Ahh, genealogy. I am one proud child of my merchant marine.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/liberty-image49.jpg
http://www.armed-guard.com/about-mm.html
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Wordless Wednesday: Liberty Ship of the Merchant Marines
According to the paperwork I have from the United States Maritime Service and the discharge certificate, my dad was on this ship on this day.
Ahh, genealogy. I am one proud child of my merchant marine.
Sources:
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/liberty-image49.jpg
http://www.armed-guard.com/about-mm.html
Ahh, genealogy. I am one proud child of my merchant marine.
Sources:
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/liberty-image49.jpg
http://www.armed-guard.com/about-mm.html
Monday, November 13, 2017
Military Monday: Sailing the Ocean Blue with the Merchant Marines
During the early days of World War II, my own special veteran papa, was part of the Merchant Marines. I never really thought much about it. I knew he had his first mate's papers and I knew he thoroughly enjoyed being on the water.
The Merchant Marines. Well, this is quite interesting. It wasn't until after my dad's death that the military decided these brave men who sailed the seas for our country during a time of war could be considered veterans. As the Merchant Marines lost a greater per capita number of men than the US Armed Forces did during World War II, I found it astonishing that they weren't acknowledged as veterans until 1988.
 |
| Atlantic Trader, States Marine Co, WWII |
The Atlantic Trader of the States Marine Co was just one of the boats on which he served. The captain during his trip to the French North Africa was a Captain S. Glenn. Of interest in my reading is finding that the SS Keystone was torpedoed on a trip to North Africa at the same time my dad was on the Atlantic Trader. Were they part of the same mission which had 45 merchant ships and 7 escorts? I think I have more research to do.
I remember him talking about how they were gunrunners during the early war, but they weren't allowed to defend themselves. Instead, they had Navy escorts when they trudged over the sea. Although he told one of his cousins (who later told me) that it was really a cushy little job, he apparently tired of comments by those for whom he was running merchandize and men around. So, after one trip ended, he tried to join the Navy. They wouldn't take him. Why? I don't know.
He ended up talking with the Army who told them that they, the Army, also had boats. That did it for him. He joined up and spent the next twenty some odd years walking everywhere since he ended up in the Infantry. Isn't that a kicker? Now, to be honest, he did spend some time in the Phillipines ferrying some men and some generals around.
Back to now--- I have been watching the World War II stories on my local PBS station and been amazed and horrified at the conditions these brave men fought. One of them said that they weren't heroes. Only the ones under the white crosses at Normandy qualified for that honor. No, they were just survivors.
I think my dad felt that way as he told a sibling of mine that we should never forget all those brave fallen men. My dad couldn't forget them. And I can't forget my dad.
Ahh, genealogy. A great big hug and thanks to all who served our country. Papa was right. We can't forget.
Sources:
http://www.statesmarinelines.com/index.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Merchant_Marine
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Census Sunday: He's Not in the Navy, He's in the Naval Militia!
Ever spend time looking and reviewing the information you have collected over the years? I did just that on Veteran's Day, and did I get a surprise!
Some ten years ago or more, I spent time at the National Archives and was able to find, touch with my prettily gloved hands, and get copies of both my grandfathers' World War I draft cards. One draft card was not a surprise as I knew that grandpa was in the Army 11th Infantry and was wounded in the Battle of the Argonne in 1918.
On the other hand, here was the surprise. The draft card for my other grandpa said Navy? He had military service? And no one living today knew this?
Two of his grandchildren have tried to get information on the Navy service from NARA with no luck. The consensus was his records were destroyed in the 1973 fire which destroyed so many of nation's veterans military records. Dead end?
Maybe not.
Since the recent announcement that the NARA folks at the St Louis facility where the fire was have been trying to reconstruct some of the files, my interest resurfaced. I have even had word that two people I know did ask a second time and their grandfather's records were rescued, restored, marked with a "B" for burn file and delivered. Could I get this lucky?
I pulled up his draft card again just yesterday and realized that something was off. The draft card was signed in 1917 and indicates he had already served four years as a Seaman. So, he wasn't in World War I? He served before that time.
Read closer and now I see something else. Notice the branch. It says Navy Militia? What was that?
Militia groups formed by states in our nation's early days are not new. I just didn't realize that the practice was common in the early 1900s. Before and during the Spanish-American War, South Carolina reactivated the use of a Naval Militia in 1892 to guard its coast. Apparently, this group of volunteers stayed active as the last group was mustered in, May 1907.
What jumps off this page is the mention of Lieut. SB MCCLAREY. He was the older brother-in-law of my grandfather. Bingo. It makes sense.
Grandpa, a young impressionable late teen, was impressed with his more worldly brother-in-law, who had served in the Spanish-American War, probably jumped at the chance to join up with the Militia as one of the 172 elite men.
The Naval Militia was disbanded at the beginning of World War I as our nation started its own Naval Reserves. On a sidenote, the Militia was reestablished in 2003 and is now recognized at the Federal level.
Now, I just need to find the names of the enlisted volunteers to prove this. I suspect the records may be at the South Carolina Archives.
Ahh genealogy. Isn't it a grand day for a voyage!
Sources:
http://www.sixthfleet.com/newsletter/news10.htm
https://books.google.com/books?id=INblAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA39&lpg=PA39&dq=2nd+Division+SC+Naval+Militia&source=bl&ots=4k6VrlYiVZ&sig=VhdGKXT5AI-BQF_Op04qKP0F8pk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjfiKbfmbfXAhUJ7IMKHTdSAe8Q6AEIYjAL#v=onepage&q=2nd%20Division%20SC%20Naval%20Militia&f=false
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YTC-S1TF?i=3627&cc=1968530
©2017 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Wordless Wednesday: Remembering Pittsburgh Boys of World War I
As we stop and think about Veteran's Day and what it means to all of our brave men and women who have fought and who are fighting for this wonderful country of ours, perhaps now is a good time to read some articles from the past. How can it be that it has been 100 years since America entered World War I?
These articles were printed in the Gazette Times, one of Pittsburgh's newspapers, and authored by Charles J Doyle. The articles have been transcribed and can be seen on the Pittsburgh Old Newspaper Project.
Take some time and catch a glimpse of what these brave soldiers did for us.
Here's just a snippet to get you thirsty for more...
