Fifth Generation

18. Lafayette DeWitt⁷⁵ was born on 11 January 1857 in USA, Illinois, Pike Co., Perry.^6,9 He appeared in the census in 1860 in USA, Illinois, Pike Co., Perry Township.⁷⁶ Lafayette, 3 yrs old. See notes under father, John Henry Dewitt. He appeared in the census in 1870 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville, 4th Ward.^77,78 1870 Jefferson County KY 364, 4 W. Louisville
Dewitt, Layfayette, 12 yrs, at school
See notes under father, John Henry DeWitt. Lafayette lived at 1218 4th Street in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville in 1904–1907. Caron's City Directory Street Listings for Old Louisville 1884-1921

Street Block Year Bldg old new side src Name
4th 1100 1904 1218 1126 w d DeWitt, Lafayette
4th 1100 1905 1218 1126 w d DeWitt, Lafayette
4th 1100 1906 1218 1126 w d DeWitt, Lafayette
4th 1100 1907 1218 1126 w d DeWitt, Lafayette He appeared in the census on 19 April 1910 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville, 1st Ward.^79,80 SD 5, ED 48, sheet 6, 2251 Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Precinct 15, Ward 1 (part of)
Morton Street (between Baxter Ave and Christy Ave.)
1501? 113 visit:127
Dewitt, Lafayette Head M W 53, M 25, Illinois Indiana US, Merchant -Millinery Emporium
Olive Daughter F W 25, S Kentucky Illinois Kentucky
Lafayette, Jr Son M W 16, S Kentucky Illinois Kentucky
renting house.

He appeared in the census in 1920 in USA, California, Los Angeles Co., Los Angeles.^10,81 Los Angeles Co, Los Angeles, West 48th #1486
Lafayette DeWitt, 63 years, widower. Born in Illinois, father - Indiana, mother - Kentucky. He was working as a Salesman in Ready to Wear.
He and his daughter Olive were renting rooms from Pearl E. Collins, a 39 year old widow and her two daughters Edith 12 and Marjorie M. 10. Lafayette appeared in the census on 11 April 1930 in USA, California, Los Angeles Co., Los Angeles.⁸² Assembly District 63, block 105, ED 19-353, SD 17, sheet 11A
Clair Apartments, South Lake Street
1035, 157, 238,
Volbrecht, Laura C, Head, Rent $60, FW 46 Wd, OH OH OH, none
Dewitt , Lafayette, Roomer, MW, 72 Wd, IL IN KY, Sales Agent, Ladies Clothes
Smelcier, Fred F, Roomer, MW 43, single, NY France France, Chauffeur, private home
Gates, George F, Roomer, MW 21, single, PA PA PA, Laborer, odd jobs

He died on 11 November 1948 at the age of 91 in USA, California, Los Angeles Co..⁶ Los Angeles Times Obituary, Nov. 13, 1948:
Funeral Services for LaFayette DeWitt, 91, early day Los Angeles dry goods merchant who died Thursday, will be conducted Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Edwards Bros. Colonial Mortuary. Interment will follow in Inglewood Park Cemetery. Mr. DeWitt resided at 1050 S. Bonnie Brae Ave.
He leaves three daughters, Miss Nellie DeWitt, Mrs. Olive D. Prouty and Mrs. Charles L. Barker; a son, Lafe G. DeWitt, two sisters, a brother, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in USA, California, Los Angeles Co., Inglewood. Family papers dated June 8th, 1915 - Lafayette DeWitt, son of John and Mary Jane DeWitt, born at Perry, Pike Co., Ill., January 11th, 1857. Married Mary Augusta Hollenkamp at Louisville, Ky., January 29th, 1880 and have the following children:- (see notes under children)

Translation of German Newspaper article printed 1888 in Louisville Kentucky:

"Lafayette DeWitt was born in Perry, Ills. Jan. 11, 1857 and will be 32 years old on Jan 11 1889. When 5 years old, his dad moved to Andersen Co., Ky near Fox Creek, as farmer; stayed 5 years, then started a dry goods business in Willisburg; including grocery and farm. In fall of 1869 bought "Farmers' Home" on Market, sold it 2 years later and returned to Willisburg. Spring 1871 returned to Louisville and took job in grocery of his 2 older brothers. In Sept. 1873 - 1876 was farmer in Illinois, then went to Kentucky and took job with Mssr. Bacons & Sons for 3 years. Also worked party as agent for "Home Journal" and made many friends and became widely known. Oct 1869 took job with Sharpe & Middleton, and became associates with Henry W. Middleton after 1 1/2 years on Feb 7, 1881 opened with them store W 410-East Market above Preston, Store name : Middleton & DeWitt, went very well. On Jan 15 1882 DeWitt bought out partner and became associate of D. Barcklay, (Robinson & Co.). New name of Business: L. DeWitt & Co. He is sole owner of business, dry goods, cleaning supplies, coats & notions. For Christmas he stocks gifts, toys, toiletries, glass and porcelain, dolls, etc. 4 years ago he moved to larger quarters,and has big salesrooms, 40 front feet by 120 feet deep and filled from bottom to top with wares. DeWitt is liked by all, including his drummers and customers, and makes friends every where. On Jan. 29 1880 he married Miss M.A. Hollenkamp, an educated, charming young lady, niece of the late J.H. Ruwe, They have 2 boys and 2 girls. His wife helps with management; she was involved in the store during last 7 years, and understands thoroughly to assist and advise in buying wares, her main attention is on cleaning dept. A visit to the establishment is well worth the trouble. Through strict management, energy and foresight the house of DeWitt & Co. grew into a mammoth establishment in only 8 years. By the same token, the business promises to become one of the largest dry goods, cleaning supplies & coats store of Louisville."

Database: Louisville, Kentucky Directory, 1887
Surname Given Name MI C Occupation Address

DeWitt George M driver
DeWitt John grocer
DeWitt John H
DeWitt Lafayette dry goods
DeWitt Millie c
DeWitt Robert clerk
DeWitt Sallie clerk
DeWitt William E millinery
Johnson DeWitt C collector 1967 Portland av

DeWitt family church - Broadway Christian Church, Louisville, KY
( so. side of B'way between Floyd and Preston)
Early address of DeWitt family in Louisville, KY - 1019 Fourth St.

Letterhead of stationary used July 10th 1901 - (See letter under Olive May)
L. DeWitt, President John Henry DeWitt, Vice-President Clarence D. DeWitt, Secretary Mrs. L. Dewitt, Treasurer.
Office of L. DeWitt & Sons
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in
Dry Goods, Millinery, Notions, Cloaks and Suits,
Ladies' and Gents' Furnishing Goods,
426, 428 and 430 East Market St.,
Louisville, Ky., _____________190
______________________________

______________________________

Lafe lived at 1047 South Westlake Ave, Los Angeles, California during 1933.

Lafe's grandson Charles D, remembers that his grandfather would ride the trolley every week to his parents house for Sunday dinner. The neighborhood children would all come out and wait for him as he always gave them lifesavers when he passed by. Mary Augusta Hollenkamp and Lafayette DeWitt were married on 29 January 1880 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.^9,83,84 Lafayette DeWitt and Mary Augusta Hollenkamp
were married by Rev. G.W. Yancey
Pastor of the Floyd and Chestnut Street Christian Church
Louisville Kentucky Thursday evening January 29th at 8.30. pm 1880

They^9,83,84 appeared in the census in 1900 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.⁸⁵ 1900 Kentucky, Vol 35, ED 39, sheet 11, line 24.
Jefferson Co., Mag Dist 6, Louisville,
E Market Street, 426 (house no.)
DeWitt, Lafayette, Head Jan 1857 43, married 21 yrs. Illinois, Indiana, KY, Merchant dry goods
Mary A. Wife Aug 1859 40 married 21 yrs., 10 children 6 living, KY, Ger., Ger,
John H. Son Oct 1880 19 KY, salesman dry goods
Clarence D. Son July 1882 17 KY, salesman dry goods
Olive M. Daughter July 1884 15 KY, at school
Minnie C Daughter Jan 1886 13 KY, at school
Lafayette Son Sept 1893 6 KY
Nellie Daughter Nov. 1895 4 KY
Ditzel, Delia Employee June 1864 35 Indiana

Lafayette DeWitt and Mary Augusta Hollenkamp were married by Rev. G. W. Yancey, pastor of the Floyd and Chestnut St. Christain Church, Louisville Kentucky, Thursday evening January 29, 1880 at 8:30 p.m.

