Swan Family Notes

ESTHER WINSLOW--born 1838 in North Carolina. Married Thomas Rittenhouse Swan April 1, 1859 in Clark Co., MO. Why Esther and Thomas traveled to Missouri to get married is a mystery, but the other couples listed on the same page that I received from Clark Co. were also from Iowa. After traveling through the midwest I have discovered that Clark Co., Missouri and Henry Co., Iowa are within a hundred miles of one another, still a long distance during the 1800s. I first find Esther in the 1850 census living with her parents and siblings in Jackson Township, Henry Co., Iowa. According to the census, Esther's family moved from North Carolina to Indiana sometime between 1841 and 1842, when Esther was three or four years of age. They moved to Iowa after 1847, but before 1850. At this time Esther was nine to eleven years old. Most likely this move was by covered wagon. In the 1860 census Esther and Thomas are living in Tippecanoe Township, Henry Co., Iowa, next to Martha Swan, the mother of Thomas. They owned no property, and had only $100., in personal property. Thomas was a farmer.

Children born to Esther and Thomas Swan:

     1. LYDIA ANN--born Sept. 9, 1860 in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa--died July 10, 1930 in
          Cottonwood, Yavapai Co., Arizona. Married Russell Clinton Leedham Nov. 14, 1878 in
          Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa.

Thomas was accidently killed (My grandmother, Lydia's daughter, said that he was kicked by a horse) in 1863. Esther married 2nd to Hiram Edwards Feb. 25, 1864 in Henry Co., Iowa. My grandmother told me that Esther's second husband, Hiram, died in a mining accident sometime before Esther died. I have tried to locate him in the 1860 census in Salem Twsp., Tippecanoe Twsp., and Mt. Pleasant Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa. I couldn't find him in this census, but I did find some members of the Edwards family. It is likely that Hiram joined his family in Iowa after 1860 shortly before his marriage to Esther. According to my grandmother, Ethel Leedham Burnham, Esther and Hiram had a son. There is no mention of this in the paper from Henry Co., Iowa. My great-grandmother, Lydia, tried to locate her half-brother after she was grown, but was not able to find him. After Esthers' death, her daughter, Lydia, was raised by Esther's parents, John and Mary Winslow. I have found Lydia living with the Winslows in the 1870 census. Esther lived a tragic life, the stress of which could easily have contributed to her death at such a young age. Quick Consumption was T. B., and what I was told that Esther died from.

Thomas Rittenhouse Swan died June 22, 1863 in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa when he was accidently kicked by a horse. He was only 24 years old. Hiram Edwards died in a mining accident sometime before 1870 in Henry Co., Iowa. Esther Swan died before 1870, of Quick Consumption (TB) in Henry Co., Iowa. She was between 25 and 30 years old.

HUGH SWAN

Submitted by David Arrowsmith
Written by Sara A. Bristow, 2000

HUGH SWAN--born August 27, 1809 in either Greene Co., Pennsylvania or Virginia. In a biographical sketch from Iowa it is written that Hugh was born in Pennsylvania. The 1850 census shows him as being born in Virginia. The WORLD FAMILY TREE, Vol. 2, #5537 states that Hugh Swan swas born in Greene Co., Pennsylvania. I believe that he was most likely born in Pennsylvania because sometimes the census can be wrong. Married about 1831 to Martha Burson, daughter of Judge Thomas Burson, of Waynesburg, Greene Co., Pennsylvania. Martha Burson was born 1813 in Pennsylvania. Hugh and Martha were second cousins. Hugh's father, Henry Swan and Martha's mother, Ann (Swan) Burson were first cousins. I first located Hugh Swan and his family living in Cumberland Township, Greene Co., Pennsylvania in the 1840 census. The age of their children agree with the ages of the children listed in the census. There is another male living in the household who was between the age of 30 and 40 years.

