1877:Birth was registered 19 February 1877. Registration Number: 011166.
1881 Census: Grey, Huron Centre, Ontario, Canada (FHL Film 1375909 NAC C-1 3273, Dist 174 SubDist G, Div 1)
Page 40, Family 159:
Eli Clemens, Male, Age: 4, Son, Born: Ontario, Origin: Durtch, Religion: Mennonite.1891 Census, Waterloo No. Berlin Town, Apr 6:
Pg 2, Family 86:
Clemens, Eli, Age: 14, Son, Born: Ont., Parents Born: Ont., Religion: Mennonite.
1901: Moved to West Virginia, USA. (One source list 1898 as immigration date) where he had been employed as an Electrical Engineer with the U. S. Coal & Coke Company.1907: At time of marriage was a 30 year old bachelor, residing in Gary, Mc Dowell Co. W. Virginia.
Clemens/Albert marriage, LDS film, #1871708, of the Ontario Vital Records, Marriage.
"County of Waterloo. Division of Berlin. Page #255, record #271. (Cert.? #020462)
Name of groom: Clemens, Eli
Age: 30
Date of marriage: July 23/07
Place of marriage: Berlin
Residence when married: Gary, West Virginia
Place of birth: Grey Co.
Bachelor or widower: B
Occupation: Electrician
Name of father: Moses Clemens
Maiden name of mother: Catharine Clemens
Religious denomination: M. Episcopal
Name of bride: Albert, Anna
Age: 29
Residence when married: Berlin
Place of birth: Waterloo Tp.
Spinster or widow: S
Occupation: Seamstress
Name of father: John Albert
Maiden name of mother: Magdalena Albert
Religious denomination: U B
Names and residences of witnesses:
Emanuel Clemens, Berlin
Susan Albert, Berlin
By whom married: Rev D. B. Sherk
License or Banns: L
Date of registration; July 26/07"
( Susan was sister to Anna and Emanuel was Eli's brother.)1930 Federal USA Census, West Virginia, McDowell Co., Gary, Sub District 11, Sheet 11A, Apr 6 1930: Line 19, Family 186:
Clemens, Eli, Age 53, Married at age 30, Born: Ont. Can., Father Born: Ont. Can., Mother Born: Ont. Can., Immigrated 1908, Occupation: Electrical engineer, coal mine.
Anna I, Age 53, Married at age: 29, Born: Ont. Can., Father Born: Ont. Can., Mother Born: Metalburg, Germany??
Winston E. Son, Age: 21, Single, Born: West Virginia.
1941, 17 Nov: OBIT: Word was received today of the death of Eli Clemens, 64, at Gary, West Virginia. Mr Clemens was formerly of Kitchener. He was born in the city but left about 40 years ago.His death followed a lengthly illness. Surviving are his wife Anna Albert of Kitchener, one son Winston of Lafayette, La., four brothers, Mahlon of Kitchener, Walter of Sarnia, Emanuel of East Orange, New Jersey and one sister, Miss Sarah Clemens, Kitchener.1941: Funeral home record :"Age at time of death 64; born in Canada, resided in USA. for 43 years; was an electrical engineer with the U.S. Coal and Coke Co. He died at the Grace Hospital in Welch, West Virginia.
Funeral Service was conducted by Rev. J.P. Byrd at the Gary Methodist Chuurch on Wed. at 2:30pm.
Interment at Woodlawn Cem. Bluewell, West Virginia."Eli belonged to the ' Modern Woodmen of America' organization.
Modern Woodmen of America: Founded in 1883 by Joseph Cullen, Lyons, Iowa, to form a faternal benefit society designed to provide financial security to families. members form various lodges across America to provide a " nurturing community spirit by brining families together for wholesome, social, recreational and service activities."
Approximately 10 million men, women and children belong to 91 fraternal benefit societies in the United States and Canada. Fraternals can be organized around a shared ethnic background, religion or occupation. Modern Woodmen is a general fraternal, serving families of all ethnic, religious and vocational backgrounds.
Human needs, not always met by governmental bodies, are often fulfilled by fraternals. Through charitable, educational, patriotic and/or religious work, fraternals make a difference in the lives of individuals, communities and the nation.Death Registration:
Eli Clemens (1877-1941):
Place of death: McDowell Co.
