My third great granduncle, Simeon Botsford, Jr., was born 215 years ago on 26 September 1805, in Salisbury, Connecticut, to Simeon and Esther Clark Botsford, my 4th great grandparents. Uncle Simeon was the seventh child in a list of 11 for Grandfather and Grandmother Botsford. On 29 April 1834, in Oakland County, Michigan, where he relocated with his family in the early 1820s, Simeon married Mary Ann Delling, the daughter of William Delling. The couple would be the parents of seven children: Elijah (1835), Olive (1836), Jerusha (1838), Mary Ann (1839), Simeon (1841), Levi (1841), and Betsey E (1846).

From the History of Tuscola County, p 103, pub. 1883

“Simeon Botsford, one of the earliest settlers of the town of Ellington, and one whose name is intimately connected with the early history of that town. He mas born in the State of Connecticnt, September 27, 1805 [actually on 26 September]. At twenty years of age he removed to Michigan with his parents and settled in Oakland County. In April, 1834, he was married in Oakland County to Miss Mary Ann Delling. In 1853 he visited Tuscola County on an esploring [sic.] expedition with a view of locating if the prospect suited him. He found a choice piece of land in the present town of Ellington. In 1856 he brought his family and became one of the early settlers of that region, as is stated in the history of that town, which also is a record of Mr. Botsford’s activity in public affairs, and the service he was able to render in building up a new town and society. About two years ago Mr. Botsford left the farm, and is now living in the village of Caro.”

Uncle Simeon died in Ellington Twp, in 1898. Aunt Mary followed on 26 July 1901.