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The Levi Family
Line
To find the earliest records and
stories of the Levi family, one has only to look in the Old Testament. Anyone
who has ever read this book knows the Levites were one of the tribes of Israel
and that Moses was a Levite.
More recently, our Levi family story starts in the early part of the 19th
century (1800's) with Maxim Levi(b. 1813) who, so far, is the oldest
traceable member of this branch of the family tree. Maxim
(b. 1813) and his wife Julia (b. 1829), were from Ontario, Canada. Maxim
was of French decent, and from their
picture (contributed by Carol Porterfield), it is fairly clear that Julia
was a native -- perhaps Algonouin. From the death notice of his son Antoine,
we also know that in 1850, the family was living in Leeds County, Ontario
which is situated along the St. Lawrence River near Kingston which is where
the French first established their Fort
Frontenac on July 12, 1673.
Based on census records, we think Maxim was born in about 1813. This was only
50 years after "New France" became Great Britain's "Canada."
Up until the time of the 1754-63 French and Indian war (between Britain and
France), European immigrants to "New France" (Canada) were most
likely all from France. After the British won the war and took control in
1763, the predominant origin of immigrants then shifted to Scotland, Ireland
and England. Because of this, given adequate records, many people of true
French Canadian ancestry could probably trace their lineages to French men
who immigrated prior to 1763. In Maxim's case, this would mean he probably
had at least 2 or 3 generations pre-dating him in Canada.
Most historians also estimate there were only about 100,000 French citizens
living in New France(Canada) when the British took over in 1763. This compares
to the estimated 1-2 million colonists living in Britain's colonies at the
time. The primary reason for the difference is that the French looked upon
the new world more as a business opportunity rather than as a place to colonize.
For them, it was a place for adventurers to go to become rich in the fur business.
As a result, most of the early French who came to North America were men.
Many of these men stayed and took native wives. Assuming Maxim had at least
2 or 3 generations pre-dating him in Canada, we can be almost certain, he
was also of mixed ancestry.
In looking for ancestors of Maxim Levi, we should consider other possible
spelling variations of the Levi name including Levey, Levy, Levie, Lavey,
Lavis, and Levis. The further we look back, the more difficult it becomes
to find complete or accurate records. Prior to the 19th and 20th centuries,
literacy was not at all common. Most of our ancestors prior to this time,
had little or no education, and thus their ability to read and write was very
limited. Illiteracy was also encouraged to a certain extent by the church.
For example, in 1713, Pope Clement XI is known to have condemned the reading
of Holy Scriptures by lay men because he was afraid they would not properly
interpret the scriptures as he saw them. Records were also kept by hand and
the people charged with keeping them often had little education and tended
to spell names as they sounded. These factors combined with the 'New World'
melting pot of cultures, languages, and accents explains why we tend to find
variations in the spelling of our surnames as we begin to look at the older
records.
When searching through older Canadian records (1700's and 1800's) from the
vicinity of Quebec, and Ontario, one can find examples that include all of
these spellings. In those days (particularly the 1600's and 1700's), the region
was not heavily populated. It is estimated that in 1700, there were only about
12 thousand inhabitants of European decent in New France -- and over the next
100 years, this amount had only increased to about 250 thousand -- with the
majority still being of French decent. Thus it is very possible that many
of these people with different variations of the Levi name were related.
In early Canadian history the name 'Levis' stands out primarily because
of two men who are only mentioned here because of their prominence and the
remote possibility they may somehow be related to this little branch of the
Levi family tree.
The first Levis who can be associated with "New France" (Canada)
was Henri de Levis, duc de Ventadour (b. 1596 - d. 1680). Henri de
Levis was a very important figure in France who served as Viceroy of New France
(while residing in Old France) from about 1625 to 1648. Point Levis and the
region just South of and across the river from Quebec is named after him.
