Nelson Isaiah Bezanson1

M, #22401, b. 2 April 1935, d. 12 September 2015
Reference: Bezansons from Nova Scotia ID # 446.2
Father*Lawrence Melbourne Bezanson1 b. 22 May 1899, d. Feb 1952
Mother*Nina B. Barkhouse1 b. 9 Oct 1901, d. 1979

Family

Uda Marion Dunlop
Child
Relationship4th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson
Nelson Bezanson
     Nelson Isaiah Bezanson was born on 2 April 1935.1 He was a missionary.3,1 He married Uda Marion Dunlop on 19 May 1956 at Somerville, New Brunswick. He was 21.4,1 Nelson Isaiah Bezanson died on 12 September 2015 at Brantford, Ontario, at age 80.5 He was buried on 18 September 2015 in Paris Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario.5,6

     Obituary, 14 September 2015:
BEZANSON, Nelson I., died peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, September 12, 2015.

Dearly loved and deeply missed husband of Uda for 59 wonderful years; father of Cheri (Jim), Mark (Florence), Bryon (Janice), and Kevin (Rachael), grandfather to Mandi (Eddie), Missy (Kyle), Ricki (Ben), Jessi (Adam), Brandon, Taylor, Josiah, Simon, and Naomi; great-grandfather to Avery, Aislinn, Ben, Trustin, Sophie, Leila, Samuel, Addelynn, Joshua, Levi, and Chloe.

From a farm in Albion, Maine, his deep faith led him with Uda into service as missionaries with TEAM in Chad, Africa for 15 years, and then to roles in the International and Canadian headquarters. He worked and lived with integrity, commitment, and a twinkle in his eye.

Friends will be received at the Dennis Toll Funeral Home, 55 Charing Cross Street, Brantford on Thursday from 6 – 8 pm. Visitation will resume at Central Baptist Church, 300 Fairview Dr., Brantford, on Friday, September 18, 2015 from 10 – 11 am, with the funeral service to follow at 11 am. A private interment will follow the reception at Paris Cemetery.5

     From an online profile of Nelson:
Nelson Bezanson is associated with The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) of Canada, Inc., an evangelical mission agency which helps churches send missionaries to plant reproducing churches in other nations.

Nelson and his wife, Uda, served in Chad from 1957 to 1972, first under the Sudan United Mission, North American Branch, which merged with TEAM in 1969. They worked primarily with Jeunesse Evangelique Africaine, a youth movement which continues to reach out to thousands of Chadian young people. Nelson also administered TEAM's hospital in Bebalem for three years. In 1972 Nelson joined TEAM's home office staff in Wheaton, Illinois. His first assignment was to provide assistance in the general director's office and the candidate department. He later coordinated TEAM's summer program and created TEAM's special short-term program. On September 1, 1982, Nelson was appointed candidate secretary for TEAM Canada and was based in Toronto. Since moving to Calgary in 1990, Nelson has launched a tentmaker program for TEAM International and a Special TEAM's program for TEAM Canada. As Candidate Director, Nelson Coordinates TEAM's recruitment program across Canada and travels extensively, visiting schools and churches and counseling with individuals.

Nelson says that from an early age the Lord impressed upon his heart that He wanted him in missions. He dedicated his life to the Lord when he was 17. He committed his life to missionary service in Chad in his third year at New Brunswick Bible Institute in Victoria, New Brunswick. A verse that the Lord has given Nelson and Uda is Revelation 3:7, "What I open no one can shut, and what I shut no one can open." This verse attests to the way God has opened door after door, giving Nelson and Uda assurance that God wanted them to serve Him, first in Chad and then in the home office.

Nelson and Uda have four children: one daughter, Cheryl, and three sons, Mark, Bryon, and Kevin.3

Census Summary

1930
Birth
1935
1940
Census
1940
1950
Census
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
Death
2015

Census, Residence

Census1940Nelson Isaiah Bezanson appeared on the census of 1940 at West Pond Road, Albion, Maine, in the household of Lawrence Melbourne Bezanson and Nina B. Barkhouse with George Melbourne Bezanson, Robert Lawrence Bezanson, Roberta Madeline Bezanson and Amy Leola Bezanson.7
Census1950Nelson Isaiah Bezanson appeared on the census of 1950 at China Albion Road, Albion, Maine, in the household of Lawrence Melbourne Bezanson and Nina B. Barkhouse with Bernice Iva Bezanson.8
Last Edited29 May 2024

