Oconto County WIGenWeb Project
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OCONTO COUNTY
Wisconsin
FAMILIES and BIOGRAPHIES

 .CHEFFINGS.

of Maple Valley

The Cheffings Family began their migration from Lincolnshire County, England, and New Zealand to North America and Oconto County in 1875 when a cousin, Mrs. Harden Gilkey wrote Frank Cheffings about  "the new country." Employment in the lumber industry soon lead to homesteading in Maple Valley near Hickory and the invitation for more Cheffings family members to immigrate. Frank married Minnie Cooley, a local woman, in 1877.  Frank's parents, George Cheffings and Mary Ann Holmes Cheffings followed in 1881 along with at least 8 of their 14 children, each starting out in Maple Valley or in city of Oconto. Daughter Susan Cheffings had married George William Clayton in England where the couple's first two immigrating children were born. Their next child was born "at sea" during the trip across the Atlantic, and the following children were born in Oconto County. George Cheffings Jr. had emigrated to New Zealand, along with oldest daughter Elizabeth Cheffings. Elizabeth and her husband remained but George Jr. and his New Zealand born wife Katherine Livingston also came to Oconto County by 1888, along with several of the Livingstons.

The family grew as various generation members married into several local families such as McDonald, Hynes, Burke, Wescott, Sylvestor, McMahon, Noack, Stewart, Whiting, Destiche, Cooley and Mott. There were some difficult times, especially in January 1884 when 20 year old son Thomas Cheffings died and was followed only days later by Cheffings son-in-law James Hynes, who left his young wife Ellen Cheffings with two infant children. Daughter Margret Cheffings Mott died at age 27 in 1897. They are buried with nearly every other Cheffings family ancestor in Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley.

Family matriarch Mary Ann Holmes Cheffings died in 1901 at about the age of 76 years. She was followed by patriarch husband George Cheffings in 1907 at about age 87 years. The family put the touching inscription on the gravestone "We have traveled long together hand in hand, through fair and stormy weather, It is hard to part."
Cheffings Family Tree


George Cheffings
    b: June 6, 1824 in Sloothby, Lincolnshire, England (1900 census: March 1823)
    immigrated: 1881 from England
    d: June 1907 in Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
    burial: Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
(notes on George Cheffings: Graves Stone Inscription - "We have traveled long together hand in hand, through fair and stormy weather. It is hard to part.")
+ Mary Ann Holmes
    b: February 1825, Alford, Lincolnshire, England (cemetery records 1827)
    marriage: October 13, 1845 in Well, Lincolnshire, England
    d: March 1901 in Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
    burial: Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
(notes of Mary Ann Holmes: Grave Stone Inscription - Beloved wife of George Cheffings "At Rest")
    children of George and Katherine:
        1. Elizabeth Cheffings
            b: 1847 in Willoughby, Lincolnshire, England
            d:
         +  John Hildred - husband of Elizabeth Cheffings
            b: March 1847 in Claythorpe, Lincolnshire, England
            d: 1924 in New Zealand
(notes on John Hildred: 3 children born in England - George Henry in 1873, John William inj 1875 and Ellen in 1882; Lived in Waltham, Lincolnshire, England in 1911 with Elizabeth and died in New Zealand in 1924)
        2. Francis H. (Frank) Cheffings
            b: April 1848 in Bilsby, Lincolnshire, England
            d: 1912 in Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
    burial: Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
(notes on Francis Cheffings: Oconto County Reporter 2/1896 Frank Cheffings of Lincolnshire, Eng., was attracted to Oconto in 1875 by the fact that a cousin, Mrs. Hardin Gilkey, now of Maple Valley, had preceded him and written encouragingly of the new country. After a visit of a few weeks, Mr. Cheffings engaged to work for Isaiah Post, in Maple Valley, and remained with him and L. Lord a couple of years, when he took up a homestead, to which he has since made additions and improvements, among other things building a handsome dwelling house a couple of years ago. His farm consists of 160 acres, fifty acres under cultivation. Miss Minnie Cooley, united her fortunes with his in 1877, and a son and daughter have been added unto them. Mr. Cheffings is not politically ambitious, has never held an office, and is not a candidate for one. He is an active member of the Disciple church. )
         + Minerva L. (Minnie) Cooley - wife of Francis Cheffings (Please see COOLEY Family Page )
            b: 1859 in Bloomingdale, Van Buren County, Michigan (1860 census)   
            marriage: June 6, 1877 in Oconto County, Wisconsin
            d:  1916 in Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            burial: Hickory Cemetery in  Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                 children of Minerva and Francis:
                 Gertrude M. Cheffings
                     b: March 24 1878  in  Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                      d: July 20, 1936 in Iron Mountain , Michigan (Hickory Cemetery information)
                          burial: Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
(notes on Gertrude Cheffings: 1936 Obituary Oconto Falls - She was born March 24, 1879, in the Town of Maple Valley. She lived in the town of Bagley until 1923 when they moved to Iron Mountain. Mrs. McMahon had been a charter member of the Christian church at Hickory since 1895.Survivors are her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Arnold Jones of Cottage Grove, Oregon, and Thelma, at home and one adopted daughter Dawn Rosga. A daughter, Fern, died in 1931. A brother, George Cheffings of the town of Maple Valley, also survives.)
