Sarah Jane Timeline •••••••••••••••••••••••••
I’ve changed the use of pale yellow in the page below. It no longer highlights new additions. I’m only using it on notes and speculation.
1838 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sarah Jane Langdon is born 16 Feb 1838 near Beloit, Wisconsin. She goes by the name Jane and Jennie during her life. Her mother is Maria Cook. She dies while Sarah is still a small child.
NOTE:
It appears she was actually born in Illinois.
From 1909 Beloit News Article:
“Her father pointed out to her the log house in which she was born. It was located about a quarter mile down river from the state line, about 200 feet back from the west bank of the stream.”
Map of Beloit from “Pioneer Beloit” with the locations of two Langdon Cabins maked. It sounds like she may have been born at the location of John Langdon’s cabin.
Click image for larger view
1840 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
1840 census of Walworth County, WI. She is the female under 5 listed with father Gideon Langdon. LINK
1841 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Age 3. According to newspaper accounts, at age three the family moved 15 miles down river from Beloit. Almost to Rockford, IL.
1844 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Age 6. The family moves to a farm within 5 miles of Delavan, WI.
Speculation:
See Gideon’s page for more info. This seems to conflict with census, land and court records. From 1840-1843 there are several records showing Gideon living in Walworth County, WI.
1850 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
1850 census Mackford, Marquette County, Wisconsin. She is listed as Jane S Langdon age 11 living with Rufus Langdon (Elder) age 77. They are living next door to Rufus (Jr) age 23 and Catherine Langdon age 22. LINK
A few miles away in Randolph on the same census, Rufus Langdon (Elder) age 77 is listed again. He is living with son Abraham age 47.
1855 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Married Pharis McMahan at White Pigeon, St. Joseph, Michigan on March 15, 1855. He is 27, she is 17. They are both from Elkhart, Indiana.
Image of the register.
1856 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
5 February 1856 daughter Marilla Ann is born.
Speculation:
We think the info in the document below may have been copied from a family bible. Here's what we think it says:
LINK to scan of the document.
______________________________________________
Marilla Ann McMahan
Was Born Febr. the 5, 1856
Pharis McMahan died April
the 17, 1856 aged 28 years, 5 months
12 days were on his tombstone
On the threshold of
time he took but one
step unto death leaving
a space which no
man can fill
--------
I ? text (or This text)
90 Sam 12 verce (verse)
(? Samuel verse 12 (Bible)??
______________________________________________
Phares McMahan dies April 17, 1856 age 28. He is buried at Old Cemetery, Middlebury Street, Elkhart, Indiana with siblings. In only a few years a new Cemetery is built and everyone is moved there. Grace Lawn Cemetery is dedicated in 1864 and by 1893 the remainder of internments at Old Cemetery are reburied in Block Q.
From 1856 to 1858 Sarah’s future husband John Norton is a practicing physician.
1857 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sarah Jane purchases 20 acres of land from her brother Rufus in Green Lake County, Wisconsin.
1859 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Marries John Wesley Norton on June 29, 1859 at Three Rivers, MI.
Here’s an image of the Marriage Certificate.
Here’s the document reversed: LINK
They sell the land in Wisconsin that she purchased from Rufus and move to Ohio.
1860 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
The are living in Scipio, Seneca, Ohio. J W Norton age 25, Sarah J Norton age 22 and Marilla Norton age 4. John’s occupation is a tinsmith.
Son George C. Norton is born in Ohio. The 1860 census was taken 25 July, so he was most likely born in the later part of the year.
1861 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Nov. 1861, daughter Flora May Norton is born in Wisconsin.
Speculation:
Sarah most likely went there during the war and stayed with family.
1862 Civil War •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
John, age 25 enlists in Company F, Ohio 101st Infantry Regiment on 30 Aug 1862. His Regiment is involved in a number of battles.
1863 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
19 September 1863 Chickamauga. John is wounded as the result of a cannon ball bursting. It throws him into a fence and wounds him in his left foot and left side.
NOTE:
After this, John is only able to sleep by sitting in a Rocking Chair.
1864 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
John was taken to Camp Dennison and spends over a year recovering.
On the first of Oct 1864 he is mustered out of the Ohio 101st Infantry and transferred to U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps 43rd Company, 2nd Infantry.
