FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY
Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland
2nd of 2 children of Jesse Stickland & Mary Josephine Townsend
Born: Jan 26, 1868, Granger, Allegheny Co., New York
Died: Feb 7, 1954 (age 86), Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey; breast cancer
Buried: Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey
Occupation: Life Insurance Clerk
Married (1): Dec 23, 1885, James Smith “J.S.” Hoy, Fremont, Dodge Co., Nebraska
Separated: not long after marriage
Divorced: Nov 15, 1900, Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan
No children
Married (2): Jan 10, 1901, Henry Brewer “Harry” Bliss, Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan
One child: Edna Lee Bliss
(m.1) James Smith “J.S.” Hoy
2nd of 6 children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith
Born: Nov 15, 1846, Hoy’s Gap, Centre Co., Pennsylvania
Died: May 31, 1925 (age 78); chronic gastronomic ailments, suffered from Bright’s disease
Buried: Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Jefferson Co., Colorado
Occupation: Bullwhacker, rancher, cattle and horse dealer, writer, author; manuscript History of Brown’s Hole
Politics: Wyoming Territory Legislature; 5th General Assembly, Republican, Livestock Commissioner, U.S. Commissioner, Justice of the Peace
Affiliations: United Workers for the Blind
Married (1): Dec 23, 1885, Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland, Fremont, Dodge Co., Nebraska
Separated: not long after marriage
Divorced: Nov 15, 1900, Wayne Co., Michigan; desertion and non-support
No children
Married (2): Apr 24, 1909, Euphemia Esther “Phemie” (Robinson) Mason, Green River, Sweetwater Co., Wyoming
No children
(m.2) Henry Brewer “Harry” Bliss
1st of 6 children of Ezra Everett Bliss, Jr. & Emma Brewer
Born: Oct 29, 1872, New York
Died: May 9, 1930 (age 57), New York, New York Co., New York; heart failure
Buried: May 12, 1930, Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey
Occupation: Commercial traveling salesman/jewelry
Married (2): Jan 10, 1901, Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” (Stickland) Hoy, Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan
One child: Edna Lee Bliss
1. Edna Lee Bliss
Only child of Harry Brewer Bliss & Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland
Born: Jun 9, 1902, Brooklyn, New York City, Kings Co., New York
Died: Dec 1, 1979 (age 77), Haskell, Passaic Co., New Jersey; colon cancer
Buried: Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey
Married: Aug 8, 1923, Alfred Clarence Rapkin, New York, New York
One child: Donald Bliss Rapkin
(m.) Alfred Clarence Rapkin
Son of Clarence Rapkin & Marion Edith Cole
Born: Jun 16, 1896, Manhattan, New York Co., New York
Died: May 11, 1959 (age 63), Little Falls, Passaic Co., New Jersey; cancer
Buried: May 14, 1959, Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey
Military: WWI, U.S. Navy
Occupation: Investigator for Navy Export Office, electrical engineer, mechanical sales, executive manager
Married: Aug 8, 1923, Edna Lee Bliss, New York, New York
One child: Donald Bliss Rapkin
Donald Bliss Rapkin
Only child of Charles Clarence Rapkin & Edna Lee Bliss
Born: Jul 22, 1924, Glen Ridge, Essex Co., New Jersey
Died: Nov 5, 1995 (age 71), Livingston, Essex Co., New Jersey; heart attack, complication of diabetes
Buried: Nov 14, 1995, Prospect Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, Essex Co., New Jersey
Military: WWII, U.S. Navy, Patrol Boat Captain in the Pacific Theater
Occupation: Car agency automobile sales, sales engineer for A.P. Green, facilities maintenance for the hotel industry
Memberships: Patrol Craft Sailors Assoc.; National Assoc. of Power Engineers in Washington, D.C.
Married: Mar 26, 1949, Ann Elizabeth Harvey, Essex Fells, Essex Co., New Jersey
Two children: Joyce Ann Rapkin, William Mitchell “Bill” Rapkin
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Two children of Jesse Stickland & Mary Josephine Townsend:
1. Nathaniel C. “Nat” Stickland
1865–1910
2. Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland
1868–1954
Six children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith:
1. Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy
1845–1883
2. James Smith “J.S.” Hoy (1st husband of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
1846–1925
3. Valentine Shade “V.S.” Hoy
1848–1898
4. Emily S. Hoy
1850–1940
5. Adea Adam “A.A.” Hoy
1852–1926
6. Henry “Harry” Hoy
1855–1906
Six children of Ezra Everett Bliss, Jr. & Emma Brewer:
1. Henry Brewer “Harry” Bliss (2nd husband of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
1871–1930
2. Everett Layton Bliss
1874–1937
3. Maud Belle Bliss
1879–1927
4. Winfield Thurston Bliss
1881–1922
5. Clarence Schafer/Schaffer Bliss
1883–1964
6. female infant Bliss
1884–1884
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Timeline and Records
Spellings and information in letters, census, and other records
are retained as in the original documents.
