Last night, the phone rang and the cheery voice on the other end of the line made me smile. But then, I always smile as I talk with my dear beloved cousin who is as addicted to genealogy as I am.
He had news.
Our beloved family cemetery, the St Clair Cemetery, is in the news again. There will be a self guided walking tour on September 15 from 9 am to 1 pm. The Mt Lebanon Historical Society will once again talk to visitors about many of the early residents of Lower St Clair and Mt Lebanon.
Of course, many conversations will be about my dearly departed. Just wish I could be there to share the stories with the visitors.
Ahh, genealogy. Walking in the past. What else is there to say? Oh yes, let me know if any more of my living kin show up!
Update: The good folks at the Hysterical Society tell me my 4g grandpa will be there in full Revolutionary garb. Ok, so it's someone who will portray him. What fun!
Source: http://www.stclaircemetery.com/
©AS Eldredge 2012
Ahhh, genealogy. A glimpse of the past shows of what I am made.....
Showing posts with label St Clair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St Clair. Show all posts
Monday, August 06, 2012
Monday Madness: Got The Fever But No Body Found
Looking out the window at the overcast skies, it seems like a perfect day for running around my mind to see if I can pull together some more facts as I continue the search for good ole Uncle Robert. As soon as I exhaust the paltry information I have, it's time to search around the internet to see if any other documentation can be found. Arrgggg, it's Monday Madness alright.
Robert W HENRY(1827-1869) was born in Allegheny Co, PA, and was the brother of my 2g-grandma. Robert was a godly man and eagerly went in to the ministry. As a child, he and his family were members of the Associated Reformed Church of St Clair, which eventually became the Mt Lebanon UP Church. In fact, two of Robert's grandfathers were founding members of the church and so many of his kin are spending eternity resting quietly in the St Clair Cemetery.
Robert received his DD in theology after completing his schoolwork and quickly found a church in Ohio. He is found in the 1850 census as a clergyman living in Springfield, Clark, OH. He returns home to marry a childhood friend, Mary Emma MATTHEWS in November 1851. They are married by his childhood minister, the Rev Joseph CLOKEY. Ahh, CLOKEY, now he's an interesting man that we will have to examine later. I surmise that Mary Emma's family, James MATTHEWS (abt 1795-aft1850) were probably members of the same church. At the least, they did live in the neighborhood.
Robert and Mary move to Philadelphia where he pastored a church during the War of Northern Aggression (as mentioned in his nephew's Civil War diary). Robert is also found in the City Directory in Phile with a house address of 850 N 7th.
In the spring of 1869, Robert applies for a passport. What I haven't found is any evidence of a passport for his wife. Was she included on his or was she not going over to Europe for a tour? I find it difficult to swallow that she would have been left behind on this trip of a lifetime.
Now to a bigger mystery in the affairs of Robert. He dies of Yellow Fever while visiting in Alexandria, Egypt. This is verified by news of his death in the Presbyterian Banner. The Banner made no mention of his wife.
Mary continues to live in Phile after the death of her beloved and teaches at a college. Unfortunately, she has a stroke and falls in the bathtub on December 26, 1881. Her death information has been found in Philadelphia, and her obit has been located in Pittsburgh. Her body is brought back to Pittsburgh for the funeral and the burial.
Where are they? Her obit tells us her father is deceased, and I have yet to determine when he died or where he was buried. I suspect he is either at the St Clair Cemetery or the Mt Pisgah UP Church Cemetery as those were the two closest Presbyterian churches and cemeteries closest to his residence. The HENRY clan is all buried at St Clair, but her tombstone has not been located. To be fair, the early records for St Clair are all gone and many of the early headstones are damaged or gone. I know where the HENRY clan is buried. I know where Robert's parents are buried. I know where his siblings are buried, but where are Robert and Mary? Was Robert buried in Egypt or would his body have been brought home? Would Mary have been buried with her family or with her inlaws?
Mary had at least one sister as determined by the 1850 census. The sister was Harriet V MATTHEWS. As they were living with one Emiline MOORE, I suspect Emiline could have been the eldest child of James and his wife, Margaret. Either they all died before 1860, or they relocated, or they married. I can't find any evidence of the family.
Robert and Mary had no children of their own, but I think of them often. Did he resemble his sister in his looks? If so, I can easily imagine his looks as I have a picture of her in my possession.
I wonder if or when I will find them. In the meantime, I think I'll sit and reflect as these gray clouds swarm outside the window.
Ahh, genealogy. I will guess that these storm clouds gathering would have been minor in comparison if his lovely bride had not been included on the voyage.
Sources:
Ancestry.com- RW Henry passport application
1850 Federal Census
1880 Federal Census
1867 Philadelphia City Directory
1868 Philadelphia City Directory
Pittsburgh Commerical Gazettep Dec. 30, 1881
Family Bible
History of the St Clair United Presbyterian Church of Mt Lebanon, PA 1804-1904, pg 29
©AS Eldredge 2012
Robert W HENRY(1827-1869) was born in Allegheny Co, PA, and was the brother of my 2g-grandma. Robert was a godly man and eagerly went in to the ministry. As a child, he and his family were members of the Associated Reformed Church of St Clair, which eventually became the Mt Lebanon UP Church. In fact, two of Robert's grandfathers were founding members of the church and so many of his kin are spending eternity resting quietly in the St Clair Cemetery.
Robert received his DD in theology after completing his schoolwork and quickly found a church in Ohio. He is found in the 1850 census as a clergyman living in Springfield, Clark, OH. He returns home to marry a childhood friend, Mary Emma MATTHEWS in November 1851. They are married by his childhood minister, the Rev Joseph CLOKEY. Ahh, CLOKEY, now he's an interesting man that we will have to examine later. I surmise that Mary Emma's family, James MATTHEWS (abt 1795-aft1850) were probably members of the same church. At the least, they did live in the neighborhood.
Robert and Mary move to Philadelphia where he pastored a church during the War of Northern Aggression (as mentioned in his nephew's Civil War diary). Robert is also found in the City Directory in Phile with a house address of 850 N 7th.
In the spring of 1869, Robert applies for a passport. What I haven't found is any evidence of a passport for his wife. Was she included on his or was she not going over to Europe for a tour? I find it difficult to swallow that she would have been left behind on this trip of a lifetime.
Now to a bigger mystery in the affairs of Robert. He dies of Yellow Fever while visiting in Alexandria, Egypt. This is verified by news of his death in the Presbyterian Banner. The Banner made no mention of his wife.
Mary continues to live in Phile after the death of her beloved and teaches at a college. Unfortunately, she has a stroke and falls in the bathtub on December 26, 1881. Her death information has been found in Philadelphia, and her obit has been located in Pittsburgh. Her body is brought back to Pittsburgh for the funeral and the burial.
Where are they? Her obit tells us her father is deceased, and I have yet to determine when he died or where he was buried. I suspect he is either at the St Clair Cemetery or the Mt Pisgah UP Church Cemetery as those were the two closest Presbyterian churches and cemeteries closest to his residence. The HENRY clan is all buried at St Clair, but her tombstone has not been located. To be fair, the early records for St Clair are all gone and many of the early headstones are damaged or gone. I know where the HENRY clan is buried. I know where Robert's parents are buried. I know where his siblings are buried, but where are Robert and Mary? Was Robert buried in Egypt or would his body have been brought home? Would Mary have been buried with her family or with her inlaws?
Mary had at least one sister as determined by the 1850 census. The sister was Harriet V MATTHEWS. As they were living with one Emiline MOORE, I suspect Emiline could have been the eldest child of James and his wife, Margaret. Either they all died before 1860, or they relocated, or they married. I can't find any evidence of the family.
Robert and Mary had no children of their own, but I think of them often. Did he resemble his sister in his looks? If so, I can easily imagine his looks as I have a picture of her in my possession.