The second Levis of note was General Francios de Levis. The town of
"Levis" which is just across the river from Quebec is named for
General Levis. In 1759-60, the British invaded New France (Canada). The French
army was under the command of the Marquis de Montcalm and the British forces
which attacked Quebec were under the command of General Wolfe. When the British
attacked Quebec in September 1759, both commanders were killed almost immediately
during the first few volleys of the battle. After this, General de Levis took
command of the French forces which were ultimately beaten. After the war officially
ended in 1763, General de Levis returned to France where he died two years
before the French Revolution. A son and two son-in-laws of the General went
to England when the Revolution commenced. However, believing their families
would be unmolested, they made the sad mistake of leaving them behind in France.
In one day fourteen Levis' lost their heads on the guillotine as the result
of the family's service to the crown.
As for Maxim and Julia Levi, so far, our earliest record is from a census
taken on July 1, 1870 in Milton Township, Antrim County, Michigan. In those
days, the post office for Milton was in Elk Rapids. On page 6 of this census,
Maxim Levi and his family are listed. With the exception of his youngest
son, Henry, who was one month old at the time, the census record also indicates
all members of the family were born in Canada. Also, at the time, Maxim was
57 years old and Julia his wife, was 41. Based on these ages, Maxim would
have been born in about 1813 and Julia would have been born 16 years later
in 1829. We can also deduce from the age of their oldest son, Maxim Jr., who
was 23, that they must have been married about 1846 when Julia would have
been 17 or 18 and Maxim Sr. was 34. Because of this age difference, one can
also speculate that Maxim Sr. may have had another family prior to his union
with Julia. If so, what could have become of them?
Following is a transcript of the July 1, 1870 census for Milton Township,
Antrim County, Michigan starting on page 6, line 24:
- Levi, Maxim (Sr.), white
male, age 57(b. 1813), farmer, born in Canada
- Julia, white female, wife, age
41(b. 1829), keeps house, born in Canada
- Maxim (Jr.), white male, son,
age 23 (b. 1847), farm labor, born in Canada
- Antoine, white male,
son, age 21 (b. June 26, 1850), at home, born in Canada
- Francis, white male, son, age
12 (may be 18), at home, born in Canada
- Joseph, white male, son, age
10 (b. 1860), at home, born in Canada
- Orion?? (badly smudged), white
male, son, age 8 (b. 1862) at home, born in Canada
- John, white male, son, age 6
(b. 1864), at home, born in Canada
- Melinda, white female, daughter,
age 15 (b. 1855), at home, born in Canada
- Ellen, white female, daughter,
age 4 (b. 1866), at home, born in Canada
- Henry, white male, son, age
one month, born in Michigan.
Following are three transcripts (contributed
by Laura Conner) of 1900 census records providing further information about
the above sons Maxim, Osias, and John.
- 1900 Cheboygan City, Cheboygan
Co., MI Census, dated 13 Jun 1900; pg. 246A.
Levi, Maxim, 52;Mar 1848, Canada(Fr); m. 15 years. Immigrated 1868,
occ:
Engineer. Parents: Canada(Fr); Canada(Fr)
Minerva, 49; Nov 1850, Canada(Eng); Parents:PA/Eng - Immigrated 1868.
Lillia M., 19;Jan 1881/MI.
Frank, 14;Aug 1886.
- 1900 Census - Antrim Co., MI.,
HH#55/FN#58:
Levi, Osias, Oct 1861/38; m. 1 yr., b. Canada(Fr) all.
Ire(?); Jun 1876/23; b.MI/ NY/NY
Other info: owns house, 38 animals, in country 33 yrs (1867),
occupation: wood chopper.
- 1900 Milton Twn, Antrim Co.,
MI,18 Jun 1900; pg. 171B. HH#166, FN #167:
Levi, John; 38/Canada(Eng); Parents/Canada(Eng) Immigrated 1866.
Julia; 39/Ohio all
Runner, Adephla? (dau of Julia?), b. Jan 1888/12 yrs. Ohio all
Florence, 14; Aug 1886.