19. Mary Augusta Hollenkamp⁷⁵ was born on 24 August 1859 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.⁹ She appeared in the census in 1870 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville, 4th Ward.⁸⁶ Hollenkamp, Mary, 10, F, W, at school, Kentucky, parents foreign born She died of pneumonia and chronic enteritis on 2 November 1905 at the age of 46 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.^9,83 Died of pneumonia, November 2nd at 6.15 am 1905, aged 46 years and 2 months. Died at 1218 Fourth Ave, Louisville, Kentucky and was buried in Cave Hill Cemetery.

Newspaper clipping in Lafe DeWitt's Bible -
BURIAL PERMITS
Mary A. DeWitt, 46, 1218 Fourth; chronic enteritis
(handwritten- Louisville- Nov. 2nd, 1905) Mary was buried on 4 November 1905 at Cave Hill Cemetery in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.^9,87,88 Went to Cave Hill today, ....a Dewitt family plot. There should be 8 people buried there but there are only three stones. Two of them are unreadable except for the name Dewitt. The other one reads
Mother Mary A. Dewitt Aug. 24, 1859 - Nov. 2, 1905 Rest in Peace
she was burried November 4, 1905.
Edna Parrott

Section A, lot 559, grave 8. Owners of lot 559 are John H Ruwe and George Kramer.
Inscription; Mother, Mary A Dewitt, Aug 24 1859, Nov 2 1905, Rest in Peace Mary Augusta grew up in Louisville Kentucky of immigrant German parents. It appears as if her father was absent during most of her growing up as he is not found with the family after the 1860 census when Mary was a year old. She was raised by her mother and maternal relatives; her Grandfather Graefa and Aunt and Uncle Ruwe were either in the home or nearby.

Mary was the middle of three siblings, between her elder brother Henry and younger sister Minnie. They were all baptized in the Catholic Church and were educated at Louisville schools. Finishing school, they obtained employment in stores, the girls as salesladies and Henry as a shipping clerk. It was while working at a large department store that Mary met Lafe DeWitt and became the first of her siblings to marry.

In an 1888 article describing Lafayette Dewitt and his business the German paper Louisville Anzeiger said, "On Jan. 29 1880 he married Miss M.A. Hollenkamp, an educated, charming young lady, niece of the late J.H. Ruwe..." They married in the DeWitt church with family and friends in attendance. A newspaper clipping in a DeWitt Bible described the event:
Friday night at 8 o'clock Mr. Lafayette DeWitt and Miss Mary A. Hollenkamp were married at the Floyd and Chestnut-street Christian church, Rev. G.W. Yancey conducting the services. Miss Mary Zabel and Mr. E. G. Davidson were the attendants. The church was crowded with the friends of the young couple. When the ceremony was concluded the young people with their friends left the church, and participated in an excellent supper.

The new couple opened their own store across the street from where they met. The 1888 Louisville Anzeiger article continued, "They have 2 boys and 2 girls. His wife helps with management; she was involved in the store during the last 7 years, and understands thoroughly to assist and advise in buying wares, her main attention is on cleaning dept."

Mary bore a total of ten children, though only six reached maturity. After the first four children, the next four born between 1886 and 1895 died as infants. Two were twins that died at birth. Then she had two more, a boy and a girl, in 1893 and 1895.

Her brother married soon after she did in 1880 to Mary Doran. They had a large healthy family of seven children who all lived to old age even though Henry died at 42. He was buried next to his father in Saint Louis Cemetery. Her sister Minnie married in 1881 to George Kramer when she was 19 only to die at 21, shortly after having her second child. The baby boy only lived a few months.