(italicized clarifications or corrections are in parentheses)
***************************
Nov 15, 1846: Birth of James Smith “J.S.” Hoy, 2nd of 6 children of Henry Hoy Jr. & Mary Ann Smith and the 1st husband of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland, in Hoy’s Gap, Centre Co., Pennsylvania
Jul 31, 1860: U.S. Federal Census, Granger, Allegany Co., New York:
Name Jesse Stickland (father of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Age 19
Birth Year abt 1841
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Place New York
Home in 1860 Granger, Allegany, New York
Post Office Short Tract
Dwelling Number 598
Occupation Carpenter
Inferred Father Saml Stickland
Inferred Mother Elizebeth Stickland
Household members, Name Age:
Saml Stickland: Age 50, Farmer, Real Estate $1,800, Personal Estate $200, born England
Elizebeth Stickland: Age 48, born England
Jesse Stickland: Age 19, Carpenter, born New York (father of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Jul 3, 1863: Civil War Draft Registration:
Name Jesse Stickland (father of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Marital Status Married
Race White
Occupation: Carpenter
Age 22
Birth Year abt 1841
Birth Place New York
Residence Date 1 Jul 1863
Residence Place Granger, New York
Congressional District 27th
Class 1
Series Number Nm-65, Entry 172
Description Class 1, A-J, Volume 1 of 2
Nov 1865: Birth of Nathaniel C. “Nat” Stickland, 1st of 2 children of Jesse Stickland & Mary Josephine Townsend, in New York
1865: New York State Census:
Name Jessee Strickland (Jesse Stickland, father of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Gender Male
Relation to Head Head
Birth Year abt 1841
Residence Age 24
Residence Year 1865
Residence Place Granger, Allegany, New York
Line Number 27
Page number 9
House Number 69
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Jessee Strickland: Age 24, Head (Jesse Stickland, father of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Mary Strickland: Age 23, Wife (Mary Stickland, mother of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Nathaniel Strickland: Age 1, Son (Nathaniel Stickland, brother of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Jan 26, 1868: Birth of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland, 2nd of 2 children of Jesse Stickland & Mary Josephine Townsend, in Granger, Allegheny Co., New York
Jun 20, 1870: U.S. Federal Census, Granger, Allegany Co., New York:
Name Jesse Stickland
Age in 1870 28
Birth Date abt 1842
Birthplace New York
Dwelling Number 116
Home in 1870 Granger, Allegany, New York
Race White
Gender Male
Post Office Nunda Station
Occupation Carriage Maker
Father of Foreign Birth Yes
Mother of Foreign Birth Yes
Male Citizen Over 21 Yes
Real Estate Value 600
Household Members (Name) Age:
Jesse Stickland: Age 28, Carriage maker, born New York
Mary Stickland: Age 27, keeping house, born New York
Nathaniel Stickland: Age 6, born New York
Lizzie Stickland: Age 2, born New York
Jul 12, 1872: Marriage of Ezra Everett Bliss, Jr. & Emma Brewer, the parents of Harry Brewer Bliss, in Kings Co, New York
Six children: Henry Brewer “Harry” Bliss, Everett Layton Bliss, Maud Belle Bliss, Winfield Thurston Bliss, Clarence Schafer/Schaffer Bliss, female infant Bliss
Jul 12, 1872: New York Marriage Index:
Name Ezra E Blip (Ezra Everett Bliss)
Gender Male
Marriage Date 12 Jul 1872
Marriage Place Kings, New York
Spouse Emma Brewer
Certificate Number 1300
Jul 12, 1872: New York United Methodist Church Records:
Name Ezra E Bliss
Gender Male
Marriage Age 24
Event Type Marriage
Birth Date abt 1848
Residence Place Brooklyn
Marriage Date 12 Jul 1872
Marriage Place USA
Spouse Emma Brewer
Name Emma Brewer
Gender Female
Marriage Age 19
Event Type Marriage
Birth Date abt 1853
Residence Place Brooklyn
Marriage Date 12 Jul 1872
Marriage Place USA
Spouse Ezra E Bliss
Oct 29, 1872: Birth of Harry Brewer Bliss, 1st of 6 children of Ezra Everett Bliss, Jr. & Emma Brewer and the 2nd husband of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland, in New York
Sep 4, 1877: J.S. Hoy (age nearly 31), living in Natrona Co., Wyoming, is elected to the 5th General Assembly of the Wyoming Territory as a Republican representative and serves two years in the territorial legislature.
Jun 20, 1880: U.S. Federal Census, Caro, Tuscola Co., Michigan:
Name Jesse Stickland
Age 43
Birth Date Abt 1837
Birthplace New York
Home in 1880 Caro, Tuscola, Michigan
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Self (Head)
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Mary Stickland
Father’s Birthplace England
Mother’s Birthplace England
Occupation Wagon maker
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Jesse Stickland: Age, 43 Self (Head), wagon maker, born N.Y., father born England, mother born England
Mary Stickland: Age 37, Wife, housekeeper, born N.Y., father born N.Y., mother born N.Y.
Nathaniel Stickland: Age 15, Son, attends school, born N.Y., father born N.Y., mother born N.Y.
Lizzie Stickland: Age 12, Daughter, attends school, born N.Y., father born N.Y., mother born N.Y.
May 26, 1885: Death of Emma (Brewer) Bliss, wife of Ezra Brewer Bliss and the mother of Harry Brewer Bliss, in New York City, Brooklyn, New York; in childbirth, along with her 6th child
May 26, 1885: New York Death Certificate:
Name Emma Brewer Bliss
Gender Female
Race White
Marital Status Married
Age 32
Birth Date abt 1853
Birth Place New York
Death Date 26 May 1885
Death Street Address 401 Wyckoff St
Death Place New York City, Brooklyn, New York
Death City Ward 22
Cause of Death Shock from Removing Fetus, Cystic Degeneration of Placenta and Dead Fetus
Burial Date 28 May 1885
Burial Place Cypress Hills Cemetery
Father’s Birth Place New York
Mother’s Birth Place New York
Certificate Number 5930
May 28, 1885: Burial of Emma (Brewer) Bliss at Cypress Hills Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York; Section 1, Lot 112, Virgil Path Grave 15
Dec 23, 1885: Marriage of James Smith “J.S” Hoy & Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland, in Fremont, Dodge Co., Nebraska
Note: J.S. is age 39, Lizzie is a month short of 18; the 1st marriage for both. Witnesses to their wedding are the parents of the bride, her brother, and Mr. & Mrs. Valentine S. Hoy (J.S.’ brother and wife).
