when he was reported sick in the regimental Hospital at Weaverton, MD. In June, 1863 he was reported Absent Without Leave. The August, 1863 records show that he was sick in Indianapolis since June 7,1863. In September and October of 1863 he was reported Absent Without Leave since 7 June 1863 when he should have been in the Indianapolis Hospital. By February 1864 he was reported as a Deserter. A document in his file, dated 30 May 1865 says, "He is believed to be in Canada". On 28 June 1893 his discharge was reviewed and his Dishonorable Discharge was upheld. He enlisted two days before his brother Francis.

     Mary Rebecca Hotchkin was born on 19 September 1837 at Washtenaw County, MI, USA.¹ She was the daughter of Augustine Hall Hotchkin and Sarah Aulls. She married Thomas Aulls Wilcox on 4 October 1859.¹ Mary Rebecca Hotchkin died in 1909 at Elkhart, Elkhart County, IN, USA.

     Mary Rebecca is listed in the 1840 Census, Washtenaw Co., MI and in Family History Capers, "Vol 8, #3 which gives her birth but no dates. This document says that she and her husband resided in Elkhart, IN. Her birth and death dates are given in her daughters DAR application. The Aulls Genealogy gives death date as 22 September 1916.¹

     Abram Eli Hotchkin Sr. was born in 1802 at Norfolk, Litchfield County, CT, USA.¹ He was the son of Noah Hodgkin III and Merab Turner. He married Electa Smith at NY, USA, in 1828. Abram Eli Hotchkin Sr. appeared on the census of 1850 at Spring Arbor, Jackson County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Census date 15 July 1850, Abram Hodgkins, 48, m, farmer, $800,CT;Electa, 45, f, NY; Lavisa, 25, f, NY; Ransom, 23, m, NY; Abram, 19, m, NY; Noah, 17, m, NY; James, 15, m, NY; Edwin, 13, m, NY; Rosella, 12,f, MI; Curits, 8, m, MI; Henry, 7, m, MI; Polly Smith, 84, RI.. He died on 28 November 1858 at Belvidere, Boone County, IL, USA. The death date comes from the Morman IGI records with no source information but noted as being submitted by a member of the church. The death year is confirmed by "Niagara Landmarks." There is no proof that he died in Boone, IL as it is possible, but not likely that he died in Spring Arbor before the family left Michigan..^2,3

     Abram's parents are placed as Noah III and Merab Turner based on Noah's Will probate advertisement. This probate advertisement appeared in the Albany Argus for six weeks starting on 17 March 1854 and lists Abram E. Hotchkin of the Town of Newfane, NY and James H. of Wilson, NY. These two must be Abram Eli Jr. and James H., sons of Abram Eli Sr.
     Abram is listed in the records of the Belcoda Baptist Church of Wheatland, NY as Abraham E. next to his father Noah and brother-in-law Orin D. Jones.
     At first the Compiler placed Abram Eli Sr. as the son of Eli based mostly on his given name and the 1820 census showing both Eli and brother Abraham with sons the correct age; however, the 1830 census found Eli's son gone from the family, but Abraham's son still with the family. We know that Abram Eli Sr. first child was born in 1828 so it is unlikely that he would be with his parents at the 1830 census. All other individuals listed in Noah's Will advertisement were children or grandchildren so there is strong additional evidence for placing Abram Eli as Noah's son. Some addition support is given to the relationship, by Noah's daughter Anna being in Jackson Co., MI near Abram Eli's home at the 1850 census of Spring Arbor.
     Land records show that Abram Eli and Electa were living in Niagara Co., NY before September 1836, when they purchased a plot of land. "Abram E. Hotchkin, bought from Daniel Shaw on 1 September 1836 property in Twp. 15, Range 7, part of Lot #79, 50 acres, and Abraham and Electa Hotchkin of Wilson, on 4 November 1836, sold to Daniel Terry the same property." Their move to Michigan must have occurred about 18371839 based on several pieces of evidence. The special Michigan census of 1894 shows their son Edwin, born in NY 55 years ago (1837) and Jackson Co. land records show a sale of 40 acres, dated 13 July 1839, in Jackson Co. by Francis Morrison and wife to Abraham E. Hotchkin. Both parties are listed as living in the city of Jackson. The sale price was $200, with the property subject to a $60 mortgage that was due in one year. On 7 March 1840 this property was resold, for the same $200, to John Morrison. The deed gives the names of Abram E. and Electa Hotchkin, husband and wife. They were also in the 1840 Census of Spring Arbor, MI and the 1850 Census has them in Spring Arbor with all seven of Abram's children plus Lavisa and Ransom from Electa's first marriage. Lavisa and Ransom are also listed with the surname of Hotchkin. The birth of Edwin is given in NY, age 13, or 1837 and Rosella, age 12, born in MI, confirming the move to MI in 183738. I did not solve the mystery of Electa's first marriage and children Lavisa and Ransom until 1991 on a trip to Michigan; where, on the same day I found the Hotchkin Reunion Notes and at the Michigan State Library the Bigelow Genealogy. This genealogy says that the names of the children were unknown and no trace of them or their mother could be found. Abram disappeared from the records after the 1850 Census and his death is not recorded. It is likely that he died before the March 1854 advertisement of Noah's Will.
     The 1860 Federal Census of the Village of Belvidere, Boone Co., IL has an interesting mystery regarding the family that needs to be revealed and further investigated.
Dw. 814, Fam. 776
M. Hotchkin     50     F     widow $500     NY
Alvan          30     M               blank
Lovisa     F     25               NY
Dw. 815
Frank          23     M     Laborer     NY