Magisterial district: Browncreek
City : Welch
Address: Grace Hospital
Home: State: West Virginia / County: McDowell / Town: Gary
Full Name: Eli Clemens
Male, White, Married
Name of wife: Anna Albert
Date of Birth: Feb. 8 1877
Age: 64 years
Birthplace: Ontario, Canada
Occupation: Electrical Engineer
Business: U.S. Coal & Coke
Father's name: Moses Clemens / Birthplace: Ontario, Canada
Mother's maiden name: Kathern Brox / Birthplace: Canada
Informant's signature: Mrs. Anna Clemens
Address: Gary, West Virginia
Date of death: 11-17-1941 (m-d-y-)
Cause of death: Heart condition. (Coronary division)
Location of house: 195 (1st house) Highland Ave.
Date of removal to home: Tuesday, 2:30 pm
Place of Service: Gary Methodist Church
Time: Wednesday 2;00 pm
Lodge affiliation: Modern Woodmen of America
Pastor: Rev. J. P. Byrd
Cemetery: Woodlawn / Location: Bluefield Road / Burial date: 11-19-41
1881 Census, Dist 161, S/dist C, Div 1 #1375900 C-13254:
Albert Annie, Age: 4, Female, Daughter, Born: Ontario, Origin: German, Religion: Mennonite.At the time of her marriage, 1907, Anna was a 29 year old spinster, residing in Berlin (Kitchener) and a United Brethern. moved to Wheeling (?), West Virginia after her marriage, as stated in 1990 by nephew Russel W. Groh
Witnesses for their marriage in Berlin, Ontario were Emmanuel Clemens and Susan Albert, both of Berlin, Ontario. rev. D.B. Sherk officiated.
( Susan was sister to Anna and Emmanuel was Eli's brother.)Nov 1932: At the time of her father's death she was residing in Gary, West Virginia, USA.
Death Notice:
"Mrs. Eli Clemens Mrs. Eli Clemens, 79, West Virginia, sister of Miss Susie Albert, Kitchener, died yesterday at Grace Hospital, Welch, West Virginia, after an illness of two months. Surviving, besides her sister, is one son, Prof. Winston Clemens, of College Park, Maryland, Va.; two grandsons and a number of nephews and nieces in this district.
The body is resting at the Douglas Funeral Home, Welch, West Virginia where the funeral service will be held Monday. Interment will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Bluefield, West Virginia.""Mrs. Anna I. Clemens, Monday, at 2 p.m., funeral services will be conducted from the Gary Methodist Church for Mrs. Anna Isabel Clemens, 75. Mrs. Clemens was born in Ontario, Canada. She had been a resident at Gary for many years. She was a widow of the late Eli Clemens who predeceased her in death in 1941. He was an official of the U. S. Steel Co., at Gary, before his death. The only surviving child is Eli Winston Clemens of College Park, Md. A sister, Miss Susie Albert, of Ontario, also survives. The remains will be taken to the chapel of the Douglas Mortuary at 1 p.m. tomorrow. The Rev. R. J. Matheny will officiate at the services. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frank Watson, Jason Riggins, William Hagg, Jack
Watson, Martin Hayduk, Paul Duncan, Andrew Sironco, and E. Conner."1953: Funeral home records noted that Anna was aged 75 years, a widow and born in Waterloo Co. Ontario. Anna died at the Grace Hospital, Welch, West Virginia. The funeral service was held on Monday at 2:00pm at the Gary Methodist Church, Gary, West Virginia, and conducted by Rev. R.J. Matheny. Interment at Woodlawn cemetery, Bluewell, West Virginia. The funeral record also noted her father's place of birth as Denmark.
"Certificate of Death.
Place of Death
County: McDowell
Magisterial District: Brownscreek
City/Town: Will
Address: Grace HospitalHome (Usual residence)
State: W.V.
County: McDowell
City/Town: GaryFull Name: Anna Isabel Clemens
Sex: F Color: W
Single/married/widowed/divorced: Widowed
Full name of husband/wife: Eli Clemens
If alive: Deceased
Age: 75 years
Birthplace: Ontario Canada Waterloo
Father
Name: J. L. Albert
Birthplace: Denmark
Mother
Name: Unknown
Bithplace: "Informant's signature: Eli Winston Clemens
Address: 4622 Harvard Rd. College Park Md.Date of death: (m, d, y) 1 - 2 - 1953
Cause of Death: Hypertensive antero scloratis
Signed: Heart Division M. D.Date and Time of removal to Home: Leave at F. H.
Place of Service: Gary Meth. Church Se.
Time of Service: Mon 2.00 P. M.
Shipping Destination: take to Church 1 hr. early
Pastor in Church: rev. R. J. Matheny Gary (something)Cemetery: Woodlawn
Location: Bluewell (something, as above)
Date of Burial: 1 - 5 - 53From Russ Groh:
I recall Aunt Anne as a tall, slender, darkish haired lady with a rather regal bearing who always had a smile for everyone. Her looks and manner seemed to change very little from the first time I met her, in about 1937, to the last time, about 1950. To my recollection, I never met Eli Clemens.
