Cyrus Wells - From Canada to New Mexico by way of Vermont, New Hampshire and Kansas

One of my Vermont ancestors was Cyrus Wells, the son of  William Wells (1794 - 1855) and Martha Myrick (1798 - ?). They were from New Hampshire, but settled in Canada by the time Cyrus was born. He had at least four sisters ( Sarah, Mary A., Caroline Calista, and Helen Naomi) and one brother (C.J.Stuart Wells) I know he was born December 22, 1817 in Hatley, Canada, when his dad was 23 and his mother only 19. His Great-grandfather Ezra Merrick was in the American Revolution, and died at Fort Ticonderoga in 1777.

When Cyrus Wells was 22, he married Susan Garvin in Charlotte, Chittenden County, VT on March 3 1839.  They would eventually have 10 children, perhaps more. 

Marion Missouri Wells their first child was my ancestor, born July 17, 1840 in Plattsburgh, Clinton County, NY. They must have lived there for a while as their first son, Marshall William Wells was born there as well on May 7 1843. In 1847, their son Eugene Charles Wells was born March 24 in St Armand, Canada East. Caroline Melissa Wells was also born in St Armand, Canada East on June 16, 1848.

Their next child, Paulina Mary Wells, was born Sept 16, 1850 in Essex, Chittenden County, VT. This is the town where Susan's parents lived, and Cyrus and Susan show up in the 1850 census there.  The US census lists another child, Helen Wells, age 3. I am not sure where or when she was born as I have no other birth information on her. Cyrus is listed as a Cloth Manufacturer. In the 1900 Census Cyrus states he did not  immigrate to the United States until 1859, perhaps in 1850 they weren't living permanently in Vermont yet. In the 1851 Canadian Census there is a Cyrus Wells listed in St Armand Quebec, which could indeed be our Cyrus.

The next  three children are recorded as being born in St Armand, Canada East. Byron Edwards Wells was born on Oct 24, 1853; Genieveve Wells on April 13 1855; and Susie Wells on 10 Dec 1856.  Their last child I know of is Harriet Abigail Wells, born September 17 1860 in Waterville, Lamoille County, Vermont. They are also found in the 1860 Federal Census living there. By this time, Marion had married William B Smith, and they were living with her parents at that time.

Lamoille, Newsdealer, Hyde Park, VT 18 May 1869

Another newspaper clipping from July 27, 1869 that gives a glimpse of Cyrus's life  - The railroad was apparently coming to Waterville, and Cyrus was renovating an large factory which furnished water power for the town. He intended to start manufacturing flannels as soon as the times allowed it. - So apparently Cyrus was still involved in cloth manufacturing 20 years later. In 1870 Census the family is still living in Waterville although Marion and William are not listed as living with Cyrus and Susan anymore.

Burlington Weekly Free Press 22 March 1878

In the 1880 Census records we find Cyrus & Susan are living in Kinsley, Edwards, Kansas with their son Byron and his wife Sarah.  Cyrus' occupation is listed as Coal Mining. He must have been on the move, as he was also listed in the 1880 census as a Mine Broker, living by himself in Los Cerillos, Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Remember at this time New Mexico is a territory, not a state.)  August 24, 1888 Cyrus Wells was elected postmaster in Turquesa, New Mexico until May 12 1899. 

 

Cyrus is mentioned in the St. Johnsbury Vt, Caledonian paper, even though he has moved away. 3 April 1890.

His wife Susan Garvin Wells, daughter of Thomas Garvin and Abigail Warren, dies July 15th, 1891 after a long illness. Their daughter Helen Wells Wilson nursed her mother through that illness and continued to live there after her mother passed away. 

Helen and her father Cyrus are in the 1900 census living in Cerrillos, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Cyrus is listed once again as a manufacturer, widowed, born December of 1817, and says he immigrated in 1859. Cyrus died shortly thereafter on Oct 30th, 1901. Cyrus & Susan are buried in  unmarked graves in Los Cerrilos.

Albuquerque Citizen, New Mexico, 9 Nov 1901.

I am the great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Cyrus Wells. If you are a relative or have more to add to his story, please feel free to contact me. I am always looking to learn more about the life of my ancestors.