I wonder if or when I will find them. In the meantime, I think I'll sit and reflect as these gray clouds swarm outside the window.
Ahh, genealogy. I will guess that these storm clouds gathering would have been minor in comparison if his lovely bride had not been included on the voyage.
Sources:
Ancestry.com- RW Henry passport application
1850 Federal Census
1880 Federal Census
1867 Philadelphia City Directory
1868 Philadelphia City Directory
Pittsburgh Commerical Gazettep Dec. 30, 1881
Family Bible
History of the St Clair United Presbyterian Church of Mt Lebanon, PA 1804-1904, pg 29
©AS Eldredge 2012
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Potter, You Say?
Stories about the olden times and the settling of America are fascinating. Ok, so maybe some of them are more fascinating than others, and some comments from the readers can catch my attention.
Recently, I wrote about little Isabella POTTER, the daughter of Henry POTTER. As written about in some early history books of the area, little Isabella was captured by the Indians at the tender age of 10 and lived "a life of drudgery" before she was released. As I researched the story sent to me by a cousin of mine who is directly descended from Isabella, I realized I had a double connection to little Isabella. Now, they are both by marriage, but can you imagine the stories told 'round the old fireplace at night? Can you imagine how Isabella and her clan most likely did not like or trust the Indians? Can you imagine what they felt when they were rescued?
Back to the moment at hand. Little Isabella grew up and married Robert BIGHAM. Among other children who I have not researched, they had a son, Robert, and a daughter, Jane. The son, Robert, was born in April 1805 in Moon Twp, Allegheny, PA and married Jane GLENN (1812-1889.) Jane is my 1C4R. In other words, she and share a grandpa-- Her paternal grandfather is my 4g grandpa, who is buried at the St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
Just to add fun in to how I relate the family, I also have a cousin, Rachel DICKSON (1820-1909) who married Robert POTTER (abt 1815-1887.) They are both buried in the Chartiers Cemetery, Allegheny Co, PA. Rachel's grandfather is the same man who is the grandfather of Jane who married Robert and my 4g grandpa. Robert POTTER is the son of Adam POTTER, who I suspect is the brother of Henry POTTER.
So, to the kind person who commented they were related to Henry POTTER and asked how I was related, I hope this answers your question. Now, how are you related? And what fun facts or stories can you add to the genealogy branches?
Read the original post here:
Sources:
Armstrong County, Pa., Her People, Past and Present, J.H. Beers & Co., 1914, pg 412-413
Personal email from S. McFeatters 3/2012
Cushing, Thomas. History of Allegheny Co, Chicago: A Warner Company, 1889
Larimer, Rev Bob. A 200th Anniversary of Noblestown
Allegheny County Will Book 3
Probate Index, Holmes Co, OH
©AS Eldredge 2012
Recently, I wrote about little Isabella POTTER, the daughter of Henry POTTER. As written about in some early history books of the area, little Isabella was captured by the Indians at the tender age of 10 and lived "a life of drudgery" before she was released. As I researched the story sent to me by a cousin of mine who is directly descended from Isabella, I realized I had a double connection to little Isabella. Now, they are both by marriage, but can you imagine the stories told 'round the old fireplace at night? Can you imagine how Isabella and her clan most likely did not like or trust the Indians? Can you imagine what they felt when they were rescued?
Back to the moment at hand. Little Isabella grew up and married Robert BIGHAM. Among other children who I have not researched, they had a son, Robert, and a daughter, Jane. The son, Robert, was born in April 1805 in Moon Twp, Allegheny, PA and married Jane GLENN (1812-1889.) Jane is my 1C4R. In other words, she and share a grandpa-- Her paternal grandfather is my 4g grandpa, who is buried at the St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
Just to add fun in to how I relate the family, I also have a cousin, Rachel DICKSON (1820-1909) who married Robert POTTER (abt 1815-1887.) They are both buried in the Chartiers Cemetery, Allegheny Co, PA. Rachel's grandfather is the same man who is the grandfather of Jane who married Robert and my 4g grandpa. Robert POTTER is the son of Adam POTTER, who I suspect is the brother of Henry POTTER.
So, to the kind person who commented they were related to Henry POTTER and asked how I was related, I hope this answers your question. Now, how are you related? And what fun facts or stories can you add to the genealogy branches?
Read the original post here:
Sources:
Armstrong County, Pa., Her People, Past and Present, J.H. Beers & Co., 1914, pg 412-413
Personal email from S. McFeatters 3/2012
Cushing, Thomas. History of Allegheny Co, Chicago: A Warner Company, 1889
Larimer, Rev Bob. A 200th Anniversary of Noblestown
Allegheny County Will Book 3
Probate Index, Holmes Co, OH
©AS Eldredge 2012
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tombstone Tuesday: Sleep Little Angels, Be Not Forgotten
When researching old cemeteries, it quickly becomes obvious that among the expected deaths of the old and sick are the high numbers of infants. How many infants are lying with their mothers who soon followed them or lying alone with no headstone? How many infants are listed as being the "infant section"?
To feed my genealogy addiction, I tend to search around for any new information that has been placed online. Recently, a new collection of deaths in Pittsburgh, PA, has been placed online by the Family Search crew. The dates range from 1870-1905.
I looked for some of my surnames and was disappointed. Then, I looked some more and found a couple of names. Then, I found a new name, an infant daughter of Cassius M LEA and second wife, Mary Ellen HICKEY.
This sweet angel, Elizabeth LEA died on August 5, 1882, after living for a brief period of time. She was the second child of the couple and is buried at the old St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
This sweet angel was not the first child that Cassius had lost so close to birth. His first wife, Maggie, died a couple of days after the birth of their only child and daughter in 1872.
While there was a small headstone placed for Cassius at some point, we have yet to uncover one for Maggie or the two sweet angels. I wonder if the sweet angels are close together in death. I rather suspect they are as Cassius is buried with the family of Maggie.
So a new name is entered into the family tree and will now be remembered in the future. Rest sweetly, little angel.
Ahh, genealogy. The angels of the past touch my heart in such a tender way.
Source:
Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh City Deaths, 1870-1905, V 32, p47
©2011 AS Eldredge
To feed my genealogy addiction, I tend to search around for any new information that has been placed online. Recently, a new collection of deaths in Pittsburgh, PA, has been placed online by the Family Search crew. The dates range from 1870-1905.
I looked for some of my surnames and was disappointed. Then, I looked some more and found a couple of names. Then, I found a new name, an infant daughter of Cassius M LEA and second wife, Mary Ellen HICKEY.
This sweet angel, Elizabeth LEA died on August 5, 1882, after living for a brief period of time. She was the second child of the couple and is buried at the old St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
This sweet angel was not the first child that Cassius had lost so close to birth. His first wife, Maggie, died a couple of days after the birth of their only child and daughter in 1872.
While there was a small headstone placed for Cassius at some point, we have yet to uncover one for Maggie or the two sweet angels. I wonder if the sweet angels are close together in death. I rather suspect they are as Cassius is buried with the family of Maggie.
So a new name is entered into the family tree and will now be remembered in the future. Rest sweetly, little angel.
Ahh, genealogy. The angels of the past touch my heart in such a tender way.
Source:
Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh City Deaths, 1870-1905, V 32, p47
©2011 AS Eldredge
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Remembering WWI- Thru the Eyes and Words of 1918 Warriors - Part 2
What men of valor our grandpas were!
The following is the second in the installment of remembering World War I through the words of Charles J Doyle, Special Gazette Times Correspondent in France.
