Minerd.com Biography of Corwin Thomas and Ella F. (McMurray) Carter of Madison County, OH

Ella F. (McMurray) Carter
(1868-1901)

Corwin Thomas Carter
Courtesy Carol W. Bichler

Ella F. (McMurray) Carter was born on July 17, 1868 in Ohio, the daughter of Alexander Blaine "Alex" and Mary (Houser) McMurray Jr.

In 1883, at the age of 15, she was named in her father's profile in the book History of Madison County.

On Feb. 28, 1889, when she was now 20 years of age, Ella was united in the rite of holy matrimony with 51-year-old Corwin Thomas Carter (Sept. 27, 1837- 1935), also known as "Thomas Corwin Carter," the son of George W. and Matilda (Kelley) Carter of Paint Township, Madison County, and grandson of William and Elizabeth (Shields) Carter of Virginia. Rev. John A. Ewalt officiated. On their marriage license, the couple asked that the news not be published.

Corwin may have been named for Ohio Gov. Thomas Corwin. He believed his birthdate was Sept. 27, 1840, as shown in an inscription in the old family Bible. His earlier birthdate is derived from a census record made during his youth. He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 160 lbs., with blue-grey eyes and light hair. Other sources give his height at 6 feet, 2 inches.

The couple's five known children were Robert Murray Carter, Edna Wilson, Ruth E. Berry, Mabel Carter and Harry Carter. Grief blanketed the young family when daughter Mabel died on Aug. 2, 1894 and son Harry passed away on Aug. 19, 1901.

Corwin had spent the first 11 years of his life at his birthplace. Then he and the family relocated to a farm near Midway, OH, where they remained for two years. Corwin's father subsequently purchased a 400-acre farm in the area, staying for a decade, on the property where Lucy Beach dwelled in the 1930s. "Selling that farm they lived in Lafayette in what is now the Red Brick Tavern for a year, and then moving to the Carter farm on the National pike," said a newspaper. Corwin was a sawyer and "helped clear both farms out of the woods."

Camp Dennison, where the 154th Ohio was organized

Corwin Thomas Carter - Courtesy Carol (Wilson) Bichler

During the Civil War, Corwin was approached by friend James S. Burnham, who was serving in the Ohio National Guard which had been ordered into active service with the Union Army and ordered to the front lines. Burnham offered him a $150 cash bounty if Corwin would take his place. So on May 2, 1864, Corwin enlisted -- under Burnham's name -- and was placed within Company I of the 154th Ohio Infantry. The 154th Ohio formally was organized a few days later on May 8, 1864, at Camp Dennison, OH, with the men agreeing to serve terms of 100 days. Corwin used the "Burnham" name at roll call for the entire time he was in the army.

The regiment performed guard and picket duty in West Virginia at New Creek and Moorefield, and then saw action at New Creek on Aug. 4, 1864. It was ordered to Camp Chase in Columbus, OH to guard prisoners and then disbanded back at Camp Dennison on Sept. 1, 1864.

In the years leading up to marriage, in 1880, the 40-year-old bachelor Corwin made a home with his aged farmer-father and older brothers in Jefferson Township, Madison County. About that time, he moved to Brown Township, Franklin County, OH for a year, then returned to West Jefferson for three years, followed by a move back to Brown for another three to four years.

He was active with the reunions of his old wartime regiment and in August 1885 attended their gathering. The day consisted of a march from the county courthouse to the grounds of the orphan's home, lunch and much visiting, according to an article in the Xenia Gazette News-Current.

Some 25 years after the war's end, on Aug. 16, 1890, Corwin was awarded a soldier's pension [Invalid App. #902.267 - Certificate #803.361 - C #2568351] Friends J.H. Hambleton, George Hann, Patrick McCloskey, Joshua Bollinger, John W. Silver, E.B. Haynes William H. rown and Edward R. Hill, who all served in the same army regiment with Carter, signed affidavits in support of claims and explaining why the soldier had used the "Burnham" alias. For the rest of his life he received a monthly government check which as of 1910 was in the amount of $12.

Surgeon's sketch of Corwin's damaged legs
Courtesy National Archives

A freak accident took place on March 14, 1894. While in a buggy headed home from a doctor's office visit, Corwin's horse became frightened and bolted. In the turmoil, the horse kicked and fractured Corwin's leg and thumb. Neighbor Jacob Johnson recalled that the limb "was badly mashed up."

The federal census enumeration of 1900 shows the family on a farm in Deer Creek Township.

Sadly, at the age of about 33, Ella passed away on Sept. 13, 1901. Five years later, in 1906, at the death of her father, her three children were named as heirs in his last will and testament.