Smith          16     M               blank
Henry          14     M     school     NY
Emma          13     F     school     NY
James          11     M     school     blank
Rosella     9     F     school     blank
The calculated birth years from these ages would be: M. Hotchkin, b 1810, Alvan, b 1830, Lovisa, 1835, Frank, 1837, Smith, 1844, Henry, 1846, Emma, 1847, James, 1849, and Rosella, 1851. The census clearly suggested two adjacent homes and likely Frank is the head of the house for home #815 but Frank's wife Evilena is not indicated in the household and there is no Emma in this generation. Frank did have a daughter Emma that was born in 1867, so this could not be the Emma referred to at this census. There are several indications of great haste by the census taker. Note the reversal of age and sex for Lovisa and the blanks for state of birth. The Alvan is clearly Alvan and not Abram and Lovisa could be Louisa. There is no idea who is M. Hotchkin, a female. The fact that Frank has an occupation after his name may show that the enumerator regarded him as a "Head of Household."
[: TAB:]This whole family problem is of great concern and embarrassment, as the Compiler knows so little about this recent ancestor of his direct line. Possibly there was something that his children and grandchildren did not want to reveal, as the Hotchkin Family Reunion Notes are so complete on everyone else.^4,5

     Electa Smith was born in 1805 at NY, USA. In a 14 June 1820 letter to the War Department, her father Curtis Smith, said that she was age 10, which would make her birth about 1809. This would be very young for the birth of her first child in Aug 1824, but not impossible. At her death, her age was given as 67 which would be 1804 to 1805. She was the daughter of Curtis Smith and Mary Williams. She married Ephrain Bigelow at NY circa 1823. This marriage date is not known and the recorded date is based on birth of their first child.. She married Abram Eli Hotchkin Sr. at NY in 1828. Electa Smith appeared on the census of 1860 at Belvidere, Boone County, IL, USA. The census lists the family as: Hochkin, M., 50 (1809), NY, widow; Alvan, 30 (1829), no birth location; Louise, 25 (1834), NY;
House #815 Frank, 23 (1836), NY; Smith, 16 (1843), NY; Henry, 14 (1845), NY; Emma, 13 (1846), NY; James, 11 (1848), no birth location; Rosella, 9 (1850), no birth location.. She died on 7 February 1873 at Newfane, Niagara County, NY, USA. Tombstone says 7 Jan 1873..³ She was buried at North Ridge Cemetery, at Ransomville, Niagara County, NY, USA. Sec 2, Lot 102.