Dec 23, 1885: Nebraska Marriage Records:
Name Lizzie M. Stickland (Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Gender Female
Race White
Marriage Age 18
Record Type Marriage
Birth Date abt 1867
Birth Place New York
Marriage Date 23 Dec 1885
Marriage Place Fremont, Nebraska
Marriage County Office Dodge
Father Jesse Stickland
Mother Mary Townsend (Mary Josephine Townsend)
Spouse James S. Hoy (James Smith “J.S.” Hoy)
Name James S. Hoy (James Smith “J.S.” Hoy)
Gender Male
Race White
Marriage Age 38
Record Type Marriage
Birth Date abt 1847
Birth Place Pennsylvania
Marriage Date 23 Dec 1885
Marriage Place Fremont, Nebraska
Marriage County Office Dodge
Father Henry Hoy
Mother Mary M. Smith (Mary Ann Smith)
Spouse Lizzie M. Stickland (Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Dec 25, 1885: Fremont Tri-Weekly Herald, Fremont, Dodge Co., Nebraska:
Wedding Bells
MARRIED—In this city on Wednesday evening, December 23rd, at the residence of the bride’s parents by Rev. John Hewitt, pastor of Episcopal church, Mr. Jas S. Hoy and Miss Lizzie M. Stickland.
Surprised again. This bit of news will be unexpected by the friends of the contracting parties. The groom has dodged for a good many years the artful wiles of the fair sex, but he has at last, and somewhat suddenly, succumbed to their charms. Mr. Hoy’s friends will extend to him their best wishes for a long and happy life in his new relations. He has endured many hardships and labored long and faithfully for a competency and now that he has acquired it by his own pluck and energy he is entitled to enjoy its fruits. The bride is comparatively a stranger in Fremont, but during the brief residence with her parents here she has shown herself a true lady of culture and refinement. May they both “live long and prosper!”
Dec 31, 1885: Fremont Tri-Weekly Herald, Fremont, Dodge Co., Nebraska (Thursday, page 6):
Note: J.S. and Lizzie may have separated not long after their marriage. There is no evidence of her from Dec 1885 until 1898. In 1898, Lizzie is working as a domestic and living with her mother back in Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan. In the 1900 census, she lists herself as single and again, living with her mother in Detroit. Her brother is living in the same county. Her father is in the Kalamazoo Asylum for the Insane.
Note: The Asylum opened in 1889 and is located in the southwest corner of the state, about 112 miles—as the crow flies—from Wayne County
1890: Federal Census Substitute Directory, Fremont, Dodge Co., Nebraska:
J.S. Hoy: cattle dealer, 210 c Military, Fremont City W
1891/92: City Directory, Fremont, Dodge Co., Nebraska:
Hoy, J.S., cattle dealer, res 210 e. Military, Fremont City, Nebraska
Jun 16, 1896: Birth of Alfred Clarence Rapkin, son of Clarence Rapkin & Marion Edith Cole and the husband of Edna Lee Bliss, in Manhattan, New York Co., New York
Jun 16, 1896: New York, New York Birth Index:
Name Alfred Clarence Rapkin
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Date 16 Jun 1896
Birth Place Manhattan, New York City, New York, New York
Residence Address W. 83rd St. N Y City 2
Certificate Number 26755
Father Clarence Rapkin
Mother Marion Edith Rapkin
Mother Maiden Name Cole
Aug 1, 1898: Detroit City Directory, Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan
Hay, Lizzie, domestic, 785 3rd Ave (Lizzie Hoy)
Stickland, Mary J. (wid Jesse) bds 64 Adams ave (mother of Lizzie Hoy)
Note: Lizzie’s father is not deceased but in an insane asylum in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Jun 2, 1900: Lizzie M. Hoy & Hames S Hoy, Michigan Divorce Record filed (pg 512):
Jun 2-4, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York:
Name Harry B Bliss
Age 28
Birth Date Dec 1871
Birthplace New York
Home in 1900 Brooklyn Ward 25, Kings, New York
Ward of City 25th
Street Quincy Street
House Number 731
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Son
Marital Status Single
Father’s Name E Everett Bliss
Father’s Birthplace Rhode Island
Mother’s Name Marie J Bliss
Mother’s Birthplace New York
Occupation Traveler Commercial
Months Not Employed 0
Can Read Yes
Can Write Yes
Can Speak English Yes
Household members: Name Age:
E Everett Bliss: Age 48, Head, born Apr 1852, years married 28, born Rhode Island, father born Rhode Island, mother born Rhode Island, Commercial Traveler
Marie J Bliss: Age 47, Wife, born Aug 1852, years married 28, 5 children born, 5 children living, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York
Harry B Bliss: Age 28, Son, born Dec 1871, age 28, born New York, father born Rhode Island, mother born New York, Commercial Traveler (note: born Oct 29, 1872)
Everett L Bliss: Age 25, Son, born Dec 1874, age 28, born New York, father born Rhode Island, mother born New York, Commercial Traveler
Winfield T Bliss: Age 19, Son, born Apr 1881, age 19, born New York, father born Rhode Island, mother born New York, office Clerk
Clarence S Bliss: Age 16, Son, born Jul 1883, age 16, born New York, father born Rhode Island, mother born New York, store Clerk
Maud B Bliss: Age 21, Daughter, born Apr 1879, age 21, born New York, father born Rhode Island, mother born New York
Jun 5, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan:
Stickland, Mary: Head, born Sep 1843, age 57, widow, 2 children born, 2 children living, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York, born Rhode Island, father born Rhode Island, mother born Rhode Island
Hoy, Lee M.: Daughter, born Jan 1868, age 31, single, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York, life Insurance clerk (Lee/Lizzie and J.S. Hoy are separated by this census)