Corwin outlived his bride by some three-plus decades. The United States Census of 1910 has the family in Jefferson Township, with the three children in the household ranging in age from 18 to 12. At that time, Corwin at age 63 had no occupation. That same year, to prove his legal age for pension purposes, he turned to the old Bible where his and his siblings's names and birthdates had been inscribed, starting with his brother David in 1827 and ending with Angil Carter in 1857. A notary public examining the document wrote that "The old family bible from which Corwin Carter had this copied from was badly in pieces, leaves torn out, so the said Corwin Carter had same copied in his bible, which is in bad shape, also, some of the leaves torn out, so it is impossible to tell when the bible was printed; the record does not bear any marks of erasure or alteration."

News story about Corwin - Courtesy Carol Bichler

From a fall in November 1915, Corwin broke his right femur near the hip joint. For the rest of his life, Corwin was unable to walk without the aid of crutches and canes. He also suffered from right-and-left side hernias -- one as large as an egg -- and a large tumor on his prostate gland leading to "involuntary urination" and an inability to "care for personal toilet," wrote a physician in 1926. Neighbor Johnson once made an affidavit saying that Corwin "is strictly sober and not addicted to the use of intoxicating drinks."

In 1920, and again in 1930, he shared a residence with his married daughter Ruth and her family on Frey in Jefferson. Corwin and his sister Mrs. Conklin took a driving trip with his son-in-law Robert Wilson to see their birthplace one day in the late 1920s or early 1930s. Robert later wrote that "They related many incidents of their early childhood and the living conditions of those times."

In September 1934, at his 94th birthday, he was pictured in a newspaper story saying he had the "honor of being the oldest resident of West Jefferson," with his son-in-law Wilson writing some of the narrative.

He was burdened in his last years with chronic heart disease and senility. He died at the age of 94 on June 1, 1935. Burial was in Deer Creek Township Cemetery.

~ Son Robert Murray Carter ~

Son Robert Murray Carter (1892-1965) was born on March 20, 1892 in West Jefferson, Madison County, OH.

He resided at the age of 14, in 1906, in West Jefferson, OH. In young manhood he moved to Columbus, OH and worked as a shoe salesman. He stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed 160 lbs.

On Nov. 18, 1914, in Pickaway County, OH, he wed 21-year-old stenographer Mamie/Maymie Hattie Kight (Nov. 12, 1894-1988), daughter of John and Bertha (Martin) Kight of Pickaway County, OH. Officiating was Rev. C.B. Beckes of Circleville.

Seven known offspring of this union were Mildred Frances Richardson, Louise Carter, Robert Junder Carter, Lorelan/Frelan Carter, Robert Carter II, Gladys Harriett Carter and Errol E. Carter.

He may have served in an Ohio military unit prior to 1917, and that year worked as a trackman with the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway Company.

The family dwelled in West Jefferson, Madison County, with Robert employed in 1920 as a retail salesman in a grocery store.

Sadly, their son Robert J. died of bronchial pneumonia at age 35 days on Dec. 30, 1918 and daughter Gladys from cerebral-spinal meningitis and influenza at the age of 2 on Oct. 31, 1926.

During the later part of the 1920s, the Carters relocated to the state capitol city of Columbus, where in 1930 Robert was a restaurant proprietor and Maymie its cook. By 1940, the family nest in their Brehl Avenue home in Columbus was empty, and Robert earned a living as a laborer for the Clark Grave Vault Company. Two years later, on or about Feb. 6, 1942, their youngest son Errol was born.

Robert was required to register for the military draft during World War II, and at the time they lived at 881 West Rich Street, Columbus. The 1950 federal census enumeration shows Robert, Mamie and Errol together with 22-year-old lodger Leslie J. Seigneur living under their roof. At that time, Robert continued his employment with the vault manufacturer, working as a helper and spot welder in the shop.

He died in Columbus at the age of 73 on June 18, 1965. The remains were transported back to Lafayette, Madison County for burial.

Maymie lived for another 23 years. The angel of death clipped her away in 1988.