OFFICER TELLS THRILLING TALE OF BATTLE
Lieut. Lewis Describes a Bayonet Clash – Small Yank Kills Giant Hun.
BOCHE BARBAROUS
And another snippet....
HOME BOYS GET PICTURE MADE
Members of Three Hundred Nineteenth Infantry Glad to Pose for Photo
YANKS IN GOOD TRIM
Headquarters, Eightieth Division, Jan. 18. – (By Mail) – Although the plucky members of the Eightieth Division had their full share of the hard fighting that marked the last days of the great war there were in such excellent condition that they recuperated quickly when they reached rest billets. A few days after the signing of the armistice a camera man of the Signal Corps, A. E. F., United States Army, visited Florent, an Argonne Forest town, and Nineteenth Infantry was stationed, and made the accompanying photograph for me.
The eagerness with which the Western Pennsylvania doughboys gathered when it was noised about that a picture was to be taken for publication “back home” proved that they were as full of “pep” as ever. They had completed a march of approximately 26 miles just a short time before, but nobody who heard about the photographer’s visit in time failed to “get in the bunch.” They had been out of line only a short time, but every looked snappy and happy. A French officer and some of the village women were asked to pose to give local color.
Pasted Graphic
Here are the names of the home boys in the picture. Pick ‘em out yourself......
Ahh, genealogy. How many names. How much suffering. And continuing prayers from a grateful nation.
These articles were printed in the Gazette Times, one of Pittsburgh's newspapers, and authored by Charles J Doyle. The articles have been transcribed and can be seen on the Pittsburgh Old Newspaper Project.
Take some time and catch a glimpse of what these brave soldiers did for us.
Here's just a snippet to get you thirsty for more...
OFFICER TELLS THRILLING TALE OF BATTLE
Lieut. Lewis Describes a Bayonet Clash – Small Yank Kills Giant Hun.
BOCHE BARBAROUS
Washington, Pa., Oct. 19. – Buried alive half an hour in a trench along the Marne River and alive to tell the tale is but one of the thrilling experiences of Lieut. James A. “Pud” Lewis, of Elizabeth, Pa., and former Washington and Jefferson college student, recently returned from the French battle front.
Lieut. Lewis left college in his senior year at the declaration of war in April, 1917, and enlisted as a private with Company H of the old Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard. In his company he was promoted to corporal, sergeant and mess sergeant. He was then sent to the officers’ training school, won a second lieutenancy, and was assigned to Company B of the One Hundred and Ninth Infantry, a Philadelphia regiment, with which he has won high honor and promotion to first lieutenancy. He tells a story of a marvelous bayonet fight.......
Lieut. Lewis left college in his senior year at the declaration of war in April, 1917, and enlisted as a private with Company H of the old Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard. In his company he was promoted to corporal, sergeant and mess sergeant. He was then sent to the officers’ training school, won a second lieutenancy, and was assigned to Company B of the One Hundred and Ninth Infantry, a Philadelphia regiment, with which he has won high honor and promotion to first lieutenancy. He tells a story of a marvelous bayonet fight.......
HOME BOYS GET PICTURE MADE
Members of Three Hundred Nineteenth Infantry Glad to Pose for Photo
YANKS IN GOOD TRIM
Headquarters, Eightieth Division, Jan. 18. – (By Mail) – Although the plucky members of the Eightieth Division had their full share of the hard fighting that marked the last days of the great war there were in such excellent condition that they recuperated quickly when they reached rest billets. A few days after the signing of the armistice a camera man of the Signal Corps, A. E. F., United States Army, visited Florent, an Argonne Forest town, and Nineteenth Infantry was stationed, and made the accompanying photograph for me.
The eagerness with which the Western Pennsylvania doughboys gathered when it was noised about that a picture was to be taken for publication “back home” proved that they were as full of “pep” as ever. They had completed a march of approximately 26 miles just a short time before, but nobody who heard about the photographer’s visit in time failed to “get in the bunch.” They had been out of line only a short time, but every looked snappy and happy. A French officer and some of the village women were asked to pose to give local color.
Pasted Graphic
Here are the names of the home boys in the picture. Pick ‘em out yourself......
Ahh, genealogy. How many names. How much suffering. And continuing prayers from a grateful nation.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Wordless Wednesday: Irma and Me
Watching the forecast being refined as the mainland United States awaits the arrival of Hurricane Irma is stimulating. Whether you are in the path or close to the projected path of the largest recorded hurricane in history, the eyes of the country are watching and leaving us all pretty much wordless as we just recently witnessed the arrival of Harvey.
I have only known one Irma in my life and that was my second cousin, once removed. Irma M WENZEL was the daughter of William Henry WENZEL(1870-1951) and Sadie Emma SIMMONS(1872-1944.) The WENZEL family had a farm on Wenzel Rd in Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA. I guess I should say it is closer to the Mt Lebanon area. Anyway, they had a farm and older cousins would relay tales of stopping by and grabbing fruit off the trees, even if they didn't go up to the house to see cousin William and Sadie. As expected from those who know my heart and roots, both William and Sadie are buried at my family cemetery, the St Clair Cemetery, on Scott Rd in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
Seeing the name Hurricane Irma brought memories of my Irma back to me. Irma was born in May 1904 and died in Sept. 1987. I only met her a couple of times when we would make the trek up to Pittsburgh to see my dad's aunt. When we would visit, my sweet great-aunt would throw open the doors and tons (or so it seemed to me) of cousins would appear for various dinners.
Irma and her husband, Robert F ALGEO, would be two of the many guests dining on food, family lore and memories of the past. I remember Irma and Robert well. Robert was a salesman for the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco to you and me) and was considered to be a big joker. He loved to tease and he loved to tease me. He told me one time he would give me a nickel if I would get him more tea. I replied that I thought the Yankees would be big spenders and that didn't qualify as one in my world. Many roars of laughter erupted that day!
Irma was a typist, played piano and had horses and a big Eskimo type dog. Sweet Irma.
Robert and Irma had no children. Her one sister, Margaret Emma WENZEL, did not marry to my knowledge. So that line is gone. In fact, I lose track of Margaret after the 1940 census where is still single and living with sister Irma and brother-in-law Robert.