Children born to Hugh and Martha Swan:

     1. THOMAS--born Aug. 20, 1832 in Greene Co., Penn.--died Mar. 11, 1835 in Greene Co., Penn.
     2. HENRY--born Sept. 1, 1834 in Greene Co., Penn.--died Apr. 19, 1881 in Tippecanoe Twsp.,
          Henry Co., Iowa.
     3. ELIZABETH ANN--born Sept. 15, 1836 in Greene Co., Penn.--died June 10, 1851 in Tippecanoe
          Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa.
     4. THOMAS RITTENHOUSE--born Aug. 24, 1838 in Greene Co., Penn.--died June 22, 1863 in
          Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa. Married Esther Winslow Apr. 1, 1859 in Clark Co., Missouri.
     5. GEORGE PRICE--born Jan. 21, 1841 in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa--died Oct. 13, 1842 in
          Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa.
     6. JOHN SAMPLE--born Nov. 17, 1847 in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa--died Sept. 16, 1863 in
          Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa.
     7. CHARLES CLARK--born July 13, 1849 in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa--died Feb. 21, 1926 in
          New London, Henry Co., Iowa. Married Sarah Litzenberg Feb. 13, 1873 in Marion Twsp., Henry
          Co., Iowa.

Information from PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF HENRY COUNTY, IOWA, 1888, regarding the son of Hugh, Charles C. Swan. "His father, Hugh Swan, was an honored pioneer of Henry County, Iowa, of 1841, and was born in Greene County, Pa., Aug. 22, 1809, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Bowan) Swan. His grandfather, Henry Swan, was born in Virginia, March 12, 1774, the family being of Welsh and English origin, established in America in Colonial times. Hugh Swan was a hatter by trade, and carried on that business at Clarksville, Pa., where he was also engaged in hotel-keeping. He was married in his native county to Miss Martha Burson, a daughter of Judge Thomas Burson, of Waynesburg, Greene Co., Pa. Seven children were born of the union of this worthy couple, six sons and one daughter: Thomas, born Aug. 20, 1832, who died March 11, 1835; Henry, born Sept. 1, 1834, died April 19, 1881; Elizabeth, born Sept. 15, 1836, died June 10, 1851; Thomas Rittenhouse, born Aug. 24, 1838, married Esther Winslow, by whom he had one child, a daughter, Lydia A., now Mrs. Leedham, of Colorado; Thomas R. was accidentally killed June 22, 1863; George Price was born Jan. 31, 1841, died Oct. 13, 1842; John Sample, born Nov. 17, 1847, died Sept. 16, 1863, and Charles C., our subject. The five older children were born in Greene County, Pa., and the two younger in Henry County, Iowa. Mr. Swan emigrated to Henry County, Iowa, in 1841, and settled in Tippecanoe Township, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred June 8, 1851, of cholera, and his daughter Elizabeth died two days later of the same disease. His wife survived him several years, dying Oct. 5, 1865. Mr. Swan was a Whig in politics, and was one of the earliest Justices of the Peace of Tippecanoe Township. He and his wife were earnest and devoted Christians, and members of the Presbyterian Church, and were held in high esteem in the community in which they lived." And from WEBSTERS' NINTH NEW COLLEGIATE DICTIONARY, pg. 1343. "WHIG--a member or supporter of an American political party formed about 1834 in opposition to the Jacksonian Democrats, associated chiefly with manufacturing, commercial and financial interests, and succeeded about 1854 by the Republican party."

In the 1850 census Hugh Swan and his family were living in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa. Living nearby was Martha's brother, Richard Burson, age 36. Also living nearby were William Sample and family, also John Sample and family. John Sample is 74 years old and was born in Pennsylvania. It is interesting that Hugh and Martha named their sixth child, John Sample. I wonder if these families are related to Hugh or Martha because their sixth child was named John Sample Swan. The information that I received from Iowa, states that the old cemetary was Sample Cemetary. Martha Swan was living in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa in the 1860 census. Living with her were two sons, Henry and Charles, and a Thomas Swan, possibly a nephew. Living next door was their son, Thomas and his wife, Esther. Richard Burson was living with Thomas and Esther. Thomas R. Swan was a farmer and Richard a laborer.

Hugh Swan died of cholera June 8, 1851 in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa. He was 41 years old. Martha Swan died Oct. 5, 1865 in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa. She was 52 years old.