1865 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Upon recovery he was Mustered out on 28 Jun 1865 at Camp Dennison, OH.
John’s Civil War Pension files contain an enormous amount of information. They total over 120 pages.
John Norton Civil War Page. LINK
Family moves to Davis County, Iowa, arriving August 1865.
1867 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Family moves to Ottumwa Iowa where daughter Minnie Marie Norton is born 28 Oct 1867.
1870 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
On 1870 census she is listed as married to John W. Norton and living in Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa. He is a tinsmith age 32, born OH. She is age 32, keeps house, born WI. They have George C. age 10, born OH; Flora M. age 8, born WI; Minnie M. age 3, born IA and Marilla McMahan age 14, born IN. LINK
Ottumwa (IA) (Images of America) [Paperback]
Michael W. Lemberger (Author), Wilson J. Warren (Author)
Most of the homes they rented were only a few blocks from this location. Note the wooden sidewalks. Sarah Jane wrote that she hurt her foot on a wood sidewalk while John was in the service and had trouble walking. She described herself as cripple.
Click image for a larger view
Sarah Jane’s father Gideon dies April 24, 1870 of consumption in the town of Clinton, Rock County, WI.
1877 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Brother Rufus dies April 14, 1877 at the age of 50 in Wisconsin.
1879 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Daughter Flora May marries Albert Reno 18 Dec 1879. LINK
1880 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
In 1880 Census they are in Otumwa, Wapello, IA on Main Street. They are listed as W. John, tinsmith, age 44, born OH (wounded in battle); Jannie, age 42, born WI; C. George, age 19, born OH; A. Flora, age 17, born WI; M. Minnie, age 12, born IA; and C. Willie, age 6 months, born IA. LINK
Wille C. Norton is the 5th and final child. He is adopted (per 50th Wedding Annv. article) and may be Marilla’s child. Marilla isn’t found in this record and we don’t see her anymore.
1887 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Daughter Minnie Marie marries Joseph H Loftus.
1892 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Son George C. Norton marries Lillie Overman 27 Aug 1892. LINK
1894 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Brother Ansel Langdon dies 6 Sept 1894 at the age of 63 in Umpqua, Douglas, Oregon, USA. He is buried in Dimmick Cemetery, Oregon.
1895 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
In Iowa State Census, 1895 they are in Otumwa, Wapello, IA. 702? N. Ferry St.
1896 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
7 January, 1896 John files a "Declaration For The Increase Of An Invalid Pension". His current pension is Eight dollars per month by reason of disability from "Injury to left foot & side". It goes on to say that his whole left side has become invalid "to the extent that he needs the regular aid and attendance of another person nearly all the time since May 1895, and he believes said disabilities are permanent and that he is entitled to a rate of $50 per month."
1897 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
2 Sept., 1897, the Department of the Interior; Bureau of Pensions; Medical Division. Summary of the Acting Medical Referee. It appears that John's first filing for pension on 13 Feb., 1879 incorrectly listed his wounds as "Injury to Left foot and Side". Current medical examinations of him show the wound to be in his back in the Lumbar region. An abscess there fills with pus and drains through his bowels, but they do not feel it was a direct result of his injury in battle. His claim for increase in pension is rejected.
1899 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Son George’s wife Lillie marries Leander Park 01 Sep 1899. Leander is 22 years older than Lillie and was a veteran of the Civil War. LINK
1900 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
On 1900 census they are listed in Center Township, Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa, Ward 5 at 114 N. Moore Street. John W. Norton, tinsmith, age 64, born OH; Jannie age 62, born WI. There are no others. Sarah lists having 4 children, 3 living. LINK
Speculation:
The child that died must have been Marilla. This also means Willie C. was most likely the son of Marilla. He would have been Sarah’s 5th child, but she only lists 4.
There is a three year gap in information available for deaths/births and marriages in this area due to a fire. Marilla might have married someone and died soon after Willie was born.
1902 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Son George C. remarries Lillian C. Overman 02 Nov 1902. Her 3rd marriage. 2nd marriage to George.
1903 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
20 Apr 1903 Ottumwa Daily Courier. Sarah’s daughter Flora Reno, from Valley Junction has been visiting. Sarah lives at 1015 W. Main St. Ottumwa, Iowa.
