Crocker Family History

Origins of the CROCKER Name

English in origin, the name was adopted and designated for craftsmen who’s occupation was that of making the “crockery” that held perishable food and drink such as butter, wine, etc.

The name can be traced backed to the 11^th century in Devonshire, England.

Descendents of William CROCKER

The Crocker lineage has been traced back to the year 1795, thus far, beginning with William Crocker of New York state. The following descendent chart identifies the individuals that you will read about in the following pages.

First Generation

William CROCKER was born May 26 17951 in New York. He died Aug 14 18741 in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.), Michigan from Debility (natural causes) and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.

William served in the military2 during the War of 1812 Sep 10 1813 - Nov 6 1813.

William married2 Ursula HUNTER, daughter of Unknown HUNTER and Unknown UNKNOWN, on Mar 4 1823 in Pittsford (Monroe Co.), New York. Ursula was born Jan 24 1805 in New Hampshire. She died Mar 2 1890 in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.), Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.

Ursula received military pension for3 William Crocker - War of 1812 (certificate # 17608) Feb 1879 in Wayne County, MI.

They had the following children:

+ 2 M i.

Hiram CROCKER was born Jan 13 1830 and died Jun 8 1872.

Second Generation

Hiram CROCKER (William) was born Jan 13 1830 in New York. He died Jun 8 1872 in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.), Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.

Hiram served in the military during the U.S. Civil War (1st Michigan Regiment, Light Artillery Battery B) Sep 9 1862 - Jun 14 1865 in Romulus, Michigan.

Hiram married Clarrissa FISH before Oct 1855 in Unknown. Clarrissa was born calculated 1836 in New York. She died Jan 31 1862 in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.), Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.

They had the following children:

+ 3 M i.	Delbert Hiram CROCKER was born May 9 1860 and died Aug 10 1915.
+ 4 F ii.	Ursula E CROCKER was born Oct 1855 and died 1935.
+ 5 F iii.	Loretta Mary CROCKER was born Oct 18 1857 and died 1939.

Third Generation

Delbert Hiram CROCKER "Delly" (Hiram, William) was born May 9 1860 in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.), Michigan. He died Aug 10 1915 in Wayne Village (Wayne Co.), Michigan from "Choked on Beef" and was buried Aug 13 1915 in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.

Delly obtained a marriage license Oct 11 19114 in Wayne, Michigan4.

Delly married Nancy Warren YEOMANS, daughter of Frank YEOMANS and Anna Elizabeth COOK "Annie", on Oct 11 1911 in Wayne (Wayne Co.), Michigan. Nancy was born Dec 14 1894 in Wayne, Michigan. She died Jun 20 1984 in Foote Hospital (Jackson, Michigan) and was buried Jun 25 1984 in Hillcrest Cemetery (Jackson, Michigan).

They had the following children:

+ 6 M i.		George Benjamin CROCKER was born Sep 21 1912 and died Nov 27 1999.
4.	Ursula E CROCKER (Hiram, William) was born Oct 1855 in Romulus Township (Wayne County), MI. She died 1935 in Wayne Co., Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.
	Ursula married James WRIGHT on 1874. James was born Dec 1854 in Canada. He died 1921 in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.), Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan. James immigrated 1867 to Michigan (U.S.).

They had the following children:

7 F i.	Anna WRIGHT was born calculated 1875 in Michigan.
8 F ii.	Clarissa WRIGHT was born calculated 1878 in Michigan.
9 M iii.	Elmer WRIGHT was born Sep 8 1887 in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.), Michigan. He died Jan 29 1897 in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.), Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.
10 iv.	Unknown WRIGHT.
11 v.	Unknown WRIGHT.
5.		Loretta Mary CROCKER (Hiram, William) was born Oct 18 1857 in Romulus Township (Wayne County), MI. She died 1939 in Wayne Co., Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan. BIOGRAPHY: BIOGRAPHY: 1930 Census - Nankin Township, Wayne County, MI Address: ?? Michigan Ave.
		Loretta married George Frank GORTON "Frank", son of Francis R. GORTON and Eliza Jane SHERMAN, on 1877. Frank was born Oct 18 1855 in Webster, Michigan. He died 1932 in Wayne (Wayne Co.), Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.

