BACKGROUND
Walter Cleveland LINDSEY and Marguerite (aka Margaret) Ethel Learn were united in marriage1 in the bride’s home, Nescopeck, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.2
Between 1908 and 1913 the LINDSEY family grew to include four children. Mary, born 2 January 19083; Walter Galloway, born 2 December 19094; William Gordon, born 5 November 19105; and Maretta Grace, born 10 July 19136.
By 1919 Walter and Margaret were divorced7 and by 1920 the children were scattered. Mary working for room and board on a farm located in Upper Allen, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania and owned by Emmanuel Crone8. And, Walter G, working for room and board on a farm located in Cumberland, Adams County, Pennsylvania and owned by Beard O Sharretts. 9
The younger children . . . William G was placed in the York County Children’s Home located off of Clark Avenue and Home Alley, York, Pennsylvania.10
What became of Maretta Grace?
LOST (3)
What became of Mary, William and Maretta LINDSEY after 1920?
FOUND (2)
Since 2003, I have been a user and subscriber of ancestry.com; my family tree is public, which pays dividends in ‘cousin bait.’ And, my LINDSEY research has benefitted.
In November 2014 I received, via Member Connect, on ancestry.com, a message from a fellow user . . .
“Maretta Grace Lindsey, born 10 July 1913, was adopted by the Bailey’s. Maretta G Bailey shows up in the 1930 Federal Census. Then Maretta G Bailey married my Grandfather on my maternal side, Ralph Sylvester Ziegler. Together they had my mother [name omitted for privacy] (still living) who married my father [name omitted for privacy]. My mother told me about her Uncle Bill that was a truck driver for Lakeshore Motor Freight out of Newark, NJ. If you need more information contact [email omitted for privacy].”
Yes! Clues! The email mentioned “Uncle Bill,” I couldn’t get so lucky that Uncle Bill, was my Grand Uncle William (Bil) Gordon LINDSEY, could I? The first thing I did was to reply and thank the user for contacting me and sharing the information they had on Maretta G LINDSEY.
This user provided information, gave sufficient enough clues on Maretta that I felt I could follow up on, but, I was most curious about the “Uncle Bill” mentioned and if they had any further details. Was this “Uncle Bill,” William Gordon LINDSEY? What further information did they have on him? What became of him?
That same day, in November, I received further information on “Uncle Bill” which confirmed that he was both her Uncle and my Grand Uncle, William Gordon LINDSEY. Yes! I’d – with the help of a ‘cousin’ – found him! The information shared . . .
“1920 Census for York County Children’s Home shows William G LINDSEY, 8 years old, which he was born 5 November 1910. He was really 10 years old. The last time I saw Uncle Bill was between 1974 – 75 when he drove an 18-wheeler to our farm to see my mother, [name omitted for privacy], and us kids. He was a driver for Lakeshore Motor Freight. He had gone to the home when Grandma Maretta was adopted by Milton Henry Bailey and family. Why did their parents leave them behind?”
The email, as I said, confirmed what I already knew about William (Bill) Gordon LINDSEY and that we were indeed discussing my ancestor. It also provided some research clues. He was still living in 1974 – 75, so I’d find him in the 1940 census; question is where? Pennsylvania? New Jersey? He worked for a trucking company, Lakeshore Motor Freight, located in Newark, New Jersey. Does the company still exist? If so, do they have personnel records archived? And, could I obtain a copy of Bill’s file? He worked out of New Jersey; did he live in New Jersey or commute from nearby Pennsylvania? Philadelphia?
So, it was off to see what I could find. Initially I did a global search for William Gordon LINDSEY on both ancestry.com and familysearch.org; wanting to see what hits were returned. Nothing. I then shifted from ‘residence’ to a global search for marriage and had several hits that were possibilities. However, only one, really fit. And, it was the only one that had William’s middle name (Gordon) spelled out. I just had a gut feeling; I can’t be the only genealogist that has those visceral reactions can I? I just knew this was my guy. But, my gut isn’t proof, so I ordered the marriage license from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And, waited.
January 2015, the license arrived. My gut was right, the license was for my guy, William (Bill) Gordon LINDSEY and it confirmed his parents were Walter Cleveland LINDSEY and Margaret E LEARN, my Great Grandparents. William married Lillian Mae REEVES in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 3 September 1938. The license provided his address at the time of his marriage as 1628 N Sydenham Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.11
Okay, so Bill was living in Philadelphia in 1938, could he have been in Philadelphia in 1930? Yes. According to the 1930 census, Bill was now living with his Mother, Margaret Ethel (LEARN) and her third husband, Robert J HARRIS, at 1816 Camac Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.12
By 1940, Bill and Lillian are living with their daughter, Lillian, aged 1, at 1536 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Bill was employed as a retreder for a tire company.13
And then, the trail goes cold. I have, thus far, been unable to find a military record, death record or obituary for William Gordon LINDSEY. I recently tried searching for death records for his wife Lillian Mae. One possible hit; Find-a-Grave. However, it provides very limited information and no picture of the headstone. The volunteer who created the memorial provided . . .
Lillian LINDSEY
Birth: Unknown
Death: September 1994
Burial: Rosedale & Rosehill Cemetery, Linden, Union County, New Jersey
Plot: WIN4T – 11 – 16 / SD14
Not enough information for me to determine if this is Bill’s wife, my Grand Aunt, Lillian Mae or not. I need to contact the cemetery. If it is her, she would have been about 75 at the time of her death. And, too, I am still unsure if William and Lillian ever lived in New Jersey. My searches in Pennsylvania, however, have come up negative.
Another avenue to pursue is a public tree on ancestry.com. The user’s surname is REEVES and he does have Bill on his tree, although a date of death is not provided. And, the spouse and descendants are marked as private. I am not sure whether this indicates that Lillian Mae is still living? It’s a possibility, she’d be approximately 96, today. Or, if the user has his / her reasons for keeping it private. I need to communicate with the user and see if they are willing to work with me.
Using the death date and location noted on the Find-a-Grave search result, I went to genealogybank.com to see what could be found there. Negative results. Google search – two possible candidates, both buried in Pennsylvania - on further inspection, they were not the Lillian LINDSEY I was looking for. First, both of their birth years were way off and they both were married to someone other than William Gordon LINDSEY. And, the volunteers who had added these memorials to Find-a-Grave provided pictures of the tombstone, so it was clearly evident that these two Lillian LINDSEYs were not my Lillian.
I next searched fultonhistory.com, with negative results. The search continues.
