Tombstone Tuesday–Clarence Huffman

Clarence Huffman, Kessler Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio. (2017 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Clarence Huffman, located in row 7 of Kessler Cemetery, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio. The small heart-shaped marker, embellished with fern leaves, is inscribed:

CLARENCE
Son of
G.F. & Sarah
HUFFMAN
Died
Apr. 5, 1900
Aged
11 D.
Our darling baby

Clarence was the last child born to George Ferdinand and Sarah Roseann (Dodge) Huffman. He was born near New Corydon, Jefferson Township, Adams County, Indiana, on 25 March 1900, as calculated from information on his tombstone. His death certificate does not give his age or date of birth and I was unable to find his birth certificate on-line.

The Huffman family attended Zion Lutheran Church in Chatt for a short time after George and Sarah were married but there is no mention of their son Clarence in the church records.

Clarence died of bronchitis on 5 April 1900 at their home near New Corydon. His doctor was from Chatt, but I was not able to read his name. The handwriting on his death certificate is difficult to read and there were several words that I could not make out. [1] It appears he may have been ill from the day he was born or became ill shortly after birth.

Clarence Huffman, Kessler Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio. (2017 photo by Karen)

Although he was born in 1900 Clarence was not enumerated in the 1900 census because he died in April and the census was taken on 25 June. In that census Sarah reported that six of her seven children were living. [2]

Clarence is buried next to his older sister Emma V. Both are buried under what is now a large tree.

Clarence Huffman, Kessler Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio. (2017 photo by Karen)

 

[1] Indiana Death Certificates, 1899-1900, microfilm roll 1, Indiana State Board of Health, Death Certificates, 1900-2011; Ancestry.com; Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis, Indiana.

[2] 1900 U.S. Census, Jefferson, Adams, Indiana, ED 4, p.11A, dwelling & family 198, Geo F Huffman; Ancestry.com; FHL microfilm 1240357, NARA microfilm T623, roll 357.

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