Elizabeth M. Beardslee

     Elizabeth M. was born on Wednesday, 13 February 1811 in Hardyston, Sandyston Township, Sussex County, New Jersey. Elizabeth M. married Squire W. Stark on 9 April 1834 in New York. Squire & Elizabeth had children: William H. [7/26/1835-5/16/1897][m. 12/24/1863 Mary E. Applegate], Thaddeus [9/22/1840-6/20/1920][m. 6/23/1867 Lydia Jane Van Wagoner] & Thomas Jeffrey [11/04/1847-8/20/1916][m. 9/30/1880 Elizabeth Morris]. In 1836, Squire & Elizabeth moved to Oakland County, Michigan with Elizabeth's brother. It was most likely her brother, James. Her brother John Wheeler already resided in Independence Township & her brother Jeffrey & possibly their father arrived a short time later. He first made his home in Independence Township. On 11 October 1840, Squire W. Stark purchased from the U.S. Government 40 acres in Oxford Township [SW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of section 29] & another 40 acres [NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Section 29]. He erected a log house & began clearing his land. This house was of superior order & was not put up in the manner that many log cabins were. He hewed all the timber & made all the logs fit nicely together & had a home that was snug and cozy and was a pattern of neatness.¹ 9 August 1850, Elizabeth and her husband, Squire, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Oxford Township. Enumerated in this household were Squire W. Stark [44 New York], Elizabeth [39 New Jersey], William H. [14 New York], Thadeus [9 Michigan] & Thomas J. [3 Michigan]. Their home was valued at $500.² 25 July 1860, Elizabeth and her husband Squire were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Oxford Township. Enumerated in this household were S. W. Starke [53 New York], Elizabeth M. [49 New Jersey], William H. [25 New York], Thad [19 Michigan], Thomas J. [13 Michigan], and laborer: Christian House [13 Canada]. He was a farmer with property valued at $3000 & personal property at $800.³ Elizabeth's husband, an unknown person , died on 15 February 1870 in Oxford Township, Oakland County, Michigan, leaving her a widow.⁴ 2 July 1870, Elizabeth was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Oxford. Enumerated in this household were Elizabeth Stark [59 New Jersey], Thomas J. [22 Michigan]. The farm is valued at $4000 anfd personal property at $600.⁵ 1 June 1880, Elizabeth was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Oxford Township. Enumerated in this household were Thomas J. Stark [32 Michigan] & Mother: Elizabeth [68 New Jersey].⁶ Elizabeth departed this life on Sunday, 30 November 1890 in Oxford Township at age 79 years, 9 months and 17 days. She was buried there in Oxford Township in the Oxford Township Cemetery. She is buried by her husband in what is called the old burying grounds. The Stark Monument includes Elizabeth's inscription: Elizabeth M. His wife - Born: Feb. 13, 1811; Died: Nov. 30, 1890.⁴