Amanda Bessey Amanda BESSEY was born 12 Dec 1810 somewhere in CT. She was the daughter of John BESSEY (1) and Lucy BALDWIN. When John and Lucy moved to MI with the rest of the family she stayed in NY. She married William C. Solomon, 7 Jul 1836 after his first wife Anna Sayer died 1 May 1836. (2).
Soon after this marriage the family moved to Gaines Township, Kent Co., MI. It was there that they raised their family. William d. 25 Mar 1864 and Amanda d. 7 May 1874. Both are buried in the Blain Cemetery, Gaines Twp., Kent Co., MI. (3) (4). (5).
There are 8 known children of Amanda and William.
- Stephen B. SOLOMON b. 29 Nov 1837 in NY no more is known about him.(6)
- Sarah SOLOMON b. ca 1839 in MI m. Robert JACKSON d. 1873(7)
- Abigail "Abby" SOLOMON b. ca 1843 in MI d. 26 Sep 1864(8)
- Julia Amanda SOLOMON b. ca 1846 in MI m. Horace H. KEYES 26 Oct 1866 in Kent Co., MI d. ca 1915(9)
- Lewis A. SOLOMON b. ca 1848 in MI m. Adelade KELLEY 24 Mar 1869 in Kent Co., MI. d. 2 Oct 1928(10)
- Lucy Caroline "Carrie" SOLOMON b. ca 1849 in MI m. Charles W. KELLEY 28 Sep 1869 in Kent Co., MI d. 1869.(11)
- Catherine SOLOMON b. ca 1852 in MI d. 1879(12)
- Frederick Lester SOLOMON b. Mar 1854 in Kent Co., MI m. Maggie M. Reily 24 Sep 1978 d. 24 Dec 1934.(13)
In addition to these eight, Amanda was also step mother to six children from William's first marriage.
Although this page only connects to John Bessey, I would also very much enjoy corresponding with descendants of John's other children as well as descendants of Amanda and William.
While this page gives Amanda's last name as Bessey there is a LOT of confusion about her surname. A Kent Co. MI county history lists her last name as Bessie, a death record for one of her son's gives Berry and a death record for another son lists Amanda's last name as Emmons. Any information clarifying this issue would be greatly appreciated. Sources:
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