Person Page

     John R. Williamson was born on 5 November 1866 (the 1900 census says November 1867) in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana.^4,6 He married Emma S. Jenkins on 25 September 1887 in Whitley Co., Indiana.^7,4 He died on 5 May 1924 at home in South Whitley, Whitley Co., Indiana, at age 57 from apoplexy, after being ill for over four years.⁴ He was buried on 7 May 1924 at South Whitley Cemetery (Section H, Site 15-25) in Whitley Co., Indiana. Funeral services were at the South Whitley Baptist Church, with Rev. Stith officiating.^4,1
     He lived in Whitley Co., Indiana, all of his life.⁴ He and his wife Emma were living in Cleveland Twp. in 1900 and 1910^6,8, and in Columbia City in 1920. In 1920 Emma's sister Gertie was living with them.⁹ He was a farmer most of his life, but worked in a saw mill after moving to Columbia City.^6,8,9
     He and Emma had no children.^6,8,9
     In his mother's will, dated 11 July 1921, the bulk of her estate was left to him and his brothers Delmar and Rolla, since they "have treated me with uniform kindness and respect and I have great affection for them." However, he was in ill health at the time, and if he were to die during her lifetime (and he did), his share was to go to Delmar and Rolla.^5,4

     Emma S. Jenkins was born in June 1863 in Ohio.^3,2 She married John R. Williamson, son of Henry Harrison Williamson and Melzene M. Wantz, on 25 September 1887 in Whitley Co., Indiana.^4,1 She died in 1953.² She was buried at South Whitley Cemetery (Section H, Site 15-25-2) in Whitley Co., Indiana.²
     She and her husband John were living in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana, in 1900 and 1910^3,5, and in Columbia City, Whitley Co., in 1920. In 1920 Emma's sister Gertie was living with them.⁶
     She and John had no children.^3,5,6

     Gideon Williamson was born on 1 October 1876 (cemetery records say 1877) in Indiana.^2,4,5 He was married by I. M. Bollinger to Millie Lynn Dimmick, daughter of John Dimmick and Mary Weybright, on 23 February 1906 in Whitley Co., Indiana.⁶ He committed suicide on 16 June 1915 in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana, at age 38. At about 8:00 PM, after a heated argument with his wife, he rushed from his house about 1.5 miles south of South Whitley. After going about four rods, he stopped, and drank two ounces of carbolic acid. His wife had followed him, and knocked the bottle away, but too late. He was survived by his wife and four children.^1,2 He was buried at South Whitley Cemetery (Section V, Site 4-11) in Whitley Co., Indiana.^5,2
     He was a farmer.⁷ He and his wife Millie were living in Washington Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana, in 1907⁸, and in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana, in 1910. A hired man, James Hathaway, was living with them in 1910.⁷

     Rolla Williamson was born on 20 March 1881 in Whitley Co., Indiana.¹ He married Minnie Schannep, daughter of Edgar Schannep and Elizabeth Ramsey, on 31 July 1897.^3,1 He died on 20 October 1962 at the Hutchinson Nursing Home in Goshen, Elkhart Co., Indiana at age 81. He had been in the nursing home five days.¹ He was buried on 23 October 1962 at South Whitley Cemetery (Section H, Site 5-17) in Whitley Co., Indiana. Funeral services were at the Miller Funeral Home with Rev. James Jones officiating.^1,4
     For most of their married life Rolla Williamson and his wife Minnie lived in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana, where he was a farmer. Living with them in 1920 was Fred E. Beard (born abt November 1919 in Indiana), who is listed in the census as their grandson. Fred was still living with them in 1930, and listed as a grandson, but with the surname Williamson.^5,6,7,8 Rolla and Minnie moved to near Bippus, Huntington Co., Indiana, in 1943.^1,3
     He was named executor of his mother's will, dated 11 July 1921. The bulk of her estate was left to him and his brothers John and Delmar, since they "have treated me with uniform kindness and respect and I have great affection for them." However, John was in ill health at the time, and if he were to die during her lifetime (and he did), his share was to go to Rolla and Delmar.^2,9

     Minnie Schannep was born on 30 August 1880 in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana.² She married Rolla Williamson, son of Henry Harrison Williamson and Melzene M. Wantz, on 31 July 1897.^2,1 She died suddenly on 14 November 1956 at her home in Bippus, Huntington Co., Indiana, at age 76.² She was buried on 17 November 1956 at South Whitley Cemetery (Section H, Site 5-17-2) in Whitley Co., Indiana.^2,3
     She also went by the name Nancy.⁴ She and her husband Rolla lived in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana, for most of their married life. Living with them in 1920 was Fred E. Beard (born abt November 1919 in Indiana), who is listed in the census as their grandson. Fred was still living with them in 1930, and listed as a grandson, but with the surname Williamson.^5,6,7,8 Minnie and Rolla moved to near Bippus, Huntington Co., Indiana, in 1943.^1,2 She was a member of the Collamer Christian Church.²