THE GAZETTE TIMES
Nov. 3, 1918
Charles J. Doyle
Special Correspondent of The Gazette Times in France
Pick and Shovel as Well as Bayonet and Gun Help Pennsylvania Boys Win
With the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Nov. 1 – The Western Pennsylvanians of the Twenty-eighth and Eightieth Divisions are winning renown over the entire Allied front by charging the Boche with pick and shovel as well as with bayonet and gun. Skirmish after skirmish and drive after drive they have won literally with these tools as well as with their weapons. The history of their two-fold prowess at Argonne (in the wood and in the four days’ fighting beyond) has already become a classic of the war. Since July they have gone forward 20 times, and the records show that each time they have achieved their own objective.
That is 100 per cent fighting efficiency.
It is the more remarkable because these men were thrust “green” into the very heart of the most violent fighting Yankee soldiers have done in this war.
I saw 500 fellows from Pittsburgh and Allegheny county make one of those famous self-supporting drives at (name deleted by censor) near the Meuse today.
Three hundred of them carried shovels strapped to their backs. The Boche met them with a murderous machine gun fire and then, as they dashed on in spite of it, he split his front, so that half his force ran to the right and half to the left as the Pennsylvanians approached. Straight on to the knoll where his machine guns had been ran the Americans, firing right and left; then as they reached it the riflemen formed a great square about the knoll, and while they poured a merciless hail of bullets and their own machine fire into the Huns at either side, the others unlimbered that battery of picks and shovels and in one-half hour’s time the entire American raiding force had dug itself into the newly won position and was waiting for orders for another forward drive.
A French colonel, standing beside us as we watched, said simply: “That is the way to win war, M’sieu. Valor, the gun and the shovel – the three together – they are invincible.”
Incidentally the military experts have by no means left the Pennsylvanians’ achievements out of their review of the work of the First American Army. Paraphrased that review says: “In a month’s activities the long Argonne siege developed the most violent fighting the Americans have yet seen in France. And in this great drive the Pennsylvania soldiers of the Twenty-eighth and Eightieth won particular renown for their valor and initiative.”
Again in the most recent smash, continues the review, the Eightieth Division machine gunners, composed largely of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia soldiers, fought magnificently through the dense woods in spite of the most unusually effective Hun defense.
Col. B. M. Gordon, a former Mercer (Pa.) boy with the Three Hundred and Twentieth Regiment, told me that he did not believe it lay in any many to fight with more heroism, intelligence and determination than did the lads of Mercer and Allegheny counties. “They were marvelously effective, especially with the machine guns,” he said. “In the fights where they beat off the counter-attacks of the desperate Germans their work passed beyond all praise.”
The Eighteenth has been especially commended for taking dugouts that were said to be insuperable. Some of them had been held by the Huns four years when the Pennsylvanians routed them out.
CAPTURES AND FEEDS COUSIN
Private Ernest Roeck of St. Clair Borough, a member of the Three Hundred and Nineteenth Regiment, discovered his cousin, Karl Potrafke, among the prisoners captured at the end of the third day’s drive out of Argonne. Private Roeck, who had been one of the first over the top and who had made several prisoners on his own account, was detailed at the end of the day to search and take back to the rear some 50 Heinies who had surrendered. Going through the pockets of one of them he came upon some papers that referred to a town in Germany where he knew he had relatives. Questioning disclosed the cousin’s identity. He belonged to the Thirty-second German Division. His captor gave him the first square meal he said he had had in two months.
It may now be said that the Pennsylvanians in the Eightieth Division first went to the front near the famous Dead Man’s Hill.
Ahh, genealogy. Remembering our veterans is always in style- so take time to sit, reflect, and then pray for our brave warriors.
Special thanks to Lynn B for her gracious permission to have her transcriptions included here.
©2011 AS Eldredge
The following is the second in the installment of remembering World War I through the words of Charles J Doyle, Special Gazette Times Correspondent in France.
THE GAZETTE TIMES
Nov. 3, 1918
Charles J. Doyle
Special Correspondent of The Gazette Times in France
Pick and Shovel as Well as Bayonet and Gun Help Pennsylvania Boys Win
With the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Nov. 1 – The Western Pennsylvanians of the Twenty-eighth and Eightieth Divisions are winning renown over the entire Allied front by charging the Boche with pick and shovel as well as with bayonet and gun. Skirmish after skirmish and drive after drive they have won literally with these tools as well as with their weapons. The history of their two-fold prowess at Argonne (in the wood and in the four days’ fighting beyond) has already become a classic of the war. Since July they have gone forward 20 times, and the records show that each time they have achieved their own objective.
That is 100 per cent fighting efficiency.
It is the more remarkable because these men were thrust “green” into the very heart of the most violent fighting Yankee soldiers have done in this war.
I saw 500 fellows from Pittsburgh and Allegheny county make one of those famous self-supporting drives at (name deleted by censor) near the Meuse today.
Three hundred of them carried shovels strapped to their backs. The Boche met them with a murderous machine gun fire and then, as they dashed on in spite of it, he split his front, so that half his force ran to the right and half to the left as the Pennsylvanians approached. Straight on to the knoll where his machine guns had been ran the Americans, firing right and left; then as they reached it the riflemen formed a great square about the knoll, and while they poured a merciless hail of bullets and their own machine fire into the Huns at either side, the others unlimbered that battery of picks and shovels and in one-half hour’s time the entire American raiding force had dug itself into the newly won position and was waiting for orders for another forward drive.
A French colonel, standing beside us as we watched, said simply: “That is the way to win war, M’sieu. Valor, the gun and the shovel – the three together – they are invincible.”
Incidentally the military experts have by no means left the Pennsylvanians’ achievements out of their review of the work of the First American Army. Paraphrased that review says: “In a month’s activities the long Argonne siege developed the most violent fighting the Americans have yet seen in France. And in this great drive the Pennsylvania soldiers of the Twenty-eighth and Eightieth won particular renown for their valor and initiative.”
Again in the most recent smash, continues the review, the Eightieth Division machine gunners, composed largely of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia soldiers, fought magnificently through the dense woods in spite of the most unusually effective Hun defense.
Col. B. M. Gordon, a former Mercer (Pa.) boy with the Three Hundred and Twentieth Regiment, told me that he did not believe it lay in any many to fight with more heroism, intelligence and determination than did the lads of Mercer and Allegheny counties. “They were marvelously effective, especially with the machine guns,” he said. “In the fights where they beat off the counter-attacks of the desperate Germans their work passed beyond all praise.”
The Eighteenth has been especially commended for taking dugouts that were said to be insuperable. Some of them had been held by the Huns four years when the Pennsylvanians routed them out.
CAPTURES AND FEEDS COUSIN
Private Ernest Roeck of St. Clair Borough, a member of the Three Hundred and Nineteenth Regiment, discovered his cousin, Karl Potrafke, among the prisoners captured at the end of the third day’s drive out of Argonne. Private Roeck, who had been one of the first over the top and who had made several prisoners on his own account, was detailed at the end of the day to search and take back to the rear some 50 Heinies who had surrendered. Going through the pockets of one of them he came upon some papers that referred to a town in Germany where he knew he had relatives. Questioning disclosed the cousin’s identity. He belonged to the Thirty-second German Division. His captor gave him the first square meal he said he had had in two months.
It may now be said that the Pennsylvanians in the Eightieth Division first went to the front near the famous Dead Man’s Hill.
Ahh, genealogy. Remembering our veterans is always in style- so take time to sit, reflect, and then pray for our brave warriors.
Special thanks to Lynn B for her gracious permission to have her transcriptions included here.
©2011 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Finding Gold in the Gold Rush Back in Pittsburgh
DORRINGTON, DORRINGTON..
The name just popped off the 1913 newspaper death record in Pittsburgh.
Hmm... I sorta have some DORRINGTON types in my line and they were early pioneers, living and dying in Carnegie (actually Temperanceville).