So, while I was not able to locate further information on William and Lillian Mae LINDSEY after 1940, I at least have learned that he resided in the York County Children’s home from 1920 until he turned of age, briefly lived with his mother in 1930; married in 1938 and by 1940 had a child, a daughter, and was gainfully employed as a retreder for a tire company and later, according to my ‘cousin’s’ email above, as a truck driver for Lakeshore Motor Freight out of Newark, New Jersey. I know too, that in the intervening years, he located his baby sister Maretta LINDSEY Bailey Ziegler, and had a relationship with her and her family. All good!
Being of a curious nature, I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when Bill and his mother reconnected in 1930. I don’t imagine that it could have been an easy reunion, after all, she had, I presume, given up her parental rights when she, placed him in the children’s home. I wonder if they stayed in contact with each other for the remainder of her life? His mother, my Great Grandmother, passed away in 1972.
My search for what became of Bill and his family after 1940 will continue.
Since receiving the initial email about Maretta Grace LINDSEY, I have, using the information about her adoption by the BAILEYs, been able to learn more. . .
Maretta Grace LINDSEY, according to both the email above and subsequent confirmation from her daughter, [name omitted for privacy]. was adopted in 1920 by Milton Henry BAILEY and his wife, Katherine Elizabeth. Maretta Grace was 6.
By 1932 Maretta was married to Ralph Sylvester ZIEGLER and had a son. The family, by 1940, were living in Shrewsbury, York County, Pennsylvania with their two children.15 She and her family, along with her adoptive parents, Milton and Katherine BAILEY and her in-laws, the ZIEGLERs, were members of the Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church, Glen Rock, York County, Pennsylvania. Maretta was a choir member and in 1968 was employed by the church; this information is documented by her application (SS-5) for her Social Security Card.16
Maretta’s husband, Ralph, passed away circa 1969 and was followed by Maretta, 10 August 1982.17 Both are buried in the cemetery at the Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church, Glen Rock, York County, Pennsylvania.18
While researching Maretta’s life, I wrote a letter to the Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church. I cannot say enough about the very helpful, courteous, warm and friendly folks there. Immediately after receiving my letter Stuart, Jane and others went to work trying to honor my request for information and possibly a photograph. And, an additional blessing, Maretta’s daughter phoned and she and I had a lovely conversation. Both the church and Maretta’s daughter have sent a photo of Maretta in the choir and a photo of Maretta and her family (ZIEGLER) that had been previously published in their church directory.
I cannot thank the church and Maretta’s daughter enough for receiving a request from a distant relative, yet complete stranger, and being gracious enough to not only honor the request but to be so open to contacting me and sharing some of Maretta’s life and history with me.
That leaves Mary. Two years ago I took a bit of unique approach to trying to find Mary by publishing a Missing Ancestor Report. That post continues to attract attention; exactly what it was designed to do. And, every now and then, I repost it on a genealogy facebook page, in the hopes that a reader will see it and perhaps be able to offer a tip or better yet a clue.
One such clue recently came in . . .
A member of the Staten Island NY Genealogy (Richmond County NY) Facebook Group sent me a private message . . .
“Lindsey Mary
Apr 08
1905 127
Richmond
Found this marriage information for a Mary. The 127 is the record number. Not sure if this helps”
Yes! That looks promising. The Name, Surname, year of Birth were at ‘first blush’ accurate; the month and day were off. Mary was actually born 2 January 1908. I quickly emailed my research collaborator back and asked how she had found Mary? Where did she find Mary? . . .
”I looked on Italian genealogy.org It shows this MARY MARRIED A FRANK J HILL. I'm still searching for you. Sadly it didn't mention parents but maybe searching frank might help? I love to have records as proof as my rule of thumb three records or more. Anyhow let me dig a bit more see if anything comes along:)”
Italiangenealogy.org? I had heard of this site; my understanding was that it was a site that was exclusively geared toward New York City and its five boroughs. Being geographically challenged and not being from New York, I never realized that Staten Island, Richmond County, was part of New York City and its five boroughs. I know, I know. Lesson learned . . . the hard way!
So promising was this clue, I excitedly phoned a genea buddy in California and told her that we’d found Mary! And, the next morning, I went online to find the appropriate form – Italiangenealogy.org, had it on their site – to complete and mail in to request a copy of the marriage license. And, then . . .
While filling out the form, I suddenly and disappointedly realized this was NOT my Mary. The year of the license wasn’t included in the initial information I was sent, but prior to filling out the form, I had searched for Mary on Italiangenealogy.org and learned that the marriage took place in 1920. Back to filling out the form, and that’s when it sunk in . . . 1920? Nope, that couldn’t be my Mary. My Mary LINDSEY was 12 in 1920. And as noted above, she was living on a farm earning her room and board in Upper Allen, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Drats! She is still lost!
The search for Mary continues. My hope is, if you are reading this post, you will also take a few moments to read the Missing Ancestor Report and if anyone has information on Mary please contact me. Contact information can be found under the Surnames and Location Tab at the top of this page. Or, leave a comment here. And, I of course, welcome any suggestions, tips and tricks, that might aid my in finding Mary.
Two leaves restored; returned to the LINDSEY branches of the family tree. I’ll continue to search for Mary’s ‘leaf,’ in the quest to bring four siblings together.
Tracy
____________________________________________________________
Sources:
1Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KHFF-YYT : accessed 4 March 2015), Walter L Lindsey and Margaret E Miller, 30 Jan 1907; citing Marriage, Pennsylvania, county courthouses, Pennsylvania; FHL microfilm 2,260,850.
2The Democratic Sentinel. http://apa3.olivesoftware.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_BLOOMSBURGD&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=DES/1907/02/05&ChunkNum=-
3Ancestry.com, 1910 United States Federal Census (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006.Original data - Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Was), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Year: 1910; Census Place: York Ward 1, York, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1435; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 0114; Image: 50; FHL microfilm: 1375448. Birth date: 1908
Birth place: Pennsylvania
Residence date: 1910
Residence place: York Ward 1, York, Pennsylvania. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1910uscenindex&h=123204164&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt.
4York, York, Pennsylvania, Birth Certificate, No. 28822, File No. 189736, Registered No. 1032, 2 December 1909, Walter G LINDSEY; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health Vital Statistics.
5Cindy Lobach, York, Pennsylvania to Tracy Meyers, e-mail, 25 June 2012, LINDSEY Family Information, LINDSEY Binder. William Gordon LINDSEY, born 5 November 1910, baptized 24 March 1911., Baptismal Records; privately held by Cindy Lobach, York, Pennsylvania.
6Cindy Lobach, York, Pennsylvania to Tracy Meyers, e-mail, 25 June 2012, LINDSEY Family Information, LINDSEY Binder. Maretta Grace LINDSEY, born 10 July 1913, Baptized 14 June 1914, Baptismal Records; privately held by Cindy Lobach, York, Pennsylvania.
