Dorothy Straw

  General Notes:

IGI files

POB per Alice Volkert.

Cass County Michigan Biographies
From The History of Cass County by Glover

EDWIN N. AUSTIN
AUSTIN, SAGE, SIMPSON, DICKERMAN, STRAW, BLAISDELL
Edwin N. Austin, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in a practical, progressive and profitable manner, is living in Pokagon township and is to-day the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land, the greater part of which is under cultivation, giving proof in its excellent appearance of the careful supervision of the owner. A native of St. Lawrence county, New York, Mr. Austin was born on the 8th of August, 1850. His father, John W. Austin, was also a native of the Empire state and was a farmer by occupation. Coming to the west he settled in Allegan county in 1863, taking up his abode upon a farm which he cultivated and improved until he had acquired a handsome competence, when he retired from active business life and removed to the city of Allegan, where he spent his remaining days in the emjoyment of a well-earned rest, his death there occurring in 1893. He was married in the Empire state to Miss Lucinda Sage, who was born in New York and was there reared. This union was blessed with a family of four sons and two daughters, all of whom were natives of the Empire state. As the result of study and investigation concerning the political questions of the day and the attitude of the two parties Mr. Austin gave his support to the Republican organization, and at all times he commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men by reason of an honorable and upright life.
Edwin N. Austin spent the first twelve years of his life in the county of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegan, Michigan, where he resided until twenty-two years of age, during which time he actively assisted his father in the work of the home farm. He then left home and came to Cass county, taking up his abode upon a farm in Pokagon township. Here he was married to Miss Rebecca Simpson, a daughter of Moses and Sarah Simpson, pioneers of Cass county, having settled within its borders when the white residents here were comparatively few. Mrs. Austin was born and reared in Pokagon township.
Moses W. Simpson, deceased, one of the pioneers of Pokagon, was born in Pembroke, New Hampshire, May 16, 1808. He was the eldest in the family of Samuel and Rebecca (Dickerman) Simpson, which consisted of seven children, four sons and three daughters. The elder Simpson was a farmer and was possessed of those elements of character that have always distinguished the sons of the Granite state. Moses was reared on the farm, and the rugged hills and sterile soil aided in the development of a robust constitution and many admirable traits of character. He early evidenced a desire for books, which was fostered by his parents, and he received a liberal academical education. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five years of age, and at that time he was married to Miss Sarah H. Blaisdell, of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, where she was born September 8, 1811. Her parents, Samuel and Dorothy (Straw) Blaisdell, were of English parentage and New England birth. In 1836 Mr. Simpson and wife came to Pokagon and settled on the farm which was ever afterward his home. He took an active interest in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the township, and largely identified himself with its growth and prosperity; his ability was soon recognized by his fellow townsmen, and he filled many positions of trust and responsibility with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all. His death occurred on June 16, 1849. In the accumulation of property Mr. Simpson was successful. His social qualities were of a high order and his generosity and hospitality were proverbial. He left two daughters, Rebecca, now Mrs. Edwin Austin, and Lydia T. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Simpson assumed the management of the estate, which she conducted successfully until 1850, when she was again married, to John H. Simpson, brother of her first husband. He was a native of New Hampshire and a man universally esteemed. He died August 19, 1879, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.
Mrs. Simpson resided upon the old homestead until her death, January 4, 1889, a lady very highly esteemed.
For two years after his marriage Edwin N. Austin lived upon his father-in-law's farm and then removed to his present place, first purchasing sixty acres of land, to which he has since added part of the hundred and eighty acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation. He has built good buildings here and has improved the property until it is now one of the valuable and productive farms of the township. In its improvement Mr. Austin has displayed good business ability, executive force and keen discernment and in his business relations has commanded the respect of those with whom he has had dealings.

1850 Pokagon, Cass, MI
Dortha Blisell (sic) age 74 born NH is widowed and lives with married dau Sara Simpson [Mrs John Simpson] and her family

www.fold3.com
22 Apr 1853
Samuel Blaisdell was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the act of 7 June 1832 who died on the 25 Sep 1840...His widow in the Probate Court of ...[Cass County, Michigan]...filed an application on 22 Apr 1853 for a Pension under the Act of 3 feb 1853 ...from the evidence on face it appears that Doirothy Blaisdell is the Widow of the identical Saml Blaisdell who was a Revl Pensioner...and that she has contimued to remain his Widow.
Her name is now inscribed on the Pension List Roll of the United States at the rate of $20.00 per Annum from the 3 Feb 1853 [Signed 29 July 1853] Dan'l Mc Cooke - clerk
also
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER RECEIVED FROM THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE
Dorothy Blaisdell (Samuel) - agency of payment: Michigan; date of payment: 1sr qr 1859; date of death: 27 Jan 1859

http://www.migenweb.org/cass/cemeteries/svillecem.htm
Section A - which is the oldest section in the cemetery.
D-7 Blaisdell, Dorothy age 80; died 27 Jan 1859; wf of Samuel

Dorothy married Samuel Blaisdell on 8 Jul 1802 in Hopkinton, Merrimack County, New Hampshire. (Samuel Blaisdell was born circa 1765 in New Hampshire, died on 25 Sep 1840 in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire and was buried in Eaton Cemetery in Weare, New Hampshire.)

  Marriage Notes:

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