Ellen McCrea Hitch

She is listed as a shopkeeper in the 1860 NY Census in Pavilion, Genessee Co. In the 1900 NY Census, it indicates she had had two children, one of which was living at the time.

Obituary

From The Le Roy Gazette-News, LeRoy, N.Y., Wednesday, June 23, 1920. Vol. 95, No. 16.

MRS. ELLEN H. BOWDEN -Was Probably the Oldest Resident at This Vicinity.

Mrs. Ellen H. Bowden, widow of James Bowden, died yesterday afternoon at 5:40 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frances D.B. Covell on Myrtle street. She had been in failing health for some time and death resulted from the infirmities of age.

Mrs. Bowden was probably the oldest resident in Le Roy and immediate vicinity, being in her 95th year. Her maiden name was Ellen McCrea Hitch and she was born near White Haven, Pa. (sic), on December 27, 1825. When quite young she removed with her parents to Warsaw and later to Pavilion. She was twice married, her first husband being Charles L. Branch of Pavilion to whom she was married in January 1844. He died on December 20, 1858 (sic) and on April 29, 1875 she married James Bowden of Pavilion Center, whose death occurred on August 31, 1915. It was after his death that Mrs. Bowden came to Le Roy to make her home with her daughter.

Mrs. Bowden when quite young united with the Baptist church of Pavilion and retained her membership there until the time of her death. She was a quiest unassuming woman, always going about doing good to those in need. In the early days, when nurses were not available, she cared for the sick and administered to the afflicted. Her home for many years was next to the school house at Pavilion Center and to the school children she was like a mother.

Besides her daughter, Mrs. Covell, she leaves three grandsons, Charles Covell, of Buffalo; Albert Covell of Clyde and Howard Covell of Providence, R.I. She also leaves three great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of her daughter on Myrtle street, Rev. I. C. Taylor officiating and the interment will be made in Pavilion Center. (p. 4)

Ellen married Charles Little Branch, son of Stephen Branch and Hannah Cartwright, in Jan 1844 in Genesee Co., NY. (Charles Little Branch was born in 1821 in NY, died on 20 Oct 1858 in Genesee Co., NY and was buried about 23 Oct 1858 in Fairview Cemetery, Pavilion, Genesee Co., NY.)

Ellen next married James Bowden on 29 Apr 1875 in Genesee Co., NY. (James Bowden was born in Dec 1832 in England, died on 31 Aug 1915 in Genesee Co., NY and was buried about 02 Sep 1915 in Fairview Cemetery, Pavilion, Genesee Co., NY.)