Note: Lizzie is now going by Lee. Her mother, Mary, is listed as a widow (she is not; her husband is in an asylum, see census below)
Jun 11 & 13, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Kalamazoo, Ward 3, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan:
Name Jesse Stickland
Age 60
Birth Date 1840
Birthplace New York
Home in 1900 Kalamazoo Ward 3, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Ward of City 3
Street Asylum Avenue
Institution Michigan Asylum For the Insane
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House: Patient
Marital Status Married
Father’s Birthplace New York
Mother’s Birthplace England
Can Read Y
Can Write Y
Can Speak English Y
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Jesse Stickland: born 1840, age 60, Patient, married, born New York, father born New York, mother born England
Note: Jesse is one of nearly 1,100 patients listed, all males between the ages of 19 and 78
Michigan Asylum for the Insane
The Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, the largest institution of its kind in Michigan, officially opened on 29 August 1859 under the direction of Dr. Edwin Van Deusen, although three women patients had been admitted prior to that time. The first male patient was admitted in 1860. First known as the Michigan Asylum for the Insane, it became the Kalamazoo State Hospital in 1911. On the first of January 1978, the name changed to the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital. In July 1995, it assumed its present designation, the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, although most local residents still commonly refer to it simply as “the State Hospital.” The hospital began to grow and steadily expanded until it stretched almost a mile along Oakland Drive, which was originally known as Asylum Avenue, bounded by Howard Street on the south, and by Western Michigan University’s campus at Oliver Street on the north.
Source: https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-history/health/kalamazoo-psychiatric-hospital/
Jun 21, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Brown’s Park, Routt Co., Colorado:
Name James S Hoy
Age 50
Birth Date Nov 1849
Birthplace Pennsylvania
Home in 1900 Browns Park, Routt, Colorado
House Number 2
Number of Dwelling in Order of Visitation 90 89
Family Number 90
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Widowed (not widowed, estranged wife is living)
Father’s Birthplace Pennsylvania
Mother’s Birthplace Pennsylvania
Occupation Farm
Can Read Yes
Can Write Yes
Can Speak English Yes
House Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged F
Farm or House F
Household members, Name Age:
James S Hoy: Age 50
Note: J.S. is age 53 and not a widower as his estranged wife, Lizzie, is alive and well
Nov 15, 1900: Divorce of James Smith “J.S.” Hoy & Elizabeth M. “Lizzie” (Stickland) Hoy, in Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan; for desertion and non-support
Nov 15, 1900: Michigan Divorce Records:
Name: Lizzie M Hoy
Marriage Date: 23 Dec 1885
Marriage Place: Fremont, Dodge Co., Nebraska
Decree Date: 15 Nov 1900
Decree Place: Wayne, Michigan
Spouse Name: James S Hoy
State File Number: 21799
Number of Children: 0
Divorce Status: Granted
Nov 16, 1900: Detroit Free Press, Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan (Friday):
Jan 10, 1901: Marriage of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland & Harry Brewer Bliss, in Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan
One child: Edna Lee Bliss
Jan 10, 1901: Michigan Marriage Records:
Name: Elizabeth M Stickland
Gender: Female
Race: White
Age: 29
Birth Date: abt 1872
Birth Place: New York
Marriage Date: 10 Jan 1901
Marriage Place: Detroit, Wayne, Michigan
Residence Place: Detroit, Michigan
Father: Jessey Stickland (Jesse Stickland)
Mother: Mary Townsand
Spouse: Harry B Bliss
Record Number: 32579 1/2
Name: Harry B Bliss
Gender Male
Race White
Age 28
Birth Date abt 1873
Birth Place New York
Marriage Date 10 Jan 1901
Marriage Place Detroit, Wayne, Michigan
Residence Place New York, New York
Father: Everett E Bliss
Mother: Emma Brewer
Spouse: Elizabeth M Stickland
Record Number 32579 1/2
Jun 9, 1902: Birth of Edna Lee Bliss, the only child of Harry Brewer Bliss & Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland, in Brooklyn, New York City, Kings Co., New York
Jun 9, 1902: New York City Births:
Name Edna L. Bliss
Birth Date 9 Jun 1902
Birth Place New York, New York
Certificate Number 12722
Jun 9, 1902: Birth Record for Edna L. Bliss:
Jun 9, 1902: New York, New York, U.S., Index to Birth Certificates (1866-1909):
Name: Edna Lee Bliss
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Date 9 Jun 1902
Birth Place Brooklyn, New York City, Kings, New York, USA
Residence Address St James Place 80
Certificate Number 12722
Father: Harry Brewer Bliss
Mother: Lee Stickland (Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Mother Maiden Name Stickland
Edna Lee Bliss:
Jun 1, 1905: New York State Census:
Name: Harry B Bliss
Gender Male
Race White
Age 32
Birth Date abt 1873
Birth Place USA
Residence Date 1 Jun 1905
Residence Place Brooklyn, Kings, New York
Relationship Head
House Number 539
Household members; Name Age:
Harry B Bliss: Head, age 32, born in U.S., Silver Salesman (Harry Brewer Bliss)
Lee M Bliss: Wife, age 36, born in U.S., Housewife (Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland)
Edna L Bliss: Daughter, age 3, born in U.S. (Edna Lee Bliss)
Mary J Sheklard: Mother-in-law, age 62, born in U.S. (Mary J. Stickland)
1905: Harry Brewer Bliss with daughter, Edna Lee Bliss:
Apr 29, 1910: U.S. Federal Census, Glen Ridge Borough, Essex Co., New Jersey:
Bliss, Harry B.: Head, age 38, married 9 years, born New York, father born Rhode Island,
mother born New York, commercial traveler in jewelry
Bliss, Lee M.: Wife, age 42, married 9 years, 1 child born, 1 child living, born New York father born New York, mother born New York
Bliss, Edna Lee: Daughter, age 7, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York
Stickland, Mary J.: Mother-in-law, age 68, widow, 2 children born, 2 children living, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York
Mallby, Sadie E.: boarder, age 23, single, born New Jersey, father born New Jersey, mother born New Jersey
Nov 15, 1910: Death of Nathaniel C. “Nat” Stickland (age 47), 1st of 2 children of Jesse Stickland & Mary Josephine Townsend, in Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan; delirium tremens
Nov 15, 1910: Michigan Death Record:
Name Nal Strickland (Nathaniel “Nat” Stickland)
Gender Male
Age 47
Race White
Birth Date 1863
Death Date 15 Nov 1910
Death Place Detroit, Wayne, Michigan
Father Jesse Strickland (Jesse Stickland)
Mother Ward (Mary Josephine Townsend)
Nov 19, 1910: Daily Death List, Detroit Evening Times, Detroit, Detroit Co., Michigan (pg 11):
Note: Nathaniel is listed in the 1897 Detroit City Directory with his mother, Mary J. Stickland (wid Jesse)
He is also listed in the 1898, 1900, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, and 1910 Detroit City Directories as a clerk or a salesman, and in both the 1900 and 1910 Detroit, Michigan census as a boarder w/Alice (Waters) Jackson
Jun 27, 1916: Death of Jesse Stickland (age 76), son of Samuel Stickland & Elizabeth Marsh and the father of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland, in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan; arteriosclerosis and mitral insufficiency
Jun 27, 1916: Michigan Death Record:
Name Jesse Stickland
Gender Male
Age 63 (Jesse is actually age 76)
Race White
Birth Date 1853 (various birth years: 1837, 1840, 1841, 1842)
Death Date 27 Jun 1916
Death Place Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Jun 27, 1916: State of Michigan, Certificate of Death:
WWI: Jul 28, 1914–Nov 11, 1918:
World War I, or the First World War, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Central Powers. Major areas of conflict included Europe, the Middle East, parts of Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.
Alfred Clarence Rapkin, WWI, U.S. Navy
Feb 11, 1918: Alfred C. Rapkin, U.S. Customs Service card:
Sep 6, 1918: WWI Draft Registration Card:
Name Harry Brewer Bliss
Race White
Birth Date 29 Oct 1872
Residence Date 1917-1918
Street Address 76 High St
Residence Place Essex County, New Jersey
Draft Board 2
Physical Build Stout
Height Medium
Hair Color Gray
Eye Color Brown
Spouse E.E. Bliss
Harry Brewer Bliss:
Edna Lee Bliss, the daughter of Harry Brewer Bliss & Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland:
Nov 8, 1918: Death of Ezra Everett Bliss (age 71), the father of Harry Brewer Bliss, in Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York; cardiac myocarditis
Nov 12, 1918: Brooklyn Daily Times, Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York (pg 10):
Nov 13, 1918: Burial of Ezra Everett Bliss at Green-Wood Cemetery in Green-Wood Heights, Kings Co., New York; Sec: 78 Lot Number: 30 Vault: 16 Catacomb: 8 (Interred in Green-Wood catacombs. Chamber is at the far end, on the right.)
Jan 7, 1919: U.S. Veterans Administration Master Index:
Name Alfred Clarence Rapkin
Record Type Military Service
Birth Date 16 Jun 1896
Military Date 7 Jan 1919
Oct 1, 1919: U.S. Application for Seaman’s Protection Certificates (1916-1940):
Name Alfred C. Rapkins (Alfred C. Rapkin)
Age 23
Birth Date 16 Jun 1896
Birth Place NY City
Application Date 1 Oct 1919
Application Place New York, New York, USA
Jan 21, 1920: U.S. Federal Census, Glen Ridge, Essex Co., New Jersey:
Blilla (Bliss), H.B.: head, rents, age 47, married, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York, traveling salesman (Harry Brewer Bliss)
Bliss, Lee M.: wife, age 52, married, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York
Bliss, Edna Lee: daughter, age 17, single, born New York, father born New York, mother born NY
Stickland, Mary: mo-in-law, age 78, widow, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York
Note: Lizzie (Lee) is living with husband Harry B. Bliss, daughter Edna, and mother Mary Stickland
Edna Lee Bliss with father, Harry Brewer Bliss:
Edna Lee Bliss at the beach:
Aug 8, 1923: Marriage of Alfred Clarence Rapkin & Edna Lee Bliss, in New York, New York
One child: Donald Bliss Rapkin
U.S. Newspaper Marriage Index:
Name Miss Edna Lee Bliss
Gender Female
Marriage Date 8 Aug 1923
Marriage Place New York
Father Harry Brewer Bliss
Mother Bliss
Spouse Alfred Clarence Rapkin
Name Alfred Clarence Rapkin
Gender Male
Marriage Date 8 Aug 1923
Marriage Place New York
Father Clarence Rapkin
Mother Rapkin
Spouse Edna Lee Bliss
Jul 22, 1924: Birth of Donald Bliss Rapkin, the only child of Alfred Clarence Rapkin & Edna Lee Bliss, in Glen Ridge, Essex Co., New Jersey
Donald Bliss Rapkin and mother, Edna Less (Bliss) Rapkin:
May 31, 1925: Death of James Smith “J.S.” Hoy (age 78), the 1st husband of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” (Stickland) Hoy Bliss, in his home at 2018 California Street in Denver, Colorado; chronic gastronomic ailments, also suffered from Bright’s disease
Jun 1, 1925: Burial of James Hoy by the Olinger Mortuary at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Jefferson Co., Colorado
Note: Despite his specific request in his will, J.S. Hoy’s gravesite remains unmarked. General location of his burial: block 15, lot 47, section 10.