1901 Census: (Reel T 6502 121 Waterloo N. Sub District A Division 5)
Pg 6, Line 29, Dwelling 61, Family 62
Clemens,Walter, Son, Age: 2, Birth: Jan 9 1899, Born: Ont. Origin: German, Nationality: Canadian, Religion: Mennonite,Sarnia Observer Newspaper: Clemens: At his late residence 247 Cobden St. on Saturday July 3rd, 1948. Walter Clemens, dearly beloved husband of Marcella M.Upper, aged 49 years. Resting at the above address until 10a.m. Tuesday, July 6. Funeral
sevices from the Stewart Funeral Home, 254 George St. at 2p.m. thence by C.N.R. to the Ratz Funeral & Betchtel Funeral Home, Kitchener for service Wednesday, July 7 at 2 p.m. Internment at First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Ontario.Sarnia Observer Newspaper: Walter Clemens,CNR Conductor, died suddenly from a heart attack at his home 247 Cobden St. on Saturday evening. The funeral service will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Stewart Funeral Home. the body will be forwarded
by rail to the Ratz & Bechtel Funeral Home, Kitchener, Ont., where services will be held Wednesday with internment in the First Mennonite Cemetery in that city. Surviving are his wife Mrs. Marcella Marie Clemens, two sons, John of Fort Erie and
Walter at home and a daughter Mary Ann at home and a granddaughter, Gale (sic) Ann of Fort Erie.
There are 2 brothers, Norman of Chicago, and Emanuel of New Jersey, and a sister Miss Sarah Clemens of Kitchener.
Mr. Clemens had 30 years service with the CNR and had worked 9 years in Sarnia coming from Fort Erie.Gospel Herald - August 3, 1948 - page 727:
Clemens. -- Walter, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Moses B. Clemens, was born at Berlin (now Kitchener), Ont., Jan. 9, 1899; died July 3, 1948, at his residence in Sarnia, Ont.; aged 49 y. 5 m. 24 d. He had been employed by the Canadian National
Railway for thirty years, and at the time of his death was a railway conductor. Surviving are his wife (the former Marcella M. Upper), 2 sons and one daughter (John, Fort Erie, Ont.; Walter and Marian, both of Sarnia, Ont.), 3 brothers (Mahlon,
Kitchener, Ont.; Norman, Chicago, Ill.; Emmanuel, of New Jersey), and one sister (Sarah, of Kitchener). A service was held July 6 at the Stewart Funeral Home, in Sarnia, and on July 7 at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, where Merle Shantz was in
charge. Interment was made in the First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener.
Burial Site: Plot 1, Row F, Site 54.Died on Sat, July 3 1948. Burial on Wednesday, July 7
Note re religion: Mennonites were not allowed to marry non-Mennonites, and were required to leave the church if they did. The rational being that if God did not allow the 12 tribes of Isreal to intermarry then Christian denominations should not intermarry. Since God did allow the 12 Tribes in Isreal to be buried together, members of all Christian denominations could share the same cemtery. Thus Walter who left the church when he married Marcella, a Catholic, could be and was buried in the Mennonite Cemetery.
Marcella Marie (McGillis) Upper
May have been born in Fort Erie, Bertie Township, Welland County
Death Notice: The Hamilton Spectator, Monday 17th Jan. 1977, pg 21
Williston, Marcella: At the Hamilton General Hospital, on Sunday, January 16, 1977, Marcella Upper, in her 73rd year, beloved wife of John Williston, dear mother of Walter John Clemens of Windsor and Mrs Marianne Colling of Hamilton, dear sister of Mrs Emma Schwab of Kingston, N.S. also surviving are nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Resting at the Friscolanti Funeral Chapel, 43 Barton St. East (near James). Funeral Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. to St. Patrick's Church for Requiem Mass at 9a.m. Recitation of the Rosary Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. Place of Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
92. JOHN WALTER (UPPER) CLEMENS
1942: Enlisted Sept 1942, Service: R.C.N.V.R., Service # V79220, Rank: A/B,
18 Feb 1944 enrolled,Division Strength London, Ont. for the "duration of the hostilities" as an ordinary seaman assigned to H.M.C.S. Prevost. From March 20 1944 to Sept. 14 1944 served with the HMCS. Prevost Division and then was discharged 14 Sept 1944 to shore, classified as "Unsuitable" : Under age as per sub section 15.9.44.
He had no active duty time or sea time and was elligilble for clothing gratuity only.