This John K DORRINGTON has to tie in someway to my line. I just know it. Now, can I prove it?
Pittsburgh Press
February 27, 1913
John K DORRINGTON, age 85, a pioneer coal deal of Pittsburg, died at his residence, Belle Ave and Mountford St, yesterday. He was born in Carnegie and came to Pittsburg when young, getting his early education in the public schools. When the gold excitement in California broke out, Mr Dorrington was one of the "Forty-Niners" who went overland from Pittsburg. He returned in 1852 by the Nicaragua route. Later he went to Minnesota, settling on a fram near St Peter, on the Minnesota River. Mr Dorrington was active in putting down an uprising of the Sioux Indians at Fort Ridgley, Minn. He was one of the first to respond to the call of frontier settlers who were being massacred. He was in the midst of a battle lasting 48 hours when the Indians had surrounded the little frontier town. In 1864 he returned to Pittsburg and entered the coal business in which he continued 32 years. He retired from business in 1896. He is survived by one sister, Miss Margaretta M Dorrington.
The death record itself is inconclusive. So, on to the death notice....
DORRINGTON- On Wednesday, Feb 26, 1913 at 10:30 am, John K Dorrington, at the residence of Mrs. J B Dorrington. Bell Ave and Mountford St, Northside, Pittsburg.
Funeral services at his late residence, Bell Ave and Mountford St, on Friday afternoon at 2:30 pm. Interment private.
Ah- Mrs J B DORRINGTON-- now I know who she is-- Agnes J McDONALD who married Joseph B DORRINGTON, son of Thomas DORRINGTON and Nancy. Thomas's Irish immigrant parents, Thomas DORRINGTON, SR and Jane YOUNG DORRINGTON are buried at (my family) the St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
Thoma, Jr and Nancy had several children, including a Margaretta who was born in 1843 according to the 1850 census. She turns up again living with the widow Agnes J DORRINGTON in 1920.
Bingo. Some hints were in the death notice and death record. Lucky me. More hints and supporting documentation came from the marriage record of Joseph B DORRINGTON and Agnes McDONALD. Still more supporting evidence came from the 1920 census.
I had missed John K earlier (from the 1850 census) and now I know why. The obit tells us he had already gone out searching for gold.
Yes, John K is connected to me. Although he and I share no direct blood. His aunt, Jane DORRINGTON, married my uncle, Walter GLENN.
Ahh, genealogy. How much fun it is to connect more dots and find those golden nuggets.
©2010 AS Eldredge
The name just popped off the 1913 newspaper death record in Pittsburgh.
Hmm... I sorta have some DORRINGTON types in my line and they were early pioneers, living and dying in Carnegie (actually Temperanceville).
This John K DORRINGTON has to tie in someway to my line. I just know it. Now, can I prove it?
Pittsburgh Press
February 27, 1913
John K DORRINGTON, age 85, a pioneer coal deal of Pittsburg, died at his residence, Belle Ave and Mountford St, yesterday. He was born in Carnegie and came to Pittsburg when young, getting his early education in the public schools. When the gold excitement in California broke out, Mr Dorrington was one of the "Forty-Niners" who went overland from Pittsburg. He returned in 1852 by the Nicaragua route. Later he went to Minnesota, settling on a fram near St Peter, on the Minnesota River. Mr Dorrington was active in putting down an uprising of the Sioux Indians at Fort Ridgley, Minn. He was one of the first to respond to the call of frontier settlers who were being massacred. He was in the midst of a battle lasting 48 hours when the Indians had surrounded the little frontier town. In 1864 he returned to Pittsburg and entered the coal business in which he continued 32 years. He retired from business in 1896. He is survived by one sister, Miss Margaretta M Dorrington.
The death record itself is inconclusive. So, on to the death notice....
DORRINGTON- On Wednesday, Feb 26, 1913 at 10:30 am, John K Dorrington, at the residence of Mrs. J B Dorrington. Bell Ave and Mountford St, Northside, Pittsburg.
Funeral services at his late residence, Bell Ave and Mountford St, on Friday afternoon at 2:30 pm. Interment private.
Ah- Mrs J B DORRINGTON-- now I know who she is-- Agnes J McDONALD who married Joseph B DORRINGTON, son of Thomas DORRINGTON and Nancy. Thomas's Irish immigrant parents, Thomas DORRINGTON, SR and Jane YOUNG DORRINGTON are buried at (my family) the St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
Thoma, Jr and Nancy had several children, including a Margaretta who was born in 1843 according to the 1850 census. She turns up again living with the widow Agnes J DORRINGTON in 1920.
Bingo. Some hints were in the death notice and death record. Lucky me. More hints and supporting documentation came from the marriage record of Joseph B DORRINGTON and Agnes McDONALD. Still more supporting evidence came from the 1920 census.
I had missed John K earlier (from the 1850 census) and now I know why. The obit tells us he had already gone out searching for gold.
Yes, John K is connected to me. Although he and I share no direct blood. His aunt, Jane DORRINGTON, married my uncle, Walter GLENN.
Ahh, genealogy. How much fun it is to connect more dots and find those golden nuggets.
©2010 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: 1794 Indenture from Allegheny County, PA
Although I am not a blood relative of Alexander LONG or William MISKELLEY, I find this 1794 indenture interesting.
Alexander LONG was a friend, neighbor and fellow church member and founder with two of my 4g grandpas in early Allegheny Co, PA.
Ahh, genealogy. What fun the past can be.
©2010 AS Eldredge
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Treasure Chest Thursday: Whirlwind of Treasure in Carnegie
In the last week or so, there has been a flurry of activity on the DOOLITTLE family of Carnegie, Allegheny, PA. It all started when I wrote a post on August 3 about cousin William James GLENN. Little did I know finding the Civil War personal war sketch at the CarnegieCarnegie site of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie, Allegheny, PA, could make me so happy.
Emails have been flying around since then from a descendant of Jacob DOOLITTLE (1809-1891) asking if I could assist with more documentation about his wife, Sarah CUBBAGE, and her family.
Sarah CUBBAGE was the daughter of Irishman George CUBBAGE and his wife, Nancy CALDWELL. I have not yet been able to find evidence that Nancy is one of my CALDWELL clan, but her 1791 birth in the same general neighborhood as my documented 1830ish births make it likely. To read more on CUBBAGE family, go to St Clair Cemetery.
The cool find for me in the email was the noting of the final resting place of Nancy CALDWELL CUBBAGE. She is listed at Venice Presbyterian Church Cemetery in McDonald, Washington, PA. Of more interest was noting Nancy's final resting spot uses the surname of her first husband, George CUBBAGE. My notes and research indicate she married Alexander EWING after the 1826 death of George.
A quick check with the descendant of George and Nancy confirmed what I thought I knew on the marriage to EWING.
To my knowledge, Jacob DOOLITTLE and Sarah CUBBAGE had five daughters. Two of them are of special interest to me.
Susan Belinda DOOLITTLE married into the LEA family-- that is, J W LEA of Carnegie. The LEA family was the neighbors, friends, and sometimes, spouses of my blood line. See a recent posting on Cassius M LEA, the husband of my 2g aunt.
The other daughter of Jacob and Sarah who married into my family was Martha E DOOLITTLE (1842-1907.) Martha was the wife of William James GLENN (1839-9018.)
Maggie (ah, how I love THAT name) of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie also contacted me to see if I could identify any of the gents in the picture they have of the Thomas Espy GAR Post as I have several cousins in that group. I took a quick look at the photo and realized that the odds of me recognizing the older men in full beards was basically little to none.
So, I started on a new journey of looking through old files and records to see if I could locate any pictures of some of these men when they were younger. I guess the folks at the library have most likely identified cousin George B FORSYTHE as my dearest cousin, his granddaughter, (yes, I know her) recently donated some more Civil War relics to the post.
