 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael led a very busy and very long life. We first find mention of him when he was 26 at his marriage to 18-year-old Claressa Ryckman1. They had a son, Samuel Obadiah, born January 30, 18302, and a daughter, Hester Ann3, born 18324.
Five years later, Claressa died on August 27, 1837. She was only 24 years old2. It is likely that she died giving birth, because her baby daughter, named Claressa Ryckman Taylor, died a few months later on October 30th2.
Sometime between 1837 and 1839, Michael married for the second time. His new wife, Mary R. gave birth to John Williamson in 1840, Hannah Margaret in 1843, George Hamilton in 1845, and Robert N. in 18484. Tragically he lost his firstborn son, Samuel, who died on August 27, 1850, at the age of 192, and a baby, born and died in 18514.
Michael had purchased acreage at Lot 6 Conc 6 from his father in 18495, and was listed in the 1851 Barton Census as a farmer. His parents, Obadiah and Margaret, lived with his family by that time. They were aged 81 and 76 respectively.
Sometime in 1852 or 1853, Mary died; in 1854, Michael married the widow Hannah Sutton of London, Oxford County6. Much of the information of Michael’s life was confirmed by his last will and testament, issued in Galt, Waterloo County, where he lived at the time of his death, circa 18947. Even though he lived in Galt, he still owned his Barton acreage, which he bequeathed to his son, George.
Sources:
1. Wilson, Thomas B. (1985). Marriage Bonds of Ontario: 1803-1834. Lambertville, NJ: Hunterdon House, p 170.
2. Ryckman Cemetery, family plot.
3. Land Registry Office, 8118 Michael Taylor, Probate of Last Will and Testament, Registered 7 August, 1894.
4. Barton Census, 1851.
5. Archives of Ontario, Ref. GS-1408.
6. Reid, William D. Marriage Notices of Ontario, 1813-1854. p. 430.