Elizabeth Corwin was born 1-26-1864 in Michigan.* The oldest living daughter of James and Mary Corwin at the time of her death.
*Place of birth varies between information. Death records state one place and other research differ.

I am adding the history of this family's tragic loss for those who may be looking for them.

In 1881 many of the family became ill with Diphtheria.

NOTE: The 7 Corwin children died between 1-3-1881 and 2-19-1881.

At the time these children died there were 4 cemeteries in the area Saints Cornelius and Cyprian Parish, Felt Plains Cemetery, Munith Cemetery and Bunkerhill Cemetery. I have placed them in the Bunkerhill Cemetery because at this time records cannot be found on their burials. The practice during this time was to bury the dead immediately with no funeral or stone. If exact place of burial is found later, the memorials will be transferred to that cemetery.

James and Mary (probably O'Neil) were married sometime in the early 1860s. James was born in Ireland. It is unknown when he came to America. It appears in the early 1850s. Mary was born in New York.

1870 Census Michigan
Cornelius O'Neill 75 B:Ireland
Phillip O'Neill 21
Henry O'Neill 19
William O'Neill 16
James Corwin 37 B: Ireland
Mary Corwin 26 B. New York
M. Helen 7*
Libbie F. 5
Willie 3
James 2*
Charles 4 m.
* Margaret died 9-26-1875 in Washtenaw Co. At thie time it is unknown about James. Also 5 more children were born to the union. Total of 9 children from 1870 to 1880.

1880 Census Alaiedon Township, Ingham County, Michigan
James Corwin 45
Mary Corwin 37
Elizabeth Corwin 15
William Corwin 13
Charles Corwin 10
Eugene Corwin 8
Cornelious Corwin 6
Anna Corwin 4
Ina Corwin 2
Helenne Corwin 0

12-19-1880 a nephew came to visit the Corwins in Bunkerhill. He was diagnosed with diphtheria and died 12-24-1880. 12-26-80 Mary contracted the disease and on 12-28-80 her oldest son.

The fear of this disease by the community left the family to die with little help. The board of health did not replace the bedding and furniture they took from the home. Mary did not even have a blanket for the baby. James and Anna were left to care for the entire ill family. Charles was sent to Washtenaw Township but contracted the disease and died there.

Children lost.
1-3-1881 Willie age 15 yr 4 mo 19 da
1-6-1881 Eugene age 10 yr 2 mo 1 da
1-6-1881 Ina age 3 yr 4 mo
1-9-1881 Nalie (Cornelius) 8 yr 4 mo 22 da
1-9-1881 Nellie (Hellen) 10 mo
1-11-1881 Lydia (Elizabeth) 16 yr 11 mo 16 da
2-25-1881 Charles 11 yr 11 mo 27 da

Several neighbors did come forward and help. Mr. James Barr, Mr. Joseph Kernehan, Mr. J. Westgate, A. DuBois, G. W. Archer, Miss Mary Barr, Miss Delia and Mrs. Lucy DuBois. In April 21, 1881 Bunkerhill Township granted James Barr and Joseph Kernehan $25.00 each for their help with the family during the illness.

The posted newspaper articles will explain much of this sad happening.

After the death of all their children except Anna they had 4 more children between that time and the next census.
1894 Michigan Census Bunkerhill
James 63
Mary 54
Anna E. 18
Mamie 12
Clyde T. 10
Nina E. 9
Hugh D. 7

Anna married Orin Blakey in Jackson, Michigan 9-18-1895. She was a teacher at that time.

At this time it is not known when or where James and Mary died or where they are buried. Research will continue.