Ellsworth family of Bernadotte, IL

vickisboles · Pioneer

Ellsworth family of Bernadotte, IL

vickisboles · Pioneer

I wanted to add some information to my first post. I found that my father's mother, Mildred Ellsworth, married Raymond DeMoss . Mildred died at the age of 40 in Fulton county. I would like to find out where she is buried and possibly get a copy of her death certificate from Fulton County to see where she is from originally. I am finding a little more all the time and would be anxious to hear any info anyone has from the area. She would have been Mildred DeMoss. Ray later married a woman by the first name of Anne also. Does anyone have information on Anne or Raymond DeMoss. Donald DeMoss of Bernadotte was a cousin of my father. Is he still alive? Thanks for the help.

ALD · Senior Member

I'm not sure I can be of any help but you brought to mind a man who was a few yrs older than I, by the name of Alan DeMoss. Am sure he did indeed live in area of Bernadotte. Altho seems he passed away in th past few yrs. As I am originally from Lewistown(close to Bernadotte) I got out the only phone book I have from there, a 2004. There is a Donald E. Demoss in Ipava area which very well could be rural Bernadotte. You might check the death index(S.S.I.) and if no records of being deceased, I can give you the address.

Otherwise I know some Ellsworths from Lewistown area. I wonder if you are related to them and they might know any DeMoss history. I will check with them asap.

vickisboles · Pioneer

Hello and thanks for the reply. I do know that Don DeMoss was married to Judy and I had been in touch with them on the phone about a year and a half ago. I sent a Christmas card to them (the Ipava address as they lived right beside the old bridge in Bernadotte), but it was returned with no forwarding address. I wondered if one of them had passed away and the other moved somewhere else. This is where I lost track of them. My husband and I drove to Bernadotte 2 years ago to find Don and Judy and we did find their house right where I remembered it as a child. But they weren't home so we got the address off the mailbox and I wrote. They called me immediately and we kept in touch, but all of a sudden the mail is returned with no forwarding address. This is why I assumed one of them passed on. That is where it stops for me. They didn't know where my dad's mother was buried either, but I did find that a Mildred DeMoss died in Fulton County on March 10, 1941 and she was 40 yrs. old. That's all I have as of now. Thanks so much for all of your help. I will look forward to hearing from you even if you don't come up with any more information. The name you stated didn't ring a bell, but that doesn't mean anything either. Thanks again.

Vicki Boles

ALD · Senior Member

Hi again! Ok, I looked in the SSDI and found nothing on Don and Judy. But in the process I looked up Alan DeMoss and he did live in Ipava which is address for those around Bernadotte. He did pass away Dec 2004, he was born Jan. 1957. I knew was close to my age and if i remember correctly, slim and dark-headed. Did Don and Judy have children? I have some other avenues, will continue to see if I can figure out where they are. By the way, the address in my book is North Old Bridge Rd, Ipava. Is that what you had?

I am in fact going to Lewistown Monday for Memorial Services, I may find someone who knows something. Right now I live an hour away from Lewistown. Isn't LeRoy off 136 east of McLean or close? I am just rural of Lincoln Illinois. Never know, I might turn up something. Takes my mind off my own roadblocks....................Plus I enjoy going back home and visiting , we go thru some of the cemetaries. I am wondering if any relatives of yrs were buried in what I believe is called the Danner Cemetary.

Ardith

vickisboles · Pioneer

Hi Ardith,

Thanks for all you are doing for me. We must be close in age. I was born in 1953 in Peoria, IL. You spoke of Lewistown and that is where my parents got married. Yes, I do remember Don and Judy having children, but I was too young to remember how many. Yes, the address I had for Don and Judy was Old Bridge Road. They lived right next to the old bridge in fact. I have been trying to find info too and found a Judith DeMoss now living in Canton. I wonder if perhaps Don went into a nursing facility and Judy is now living in an apartment. They would both be in there 70's so anything is possible. I hope you find some of the relatives and where they are buried. That would be great. LeRoy is off of Route 150 about 14 miles from Bloomington. Actually Route 136 is not too far from here either. We are a small town of around 3200. I am actually a transplant from the town of Eureka, IL. I remarried 16 years ago and we bought a new home here in LeRoy and have been here ever since. The kids are both grown, so thinking of maybe selling the house in the next year or two. Don't really need 4 bedrooms for 2 people! Will talk to you soon and thanks again. I look forward to your postings.

