THE COLBRY FAMILY

**Robert "Joseph" Harrison COLBRY Sr was born on August 2, 1814 in England, son of Peter and Elizabeth Ann (Harrison) Colberry of England. He was baptized on August 24, 1814 in St Peters, Sandwich, Kent, England. 

He immigrated about 1831 to Canada. His family appears on the census in:

• 1861 in Oro, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada, page 35 (all listed under the name of Harrison, perhaps a misunderstanding by a census taker since all children had been given Harrison as a middle name like their father)
• 1871 in Oro, Simcoe North, Ontario, Canada, page 30, listed as J Harrison Colberry
• 1881 in Orillia, Simcoe North, Ontario, Canada, page 113  listed as Harrison Colbey
• 1990 in Shepherd, Coe Township, Isabella County, Michigan, USA, Household #149

He was married to Hannah NEWSON (daughter of Reginald NEWSON and Milletta PARKER) in 1835. So far we have found the name spelled different ways on different records -- Newson, Nelson, Knudsen, Neldson, Knutson, etc.  Hannah NEWSON was born in 1816 in England. She was christened on 10 August 1817 at Witnesham, Suffolk, England.  She died on December 3, 1860 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. She was buried on January 6, 1861 in St Marks Anglican Church Cemetery, Oro, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. Her name on cemetery records is spelled Colebery.  

Robert Joseph Harrison COLBRY Sr and Hannah NEWSON had the following children:

1. Robert Joseph Harrison COLBRY Jr. was born on October 21, 1837 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. He was married to Honora "Andra" (Ann) MADDEN (daughter of John MADDEN and Mary UNKNOWN) on June 15, 1864 in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada by A. Stewart, Minister, Church of England.  Andra was born in 1848 in Roberstown, County Limerick, Ireland. She died in June 1878 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada after the birth of their last child. She was buried in Guthrie Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Oro, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  Robert died on April 26, 1919 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. He was buried in Guthrie Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Oro, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. The name on cemetery records is spelled Coleberry. Robert and Ann had five children - Mary Jane COLBRY, Joseph COLBRY, Hannah COLBRY, John Harrison COLBRY, and Ellen Maria COLBRY.
2. William Henry Harrison COLBRY was born on February 27, 1838 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  He was married to Ann Jane (unknown last name) in 1857.  Ann Jane was born in 1839.  They appeared on the census in 1861 and 1871 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  Very little more is known about this family.  At that time they had seven children - Ann Elizabeth COLBRY, Jane Victoria COLBRY, Emily Louisa COLBRY, William Henry COLBRY, Ellen Moriah COLBRY, James Franklin COLBRY and Almira COLBRY.
3. Mary Ann Harrison COLBRY was born on February 7, 1839 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. She was married to George James TUCK Jr (son of George James TUCK Sr and Anne UNKNOWN) on December 4, 1861 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada by the Rev. Mr. Reed.  George was born on January 29, 1841 in Ontario, Canada.  They appeared on the census in 1871 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. (HH #248).  They appeared on the census in 1881 in Sunnidale, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. George died on March 9, 1906 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. He was buried in West Oro Baptist Cemetery, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  Mary Ann died on August 21, 1908 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. She was buried in Stayner-Union Cemetery, Oro Twp, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  They had nine children - Joseph James TUCK, David Joshua TUCK, Elizabeth Victoria TUCK, Rebecca Jane TUCK, Amos George TUCK, Arthur John Edward TUCK, Alfred Augusta Henry TUCK, Ernest Reginald TUCK, and Henry A TUCK.
4. George Lawrence Harrison COLBRY was born on either October 16 or February 15, 1843 in Barrie, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. Different records disagree.  He was married to Sarah Jane THOMPSON (daughter of George THOMPSO and Arena CRITTENDEN) on March 24, 1865 in Bellhewitt, North Gwillimburg Twp, Vassey, Ontario, Canada at the Presbyterian Church. Sarah was born on April 10, 1842 in Bellhewitt, Innisfill Twp, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. George died on July 23, 1913 in Sumner, Pierce County, Washington, USA.  Sarah died on April 11, 1927 in Tangent, Linn County, Oregon, USA. Both were buried in Sumner Cemetery, Sumner, Pierce County, Washington, USA.  They had twelve children - Joseph Thomas COLBRY, Merilla Jane COLBRY, Samuel Lawrence COLBRY, Mary Etta COLBRY, Hannah COLBRY, Rena Isabella Margret COLBRY, Ira R COLBRY, Sidna COLBRY, Martha Myrtle COLBRY, Charles Roy COLBRY, John Wellington COLBRY, and Edith COLBRY.
5. Ellen Marie (Fanny) Harrison COLBRY was born on December 15, 1844 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. At the age of 30 years she came to the USA where she made for herself a business career. She first came to Detroit where she served as housemaid.  Next she took the position of cook on a boat that plied between Detroit and Sault Ste Marie. Following this, she went to Chicago where she remained several years as a nurse. Her next step in the business world was to identify herself with a factory making men's overalls and other outer garments. Then she left the production end and went on the road as saleswoman for the same concern with which she spent 16 years. While in Chicago, she married a Mr. Henry BAILEY-JONES. He died a few years later and as his widow she remained in Chicago continuing her various occupations until about 40 years of age when she came back to Michigan to care for her aging father. She was married to William G SWIX on June 23, 1908 in Shepherd, Isabella County, Michigan, USA as his second wife. William G SWIX was born on July 10, 1840 in Dearborn, Wayne County, Michigan, USA. William died on May 30, 1924 in Shepherd, Isabella County, Michigan, USA.  Ellen died on December 14, 1944 in St Louis, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  Both Ellen and William were buried in Salt River Cemetery, Shepherd, Isabella County, Michigan, USA.  Ellen had no children from either marriage.
6. Caroline Harrison COLBRY was born in 1848 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. She was married to Neil BELL (son of Gilbert BELL Sr and Sarah UNKNOWN) on November 2, 1864 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada by G H Dans, Minister. Neil BELL was born in 1838 in Essa, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  He died on September 1, 1912 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  He was buried in Old Knox Presbyterian Cemetery, Oro, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  She died on January 29, 1923 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  They had two known children - Ann Nora BELL and Duncan BELL.
7. Hannah Harrison COLBRY was born in 1850 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  She was married to Gilbert BELL Jr (son of Gilbert BELL Sr and Sarah UNKNOWN). Gilbert BELL Jr was born in 1852 in Ontario, Canada. They were listed in the 1881 Oro census, District 2, Household #29.  Their known children are Donald BELL, Caroline Miletta BELL, Amos BELL, John BELL, Archibald Farquhar BELL, Sarah BELL, and Ellen Elisabeth BELL.
8. **Thomas Charles Harrison COLBRY. (see below)
9. Reginold Harrison COLBRY was born on November 7, 1852 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. He immigrated to the United States on April 30, 1880 through Port of Detroit, Michigan, USA.  He was naturalized in Michigan on June 4, 1928.  He was married to Caroline Jane (Carrie) HICKS (daughter of Seymour HICKS) on April 10, 1901 in Midland County, Michigan, USA. Carrie" was born on November 4, 1863 in Hillsdale County, Michigan, USA.  She died on March 17, 1948 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  He died on November 1, 1934 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  He was buried in November 1934 in Oak Grove Cemetery, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  Reginold and Caroline had only one child, Seymour COLBRY.
10. Elizabeth COLBRY was born on May 28, 1855 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  She was married to Albert SIMMONS on May 12, 1884 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  Nothing further is currently known about this couple.
11. Flavilla Jane COLBRY was born on June 16, 1857 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. She died on August 13, 1901 in Pine River Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. She was married to John BEEAN in 1874 in St Louis, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. John BEEAN was born on June 7, 1847 in New York, Manhatten, New York, USA. He died on June 7, 1920 in Pine River Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. Both were buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  Their children were George BEEAN, Mary BEEAN, Elizabeth BEEAN, Joseph BEEAN, Amos BEEAN, and Mason BEEAN.
12. Samuel Amos COLBRY was born in 1859 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada and baptized on December 4, 1859 in St James Church, Orillia, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. He died young on April 14, 1861 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. He was buried in St Marks Anglican Church Cemetery, Oro, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. His name on cemetery records is spelled Colebery.