     According to the Bigelow Family Genealogy, Electa had a first marriage to Ephraim Bigelow, son of Levi Bigelow and Lucy Sampson. They resided in Clarkson, Genesse Co., NY; which is now in Monroe Co., NY. The Bigelow Genealogy claims that they had two children, these children are Lavisa (Louvisa) and Ransom, raised by Abram Eli as his own and shown in the 1840 and 1850 census as Hotchkin. Electa's obituary was published in the Lockport Daily Journal 28 February 1873: "relict of late Abram Eli Hotchkin, age 67 years, died 7 February 1873." Elsie Hotchkin Moon located her grave in North Ridge Cemetery, Cambria, Niagara Co., NY in Section 2, Lot #102. Her grave differs from her obituary on month of death and gives the date as 7 January 1873. The notice did not say where she died and it seems unusual that it would take so long to publish an obituary for someone who died locally. The gravestone said that she was the wife of Abraham; instead of using Abram, which was the name commonly used by the family. It is possible that Electa was living with one of her children in Belvidere, IL or in Michigan, as she has never been located in the 1870 census. Records on her son Edwin refers to her as Electa Smith, confirming her maiden name which is further confirmed by Polly Smith being in their home at the 1850 MI census.
     Niagara Landmarks says that she returned to Newfane, NY in 1860 after the death of her husband 2 years earlier.^4,5

     Abram was born at NY, USA, in December 1830. Date from 1900 census. He was the son of Abram Eli Hotchkin Sr. and Electa Smith. He married Harriet Maham at Niagara County, NY, USA, on 16 June 1856. Abram Eli Hotchkin Jr. appeared on the census of 1870 at Rives Twp, Jackson County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Hotchkin, Abram, 37 (1832, NY;, wife Harriett, 27 (1842), NY;dau Alice A., 8 (1861), NY; dau Luella, 6/12, Nov 1869, MI; and son Artemus, 5 (1864), MI. Also with Abram was his stepsister Lovisa Clark, 43, NY and her daughter Marietta, 6, MI. Next door lived Abram's brother Noah Frank..
     Attached is a picture of three of the children: Henry, Mable, Etta at their school.
Abram died on 20 January 1914 at Porter, Niagara County, NY, USA, at age 83.¹ He was buried at North Ridge Cemetery, at Ransomville, Niagara County, NY, USA. Sec 1b, Lot 61.²

     The 1870 Census finds Abram Eli Jr. in Rives Twp., Jackson Co., MI at age 37, with his wife Harriet and children, Alice, Artimus and Luella. Also living with them at this census was half-sister Lavisa (Louvisa) Clark and her daughter Marietta. At the 1875 Census they are living in Newfane, NY with children; Alice, Artimus, Luella, John and William. Abram's birth is given as Illinois. At the 1880 Census both Abram and Harriet stated that their parents were born in New York; however, it is believed that this is a mistake for Abram. It might, however, mean that Abram Sr. moved to New York at such a very young age that his children believed that he had been born there. The 1900 census confirms his birth date as 1830 and shows his family living next door to Abram's brother, Noah Frank.
     A newspaper clipping from the Niagara Falls Journal, dated Friday, January 15 1909 describes a visit to Michigan, by the Niagara family and helps to confirm the family relationship. Abram was described as Uncle Abe and 79 years old at that time. The newspaper article said that he lived in Porter Center, NY.
     Land records of Niagara Co. show a number of real estate transactions; the first, A. E. Hotchkin, on 3 Nov., 1862, 31 acres in Twp. 14, 9th range, Lot #3. A purchase was made in 1902 from Fatima Wright, 283-129 and in 1904, Abram E. granted to his wife Harriet property shown on records 296-496. Sales were made when Abram E. and wife Harriet granted to James H. Hotchkin, Book 133, Pg. 401, 12-7-1871, Lot 27, Twp 15, Range 7, 50 acres; and when Abram E, granted to Pete Ryan, Book 139, Pg. 350.
     A deed executed by Harriet, Book 318, Pg. 426, claims the following as heirs: Artimus and wife Margaret, Abram E. Hotchkin, Alice A. Kilmer, Mabel E. Hotchkin, Julia E. Kilmer, John A. Hotchkin; all of Ransomville and Luella M. Heagadorn of Cornwell. Harriet's children, Henry and Lucy were not mentioned in this Deed.
     Abram and Harriet are buried together in North Ridge Cemetery, Section 1B, Lot #61 with dates on Abram's stone of 1828-1914. Abram and Harriet's home in Ransomville was RFD 20 Ransomville, NY. This address is now 3572 Ransomville Rd.