     Keys C. Hamilton was born on 25 July 1802 in Vermont.^4,5,6 He married first Caroline Kelley on 7 December 1826 at the First Presbyterian Church in Whitehall, Washington Co., New York.^7,5 He married second Elizabeth Morrison sometime after 1850.^8,5 He died on 27 September 1876 in Whitley Co., Indiana, at age 74.^4,8,9 He was buried at Cleveland Cemetery in Whitley Co., Indiana.⁴
     He, and probably his first wife Caroline, were living in Schroon, Essex Co., New York, before 1830, probably as neighbors to his father Robert, since they are listed on successive lines in the 1830 census.¹⁰ They moved to Ohio sometime between 1835 and 1838, based on the birth places and dates of their children Justin and Harriet.⁵
     On 20 August 1838 he was issued a land patent to 80 acres in Whitley Co., Indiana, that he had purchased from the federal government. At the time, his residence was listed as Huron Co., Ohio.¹¹ He and his wife Caroline moved to Whitley Co. circa 1840, based on the birth places and dates of their children Charles and Clarissa.^12,5 In 1840 they were among the first members of the Eel River Baptist Church in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana.¹³
     He later bought 40 more acres in Whitley Co., and was issued the patent on 10 November 1840.¹⁴ On 26 April 1841 he and his wife Caroline sold this same parcel to Michael B. Kelley of Whitley Co. for $50. The witnesses to the deed were H. Swihart and Peter Creager.¹⁵
     In 1844 his 80 acres in Cleveland Twp. were valued at $240, with improvements worth $50. His personal property was valued at $80. He paid $0.79 state tax, $2.10 county tax, $0.10 township tax, and $1.00 road tax.¹⁶
     Keys C. Hamilton and his first wife Caroline and their family are listed in Whitley Co. in the 1850 census. His father Robert was living with them. Keys's occupation is listed as farmer, with real estate valued at $1000.⁵
     He and his second wife Elizabeth are listed in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana, in 1860. Keys' daughters Clarissa and Jane are listed with them, as is Barzilla Spacy, age 8. He is again listed as a farmer, with real estate worth $4000.¹⁷ Shortly afterwards he and Elizabeth moved to Columbia City, Whitley Co., Indiana,⁹ where they are listed in the 1870 census. Keys is listed as an agricultural agent, with real estate worth $6000, and Elizabeth is listed as having real estate worth $2500.¹⁸
     His will was made on 29 June 1876 in Whitley Co., Indiana. In it he left 1/3 of his estate, both real and personal, to his second wife Elizabeth, who was named as executrix. The rest was left to his children and grandchildren. He names his deceased daughter Emily Sickafoose, his deceased son Justin Hamilton, and his daughters Harriet Waller, Clarissa Gable, and Jane Williamson. The witnesses were Eugene Grimes and Lewis M. Steward. In a codicil dated 16 September 1876, he named William Cordill and Lewis M. Steward as appraisers of his estate.²

     Susan Burlingham was born on 13 February 1837 in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.^3,4 She married first Burton C. Price before 10 January 1856.^4,5 She was married second, by E. P. Harvey, Minister, to Edward H. Rice, son of Sewell S. Rice and Lucy Ann Price, on 10 March 1864 in Van Buren Co., Michigan. The witnesses were Sewell Rice (Edward's father, presumably) and Lydia H. Camp, Edward's sister.⁶ She died on 18 January 1923 in South Haven, Van Buren Co., Michigan, at age 85 from "la grippe" (the flu).³ She was buried on 21 January 1923 at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven, Van Buren Co., Michigan.³
     On 16 January 1856 she received a share of the property that her deceased mother had inherited from her first husband Erastus A. Jackson.⁷
     She is probably the Susan Price listed mistakenly as a male, age 25, in the household of George Rex (age 40), not far from her father Philip Burlingham in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan, in 1860. Also listed are Harriett Seargent (age 35) and Harriett Price (age 1).⁸
     She and her second husband Edward are listed in the 1870 census in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan, next door to her father Philip Burlingham, along with Ada M. Rice (age 14) and Leroy E. Rice (age 2). Ada Rice is actually Ada Price, Susan's daughter by her first husband Burton Price.⁹ By 1880 they had moved to Arlington, Van Buren Co., Michigan, next door to Edward's mother Lucy.¹⁰ In 1900 and 1910 they were living in South Haven, Van Buren Co., Michigan. Living with them then was their son Sewell.^11,12 In 1920, after her husband's death, she continued living with her son Sewell in South Haven, along with her sister Martha (Burlingham) Johnson.¹³

