My 3rd great grandparents on my maternal grandmother’s side were Elcanah Branstetter and Marena Montgomery. They were married on December 3, 1874 in St. James, Missouri, where they were both born and raised. Together, they had 10 children, Norah, Edna, Dorsey “Doss” , Zaddie (my 2nd great-grandmother), James, Thomas, Mary, Morris, Myrtle, and William.

Elcanah and Marena raised their children on a 310 acre farm that had been owned by his parents. He built his home there; the house still remains on the property to this day and is owned by his great-grandson. The family cemetery, “Branstetter Cemetery”  is also on the land. Elcanah set aside 2 acres for the cemetery and a church, although the church was never built.

(From Left to Right) Doss, Zaddie, Elcanah, Thomas, Marena holding Mary and James. In front of their home in St. James, Missouri 

Family Photo: Taken after Edna had passed- #6. Everett Emory (my 2nd great-grandfather holding Harvey Stillman (my great-grandpa)- his wife Zaddie over his left shoulder

Elcanah and Marena

Marena passed away on January 26, 1938, and Elcanah passed on January 26, 1949, exactly 11 years to THE DAY after his wife. Elcanah lived to be almost 99, just missing his goal to live to be 100 by a year. If you read his obituary (below) he was said to be the oldest living resident of St. James and beloved by his family and friends. He was called “Uncle Canah” to many that knew him.

Elcanah and Marena are buried in Branstetter Cemetery in St. James

(Photos courtesy of Amelia Gaylord)