CATHERINE BINGAMA (CONVERSE) (MARBLE) FOX

(NO GRAVESTONE)

B. August 1, 1813 in Vermont
D. May 18, 1883 in Avon Township, Lake County, IL
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  • Father: James A. Converse born November 5, 1775 in Stafford, Tolland County, CT, son of Frederick Converse (1768-1828); married Lucinda Smith on December 23, 1802 in Randolph, Orange County, VT; James died September 1, 1828 in Berlin, Holmes County, OH; buried in East Lawn Cemetery in Mantua Center, Portage County, OH
  • Mother: Lucinda (Smith) Converse born August 26, 1779 in Windham County, CT; Lucinda died February 4, 1869 in Mantua, Portage County, OH; buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Mantua Center, Portage County, OH
  • Husband 1: Solomon Marble born February 20, 1796 in New York, son of Ephraim Marble (1767-1825) and Anna (Dunham) Marble (1769-1832); married; Catherine Bingama Converse in May 1845 as his fourth wife; Solomon died March 17, 1879 in Waukegan, Lake County, IL (See section pertaining to Solomon Marble buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
  • Husband 2: Hiram Fox born about 1814 in New York; married (1) Rachel Grover (1820-1878) on May 25, 1837 in Cuyahoga County, OH, daughter of Joseph Grover and Sarah (Beal) Grover; in 1870 Hiram and Rachel lived in Grant Township, Lake County, IL with a Fort Hill Post Office; married (2) Catherine B. Marble on March 9, 1880 in Lake County IL
  • Children:
  1. Converse Marble born November 2, 1847 in Avon Township, Lake County, IL; married Arabella King (1849-1928) on October 3, 1870 in Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan County, WI, daughter of Chauncy King (1809-1871) and Hannah (Marble) King (1819-1903) and granddaughter of Levi Marble; Converse died December 22, 1926 in Sheboygan County, WI; Converse and Arabella are buried in Sheboygan Falls Cemetery, Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan County, WI

According to the Sheboygan Press (Sheboygan WI) Wednesday, December 22, 1926, page 13:

“RECENT STROKE
BRINGS DEATH TO
FALLS RESIDENT

   Sheboygan Falls. – Converse Marble, 79, died at 7:15 a. m. today as the result of a stroke which he received a week ago.
   Although retired from business for many years, Mr. Marble was well known in this community and was in possession of a large list of friends.  He was born Nov. 2, 1847, in Avon township, Lake county, Illinois.  Mr. Marble resided in Chicago from 1879 until 1883 and then went to  South Dakota where he engaged in stock raising until 1892.
   During the past fourteen years he lived in Sheboygan Falls, with the exception of the winter months when he went to Florida.  He was a member of Waukegan chapter of the A. F. and A. M.
   He was married to Miss Arabella King at Sheboygan Falls on Oct. 3, 1870.  Mrs. Marble and one sister, Cora Cleveland, Lake Villa, Illinois, survive him.”

  1. Coroline “Caroline” “Cora” (Marble) Cleveland born March 5, 1849 in Avon Township, Lake County, IL; married Erastus Tyler Cleveland (1844-1926) on November 26, 1867 in Avon Township, Lake County, IL, son of John Milton Cleveland (1804-1881) and Mary Ann (Tyler) Cleveland (1818-1902); their children are: (1) John Solomon Cleveland (1870-1937) (See section pertaining to John Solomon Cleveland buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery), (2) Catherine Converse “Kate” Cleveland (1875-1941) (See section pertaining to Catherine Converse “Kate” Cleveland buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery), and (3) Mary A. Cleveland; Coroline died January 15, 1927 in Long Lake, Lake County, IL;(See section pertaining to Coroline “Caroline” “Cora” (Marble) Cleveland buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
  2. Mary H. (Marble) Huson born July 7, 1852 in Illinois; married Marshall Booth Huson (1852-1929) on March 5, 1873, son of Dr. Richard Huson (1817-1877) and Sarah Elizabeth (Tyler) Huson (1818-?) (See Section pertaining to Marshall Booth Huson buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery); Mary died July 1905 (See section pertaining to Mary H. (Marble) Huson buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
  • Sibling:
    • James Willard Converse born July 17, 1806 in Randolph, Orange County, VT; married (1) Emily Eggleston (1808-1848) on January 3, 1828 in Portage County, OH and buried in Riverside Cemetery, Maumee, Lucas County, OH; married (2) Angeline C. Sheldon (1826-1875), daughter of Schuyler Sheldon (1783-1861) and Polly (Strong) Sheldon (1791-1861); James died September 8, 1892 in Northampton, Hampshire County, MA; James and Angie are buried in Center Cemetery, Southampton, Hampshire County, MA

