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THE TREE'S CHRISTMAS LETTER 1983 
As usual our Christmas letter is hanging heavily on our heads as the days go by. Sometimes we think why bother with it, but having done so for the past several years, we would not feel at ease unless we did write it. I have enjoyed writing letters and receiving letters over a great many years. Letter writing is an art that is being lost by the younger generation in this computer age of push buttons. Presumably, not many ninety year olds are still writing letters, but I am fervently hoping to do so as long as I have my eyesight and ability to write. We have beenquite fortunate during the past year in maintaining our health. Forgetfulness is one of our biggest problems now, as well as failing eyesight. During this past year we have celebrated our 89th. and 90th. birthdays respectively, as well as our 69th. Wedding Anniversary, whether we ever make it to our 70th. is not for us to decide, but we are going to give it a try. Mrs. Thatcher is known as the Iron Lady but I think that my dear wife can justifiably be called the same. Since she was 12 yrs. old she has been a homemaker, and a housewife, over 50 of which she has been a farmer's wife, and is still able to do all of her own housework, as well as all of the hand-weeding in our good sized garden and flower beds. She is very proud to say that she has enjoyed the outdoor work most of all. I am very pleased to say that although my working days are over, I can still get around the house as well as the dooryard on my own power with the aid of a walker. Although our eyesight is getting rather bad, it is easier for me to write than to read, strange as it may seem. I miss reading greatly, but with the radio and TV one does not have to read as much. We do have our spells of loneliness as do all old couples. It is quite obvious in our case, with our family scattered to the four corners of the earth. One daughter and two grandsons living in St.Lambert, our other daughter living in Wales, England, our one and'only grand-daughter living in Italy, whom by the way was recently married to Carlos Bonin and they live in Florence, Italy. One grandson and 3 great grandsons living in Australia. We also have a pen pal of over 50 years standing, who though not a relative, calls us 'Father and Mother' and visited us three years ago, and lives in New Zealand. Our daughter, Verna has a rather serious illness, Hodgkins Disease, and although she does not come out home as often as she used to, but her boys bring her out whenever they get a chance to get off work and we feel very fortunate that Guy (Chick) Phelps, who is retired, and his wife Irene live a short distance from her and are very kind in helping do errands for her, or bring her out home whenever she wishes to come. We too are very fortunate in having very good neighbours who also do our errands for us, especially Wesley Gage who helps us so much with our Christmas Letters. Were it not for him, we would be unable to send out so many letters. Verna has a lot of courage as she has been taking Okemo Therapy treatments for several months now. We hope and pray that they are going to be successful. She has a lot of friends who keep in touch with her, and that is the best kind of Therapy. On her recent birthday, she had phone calls from England, Australia, New Zealand, Alberta and British Columbia, all of which she appreciated very much. We are also very thankful for her two sons, Graham and Brian, who are both living at home with her and look after her so well. We are very proud of them, and well we should be! We have had an extra good garden this year in spite of the fact that it was very late in starting but since the first week of June, the weather has been ideal, rather dry and warm but just enough rain to keep things growing. We have our deep-freezer well stocked for winter. Full credit for our good garden goes to Hazel who has kept it hand weeded all summer. Have had considerable correspondence this year with Colleen Johnson, my very distant 7th generation cousin in Utah, who is writing the TREE Family History. She has discovered that several Tree descendants are living in Ontario and it has held her up, trying to trace all of them. In fact, just recently I had a phone call from a Geral iree who lives in Woodstock, Ont. Strange that we had never, heard of any of the family living in Ont. nor had they ever heard of any of the Tree Family in Que. In passing, I must not forget to tell you all that our grand-daughter Pamela, who has lived in Italy for the past 7 yrs. was married this summer to Carlo Bonin, in Florence, Italy. Needless to say, we are all very pleased. I must not bring this letter to a close without expressing our sincere thanks to the C.L.S.C. Bedford for the wonderful help they have given me over the past three long years. Special Thanks to nurses Jones, Smith and Montagne. A very Merry Christmas to all of you. Kenneth & Hazel Tree The RECORD—Wednesday. June 22, 1983 K. Tree celebrates 90th birthday STANBRIDGE EAST — On June 12 Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Tree of Stanbridge East held open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on a bright and sunny day, when many of their friends and relatives paid tribute to Mr. Tree on his 90th birthday. Delicious