Ottumwa Directories 1903-1912
The Nortons moving around in a nine year timespan. In 1903 George is living with wife Lillie. In 1905 Lillie is living alone, and George is living with his parents.
Click image for a larger view
1905 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
21 Sep 1905 son George C. Norton dies.
1907 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Son George’s wife Lillie (now going by the name Lillie C Overman Norton) marries George Orton Myers 10 Jul 1907. Her 4th marriage. LINK
1909 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
1909 Ottumwa, Iowa paper. 50th Wedding Anniversary article. George C. Norton, Mrs. Flora M. Reno (Ottumwa) and Mrs. Joseph Loftus (Toledo, Ohio) and one adopted son, William C. Norton, (Sioux City) are their children. The other child died September 21, 1905. (George)
They have six grandchildren and one great grandchild: Harry and Joseph Loftus of Toledo, Ohio; Clyde Norton of Chicago, Harry O. Reno of Moberly, Mo., H. W. Cates of Moberly, Mo. and George C. Reno of Ottumwa. Paul Chester, the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Cates is the great grandchild.
Here’s the article. LINK
••••••••••••• Here’s two people from the above article •••••••••••••••
Della and H. W. Cates circ. 1970. Della was
Flora's daughter.
Click image for a larger view
(elkridge97444 originally submitted this on Ancestry to TAYLOR FAMILY TREE on 30 Apr 2010)
George Gordon Reno’s Obit. Sister to Della. Son of Flora. Listed in the article as “George C. Reno of Ottumwa.”
Click image for a larger view
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Speculation:
William C. Norton is listed in the anniversary article as living in Sioux City. It is the last time we see him. There is a Wm. Norton listed in the 1909 Sioux City Directory who is a teamster working for the Brown Coal Co.
Could this be him? He’s not listed in the 1910 directory or census. In the 1910 census, Sarah only lists two children as living.
1910 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
On 1910 census John 74, and Sarah J. 72, are the only ones listed. She is listed having 4 children with 2 living. Living on 317 Richmond Ave. They rent. LINK
1910 Census, Lucas, Toledo, Ohio. Daughter Minnie Norton Loftus and husband Joseph 23, are living with sons Harry and Joseph Jr.
9 April, 1910 John has renewed his pension claim based on rheumatism and disease of the heart. He awaits testimony.
25 May, 1910 John is ordered to report for an examination, but he is physically unable to comply. He requests a home examination.
31 May, 1910 John is informed he will be examined at home.
18 September, 1910 Flora’s husband Alfred R. Reno dies. He is buried in Ottumwa Cemetery.
1911 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Daughter Minnie’s husband Joseph H. Loftus dies 16 Mar 1911 in Toledo, Ohio at the age of 43. Cause of death: Malignant growth in Gall Bladder. Duration: 180 days. Contributory: Results following Surgical Operation.
Death Certificate: LINK
1913 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sarah’s 75th Birthday. She’s quite frightened in the morning when a messenger boy knocks on the door. She’s afraid it means the death of a relative. Instead, it means the congratulations of great many people and turns into a very wonderful day.
Sarah’s 75th Birthday. 180 people of Beloit shower her with post cards and letters. First article is from the Rockford, IL Daily Register Gazette 17 February 1913.
Second article is the next day from the Rockford, IL Daily Register Gazette 18 February 1913.
1915 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
In 1915 Iowa census address is 333 Richmond Ave. John is retired. LINK
1916 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sarah Jane’s 78th birthday.
Article is at left. She’s worried about her husband’s health, and her ankle injury is still making her an invalid.
Tanlac • Snake Oil Treatment
They try Tanlac, which is essentially a snake oil treatment. A 1916 Department of Health study found it was basically a cherry flavored wine with around a 16% alcohol content.
3 Endorsements
Tanlac advertisement 1 (Mrs NortAn)
Tanlac advertisement 1 (Mrs NortOn)
Tanlac advertisement Nov.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
From the “Ottumwa Semi-Weekly Courier”, 5 Jan. 1917. John’s Obit.
Husband John W. Norton dies 3 Jan 1917. He is buried in Ottumwa Cemetery Plot: 52~7
The next day his pension check arrives, but does not have the proper signatures. They send it back to Washington D.C. and Sarah becomes entangled in a bureaucratic nightmare. The Pension bureau holds onto John's checks. Now Sarah needs to:
A) Furnish proof that John is dead.