Daughter Mildred Frances Carter (1916-2001) was born on Jan. 12, 1916 in Madison County and grew up in West Jefferson and Columbus, OH. She was joined in wedlock with James "Guy" Richardson (Sept. 2, 1912-1976), a native of Sloan, IA and the son of farmhand George Oxley and Martha Isabel (Smith) Richardson. They resided at 234 Brehl Avenue in 1936. Circa 1940, when registering for the military draft, James disclosed their address as 253 North Wayne Avenue in Columbus and his employer as T.P. Dowdle of Chicago -- working as shown in the 1940 U.S. Census, as a laborer in sewer construction. James went on to serve as a U.S. Navy veteran in World War II, bearing the rank of motor machinist's mate. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950, the couple was childless and living in Columbus, with James employed as a real estate agent. They spent many years in Upper Arlington near Columbus at the address of 4271 Woodhall Road. Sadly, he died in Riverside Methodist Hospital at the age of 64 on Dec. 7, 1976. Mildred survived her spouse by a quarter of a century and remained in Upper Arlington. At the age of 85, she died in a nursing home on Christmas Eve 2001. Burial was beside her husband in Deer Creek Township Cemetery. Inscribed on their grave marker is the scripture "God is my refuge and strength."

Daughter Louise Carter (1917- ? ) was born in about 1917.

Son Lorelan/Frelan Carter (1920- ? ) was born in about 1920.

Son Robert Carter II (1922- ? ) was born in about 1922 and carried the same first name as an elder, deceased brother.

Son Errol E. Carter (1941-2008?) was born on Feb. 6, 1941. Evidence suggests that he died in Houston, TX on Christmas Day 2008.

~ Daughter Edna M. (Carter) Wilson ~

Daughter Edna M. Carter (1895-1963) was born on Feb. 10, 1895 in Brown Township, Madison County. She grew up in rural London, OH and as a young woman was in West Jefferson.

At the age of 19, on Dec. 20, 1914, she married 21-year-old farmer Robert Alex Wilson (1893-1970), also of West Jefferson and the son of Henry and Kate (Farrar) Wilson. Rev. P.W. Drumm officiated.

The four known children of the pair were Richard C. Wilson, Robert Wilson, Walter Corwin Wilson and Kate Bidwell.

Circa 1942-1955, the Wilsons resided in West Jefferson, OH. The couple was in the news in the 1950s when successfully suing the Jefferson Local School District to clear up confusion over the legal title of their property.

Edna succumbed to the spectre of death in 1963. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in West Jefferson.

Robert survived for seven years and passed away in 1970. On the face of their grave marker, their parents' names are inscribed as a reference.

Son Richard Carter Wilson (1915-1992) was born on Oct. 3, 1915 in West Jefferson, Madison County, OH. He grew up in a farming household. When he was 22 years of age, on July 9, 1938, he entered into wedlock with 22-year-old typist Olga Minerva Krieger (May 10, 1916-2002), a resident of Plain City, Madison County and the daughter of William and Flora (Walz) Krieger. Lutheran minister Rev. John O. Lang presided. The five offspring that they bore together were Gary Wilson, Mildred Bidwell, Margaret Burchwell, Sarah Marquis and Shirley Cooper. The Wilsons resided in Pike County, OH, where they farmed, and he was employed as a correctional officer by the state. Their address in the early 1990s was 240 Jasper Road. They attended Piketon-Jasper United Methodist Church and the Richmond Dale Church. Richard passed away in Pike County Hospital Medical Center on Sept. 22, 1992, with burial in Mound Cemetery in Piketon. Rev. Robert Rider officiated the services. An obituary was published in the Chillicothe Gazette. Olga spent the next 10 years as a widow and resided in Ashville, Pickaway County. She attended Brookside Churches of Christ in Christian Union. Toward the end she was admitted to the Chillicothe Nursing and Rehabilitation. Death enveloped her there at the age of 86 on Dec. 3, 2002. Rev. John Cooper led the funeral rites.

Grandson Gary Wilson ( ? -? ) was born on (?). He worked in young manhood for Lennox Air Conditioning and Furnace Company When he was 19 years of age, on July 3, 1965, he entered into marriage with 18-year-old Rebecca S. "Becky" Welshimer ( ? - ? ), daughter of Carl D. and Virginia K. (Sullivan) Welshimer of Chillicothe. Their ceremony was conducted by Rev. James K. Boor in the Crouse Chapel Church. Three children of this couple were Lori Ann Dunham, Lisa Jo Wilson and Brian Scott Wilson. They dwelled in Kingston, OH in 1970-1992 and by 2002 were in Chillicothe. Gary was employed in 1990 as a cost analyst with Ross Laboratories in Columbus, while Becky worked as a secretary at Zane Trace Local School. In July 1990, Gary and Becky marked their silver wedding anniversary with a dinner at One Nation in Columbus and a reception in the Kingston United Methodist Church, and a related article appearing in the Chillicothe Gazette. Daughter Lori Ann, a graduate of Zane Trace High School and Pickaway-Ross Vocational Center, wed Scott Dunham of the U.S. Navy on June 11, 1988 and moved to Japan before settling in Columbus. Daughter Lisa studied at Ohio University-Chillicothe in 1990. Son Brian (1972- ? ) is a 1990 alumnus of Zane Trace High School, served for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, studied at ITT Technical College and in 2002 was employed in the RF Performance and Engineering Department of Horizon PCS.

