Person Page - 14

     Rozella was born at MI, USA, in 1839. She was the daughter of Abram Eli Hotchkin Sr. and Electa Smith. She married Joel ((Joseph) H. Culver at Belvidere, Boone County, IL, USA, on 31 October 1858. Her marriage to Culver is given in Hotchkin Family Reunion Notes, no first name given. Marriage Certificate found in Boone Co. of marriage of Joe H. Culver to Rosa J. Hotchkin, 31 Oct, 1858. The Illinois Marriage Index 1763-1900 calls him Joel H.Culver..^1,2 Rozella (Rosa) A. Hotchkin died in 1863. This death date comes from Landmarks of Niagara County, New York and is not at all certain as a number of their facts are inaccurate..³

     We know that Rozella was with the family in Boone Co., IL because the Compiler has a copy of her marriage license to Joe Culver. This license refers to her as Rosa J. Hotchkin.

     Smith Curtis Hotchkin was born on 17 August 1839 at Rives Twp, Jackson County, MI, USA.^1,2 He was the son of Abram Eli Hotchkin Sr. and Electa Smith. Smith Curtis Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1850 at Spring Arbor, Jackson County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: he is with his parents.. He was a 1st Class Private, andserved in in Co H, 1st Mich Eng & Mech, during the Civil War. Discharge with disability at Louisville, KY. He was registered for Civil War Draft on on 1 July 1863 at Belvidere, Boone County, IL, USA. Age 22, laborer, married, birth location not given. This record places his age as 2 years older than other records and gives a marriage at least 3 years earlier.³ He married Mary Elizabeth Crispell at Jackson, Jackson County, MI, USA, on 4 July 1866.⁴ Smith Curtis Hotchkin was a Stone Mason in 1880 at Bancroft, Shiawassee County, MI, USA. He died on 9 February 1917 at Pulaski Twp, Jackson County, MI, USA, at age 77.^5,2 He was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery, at Concord, Jackson County, MI, USA.⁶

     Information on this family comes from records kept by Mabel Hotchkin, Lansing, Michigan and the "History of Jackson County, Michigan," pg 389, Michigan State Library. "Curtis S. Hotchkin of Rives and Eliz. S. Fisk of Jackson were witness to marriage of their friends James Hand and Ida L. Keyes on July 4 1866 at Jackson, Mi."
     The 1880 census finds Smith Hotchkin and wife Mary living in Bancroft City, Shiawasee Co., MI with two children. The 1884 census says that he had lived in Michigan 5 years, and that his occupation was stonemason and that his father was born in New York (we believe CT) and that he didn't know where his mother was born (we think New York).
     He enlisted in the Union Army on 11 June 1861, Co. H, Michigan Engineers and Mechanics at Marshall, MI for a term of 3 years, at age 21 and was mustered in on 6 December 1861. He was discharged for a heart disability at Louisville, KY on 15 December 1862. Smith fought in the battles of Mill Springs on 19 January 1862; Farmington, MS on 9 May 1862; Corith, MS on 10 to 31 May 1862 and Perryville, KY on 8 October 1862. The Michigan Military Index shows him listed in Vol 43, Page 111.
     The name Smith Curtis was often interchanged with Curtis Smith but his family knew him as Smith. At the April 1909 reunion of the Michigan and Niagara County, New York families, he is described as Uncle Smith who is on a 6-month visit with his son James, living in Wiprud, McLean Co., ND. His death is recorded in the records of Jackson Co. as 9 February 1917 of Tuberculosis and his birth is calculated from age at death ( 76-5-12). His gravestone is found in Concord Cemetery with the inscription Smith Hotchkin, Co. H, 1st MICH E & M. The gravestone has no dates. Next to him is buried his wife Mary under a rare and unusual cast tree stones. The Williamson's and Fritz's families of Smith and Mary's daughters Alice and Edith are buried in adjacent graves.⁷

     Evilena was born at Avon, Franklin County, ME, USA, on 1 August 1837. She was the daughter of Samuel Granville and Mary Barter. She married Noah Frank Hotchkin on 25 September 1856. Evilena Ann Granville appeared on the census of 1900 at Morrison, Whiteside County, IL, USA. The census lists the family as: Eva Hotchkin, age 63, b 8-1836 in ME; Living her dau Mary Rose and husband Eugene Denslow.. She died on 4 May 1926 at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA, at age 88. Her death certificate calls her Erelela Hotchkins and says that she died of Senility.Morton Hill Cemetery records give death on 3 May 1926.. She was buried at Morton Hill Cemetery, at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA.

     It is likely that Evilena and Noah Frank were married in Elgin or Belvidere, IL as their first child, Franklin Evi was born in Belvidere and her obituary says that she and her parents lived in Elgin. Franks brother James H. and sister Rozella were both married in northern Illinois.
     She was with her husband, Frank at the 1880 census of Charlottesville, Newfane Twp., Niagara Co., NY. and at the 1910 census she was in the home of her son James E. Hotchkin in Benton Harbor, MI. Evilena was member #240 of the 1st Baptist Church, 236 Pipestone St, Benton Harbor, MI and their records show that she transferred from the Baptist Church in Van Wert, OH by letter on 17 August 1905 along with her daughter Mamie Denslow and her family. At the April 1909 Christmas reunion with the Niagara Co. families, she is describes as being Aunt Eva and living in Benton Harbor. A party at the home of Mrs. Eugene Denslow, her daughter, where the engagement of Miss Clarice Hotchkin and H. Daugherty was announced for a fall wedding, celebrated her 88th birthday. Attending were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wythe, Ward Hotchkin, Hubert Hotchkin and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Beardsley of Laingsburg, Mi.
     Her obituary said that, "she was one of the oldest residents of Benton Harbor. Born in Avon, Maine and moved with her parents, at the age of six, first to Elgin, IL, from where in a short time to Belvidere, IL. She had lived in Benton Harbor since 1880, more than 50 years. Her children are James, of 651 East Main St., Benton Harbor; Frank of Lansing, Will of Sturgis, S.D; Mrs. Emma Birkholm of Berrien Center; and Mrs. Mamie Denslow of Benton Harbor. Two other children died in infancy and George died in 1917. She also leaves two nieces, Mrs. C. M. Gustine of Pipestone Rd. and Mrs. Robert Curtis of Los Angeles. Mrs. Hotchkin's husband died in 1886. Funeral services will be held Wed. at 2 pm at the Baptist Church, Rev Herbert Hanson officiating. Burial at Morton Hill. Mrs. Hotchkin has been a member of the Baptist Church for 35 years." Another obituary, dated May 5 1926 said: "Six grandsons, all bearing the name of Hotchkin, were the casket bearers, Cecil Hotchkin of Benton Harbor, Elwyn Hotchkin of Jackson (this is the Compilers father; I was born in Jackson just 2 months after my great grandmothers death), Ward, Hubert and Norris Hotchkin of Lansing, and Donald Hotchkin of Coloma. Other relatives from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Price of Homer, Mrs. W. Beardsley of Laingsburg, Mrs. Frank Wythe of Mason, Mrs. Etta Martin of Battle Creek and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bonnel of South Bend, IN." According to her obituary she died at the home of her daughter, Mamie Hotchkin Denslow, 395 Cedar St, Benton Harbor, MI at 4:30 pm. Her Death Certificate is filed as record #E-131, death date 3 May 1926; parents given as George Granville and Mary Barter of Maine.