B) She was legally married to him.
C) Let them know her legal name. "Sarah Jane" or "Jennie".
D) File for Widow’s pension.
They also ask if her 1st husband served in the military. She would be eligible for his pension.
26 January, 1917 Sarah writes:
I was a widow when we married, but not a war widow. Married to first husband 60 years ago. ?What they are asking me to give is evidence of first marriage. I can't. The government asks all this but ?parties are trying to get every ?days. When he was in the service ?bel? with ?-----? first of wood and cut a small vein open in ankle. One inch from ankle joint the vein bursted and the last three years I have been a cripple. Could not walk with out pushing my chair ahead. ?--- ?----- of it so I could walk across the rooms.
Alone he slept in his Chair 24 years. I took care of him. He read bible over 80 times. Last words was it was all right.
His pension check came next day after he died. It had to be sent back. Not be much left when it came. Three months grocery bill and rent. I am sick in bed. Just out of danger. Do let me know what I ought to do. I was first white child in Beloit, Wis.
-Yours with greatest respect
Mrs. John W. Norton
LINK PDF file 2 pages
24 April, 1917 Sarah writes:
I was advised to write you in regard to my husband's pension check. He died Jan. the 3 and pension check came the next day. The 4 of Jan. Had to be sent back to Washington D.C. to be signed. We paid our bills every three months, so there was a large grocery bill, rent, doctor's bill. All the bills took up all the 90 dollars pension check. The check has never been sent back, so they all remain unpaid and I did not have anything to help. (Any sold wills)?? I was sick in bed. Over 3 months in bed. 80 years old Feb 16. He would have been 81, 11 of this month. I am very weak. Can't walk out doors yet. Have no home. Only this. We rented.
Why was not the pension check sent back? His name is John W. Norton. He enlisted in Company F of the One Hundred and First Ohio regiment Volunteers Infantry. Had to sleep in a rocking chair 24 years. Red the Bible 80 times and over. Made a study of it. When he see he was going to die he said it was all right.
Numbers Pension Certificate is 175-746. Please tell me how soon I will get the Jan. check. Can they cheat me out of it? Is 90 dollars and I have nothing to live on as I have not got my Widow's Pension yet. Do hope you are a good Christian man and will do all that lays in your ?pathes for me. Let me know at wonce.
-Yours with greatest respect
Mrs. John W. Norton
LINK PDF file page 1 • LINK PDF file page 2
The Hon. C. W. Ramseyer representing the Sixth Congressional District of Iowa in the House of Representatives got involved and wrote several letters to the pension department.
8 February, 1917 he writes:
"It seems that the widow is sorely in need of the accrued pension, is in a very serious condition, and I assure you that any special action you may take in this case will be greatly appreciated by me."
15 June, 1917 he writes:
"I also desire to expedite this case as much as possible for the reason that this old lady is practically destitute and desperately in need of relief."
Here's a photo of him from the Library of Congress:
Shortly after John's death a woman by the name of Louise Adler became Sarah's pension attorney. It’s obvious people felt the same way about lawyers 100 years go as they do today. One Eva K. Daugherty of the Daughters of Veterans and the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) fired off a letter to C.W. Ramseyer and let him know in no uncertain terms that she thought Sarah was being taken advantage of.
21 May 1917 Letter (Here's a few highlights)
• "the husband of Mrs. Adler is an ex-rebel major, or at least
passes as such."
• "this woman is not the kind that one expects very much of."
• "When the widow gets a little bit to anxious, or a little impatient,
Mrs. Adler says that "she can keep her out of her pension for
two years, if she is so minded"."
• "her treatment of the widow, and other things that we have
knowledge of here, does not inspire much confidence."
1917 Pension Board •••••••••••••••••••••••••
This next set of letters appear to be internal communications at the Board of Review / Bureau of Pensions.
21 June, 1917 W.B. Petters:
(Is it possible to write a more bureaucratic - say nothing - do nothing letter? Mr. Petters certainly does his best to define the term "Bureaucracy".)
I suggest ?claim that it may be determined whether F. J. Stent, of the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada was authorized in the usual manner. The affidavit of Mary Clark, a niece of the claimant, in her affidavit filed Feb. 7, 1917, executed before said officer, has given the only evidence that claimant is apparently able to furnish to show her freedom to marry the soldier. ?Only showing the death prior to said marriage of her former husband.
