The Thompsons were major landowners in the area at this time. The map below is from 1875, so it's several years before Grace's 1908 diary, but you can see many of the residents she speaks of. Notice how much land is owned by the Thompsons. Look in the lower right corner of the map.
There is a large square (an acre?) assigned to J.B. Thompson, and just north of the Thompson property is a (half acre?) assigned to E. Rose.
In 1908, Chilt is mentioned 40 times in Grace's diary, so it was obvious to me that he lived close by. Born in April 1848 (according to the 1900 census), he is the 2nd youngest of 9 children. In the 1880 census he's age 31, living with his parents in Caledonia, Shiawassee, Michigan, and listed as married. But where is his wife? She isn't named or listed in the same household. By the time we get to the 1900 census, Chilt is listed as Divorced. Unusual for the time, but the cause of the divorce must not have been scandalous to Chilt's name, because Grace and the Rose family seem completely comfortable with him. It doesn't appear that Chilt ever remarries. He also seems to escape the census taker again until 1930.
Dennison "Den" Thompson is Chilt's older brother, older by 12 years. His wife appears to have been Medora Latilda Benham.
"Mrs Ed Thompson" is likely to be Marion/Mary Thompson as shown in census records. Edward A Thompson is also an older brother of Chilt's.
"Mrs Gilbert" is Chilt's older sister, Melissa. She is widowed and lives with Chilt.
Grace Rose lived from 1887 to 1981. She was born in Michigan and lived there most of her life. This is a transcription of her diary written in 1908, the year she turned 21. She lived in Corunna, Michigan at the time. In just a few years, she would be married to Earl Derham. Read on for the adventures of a single girl in the early 20th century!
Showing posts with label THOMPSON Melissa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label THOMPSON Melissa. Show all posts
Friday, November 6, 1908
Papa and I went over to Aunt Louise's and got a cow. Mrs Gilbert over in p.m.
Wednesday, October 7, 1908
Papa was downtown nearly all day. Ironed. Mama was some better during the day but got worse toward evening. Mrs Gilbert, Salem, and Ernest up in evening also Earl but he went home early on account of not feeling good.
Friday, May 22, 1908
Mrs Gilbert came over and stayed with Mama while I went over to Owosso to see Cole Bros. parade. Hope, Hazel, Hattie, and I had a great time. Walked home and blistered my heels. Got here at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12, 1908
Swell day. Mrs Gilbert over in p.m. with Sylvia Hanes. Papa went downtown in evening and before he got back Earl drove up and we went for a ride. "Moon-light." Stopped at the store and got some candy. Home at 11:30.
Wednesday, April 29, 1908
Washed my wool dress and ironed it. Mrs Gilbert and Chilt over in a.m. Sum called in the evening.
Sunday, April 12, 1908
Mrs Gilbert over in a.m. Papa over to Uncle Theo in p.m. Mrs G came over again in evening. I had a dandy visit with Will over the phone. Ans'd W.H. and W.F.C.'s letters.
Monday, March 30, 1908
Ans'd W.F.C.'s and Hope's letters. Went downtown in p.m. with Grandma. Rec'd W.H.'s letter. Mrs Gilbert brought some unions (sic) over in evening.
Saturday, March 28, 1908
Worked quite hard all day. In evening Chilt, Mrs Gilbert, and Mr Fenner over with the phonograph.
Tuesday, Feb 11, 1908
Mama and I went down to Hawkins a little while in the p.m. Mrs Gilbert was over while we were gone so she visited with Grandma.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