     Franklin was born at Belvidere, Boone County, IL, USA, on 27 July 1857. He was the son of Noah Frank Hotchkin and Evilena Ann Granville. Franklin Evi Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1880 at Benton Twp, Berrien County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Granville, George, 40, Fruit Grower, 40, b Maine; wife Clara, 38, b IL; dau Emily, 12, b MI; dau Mary E., 9, b MI; dau Verona, 7, b MI; mother Mary, 78, b Maine; nephew Franklin Hotchkin, 24, b IL.. He married Mary Winona (Minnie) Hendrick at Hagar Twp, Berrien County, MI, USA, on 27 October 1888. Mary Winona and Franklin E. were married in Hager, Mi. by Rev. C.S. Lester, 1st Baptist Church of Benton Harbor, MI..^1,2 Franklin Evi Hotchkin was a Carpenter in 1898.
     On July 8, 1904 Franklin Evi and his family left Central City to return to Michigan by wagon train. They drove with two wagons, a large freight wagon and a buggy. Franklin drove the large team with the freight wagon and daughters' Mabel and Lelia drove the buggy. Norris was less than a year old at this time and was carried in the arms of his mother. Elwyn, the Compilers father, remembers that the other children walked most of the way, as the wagons were so full. Franklin's family arrived at his wife's Minnie sister's home in Saugatuck Michigan on September 8. His diary of this trip is so interesting that it is included in the next few pages. At a few places in the following diary, comments have been made by Lelia Hotchkin Wythe when she first transcribed the diary. These comments are shown in parenthesis ( ).
July 8, 1904 Left Central City, Nebraska at 8:20 A.M. Crossed the Platte River at 9:00. Stopped for dinner at 12:00. Started again at 1:20 P.M. Left Stromberg 2 mi. E. of us. Went south. Camped at Union School House in Polk Co. at 7:30. Good grass in school yard, all fenced in. Director came along, said we could turn horses in their pasture over night. Found very nice people there. Made 28 mi.
July 9 This morning while we were eating breakfast, a young lady came and brought us about 3 qts. new milk. Started at 6:55 A. M. Passed Benedict 1\2 mi. to the West at 8:40. Passed York 1\2 mi. at the South at 11:30. Made 15 1\2 and stopped for dinner at 12 M. Picked mulberries for dinner and supper. Started again at 1:25. Passed through Waco at 3:15 PM Passed Utica 1\2 mi. at the South at 5:35. Horses rather tired. Made 30 1\2. Went into camp at 6:20.
July 10 Came up a big thunder storm in the night. It is awful windy this morning and hot, likely to get more rain before night. We had company last night. A man and his three children and pug dog came out and called on us. Started this morning at 11:15. Passed Tamora 1:10 1\2 mi. to the South. At 1:15, stopped to feed. Water running right off the horses. Started on again at 4:10. Soon got out of the rain belt of the night before. Then could make better time. Passed through Seward at 7:15 PM. Made 17 mi. and camped at Leahey School House 1 mi. South and 2 mi. W. of German T. at 8:50.
July 11 Rained again last night, a regular downpour with high winds that just shook our wagon in great shape. Rain beat in, wet things up pretty well. So much mud can't move much before noon. Started at 11:45. Came through German T at 1:15. Couldn't get water for horses, so did not stop until 3:25. Came through Raymond at 7:50. Went a little over a mile E. of town and camped with a house on either side of us. Two little girls came out to play with the children. They had a pet coon and invited the children to come and see it in the morning. Made 18 mi.
Tue. July 12 Started at 6:45. Got to Davey at 9:15. Stopped to get butter and corn. Made 13 mi. Stopped on a hill for dinner at 11:55. Started again at 1:20 PM. Passed through Greenwood at 5:20. Made 27 mi. Crossed Salt Creek at 4:50 PM. Camped on Creek bottoms at 6:45.
Wed. July 13 Rained again so we are in camp. Picked our first mess of raspberries yesterday. Hit the trail again at 8:40. Very slippery first 2 mi. Picked another mess of raspberries. Stopped for dinner at 11:45. (Passed Murdock 2 mi. at S. at 9:20) Picked mess of gooseberries. Started on at 1 PM. Met a man from IA going to Colorado Springs with a sick boy. Made 13 mi. and stopped at 6 PM. Camped at little brick school house. Just got team off and tent set when a big rain and wind struck us. Covered the ground with water so girls could not sleep in tent. Made their beds in entry way of school. At 7:15 rain stopped. We got our supper and work done up and just got ready for bed when it begin to rain again.
Thur. July 14 Pleasant but awful muddy. 7 mi. from Ferry (cable ferry, pulled by team of mules) Started at 10:10 AM. Got to Plattsmouth at 11:55. Had to go 2 mi. down the river to ferry. Stopped at 1 PM. Dinner. (Had to drink soft water, as land was to low for good wells) Off again. Crossed the Missouri River at 3:30 (with last team and bid old Nebraska adieu; OK, as we girls said, "Threw the New Brass Key" in the river. It seemed so strange to us to think we were out of the state at last) Got to Pacific City at 4:20. Mills at 5:10. Glenwood at 6:00 PM. Went into camp at 7:35 to spend our first night on IA soil. 24 mi.
Fri. July 15 One week out. Started at 7:10. Went through Hillsdale 8:20. Malvern 10:15. Crossed the W. Nishnabatona R. at 11:30. Hastings at 12:10. Stopped for dinner at 12:40. Picked about 3 qts. of gooseberries. Started at 2:10. Passed through Emerson at 3:20 and Hawthrone at 5:10. Made 26 mi. Horses pretty tired. Stopped at 6:40 at School House on hill about 4 mi. from Red Oak.
Sat July 16 Another night without rain. Started at 7:20. Went through Red Oak at 9:00 AM. It is the nicest town we have yet seen on the trip. Stopped for dinner and feed at 12:20. Made 15 mi. Got card from Mamie (his sister) and letter from father (Hendrick) today at Red Oak. After dinner at 1:50, struck some of the worst roads we have found yet. The hills were simply terrible. Went into camp at 5:30 with the horses all tired out. Made 26 mi.
Sun. July 17 Is nice and warm. Started at 7:30 with horses stiff and sore, to make more hills. Passed three churches. Made 9 mi. & stopped for dinner 3 mi. from Corning. Only intending to make Corning today. 11:30 Started again at 3:00 PM. Came through Corning at 4:30. Stopped one mi. out of town at 5:00 PM. Left my Arctics where we camped last night. Made 11 MI.
Mon. July 18 Went over to town. Got card from father (Hendrick), done trading. Came back to camp, loaded up, and started at 8:30. Picked berries on the road. Went 11 1\2 mi. & stopped for dinner at 12:15. Started at 1:45. Got to Creston at 6:00 PM. Got bread and camped out at 7:20. Made 24 mi.
Tues. July 19 ad another big rain last night. Mud so deep & hills so steep it is impossible to start this morning if at all today. 9:00 PM. been in camp all day. Traded one of the ponies off tonight and got a heavier horse (Worthless)
Wed. July 20 Cloudy and threatening. Started at 7:40. Roads heavy. Drove 2 mi. It began to rain. Stopped at 8:25. Doubled up our teams and went on again. Made 12 mi. to Afton at 12:05. Went East of town and stopped for dinner at 12:25. Stopped raining. Started again at 1:50. Hills were worst then this fore noon. Got stuck. Had to uncouple light wagon and change teams around to get up. Only made 7 mi. and stopped at 6:00 PM on Grand River, at the mouth of 3 mi. Creek, just N. of Talmage. Made 19 mi. today.
Thurs. July 21 Started at 8:00 AM. Struck the worst hills we have found yet. Went about 9 mi. and stopped for dinner at 12:15. Started again at 2:35. Got to Murray at 3:00 PM. Got bread and flour. Found better roads. Made about 21 mi. Camped at School House Wad. No. 6 on (rede) hill at 7:15. Girls slept in coal shed so did not put up tent.
Fri. July 22 Started at 7:45. Got to Oseola at 8:40. Got bread, watered teams. Left town at 9:00. Found dime as we started out. Made 11 mi. and stopped at School House for dinner at 12 N Started again at 1:45. Passed Woodburn 1 mi. at the S. at 2 PM. Cleaveland at 6:00. Lucas at 7:00 PM. Drove 1 mi. E. and camped by the R.R. at 7:15. Made 25 miles. Old man came out and made us a visit. He was very friendly. Gave us hay to put into the tent. Borrowed his scythe to cut hay for horses.
Sat. July 23 Started at 7:15. Made Charston at 10:30 Am. Got bread and started on for Russell. Came to school house with fine shade maple, so stopped for dinner at 11:55. Made 13 mi. Started on again at 1:45 PM. Got to Russell at 3:00 PM. Went out 3 mi. One horse gave out. Had to stop and put shaves in buggy. Was a little over an hour making the change so only made 23 mi. today. Camped at school house again. Just as we stopped, a rabbit ran out in front of us. Shot him so we'll have meat tomorrow. Lost knife today.
Sun. July 24 Fine warm morning. Begins to look like rain again. Started at 9:15. Struck some terrible hills. Made 11 mi. and stopped for dinner at 2:15 PM. Horses were so tired and good feed here for them, so did not hitch up again. Visited a little and the children went out and picked a gal. gooseberries. Then went down to Seder Creek to play.
Mon. July 25 Started at 8:10. Got to Albia at 10:05. Left at 11:00. went 4 mi. and stopped on top of a hill for dinner at 12:30. Made 10 miles. Started again at 3:00 PM. Struck more horrid hills. Got to Munterville at 6:00. Went 2 mi. W. Camped on top of a hill. Poorest camp we have struck yet. Very little feed and no water. Raining a little. Made 21 mi.
Tues. July 26 Only got light sprinkle last night. Traded horses before breakfast. Got a big bay mare. Started to 7:00 AM. Went about 10 mi. Stopped to feed and get dinner at 10:30. Got our first mess of Blueberries this morning. Got about 3 qts. Started on at 1:30. Got into S. Ottumwa at 2:00 & to Ottumwa at 2:30 Started on from there at 3:00. Got to River View at 3:25, to Agency at 6:00. Watered horses. Went on 2 mi. and camped. Just as I stopped, met a man on a wheel from Philadelphia, Pa. He had come with his auto part way, then on a wheel. Was going from Ottumwa by train to SD. Made about 22 mi. today.
Wed. July 27 Started at 7:35, passed through N. edge of Hatavia at 9:40. Passed W. B. Kramr's at 10:00 AM. Got to Bernhart at 11:30. Stopped for dinner at 11:35. Just as we stopped, Ted (the dog) killed a mink. Started on at 1:30. Got to Fairfield at 4:00 PM. Got my mail, 2 letters & one postal. Done trading. Started out at 5:10. Drove for 5 mi. and camped at 7:15. Made 23 mi.
Thurs. July 28 Started at 7:25. Got to Rome at 11:30. Went on down to Skunk R. & watered horses, went on across to the foot of the hill & stopped for dinner at 12:30. Made 12 mi. Cooked dinner with hard maple wood, the first we had used since leaving Michigan. Started again at 2:50. Could hardly get Lucy started up the hill, then could hardly get her along at all. Managed to get to Mt. Pleasant. 8 mi. and stopped at 6:00. 20 mi.
Fri. July 29 Lucy's (horse) feet were so sore she could not travel, so went up town to look around some. Did not find any one to trade with so began to look for work. The first man I spoke to, gave me a job shingling at $2.00 per day. Went to work at 7:30 AM.
Sat. July 30 Worked shingling again today. Got a good heavy shower just as we finished work at night.
