Pliny Blackman

Birth: about 1784

Death: 21 Jul 1850, Jericho, Chittendon Co, VT

• "Vermont Vital Records, 1760-1954," database with images, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XFNN-N7Z : accessed 9 June 2021), Pliny Blackman death; citing Vermont State Archives & Records Administration, Office of the Secretary of State, Montpelier, Vermont; FHL 004542956.

Burial: Jericho Center Cemetery, Jericho, Chittendon Co, VT

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/15133372/pliny-blackman : accessed 9 June 2021), gravestone photo for Pliny Blackman (d. 21 Jul 1850, age 66), Find a Grave Memorial ID 15133372, Jericho Center Cemetery, Jericho, Chittenden Co, VT, maintained by Barb Destromp (contributor 46785064).

Father: Nathaniel Blackman
Mother: Huldah Welles

Spouse: Lucinda Wheelock
Marriage: 1 Dec 1814, Jericho, Chittendon Co, VT

• "Vermont Vital Records, 1760-1954," database with images, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XFNN-N74 : accessed 9 June 2021), Lucinda Wheelock - Pliny Blackman; citing Vermont State Archives & Records Administration, Office of the Secretary of State, Montpelier, Vermont; FHL 004542956.

1. Mary Emily Blackman, born 6 Apr 1816, Jericho, Chittendon Co, VT
2. George Blackman, born 3 Nov 1817, Jericho, Chittendon Co, VT
3. James Smedley Blackman, born 23 Jul 1819, Jericho, Chittendon Co, VT
4. Eliza Ann Blackman, born 26 Aug 1821, Jericho, Chittendon Co, VT
5. John Wheelock Blackman, born 8 Aug 1823, Jericho, Chittendon Co, VT

Notes:

He built and operated Blackman's Store, a general store in the center of Jericho. The store still stands (2021), now called the Jericho Center Country Store (jerichocountrystore.com). He was Jericho town clerk for twelve years (Hayden, History of Jericho, p. 63).

Sarah Davis

Spouse: Micah Ross
Marriage: 8 Mar 1770, Stafford, Tolland Co, CT

• Connecticut Vital Records, Stafford Births - Marriages - Deaths 1719-1850, Barbour Collection, Connecticut State Library, 1921, Ross-Davis, p. 122, citing vol. 2, p. 134 of the original records; database with images, AmericanAncestors.org (https://www.americanancestors.org/search/databasesearch/414/connecticut-vital-records-the-barbour-collection-1630-1870 : accessed 6 June 2021), search for Micah Ross.

1. John Ross, born 9 Oct 1784, Monson, Hampden Co, MA

Stephen Gay

Birth: 7 Apr 1811, Albany, Albany Co, NY

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/121395997/stephen-gay : accessed 06 June 2021), gravestone photo for Stephen Gay (7 Apr 1811–31 Jan 1892), Find a Grave Memorial ID 121395997, Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL.

Death: 31 Jan 1892

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/121395997/stephen-gay : accessed 06 June 2021), gravestone photo for Stephen Gay (7 Apr 1811–31 Jan 1892), Find a Grave Memorial ID 121395997, Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL.

Burial: Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/121395997/stephen-gay : accessed 06 June 2021), gravestone photo for Stephen Gay (7 Apr 1811–31 Jan 1892), Find a Grave Memorial ID 121395997, Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL.

Spouse: Elizabeth Mariah Ross
Marriage: 25 Dec 1832, Pike Co, IL

• Pike County, Illinois, Register of Marriages, 1831-1859, FHL 1,314,769, p. 17, image 169 of 614 at FamilySearch.org; ibid. image 609, where her mother identifies her middle name as Mariah.

Elizabeth Mariah Ross

Birth: 17 Sep 1817, Stephentown, Rensselaer Co, NY

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/121395998/elizabeth-m-gay : accessed 06 June 2021), gravestone photo for Elizabeth M Gay (17 Sep 1817–23 May 1893), Find a Grave Memorial ID 121395998, Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL.

Death: 23 May 1893, Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/121395998/elizabeth-m-gay : accessed 06 June 2021), gravestone photo for Elizabeth M Gay (17 Sep 1817–23 May 1893), Find a Grave Memorial ID 121395998, Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL.

