Little is known about John Willoughby at this time. Research will continue.

John Willoughby was born in 1795. Information varies at to where. One source has him born in New York another Canada.

In 1821 at the age approximately 26 he married Dorcas Mitchell in Canada. Dorcas was 16.

To this union were born the known children.*
Margaret 1827
Samuel 1828
Candance 1832
Esther 1835
Chole 1837
Elisha 1838
William 1843
Mary L 1845
Nelson 1846

*Dorcas obit says she was the mother of 14 children. Her death certificate says 11. At this time the census and obituaries have confirmed 9. It is possible some may have died as infants.

For 10 years they lived near her parents in Canada. Five of his children were born in Canada. Then they moved to Ohio. After about 4 years they moved to Michigan and settled near Pinckney and then in 1836 they moved to Ingham County. Settling in the wilderness of the Aurelius area. Where he lived for the remaining years of his life.

1850 Census Aurelius Township, Michigan
John Willoughby 55 head of household b.New York
Dorcas Willoughby 44 wife b. Canada
Samuel Willoughby 21 son b. Canada
Candace Willoughby 18 daughter b. Canada
Esther Willoughby 15 daughter b. Canada
Chole Willoughby 13 daughter b. Canada
Elisha Willoughby 12 son b. Ohio
William Willoughby 7 son b. Michigan
Mary L. Willoughby 5 daughter b. Michigan
Nelson Willoughby 4 son b. Michigan

No information for 1860 has been found at this time.

1870 Census Aurelius Township
John Willoughby 83 Head of Household
Dorcas Willoughby 72 Wife
William Willoughby 26 Son
Susan Willoughby 25 Daughter-in-law
Eugene Willoughby 1 Grandson
John Herrick 12 other possible grandchild

Between 1870 and 1880. John died. It is believed at this time it was 1871. He is buried in the North Aurelius Cemetery. This cemetery was also known as Webb Cemetery.
Dorcas did not remarry. She lived with various relatives the remainder of her life.


On 12-27-1804 at the age of 102 years 2 months 4 days, Dorcas died at the home of her daughter, Candis Willoughby Hair in Delhi Township, Michigan.

Dorcas is buried in the North Aurelius Cemetery (Webb) beside John who died at the age of 84 approximately 35 years earlier.