Gibbon

Partial 1861 Map of Somers Township
Section 8, 80 acre parcel for A. Gibbon

Alexander Galloway Gibbon
1860 U.S. Federal Census
Alexander Gibbon, born about 1821
Elsie Gibbon (also known as Elspeth), spouse, born about 1835
David (Scott) Gibbon, born about February 24, 1858
Mary (Louisa) Gibbon, born about 1859

1870 U.S. Federal Census (one more child born)
William Shearne (misspell on report) Gibbon, born about 1865

1880 U.S. Federal Census (one more child born)
Maud Gibbon, born about 1875
This census uses Sherman as the first name for William Shearne

1930 U.S. Federal Census (David Gibbon lived in Oshkosh, Wisconsin)
David's spouse:  Mary Lincoln Bowker (daughter of Myron Bowker of Somers Township)
Mary born September 18, 1982 in Somers Township.  Died April 29, 1954 in Hennepin County (Minneapolis), Minnesota.  When Mary was widowed, she moved to Minnesota and lived with her daughter, Grace Gibbon (Mrs. John) Kuhlman.  David and Mary were married August 25, 1887 in Kenosha County, as recorded in the Wisconsin Marriages Index.
David and Mary had three children:
Grace born Sept 10, 1888 in Somers Township, Dorothy born Feb 29, 1892 in Oshkosh, and Alexander Myron born Nov. 14, 1896 in Oshkosh.

Illinois Death Index
Mary L. Gibbon
Born: April 20, 1859
Died: June 24, 1931
Death Place:  Glencoe, Cook County, Ill.
Burial Date:  June 27, 1931 at Oakwood Cemetery in Somers, Wisconsin
Death Age: 72
Parents:  Alexander and Elsbeth Spruce (should be Spence) Gibbon

Illinois Death and Census Records
William Sherman Gibbon
Died in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois April 17, 1899 age at 34.  Spouse is Fannie J. Smith.  Two children:  Margaret born April 1896 and Elsie born April 1898.
Minnesota Death Index
Alexander M. Gibbon, Born Nov 15, 1896 in Oshkosh and died Sept 11, 1985 in Hennepin, Minnesota.  Mothers Name: Mary Lincoln Bowker Gibbon and father David S. Gibbon.
Dorothy S. Gibbon, Born Feb. 29, 1892 and died Nov. 6, 1976 in Hennepin, Minnesota.  Mother Name:  Mary Lincoln Bowker Gibbon and father David S. Gibbon.

David S. Gibbon Obituary
"Oshkosh Teacher Dies at Somers, Wisconsin.  Former Principal of 11th Street School Expires.  Well known educator passes away as result of prolonged illness - had been a given a year's leave of absence from duties and was endeavoring to recuperate.
The many friends of David S. Gibbon who for the past nine years was principal in the public schools of Oshkosh, will be shocked to learn of his death, which occurred Saturday evening at this home in Somers, Wisconsin where he went at the beginning of the fall opening of school hoping of recovering from his prolonged illness through compete rest.  He died at the residence of his wife's father in Somers where his mother also lives.  For more than a month past little hope was entertained for his recovery as he grew weaker rapidly and his family revealed to him the seriousness of his condition, with the result that he made every preparation for the inevitable, although he never lost hope until the very last and was confident that he would recover.
He was taken seriously ill about a year ago in this city and for a time he hovered between life and death at his home at 371 Jackson Street.  In spite of efforts of his family and friends to get him to take a vacation and secure a much needed rest, he finished the full term although he was very weak and often was assisted in walking to and from his school.  His death was due to a general breaking down of health, largely due to overwork.
Mr. Gibbon was born in Somers, Wisconsin.  He graduated from the Oshkosh Normal School in the class of '83 and then taught school for more than 15 years.
He is survived by a widow and three children:  Grace, Dorothy and Alexander.  His mother is also living.
His life was of a peculiarly quiet and unassuming character.  He was a very conscientious and reliable man with the best of habits.  He was a hard worker and labored incessantly in his chosen profession.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of this city.  The funeral will be held next Wednesday at 2 o'clock at Somers.
(Source:  Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh November 5, 1900)

U.S. Naturalization Record Index
Alexander Gibbon, born about 1820, arrived July, 1838 in New York.  Born Aberdeenshire, Scotland.  Witnesses:  William Smith and Charles Leet

U.S. Civil War Draft Reg. Records
Alex G. Gibbon, Class 2

In The News
"Prof. David S. Gibbon departed this life Saturday afternoon, November 4, after a lingering illness of many weeks.  Prof. Gibbon has been in school work for the past twenty-five years, as principal of Racine, Brandon, and Oshkosh schools.  He was a citizen highly honored and respected and his demise has cast sadness over the entire community.  He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.  The deceased leaves a wife, one son and two daughters, a mother and two sisters, besides many friends to mourn his death.  The funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of Mr. Myron Bowker, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Smith of the First Presbyterian Church of Oshkosh."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date November 7, 1900)

"Mrs. David Gibbon of Oshkosh is visiting with her father, Myron Bowker"
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 11, 1897)