Ahhh, genealogy. The winds of the past are swirling in my head. Rest sweetly Irma.
I have only known one Irma in my life and that was my second cousin, once removed. Irma M WENZEL was the daughter of William Henry WENZEL(1870-1951) and Sadie Emma SIMMONS(1872-1944.) The WENZEL family had a farm on Wenzel Rd in Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA. I guess I should say it is closer to the Mt Lebanon area. Anyway, they had a farm and older cousins would relay tales of stopping by and grabbing fruit off the trees, even if they didn't go up to the house to see cousin William and Sadie. As expected from those who know my heart and roots, both William and Sadie are buried at my family cemetery, the St Clair Cemetery, on Scott Rd in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.
Seeing the name Hurricane Irma brought memories of my Irma back to me. Irma was born in May 1904 and died in Sept. 1987. I only met her a couple of times when we would make the trek up to Pittsburgh to see my dad's aunt. When we would visit, my sweet great-aunt would throw open the doors and tons (or so it seemed to me) of cousins would appear for various dinners.
Irma and her husband, Robert F ALGEO, would be two of the many guests dining on food, family lore and memories of the past. I remember Irma and Robert well. Robert was a salesman for the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco to you and me) and was considered to be a big joker. He loved to tease and he loved to tease me. He told me one time he would give me a nickel if I would get him more tea. I replied that I thought the Yankees would be big spenders and that didn't qualify as one in my world. Many roars of laughter erupted that day!
Irma was a typist, played piano and had horses and a big Eskimo type dog. Sweet Irma.
Robert and Irma had no children. Her one sister, Margaret Emma WENZEL, did not marry to my knowledge. So that line is gone. In fact, I lose track of Margaret after the 1940 census where is still single and living with sister Irma and brother-in-law Robert.
Ahhh, genealogy. The winds of the past are swirling in my head. Rest sweetly Irma.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Friday, August 25, 2017
Death in Homestead Cemetery in Allegheny County, PA
It's a sad day. I just saw a news report from Pittsburgh, PA, that the Homestead Cemetery in Munhall is dead. No owner. No burials. Just a very sad forgotten 34 acre burial site of long ago Allegheny County.
My heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who have taken the time out to try and take care of the grounds. If I was in the area, I would be there as well.
Before the cemetery is forced to completely die and its fate decided by the powers that be, I call upon the genealogy groups in the Western PA area to document as much as you can. Currently, the records that still exist can be found at the West Mifflin Historical Society. Unless it has changed, the records are not available to the public. Can this be changed?
According to FindaGrave, about 44% of the gravestones have been photographed and over 7000 graves are identified.
I am sure there are more. Wish I could dig them up before the information is lost forever.
Ahh, genealogy. Such a sad day for a death.
Read more here: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/tag/homestead-cemetery/
My heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who have taken the time out to try and take care of the grounds. If I was in the area, I would be there as well.
Before the cemetery is forced to completely die and its fate decided by the powers that be, I call upon the genealogy groups in the Western PA area to document as much as you can. Currently, the records that still exist can be found at the West Mifflin Historical Society. Unless it has changed, the records are not available to the public. Can this be changed?
According to FindaGrave, about 44% of the gravestones have been photographed and over 7000 graves are identified.
I am sure there are more. Wish I could dig them up before the information is lost forever.
Ahh, genealogy. Such a sad day for a death.
Read more here: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/tag/homestead-cemetery/
©2017 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Wordless Wednesday: The Examiner of the Past
Learning about the genealogy of the family and then learning what some of the old folks accomplished during their time has resulted in me learning much more about our country and its early politics. We all studied the basics in school about bank failures, who was President and what their main accomplishments were, the wars, states rights and so much more we have forgotten. For me, seeing the early history of our land in context with my family has me digging for more knowledge.
So, on this very cold Wednesday which is also the birth date of President Andrew JACKSON, allow me to sit and read how cousin Condy RAGUET connected with him in the politics of the past.
It gets quite wordy in The Examiner, and Journal of Political Economy; Devoted to the Advancement of the Cause of State Rights and Free Trade edited by RAGUET. Some of the issues can be read online. So enjoy!
 |
| President Andrew Jackson declares war against South Carolina in 1834 |
Ah, genealogy. States rights, bank failures and free trade disagreements. Still in heated discussions after over two hundred years of American history.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
https://books.google.com/books?id=AftOAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA13&dq=andrew+jackson+condy+raguet&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=4#v=onepage&q=simmons&f=false
https://books.google.com/books?id=AftOAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA13&dq=andrew+jackson+condy+raguet&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=4#v=onepage&q=andrew%20jackson&f=false
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Tombstone Tuesday: Keziah and her Beau Go West to Look for Gold
It's another cold, blustery day outside, which makes it perfect to stroll through some old cemeteries.
Today, I found the tombstone of Daniel Howe SIMMONS (1829-1922) in River View Cemetery in Portland, Multnomah, Oregon. This confused me for a moment as his death certificate indicates burial at the IOOF Greenwood Cemetery. First question is: what is IOOF? The IOOF is the Odd Fellows Organization that was founded with the thought of giving aid to those who need it without needing recognition, in addition to other beliefs.
Apparently, they had quite the following out west and had burial spots for their members. Both Daniel, and his wife, Keziah KLINGENSMITH (1823-1907), are buried in their cemeteries-- and in two different states. Daniel resides in Oregon while Keziah passed away while the couple lived in San Diego, CA in 1907. Keziah was also buried in an IOOF cemetery, although a headstone for her has not yet appeared for me to find.
Daniel was an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution and his bio at Findagrave indicates he was the only (I'm guessing first) member to be buried in Oregon. I found it interesting that his stone includes the information that his dad, my grandpa, served in the American Revolution. Well, yeppers, he did. Daniel was a young teenager when his dad passed in 1843 in Wheeling, WV.
I don't why, but Daniel, along with his mother and siblings, move to Cincinnati, Hamilton, OH, before the 1850 census. Daniel's bride was from western PA, and attempts to find her in the 1850 census in either locale have not been fruitful. Sigh. Their marriage is recorded in 1852 in Hamilton Co, OH.
Daniel and his new bride, Keziah, went to the Pacific Coast in 1852 to search for gold. Alas, while he never struck it rich, his family ties to the American Revolution and to the growth of early America are pure gold.
