Candis Scott Elliott (1942-2020)

Candis Elliott, daughter of Vera Mann Scott (1914-1999), died at 7:20 in the morning of January 24, 2020, most likely from COVID-19, in Asheville, N.C. She had been a quadriplegic since July 2006. 

ADDENDUM: We believe she also had COVID-19 in retrospect.

OBITUARY

Candis “Candy” Diane (Scott) Elliott passed away January 24, 2020, after a long battle with serious health conditions resulting from a tragic fall in 2006. 

Candis (Candy) Diane Scott Elliott was born in Jamestown, New York, on May 24, 1942, to Pastor Lawrence and Vera Scott. She grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois, where her father served as Pastor of the Hinsdale Church. She doted on her brother David who was 6 years her junior. Candis loved playing the piano and accompanying her father when he sang.

When Candis was a teenager, her father accepted a call to Florida Sanitarium Church and she attended Forest Lake Academy where she met Marvin Elliott who was a grade above her. When he graduated and entered Loma Linda School of Dentistry, Candis soon followed to attend La Sierra University where she majored in Elementary School Education. After graduating, she and Marvin were married August 2, 1964, in San Bernardino, CA, and at the same time, she took a position as 1st grade teacher at Loma Linda Elementary School.

In 1966, Marvin and Candis were called to Asheville where Marvin took over a friend's dental practice. Their daughter Michelle Elliott Fontaine (Nelson) of Alpharetta, GA was born in 1968, and son Lee Elliott (Kirsten) of Candler was born in 1971. The family enjoyed snow skiing, camping, and visiting Hilton Head in the summers. Along with Marvin and her children, Candis was also survived by her brother, David Scott (Kathy) of Tillamook, OR.

Candis played the organ and piano for the Mount Pisgah Academy Church for over 20 years. She taught music and 5th and 6th grade at Asheville Pisgah Church School. One of her spiritual gifts was hospitality. She enjoyed cooking and hosting gatherings, including church bridal and baby showers. Her greatest joy in her later years was her grandchildren, Lauren and Kaeleigh Elliott. Kaeleigh followed in her grandmother's footsteps--accompanying others on the piano--including sister Lauren. Lauren, who most resembled her grandmother, took on her love of animals, and is also musically inclined.

Candis took great pride in the accomplishments of daughter Michelle, and son-in-law Nelson as they planted their own church in Alpharetta, Georgia, just as her great grandfather did in Massachusetts in the early 1900s. And like her parents and ancestors, she remained strong in her faith and never wavered throughout her ordeal since her accident left her paralyzed in July 2006.

When the family discussed arrangements after her death, it was suggested they have a quiet family service, but she requested a memorial service for everyone to attend so that the Lord could be publicly praised. Her service will be at 3pm, Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Mount Pisgah Academy Seventh-day Adventist Church in Candler. 

Thomas S. "Sid" Mann, III (1942-2019)

Sid's roots ran about as deep as they get in Massachusetts and American History. His ancestor, English born Richard Man (1611-1655), was an early settler of Plymouth Colony. Richard's grandson Ensign settled in Petersham, MA. Ensign II attended Harvard and was the leader of the Petersham branch of the Sons of Liberty, the organization responsible for the Boston Tea Party protest.

Another notable ancestor of Sid Mann, was his 4th great grandfather, Lieutenant Luther Holland of Petersham, who was an American Revolution Patriot. Sid was proudly accepted as an SRA (Sons of the American Revolution) member in 2017.

On a personal note, I am deeply saddened by his passing. We had fun researching our roots. I found we were related on 2 branches--one even closer than the Mann branch! I didn't know him long and only met him once, but I'm so glad I found him during my ancestral journey. You couldn't help but love Sid. He was a great, funny bloke. ;-) I'll miss him greatly.

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OBITUARY

March 9, 2019

Thomas S. "Sid" Mann III

JANUARY 1, 1942 ~ MARCH 6, 2019 (AGE 77)

SARASOTA, FL – Thomas S. “Sid” Mann III, formerly of Athol, Massachusetts, took his last Whistle-Stop Tour on Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 while passing away peacefully with his loving wife Sandra by his side.