                  + Samuel McMahon
                      b: 1886
                      d: 1937
                          burial: Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
             George Cheffings
                 b: January 24, 1880 in Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                 d: 1940 in Hickory, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                          burial: Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
             + Ada J. Livingston - wife of George Cheffing
                 b: February 1878 in Little River, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                 marriage: #1 1900 to Jamiesonin 
                               #2 1912 to George Cheffing
                  d: 1958 in Hickory, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                          burial: Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
        3. Susan Cheffings
            b: 1853 in Well, Lincolnshire, England
            immigration: 1886
            d: 1923 in Stevens Point, Portage County, Wisconsin
            burial: Forest Cemetery in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
(notes on Susan Cheffings: was living in Waltham, Lincolnshire, England in 1871, listed in marriage records 1874 Lincolnshire, England, registered in Caistor; Son George Clayton Jr. was born July 1886 at sea during the voyage to North America; Lived in Oconto County, Wisconsin, from 1886 until after 1920)
         + George William Clayton - husband of Susan Cheffings
            b: 1860 in England
            marriage: 1874 in England
            immigration: 1886
            d: 1934 in Stevens Point, Portage County, Wisconsin
            burial: Forest Cemetery in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
            children of Susan and George (1910 census gives 8 births and 5 surviving)
                Frances N Clayton b: April 1878 in England, d: 1926 in Oconto County, Wisconsin; burial: Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                Anna E. Clayton b: November 1884 in England
                George W. Clayton Jr. b: July 1886 at sea, d: 1954 in Snohonish, Washington; burial Darrinton Cemetery, Snohonish, Washington; married Stella Ethel Whiting of Oconto County, Wisconsin December 1911.
                Godfrey F. Clayton b: August 1889 in  Oconto County, Wisconsin , d: 1946 in Stevens Point, Portage County, Wisconsin; burial Forest Cemetery in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
                Clara B. Cayton b: April 1891 in  Oconto County, Wisconsin
        4. William Cheffings
            b: March 1852 in Sloothby, Lincolnshire, England
            d:
(notes on William Cheffings: may have been living in Lincolnshire, England on 1861 - 1901 censuses)
        5. Edward Wilkinson Cheffings
            b: Aug. 27, 1854 in Wychling, Lincolnshire, England    
            immigration: 1890 to USA
            naturalization: Letter of Intent - April 4, 1892 Oconto County, Wisconsin
            d: Sep. 21, 1920 in Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
               burial: Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
(notes on Edward Wilkinson Cheffings: listed in marriage records 1883 Lincolnshire, England, registered in Caistor; 1 son Walter 1884 - 1942 in England; listed on 1900 census living with parents and single)
         + Caroline Coxell - wife of Edward Cheffings
            b: June 1858 in Hogsthrop, Lincolnshire, England
            marriage: April 1883 in Caistor, Lincolnshire, England
            d: January 1, 1940 in Lincolnshire, England
        6. Alice Cheffings
            b: 1857 in Lincolnshire, England
            immigration: 
            d: 
       7. George Cheffings
            b: December 1857 in Willoughby, Lincolnshire, England
            immigration: 1888
            naturalization: Letter of Intent - April 19, 1890 Oconto County, Wisconsin
            d: 1915 in Oconto County, Wisconsin
            burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin Oconto County Reporter, Oct 8, 1887 - Geo. Cheffings and wife, of New Zealand, arrived at Maple Valley during the week, and are the guests of Mr. C’s father. They will make their home in this county for the future.)