Citations

  1. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 164, 233.
  2. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 164.
  3. [S499] Unknown compiler, "Nelson Bezanson Profile", September 9, 2001.
  4. [S860] Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, "Vital Statistics from Government Records", Marriage Certificate; Microfilm F23405, Carleton County, Code B4/1956, Number 1995, Nelson Isiah Bezanson and Uda Marion Dunlop, 19 May 1956.
  5. [S680] Nelson I. Bezanson Death Notice, Dennis Toll Funeral Home (Brantford, Ontario), accessed September 2015.
  6. [S836] Various Contributors, "Find A Grave", Nelson Isaiah Bezanson; Birth: 1935; Death: 2015; Paris Cemetery, Paris, Ontario, Canada; Memorial Number: 190697907.
  7. [S4] 1940 U.S. Federal Census; Albion, Kennebec, Maine; ED: 6-1; Sheet: 7B; Image: 14; Lines: 77-80; Sheet: 8A; Image: 15; Lines: 1-5.
  8. [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Albion, Kennebec, Maine; Roll: 3819; ED: 6-1; Sheet: 21.
  9. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 233.

Mark Stephen Bezanson1

M, #22405, b. 12 December 1960, d. 14 May 2024
Father*Nelson Isaiah Bezanson1 b. 2 Apr 1935, d. 12 Sep 2015
Mother*Uda Marion Dunlop1
Relationship5th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson
     Mark Stephen Bezanson was born on 12 December 1960 at Houlton, Maine.2,1 He died on 14 May 2024 at Calgary, Alberta, at age 63.2

     Obituary from McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes (300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, Alberta):
Mark Stephen Bezanson, beloved husband of Florence Bezanson (nee Cameron) of Airdrie, AB, passed into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the age of 63 years, following a battle with cancer.

Mark is survived by his wife Florence, his mother Uda and his siblings Cheri Day (Jim), Bryon (Janice) and Kevin (Rachael); along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Mark was predeceased by his father, Nelson, and his great-nephew Trustin.

Mark was well educated, having graduated from Moody Bible Institute, Biola University and Wheaton College with a Master of Arts in Educational Ministries. He was also working towards his PhD in Theological Studies. He was ordained as a Baptist pastor and ministered in several churches. In recent years, he volunteered at the Airdrie Christian Academy reading with children grades one to three, something he thoroughly enjoyed. His favourite hobby was reading, as well as chatting with friends over a Diet Coke!

Thank you to the doctors, nurses and other specialists who have spent their time caring for Mark. We are so thankful for their support and care. We are also so grateful for our family and friends who have walked with us, cared for us, and encouraged us, especially over the last fourteen months. We take comfort in knowing where Mark is and that we will see him again one day. No more suffering or pain.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at DayBreak Community Church (2104 Yankee Valley Blvd, Airdrie, AB T4B 0B3) on Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held at DayBreak Community Church (2104 Yankee Valley Blvd, Airdrie, AB T4B 0B3) on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the Church. A Graveside Service will take place at a later date in Paris, ON, at Mark’s request.3
Last Edited21 May 2024

Citations

  1. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 233.
  2. [S680] Mark Stephen Bezanson Death Notice, McInnis & Holloway (Airdrie, Alberta), accessed 21 May 2024.
  3. [S680] Mark Stephen Bezanson Death Notice, McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes (Airdrie, Alberta), accessed 21 May 2024.

Merton Francis Gray1

M, #22412, b. 10 October 1882, d. January 1950

Family 1

Mildred G. Moodey b. c 1881, d. 16 Jul 1929

Family 2

Alberta Bezanson b. 15 Mar 1899, d. 8 Nov 1972
Children

Family 3

Carrie Augusta Courtis b. 27 Mar 1907, d. 29 Jul 1977
     Merton Francis Gray was born on 10 October 1882 at Brownfield, Maine.2,3,4 He married Mildred G. Moodey on 15 March 1903 at Milton, New Hampshire. He was 20.5,6 Merton Francis Gray was a painter according to the census of 1910.7 He married Alberta Bezanson on 4 September 1917 at Weston, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He was 34. She was 18.8,1 Merton Francis Gray and Alberta Bezanson were divorced.9 Merton Francis Gray married Carrie Augusta Courtis on 9 August 1926 at Hamilton, Massachusetts. He was 43. She was 19.10,11 Merton Francis Gray died in January 1950 at age 67.12,13 He was buried in Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham, Massachusetts.14

     Obituary from The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 29 January 1950:
Merton F. Gray

Services for Merton F. Gray, 67, a houseman at the Harvard Club of Boston for 19 years, were held Friday in the Eastman funeral home, Boston, with Rev. Frederick M. Meek officiating. Burial was in Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham. He died Thursday.

A native Brownfield, Me., he came to Boston as a youth and later made his home at the Harvard Club with his wife, Carrie, an assistant housekeeper there.