Vicki

ALD · Senior Member

Good morning..............I might be overlooking, but is yr father's name in here somewhere? I just noticed I don't think I have that. Could be only one cup of coffee too........lol

We are close in age yes......I was born in 1960. Who was yr mother? You know it really is a small world. I have a person I will call when I get this info and just maybe we will get lucky. Also what yr did yr father pass and where is he buried?

We did indeed go to the Memorial Ser. in Lewistown, my it was so hot. Didn't visit as I would of liked. Hubby and I, plus my dau with her 2yr twins, and my 4 yr old. We headed to Dickson Mds with a lunch for some shade and let the kids run.

My dau lives in Delavan and in going to Bloomington I knew Leroy was in that area. I am originally from Lewistown, moved here to Middletown in 2001. Where you say???? Middletown, a spot on the road where it had to be love that brought me here.........I remarried, and am living the Green Acres life.

Yr certainly welcome, just hope I can help. It's fun when a person may know someone connected . I have been on the receiving end of a family search and looking for a cousin myself that someone has possibly solved for me.

So.......look to hear from you soon.

Ardith

vickisboles · Pioneer

Dear Ardith,

So so sorry it has taken me so long to respond to you! I had been assigned quite an arduous task (project) at work and it just concluded this past Saturday. I have not had time to breathe or have a life so to speak! LOL.

You know you are right. I did not state my fathers name. I knew it to be Ralph LaVerne Ellsworth born in Lewistown on June 2, 1924. I have a little card that is his certified birth certificate that states his middle name as Lavenie. His son, my half brother, who is also deceased for many years now, was Ralph LaVerne Ellsworth, Jr. I'm just not sure where the Lavenie came from or just might be an error. That seemed to be very common on birth records years back. Everything that I have has his middle name as LaVerne.

He and my mother, Carmeleta Marie Widmer, were married on March 24th, 1951 in Lewistown, IL. My mother passed away 4 years ago in February. He was married to Wilma Engel of Washington, IL previously, and she died during a surgery at age 21, leaving my father with a very young son to raise. He met my mother and the rest is history.

At this point that is about all I know. I have my parents marriage license, both birth records, and all of my father's military information such as US Army papers from induction to honorable discharge.

Well, again Ardith, please accept my apologies for taking so long to respond to you. You have been so helpful and I look forward to your replies. I will give you heads up if I am going to be tied up again. Thanks so very much for your help and kindness.

Warmest regards,

Vicki Boles

vickisboles · Pioneer

Ardith,

I almost forgot. My dad passed away in April of 1990. He and my mother both were cremated, and my sister has their ashes. My mother was a Widmer originally from Washington and Metamora, Illinois. Hope this helps. I did find Judy De Moss. She is living in Canton, IL and I now have her phone number. I am going to try to get in touch very soon. I think maybe Don has gone into the nursing home. I do believe that Alan was their son. I think he has passed though. Thanks again, Keep in touch.

Vicki

ALD · Senior Member

Hi there,

I just got a letter from a friend of mine in Lewistown who is somehow connected to a Wilma Ellsworth in Lewistown. Anyway my friend said her mother used to talk about a man named Ray DeMoss. And she knew a Mildred Ellsworth from Bernadotte., and thought perhaps her mom said Mildred was married to Ray DeMoss and had two sons at least, one they called Jr. But she couldn't remember the others name. Sadly her mom has been gone a few yrs but Wilma Ellsworth is still in Lewistown. So I will give a print out of all this to my friend and she will pass it on. Wilma Ellsworth is a nice lady, been a friend of mine for yrs also. So we will see what we can do.............

Ardith

vickisboles · Pioneer

Hi Ardith,

Yes, as far as I know, when Ray DeMoss remarried after Mildred's death to a woman named Anne, they had a son and he was Ray DeMoss Jr. I remember Jr. and he was in the Navy for quite a number of years, in fact almost a career. He was a stepbrother to my dad. That would have been the 2 sons. My dad Ralph, and Jr. Yes, by all means I would love to find out more about Mildred and her past and where she is buried. We are definitely on the right track here and it seems Wilma knows the family. Please pass on my thanks to her, or if I could write her or call, that would be great too. Thanks again. You're the best.

