Josephine Fleming

     Josephine was born on Friday, 15 November 1844 in New Jersey. She was the daughter of Thomas & Catharine (Sharp) Fleming of New Jersey. Josephine married Noah Carpenter Beardslee, son of John Wheeler Beardslee and Elizabeth Ann Carpenter, on 4 May 1871 in Independence Township. 4 May 1871; Waterford Township, Noah C Beardslee, Independence, 31 years & Josephine Fleming Watrford, 24 years; Witnesses: James Fleming & Edward Fisher.³ Noah & Josephine had children: Mortimer [12/03/1873-4/27/1903], Heber Thomas [7/10/1875-6/12/1946][m. 9/19/1908 Sarah Bonds] & Katie [6/__/1880-1959]. 17 June 1880, Noah and Josephine was listed on the U.S. Federal Census at Independence Township, Oakland County, Michigan. Enumerated in this household were John W. Beardslee [81 New Jersey], his wife: Elizabeth [69 New York], son: Noah [40 Michigan], daughter-in-law: Josephine [35 New Jersey], grandsons: Mortimer [7 Michigan], & Heber [4 Michigan].⁴ In 1890, a veterans census listed Josephine Beardsly, widow of Noah Pvt. "don't know about service", He was in the service 2 months. The post office was Seymour Lake. Remarks - he never left the state.⁵ Josephine's husband, an unknown person , died on 26 March 1890 in Brandon Township, Oakland County, Michigan, leaving her a widow.⁶ 15 June 1900, Josephine was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Brandon Township. Enumerated in this household were Josephine Beardslee [55 New Jersey - November 1844], children:L Mortimer [27 Michigan - December 1872], Heber [23 Michigan - July 1876] & Katie [19 Michigan - June 1880].⁷ 7 May 1910, the U.S. Federal Census listed Josephine living in the home of her son at Brandon Township. Enumerated in this household were Heber Beardslee [34 Michigan], his wife: Sarah [22 Michigan], mother, Josephine Beardslee [65 Michigan-widow], & sister:Katie [29 Michigan-single]. They had been married one year with no children.⁸ 27 January 1920, the U.S. Federal Census listed Josephine living in the home of her son at Brandon Township. Enumerated in this household were Heber T Beardslee [ Michigan], Sarah [32 Michigan], Norma J [9 Michigan], Thomas [3 5/12 Michigan], mother: Josephine [75 New Jersey], sister: Catherine [34 Michigan]. He is a farmer and they owned their fam free and clear.⁹ 19 April 1930, Josephine was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Brandon Township. Enumerated in this household were Josephine Beardslee [85 New Jersey], Eber [54 Michigan], Sarah [49 Michigan], Norma [19 Michigan], Morris [13 Michigan], Edna [8 Michigan] & Marion [2 7/12 Michigan]. Josephine owns the farm valued at $15,000. Heber was 32 years old when first married and Sarah was 21 years old when first married.¹⁰ Josephine departed this life on Friday, 30 October 1936 in Pontiac at 73 Oakland Ave. at age 91 years, 11 months and 15 days.¹¹ She was buried there in Independence Township in the Sashabaw Cemetery in the Sashabaw Plains. The inscription on her tombstone reads: Josephine his wife Born Nov. 15, 1844 Died Oct. 30 1936.