He also leaves two sons, Berton A. of Jamaica Plain and Paul C. Gray of Boston; a daughter, Mrs. William Goodhue of New York, four sisters, Mrs. Carrie B. Moses of Somerville, Mrs. Katie Reed, East Wakefield, N. H.: Mrs. Florence Rudd, West Ossippee, N. H.,and Mrs. Maude Lang of Newfields, N. H.13


     Merton Francis Gray and Alberta Bezanson were mentioned in an article that appeared in The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts) on 20 June 1925:
"ENOCH ARDEN" WIFE BASIS OF PETITION

Mrs Alice F. Gray Seeks Annulment of Marriage

An "Enoch Arden" wife, who disappeared 20 years ago, now forms the basis of a petition for annulment of marriage brought in the Middlesex Probate Court by Mrs Alice A. Gray of Weston, against Merton F. Gray of Somerville. Hearing of the petition and of a cross-petition for divorce brought by Gray was started yesterday afternoon before Judge Leggat.

Mrs Gray claims that her marriage to Gray should be annuled because at the time Gray married her in 1917 he had a wife living in the person of one Mildred G. Moodey. This first wife is still living, Mrs Gray claims, and has never been divorced from Gray.

Counsel for Gray, in outlining the case to the court, stated that it is 20 years since Gray has heard from his first wife, whom he has long considered dead. A score of years ago, he stated, the first Mrs Gray disappeared taking with her their only child. Although Gray conducted a country-wide search, counsel asserted, no trace of the missing wife and child was found.

It is Gray's contention that inasmuch as he had heard nothing from his first wife for seven years prior to his marriage to the second, he was in a position to remarry without divorce from the first wife, and he disputes the claim of his second wife that she has authentic information tending to show that wife number one is still alive.

In his libel for divorce against wife number two, Gray alleges desertion.15

Census Summary

1880
Birth
1882
1890
1900
Census
1900
1910
Census
1910
1920
Census
1920
1930
1940
1950
Death
1950

Census, Residence

Census1900Merton Francis Gray appeared on the census of 1900 at Brownfield, Maine, in the household of his parents and with two sisters.3
Census1910Merton Francis Gray appeared on the census of 1910 at Baldwin, Maine, as a lodger in the household of Calven P Thomas (63) and Martha A Thomes (59.)7
Census1920Merton Francis Gray and Alberta Bezanson appeared on the census of 1920 at 21 Charles Street, Wellesley, Massachusetts, with Lyna Venus Gray.4
Last Edited16 May 2025

Citations

  1. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 83, 166.
  2. [S828] Maine State Archives, "Maine Birth Records, 1715-1922", Merton Franklin Gray; Date: 10 October 1882; Brownfield, Oxford, Maine, USA; Father: Anjavine W Gray; Mother: Francina Gray; a delayed recording.
  3. [S4] 1900 U.S. Federal Census; Brownfield, Oxford, Maine; Roll: 596; ED: 0180; Page: 13.
  4. [S4] 1920 U.S. Federal Census; Wellesley, Norfolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_724; ED: 275; Page: 16A.
  5. [S1014] New Hampshire Department of Health, "New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1700-1971", Merton F Gray; Marriage Date: 15 March 1903; Marriage Place: Milton, New Hampshire; Father: Anjavine W Gray; Mother: Fannie Bickford; Spouse: Mildred G Moodey.
  6. [S1014] New Hampshire Department of Health, "New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1700-1971", Mildred G Moodey; Marriage Date: 15 March 1903; Marriage Place: Milton, New Hampshire; Father: Henry Moodey; Spouse: Merton F Gray.
  7. [S4] 1910 U.S. Federal Census; Baldwin, Cumberland, Maine; FHL Film: 1374551; Roll: T624_538; ED: 0040; Page: 9b.
  8. [S954] FamilySearch, Massachusetts State Vital Records, 1841-1920, Merton F Gray; Spouse: Alice Alberta Bezanson; Marriage Date: 4 September 1917; Weston, Massachusetts; Father: Amavine W; Mother: Fanny Bukford; Spouse's Father: George E; Spouse's Mother: Harriet A Simmons.
  9. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 166.
  10. [S840] Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988", Merton F Gray; Marriage; Date: 9 August 1926; Hamilton, Massachusetts, USA; Father: Angavine Gray; Mother: Fannie Bickford; Spouse: Carrie Augusta Courtis.
  11. [S840] Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts, "Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988", Carrie Augusta Courtis; Marriage; Date: 9 August 1926; Hamilton, Massachusetts, USA; Father: George B Courtis; Mother: Carrie Augusta Courtis; Spouse: Merton F Gray.
  12. [S3] U.S. Social Security Administration, "U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014", Merton Gray; Birth: 10 October 1882; Death: January 1950; Issue State: Massachusetts; Issue Year: Before 1951.
  13. [S2] Merton F. Gray Death Notice, The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 29 January 1950, p. 39.
  14. [S836] Various Contributors, "Find A Grave", Merton F. Gray; Birth: 1882; Death: 1950; Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham, Massachusetts, USA; Memorial Number: 234960619.
  15. [S898] News Item, ""Enoch Arden" Wife Basis Of Petition", The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 20 June 1925, p. 18.