Mary, though she outlived her siblings, died when she was only 46. She died of pneumonia and chronic enteritis 2 November, 1905 and was buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville.

Children were:

	i.	John Henry DeWitt was born on 31 October 1880 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.9 Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. at #621 East Lampton Street Louisville Ky In 1910 he was a Window Dresser Dry Goods in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.79 He died on 23 September 1939 at the age of 58. Family papers dated June 8th, 1915 - John Henry DeWitt, born October 31st, 1880, at Louisville, Ky. Son of Lafayette and Mary Augusta DeWitt, married Addie Neuhaus, of Louisville, Ky., about June 5th, 1901, and had two children - Gladys Kathryn DeWitt and Marie Patricia DeWitt, both born at Louisville, Ky. Addie Neuhaus DeWitt, wife of John Henry DeWitt, died February, 1911, at Louisville, Ky. John Henry DeWitt married second time to Claudia Kelly, of Terra Haute, Ind., May 4th, 1914; reside there now, and Mr. DeWitt associated with Kleeman Dry Goods Company.
	ii.	Clarence Douglas DeWitt was born on 12 August 1882 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.9 Saturday morning, 10:30 a.m. at #621 East Lampton Street, Louisville Ky He appeared in the census in 1910 in USA, California, Los Angeles Co., Ballona Township.89 87, 88 Greenwood, Harry B. Head 25, M1 6 yrs., KY KY KY, Auditor - Pacif Sight & ? wages Mary J. Wife 24, M1 6 yrs, 1 child born & living, KY KY KY Virginia B Daughter, 3, KY KY KY DeWitt, Clarence, Wife's cousin, 28, single, KY KY KY, Floor walker - Ladies Cloth Store He appeared in the census on 15 January 1920 in USA, Kansas, Sedgwick Co., Wichita.90 E Douglas Street F S Sheldon F 39y Virginia Sheldon F 15y Florence Sheldon F 13y Charlotte A Sheldon F 1y3m   Clarence Dewitt, Roomer MW 39y, married, KY IL KY, Salesman, Dry goods Bessie Bowen F Roomer, 23y Beulah Hahan F Roomer, 18y Clarence died on 9 July 1937 at the age of 54 in USA, California, San Francisco Co., San Francisco.9 54 years old He was buried on 12 July 1937 in USA, California, Inglewood Cemetery.9 Family papers dated June 8th, 1915 - Clarence Douglas DeWitt, born August 12, 1882, at Louisville. Son of Lafayette and Mary Augusta DeWitt, married Myrtle Love, of Picton, Ont., Canada, June 8, 1910, at Los Angeles, Cal. She is the daughter of Frank and Ella Hope Love. Born to Clarence Douglas and Myrtle DeWitt a daughter, Bertha Marie DeWitt, April 6, 1915, at Los Angeles, California. Mr. DeWitt, Superintendent of The Paris Cloak and Suit House, Los Angeles Letter on back of photograph postcard showing Clarence in store (see linked photos) - Dear Papa, at New York Store LA This is a picture of the main floor, the one I have charge of. not very good but will give you an idea. I sent you a christmas box last week via Wells Fargo. trust same will reach you in due time & in good condition. Christmas trade very good. am still busy with the Gov. Mr. Cooper would not present my recomendation from the board but I will worry him until he does. sent the Gov. a letter by request of Sheriff Hannel yesterday things will work out all ok. I am not well haven't been for sometime & find it a difficulty to work & smile as I should. Love to all, Papa Boy Clarence
9	iii.	Olive May Augusta DeWitt.
	iv.	Minna Charlotta "Minnie" DeWitt was born on 31 January 1886 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.9 Sunday 3:30 p.m. 424 East Market Street, Louisville, Ky She died on 24 April 1970 at the age of 84 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co..91 MINNA BARKER Date 700424 Age 084 Place JEFFN Residence JEFFERSON Volume 025 Cert 12042 Deathvol 70 Family papers dated June 8th, 1915 - Minnie Charlotte DeWitt, born January 31, 1886, at Louisville. Daughter of Lafayette and Mary Augusta DeWitt, married Charles L. Barker, October 23, 1907, at Louisville, Ky., and had two children - Charles L. Barker, Jr., born in 1908; died same year; and, Marcella Barker, born in October, 1909. Family reside at 1403 East Breckinridge, Louisville, Ky.