Sunday July 31 Had a big thunder shower again last night. A big barn about 2 mi. S. of us was struck by lightening and burned to the ground with fine team & 15 tons of hay & oats. Day has been nice. Mud drying fast. Traded horses again today so guess will hit trail again in the morning if it doesn't rain again.
Mon. Aug. 1 Pleasant. Broke camp and hit the trail again at 8:20. Left Mt. Pleasant at 8:50. New London at 11:30, stopped for dinner 3 mi. E. of N. L. at 12:30. Made 12 mi. Started at 2:40. Danville, Middletown & W. Burlington at 6 PM. Went into camp 6:40 on top of a hill just inside of what had been a field. Got settled & supper just about ready at dark & the man or dog that owned the place came and ordered us off. So had to hitch up and put team on big wagon. Drove just outside of walk and stopped. Pulled light wagon out by hand so it was 10:45 when I got supper and work done and ready for bed. Made 27 mi.
Tues. Aug. 2 Started at 6:50. Got o Ferry at 7:30. Got onto Ferry at 8:00 AM. At 8:15 got onto Illinois dirt and said a glad adieu to old Iowa. Got to Gladstone at 12:00. Watered and went across Henderson R. and stopped for dinner at 12:30. Started again at 2:40. Got part way up hill and found Bl. berry patches. Stopped and picked nearly a water pail full. Started on again at 4:00. Picked berries this fore noon for dinner. Came through Kirkwood at 7:45. Stopped to camp just before we came into town but had no water and crank objected so had to come on. Came 1 mi. N. and camped at 8:30. Made 27 mi.
Wed. Aug. 3 Started at 7:35. Got to Monmouth at 9:15. Passed through and on towards Galesburg. Stopped for dinner at 12:15. Made 15 mi. Started at 2:15. Got to Galesburg at 4:15. Stopped in city. Done trading and started on at 5:05. Came out to E. Galesburg. Watered horses, went about 3\4 mi. and camped at 6:15. Made 28 mi.
Thurs. Aug. 4 Started at 7:15. Struck some horrid hills again this morning. Made 6 miles and thunder storm came up so we had to stop at 10;15. Started at 12:15, went 2 mi., 1\2 mi. N. of Appleton in the valley. Hill so muddy and slippery, left teams at top of hill and went to post office on foot expecting to get mail from Oquawka, but got none, but found that by going back W. 1\4 mi. could soon get out of the hills, so headed back and started on. Had 3 hills to make, one pretty stiff and then struck prairie but rather heavy on account of the rain. Camped at school house 1\4 mi. or 1\2 mi. W. of our road, on account of feed, at 6:15. Only made 13 mi. and horses very tired. Picked about 3 qt. berries again. Others just gone.
Fri. Aug. 5 Pleasant but roads heavy, so did some washing and started at 8:25. Got to Victoria at 10:00 AM. Went 5 1\2 mi. E. & stopped at school house for dinner at 11:50. Made 0 1\2 mi. Started at 2:15. Passed West Jersey at 4:10 went into the hills E. of Indian Creek and camped at 6:25. Made 20 mi.
Sat. Aug. 6 Started at 7:30 & crossed Spoon R. at 9:00 AM. Wyoming at 9:30. Watered horses, got bread, butter & lard and started on. Went 8 mi. E. 1\4 S. and stopped for dinner at 12:10. Got to Sparland Cemetery 1\4 mi. from town at 5:00 PM. Nell about tired out so left teams and went on in afoot to P.O. Found place to camp in grove at top of hill 1\2 mi. from P.O. Made 25 mi.
Sun. Aug. 7 Fine day. Cool and pleasant but horses tired and only have 33 cents in money left, and bridge toll of 40 cents so have to manage to get money before we can go on. The people are very hospitable here. Prof. Boughton gave us a nice plymouth rock chick for dinner then sent us a loaf of bread and can of B. berries. Then before our dinner was ready, two little girls came and gave us two quarts milk and 1\2 of a cake. We found ginshan in the hollow just N. of us and dug about 3 lb. of root.
Mon. Aug. 8 Fine day again. Went down town after breakfast to look for work. Did not strike anything. Came back about 9:30 and went after berries. did not find many. After dinner went down town again, but did not strike anything, so went over to Lacon. Got a chance to sell my ginshan so came back and went to look for more. Mabel and I went out at 4:00. Came back at 7:00 with about 7 lb. Just as I got back from town Mr. Boughton came and offered to loan me $5.00, so with that and what we can get from the roots, will be able to go on tomorrow.
Tues. Aug. 9 Minnie baked bread this fore noon. Got dinner and packed up and started again at 2:00 PM. Came through Lacon at 2:30 PM. Passed Varna at 5:45, 1\2 mi. at the N. went 2 mi. E. and camped at a school house at 6:15. It is getting ready to rain. Made 12 mi.
Wed. Aug. 10 Cloudy. Rained a little last night. Just laid the dust. Started at 7:45. Picked 3 qts. Bl. berries. Went N. of our road and got to Larton at 12:00 N. Watered horses and went 2 mi. E. and stopped for dinner at 1:00 PM. Jammed my thumb while fixing fire to get dinner. Made 14 mi. Started again at 3:05. Went into camp at 6:00 PM. 2 mi. W. of Streator. Made 24 mi.
Thurs. Aug. 11 Cold and foggy. Started at 7:20. Got to Streator at 8:00 AM. Got out to N. E. of town and had to stop and go back to P.O. Got a card from father (Hendrick) and a letter from Mamie. Came through Kerman. Camped 2 mi. from Ranson at 12:00. Made 11 mi. Started again at 2:05. Came through Ranson at 3:00 PM. Kinsman at 5:15 PM. Camped at 6:30, 1 1\2 mi. S. W. of Verona. Made 23 mi.
Fri Aug. 12 Cold again last night. Started at 7:15. Got to Verona at 7:45 and Magon at 9:15. Made 14 mi. and stopped for dinner at 11:30. Started again at 2:00 PM. Went through Coal City, Carbon Hill, Coal Branch Jct. & Diamond. Found some sand. Nell played out so went into camp at 5:30, 1 1\2 mi. S. W. of Wilmington. Made 22 mi.
Sat. Aug. 13 Warm and cloudy. Started at 8:00. Came through Wilmington at 9:00. Past Symeston 1\2 mi. to the S. at 11:00 AM. Stopped for dinner at 11:40. Got a little shower this morning after we left Wilmington. It hardly laid the dust. Started on at 2:15. Terrible hot. Got to Manhattan at 4:30. Came 2 mi. E. Went into camp at 5:00 with Jora tired out. Camped at school house at four corners. Had another shower before I could get tent up. Made 19 mi.
Sunday Aug. 14 Started at 9:30. Passed Frankfort Station 1 1\2 to N. at 12:00 M. Stopped to feed at 1:00 PM. Made 9 mi. Started at 4:15. Camped 2 mi. from Richton at 6:00 PM. Made 14 1\2 mi. Got corn & potatoes.
Mon. Aug. 15 Started at 8:00. Passed through Richton at 8:30. Chicago Hts. 1 mi. to S. Stopped for dinner just inside of state line. Started again at 2:30. Crossed state line at 3:00 and bid adieu to IL. Went through Dyer. Stopped to camp 3 mi. from Dyer at 6:00. Made 15 mi.
Tues. Aug. 16 Started at 8:00 AM. Sand for 5 mi. Got into Griffith and struck deep sand. Belle stopped with us and we had to take her out and put Jora in till we struck the gravel road again. Stopped for dinner at 12:00. Mad 8 mi. Got a mess of bl. berries. Started again at 2:30. Came through Hobert at 5:00 PM. Stopped just before noon at Sam Ward's to enquire the road. He gave us a lot of apples. Made 17 mi.
Wed. Aug. 17 Started at 8:00 AM. Passed Woodville at 11:40. Went 1 mile S. E. and stopped for dinner at 12:00 M. Made 10 mi. Started at 2:45. Got to Westville 5:45. Went into camp 3 mi. W. at 6:45. Made 21 mi. Terrible dry. Every one wanting rain.
Thurs. Aug. 18 Got a little sprinkle this morning. Still cloudy, may rain more. Started at 8:00. Came through La Porte at 11:00. Stopped for dinner 3 mi. E. at 12:15. Made 13 mi. Started at 3:00 PM. Went 7 mi. N. E. Went into camp at 6:00 PM. at Bootjack school house. Made 20 mi. today.
Fri. Aug. 19 Nasty rainy morning. People here in general are rejoicing over it but we are not as we had intended to eat dinner in Michigan today. But if it rains much more will not be able to do so. 6 PM. Well it rained all day so that we only got 2 meals and had to cook them in the rain. But when it stops we won't have to wait for sticky mud to dry up before we can start.
Sat. Aug. 20 Had the worst rain last night that we have had since we started out. Soaked everything all up and drowned the girls out of the tent. So had to all pile up in the wagon. Cloudy and damp this morning so beds don't dry. So will hitch up and start on. Started at 8:30. Just as we were picking up, two teams from Niles came along on their way to Wisconsin. So we were not alone in getting wet. Passed Hudson Lake at 9:15. At 11:00 came to a patch of wild bl. berries & picked about 2 gallons. Crossed state line at 3:10. We clapped our hands for joy and said a glad goodbye to old Ind. Came through Niles at 5:30 PM. Came 2 mi. N. and went into camp with best grazing we have seen for a long time. Good clover and timothy. Made about 23 mi.
Sunday Aug. 21 Spent our first night in Michigan. Fog this morning. Started at 7:30. Got to Eau Claire at 10:45. went 3 mi. E. and stopped for dinner at 11:45. Made 14 mi. Stopped at S. W. corner of Ed Birkholm's place . Did not find them at home.
Mon. Aug. 22 Went down to the house after water. Emma & Ed both knew me and would have us come down to breakfast. Spent the day there and had a nice visit. Gathered huckleberries. In the afternoon, took children boat riding and caught nice mess of fish.
Tues. Aug. 23 Came to B. H. with Ed and saw Jim and had dinner at his place.
Wed. Aug. 24 Left Emma's at 10:30. Got our dinner just N. of Mt. Pleasant church. They were just gathering for funeral of Mrs. Fisher as we passed. Left teams and wagons at C. E. McClaves.
Thurs. Aug. 25 Went to Paw Paw Lake with Jim.
Fri. Aug. 26 Came back again.
Sat. 27,
Sun. 28,
Mon 29 Stayed at Jim's.
Tues. Aug. 30 Came back to Corey's and went into camp on school ground. Worked for Corey's rest of week. Sun. Sept. 4 Went to Aunt Clara's for dinner.
Mon. Sept. 5 Hit the trail again at 3:00 PM. Bid Benton Harbor adieu at 3:45. Camped at Hager School District No. 5, at 6:00 PM. After supper called on Flo Emery a short time.
Tues. Sept. 6 Started at 7:40. Stopped and saw Bert Kettell. Came on past old place. Got some pears. Stopped for dinner N. of Paw Paw Lake on county line at 12:10. Started on again at 2:45. Struck lots of sand. At 5:00 PM. Belle thought she had gone far enough and stopped. Finally changed and went a little farther and camped 3\4 mi. from Packard at 6:00 PM.
Wed. Sept. 7 Started at 9:00 AM. Got to South Haven at 9:45. Came through and on N. about 5 mi. and stopped for dinner at 11:40. Made about 11 mi. Started at 2:35. Passed W. Casco at 3:30. Came past pier and came on one mile E. then N. about 2 mi. and went into camp at 6:25.
Thurs. Sept. 8 Started at 7:45 got to Douglas at 8:10, to Saugatuck at 8:30. Found the folks on the watch for us. Father and Viola (Talma Hendrick and daughter Viola) rushed out to meet us.
He lived in 1916 at Mason, Ingham County, MI, USA. Listed as a Huckster with 5 children.³
     Franklin, wife Minnie and daughter Mable visits cousins the Fellows.⁴
Franklin died on 16 April 1928 at Lansing, Ingham County, MI, USA, at age 70. The Compiler has a Death Certificate prepared for him by the Ingham County Recorder that gives a date of 10 Apr 1928, but believes that the family records are likely more accurate.. He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, at Grand Ledge, Eaton County, MI, USA.

