A Surname Inquiry
Burton, Simmons
I am interested in information pertaining to my great-great grandmother Lucy Helena Monroe Simmons Burton. Born in 1864 (Bulite? transcribed incorrectly, I believe, perhaps Beloit, but no records found) Wisconsin, USA but lived and married in this area of Ontario. Her husband was named William Burton, they were married on December 23, 1885 in Muskoka with ties to Gravenhurst (marriage witness documents). She died at age 30 in June, 1894 in Parry Sound District, however, I am unable to locate any other life or burial information. I am also interested in learning about her father John Monroe Simmons and how he came to the USA from Ontario, and with his wife, Emily Misselbrook Simmons, had my great, great grandmother in Wisconsin. I can find no record of them afterward, but Lucy Helena (Elena or Nellie sometimes) returned to the Muskoka, Stephenson, Brunel area and lived out her life. My great-grandmother was born there and located to Toledo, Ohio where she worked as a milliner and where my family was raised. Perhaps John was a sympathizer in the Civil War and was killed? I don't know, but Lucy was known to be living with her mother and step father at age 17 according to a census document. I have extensive history otherwise, however, these missing pieces have plagued my research for several years. I just ran across this group and any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
1 comment
Diane Shaw
Ontario government records didn’t start until 1870. Before this it was usually in the church records. The records in Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts aren’t too good for the early years as the collectors apparently only came around about every six months to collect the information. Lots were missed. I don’t see any indication of why they moved to the US. Maybe had relatives living there.
Lucy Helena Monroe Simmons married Wm Burton 23 Dec 1885 in Gravenhurst.
She died 23 June 1894 at Burks Falls of malarial fever.
Malarial fever seems a bit strange for that area. Likely was something to do with the birth.
Burks Falls is in Parry Sound District. There is also a town called Parry Sound which is also in Parry Sound District which has nothing to do with this location.
Wesleyan Methodist Baptismal Register
One Burton baptism found for Wm Earl b 1 Sept 1888, born Bracebridge Ontario
1881 census Stephenson and Brunel Muskoka District Ontario
Helena is living with her mother Emily Misselbrook and stepfather Isaac Fawcett and their family of five more children. Isaac Ernest age 9, Clarence Howard 8, Ethel Jane Estella 3, Lillian Mary Constance 1 and Simmons, Lucy Elena Monroe 17.
Isaac Ernest was born c 1872.
1871 census Stephenson Tsp Muskoka District Ontario from familysearch.org
FOSSET, Isaak 38, b Ont, P Methodist, farmer
Emmy, 26, b England
Lucy Ellen, 7, Ontario
Lucy, b 1864, died 23 June 1894, married 23 Dec 1885
1881 and 1871 is with her mother and stepfather Isaac Fawcett.
She died in June after giving birth. Could not find any births or deaths between 1888-1894 for more Burton children.
Children of Wm Burton and Helena Simmons
Gertrude Eveline Maud b 30 Oct 1886 Draper and Oakley Tsp, Muskoka District # 021482
William Earl, 1 Sep 1888 at Bracebridge, Muskoka District
Munro Orval 4 May 1894 at Burks Falls, Parry Sound District
She was in the Muskoka/Parry Sound District from 1864 until she died in 1894.
Did not find them on 1890 US census or 1891 Ontario census.
I see where they were in US on 1900 census onward.
JOHN M SIMMONS AND EMILY MIZELBROOK
John M Simmons, aged 22, b Canada, b 1840, s/o John S Simmons and Isabella Simmons married Emily Mizelbrook, 18, b 1844 England, d/o Mizellbrook and Lucy Mizellbrook, 29 July 1862 [familysearch.org] Lambton Ontario.
John died between 1862 and 1871 as Emily is remarried by 1871. His death was likely not recorded because of the time. Registration didn’t begin in Ontario until 1870. Probably died in Muskoka District.
1871 census Stephenson Tsp Muskoka District Ontario
FOSSET, Isaak 38, b Ont, P Methodist, farmer
Emmy, 26, b England
Lucy Ellen, 7, Ontario
This is a long shot
1861 census Lambton Ontario [same place that John and Emily were married in 1862.
Meelbrook Josh, farmer, b England 47, married
Lucy, 49, England, married
Chas, 27, England, married
Fan?, 23, England, married
The above two were married this year according to census
Saml, 21, b Upper Canada, single
Henry, 10, Upper Canada, single
Laura, 4, Upper Canada, single.
Emily would have been 17 so may have been working someplace but did not find her.
1891 census Lambton, Lucy is living with daughter Laura and son in law in Dengate.