Warmest regards,

Vicki

ALD · Senior Member

I was wondering if you might know if you were related to Mig Ellsworth? He was a former sherriff of Fulton County. Actually his right name might be Meredith. Anyway, I sent out the emails between you and I to my friend Sandra Simpson in Lewistown, and she will connect with Wilma Ellsworth. Otherwise Wilma's address is 935 South Illinois Street Lewistown Il. 61542 She will remember me by my name Ardith Brown, dau. of Lorraine Brown. Her phone shows to be309-547-2958. Wilma's mother was Maude Ellsworth, we all called her Aunt Brownie if I recall........She's been gone for a long time. I want to say that Sandra Simpson's mother was related to her. Funny how you grow up knowing this but never really digesting it.

Ardith

vickisboles · Pioneer

Hi Ardith,

I have no idea on the sheriff as I don't know really anything about the Ellsworths other than it was my dad's mother's maiden name that he was given as he was illegitmate. I am sure that was quite a terrible thing back then and Mildred was probably looked down on. I know my dad said it was rough for him too. For some reason, the name of the lady you called Aunt Brownie rings a bell. I think I remember my dad mentioning her. I also remember him having a cousin named Annabelle, but dont' know what her last name was. She would always bring home made ice cream to the fish frys and she was a very pretty woman. Leave it to a child to remember the ice cream, huh! Anyway, thanks for the info on Wilma and I will wait until your friend has the opportunity to speak with her. I don't want to scare her by calling out of the blue....older people get a little nervous if they don't know you and I don't blame them. Thanks and I will wait to hear from you.

Vicki

deb06 · Veteran Member

Vicki,

I was looking through my cemetery book and found these two deaths, and I am wondering if they could have been Ray's children.

They are

Mildred Irene Demoss B. 3-8-1946 D. 8-7-1946 Daughter of Raymond and Jessie (Deford) Demoss.

Raymond Eugene Demoss B. 12-18-1942 D. 3-28-1944 Son of Raymond and Jessie (Deford) Demoss.

Both are buried in Baughman-Brock Cemetery, here in Fulton County. This is just outside of Cuba, not too far from Bernadotte and Smithfield.

The names are very close to the one's you have posted, I would bet they are related somehow.

Do you know what Mildred's middle name was?

If I get a chance this week I'll run to the Library and see if I can find the obit for the Mildred you mentioned.

Debbie

vickisboles · Pioneer

Hi Deb,

Thanks for the input. I am at a loss here because Mildred's (my dad's mother) maiden name was Ellsworth and my dad had that because she was unmarried when he was born. I know she later married Ray DeMoss but I don't know if this is the same person or not. I know Mildred died when she was 40 and Ray remarried a lady named Anne. I am in the dark after that.

It was a touchy subject when my dad was alive. Apparently he was mistreated by others for being born out of wedlock and I don't think his life as a child was overly pleasant. I do know that Ray and Anne treated him well after his mother died. He spoke of them in the most endearing of terms, so as a stepmother and stepfather, I think he was lucky there.

Any info you come up with would be helpful. I appreciate your help. I would like to find where Mildred is buried and I dont' know her middle name, sorry. But it sounds like there has to be some ties of some sort there.

Thanks again and have a safe and happy Independence Day!

deb06 · Veteran Member

Vicki,

Here is what I found at the library.

Mildred Sophia (Ellsworth) Demoss

Born Oct. 7, 1900

Died Mar. 10, 1941 Daughter of David and Rita (Smith) Ellsworth Wife of Ray. No Stone

George Otto Demoss

Born Nov. 5, 1928 Died Dec. 5, 1928 Son of Ray and Mildred. No Stone

Both are buried in Stites Cemetery also known as Locust Grove Cemetery in Bernadotte Twp.

Raymond and Mildred married 03-13-1926 Fulton County.

Obituary for Mildred.

Death of Mrs. Ray Demoss

Mrs. Ray Demoss of Bernadotte passed away Sunday night at Graham Hospital, about 3 hours after she had been admitted. Mildred (Ellsworth) Demoss was born in Oct., 1890.