Some information regarding some of the children born to Hugh and Martha Swan. Thomas R. is written about separately.
HENRY SWAN--born Sept. 1, 1834 in Greene Co., Penn. Henry was living with his mother, Martha, in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa in the 1860 census. Information from HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY IOWA, 1879 pg. 406, 408, and 409, state that Henry Swan was the County Sheriff in 1853, Notary Public in 1868 and 1871, and Justice of Peace in 1856. Henry Swan died Apr. 19, 1881 in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa. I don't have information as to if he ever married.

ELIZABETH ANN SWAN--born Sept. 15, 1834 in Greene Co., Penn. Elizabeth Ann died June 10, 1851 in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa of cholera two days after her father, Hugh. He also died of cholera. Elizabeth Ann was only 14 years old.

CHARLES CLARK SWAN--born July 13, 1849 in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa. I found Charles living with his mother, Martha, in Tippecanoe Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa in the 1860 census. Married Sarah Litzenberg Feb. 13, 1873 in Marion Twsp., Henry Co., Iowa. Information from 1888 HENRY CO., IOWA PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. "Charles C. Swan, a farmer and breeder of Poland-China hogs, residing on section 4, New London Township, Henry Co., Iowa, post office address New Loudon, is a native of Henry County, Iowa, and was born in Tippecanoe Township, July 13, 1849, and is the son of Hugh and Martha (Burson) Swan. (Information regarding Hugh and Martha followed, it is written with Hugh and Martha). The early life of Charles C. Swan was spent on the farm until September, 1867, when he engaged as clerk with Mr. Reuben Eshelman, of Mt. Pleasant, and continued with that gentleman until February, 1873. He was married in Marion Township, Henry County, Feb. 13, 1873, to Miss Sarah Litzenberg, a daughter of William and Amelia (Teagarden) Litzenberg. Mrs. Swan was born in Washington County, Pa., Sept. 18, 1855, and came to Iowa with her parents in the fall of 1865, and resided in Marion Township, Henry County. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 25, 1811, and is a farmer of Marion Township, and her mother was born in the same State and died in December, 1858; both were of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Swan have three children living, all sons, and lost an only daughter. Charles W. was born Dec. 13, 1873; Clark L. born May 16, 1877; Cora Grace was born May 11, 1879, and died July 8, 1881; Simeon Howard, the youngest, was born May 14, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Swan took up their residence on their present farm immediately after their marriage, and have 269 acres in two farms, owned severally. Mr. Swan is extensively engaged in breeding and selling pure blood Poland-China hogs, in which he has been employed for the past fourteen years. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of Henry Lodge No. 10, I.O.O.F., of Mt. Pleasant." Charles Clark Swan died Feb. 21, 1926 in New Longon, Henry Co., Iowa.

LYDIA ANN SWAN
LYDIA ANN SWAN--born Sept. 9, 1860 in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa. Married Russell Clinton Leedham Nov. 14, 1878 in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa. Lydia and Russell were married in the home of Russell's parents, Henry and Emily Leedham. My Grandmother, Ethel Leedham Burnham told me that her mother (Lydia) was short, had brown eyes, and thick dark brown hair. I found Russell and Lydia living in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa in the 1880 census. After the birth of their first child, Ansel, Lydia became ill with Quick Consumption (TB). To improve her health, Russell decided to move West where the air was cleaner. I was under the impression that they first moved to Utah, but didn't like it, and finally ended up settling in Trinidad, Colorado. Information that I received recently from my cousin Collin's son, David, when he gave me Henry Leedham's Bible that was filled with old newspaper clippings, etc., shows that they were living in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1892, but had lived in Trinidad before moving to Utah for a short time, and than back to Trinidad, Colorado. I have the census of 1900, 1910, and 1920 showing them living in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado. My Grandmother, Ethel (Leedham) Burnham told me that her parents, Lydia and Russell lived with their family on a ranch just outside town. Russell owned the first planing mill in the area which was located in Mountain Air, New Mexico near Trinidad. Lydia owned a Milinary (hat) shop in Trinidad during the early 1900s. Her daughter Abbie helped Lydia operate this shop, and my Grandmother made several of the hats that were sold. Lydia's father died when she was a little girl. Her mother married second to Hiram Edwards and gave birth to Lydia's half brother. Hiram Edwards died not long after they were married, than Lydia's mother, Esther died. Lydia went to live with her maternal grandparents, the Winslows. I find her living with them in the 1870 census when she was ten years old. Lydia tried to locate her brother after she was grown, but was never able to do so. Lydia gave birth to 12 children, but only 8 survived to adulthood.