According to the Boston Globe (Boston MA) Friday, September 9, 1892, page 6:

  “Death of James M. Converse.  NORTHHAMPTON, Sept. 8. – James M. Converse, a well-to-do citizen of this city, died this morning at his home on State st., from a stroke of apoplexy.  He was 86 years of age, and has always been a very healthy man.  He had accumulated considerable wealth, being one of the largest stockholders in the Northampton National Bank and owner of valuable property in the city.  He leaves a wife, two sons and a daughter.  His sons are both very rich.  James, who resides in Texas, being a millionaire.  Mr. Converse was born in Randolph, Vt., and came to Northampton 25 years ago.  Before that he carried on a wholesale and retail grocery business in Ohio.  His sons had been visiting here for several days, and left yesterday.  They have been telegraphed for.”

    • Elias Smith Converse born September 30, 1808; married (1) Eunice M. Ladd (1809-1838) on March 13, 1830 in Portage County, OH; married (2) Mercy A. Blair (1809-1848) on December 1, 1838 in Cuyahoga County, OH; married (3) Tryphena Blair (1812-1884) on October 5, 1848 in Portage County, OH; Elias died October 31, 1868; Elias, Eunice, Mercy and Tryphena are buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Mantua Center, Portage County, OH
    • Mary (Converse) Stanley born about 1810; married Abraham “Abram” Stanley (1804-1872) on March 17, 1829 in Brookfield, Orange County, VT; Mary died about 1850
    • Abigail J. (Converse) Robbins born about 1811 in Vermont; married Asa Robbins (1818-1881) on March 15, 1832 in Brookfield, Orange County, VT; Abigail died in 1883 in Fremont, Lake County, IL

According to the Vermont Christian Messenger (Montpelier VT) Thursday, May 3, 1883, page 3:

“Mrs. Robbins, widow of Asa Robbins, late of Chelsea, died recently at Fremont, Ill.”

    • Emeline S. (Converse) Cozzens born February 13, 1818 in Brookfield, Orange County, VT; married Mathew Cozzens (1787-1856) on April 15, 1843 in Cuyahoga County, OH; in 1867 lived at 20 Adams, Chicago, IL widow of Matthew; Emeline died August 19, 1895 in DuPage County, IL; buried in an unnamed cemetery in Grayslake, Lake County, IL
  •  

According to the Downers Grove Reporter (Downers Grove IL) August 29, 1895, page 1:

“OBITUARY.
COUZENS

   Mrs. Emeline S. Couzens departed from this life August 19th, 1895, at 3:30 p. m., in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Josephine Austin, with whom she made her home for some time.  During her illness every care and comfort was bestowed upon her.
   She was born in Brookfield, Orange county, Vermont, Feb. 18th, 1813, coming to Chicago when only a few houses marked the place of the now famous city.  From early childhood she was a member of the Presbyterian church.  She was the mother of two children, one passing away in infancy, the other daughter who so tenderly cared for her in her last days.  While she was only blessed with two children of her own, she was the foster mother of eleven others, lavishing a mother’s love, care and kindness upon them.  Funeral services were conducted at the home of Mrs. Josephine Austin by the Rev. J. E. Meyers, former pastor of the Congregational church, and A. E. Saunders, pastor of the M. E. church, before leaving for Grays Lake, where the remains were laid to rest.  The daughter was met by kind friends in the city, where carriages were awaiting to transfer them from one depot to the other.  At Grays Lake a large number of relatives and friends were congregated at the depot and proceeded to the family cemetery, where the funeral services were concluded by the pastor of the Congregational church and Rev. Saunders.  One aged brother attended the funeral, the last remaining one of a family of six.  May God’s blessing rest upon those who mourn the loss of this one who has gone to her long home.”