Survived by her husband Ray, now a member of the U. S. Army and two sons Ralph and Junior. One son George Otto passed away in 1930.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

This was all I could find in the time I had. When I get a chance I will see if there is a more complete obit. Because if Ray was in the service, arrangements were probably left to him on his arrival back home.

I also found this in the Murphy Sedgewick Funeral Home book.

Evelyn Marie Bohanan b. 12-26-1935 Glasford, Illinois. Died 10-07-1949, Canton, Illinois; buried Baughman Cemetery 10-10-1949. 13y 9m 11d. Father William Bohanan B. Glasford, Illinois (deceased); Mother Jessie Deford, b. Knoxville, Illinois. living. Res. Canton, since 1945. Step-father Raymond Demoss.

Brother Robert Bohanan, U. S. Navy, Philadelphia, Pa.

Elroy Bohanan, Canton, Illinois. Age 17 yr's.

1/2 brother- Raymond Demoss Jr. U. S. Navy, Long Beach, California.

Sister Mrs. Bernice Lalicker, Milwaukee, Wis.

Helen Bohanan , Canton, Illinois age 12 years.

1/2 sister Patricia Demoss, Canton Il. Age 9 yrs.

So now we know that Raymond married Jessie Deford and the two children I wrote to you on, are their children.

There is also a book at the library about Bernadotte, it makes mention of Raymond Demoss a couple of times.

One article mentions that Ray Demoss nearly lost his own life trying to save two boys, if I'm not mistaken I believe the two boys drowned in Spoon River. I'll have to check that again.

I hope some of this information helps. Get back to me, and let me know.

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Debbie

vickisboles · Pioneer

Wow Deb, this is making a lot of sense now. I keep wondering if Ray married Anne later in life after Mildred and Jessie were both gone. I was small, but I do remember a woman with him by the name of Anne. Maybe they weren't married, but I thought they were. It's kind of cool that Ray had a daughter later and named her Mildred isn't it.? What a shame to lose so many children so young. On my mothers side her maternal grandmother had 14 children and 3 sets of twins in that group. Only 5 children including one set of twin boys lived to adulthood. They definitely suffered a tremendous amount of loss. How heartbreaking. Keep that info coming, as I am thinking that I may have to make a road trip down that way sometime during the summer if I can get away from work. I also wondered why Mildred's birthdate's did not coincide. One is 10 years earlier than the other. Could you see if there is anything on an Anne with Ray DeMoss later in life. I also heard as a child and this might be heresay, that my dad's biological father was a man named Ross Cameron. Could have been passing through or might have lived in the area. Maybe check out that name if you get a chance too. I am so excited with the information you have found. It is thrilling to know more about where you come from and your parents background. Thanks again and have a very safe and happy Independence Day!

Vicki

deb06 · Veteran Member

Hi Vicki,

The person that gave the information while Ray was away may have made a mistake. That may account for the difference. If she were 40 years old as you said, then 1900 would be the correct date. There is also a difference in George's death year. The obit says 1930, but the cemetery records state 1928. I'll see if I can find any death notice for George in 1928, as I am more inclined to go along with the cemetery records.

I am glad to help you out, I'll see what else I can find.

Debbie

Craig · Pioneer

Hi Vicki!

I saw a posting recently of Donald and Judy DeMoss in the Canton newspaper, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Can you email me Don's telephone number in Canton? I am trying to get his aunt Thelma "Leona"'s information straightened how. She used to live in Havana and her obituary did not match the information I had on her at all, so I am hoping he can help me with that. I had Leona first married to Earnest LeRoy Laffary in Fulton County in 1934, then perhaps Delbert James Fleming, and possibly to a Hubert Millard. Leona passed away on November 5, 1994 in Havana.

Thanks Vicki!

Craig DeMoss

ALD · Senior Member

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Eugene DeMoss of Canton, formerly of Bernadotte, will observe their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends on July 1. An anniversary trip was taken in June.

DeMoss and the former Judith Elaine Southwood were united in marriage July 1, 1956, at the home of the Rev. E. Catlin in Ipava. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. B. Phelps of Havana, aunt and uncle of the groom. He retired from Caterpillar in 1982 after 33 years. She is a homemaker.