Lyna Venus Gray1

F, #22413, b. 14 August 1918, d. 31 January 2012
Father*Merton Francis Gray1 b. 10 Oct 1882, d. Jan 1950
Mother*Alberta Bezanson1 b. 15 Mar 1899, d. 8 Nov 1972

Family

William Goodhue b. 23 May 1906, d. 7 Feb 2000
Relationship4th great-granddaughter of Jean George Bezanson
     Lyna Venus Gray was also known as Lima Venus Gray.2 She was born on 14 August 1918 at Waltham, Massachusetts.3,2,1 She married William Goodhue on 28 March 1941 at Boston, Massachusetts. She was 22. He was 34.4,5,6,1 Lyna Venus Gray died on 31 January 2012 at Alexandria, Virginia, at age 93.7,8

     Obituary from Hungerford & Clark Funeral Home (Freeport, New York):
Lyna V. Goodhue of Freeport on January 31, 2012 Loving mother of William, Beth Assadourian, and Steven. Dear grandmother of 3 and great grandmother of 2. Visiting Sunday 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 PM Religious Service Sunday 3:00PM. Interment Monday 9:30 leave to Greenfield Cemetery.9

Census Summary

1910
Birth
1918
1920
Census
1920
1930
1940
1950
Census
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
Death
2012

Census, Residence

Census1920Lyna Venus Gray appeared on the census of 1920 at 21 Charles Street, Wellesley, Massachusetts, in the household of Merton Francis Gray and Alberta Bezanson.10
Census1950William Goodhue and Lyna Venus Gray appeared on the census of 1950 at N Woodfield Rd., Hempstead, New York.11
LivedShe lived in Freeport, Hempstead, New York.1
Last Edited16 May 2025

Citations

  1. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 166.
  2. [S954] FamilySearch, Massachusetts State Vital Records, 1841-1920, Lima Venus Gray; Birth Date: 14 August 1918; Waltham, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Father: Merton F Gray; Mother: Alberta Bezanson.
  3. [S1138] Ancestry.com, "Massachusetts, U.S., Compiled Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1700-1925", Lima Venus Gray; Birth; Date: 14 August 1918; Waltham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; Father: Merton F Gray; Mother: Alberta Burganson.
  4. [S584] Chuck Assadourian, "Bezanson Information," e-mail to John Cardinal, July 15, 2002.
  5. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", William M Goodhue; Year: 1941; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 13; Page: 240.
  6. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Lima V Gray; Year: 1941; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 13; Page: 240.
  7. [S870] Virginia Department of Health, "Virginia Death Records, 1912-2014", Lyna V Goodhue; Death Date: 31 January 2012; Death Place: Alexandria, Virginia.
  8. [S3] U.S. Social Security Administration, "U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014", Lyna V Goodhue; Birth: 14 August 1918; Death: 31 January 2012; Issue State: Massachusetts; Issue Year: Before 1951.
  9. [S680] Lyna V. Goodhue Death Notice, Hungerford & Clark Funeral Home (Freeport, New York), accessed 13 May 2025.
  10. [S4] 1920 U.S. Federal Census; Wellesley, Norfolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_724; ED: 275; Page: 16A.
  11. [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Hempstead, Nassau, New York; Roll: 4390; ED: 30-384; Page: 4.

Burton Angevine Gray1

M, #22415, b. 16 June 1920, d. 5 February 1980
Father*Merton Francis Gray1 b. 10 Oct 1882, d. Jan 1950
Mother*Alberta Bezanson1 b. 15 Mar 1899, d. 8 Nov 1972

Family

Gloria Estelle Duprez
Relationship4th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson
     Burton Angevine Gray's name at birth was Merton Francis Gray Jr.2 He was born on 16 June 1920 at Cambridge, Massachusetts.2,3,1 He registered for the military service draft on 1 December 1943 while living at Boston, Massachusetts, and was described as having light complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair, 5'' 9", 195 pounds. Person who would know his address was MS Nancy Macadams.3 He served in the military in World War II as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was in the "death march" at Quadelcanal.1 He married Gloria Estelle Duprez in 1951 at Newton, Massachusetts. The m,arriage was also recorded in Boston.4,5,6,7 Burton Angevine Gray died on 5 February 1980 at Newton, Massachusetts, at age 59.8,9,1