"Mrs. W.S. Gibbon spent Thanksgiving with her sister, Miss Edith Smith, who is still ill at the hospital in Chicago."
(Source:  Racine Journal Dec. 3, 1896)

"Miss Maude Gibbon of the Phillipps, Wisconsin public schools is spending her vacation at home"
(Source:  Racine Journal Dec. 27, 1900)

"Misses Dorothy and Grace Gibbon of Oshkosh are visiting their grandmother, Mrs. Gibbon.  Misses Margaret and Elsie Gibbon of Kenosha visited with their grandma, Mrs. Gibbon this week."
(Source:  Racine Journal Aug. 12, 1904)

"Miss Maude Gibbon departed Tuesday for Ashland where she has recently been appointed first assistant in the Ashland High School."
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept. 10, 1901)

"Misses Grace and Dorothy Gibbon and brother Alexander of Sparta visited the home of Mrs. Elsie Gibbon this past week."
(Source:  Racine Journal July 8, 1914)

"The well drillers struck a good flow of water at a depth of 300' for Mrs. Gibbon last week."
(Source:  Racine Journal March 14, 1911)

"Miss Minnie Gibbon met with a distressing accident on a day last week.  While she and Mrs. John Gray were driving over the St. Paul Rail Road tracks in the village the roach of the buggy broke throwing them out.  Miss gibbon has a dislocated shoulder.
(Source:  Racine Journal July 9, 1913)

"Prof. David Gibbon of Oshkosh, who is recovering from a severe nervous prostration, is at his mother's."
(Source:  Racine Journal, Nov. 2, 1899)

"Miss Maud Gibbon closed her school in Distr No. 7 on Friday afternoon."
(Source:  Racine Journal,  Feb. 20, 1895)

"Rev. and Mrs. Geo. R??, Mr. and Mrs. D.S. Gibbon, Elmore Cooper, and Pierre T. Ozanne leave on Wednesday morning of this week on a visit to Niagra Falls"
(Source:  Racine Journal, Aug. 15, 1895)

"Miss Minnie Gibbon of Milwaukee spent Thanksgiving with relatives in this place."
(Source:  Racine Journal, Dec. 5, 1894)

"Miss Fannie Bowker returned from Oshkosh Thursday where she was called on account of the illness of her brother-in-law, Prof. Gibbon."
(Source:  Racine Journal, October 12, 1899)





"Well Known Somers Woman Passes Away"
Mrs. Elspeth Spence Gibbon, wife of the late Alexander G. Gibbon, died Wednesday afternoon, September 20 at Somers, Kenosha County, after an illness of some months.
Elspeth Spence was born at Insch, Scotland, January 10, 1835 and with her parents came to this country in 1845.
In 1856 she was united in marriage to Alexander G. Gibbon whose death occurred some years ago.  Five children were born to this union, two of them surviving - Miss Mary L. Gibbon of the Milwaukee Public Schools, and Miss Maude M. Gibbon, of Somers.
The eldest son, Prof. David S. Gibbon, died November 3, 1900; William Sherman Gibbon died April 17, 1899.
The deceased was one of the early pioneers of Somers and had watched with interest the development of the town during her long residence in the county.
At an early age she united with the Presbyterian Church, thus beginning a long, useful life of consecration and devotion.  In her life was exemplified the highest type of gentle helpfulness.  Forgetful of self, her life was made up of doing these little things which contribute to so much toward making the lives of others better and happier.
Besides the two daughter, there survive five grandchildren viz: Miss Grace Gibbon of Minneapolis, Minn., Miss Dorothy S. Gibbon of Marble, Minn., Alexander M. Gibbon of Sparta, Wis., and Misses Margaret and Elsie Gibbon of Kenosha; one brother, William G. Spence of River Falls, and once sister, Mrs. John Gray of Somers.
The funeral services were held from the late home in the village on Friday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Phipps.  Internet was in the family plot in Oakwood Cemetery.
Among those who came from away to attend the funeral were Mrs. Mary L. Gibbon and Miss Fannie B. Bowker of Oshkosh, Mrs. Fannie S. Gibbon and daughters of Kenosha, Miss Grace Gibbon of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes of Gurnee, Ill., Mrs. Melisa Lytle and Miss Anna R. Smith of Racine, Miss Belle Booth of Chicago, and William G. Spence of River Falls.
(Source:  September 27, 1916 publication date Racine Journal)

Alexander G. Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

David S. Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Elspeth Spence Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Fannie J. Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Irene (grave located with other Gibbon graves)
information unkown
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Mary Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Maude Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Bowker

1861 partial map of Somers Township
Section 18 - 80 acres for A. Bowker
Section 17 - 40 acres for A. Bowker
Section 17 - 40 acres for A. Bowker with exception of a corner for the School

Abram Bowker
Government Land Office in Milwaukee
March 31, 1843, Abram Bowker purchased 160 acres of land. In 1843 Somers Township had the name of Pike. The Bowker's were one of the very first pioneers of Somers.
1850 U.S. Federal Census
Abram Bowker, born about 1804 in Vermont
Enzieaba (also known as Eusebia French), spouse, born in 1805

