Joseph Bair

     Joseph was born on Wednesday, 27 November 1799 in Pennsylvania. This date was calculated from his age at death. He was the son of Christopher Bair and Susan Baum. Joseph moved from Pennsylvania, with his parents, to Crawford County, Ohio. Joseph married Elizabeth Ridgely, daughter of Westall Ridgely and Elizabeth Heim, 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 Joseph departed this life on Sunday, 4 February 1849 in Marcellus Township, Cass County, Michigan, at age 49 years, 2 months and 8 days. He was buried there in Bly Cemetery. The inscription on his tombstone reads: Joseph Bair - Aged 48 Yr 2 Mo 8 Da.