For his brief stint as an able bodied seaman his conduct was marked as "very good"
Granted: War Service Badge, for "general service" (C1 # 112086). issued to him 27 Sep 1944( HMCS Prevost Division was established in London, Ontario on November 1, 1941, and remained active until 30 November, 1964.)
At the time of his enlistment he had grade 9 education and job description lists him as "Sample Boy" or "Sampler" (He was 15 years 4 months at the time of enlistment )
Died on a Friday. Burial on a Monday.
Clemens: John Walter Clemens,27,1351 Sweden Ave. died in St. Joseph's Hospital Friday, Sept 21,1956. Mr Clemens was born in Fort Erie and had lived in Sarnia for 20 years.
He served with the RCNVR and the Merchant Marines in the World War Two and was a member of the Canadian Legion.
He is survived by his widow, the former Leona Street and 3 daughters: Gail, Karen, and Brenda. His mother, Mrs Williston, lives in Hamilton. There is a sister, Mary Ann Clemens of Hamilton.
Funeral service will be held Monday from McKenzie and Blundy Funeral Home at 8:30 a.m. to Sacred Heart church for requiem high mass. Burial will be at our Lady of Mercy Cemetery
From the Sarnia Observer NewspaperFuneral sevices for John Walter Clemenss, husband of the former Leona Street, of 1351 Sweden Ave .Sarnia was held Monday from MacKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Church.
Rev. Father A. F. Scallisi sang Requiem High Mass at 9 a.m.
Burial was in Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. Mr Clemens died Friday in St. Josephs Hospital in his 28th. year.
Fellow employees of Cabot Carbon Ltd. of Sarnia acted as Honor Guards at the funeral home and in the cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jim McDonald, Jim Dunkley, William Berry, and Ken Burgess.Will for John Walter Clemens, written Mar 10 1949:
This is the Last Will and Testament of me John Walter Clemens of the city of Sarnia in the County of Lambton and the Province of Ontario made this tenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty - nine
I Revoke all former Wills or other Testamentary Dispostions by me at any time heretofore made, and declare this only to be and contain my last Will and Testament
I Direct all my just debts, Funeral and Testamentary expenses to be paid and satified by my Executrix hereinafter named as soon as conviently may be after my decease
I give Devise and Bequeth all my Real and personal Estate of which I may die possessed in the manner following, that is to say: - I give , devise and bequeth all my real and personal estate of whatsoever kind and wheresoever situated of which I may die possessed or to which I may be entitled at the time of my death unto my wife, Leona Jane Clemens for her sole and absolute use forever.Executrix of the Will: Leona Jane Clemens, wife.
Witnesses: Harold McMahon, Railway Employee and George Edward Street (father-in-law), Trucking ContractorProbate Record #16730
Clemens, John Walter, Sarnia, Employee of Cabot Carbon of Canada, Death: 21 Sept 1956, Notice Arrived : Nov 12 1956, Applicant: Leona Jane Clemens, Sarnia, Widow, Probate. Lambton Courts, Nov 13 1956that ruptured
Birth: Born in her grandparents house on Errol Rd. Sarnia Ont. at 3a.m.
Marriage:
Mr & Mrs Ed Street announce the marriage of their daughter, Leona Jane to John Walter Clemens, son of Mr. & Mrs. Walter Clemens, Cobden St. on Nov. 15 1947 at Our Lady of Mercy Church.MEMORIAM (Sarnia Newspaper June 27 1966)
Hall:_In loving memory of Leona Jane Hall who passed away seven years ago to day, June 27 , 1959.
those who we love go out of site,
But never out of Mind;
they are cherished in the hearts
of those they leave behind.
_sadly missed by daughters Gail, Karen, and Brenda and Mother, Dad and family.Estate Files, Leona Jane Hall:
In the Estate of Leona Jane Clemens late of the Hamlet of Bright's Grove, 2001 Olive Ave, in the Township of Sarnia in the County of Lambton, Married Woman.The Petition of George Edward Street of the Village of Corunna, in the Township of Moore in the County of Lambton, President of Ed. Street Cartage Limited
Sheweth
(1) Leona Jane Hall...........deceased and died on or about the 27th day of June A.D. 1959 at the City of Sarnia in the County of Lambton.
(2) The deceased left no Will, Codicil or Testamentary paper.
(3) The deceased was at the time of her death a Married woman. no marriage of the deceased or of anyone with whom she went through a marriage has been dissolved or annulled.