Children of Abram and Enzieaba
Anotlyle Bowker, born about 1832
Myron Bowker, born about 1834
Allowra (also known as Allouvia) Bowker, born about 1836 (1860 Census indicates she was a school teacher)
Frederick Bowker, born about 1839
Mary Bowker, born about 1841
Sewellen Bowker, age listed as zero

Bowker in the News
"Mrs. M.B. Bowker returned home from Chicago Monday evening where she has undergone another surgical operation for cancer."
(Source:  Racine Journal, January 21, 1897)

"Mr. Myron Bowker had an auction sale Tuesday and will soon move into the Presbyterian parsonage for the winter."
(Source: Racine Journal,  December 5, 1900)

"Myron Bowker has sold his farm to a gentleman of Granville, Wisconsin who takes possession in a short time."
(Source:  Racine Journal, November 29, 1900)

"Mr. and Mrs. McCoy of Racine visited at the home of Mr. M. Bowker  on Thursday."
(Source:  Racine Journal,  August 22, 1900)

"Mr. R.B. McCoy of Sparta, Wisconsin called on his brother-in-law, M.Bowker, on his return from Kansas City.  Mr. McCoy was a Wisconsin delegate to the great convention held at Kasas City."
(Source:  Racine Journal,  July 11, 1900)

"Myron Bowker and daughter, Miss Fannie Bowker, departed for Oshkosh the last of the week, where they will make their future home."
(Source:  Racine Journal,  March 21, 1901)

"Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Birchell and family of Sylvania have moved into their house which is known as the old Bowker place."
(Source:  Racine Journal, November 24, 1916)


Myron Bowker
"Word was received here Saturday of the death of Myron Bowker at his home in Madison.  In early life he resided in this vicinity and later purchased a farm near the village of Somers which he operated up to his declining years when he disposed of it, going to Madison where, with his daughters, Mrs. Mary Gibbon and Miss Fannie Bowker, he made his home.  He was widely known throughout the county and was a very highly respected citizen.  The body will be brought to Somers on Monday and burial will take place in the family plot in Oakwood Cemetery, Somers.
(Source:  Racine Journal News, Kellogg's Corners, November 16, 1921 publication date)

Myron and Lydia Bowker
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet. US GenWebArchivesProjectWis.)

Eusebia Bowker, wife of Abram Bowker
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet. US GenWebArchivesProjectWis.)

Unclear Bowker
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet. US GenWebArchivesProjectWis.)

Myron B. Bowker Obit

Racine Journal, June 23, 1913

Bishop, Anna T.

Anna T. Bishop (1783-1870) wife of Abram Bishop (1766-1830)
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet,  USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Anna T. Bishop
John C. Bishop served in the Revolutionary War, and his great-grandson, Isaac T. Bishop, holds a $15 bill with which the patriot was paid for service in that conflict.  In 1765 he married Abigail Reynolds and to this union was born:  Abram, November 1, 1766 in Granville, Washington County, New York.  On September 12, 1799 in Dutchess, New York, Abram Bishop married Miss Anna Truman Bond, born October 5, 1783, who died January 11, 1870 in Somers Township, on the farm of her son, Jacob.  She had been afflicted with blindness for fifteen years prior to her death.  Their family of fifteen children has all passed away.  Abram Bishop died April 13, 1830 and was buried in the Bishop burying ground at Granville, New York and a city has grown around what was once a secluded spot.
(Source:  Ancestry.com and Commemorative Record of Racine and Kenosha Counties, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1906)

Potter

Mary Potter
Daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Potter
(1812-1874)
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWis.)

Mary Potter
Isaac T. Bishop, a prominent member of one of the pioneer families of Kenosha county, who resides in Section 16, Somers Township, was born June 6, 1844, in a log house on his father's farm in this township.  He was the son of Jacob and Fanny (Potter) Bishop.

The maternal grandfather of Isaac T. Bishop, was Nathaniel Potter, a native of New York and a Revolutionary soldier who lived to advanced age.  He married Elizabeth Johnson, who also lived long, becoming the mother of these children:  Ann, Mary, Fanny, Peter, and Sarah.  The Potter family in America dates its history back to two brothers, Nathaniel and Ichabod, who came to New England in 1638.  Nathaniel was admitted as an inhabitant of the Island of Aquidneck April 30, 1639, under King Charles, and he and his brother Ichabod lived at Portsmouth, R.I.  The widow of Ichabod removed to King's Town about 1687.
(Source:  Commemorative Record of Racine and Kenosha Counties, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1906)

Dorey

Hirzel Dorey
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWis.)