     Noah Frank Hotchkin was born on 27 September 1832 at Niagara County, NY, USA.¹ He was the son of Abram Eli Hotchkin Sr. and Electa Smith. He married Evilena Ann Granville on 25 September 1856. Noah Frank Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1870 at Rives Twp, Jackson County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Hotchkin, Frank, 35 (1834), NY; wife Eva S.,32 (1837), Maine; dau Emma, 3 (1866), MI; and 4 sons, Franklin, 12 (1857), IL; William, 9 (1860), NY; George, 6 (1863), NY; and James.8/12 (Oct 1869), NY. Living next door to brother Abram Jr.. He was a Peddler in 1870. He died on 31 October 1885 at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA, at age 53. Cemetery records just give a death year of 1885 and call him N. F. Hotchkin..^1,2 He was buried at Morton Hill Cemetery, at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA.

     His family always knew Noah Frank as Frank. This branch of the family had a habit of calling children by their middle names; the Compilers father was always called by his middle name, Elwyn. Some of the records that the Compiler holds give Frank's death date as 1 November but his tombstone in the Morton Hill Cemetery has a date of October 31 1885. The 1870 census finds him in Leslie, Rives Twp., Jackson Co., MI living next door to his brother Abram Jr. with his wife Eva S., one daughter Emma and four sons Franklin, William, George, and James. The census says that his occupation was a peddler. At the 1880 Census, he was in Charlottesville, Niagara Co, NY. Following the birth locations of his children we know that he lived in Boone Co., IL in 1857 and was in Niagara Co., NY by December 1861. Between April 1864 and July 1867 he returned to Jackson Co., MI; and then returned again to Niagara Co., NY between October 1869 and July 1875. He again returned to Michigan and lived in Benton Harbor after his last child, Elmer, was born in 1879.
     Etta Matthews in her Hotchkin Family Reunion Notes claims that he did not serve in the Civil War because he had a disability. There is no information as to how severe this disability.

     James H. Hotchkin was born on 25 July 1834 at Wilson, Niagara County, NY, USA.¹ He was the son of Abram Eli Hotchkin Sr. and Electa Smith. James H. Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1850 at Jackson County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: James H. Hotchkin, he is with his parents.. He married Frances A. Michal at Aurora, Kane County, IL, USA, on 3 March 1855.² James H. Hotchkin was a Private, andserved in 19th Bat'ry, NY Light Art'y, during the Civil War. He was a Farmer circa 1870. He died on 1 September 1907 at Newfane, Niagara County, NY, USA, at age 73.^3,4 He was buried on 3 September 1907 at North Ridge Cemetery, at Ransomville, Niagara County, NY, USA. Sec 2, Lot 102.
     New York family held their 2nd Hotchkin Bogelow Reunion.⁵


     James’ family lived on Coomer Rd., Newfane, NY from shortly after he was married in Illinois until his death, except according to census records, for a short period during 1875 when the family returned to Illinois where son James W. was born. James is described in the Michigan Family Records given to the Compiler by his mother and the Hotchkin Family Reunion Notes. He is with his parents at the 1850 Census of Michigan and at the New York 1860 census.
     James enlisted as a Pvt. in the 19th Battery, NY Light Artillery on 28 Aug 1862, at Lockport, NY, the same day and with the same unit as his brother William H. H. Hotchkin. He was wounded accidentally on 9 Nov 1864 near Popular Springs Church, VA, and was honorably discharged on 1 Apr 1865. His pension file has copies of his Death Certificate and Marriage License. The Civil War records give his personal description as: 5 feet, 8 1/2 inches tall, gray eyes, fair color and light hair. His four children living in 1897 were listed in the pension file, with their birth dates.
     James’Will is filed with the Niagara Co., NY, Surrogates Records, Box 10095. In this Will is an Affidavit by his son James W. giving his father’s death as about 1 Sep 1907, and his mother’s death as approximately 1917. The Will listed his children as Carrie M. Fellows, Electa M. Richards, James W. Hotchkin, and Belle Stevens’ three children, Opal M. Sturgis, Doris Godfrey, and Clarence Stevens. Belle had previously died. James and his wife Frances are buried in Section 2, Lot #102, North Ridge Cemetery, Cambria, NY. Frances death was reported in the Lockport Union Sun. Niagara County land records show that James H. Hotchkin of Wilson, bought 2.5 acres on 14 Oct 1854, Book 61, p 275, Lot 77, T15, R7, 2.5 acres from R. Spencer and sold this land to L. Wilson on 12 Oct 1854.