We also know (thanks to Carol Porterfield)
that Maxim and Julia had an older daughter(not shown above)named
Julia Avis Levi who is believed to have been born January 1, 1843 and
died January 10, 1899. This Julia, first married a much older man named Martin
S. Rutherford. They had a son named Frances(Frank)and
daughter named Velma. Frances(Frank)had a son named Seymore(b. 1871). After
Martin S. Rutherford died, Julia married Lucien Kaiser. When she died in 1899,
she was buried in the Bayview Cemetery, Antrim County, Michigan.
Besides the above, we have two other records that provide us with information
regarding Maxim. The first record is from the 1880 Michigan census for Wexford
County (Volume 28, e.d. 249, sheet 10, line 29). This census record, which
lists Antoine Levi (Maxim's second son) along with his wife and children,
indicates both of his parents were born in France. While this record seems
to provide further confirmation the family is of French decent, it is most
likely incorrect with regards to Maxim or Julia's place of birth. Besides
the fact that it contradicts the prior 1870 census record, one must also consider
what was going on in Canada during the early 1800's. After the British took
control of Canada in 1763, one of their primary objectives was to make the
region a Crown colony populated with loyal British subjects. With this objective
in mind, it is doubtful they encouraged or even allowed any immigrants from
France after they took control.
The second record is from the Wexford County Death Records (Book 2, pg.55,
Record #4903) which lists Antoine Pierre Levi (Maxim's second son),
as born June 26, 1850 in New York and died December 14, 1913. Cause of death
was "apoplexy." In this record, Antoine's occupation was given as
farmer, and his parents were noted as being "Maxim and unknown
mother." New York is also given as Antoine's place of birth in the 1880
census record mentioned above in the preceding paragraph.
There is little doubt from the various records that Antoine Pierre Levi
was born on June 26, 1850 and that his parents were Maxim and Julia Levi.
However, it is unlikely that he was born in New York. Family tradition has
always held that at some point, the family came from France to Canada and
then eventually migrated from there into Michigan. This is best documented
by the 1870 census record and Antoine's death notice printed in the Buckley
Enterprise (front page, December 19, 1913) which says he was born in Leeds
County, Ontario and that he first came to Michigan in 1868 as a young man.
Also, fairly exhaustive searches of 1850 New York census records has yet to
bring anything to light that would confirm the idea he was born in New York.
Thus it is difficult to escape the opinion that Antoine was in fact born in
Canada as his death notice says.
From his death notice, we also know Antoine Pierre Levi was married
twice and that he had eight children (plus three step-children) from the two
marriages. We also know that he was thought of as a kind and generous man
who was always ready to help others in need. He was also successful in the
timber business with extensive operations in both Michigan and Florida. Following
is a transcript of his death notice that was printed on the front page of
The Buckley Enterprise on December 19, 1913:
Three Pioneers Go in 2 Days; Death Angle Claims Them in Quick
Succession. Two by Paralysis. Mrs. Milo Corning, Ira McCrill and Antoine Levi.
These Three, For Forty Years Residents of This Section, Passed Away Saturday
and Sunday ....
... Antoine Levi, is perhaps the best known pioneer who recently passed away.
And is one of the oldest of the old pioneers in this section. Mr. Levi came
to this country from Canada at the age of 18 years and for several years worked
on the river. In an early day he settled on a farm in Wexford township and
proceeded to clear away, the then lexurant growth of timber, and make a home
for himself and family. Mr. Levi was a man among men; always ready to help
a more unfortunate neighbor with a few dollars, or words of encouragement.
In later years Mr. Levi lumbered extensively in Northern Michigan and Florida.
His operations were always successful.
He was a kind husband, a loving father and a good neighbor; a good citizen
and business man and his loss will be felt by more than one outside of the
family.
Antoine Levi was born in Leeds Co., Ontario Canada, on June 26, 1850. He came
to Northern Michigan in 1868. He was united in marriage to Gertrude Copley
on Sept. 12, 1874. To this union five children were born. All of whom are
living; Two boys, Clyde and Earl and three girls, Mrs. Ella Kerr, Carrie and
Marry. Mrs. Levi died 16 years ago.
