Elizabeth Ridgely

     Elizabeth was born on Thursday, 13 October 1808 in Wayne County, Ohio. This date was calculated from her age at death. She also went by the name of Betsey. Elizabeth married Joseph Bair in February 1827 in Jefferson Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Joseph & Elizabeth had children: Westall [5/05/1828-12/28/1893][m. Harriet Lutes], Elmira [ca 1830- ], John [10/05/1832-10/05/19808][m. 8/16/1855 Polly Ann Carrier], Joseph Clinton [11/23/1834-1/16/1900][m. Jane], Anna Elizabeth [11/23/1836-10/25/1896][m. 12/31/1855 Morris Judson Newell & 2nd. 7/10/1880 Edwin R. Skinner], William [4/30/1838-1/25/1916][m. 9/23/1860 Isabelle Batchelor] , Alfrona [8/12/1841-8/12/1925 ][m. William G. Haney], Jantha[11/00/1844-5/17/1928][m.10/22/1865 Thaddeus L. Carrier & 2nd. 6/03/1908 Eli C. Rdgely], Francis Marion [1/19/1848-7/04/1890][m. Prudence Adeline Wiltse] [hung him self in mental hospital]]. It is stated in Cass County history that ... Joseph Bair, Elizabeth Ridgely & one child came from Crawford County, Ohio to Michigan in 1828. They were accompanied by Mr. Klinger [who had already purchased land in White Pigeon, St. Joseph County, Michigan]. In consideration for Mrs. Bair's assistance in household labors & Mr. Bair supplying them with venison [he was a noted hunter], they were given passsage to that "New World". Mr. Clinger brought with him some stock including a span of four year old colts. Mrs. Bair, being a good horse woman, broke one of the colts early on in the trip and rode it the rest of the way. Joseph & Elizabeth first settled in White Pigeon Township & then moved on to Prairie Ronde, then Gore Neck, and Finally to Marcellus Township in 1837. In the first place that they settled, Joseph built an Indian style lean-to with a crude shelf made of elm branches as the support for their home. The elm shelf was used for storing Elizabeth's dishes. By winter, he had built them a log cabin without a floor. Elizabeth pounded the floor with a heavy mall used by her husband for splitting logs to make the floor smooth & hard. It was also noted in the history that her half brother was Eli Ridgely.¹ Elizabeth's husband, Joseph, died on 4 February 1849 in Marcellus Township, Cass County, Michigan, leaving her a widow. 28 September 1850, Elizabeth was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Marcellus Township. Enumerated in this household were Elizabeth Bear [41 Ohio], children: Wesley [22 Michigan], John [17 Michigan], Clinton [16 Michigan], Ann [15 Michigan], William [12 Michigan], Alfrana [9 Michigan], Janthe [7 Michigan], & Marian [2 Michigan].² 17 July 1860, Elizabeth was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Marcellus Township. Enumerated in this household were E. Bair [50 Ohio], her children: Janthe [17 Michigan], Marion [15 Michigan], Alfrona [19 Michigan].³ 16 August 1870, Elizabeth was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Marcellus Township. Enumerated in this household were Elizabeth Bair [61 Ohio], Marion [male] [22 Michigan], Adelia [22 Canada], Elizabeth [2/12 Michigan].⁴ Elizabeth departed this life on Friday, 3 February 1888 in Marcellus Township at age 79 years, 3 months and 21 days. She was buried there in Bly Cemetery. Her inscription reads: Elizabeth Bair d. 3 February 1888, age: 79y 3m 20 d.⁵