(4) The deceased left her surviving the following next-of-kin and heirs-at-law:
Gail Ann Clemens, Corunna, Ontario, daughter, aged 11
Karen Lee Clemens, Corunna, Ontario, daughter, aged 9
Brenda Lou Clemens, Corunna, Ontario, daughter, aged 7
Lorne A. Hall, Bright's Grove, Ontario, husband
(5)Your petitioner (George Edward Sreet) claims to be entitled to administration of the Estate as father of the deceased and nominee of Lorne A. Hall, widower, husband of the deceased.
(6) The value of the whole property of the deceased which she in any way died possessed of or entitled to is the sum of Two thousand two hundred and twenty-six and 67/100 ($2,226.67)- - dollars........
WHEREFORE your Petitioner prays that administration of the property of the deceased be granted to him
DATED: 21 day of August A.D. 1959
.
88. Elsie May (Brower) Clemens
Note from Scott Furow: Family records give her date of birth as July 9th, 1872.
1880 Federal Census, Allegan Co. Leighton Twp. Clements Elsie, Daughter, Female, Age: 8, Single, Born: Michigan, Father Born: Can, Mother Born: Can.
Note from Scott Furrow:
Rob Williams owned a farm in the N 1/2 and SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 16, Irving Township, Barry County. There are lots of family photos of the house and barn. Both buildings still stand as of the writing of this in 2001. The house,
however, has undergone so much change that it is largely unrecognizable. The barn appears in good shape and largely unchanged.Rob and his son Clare were both well known in the county for their prize sheep. I remember reading a newspaper article that I came across that spoke of how Rob's father had brought his sheep tending skills from England. This may not be true because Rob V. Williams was a stonecutter by profession in England.
In the Probate Court records, filed by Clare A. Williams there was a document to have Rob declared insane when he was 77. It reads as follows:
Age: 77 yrs.
Possessed $2700"He lives alone ( living in Irving Township) and for the past several days has refused food and water. If left alone he runs away from home unless confined and must be continually watched both day and night."
He has been examined by his family physician who reports that he should be watched and not left under the care of women because he might do some harm to them.
He refuses to come and live at my home (Clare) and resents anyone who attempts to cross him even if it for his best good.
Families Residences:
Clare Williams Middleville, Michigan
Gladys Konzen South Bend, Indiana
Jennie Rowlader Caledonia, Michigan
Bernice Clark 825 Phoenix St., South Haven, MI
Elsie Williams South Bend, IndianaRecommentation:
To admit him to Kalamazoo State Hospital April 24, 1944."Also in the Probate records is a doctor's report of Rob's condition. It reads as follows:
"Doctor Guy C. Keller, MD's report on examination of Rob Williams:
He is entirely uncommunicative, will not attempt to talk at all but his son says he can talk and did some ............ his condition developed rather suddenly about two weeks ago and had gradually grown worse symptomatically of the negative ..talentic(?) type of insanity. He refused to eat and wanders off and ....... if not locked in his room ........ ? .............Dr Herbert S. Wedel, MD:
Patient aged 77 has advanced arteriosclerosis and for several months has shown following changes in his personal habits and rationale:
1) Goes away from home if not locked in his room
2) For days at time will refuse to talk to son or other members of family
3) Refuses food or drink for days at a time
4) At times assumes a catalipetic position like some ..?.. and stays in same for hours
5) At time of examination he was entirely uncommunicative and assumed an attitude of complete isolation.Clifton E. Campbell, living about one 1/2 mile from Rob, was interviewed and said last three weeks he acted as above described.
Vera Carter , living 1 1/2 miles from Rob. She was asked if they have seen him act like a statue (she answered yes, once for 2 1/2 hours."
Note from Scott Furrow:
"I spoke with Roland Furrow about Rob's insanity, and he seemed sad by the memory of it. He was also bitter that Rob's neighbors had not done much to help the poor man when he was so sick, especially after Rob had always been so good to help them when they needed it."
Byron B. (Thomas Manker) Rowlader
Note from Scott Furrow:
Byron B. Rowlader was born Thomas Manker. I am not certain why he chose to use the name Byron instead. Perhaps it was his middle name. On his marriage certificate he uses the name Thomas Byron. I was told by family that the middle initial "B" did not stand for anything. Perhaps he was Thomas Byron Manker and used to having the "B" (for Byron) as a middle initial. His daughter, Elsie, also has a "B" for a middle initial, which I am also told stood for nothing.Another possibility is that the "B" in Byron's name stood for "Bennett". The story in the family is that Byron himself chose the name.
Byron and Robert Stanley were put into an orphanage after the deaths of their parents. An expense listed in the Probate documents following Minnie's death refers to a payment to sisters in home for children. Byron was adopted by Warren Rowlader. Roland Furrow told me that Byron had complained that the Rowladers had only adopted him so that they could have a free farmhand.
Was a veteran of W.W.I