1.3.1.6.1 Isabella T. Kessler Figgins (1838-1920)
Isabella T. Kessler Figgins (12 May 1838-31 Dec 1920) was born on 12 May 1838 in Jefferson, Md and died at age 82 on 31 Dec 1920 in Doubs, Md. and was interred at the Jefferson United Methodist Church Cemetery. She was the oldest daughter of Andrew Kessler, Jr. and Lauretta Smith Lamar Kessler. She was married to William A. Figgins (10 May 1834 – 21 Oct 1908), who was 4 years older. Isabella’s younger brother 1.3.1.6.3 Edwin married one of William Figgins’ cousins, Albina.
William was a farmer. His family’s farm was located near the farm of Isabella’s uncle, Jerry Kessler and this is likely how they met. William was still living with his parents at age 26 according to the 1860 U.S. Census. He and Isabella were married sometime prior to 1870.
The two did not have children. However, when the family finances fell apart in 1896 after Andrew Jr.’s death, as noted earlier, Isabella and William let Andrew Jr.’s youngest son, William Kessler, and his family live with them until they were able to make their own way. My grandfather was one of William Kessler’s sons.
William died in 1908. Isabella lived another 12 years. In 1910 and 1920, she lived with her sister Eugenia and Charles Walter until her death on 31 Dec 1920.
1840: Andrew Kesler – Age 20-30, 2 females age <5, 20-30 & 80-90. Neighbor to brother Israel Kessler
1850: Jefferson, Frederick County, Md. (16/24 7 Aug) Andrew Kessler 32 (farmer), Lauretta S. 34, Isabella 12, Amelia 8, Edwin M. 5, Thomas A. 2
1860: Jefferson, Frederick County, Md. (19/38 20 Jul) Andrew Kessler 42 (farmer), Laura 44, Isabella 22, Laura 18, Edwin 15, Thomas 11, Ugenia 9, Franklin 5, William 1, Darnell William 23 (laborer)
1870: Jefferson, Frederick County, Md, (13/38 29 Jul) William Figgins 35 (farmer), Isabella 31, Ann Whalen 18 (domestic servant), James Rollins 20 (farm laborer)
In 1880, William and Isabella were living with her parents, Andrew, age 63, and Lauretta, age 63, three of Isabella’s brothers, Thomas, age 30, John, age 24, and William age 21, and three servants: Jemima Cecelia, age 59, Charles Davis, age 20, and Cora Speaks, age 6. (US Census 1880: Jefferson, Frederick County, Md. (17/33 15 Jul) Andrew Kessler 63 (farmer), Lauretta 63, Thomas 30, John 24, William 21, William Figgins 44, Isabel Figgins 40, Jemima Celice 59, Charles Davis 20, Cora Speaks 6.)
By 1900, after Andrew Jr’s death and the bankruptcy of the family assets, the family of Isabella’s brother, William and his wife Alberta were living with them on their farm. William’s children included Blanche, age 6, Edgar F., age 3, Nellie, age 2, and Clara, age 1. (US Census 1900: District 0026 Jefferson, Frederick County, Md. (18/30 Jun 16) William A. Figgins 65 (May 1835 farmer), Isabella 62 (Mar 1838), William A. Kessler 41 (brother-in-law May 1859), Alberta G. 23 (Oct 1876), Blanche M. 6 (Nov 1893), Edgar F. 3 (Feb 1897), Nellie V. 2 (Mar 1898), Clara E. 1 (Apr 1899))
1910: District 0047 Buckeystown, Frederick County, Md. (24/32 April 23) Charles F. M. Walker 57 (railroad carpenter), Eugenia E. 56 (sister of Isabella), Isabella 72
1920: District 0054 Buckeystown, Frederick County, Md. (11/24 Mar 3) C. F. M. Walker 69 (railroad carpenter), Eugenia E. 68, Isabella 81