Sources for the above include:
US Federal Census Records 
 Canadian Census Records 
Vermont, Michigan, and Quebec Vital records
Anglican Church Records of Frelighsburg, Quebec
The descendants of James Garvin
NH Forests and Clearings
Roster of Vermont Volunteers during the War of the Rebellion
The records of Clifford Ryea Jr, Linda Mayberry, and Nancy Garvin

Captain Joseph Dyckman

   Joseph Dyckman (also spelled Dikeman and Dykeman) is the ancestor that solved the mystery that started my quest into my family tree.  Quite young, I was fascinated that my Grandmother on one side of the family and my Grandfather on the other had the same last name.   I wanted to know just how they were related, and it took some time to find the answer- they are distant cousins.   

  Joseph Dyckman was born about 1737 in Fairfield County, Connecticut, to Frederick Dyckman and his wife Ann, being the oldest child. His known siblings are Thaddeus, Levi, Mary, and Ann. Unfortunately the records for this time period are very sparse so we don’t know for sure how many siblings Joseph may have had nor much of his early life.

  We do know from the records in Redding, Fairfield County, CT that he was married to Eunice Darling on My 25 1757 by Reverend Nathaniel Bartlett. Their Children included Hezekiah, Benjamin, Joseph, Sally, Arron, Peter, Ezra, and Eunice, who were baptized in Redding, Connecticut.  He also married Elizabeth Smith and Miss Judd. His other known children were Elizabeth, Daniel, Abigail, Ruhama, Phebe, and Ann, but their mother is unidentified.

Joseph and at least three of his sons (Joseph, Hezekiah, and Benjamin) served in the American Revolution.  As Lieutenant  he brought in three conspirators, and as Captain he collected seven pounds eight shillings for bringing prisoners.  Joseph is a recognized Patriot for the DAR, so anyone who descendants from him qualifies for the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Here is a list of some of the men in Col. Field’s Regiment, including Captain Joseph at the bottom.

Benjamin Dikeman - Dyckman - Dykeman - Dykman

Benjamin Dikeman is one of my Revolutionary War ancestors, and since names and dates don't tell half the story, I thought I'd tell you a little bit about him.

Benjamin was one of 14 children born to Joseph Dikeman (abt 1737 - 1822)  and Eunice Darling (Jan 25 1736 - death unknown). The others were Ann, Phebe, Hezekiah, Joseph, Sally, Aaron, Peter, Ezra, Eunice, Elizabeth, Daniel, Abigail, and Ruhama.  Benjamin was born the 24th of May in 1761, in Redding, Connecticut and died 8 April 1845. Three of those sons were ancestors of mine, of them, Benjamin was the second son and fourth child in the family.
   
Benjamin enlisted 1781 in the Dutchess County Militia, and is listed as belonging to the company commanded by Captains Williams & Dykeman (his father) In his pension application, he mentions his three sons, 2 which are wealthy farmers and the other a cattle dealer and butcher.

Benjamin Dyckman Married Huldah Kelly in Patterson, Putnam County, NY, daughter of Jonathan Kelly and Priscilla King. Benjamin & Huldah had four children that we know of, some sources say there were more children that died young:

 Isaac Dykman was born 29 Dec 1788 in Dutchess County, NY and died Jan 16 1872 in Putnam County, NY. (note: Putnam County was created from southern Dutchess County in 1812) Isaac married Polly Wood on 18 Sept 1808, and they had a family of six children - Jane, James, Eunice, Mary, George, and Emma.  Polly was Born Nov 19 1778 in Norwalk, Fairfield County, CT and died Sept 14, 1867 in Patterson, Putnam County, NY. In 1850 he is listed as a farmer.

  Ezra Dykeman was born Dec 13, 1771 in Dutchess County, NY and died Sept 29, 1857. He married Keturah Ellis who was born June 27, 1797and died Dec 9 1878. According to His  brother Isaac's will, he had three daughters Martha, Emily, and Eliza. He was a farmer. He was most likely named after his uncle Ezra Dyckman, Joseph's Brother, who died in 1771.

 Priscilla Dykeman was born about 1792. She was most likely named after her grandmother, Priscilla King Kelly.She married James Baker.