    • George C. Converse born about 1817; George died August 20, 1838; buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Mantua Center, Portage County, OH
    • Frederick Converse born February 12, 1819 in East Brookfield, Orange County, VT; married Sophia Thayer Amsden (1819-1892) on June 1840 in Springfield, MA, daughter of Ephraham Amsden (1792-1847) and Releaf (Thayer) Amsden (1797-1867); Frederick died June 24, 1892 in Denver, Denver County. CO; Frederick and Sophia are buried in Riverside Cemetery, Denver, Denver County, CO.
    • Jason S. Converse born December 21, 1821 in Brookfield, Orange County, VT; married Jane L. Lamphere (1830-1913) daughter of Henry Lamphere (1804-1861) and Eunice (Potter) Lamphere (1804-1950); Jason died January 3, 1901 in Wauconda, Lake County, IL (See section pertaining to Jason S. Converse buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery) (See section pertaining to Jane L. (Lamphere) Converse buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
    • Washington Louis Converse born March 24, 1824 in Randolph, Orange County, VT; married Jane Hazen (1836-1913) on May 5, 1854 in Lake County, IL, daughter of Van Ransler Hazen (1815-1865) and Angeline (Lusk) Hazen; Washington died February 1, 1895 in Ivanhoe, Lake County, IL; Washington and Jane are buried in Ivanhoe Cemetery, Mundelein, Lake County, IL

According to the “Portrait and Biographical Album of Lake County, Illinois, pages 786-788:

   “WASHINGTON L. CONVERSE resides in Fremont Township.  He is a native of Brookfield, Orange County, Vt., his birth having occurred on the 24th of March, 1824.  The family is of English descent and was founded in America by three brothers of the name of Converse who in Colonial days established homes in America.  One of these, the grandfather of our subject, enlisted on the Colonial service and fought during the Revolutionary War with the rank of Colonel.  The father of our subject, James A. Converse, was a native of Massachusetts and died about the year 1832.  He was a man of the strictest integrity and honor and his word was as readily received as his bond.  He began life for himself at the age of nineteen years when he left his home in the Bay State and made his way on foot to Vermont with an ax across his shoulder.  Thus without capital he began life in his new home.  He often told his boys that the greatest loss he ever experienced was when one of his oxen was killed by the falling of a tree which he had just cut down.  In those pioneer days when times were hard and money scarce such a loss fell more heavily upon the early settler then many times its amount would today.  He spent the remainder of his life upon the homestead which he made for himself in Vermont.  He cast his first Presidential vote for Washington, the Father of His Country, but his political views were those advocated by the Whig party.  In his social relations he was a Mason and became quite prominent in the circles of that fraternity.  Mr. Converse wedded Lucinda Smith, who was born in Connecticut about 1872 (sic) of Scotch descent, her parents being natives of Scotland.  Unto them were born twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom nine grew to mature years, as follows: Emeline, wife of Mr. Cozzins, who was born in Massachusetts but was reared in Ohio and became proprietor of the Cleveland House, the first hotel erected in the city of Cleveland; Catherine, deceased wife of Solomon Marble, a farmer; Mary became the wife of Abram Stanley, a farmer living in White River, Vt., but both are now deceased; George, who engaged in manufacturing and afterwards carried on farming, has also passed from this life; Frederick who has engage in the livery, hotel and teaming business in Denver, Col., is now living a retired life in that city; Jason is married and makes his home in Grant Township, this County; Abigail, who married a Mr. Robins; Washington L. completed the number.
   The subject of this sketch was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads.  He may truly be called a self-made man for his success is due alone to his own efforts.  At the early age of nine years he was left an orphan and from that time has had to make his own way in the world as best he could.  Beginning at the bottom round of the ladder he has climbed steadily upward, round by round until at length he has attained to a position of affluence.  At the age of nineteen years he left the Green Mountain State, having determined to try his fortune upon the prairies of the “far west.”  He traveled by way of the Erie Canal and Great Lakes to Detroit, Mich., and from there proceeded on foot to Chicago.  There were no railroad in those days and it was no easy task to accomplish so long a journey.  With only $10 in his pocket he arrived in Chicago, where he spent one season in the employ of Isaac Cook, one of the earliest settlers of that city, he having been sent out by the United States Government to oversee the building of the canal.  For two years following Mr. Converse was engaged at work for E. B. Ward, one of the prominent men in that early day.  At length like many others he determined to try his fortune in the gold fields of California and started for the Pacific Slope; traveling by way of New York City, down the Atlantic, across the Isthmus of Panama and up the Pacific Coast to San Francisco.  He at once began his labors in the gold mines of Dragoon Gulf or Poor Man’s Creek within three miles of Sonora, Cal.  He experienced the usual hardships and vicissitudes of the miner and after two years returned to his old home, having met with excellent success in his undertakings.
   On his return Mr. Converse made his first purchase of land which consisted of a track of two hundred and twenty acres in the northwestern part of Fremont Township.  His first home was a log cabin and the primitive structure still stands upon his farm, one of the few landmarks which yet remains to tell of the progress and advancement made since pioneer days.  Industrious and enterprising he has made his land to bloom and blossom as the rose and the Converse homestead is now considered one of the finest farms in the locality.  As his financial resources were increased he also purchased other lands and has made many excellent improvements.  In addition to general farming he has engaged quite extensively and successfully in stock-raising.  He is now the owner of a fine horse which was sired of the St. Lawrence breed and although it has never been trained, has now a record of 2:38.  He also has a high grade of Holstein and Jersey cattle and the accommodations for his stock are most excellent.  In fact the barns and other buildings upon the place are all models of convenience and stand as monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the owner.
   On the 5th of May, 1854, Mr. Converse led to the marriage altar Miss Jane Hazen, a native of Ohio, born in 1836.  Her father, Van Ransler Hazen, was born at Grand Isle, Vt., about 1815, and died at the age of fifty years in Ohio.  He was a practical farmer and followed agricultural pursuits daring the greater part of his life.  His wife, whose maiden name was Angeline Lusk, was born in the Empire State, but much of her girlhood was spent in Ohio.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Hazen were members of the Disciples Church and were highly respected people.  In the family were four daughters and one son but the latter died at the age of four years.  Mary Ann, the eldest, is the widow of Squire Sheldon, a farmer and stock-raiser now deceased; the wife is the next in order; Caroline is the wife of Charles Wait of Chicago; and Frances E. is the wife of Walter White of Avon Township.
   Unto Mr. and Mrs. Converse have been born five children, four sons and a daughter, the eldest of whom is Johnnie B.  He was educated in the common schools and in select schools and is one of the representatives and progressive farmers and cheese manufacturers of Grant Township.  In politics he is a Republican.  He married Miss Nellie Brown and they have a pleasant home in the locality before mentioned.  Washington who married Miss Ettie Monaghan, is engaged in general farming in Fremont Township, and by his ballot supports the Democratic party.  Frederick, who operates the old homestead, married Miss Henrietta Bowman and he too affiliates with the Democracy.  Cora is the wife of Oliver Hook, a successful and prominent farmer of Avon Township and Bertie T. died at the age of eighteen months.  The home over which Mrs. Converse presides is the abode of hospitality and by her kindly pleasant manner she places her guests at ease.  The family hold a high position in the social world and are warmly regarded by those who know them.  Mrs. Converse has been a true helpmate to her husband, his success being due in no small degree to her able assistance.  In one year she made $1,530 worth of butter while on the old Brissell farm.
   In politics, Mr. Converse was for many years a Republican, but when Grover Cleveland became the nominee of the Democratic party he changed his affiliations and has since been a supporter of the Democracy.  He cast his first Presidential vote for Franklin Pierce, voting on Lake street, Chicago, in a little office 12 x 14 feet, which was the property of Mr. Sloan, the compounder and manufacturer of Sloan’s Condition Powders.  He has never sought office but on several different occasions has been chosen by his fellow-townsmen to serve in some public position.  He has been elected Township Supervisor and Road Commissioner and was one of the committee which accepted the County Court House on its completion.  He is a faithful member of the Patrons of Industry, believing that the organization will effect the best interests of the farmer.  The county has found in him one of its best citizens and his aid is never sought in vain by any enterprise or interest calculated to upbuild or benefit the community.  He has given of his means to the erection of six different church edifices and other worthy objects have received from him like substantial assistance.  He is well and favorably known throughout the country and both he and his wife are held in high esteem for their sterling worth.  We feel assured that this brief sketch of their lives will be received with interest by many of our readers who number the worthy couple among their friends.”