William Dorey
An active and energetic man is William Dorey, who since 1911 has owned and operated a farm of fifty-six acres on Section 24, Somers Township. He has always lived in this Township, his birth having occurred on the 13th of April,1874. He is a product of the public school system, having pursued his education to the age of eighteen years, when he concentrated his entire attention upon the work of the fields, with which he had been familiar from early boyhood, having become the active assistant of his father when a young lad. He continued to engage in the cultivation of the old home farm until 1911, when, desirous of conducting business on his own account, he purchased fifty-six and a quarter acres of land on Section 24, Somers Township, and has since concentrated his attention upon its further development with excellent success. The neat and thrifty appearance of his farm indicates his careful supervision and his practical methods. He keeps in touch with modern processes of farming and utilizes the latest improved machinery in facilitating the work of the fields.
On the 9th of November 1910, Mr. Dorey was joined in wedlock to Miss Christina Gardinier, a daughter of Elsworth and Jennie (Harcus) Gardinier, by whom he has three children, Herzel, Hazel, and Harvey.
The family attends the Methodist Church of which Mr. Dorey is a member, and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen Camp at Somers.  His political allegiance is given to the Republican Party but he has never been as aspirant for office.  A life of diligence and honesty has brought him not only material success but also the confidence, goodwill and high regard of his fellow townsmen.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha Record of Settlement, by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1916)

William James Dorey (son of Hirzel Dorey)
"William James Dorey, age 81, passed away Monday night, March 7, at his home after an illness of two weeks.  Mr. Dorey was born in Somers on April 13, 1873, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hirzel Dorey.  He was a farmer and had been a lifetime resident of Somers.  On November 9, 1910, he was married to the former Miss Christina Gardinier.  Surviving are his wife, Christina; four sons, Hirzel E., Kenneth J. and Everett R. of Somers, and Harvey W. of Kenosha; three daughters, Miss Edith Dorey of Somers, Mrs. Clinton O. Buswell and Mrs. Christ Kober, both of Kenosha; one sister, Mrs. Anton Lang of Somers.  His brother, Charles A. Dorey, preceded him in death on March 5, 1955.  Funeral services will be held in the Hansen Funeral Home, Kenosha.  Interment will be in Sunset Ridge Cemetery.
(Source:  Racine Journal, March 8, 1955)

John Dorey
John Dorey, a lifelong resident of Somers Township, now makes his home on Section 24, where he owns and cultivates forty acres of valuable and productive land.  It was in that township that he was born on the 12th of June, 1872, his parents being Herzel and Margaret (Burton) Dorey.  Spending his youthful days in their home, he was sent at the usual age to the public schools, which he attended until he reached the age of sixteen.  He then started to earn his own living, which he did by working with his father upon the home farm and also worked at the carpenter's trade for eighteen years.  He has led a life of diligence and industry and upon those qualities he has based his success.  What he has accomplished has been the legitimate reward of his carefully directed labor.
In 1914 he purchased forty acres of land on Section 24, Somers Township, and is now concentrating his time and attention on the further development and improvement of that tract, which he has already brought under a high state of cultivation.  It is divided into fields of convenient size which are well kept, and he raises the crops best adopted to soil and climatic conditions here.  There are few idle moments in his life, and his earnest work in bringing him well merited prosperity.
In his political views Mr. Dorey is a Republican, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.  In religious faith he is a Methodist and the guiding principles of his life are found in the teachings of that church.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha Record of Settlement, by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, Chicago,  S.J. Clarke Publishiing Co. 1916)

More About Dorey
Herzel Dorey
Born September 20, 1831 in Guernsey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom
Died February 4, 1894 in Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
Married Margaret Burton in Kenosha County November 17, 1866 (Reference:  Marriage Cert.)
U.S. Federal Census:  Lived in Somers Township 1870 and 1880

Margaret Burton Dorey
Born 1836.  Died 1919.

Children of Herzel and Margaret
Mary L. Dorey, born about 1868
Frederick Dorey, born about 1870
John Dorey, born about 1872, died 1950
William James Dorey, born about 1874
Charlie Dorey, born about 1876, died 1955
Kate Dorey, born about 1861
(Source:  Ancestry.com/Lee Family Tree)

Parents
Jean Dorey
Born July 19, 1780 in Castel, Guernsey, Channel Islands
Died August 19, 1858 in Castel, Guernsey, Channel Island
Married Rachel Robert October 18, 1824
Rachel Robert died about 1850

Children of Jean and Rachel
Abraham Dorey, born about 1827.  Died about 1843.
Helier Jean Dorey, born about 1828.  Died about 1889.
Herzel Dorey, born about 1829.  Died about 1894.
(Source:  Ancestry.com/Baker Family Tree)

Research Hint
Try researching on the website familyresearch.org.  You will find a Daniel Dorey whose parents are Daniel Dorey and Clementine Rachel Ozanne who lived in Castel, Guernsey, Channel Islands.  Why this may be of interest is the Ozanne family, also early pioneers of Somers Township, are from Guernsey, Channel Islands.  The fact that the two families settled within miles of one another in the early 1800's may or may not be a coincidence.