 Benjamin Dykeman, (the younger) was born 1796 in Dutchess County, NY and died July 28, 1860. Benjamin married a woman named Asenath who was born 21 July 1790 and died 9 Dec 1873. They had a family of seven children - Beulah, Mary Elizabeth, Albert, Huldah, Sarah, Isaac, & Charles. In the 1850 census Benjamin was listed as a butcher.

Benjamin's son Isaac had a daughter, Emma C. Dykeman. That daughter married her second cousin, Daniel W. Dykeman. But then, thats another story for another day...

Sources Include:
Johannes Dyckman of Fort Orange, Volumes 1& 2
Barbour Records of Redding, Connecticut
Barbour Records of Norwalk, Connecticut
Censuses from 1800 to 1870
History of Redding CT
Revolutionary War Pension of Benjamin Dyckman
Records of Robert H Dykeman Sr.

Thomas Trowbridge, 10th Great Grandfather

Today's Genealogy find... I'm the 10th great granddaughter of Thomas Trowbridge of Taunton, England. If you watch Who do you think you are? on TLC Season 4, Episode 6 (Cindy Crawford), it tells all about him and his heritage. Fought in the English Civil War and a descendant of Charlemagne! 

1 Thomas Trowbridge b: 1598, d: Bef. 07 Feb 1672
+ Elizabeth Marshall b: 24 Mar 1602, d: 1641
...2 Elizabeth Trowbridge b: 06 Mar 1627, d: 10 May 1630
...2 John Trowbridge b: 05 Nov 1629, d: 16 Feb 1653
...2 Thomas Trowbridge b: 11 Dec 1631
...2 William Trowbridge b: 03 Sep 1633, d: Nov 1688
     + Elizabeth Lamberton b: Abt. 1632, d: Abt. 1716
......3 James Trowbridge b: 26 Mar 1664, d: May 1732
        + Mary Belden b: 17 Nov 1677, d: Aft. 1737
.........4 Daniel Trowbridge b: 13 Aug 1701
           + Sarah Seymour
............5 Daniel Trowbridge b: 25 Aug 1726
............5 Stephen Trowbridge b: 16 Sep 1727
............5 James Trowbridge b: 14 Dec 1729
............5 Sarah Trowbridge b: Abt. 1732, d: 14 Jan 1788
               + James Olmstead b: 17 May 1730, d: 29 Sep 1807
...............6 James Olmstead b: 04 Apr 1755, d: 04 Jan 1841
...............6 Seth Olmstead b: 1756, d: 22 Jul 1763
...............6 Isaac Olmstead b: 22 Jan 1759, d: 30 Dec 1795
                 + Sarah Lyon d: 18 Nov 1852
                 + Mary Parsons d: 26 Sep 1793
..................7 Alden Olmstead b: 23 Aug 1784, d: 06 Mar 1815
                    + Sarah Sally Smith b: 1784, d: 1870
.....................8 Lorenzo D. Olmstead b: 29 Feb 1808, d: 17 Aug 1895
                       + Julia A. Olmstead b: Abt. 1813
........................9 Artemesia Olmstead b: 30 Mar 1834, d: 04 Aug 1864
                          + Samuel Middlebrook b: 1822, d: 1908
...........................10 Charles O Middlebrook b: 10 Aug 1852
...........................10 Samuel Middlebrook b: 21 Sep 1854, d: 28 Apr 1906
...........................10 Belle (Minnie) Middlebrook b: 13 Nov 1858, d: 05 Dec 1887
                               + Frank Eugene Williams b: 06 Nov 1858, d: 07 Aug 1910
........................9 Lorenzo Vail Olmstead b: 01 Feb 1849, d: 08 Jun 1924
                          + Lavinia Bennett b: 25 Dec 1845, d: 26 Aug 1889
...........................10 Grace L.(Daisy) Olmstead b: 10 Aug 1883, d: 09 Jan 1974
                           + Jesse Belmont Williams b: 01 Aug 1878, d: 08 Mar 1941
...............6 Azor Olmstead b: 05 Mar 1763, d: Sep 1777
...............6 Seth Olmstead b: 29 Mar 1765, d: 05 Sep 1844
...............6 Sarah Olmstead b: 14 Nov 1767
               + Jared Morehouse b: Abt. 1769, d: 17 Feb 1841
..................7 Sarah Morehouse b: 20 Jul 1791, d: 02 Apr 1870
                  + Junia Warren Dykeman b: 22 Nov 1785, d: 06 Mar 1875
.....................8 Daniel Warren Dykeman b: 06 Aug 1814, d: 12 Sep 1875