Sid was educated in Orange, Massachusetts, schools and graduated from New Salem Academy. He then went on to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Miami, where he trained as an Airframe & Power Plant Tech. After obtaining his FAA license, he eventually returned to the family business in Athol.

Following his father’s passing in 1976, 9th generation lumberman Sid owned and operated the well-respected T.S. Mann Lumber Company that was vital to the community. In 2002, his son Tom Mann took over as President when Sid moved to Sarasota, Florida, where he worked as a building supervisor. He also drove a CDL Priority Mail truck until his retirement in 2015. Since Sid let no grass grow under his feet, he kept busy volunteering at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, and also at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish, FL, where he married Sandra in 2015 while standing on one of the famous locomotives. He and best man, Ed Conkey, both wore coveralls and railroad engineer caps.

Sid was always a pillar of the community. He was the youngest Athol Selectman on record, and served for decades on numerous town committees—even running for State Senate. When a local community service organization asked for something, Sid gave it his all. He was a past president and a longstanding member of Camp Cheneo, and he was VP of the New Salem Academy Board of Trustees, and a trustee for 20+ years.

Sid will be well remembered for his love of trains—he had enough railroad memorabilia to fill a museum. He was once owner of the Athol Depot, as well as owner of a full size locomotive and caboose. He often based summer family vacations on where a certain steam locomotive would be—traveling by Amtrak around the country. He was also known for his love of Corvettes; teaching his first wife Janet how to drive a standard in his ‘63 Split Window Coupe. Also, it was anecdotally known that one of his best friends, Peter Gerry, started his tire business after seeing Sid burn-out tires in his ‘Vettes.

Sid was proud of his recent induction into the society of the Sons of the American Revolution. His family roots ran about as deep as they get in Massachusetts and American History. His ancestor, English born Richard Man (1611-1655), was an early settler of Plymouth Colony. Richard's grandson Ensign settled in Petersham, MA. Ensign II attended Harvard and was the leader of the Petersham branch of the Sons of Liberty, the organization responsible for the Boston Tea Party protest. Sid’s 4th great grandfather, Lieutenant Luther Holland of Petersham, marched to Lexington, and was actually within earshot of the Shot Heard ‘Round the World.

Sid leaves his loving wife, Sandra Mann, and her son Jonathan and daughter Stephanie and her husband Moses. He leaves three sons, Tom and his wife Theresa of Athol, Eric of Orlando, FL, and Casey of West Palm Beach, FL; also, his first wife Janet, of Athol and sister, Elizabeth Fountain of Orange, MA. 

He was pre-deceased by his parents Thomas S. Mann Jr, & Alice Williams. Additionally, he leaves two granddaughters Mackenzie and Jessica, as well as many cousins, nieces, & nephews. Many folks simply referred to him as “Uncle Sid.”

Education of our youth was important to Sid. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Athol High School Scholarship Association, P.O. Box 338, Athol MA 01331, or the Orange High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, c/o Orange Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 298 Orange, MA 01364.

Calling hours will be held Thursday March 14th, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

The funeral service will be conducted at Witty’s Funeral Home on Friday, March 15th at 11 a.m.

You may offer sympathy and remembrances online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com, or on his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sid.mann.94.

TS Mann Lumber

Generations of Mann descendants of different branches have dabbled in the lumber industry. The descendants of Thomas Mann continue to "hold the fort down" for the Mann family in Athol. Literally and figuratively!

www.mannlumber.com

Athol, Massachusetts

978-249-2206

Cousins

Happy 2015, everyone! Hope you are well. I haven't posted in awhile because I've pretty much learned all I can learn--or at least have found everything to be found online. I now help others find their heritage, as well as work with my Aunt on my Dad's side with new discoveries...and they have been amazing. I thought I would have a Mayflower connection through the Mann side, but it turns out we are Mayflower descendants through my Dad's side. We are also 5th cousins to Abraham Lincoln. Cool beans!