Burial: Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/121395998/elizabeth-m-gay : accessed 06 June 2021), gravestone photo for Elizabeth M Gay (17 Sep 1817–23 May 1893), Find a Grave Memorial ID 121395998, Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield, Pike Co, IL.

Father: John Ross
Mother: Dorothy Wheelock

Spouse: Stephen Gay
Marriage: 25 Dec 1832, Pike Co, IL

• Pike County, Illinois, Register of Marriages, 1831-1859, FHL 1,314,769, p. 17, image 169 of 614 at FamilySearch.org; ibid. image 609, where her mother identifies her middle name as Mariah.

Notes:

Betsey M. Gay is identified as the daughter of John Ross in his probate documents (see notes for John Ross).

Mary Emily Ross

Birth: 14 Aug 1811, Hancock, Berkshire Co, MA

• "Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988," database with images, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2495/ : accessed 5 June 2021); Massachusetts Vital and Town Records, Holbrook Research Institute (Jay and DeLene Holbrook); "Hancock Births, Marriages and Deaths" p. 83, Hancock Town Clerk's office, Hancock, Berkshire Co, MA.

Father: John Ross
Mother: Dorothy Wheelock

Notes:

Mary Emily Ross is identified as the daughter of John Ross in his probate documents (see notes for John Ross).

This is probably the Mary Emily Ross of Atlas, Pike Co, Illinois, that married Orlando Washington Ross, also of Atlas, on 13 Jan 1835, at the home of her mother.¹

Orlando, the son of Captain Leonard Ross, was her cousin, per family trees on FamilySearch.org, 6 June 2021.

Orlando W. Ross died before 17 June 1837 when his Pike County, Illinois, estate was appraised and sold at auction.²

Lyman Scott, the administrator of the estate of Orlando W. Ross, was ordered "to pay forthwith to Ruby Ross [Orlando's mother] the balance of account allowed her August 17th, 1838."³

No mention of a widow or Mary Emily Ross, suggesting she may have been deceased.

Sources:

1. Pike County, Illinois Marriages, Flat Files 1832-1838, FHL 1314770, image 246 of 839 at FamilySearch.org.
2. Pike County Probate record book 2, ca 1837-1838, p. 120, FHL 1314858, image 356 of 681 at FamilySearch.org.
3. Pike County Probate record book 2, ca 1837-1838, p. 455, FHL 1314858, image 524 of 681 at FamilySearch.org.

Micah Ross

Death: 5 Apr 1825

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/37479669/micah-ross : accessed 06 June 2021), gravestone photo for Micah Ross (d. 5 Apr 1825, age 80), Find a Grave Memorial ID 37479669, East Part Cemetery, Pittsfield, Berkshire Co, MA, maintained by Linda Hollowell Bock (contributor 46573238).

Burial: East Part Cemetery, Pittsfield, Berkshire Co, MA

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/37479669/micah-ross : accessed 06 June 2021), gravestone photo for Micah Ross (d. 5 Apr 1825, age 80), Find a Grave Memorial ID 37479669, East Part Cemetery, Pittsfield, Berkshire Co, MA, maintained by Linda Hollowell Bock (contributor 46573238).

Spouse: Sarah Davis
Marriage: 8 Mar 1770, Stafford, Tolland Co, CT

• Connecticut Vital Records, Stafford Births - Marriages - Deaths 1719-1850, Barbour Collection, Connecticut State Library, 1921, Ross-Davis, p. 122, citing vol. 2, p. 134 of the original records; database with images, AmericanAncestors.org (https://www.americanancestors.org/search/databasesearch/414/connecticut-vital-records-the-barbour-collection-1630-1870 : accessed 6 June 2021), search for Micah Ross.

1. John Ross, born 9 Oct 1784, Monson, Hampden Co, MA

Alonzo E. Smedley

Birth: 7 Oct 1810

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/70516013/alonzo-e.-smedley : accessed 08 June 2021), gravestone photograph for Alonzo E. Smedley (7 Oct 1810–6 Mar 1897), Find a Grave Memorial ID 70516013, High Street Cemetery, Brockport, Monroe Co, NY.