They had the following children:

+ 12 M i.	Clyde Delbert GORTON was born Sep 1883 and died 1935.
13 M ii.		Rose Bell GORTON was born about 1881 in Michigan.

Fourth Generation

George Benjamin CROCKER (Delbert Hiram, Hiram, William) was born Sep 21 1912 in Wayne (Wayne Co.), Michigan. He died Nov 27 1999 in Eaton County Medical Care Facility (Charlotte, Michigan) and was buried Dec 1 1999 in Rosehill Cemetery (Eaton Rapids, Michigan).

George was employed in the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) about 1933. He obtained Social Security Registration before 1951 in Michigan. He obtained a marriage license Jul 9 1953 in Jackson, Michigan.

George married5 Marie Ethel WOOSTER, daughter of Lewis WOOSTER and Olive R. VAN AKEN, on Jul 15 1953 in Jackson (Jackson Co.), Michigan. Marie was born Dec 27 1916 in Jackson (Jackson Co.), Michigan. She died Nov 29 1989 in Eaton Rapids (Eaton Co.), Michigan and was buried Dec 2 1989 in Rosehill Cemetery (Eaton Rapids, Michigan).

They had the following children:

+ 14 M i.		Jimmie Orville CROCKER was born Apr 14 1955.
15 F ii.		Nancy CROCKER was born Apr 9 1954.
16 F iii.		Mary CROCKER was born calculated 1960.
17 F iv.		Elsie Daisy CROCKER was born Mar 29 1957 in Jackson (Jackson Co.), Michigan. She died Jul 31 1958 in Foote Hospital, Jackson, Michigan and was buried in Woodland Cemetery (Jackson, Michigan).
18 M v.		Frankie CROCKER was born Sep 23 1962 in Foote Hospital (Jackson, Michigan). He died Sep 23 1962 in Foote Hospital (Jackson, Michigan).
12.			Clyde Delbert GORTON (Loretta Mary CROCKER, Hiram, William) was born Sep 1883 in Romulus Township (Wayne County), MI. He died 1935 in Wayne Co., Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.
	Clyde married Elizabeth UNKNOWN on 1904 in Romulus Township (Wayne County), MI. Elizabeth was born 1883 in Michigan. She died 1944 in Wayne Co., Michigan and was buried in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.

They had the following children:

19 M i.	Martin GORTON was born calculated 1906 in Michigan.
20 M ii.	Harold GORTON was born calculated 1908 in Michigan.
21 F iii.	Loretta GORTON was born calculated 1909 in Michigan.

Fifth Generation

14.

Jimmie Orville CROCKER (George Benjamin, Delbert Hiram, Hiram, William) was born Apr 14 1955 in Jackson (Jackson Co.), Michigan.

Jimmie married (1) Lupe Anita BOGGS "Anita", daughter of Franklin Delano BOGGS "Burr" and Veda Fay JOHNSON "Fay", on Oct 19 1973 in Eaton Rapids (Eaton Co.), Michigan. Anita was born Oct 14 1956 in Parma, Michigan.

Anita was divorced 1975.

They had the following children:

+ 22 M i.	Dwayne Allen CROCKER was born Jun 30 1974.
		Jimmie also married (2) Tammy Anne DOW, daughter of Robert Leon DOW and La Donna MCCORT, on Aug 20 1977. Tammy was born Nov 1 1957.

They had the following children:

23 M ii.

Korrey Robert CROCKER was born Mar 16 1978.

Korrey graduated High School Graduation Jun 1997 in Mason (Ingham Co.), Michigan.

Sixth Generation

22.