They are the parents of the late Alan DeMoss and the grandparents of Patricia Martin of Canton and Stacy Schmitz of Georgia. They also have two great-grandchildren, Hunter Martin and Carly Schmitz.Published: Thursday, June 29, 2006 2:26 PM CDT

Alan De Moss

Alan E. DeMoss 47, of 48 North Third Street Canton, died at 2:57 am. Tuesday (Dec. 21, 2004)at his residence. He was born Jan. 24, 1957 in Canton, son of Donald Eugene and Judy Elaine(Southwood) DeMoss.

Found this in the Canton Daily after Craig mentioned the Anniversary.

Ardith

ALD · Senior Member

Vicki,

What a long way you have come from yr first post :) If only someone can answer yr fathers true name.

I called Wilma Ellsworth yesterday and told her about our emails. She remembers quite abit. Am sending her a copy of everything for her to go over. If you send me yr address she will send a letter with anything she knows. Or you can call or write her.

Ardith

vickisboles · Pioneer

Hi Ardith,

Oh my are you ever right! I have learned so much and I am hoping to get down to Lewistown and Bernadotte on a vacation day yet this year. I would love to catch up with you and maybe buy you lunch or something for all of your help. My home address is: Vicki Boles, 401 W. Cedar St., Le Roy, IL 61752 My cell phone is (309) 830-1304 and home is (309) 962-2105. My regular email is: vickisboles@gmail.com. Yes, by all means I would love to hear from Wilma and maybe meet her in the near future.

Again, thanks for your help and keep in touch. We will get together in person very soon.

Take care,

Vicki

vickisboles · Pioneer

Hi Craig,

Here is the phone number you requested for Don and Judy DeMoss. They now live in Canton and the number is(309)647-0949. I had lost track of them after they moved from Bernadotte and when a salesperson was trying to sell us yellow page advertising, he had a Fulton county phone book and I asked if I could buy one. He gave it to me and that's how I got the new number. Good luck, and I hope they can solve your puzzle.

Take care,

Vicki

Craig · Pioneer

Hey Debbie!

You found a lot on Ray and Jessie DeMoss! Do you know when Ray and Jessie got married? I thought I found awhile back that Ray and Jessie had Patricia J. on Monday, July 1, 1940 in Bernadotte. However, Ray’s wife, Mildred, passed away on Monday, March 10, 1941. I also Ray marrying Anna Shedlock in Havana, Illinois on Thursday, July 15, 1954.

The Ross Cameron mentioned earlier was the son of Susie Catherine DeMoss Randall and Thomas Officer Cameron.

Anything you have that will straighten me out will be appreciated!

Craig

vickisboles · Pioneer

Hi Craig,

Just saw your new post to Deb. Do you have any more information on Ross Cameron such as birthdate and place and death record. Does it make sense that he could be my father's biological father? Of course it would depend on when he was born and that kind of information. Please pass along anything that you have already found on Ross. I would appreciate the info. Thanks Craig and how do you tie in with Don and Judy DeMoss? Thanks again.

Vicki Boles

ALD · Senior Member

Wow! It just keeps getting better and better. Now I'm interested to see this Cameron fellow, who he is. I know some of the Camerons in Lewistown. One is Viola Cameron who first married a McBride then a Melvin. The McBride she married is a cousin tomy mother's father. I have her and her children in my gamily history. It just might have who her folks were. I will put out a post on my IKK group for this Cameron fellow.

I would love to meet anytime. And I have enjoyed helping, it's a small world you know. By the time everyone contributes, it starts fitting like a puzzle.

I myself want to get to Lewistown area just to get pics and refresh on things. By the way, lucky you, a new phone book for Lewistown. Will you please look up any Mike Schmidts for me, or Mandy. My book is at least 5 yrs old.

I am sure you will like Wilma, very nice person.