Children born to Russell and Lydia Leedham:

     1. ANSEL SWAN--born Aug. 4, 1880 in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa--died Oct. 30, 1948 in Phoenix,
          Maricopa Co., Arizona. Married Buela Gay Day Oct. 31, 1903.
     2. RALPH WALDO--born Aug. 5, 1882 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died June 10, 1962 in
          Monrovia, Los Angeles Co., Calif. Married Phoebe Smaller July 4, 1903.
     3. JESSE CLINTON--born Mar. 31, 1884 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died May 1952 in
          Norwalk, Los Angeles Co., Calif. Married Mary Jennette McLoughlin Sept. 4, 1905.
     4. ETHEL MAY--born Dec. 10, 1885 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died June 24, 1971 in
          National City, San Diego Co., Calif. Married Charles Marion Burnham Nov. 2, 1904.
     5. LEWIS--born Oct. 2, 1887 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died Nov. 10, 1888 in Trinidad,
          Las Animas Co., Colorado.
     6. ABBIE RAE--born Mar. 26, 1889 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died May 18, 1946 in
          Colorado Springs, El Paso Co., Colorado. Married Isador Corradino Nov. 20, 1918.
     7. BABY (not named)--born Sept. 7, 1892 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah--died Oct. 12, 1892 in
          Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah.
     8. LYDIA ESTHER--born Sept. 10, 1893 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died May 27, 1982
          in San Fernando, Los Angeles Co., Calif. Married William Andrew Mohow May 18, 1921.
     9. LOTTIE GRACE--born Oct. 31, 1894 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died Dec. 20, 1979 in
          Cottonwood, Yavapai Co., Arizona. Married Clinton Van Roy Case June 18, 1919.
    10. RUSSELL HENRY--born Apr. 8, 1900 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died Apr. 18, 1968
          in Prescott, Yavapai Co., Arizona. Married Florence Julia Smith Aug. 18, 1925.

When looking through old pictures I have noticed that Lydia is almost always smiling and appears to enjoy life. Mom told me that her Grandmother Lydia was alive when she was a little girl, but that she wasn't in good health. I have since found out that she suffered a stroke about 8 years before her death in 1930. There was likely some paralysis from this. She died from a stroke and it is possible that she had several smaller strokes between the first stroke in 1922, and the last in 1930. When my Aunt Amy was a little girl, Grandmother Lydia would show her how to apply creme on her face to keep her skin soft. She would take Aunt Amy's hands and point to each part of Aunt Amy's face while saying, "First you put it on your forehead, than on your nose. Rub it on your cheeks and chin, and last of all don't forget the neck." She made this into a game that my Aunt Amy loved to play. She would send her children and grandchildren special post cards for Christmas. I have two of these cards, one was to my mother which is only signed "Grand Ma & Grand Pa", no date, the other was to my grandparents when they were living in Paducah, Texas. It reads, "Trinidad Colorado--Dec. 31st. Dear Ethel, we got your letter of the 19th. You didn't say anything about getting a Christmas box we sent one also & card at same time. You should of got it Christmas or day after anyway so look at Express office we sent it by express and let us know if you got it. I think it strange you didn't get it. Mama" It was sent in 1909. I once had one that was sent to my Aunt Amy, but I gave it to her children. I also have a beautiful sterling silver plate brush and mirror, a crystle creamer and sugar bowl, and an ornate table clock that once belonged to my great grandmother Lydia.