I've also seen pictures of some of the GLENN men when they were younger. Could I see enough family resemblences in the pictures as they aged? I think not.
BUT-
I dug around and found some living descendants of William James GLENN! After making a phone call and leaving a message, it was now time to wait.
Today, I got the phone call. After speaking with the gentleman who confirmed his identity and his love of genealogy, my heart experienced a whirlwind of activity. Another connection to the past established! He has pictures! He has stories! And he has a cousin that he works with to research the past! Oh, glorious day!
Click to read the post that is causing such a whirlwind of activity: http://genitalesga.blogspot.com/2010/08/tombstone-tuesday-simply-i-am-survivor.html
Special note to Maggie at the library-- I hope to have some photo ids for you soon.
Ahh, genealogy. What treasures a whirlwind of new finds can be! Sometimes, it takes just a nudge from someone new to bring new energy to the hunt.
©2010 AS Eldredge
Emails have been flying around since then from a descendant of Jacob DOOLITTLE (1809-1891) asking if I could assist with more documentation about his wife, Sarah CUBBAGE, and her family.
Sarah CUBBAGE was the daughter of Irishman George CUBBAGE and his wife, Nancy CALDWELL. I have not yet been able to find evidence that Nancy is one of my CALDWELL clan, but her 1791 birth in the same general neighborhood as my documented 1830ish births make it likely. To read more on CUBBAGE family, go to St Clair Cemetery.
The cool find for me in the email was the noting of the final resting place of Nancy CALDWELL CUBBAGE. She is listed at Venice Presbyterian Church Cemetery in McDonald, Washington, PA. Of more interest was noting Nancy's final resting spot uses the surname of her first husband, George CUBBAGE. My notes and research indicate she married Alexander EWING after the 1826 death of George.
A quick check with the descendant of George and Nancy confirmed what I thought I knew on the marriage to EWING.
To my knowledge, Jacob DOOLITTLE and Sarah CUBBAGE had five daughters. Two of them are of special interest to me.
Susan Belinda DOOLITTLE married into the LEA family-- that is, J W LEA of Carnegie. The LEA family was the neighbors, friends, and sometimes, spouses of my blood line. See a recent posting on Cassius M LEA, the husband of my 2g aunt.
The other daughter of Jacob and Sarah who married into my family was Martha E DOOLITTLE (1842-1907.) Martha was the wife of William James GLENN (1839-9018.)
Maggie (ah, how I love THAT name) of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie also contacted me to see if I could identify any of the gents in the picture they have of the Thomas Espy GAR Post as I have several cousins in that group. I took a quick look at the photo and realized that the odds of me recognizing the older men in full beards was basically little to none.
So, I started on a new journey of looking through old files and records to see if I could locate any pictures of some of these men when they were younger. I guess the folks at the library have most likely identified cousin George B FORSYTHE as my dearest cousin, his granddaughter, (yes, I know her) recently donated some more Civil War relics to the post.
I've also seen pictures of some of the GLENN men when they were younger. Could I see enough family resemblences in the pictures as they aged? I think not.
BUT-
I dug around and found some living descendants of William James GLENN! After making a phone call and leaving a message, it was now time to wait.
Today, I got the phone call. After speaking with the gentleman who confirmed his identity and his love of genealogy, my heart experienced a whirlwind of activity. Another connection to the past established! He has pictures! He has stories! And he has a cousin that he works with to research the past! Oh, glorious day!
Click to read the post that is causing such a whirlwind of activity: http://genitalesga.blogspot.com/2010/08/tombstone-tuesday-simply-i-am-survivor.html
Special note to Maggie at the library-- I hope to have some photo ids for you soon.
Ahh, genealogy. What treasures a whirlwind of new finds can be! Sometimes, it takes just a nudge from someone new to bring new energy to the hunt.
©2010 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Weaving the Pieces of the Puzzle Together
I recently received an email from a DORRINGTON descendent who is trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together for Thomas DORRINGTON and James GLENN.
.....I am researching my Dorrington ancestors and I read your blog and info on James Glenn. I am new at this and I can’t find the link between James Glenn and Thomas and Jane Young Dorrington. I see a Jane Dorrington who married Walter Glenn b. 1777, but didn’t find James in that tree......
Yes, it was a mystery at first to me as well. But time and research has paid off in making the connections in the right places. It's a tough mystery as the good Irish grandpas made sure to name everyone "James."
Of course, it didn't hurt that I happen to have a copy of family papers from another cousin that he had put together in the early 1900s.
I first found Irish immigrant Thomas DORRINGTON and his wife, Jane YOUNG, on a trip to my family cemetery that everyone else calls St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny Co, PA in 2004.
Thomas and wife, Jane, are buried smack dab right next to two of their grandsons, Thomas DORRINGTON, Jr and James GLENN (1824-1901). Thomas and Jane's headstones conveniently list them as "grandfather" and "grandmother" in the younger James GLENN's plot.
How? His parents were Walter GLENN (1777-1843) and Jane DORRINGTON (d.1843). This young James never married, yet he was the James GLENN of the Civil War Fame. Click here to read more of his bravery at Gettysburg.
This James GLENN (1824-1901) is the grandson of my 4g grandparents, James GLENN (1750-1813) and Janet BUCHANAN (1752-1807).
I first visited the cemetery as a child with my dad and my great aunt. She told me my roots in Pittsburgh were deep and that there were something like seven generations of my blood buried there. (I've only documented six of them at this point.) Since that early trip, I have made several trips to the cemetery and have thrown new headstone dedication parties there. You can read more about the cemetery online and read many of my early research contributions to the St Clair Cemetery at http://www.stclaircemetery.com/view.php/page/History_cemetery
Ahh, genealogy. What fun it is to fill in the missing pieces! Just be sure to document your sources so the errors some have made won't be repeated again. And if you plan to use others' research, please remember to give them the credit.
Sources:
Allegheny Co, PA, Will Bk 5 No. 424
Marriage Notices 1786-1910 Film P356 Roll #1: Carnegie Library
Wall, Elizabeth J. "Extracts from Cramers's Pittsburgh Almanack" WPGSQ 3 no. 4 (May 1977): 137.
1822, 4/4 Walter Glenn to Jane Darrington, all of St. Clair Twp., Alleg. Co.
Record of death: RD Docket, Vol 14, pg 470
Will: WB Dkt, Vol 67, pg 228
obit from Carnegie Signal 28 Aug 1901:
Colonel James Glenn
Colonel James Glenn, one of the best known residents of this vicinity, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Chesterfield Robb at Glenndale, last Friday, August 23, 1901, in his 78th year. He had been ill for many weeks and his death was expected.
©2010 AS Eldredge
.....I am researching my Dorrington ancestors and I read your blog and info on James Glenn. I am new at this and I can’t find the link between James Glenn and Thomas and Jane Young Dorrington. I see a Jane Dorrington who married Walter Glenn b. 1777, but didn’t find James in that tree......
Yes, it was a mystery at first to me as well. But time and research has paid off in making the connections in the right places. It's a tough mystery as the good Irish grandpas made sure to name everyone "James."
Of course, it didn't hurt that I happen to have a copy of family papers from another cousin that he had put together in the early 1900s.
I first found Irish immigrant Thomas DORRINGTON and his wife, Jane YOUNG, on a trip to my family cemetery that everyone else calls St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny Co, PA in 2004.
Thomas and wife, Jane, are buried smack dab right next to two of their grandsons, Thomas DORRINGTON, Jr and James GLENN (1824-1901). Thomas and Jane's headstones conveniently list them as "grandfather" and "grandmother" in the younger James GLENN's plot.
How? His parents were Walter GLENN (1777-1843) and Jane DORRINGTON (d.1843). This young James never married, yet he was the James GLENN of the Civil War Fame. Click here to read more of his bravery at Gettysburg.