Granddaughter Mildred Ann Wilson (1939-2022) was born on Aug. 13, 1939 in West Jefferson, Madison County. She was a 1957 graduate of Huntington High School. She also was an alumna of the Grant School of Nursing and for decades earned a living as a registered nurse. Mildred wed Nick L. Bidwell ( ? - ? ). They endured the highs and lows of a remarkable 59 years together. They put down roots in Ashville, OH and later moved to Grove City, OH. Two children borne of this union were Craig Bidwell and Holly Hollman. She was considered a "compassionate care giver" and "a skilled seamstress, baker, home chef, and gardener," said an obituary. "No Christmas was complete without her delicious spritz tree cookies. She was as comfortable swinging a golf club on the course as playing games with her grandchildren or creating art through painting or drawing." The pair enjoyed traveling including to Canada and Florida, where they spent their winters for years Sadly, at the age of 83, Mildred passed away on Oct. 16, 2022. A graveside service was held at Reber Hill Cemetery, led by the hand of Rev. Eddie Powers. Their son Craig married Mary, and their daughter Holly wed Jason Hollman.

Granddaughter Margaret Wilson married Orban Burchwell. Their home in 1992-2002 was in Orient, Pickaway County, OH. Over the years, they were active in the Pickaway County Grange and Scioto Township Grange. In 1970, Orban was appointed as chairman of the Junior Grange Committee of the Ohio State Grange at its 98th annual convention held in Akron.

Granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She worked as a clerk-typist in Ashville in the mid-1960s. Circa 1967, at the age of about 20, she was joined in wedlock with 22-year-old Buckeye Lake lineman Thomas "Alan" Marquis Sr. (Dec. 28, 1944-2006), a native of Detroit and the son of Billy and Wanda (Steppe) Marquis. News of their marriage license appeared in the Circleville Herald. They were the parents of eight -- Thomas Alan Marquis II, Rachel Kline, Stephen Marquis, Leah Marquis, David Marquis, Deborah Dye, Victoria "Vickie" Hornsby and Benjamin Marquis. Sadly, their son Thomas II died young. Alan was employed for 19 years as a maintenance electrician by Ranco in Delaware, OH, while Sarah was a clerical specialist with the Delaware County Department of Human Services. The couple eventually divorced. Sarah's dwelling-place was in Delaware, OH in the early 1990s. On May 27, 1994, in nuptials held at the Georgetown Village Senior Center, she married again to Patrick Murray "Pat" Gast ( ? - ? ), son of Murray Samuel and Mabel (Moyer) Gast and stepson of Mary Gast. Presiding was Rev. S. Douglas Johnson of the Worldwide Church of God. Bride and groom were pictured in a wedding announcement in the Delaware Gazette. At the time of marriage, Patrick earned a living as a laborer with PPG Industries. The newlyweds first lived on Fern Drive in Delaware and in 2002-2006, the pair lived in Prospect, OH. Former husband Alan died in Marysville at the age of 61 on May 30, 2006, with an obituary appearing in the Marysville Journal-Tribune. Their son Benjamin is known to have joined the U.S. Army in 2001.

Granddaughter Shirley Wilson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On June 11, 1967, she was united in matrimony with Rev. John E. Cooper (Nov. 16, 1947-2010), son of George W. and Phyllis I. (McFadden) Cooper of Ross County, OH. Together, they produced a son and two daughters -- John E. Cooper II, Kimberly S. Davis and Jennifer R. Fisher. John was a graduate of Circleville Bible College, magna cum laude. For many years, the family was in Chillicothe. He was employed by DuPont and later was pastor of the Brookside Church of Christ in Christian Union. He held a membership in the Chillicothe Noon Rotary Club, and "volunteered at the Ross Correctional Institute, the Southern Ohio Adult Parole Authority and served with the Blue Bird Parish Circuit Riders," said the Chilicothe Gazette. Shirley was a musical vocalist and in 1994 performed "The Power of Love" at her sister Sarah's wedding. Sadly, at the age of 63, John died on Dec. 15, 2010 in Adena Regional Medical Center. His funeral service was conducted in his church by Rev. David Dean and Rev. Dr. Dale Wheeler, with interment in Pennisten Cemetery. Son John wed Tonya and has lived in Waverly, OH -- daughter Kimberly married Jay Davis and dwells in Bainbridge, OH -- and daughter Jennifer wed Larry Fisher and put down roots in Chillicothe.