refreshments were served by the ladies of the Anglican Church. Birthday cake, sandwiches, squares, tea and fruit punch. The birthday cake was made in the form of a book, by Mrs. Ben Monette and decoded appropriately for £ occasion by Mrs. Lennie Lapointe. The ouncrr was made and served by Mr. Paige Knight. Out of town guests were from Bedford, East Farnham, Greenfield Park, Knowlton. Mystic and St. Lambert. Long distance phone calls were received from their daughter, Thelma, and husband in South Wales, Eng., their grandson Kevin and his wife. Mary, in Adelaide, Australia and from a pen-pal, Mrs. C.W. Tyler in Auckland, New Zealand, who had visited them years ago at their home here in Stanbridge East. Their daughter Verna from St. Lambert was driven out by their grandson Graham Lackey and Miss Wendy Tomalty of Bros-sard, Que., Verna has been quite ill lately, but stayed until mid-afternoon before returning home. A rather special guest of the occasion was Miss Winnie Douglas of Stanbridge Ridge whose birthday was on the same date as Mr. Tree's, but is one year younger. Needless to say, a pleasant afternoon was spent by all and especially by Mr. and Mrs. Tree. Note: Mr. Kenneth Tree was a faithful Record correspondent for Stanbridge East for many years, and the Record wishes him many more happy birthdays. The RECORD—Tuesday, June 21, 1983 Card of Thanks TREE — Mr. and Mrs. Kan-, neth Tree wish to thank alt of their friends and relatives who helped to make Mr. Tree's 90th birthday such a wonderful, occasion. Special thanks go to the Anglican Church Women for providing and serving the lunch and Mr. Paige Knight for making and serving the punch. Thanks also to the local church societies. Historical Society. Masonic Lodge. Senior Citizens Club and the United Empire Loyalists for their card signed by so many members. Also thanks for many floral tributes and gifts from our friends. Special thanks also go to Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bracey. Mrs.' Mary Boomhower and Mrs. Doris Phicard for their help in preparation of the party. KENNETH and HAZEL TREE Little is known about the Tree family that lived in Dunham, Except that previously given. Stephen Tree was a farmer, of the Baptist faith and he served in the township militia. From the census records at-age 66 he is a member of the Church of England. He was born about 1795/6 in the U.S. This would make it possible that he was a son of Caleb and Dorcas. The records of the Leavenworth family reveal that he married about 1823 sabra Elkins, born 30 Dec 1797 the daughter of Moses Elkins and Ruth Leavenworth of Potter, Lower Canada. Children of Stephen and Sabra:
In Vol. 10 of "Then and Now in Missisquoi" There is a picture of the Tree School House between Dunham and Cowansville. There is also a picutre of the pupils and teacher at the Tree School. The land for the school was given by Eber Tree who lived on the next farm, (where the round barn is at present). There is also a copy of the agreement made the 15th of April 1864 between Eber Tree and Apollos Austin for rental of a farm in Dunham township. This reveals many interesting things about the property, animals and the quality of life found on the Tree farm.
THE ONTARIO BRANCH OF THE TREE FAMILY It is believed that this branch of the Tree family is in someway connected with the Quebec branch found in Missisquoi Co. because of the similarity in names and of some relationship to the Babbit family. Caleb Tree of Stanbridge East married Dorcas Babbit and in Oxford Co. Ontario we find a Stephen Babbit Tree. According to tne History of the First Woodstock Baptist, Church the assessment roll for 1812 contains the name of Levi Babbit, lot 20, 100 acres cleared, 1 horse, 1 cow. The following records were taken from the same history, "The persons whose names constitute The First Free Communion Baptist Church in the Town of Oxford had been members of the "Close Communion Church in Oxford". John B. Tree and Elizabeth Tree are among the names listed. The petition to Elder Tallman to constitute and organize the foregoing parties into a church to be called "The First Free Communion Baptist Church of the Town of Oxford", was duly presented and notice given for such purpose to take place at the school house. The following is the.record: — "Oxford, April 22, 1822, met agreeable to previous notice, on the Governor"s Road at the school nouse near Bro. Tree's and made application to Elder Tillman, For the year 1829 the name of Stephen B. Tree is among the first to be baptised." "At the covenant meeting January 28, 1837, Almon Tree and Huldah Tree presented letters from Rushford and Lyndon, N.Y." (John Tree, the son. of Beriah Tree and brother to Caleb Tree had a grandson George Albro, who was living in Lyndon at the time he wrote the letter contained in the Revolutionary War Pension file of John Tree.) "On February 25, 1837, R. H. Burtch and Elijah Tree were baptised by Elder Landon." In the book "The Baptists in Upper and Lower Canada" by Ivison and Rosser the following information is given. "The name of the Oxford church disappeared from the Shaftsbury Association statistical report in 1818 and in 1819 it was formally dismissed to the Clinton Conference of Upper Canada. In that same year of 1819 it was divided into three sections, one east of the Governor's Road, one in the River