W. B. Petters, Re-reviewer
21 June, 1917 Elbert M. Brown to Board of Review:
(He was a Special Examiner for the Bureau of Pensions) Fortunately, he smooths things over and quickly gets things back on track.
The notary and J.P. to whom the Re-reviewer refers is not on record in the Law Division. This affidavit was executed in Canada and though the Officer uses his seal it is not certified to by a US consular or other officer.
I fail to see however, why this claim, (claimant being nearly 80) should be held up for something that we would allow the claim without. We have good evidence that claimant and soldier were married in 1859 and lived together continuously to time of his death last January. Claimant and soldier both stated that she had been married before to one McMahan who died April 17, 1856.
These people were good and much respected and at the time of their Golden Wedding in 1909, the newspaper clipping shows that there was quite a celebration giving a history of both which includes the fact that claimant had been a widow 3 years prior to her marriage to soldier. The equity in this case is entirely with the claimant, and further more if I understand the practice correctly, we would presume death of this former husband if it was shown that claimant could not furnish proof of his death, then only hold the case indefinitely up on a widow nearly 80 years of age on a mere technicality.
Elbert M. Brown, Reviewer
27 June, 1917 A. A. Aspinwall reply to Brown and Petters:
(He was Chief of the Western Division, Bureau of Pensions)
There is no reason to doubt the official character of the Notary and Justice in Canada before whom the affidavit of claimant's niece as to the death of her former husband was executed, his seal being impressed on the paper.
In view of this and the fact that the soldier in the marriage widower? of 1915? mentioned the former marriage of claimant and how such marriage was dissolved, the claim may proceed to adjudication without the Consular officer's certificate relative to the official character of the Notary claimant being 80 years of age and in destitute circumstances.
A. A. Aspinwall, Chief, Board of Review
August 1917 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
3 August 1917 C.W. Ramseyer receives a letter confirming Sarah Jane has received her pension.
1920 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Census for Fort Scott Ward 5, Bourbon County, Kansas. Sarah J. Norton age 82, is listed as Mother-in-Law living with her daughter Flora age 57, and Flora’s husband Charles A. Stewart age 61. They are living at 1001 Little St. LINK
1920 Census taken on 9 & 10 January for Stockton Ward 4, San Joaquin, California shows Minnie living with new husband William Stafford. He is a Barber. LINK
1923 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Daughter Flora passes away. She is buried next to her father in Ottumwa, Iowa.
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FORT SCOTT WEEKLY TRIBUNE - MONITOR, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1923 › Page 2
Among those who mourn the death of Mrs. Flora May Reno Stewart who died yesterday, is her aged mother, Mrs. Sarah Jane Norton, who has made her home with Mrs. Stewart for many years. Mrs. Norton is past ninety years old and is still very alert and active. She was the first white child born in Beloit, Wis., and her portrait hangs in the historical society rooms there. On one occasion the citizens of Beloit gave her a post card shower and she received 700 greetings. She and Mrs. Stewart were deeply devoted to each, other.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sarah moves to 222 North Stanislaus St., Stockton, California. Minnie’s son Joseph F Loftus Sr. lives about 2 miles away at 429 S. Pilgrim St. He is a painter. (Later listed as an Interior Designer). Daughter Minnie and 2nd husband (William Stafford) live on the same block about 300 feet away at 708 East Miner Ave.
NOTE
The following info comes from letters Sarah wrote to a funeral home in Ottumwa. They are available from the Wapello County Genealogical Society.
21 April, 1923 Sarah writes from Route 8, Box 99, Fort Scott, Kansas to Mr. Christy (Funeral Home). Her daughter Mrs. Flora Reno, now Flora Stewart, wants to be buried by her father John W. Norton in Ottumwa and brother George C. Norton. Sarah is 86. Flora’s son is Theo. Reno
Sarah writes from Stockton CA that her grandson brought her daughter’s body to Ottumwa. Flora is buried next to her father.
NOTE:
Flora’s husband Alfred R. Reno is buried in Ottumwa Cemetery.
1923? Sarah writes to Mr. Christy Mrs. Minnie W. W. Stafford (daughter) came to Fort Scott, Kansas to get her. She is only child left - to take her to California.