Son Robert Alex Wilson Jr. (1925-2014) was born on Sept. 26, 1925 in West Jefferson. He was an alumnus of West Jefferson High School. Robert served in the U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, with deployment to France and Italy. On New Year's Day 1949, in Columbus, he married Adeline "Addie" Long (Feb. 27, 1924-2017), a native of Columbus and the daughter of Jonathan and Carrie Lucile Long Sr. Their union endured the ups and downs of an extraordinary 65 years. Addie was a 1942 graduate of Central High School, Columbus. A trio of children of the couple were Carol Bichler, Judy Lowry and Robert L. Wilson. With Addie moving to Robert's home community of West Jefferson, they spent their lives as farmers and belonged to the West Jefferson United Methodist Church, with Addie active in a number of ministries and committees, among them the Monday moring prayer group. Said an obituary, when time allowed, he "enjoyed swimming, fishing, square dancing, hiking, camping, and winter vacationing in Florida..." Addie liked to walk, swim, ride her bicycle and visit with friends. Robert surrendered to the angel of death at home at the age of 88 on Sept. 22, 2014. The headcount of his survivors included seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Jointly leading his funeral service, in the family church, were Pastora Patricia Oesterle and Jerry Poff. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Addie outlived her spouse by two-and-a-half years and stayed put in West Jefferson. The angel of death cleaved her away at the age of 92 on Feb. 22, 2017.

Granddaughter Carol Wilson married Andy Bichler. They lived in West Jefferson in 2014.

Granddaughter Judy Wilson wed (?) Lowry. She was in Atlanta, GA in 2014.

Grandson Robert L. Wilson tied the knot with Ramona and has dwelled in West Jefferson.

Son Walter Corwin Wilson (1920-1994) was born on April 13, 1920 in West Jefferson, OH. He earned a living in young manhood as a farmer. His first marriage ended in divorce. On Dec. 5, 1948, in Union County, OH, the 28-year-old Walter wed his second bride, 25-year-old Ruth Cunningham (Sept. 1, 1923- ? ) of Plain City, OH. She was the daughter of John W. and Minnie (Arnold) Cunningham and at the time of marriage worked as a beautician. John S. Vance officiated. Four children borne by the couple were Jeanette Diane Calaski, Teresa A. Wright, Thomas C. Wilson and James Wilson. They moved to Ostrander, Delaware County, OH. Grief blanketed the family when son Thomas died in 1967. Walter died on Dec. 3, 1994 at the age of 74. Burial was in Forest Grove Cemetery in Plain City, Madison County. Ruth remained in Ostrander. Sadly, she endured the untimely death of her daughter Teresa in 2006.

Granddaughter Jeanette Diane Wilson (1954-2014) was born on Feb. 4, 1954 in Marysville, OH. She was a 1973 graduate of Buckeye Valley High School. She attended Central Texas College before graduating from Ohio High Point Business School. She married (?) Calaski ( ? - ? ). Their brood of daughters included Kate Calaski and Crystal Tolbert. In the early 2010s, Jeanette made her residence in Marysville. She attended Ostrander Presbyterian Church. The Columbus Dispatch said that she liked to work in her garden and solve word-finder puzzles. She died at home unexpectedly at the age of 60 on July 24, 2014. Burial was in Forest Grove Cemetery in Plain City.

Granddaughter Teresa Arlene Wilson (1953-2006) was born on Jan. 10, 1953 in Marysville, OH. She wed (?) Wright ( ? - ? ). The pair produced two sons -- Thomas Eugene Wright and Robert Corwin Wright. She had interests in the Friends of North Lewisburg Library Committee and attended Middletown Church of God. In the mid-2000s, her home was in North Lewisburg, OH. With her health in decline, Teresa was admitted to the Grant Medical Center in Columbus. She passed away there at the age of 53 on July 2, 2006. Interment was in the family plot at Forest Grove Cemetery in Plain City. An obituary appeared in the Marysville Journal-Tribune.

Grandson James W. Wilson was joined in wedlock with Barbara. They dwelled in 2006-2014 in Westerville, OH.