According to the Lake County Independent (Libertyville IL) Friday, February 8, 1895, page 10:

“Washington L. Converse

Was born in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vt., March 24, 1824, and died at his home February 1st, 1895.  Mr. Converse may truly be called a self made man, for his success is due to his own efforts.  At the early age of nine years he was left an orphan, and from that time he had to make his own way in the world, as best he could.  At the age of nineteen years, he left his native state and came to Illinois.  He traveled by way of the Erie Canal and the lakes to Detroit, Mich., from there proceeded on foot to Chicago, where he spent one season in the employ of Isaac Cook; the two following years he worked for E. B. Ward, one of the prominent men in that early day.  At length, like many others, he determined to try his fortune in the gold fields of California, and started for the Pacific slope, traveling by way of New York city, down the Atlantic, across the Ithmus of Panama and up the Pacific coast to San Francisco.  He experienced the unusual hardships of the miner, and after two years returned to his old home, having met with excellent success in his undertaking.  On his return, in the spring of 1854, he made his first purchase of land, which consisted of 220 acres in the northwestern part of Fremont Township, Lake county.  His first home was a log cabin, and the primitive structure still stands upon his farm, one of the few landmarks which yet remain to tell of the progress and advancements made since pioneer days.  May 5, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Hazen.  She has been a true helpmate to her husband; his success on the farm being due, in no small degree, to her able assistance.  Thus, for forty years they have shared each other’s joys and sorrows, until the messenger of death came and claimed the husband and father.  Five children blessed their union, four sons and one daughter; all survive him, except Bertie, their youngest son, who died at the early age of eighteen months.  His children were at his bedside, to minister to his comfort and last wishes.  He retained consciousness until the last moment, then passed peacefully away.  He was a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, thoughtful to the last for the interests and welfare of his family.  He realized that his summons from earth was near.  He advised and counselled (sic) his children for their material welfare.  He advised in reference to his funeral, mindful of every particular.  During his protracted illness, he was never heard to murmur or complain.  All that loving hearts could devise and willing hands could perform, was done to alleviate his suffering and smooth his dying pillow.  His companion and children, with seven grandchildren, are left to mourn his loss; also one sister and one brother, the only two left out of a family of twelve children, with many friends, in whose memory he will live long after he has passed the scenes that will know him no more, forever.  As a friend and neighbor, his many acts of charity and kindness will long be remembered, for in the hour of trouble and distress, his hand was ever ready to assist the oppressed and needy.  Thus he has erected a monument unto his memory, which will last from generation unto generation, for noble and righteous deeds will live forever.  He was well and favorably known throughout Lake county, which was evident by the throng of people who gathered at his home Monday, to pay the last tribute of respect to their friend and neighbor.  Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a large concourse of relatives and friends followed the remains to the Ivanhoe church, where the services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Dibble, assisted by Rev. Crookman of the Rockefeller church.  Mr. Dibble gave an able and practical discourse from the words of the Psalmist: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”  The choir rendered beautiful and appropriate songs.  The church was crowded, many being present from adjoining towns.  Mr. Converse’s only sister, Mrs. Cozzen, 81 years of age, came from Chicago to attend the funeral, also his nephew, Elem Converse, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wait.  The remains were laid to rest by the side of his little son, in the Ivanhoe cemetery.  Friends and neighbors extend heartfelt sympathy and profound condolence to the bereaved widow and children to their affliction.       A Friend.”

Additional Information:

According to the 1850 U.S. Census for Town of Avon, Lake County, IL the household members were:

“Solomon Marble, age 53, occupation: farmer; born in New York; Catherine Marble, age 37, born in Vermont; Converse Marble, age 3, born in Illinois; Caroline Marble, age 1, born in Illinois.”

According to the 1860 U.S. Census for Town of Avon, Lake County, IL with a Fox Lake Post Office the household members were:

“Solomon Marble, age 65, occupation: farmer, born in New York; Catherine Marble, age 49, born in Connecticut; Converse Marble, age 13, born in Illinois; Caroline Marble, age 11, born in Illinois; Mary Marble, age 8, born in Illinois.”

According to the 1870 U.S. Census for Town of Avon, Lake County, IL with a Hainesville Post Office the household members were:

“Solomon Marble, age 73, occupation: farmer; born in New York; Catherine Marble, age 60, born in Vermont; Converse Marble, age 23, occupation: farmer; born in Illinois; Mary Marble, age 18, born in Illinois; Thomas Stumble, age 18, occupation: work on farm, born in Illinois.”

According to the 1880 U.S. Census for Town of Avon, Lake County, IL the household members were:

“Hiram Fox, age 66, married, occupation: farmer, born in Ohio, parents born in Connecticut; Catherine Fox, age 66, wife, married, born in Vermont, parents born in Connecticut”

According to The McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry IL) Wednesday, May 23, 1883, page 4:

  “Mrs. Marble, widow of the late Solomon Marble, died in the town of Avon at the residence of her daughter Mrs. Henson (Hudson), on the 18th inst.  The funeral services were held at the house.  She was buried in the Marble (Fort Hill) Cemetery.”