Rest sweetly, Uncle Daniel.
Ahh, genealogy. Just gotta wonder how Daniel got the middle name of HOWE? Did his dad know him?
Sources:
Findagrave: River View Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah, OR
Photo credit: FriendsofRiverView
Death Certificate for Daniel H Simmons
Obituary of Keziah Simmons
Today, I found the tombstone of Daniel Howe SIMMONS (1829-1922) in River View Cemetery in Portland, Multnomah, Oregon. This confused me for a moment as his death certificate indicates burial at the IOOF Greenwood Cemetery. First question is: what is IOOF? The IOOF is the Odd Fellows Organization that was founded with the thought of giving aid to those who need it without needing recognition, in addition to other beliefs.
Apparently, they had quite the following out west and had burial spots for their members. Both Daniel, and his wife, Keziah KLINGENSMITH (1823-1907), are buried in their cemeteries-- and in two different states. Daniel resides in Oregon while Keziah passed away while the couple lived in San Diego, CA in 1907. Keziah was also buried in an IOOF cemetery, although a headstone for her has not yet appeared for me to find.
 |
| Daniel Howe Simmons |
Daniel was an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution and his bio at Findagrave indicates he was the only (I'm guessing first) member to be buried in Oregon. I found it interesting that his stone includes the information that his dad, my grandpa, served in the American Revolution. Well, yeppers, he did. Daniel was a young teenager when his dad passed in 1843 in Wheeling, WV.
I don't why, but Daniel, along with his mother and siblings, move to Cincinnati, Hamilton, OH, before the 1850 census. Daniel's bride was from western PA, and attempts to find her in the 1850 census in either locale have not been fruitful. Sigh. Their marriage is recorded in 1852 in Hamilton Co, OH.
Daniel and his new bride, Keziah, went to the Pacific Coast in 1852 to search for gold. Alas, while he never struck it rich, his family ties to the American Revolution and to the growth of early America are pure gold.
Rest sweetly, Uncle Daniel.
Ahh, genealogy. Just gotta wonder how Daniel got the middle name of HOWE? Did his dad know him?
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
Findagrave: River View Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah, OR
Photo credit: FriendsofRiverView
Death Certificate for Daniel H Simmons
Obituary of Keziah Simmons
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Three Doors and Five Windows Found in Digitized Homestead Records
It's always a great day when old records are finally available online and at several onsite locations such as the National Archives and the FamilySearch Family History Centers. Today, one of my trusty genealogy buffs sent a notice that the Homestead Final Certificates for the following states have been digitized and available to search:
Arizona
Indiana
Illinois
Nevada
Ohio
Nebraska
It's time to have some fun now to sort through these records to see if any stories are unearthed!
So far, I've enjoyed seeing the statements given. For example:
1) Head of Family
2) United States Citizen
3) Never borne any arms against the government
4)Never given aid to America's enemies
Ahh, genealogy. No sympathy this Saturday, just a day of wondering about the house with 3 doors and 5 windows built around 1865 in Nebraska.
 |
| David P Simmons Homestead |
Indiana
Illinois
Nevada
Ohio
Nebraska
It's time to have some fun now to sort through these records to see if any stories are unearthed!
So far, I've enjoyed seeing the statements given. For example:
1) Head of Family
2) United States Citizen
3) Never borne any arms against the government
4)Never given aid to America's enemies
 |
| William Henry Simmons, 1837 land |
Ahh, genealogy. No sympathy this Saturday, just a day of wondering about the house with 3 doors and 5 windows built around 1865 in Nebraska.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
http://beatricedailysun.com/news/local/state-and-regional/digitized-homestead-records-for-other-states-now-available-online/article_97553f55-c26d-5a2a-8ee2-0161fc35487b.html
Ancestry.com. U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796-1907 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008.
Original data: United States. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records. Automated Records Project; Federal Land Patents, State Volumes. http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/.Springfield, Virginia: Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States, 2007.
Original data: United States. Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records. Automated Records Project; Federal Land Patents, State Volumes. http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/.Springfield, Virginia: Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States, 2007.
Ancestry.com. U.S., Homestead Records, 1861-1908 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
Original data: Land Entry Case Files: Homestead Final Certificates. Record Group 49: Records of the Bureau of Land Management. The National Archives at Washington, D.C.
Original data: Land Entry Case Files: Homestead Final Certificates. Record Group 49: Records of the Bureau of Land Management. The National Archives at Washington, D.C.
Friday, March 10, 2017
Friday Fun: Finding New Magazines of Old To Follow the Past
Ever wonder what the next step is in the quest for finding the family lore, er, history? Sitting and scratching the head while trying to make sense of some newly uncovered finds can certainly be one of them. Then again, finding something to new to look at can just provide the proper incentive to put off that head scratching just one more day.
I literally stumbled on to an announcement that the magazine Western Pennsylvania History has recently updated the issues which are online to read... for free! My little fin fans flew to the site which is on the Penn State Library site to see if there was anything of interest. I just clicked on a random issue from the Spring of 2011 which had the picture of Benjamin FRANKLIN on the cover. After a quick download of the PDF, I sat mesmerized by the article on old Ben gathering wagons to assist in the fight against BRADDOCK.
Deciding to see if there are any issues with any of my kin is an easy leap now. Clicking on Oliver MILLER of the Whiskey Rebellion fame was a success. So now I have to spend some serious hours just reading and absorbing the information.
This may take some time as the issues go back to 1918. As a side note, looking back at one of the 1918 issues, I found a short article on the last public execution in Allegheny Co. The event took place in 1818. To provide a quick summary, John TIERNAN murdered Pat. (Patrick?) CAMPBELL. Not surprising is the acknowledgement of alleged excessive drinking by TIERNAN. Why did I find this of interest?
I, too, am acutely aware of a last hanging-- although the one I am familiar with was in Michigan, involved a man who was known to have been an unpleasant drunk, and was in 1830. Guess we'll talk about that particular story later after I piece together some more details on the chap's young adult life.
Ahh, genealogy. Another Friday to follow the past with the help of friends. Awesome.