Ardith

ALD · Senior Member

Name: Everett Ross Cameron Sex: M Birth: 3 JUN 1897 in Bernadotte Twp, Fulton Co, IL Death: 1 JUL 1963 in Graham Hospital, Canton, IL Burial: 3 JUL 1963 Oak Hill Cemetery, Lewistown, IL Sec. K Occupation: Laborer L.P.R. Lewistown, IL Change

Father: Thomas Officer Cameron b: 18 FEB 1828 in OH Lived in Farmers Twp in 1870 Mother: Susanna DeMoss

ID: I4717 Name: Thomas Officer Cameron Sex: M Birth: 18 FEB 1828 in OH Lived in Farmers Twp in 1870 Death: 2 MAR 1900 in Bernadotte, Fulton Co, IL Burial: MAR 1900 Stites Cemetery, also known as Locust Grove, Bernadotte Twp #19 1 Occupation: Farmer Change Date: 25 MAR 2004 Father: James Miller Cameron b: 14 FEB 1807 in Henderson Co, KY Mother: Elizabeth Betsey Harrell b: 1810 in KY

Marriage 1 Susanna DeMoss Children Everett Ross Cameron b: 3 JUN 1897 in Bernadotte Twp, Fulton Co, IL

Marriage 2 Mary Catharine Ellis b: 27 JAN 1831 in Fulton Co, IL Married: 5 DEC 1850 in Fulton Co, IL Volume B Pge 150 License 225 Children Joel Franklin Cameron b: 1852 in IL Permelia J. Cameron b: 3 APR 1853 in Fulton Co, IL Emma A. Cameron b: 1855 in IL Ellen Cameron b: 1860 Enos A. Cameron b: 1861 in IL William H. Cameron b: 30 APR 1862 in Fulton Co, IL Telitha Cameron b: 1865 in Bernadotte, Fulton Co, IL Alice S. Cameron Sources: Text: VOLUME 12, Astoria & BERNADOTTE, Cem. Inscriptions Fulton Co, IL

I found this, perhaps some dates to help you.

Ardith

ALD · Senior Member

I sent you a copy of the 1930 census with Ray Demoss and his wife, Mildred. Two boys listed as sons--Raymond and Ralph. However, it also shows that they had only been married 3 years, and Ralph is over 5.

Name:

<HLT>Mildred</HLT> <HLT>Ellsworth</HLT>

Age:

>AgeWith12ths('22',false);</SCRIPT> 22

Estimated birth year:

abt 1908

Birthplace:

Wisconsin

Relation to head-of-house:

Sister-in-law

Race:

White

Home in 1930:

Chicago, Cook, <HLT>Illinois</HLT

Sent to me.............passing it on.

Ardith

Craig · Pioneer

Hi Vicki!

It looks like Ardith has you pretty well covered Ross. Here are my notes on him: Everett “Ross” was born on Thursday, June 3, 1897 in Bernadotte. Like his sister, Rilla, he received a certificate of attendance from Bernadotte School in November 1903 when he was six years old. In the fall of 1923 he dated Mildred Sophia Ellsworth. She had their son, Ralph LaVerne Ellsworth, in Lewistown on Monday, June 2, 1924. Ross married and divorced Lucy Hopping (I am not 100% about this). He later married Myrtle (I am missing her last name), lived in Lewistown, Illinois where he was a laborer. Ross and Myrtle had one child. Ross passed away on Monday, July 1, 1963 in Graham Hospital in Canton, the same day the United States Post Office introduced five-digit ZIP codes. Ross was buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery near Lewistown.

I have never met Donald and Judy DeMoss, although I plan to give them a call soon.

Donald's grandfather, Miles "Otto" DeMoss, was a brother to Susie Catherine DeMoss Randall Cameron and brother to my great-grandfather Jesse DeMoss. Feel free to mention this to Donald if you visit with him before I do.

Craig

ALD · Senior Member

Craig and Vicki,

This isn't even my family but I am so happy with all the progress! It pretty much coveres the questions Vicki has been looking answers to. How did you find the info that Ralph was indeed Ross's child? Amazing. By any chance any names for the child Ross and Myrtle had? I'm still curious how he may fit into the Camerons of Lewistown now. My third cousin i believe was married to a Cameron, I think the father in law was Willis Cameron. So.............like a story in a book, it goes on to another chapter.

My just reward for trying to be of some help to anyone here came unexpectedly today...............a new cousin on my dad's side that had been trying for a few yrs to get thru to me finally got an email to me. As you can tell, my heart is happy...............

Craig are you in Illinois?

Ardith