     Franklin Evi was born on 27 July 1857 in Belvidere, Boone County, IL according to family records and the Hotchkin Family Reunion Notes. His Death Certificate confirms the location as Illinois. He died at Lansing Michigan on 16 April 1928; the Certified Copy of his Death Certificate received from the County Clerk by the Compiler says 10 April, but this was a copying mistake by the clerk due to very poor originals. This Certificate gives his father as Noah Hotchkin, born in New York and mother Evalela Grandville, born in Maine. According to his published obituary he died in Lansing, Michigan and his funeral was held at the Jarvis-Estes Funeral Home, on Thursday morning at 10:30 am, by Rev Ralph Hobbs. The Hendrick Genealogy claims that Franklin Evi was born 27 July 1855 in Wilson, Niagara Co., NY; however, this is very unlikely as too much evidence supports the 1857 date and location. The 1870 census of Leslie Rives Twp., Jackson Co., MI finds him living with his parents and says that he is attending school. The 1900 census confirmed his birth as July 1857 but claims that his father was born in Vermont and Mother in Maine. The census says that he was a carpenter and rented a home. (For many years the Compilers father had all of grandfather old carpentry tools in the handmade chest that every apprentice carpenter constructed in those days.) At the 1900 census Franklin's family and his wife's family lived in adjacent homes in Central City, NE. Their first three children were born in Benton Harbor, but some time in late 1894 or 1895 they started moving west and the birth of Marjorie Cecile occurred in Camden, Schuyler Co., IL on 17 March, 1896. They couldn't have stayed long in Illinois because the Compilers father, Franklin Elwyn was born in Loup City, Loup Co., NE on 10 August 1898. Two children, James Ward and Norris Fernold were born in Central City, NE in 1901 and 1902.
     There are no records of the family owning property in Loup City; but Merrick Co., NE records show that wife Minnie W. Hotchkin purchased a Central City lot on 7 December 1900 from B. S. Abel. This property, Lots 7 and 8 of Block 6, Sec 5 and Twp 13 was where they made their home in Central City. The adjacent Lots 9 and 10 were owned by Minnie's parents Talma and Electa O. Hendrick and was recorded in Electa's name on 7 December 1900; the same day as Minnie purchased her property.
     A lot of the information on the Michigan Branch of the Hotchkin Family comes from records of the Hotchkin-Bigelow Family Reunion, held the 2nd Sunday of June, every year from 1927 to 1972. Franklin started this family reunion in 1927, with the first reunion held on 11 September 1927 and the first officers were: Franklin, President; Theron, Vice President; Mabel, Secretary; Edith Fritz, Treasure. It was unfortunate that Frank died before he ever attended a second reunion.