On a funny note, the other day I saw this clip on a British sketch comedy show. SO funny! This is dedicated to all of my newfound cousins! Cheers!

Vera Mann Scott 100th

This Christmas, Dec 25, 2014 marks the 100th birthday of Vera Mann--the anchor of this blog. I nearly forgot. In all of my research related to the Mann family of Massachusetts, I thought for sure I'd find a Mayflower connection, but recently discovered the connection comes through my father's side. HA Either branch puts us in Plymouth Colony. :-)

Vera's Lineage: Richard Man, Thomas Man, Ensign Mann, Ensign II, Ensign III, William, Horace, James

Born in Athol, MA, Vera died 13 May 1999 in Gresham, Oregon.

Let the skeletons out of the closet

"The truth can hurt, but not knowing can hurt more." Alan Cumming upon discovering the mystery of his grandfather's death. Russian Roulette.

Bloodline to 6 Kings of England and King of Jerusalem

ADDENDUM--Jan 3, 2018
I'm sorry, but there appears to be an unverified weak link in this lineage. Thousands of others would love to have it verified as well, but it will most likely never happen, so this tree is null/void.

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Happy New Year, everyone! As you may or may not know/recall, we descend from rebel Ensign Mann, II (1740–1829)* and Alice Whitney (1748–1806) of Petersham, MA. I've been slow about researching the Whitney line, and a cousin (Ruth) in Alaska finally got me started. (FYI: There are several Mann cousins in Alaska!) I took her research and went back even further--26 generations. We are related to six (6) Kings of England and even a King of Jerusalem! This research is solid and well documented as there are about a zillion other people who follow the lineage and have done extensive research. Contact me for complete charts on this line and the Athol/Petersham Mann family branches.

Here is the Whitney lineup in a nutshell:

Geoffrey, Count of Gâtinais

Geoffrey II, Count of Gâtinais AKA Geoffrey II, de Château-Landon

Fulk IV, Count of Anjou

Fulk, King of Jerusalem AKA Fulk the Younger 

Geoffrey V –Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou

Henry II of England

John, King of England

Henry III of England

Edward I of England

Edward II of England

Edward III of England

Prince Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York, 1st Earl of Cambridge

Constance of York, Countess of Gloucester 

Eleanor (de) Holland Tuchet

Constance Touchet/Tuchet/Touchett

James Whitney

Robert Whitney

Sir Robert Whitney

Robert Whitney

Thomas Whitney

John Whitney

Richard Whitney

Moses Whitney

Lt. Moses Whitney

Rev. Aaron Whitney

Alice Whitney

*This blog references Ensign Mann Sr. and Tabitha Vinal because this Ensign had two sons that settled in Petersham, MA. Son Elijah has no known living descendants, thus leaving Ensign II and his wife Alice Whitney and their descendants as the focus.

East Street Cemetery, Petersham

William Mann and many of his descendants are buried in the East Street Cemetery and a friend recently took photos of a few of the graves. View here.

William Mann (1809-1892) and Abigail Cook (1808–1890) had 7 children. Descendants recorded here (so far) are as follows:

• Daughter Mary Sanderson Mann Wilder, husband (Deacon) George Kirk Wilder and their descendants
• Son Horatio who committed suicide in Boston, his wife and at least 1 of his 2 unmarried daughters who were born, raised and remained in Boston
• Daughters Jane and Lydia (unmarried)
• Great granddaughter Rachael Ruth Mann Begor Coolidge

Generations of Mann Men

These are descendants of William Mann (1809-1892) of Petersham. Proof is in the forehead and nose! ;-)

Son #1, George Sumner Mann

Son #3, Horace Mann with his son James and James' son Marvin

To the best of my knowledge, George Sumner has no living descendants, and neither does his brother Horatio, son #4 of William Mann. Son #2, Wilson Mann, definitely has no descendants.