7York, Pennsylvania, Protonotary Court Files, Protonotary 93, April 1919 Docket Entry, scanned copy. 3 March 1919 Walter C LINDSEY vs Margaret E Lindsey, reference divorce from Margaret Ethel LEARN.
8Ancestry.com, 1920 United States Federal Census (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.Original data - Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Reco), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Year: 1920; Census Place: Upper Allen, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1557; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 43; Image: 533.
9Ancestry.com, 1920 United States Federal Census (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.Original data - Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Reco), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Year: 1920; Census Place: Cumberland, Adams, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1507; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 9; Image: 200.
10Ancestry.com, 1920 United States Federal Census (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.Original data - Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Reco), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Year: 1920; Census Place: York Ward 2, York, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1669; Page: 17A; Enumeration District: 120; Image: 220.
11Marriage Indexes, License Number: 694566 "Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Marriage Indexes, 1885-1951," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11754-82532-88?cc=1388247 : accessed 25 December 2014), 1917-1938 > L > image 154 of 245; citi. Proves that Margaret Ethel LEARN and Walter Cleveland LINDSEY are William (Bill) G LINDSEY's parents
12Ancestry.com, 1930 United States Federal Census (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.Original data - United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626,), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Year: 1930; Census Place: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: 2116; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 0721; Image: 111.0; FHL microfilm: 2341850
13Ancestry.com, 1940 United States Federal Census (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.Original data - United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Year: 1940; Census Place: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3694; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 51-222.
14Ancestry.com. U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012, Original data: Find A Grave. Find A Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi.
15Ancestry.com, 1940 United States Federal Census (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.Original data - United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Year: 1940; Census Place: Shrewsbury, York, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3644; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 67-83.
16Ancestry.com, Social Security Death Index (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.Original data - Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Social Security Administration.Original data: Social Security Administration. Social Security D), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Number: 183-44-9305; Issue State: Pennsylvania; Issue Date: 1968-1969
17Ancestry.com, U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com.
Ancestry.com, Social Security Death Index (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.Original data - Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Social Security Administration.Original data: Social Security Administration. Social Security D), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Number: 183-44-9305; Issue State: Pennsylvania; Issue Date: 1968-1969
18Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church (EPC), Alphabetical Listing of Internments, Database, Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church (EPC) (http://www.bethlehemsteltz.org/cemetery : accessed 7 March 2015), database entry for Maretta Grace Ziegler (1913 – 1982).
Showing posts with label Philadelphia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philadelphia. Show all posts
07 March 2015
12 October 2014
Slowly, but Surely . . . the LINDSEYS
Over the past several months I have been focused on my LINDSEY ancestors; I had previously been able to document from myself back to my third great grandfather, Edwin Galloway LINDSEY, in Pennsylvania. A ‘cousin’ contact, about six months ago, started me on my current journey to document the line back to my fourth great grandfather, Archibald LINDSEY. This ‘cousin’ provided information from compiled genealogies, county histories and also mentioned that there were LINDSEY descendants that were members of a lineage society. While there was information . . . there were no source citations; none! Not in the compiled genealogies; not in the lineage society membership applications; not in the county histories; not in the surname book – “The LINDSAYs of America by Margaret Isabella LINDSAY. Which just made me crazy, to say the least. See the following posts to see, in detail, what information the above did provide:
In the Absence of Documents
Puzzle Pieces
Archibald LINDSEY, DAR, and the American Revolution
Archibald LINDSEY - Who? What? Where is the Source?
LINDSEY - Connecting the Dots; Beginning the Process
Land Records - Deeds; An Introduction
So my journey began. Over the past six months I have worked to discover and research what actual documents are out there and available to help me “prove,” or not, that Archibald LINDSEY is, or isn’t, my third great grandfather’s, Edwin LINDSEY’s, father and my fourth great grandfather. And, while I have made discoveries; discoveries that I believe greatly bolster the validity of the information I was given, that one definitive piece of the puzzle is still elusive.
What I know . . .
(In an effort not to make this a book; I will present the information in a series of posts. Today’s focus, my third Great Grandfather, Edwin Galloway LINDSEY)
Edwin Galloway LINDSEY
Birth: about 1800
Birthplace: New York, USA
US Census Records 1850; 1860 and 1870
Marriage #1
Amarillis SKINNER
Marriage Date: 27 January 18281
”The LINDSAYS of America,” by Margaret Isabella Lindsay
Deed signed 5 May 18282
US Census Record 18303
Deed signed 23 June 18354
On the 5th day of May 1828, Edwin LINDSEY paid $100.00 to Alpheus Hawley and his wife Kesiah to purchase land located in the Village of Glens Falls, Warren County, New York. My hypothesis is that this land was purchased in preparation of Edwin’s pending nuptials to Amarillis – a place to build their home.
Land Record - images 237-238; pages 453 - 455
1830 United States Census for Edwin Lindsey
And, in 1835 Edwin LINDSEY and Amarillis sold their land back to Alpheus Hawley for the amount of $100.00 U.S. Dollars. And, from the deed, we know that Amarillis LINDSEY was examined and the deed signed by the clerk, Thomas Archibald, on the 23rd day of June 1835. (click the hyperlink to see the deed in its entirety.)
Land Record - image 83; pages 153 (middle) – 154
Marriage #2
Rosanna RANKIN
Marriage Date: Between 1835 and 1838
Birth of first child: Helen Mar LINDSEY about 1838
Death of Eldest Son: Edwin Franklin LINDSEY, 1856
Death of Rosanna (RANKIN) LINDSEY, 1864
Pennsylvania Philadelphia City Death Certificate, Helen Mar LINDSEY5
US Census Record 18506
Mortuary Notice, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Public Ledger7
Pennsylvania Philadelphia City Death Certificate, Rosanna (RANKIN) LINDSEY8
Death Certificate - Helen Mar LINDSEY
1850 United States Census for Edwin G LINDSEY (Lines 28 - 35)
Mortuary Notice - Edwin Franklin LINDSEY
Pennsylvania Philadelphia City Death Certificate - Rosanna (RANKIN) LINDSEY
While I have not been able to locate a marriage record for either Edwin’s marriage to Amarillis or to Rosanna, the above cited 1835 land record supports the assertion made in the surname book, “The Lindsays of America” that Edwin and Amarillis were married. The author, Margaret Isabella Lindsay also states that Edwin deserted Amarillis and his family. By 1840, Amarillis LINDSEY is on her own and listed as the Head of Household on that year’s US Federal Census. (see below)9 Making the case for the hypothesis that,
1) Edwin and Amarillis had parted ways between 1835 when the sale of their land was finalized and 1838 when Edwin’s and Rosanna’s daughter, Helen was born. And,
2) That Edwin and Rosanna were married during that time frame. Or, at the very least living as man and wife by 1838.