     Obituary from The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 8 February 1980:
GRAY -- In West Newton, Feb. 5, Berton A; beloved husband of Gloria (Duprez) Gray; brother of Paul Gray of Cambridge and Mrs. Lyna Goodhue and Mrs. Bette Carter, both of New York. Funeral from the Valenti Funeral Home, 697 Washington St., NEWTONVILLE, Saturday, Feb. 9 at 8 a.m. Funeral Mass in St. Bernard's Church at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Visiting hours, Friday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Interment, Calvary Cemetery, Waltham. Member of American Legion Post 440.10


     Burton Angevine Gray was mentioned in an article that appeared in The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts) on 18 July 1942:
Letter From a Soldier

Praise For Australia By Charlestown Boy

Priv. Burton A. Gray in a letter to his sister, Bernice Gray, 59 Sullivan st., Charlestown speaks in praise of the people of Australia. He writes:

"Dear Sis: Received your very welcome letter. I was very pleased to hear from you. I can't see why you have received no mail. I must have written at least three letters to you.

"How are you? Hope you are doing all right. Have any of your songs been published? Is there a song at home entitled 'This is no time for Tears?' Boy, it is really beautiful. A boy here with me wrote it. He is here writing at the table. He sent the song home but has received no word of it. If you hear it please write and tell us.

"As you may have heard, I am one of the boys in the many expeditionary forces to the Pacific. We had a wonderful time in Australia; the people were wonderful to us. But
we had to leave for New Caledonia. It is really nice here, though the country is semi-tropical, palm, coconut, orange, banana trees, etc. The people are very friendly especially the girls. They come in three colors, white, black and yellow. We are living in the homes of Japs who left in a hurry. We have hot and cold running water, showers and a beautiful white beach to swim in, al- though one man has to be on guard with a loaded rifle all the time to protect us from sharks. Boy, they are bad. Some are as big as elephants.

"Well, I've got to go on duty so will write soon. Please write soon. Write and write some more.

"All my love,
"Buddy."

Private Gray's home was with his sister and his grandmother, Mrs. Harriet Thompson, now in her 80th year, at 59 Sullivan st. He was born in Cambridge and resided in Waltham, where he attended the Waltham Trade School and learned mechanics and carpentry. He enlisted in the United States Army about five years ago. Another sister, Lina Gray, resided at the Harvard Club. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Merton F. Gray.11
Last Edited15 May 2025

Citations

  1. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 166.
  2. [S954] FamilySearch, Massachusetts State Vital Records, 1841-1920, Merton F Gray, Jr; Birth Date: 16 June 1920; Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Father: Merton F Gray; Mother: Alice A Bezoman.
  3. [S879] National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), "U.S. World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947", Berton Angevine Gray; Registration Date: 1 December 1943; Registration Place: Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Birth Date: 16 June 1920; Birth Place: Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  4. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Berton Gray; Year: 1951; Newton, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 79; Page: 323; Spouse: James Anjavlne.
  5. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Gloria Estelle Duprez; Year: 1951; Newton, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 79; Page: 323.
  6. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Berton A Gray; Year: 1951; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 18; Page: 450.
  7. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Gloria Duprez; Year: 1951; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 18; Page: 450.
  8. [S742] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts Death Index,1970-2003", Berton A Gray; Death Date: 5 February 1980; Death Place: Newton; Certificate: 016679; Birth Date: 16 June 1920; Birth Place: Massachusetts.
  9. [S3] U.S. Social Security Administration, "U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014", Berton A. Gray; Birth: June 1920; Death: 5 February 1980; Issue State: Massachusetts; Issue Year: Before 1951.
  10. [S2] Berton A. Gray--In Death Notice, The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 8 February 1980, p. 63.
  11. [S898] News Item, "Praise For Australia By Charlestown Boy", The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 18 July 1942, p. 7.

Bernice Elizabeth Gray1

F, #22416, b. 21 February 1922, d. 17 July 2008
Father*Merton Francis Gray1 b. 10 Oct 1882, d. Jan 1950
Mother*Alberta Bezanson1 b. 15 Mar 1899, d. 8 Nov 1972

Family

Nathan Costa
Relationship4th great-granddaughter of Jean George Bezanson
     Bernice Elizabeth Gray was born on 21 February 1922 at Wayland, Massachusetts.2,3,1 She married Nathan Costa in 1947 at Hopklnton, Massachusetts.4,5

     From Charles Assadourian, "Harriet (Harriet Alice Simmons) basically raised my great aunt Bernice (Bernice Elizabeth Gray)". She died on 17 July 2008 at Elizabethtown, New York, at age 86.6 She was buried.7

     Obituary, 27 July 2008:
AUSABLE FORKS -- Elizabeth "Betty" Carter, 86, of Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown and formerly of Ausable Forks, N.Y., died Thursday, July 17, 2008. She was born in Wayland, Mass., Feb. 21, 1922, the daughter of Merton and Alice (Bezanson) Gray.