This James GLENN (1824-1901) is the grandson of my 4g grandparents, James GLENN (1750-1813) and Janet BUCHANAN (1752-1807).
I first visited the cemetery as a child with my dad and my great aunt. She told me my roots in Pittsburgh were deep and that there were something like seven generations of my blood buried there. (I've only documented six of them at this point.) Since that early trip, I have made several trips to the cemetery and have thrown new headstone dedication parties there. You can read more about the cemetery online and read many of my early research contributions to the St Clair Cemetery at http://www.stclaircemetery.com/view.php/page/History_cemetery
Ahh, genealogy. What fun it is to fill in the missing pieces! Just be sure to document your sources so the errors some have made won't be repeated again. And if you plan to use others' research, please remember to give them the credit.
Sources:
Allegheny Co, PA, Will Bk 5 No. 424
Marriage Notices 1786-1910 Film P356 Roll #1: Carnegie Library
Wall, Elizabeth J. "Extracts from Cramers's Pittsburgh Almanack" WPGSQ 3 no. 4 (May 1977): 137.
1822, 4/4 Walter Glenn to Jane Darrington, all of St. Clair Twp., Alleg. Co.
Record of death: RD Docket, Vol 14, pg 470
Will: WB Dkt, Vol 67, pg 228
obit from Carnegie Signal 28 Aug 1901:
Colonel James Glenn
Colonel James Glenn, one of the best known residents of this vicinity, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Chesterfield Robb at Glenndale, last Friday, August 23, 1901, in his 78th year. He had been ill for many weeks and his death was expected.
©2010 AS Eldredge
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Tombstone Tuesday: "Simply, I am a Survivor"
It's another blistering hot summer day as I sit and think about my beloved heroes of the past. To me, it doesn't really matter which side of the "War of Northern Aggression" they believed in and fought. To me, it's the blood that matters.
Recently, I found some interesting tidbits about Civil War cousin, Captain James GLENN of the PA 149th Co. D. Click here to read more about his bravery and willingness to never give up the fight.
I also recently found the Civil War records of my great grandpa, George CALDWELL, who served the Yanks in the PA 102nd Infantry Co E. Click here to read more of George's story.
Today, I found the information of the GAR Captain Thomas Espy Post 153 on the CarnegieCarnegie site of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie, Allegheny, PA. I've known of the membership of several of my cousins for quite some time and have found this band quite interesting. I guess it is because I am related either through blood or marriage to many of them. At the least, they were the comrades, the friends and the neighbors of my family.
The site is still under construction, but I took a gander and looked at cousin William James GLENN-- and found----- his Personal War Sketch Questionnaire. Pretty interesting stuff here.
William was a member of the PA 61st Regiment Co E. I found where he and grandpa were both at the battle of Fair Oaks on that fateful day, May 31, 1862, when grandpa George was injured.
William was the first cousin, once removed, from Captain James GLENN and lived in the same general neighborhood and spent his youth in the same church. After William's marriage in 1865 to Martha Doolittle, they attended the Presbyterian Church closer to home in Carnegie.
William and his wife broke tradition with the GLENN family in the final resting place they chose. They are both buried in the Chartiers Cemetery in Carnegie. Was it because Martha's dad, Jacob DOOLITTLE, is buried there with 2nd wife? Martha's mom is buried at my family cemetery that most folks call the St Clair Cemetery.
Or is it because William's folks decided to be buried at the Chartiers Cemetery? I guess it was closer to the family homestead than trekking over to Mt Lebanon (five minutes by car, a lot longer by horse). Never mind. They are remembered and loved.
The most interesting part of the questionnaire was the last statement.
"So many I can't remember them - I simply, reverently thank God, I am a Survivor."
William James GLENN 1839-1908
Ah, genealogy. Perhaps ours words will one day echo those of cousin William J GLENN. Perhaps your words already do.
©2010 AS Eldredge
Recently, I found some interesting tidbits about Civil War cousin, Captain James GLENN of the PA 149th Co. D. Click here to read more about his bravery and willingness to never give up the fight.
I also recently found the Civil War records of my great grandpa, George CALDWELL, who served the Yanks in the PA 102nd Infantry Co E. Click here to read more of George's story.
Today, I found the information of the GAR Captain Thomas Espy Post 153 on the CarnegieCarnegie site of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie, Allegheny, PA. I've known of the membership of several of my cousins for quite some time and have found this band quite interesting. I guess it is because I am related either through blood or marriage to many of them. At the least, they were the comrades, the friends and the neighbors of my family.
The site is still under construction, but I took a gander and looked at cousin William James GLENN-- and found----- his Personal War Sketch Questionnaire. Pretty interesting stuff here.
William was a member of the PA 61st Regiment Co E. I found where he and grandpa were both at the battle of Fair Oaks on that fateful day, May 31, 1862, when grandpa George was injured.
William was the first cousin, once removed, from Captain James GLENN and lived in the same general neighborhood and spent his youth in the same church. After William's marriage in 1865 to Martha Doolittle, they attended the Presbyterian Church closer to home in Carnegie.
William and his wife broke tradition with the GLENN family in the final resting place they chose. They are both buried in the Chartiers Cemetery in Carnegie. Was it because Martha's dad, Jacob DOOLITTLE, is buried there with 2nd wife? Martha's mom is buried at my family cemetery that most folks call the St Clair Cemetery.
Or is it because William's folks decided to be buried at the Chartiers Cemetery? I guess it was closer to the family homestead than trekking over to Mt Lebanon (five minutes by car, a lot longer by horse). Never mind. They are remembered and loved.
The most interesting part of the questionnaire was the last statement.
"So many I can't remember them - I simply, reverently thank God, I am a Survivor."
William James GLENN 1839-1908
Ah, genealogy. Perhaps ours words will one day echo those of cousin William J GLENN. Perhaps your words already do.
©2010 AS Eldredge
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tombstone Tuesday: Gone but Not Forgotten
Back in 2004, descendants of John Henry (1750-1838), an Irishman who came to the colonies and later fought for the colonies, gathered for a party in the St. Clair Cemetery in Allegheny Co, PA. We gathered for the dedication of two new headstones for our grandpas John Henry and James Glenn (1750-1813). Even though both of these men have been dead for many a generation, their faith still speaks to the descendants today.
Recently, my buddy, Margaret Jackson of the Historical Society of Mt Lebanon contacted me to let me know the original headstone of John Henry was located. In addition, a fieldstone with the initials J G has also been located.
So very cool.
Ahh, genealogy. It's greatly satisfying when the gone and not forgotten do something to make us think of them and their contributions to this great nation of ours. And the blood goes on and on........
©2010 AS Eldredge
Recently, my buddy, Margaret Jackson of the Historical Society of Mt Lebanon contacted me to let me know the original headstone of John Henry was located. In addition, a fieldstone with the initials J G has also been located.
Ahh, genealogy. It's greatly satisfying when the gone and not forgotten do something to make us think of them and their contributions to this great nation of ours. And the blood goes on and on........
©2010 AS Eldredge
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tombstone Tuesday: Finding a Brahm in Pittsburgh
The subject is the Brahm family plot in Uniondale Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA.
While this is not my direct line, it is the direct line of a cousin of mine. One of the BRAHM sons married into my YOUNG family.
Roy M BRAHM (1898-1974) married Mildred M YOUNG (1899-1971). Roy and Mildred are both buried at the St Clair Cemetery(aka lovingly as my family cemetery) in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
I don't know why Roy and Mildred are buried at St Clair rather than with his family at Uniondale. The plot in which Roy and Mildred are buried was purchased by her grandfather, Edward J YOUNG (1835-1905), and is the plot where Mildred's mom is resting. I am making an educated guess that Mildred's dad, George Fleming YOUNG (1850-1912) is probably also buried in the plot although there is no headstone. EJ is also buried at St Clair but he is further down the line in another plot he owned. This other plot was between his two aunts.