     Ann Burlingham was born on 19 January 1839 in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.³ She was married by Wilson C. Edsell, J. P., to Warren Johnson, son of David Johnson and Mary (?), on 13 April 1859 in Pine Creek, Allegan Co., Michigan.⁴ She died on 4 January 1864 at age 24.⁵ She was buried at Pine Creek Cemetery in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.⁵
     On 16 January 1856 she received a share of the property that her deceased mother had inherited from her first husband Erastus A. Jackson.⁶ She and her husband Warren are listed in the 1860 census in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan, with a child aged 2 (or 3) months, born in Michigan.⁷

     Martha B. Burlingham was born on 23 February 1841 in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.^4,5 She married Stafford Hiram Johnson, son of David Johnson and Mary (?), on 12 December 1861 in Gun Plain Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.⁶ She died on 21 May 1921 at her daughter Lulu's home in Ord, Valley Co., Nebraska, at age 80.⁷ She was buried at Pine Creek Cemetery in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.⁵
     On 16 January 1856 she received a share of the property that her deceased mother had inherited from her first husband Erastus A. Jackson.⁸
     In 1870 she and her husband Stafford were living in Heath Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan. Living with them was Marietta Morrison, age 15, a domestic servant.⁹ In 1880 they were living in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan, next to Stafford's brother Warren and his family.¹⁰
     According to her obituary, she lived with her sister Susan in South Haven, Van Buren Co., Michigan, "much of the time" after her husband's death in 1899, but also spent part of almost every year with her daughter Lulu in Ord, Valley Co., Nebraska.⁷ However, she is listed in the 1900 census with her son Fay in South Haven Twp.¹¹ She has not been found in the 1910 census, but is not listed with her sister Susan, or with any of her children.^12,13,14,15 She is listed with Susan and Susan's son Sewell Rice in South Haven in the 1920 census, enumerated on 8 January.¹⁶
     In late July 1920 she was visiting family and friends around Otsego, and on 23 July fell down a flight of stairs at her brother Arthur's home, but was not seriously injured. A note about the incident in The Otsego Union names her as "Mrs. Martha Johnson of Nebraska."¹⁷ She spent the next winter at her son Fay's home in Jonesboro, Craighead Co., Arkansas, and traveled to her daughter Lulu's home in Nebraska a few weeks before her death.⁷
     She enjoyed parties, dancing, and getting "the laugh" on her husband.²