Dwayne Allen CROCKER (Jimmie Orville, George Benjamin, Delbert Hiram, Hiram, William) was born Jun 30 1974 in Eaton Rapids (Eaton Co.), Michigan.

Dwayne graduated High School May 30 1992 in Holt (Ingham Co.), Michigan. He served in the military in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Wasp LHD-1 Aug 4 1992 - Aug 3 1994 in Norfolk, Virginia. He obtained a marriage license May 25 1996 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. He was employed as a consultant with Zsigo Wireless Oct 8 1996 - Dec 21 1999 in East Lansing (Ingham Co.), Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Dec 13 1998 in East Lansing (Ingham Co.), Michigan. He was employed as a Product Engineer with Visteon Corp. (Ford Motor Company) Jan 3 2000 - Mar 28 2001 in Allen Park (Wayne Co.), Michigan. He was employed as a Lead Systems Engineer with OnStar (General Motors) Apr 9 2001 - Present in Troy (Oakland Co.), Michigan.

Dwayne married Traci Anne JOHNSTON, daughter of Dale Herbert JOHNSTON and Mary Jo SEWARD, on May 25 1996 in Eaton Rapids, MI. Traci was born Jan 5 1974 in Lansing, MI.

They had the following children:

24 F i.		Hailey Anne CROCKER was born Apr 1 2000 in Lansing (Ingham Co.), Michigan.
25 M ii.		Logan Allen CROCKER was born Oct 17 2003 in St. Joseph Mercy, Pontiac (Oakland Co.), Michigan.

Biography of William Crocker

Birth

There is very little known about William Crocker's place of birth, except that he was born somewhere in the state of New York. Based on analysis of US Census Records, there are a significant number of Crocker families living in Fort Edward, Washington Co., New York around the time of William's birth. Few other Crocker families have been found elsewhere in US Census Records for New York at this time. This may indicate that William was born in this area, but there is no conclusive evidence to confirm this.

One of the original settlers of Fort Edward is a Levi Crocker, who moved his family to the area from Connecticut in the 1760’s. It is possible that William Crocker is a descendent of Levi Crocker, but it will take additional research to reveal the necessary links.

Biography

Little is known of William Crocker’s childhood.

William Crocker served in the War of 1812 in Captain Samuel Hawley’s company of Colonel Hardenbergh’s regiment, New York Militia (later becoming the the 8^th Infantry Company). He enlisted on 10 Sep 1813 in Albany or Windham, New York. He served in Plattsburgh and Albany, New York, and was promoted to Corporal while serving in Shattenger (?? Not sure of spelling).

Nothing is known of William’s life between the years 1813 and 1823. On 4 Mar 1823, William Crocker married Ursula Hunter in Pittsford (Monroe Co.), New York.

Sometime in 1830 while still living in the state of New York (presumably in or near Monroe County), Ursula gave birth to their son, Hiram Crocker.

Sometime prior to 1840, William Crocker migrated his family from New York to the northern part of Romulus Township (Wayne Co.) Michigan. The US Census Records of 5 Jun 1840 list a William, his wife Ursula, and son Hiram. It is not known precisely why William decided to move his family to Michigan. However, it is known that he purchased land in Romulus Township and began farming.

William received land bounties for his service in the War of 1812. Under an Act of Congress passed on 28 Sep 1850, William received a Land Bounty Warrant for 40 acres (Warrant #6190) on 14 Nov 1850. Under another Act of Congress passed on 3 Mar 1855, William traded his 40 acre Land Warrant in order to receive a larger parcel of 120 acres (Warrant #34118) on 18 Apr 1855. It is assumed that this 120 acres is part of the 160 acres he later owned, but this cannot be confirmed.

The following map shows the location of William Crocker’s property on a current map.

By 6 Aug 1850, William Crocker's property had grown to a value of $1,500, slightly above the typical value of other farmer’s land in the Romulus Township area at this time. In this census year, there is another individual listed, Jane age 13 born in New York, as living in the household of William Crocker. It is unclear who this individual is, since there was no mention of her on the 1840 census. Although it has not been confirmed, this mysterious Jane may actually be the future wife of Hiram Crocker, since the ages are very close. Discrepancies in names were very common on census records at this time, so her last name may actually not be Crocker. Additional research may reveal the actual identity of this person.