Daughter Kate F. Wilson (1917-2007) was born in 1917. She entered into marriage with Ernest C. Bidwell (Nov. 25, 1909-1981), son of Clarence and Etta Florence (Stoner) Bidwell. Together, they bore two sons -- Dale E. Bidwell and Don W. Bidwell. They first lived in Georgesville, OH and in the 1950s moved to Orient in Scioto Township, Pickaway County, OH. The Bidwells belonged to the Orient United Methodist Church. In 1961, he appears to have been elected to a seat on the Scioto Township board of trustees. At that time, he was active on the county committee of the Farmers Home Administration. They were involved with the Scioto Grange, with Kate serving as home economics chairman in 1963 and pianist. As of 1974, Ernest served as deputy of the Pickaway County unit of the Fairfield Grange. Their names frequently were in print in the Circleville Herald for their community activities. Sadly, Ernest died in August 1981. Kate outlived him by more than a quarter of a century. Toward the end of her life, she went to reside in Franklin Woods. She died there at age 90 on Dec. 3, 2007. Pastor Ruth Pribe presided at the services. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, West Jefferson, and an obituary was published in the Columbus Dispatch.

Grandson Dale E. Bidwell (1938- ? ) was born in about 1938. He was active in his youth in the Scioto Township Grange and Buffalo Chapter of the Future Farmers of America. At the age of 15, in 1953, Dale received top honors in a statewide soil conservation essay competition sponsored by the Farm Bureau, Grange and Soil Conservation Service, and was featured in a related story in the Circleville Herald.

Grandson Don W. Bidwell ( ? - ? ) was an alumnus of Grove City High School and in 1961 enrolled in an accounting program of the Columbus Business University. He tied the marital cord with Julia

~ Daughter Ruth Edith (Carter) Berry ~

Daughter Ruth Edith Carter (1897-1963) was born on Dec. 10, 1897. She spent her early years in rural London, OH.

At the age of 19, in about 1916, she tied the marital knot with 21-year-old Kentucky native James Moore Berry (March 19, 1896-1975).

Three known children of this family were Ellis Carter Berry, Martha Jean Caynor and Ella Mae Kincaid.

They dwelled in Jefferson, Madison County, and in 1930 Ruth's elderly, widowed father resided under their roof. In 1930, United States Census records show that James earned a living as a retail salesman in a bakery. By 1940, still in Jefferson, James had turned to farming as his occupation, assisted by son Ellis.

The Berrys' marriage ended in divorce during the 1940s, and Ruth moved into the home of her son Ellis in Plain City, Madison County.

The angel of death cleaved Ruth away in London on Jan. 19, 1963. She sleeps for all time in the sacred soil of Deer Creek Township Cemetery.

Former husband James outlived her by a dozen years. At the age of 79, he died in Washington Court House, OH on Aug. 8, 1975.

Ellis Berry participated in the Battle of the Bulge, World War II

Son Ellis Carter Berry (1919-2001) was born on March 16, 1919 in West Jefferson, OH. He grew up assisting his father on the family farm in Jefferson. On Aug. 9, 1940, he married Lulua "Marie" Bugg (Nov. 5, 1918-1994), daughter of George and Maria "Louise" (Bigelow) Bugg of Plain City, OH. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and attained the rank of staff sergeant with Company B of the 345th Regiment, 87th Infantry Division. Ellis is known to have tken part in the Battle of the Bulge. Together, the pair produced a foursome of children -- Ruth Ellen Cook, Phyllis Johnson, James Ellis Berry and Jack L. Berry. They made a dwelling-place in Plain City. Circa 1950, Ellis earned a living as a jack-of-all-trades with a retail hardware store as a clerk, repairman and delivery-maker. He then was employed from 1953 to 1983 as a stationery engineer with Ohio State University and eventually retired from the institution. He also is believed to have been a member of the local rural fire department in the 1950s. Marie served on the local board of elections and was a member of the Plain City Historical Society and Buckeye Ramblers. As time allowed, he liked to camp and fish. In August 1990, Ellis and Marie marked their golden wedding anniversary with an open house at the Bickham Center in Plain City, and were pictured in a related story in the Marysville Journal-Tribune. Sadly, at the age of 76, Marie died while in Bartow, FL on Dec. 7, 1994. She was survived by six grandchildren. Interment was in Forest Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Jim Browne leading the services. Ellis endured for another seven years. While in his winter home at Fort Meade, FL, he passed away without warning on Christmas Day 2001. The body was transported back to Ohio for funeral rites presided by Rev. Don Hilkerbaumer and burial at Forest Grove. His obituary appeared in the Journal-Tribune.

Granddaughter Ruth Ellen Berry (1941-2003) was born on June 6, 1941 in Plain City. She married Richard E. Cook ( ? - ? ). The Cooks lived in Columbus in 1994 and later in Plain City. Two offspring born of their union were Rica Cain and Richard E. Cook III. Said the Marysville Journal-Tribune, Ruth Ellen "wire air conditioner control panels for Leibert Corporation of Columbus for more than 25 years." While a patient at Doctor's Hospital West, she died suddenly at the age of 61 on Jan. 30, 2003. Funeral rites were officiated by Rev. Floyd Loy, with burial following in Big Darby Cemetery.