     Erastus Jackson Burlingham was born on 16 October 1842 in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.¹ He died on 27 April 1865 at age 22 in the explosion of the steamship Sultana on the Mississippi River, near Memphis, Shelby Co., Tennessee.³
     On 16 January 1856 he received a share of the property that his deceased mother had inherited from her first husband Erastus A. Jackson.⁴
     He served during the Civil War as a private in Co. I, 5th Michigan Cavalry, enlisting at Otsego, Michigan, on 19 August 1862 for three years. The 1144-man regiment left Detroit, Michigan, on 4 December 1862 for Washington, D.C., where they were assigned to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, and were on duty in the defense of the capitol until June 1863.
     They were attached to the Army of the Potomac on 25 June 1863. On 28 June Gen. George Armstrong Custer was assigned to command the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, and on 30 June they confronted Gen. J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry near Hanover, Pennsylvania. The 5th Cavalry drove them back, fighting part of the time on foot, but suffered severe losses. They again engaged Stuart's cavalry on 3 July during the Battle of Gettysburg, repelling an attack on the right and rear of the Union force. The next day they captured 1500 troops and destroyed a wagon train during the Confederate retreat toward Williamsport. They fought the enemy near Boonsboro on 8 July, and later at Falling Waters, Maryland. In September they fought in Virginia at Culpepper Court House, Raccoon Ford, White's Ford, and Jack's Shop. On 9 October they were attacked at James City and fell back to Brandy Station, where Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee's Confederate cavalry were waiting. Surrounded, Custer ordered his band to the front to play "Yankee Doodle." The brigade drew sabers and charged, breaking through.
     According to family legend, on one occasion during his service he was separated from his unit and pursued by a rebel on a faster horse. With both horses at full speed, and while lying close to his horse, he placed his muzzle-loaded pistol over his shoulder and fired. The rebel soldier fell. Again according to family legend, he had been considered for promotions, but his education was too poor for him to be accepted.
     On 28 February 1864 the brigade was part of Gen. Kilpatrick's 5000-man force that left Stevensburg, Virginia, for a raid on Richmond. They crossed the Rapidan River at Ely's Ford, marched through Spotsylvania, and advanced on Ashland, planning to attack Richmond via the Brook Turnpike. They got past outer defenses at Richmond but were stopped at the inner lines. The brigade withdrew and returned to the Union lines by way of Louisa Court House, but without Erastus Burlingham. He had been taken prisoner during the raid, on 3 March 1864 at Stephensville, Virginia, and confined at Richmond on 5 March 1864. He had $5.75 on him, which was confiscated.
     He was sent to Andersonville Prison in Georgia on 31 May 1864. While at Andersonville he was admitted to the hospital on 23 September 1864 suffering from scorbuties (scurvy), and returned to prison quarters on 28 December 1864. He was released at Vicksburg, Mississippi, about 20 April 1865, where he was immediately admitted to the parole camp hospital with diarrhea. On 24 April he boarded the steamship Sultana to begin his trip home.
     The steamer was terribly overcrowded. It was designed for 376 passengers and 85 crew, but now carried as many as 2400 people, about 2000 of them paroled prisoners from the Andersonville and Cahaba prison camps. After two days steaming upriver, on 26 April the Sultana docked at Helena, Arkansas, then at Memphis, Tennessee, about 6:30 in the evening. After unloading a cargo of sugar and wine, she moved across the river to Hopefield, Arkansas, to take on coal, then headed upriver again around 1:00 AM on 27 April.
     About an hour later, seven miles north of Memphis, the Sultana's boilers exploded. The exact number of casualties is unknown; estimates range from 1100 to 1800, including Erastus Burlingham. It stands as the deadliest maritime disaster in U.S. history.^5,6,7,8,1

More Information / Background

• 5th Regiment, Michigan Cavalry
  
• 5th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment
  
• Battle of Hanover
  
• Battle of Gettysburg
  
• Battle of Hunterstown
  
• Michigan Cavalry Brigade Monument
  
• Battle of Williamsport
  
• Battle of Mine Run
  
• Battle of Morton's Ford
  
• Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid
  
• Andersonville National Historic Site
  
• Andersonville National Historic Site, National Park Service
  
• SS Sultana.
  

     Philip Sherwood Burlingham was born on 7 October 1844 in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.¹ He died on 6 October 1845.¹

     Samuel Burlingham was born on 3 July 1847 in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.¹ He drowned on 4 July 1849 in Silver Creek at age 2.¹

     John W. Mountjoy married Laura Ann Phelps, daughter of Calvin Phelps and Laura Stiles, on 18 December 1843 (the Burlingham genealogy says 16 December 1843) in Eaton, Eaton Co., Michigan.^1,2 According to one note in the Burlingham genealogy, he is believed to have been lost on the Atlantic while taking a trip to England. Another note says that other records claim he went to the northern areas to work in the woods, and died while there.³

     Mary Jane Mountjoy was born on 17 April 1844 in Belone, Eaton Co., Michigan.¹ She died on 23 October 1845 at age 1.¹

     Chester Stiles Mountjoy was born on 9 November 1845 in Emmett Twp., Calhoun Co., Michigan.¹ He was married by Samuel F. Porter to Lucinda M. Jones on 26 November 1880 in Hamilton, Allegan Co., Michigan.² He died as a young man.¹

     William Henry Mountjoy was born on 26 February 1848 (the Burlingham genealogy says 26 February 1847) in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.^1,3,4 He was married by Thomas G. Bond to Hannah Burge on 16 April 1879 in Salem, Allegan Co., Michigan.^5,4 He died on 22 February 1909 in Allegan, Allegan Co., Michigan, at age 60, from internal injuries and the effects of a broken hip suffered four days earlier, when his wagon team ran away after being frightened by a train at the Pere Marquette Depot.^1,3
     He and his wife Hannah lived in Three Rivers, St. Joseph Co., Michigan.⁴

     Inez Isabella Burlingham was born on 23 July 1849 in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.² She married William Pinney, son of John J. Pinney and Alphia Parker.^2,3 She died of "milk fever" on 26 August 1877 in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan, at age 28.^3,2 She was buried at Pine Creek Cemetery in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.⁴
     In 1870 she and her husband William were living with William's brother Henry Pinney and his family in Trowbridge Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.⁵