Joseph married second Elizabeth WILSON (daughter of Richard and Jane WILSON) on 6 February 1862 in Barrie, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth WILSON was born in 1847 in Essa, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. She died on 18 January 1870 in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.

Joseph married third Fanny HARRIS (daughter of Collingwood and Sarah Ann HARRIS) on 22 December 1870 by Rev. Robert Fowler. Fannie HARRIS was born in 1840 in Canada. 

Joseph appeared on the census in 1871 with the name spelled Colberry in Oro Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  He appeared on the census in 1881 living with wife Fanny in Oro.  About 1887, he moved to the USA.  He appeared living alone on the census in 1900 in Coe Township, Isabella County, Michigan, USA. 

Joseph was married fourth to Clarissey BOWERS. Clarissey BOWERS was born on 14 August 1822 in Canada. She died on 22 March 1907 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.

Joseph died on September 23, 1905 in Shepherd, Isabella County, Michigan, USA.  His obituary stated, "Mr. Colbry was one of our oldest residents, was universally esteemed and always had a cheery word for everybody. Although he was rather feeble prior to his death he retained possession of all his faculties and came to the post office regularly for the mail. His last sickness dates from last April, when a fall which he received confined him to his bed, where he remained until his death."  He was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. 

**Thomas Charles Harrison COLBRY was born on January 21, 1851 in Barrie, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada.  He was married to Martha Jane LEPPARD (daughter of Abraham Jerry LEPPARD and Charlotte FENTON) on 9 November 1870 in Simcoe County, Ontario, by John Frich, Minister.  Martha was born on September 1, 1851.  Thomas and Martha came to Michigan in 1874 and settled on the farm on which they eventually died.  According to family lore, Thomas was the first white settler in Gratiot County, MI -- bought land from an Indian chief who was later buried near his land.  He applied for naturalization on October 19, 1888 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  This family appeared on the census in: 

• 1871 in Oro, Simcoe North, Ontario, Canada, page 69, listed as Colberry
• 1880 in Bethany Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA (Household #317)
• 1900 in Bethany Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA (Household #72)
• 1910 in Bethany Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA (Household #58)
• 1920 in Bethany Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA (Household #148) 
• 1930 in Bethany Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA (Household #296) - living in household of son, Jerry Albert Colbry.

Martha died on January 25, 1924 in Bethany Township, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA of apoplexy.  Her obituary stated, "She was known by all as an affectionate wife, a loving mother and a kind and helpful neighbor. She was well known throughout Gratiot county, having lived for over fifty years on the same farm, and was loved by all."  

Thomas died on 9 January 1941 in St Louis, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA of a heart attack.  A newspaper article written about him stated, "We present to our readers this week a cut of Mr Thomas H Colbry, of Bethany, who is a good example of what pluck and industry can accomplish. Mr Colbry is one of the most wide awake, progressive and prosperous farmers in Gratiot county, yet he came here practically barehanded, and has accumulated all that he has by thrift and industry and is a good object lesson to guide other poor young men in the path of success. He owns several large and beautiful farms, and during the past year has put up two of the finest barns in this section of the state. He is at present erecting a brick dwelling house for his own home, in his favorite farm on section 7, in Bethany, which will be up-to-date in every respect, and an ornament to the countryside. But in an unusual degree has Mr Colbry exhibited his lagacity and far seeing wisdom, within the past few days, by purchasing a large tract of land in Jasper township in Midland county, for pasturage. His far sightedness consists in securing this admirable land now, while it can be obtained at a comparatively trifling price, well knowing that within a few years it will double or quadruple in value, while he is enjoying the use of it during the interval. Mr Colbry is a large feeder of cattle in the winter, and requires a wide range of pasture for same during the summer, and is to be congratulated upon securing a tract so admirably adapted to his needs."  Both Thomas and Martha were buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.