On 6 Jul 1860, William Crocker's property is listed as being worth $3,000 and his personal estate is listed as being worth $500. Again, this is slightly above the typical value of other farmer’s land in the Romulus Township area at this time. This may be due to the eventual size of his property, 160 acres by 1876. William’s son, Hiram, had been married prior to 1860 and is also listed as living in Romulus Township with his own family, on or near the property of William Crocker. There is also a farm laborer listed as living in the household, Orlando A. Delong age 16 born in Michigan.

On 10 Jun 1870, William Crocker's property is listed as being worth $5,000 and his personal estate is listed as being worth $1,380 in 1870. In today’s money, this is equivalent to $64,000 and $18,000, respectively, without accounting for appreciation of value (this calculation was done using only inflation figures). William’s son, Hiram, and his 3 children (Ursula E., Loretta Mary, and Delbert Hiram) are shown as living in the household. There is also a farm laborer listed as living in the household, Phillip Seaton age 60 born in New York.

On 6 April 1871, William Crocker filed a “Declaration of Soldier for Pension” his service during the War of 1812. in response to an Act of Congress passed 14 Feb 1871 allowing certain veterans to make claims for pension. The declaration was witnessed and signed by his son, Hiram Crocker, and James Burns and was signed and filed by the Wayne Co. Deputy Clerk, M. J. Moynahan. This was followed up with the filing of a “Brief of Claim for a Survivor’s Pension” on 22 Nov 1871.

On 14 Aug 1874, William Crocker passed away. Cause of death is listed as debility, in other words, old age. He lived a long life, 79 years, for this time. Establishing himself and the Crocker lineage in the state of Michigan and obtaining a moderate estate that was left to his family.

By 1876, 2 years after William’s death, his estate was now owned by his wife, Ursula, and had grown to 160 acres. The following plat map from 1876 shows the location of this property, divided between sections 3 and 4 of Township 3 South (Romulus), Range 9 East from the Michigan Meridian-Toledo Strip.

It is unclear what portion(s) of the property in Romulus Township were acquired with the Land Warrants obtained from his service in the War of 1812. However, as the following map shows, the property was originally purchased through the Bureau of Land Management by Enoch T. Glass and Alvin Hanmer.

In February 1879, Ursula began receiving $8 per month from the pension claim originally filed by William Crocker in 1871 for his service during the War of 1812.

William’s wife, Ursula, passed away 2 Mar 1890, leaving the property to James Wright, the husband of Ursula E. Crocker (Hiram’s daughter, Delbert’s sister). James and Ursula remained living on this property until at least 1910, after which there is no confirmation of them living in Romulus Township.

In the 1930’s, the property came under the ownership of the Eloise House, a mental institution in Detroit. The land was farmed by the patients of the Eloise Hospital to provide for the institution until the mid 1980’s.

In 1998, the property was purchased by Salvatore Cottone, a Detroit area land developer, along with over 200 neighboring acres. Mr. Cottone, along with other investors, turned the land into a sprawling golf club and housing community by the name of Gateway Golf Club.

Following is William Crocker’s signature as signed on his Bounty Land documentation in 1855.

Death & Burial

William Crocker passed away on 14 Aug 1874 at his residence in Romulus Township. Dr. J.W. Converse attended William in his final weeks of life and confirmed his death. He was laid to rest at the Romulus City Cemetery.

Biography of Hiram Crocker

Birth

There is very little known about Hiram Crocker's place of birth, except that he was born somewhere in the state of New York. Most likely, he was born in or near the place in which his parents were married, Pittsford, Monroe Co., New York. Research is underway to find vital records from the state of New York.