William Mann had 3 daughters born after the boys. I believe only one daughter married and had children. So, out of William's 7 children, only 2 have living descendants.

18th Century Boston

I am currently working on a non related project for NEHGS (New England Historical Genealogy Society) and I just have to share the funny names I come across. Check these out!

Love Thing
Silence Barnard
Hepzibah
Zebah
Oxenbridge Thatcher
Erasmus
Desire Ye Truth Thorn
Experience
Lately Gee
Thankful
Waitstill
Mehitable
Submit
Deliverance
Hazard
Relief

Family Dysfunction

Today is my Dad's birthday and I sent him the funniest card...
OUTSIDE: You know how every family has that one person who seems normal?
INSIDE: We need to get us one of those!

HA! It is my belief that every family has dysfunction--some are just better at hiding it than others. ;-) The Mann family definitely has a history--I won't go into details. But one thing I have noticed that I find quite odd is the fact that MANY (Ensign) Mann descendants never married or had kids. I'm no historian, but think this is a little bizarre. I've contemplated dysfunction and I've contemplated the fact that maybe there weren't a lot of options in the area. Maybe they weren't really into marrying their cousins? (Although some did. HA)

Then there were those who only had 1 or 2 children when my ancestors in Newfoundland were spitting them out by the dozen! And believe me, all the Newfies married cousins! HA

Poor ol' wealthy Wilson Mann of Orange...He only had one daughter, and when she died unmarried at the age of 31, he died of a broken heart walking home from visiting her grave.

Boston Tea Party and Sons of Liberty

I was just watching the latest version of Mysteries at the Museum with a special segment on the Boston Tea Party, and it is quite possible our Mann ancestors were involved in that historical event. Ensign Mann II* (Jr.), who graduated from Harvard, was a known Patriot and leader of the Sons of Liberty in Petersham. It is believed the Sons of Liberty, along with Samuel Adams, were responsible for the event. Ensign II would have been 33 at the time. Ensign is listed in a book of Registered Members of the American Revolution.

*In some entries, this Ensign is referred to as "Jr." However, his son Ensign is also known as Jr., so I named this Ensign, born in 1740, "II." There were 3 in a row, so it can be quite confusing.

Sons of Liberty

Ensign stepped down from his position as Chapter President of Sons of Liberty (Petersham) in order to marry a Tory's daughter. This was just a few months before the Boston Tea Party.

Harvard

Ensign graduated from Harvard in 1764, the year Harvard Hall burnt down. He lost items in the fire and was compensated.

Ensign Mann Memorial

Read at length about Ensign and his political dealings here. Book is "An address delivered in petersham massachusetts." Page 36-41

Genealogy Quote

Manns Buried at Harvard Cemetery in Petersham

North Main Street (Route 32) 
View internments
News article featuring the cemetery

Children of Samuel Mann (Sr.):

• Samuel Mann (Jr.) with wife and son Eugene (and wife)
• Caroline Mann
• Asaph Mann
• Richard Baxter

also

• Thomas Mann (1780-1853) with wife Esther and their children:
• Clark Mann
• Josiah Mann
• Elizabeth S.

 

Newfound Athol Branch

In reading more thoroughly the Mann Memorial today, I discovered there was another branch of Manns in Athol, but they were distantly related. To recap, the branches that have been the focus of this blog are descendants of Ensign Mann II (& Alice Whitney.) His lineage is: Richard, Thomas, Ensign Sr., Ensign II.

This new branch descends from Rev. Cyrus Mann, 1785-1859. His lineage is: Richard, Richard, Nathaniel, John, John. Reverend Cyrus had a brother Joel*, also a Reverend. They were born in Orford, NH and attended Dartmouth.

Cyrus had 3 children--Cyrus S., Ann Maria, and Adelia Porter. They were all born in Westminister, but the girls ended up living in Athol. I don't see any record of Cyrus living there. Ann Maria (1823-?) married Rev. John F. Norton who was "the successful and beloved pastor of the Congregational church at Athol, MA." They had a son, Lewis Mills Norton, born in Athol who married the daughter of a Reverend. He studied in Germany and taught at MIT.

