Serles Portraits

Moses and Jane Elizabeth (Nelles) Serles

In a photo album that erstwhile belonged to Bertha Serles (1871-1963) were two portraits with “Grandpa Serles” and “Grandma Serles” written on their backs. Bertha's grandfather was Moses Serles born on March 17, 1815 to Townsend Township pioneer Ephraim Serles (1786-1853) and his wife Effie (Eva) Sovereen (1779-1851). In 1815, Ephraim purchased a substantial holding at Round Plains in the adjoining Windham Township and raised his family there. Bertha`s grandmother was Jane Elizabeth (Nelles) Serles, born to Henry Wentworth and Sarah (Eakins) Nelles in Mount Pleasant, Brantford Township, Brant County on March 18, 1819. She married Moses Serles on January 3, 1843. A decade earlier in 1833, Moses purchased his father`s 141 acre farm in the north part of Lot 1 Concession 5 Windham Township at Round Plains and the couple lived out their lives on this very prosperous farming operation north of Simcoe. It enjoyed some of the best soil in Norfolk County and was watered by the source of Nanticoke Creek. Although the owners were not exceptionally wealthy, the farms in the district were locally called "millionaire's row" for their rich soil and prosperous operations. Moses died in Round Plains on June 6, 1886 and was buried in Round Plains Cemetery. Jane died in Brantford, Brant County on January 18. 1903.

The couple raised six children, Henry Wentworth, Lemuel M., Odin Ephraim, Wesley James, Sarah Jane and George Wallace.