Granddaughter Phyllis Berry (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944. She wed W. "Eugene" Johnson. They dwelled in Columbus in 1973. In 1990-1994 they lived in Jacksonville, FL and in 2001-2003 made a residence in Waukee, IA.

Grandson James Ellis Berry (1946- ? ) was born in about 1946. He was an alumnus of Jonathan Alder High School and went on to join the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He served as a boilerman aboard the USS Stickell in Northern European waters in 1967 and as a boiler technician aboard the USS New Jersey, a vessel which in early 1968 was in the process of re-activation. On March 16, 1968, in nuptials held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Delaware, OH, he exchanged marital vows with Barbara Jean Schnees ( ? - ? ), daughter of Leroy O. Schnees of Delaware. Rev. K.L. DeWalt presided. In announcing the marriage, the Delaware Gazette said that the bride "chose a street length dress of white venise lace, fashioned in the cage silhouette featuring a sating wedding ring collar, long kabuki sleeves and tiny Dior bows in the back. A matching headpiece held the shoulder length bouffant illusion veil. She carried a white Bible topped with a cumbidium orchid and stephanotis." Barbara was a graduate of Hayes High School and at the time of marriage worked at the Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, OH. By the fall of that year, James was back on the New Jersey and deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin. They made a home in 1990 in Plain City.

Grandson Jack L. Berry (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948. He was joined in wedlock with Della Louise Keaton ( ? - ? ). He was in Columbus in 1973, London, OH in 1990 and 2001-2003, and Big Plains in 1994.

Daughter Martha Jean Berry (1928-1999) was born on Jan. 25, 1928. At the age of 19, on Dec. 18, 1947, she was united in matrimony with World War II veteran Okey Hayward Caynor (March 4, 1926-2011), a native of Buckhannon, WV and the son of John and Tretha Caynor. He had served with the U.S. Navy during the war, with a posting aboard the USS Crescent City. Together, they bore a family of three -- James Okey Caynor, Susan Maggard and John Caynor. They made their home in West Jefferson (in 1951) and later in London, OH. Okey earned a living as a truck driver, mainly for F.J. Egner & Sons and also for Coastal and Matlack Tanklines. He was injured in a July 1957 accident near Xenia, OH "when his truck overturned and pinned him beneath the cab on U.S. Route 42, north of the Greene-Warren county line," reported the Dayton Journal Herald. "The Exnia state patrol post said Caynor was driving his empty semi-trailer tank truck ... during a hard rain and lost control of the truck on a curve. The truck went off the left side of the road, hit a guard rail, spun around, slid down the road backwards, went over the guard rail, down an embankment and overturned on its right side." He was treated for cuts and bruises at a local hospital and released. Okey again made news in the Chillicothe Gazette in June 1979 when reporting that his truck had been shot by BBs on Bridge Street in town. Eight years latr, he was pictured in the Bloomsburg (PA) Press Enterprise in July 1987 when, at a rest area along Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania, he discovered that combustible paint thinner was slowly leaking from his tanker vehicle, and the eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed for two hours. He held a membeership in the Teamsters Local No. 413 and the Hilliard lodge of the Moose as well as the West Jefferson lodge of the American Legion. Martha Jean was active in the 1950s with the Deercreek Home Demonstration Club. Sadly, she died on Nov. 17, 1999. Okey remained in West Jefferson for the balance of his life. At the age of 85, residing in the Madison House of London, he passed away on April 7, 2011. Rev. Patricia Oesterle led the funeral rites. His obituary appeared in the Columbus Dispatch. They repose at each other's side in Somerford Cemetery in Madison County.

Grandson James Okey Caynor (1948-2021) was born on Nov. 2, 1948 in Columbus. He was a graduate of West High School and then joined the U.S. Navy, receiving a deployment to Vietnam during the war. He lived in Columbus in 1969 and earned a living as a mechanic. At the age of 21, he wed 22-year-old secretary Peggy Joy Glenn of Sunbury, OH, with the news of their marriage license published in the Delaware (OH) Gazette. Their union held fast over a remarkable 52 years. Their one son was Andrew Caynor. Said an obituary, "He went on to attend Muskingum Technical College earning a degree in mechanical engineering. James later changed direction and was employed by the USPS for 20 years. During his service at USPS, James also obtained his Captain's license and would take charter boats out on Lake Erie every weekend." The pair lived in Centerburg, OH and enjoyed traveling. James also liked to fish, garden, hunt and work with wood. He died in his sleep at home at the age of 73 on Dec. 6, 2021. Their son wed Regina and bore two children, Dakota Caynor and Cheyenne Caynor.