Death: 6 Mar 1897

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/70516013/alonzo-e.-smedley : accessed 08 June 2021), gravestone photograph for Alonzo E. Smedley (7 Oct 1810–6 Mar 1897), Find a Grave Memorial ID 70516013, High Street Cemetery, Brockport, Monroe Co, NY.

Burial: High Street Cemetery, Brockport, Monroe Co, NY

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/70516013/alonzo-e.-smedley : accessed 08 June 2021), gravestone photograph for Alonzo E. Smedley (7 Oct 1810–6 Mar 1897), Find a Grave Memorial ID 70516013, High Street Cemetery, Brockport, Monroe Co, NY.

Father: James Smedley
Mother: Emily Wheelock

Notes:

On 25 Oct 1832 Alonzo E. Smedley had a letter waiting for him at the Williamstown, Berkshire Co, MA, post office.¹

On 29 Oct 1832, Alonzo E. Smedley of Royalton sold his interest in his mother's parcel of land in Niagara County to James Hitchcock (Niagara Co deeds, 8:18). In this deed he calls himself "one of the four children and heirs at law of Emily Smedley deceased."

Alonzo Smedley is identified as an heir and next of kin of Mary (Wheelock) Grandey in an 1839 probate notice.²

He was at Royalton, Niagara Co, NY, in 1840, age 20 and under 30, with two females under 5, one female 10 and under 20, and one female 20 and under 30. His brother, Elisha, was also at Royalton in 1840, as was his former guardian, Samuel Hitchcock (see notes for his mother, Emily).

He was at Clarendon, Orleans Co, NY (about 30 miles from Royalton) in 1850, farmer, age 40, farmer, born in MA, with Sylvia Smedley, age 38, born in NY, Emily Smedley, age 15, born in NY, Susan Smedley, age 12, born in NY, Mary Smedley, age 9, born in NY, Hulda Smedley, age 6, born in NY, and Asenath Smedley, age 2, born in NY.

He was at Sweden, Monroe Co, NY, in 1855, labourer, born VT.

He was at Sweden, Monroe Co, NY, in 1860, listed as A. E. Smedley, laborer, age 49, born VT, with the same wife and children.

In 1870 Alonzo Smedley, age 59, farm servant, born NY, and his wife, Sylvia Smedley, age 58, were living in Hamlin, Monroe Co, NY, in the household of William Pugsley, farmer, age 56, born England, and Huldah Pugsley, age 26, keeping house, born NY, with three children.

In 1880, A. E. Smedley, age 68, Laborer, born MA, parents born in MA, was living back in Sweden, with his wife Sylvia, and his daughter Huldah Smedley, age 36, nurse.

He died in 1897, and is buried in the High Street Cemetery in Brockport, Monroe Co, NY, with his wife, and several of his children.

Sources:

1. "List of Letters," Pittsfield Sun (Pittsfield, Berkshire Co, MA), 25 Oct 1832, p. 4, at GenealogyBank.com.
2. Probate Notice, Albany Argus (Albany, New York), 4 Oct 1839, p. 4, col. 4.

Elisha Smedley

Birth: 18 May 1807

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/30713561/elisha-smedley : accessed 08 June 2021), gravestone photo for Elisha Smedley (18 May 1807–13 Oct 1866), Find a Grave Memorial ID 30713561, Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co, MI.

Death: 13 Oct 1866

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/30713561/elisha-smedley : accessed 08 June 2021), gravestone photo for Elisha Smedley (18 May 1807–13 Oct 1866), Find a Grave Memorial ID 30713561, Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co, MI.

Burial: Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co, MI

• Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/30713561/elisha-smedley : accessed 08 June 2021), gravestone photo for Elisha Smedley (18 May 1807–13 Oct 1866), Find a Grave Memorial ID 30713561, Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co, MI.

Father: James Smedley
Mother: Emily Wheelock

Notes:

Elisha Smedley is identified as an heir and next of kin of Mary (Wheelock) Grandey in an 1839 probate notice.¹

On 13 Mar 1832, Elisha Smedley of West Bloomfield, Ontario Co., NY, sold his interest in his mother's parcel of land in Niagara Co. to James Hitchcock (Niagara Co deeds, 8:19). In this deed he calls himself "one of the four children and heirs at law of Emily Smedley deceased."