In the Bible information from David were several newspaper clippings regarding Lydia's death. I'll only write the information from a couple of them, one from Trinidad, Colorado which reads, "LEEDHAM -- The funeral of Mrs. Lydia Ann Leedham, former pioneer resident of this city and late of Cottonwood, Ariz., took place last Monday from the Methodist church at Cottonwood, Ariz., Rev. T. B. Jones of Clarkdale, Ariz., officiating. The choir sang "Face to Face," "Jesus Knows" and Shall We Gather at the River." Pallbearers were Charles Osborn, George Pittman, Herschel Garrison, Fred Shreves, Jack Arnold and William Hemler. The deceased was born at Mt. Pleasant, Ia., September 9, 1860. She was married to Russell Clinton Leedham November 14, 1881. The family soon moved to Trinidad, residing here 40 years before moving to Superior, Ariz., for the benefit of Mrs. Leedham's health May 10, 1921. Mrs. Leedham later moved to Phoenix and later to Cottonwood, Ariz., in February, 1928. She passed away July 10. Mrs. Leedham was the mother of 13 children, eight of whom survive. They are Ansel S., Ralph W., Jess C and Russell H., all of Phoenix, Ariz., Mrs. C. M. Burnham of Superior, Ariz., Mrs. Isador Corradino of Trinidad; Mrs. W. A. Mohow of Bellingham, Wash., and Mrs. C. V. Chase of Cottonwood, Ariz. With the exception Mrs. Mohow all the children attended the funeral services." The other newspaper clippings regarding Lydia's death, give only some of this information. Two short clippings read, "Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Burnham have gone to Cottonwood to attend the funeral of the latter's mother, Mrs. R. C. Leedham", which would be from the newspaper in Superior, Arizona, and "Mr. and Mrs. I. Corradino, accompanied by Mrs. Corradino's father, R. C. Leedham, returned last evening by motor from Cottonwood, Ariz., where they attended the funeral of their mother and wife, Mrs. R. C. Leedham." The second clipping would be from the newspaper in Trinidad, Colorado. The telegram that was sent to my grandmother was also with this information and reads, "WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM -- l ck 7 Clarkdale Ariz. 945 pm July 10 1930   Mrs. C. M. Burnham   Box 271   Superior Ariz.    Mother Leedham died eight five tonight      C. V. Case. 850 am." One last clipping that I thought was especially thoughtful reads, "CARD OF THANKS -- We wish to express our sincere thankfulness for our beloved wife and mother in her hours of suffering and bereavement, especially the Rev. T. B. Jones, who delivered a beautiful service, the choir who sang so beautifully, those who sent flowers and helped in various ways. R. C. Leedham, husband. Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Leedham and family. Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Leedham and family. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Leedham and family. Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Burnham and family. Mr. and Mrs. J. Carradino and family. Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Mohow and family. Mr. and Mrs. C. V. Case and family. Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Leedham and family."

Lydia Leedham died July 10, 1930 in Cottonwood, Arizona of a stroke of paralysis, suffered one year before death. It appears that she also suffered a stroke about 8 years before she died. She was 70 years old. My Mom told me that her grandmother, Lydia was in a funeral home in what is now the famous ghost town of Jerome. The funeral procession had to drive down the curvy road to the Methodist church in Cottonwood, and than to the Cottonwood cemetary. Russell Leedham died from a stroke on July 18, 1936. He was 79 years old.

RUSSELL CLINTON LEEDHAM--born March 24, 1857 in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa. Married Lydia Ann Swan, Nov. 14, 1878 in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa. Their marriage certificate states that Russell and Lydia were married in the home of Russell's parents. My Grandmother, Ethel Leedham Burnham, told me that one of her father's (Russell) eyes was blue and the other was green. He had blond curly hair, was not very tall, and loved to play the violin. My Mom, and Uncle Charles have told me how much they enjoyed listening to him play, and that he was good! I first find Russell and Lydia living in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa in the 1880 census. Both Russell and Lydia were born in Iowa. John and I once stayed in the town of Keokuk, Iowa, which is located about 50 miles from Mt. Pleasant. Keokuk is located on the Mississippi River and is a pretty area, very green in the spring with corn growing everywhere. Lydia became ill with Quick Consumption (TB) after the birth of Ansel, causing them to move West hoping to improve her health. Russell's parents, Henry and Emily, and his sister, Addie and her two children, also moved with Russell and Lydia. My Mom told me that they lived in Utah for a short time, but didn't like it there, and returned to Trinidad, Colorado, where they had originally settled. I recently discovered information confirming that they lived in Salt Lake, Utah in 1892, where Lydia gave birth to a baby (not named) who only lived a month.