	v.	Albert Arthur DeWitt was born on 27 November 1886 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville. He died on 27 November 1886 at the age of 0 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville. Family papers dated June 8th, 1915 - Arthur and Lillian DeWitt, born November 27, 1886, died at birth at Louisville, Ky. He was buried on 27 November 1886 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville, Cave Hill Cemetery.87 Burial List - DeWitt, Albert Lot 559, Section A Internment Date 11-27-1886 Funeral Home - Schildt
	vi.	Grace Lillian DeWitt was born on 27 November 1886 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville. She died on 27 November 1886 at the age of 0 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville. Family papers dated June 8th, 1915 - Arthur and Lillian DeWitt, born November 27, 1886, died at birth at Louisville, Ky. She was buried on 27 November 1886 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville, Cave Hill Cemetery.87 Burial List - DeWitt, Grace Lot 559, Section A Internment Date 11-27-1886 Funeral Home - Schildt
	vii.	Mary Jane "Jeanette" DeWitt was born on 15 April 1888 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.92 She died on 6 August 1888 at the age of 0 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.92 She was buried on 7 August 1888 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville, Cave Hill Cemetery.92 Cave Hill records lists DeWitt, Mary Jane, not Jeanette. Lot 559 includes the following DeWitts: Adeline d. 1893 Albert d. 1886 Grace d. 1886 Mrs. Mary A. 1905 Mary Jane d. 1888 Miss Nellie A. d. 1961 These are all children of Mrs. Mary A. Family papers dated June 8th, 1915 - Mary Jeanette DeWitt, born April 15th, 1888; died August 6, 1888, at Louisville, Ky.
	viii.	Adeline DeWitt was born on 9 June 1892. She died on 2 March 1893 at the age of 0 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville. She was buried on 4 March 1893 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville, Cave Hill Cemetery.87 Lot 559, Section A, Funeral Home - Schildt Family papers dated June 8th, 1915 - Adeline DeWitt, born June 9th, 1892; died March 2, 1893, at Louisville, Ky.
	ix.	Lafayette Gilbert DeWitt Jr. was born on 2 September 1893 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.9 at 426 East Market Street, Louisville Ky He appeared in the census in January 1920 in USA, Iowa, Polk Co., Des Moines.89 511, 11 DeWitt, Lafe Head, rent 27 KY, KY, KY Buyer - dry goods Nelly Wife 26 England, England England Dixie Daughter 1 9/12 KY He died in March 1974 at the age of 80 in USA, Washington, Pierce Co., Gig Harbor.27 Lafayette had Social Security Number 084-03-4613.27
	x.	Nellie Adeline DeWitt93 was born on 12 November 1895 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.9 at 426 East Market Street, Louisville Ky She appeared in the census on 10 April 1930 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville.93 Methodist Episcopal Deaconess Home and Hospital Eighth Street (long list of student nurses, and other hospital workers) DeWitt, Nellie A, Boarder, FW 34 single, KY KY KY, Bookkeeper - Hospital She died on 6 February 1961 at the age of 65. Nellie was buried on 8 February 1961 in USA, Kentucky, Jefferson Co., Louisville, Cave Hill Cemetery.87 Burial List - DeWitt, Nelle A. Miss Lot 559, Section A 02-08-1961 Nellie was living with her grandmother during the 1900 and 1910 census. Database: Kentucky 1910 Miracode Index Nellie A Dewitt Enumeration District: 0070 Color: W Age: 14 Birth Place: Kentucky Visit: 0252 County: Jefferson, Louisville Relation: Granddaughter Relatives: Husband Augusta Hollenkamp (W)