Betty belonged to many organizations including Council on the Arts for Clinton County, Friends Library Artist Guild of the Plattsburgh Public Library, The Mayan Order, Astara, The Secret Society of Magians and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

She had many hobbies, including oil and water color painting. Her work was sponsored by the Adirondack Life Exhibition and frequently displayed at juried art shows of the Lake Placid Center of the Arts, Friends Library Artist Guild of the Plattsburgh Library and at the Council for the Arts in Clinton County. She was affiliated with the Boston Museum Center of Art. She also wrote songs and poetry and has written both children's books and novels. She was an accomplished musician playing both the harmonica and guitar and at one time starred with a country and western band at a dude ranch in New Hampshire.

She was educated in the Boston City School District and was awarded the Best Artist Award for City District Schools of Boston Area. In 1948, she won the Grand Gold Award Contest sponsored by the Motion Picture Song Contest Association Corporation of Hollywood, Calif., for her song, "Cupid Introduced Me to an Angel."

She is survived by her daughter and best friend, Joyce Marinelli, Morrisonville, N.Y; one sister, Lyna Goodhue of Freeport, N.Y; a brother, Paul Gray of Cambridge, Mass; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, July 30, at 5 p.m. at W.M. Marvins Sons Funeral Home in Elizabethtown.6


     Bernice Elizabeth Gray and Harriet Alice Simmons were mentioned in an article that appeared in The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts) on 29 June 1939:
Tell Woman, 76, To Quit Country After 51 Years

Immigration Officials Inform Puzzled Mrs. Thompson She'll Be Deported

Faced with deportation from this country unless she leaves of her own volition within the next three months, Mrs. Harriet Alice Thompson,76, sat in her modest three-room flat at 59 Sullivan st., Charlestown, last night, and expressed her bewilderment over the sudden threat to her continued residence there.

A native of Maidstone, England, which she left for the United States as a young woman 51 years ago, Mrs. Thompson has received word from immigration officials at East Boston that as a result of investigation of complaints that she is an alien and illegally residing in this country, she must leave the country before Sept. 26 or face deportation proceedings.

Mystified by Notice

"I don't know what all this is about," she said, referring to the notice she received on Tuesday from S. H. Howes, Boston district director of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. "My last husband, John Parker Thompson, died in February, 1938, and I have been under the impression that I became a citizen when 1 married him in 1932.

"This same question arose once before when Mr. Thompson was alive and we were living in Winchester. At that time I went to Boston and offered to take out naturalization papers, but was told that because my husband was an American citizen such procedure wasn't necessary."

White of hair and mild mannered, her alertness belying her years, Mrs. Thompson lives with her granddaughter, Bernice Elizabeth Gray, 17, in their neat little home in the shadow of Bunker Hill Monument. She has been married three times. Her first husband was George Edward Bezanson, a native of Nova Scotia, who died in Wellesley. Her second husband, from whom she was separated after a number of years, she believed died in Nova Scotia.

Wed Indian War Veteran

Her third marriage was to Mr. Thompson, Indian War veteran, with whom she lived in Winchester. She has three children living, two sons and a daughter. Her granddaughter, Bernice, will enter Charlestown High School in the Fall.

Although receiving only a few dollars a week from the Welfare Department, Mrs. Thompson is happy in her present home and surroundings and dreads the thought of parting from her granddaughter.

Warren L. Bishop, former district attorney of Middlesex County, who has been acquainted with Mrs. Thompson for many years, is representing her in the case.8


     Bernice Elizabeth Gray and Burton Angevine Gray were mentioned in an article that appeared in The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts) on 18 July 1942:
Letter From a Soldier

Praise For Australia By Charlestown Boy

Priv. Burton A. Gray in a letter to his sister, Bernice Gray, 59 Sullivan st., Charlestown speaks in praise of the people of Australia. He writes:

"Dear Sis: Received your very welcome letter. I was very pleased to hear from you. I can't see why you have received no mail. I must have written at least three letters to you.

"How are you? Hope you are doing all right. Have any of your songs been published? Is there a song at home entitled 'This is no time for Tears?' Boy, it is really beautiful. A boy here with me wrote it. He is here writing at the table. He sent the song home but has received no word of it. If you hear it please write and tell us.