1840 US Federal Census for Amarillis LINDSEY (last entry)
Helen Mar LINDSEY’s death certificate; the 1850 US Federal census; the Mortuary Notice documenting the death of Edwin Franklin LINDSEY; and the death certificate for Rosanna LINDSEY, together, make a strong case, in my opinion, that Edwin and Rosanna were indeed married. Helen’s death certificate provided the added bonus of providing Rosanna’s maiden name – RANKIN.
Curiosities . . .
Searching the internet I have located and collected several puzzle pieces. While I believe they fit into and will complete the overall picture, I have not been able to assemble the puzzle just yet. Listed here are some of the curiosities that I have come across:
- The surname SKINNER, with the help of my ‘cousin’ we located the “Skinner Family Association” and the personal memoir of Edward Skinner written by Dr. S W Heath10, Edward’s son-in-law.
In reading through it a couple things jumped out . . .
- He provides the names of his parents and that of his siblings. He also notes who they are married to. Now, there are typographical errors within the memoir. But, the information fits what I do know, to this point. To read the entire memoir, click on the hyperlink; click on the images to see the specific information that pertain to my specific research.
Personal Memoirs of Edward Skinner
The above snippets provided Amarillis’ parents names, to include her mother’s maiden name FINNEY; confirmed where the Skinners were from in New York and where they moved to in Ohio; confirmed Samuel Skinner’s date of death; and confirmed that Amarillis (misspelled as Arnarilus) and her marriage to Edwin Galloway LINDSEY (referred to as Galway LINDSEY in the memoir.)
I also located online at familysearch.org Samuel G SKINNER’s will11 in which he names his wife Lydia (FINNEY) SKINNER and his children, including Amarillis; however, he did not identify her in his will by her married surname.
Samuel G Skinner Will (image 69; page 99)
- After locating Edwin LINDSEY and his family in the 1830 US Federal Census, Albany Ward 4, Albany, New York, I took a look at the proceeding page(s) and the page or two after Edwin’s entry (image 39) and discovered a William RANKINS (image 41)12. Remember, Edwin sometime between 1835 and 1838 married a Rosanna RANKIN; Could William RANKINS be her father or her brother perhaps? Note, in the 1840 US Federal census Albany Ward 4, Albany, New York, there is a Geo. A RANKIN (image 66);13 I did not find William RANKINS listed in the 1840 census in Albany; Could Geo. A Rankin be Rosanna’s father or brother? I know that I need to research both men and their families, but, how do you research someone you don’t know – you only have their first and last names and tick marks on two census documents that provide absolutely no other information? I have looked through Albany in its entirety for both census years, these are the only Rankin[s] that I located. Do I search all of New York? And any and every Rankin[s] family? My guess is YES, but allow me to be in denial just a bit longer. Ugh, a tedious and laborious endeavor. But, the rewards . . . yes, that is what I look forward to.
On a positive note I am always looking at genealogy blogs, and the other day I came across a new (well, new to me) one and while leaving a comment for the author, I happened to see a familiar surname . . . RANKIN! Rankin? Hmmm, I couldn’t get lucky enough that it would be the same RANKIN line that I’m researching. I finished my initial comment and then asked the author about the RANKIN surname and filled her in on what little information I have on Rosanna and what possible discovery(ies) I made in the 1830 and 1840 US census records.
1830 US Federal Census for William Rankins (image 41)
1840 US Federal Census for Geo. A Rankin (image 66)
- The following two excerpts from the “History of Warren County New York with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches” provided the following interesting tidbits and clues . . . (to view, click the image; to view in context, click the hyperlink)
Page 278
In 1826 Edwin purchased a printing press and all the accessories and published the Glens Falls Observer for two years.14 In an initial attempt to find out more I contacted the Historian of Glens Falls, New York to inquire if it was possible to learn more about Edwin’s purchase of the Newspaper and his publication of the “Glens Falls Observer.” I was hoping, much like land purchases, there would be a record. Not so much. Wayne, the historian, noted that the “business records going back to the early 1800’s are spotty at best.” However, he did suggest that I contact the Chapman Historical Museum to see what records they may have. I have done as suggested and I am waiting a reply.
Page 424
The above image15 is further evidence of Edwin’s successful business venture, the purchase and operations of the Glens Falls Observer. And, it also provides two further clues . . . Samuel G SKINNER was the proprietor of a local coffee house.and the Glens Falls School-house was built on the road leading from Samuel’s residence and situated near the local cemetery. - Another Database, on ancestry.com, with great potential was the New York Military Service Cards, 1816 – 1979. Edwin G LINDSEY served in the New York National Guard as an Ensign in the 121st Infantry, 17th Brigade, 10th Division.16 (click on the image or hyperlink to view larger image)
New York Military Service Card for Edwin G Lindsey
Now, there’s a record I could sink my teeth into. The source information states that ancestry.com received the database and images from the New York State Military Museum, Saratoga Springs New York. Awesome, I’ll contact them and see if I can hit ‘genealogy gold!’ After all, the card image provides register and page number where the record and information can found.
Here is the index . . .
New York Military Service Card Index
I contacted the New York State Military Museum, Saratoga Springs, New York and asked if I could obtain a copy of the information from Register “B,” page 455 on Edwin G LINDSEY? Foiled! I received the following reply from Jim, the Assistant Librarian / Archivist.
”Unfortunately, no one knows what “Register B” refers to. I do not have any additional information on Lindsey.”
What? Really? Ancestry.com did not pull this database and the attached images out of thin air; they came from somewhere and it is clearly stated, under the source information, where the information and the images were obtained. So, what happened to these records? Why isn’t the Museum’s Librarian / Archivist familiar with them? Arrrgh! Ugh!
Jim does go on to suggest . . .
“The New York State Library has additional reports prior to 1858; however, I do not know if they are available online. Another line of inquiry is to use the AG reports to discover where the 121st Infantry was from (most units were recruited in strict geographical areas). Once you know an area you can see if there are any newspapers from there at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/nysnp/city1.htm
You would then have to find out where the newspaper or microfilm is stored, go there, and search. The theory here is that officers were more likely to have a higher social standing therefore more likely to appear in newspapers.”
I have been unsuccessful, to this point, in finding anything on the 121st Infantry anywhere. I do not purport to be the most proficient at Google (or other search engine) searches; Lisa Louise Cooke, I am not. But, I would have thought if there was even a smidgeon of historical information on the 121st Infantry, I might have at least found a blurb or two with an indication of where I might find out more. In what archive? In what historical society? Or, in what historic repository can I find more information? Any military historians, specifically New York National Guard, out there? Any suggestions?