     Florence E. Hotchkin died on 27 January 1860 at Belvidere, Boone County, IL, USA. She was born on 27 January 1860 at Belvidere, Boone County, IL. She was the daughter of Noah Frank Hotchkin and Evilena Ann Granville.

     The Hotchkin Family Reunion Notes say that she only lived for a few hours.¹

     William Smith (Will) Hotchkin was born on 31 December 1862 at Charlotte Village, Niagara County, NY, USA.² He was the son of Noah Frank Hotchkin and Evilena Ann Granville. He married Maroa (Roa) Lason at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA, on 1 January 1882.³ He married Emma Lucinda Kinman at Augusta, Hancock County, IL, USA, on 22 January 1896. She is called Emma Hedrick in IL Marriage Index..⁴ William Smith (Will) Hotchkin was a Farmer in 1900. He lived in 16 November 1906 at Central City, Merrick County, NE, USA. William Smith Hotchkin was Grantee on a land parcel on this date. He appeared on the census of 1920 at Golden, Meade County, SD, USA. The census lists the family as: Hotchkin, Wm. S., 56, b NY; wife Emma L., 46, b IL; son Emery E., 19, b NB; son Glenn W., 16, b NB; dau Lucille C., 13, b NB; dau Mary I., 12, b NB; son George W., 10, b NB; son Wibur W., 5, b SD. Next door lives Clay E. Ness, 24, single and nex to him lives Sylvester Ness, 56.. He died on 3 November 1942 at Detroit, Wayne County, MI, USA, at age 79. He died at the home of his daughter Evelyn Lelia (Mrs Jack Tarr). Hotchkin family Reunion sent a $2.60 floral piece..^5,6,2,7 He was buried at Riverside Cemetery, at Plymouth, Wayne County, MI, USA.

     Information on this family came from records kept by Mabel Hotchkin, Lansing, MI; George W. Hotchkin, Plymouth, MI; and Anthony Hotchkin, Minneapolis, MN. His marriage to Rosa Lason is in Berrien Co. Vitals as copied by LDS. The 1870 census finds him living with his parents in Leslie, Rives Twp., Jackson Co., MI next door to Abram Jr. William Smith was living in Sturgis, South Dakota at death of his brother, Frank Evi in April, 1928 according to Frank's obituary.

His son George W. says that William Smith went to South Dakota to homestead after Aubrey Earl, son of his brother George E., went out there but returned after his wife Emma Lucinda Kinman died in 1937. According to son George W., they returned to Michigan because they had bad winters and in summer it dried out or hailed. William Hotchkin bought property in Central City, Merrick Co., NE on 30 August 1889 from N. C. Wortman. This property consisted of the west 60 feet of Lot 5 and all of Lot 6 in the Jones Addition to Central City. William Hotchkin and his wife sold this same property on 12 March, 1900. A search of Meade Co., SD land records show that William S. Hotchkin received a homestead Land Patent, 7 December 1916, for the NE 1/4 of Sec. 22, T 7, R 11. The Compiler has driven out to this site, near Union Center, SD and there are no signs left of any homestead structures. William granted this property to Christina Johnson on 26 March 1919.
     The 1909 reunion of family members describes him as Will Hotchkin, and indicates that he resided in the Michigan area at that time. The family always knew him as Uncle Will and the Compiler remembers him at family reunions as a tall thin man who liked to talk to children. His son George says that he was born in Augusta, IL on 31 December 1862. The date and location of his marriage comes from his granddaughter Connie Skinner.

     George E. Hotchkin was born on 25 April 1864 at Charlotte Village, Niagara County, NY, USA. He was the son of Noah Frank Hotchkin and Evilena Ann Granville. He married Louie May Kennedy at Niles, Berrien County, MI, USA, on 15 December 1886. George E. Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1910 at Minden, Kearney County, NE, USA. The census lists the family as: Hotchkins, G. E. (George E.), 45 (1864), NY, married once, 24 years, born NY, Miller, parents born NY; wife L. M. (Lois May), 43, married once, 24 years, 5 children, 4 living, MI, father born Canada, mother born OH; son A. E. (Aubrey Earl), 21, single, MI, Miller; dau M. B. (Neva Blossom), 20 Single, MI, Musician; son C. L. (Cecil Lloyd), 14, Single, NE; daughter L. A. (Lois Amy), 7, Single, NE.. He died on 7 March 1917 at Sturgis, Meade County, SD, USA, at age 52. Death location has never been confirmed.. He was buried at Minden Cemetery, at Minden, Kearney County, NE, USA.

     Berrien Co. Vitals as copied by LDS show his marriage to Louie May Kennedy on 15 December 1886, he was from Sodus MI, she from Navonie MI, his occupation was as a Miller, they were married by Rev Myers, both said that they lived in Niles, Berrien Co., Mi. The 1870 census finds him living with his parents in Leslie, Rives Twp., Jackson Co., MI. George was the oldest of the children that were with his parents in the 1880 census of Charlotteville, Newfane Twp., Niagara Co., NY.
     A History of Sherman Co., NE says that he operated the flour mill on Dead Horse Creek, Loup City, after he succeeded Alfred Anderson who was the Miller in 1895. This statement goes on to say that at some times George was a Minister and later the operator of the St. Elmo Hotel in Loup City. The Mill burned on 3 October 1899 and according to the newspapers (Times, October 3 1899) there was talk of arson but no one was charged. On 8 December 1899, George E. Hotchkin received a parcel of land from John Pahl by Quit Claim Deed for the sum of $10. The Grantor lived in Chicago and George was living in Loup City. The History of Sherman Co, NE describes him as from Arcadia, Valley Co., NE but the Compiler couldn't locate any information there. It is known from land records that he also lived in Central City, NE. Several newspaper articles appear about George and his Mills in Tecumseh and Minden, NE during 1909.

     Emma C. Hotchkin was born on 24 July 1867 at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA. Her death announcement give the 24 July date, other records give a 23 July date. She was the daughter of Noah Frank Hotchkin and Evilena Ann Granville. She married Edwin W. Birkholm at Stevensville, Berrien County, MI, USA, on 27 November 1889. The attached announcemet was listed in the newspaper under a column of "20 Years Ago.".¹ Emma died on 11 February 1939 at Dowagiac, Cass County, MI, USA, at age 71. Death date found in Hotchkin Family Reunion Notes. Foral piece $2.00 sent.. She was buried at Riverside Cemetery, at Dowagiac, Cass County, MI, USA. Buried in the Zelner- McNeal plot..

     Emma is mentioned in her brother Frank E. obituary as living in Eau Claire,MI at the time of his death in April 1928. At the 1870 census she is with her parents in Leslie, Rives Twp., Jackson Co., MI. The 1880 census of Charlotte, Newfane Twp., Niagara Co., NY. finds her with her parents at age 13. The place of her death is supplied by Junella Denslow Reep. Her marriage to Edwin W. Birkholm is recorded in Berrien Co. Vital Records. It says that the wedding took place on 27 November 1889 after obtaining the certificate on 26 November. They indicated that they both lived in Benton Harbor and both were born in Michigan. They were married in Benton Twp. by Rev Clement S. Lester, MG. Witnesses were Freavine Birkholm of Chicago and Nellie Rowley of Saint Joseph, MI. Edwin said that his father was Emil Birkholm and she gave her father as Frank Hotchkin. The records spelled his name as Berkholm.