I literally stumbled on to an announcement that the magazine Western Pennsylvania History has recently updated the issues which are online to read... for free! My little fin fans flew to the site which is on the Penn State Library site to see if there was anything of interest. I just clicked on a random issue from the Spring of 2011 which had the picture of Benjamin FRANKLIN on the cover. After a quick download of the PDF, I sat mesmerized by the article on old Ben gathering wagons to assist in the fight against BRADDOCK.
Deciding to see if there are any issues with any of my kin is an easy leap now. Clicking on Oliver MILLER of the Whiskey Rebellion fame was a success. So now I have to spend some serious hours just reading and absorbing the information.
 |
| Table of Contents, Winter 1992-1993, Showing Article on Oliver Miller |
This may take some time as the issues go back to 1918. As a side note, looking back at one of the 1918 issues, I found a short article on the last public execution in Allegheny Co. The event took place in 1818. To provide a quick summary, John TIERNAN murdered Pat. (Patrick?) CAMPBELL. Not surprising is the acknowledgement of alleged excessive drinking by TIERNAN. Why did I find this of interest?
I, too, am acutely aware of a last hanging-- although the one I am familiar with was in Michigan, involved a man who was known to have been an unpleasant drunk, and was in 1830. Guess we'll talk about that particular story later after I piece together some more details on the chap's young adult life.
Ahh, genealogy. Another Friday to follow the past with the help of friends. Awesome.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
https://journals.psu.edu/wph/article/view/1172/1020
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Wordless Wednesday: The Road to the White House
It's just one of those days. Sunny with a mild breeze blowing! It's a great day to sit and reflect on my family's journey for the White House. Yes, the White House.
Over the years, digging up the treasures of the family tales has been fascinating. Of course, finding the legal evidence to support the tales is even better. Sometimes, fun facts emerge from the research.
Take, for instance, my dad's bloodline. Take the history of this great land and look at the government. Locate the names of my blood who have served this land, either in the White House or as employees who directly served our nation's presidents. Just last week, it dawned on me that I can document personal connections to 10 United States presidents. TEN!
Some of these connections can be read about by looking back at old blog entries of mine. Some of them have yet to be discussed. Some of these connections were found in the letters of the Presidents, or in the latter four, their website with pictures!
Here is just a quick summary of the Presidents we have personally known and served:
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Buchanan
Abraham Lincoln
Franklin Roosevelt
Harry Truman
Dwight Eisenhower
John Kennedy
And for fun, my parents had dinner with Miss Lillian, Jimmy Carter's mom, when he was running for the office.
As expected, this short list doesn't include any of the public offices my kin have held over the years. What is probably most interesting is that no one holds any office now. Gotta think about that one.
Want to relive some of these connections?
http://whispersofgenealogypast.blogspot.com/2017/02/friends-friday-uh-mr-president-appoint.html
http://whispersofgenealogypast.blogspot.com/2017/02/wordless-wednesday-eating-with-president.html
http://whispersofgenealogypast.blogspot.com/2016/07/thankful-thursday-vallandigham.html
Perhaps, it's time to revisit some of these connections and see what more is popping up! I expect to jot down some thoughts about John Adams and our connection there soon.
Ahh, genealogy. One little, two little, ten big Presidents! Sit back, and just enjoy the words of the past.
Update: Now evidence has upped the number. Add the following personal connections to:
John Quincy Adams
Andrew Jackson
Ronald Reagan
Over the years, digging up the treasures of the family tales has been fascinating. Of course, finding the legal evidence to support the tales is even better. Sometimes, fun facts emerge from the research.
Take, for instance, my dad's bloodline. Take the history of this great land and look at the government. Locate the names of my blood who have served this land, either in the White House or as employees who directly served our nation's presidents. Just last week, it dawned on me that I can document personal connections to 10 United States presidents. TEN!
Some of these connections can be read about by looking back at old blog entries of mine. Some of them have yet to be discussed. Some of these connections were found in the letters of the Presidents, or in the latter four, their website with pictures!
 |
| Founders Early Access |
Here is just a quick summary of the Presidents we have personally known and served:
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Buchanan
Abraham Lincoln
Franklin Roosevelt
Harry Truman
Dwight Eisenhower
John Kennedy
And for fun, my parents had dinner with Miss Lillian, Jimmy Carter's mom, when he was running for the office.
As expected, this short list doesn't include any of the public offices my kin have held over the years. What is probably most interesting is that no one holds any office now. Gotta think about that one.
Want to relive some of these connections?
http://whispersofgenealogypast.blogspot.com/2017/02/friends-friday-uh-mr-president-appoint.html
http://whispersofgenealogypast.blogspot.com/2017/02/wordless-wednesday-eating-with-president.html
http://whispersofgenealogypast.blogspot.com/2016/07/thankful-thursday-vallandigham.html
Perhaps, it's time to revisit some of these connections and see what more is popping up! I expect to jot down some thoughts about John Adams and our connection there soon.
Ahh, genealogy. One little, two little, ten big Presidents! Sit back, and just enjoy the words of the past.
Update: Now evidence has upped the number. Add the following personal connections to:
John Quincy Adams
Andrew Jackson
Ronald Reagan
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/default.xqy?keys=FOEA-search-1&mode=TOC
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Transcription Tuesday
It's Tuesday and a great day to volunteer to preserve the past! For my part today, instead of Tombstone Tuesday, I will start my Transcription Tuesday! Many, many history groups and genealogy societies are always on the prowl of new transcribers. You may remember the Old Pittsburgh Newspaper Project I ran starting back in 2010. If not, that's ok, because there are still plenty of opportunities to join right in on other ongoing projects.
The group I joined today as a community transcriber is Papers of the War Department, 1784-1800. The group has had volunteer transcribers for 70 months--- so a little less than 6 years.
Why am I interested in helping this group? They have letters. They have letters written to my uncle. They have letters about my uncle. They have scraps of information which may lead me on another quest!
Why is this so important? There was a fire in the office where a majority of these letters were in November 1800. Early American history..poof! Gone in a flash! As the War Department was a major consumer of the government funding in its day, it is appropriate for us all to see how we can help preserve the past today.
If you have a name of interest, or an interest in Indians, American Troops, Court Martials, etc, just log on in and see what is available to see. Or better yet--volunteer!
Or in my case, just enter in two of my uncles' names, sit back and enjoy.
Ahh, genealogy. Reliving the past one letter at a time on that road to the White House.