My hypothesis at this point, having discovered and researched the above documentation, is that the information in the county histories, the compiled genealogies, the lineage society membership applications and the Lindsay surname book, in reference to Edwin Galloway LINDSEY, is accurate. There is however, a lot more research to be done.
What are your thoughts? Suggestions? I look forward to hearing from you.
Tracy
SOURCES
1Margaret Isabella Lindsey, The Lindsays of America (1889; Reprint, Westminster, Maryland: Heritage Books, Inc, 2008), page 142
2"New York, Land Records, 1630-1975," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-32578-3868-92?cc=2078654 : accessed 11 Oct 2014), Warren > Deeds 1826-1831 vol D-E > image 237 of 572; citing County Clerk. County Courthouse.
31830 US Census, Albany County, New York, Population Schedule, Albany Ward 4, page 310, Edward G Lindsey; Digital Image, Ancestry.com (http:www.ancestry.com) : Accessed 31 August 2014; Citing NARA Microfilm Publication M19, 201 rolls
4New York, Land Records, 1630-1975", Familysearch.org (https://familysearch.org/), Accessed, 1 September 2014, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32571-11815-91?cc=2078654. https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-32571-11815-91.
5Pennsylvania Philadelphia City Death Certificates 1803 - 1915; Index and Images (familysearch.org), GS Film Number: 1977749; Digital Folder Number: 004009974; Image Number; 00714. https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/J6PF-T97
6Ancestry.com, 1850 United States Federal Census (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.Original data - Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Year: 1850; Census Place: Philadelphia Chestnut Ward, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_813; Page: 456B; Image: 387
7Mortuary Notice, 23 January 1856, accessed 10 October 2014, for Edwin Franklin Lindsey, by NewsBank and/or the American Antiquarian Society. 2004.
Source: GenealogyBank.com. Public Ledger, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, online images
8 "Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Death Certificates, 1803-1915," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JFZK-4ZX : accessed 11 Oct 2014), Rosannah Lindsey, 18 Jan 1864; citing , Department of Records; FHL microfilm 1986422.
9Ancestry.com, 1840 United States Federal Census (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.Original data - Sixth Census of the United States, 1840. (NARA microfilm publication M704, 580 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record G), Ancestry.com, http://www.Ancestry.com, Year: 1840; Census Place: Queensbury, Warren, New York; Roll: 349; Page: 308; Image: 625; Family History Library Film: 0017209.
10Dr. S W Heath, “Personal Memoirs of Edward Skinner; from the Skinner-Hope Family Record,” Skinner Family Association, Skinner Kinsmen, http://skinnerkinsmen.org/SKU/SKU03_2/03_2edward.html : accessed 11 October 2014, paragraphs 2, 4, 5 and 24; Reprinted from skinnerkinsmen.org
11Hartland, Huron, Ohio, Huron Wills 1828-1873, vol A-1, image 69 of 425. https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-27612-961-97?cc=1992421&wc=9GMG-K6N:266279301,266804901; digital images, Family Search, Familysearch.org (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-27612-961-97?cc=1992421&wc=9GMG-K6N:266279301,266804901).
12Ancestry.com. 1830 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data: Fifth Census of the United States, 1830. (NARA microfilm publication M19, 201 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
13Ancestry.com. 1840 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data: Sixth Census of the United States, 1840. (NARA microfilm publication M704, 580 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
14Smith, H P (Henry Perry), History of Warren County [N.Y.] with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Syracuse, New York D Mason and Co Publishers, 1885), 278; Digital Images. Internet Archive (https://ia600401.us.archive.org/16/items/cu31924083944151/cu31924083944151.pdf : accessed 19 March 2014)
15Smith, H P (Henry Perry), History of Warren County [N.Y.] with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Syracuse, New York D Mason and Co Publishers, 1885), 424; Digital Images. Internet Archive (https://ia600401.us.archive.org/16/items/cu31924083944151/cu31924083944151.pdf : accessed 19 March 2014)
16Ancestry.com. New York, Military Service Cards, 1816-1979 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: NYNG Officer Service Cards prior to 1/1/1930. Saratoga Springs, New York: New York State Military Museum. NYNG Officer Service Cards prior to 1/1/1930. New York State Military Museum, Saratoga Springs, New York.
15 March 2014
One Year–That was Fast!
Well, technically Family Preserve’s blogiversary was a month ago – 23 February to be exact.
The past ten months were fast-paced. Filled with lots of research on many different limbs and branches of my family tree. In December, it all came to a halt. I had caught up; but worse, I felt as though ‘burn-out’ was setting in. Just before the holidays I had found one or two documents, I ordered them and then set about waiting. But try as I might, until this past week or so, I just couldn’t muster a lot of energy or enthusiasm genealogy research.
While I’ve known from the start that I wanted to look back over my first year of blogging - I kept notes on successes, ‘cousin bating’ and the like. This too failed to initially energize me. Until this week.
This week I received the documents I had ordered before Christmas and a ‘cousin’ contacted me out of the blue after coming across my blog. 
This has gotten me excited again. And, I’ve been climbing and exploring my family tree with renewed vigor.
So, here we go, Family Preserves takes a look back on its first year . . .
Total Published Blog Posts February 2013 – March 2014: 34
My Favorite Posts From this Year:
Not the Waltons or the Ingalls
Postive Results: A direct result of the decision to launch the Family Preserves blog has been positive from the very first. A few examples of this are highlighted below:
Family Preserves launched in February 2013
‘Cousins!’
My research of the BEARDSELLS, LEARN, and McLEAN branches of the family tree yielded ‘cousins!’ ‘Cousins’ is used broadly here and encompasses closer and more distant relationships heretofore unknown.
BEARDSELL In tracing my Great Grandfather, Wallace BEARDSELL’s, entry in the US (Port of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), I discovered that he and his second wife, Clara, had a daughter together. Lidie Victoria BEARDSELL was my Grandmother’s half-sister. Sadly, I also discovered that she had passed away one year (2012) before I found her. She was 99.
LEARN A short time after the launch of Family Preserves, I found myself caring for my father who had just undergone open-heart surgery. To occupy the hours – mostly to keep from worry – I focused on the LEARN branch of the family tree. And, through a inquiry on one of many genealogy FaceBook pages, a ‘LEARN’ cousin reached out. From that connection I was invited and attended my first LEARN Family Reunion. A reunion equals an endless sea of ‘cousins!’
McLEAN The McLEAN branch of the tree is a collateral line from which I do not directly descend. However, the research of this branch helped solve a mystery, which I’ll get into a bit more detail about shortly.