During his sojourn in Florida he was united in marriage the second time to
Mrs. Irving. To this union three children were born, Thomas, Pauline and Edwin.
Besides his wife and children he leaves five brothers and one sister.
Mr. Levi suffered two strokes of paralysis Monday and passed away at his home
here Sunday morning at the age of 63 years.
The funeral was held Tuesday at 2:00 o'clock from the Buckley church. Rev.
Palmeter officiating. Interment in Wexford cemetery.
Laura (Antoine's great-granddaughter) also passed on the following information
which she:
"gathered from a paper written by my Aunt Gertrude Levi-Handley,
who died last year (1998): I don't know how accurate this is, it's from her
memories. Edith Gertrude Copley was supposed to be the first "white" girl
born in Wexford County. She came from an aristocratic English family. Antoine
Levi made his money in the lumber business and land investments. He was considered
a wealthy man at time of his death. He married widow Margaret Irving several
years after death of Gertrude. They were Baptists. (I've been told Antoine
donated the land to build the Baptist church that stands near Cornell Cemetery).
In the summer of 1913, (Antoine's son) Earl and his wife Myrtle moved to
Buckley, Michigan for some reason and lived on one of Antoine's farms. A
few days before Christmas 1913, Grandpa Levi (Antoine) returned from a hunting
trip and stopped by to see Earl & Myrtle, especially to get some of
Myrtle's biscuits and fried potatoes. He later went to the barn to hitch
up his horses to go home. After a time, with the horses still in the barn,
Earl went to check on his father. Antoine was lying on the ground, having
suffered a stroke. Myrtle went to the nearby farm and got Clyde, Antoine's
brother. Antoine died in a hospital several days later. His headstone reads
Antoine Levi, 1850-1913. Myrtle described him as a good man but said she
could hardly understand anything he said as he spoke broken English. (adds
to the point that he may have come from France). Apparently Earl and Clyde
did not get along after this so Clyde moved back to Texas. Reportedly, Clyde
had wanted the farm Earl inherited from his father.
That's about all I have on Antoine Levi. I can tell you that my grandfather
Earl Levi was a tall, thin, wiry man. I always think of pictures I've seen
of President Andrew Jackson to describe his facial features. He had a narrow
face with long, pointy nose. I think his eyes were gray. I tell you this
with the thought that it might give an idea of what Antoine looked like."
Carol, Laura's sister and another great-granddaughter of Antoine added to
this thread when she wrote:
"I talked with one
of my aunts, Earl's daughter, Ellie. She said that she doesn't know anything
about Antoine much because he died before she was born. She does recall her
father wishing they knew where Clyde (his oldest son) had taken off years
after he got mad and left, not ever to be seen again. They would especially
miss him when a death would happen and they would want to let him know, but
didn't know where to look for him. She said Ella (Clyde's sister), would often
say she wished he would come back."
Antoine
was first married to Edith Gertrude Copley on Sept. 12, 1874 by Reverend
R. Redeoff. Edith Gertrude Copley was born July 26, 1855 in Buckley,
Michigan and died there on May 3, 1898. It is believed that Edith was the
first white girl born in Wexford County. Her parents were Hiram H. Copley
and Caroline Alexander. The 1870 Wexford census shows Hiram's father born
in Massachusetts, and his mother born in Indiana. The Copleys are also thought
to have been from an aristocratic English family.
As a side note, Wexford County
records pertaining to Caroline Alexander-Copley, indicate she died
May 28, 1882, as a widow (Book 1, pg. 30), and that she and her parents, John
and Ruth Alexander, where all born Indiana. Her cause of death was listed
as spinal complication, and her parents place of residence was in Gassler
or Cassler, Michigan.
Regarding Caroline, Laura (Antoine's great-granddaughter) wrote:
"Next to Caroline's headstone
is a metal marker that says "Wife of Civil War Veteran". I would think Hiram
too old since he should have been born in 1810 if he was 60 on the 1870 Wexford
Census."