     Edwin Andy (Edward) Hotchkin was born on 5 July 1836 at NY, USA. The year on the death certificate is not clear but looks more like 1837 but age at death of 69, 7, 13 calculates to 1836. He was the son of Abram Eli Hotchkin Sr. and Electa Smith. Edwin Andy (Edward) Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1860 at Spring Arbor, Jackson County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Edwin Andy Hotchkin, living with Charles Harrington Family, laborer.. He was a Corporal, andserved in Co H, 1st Mich Eng & Mech, during the Civil War| In battles at Lavergne, TN and Perryville, KY.. He married Rufina U. (Rue) Todd at Grass Lake, Jackson County, MI, USA, on 8 December 1864. Edwin Andy (Edward) Hotchkin and Rufina U. (Rue) Todd were divorced after 1880 at MI, USA. He married Alice L. Parshall at Spring Arbor, Jackson County, MI, on 4 March 1888.³ Edwin Andy (Edward) Hotchkin and Alice L. Parshall were divorced circa 1892 at Jackson County, MI, USA. Edwin Andy (Edward) Hotchkin died on 18 February 1906 at Spring Arbor, Jackson County, MI, at age 69.⁴ He was buried at Spring Arbor Cemetery, at Spring Arbor, Jackson County, MI, USA.

     Edwin (Andy as his family called him) was born in New York just before his parents move to Michigan. At the 1860 census he was living with the Charles Harrington family and listed as a Laborer; by the 1870 Census of Spring Arbor he is with his wife Rufina and three children. The special Michigan census of 1894 finds him in Spring Arbor, listed as a widower, living with his son Charles. This census says that he is age 56, born in New York, and has lived in Michigan for 55 years, placing the Abram Eli families move to Michigan in 1837/38. The census says that both of his parents were born in NY, that he was a soldier and is now a mail carrier. His death is recorded in Jackson Co., Mi. death records of 1901-1911. Hotchkin Reunion Notes give his middle name of Andy. Andy is described in History of Jackson County Michigan, as a Civil War Veteran. His Civil War Pension records show that he enlisted on 29 October 1861 at Detroit, MI into Capt Grants, 1st Regt of the Michigan Engineers; after joining at Jackson, MI on 19 September 1861 for 3 years. He was reduced from Corpl to 1st Class Pvt on 24 December 1861 and later reduced from 4th class Corpl to 2nd Pvt on 28 November 1863. Andy was then promoted from 2nd Class Pvt to 1st Class Pvt on 1 January 1864. Michigan Military Index shows him listed in Vol 43, Pg 111. Andy fought in the battles of Lavergne, TN and Perryville, KY. His pension application claims that he was at Camp Wickliff, KY about the end of December 1861 where he got a bad case of diarrhea from bad water, change of diet and exposure. He was reported being at Bridgeport, AL in March and April of 1863 and was mustered out of the service and discharged at Atlanta, GA on 30 October 1864.
     In a December 1880 Pension Application Statement, Andy gave the following additional facts about his life: 1.) He had recently moved from Spring Arbor to Jackson. 2.) During the years 1855-1856 he was a fireman on the Chicago, Quincy and Burlinton Railroad. 3.) He returned to Spring Arbor in 1857 where his occupation was farming until he entered the service in 1861. 4.) Since leaving the military he had lived in Spring Arbor, Hanover and Ypsilanti working as a stone mason.
     Edwin's Will was probated in Jackson Co. and he listed his three children, Blanche Livingston of Sandstone Twp., William E. Hotchkin of Spring Arbor, and Charles M. Hotchkin of Spring Arbor as heirs. The appraiser described his home as very run down and needing immediate repairs. It was located at Jackson and White Pigion Rd., Spring Arbor, Sec. 16, Town 3, S Range 2 West.^5,6