                      + Sarah E. Crosby b: 27 May 1822, d: 02 Oct 1851
........................9 Edwin C. Dykeman b: Abt. Sep 1847, d: 12 Oct 1854
........................9 William Henry Dykeman b: Sep 1848, d: 09 Jun 1849
                     + Emma C. Dykeman b: 27 Sep 1819, d: 07 May 1880
........................9 Junia Warren Dykeman b: 09 Jul 1856, d: 22 Apr 1934
                         + Helen Amelia Beattys b: 02 Sep 1861, d: 30 May 1920
...........................10 Junia Warren Dykeman b: 23 Jul 1878, d: 17 Jun 1962
                              + Bessie A. Nichols b: 11 Jun 1879, d: 07 Jan 1968
...........................10 Emma Beatty Dykeman b: 20 Jul 1880, d: 03 Nov 1948
                              + Henry James Dykeman b: 22 Feb 1873, d: 27 Nov 1918
...........................10 Charles Roof Dykeman b: 23 Sep 1881, d: 11 Jan 1920
                              + Lillian C Akin b: Jan 1878, d: 22 Mar 1951
...........................10 Lewis Howes Dykeman b: 17 Dec 1885, d: 18 Jan 1951
                              + Alice Marion Schillits b: 11 Jan 1886, d: 29 Feb 1968
...........................10 William George Dykeman b: 14 Oct 1887, d: 02 Oct 1956
                              + Catherine Penny (Kate) Nichols b: 15 Aug 1887, d: 1972
...........................10 Frederick Seth Dykeman b: 25 Apr 1890, d: 26 Apr 1956
                              + Bertha Louise Parker b: 19 Nov 1894
...........................10 Bessie Arlene Dykeman b: 13 May 1892, d: 25 Apr 1976
                              + Charles Hilding Swanson b: 10 Jun 1888, d: 19 Dec 1969
...........................10 Helen Lucille Dykeman b: 29 Sep 1894, d: 04 Apr 1972
                              + Charles Peter Jagemann b: 13 Mar 1892, d: Apr 1987
...........................10 Elbert Leslie Dykeman b: 02 Dec 1897, d: 14 Feb 1899
...........................10 Harold Horton Dykeman b: 05 Jul 1900, d: 19 Jun 1964
                              + Helen Jessamine Ballard b: 28 Sep 1905, d: 25 Mar 1966
...........................10 Ralph Irving Dykeman b: 25 Mar 1903, d: 27 Apr 1927
                              + Violet Leslie Birch b: Abt. 1906
.....................8 Sally B. Dykeman b: 1816, d: 16 Mar 1866
.....................8 Belinda M. Dykeman b: Abt. Jun 1818, d: 30 Aug 1882
..................7 Seth O. Morehouse b: 08 Jun 1800, d: 25 Apr 1852
                   + Adaline Ford b: 23 Jan 1805, d: 12 Aug 1864
.....................8 Henry Mortimer Morehouse b: 13 Jun 1828, d: 05 Dec 1885
..................7 Belinda Morehouse d: 06 Oct 1873
                   + Albro Cook
..................7 Caroline Morehouse
                   +              Deyo
...............6 Aaron Olmstead b: 04 Mar 1770, d: 30 Aug 1820
............5 Abigail Trowbridge b: 1735
............5 Elizabeth Trowbridge b: 1739
............5 Joseph Trowbridge b: Abt. 1741
............5 Samuel Trowbridge b: Abt. 1743
............5 Lydia Trowbridge b: Abt. 1745
............5 William Trowbridge b: Abt. 1747
.........4 Elizabeth Trowbridge (Gregory) b: 01 Mar 1703, d: 1786
.........4 Caleb Trowbridge b: 08 Apr 1706, d: 02 Jan 1759
.........4 John Trowbridge b: 22 May 1709, d: May 1777
.........4 Abigail Trowbridge b: 01 Sep 1712
.........4 Lydia Trowbridge b: 08 May 1718
.........4 Sarah Trowbridge b: 29 Jul 1719
     + Lydia Alsop b: 26 Jul 1665, d: Abt. 1689
.........4 James Trowbridge b: 13 Sep 1689, d: 1730
          + Hester Howe d: Abt. 1697
.........4 Isaac Trowbridge b: Abt. 1694, d: 1770
.........4 Esther Trowbridge b: Abt. 1695
          + James Leavenworth
.........4 Mary Trowbridge b: Abt. 1697
          +            Brown
...2 James Trowbridge b: 1636, d: May 1717