Children born to Russell and Lydia Leedham:

     1. ANSEL SWAN--born Aug 4, 1880 in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa--died Oct. 30, 1948 in Phoenix,
          Maricopa Co., Arizona. Married Buela Gay Day Oct. 31, 1903.
     2. RALPH WALDO--born Aug. 5, 1882 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died June 10, 1962 in
          Monrovia, Los Angeles Co., Calif. Married Phoebe Smaller July 4, 1903.
     3. JESSE CLINTON--born Mar. 31, 1884 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died May 1952 in
          Norwalk, Los Angeles Co., Calif. Married Mary Jennette McLoughlin Sept. 4, 1905.
     4. ETHEL MAY--born Dec. 10, 1885 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died June 24, 1971 in
          National City, San Diego Co., Calif. Married Charles Marion Burnham Nov. 2, 1904.
     5. LEWIS--born Oct. 2, 1887 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died Nov. 10, 1888 in Trinidad,
          Las Animas Co., Colorado.
     6. ABBIE RAE--born Mar. 26, 1889 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died May 18, 1946 in
          Colorado Springs, El Paso Co., Colorado. Married Isador Corradino Nov. 20, 1918.
     7. BABY (not named)--born Sept. 7, 1892 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah--died Oct. 12, 1892 in
          Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah.
     8. LYDIA ESTHER--born Sept. 10, 1893 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died May 27, 1982
          in San Fernando, Los Angeles Co., Calif. Married William Andrew Mohow May 18, 1921.
     9. LOTTIE GRACE--born Oct. 31, 1894 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died Dec. 20, 1979 in
          Cottonwood, Yavapai Co., Arizona. Married Clinton Van Roy Case June 18, 1919.
    10. RUSSELL HENRY--born Apr. 8, 1900 in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado--died Apr. 18, 1968
          in Prescott, Yavapai Co., Arizona. Married Florence Julia Smith Aug. 18, 1925.

I have copies of the 1900, 1910, and 1920 census showing Russell and Lydia with their family living in Trinidad, Las Animas Co., Colorado. The 1920 census also shows two of their children living nearby with their families. They were, Ansel and Abbie. Russell learned the trade of carpenter and joiner from his father. He opened the first Planing Mill (where they cut and planed wood) in the Trinidad area. The mill was located at Mountain Air, New Mexico, at that time a territory of the United States, which was located near Trinidad. Russell taught all of his sons the trade of carpenter and joiner. My Grandmother remembered going to the Mill during some floods because the Mill was up the mountain on high ground. During one flood they spent several days living at the Mill. I have a memory of her talking about being on a roof during one flood. Russell and his family lived outside of town Trinidad on a ranch. Mom remembered my Grandmother telling of the time when her parents went into town and left the children at home with the older ones in charge of watching the younger ones. When her parents came home they found that a party was going on. The children found candy that had been put away for Christmas and invited the neighbor children to come over and share in the fun. Of course they all were in big trouble!

