Husband: John Byram CRANE
Birthdate: 2 Jul 1814
Birthplace: Charlotteville Twp., London Dist., UC
Death date: 3 May 1876
Place of death: Watford, Brooke Twp., Lambton Co., ON
Burial: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
Father: Jacob Marsh CRANE
Mother: Elizabeth (Betsy) POOLE
Other Spouses:

Marriage date: 23 May 1836
Marriage place: Yarmouth Twp., London Dist., UC

Wife: Mary Elizabeth HENNEKER
Birthdate: 16 Jul 1817
Birthplace: Ashford, Kent Co., England
Death date: 8 Sep 1899
Place of death: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Father: Edward HENNEKER
Mother: Ann BARTON
Other Spouses:

CHILDREN

Child No. 1: Hannah Ann CRANE
Sex: F
Birthdate: 30 Jul 1837
Birthplace: Dorchester Twp., London Dist., UC
Baptism: 19 Jan 1859 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Death date: 12 Apr 1914
Place of death: MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: 1 Sep 1860
Marriage place: New Sarum,Yarmouth Twp.,Elgin Co.,CW
Spouses' names: George W. PARTLOW

Child No. 2: Winsor CRANE
Sex: M
Birthdate: 8 Apr 1839
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., London Dist., UC
Baptism: 19 Jan 1859 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Death date: 19 Feb 1903
Place of death: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: [1] 25 Oct 1865 [2] 19 Feb 1868
Marriage place: [1] Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI [2] St. Charles, Saginaw Co., MI
Spouses' names: [1] Caroline E. LIMBOCKER [2] Sarah Eleanor (Nellie) McINTYRE

Child No. 3: Isaac CRANE
Sex: M
Birthdate: 26 May 1841
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., London Dist., UC
Death date: 19 Jun 1905
Place of death: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: 1878 Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage place:
Spouses' names: Hannah Jane (Jennie) JACKSON

Child No. 4: Mark CRANE
Sex: M
Birthdate: 7 Mar 1843
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., London Dist., CW
Baptism: 19 Jan 1859 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Death date: 25 Jul 1915
Place of death: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: 1 Jan 1865
Marriage place: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Spouses' names: Elizabeth Jane RILEY

Child No. 5: Susan Elda CRANE
Sex: F
Birthdate: 4 Jul 1846
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., London Dist., CW
Death date: 2 Jun 1931
Place of death: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: 26 Dec 1871
Marriage place: Malahide Twp., Elgin Co., ON
Spouses' names: David WHALEY

Child No. 6: Mary Ursula CRANE
Sex: F
Birthdate: 18 Jun 1848
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., London Dist., CW
Death date: 27 Jun 1924
Place of death: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: 28 Jan 1873
Marriage place: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
Spouses' names: Ranson DEXTER

Child No. 7: Abigail CRANE
Sex: F
Birthdate: 7 Nov 1850
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., London Dist., CW
Death date: 1 Apr 1896
Place of death: MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: BEF 1880
Marriage place:
Spouses' names: William Charles MORRISON

Child No. 8: Caroline (Carrie) Cordelia CRANE
Sex: F
Birthdate: 16 Dec 1852
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Death date: 25 Nov 1922
Place of death: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: 21 Nov 1872
Marriage place: Bay Co., MI
Spouses' names: William WARD

Child No. 9: James Burton CRANE
Sex: M
Birthdate: 3 Apr 1855
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Death date: 12 Jun 1895
Place of death: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: 18 May 1875
Marriage place: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
Spouses' names: Martha LITCHFIELD

Child No. 10: Elizabeth Alma CRANE
Sex: F
Birthdate: 15 Apr 1858
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Death date: 1 Jun 1873
Place of death: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
Burial: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
Marriage date:
Marriage place:
Spouses' names:

Child No. 11: John Byram CRANE
Sex: M
Birthdate: 15 Sep 1860
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Death date: 27 Dec 1863
Place of death: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Burial: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Marriage date:
Marriage place:
Spouses' names:

Child No. 12: Valetta (Lettie) Jane CRANE
Sex: F
Birthdate: 25 Dec 1862
Birthplace: Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
Death date: 14 May 1887
Place of death: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Burial: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Marriage date: 25 Dec 1882
Marriage place: Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
Spouses' names: Wallace Pearl STEVENS
 
 
Documentation:
 1. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975.
 2. John B. CRANE appears in the 1842 census of Yarmouth Twp. There are two male and one female children under 5, but no adult female.
 3. Ontario Death Registration #06410-77; John B. CRANE, d. 3 May 1876, Canadian Home Journal, 5 May 1876, pg4. Obituary: SUDDEN DEATH AT WATFORD --- A telegram from Watford states that Mr. J. H. CRANE [sic] who has been living in Aylmer for many years went to that place a few days ago to visit his daughter, and going out to see a neighbour on Tuesday afternoon he was found lying by the roadside some hours afterwards, quite paralyzed. He died the following morning. Mr. CRANE was about 62 years of age. (I wonder which daughter is in Watford?).
 4. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975; also cemetery transcriptions at Elgin Co. Library, St. Thomas, ON.
 5. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975; her birth was registered in Ashford Church.
 6. Mary, wife of John Byron CRANE, Yarmouth Twp. and their son, James Burton CRANE are mentioned in the will of Susan HENNEKER, died 31 Mar 1867, resident of South Dorchester, Elgin Co., ON, widow of James HENNEKER.
 7. She is living with her daughter, Carrie and husband William WARD. Her name is enumerated as Mary E. WARD, instead of Mary E. CRANE.
 8. Obituary from Chesaning News: TO THE GREAT BEYOND Mary E. CRANE, of Brant, Passes Away Sept. 8, 1899, Aged 82 Years.
   Mary E. Crane died at the home of Mrs. Burton CRANE, in Brant, Mich. Sept. 8, 1899, aged 82 years, 1 month and 23 days. Obsequies were held on Sunday at Brant M. P, church. Rev. George CARSON, of Chesaning, officiating, assisted by Rev. A. MOFFAT. She was laid at rest in Brant cemetery beside her brother, Mark HENNEKER. Mary E. Henneker CRANE was born in Kent county, England, and came to America when quite young. She was united in marriage to John Bryam CRANE, with whom she lived 40 years, in Yarmouth, Elgin county, Ontario. To them were born 12 children, five sons and seven daughters. Her husband, two sons and three daughters preceded her to the home beyond, Three sons and four daughters are residents of Saginaw county--Winsor, Isaac and Mark CRANE, Mrs. George PARTLOW, Mrs. D. WHALEY, Mrs. R. DEXTER and Mrs. Wm. WARD, Sr.; also 26 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. At her request the pall-bearers were six grandsons and six granddaughters. She was a consistent Christian, a member of the Baptist church for 64 years. When stricken with paralysis she was earnestly listening to the reading of the scripture. She moved from Ontario to Brant in December, 1876. Obituary, source unknown: Mary E. HENNEKER was born July 16th, 1817 in Kent county, England. She was married to John B. Crane at the age of eighteen, in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada. She also became a member of the Methodist Church about the same time, but afterwards joined the Baptist church of which she was a member at the time of her death. She lived to see the fourth generation of her descendents, there being twelve children, twenty-six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was a loving mother, a faithful wife and a constant Christian. She met every trial and affliction with Christian fortitude that showed her desire to bow to the will of God, "who doeth all things well." Among her sorrows was loss of her companion twenty-three years ago, she was followed to her last resting place by a large throng of friends and relatives. Rev. George CARSON of Chesaning preached a very impressive sermon.
 9. Card index, St. Thomas Public Library; by Rev. Abraham SMITH, Baptist; Elgin County Marriage Register v. 7 1858-1866, FHL film #1030055.
 10. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975; the date could be 16 Mar 1914.
 11. From cemetery transcription.
 12. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975.
 13. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975; he was the first of the John Byram & Mary E. CRANE family to immigrate to MI. He was always doing something for other people or for the town. He was a good farmer, also a good neighbor to everyone.
 14. They had no children; date of marriage from family tree chart by Rose WARD.
 15. Saginaw Co. Marriages; they were both residents of Brant at the time of their marriage.
 16. Obituary in the Saginaw Courier Herald, 20 & 27 Feb 1903. Obituary from unknown newspaper sent by Linda CARLSON, Durand, MI. Mar 2001.
   Windsor CRANE was born in Elgin Co., Province of Ontario, Canada, April 8, 1839. He came to Brant Jan. 1, 1861, where he was engaged first in lumbering, and of late years in farming. He has been a scientific and successful farmer. He was married in 1864 to Miss Caroline E. LIMBOCKER, a native of Michigan, who died May 15, 1865, was again married in 1868 to Miss Sarah E. MCINTYRE. Four children were born of this union, three girls and one boy. Mr. CRANE served his township in almost all of its local offices, being supervisor two years, treasurer seven years, justice of the peace four years, etc. He was elected supervisor the first time in 1901. His only other service on the board had been in 1868 and 1869. During his last term he proved aggressive in his opposition to the extravagant smallpox claims. He was in sympathy with the efforts of the tax commission to secure equal taxation, and remarked more than once that he knew he would not serve a second term, because people were not ready for a man who would do his whole duty as a supervisor. In religion he was at one time a universalist, but of late years has been inclined toward Spiritualism. He owned a large farm, and was one of the most substantial men of Brant. He will be greatly missed, not only in his home, but in the whole community. An effort was made to secure Rev. A. H. MILLAR, of South Haven, to officiate at the funeral, but we did not learn the outcome.