Biography

Hiram Crocker migrated to Michigan from New York with his parents (William and Ursula) sometime prior to 1840. William Crocker settled his family in the northern part of Romulus Township (Wayne Co.) Michigan on a plot of land that they began farming.

By 6 Jul 1860, Hiram had married Clarissa and had 3 children; Ursula E., Loretta Mary, and Delbert Hiram. The census records of that year show Hiram and his family living on or near the land that William purchased prior to 1840 in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.), Michigan. Hiram Crocker’s property is listed as being worth $500 and his personal estate is listed as being worth $200.

On 31 Jan 1862, Hiram’s wife Clarissa passed away due to unknown causes. She was buried at the Romulus City Cemetery.

Hiram Crocker enlisted as a Private in the Union of the 1^st Michigan Regiment Light Artillery Battery B on September 9, 1862 in Detroit, Michigan at the age of 32 and was sworn in by Lieut. C. W. Laing. He was promoted to Artillery Artificer on April 1, 1864. He was mustered out on June 14, 1865 in Detroit, Michigan when his regiment completed its duty at the end of the American Civil War. The batteries battle flag is shown to the left. To the right, the insignia of an Artillery soldier, usually worn on their cap. According to his enlistment papers, Hiram was 5 ft. 10 in. tall with gray/hazel eyes, dark/black hair, and had a dark complexion.

Artificers were specialists who were paid an additional rate ($15 per month starting in 1861). In winter camps and during lulls in active campaigning they broke out their tools from the battery wagon and forge and went to work. The artificer was primarily a blacksmith - he repaired the wood and iron parts of the battery carriages. Most artillery batteries had only one man assigned this duty. They received their instructions from the first sergeant and traveled in the rear of the battery near their tools.

The image to the left identifies the insignia that an Artificer would where on their uniform. The image to the right is that of the dress uniform of an artillery Corporal. However, very few Civil War soldiers were ever issued this distinguished uniform, due to its expense.

Refer to additional excerpt for a history of the 1^st Michigan Light Artillery Battery B.

After he was mustered out of the Army in 1865, all indications are that Hiram returned home to Romulus. On 10 Jun 1870, he is shown as living in the household of his father, William, along with his children (according to census records of that year).

Following is Hiram Crocker’s signature, as signed on his enlistment papers on September 9, 1862.

Death & Burial

Hiram Crocker passed away on 8 April 1872 from unknown causes. Research is underway to obtain his death record. He was laid to rest at the Romulus City Cemetery.

Biography of Delbert Hiram Crocker

Birth

Delbert Hiram Crocker was born 9 May 1860 in Romulus Township, Michigan. Presumably, in the home of his parents Hiram and Clarissa Crocker.

Biography

Little is known of Delbert’s life. The following information represents only facts that have been obtained from census records. Additional research is underway in an attempt to reveal more.

According to the Federal Census Records of 1870, Delbert (age 10) was living with his father Hiram (age 40), sisters Ursula E. (age 14) and Loretta Mary (age 12) in the household of Hiram's parents (William and Ursula Crocker) in Romulus Township (Wayne Co.) Michigan.

According to the Federal Census Records of 1880, he was located in Romulus Township Michigan living with his sister Ursula (age 24), her husband James Wright (age 26), and their children Anna (age 5) and Clarrissa (age 2) in the household of his grandmother Ursula.

According to the Federal Census Records of 1900, Delbert (Delly) was located in Romulus Township Michigan living on the family farm of widowed Anna Moore as a border/farm laborer.

Some time between 1900 and 1911, Delbert migrated just north of Romulus Township to Wayne (Wayne Co.) Michigan where he married Nancy Warren Yeomans on October 11, 1911.

Investigative Notes

1. Why did Delbert not inherit the Crocker family farm in Romulus Township? Delbert's brother-in-law, James Wright, seems to have taken ownership of the farm and continued living their with Delbert's sister Ursula E. and their children until at least 1910. Was there a family feud of some kind which prompted Delbert to move off the family farm prior to 1900?