In the information from my cousin, Collins Arrowsmith's son, David, was a receipt for taxes paid by R. C. Leedham to the Treasurer's Office, Las Animas County, Colorado in February 1896. The paper states that "the sum of thirteen and 89 ($13.89) dollars for City, State, County, Poll, Military and Special School Tax for the year 1895 on Personal Property valued at $751 Dollars, and on Real Estate valued at 200, Dollars, described as below:" It than gives his Lots -- #11,12, and Block -- 19, Div. -- Terry. The tax breakdown was, "City Tax of $3.57, State Tax of $1.10, County Tax of $5.10, and School Dist. No. 1 tax of $4.12 -- Total $13.89." This was on Page 54. Also with this information was the application for membership and benefits in Modern Woodmen of America for Russell C. Leedham. It states that Russell was born in Iowa, his age was between 42 and 43 years, his occupation was carpenter in Trinidad for King & Co., Contractor & Builders. Russell also owned his mill in Mountain Air, New Mexico, but that is not mentioned on this application. He writes that his benefit certificate's beneficary is his wife, Lydia A. Leedham. He also states that he had Mountain fever in 1888 while living in Trinidad, and was seen by a Dr. White. He also states that he was successfully vaccinated against small-pox. His family record reads that his father, Henry Clinton Leedham, died at age 74 of apoplexy (paralysis due to stroke) and was ill for 10 days. His mother, Emily Doane Leedham, died at age 65 of pnemonia after being ill for 2 weeks. His brother, Ansel Leedham, died at age 20 from bronchitis which he had for one year. His sister, Emma, died age 37 from heart disease, was ill for 3 days. His sister, Sarah "Addie" died age 38, probably from pericarditis (inflammation of heart), was ill for 2 day. This information also states that his grandparents died from old age. Russell gives his Leedham grandparents age at death as 85 years, their actual age was 75 years old. His Doane grandparents age at death was given as 94 for Asahel, and 92 for Sarah, their actual age was 88 for Asahel, and 87 for Sarah. Russell and Lydia's address is given as 303 Nevada Ave., Trinidad, Colorado. I have a postcard sent to Mrs. R. C. Leedham from their son, Jesse's wife, Mary, to the address of 601 Nevada Ave. From this we know that they lived on either 303 or 601 Nevada Ave. in Trinidad, Colorado. There was also a letter from the Modern Woodmen of America Fraternal Beneficiary Society, dated Mar. 29, 1927, which reads, "Mr. Russel C. Leedham, 2141 E. Madison St., R. 8, Box 48-A, Phoenix, Ariz. -- Esteemed Neighbor: In response to your inquiry relative to 70-year Benefits, I have made a computation and find that you have paid Benefit and Patriotic fund assessments, up to and including Assessment No. 3 for the year 1927 aggregating $647.70. I enclose a statement showing your payments by years. If upon careful consideration of the matter you decide to take advantage of the Society's by-law and to receive refund of the amount of your Benefit fund payments, you should complete and sign the enclosed application and acknowledge it before a notary public. The application should thereupon be attached to your Benefit certificate and returned to this office. Your claim will be submitted to the Board of Directors for appropriate action. Yours fraternally, J. D. Ray, Head Clerk." There was also a Summary of Individual Benefit Fund Payments for Russel C. Leedham. Also, I didn't realize that Russel and Lydia lived in Phoenix before moving to Cottonwood.

Also with the Bible information was a newspaper clipping, early 1900s, from a Trinidad, Colorado newspaper, telling about the Leedham Engine invented by Russell C. Leedham. It reads, "LEEDHAM ENGINE DEMONSTRATED; NEW INVENTION A SUCCESS -- Considerable interest is being exhibited by people of the city in the demonstration of the R. C. Leedham rotary steam engine which has been set up for demonstration purposes at the machine shop of the Ph Schaeider brewery. The engine, which is the invention of R. C. Leedham, a pioneer resident of Trinidad, is the acme of simplicity and efficiency. It is not bulky or cumbersome in construction, but occupies a small space and weighs about 400 pounds. Experienced machinists who have looked the engine over have pronounced it an improvement in every way over other engines of the same kind. The engine is especially adapted for running generators. It is an economical apparatus and can be operated at less expense than any other engine and may be built to provide any horse power and may be run at any speed from one thousand to four or five thousand revolutions a minute. It is the intention of the R. C. Leedham Engine and Manufacturing company which incorporated only a few days ago to manufacture the engines in this city and supply the market from here. The engines are now being turned out by the Hawkins & Barnett Machine company. The manufacture of these engines in Trinidad would add a new and substantial industry to the city. R. C. Leedham, the inventor and president of the company, has resided in Trinidad for thirty years and has been one of the city's best boosters. His son was born here and both father and son are expert machinists. They explain the operations and features of the rotary engine to all persons who attend the demonstrations which are given daily."