     Ami Calvin Burlingham was born on 8 April 1851 in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.^1,3,4 He was married by George W. Crook to Rosina Gudith, daughter of John Gudith and Julia Fang, on 11 January 1879 in Trenton, Wayne Co., Michigan.^5,3 He died on 27 September 1916 at age 65, at home on the family homestead where he was born in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan. He died of amoebic dysentery, after being in poor health for a long time.^1,3,4 He had a Masonic funeral service, and was buried on 29 September 1916 at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.^6,7,3,1,4
     He went by his middle name Calvin.^1,3 He and his wife Rosina were living next to his father Philip in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan, in 1880.⁸ They apparently remained there on a farm at Pine Creek until Calvin's death in 1916.^4,9,10
     He was a member of the Masonic Lodge ("one of the best posted Masons in Michigan, having filled every chair in the lodge ...") and the Order of the Eastern Star, where he served several terms as Worthy Patron.³
     He and Rosina had no children.⁴

     Philip Phelps Burlingham was born on 31 January 1852 (his death certificate says 30 January 1852) in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.^1,2,3 He died on 10 August 1935 at the County Home in Allegan Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan, at age 83 from kidney failure, after suffering a broken hip in a fall.^3,2,1 He was buried on 13 August 1935 at Pine Creek Cemetery in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.^1,3
     Except for a few years in Illinois, he spent most of his life in the area of Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.¹ He never married.¹
     In 1880 he was working as a farm laborer, living with Ralph Richmond and his family in Gun Plain Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.⁴ He was in Flora Twp., Boone Co., Illinois, in 1900, working on the farm of John Oaks.⁵ He was probably living in Comstock Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, in 1910, as a boarder in the household of Elmer Kendall.⁶ In 1920 he was living in Trowbridge Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan, two houses away from his nephew Elmer Swikert.⁷ In 1930 he was living with his brother George and his wife in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.⁸

     Rosina Gudith was born on 15 August 1849, according to her death certificate, in Yberdon, Switzerland.³ She was married by George W. Crook to Calvin Burlingham, son of Philip Burlingham and Laura Ann Phelps, on 11 January 1879 in Trenton, Wayne Co., Michigan.^4,1 She died on 13 August 1939 at the Wayne Clinic in Wayne, Wayne Co., Michigan (her obituary says Monday morning 14 August, at home) at age 89 from pneumonia, two months after breaking her left hip in a fall.^2,5 She was buried on 16 August 1939 at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, Allegan Co., Michigan.^5,6
     She came to the United States as an infant in 1851, arriving in New York with her parents and four siblings on the ship Danube on 24 April, from Le Havre, France.⁷
     She is listed in the 1870 census as a domestic servant in the family of Isaac Clark in Brownstown, Wayne Co., Michigan.⁸ She and her husband Calvin were living next to his father Philip in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan, in 1880.⁹ They apparently remained there on a farm at Pine Creek until Calvin's death in 1916.^10,11,12 After her husband's death she lived in Wyandotte, Wayne Co., Michigan, with her niece Julia Bartlett and her family.^13,14
     She was a member and past matron of the Order of Eastern Star.⁵
     She and Calvin had no children.¹⁰

     Theron Justin Scott was born on 23 January 1854.¹ He died on 15 April 1854.¹ He was buried at Pine Creek Cemetery in Otsego Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.¹

     Dewitt Clinton Clintsman was born about 1830 in New York.^1,2 He was married second, by J. C. Cook, to Charity Mandana Phelps, daughter of Calvin Phelps and Laura Stiles, on 6 April 1895 in Allegan, Allegan Co., Michigan.¹ They were divorced on 3 March 1902 (filed by Dewitt on 19 November 1901) in Newaygo Co., Michigan.³ He married third Mary Eliza Creamer on 18 April 1903 in Newaygo, Newaygo Co., Michigan.⁴ He and Mary Eliza Creamer were divorced on 6 September 1904 (filed by Dewitt on 5 July 1904 charging cruelty) in Kent Co., Michigan.⁵ He married fourth Lottie Johnson, daughter of John J. Johnson and Margaret Herron, on 22 October 1906 in Tyrone Twp., Kent Co., Michigan.⁶ He died on 9 March 1920 at the State Hospital in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, from heart disease.²

     Esther Stiles Phelps was born on 25 September 1815.¹ She died on 5 April 1836 at age 20.¹

     Lydia Deziah Phelps was born on 19 July 1817.¹ She died on 19 December 1817.¹

     Asa Moss Phelps was born on 15 February 1819.¹ He died on 12 December 1834 at age 15.¹

     (?) Phelps was born on 12 January 1823.¹ He died the same day.¹

     Cordent Adaline Phelps was born on 13 February 1827.¹ She died on 20 August 1827.¹