Arthur M Ballard

When Arthur Mortimer Ballard was born on February 13, 1873, in Danbury, Connecticut, his father, Cyrus B. Ballard, was 27 and his mother, Sarah Lewis, was 25. Arthur had an older sister, Fanny Deroselle Ballard. His Father Cyrus was listed as Store clerk in the census just three years before and his mother as Keeping House. They lived in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

In 1880, Arthur and his family are still living in Danbury, Connecticut. His father Cyrus is a Dry goods Clerk, born in Connecticut just like Arthur and Fanny. Sarah is listed as born in NY.  His sister Fanny Marries Ferris Morehouse in 1888 in Connecticut and has a daughter Mildred in 1898.

On the 11^th of October 1899, Arthur is married to Carrie E Harrison by the Methodist minister, Rev Stratton in Brewster, Putnam County, New York where Carrie lives with her parents Josephine Hoyt and Henry F Harrison.  In 1900, Carrie and Arthur are living on east 136^th street in the Bronx. Arthur is listed as a Bookkeeper.

In 1905, Carrie and Arthur have a daughter, Helen Jessamine Ballard, Born 28^th of September in Williamsbridge, Bronx, New York. Arthurs sister Fanny marries for the second time to Arthur Borden who lives in Washington D.C. and has a daughter Laura in April of 1909.

 In 1910, the census finds Arthur, His wife Carolyn, and daughter Helen all living in Manhattan, New York. Arthur is working as a cashier in a hotel. In 1915 Arthur, Caroline and Helen are living at 151^st street west in Manhattan.

Arthur registers for the draft on Sept 12, 1918 describing himself as Medium height and build, with brown eyes and black hair. He is a bookkeeper and cashier at the Hotel Endicott and lists his wife Caroline Ballard as his nearest relative, living with him at 122 West 88^th street in NY.

In 1920, Arthur and Caroline are still living at west 88^th street and they have a houseful. Arthur (46), Carolyne (41) and Helen (14) are all living together along with Carolyne’s parents Josephine (63) and Henry F Harrison (65). Also living with them is Arthur’s cousin, Robert Bennett (63).

In Jan 1923, Arthur’s Father Cyrus Passes away in Washington D.C. Arthur and Carrie’s Daughter Helen marries Harold H Dykeman on 9 May 1924 in New York city and has a son Robert in April of 1925. In August of 1927, Arthurs Mother Sarah Lewis Ballard dies in Washington D.C. where his sister Fanny is living.

Arthur and Carrie Get divorced, and Arthur remarries on the 14th of April, 1928 to Mary Lewis Lee as her second husband. Arthurs daughter Helen has a daughter Lois in 1929.  Shortly afterwards, his first wife Carrie remarries to Arthur’s cousin Robert Bennet. In 1930 Carrie and Robert are living in New Jersey.

In 1930, Arthur and his new wife, Mary are living at 25 Prospect street in New Richelle, Westchester county, NY. Arthur is working as an undertaker. In 1938, Arthur is the undertaker at the Ballard Funeral Home which has moved to 2 Maple Avenue in White Plains, NY.

BY 1940, Arthur, Mary and their maid Prudence Shepp are living in White Plains. About this time, Arthur acquires a partner in the funeral Home, George Durand.  In July of 1943, Arthur’s last Grandchild is born, Ralph Dykeman.  In 1948, Arthur’s grandson Robert marries Lucy Ryea and in 1949, his granddaughter Lois marries Clifford Ryea Jr.

On 5 June 1951, Arthur Mortimer Ballard dies of a heart attack. Arthurs second wife Mary dies in 1961, and his first wife Carrie dies in 1965. Arthur’s business, the Ballard – Durand Funeral Home in White Plains, NY is still active today in 2020.