Jun 2, 1925: Denver Post, Denver, Denver Co., Colorado (pg 8):
JAMES HOY, PIONEER WHO NEVER
FOUGHT INDIANS, IS LAID TO REST
Funeral of One-Time U.S. Commissioner Recalls
Thrilling Days When Brown’s Hole Was
Rendezvous of West’s Worst Outlaws.
Funeral services for James Smith Hoy, pioneer Colorado resident, who died at his home, 2018 California street, Sunday, were held at the Olinger mortuary in charge of the United Workers for the Blind, Monday. Interment was at Crown Hill cemetery.
Hoy’s life in the west was filled with colorful adventure, altho it was always his boast that he was the “only pioneer who had never fought Indians or killed a bear or a buffalo.” However, during the warfare between ranchers and outlaws in the Brown’s hole country, Moffat county, in the ‘70’s, Hoy saw plenty of action.
Hoy was born at Hoy’s Gap, Pa., in l847 and at an early age was sent to live with an uncle. The two disagreed so violently that the youth soon ran away, finally stopping at a settlement sixteen miles west of Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked for several years. Leaving Iowa, Hoy went by boat to the Union garrison at Natchez on the Mississippi river, and stayed with another uncle, James Smith, the commanding officer, for a time, but soon returned to Iowa.
In l864 Hoy set out for the west, arriving in Denver in the fall of that year. After spending the winter at a wood camp near Central City, Hoy returned to Denver and engaged in freighting between Denver and Omaha.
With his brother, Valentine, Hoy settled on a ranch near Brown’s hole, which soon became famous as the gathering place for outlaws and desperadoes from all sections of the west, men driven to the wilderness by the ever advancing tide of settlers.
The brothers were involved in many of the cattle wars and fights with these outlaws during the next few years, until 1897, Valentine Hoy was shot and killed by Harry Tracy, notorious western bandit. Tracy had escaped from the Utah penitentiary, making his way to the comparative safety of unsettled northwestern Colorado. Valentine Hoy was leading a posse in search of the bandit and his pal when a shot from ambush ended his life.
During this period, James Hoy spent some time in Wyoming, at Natrona, being elected to the fifth general assembly of that territory in l876. He came to Denver to live several years ago.
Hoy had also served at various times as justice of the peace, livestock commissioner and United States commissioner. He was a member of the United Blind Workers altho he had never lost his sight.
Jan 1, 1930: Death of Mary Josephine (Townsend) Stickland (age 87), the mother of Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” (Stickland) Bliss, in Essex Co., New Jersey
Mary Josephine (Townsend) Stickland w/grandson Donald Bliss Rapkin:
Jan 1930: Burial of Mary Josephine (Townsend) Stickland at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey
Apr 24, 1930: U.S. Federal Census, Montclair, Essex Co, New Jersey:
Name: Alfred C Rapkin
Birth Year abt 1897
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 33
Birthplace New York
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Montclair, Essex, New Jersey
Street Address Summit Avenue
House Number 119
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Home Value 27, 000
Radio Set Yes
Lives on Farm No
Age at First Marriage 27
Attended School No
Able to Read and Write Yes
Father’s Birthplace England
Mother’s Birthplace Pennsylvania
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Electrical engineer
Industry Electrical ??