Leet, George Foster

George Foster Leet and Jessie Ann Leet
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

George F. Leet
Among the community of old settlers who have done so much for the development and progress of Somers Township, Kenosha County, and who are especially attached to this locality as their place of birth, is George Foster Leet, who resides on Section 10, where he was born February 15, 1838, son of Charles and Sarah B. (Wiard) Leet, natives of Connecticut, who were married in New York, and who became the parents of three children, viz: Mathew W. of St. Louis, Mo.; George F.; and Miss Sarah H., of Racine, Wisconsin.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Leet was a farmer in Chautauqua County, N.Y., and was the father of three sons, Charles, Warren, and Martin.  The material grandparents were Mathew and Sallie Wiard, who had four daughters whom they reared in New York, viz: Sarah B., mother of our subject; Elmira, formerly wife of William Bly; Mrs. Dale and Mrs. Maxwell.
After the close of the War of 1812, in which he took part, Charles Leet kept a hotel at Delhi, N.Y. for some years, but in 1837 he came to Wisconsin and took up Government land in what was then Pike Township, but now is Somers Township, two farms of 160 acres each, in Section 10 and 11.  He improved them both, and lived there until his death, which occurred Feb. 11, 1874.  His wife survived him, and died October 23, 1877, aged seventy-seven years.  In religious faith they were Episcopalians.  In addition to the children of his second marriage, above noted, by a prior marriage Mr. Leet had these children:  Joseph, Jane R., Robert, Clark, Mary, and Charles, all of whom are deceased.  For a number of years he was Post Master here at a point known as Aurora, and for some years he served also as a Justice of the Peace.
George F. Leet grew up on the pioneer farm and obtained his education in the schools of his neighborhood.  When he reached his majority he went to Waukegan where he engaged in Clerking for one year for Loveday & Dodge, grocers, and then entered the Army, enlisting in Company C, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery, in which he served almost two years, being mustered out in 1865.  His battery was stationed at Fort Donelson, and he was detailed mainly on scout duty.  After the War he returned home and bought his father's farm, which now contains 198 acres.  This he has greatly improved and it stands today as one of the most valuable in the county, well tilled, and most presentable in every way.
In 1860 Mr. Leet made a trip to California overland, where he engaged in mining for a year, when he returned, deciding that Kenosha County offered every chance to a young man who was willing to take advantage of it.  His war experience followed.
On May 14, 1868, Mr. Leet was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Ann Smith, daughter of William and Janet (Park) Smith, and five children were born to this union, namely:  Everett C. was drowned aged two years and four months; Fred W. resides at home, unmarried; Edward H., a machinist by trade, living in Milwaukee, married Lulu C. Rhodes; Nellie J. is a stenographer; and George P. also resides at home.  Mr. and Mrs. Leet are members of the Presbyterian Church.  Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.  Politically he is a Republican, and he was served two terms as a Member of the Town Board, and for about eight terms was on the School Board, and he served also as Town Treasurer for one term.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Leet was a native of Scotland, where he died; he was a farmer by occupation.  His children numbered seven in all.  Her maternal grandparents were William and Janet Park, and they died in Scotland, parents of six children.  The parents of Mrs. Leet were natives of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and came to America in 1841, locating in Somers Township, where the father bought 100 acres of land, which was a part of the Charles Leet farm.  The father died there in 1891, aged ninety years and over, and his wife died in January, 1887, aged ninety-one years.  They were stanch Presbyterians.  They had six children, four of whom grew to maturity: William P. Smith; George H., Jane M., wife of Hugh Gorton, of Racine; and Jessie A., wife of George F. Leet.
Mr. Leet is one of the older residents of this section in point of continuous residence, having spent sixty-seven years on the farm on which he was born. 
(Source:  Prominent Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1906)

George Leet Obituary

Elwin G. Leet wedding (son of George P. Leet)

Erma Bower Leet obituary (wife of George P. Leet)

More About Leet
1.  The great-grandfather of George Foster Leet was Allen Leet of Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut and his lineage was traced back to William Leete, Government of Connecticut, who owned what is now known as Leete's Island in Connecticut, together with large landed estates in Middlesex County.  Allen Leet became the father of six children: Allen, who died at the age of three years; Warren; Martin; Nancy; Abigail; and Charles.  It is through the last named that the line is traced down to George Foster Leet.

2. Charles Leet was born in Saybrook, Connecticut, August 28, 1793, and in New York, was married to Sarah B. Wiard, who was also born in Connecticut, and was a daughter of Matthew Wiard and a granddaughter of Matthew Wiard, Sr., whWiard, Jr., wedded Sally Roberts and lived in Bristol, Hartford County, Connecticut.  It was there that the birth of Sarah Beecher Wiard occurred on the 21st of May, 1800.  She was one of four daughters, the others being:  Mrs. Eliza Dales; Mrs. Emma Maxwell; and Mrs. Elmira H. Bligh.