Inspired an Interest in Genealogy Both with the launch of Family Preserves and finding more information on the families within our tree, there has been an increased interest among family members, that had not seemed interested in the preceding (20) years. The results . . .
Photos Largely due to 50th wedding anniversary that my Aunt and Uncle celebrated in April 2013, my other Aunt went through boxes and boxes of photos an slides. She came across old family albums that my Grandmother had put together and other photographic treasures of both my Grandfather’s (KOONS / KRIEBEL) and Grandmother’s (STARR / RAMER) families. And, she thought of me. SCORE!!
Family Interest Okay, my husband and I have been married 27 years and in all that time, I could never get the tiniest morsel of information out of my Father-in-law about his family. But that all changed January 2013. Prior to our visit that January, a cousin of my husband’s reached out to him on FaceBook, my husband hasn’t seen him since they were children. That is another story for another day. However, my husband had the forethought to mention to Jeff, that I was interested in the family history. Jeff responded by taking the time to write down what he knew – dates, times, places, names, etc. – scanned his scribbled notes and sent them to us. SCORE!!
With that start I was able to start filling in the leaves and branches with the MEYERS / ZEISSLER / STULTZ / VAN BUSKIRK and PATTERSON Families. When we arrived in Pennsylvania for our visit, I shared with my Father-in-law what I had recently learned and that my husband and I were going to make a point of visiting the cemeteries where my husband’s ancestors were buried; first we needed to Google the cemeteries and get the addresses for our GPS. My Father-in-law said, there is no need, I’ll take you and maybe afterward, if you’d like, I’ll show around where I grew up. Yes, I’d like very much. SCORE!!
More Interest On the other side of the family, I was both surprised and pleased when I received an email from my Uncle, he had come across an old photo (circa 1915) of a 4-door sedan convertible filled with KRIEBEL family members. The problem? He didn’t know who any of them were. But he thought of me – the family genealogist. SCORE!!
Ancestor Pages If you’ve read my post Family / Genealogy Addict you’ll note that back in the beginning of 2013 one symptom of my addiction was watching the many and varied genealogy tutorials that were out there on YouTube. One such tutorial, presented by Crista Cowan, was on creating an Ancestor Page on FaceBook. I created two.
One Mystery Solved (sort of) Well, one of many. As we genealogists know, there is a never ending supply of mysteries.
As mentioned earlier I was researching the McLEAN’s a collateral line through marriage. My Grandmother’s sister, Jane Ann (aka Jennie) BEARDSELL married Stanley McLEAN in 1908. When I started my research on this line, I knew that they had one son together, Ralph. I was able to follow the family through the 1910 census but after that . . .
I also knew that Jennie had remarried in 1928; her second husband, William J BROWN, Sr and Jennie had one son together, William J BROWN, Jr. And, I was able to follow the BROWNs in the 1930 and 1940 U.S. Federal Census. Jennie (BEARDSELL) BROWN died 10 February 1940 in Camden Township, Camden, New Jersey. Jennie’s death certificate indicated that she was interred at the Magnolia Cemetery located in the Tacony section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A call to the cemetery office and I learn that Jennie is buried along side her first husband Stanley McLEAN; Stanley died 20 years later in 1963. But, between 1910 and 1930 where in the world was Jennie McLEAN?
I did find Ralph living with his McLEAN Grandparents in Philadelphia on the 1920 census. I located Stanley McLEAN living in New Jersey, listed as a border, but for the life of me, I could not locate Jennie. Where in the World was Jennie McLEAN?
Not having any other leads, I started searching newspaper. However, I didn’t have any specifics to go on, so what did I do? I focused on the years that Jennie went missing, 1911 – 1930, and I searched paper after paper; page after page in both New Jersey and Philadelphia. My genealogybank.com subscription proved helpful here. And, many hours and days later, I found . . .
Stanley McLEAN arrested for assault and Battery and Disertion of his wife and three minor children. Wait, huh, three children? Okay, I knew about Ralph, but who are the other two? But then I remembered that Bill BROWN (Jennie and William BROWN Sr.’s son) had sent me a copy of a Family Tree that he had worked on more than 30 years ago. I got it out and Ralph and Leah McLEAN were listed as Jennie and Stanley’s children. Okay, two down and one to go. Then I remembered that there was a picture in the collection of old family photos; the picture was of my Grandmother’s and Jennie’s brother, George with a little girl – Edna McLEAN! All three children accounted for, yet I didn’t know anything about them and I still hadn’t found Jennie. Where in the World was Jennie McLEAN?
What I think I know today. . .
Leah and Edna McLEAN – I found them on the 1920 U.S. Federal Census living in the Clovernook Children’s Home in Philadelphia
Enda McLEAN – I’ve located a marriage record for Edna that indicates she married Edwin Stanley Ervin on 5 October 1935. This has been my most recent find, I just ordered a copy of the document using familysearch.org’s Family History Library Photo Duplication Request Form. The email I received this morning from the Family History Library indicates that I will have a 4 – 6 week wait. 
Leah - I still haven’t found her anywhere other than in the 1920 U.S. Federal Census.
While none of this is ‘proven’ I am confident that I am on the right track. So, I feel this is a SCORE!!
and lastly . . .
Another collateral line that I’ve delved into just before Christmas is the COSTELLO family. Again, I don’t directly descend from this line, but my Grandmother’s second husband, Edward P COSTELLO was well loved and respected by his daughter and two step-sons. His one step-son, my Dad, specifically asked if I would see what I could find on Ed and the COSTELLO family.
With the exception of Ed’s given name, which I have not been able to nail down – is it Edward Pierce; Pierce or Percy – you can read about that mystery here Crap!! I’ve had some luck . . .
Marriage record for parents (copy recently ordered)
Passport Application w/photo for brother
Philadelphia Passenger List – 1887 Arrival
U.S. Federal Census Records (1900 – 1910)
Death / Obituary Records for Parents
SCORE!!
Okay, so what are my goals for the coming year?
Blog Posts To be specific, more frequent posting.
My struggle this past year has been to post on a regular basis. I have had no problem writing about my research; in truth I have found that to be a successful methodology for me – I’d chronologically go through my research process; documents found; information the documents seemed to corroborate or refute; questions that the documents raised; and the like. This process helped me focus on what I was missing and where I needed to go from there.
Nor do have a problem with blogging about my successes and disappointments. But, what I do struggle with is blogging when there (seemingly) isn’t much to say. I am not good at short ‘chat / FaceBook’ size snippets. And, these past few months – really since November 2013 – my research, as I said at the beginning, has slowed considerably and until recently, it has been a struggle to get back into the tree and posting again on Family Preserves.
I would love to hear from other bloggers . . .
How do you blog daily / frequently when you’re going through a lull or burnout? Or . . .