1924 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Daughter Minnie’s 2nd husband dies 24 March, 1924. He died of a heart attack. His name is Winfield William Stafford. He goes by both Winfield and William in records.
Here’s his death certificate on FamilySearch:
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Feb. 7, 1925
She writes to Mr. Christy (funeral home). She has been sick and is living in Stockton, California Says she is 88 years old Feb. 16.
13 April 1925 letter from Sarah requesting increase in pension
I came to Stockton, California in 1923. I transferred my pension check here. My daughter ?waits on the ?envelope to send in her care. Mrs. W. W. Stafford. So it caused me some delay and they put on (May Widow). Will you please take that off. It don't belong there. I was 87 years old Feb 16 ~ last. Am a cripple. Can't walk only three steps with taking hold of some thing.
My husband belonged to the Ohio one hundred and first Ohio volunteer. Died 1917. 3 day of Jan. I can't do any work what ever. Get 30 dollars a month. Not enough to give decent care. Only one child living here. Her husband dropped dead one year ago. 24 of March, so she has to work at Dry Goods store. 15 dollars a week rent to pay. I have a hard time. Do you think I will ever get increase of pension? You are only one I know to write to. I know you will tell the truth. I think I would been dead if it hadn't been for my happy distraction. My heavenly father has been very kind to me. Please answer this. Don't cast it aside. I was the first white child borned in Beloit, Wisconsin. Father went there with the New-Ingland Co. to buy land.
Yours with greatest respect
Sarah J. Norton
(Hand-written note on letter lists her current rate as $30 per month)
28 April 1925 response to request for increase
I have to advise you that the pension which you are now receiving, $30 per month, is the highest rate provided by any law for widows.
The age or physical condition of a widow pensioner is not a factor in fixing the rate of her pension, and this Bureau, therefore, is unable to afford you any additional relief under the existing laws.
1925 City Directory lists Mrs. Sarah Norton living at 222 N. Stanislaus. San Joaquin County, Stockton, California. LINK
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19 July 1926 letter from Sarah to Funeral Home
Sarah writes to Mr. Christy. She is 88 and has been very sick the past 2 years.
NOTE:
The letter below appears to have been attached to Sarah's Marriage Certificate. The imprint of a paperclip is on the letter.
10 August 1926 letter from Sarah to Pension Dept.
I am sending you this certificate so you can see I am telling the truth. I was 88 years old last Feb 16 and a cripple. Got hurt on a old board sidewalk. Can't walk as ?so ?ena work if you want ??_ is get it I am entitled to 50. I am a great ?sufferer.
222 North Stanislaus Street, Stockton, California
Sarah J. Norton (over)
If it is not to much trouble you can send certificate back and if no, never mind.
Yours with greatest respect
Sarah J. Norton
• 4 Dec 1926 Sarah receives a rate increase to $50 month
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Sarah Jane dies in San Joaquin County, California on June 10, 1928 at the age of 90. LINK
Same record in Familysearch: LINK
She died in “French Camp”. This is on the south side of Stockton and is home to a large hospital.
NEW OCT 2012 • DEATH CERTIFICATE
She entered the hospital 30 days before she died. It lists cause of death as “Hypostatic Pneumonia, Senility and Valvular Heart Disease”. She was buried June 12 at "SJGH Cemetery #2379". The "San Joaquin General Hospital” Cemetery. Stockton Rural Cemetery is next to this. There are no markers for anyone buried there. Here’s her death certificate:
Here’s a link to it on FamilySearch: LINK
SPECULATION:
This link is for another gentleman buried at the same cemetery. It shows a marker erected in 2007 by the “California Memorial Project” to honor the memory of those who died and were buried anonymously on the Stockton institution grounds between 1852 and 1996.
Here’s another link to the Stockton State Hospital & Cemetery. There seems to be a lot of confusion about this cemetery. Given Sarah’s circumstances it seems likely that she was buried here.
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Census for Fort Scott, Ward 5, Bourbon County, Kansas. Charles A. Stewart, age 71 Widowed. No other people in household.
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Daughter Minnie Marie (Loftus) Stafford dies 29 Sept 1952 in Stockton. She is buried in Stockton Rural Cemetery. After Minnie’s husband died in 1924, she moved next to her mother to take care of her. It appears she was still living there when she died.
Minnie’s Death Certificate
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