3.  George Foster Leet died March 1, 1907.  He was laid to rest in the Oakwood Cemetery.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha, Record of Settlement, by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916)

Fred W. Leet
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County

"Fred William Leet, age 78, passed away at Michael's Home in Silver Lake, following a long illness. Mr. Leet was born in Somers on October 28, 1872, and is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George F. Leet. Surviving are a brother, George P. Leet of Somers. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County."
(Source: Racine Journal July 10, 1951)

 

 

 

 In the News
Ton and Half of Cabbage Stolen
Thieves Raid Field in Somers Township, Secure Large Supply of Cabbage
A few heads of cabbage might not have been missed but when thieves raided his field in Somers Township and cut out about a ton and a half, George Leet, the proprietor, immediately notified the sheriff's office here.
Deputy Sherriff N.J. Otto investigated.  He reported that the thieves had apparently been making systematic raids in the cabbage field, hauling away large amounts of the vegetable each time.  The total loot, he said, would probably total at least a ton and a half.
(Source:  Racine Journal August 30, 1934)

Fred W. Leet trapped one of the largest minks in Pike Woods last week.
(Source:  Racine Daily Feb. 8, 1899)

Sarah H. Leet Obituary (daughter of Charles and Sarah Leet)

Charles Leet Home
 

Longmore

Edward M. and Mabel W. Yule Longmore
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Mabel Yule (Mrs. Edward) Longmore
Age 87.  Passed away January 3, 1970 in St. Catherine's Hospital, Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Mrs. Longmore was born in Somers, Wisconsin on April 27, 1882, daughter of B.F. Yule and Jessie Yule, pioneer Somers residents.  She graduated from Ferry Hall School of Music and attended Oberlin College of Ohio and was a music teacher for many years.  Mr. and Mrs. Longmore celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary of January 1, 1970.  She was a charter member of Somers United Church of Christ and a member of Ladies Aid and Royal Neighbors of America.  Surviving are her husband, Edward; one son and daughter in law, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd (Ruth) Longmore; one granddaughter, Mrs. John (Joan) Marti, all of Somers; two brothers and sisters in law, Mr. and Mrs. Everette (Catherine) Yule and Mr. and Mrs. Earl (Lillian) Yule, all of Kenosha.  A son preceded her in death in 1912.  Funeral services will be held in the Somers United Church of Christ.  Interment will be in the family plot Oakwood Cemetery, Somers.
(Source:  Racine Journal January 5, 1970)

Emma Longmore
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Floyd A. and Ruth L. Longmore
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

George J. and Mary J. Longmore
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Joseph and Margaret Longmore
Oakwood Cemetery, somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Roy Howard Longmore
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Roy Howard Longmore Obituary

Roy Howard, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Longmore died Friday morning May 3, 1912.  Saturday afternoon many friends fathered at the home and a short and beautiful service was conducted by Rev. C.F. Bruhn.  The little one was laid to rest in the family plat at Oakwood Cemetery, Somers.

 

In The News

"Mr. and Mrs. Edward Longmore have moved out from Kenosha and will make Somers their home.  Mr. Longmore has opened a barber shop in the village and is ready for patronage.  He will also go into the poultry business extensively and keep several varieties of fine stock."

(Source:  Racine Journal, June 9, 1908)



Reas

Peter Reas
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchiveProjectWisconsin)

Catherine Reas, wife of Peter Reas
Oakwood Cemtery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchiveProjectWisconsin)

Partial 1887 Map of Somers Township
Section 4, 228 acre parcel of D.W. Reas Estate
Click on Map to enlarge

Daniel Webster Reas
Died Oct 20, 1885 at 47 years old
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source: Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchiveProjectWisconsin)

Partial 1861 Map of Somers Township, Section 4
Peter Reas parcel of 160 acres
Click on Map to enlarge

U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796-1907
Peter Reas purchased (document #5367) 160 acres on March 3, 1843.



U.S. 1850 Federal Census
Peter Rease, age 51 (born about 1799) in New York
lived in Kenosha Ward 2, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Wife:  Catherine Rease, age 43 (born about 1807)
Others in Household:
Daniel W. Rease, age 12 (born about 1838 in New York)
     NOTE:  The family believes James Reas (Rease) was Daniel W. Reas' father and that Daniel was living with Peter (an uncle) at the time of the census.  Take this into consideration while conducting research.
Mary E. Rease, age 9 (born about 1841 in Wisconsin)
       NOTE:  Mary E. Rease married Horace T. DeLong October 13, 1861 in Kenosha County, Wisconsin.  Horace was born June 20, 1837 in Utica, New York and the was son of Geroge and Pamela DeLong, also Somers Township pioneers, owning 189 acres in Section 6 West of Somers Township (neighbors of the Rease family).  See 1861 map above.  Mary and Horace had five children.
Click here for more about Mary Reas DeLong.


U.S. 1860 Federal Census
Peter, Catherine, Daniel W. and Mary E. lived in Somers Township (see 1861 map above)

U.S. 1870 Federal Census
Peter and Catherine live in Somers Township

U.S. 1880 Federal Census
Peter (age 81) and Catherine (age 72) live in Racine.

Information about Daniel W. Rease
"Daniel W. Rease, farmer, Section 4; P.O. Somers; born in Cortland No., N.Y., in 1837; his father, James Rease, came to Wisconsin in 1839; returned East, and in 1840 brought his family and settled in what is now Somers, Kenosha Co.; he engaged in farming until the death of his wife in 1846, when he engaged in sign and house painting in Kenosha until 1861, when he went to California, where he now resides, leaving Daniel to manage the farm; Daniel also went to California, but only remained a year, when he returned to his farm where he is at present.  He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.  He married, in Cortland Co., in January 1865, Miss Maria A. Brooks, a native of Cortland Co., N.Y. and has three children:  Clayton B. born April 9, 1866; Harvey V., February 28, 1873; Edith M. January 21, 1877."
(Source:  History of Racine and Kenosha County, Western Historical Co. 1879)

Bishop, John G.