Class of Worker Wage or salary worker
Employment Yes
Veteran Yes
War WW
Household members, Name Age:
Alfred C Rapkin: Head, Age 33, Value of home $27,000, age 27 at 1st marriage, born New York, father born England, mother born Pennsylvania, Electrical Engineer for Electrical? Veteran of WW
Edna L Rapkin: Wife, Age 27, age 21 at first marriage, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York
Donald B Rapkin: Son, Age 5, born New Jersey, father born New York, mother born New York,
Harriet Stanley: Servant: Negro, Age 20, single, born South Carolina, father born South Carolina, mother born South Carolina, Servant in Private Family
Edna (Bliss) Rapkin and son Donald Bliss Rapkin:
May 2, 1930: U.S. Federal Census, Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey:
Bliss, Harry B.: Head, rents $105 per month, age 57, married at age 25, born New York, father born Rhode Island, mother born Rhode Island, jewelry salesman
Bliss, Lee M.: Wife, age 62, married at age 30, 1 child born, 1 child living, born New York, father born England, mother born New York
Harry Brewer Bliss with pets:
May 9, 1930: Death of Harry Brewer Bliss (age 57), 1st of 6 children of Ezra Everett Bliss, Jr. & Emma Brewer and the 2nd husband of Elizabeth M. “Lee/Lizzie” (Stickland) Bliss, in New York Co., New York; heart failure
May 9, 1930: New York Death Index:
Name Harry B Bliss
Age 58
Birth Year abt 1872
Death Date 9 May 1930
Death Place Manhattan, New York
Certificate Number 12051
May 10, 1930: The Montclair Times, Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey (Saturday, pg 2):
May 12, 1930: Burial of Harry Brewer Bliss at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey
Apr 22, 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey:
Name: Alfred Rapkes [Alfred Rapkin]
Age 43
Estimated Birth Year abt 1897
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace New York
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Street Summit Avenue
House Number 119
Farm No
Inferred Residence in 1935 Montclair, Essex, New Jersey
Occupation Sales Engineer
House Owned or Rented Owned
Value of Home 9000
Highest Grade Completed Elementary school, 8th grade
Hours Worked Week Prior to Census 40
Duration of Unemployment 0
Class of Worker Wage or salary worker in private work
Weeks Worked in 1939 52
Income 3000
Income Other Sources No
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Alfred Rapkin: Age 43, Head, born New York, sales engineer (Alfred Clarence Rapkin)
Edna Rapkin: Age 37, Wife, born New York, house wife (Edna Lee (Bliss) Rapkin)
Donald Rapkin: Age 15, Son, born New Jersey
Apr 25, 1942: U.S. World War II Draft Registration Card:
Name Alfred Clarence Rapkin
Gender Male
Race White
Age 45
Birth Date 16 Jun 1896
Birth Place New York City, New York
Residence Place Essex Township, New Jersey
Military Draft Date 1942
Next of Kin Edna B Rapkin
WWII: Donald Bliss Rapkin, the only child of Alfred C. Rapkin & Edna L. Bliss, served in the U.S. Navy
(Captain of Patrol Boat, stationed in the Pacific Theater)
Jul 23, 1946: Military Draft Card:
Name Donald Bliss Rapkin
Gender Male
Race White
Marital Status Single
Military Rank Ensign
Birth Date 22 Jul 1924
Birth Place Glen Ridge, New Jersey
Residence Place Montclair, New Jersey
Industry Roller Bearings
Occupation Laboratory Teiter
Employer Hyatt Bearings Div C.M.C.
Employment Place Harrison, Hudson, New Jersey
Draft Registration Date 30 Aug 1948
Draft Registration Place Kearny, New Jersey
Draft Location New Jersey, USA
Weight 175
Height 5 Ft. 10 In.
Hair Color Brown
Eye Color Brown
Complexion Ruddy
Active Duty Date Feb 1943
Active Duty Service Number 433352
Active Duty Branch US Navy
Active Duty Unit U. S. Navy
Discharge Date 23 Jul 1946
Reserve Date 6 Mar 1945
Reserve Branch US Navy
Reserve Service Number 433352
Reserve Unit Inactive Reserve
Next of Kin Name Alfred C Rapkin
Next of Kin Residence Place Montclair, New Jersey
Draft Registration Number 281224519
Box Number 215
Mar 26, 1949: Marriage of Donald Bliss Rapkin (only child of Alfred Clarence Rapkin & Edna Lee Bliss) & Ann Elizabeth Harvey, in Essex Fells, Essex Co., New Jersey
Two children: Joyce Ann Rapkin, William Mitchell “Bill” Rapkin
Apr 12, 1950: U.S. Federal Census, Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey:
Name: Alfred C Rapkin
Age 52
Birth Date abt 1898
[abt 1898]
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Place New York
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Montclair, Essex, New Jersey
Street Name Summit Avenue
Occupation Sales Eng
Industry Electrical Mech
Father Birth Place England
Mother Birth Place USA
Occupation Category Working
Hours Worked 40
Worker Class Private
Same House Yes
School Completed S12
Grade Completed Yes
School Attendance 30 or over
Weeks Worked 52
Income 800
Other Income 0
Relative Income 1,000
Relative Other Income none
World War II Veteran No
World War I Veteran Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Rapkin, Alfred C: Age 52, Head, married, born New York, Sales Engineer in Electrical MFG
Rapkin, Edna L: Age 47, Wife, married, born New York (Edna Lee (Bliss) Rapkin)
Rapkin, Donald B: Age 25, Son, married, born Jersey, Automobile Sales, Car Agency
Rapkin, Anne H: Age 24, Daughter-in-law, married, born Jersey (Ann Elizabeth (Harvey) Rapkin)
Donald Bliss Rapkin:
Feb 7, 1954: Death of Elizabeth M. “Lee/Lizzie” (Stickland) Bliss (age 86), 2nd of 2 children of Jesse Stickland & Mary Josephine Townsend and the wife of J.S. Hoy and Harry Brewer Bliss, in Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey; breast cancer