     Mary Rose (Mamie) Hotchkin was born on 10 July 1875 at Charlotte Village, Niagara County, NY, USA. Some records say 1876. She was the daughter of Noah Frank Hotchkin and Evilena Ann Granville. She married Frank Eugene Denslow at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA, on 17 June 1896. His obituary gives the year as 1895..^1,2 Mary Rose (Mamie) Hotchkin died on 9 September 1946 at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, at age 71. She was buried on 12 September 1946 at Crystal Springs Cemetery, at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA.

     The 1880 census of Charlottesville, Newfane Twp., Niagara Co., NY finds her with her parents. Mary Rose died of blood clots and pneumonia according to the records and Frank Eugene died of diabetes and heart trouble.
     Mary Rose and Eugene were members of the First Baptist Church of Benton Harbor, MI (member #244) by transfer from Van Wert, OH on 17 August 1905. Church records show her death on 10 September 1946. A document in possession of the Compiler, called Register of Births and looks like it might have been copied from a bible or other similar log; gives her birth year as 1876. Franks occupations were as a flour miller and florist. She is mentioned as alive and living in Benton Harbor, MI in the obituary of her brother Frank E. Hotchkin.

     Elmer G. Hotchkin was born in March 1879 at Charlotte Village, Niagara County, NY, USA. He was the son of Noah Frank Hotchkin and Evilena Ann Granville. Elmer G. Hotchkin died on 16 February 1881 at Charlotte Village, Niagara County, NY, at age 1.

     He was with his parents at the 1880 census of Charlotteville, Newfame Twp., Niagara Co., NY. His age was given as 4/12. A document in the possession of the Compiler that looks like it might have been copied from a bible or similar log, called "Register of Births" gives his birth year as 1880.

     James Elliott Hotchkin was born on 14 October 1869 at Rives Twp, Jackson County, MI, USA.¹ He was the son of Noah Frank Hotchkin and Evilena Ann Granville. He married Sophia C. Weber at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA, on 20 May 1896.² James Elliott Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1900 at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Hotchkin, James E., age 30, b 10-1869 in MI, parents birth location unknown, married 4 years; wife Sophia, age 30, b 12-1869 in MI, parents born in Germany, married 4 years, no children.. He married Candace Catherine (Carrie) Koser at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, on 1 June 1910. Carrie is still widowed at 21 apr 1910 census..³ James Elliott Hotchkin was Dry Cleaner circa 1935 He owned and operated the Enterprise Dry Cleaners. He died on 29 September 1950 at Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, MI, USA, at age 80.^4,5 He was buried at Crystal Springs Cemetery, at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA.

     James Elliot's birth is recorded in Jackson Co. Vital Records, pg 34, 1869 and shows him born on 14 October 1869 to Noah F. and Evaline A. Hotchkin. These records say that Noah was born in NY and Evaline in ME. James was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Benton Harbor, located at 236 Pipestone Street and was baptized at this church in September 1886. The church records lists his death as 23 June 1966, which is an error.
     At the 1870 census he is living with his parents in Leslie, Rives Twp., Jackson Co., MI next door to Abram Eli Hotchkin Jr. The 1900 census finds him living at 208 High St., Benton Harbor with his wife Sophia. The 1910 census finds him still living in Benton Harbor with his two children, Donald J., and Beatrice. Living with the family is Evilena A., his mother, age 72, born 1830 in Maine.
     His death is recorded in Death Certificate #172, died 14 October 1950 at the Kalamazoo State Hospital after a stay of 4 months and 18 days. James had operated a dry cleaning business in Benton Harbor for a long period of time. His death and funeral was reported in Benton Harbor newspapers of which, the Compiler has a copy. Services were held by Rev John S. Hocomb of the First Baptist Church at the Slaughter and Hill Funeral Home. The news report confirmed his death in Kalamazoo and said that he had lived in Benton Harbor since 1882, and for some time had worked for Enterprise Dry Cleaners. Attending the services from out of town were Mr and Mrs Glen H. Truhn, Augusta, MI; Mr and Mrs Norris Hotchkin and Mr and Mrs Elwyn Hotchkin, Lansing, MI; Mrs Frank Wythe, Mason, MI; Mr and Mrs R.D. Hart and Mrs Irwin Butzbaugh, South Bend, IN, and Mrs O'Neil Del Guidice, Chicago, IL; Mr and Mrs Frank Gorham, Dowagiac, MI.

     Maroa (Roa) Lason was born in 1863 at Berrien County, MI, USA. The 1870 census says that she is age 4 and the 1880 census says age 18. Birth year 1862 given in cemetery records.¹ She was the daughter of Oscar D. Lason and Lorinda Hutchins. She married William Smith (Will) Hotchkin at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA, on 1 January 1882.² Maroa (Roa) Lason was buried at Morton Hill Cemetery, at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA. She died after June 1894 at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI. It is likely that she died in childbirth. Death year 1894 given in cemetery records..³

     Berrien Co. Vitals as copied by LDS give her marriage to Willie S. Hotchkin on 1 January 1882 both of Benton Harbor, MI., she was age 21. The marriage records call her Rosa L. She is also listed in the LDS, IGI, where her last name is given as Loson. After locating the original records it also seem to look like Loson. According to the marriage application, both lived in Benton Harbor, he was born in Niagara Co., NY and she in Genesee Co, MI. He was age 21 and she age 19. A gravestone exists in the Matthew- Lason plots of Morton Hill Cemetery, Benton Harbor, MI with a grave for Maroa L. Hotchkin, while the cemetery lists call her Marva L. Hotchkin. Both the gravestone and the cemetery lists give birth and death dates of 1862--1894. Accordingt to the 1850 census, her grandmother was also named Meroa.

     Pearl Eleanor Hotchkin was born on 2 June 1894 at Benton Harbor, Berrien County, MI, USA. Her marriage documents say that she was born in Greenville, MI.^1,2 She was the daughter of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Maroa (Roa) Lason. Pearl Eleanor Hotchkin married Archie Sabin Douglas on 5 January 1918 at Pontiac, Oakland County, MI, USA.³ Pearl Eleanor Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1920 at Lincoln, Alcona County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Joseph Shaw, 60, widow; servant Pearl Douglas, 25, divorced, servant, born MI; servants son Ralph, 1 3/12, born NE.. She married James Dodd on 17 November 1920 at Standish, Arenac County, MI, USA.³ Pearl Eleanor Hotchkin married William R. Miller on 1 March 1924 at Huntington County, IN, USA. She married Frank Delos Gorham at Allegan, Allegan County, MI, USA, on 22 December 1930. Pearl Eleanor Hotchkin lived in February 1945 at Dowagiac, Cass County, MI, USA. Lived here at time of her sons death according to his obituary. She died on 2 January 1981 at Niles, Berrien County, MI, USA, at age 86.² She was buried at North Shore Memory Gardens, at Coloma Twp, Berrien County, MI, USA.

     George W. Hotchkin says that she died about 1985 in Dowagiac or Niles, MI. Anthony V. Hotchkin furnished the information that she married a man by name of Frank Gorham. Michigan records give a marriage to James Dodd on 17 Nov 1920.

     Emma was born at Scotts Mill, Schuyler County, IL, USA, on 18 February 1872.¹ She was the daughter of John Kinman and Louisa Kootz. She married Charles Huston Hedrick at Scotts Mill, Schuyler County, IL, on 12 January 1891.² She married William Smith (Will) Hotchkin at Augusta, Hancock County, IL, USA, on 22 January 1896. She is called Emma Hedrick in IL Marriage Index..³ Emma Lucinda Kinman died on 15 January 1937 at Sturgis, Meade County, SD, USA, at age 64.⁴ She was buried at Bear Butte Cemetery, at Sturgis, Meade County, SD, USA.