Ah- grave shots can be so beautiful. Not only do they bring back precious sweet memories, they also can be such an art form for genealogy buffs.
©2010 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A Good Reputation
I recently came across the obituary for Robert S PEARSON, son of Nathaniel Plummer PEARSON of St Clair Township, Allegheny Co, PA. While the obit does not detail where young PEARSON would rest, I believe he is in my "family" cemetery, otherwise known as the St Clair Cemetery in Mount Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh.
Young Robert is not listed as being in the cemetery, but let's look at the circumstantial evidence to support my theory.
1- His grandparents were part of the early Associate Reformed Church of Saw Mill Run which is now known as the Mt Lebanon United Presbyterian Church.
2- His parents were also members there.
3-His grandparents and parents are both buried at the St Clair Cemetery.
4-By tradition, young Robert would have been buried in the family plot.
I have no doubt that many of my blood line kin were there as they, too, were neighbors and members of the same church. I have no doubt that young Robert was mourned. I also am of the belief that the closeness of the two families, in proximity in the neighborhood (and census records) and in the same church, would have young Robert as the probable best friend of William, my 2g grandfather, and perhaps a suitor for the hand of one of William's sisters. After all, they were the proverbial girls next door.
We remember you, young Robert.
Here is his obit along with a poem that was published with his obit. I don't know who the author was but I like to think it was someone special to the family.
Died on Friday evening, the 19th instant, of a pulmonary complaint, Mr Robert S PEARSON, of St Clair Township, son of Nathaniel P Pearson, in the 19th year of his age. This young man sustained a good reputation, and was highly esteemed by those who knew him. His illness, which continued for six weeks, he bore with fortitude and Christian patience. For the last two weeks of his life appeared ebbing out, and the vital spark dimmer; still for some days before his death, he appeared deeply concerned about his salvation. That he obtained peace with God is believed, from that calmness of mind he maintained from the hopes of better life, which sustained him, and from the declarations he made to his friends of his willingness to submit to the Divine will. But he is gone, and has left a long train of mourners to lament the sad bereavement.
Hark, a voice it cries from Heaven,
Happy in the Lord who die,
Happy are they to whom "tis given
From a world of grief to fly;
They indeed are truly blest,
From their labors then they rest.
All their toils and conflicts over,
Lo they dwell with Christ above;
Oh what glories they discover
In the Saviour whom they love.
Now they see him face to face.
Him who saved them by his grace.
"Tis enough, enough for ever,
"Tis his people's bright reward;
They are blest, indeed, who never
Shall be absent from the Lord,
Oh that we may die like those
Who in Jesus then repose.
Source: The Daily Pittsburgh Gazette, Feb 25, 1836
Got to love digging up those genealogy roots of times past!
Young Robert is not listed as being in the cemetery, but let's look at the circumstantial evidence to support my theory.
1- His grandparents were part of the early Associate Reformed Church of Saw Mill Run which is now known as the Mt Lebanon United Presbyterian Church.
2- His parents were also members there.
3-His grandparents and parents are both buried at the St Clair Cemetery.
4-By tradition, young Robert would have been buried in the family plot.
I have no doubt that many of my blood line kin were there as they, too, were neighbors and members of the same church. I have no doubt that young Robert was mourned. I also am of the belief that the closeness of the two families, in proximity in the neighborhood (and census records) and in the same church, would have young Robert as the probable best friend of William, my 2g grandfather, and perhaps a suitor for the hand of one of William's sisters. After all, they were the proverbial girls next door.
We remember you, young Robert.
Here is his obit along with a poem that was published with his obit. I don't know who the author was but I like to think it was someone special to the family.
Died on Friday evening, the 19th instant, of a pulmonary complaint, Mr Robert S PEARSON, of St Clair Township, son of Nathaniel P Pearson, in the 19th year of his age. This young man sustained a good reputation, and was highly esteemed by those who knew him. His illness, which continued for six weeks, he bore with fortitude and Christian patience. For the last two weeks of his life appeared ebbing out, and the vital spark dimmer; still for some days before his death, he appeared deeply concerned about his salvation. That he obtained peace with God is believed, from that calmness of mind he maintained from the hopes of better life, which sustained him, and from the declarations he made to his friends of his willingness to submit to the Divine will. But he is gone, and has left a long train of mourners to lament the sad bereavement.
Hark, a voice it cries from Heaven,
Happy in the Lord who die,
Happy are they to whom "tis given
From a world of grief to fly;
They indeed are truly blest,
From their labors then they rest.
All their toils and conflicts over,
Lo they dwell with Christ above;
Oh what glories they discover
In the Saviour whom they love.
Now they see him face to face.
Him who saved them by his grace.
"Tis enough, enough for ever,
"Tis his people's bright reward;
They are blest, indeed, who never
Shall be absent from the Lord,
Oh that we may die like those
Who in Jesus then repose.
Source: The Daily Pittsburgh Gazette, Feb 25, 1836
Got to love digging up those genealogy roots of times past!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: Memory of a Revolutionary War Dedication
The family of Revolutionary War Patriots James Glenn and John Henry gathered at the site of their final resting places in the old St. Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, PA, in August 2005 for a dedication of new headstones. Five generations of descendants honored the contributions of these men in the quest to win freedom.
How fitting to have our Scot Irish roots honored after so many years. The bagpipe music was soulful and so very fitting.
Friday, July 10, 2009
St Clair Cemetery Has More Loving Hands Working to Remember the Fallen
I just love St. Clair Cemetery in Mt. Lebanon in Allegheny Co, PA. Of course I do. The majority of its residents are names that easily fall off my tongue and share my blood.
Last night, I received a phone call from a dad of a Boy Scout who has decided to donate some time in getting new headstones for some of the American patriots at St. Clair Cemetery. This has been done before by another Boy Scout and, of course, by me.
The dad asked if I would be able to assist him with information on some of the patriots of St. Clair and in locating family members. Well, the majority of the names he mentioned were my family. If I am not of direct blood, then chances are I know who is.
The earliest known burial in St. Clair Cemetery was in 1806, if I remember correctly. I know my first family member, a grandma, was buried there in 1807. The names of the residents there echo the early history of the area.
Over the years, I've found many cousins through the St. Clair Cemetery. I've been there several times and hosted parties for my kin, living and dead, at the cemetery. My roots are there and I feel so at home and connected to family when I am there. On our last trip there, one of my children helped to uncover an old headstone. Of course, it was one of our cousins.
Anyway, I am going to dig up my ole partial map of the cemetery as this dad tells me he would like to make a new map of the cemetery. Be still, my heart! That is a project I have been hoping someone up there in Pennsylvania would undertake. I also hope to have ground radar used one day to accurately locate how many graves are there and how deep they go. My great aunt told me that we were buried several deep in our plots.
My friendly words of wisdom today are to take time to adopt an old cemetery. It may be your family cemetery or one in your local area that needs some loving hands. Research the families in it. You just may learn something really fun.
In my case, bring on the continuing work at St. Clair. My thanks to the many hours that Margaret Jackson and Mark Hughey have so lovingly given to the early settlers of Lower St. Clair. Know I am always with you in spirit.
Last night, I received a phone call from a dad of a Boy Scout who has decided to donate some time in getting new headstones for some of the American patriots at St. Clair Cemetery. This has been done before by another Boy Scout and, of course, by me.
The dad asked if I would be able to assist him with information on some of the patriots of St. Clair and in locating family members. Well, the majority of the names he mentioned were my family. If I am not of direct blood, then chances are I know who is.