Settlement, and one at the South Oxford Settlement. Deacons Trees, Tims, and Kings respectively were to supervise these three divisions and services were held in school houses." An item taken from the article "East Zorra early days recalled", in the OXFORD TRACER Vol. 1-3, reads "Prior to the coming of the railroad to Hickson the only sign of a community was at the crossroad west of the station. Known as Harwood Corners, this area was settled chiefly by the English speaking people, such as Caldwell, Plaskett, Smith, Marks, Copp, Dunn and Tree. Descendants of many of these families are still to be fcund living in this area." The Zorra land records reveal that J. B. Tree granted land to Wm Carter on March 7, 1828. A J.B. Tree is listed in the 1810 census of Otsego Co. New York but not found on the 1820 census. Agreement for Rental of a Farm in Dunham Township -1864 This agreement made this 15th day of April, 1864, between Eber Tree and Apollos Austin both of the Township of Dunham in the District of Bedford and Province of Canada, witnesseth that the said Eber Tree doth hereby let and lease for the space of one year to date from the 10th day of April instant unto the said Apollos Austin, the whole of Lot No. 18 in the Sixth Range of Lots in said Dunham Township, to farm and carry on on shares as follows; each of the above named parties to find and pay one-half of the things hereafter named, to wit, seed grain, potatoes and other seeds required, hogs, salt, road work, and taxes of all kinds, the said Eber Tree is to put on said place seven cows and as many more as he thinks proper, and for the use of each cow the said Apollos Austin is to pay sixty pounds of butter, the said Eber B. Tree is to furnish his own butter tubs, also to put on twenty-five sheep, and the said Austin is to receive one half the wool, and one-half the increase; also to put on said place one horse and harness, the said Austin to furnish 
NOTE - that on this Map the "Tree" farm was marked. There were many more names on the original Map which is in the Museum. one horse and harness, also to put on said place one yoke of oxen, and yoke, and either a cart or a wagon. And also all the tools now on said farm, and to find a plough in addition, each party shall pay for the shoeing of his own horse, and each will pay an equal share of the repairs of all other tools used on said farm. The teams are not to be used for any other work only on said farm, and the hay and fodder shall be fed out until the stock is wintered, and if it should fall short each party shall pay an equal share of the price necessary to carry said stock through, and if there should be a surplus of fodder, it is to be equally divided between the said parties. Each party is to bear an equal share of all casualities that may befall said stock. The said Eber Tree doth reserve to himself the right to cut the grass for his own use on five acres of said farm having the right to choose it from any part thereof, but in one piece. The said Tree has now on said farm the seven cows heretofore named, and the said Austin hereby declares himself satisfied therewith. If any casuality should happen to said stock by the fall of a tree or lightning, then the said Austin is not to bear any part of such loss or losses, the said Austin is to occupy that part of said Tree's dwelling-house and premises which he now occupies, and the said Tree reserves to himself the horse barn. The said Austin is to have the grain threshed, and divide the crops and place the said Tree's part thereof where he may direct on said premises, each party to keep a cow for their own use and benefit, and said cows to be fed out of , the undivided fodder. The said Tree also reserves such part of . the cellar as he chooses, and also the whole of the granary. The I said Austin having two cows of his own on said farm, doth hereby agree to pay sixty pounds of butter to the said Tree for the keeping of one of the said cows. Tree also reserves for his own use and benefit a certain scafford in what is called the "Barber" barn on said premises. If any misunderstanding should : hereafter exist between the said parties they hereby bind themselves to refer the same to arbitrators, each party choosing one person, and they choosing a third if necessary. Witnesses: E. Finley, M. Finley. Signed: Eber B. Tree. Apollus Austin. (P.S.) On Waiting's Map the Eber Tree farm is on east side of road south of-Win. Beach farm, Highway 52, between Dunham and Cowansville. (where round barn is.) In the minutes of the 16th (should say 13th) Line Baptist Church, East Zorra, some of the members of the Tree family and their activities in the church are recorded. Among the members listed on Oct 4th 1862 were: Ezekiel Tree, Mary Ann Tree, Ada Tree, Isabella Tree, Stratford, Tree.
31 Dec 1870 Meeting closed by prayer by Rev Stephen Tree who was visiting the church. 1 Jan 1871 Special church meeting after service. Bretheren Tree and Tims reported that they had visited Mr. McMichael and were satisfafied with his christian experience and explanation 6f his poisition and present desire to join the church and recommended him to the fellowship of the church. 1 June 1372 Bro Tree then made some remarks relavtive to the furnishing with the sabbath school with singing books and a library further consideration of which was postponed.