John G. Bishop
son of Isaac T. Bishop
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet, US GenWebArchivesProject Wisconsin)

John G. Bishop
 "Telegrams received in the city state that John Bishop, son of Isaac T. Bishop, a well known young man in this city, who was born in the Town of Somers, Kenosha County, died at Misbawaka, Indiana as a result of injuries sustained in falling from an engine a few weeks ago at Green Bay.  He had been employed as a fireman of the St. Paul Railroad for some time past and was one of the most trusted employees of the company.
John Bishop was thirty-four years of age and was born and raised in Somers.  He has been a railroad man for several years and was for a time employed on the Milwaukee, Racine & Kenosha cars in this city.
He gave up this position a year ago to become a fireman on the St. Paul system.  He is survived by a wife and two children, who are now residing at Somers Station.
The accident which resulted in the death of Bishop was one of the most peculiar ever known to railway men in Wisconsin.  Six weeks ago an accident occurred at Green Bay and when the railway managers came round to look into the accident, Fireman Bishop undertook to show the men how the accident had occurred.  In going through the details of the mock accident he lost his balance and fell from his engine striking on his head.  He was not thought to be seriously injured at the time, but his head pained him to such an extent that he was finally forced to take a vacation and he came to his home in Somers to recover from the effects of the injury.  He remained at home until two weeks ago, when thinking that he had entirely recovered, he returned to his old employment and since that time he had been making regular runs on his engine."
(Source:  Racine Daily August 16, 1902)

"John Bishop, who met with sudden death at Mishawaka, Indiana on Thursday evening, was buried in the family lot in Oakwood Cemetery in Somers on Sunday.  The services were held at the family home.  Further particulars of the sad accident reveal that Bishop, who was employed as firemen on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Road, was enjoying a vacation at the home of Engineer Parker, in the Indiana town.  They were out with a number of others at a small lake Thursday evening, and after rowing about a swim was suggested.  Both Parker and Bishop leaped into the water and Bishop who was a good swimmer, struck out and a sort of jocular way, remarked that would show Parker how to swim.  Parker followed close on and after they had gone about fifty feet, Bishop suddenly dropped under water and as soon as Parker reached the spot he dove down after him and brought him to the surface dragging him into a boat.  Bishop was not in the water to exceed ten minutes and could have been revived, were it ordinary case of drowning, but an investigation by physicians revealed that he had been stricken with paralysis of the heart, and that it was from heart failure and not suffocation that he died.
When the sad news of his death was conveyed to his mother she was so completely prostrated and being subjected to heart trouble, is at present in a precarious condition.
There is absolutely no truth in the fake stories sent out and published in other papers in this and other cities that Bishop was about to be married to young lady of an Indiana town."
(Source:  Racine Journal Aug. 19, 1902)