The earliest known burial in St. Clair Cemetery was in 1806, if I remember correctly. I know my first family member, a grandma, was buried there in 1807. The names of the residents there echo the early history of the area.
Over the years, I've found many cousins through the St. Clair Cemetery. I've been there several times and hosted parties for my kin, living and dead, at the cemetery. My roots are there and I feel so at home and connected to family when I am there. On our last trip there, one of my children helped to uncover an old headstone. Of course, it was one of our cousins.
Anyway, I am going to dig up my ole partial map of the cemetery as this dad tells me he would like to make a new map of the cemetery. Be still, my heart! That is a project I have been hoping someone up there in Pennsylvania would undertake. I also hope to have ground radar used one day to accurately locate how many graves are there and how deep they go. My great aunt told me that we were buried several deep in our plots.
My friendly words of wisdom today are to take time to adopt an old cemetery. It may be your family cemetery or one in your local area that needs some loving hands. Research the families in it. You just may learn something really fun.
In my case, bring on the continuing work at St. Clair. My thanks to the many hours that Margaret Jackson and Mark Hughey have so lovingly given to the early settlers of Lower St. Clair. Know I am always with you in spirit.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Monday Madness: 1792 Bible of John Matthews
There's a beautiful old Bible in the family. The question is, "How does it fit in?"
Samuel Simmons (1788- c.1818) lived in Allegheny Co, PA, at the time of his death. Or at least that is where the trail on him vanished into thin air. His widow, Elizabeth MATTHEWS, is found in the 1820 census of Lower St. Clair, Allegheny, PA with the three children and an elderly female. We can surmise the elderly female is her mother as Samuel's mom died abt 1790 in NY. His dad was remarried and happily living in Washington Co, PA, at the time of Samuel's alleged death.
Elizabeth disappears after the 1830 census of Lower St. Clair, Allegheny, PA, never to be seen again. We know not where she is buried, but it is generally believed she could be in a long forgotten grave at the St. Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA. Her known descendants are there and it was in the neighborhood.
Much research has been done on trying to tie down her family roots. There is a Thomas Matthews in the neighborhood who served with her husband in the War of 1812. There is a Thomas Matthews who died in 1795 in Pitt Twp, Allegheny, PA who left a widow, Elizabeth and eight children. One of the children is named Elizabeth, so this could be correct.
Robert Laughlin is named the guardian of this child Elizabeth, but I have not been able to find any more information on him.
Now, a Bible from 1792 has surfaced which has the name of John Matthews in it. This Bible is in the possession of a 3rd great grandson of my Samuel and Elizabeth. Who is this John Matthews? Is he the father of my Elizabeth, or another beloved relative? To date, no other evidence has surfaced on either of the two suspects for Elizabeth's father.
The clues are there. If only we could unravel them.
Samuel Simmons (1788- c.1818) lived in Allegheny Co, PA, at the time of his death. Or at least that is where the trail on him vanished into thin air. His widow, Elizabeth MATTHEWS, is found in the 1820 census of Lower St. Clair, Allegheny, PA with the three children and an elderly female. We can surmise the elderly female is her mother as Samuel's mom died abt 1790 in NY. His dad was remarried and happily living in Washington Co, PA, at the time of Samuel's alleged death.
Elizabeth disappears after the 1830 census of Lower St. Clair, Allegheny, PA, never to be seen again. We know not where she is buried, but it is generally believed she could be in a long forgotten grave at the St. Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA. Her known descendants are there and it was in the neighborhood.
Much research has been done on trying to tie down her family roots. There is a Thomas Matthews in the neighborhood who served with her husband in the War of 1812. There is a Thomas Matthews who died in 1795 in Pitt Twp, Allegheny, PA who left a widow, Elizabeth and eight children. One of the children is named Elizabeth, so this could be correct.
Robert Laughlin is named the guardian of this child Elizabeth, but I have not been able to find any more information on him.
Now, a Bible from 1792 has surfaced which has the name of John Matthews in it. This Bible is in the possession of a 3rd great grandson of my Samuel and Elizabeth. Who is this John Matthews? Is he the father of my Elizabeth, or another beloved relative? To date, no other evidence has surfaced on either of the two suspects for Elizabeth's father.
The clues are there. If only we could unravel them.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday Madness: Oh, Sammy, Where Have You Gone?
Finding information on Samuel Simmons is like looking for the place where the alien ship picked him up in Pittsburgh.
For many a year, all I had to go in my quest for Samuel was the mention of him in a history book in Pittsburgh. I searched high and low in Pittsburgh to find....nothing.
Several years ago, a very kind gent responded to one of my inquiries with some information. See this post from 2006 for some of the background. And, the rest as they say, is history.
Except for Samuel. Samuel was born c. 1788 in New York to John Simmons the younger and Mary Nelson. At least the DAR says her name was Nelson. To date, there has been no proof uncovered. One professional group has even suggested her name was Provost of NJ. Once again, there is no proof and no overwhelming circumstantial evidence.
Samuel is mentioned in the 1794 will of his grandfather, John Simmons the Elder, as receiving some land in Chenango County, NY. Samuel and his wife sell this land while living in St. Clair, Allegheny, PA in 1814. How did they get there? Why did they get there?
Samuel is found in the War of 1812 when he mustered in on September 14, 1812, to an infantry company under the command of Captain James Turbett from St. Clair Twp. He is discharged as a Sergeant in December 1812.
There is a last legal mention of Samuel in 1816 when he sold more Chenango County, NY land.
Poof! He's gone. The 1820 census shows his wife as head of household with the three children and an older female. I'm guessing it is her mother who lives with them. The 1830 census shows the wife as head of household with the three children.
I know names of two of his children. One is William who married and remained in St. Clair for the duration of his life. He is buried at St. Clair Cemetery on Scott Rd.
One of the other names I know is that of Maria as we have a sampler completed by her in 1825.
To date, there has been no other sightings of Maria or her unknown name sister. What happened to Samuel? I suspect he died in Pittsburgh before 1820 but have yet to find him. There is no evidence in the Orphans' Court Records and there was no will.
Oh, Sammy, where are you?
For many a year, all I had to go in my quest for Samuel was the mention of him in a history book in Pittsburgh. I searched high and low in Pittsburgh to find....nothing.
Several years ago, a very kind gent responded to one of my inquiries with some information. See this post from 2006 for some of the background. And, the rest as they say, is history.
Except for Samuel. Samuel was born c. 1788 in New York to John Simmons the younger and Mary Nelson. At least the DAR says her name was Nelson. To date, there has been no proof uncovered. One professional group has even suggested her name was Provost of NJ. Once again, there is no proof and no overwhelming circumstantial evidence.
Samuel is mentioned in the 1794 will of his grandfather, John Simmons the Elder, as receiving some land in Chenango County, NY. Samuel and his wife sell this land while living in St. Clair, Allegheny, PA in 1814. How did they get there? Why did they get there?
Samuel is found in the War of 1812 when he mustered in on September 14, 1812, to an infantry company under the command of Captain James Turbett from St. Clair Twp. He is discharged as a Sergeant in December 1812.
There is a last legal mention of Samuel in 1816 when he sold more Chenango County, NY land.
Poof! He's gone. The 1820 census shows his wife as head of household with the three children and an older female. I'm guessing it is her mother who lives with them. The 1830 census shows the wife as head of household with the three children.
I know names of two of his children. One is William who married and remained in St. Clair for the duration of his life. He is buried at St. Clair Cemetery on Scott Rd.
One of the other names I know is that of Maria as we have a sampler completed by her in 1825.
To date, there has been no other sightings of Maria or her unknown name sister. What happened to Samuel? I suspect he died in Pittsburgh before 1820 but have yet to find him. There is no evidence in the Orphans' Court Records and there was no will.
Oh, Sammy, where are you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)