Antoine Pierre and Gertrude's
(Edith) children were:
- Lawrence Levi - Born
November 13, 1877 and died as a baby at age one year, three months, and
fourteen days on February 27, 1879
- Lawrence Clyde Levi -
(went by the name of Clyde) Born November 23,
1878. died ???
- Ella Levi - Born January
10, 1882
- Caroline Levi - Born
November 20, 1883, died February 2l, 1920
- Earl Antoine Levi - Born
December 8, 1887 in Buckley Michigan, died July 25, 1954 Dallas, Texas
- Mary Isabelle Levi -
Born March 7, 1894, died December 25, 1918 (Rec #6267, Bk 2, pg.112-S),
cause: pneumonia, occ: teacher, lived in Canada. She never married.
A few years after the death of
his first wife Edith Gertrude Copley (d. 1898), Antoine married Margaret
(Mattie) Irving(or Irwin) in Florida while he was there working on one
of his timber operations. Together, they had three children who were:
When she married Antoine, Margaret
also had three other children from a prior marriage. Their names were:
- Max Irwin
- Eloise Irwin
- Olive Irwin
The following Levi's are buried in Cornell
Cemetery of Wexford County, Michigan. The cemetery is located East of
Mesick on M-115 to M-37. To find it, turn left (north) on M-37 and go to 4
Road (about 6 miles), then turn left (west) on 4 Road. The cemetery is about
1 mile on the south side of the road, on the corner of 4 and 11 Roads.
This is a view of the cemetery entrance and this is a
view which includes the church. The Levi graves are behind the small cone-shaped
bushes near to the dirt road.
- Levi, Antoine (1850 - 1913)
- Levi, Carrie (1883 - 1922)
- Levi, Gertrude (1855 - 1898)
- Levi, L.G. (is this Clyde?)
- Levi, Lawrence (1878 - 1879)
- Levi, Mary (1894 - 1918)
- Levi, Mattie M. (Second wife
of Antoine 1864 - 1926)
The following members of the Copley
family are also buried in the Cornell Cemetery:
- Copley, Caroline (Caroline was
Gertrude Levi's Mother and Antoine's Mother in Law)
- Copley, Gordon K.
- Copley, Guy Hugh
- Copley, Jennie S.
- Copley, John Jason
- Copley, John Jason Sr.
- Copley, Lorenna
- Copley, Loretta
Also, if one stands in front of the cemetery and looks down the road, a farm
house can just be seen in the distance about one-quarter mile away. Apparently,
there are also some other Copley Grave markers have been found near the house.
This is what it
looks like when you look down the road (the house is barely visible to the right
side.
To continue this story, follow the following links to read about Lawrence
"Clyde" Levi and his family or Earl Antoine Levi
and his family.
Some other Links:
Ontario Land Records Index --
this is an excerpt of entries covering LEVEY, LEVI, LEVIE, LEVIE, and LEVIS
land transactions in Ontario between 1823 and 1870.
Ontario Cemeteries -- this list contains
cemetery information for 415 individuals with surnames that include the following
spellings: LEVI, LEVY, LEVIS, LAVIS, LEBEAU, LEVIE, LEVAI, LAVAI, LAVE,
LEVAY, LABAY, LABEY. It is based on cemetery data originally compiled
by volunteers of the Ontario Cemetery Finding Aid Project (OCFA).
The French Canadians (1600-1900) --
this is my compilation of 50 selected records from a book titled "The
French Canadians" covering surnames with the following spellings: LEVEY,
LEVI, LEVIE, LEVIS and LEVY.
For more information and background, follow these links to read about the
History of Wexford County, Michigan
or Wexford County Statistics.
If you are interested in the history
of Canada, this web site by R.
D. (Dick) Garneau is one of the best and most informative ones I've come
across. Unlike the sanitized content of most mainstream history books, Mr.
Garneau provides us with a unique look at the dark underbelly of Canadian
history. He certainly doesn't sugarcoat anything.
Links to other
Canadian archives and information for genealogy researchers.
Copyright©2004
by Doug Meharry. All rights reserved.
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