     Information on her birth and death comes from her son George and her obituary, published in a Sturgis newspaper, dated 21 January 1937. The obituary gives the marriage to her first husband, Charles Hedrick on 12 January 1891. They had two children, Lee and Mabel, before Charles died in 1894. At the time of Emma's death, Lee lived in Winfield, KS and her daughter, believed to be Mabel, or Mae in the obituary, is Mrs Mae Naylor of Billings, MT. The obituary says; "she married William S. Hotchkin in Augusta, IL but does't give the date of their marriage. They moved to Central City, NB where they lived until 1919 when they moved to Sturgis. She is survived by her husband William, six sons, Lee Hedrick of Winfield, KS; Chester Hotchkin of Madison, SD; Emery and George of Detroit, MI; Glen of San Francisco, CA; Wilbur of Sturgis; six daughters, Mrs Mae Naylor and Mrs Lucile Ness of Billings, MT; Mrs Dacel Ness of Union Center, SD; Mrs Iva West of Deadwood, SD; Mrs Evelyn Tarr of Detroit, MI; Mrs Pearl Gorman of Goble, MI; one sister, Mrs Anna Conant of Long Beach, CA; and 28 grandchildren."
     On 18 Deember 1916, Emma L. Hotchkin granted Sec. 23, T 7, R 11 to Henry S. Bruck; but the Compiler did not locate the date or method by which she received this property. There is an interesting real estate transaction in the files where a deed was granted by the sheriff based on a high bid, from Emma to her daughter and husband Ivel and Belford Skinner. The files continue to say that this foreclosure occurred from a loan made by daughter Evelyn Tarr and husband Jack to Emma.⁵

     Evelyn Lelia Hotchkin was born on 12 August 1896 at Augusta, Hancock County, IL, USA.¹ She was the daughter of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. She married Chauncey LaRue at MI, USA, in March 1916.² Evelyn Lelia Hotchkin and Chauncey LaRue were divorced in 1925 at MI. She married John (Jack) Tarr at Detroit, Wayne County, MI, USA, in 1926. She was age 30 and he 29 at marriage.. Evelyn Lelia Hotchkin lived in 1937 at Detroit, Wayne County, MI. At her mother's death she resided in Detroit and was called Mrs Evelyn Tarr. She died on 18 September 1960 at Dearborn, Wayne County, MI, USA, at age 64. She was buried at Riverside Cemetery, at Plymouth, Wayne County, MI, USA.

     Her brother George gives her birth date as 12 August 1897. He says that she and John Tarr had no children. The Compiler remembers Evelyn and Jack Tarr as fun people. There seems to be a difference on where she was born, Illinois or Nebraska. Illinois is more likely as it was August 1889 before the family show up on land records in Central City, NE. Anthony Hotchkin gives her name as Evalena and says that she was born in Augusta, Hancock Co., IL. Connie Skinner also says Augusta, Hancock Co., IL.

     Chester A. Hotchkin was born on 26 December 1897 at Brumley, Miller County, MO, USA.¹ He was the son of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. Chester A. Hotchkin registered for the World War I Draft in 1918 while living at Clough, Meade County, SD, USA. The registration card gave additional information on him: "He gives his age as 20, born 26 December 1898. He is working as a laborer for Charles Jackson in Winfred Lake, SD. He gives his father William Smith Hotchkin, living in Clough as his nearest relative.". He appeared on the census of 1920 at Buena Vista, Meade County, SD, USA. The census lists the family as: Chester is living with sister Dacel and brother-in-lw Ira Ness.. He married Helen Mehren at Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, SD, USA, on 24 December 1927.² Chester A. Hotchkin died on 27 July 1937 at Madison, Lake County, SD, USA, at age 39.^1,3 He was buried at Graceland Cemetery, at Madison, Lake County, SD, USA.

     His brother George supplied the information and said that his mother wrote it down for him long ago. George says that Chester was killed driving a truck. Anthony Hotchkin says his birth was in Brumley, Miller Co., MO. It would seem that Chester's son Clifford would have better information, however when asked, he said that he didn't know. Clifford gives Chesters death and burial location. At the 1920 census, he is living with his sister, Dacel and brother-in-law, Ira A. Ness at 22 Missouri St, Sturgis, SD.

     Dacel D. Hotchkin was born on 19 August 1899 at Lone Tree Twp, Central City, Merrick County, NE, USA.¹ She was the daughter of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. She married Ira August Ness at Clough, Meade County, SD, USA, on 25 January 1916. The marriage records call him Ira A. Hess..²
     On 10/1/2014 3:03 PM, Martin, Rowland J wrote:

Dear Mr. Hotchkin,

I work at the Boeing Frederickson, WA facility. On one of the office walls are various historical photos. One of them is a profile of a woman listed as being “Mrs. Dacel Ness” working in Seattle in 1943. The story says she has 13 children and that several had recently enlisted. She appears to be holding a rivet gun or clamping tool. I googled the name out of curiosity and found your website. I presume this is the relative shown in your tree?

Rowland Martin

425 830 0595.
She married Robert Howfield at Kootenai County, ID, USA, on 18 July 1956. Idaho Marriages 1842-1996. Robert Howfield married Dacel D. Ness, 18 Jul 1956, Kootenai County.. Dacel D. Hotchkin died on 9 April 1964 at WA, USA, at age 64.

     Her brother George supplied the information from his mothers notes. He says that she and her last husband Ira Ness had 12 children. Junella Denslow says that she died in Oregon. Anthony gives location as Merrit Co. but doesn't give state. Connie Skinner says that she died in April 1963. George W. Hotchkin says that she had another marriage to Mr. Hawfield. At the time of her mother's death in 1937, she was listed in the obituary as Mrs. Decel Ness of Union Center, SD. The information regarding her marriage to Ira Ness comes from the files of the Meade Co. Courthouse and says that they were married by Rev W. E. Wrapp, MG. After the death of Ira, Dacel married Robert Howfield. They lived in Seattle. A descendant of the Ness family claims that Dacel had a considerable collection of diamonds and stocks that were saved for her grandchildren. According to this decendant the family believes that Robert killed Dacel for her valuables.

     Emery Willis Hotchkin was born on 3 May 1901 at Lone Tree Twp, Central City, Merrick County, NE, USA.¹ He was the son of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. He married Minnie Adeline Rogers at Sturgis, Meade County, SD, USA, on 5 September 1924. The marriage date comes from Minnie's obituary.. Emery Willis Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1930 at Sturgis, Meade County, SD. The census lists the family as: Emery W. Hotchkin, 28 (1901), married at age 23, borrn SD, father born USA, mother IL; wife Minnie A., 36 (1893), married at age 22, born SD, parents born SD; son Angelo R., 3 8/12, born SD; stepdaughter Helen E. Nelson, 12, born SD, parents born SD; stepson Kenneth M. Nelson, 10, born SD, parents born SD.. He resided at Sturgis, Meade County, SD, in 1938. He died on 24 September 1981 at Billings, Yellowstone County, MT, USA, at age 80. He died of fractured ribs and bleeding in the lungs..^1,2 He was buried at Mountview Cemetery, at Billings, Yellowstone County, MT, USA.

     Anthony V. Hotchkin supplied information on his father and his Death Certificate gives additional facts. Death Certificate #779, filed in Yellowstone Co, MT on 28 September 1981 gives his death at 4:00 PM when DOA at ST. Vincent Hospital of Right Lung Hemorrhage due to fractured ribs. The cause of his fractured ribs is not known. His birth date is given in the death certificate and confirmed by Social Security records. His death certificate says that he was a laborer in a tree orchard. His parents are given as William Sylvester Hotchkin and Emma L. Kinniman; which isn't exactly correct.
     The 1960 City Directory of Billings, MT has him as a laboratory worker with Herb E. McLaughlin and his residence at the end of Bench Blvd. He is also listed in the 1962 directory, but by the 1963 directory, there are no Hotchkin's listed.
     Emery had a number of real estate transactions in Meade Co., SD; the earliest being 24 November 1930 when he purchased 5 acres in the SE, NW of Sec. 9, T 5, R 5 from David Harlocker. A transaction on 11 September 1939 shows him receiving Lots 10, 11, 12 of Block 16, of Comstock, from Helen Hotchkin who is the daughter of his wife Minnie by her first marriage. This is the only indication that Helen used the Hotchkin name. This same property was returned to Helen by Quit Claim Deed on 16 January 1941. Emery had a transaction on 5 July 1961 where he sold a small parcel of land to the State for highway construction. On 9 June 1970, Emery and Minnie sold to Jarvis D. Davenport for $1.00, BK 300, PG 147. One of Emery's sales was recorded on 23 January 1964 when he sold a parcel to the Jack Pine Gypsies Motor Cycle Club. At that time his address was given as Yellowstone Co., MT.
     Emery and Minnie had separated sometime prior to 1960 but had never divorced. Emery lived in Billings, MT and Minnie in Sturgis, SD. After Emery's death Minnie filed a probate petition with the Meade Co. court saying that she was the wife of Emery and entitled to his 1/2 interest in their Meade Co., SD property.