Sources:
http://wardepartmentpapers.org/index.php
The group I joined today as a community transcriber is Papers of the War Department, 1784-1800. The group has had volunteer transcribers for 70 months--- so a little less than 6 years.
Why am I interested in helping this group? They have letters. They have letters written to my uncle. They have letters about my uncle. They have scraps of information which may lead me on another quest!
Why is this so important? There was a fire in the office where a majority of these letters were in November 1800. Early American history..poof! Gone in a flash! As the War Department was a major consumer of the government funding in its day, it is appropriate for us all to see how we can help preserve the past today.
If you have a name of interest, or an interest in Indians, American Troops, Court Martials, etc, just log on in and see what is available to see. Or better yet--volunteer!
 |
| Papers of the War Department Search |
Or in my case, just enter in two of my uncles' names, sit back and enjoy.
Ahh, genealogy. Reliving the past one letter at a time on that road to the White House.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
http://wardepartmentpapers.org/index.php
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Treasure Chest Thursday: Found the Land Again! And Lost It! Again!
Looking for lost land can be frustrating. Did it exist? Was it lost due to no taxes paid? Was it demolished? No, wait. Obviously, the land itself existed and still does. Who owns it now?
For years, I have been trying to determine what happened to the land in Hanover Row, Portsea, England. This land that was mentioned in my immigrant's 1795 will. This land, that was also mentioned in an 1842 will of John SYMMONS in Portsea.
I've seen maps and determined from kind helpmates over the pond that Hanover Row was demolished in 1874. Now, that is an interesting date. Why?
Just in the last week or so, I found yet another will from a grandson of the 1795 will of John SIMMONS. This grandson, Charles William SIMMONS (1801-1874), will is written in 1871 and it specifically mentions the land in Portsea that he had inherited from his father. By the way, his father was William SIMMONS (d. 1825), appointed by the President, yes, President George WASHINGTON as the accountant for the War Department.
But back to Charles--- his will is written in 1871 while he is still living in Boone Co, Iowa. It is not probated until 1874, when he dies in Lower Lake, Lake, CA.
For whatever reason, Charles thinks he has a share of the land in Portsea and another treasure trove in San Domingo, where his maternal grandfather, Jean Baptiste BERTRAND de LaSTRANGE de LaPOINTE was supposedly given something by the French government after some Revolution? Boy, do I have homework to do!
I still can't find out what happened to the land in Portsea! I guess I need to feel the dirt to finally find it! Who authorized demolishing of Hanover Row? Who agreed? Or was it just done?
Ahh, genealogy. Guess I need to sift that dirt through my fingers before I can really believe I found it. But, wait.... does that mean my share of it is... lying in the grave?
Sources:
Probate Records; Author: California Superior Court (Lake County); Probate Place; Lake, California
For years, I have been trying to determine what happened to the land in Hanover Row, Portsea, England. This land that was mentioned in my immigrant's 1795 will. This land, that was also mentioned in an 1842 will of John SYMMONS in Portsea.
I've seen maps and determined from kind helpmates over the pond that Hanover Row was demolished in 1874. Now, that is an interesting date. Why?
Just in the last week or so, I found yet another will from a grandson of the 1795 will of John SIMMONS. This grandson, Charles William SIMMONS (1801-1874), will is written in 1871 and it specifically mentions the land in Portsea that he had inherited from his father. By the way, his father was William SIMMONS (d. 1825), appointed by the President, yes, President George WASHINGTON as the accountant for the War Department.
 |
| Charles W Simmons, Probated Will in CA |
But back to Charles--- his will is written in 1871 while he is still living in Boone Co, Iowa. It is not probated until 1874, when he dies in Lower Lake, Lake, CA.
 |
| Close up of will documenting the land in question |
For whatever reason, Charles thinks he has a share of the land in Portsea and another treasure trove in San Domingo, where his maternal grandfather, Jean Baptiste BERTRAND de LaSTRANGE de LaPOINTE was supposedly given something by the French government after some Revolution? Boy, do I have homework to do!
I still can't find out what happened to the land in Portsea! I guess I need to feel the dirt to finally find it! Who authorized demolishing of Hanover Row? Who agreed? Or was it just done?
Ahh, genealogy. Guess I need to sift that dirt through my fingers before I can really believe I found it. But, wait.... does that mean my share of it is... lying in the grave?
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
Probate Records; Author: California Superior Court (Lake County); Probate Place; Lake, California
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Wednesday Child: Finding the Family in a Child's Death
Uncovering new leads as one searches for the family tree can lead to times of high excitement as well as to times of sadness. Take, for instance, the death of Helen S SIMMONS in 1904, in Washington, DC.
Who is she? I am not quite sure.....yet.
But I do know her family, because they are my blood as well.
I found little Helen resting at Glenwood Cemetery in Washington, DC, as I was browsing the online images of the burials at FamilySearch.
The dates are a little misleading at FamilySearch. The lists of the dearly departed start in 1878. So for those of us who have so many deaths between the 1854-1877 time frame, it is much harder to dig for the information. I am still digging in the Plat Books, although I suspect it will be over many cups of coffee!
What did surface just last Wednesday was the Burial Card of Helen S SIMMONS. Little Helen died on July 23, 1904, at only 14 months old due to bronchial pneumonia. She was interred in Section Q, Lot 116, Site 1. There are two other tidbits on the card. Her residence, which I haven't tried to follow yet, and wait for it-- The big tidbit is she in buried in the lot of William R SIMMONS.
Now, I do know him! William R SIMMONS is the grandson of David SIMMONS of Philadelphia. This may sound familiar as I have been looking at David, David's final resting spot in Hood Cemetery in Germantown, David's will, and David's descendants over the last two weeks or so.
I know William R SIMMONS had three living siblings in 1853 at the time of his grandfather's will. I know that some of them are buried at Glenwood Cemetery. I know his mother, Elizabeth FENWICK SIMMONS is also buried in the family plot at Glenwood Cemetery.
So far, I have identified the following SIMMONS blood buried in Section Q, Lot 116.
Site 1: Helen S SIMMONS
James SIMMONS
Site 2: John B SIMMONS
Site 3: Elizabeth FENWICK SIMMONS
George Robert SIMMONS
How many sites were in Section Q, Lot 116? Still researching that! It appears to be six burial spots. I suspect William R SIMMONS rests there as well, although I have discovered no proof.