Do you just blog when you have something to share?
The goal of blogging is to not only document family stories and research but also to get that information out there as ‘cousin bait.’ Right? But, do you worry that if you’re not blogging daily? Am I putting too much pressure on myself thinking about this?
Continued Education
Rootstech 2013 & 2014 This year I discovered Rootstech 2013 and 2014 webinars. I worked my way through all of them. And, I enjoyed them for their tips, tricks and stories.
LiveStream Tutorials I very rarely miss my very favorite genealogist, Crista Cowan’s Tuesday and Thursday tutorials. And, if I do, I catch them on the ancestry.com YouTube Channel. I cannot say enough about the depth and breadth of information that Crista puts out weekly on how to climb your family tree and how to pursue the research of your ancestors. If you have not seen her presentations, I highly recommend them. You can find the schedule for her LiveStream events here Barefoot Genealogist and the link to ancestry.com’s YouTube channel is here ancestry.com Channel.
Google Earth a year ago, I discovered Lisa Louise Cooke and her book “The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox” and her two CD’s “Google Earth Volume 1” and “Google Earth Volume 2.” Okay, I am not tech saavy, so I have been procrastinating . . . I haven’t yet installed the program on my computer. Since then, I have discovered Eric Stitt’s blog Genealogy Through Google Earth. I love 
the idea of mapping out my ancestor’s migration and so much more. Note to self, you must get this on the computer and start using it.!
National Genealogical Society (NGS) 2014 Family History Conference I will be attending my very first genealogy conference of any kind. The NGS conference this year will be held in Richmond, VA – just 2 hours from where I currently make my home. I am so looking forward to it.
All in all Family Preserves has had a good first year and I look forward to what next year will bring . . .
Bring on the ‘cousins!’
Bring on the collaboration!
Bring on more tips and tricks!
Bring on the stories and discoveries!
Bring on the genealogy victories!
I have enjoyed this past year with Family Preserves and its successes, I truly hope you, the reader, have enjoyed the stories and that you’ll continue visiting in the coming year.
Thank you, Tracy
22 January 2014
Crap!
Mmm hmm, that about sums it up.
I have found myself saying that all too often these past few days. Let me explain. . .
Background: Edith, my paternal grandmother made every effort to conceal her history. However, I learned a good portion of what I know about my grandparents while perched on her lap.
As a child, knee-high to a grasshopper, I would travel with my grandparents to their summer home in Tioga County, Pennsylvania; a five hour drive from where we lived in Montgomery County. I would often fall asleep listening to my grandparents reminisce about their life and days gone by. Gram thought I was too young to understand or remember, so she felt safe in holding an open discussion with my grandfather. It is where I learned that my Great Grandmother had died when Gram was two; where I learned that Gram had been married three times; where I learned that my Great Grandfather was something of a renowned rugby player; where I learned that my father was actually the son of Gram’s third husband. I intuitively knew that the stories I heard were not to be discussed and nor should I ask questions. The opportunity to do both would come in my late teens and early adulthood.
When I gave birth to my oldest son in 1988, I realized I was serious about documenting the genealogy of our family, I wanted my children to know of their Great Grandparents and their stories. Without going into the sordid details here, my personal decision was not to document my adopted siblings. So, initially I was only going to document my direct line. But as I listened to the stories and information that my Uncle Art and Dad shared with me, I realized that they both held the man who raised them as his own in their hearts with much love, affection, respect and esteem, that I – because of my love for them – had to document the man they called Dad; I grew up calling him Pop-Pop.
Brief Biography: Pop-Pop was known by his family – that is, my Grandmother, my Dad, my Uncle and my Aunt - as Edward P COSTELLO. His parents were Pierce COSTELLO and Nora(h) KENNEDY. He had three siblings, Mary was born in Ireland, June 1886. Date of death is currently unknown. Henry was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 12 January1889 and died 27 June 1889; Joseph, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 14 July 1890. Date of death is currently unknown.
A year or so ago, my Dad gave me Pop-Pop’s birth certificate [1]. Notice anything amiss? 
The child’s given name – Pierce COSTELLO. No middle name or initial on the document. Not really a big deal; we knew Pop-pop, as I said, as Edward P(ierce) COSTELLO and it was believed that he was named after his father. But then . . .
Research: The 1900 US Federal Census [2]
Crap! Percy? Everything else matches, but . . . Percy? And, still no middle name or initial. Okay, Google, what do you have for me? While I did not find anything definitive, I did find that Percy could be a nickname for Pierce. So is Percy COSTELLO, Pierce / Edward COSTELLO? The parents match. The siblings match. His date of and location of birth match. But . . .
Wanting to be sure, I decided to stop there and do a little more research on his parents, Pierce and Nora(h) and his siblings. First, I located Henry’s death certificate [3]
and, I located both a death certificate [4] and obituary for Nora(h) [5]
Norah (KENNEDY) COSTELLO, date of birth: 8 June 1852*, date of death: 7 May 1912. The informant listed on the death certificate was her son, Joseph K. COSTELLO.
* The death certificate provides her date of birth, as noted above as 8 June 1852 and her age as 49 years, 10 months and 4 days. This however, was in direct conflict with the information I had - the 1900 U.S. Federal census enumerates her birth as August 1862. Using the Family Tree Maker 2014 Date Calculator Tool, I entered in the date of the ‘Known Event;’ the date of Death and Norah’s ‘age at the time of the event;’ 49 years, 10 months and 4 days. The date calculator calculated Norah’s date of birth as 3 July 1862. I believe the birth year on the death certificate (1852) is in error. It should be 1862. June / July – I’ll not quibble over a month.
Transcription: COSTELLO – 7th inst. Norah K COSTELLO widow of Pierce COSTELLO relatives and friends invited to funeral Friday 8:30 a.m. residence, 1725 N 29th Street High Mass at church of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord. 10 a.m. Interment private, Holy Cross
and an obituary for Pierce. [6]
Transcription: COSTELLO – On December 17, 1910, Pierce COSTELLO, beloved husband of Norah COSTELLO. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral, on Wednesday morning, at 8:30 o’clock, from his late residence 2044 N 29th Street. High requiem mass in the church of the Most Precious Blood at 10 o’clock precisely. Internment in Holy Cross Cemetery.
The Holy Cross cemetery, where both Pierce and Norah are buried is located in Yeadon, Delaware County, PA. On 2 December 2013, I wrote a letter to the cemetery and inquired after any information / records they may have on both Pierce and Norah COSTELLO.