Feb 1954: Burial of Elizabeth M. “Lee/Lizzie” (Stickland) Bliss at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey; (burial record: Lee M. Bliss)
May 11, 1959: Death of Alfred Clarence Rapkin (age 62), son of Clarence Rapkin & Marion Edith Cole and the husband of Edna Lee Bliss, in Little Falls, Passaic Co., New Jersey; cancer
May 11, 1959: U.S. Veterans Administration Master Index:
Name Alfred Clarence Rapkin
Record Type Military Service
Birth Date 16 Jun 1896
Military Date 7 Jan 1919
Residence Place Upper Montclair, N Jersey
Death Date 11 May 1959
May 14, 1959: The News, Patterson, Passaic Co., New Jersey (Thursday, pg 41):
May 14, 1959: Burial of Alfred Clarence Rapkin at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey (buried with father, Clarence Rapkin)
Mar 21, 1975: Edna Lee (Bliss) Rapkin in Livingston, Essex Co., New Jersey, holding her great-grandson, Donald Charles Myers
Dec 1, 1979: Death of Edna Lee (Bliss) Rapkin, the only child of Harry Brewer Bliss & Elizabeth M. “Lizzie/Lee” Stickland and the wife of Alfred Clarence Rapkin, in Haskell, Passaic Co., New Jersey; colon cancer
Dec 1, 1979: New Jersey Death Index:
Name Edna L Rapkin
Age 77
Birth Date abt 1902
Death Date 1 Dec 1979
Death Place Wanaque, Passaic, New Jersey
Dec 1, 1979: Social Security Death Index:
Name Edna Rapkin
Birth Date 9 Jun 1902
Issue year 1959-1960
Issue State New Jersey
Last Benefit 07039, Livingston, Essex, New Jersey
Death Date Dec 1979
Dec 2, 1978: The Star Ledger, Newark, Trenton Co., New Jersey (Sunday, pg 78):
Dec 1979: Burial of Edna Lee (Bliss) Rapkin at Mount Hebron Cemetery, Montclair, Essex Co., New Jersey (buried with her mother)
May 12, 1982: Death of Ann Elizabeth (Harvey) Rapkin (age 56), the daughter of George Ludford Harvey & Elizabeth Ann Mitchell, and the wife of Donald Bliss Rapkin, in Livingston, Essex Co., New Jersey;
lung cancer
May 12, 1982: New Jersey Death Index:
Name Ann H Rapkin (Ann Elizabeth (Harvey) Rapkin)
Age 56
Birth Date abt 1926
Death Date 12 May 1982
Death Place Livingston, Essex, New Jersey
May 14, 1982: The Star Ledger, Newark, Trenton Co., New Jersey (pg 16):
May 14, 1982: The Star Ledger, Newark, Trenton Co., New Jersey (pg 30):
May 15, 1982: Burial of Ann Elizabeth (Harvey) Rapkin at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, Essex Co., New Jersey
Nov 9, 1995: Death of Donald Bliss Rapkin (age 71), the only child of Alfred Clarence Rapkin & Edna Lee Bliss, in Livingston, Essex Co., New Jersey; heart attack, complication of diabetes
Nov 9, 1995: New Jersey Death Index:
Name Donald B Rapkin
Age 71
Birth Date 22 Jul 1924
Death Date 9 Nov 1995
Death Place Livingston, Essex, New Jersey
Nov 13, 1995: The Star Ledger, Newark, Trenton Co., New Jersey (pg 16):
Nov 13, 1995: The Star Ledger, Newark, Trenton Co., New Jersey (pg 16):
Nov 14, 1995: Burial of Donald Bliss Rapkin at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, Essex Co., New Jersey
***************************
Jan 27, 2022: Correspondence from Joyce Rapkin-Myers
Hi, Catherine! Lee was my great-grandmother. She died when I was about 4 years old, so I knew her.
Here’s what I have been told:
Lee married J.S. Hoy and they lived near his father’s ranch in Wyoming?? (his brother’s ranch, Valentine Hoy) Near the Green River. Butch Cassidy (and the Sundance Kid) used to race horses there. Their “hideout” was close by. Supposedly, J.S. cooked Thanksgiving dinner for Butch and Sundance one year.
At some point J.S. and Lee divorced and she moved back East. In those days, divorce itself was a scandal – each of them said the other one had died. Lol!! They had no children.
Lee married my great-grandfather, Harry Bliss. I believe he worked for the Gorham Silver Co. for a time. They had one daughter, Edna Lee Bliss, who was my Grandmother. Lee had a lady’s silver and pearl-handled pistol that she kept under her pillow at night. A regular cowgirl!!
Edna married Alfred Rapkin, whose father had come to America from England as an adult. They had one child, Donald Bliss Rapkin. He was my Dad.
Donald married Ann Harvey and they had 2 children – me, and my late brother Bill. I married Charles Myers and we had one son, Donald. Bill Rapkin never married and had no children; he passed away in Nov. 2020.
I had corresponded with a woman from England, long ago, who was J.S. Hoy’s great-granddaughter from his second marriage. (It was actually the great-granddaughter of Phemie and her first husband, George Hedges Mason. J.S. never had children.) What a small world!!!
Joyce Rapkin-Myers
***************************
2026: Researched and compiled by siblings Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens
Fellow contributors:
Joyce-Rapkin Myers and son Don Myers: descendants of Lee/Lizzie (Stickland) Bliss, for their Stickland/Bliss/Rapkin family photos
Dana (Walker) Conway: newspaper and obituary research
Therese Gallagher: AI-generated photos created from faded originals
Catherine and Gordon, Sanders, Montana, 2006
Direct line of Gordon and Catherine:
Johann Albert/Albrecht Hou/Heu & Susanna Snavely (ggg-grandparents)
Henry Hoy, Sr., & Catherine Elizabeth Vonada (gg-grandparents)
Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith (gg-grandparents)
Emily S. Hoy & Finley McLaren “Frank” Chamberlin (great-grandparents)
Nellie Belle Chamberlin & Charles Henry Chatfield (grandparents)
Noreen Ellen “Babe” Chatfield & Carl John Clemens (parents)
Note: The cemetery headstone photos from Find A Grave contained herein are the property of those who photographed them.
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