Death & Burial

Delbert Crocker passed away on 10 Aug 1915 in Wayne Village (Wayne Co.) Michigan from a blockage of the air-way (death certificate states cause of death as "Choked on Beef") and was buried 13 Aug 1915 in Romulus City Cemetery (Wayne Co.), Michigan.

Biography of George Benjamin Crocker

Birth

George Benjamin Crocker was born on 12 Sep 1912 in Wayne, Michigan. Presumably in the home of his parents Delbert and Nancy Crocker.

Biography

Little is known about George’s early childhood. Just before his 3^rd birthday, George's father passed away. Unable to care for him on her own, his mother, Nancy Warren (Yeomans) Crocker moved George into the household of his grandparents Frank & Anna Yeomans (Addison Ave., Wayne, Michigan - 1920) some time prior to 1920, where it is assumed he stayed until a mature age when he ventured out on his own.

There is some evidence that George was a construction laborer in the Detroit Michigan area as a young man. An old photo shows him (potentially with his Grandfather, Frank Yeomans) constructing a sewer main in the city of Wayne or Detroit. Additional research is underway to find more evidence of this.

In the early 1930's, George joined the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a military-like organization formed to provide a workforce for forestry conservation and other construction programs under the "New Deal" proposition of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his first years as president of the United States. George stated to his family many times that he was enrolled for a period of "12 years, 7 months, 21 days, 2 hours, and 20 minutes." Still researching this aspect of George's life. Enrollment, service, and pay records have been requested from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C. Refer to additional excerpt to learn more about the CCC in Michigan.

The image to the right is a photo of George Benjamin Crocker in 1935, next to what is presumed to be a CCC barracks. An inscription on the back of the picture reads "to the love of my life George, love Dorothy, September 18, 1935." There was also a woman in the photo, presumed to be Dorothy, that was cropped out.

All men of the Civilian Conservation Corps wore the standard CCC badge on their uniforms (shown here), along with another badge or other identifier of the company from which they belonged.

The company in which George was enrolled is not known, however, the first CCC company formed in Michigan was composed of 200 men from the Detroit area. It is possible that George was enrolled in this company, being from the Detroit area himself, he would have been 20 years old at the time. Here is an excerpt from a Michigan Historical Center article about the CCC.

“On 2 May 1933, two hundred young men from Detroit and Hamtramck arrived at an isolated spot in the Hiawatha National Forest, west of Sault Ste. Marie. They set up tents and dubbed the area Camp Raco. Designated Company 667, the Detroiters had been outfitted, inoculated and briefly oriented at Camp Custer in Battle Creek before being shipped to the Upper Peninsula. Within months there were forty-one similar camps across northern Michigan housing nearly eight thousand young men. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) had come to Michigan.”

Since the CCC only existed for about 10 years (1933 – 1942), it is unlikely that George was enrolled for the period of time indicated above. It is possible, however, that he was employed in the state forestry service (predecessor to the Department of Natural Resources – DNR) after his CCC enrollment had ended. The records requested from the NARA may shed some light on this.

Little is known of George’s life between the mid 1930’s and early 1950’s. What is known is that he was a migrant laborer much of his life, moving often to find work. At some point, he moved to the Jackson Michigan area where, in 1953, he married Marie Ethel Wooster (Greening). They had 5 children, 3 of which are still living today.

Over the course of the next 20 years, George moved his family from Jackson (Cooper St.) to Rives Junction (Maple Lane Rd.) in ca. 1957, to Onondaga (Rossman Rd.) in 1962, to Eaton Rapids (Tucker Rd.) in 1965. George remained in Eaton Rapids Michigan, moving many times within the town.

Death & Burial

George Benjamin Crocker passed away on 27 Nov 1999 at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility (Charlotte, Michigan) and was laid to rest on 1 Dec 1999 at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids Michigan. In attendance were his family and a few close family friends. His grandsons acted as Pall Bearers.