I found out that my 3 times great grandfather Horace Ritter, resided in Hopewell, Ontario in 1850. He also live next door to a John Ritter who was a couple of years older. I am wondering if they were related, and how I would find that out. Horace moved to Michigan, but I am not sure when. I can't find any record of his birth or his parents. Any info would be very helpful.

Mary

I’m not related to any member of this family.

1930 is the last available census at this time.

1940 census has been released but it will take several months before the transcription is completed.


WHO did Horace Ritter marry???

NEED 1st names for all children + DOB's + birthplaces.

Hi. Thank you for responding. Horace Ritter married Lucy Maria Sanders on May 22, 1844 in Camillus, NY. Their children were:
Myron Debaan born May 5, 1845. Can't find his death anywhere, but he served in the Civil War
William Allen born November 23, 1848, died Feb. 22, 1939 in Michigan
Flora C. born September 8, 1851, married George H. Taylor
Edgar Newton born September 7, 1853,
Mary Louisa born Seotember 10, 1858, died April 13, 1863
Emma Jane born October 3, 1861. Is dead. No date.

All children were born in Camillus, NY.

I’m not related to any member of this family.

1930 is the last available census at this time.

1940 census has been released but it will take several months before the transcription is completed.



Facts you should know about the early census records -
All census records [1790 – 1840] prior to the 1850 census ONLY listed the head of household; whether male or female.

NO specific age was stated for any family member
NO place of birth was stated – city, state, or country
NO city, town, or village is stated – only the county; however some census takers listed the township
NO street address was stated
NO marital status was stated – single, married, widowed, or divorced
NO family relationship was stated – brother, sister, cousin, son, daughter, wife, inlaw, etc…
NO occupation was stated
NO parental birthplaces are stated
NO race was stated [but assume “white”]

1850, 1860 & 1870 census records do not show family relationships, marital status or parental birthplaces.

Step children are not enumerated as “step” children
Adopted children are not enumerated as “adopted”
Grand children are not enumerated as “grand children”
Orphaned children were not enumerated as "orphan"

1850 is the 1st census that shows all family members

1880 is the 1st census that shows parental birthplaces +++

Michigan Facts -
Michigan did not require “by law” birth, marriage & death registrations until 1867.

Birth records are not public records unless the birth is over 100 years old.

FREE online Mich. death certs [1897 - 1920] swtop at 1920.
Death certs. usually records the parents names.


NOTE - -
1850, 1860 & 1870 census records do not show family relationships, marital status or parental birthplaces.
1850 -
Name: Horace D Ritter
Age: 29
Birth Year: abt 1823
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1850: Hopewell, Ontario, New York
Gender: Male

Horace D Ritter 29, NY - farmer
Maria Ritter 24, NY
Myron D Ritter 5, NY
William A Ritter 3, NY


1880 -
Name: Horace Ritter
Age: 57
Birth Year: abt 1823
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1880: Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Lucy Ritter
Father's Birthplace: Vermont
Mother's Birthplace: New York
Occupation: Teamster

Horace Ritter 57, NY
Lucy Ritter 54, NY
Eagar Ritter 27, NY [Edgar]