Person:James Hosler (3)

In 1872 He homesteaded 80 acres in Echo township, Antrim County, Michigan, the W1/2 of SE1/4 of Sec 24 T31N R7W. In the application dated Nov 1 1872 he stated 'I am a single man over 21 and have declared my intentions to become a citizen of the United States.' signed with his mark. On Sept 19 1878, he stated he was a single man, and Ira Morehouse (who later became his step father) and German Button attested that he had resided on the land for seven years, since December 1, 1872, and that he built a house..'one story high 11x18 ft in size with one door one window scoop roof & board floor was a log house & comfortable to live in'...and that '...said house was destroyed by fire some time in May 1878.' That he 'cultivated 3 1/2 acres and has choped seven acres...' Later, on June 17 1879, he and his parents submitted sworn statements that he was a natural born citizen. Final Affidavit is dated September 19, 1878.

In 1880 his 14 year old brother, Henry, is living with him. In 1884, 1885 and 1890 he sold land. In 1900 he and family are living in Echo Township, Antrim County, Michigan. In 1901 he sold land in Echo Township, Michigan, and in 1911 he is living in Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, and in 1916 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The following is from Jim Johnson:

Around 1905 James and Maggie and children went to McCreary, Manitoba Canada. McCreary is very close to Riding Mountain, Manitoba, and there were at least two families living there who came from East Jordan, Michigan (Kitsons and Tylers). James and Maggie were not there long when James deserted the family, possibly going to Saskatchewan and it is believed Maggie went to U.S., probably St. Cloud MN. Clara took Vina, Thomas, Charles and Ivan to the Neepawa Hospital and they were taken in by various families. Each of them were raised by separate families in the Eden, Manitoba area. They kept in touch with each other.

Homestead papers have been located for a James Hosler at Normanton, Saskatchewan. He applied in 1903 which is about the time he sold property in Michigan to his brother. The page in the application which indicates where he was born is missing, but he indicates that he was a widower with nine children who were not living with him. He at one time almost lost the land. James could not write and another party wrote the following letter for him when his land was to be taken away from him. The homestead records indicate he became a naturalized Canadian.

"Sept 18 1908 Normanton Saskatchewan to Dept of Interior - Ottawa Gentlemen

 In answer to your letter of Aug 26 re cancellations of SW24-34-12-3 I would say I built my shack in Aug 1906 and went out thrashing in the fall.  Came back and stayed until December until it got so cold I could not stand it any longer so went away until April 1907.  Came on my place in April and lived on it until the middle of Sept. and went out to thrash in the fall and came back on the place April 1, 1908 and have been living on it continuously to date and my intentions are to reside on the place permanently from this time on.
 I have fifty acres in crop this year and have broke other fifty acres this season.
 I remain yours truly,
Jas Hosler (his mark)"

He also did lumbering work and bridge building work.

James Hosler, 1928, Birch Hills Sask. from Earl Hosler

Jame Hosler tombstone, from Earl Hosler

1. ↑ Federal Census. (Nat'l Archives).

   1900, complete birth date is given.

2. ↑ Joan Conley. Joan Budd Conley.
3. ↑ ^3.0 3.1 Cemetery Records.

   Centenary Methodist Cemetery Records Saskatchewan Canada by Marilyn Sorsdahl 2001. Row 1 No. 3., with his step-son Arthur John Latchford who died 50 years later. Received from Earl Hosler.

4.   Jim Johnson.
5. ↑ Belle Murphy Sweet letters and interviews. Belle Murphy Sweet, Author's Addr: deceased. (Sep 1981, 1984, Oct 1990).
6. ↑ James Hosler, in Find A Grave.
7. ↑ ^7.0 7.1 He is with the family on the 1860 census.[
8. ↑