     Glenn W Hotchkin was born on 16 May 1902 at Lone Tree Twp, Central City, Merrick County, NE, USA.^1,2,3 He was the son of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. Glenn W Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco County, CA, USA. The census lists the family as: Glenn Hotchkin, Head, age 38 born 1902 in NE, single, lived same place in 1935, salesman in retail liquor store.. He married Grace May Mainwaring after 1940. He resided at South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, CA, USA, in 1992. Glenn W Hotchkin died on 11 May 1997 at South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, CA, at age 94.^2,3

     His brother George supplied the information and said that as of 1990, Glen lived at South Lake Tahoe, Ca. According to George W., Glenn and his wife did not have children. George gives his birth year as 1903 but CA Death Index says 1902.

     Lucile C. Hotchkin was born on 30 August 1904 at Lone Tree Twp, Central City, Merrick County, NE, USA.¹ She was the daughter of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. She married Clayton Edmund Ness at Sturgis, Meade County, SD, USA, on 21 October 1922.² Lucile C. Hotchkin married James R. Oliver on 27 August 1946 at Miles City, Custer County, MT, USA. Montana County Marriages 1865 - 1950. He was from Fallon, MT.. Lucile C. Hotchkin died on 17 December 1987 at Billings, Yellowstone County, MT, USA, at age 83.

     Their marriage is recorded in Meade Co., SD records giving her age as 18 and his 32, both of Clough, SD. They were married by Rev J. R. Lindbloom, MG .

     Mattie May Hotchkin was born on 2 May 1906 at Lone Tree Twp, Central City, Merrick County, NE, USA.^1,2 She was the daughter of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. Mattie May Hotchkin died on 2 December 1906 at Central City, Merrick County, NE.^1,2

     The Gene Pool Records give her death as 22 December, 1906.

     George William Hotchkin was born on 30 September 1909 at Tecumseh, Johnson County, NE, USA.^1,2 He was the son of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. George William Hotchkin appeared on the census of 1930 at Detroit, Wayne County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Geeoge is single, age 20, living with sister Ival and her husband Kenneth Speakman, age 26.. He married Harriet Eunice Hammer at Defiance, Defiance County, OH, USA, on 21 December 1933. He resided at Plymouth, Wayne County, MI, USA, in 1992. George William Hotchkin died on 28 June 2002 at Plymouth, Wayne County, MI, at age 92.^3,4 He was buried at Riverside Cemetery, at Plymouth, Wayne County, MI, USA.

     George and his wife Harriet lived in Plymouth, MI and are the source of much of the information on his parents and siblings. This kind of help is always appreciated and the Hotchkin family has very few members who are interested in gathering and saving their family history.
     His obituatry says, "He came to Plymouth in 1930 from Detroit. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Plymouth for over 50 years. His family homestead was in Nebraska where he grew up as one of twelve children. He enjoyed woodworking, coin collecting, and gardening. He liked to make pine-cone wreaths and traveling from east coast to west coast. He was a great handyman and enjoyed being a jack of all trades".

     Mary Ivel Hotchkin was born on 10 October 1907 at Tecumseh, Johnson County, NE, USA.^1,2,3 She was the daughter of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. She married Jerry Kenneth Speakman at Sturgis, Meade County, SD, USA, on 23 May 1927. Marriage Index refers to her as Irel Hotchkin..⁴ Mary Ivel Hotchkin and Jerry Kenneth Speakman were divorced after 1930 at Detroit, Wayne County, MI, USA. Still married at the 1930 Census. Mary Ivel Hotchkin married Floyd M. West on 27 November 1933 at Powder River, MT, USA. Montana County Marriages 1865 - 1950.. She married Belford L. Skinner at Billings, Yellowstone County, MT, USA, on 27 June 1940. Montana County Marriages 1865 - 1950.. Mary Ivel Hotchkin died on 21 December 1988 at Quartzsite, La Paz County, AZ, USA, at age 81. Her daughter Connie furnished this death date..³ She was buried at Quartzsite (Hi Jolly) Cemetery, at Quartzsite, La Paz County, AZ, USA. Prominent as the burial place of Hi Jolly the camel trainer who brought 30 camels to the desert for packing..

     Information on Mary Ivel is from her brother George and notes of his mothers. Junella Denslow Reep says that her birth was 1908. Mary Ivel's adopted daughter Connie confirms her birth on 10 October 1907 and says that it occurred in Central City, not Tecumsch, NE. Connie gives her death as 1989, not 1988.
     She is buried in a desert cemetery, at Quartzsite, AZ, near the tomb of Hi Jolly the famous Camel Herder, hired by the US Army to handle a Camel experiment on the desert. A simple hand painted cement block with a heart painted on it saying, "Beloved by children and grandchildren," serves as the grave marker for her and Belford. This monument gives her death date of 21 December 1988. The gravestone also gives her name as Iver. It is interesting how the Compiler and his wife Catherine found this grave. We enjoy the desert during the winter and like to take our motorhome out to the Quartzsite area especially around the first week of February when they have the worlds largest swap meet. This cemetery being a interesting one, we decided to investigate the graves, and there was a member of the family.
     It is believed that Mary Ivel had other marriages as a marriage is recorded in Meade Co. records showing a marriage Iva Hotchkin, age 19 to Kenneth Speakman, age 24, both of Sturgis, married 23 May 1927. Her mother's obituary refers to a daughter, Mrs Iva West of Deadwood, SD.

     Wilbur Silvester Hotchkin was born on 9 October 1914 at Clough, Meade County, SD, USA.^1,2,3,4 He was the son of William Smith (Will) Hotchkin and Emma Lucinda Kinman. He married Frances D. Warner at Madison County, AL, USA, on 9 August 1942.⁵ Wilbur Silvester Hotchkin died on 14 June 1971 at Plymouth, Wayne County, MI, USA, at age 56.^6,7,4 He was buried at Riverside Cemetery, at Plymouth, Wayne County, MI, USA.³

     This information comes from his brother George. George says that Wilbur had 2 sons and 1 daughter, who live in Michigan. Clifford Hotchkin says that Wilbur had a stroke when he was in his 30ths and was in poor health all his life. Clifford added that he last saw Wilbur in 1951 and at that time he was bed-ridden. Social Security records show his birth on 9 October 1914 and death in July 1971. Wilbur's birth records give his middle name as Silvester; however, the family has always used Sylvester.

     Mary Elizabeth Crispell was born on 3 August 1848 at Shawangunk, Ulster County, NY, USA.¹ She was the daughter of Anthony A. Crispell JR. and Jane Ann Ray. She married Smith Curtis Hotchkin at Jackson, Jackson County, MI, USA, on 4 July 1866.² Mary Elizabeth Crispell died on 23 October 1898 at Charlotte, Eaton County, MI, USA, at age 50. Hotchkin Reunion Notes give the date as the 28th..^3,4 She was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery, at Concord, Jackson County, MI, USA.

     Jackson Co., MI, Marriage Vital Records show: Curtis S. Hotchkin, age 25 of Rives and Mary E. Crispell, age 17, of the same place, married on 4 July 1866 at Jackson, by L. R. Fisk. Witnesses; Elizabeth S. Fisk of Jackson and James Hand of Battle Creek. Mary Elizabeth was the daughter of Anthony Crispell, born 1816 in NY, and Jane, born 1818 in NY.