Josephine Fleming

     Josephine was born on Friday, 15 November 1844 in New Jersey. She was the daughter of Thomas & Catharine (Sharp) Fleming of New Jersey. Josephine married Noah Carpenter Beardslee, son of John Wheeler Beardslee and Elizabeth Ann Carpenter, on 20 May 1873 in Independence Township, Oakland County, Michigan. Noah & Josephine had children: Mortimer [12/03/1873-4/27/1903], Heber Thomas [7/10/1875-6/12/1946][m. 9/19/1908 Sarah Bonda] & Katie [6/__/1880-1959]. 17 June 1880, Noah and Josephine was listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Independence Township, Oakland County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were John W. Beardslee [81 New Jersey], his wife: Elizabeth [69 New York], son: Noah [40 Michigan], daughter-in-law: Josephine [35 New Jersey], grandsons: Mortimer [7 Michigan], & Heber [4 Michigan].³ In 1890, a veterans census listed Josephine Beardsly, widow of Noah Pvt. "don't know about service", He was in the service 2 months. The post office was Seymour Lake. Remarks - he never left the state.⁴ Josephine's husband, an unknown person , died on 26 March 1890 in Brandon Township, Oakland County, Michigan, leaving her a widow.⁵ 15 June 1900, Josephine was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Brandon Township, Oakland County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were Josephine Beardslee [55 New Jersey - November 1844], children:L Mortimer [27 Michigan - December 1872], Heber [23 Michigan - July 1876] & Katie [19 Michigan - June 1880].⁶ 7 May 1910, the U.S. Federal Census listed Josephine living in the home of her son at Brandon Township. Enumerated in this household were Heber Beardslee [34 Michigan], his wife: Sarah [22 Michigan], mother, Josephine Beardslee [65 Michigan-widow], & sister:Katie [29 Michigan-single]. They had been married one year with no children.⁷ 27 January 1920, the U.S. Federal Census listed Josephine living in the home of her son at Brandon Township. Enumerated in this household were Heber T Beardslee [ Michigan], Sarah [32 Michigan], Norma J [9 Michigan], Thomas [3 5/12 Michigan], mother: Josephine [75 New Jersey], sister: Catherine [34 Michigan]. He is a farmer and they owned their fam free and clear.⁸ 19 April 1930, Josephine was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Brandon Township. Enumerated in this household were Josephine Beardslee [85 New Jersey], Eber [54 Michigan], Sarah [49 Michigan], Norma [19 Michigan], Morris [13 Michigan], Edna [8 Michigan] & Marion [2 7/12 Michigan]. Josephine owns the farm valued at $15,000. Heber was 32 years old when first married and Sarah was 21 years old when first married.⁹ Josephine departed this life on Friday, 30 October 1936 in Brandon Township at age 91 years, 11 months and 15 days.⁵ She was buried there in the Sashabaw Cemetery in the Sashabaw Plains.