More information from the Bible, a newspaper clipping that states R. C. Leedham was owner of a mining claim, which reads, "VISITING DAUGHTER -- R. C. Leedham of Cottonwood, owner of the claim at the Silver King cutoff and for several years a resident of Superior, is in the city, a guest in the family of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Burnham." I know that he lived with my grandparents, Charles and Ethel Burnham, part of the time. It appears from this clipping that his wife, Lydia is deceased, dating the clipping as being after 1930. There was only one clipping regarding Russell's death, and the Western Union telegram that was sent from my great-aunt Lottie to my grandparents when Russell died in 1936. The newspaper clipping reads, "R. C. LEEDHAM, FORMER RESIDENT, DIED IN ARIZONA -- Word has been received here of the death of R. C. Leedham, 79 years old, former well-known resident of Trinidad, which took place at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. V. Case at Cotton, Ariz., date not given. Mr. Leedham resided here many years, having come to Trinidad with his wife from (state named is Penn., which is incorrect, should read Iowa), and operated the first planing mill in this city. He left here for Arizona seven years ago, because of his wife's health. Mr. Leedham was also the father of Mrs. I. Corradino of this city and Mr. and Mrs. Corradino left early Sunday for Cottonwood to attend the funeral. Deceased will be remembered by very many in Trinidad." The telegram reads, "WESTERN UNION -- S. B. 8 COTTONWOOD ARIZONA   525 PM JULY 18 1936    MRS C M BURNHAM   GEN DELY   MOJAVE CALIF.     PAPA DIED TODAY   IF   COMING LET US KNOW.     C. V. CASE        447 PM."

My Mom loved her Grandfather Russell very much. She said that he was a good person. She has a memory of him walking to their home when she was little. He was crying because his daughter-in-law, Buela (Uncle Ansel's wife) was making him sleep in the cold garage. After the death of Lydia, Russell lived sometimes at Uncle Ansel's home, sometimes at the home of Uncle Ralph, at Aunt Lottie's home, sometimes in Trinidad with Aunt Abbie, and sometimes with my grandparents. He was living in Arizona with Aunt Lottie when he died. John and I visited Great Grandpa Russell and Great Grandma Lydia's graves during a trip to Arizona a few years ago. He bought a beautiful headstone for his beloved Lydia, but he died during the depression and his headstone is a cement block with his name printed by someone's hand. We thought about getting him a new headstone, but his daughter, my Aunt Lottie, is buried nearby. She was a wonderful woman and if that is all that they could afford at that time because of the respect that I have for her, we decided to leave it. It is possible that her hand was the one that printed his name making it sentimental and meaningful.

Recently, 2004, my friend Mary Santanen was able to get copies of birth and death certificates from Arizona on the internet. She obtained several for me, one being the death certificate for Russell Clinton Leedham. For some unknown reason, there wasn't one for Lydia Ann Swan Leedham. Russell's parents Henry Clinton Leedham, and Emily Doan are listed on this death certificate. The person giving information was Aunt Lottie's husband, Clinton Case. Russell's wife is listed as Lydia Ann Leedham, but the certificate states that Russell was widowed. Russell Clinton Leedham was living on 4th Street in Cottonwood, Yavapai Co., Arizona at the time of death. The cause of death is written, "Paralysis, extending over period of two years. Final stroke fatal. Four or five strokes in all. Death occurred in home."

Lydia Ann Leedham died July 10, 1930 in Cottonwood, Yavapai Co., Arizona of a stroke of paralysis, suffered 1 year before death. It appears that she had also suffered a stroke about 8 years before she died. She was 70 years old. Russell Clinton Leedham died from a stroke on July 18, 1936 in Cottonwood, Yavapai Co., Arizona. He was 79 years old.