"As you may have heard, I am one of the boys in the many expeditionary forces to the Pacific. We had a wonderful time in Australia; the people were wonderful to us. But
we had to leave for New Caledonia. It is really nice here, though the country is semi-tropical, palm, coconut, orange, banana trees, etc. The people are very friendly especially the girls. They come in three colors, white, black and yellow. We are living in the homes of Japs who left in a hurry. We have hot and cold running water, showers and a beautiful white beach to swim in, al- though one man has to be on guard with a loaded rifle all the time to protect us from sharks. Boy, they are bad. Some are as big as elephants.

"Well, I've got to go on duty so will write soon. Please write soon. Write and write some more.

"All my love,
"Buddy."

Private Gray's home was with his sister and his grandmother, Mrs. Harriet Thompson, now in her 80th year, at 59 Sullivan st. He was born in Cambridge and resided in Waltham, where he attended the Waltham Trade School and learned mechanics and carpentry. He enlisted in the United States Army about five years ago. Another sister, Lina Gray, resided at the Harvard Club. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Merton F. Gray.9

Census Summary

1920
Birth
1922
1930
Census
1930
1940
Census
1940
1950
Census
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
Death
2008

Census, Residence

Census1930Bernice Elizabeth Gray appeared on the census of 1930 at 67 Edmund Road, Arlington, Massachusetts, in the household of Herman Wallace Rowe and Alberta Bezanson with Melvin Herman Rowe and Leita Althea Rowe.10
Census1940Bernice Elizabeth Gray appeared on the census of 1940 at 59 Sullivan Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts, in the household of Harriet Alice Simmons.11
Census1950Bernice Elizabeth Gray appeared on the census of 1950 at 18 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton, Massachusetts, in the household of Harriet Alice Simmons.12
Last Edited15 May 2025

Citations

  1. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 166.
  2. [S954] FamilySearch, Massachusetts State Vital Records, 1841-1920, Bernice E Gray; Birth Date: 21 February 1922; Wayland, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Father: Milton F Gray; Mother: Alice A Bezanson.
  3. [S1138] Ancestry.com, "Massachusetts, U.S., Compiled Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1700-1925", Bernice E. Gray; Birth; Date: 21 February 1922; Wayland, Massachusetts, USA; Father: Marlow F. Gray; Mother: Alice A. Grey.
  4. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Natalie J Costa; Year: 1947; Hopklnton, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 66; Page: 403; I suspect his name was "Natale", not "Natalie."
  5. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Bernice E Gray; Year: 1947; Hopklnton, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 66; Page: 403.
  6. [S2] Elizabeth "Betty" Carter Death Notice, Legacy Remembers, 27 July 2008.
  7. [S836] Various Contributors, "Find A Grave", Elizabeth (Gray) Carter; Birth: 1922; Death: 2008; Memorial Number: 38607186.
  8. [S898] News Item, "Tell Woman, 76, To Quit Country After 51 Years", The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 29 June 1939, p. 4.
  9. [S898] News Item, "Praise For Australia By Charlestown Boy", The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), 18 July 1942, p. 7.
  10. [S4] 1930 U.S. Federal Census; Arlington, Middlesex, Massachusetts; FHL Film: 2340648; ED: 0160; Page: 10B.
  11. [S4] 1940 U.S. Federal Census; Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: m-t0627-01659; ED: 15-81; Page: 12B.
  12. [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Hopkinton, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: 3427; ED: 9-313; Page: 28; the entries are not indexed/transcribed as a three-person household despite being enumerated that way.

Herman Wallace Rowe1

M, #22419, b. 7 September 1904, d. 1940

Family 1

Alberta Bezanson b. 15 Mar 1899, d. 8 Nov 1972
Children

Family 2

Ethel Jane Sims
     Herman Wallace Rowe was born on 7 September 1904 at Gloucester, Massachusetts.2,3 He married Alberta Bezanson on 21 July 1925 at Mont Vernon, New Hampshire. He was 20. She was 26.1,4,5 Herman Wallace Rowe and Alberta Bezanson appeared on the census of 1930 at 67 Edmund Road, Arlington, Massachusetts, with Bernice Elizabeth Gray, Melvin Herman Rowe and Leita Althea Rowe.3 Herman Wallace Rowe and Alberta Bezanson were divorced on 1 December 1931 at Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.6 Herman Wallace Rowe married Ethel Jane Sims in 1937 at Wellesley, Massachusetts; The marriage was also recorded in Boston.7,8,9,10 Herman Wallace Rowe died in 1940 at Boston, Massachusetts.11