Second daughter Adelia Porter Mann (1826-?) married in Athol John Q.A. Johnson of Charlestown. Their son, John Norton Johnson, was born in Boston and graduated from Harvard.

*Rev. Joel Mann compiled the book "Genealogy of the Mann Family." Unfortunately, his information about Richard Man of Plymouth Colony is filled with error. But, you can probably trust the info. about his branch.

Genealogy Stories

Last month, for the first time, my husband learned something about his biological parents. His adoptive Dad let it slip that Nelson's father was a professional tennis player and was never told of his existence. Nelson is a great tennis player, and plays in local leagues. As a genealogy buff, I was about to crawl out of my skin!!! I want to know everything! Is it right that his biological father doesn't know about him?...if he's still alive. I'll give a shoutout to any professional tennis player who was possibly in Georgia in early 1962. You have a son that you don't know about, born in Savannah!

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DOPPELGANGERS

Have you seen the story of Max Galuppo? www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/14/max-galuppo-temple-university-twin_n_2130291.html



Basically, Max ran into a 16th century Italian painting in a Philadelphia art museum, and the subject appears to be his identical twin. The Nobleman in the portrait was from the same region that the Galuppo ancestors are from. They are looking deeply at the family tree now. I love this stuff!

The Pilgrim Project

I'm excited about this project and have started a secure Facebook page. Families to be included will be contacted. This project is mostly centered on the branch of Hannah Mann and descendents after the 19th century move to Michigan. You may contact me at contact@michellefontaine.com.

Musings on New England People

Growing up in the mountains of NC, I became numb to my surroundings. Why did my Florida friends love to come visit when they lived near the beach? The mountains were so boring! I have longed to live in New England many times--the place rich in history--the place with mountains, rocky shores, rugged people and accents. But have the New England people become numb to their heritage and surroundings?

I love history--the good kind--people searching for a better way of life and making history protecting our freedom and making the world a better place. It seems every family in America started in Massachusetts. There aren't many buildings in the south that have been around for 200 years, and sometimes it seems everything is made of plastic. Things aren't built to last and neighborhoods are  ridiculously overgroomed and overplanned. Nothing is natural...sorry...I digress.

My point is, I don't think New England people fully appreciate what they have. A good friend of mine who has lived in Lunenberg for many years didn't really understand why my husband and I used take a trip up to Boston and other areas each fall. That's because she's in Boston every day. I would probably be the same way.

I have a pretty big blog on my Newfoundland roots and it draws a fairly decent crowd. People are really interested in their Newfie roots. I have found hundreds of cousins I never knew existed and have formed bonds with some really wonderful souls. I travel the globe just sitting here at my computer and it has been a great experience. THIS blog, however, has been a completely different experience...but time will tell.

Funny 1870 Newspaper Clip

I love old newspapers as they wrote about everything! This mentions the fat men of Athol, along with their weights. LOL! My ancestor is on the list--1 year before his death.

Genealogical Research Resources

Everyone, please get senior family members to fill out a Biographical form. It's important for future generations!

Biographical Form

Basic Charts and Worksheets by Family Tree Magazine (Also, more free forms here)

101 Best Websites

For historical local area books, go here: http://archive.org/

Massachusetts, Deaths and Burials, 1795-1910

Massachusetts Vitals

• Vital Records (1841 - 1910)
• Vital Records: Pre 1841: City and town clerks in Massachusetts are the custodians of pre-1841 vital records for their respective towns. A list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts City and Town Directory
• Vital Records: Post 1920: Vital records after 1920 are located at the municipal clerks' offices and the Department of Public Health, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (150 Mount Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125). Researchers may contact the Registry of Vital Records at 617-740-2600, or through the DPH website:
  http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/vital-records.html
  Indices of the DPH vital records volumes through 1971 are available at the Archives, although there are no copies of the actual records at the Archives. These indices can be used by visitors to the Reading Room.