         + Katherine Livingston - wife of George Chaffings
            b: June 21, 1861 in New Zealand
            marriage: 1887 in New Zealand
            immigration: 1888   
            d: Nov. 30, 1948
            burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            children of George and Catherine:
                1. Byrdie Cheffings
                    b: December 4, 1896 in England
                    naturalization: Letter of Intent 1923 in Oconto County, Wisconsin
                    d: July 17, 1970 in Oconto County, Wisconsin
                    burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
(notes on Byrdie Cheffings: 1917 Taught at Grignon School in town of Hayes, Oconto County)
                  + Norman Stewart - husband of Byrdie Cheffings
                    b: 1889
                    d: 1974
                    burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                2. Ada M. Cheffings: b: December 22, 1889  d: March 22, 1900 Oconto County Reporter Mar 29, 1900 -  George Cheffings and wife lost their little baby last week. The little one fought hard for life and lived a long time through severe sickness. They have only been in this country a short time, having lately came from New Zealand, so the loss seems even more to them. They have the sympathy of many friends. Gravestone Inscription: burial in Hickory Cemetery; Daughter of C. & K Cheffings. As loved in  life, so mourned in death.
         8. Joshua Cheffings
            b:  November 7, 1859 in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, England
            immigration: 1880
            naturalization: Letter of Intent June 25, 1883 Oconto County, Wisconsin
            d: March 21, 1930 in Oconto Falls, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
(notes on  Joshua Cheffings: The blacksmith shop was owned by Josh Cheffings in Frostville; 1891 Butler, Stinson & McMahan are going to put up a shingle mill in J. Cheffing’s cedar swamp this winter.)
           + Harriet Rebecca Maude Sylvester - wife of Joshua Cheffings
            b:  August 11, 1857 in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, England
            immigration: 1882
            marriage 1882
            d:  April 23, 1929 in Oconto Falls, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            children of Joshua and Harriet:
                Harry Roy Cheffings - October 15, 1889 - November 13, 1854; burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                Myrtle Mae Cheffings July 15, 1892 - April 2, 1864; married Joseph Cornelius Trever 1894 - 1979 April 20, 1916 in Oconto County, Wisconsin (Oconto County Reporter July 22, 1892 A daughter arrived at the home of J. Cheffings Friday.)
                Raymond Cheffings - 1892 - 1892; burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
        9.  Hannah Cheffings
            b: May 1858 in Willoughby, Lincolnshire, England
            d: June 1886 in Oconto, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin same stone as her mother Mary Ann Cheffings
(notes on Joseph Cheffings: Oconto County Reporter - August 25, 1883
McDONALD—CHEFFINGS.  A quiet wedding was solemnized at the residence of Mr. Frazier McDonald Monday evening, August 20, 1883, the contracting parties being, Miss Hannah Cheffings, of Maple Valley, and Melville McDonald of this city, the marriage ceremony being performed by the Rev. Wm. Dafter rector of St. Marks, Episcopal church.  The marriage was witnessed by many of the relatives of the happy couple and a few invited guests who after the ceremony, sat down to a most sumptuous repast which was all the heart could wish. The bride who recently came from England, is a most estimable lady, endowed with good judgment and will make a grand and noble wife. Mr. McDonald has resided in this city many years and is universally respected.  He is a gentleman of excellent habits, quiet and unassuming, and has a host of friends who wish him and his wife all the joy that the most enthusiastic could desire. That they may be happy and prosperous is the earnest wish of all connected with the REPORTER)
          + Melville McDonald - husband of Hannah Cheffings (Please see HIBBARD Family Page for more on McDonald Family)
            b: November 6, 1848 in New Brunswick, Canada
            marriage: August 20, 1883 in Oconto, Wisconsin
            d:  March 30, 1915 in Oconto, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Oconto, Wisconsin
        10. Joseph Cheffings
            b: 1859 in Sloothby, Lincolnshire, England
            d:
(notes on Joseph Cheffings: Not found on English records after birth)
        11. Ellen Cheffings
            b: March 20, 1861 in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, England
            immigration: 1879 (1900 census)
            d: January 16, 1944
            burial: Oconto Catholic Cemetery, Oconto, Wisconsin
 (notes on Ellen Cheffings: Found on the 1881 Willoughby, Lincolnshire, England Census age 20; one child born in Oconto County 1890 Frances Burke)       
         + James Hynes - husband #1 of Ellen Chaffings
            b: July 25, 1852
            d: January 24, 1884 Oconto, Oconto County, Wisconsin hemorrhage of the bowel
            burial: Oconto Catholic Cemetery, Oconto, Wisconsin
 (notes on James Hynes: Oconto County Reporter Jan. 26, 1884 - Mr. Cheffings, of Maple Valley, was in the city the last half of the week, having been called here by the sickness and death of his son-in-law James Hains (Hynes). The old gentleman is experiencing considerable trouble and is entitled to the sympathy of all. George Cheffings' son Thomas had just died ealier in January 1884)
          children of Ellen and James:
                1. Margaret (Maggie) Hynes: b: 1882 in Oconto, Wisconsin;  married Albert Noack January 1908 in Oconto, Wisconsin
                2. James Bernard Hynes: b: 1883 in Oconto, Wisconsin; d: April 1972 in Fairfield, Butler, Ohio; married Matilda Destiche September 27, 1905 in Oconto, Wisconsin
         + Thomas Burke - husband #2 of Ellen Cheffings
            b:  December 22, 1834 in Ireland
            marriage: March 4, 1885 in Oconto, Wisconsin
            d: March 10, 1903 in Oconto, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            children of Ellen and Thomas:
                 3. Joseph P. Burke; b: July 27, 1886 in Oconto, Wisconsin; d: September 28, 1933 in Oconto, Wisconsin; married Hazel Aunice Bond of Oconto, Wisconsin; burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Oconto, Wisconsin
                4. Thomas Burke; b: August 11, 1888 in Oconto, Wisconsin; d: January 8, 1961 in Weal, Wisconsin
                5. Frances Elizabeth Burke b: August 2, 1890 in Oconto, Wisconsin; married Clarence O. Nelson in 1917
                6. Edward M. Burke b: September 13, 1892 in Oconto, Wisconsin d: March 9, 1964 in Wausaw, Wisconsin; lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.                
        12. Charles Cheffings
            b: 1862 in Lincolnshire, England
            immigration: 1880 at age 18 years
            naturalization: Letter of Intent June 25, 1883 Oconto County, Wisconsin
            d: March 27, 1918 in Aumsville, Marion County, Oregon
            burial: Aumsville Cemetery, Aumsville, Marion County, Oregon
(notes on Charles Cheffings: 1910 family farming in Aumsville, Marion County, Oregon)
         + Estella (Stella) Julia Westcott (later married Stoddard Hoagland)
            b: November 1873 in Shawano County, Wisconsin
            marriage: August 14, 1889 in Oconto County, Wisconsin 
            d: 1858 in Aumsville, Marion County, Oregon
            burial: Aumsville Cemetery, Aumsville, Marion County, Oregon
            children of Charles and Stella:
                Floyd Cheffings b: 1892 in Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
                Wesley Cheffings b: 1896 in Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin March 13, 1896 - Oconto County Reporter - Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cheffings are rejoicing over the arrival of a baby boy.
        13. Thomas Cheffings
            b: May, 1864 in Slootsby (Fulstow), Lincolnshire, England
            d: January, 1884, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
(notes on Thomas Cheffings: On same stone as his sister Margret; gravestone inscription: Son & Daughter of G. C.)
        14.  Margret Cheffings
            b: February, 1870 in Sloothby, Lincolnshire, England
            d: February, 1897 in Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
            burial:  Hickory Cemetery, Maple Valley, Oconto County, Wisconsin
(notes on Margret Cheffings (Mott): On same stone as her brother Thomas Cheffings; gravestone inscription: Son & Daughter of G. C.; no children)
          + Frank E. Mott - husband of Margret Cheffings
             b: April 1867 in Wisconsin
                 marriage: 21 April 1888 in Oconto County, Wisconsin
     (notes on Frank Mott: Oconto County Reporter 21 April 1888 - Married, April 19th, at the M.E. Church by Rev. Wm. Moyle, Frank E. Mott to Miss Maggie Cheffings, of Maple Valley.)
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