Children of Thomas and Martha were:  

1. Lavetta Frances COLBRY was born in 1873. She was married to Erve A WARNE on 22 January 1889 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  She died in 1935.  Their known children include only Herbert Earl WARNE.
2. Myrtle Uretta COLBRY was born in 1874 in St Louis, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. She was married to John SLINGERLAND (son of Francis SLINGERLAND and Margaret THOMPSON).  John SLINGERLAND was born on 3 May 1864 in Ontario, Canada. Myrtle died on 15 October 1935 in Owosso, Shiawassee County, Michigan, USA.  John died on 25 October 1935 in Owosso, Shiawassee County, Michigan, USA.  Their children included Vera L SLINGERLAND, John A SLINGERLAND Jr., Hazel SLINGERLAND, and Michael SLINGERLAND.
3. Lottie Hervilla COLBRY was born on 4 September 1877. She was married to John GAMBLE on 12 February 1896 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  She died in 1960 in Alma, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  Nothing further is currently known of this family.
4. Thomas William COLBRY was born on 18 January 1879 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. He was married first to Emma HEALEY on 18 March 1902 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. Emma was born in 1874. She died in 1904 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  They had one child who died in infancy.  Thomas was married second to Mabel Carrie ROBINSON on 24 December 1907 in St Louis, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. Mabel was born on 30 March 1886 in Michigan, USA.  Thomas and Mabel moved to Montana.  Thomas died on 9 July 1963 in Chester, Liberty County, Montana, USA. Mabel died on 23 June 1973 in Chester, Liberty County, Montana, USA. Their children included Celia Marie COLBRY, Ganet Leroy COLBRY, Jerald K COLBRY, Emma Lucille COLBRY, George Thomas COLBRY, and Annette Martha COLBRY.
5. Joseph W COLBRY was born on 9 July 1879 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. He was married to Minnie PENOYER (daughter of George C PENOYER and Mary E UNKNOWN) on 30 September 1908 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. Minnie was born on 27 November 1891. She died on 20 November 1943.  He died on 18 May 1944 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. Both were buried in Pleasant Ridge (Coe) Cemetery, Isabella County, Michigan, USA.  Their children included Gladys COLBRY, Bertha COLBRY, Lucy COLBRY, Otto COLBRY, LaVerne COLBRY, Odell COLBRY, Edith COLBRY, Carabell COLBRY, and Joseph COLBRY.
6. Jerry Albert COLBRY was born on 18 December 1883 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. He was married to Eva Blanche BARNES (daughter of Charles BARNES) on 9 January 1912. Eva Blanche BARNES was born on 25 August 1888 in Ohio, USA.  Jerry died on 30 August 1935 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. He was buried in September 1935 in Oak Grove Cemetery, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  Eva died on 9 September 1958 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. She was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  Their children included Norman COLBRY and Ardyce COLBRY.
7. Elizabeth Ann COLBRY was born in December 1885. She was married to Frank KRANZ/GRANY??.  She died in 1902 in Ohio, USA.  Their only known child was Marie KRANZ/GRANY??.
8. James COLBRY was born on 8 July 1889 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. He died in infancy on 22 July 1889 in Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.
9. **Mable Clara COLBRY was born on 17 October 1890 in St Louis, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. She was married to Peter Frederick DIBERT (son of Samuel DIBERT and Martha Jane LEWIS) on 28 August 1907 in St Louis, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. See the DIBERT Family page for more info on this family.
10. Kathrene Henrietta COLBRY was born on 9 April 1894 in St Louis, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. She was married to Howard C BERRY (son of James BERRY and Nancy Louella CORRAY) on 10 December 1910 in Michigan, USA. Howard C BERRY was born on 28 July 1890 in Kankakee, Champaign County, Illinois, USA. He died on 15 May 1954 in Carson City, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  She died on 1 November 1957 in St Johns, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA. Both were buried in Carson City Cemetery, Carson City, Gratiot County, Michigan, USA.  Their children included Karlyn BERRY, Carlyle BERRY, Evelyn BERRY, Russell BERRY, Howard BERRY, Kathleen BERRY, and Beverly BERRY.