Looking through the Plat Books and using yet another clue on little Helen's burial card, I bring to light the following:
William R SIMMONS purchased the the lots July 10, 1858.
Date of Interment: Person: Age: Site No.
June 9, 1861 James SIMMONS 1
July 26, 1904 Helen S SIMMONS 14mo 1
April 8, 1858 Richard SHAW 2
Dec. 20, 1897 John B SIMMONS 73 2
May 25, 1863 Elizabeth SIMMONS 75 3
Sept. 23, 1920 George R SIMMONS 59 3
Ahh genealogy. Little Helen. Rest sweetly little one. You are not forgotten.
Sources:
"District of Columbia, Glenwood Cemetery Records, 1854-2013." FamilySearch. http:FamilySearch.org: 14 June 2016. The Glenwood Cemetery, Washington, DC.
Who is she? I am not quite sure.....yet.
 |
| Burial Card of Helen S Simmons, Glenwood Cemetery, Washington. DC |
But I do know her family, because they are my blood as well.
I found little Helen resting at Glenwood Cemetery in Washington, DC, as I was browsing the online images of the burials at FamilySearch.
The dates are a little misleading at FamilySearch. The lists of the dearly departed start in 1878. So for those of us who have so many deaths between the 1854-1877 time frame, it is much harder to dig for the information. I am still digging in the Plat Books, although I suspect it will be over many cups of coffee!
What did surface just last Wednesday was the Burial Card of Helen S SIMMONS. Little Helen died on July 23, 1904, at only 14 months old due to bronchial pneumonia. She was interred in Section Q, Lot 116, Site 1. There are two other tidbits on the card. Her residence, which I haven't tried to follow yet, and wait for it-- The big tidbit is she in buried in the lot of William R SIMMONS.
Now, I do know him! William R SIMMONS is the grandson of David SIMMONS of Philadelphia. This may sound familiar as I have been looking at David, David's final resting spot in Hood Cemetery in Germantown, David's will, and David's descendants over the last two weeks or so.
I know William R SIMMONS had three living siblings in 1853 at the time of his grandfather's will. I know that some of them are buried at Glenwood Cemetery. I know his mother, Elizabeth FENWICK SIMMONS is also buried in the family plot at Glenwood Cemetery.
So far, I have identified the following SIMMONS blood buried in Section Q, Lot 116.
Site 1: Helen S SIMMONS
James SIMMONS
Site 2: John B SIMMONS
Site 3: Elizabeth FENWICK SIMMONS
George Robert SIMMONS
How many sites were in Section Q, Lot 116? Still researching that! It appears to be six burial spots. I suspect William R SIMMONS rests there as well, although I have discovered no proof.
Plat Book C, Glenwood Cemetery, Washington, DC
Looking through the Plat Books and using yet another clue on little Helen's burial card, I bring to light the following:
William R SIMMONS purchased the the lots July 10, 1858.
Date of Interment: Person: Age: Site No.
June 9, 1861 James SIMMONS 1
July 26, 1904 Helen S SIMMONS 14mo 1
April 8, 1858 Richard SHAW 2
Dec. 20, 1897 John B SIMMONS 73 2
May 25, 1863 Elizabeth SIMMONS 75 3
Sept. 23, 1920 George R SIMMONS 59 3
Ahh genealogy. Little Helen. Rest sweetly little one. You are not forgotten.
©2017 AS Eldredge
"District of Columbia, Glenwood Cemetery Records, 1854-2013." FamilySearch. http:FamilySearch.org: 14 June 2016. The Glenwood Cemetery, Washington, DC.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Tombstone Tuesday: Resting in an Unmarked Grave
Just last week, I gasped as I read the 1853 will of David SIMMONS, a prosperous merchant in Philadelphia. He had grandchildren who he named! And great grandchildren, too!
So off on another mission with my fin fans to see what I could find. His children are not in the Hood Cemetery with David and his wife, Margaret CHAMBERS. What to do?
Look at the most unusual name and see if any information can be found. There it is in Washington, DC. It's a marriage certificate and then interments at Glenwood Cemetery in Washington, DC!
Let me explain how I know the right bones have surfaced.
The 1853 will makes no mention of children. Instead, it specifically mentions the following grandchildren:
William R SIMMONS
Elizabeth GODDARD
James SIMMONS
John B SIMMONS
and children of granddaughter, Margaret DOWLING:
David DOWLING
Marshall DOWLING
Julius DOWLING
There are the clues.
Granddaughter Margaret DOWLING is dead before 1853.
The marriage records in Washington, DC, confirm a Margaret SIMMONS married Patrick DOWLING 9 May 1939. The 1850 census confirms Patrick b. Ireland and children are living in the household of Elizabeth SIMMONS, who we can assume is the mother of Margaret and the widow of William Clarke SIMMONS.
Now to finalize the information trail. On Findagrave, we see a Margaret DOWLING with no marker, no death date in the Glenwood Cemetery. We do, however, see the Plot listed. This is crucial.
Section B, Lot 85, Site 7
Why look! Here is Patrick DOWLING, b. Ireland d. 1864 in Glenwood Cemetery in Section B, Lot 85, Site 6.
BINGO! His bio also confirms two marriages. One in 1939 to Margaret SIMMONS, and the second to Drucilla MARKS in 1852.
Ahh, genealogy. Remembering our beloved bloodlines who rest even if there isn't a marked grave to visit.
Sources:
Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.
Original data: Pennsylvania County, District and Probate Courts.
Ancestry.com. District of Columbia, Marriage Records, 1810-1953 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016.
Ancestry.com. 1850 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. 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 Census, Record Group 29; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Find A Grave Memorial# 165062964
Find A Grave Memorial# 165063464
Cemetery photo by Janet Greentree
So off on another mission with my fin fans to see what I could find. His children are not in the Hood Cemetery with David and his wife, Margaret CHAMBERS. What to do?
Look at the most unusual name and see if any information can be found. There it is in Washington, DC. It's a marriage certificate and then interments at Glenwood Cemetery in Washington, DC!
Let me explain how I know the right bones have surfaced.
