William Beardslee

     William was born in 1763 in Hardyston Township, Sussex County, New Jersey. He was the son of Colonel Charles Beardsley and Mary Cary. William married Mary Wheeler circa 1791 in Sussex County. In 1793 he was listed in the Hardyston Militia. William & Mary moved from Hardyston, Sussex County, New Jersey before 1820 to Elmira, Tioga County, New York. They had several other children of which there is no known record.² The 1820 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at Elmira, Chemung Township, Tioga County, New York, the family of William Beardslee [210101:11111].³ The 1830 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at Big Flats, Tioga County, New York, the family of William Bardslee [00110001:00011001]. They were residing near the Amos Stark family.⁴ Shortly after the census was taken in Tioga, William moved his family to Saratoga County, New York to be near his son William Jr. The 1830 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at Providence, Saratoga County, New York, the family of William Bardsley [101000001:110030001].⁵ The 1840 U.S. Federal Census enumerates at Providence, Saratoga County, New York, the family of William Bearsley [0000000001:0000020001].⁶ Shortly after the 1840 census, his wife, Mary, died leaving him a widower. He then goes to live with his son Jeffrey in Oxford, Michigan. William departed this life before 1850 in Oxford Township. He is buried there with Jeffrey's family in the Sashabow Cemetery in Independence Township. The inscription on his tombstone reads: Wm Beardsley - Grandfather.