Delila Axsom

an article by Norma Zanetti from the Axsom Association of America Newsletter

Norma researches the branches of the Axsom family and sends the following notes from her many findings. This article illustrates how the history of a person and family can unfold with persistent research and follow through. In the census listings that follow, the three state abbreviations refer to the state of birth for the individual,the individuals father, and mother, respectively.

Until checking the 1870 Monroe County, IN census, I was not aware that a Martin Axsom, age 25, cabinetmaker, b. NC, was listed in the same household with Samuel David Axsom.
This was likely MArtin H. , son of Andrew Axsom of Surry Co, NC, -same age. And, Martin had not been found on any 1870 NC census. Martin was still in NC in 1869 as evidenced by a deed dated 1869 (Surry Deed Book 12, p.421), Martin Henry (?) Axsom sold to William E. Axsom 25 acres on both sides of Snow Creek. This may have been part of the land that was conveyed to Martin and brother, Francis, by Andrew in 1867 (Surry Deed Book, 12, p.419)

evidently, Martin sold his land & moved to Indiana.

Clark Co, IN Marriage Records 1855-1880 Books G-K V.2 found at www.ancestry.com

Name Delila Axsom
spouse Martin H. Axsom
marriage date 04Dec1874
Book J
OSPage 601
County Clark

The 1880 US Census OR Polk Co. Dallas Precinct
The Town of Dallas ED#105 Sheet #9 Line#26

Axsom, Martin H. Carpenter age 34 NC NC NC
Delila wife keeping house age 22 IN NC IN
son (not named) 3 ms. b. May

It looks as if Martin H. Axsom moved in with Samuel David Axsom & absonded with Samuel's daughter in 1874. Delila would have been 16 years old and Martin H would have been 29.

Martin H Axsom age 25 born in NC was in Samuel David's household in 1870.
Delila Axsom & Martin H Axsom marry in 1874.
Martin H. Axsom age 34 born in NC foundon 1880 OR Census with wife Delila, age 22, born in IN, and unnamed son, 3 mos. old, born in Oregon.

However, Delila was back in Indiana by 1885. she married Rial Martin in either MArch or December 1885. (dates on marriage record conflict.)

What happened to Martin? did he die or did they divorce?
and what happened to the 3 month old son?
(written 9-29-00 -9-11-00 nz)

NEW INFORMATION JUNE 29 2001
USGenWeb Archives Polk Co, OR Dallas Cemetery established 1847
file contributed by Sheila Raymond Lodestein (Sweetpea59ml@aol.com)

Dallas Cemetery, 2065 SW Fairview Ave, Dallas OR 97338

Axsom MH b.9/8/1845 d.1/26/1883
Axsom Willie b. 5/21/1880 d.9/23/1880
Axsom Martha L. b.2/12/1875 d.2/20/1877
children of MH & Delila

This find brings on sadness at the thoughts of what must have been a very difficult and trying period for Delila. Delila would have been about 7 months pregnant when she married in 1874 if she went full term. Martin & Delila probably left for Oregon soon after their marriage. Their daughter, Martha, died when she was 2 years old. Son, Willie, born in 1880 died at 4 months old. Martin died 3 years later. Delila buried two children & a husband by the time she was 25 years old. She was alone far away from home. She did manage to return to Indiana & marry a second time.

Norma Znetti 6/29/2001

Riley Martin married Louisa Cummings 03Feb1875 in Jackson Co. IN

1880 Lawrence C IN Census Pleasant Run Twp. page 367d

Rial Martin age 28 b. IN NC TN
Louisa wife age 25 b. IN NC IN
Jas. N. Michaels cousin age 15 b. IN NC TN

not known if divorced or if Louisa died.

Rial Martin married Delila Axsom 23March1885 in Brown Co,IN

1900 Morgan Co IN ED 54 Washington Twp. sheet 35b

Martin, Riley b. June 1850 age 49b. IN NC IN
married 15 years day laborer
Delila wife b.March1858 age 42married 15 years
5 children born 3 living B IN NC IN
Lillie dau. b. July 1889 age 12 b. IN IN IN
Ethel dau. b. May 1890 age 10 b. IN IN IN
Mabel dau. b. Oct 1894 age 5 b.IN IN IN

1910 Vigo Co., IN ED 171 Harrison Twp. Terre Haute, sheet 11b

Martin Delia age 53 widowed b. IN NC NC dress maker
Ethel dau age 19 B. IN IN IN clerk
Mable dau. age 15 b.IN IN IN dipper

It is assumed Riley/Rial Martin died before 1910 since Delila was listed as being widowed in 1910.

Have not been able to locate Delila in Vigo County in 1920. However, her daughter, Lilly, was living in Vigo Co in 1920 & 1930

there was a Delia Martin listed on the 1920 Clark Co, IN Census, ED 8 Jeffersonville sheet 5b

Martin, Delia age 61 widowed b.WV WV WV

this Delia/Delila was of the approximate age of Delila Axsom, but if the census is correct & she was born in West Virginia, she would NOT have been Delilah Axsom. However, Delila may have had ties in Clark County. She & Martin Axsom lived in Clark Co.


Delila Axsom Martin was still living in 1927 according to the obituary for her half brother, Samuel J. Axsom, who died in 1927. Lyla Martin was listed as a surviving sister.

Lilly Martin d/o Riley/Rial Martin & Delila Axsom:
Lilly Martin first married Cephus Earl Shelburn 02Oct1905 in Sullivan Co IN

1910 Jasper Co MO ED76 Lake Side Precinct, sheet 2b

listed among boarders in a hotel with propietor, Willam Moore??

Shelburn, Sephas E boarder age 46 married 2 times b. IN IN IN shooting gallery
Lille boarder age 22 married 1 time 1 child 1 living b. IN IN IN
Thelma P boarder age 2 b.MO IN IN

Lilly married a second time to James B. Miller 20Sept1960 in Vigo Co, IN

1920 Vigo Co IN ED115 Harrison Twp Terre Haute sheet 3b

Miller, James B age 35 b.IN IN IN
Lillie wife age 32 or 33?? b. IN IN IN
Violet I da age 4mos. b. IN IN IN
Shelburn, Thelma P, stepdaughter age 11 b. MO IN IN

1930 Vigo Co IN District 21 Terre Haute p.1a

Miller James B age47 age33 when married first time
Lily wife 42 age 18 when married first time
Violet I dau. age 10
Cecelia M dau. age 8

this is as far as I have gotten with the family of Delila (Axsom) Axsom Martin. if anyone has a death date for Delila, please let me know. it's possible she remarried. I am also trying to find a death record for Delila's twin sister Delitha. Delitha married John H. Taylor & lived in Lawrence County, IN. Delitha was still living when her brother, William David Axsom, died in 1936.

Norma Zanetti 12Aug2003


(deb's note. I so admire the way Norma sunk her teeth into a mystery & just didn't give up, piling up her sources & facts & presenting them. She did so much for the family genealogy. she is missed! )