 17. From the Chesaning News:
   Laid At Rest On Sunday, Feb. 22, 1902, all that was mortal of Winsor CRANE was laid to rest in Brant cemetery. The funeral obsequies were held at his home, Elder MILLAR of South Haven delivered the funeral discourse. It seemed appropriate that this eloquent divine, who had been his friend for years and one whose religious views were so in accord with his own, should conduct those services. His eloquent words favored a response in every heart for all had known him as a truly good man, a kind neighbor, a faithful friend and a loving husband and father. A choir from Chesaning gave sweet and appropriate song service. F. B. Walker of Chesaning, had charge of the funeral. Winsor CRANE was born April 8, 1836, died Feb. 19, 1903. He passed out very suddenly on the thirty-fifth anniversary of his wedding day. His pall-bearers were selected from among his warm personal friends. Honorary pallbearers were James EATON, Reuben BEEMAN, Whitman SPENCER, Joseph WHALEY, Israel KINSEY, Henry PALMER. Acting pall-bearers, John THOMPSON, Geo. UPRIGHT, I. A. KINSEY, Geo. PRICE, Arthur BOONE, James HARRIS. He leaves to mourn his departure a loving wife, two sons, Ray and Chester, four daughters, Bertha, Mrs. Maud KINSEY, Mrs. Blanche HILLIS and Grace.
 18. Residing with his cousin, Jacob CRANE, and Jacob's mother, Mary Ann (WINTER).
 19. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975. The cemetery transcription gives year of death as 1907.
 20. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975.
 21. Card Index, St. Thomas Public Library; marriage by Rev. E. A. TERWILLEGER and JP MORDEN, Methodist Episcopal. Elgin Co., Microfilm #1030056.
 22. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975. Source unknown for the following:
   Mark CRANE, the subject of this memoir, was born in Elgin County, township of Yarmouth, Ontario, March 7th, 1843, and died at his home residence in Brant, July 25th, 1915. On January 1st, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Jane RILEY, of Malahide, Ont., to whom was born three children, one daughter and two sons. Ida and John preceded him to the home beyond. Harvey and wife are left to comfort and care for their aged mother. He also left four grand children, Ruby and Bernice GIBBS, of Elsie; Kenneth and Marion CRANE, of Brant; and three sisters, Mrs. Ransom DEXTER, of Marion; and Mrs. Susan WHALEY and Mrs. Wm. WARD, of Brant. On his 15th birthday he publicly accepted Christ as his Saviour in righteousness and remarked to his father: "I've been steadily climbing Zion's hill ever since." For a short time he found a home among the Methodist, but being an independent thinker and a diligent student of the word of God, he found he wished to seek another home, which he found among the Baptists. He united with the 2nd Baptist church of Yarmouth, of which he was a useful member. He then began work in the ministry, remained a member of this church until his removal to Michigan, when he and his wife settled on a new farm, which was their home for 43 years without moving. They then united with the Methodist Protestant of this place after a period of usefulness, being lovers of all good work, returned to their Baptist home again, of which he was a member till death. He was widely known as a good man, a kind neighbor and friend, often lending a helping hand to the poor and needy; a truly faithful husband, father and brother. He said to his loved ones just before his departure, "The greatest bargain I ever made in my life is soon to be closed. I exchange earth for heaven. While friends here drop tears, friends there wear smiles. When on earth it is said, Mr. Crane is gone; heaven will say he has come."
 23. Funeral write-up from Chesaning News: REV. MARK CRANE, PIONEER OF BRANT TOWNSHIP, DEAD.
   Rev. Mark CRANE, an early pioneer of Brant township, died early Sunday morning. He has been in poor health for a long time, and was taken worse a few weeks ago, gradually growing weaker until the end came. He leaves his aged wife and one son, Harvey, who with his wife has lived at home and cared for his father and mother. Mr. CRANE was a member of the Baptist Church at St. Charles. The funeral was held at 2 o'clock Tuesday at the home. Rev. DEWITT, of St. Charles, conducted the services. A very large number of friends were in attendance, some from Lansing, Mt. Pleasant and Chesaning.
 24. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975.
 25. The 1990 census records they had two children, but only one living in 1900.
 26. From History of Our Church and It's People 1850-1972, Brant United Methodist Church, by Laura E. BARNHART.
 27. Vital Records of Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI.
 28. She was known as Ursula.
 29. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975.
 30. at the time of her mother's death.
 31. Vital Records of Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI; obituary from unknown newspaper:
   Mary Ursula CRANE was born in Elgin county, Ont., June 18, 1848, and died June 27, 1924, in Brant at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John HUNTLEY, at the age of 76 years and nine days. Ursula DEXTER was married 51 years ago to Ransom Dexter, who passed away eight years ago. She leaves to mourn their loss three children, Walter, of Ohio; Ernest, of Mt. Pleasant; and Mrs. John HUNTLEY, of Brant; six grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Susan WHALEY, of Brant, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral was held at the Huntley home, with burial in Brant cemetery.
 32. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975. Cemetery transcription for Abbie MORRISON reads "died 1 April 1896, 45 years, 4 mos, 23 days, wife of W. C.
 33. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975.
 34. She was a school teacher for a short time.
 35. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975. Their marriage was listed in the early Bay Co. Marriages, MIGenWeb. This appears to be a double wedding, as William's sister Eliza WARD was married the same day.
 36. Vital Records of Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI, Her obituary follows: BRANT MRS. CAROLINE C. WARD
   Caroline C. Crane, daughter of John Byram and Mary Elizabeth CRANE, was born in Elgin county Ontario, December 16, 1852; lived there until she was 18 years of age, when she came to Michigan, and engaged in teaching for a short time. On November 21, 1872, she was united in marriage with William WARD and they have lived on the same farm for the past fifty years, this being their golden wedding anniversary year.
   Mrs. WARD passed away at her home in Brant, Saturday evening, November 25, 1922, after an illness of many months. The children of Mr. and Mrs. WARD were all born in Brant. Claud B. who passed on nine years ago; Windsor J. of Mt. Pleasant; Rose E. JONES of Brant and George LaVergne WARD of Lansing.
   She leaves besides her husband and three children, seven grand-children, four great grand-children and two sisters, Mrs. Susan WHALEY of Brant, and Mrs. Ursula DEXTER of Mt. Pleasant. There are also a large number of cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends who feel the great loss they have sustained.
   Note from Ann PARTRIDGE: Caroline married William WARD (1849 -1935) who was the son of George WARD and Phoebe Ann PINE. Phoebe was the daughter of John and Mary PINE of Blenheim Twp., Ontario, Canada and George (1822 - 1894) was the son of William and Henrietta Ann WARD, natives of Yorkshire, England.
 37. He was known as Burton.
 38. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975.
 39. Mark CRANE, 64 years, an uncle born in England living in the household.
 40. Obituary from the Chesaning News: To The Beyond
   James Burton CRANE, of Brant, Mich. departed this life at his late home Wednesday morning, June 12, 1895, after four weeks of suffering from typhoid fever. The funeral was held yesterday (Friday) at 10 a.m. at the residence. Rev. BATCHELOR officiating, and a large concourse of people assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to an honored fellow citizen and brother. Among the floral pieces was a beautiful sickle from the citizens of Chesaning by whom the deceased is held in the highest esteem.
   Mr. Burton CRANE was born in Canada, April 3, 1855, and came to this county the fall of '76, and located in Brant township where he has resided ever since. He was married May 18, 1875 to Miss Martha DITCHFIELD (sic), two children, both boys, were born to them, who with their mother now mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. Mr. and Mrs. CRANE were to have celebrated the anniversary of their marriage May 18 with a China wedding, but owing to his sickness could not. Mr. CRANE was a man well known throughout the community, honored and respected everywhere. He was an exceptionally honorable man, and as has been said, "his word was as good as his bond." He was never known to use profane language in any form. When about sixteen years of age he experienced religion, joining the Baptist church, but of late years had become something of a liberalist, respecting all men's beliefs. He had outgrown many of the old ideas of theology to take up that which seemed to him most reasonable. He was very progressive both in an intellectual and business way, always pressing forward, never backward. The family were nicely located in their beautiful new residence and were prepared to enjoy life; all of which makes his untimely death seem the more sad. During all his sickness he did not give up clinging to this life, that is so dear to all. The neighbors and friends were more than kind to the afflicted family, even sacrificing their own pleasure many times to administer to them.
   He leaves an aged mother who has made her home with him the past few years, five sisters and three brothers, Winsor CRANE, Isaac CRANE, Rev. Mark CRANE, and Mesdames Geo. PARTLOW, David WHALEY, Ransom DEXTER, William MORRISON and William WARD. There are also a large number of cousins, nieces and nephews who sincerely feel the great loss they have sustained; though feeling it to be his eternal gain and that they are only separated by a thin veil.
 41. She was called Alma.
 42. He was known as Byram.
 43. From gravestone inscription: AE 2 ys 3 m & 12 ds.
 44. She and her mother were living with her sister, Carrie & William WARD.
 45. From Saginaw County Marriage Register, County Clerk's office; witnesses were Mrs. John SCHILTZ, St. Charles and Mr. J. B. CRANE, Brant.
 46. From Jacob CRANE Family History, by Mary Dexter COOPER, 1975. Lettie died one month after the birth of her youngest child, Valetta.