Granddaughter Susan Mae Caynor (1951-2018) was born on July 23, 1951 in Grant Hospital, Columbus, weighing 6 lbs., 13 oz. News of her birth was published in the Madison County Democrat. She was a 1969 graduate of West High School. As a baritone horn player, she studied music education at Ohio State University. On Oct. 9, 1971, when she was 20 years of age, she married fellow OSU student Mark Wayne Maggard ( ? - ? ). Two children of this marriage were Michael Maggard and Kristina Murphy. The Maggards moved to their permanent home in West Jefferson, OH in 1987. Over the years, she was employed as a computer operator by City National Bank, an insurance billing clerk by Blue Cross, a billing clerk att Jefferson Medical Center and an office clerk for Adept Products. For two decades, she was employed as director of The Good Samaritan Food Pantry Inc. of West Jefferson. Among her accomplishments was providing clients with a complete Thanksgiving dinner that they could prepare at home. In 2018, the year before her death, the Food Pantry served nearly 5,900 people and more than 48,000 meals. She also was an advisor to the Silver Bullets 4-H Club. Said an obituary, Susan also was "a teacher of bible school and Sunday school while also being a past Board member of the Hurt Battelle Memorial Library. She had been the Grand Marshall of the Ox Roast parade and past volunteer of the year at Frey Elementary as well as being a member of the West High School Alumni Band." When named the grand marshall, she and her grandchildren were pictured in a story in the Columbus Messenger. As time allowed she liked to camp and took pleasure in observing barges go by in the Ohio River. In recognition of her many roles, she was named by the American Red Cross as a hometown hero in 2010 and by Northwood Elementary School as volunteer of the year. Sadly, she died unexpectedly on Aug. 4, 2018. Her funeral was held at West Jefferson United Methodist Church, with burial following in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. In her memory, the Food Pantry named its Thanksgiving meal giveaway as "The Susan Maggard Thanksgiving Dinner Project."

Grandson John Caynor ( ? - ? ) was married to Georgina Whipple. Later, he has been a companion of Marilyn Fullwood ( ? - ? ). They have dwelled in Columbus.

Daughter Ella Mae Berry (1920-2007) was born on July 8, 1920 in West Jefferson, OH. On Sept. 11, 1941, when both were age 21, she and Roy Lynn Kincaid (July 15, 1920-1992) slipped away to Wellsburg, WV to be married. Rev. William J. Frayer, of the Assembly of God, led the ceremony. Roy was a native of Greenview, IL and the son of Andrew Thompson and Flora Jeanette (Smith) Kincaid. At the time of marriage, he had been employed by Frasier Brace of Weldon Springs, MO and dwelled in Pontiac, MI. They became the parents of Rhona Hall and Rhoda Koshinski. Roy stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed 160 lbs. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and attained the rank of sergeant. Later, they settled in Chatham, IL. Roy was employed for 27 years by the Illinois State Police, where he supervised the radio lab. They belonged to the Auburn Christian Church. Sadly, Roy died at the age of 72 on Sept. 25, 1992 as a patient in Memorial Medical Center of Springfield. Presiding over the funeral services was Rev. David Sowers. His remains are at rest in Chatham Memorial Cemetery in Sangamon County, IL. The Springfield State Journal-Register carried an obituary. The widowed Ella Mae made her residence in 2001 in Chatham. She passed away at the age of 84 on Feb. 6, 2007.

Granddaughter Rhona Kincaid married Michael Hall ( ? - ? ), son of Paul A. and June (Bickel) Hall. Their home in 1992-2012 was in Chatham, IL. The pair is believed to be automobile enthusiasts and members of the Prairie Capital Corvair Association.

Granddaughter Rhoda Lynn Kincaid ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was a 1974 alumna of Glenwood High School in Chatham, IL and in young womanhood was employed at the State Bank of Auburn. On Aug. 16, 1975, she wed Kevin Dale Koshinski ( ? - ? ), son of Arthur P. Koshinski of Springfield. The wedding nuptials were conducted at the Auburn Christian Church. In announcing the marriage, the Decatur Daily Review said she "wore a gown of white organza with a full flounce at the hemline, accented at the bodice and sleeves with Venise lace. It featured a square neckline and bishop sleeves." Kevin was a graduate of MacArthur High School and at time of their marriage worked in Springfield for Fiat Allis Construction Machinery Inc. They put down roots in Springfield, IL.