Spencer



Spencer Family Plot
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

James E. Spencer
James E. Spencer, one of the prominent farmers of Kenosha County, residing on his farm in Section 8, was born in that county in what was then known as Pike Township, now Somers, Township, December 9, 1846, a son of Ambrose and Martha (Evans) Spencer.
The first of the Spencer family to locate in America was William Spencer, who came from England in 1631 and settled at Cambridge, Mass., although he evidently returned to England to marry his wife, Alice, in 1633.  He was counted a prominent man at Cambridge in 1634-35 and afterward was one of the first settlers in Hartford, Conn.  He had two brothers, Jared and Thomas, who came to America some years later than William, the first settler.
It only requires tracing to our subject's paternal great-grandfather to find a Revolutionary patriot in the person of Asa Spencer, who was in the fifth generation from the first William.  It is proved by records that Asa Spencer served faithfully, and was a personal friend of Washington and also of Thomas Jefferson, and as he was a man of prominence we can easily believe that on many occasions he exchanged views on public questions with these great statesmen of our country's early days.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Spencer was the well known Judge James B. Spencer, who was born in Salisbury, Conn., and moved in an early day to Fort Covington, Franklin Co., N.Y.  He was one of the early settlers there, and for years a prominent man and political leader in the northern part of the State, holding many important offices, at one time being in the Custom House, as collector. He was a representative in the State and National Legislatures and was an eminent member of Bar and Bench.  He served with distinction in the War of 1812.  He was staunch Democrat.  His death occurred in 1848, at the age of sixty-eight.  He had three sons and one daughter.
The maternal grandfather of Mr. Spencer left a large family, eight sons and two daughters.  He resided in Mississippi at the time of the birth of his daughter, Martha, the mother of Mr. Spencer.
Ambrose Spencer was born in New York and was an early settler in Kenosha County, coming here in 1842, and buying a farm of 160 acres in Section 8, Somers Township, where he reared his family.  He died on this farm in 1886, aged sixty-eight years.  He was a member of the M.E. Church.  In his young manhood he was on a Government vessel, a man-of-war, in which he crossed the ocean a number of times.  After the death of his first wife, in 1850, he married (second) Arvilla Woodward, a native of Vermont, who died in 1893.  In religious belief she was a Methodist.
Two children were born to Ambrose and Martha Spencer: James E., of this sketch; and William H., of Seattle, Washington.  The children of the second marriage were, Walter A., of Kenosha; Clark W. of Appleton, Wisconsin; Florence, wife of Lafayette Owen of Burlington, Wisconsin; and Watson B., of Racine.
James E. Spencer was reared on his father' farm in Somers Township, and obtained his early education in the district schools, later attending a seminary at Richmond, Michigan., and a commercial college at Racine.  He lived at home until he reached his majority and then bough his present farm of eighty acres, which he has continued to improve until the present day.
Mr. Spencer was married September 24, 1872, to Miss Helen A. Clemons, daughter of Hosea Clemons, and they had three sons and one daughter:  James C., Estella, Ambrose, and Edgar.  James C., who is a carpenter in Kenosha, married Amelia Longmore; Estella died aged seventeen years, and Ambrose died aged two and a half years; Edgar lives at home.  Mrs. Spencer died in 1895, aged forty-two years.  She was a much beloved woman in her neighborhood and was a consistent member of the M.E. Church.
On October 27, 1898 Mr. Spencer was married (second) to Miss Mary L. Rhodes, daughter of Jonas W. and Caroline (Rutan) Rhodes, natives of Sussex County, N.J.  The father came West in 1842 and the mother in 1843, in which year they were married at Vernon, New Jersey.  They settled in what was then known as Pike township, now Somers Township, Kenosha County.  The father followed farming and was also well known as a stock and wool buyer.  He died in 1891, aged seventy years.  His widow who still survives, is now eighty-five years of age.  Of their eight children the survivors are: Anna, wife of Dr. F.H. Longley, of North Platte, Neb.; Mary L., wife of James E. Spencer; and Kitty Clyde, wife of Charles Mitchell, of Milwaukee.
William Jonas Rhodes, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Spencer, was a native of New Jersey, and in early life was a blacksmith, later a farmer.  He died in New Jersey when over seventy years of age.  He married Anna Courter, and they had eleven children, the survivors being:  Caroline, mother of Mrs. Spencer; Abraham, of Sussex County, N.J.; Elizabeth, widow of William Faber, of Unionville, N.Y.; Julia, Mrs. Ferguson, a widow, of Paterson, N.J.; Catherine, widow of Nicholas Faber, of Sussex County, N.J.; and Carlotte widow of John Moore, of Canadaigua, Michigan.  The maternal great-grandfather, Abraham Rutan, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  He married Rebecca Rutan.  They were of Dutch extraction, their ancestors coming to America from Holland.
James E. Spencer is a Democrat, and he has served as Somers Town Clerk for the past nine years.  He is president of the Farmers' Mutual Life Insurance Company, having been a Director for a long period.  Both he and his wife are member of the M.E. Church.  He belongs to the fraternal order of Woodmen.
(Source:  Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago 1906)

Mrs. Helen Clemons Spencer Obituary
"Mrs. Helen Spencer, aged 42 years, wife of James E. Spencer, died Monday at 5:30 p.m. at her home in the Town of Somers, of consumption, after an illness of over a year.  The deceased was a daughter of the late Hosea Clemons, of Mt. Pleasant, and was born and grew to womanhood in this vicinity.  She was a woman devoted to her house and family and to her bereaved husband and three children.  She leaves besides four brothers and five sisters to mourn her untimely death.  Deceased was a member of the Somers Methodist Church from which place the funeral will be held Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.  A brief service will be held at the house at 10 o'clock and the interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, at Somers.
(Source:  Racine Journal June 13, 1895)

Spencer "In the News"
"W.A. Spencer, who for years has served in the capacity of butter maker at the creamery, has tendered his resignation.  Mr. Spencer has given good satisfaction and we hope that his place will be filled by a person fully as competent."
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 21, 1900)

Herzog

John F. Herzog
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)



Lina Herzog
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Howard Herzog
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Walter and Rose Ann Herzog
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Charles W. Herzog
" Charles W. Herzog, infant son of Mrs. and Mrs. John Herzog of Corliss, died last evening of cummer complaint.  The funeral will take place on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. from the house at 41 Second Street.  Interment at Oakwood Cemetery in Somers, Wisconsin."
(Source:  Racine Journal, September 7, 1909)

1910 U.S. Federal Census
John F. Herzog lived in Somers, Kenosha County
He was born about 1869
He was married in 1899 to Lena who immigrated in 1880.
They had three children:  Harold, Howard, and John, Jr.

1880 U.S. Federal Census
John F. Herzog was the son of Jacob (born about 1837 in Prussia) and Kate Herzog.  They had seven children and lived in Mt. Pleasant, Racine County in 1880.
Amelia Herzog born about 1864
Charles Herzog born about 1867
John Herzog born about 1869
Herman Herzog born about 1871
Walter Herzog born about 1874
Minnie Herzog born about 1877
Clara Herzog born about 1879