He was at Royalton, Niagara Co, NY, in 1840, age 30 to under 40, with a female age 20 to under 30, one male under 5, one male 5 to under 10, one male 20 to under 30, one female under 5, and one female 5 to under 10. His brother Alonzo was also in Royalton, as was his former guardian, Samuel Hitchcock.

This is probably the Elisha Smedley at Royalton, Niagara Co, NY in 1855 (NY State census). He was 46, farmer, born VT, married to Mariah Smedley, 41, born Montgomery Co, NY, with children Lewis G. Smedley, age 21, born Ontario Co, NY, farmer, Mariah Smedley, age 19, born Niagara Co, Mariette Smedley, 17, born Niagara Co, Elisha S? Smedley, 15, born Niagara Co, and Alice F? Smedley, age 5, born Niagara Co. Two Irish laborers were living in the household, John Miller, and Edward Kilery.

He was probably the Elisah Smedley at Royalton in 1860, age 51, farmer, born VT, with Hannah M. Smedley (age not discernable), a male, age 21 (perhaps Elisha S.), Shuler Smedley, age 20, Alliss Smedley, age 10, and two farmhands.

He was again at Royalton in 1865 (NY State census). He was age 56, farmer, born VT, married to Mariah Smedley, age 50, born Montgomery Co, NY, with daughter Alice Smedley, age 15, born in Niagara Co, NY.

He apparently moved to Kalamazoo Co., MI, in 1866. He and his wife, Hannah M., are grantors in Niagara Co. as late as 4 Apr 1866 (Niagara Co deeds, 105:224), but sold no land after that.

Sources:

1. Probate Notice, Albany Argus (Albany, New York), 4 Oct 1839, p. 4, col. 4.

James Smedley

Birth: 23 Dec 1783, Williamstown, Berkshire Co, MA

• "Massachusetts, U.S., Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988," database with images, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2495/ : accessed 6 June 2021), p. 13, image 12 of 2199, p. 63, image 114; Williamstown Town Clerk's office, Williamstown, MA.

Death: before 10 May 1819

• Erie County [for Niagara County], New York, probate records, case 20942, image 623 of 654 at FamilySearch.org. Emily Smedley posted bond on the estate of James Smedley, 10 May 1819.

Father: Nehemiah Smedley
Mother: Lydia (--?--)

Spouse: Emily Wheelock
Intention: 24 Jan 1807, Williamstown, Berkshire Co, MA

• "Massachusetts, U.S., Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988," database with images, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2495/ : accessed 6 June 2021), Williamstown Births, Marriages, and Deaths, item 72, image 181 of 2199; Williamstown Town Clerk's office, Williamstown, MA.

1. Elisha Smedley, born 18 May 1807
2. Alonzo E. Smedley, born 7 Oct 1810
3. James W. Smedley, born about 1814
4. John D. Smedley, born about 1817

Notes:

His widow, Emily Smedley, was co-administrator, and posted bond for the estate of James Smedley on 10 May 1819. The probate documents call him "of Royalton, Niagara County," and list claims against his estate by John and Horace Wheelock, as well as a claim for "boarding and clothing Alonzo James & Dexter children of the deceased" (Erie County probate case 20942, images 621, 623, 626 at FamilySearch.org).

James W. Smedley

Birth: about 1814

Death: before 7 Nov 1870

• Niagara County, New York, Wills, 13:114-5, will of James W. Smedley proved 7 Nov 1870.

Father: James Smedley
Mother: Emily Wheelock

Notes:

James Smedley is identified as a minor heir and next of kin of Mary (Wheelock) Grandey in her 1839 probate notice. The reference to James Smedley as a "minor" must have been a mistake, probably reflecting a confusion on the part of Alonzo Wheelock, who published the notice.¹

This is possibly the James Smedley, age 20 to under 30, living in Brighton, Monroe Co, NY, with a female age 20 to under 30, and a male under 5.