And, on 12 December 2013 the Cemetery replied.[7] Pierce was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, Delaware County, Pennsylvania on 2 December 1910 in Section Q; range 8; lot 32; grave 4; 8. Norah was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, Delaware County, Pennsylvania on 8 May 1912, in Section Q; range 8; lot 32; grave 4; 6. Neither Pierce or Norah have a headstone or marker.
Crap! No further information and the Lot List from Holy Cross Cemetery lists Pierce’s internment as 2 December 1910, however, the 20 December 1910 Philadelphia Inquirer obituary records his date of death as 17 December 1910. I need to find the death certificate!
Noting that both obituaries indicated that a High Requiem Mass would be held in the church of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord, consulted Google and learned that the church was formerly located at 28th and Diamond Streets, Philadelphia, PA. It was in operation from 1907 – 1993. And, that its spiritual records are kept at Saint Martin de Porres Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
On 2 December I wrote to Saint Martin de Porres Church and inquired about the possibility of obtaining copies of spiritual records that they might hold on Pierce, Norah and the COSTELLO family. This past Monday, 20 January, I received a letter from Elaine, Secretery, Saint Martin de Porres. The opening sentence . . .
“Dear Tracy, I was not able to locate any sacrament records for your family members . . .
Crap! Nothing! Nada! Zip! Zilch! Zero! On the COSTELLO family. But, wait! Elaine goes on to say . . .
“Most Precious Blood of Our Lord opened a couple years before Pierce’s funeral, 1907, it was not open during the time the children would have been baptized.”
“The family may have been attending Mass at Saint Columba’s for a time before Most Precious Blood of Our Lord was open, it was an ‘Irish’ ethnic parish. Saint Columba opened in 1895, too late for the children’s baptisms to have been done at that church, but long enough to have been their parish.”
A glimmer of hope . . . maybe? So back to Google . . .
Crap! Saint Columba Parish is currently known in Philadelphia as Saint Martin de Porres. Again, we are back to no family records; no information!
But wait! The Registration of Deaths in the city of Philadelphia [8] recorded that Henry was buried at Saint Mary’s.
Okay, I am beginning to feel that searching Google is like playing and trying to win the lottery; they are both a crap shoot. Google brought me to Find a Grave; here is what I learned about Saint Mary’s. [9]
St. Mary's Cemetery was located at 11th and Moore Streets in South Philadelphia. According to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's website, this cemetery was loosely associated with Old Saint Mary's Church, located at 4th and Spruce Streets in Olde City, although the majority of the people buried in this cemetery were residents of South Philadelphia and not necessarily members of the parish.
In May 1899, St. Mary's Cemetery (located at 13th and Budd {now Spruce} Streets), a second cemetery belonging to the aforementioned church, was sold and bodies that were not claimed were then moved to the New Saint Mary's Cemetery at 11th and Moore. This cemetery was active from the 1840s until the 1880s. By 1910, the cemetery was neglected and a fire (date unknown) destroyed the cemetery records. The bodies in Saint Mary's were re-interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, Delaware County, PA in a mass grave. In the 1950's, St. Maria Goretti High School for Girls (now Neumann-Goretti Catholic High School) was built on the site.
Handwritten transcriptions from tombstones were transcribed into a copybook, which can be found at the Archdiocesan Historical Research Center in Wynnewood, Delaware County, PA. Also, some burial records from the years 1844-1850, 1851-1859 and 1859-1878 survived. [8]
Crap! The cemetery was neglected; a fire destroyed the cemetery records; the bodies were re-interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in a mass grave. Stymied again.
Crap! Crap! Crap! Cr . . .! While I am reasonably sure that Pierce COSTELLO; aka Percy COSTELLO; aka Edward P COSTELLO are one and the same, I was hoping to find something a bit more tangible to ‘hang my hat’ on. What are your thoughts on this?
This hasn’t been an exhaustive search; but, I’m exhausted. Finding information, documents, records, stories, etc. are what give you the adrenalin rush. When you don’t find those things; when your research is foiled by fires and church closures . . . it’s draining – emotionally / physically.
Is it odd that I am so invested? I would love to hear your stories; how do you deal with the research disappointments?
_______________________________________________
Sources:
- Pennsylvania, Department of Public Health, Birth Certificate, Division of Vital Statistics, Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, 1900 U.S. Census, Population Schedule, Digital, Images, familysearch.org, https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12124-140298-2?cc=1325221&wc=M94B-KQX:1561426785 : 1900
- Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, Philadelphia City Death Certificates, Images, familysearch.org, https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11599-10383-67?cc=1320976&wc=MMRX-2GM:n1001805491 : 1803 - 1915
- Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, Philadelphia City Death Certificate, Images, familysearch.org, https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11060-121073-64?cc=1320976&wc=MMRX-K85:1030069461 : 1803 – 1915
- Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Inquirer, Volume 166, Issue 129, Page 17, Images, genealogybank.com, http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/newspapers/doc/v2:110C9BFA1F116650@GBNEWS-115C644BE278C0B8@2419531-115C644F76685070@18-115C64597A7721F0@/?search_terms=Costello%7CNorah&s_dlid=DL0114012313371811906&s_ecproduct=SUB-Y-6995-R.IO-30&s_ecprodtype=RENEW-A-R&s_trackval=&s_siteloc=&s_referrer=&s_subterm=Subscription%20until%3A%2004%2F12%2F2014&s_docsbal=%20&s_subexpires=04%2F12%2F2014&s_docstart=&s_docsleft=&s_docsread=&s_username=themeyers4@cox.net&s_accountid=AC0112031318192710064&s_upgradeable=no : Wednesday, 8 May 1912
- Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Inquirer, Volume 163, Issue 173, page 7, Images, genealogybank.com, http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/newspapers/doc/v2:110C9BFA1F116650@GBNEWS-1128F9A1F20B18A0@2419026-1128F9A4D9017188@6-1128F9ADA4AB6BB0@/?search_terms=Costello%7CPierce&s_dlid=DL0114012313482315917&s_ecproduct=SUB-Y-6995-R.IO-30&s_ecprodtype=RENEW-A-R&s_trackval=&s_siteloc=&s_referrer=&s_subterm=Subscription%20until%3A%2004%2F12%2F2014&s_docsbal=%20&s_subexpires=04%2F12%2F2014&s_docstart=&s_docsleft=&s_docsread=&s_username=themeyers4@cox.net&s_accountid=AC0112031318192710064&s_upgradeable=no : Tuesday, 20 December 1910
- Holy Cross Cemetery Office (Yeadon, Pennsylvania) to Tracy L Meyers. Lot Inquiry List. 2013
- Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Death Certificates, 1803 – 1915, Index and Images, Family Search, https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12896-159494-4?cc=1320976&wc=MMRX-V5W:n923836804
- Find A Grave, Cemetery Lookup, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2288414 : 22 January 2014
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