My Kin Signed the Declaration of Independence-- Nearly

This morning, another cemetery list from my dear old Allegheny County, PA, was uploaded to the net.  So, forget everything and concentrate on any new directions that any finds will lead me.

The list of Melrose Cemetery in Bridgeville was a special treat as I did find several names and was able to fill in some blanks.  Off I went on trying to document more fun facts.

I found something new.  Real new.  Ok, maybe it happened back in 1776, but it was new to me.  I almost have kin who did sign the little ole document signed back in '76 which we all revere today.

Uhh?

Well, my uncle Thomas McMillan HENRY (1791-1873) married one Eliza CLARK (1799-1882).  I've been trying to see if she ties into another CLARK line I have from the area, but so far, no evidence to be able to confirm or to deny.

Back to today.  I ended up trying to find new leads as to the whereabouts of Uncle Thomas and his kin.  I already had documented he sold the land he received from his father, John HENRY, in 1840. I guess that is when he and Eliza removed themselves to Pulaski Twp in Lawrence Co, PA.  Lawrence county became their final home and they lived happily there until their deaths.

I also knew they had five children.  So far, so dull.

Now to the fun stuff---

Their only daughter, Caroline Cornelia HENRY (1836-1922) married one Hugh McKEAN in 1859.  Hugh is the son of John McKEAN and Mariah POMEROY. 

Now to the confusion---

According to some family trees found on that favorite site of ours where we all go look, they are related to the Thomas McKEAN who signed the Declaration.  Although, in looking at those trees, I can't figure out the connection, nor the documentation.

So, maybe it is, and maybe it isn't true.  But it sure is fun to think about.

Ahhh, genealogy. Almost related to some other famous people.  Almost, nearly.

©2012 AS Eldredge

And the Photo Nominee is.......

Yesterday, I showcased a very old photo of which a copy had been mailed to me about seven years ago. The photo was found in the scrapbook of the Andrew FIFE (1790-1878) family. The scrapbook had been started by one of the descendants of Sara FIFE (1817- abt 1855) and Andrew YOUNG (abt 1815-aft 1862) of Chartiers, Allegheny, PA.

Read the post here. Who is the subject listed only as Mrs. Nana Henry?

I also asked the question on the mail list for those who research in Allegheny County, PA about the photographer who was listed on the photo. As a reminder, it was Purviance with an address of Fifth and Wood Sts.

After consulting the census records, I determined the photographer was William T Purviance who had a studio in Pittsburgh from about 1857-1867. A kind soul on the mail list further defined Purviance for me. He traced the addresses of his studios by checking the old directories which are posted online (Thanks Rich!). By comparing the addresses to the one on the photo, the date of the photo placed it as being taken in 1865 or 1866.

Ahh. Now it was time to revisit the vitals on my genealogy program. It just can't be who I wanted it to be due to death dates before 1865.

The most likely candidate for Mrs. Nana HENRY (and most probable) is.......

Zebiah MIDDLESWARTH (1797-1872), daughter of Moses MIDDLESWARTH (1757-1842) and Elizabeth CLARK (1764-1852.)

Zebiah married William HENRY (1789-1848) on January 1, 1824 in Allegheny Co.

William was the son of John HENRY (1750-1838) of Lower St Clair, Allegheny, PA.

William and Zebiah are both buried in the Bethany Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Bridgeville, Allegheny, PA, with the MIDDLESWARTH family.

So, Nana- we suspect we know who you are and we remember you.

Genealogy- what a kick!