Husband's notes
cens2: 1842 Yarmouth Twp., London Dist., CW
chur: 05 Feb 1859 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW

Wife's notes
immi: 1817 London Dist., UC
chur: 05 Feb 1859 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
emig: Dec 1876 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
chur: 19 May 1877 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
cens7: 1880 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Notes for Hannah Ann
cens: 1900 Chapin Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Notes for Winsor
immi13: 1 Jan 1861 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., CW
cens: 1870 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
cens: 1880 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
cens: 1900 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Notes for Isaac
immi: 1867 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
cens18: 1870 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
cens: 1880 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
cens: 1900 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Notes for Mark
cens: 1871 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
immi: 1872 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
chur: 28 Jan 1877 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
cens: 1880 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Notes for Susan Elda
chur: 19 May 1877 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
emig26: 1880 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
cens: 1880 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
cens: 1900 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Notes for Mary Ursula
resd30: 1922 Mt. Pleasant, Brant Co., ON

Notes for Abigail
resid: 1876 Saginaw Co., MI
chur: 19 May 1877 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
cens: 1880 Brady Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Notes for Caroline Cordelia
immi34: 1870 Elgin Co., ON
cens: 1880 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
cens: 1900 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Notes for James Burton
emig: Dec 1876 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI
chur: 19 May 1877 Yarmouth Twp., Elgin Co., ON
cens39: 1880 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Notes for Valetta Jane
cens44: 1880 Brant Twp., Saginaw Co., MI

Donna-Rae Prong September 2003