Person:Esther Riggs (1)

From the Barbour collection: Connecticut vital records prior to 1850 Barbour, Lucius B. (Lucius Barnes), 1878-1934

Another possibility is: Birth: 10 Feb 1712 (or 1713)

              Derby Twp, New Haven, Connecticut
              Father:  Edward Riggs
              Mother:  Abigail Nichols

though this Esther appears to have married Lemuel Carrington and died in 1795 in Woodbridge, Conn.

From the 1830 census for Middlebury, New Haven Conn, possible fathers: Samuel, Eli, Thomas, Widow Sarah, L.

From Letters of Daniel Alonzo Nash

In those days envelopes were unknown and letters were written and brought to the office. The Post Master would fold the letter into compact form and seal it with sealing wax.

Why is Esther not on the 1870 census with Myron?

From the Lansing Republican newspaper June 6, 1883

Mrs. Esther Barnes, wife of M.W. Barnes, one of the early settlers of Ingham County, died last Friday. The funeral was largely attended at her late residence Sat. morning.

From Barnes House, Then, Now and After by Paula Gangopadhyay Executive Director, Meridian Historical Village & Project Chair Barnes House Relocation

The mid 1800s saw vast westward migration from the east coast along the Great Lakes through Canada. The early settlers had the sheer tenacity and strength, as they found their way through the dark forests and deep woods with the hope to carve out their new homes in these parts of the country. These people migrated along with some basic tools, and most importantly an iron will power to survive. Melzor Turner was one such individual who took the risk. Historical references indicate that Melzor crossed Lake Erie on a frail bark, first stopped in Ohio, then in Washtenaw County and finally came over the old log trail on an ox-cart to Ingham County. Okemos was called Sanford in those days and there were just two other pioneer families living in this area namely the Brays and the Marshes. Melzor was joined by his wife and five children later. He was a veteran of the war of 1812 and was entitled to some land… Indians who lived in the area, curious to see a white child would come and peek through the Barnes House windows, laugh and leave!

The earlier homes of the settlers were built by carpenters. Thus they were simple and reflected their traditional ideas with perhaps some local modifications… Freeman Bray one of the early settlers, had operated a tavern. Later on Caleb Thurber operated the 'Union Hotel' in Okemos...what was then called 'the struggling village east of East Lansing'.

… the last Township election in the summer of 1869 and according to a copy of petition in Ms Jessie Turner's possession the 36 tax paying electors of Meridian township who signed the petition were interested in bringing the railroad to Okemos and they asked for an election for the purpose of voting to aid the Lansing Howell Rail Road Company… traveling theatrical groups who performed in the upstairs of the Heathman-Herre House often spent the night in the Barnes House, which served as the main stagecoach inn.

1. ↑ Vital Records - Miscellaneous Sources.

   Marriage: Middlebury, CT Vital Records Vol. 1, p. 121
   Son Charles Wesley's Death Certificate;
   Esther's Death Certificate from Ingham Co, MI # 2523