5 Oct 1872 Res. that Miss Ada Tree be received a member of this church.
12 June 1875 Res that bretheren Tree and Walton be a committee to purchase books for the Sabbath school. The relationship between all the Tree families in East Zorra and Woodstock have not yet been determined, but a few families have been put together from census records and a record obtained from the Lawrence Bently Tree family in Denver, Colorado. Also recently the puzzle was further put together from information from Mr. Gerald A Tree of Woodstock, a direct descendant of John Beriah Tree b. 1781. Gerald A. Tree wrote that they had been to McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario and found the old Minute Books for First Baptist Church, Woodstock, and also the 16th Line Baptist Church East Zorra, which was close several years ago. On the front cover of the Minute Book for First Baptist Church, Woodstock 1822 were some Tree birth dates recorded on it, probably written by a younger person. The word Stanbridge was written along with the names and dates but at that time the word Stanbridge had no meaning for them. This further indeicates a connection betoween the two branches - Quebec and Ontario Tree Families. John Beriah Tree Sr. was born in April 1781 in the U.S. He was a farmer and of the Baptist Faith, living in a stone dwelling in East Zorra. His first wife was possibly an Elizabeth_______ . His second wife was Rachel Doyle Burgess, widow of Edward Burgess, born about 1822/3 in New Brunswick. They were md. 20 July 1843. He was living with his son Daniel R. on the 1871 census. Died 14 March, 1880 (98 years 11 months). Gerald Tree sent his obituary taken from THE SENTINEL REVIEW, a weekly paper - Friday, March 19, 1880. THE LATE JOHN BERIAH TREE Died on Monday last, at the residence of his son, D. R. Tree, Esq., East Zorra, near Woodstock, J.B. Tree, aged 98. The deceased was one of the early settlers of the Niagara District. At the outbreak of the last war with the United States the subject of this notice had just entered upon the cultivation of an excellent property intended for a homestead. The call issued by Gen. Brock induced Mr. Tree, though young and deeply engaged in a struggle to acquire a foothold among the opulent in his section, to put aside the implements of husbandry to part with his stock and to rally with the defenders of his country. He joined the gallant Brock at the point of departure for the defence of the Western peninsula, and was present at the repluse at Turkey River near Maiden. He was with the heroic band that caused the surrender of Hull at Detroit, and his last engagement was when the late Gen. Scott, then Capt. Scott was made a prisoner after the battle of Lundy's Lane. Although never a very powerful man Mr. Tree had wonderful energy and pluck, and on repeated occasions where courage and coolness were required had important duties assigned to him. At the close of hostilities he left the profession of arms, a soldier of parts and of position, and was recommended for particular notice by the Commanding General therefor. We have not the date of Mr. Tree's settlement in Oxford. It must have been shortly after 1816 if not about that time, and from the first to the last of an eventful life he maintained a loyal attachment to the British Crown, a strict regard for his country's prosperity, a benevolent and social relationship with his neighbors and in more than average comfort and a good social standing reared in culture and in affluence a numerous family. He was one of those to whom the Canadian people, through Parliament, bequeathed a souvenour of military merit, and awarded a pension. Although lately much enfeebled his mental faculties never forsook him, and he died in perfect peace in the centre of an affectionate family, who cherish fond recollections of his worth. Children: (From records of Gerald A. Tree)
(The history and children of the above to follow) #1 Stephen Babbit Tree was born 25 January 1808 in New York. He was a farmer and a Baptist Minister, living in East Zorra and Woodstock, Oxford Co., Ontario. He md. Abigail E. Luddington b. 26 July 1814 in Mass. He died 12 January 1893 in Woodstock. Abigail died 14 May 1866. They are buried in the Baptist Cemetery in Woodstock. The following obituary is from the SENNTINEL REVIEW - Jan 12,1893 THE LATE STEPHEN B. TREE One by one the links are broken, One by one our friends depart -Once again the Lord hath spoken, And thus the chain is drawn apart. The death of Stephen B. Tree, at his son's residence on Bay Street yesterday, at the age of 84, has removed from our sight the oldest settler in the neighborhood. His father (the late "Deacon" John B. Tree) came to this country in 1804, from York State, A U.E. Loyalist. He returned to his native home and in 1811 came back with his family, bringing with him the deceased, then a boy of nearly four years old. They settled in what is now the easterly part of Woodstock, but later on moved to East Zorra, probably the first settlers there, where he acquired several hundred acres of land. He raised a large family - Stephen being the eldest - three brothers survive him. |