Census Summary

1900
Birth
1904
1910
1920
1930
Census
1930
1940
Death
1940
Last Edited16 May 2025

Citations

  1. [S1014] New Hampshire Department of Health, "New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1700-1971", Herman Wallace Rowe; Marriage Date: 21 July 1925; Marriage Place: Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; Father: Milvin H Rowe; Mother: Mary J Collins; Spouse: Alice Alberta Gray.
  2. [S939] New England Historic Genealogical Society, "Massachusetts, Birth Records, 1840-1915", Herman Wallace Rowe; Birth Date: 7 September 1904; Birth Place: Gloucester, Massachusetts; Father: Melvin H Rowe; Mother: Mary J Collins.
  3. [S4] 1930 U.S. Federal Census; Arlington, Middlesex, Massachusetts; FHL Film: 2340648; ED: 0160; Page: 10B.
  4. [S1014] New Hampshire Department of Health, "New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1700-1971", Alice Alberta Gray; Marriage Date: 21 July 1925; Marriage Place: Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; Father: George E Beronen; Mother: Harrietta Simmons; Spouse: Herman Wallace Rowe.
  5. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 83, 166.
  6. [S1068] New Hampshire Department of State, "New Hampshire, U.S., Divorce Certificates, 1850-1969", ALice A. Rowe; Spouse: Herman W Rowe; Date: 1 December 1931; Certificate Number: 3094.
  7. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Herman Wallace Rowe; Year: 1937; Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 84; Page: 289.
  8. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Ethel Jane Sims; Year: 1937; Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 84; Page: 289.
  9. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Herman Wallace Rowe; Year: 1937; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 8; Page: 27.
  10. [S731] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health Services, "Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970", Ethel Jane Sims; Year: 1937; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Volume: 8; Page: 27.
  11. [S806] Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, "Massachusetts Death Index, 1901-1980", Herman W Rowe; Year: 1940; Boston, Massachusetts; Volume: 13; Page: 311.
  12. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 166.
  13. [S4] 1940 U.S. Federal Census; Amherst, Hillsborough, New Hampshire; Roll: m-t0627-02288; ED: 6-1; Page: 14A.

Melvin Herman Rowe1

M, #22420, b. 4 April 1926, d. 22 May 1989
Father*Herman Wallace Rowe1 b. 7 Sep 1904, d. 1940
Mother*Alberta Bezanson1 b. 15 Mar 1899, d. 8 Nov 1972

Family 1

Marie (?)

Family 2

Barbara B. Baston
Relationship4th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson
     Melvin Herman Rowe was born on 4 April 1926.2,1 He married Marie (?).3 Melvin Herman Rowe registered for the military service draft on 4 April 1944 while living at Waltham, Massachusetts, and was described as having light complexion, blue eyes, blonde hair, 5'' 9", 160 pounds. Next of kin was Mrs Alice Bezelle.4 He served in the military in World War II and in Korea.1 He married Barbara B. Baston on 30 October 1954 at Seabrook, New Hampshire. He was 28.5,6 Melvin Herman Rowe died on 22 May 1989 at age 63.2,7

Census Summary

1920
Birth
1926
1930
Census
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
Death
1989

Census, Residence

Census1930Melvin Herman Rowe appeared on the census of 1930 at 67 Edmund Road, Arlington, Massachusetts, in the household of Herman Wallace Rowe and Alberta Bezanson with Bernice Elizabeth Gray and Leita Althea Rowe.8
LivedMelvin Herman Rowe lived in Framingham, Massachusetts.1
Last Edited12 May 2025

Citations

  1. [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 166.
  2. [S3] U.S. Social Security Administration, "U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014", Melvin Rowe; Birth: 4 April 1926; Death: 22 May 1989; Last Residence: 01701, Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; Issue State: New Hampshire; Issue Year: Before 1951.
  3. [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: 3427; ED: 9-305; Page: 7.
  4. [S879] National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), "U.S. World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947", Melvin Herman Rowe; Registration Date: 4 April 1944; Registration Place: Walpole, Massachusetts, USA; Birth Date: 4 April 1926; Birth Place: MT Vernon, New Hampshire.
  5. [S1014] New Hampshire Department of Health, "New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1700-1971", Melvin H Rowe; Marriage Date: 30 October 1954; Marriage Place: Seabrook, New Hampshire; Father: Herman W Rowe; Mother: Alice A Bezanson; Spouse: Barbara B Baston.
  6. [S1014] New Hampshire Department of Health, "New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1700-1971", Barbara B Baston; Marriage Date: 30 October 1954; Marriage Place: Seabrook, New Hampshire; Father: Charles R Baston; Mother: Myrtle A Hartley; Spouse: Melvin H Rowe.
  7. [S902] U.S. Social Security Administration, "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007", Melvin Herman Rowe; Birth: 4 April 1926; Birth Place: Moant Vinton, New Hampshire; Death: 22 May 1989, Father: Herman W Rowe, Mother: Alice A Thompson.
  8. [S4] 1930 U.S. Federal Census; Arlington, Middlesex, Massachusetts; FHL Film: 2340648; ED: 0160; Page: 10B.