Ainesly Family History & Genealogy

In the 1850 U. S. Federal Census, Cynthia Ainesly Lakin is a 47 year old, white, married female [according to the census - she may be much older]. She lives with her husband, Elisha in Pampas Township, DeKalb County, Illinois. With the couple live seven children (Martha, 18, born in Pennsylvania; Vincent, 16, born in Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, 14, born in Pennsylvania; Esther, 10, born in New York; Cynthia, 8, born in Illinois; Polly, 6, born in Illinois; and Charles L., 1, born in Illinois). [EL 08.] [There is some question as to the birthdate for Cynthia. What I have used is the date provided on the tombstone in the cemetery near Elsworth, Iowa. This date could be wrong in the light of some of the birthdates of the children of Cynthia and Elisha Lakin. In the 1850 U.S. census, for example, Cynthia's age is listed as 47. Thus, there is a discrepancy between what appears on her tombstone and what appears in the 1850 U. S. Census. - DLL]] The obituary for Cynthia Ainesly [CA 02] is given: "Distressing Casualty On the 5th inst. the wife of Elisha Lakin, Esq., of Lakin's Grove, in this county, came to a sudden and unexpected death. She had been suffering from ill health, and had been in the habit of using morphine to alleviate her sufferings. During the absence of all the members of the family, except a little grandson, on Sunday evening, the 3rd inst., at an evening meeting, she administered morphine to herself-as she was suffering from disease--and when the family returned she was found insensible. Medical aid was obtained, and friends did everything that could be done to arrest the effect of the anodyne, but all the effects were useless. After lingering about 36 hours she died leaving a husband and a large circle of children to mourn her loss. A kind and industrious wife, a watchful and affectionate mother, and an esteemed neighbor has passed away. Mrs. Lakin was nearly 60 years of age. In a moment cut down as the grass; the warning is be wise--prepare."