This is possibly the J. W. Smedley, living in Royalton, Niagara Co, NY in 1850, age 35, cooper, born CT, living with Fanny, age 35, bon Vermont, and Harvey, age 11, born NY.

In 1860, James Smedley, age 46, grocery clerk, born VT was living in Niagara, Niagara Co, NY, with Fanny, age 46, born NY, and Harvey, age 20, born NY.

In 1865, James W. Smedley, age 51, born VT, was a blacksmith in Niagara, Niagara Co, NY, living with his wife, Fanny, age 51, both in the household of Philips Skinner, age 61, born England.

His will was proved 7 Nov 1870 in Niagara Co, NY. He was "of the City of Chicago in the State of Illinois" when he wrote his will 18 Oct 1866. He called himself 52 years of age, left his wife Fanny the residue of his estate for her life, as long as she did not remarry. Upon her death or marriage, the estate would pass to his son James Harvey Smedley. He appointed his wife Fanny administrator of his estate. The will was witnessed by H. [Horace?] Wheelock and Schuler E. Smedley, both of Jackson, Michigan (Niagara County, New York, Wills, 13:114, 115).

In the mid 1860s, his son, James Harvey Smedley, joined his uncle John D. Smedley "in the lubricating business in Chicago." [Elisabeth Puckett Martin, Deacon John Burnham of Ipswich and Ebenezer Martin of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, with Some of Their Descendants (Baltimore: Gateway Press, 1987), p. 190-1, at Archive.org.]

Sources:

1. Probate Notice, Albany Argus (Albany, New York), 4 Oct 1839, p. 4, col. 4.

John D. Smedley

Birth: about 1817

Death: 16 Feb 1885, Syracuse, Onondaga Co, NY

• "New York State, Death Index, 1852-1956," Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61535 : accessed 8 June 2021), James D. Smedley (1885), citing New York State Death Index, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY.

Father: James Smedley
Mother: Emily Wheelock

Notes:

His name was probably John Dexter Smedley, who went by Dexter in his youth, and John D. in his adulthood.

Dexter Smedley is identified as a minor heir and next of kin of Mary (Wheelock) Grandey in an 1839 probate notice. The reference to Dexter as a "minor" in the probate notice must have been a mistake. He would have been 21 or 22 years old at the time. This probably reflects a confusion on the part of Alonzo Wheelock, who published the notice.¹

John D. Smedley of Royalton was at the Oneida Institute in Whitesboro, Oneida Co, NY, in 1837.²

He is probably the John D. Smedley living in Buffalo, Erie Co, NY, in 1855, age 37, born Niagara Co, merchant, living in a boardinghouse with his presumed wife, Asenath Smedley, age 38, and child Matilda E. Smedley, age 18, born Oneida Co.

He was at Chicago in 1860, age 43, born NY, commercial merchant, living with Asenath Smedley, age 44, also born NY, and a servant Helen Sullivan, age 30, born Ireland.

In the mid 1860s, his nephew, James Harvey Smedley, joined John D. Smedley "in the lubricating business in Chicago." [Elisabeth Puckett Martin, Deacon John Burnham of Ipswich and Ebenezer Martin of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, with Some of Their Descendants (Baltimore: Gateway Press, 1987), p. 190-1, at Archive.org.]

While in Chicago he obtained several patents, including a patent for "Improvement in Oil Stills," dated 17 Feb 1863. Later in life he obtained a patent on an "improved cooking chamber" 13 Apr 1875, called Smedley's Cooking Chamber in Scientific American, Vol 33, no. 11, Sep 1875, p. 155, at Archive.org.

In 1880 he was at Syracuse, Onondaga Co, NY, age 63, retired merchant, living with his wife, Asena, age 63.

Sources:

1. Probate Notice, Albany Argus (Albany, New York), 4 Oct 1839, p. 4, col. 4.
2. Catalogue of the Trustees, Faculty and Students of the Oneida Institute (Whitesboro, New York: 1837), p. 12; database with images, "U.S., High School Student Lists, 1821-1923," Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2395/ : accessed 9 June 2021) New York > Oneida Institute > image 11 of 14.