The 1853 will makes no mention of children. Instead, it specifically mentions the following grandchildren:
 |
| Will of David P Simmons |
William R SIMMONS
Elizabeth GODDARD
James SIMMONS
John B SIMMONS
and children of granddaughter, Margaret DOWLING:
David DOWLING
Marshall DOWLING
Julius DOWLING
There are the clues.
Granddaughter Margaret DOWLING is dead before 1853.
The marriage records in Washington, DC, confirm a Margaret SIMMONS married Patrick DOWLING 9 May 1939. The 1850 census confirms Patrick b. Ireland and children are living in the household of Elizabeth SIMMONS, who we can assume is the mother of Margaret and the widow of William Clarke SIMMONS.
Now to finalize the information trail. On Findagrave, we see a Margaret DOWLING with no marker, no death date in the Glenwood Cemetery. We do, however, see the Plot listed. This is crucial.
Section B, Lot 85, Site 7
Why look! Here is Patrick DOWLING, b. Ireland d. 1864 in Glenwood Cemetery in Section B, Lot 85, Site 6.
BINGO! His bio also confirms two marriages. One in 1939 to Margaret SIMMONS, and the second to Drucilla MARKS in 1852.
Ahh, genealogy. Remembering our beloved bloodlines who rest even if there isn't a marked grave to visit.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.
Original data: Pennsylvania County, District and Probate Courts.
Ancestry.com. District of Columbia, Marriage Records, 1810-1953 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016.
Ancestry.com. 1850 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. 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 Census, Record Group 29; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Find A Grave Memorial# 165062964
Find A Grave Memorial# 165063464
Cemetery photo by Janet Greentree
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Tombstone Tuesday: Finally! Visiting Grandma 199 Years After Her Passing
Look fellow genealogy family seekers! It's Grandma! She's alive! No, wait...her legacy is alive!
Catharine DALLY SALTER SIMMONS is resting in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, DC. Her tombstone provides the important clue that leads us to her birth year as about 1742!
I knew she passed away while living at her son, William, house in 1818, as the family gathered for the final disposition of the will of John SIMMONS (d.1795). But, now, I can see her!
Catharine Dally, my 5th great grandma!
Catharine was the daughter of Hendrick DALLY and Sarah GIFFORD. Catharine's brother, Gifford DALLY, was the first elected doorkeeper of the first, second and third US Congress (1789-1795).
Catharine was first married to William SALTER, a ship's surgeon, in 1756 at Trinity Church in NYC. The young widow then married a second time in 1758 at Trinity Church in NYC, John SIMMONS the innkeeper. Their tavern was a two story building located at 63 Wall St, and was directly across from Federal Hall, where our nation's first President was inaugurated.
History books tells us that WASHINGTON ate this tavern before Evacuation Day.
Catharine's sister, Elizabeth, was married to Samuel FRAUNCES, owner of Fraunces Tavern in NYC and the steward at George WASHINGTON's home after the American Revolution.
Catharine and John Simmons (d. 1795 NYC) had six children.
William SIMMONS (1759-1825)
John SIMMONS (1761-1843)
James SIMMONS (abt 1763-1809)
David P SIMMONS (abt 1770-1830)
Stephen Gifford SIMMONS (1780-1830)
Catharine C SIMMONS (1784-1821)
To learn more:
William SIMMONS, Government Accountant
Samuel FRAUNCES
Photo credit: Krista AQ & Tommy Thompson
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=139011049
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=wallstreetjohn&id=I42
 |
| Catharine Dally Salter Simmons, Rock Creek Cemetery |
Catharine Dally, my 5th great grandma!
Catharine was the daughter of Hendrick DALLY and Sarah GIFFORD. Catharine's brother, Gifford DALLY, was the first elected doorkeeper of the first, second and third US Congress (1789-1795).
Catharine was first married to William SALTER, a ship's surgeon, in 1756 at Trinity Church in NYC. The young widow then married a second time in 1758 at Trinity Church in NYC, John SIMMONS the innkeeper. Their tavern was a two story building located at 63 Wall St, and was directly across from Federal Hall, where our nation's first President was inaugurated.
History books tells us that WASHINGTON ate this tavern before Evacuation Day.
Catharine's sister, Elizabeth, was married to Samuel FRAUNCES, owner of Fraunces Tavern in NYC and the steward at George WASHINGTON's home after the American Revolution.
Catharine and John Simmons (d. 1795 NYC) had six children.
William SIMMONS (1759-1825)
John SIMMONS (1761-1843)
James SIMMONS (abt 1763-1809)
David P SIMMONS (abt 1770-1830)
Stephen Gifford SIMMONS (1780-1830)
Catharine C SIMMONS (1784-1821)
To learn more:
William SIMMONS, Government Accountant
Samuel FRAUNCES
Ahh, genealogy. Remembering my grandma. Acknowledging her ties to early America. Now to get all those wanna-be grandchildren to realize she did not give birth to their grandpa in 1747 at the ripe old age of 5 and her parents did not go to England from NJ to give birth to her and then return to America for the rest of the children!
https://www2.gwu.edu/~ffcp/exhibit/p4/p4_4text.html
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
Photo credit: Krista AQ & Tommy Thompson
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=139011049
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=wallstreetjohn&id=I42
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Treasure Chest Thursday: Following Early Pennsylvania Wills to Find the Way
Looking to unearth the dead in Philadelphia? Looking for that elusive legal documentation? Sometimes, digging can reveal the treasures of old.
For instance, I've started looking in more detail at my old Philadelphia kin, their lives, their final resting spots in the Hood Cemetery and the Christ Church Burial Ground, their connections to George WASHINGTON, etc.
This month seems really appropriate as our country acknowledges the contributions of black Americans through history and celebrates the birthdays of a couple of our early Presidents. While I have already sprinkled some seeds on Samuel FRAUNCES and his relationship to our first President, I will now see what sprouts as I look at a blood uncle who witnessed the inauguration of good old George. I suspect since the inauguration happened next door to the family business in New York City, that all he had to do was lean out the window!
David P SIMMONS (1770-1853) was one of six children of John SIMMONS (d.1795) and his wife, Catharine DALLY (d. 1818). The family business was next to Federal Hall in New York City, which history tells us was the site of the inauguration of George WASHINGTON. As it took place on the balcony, I suspect grandpa John and his family leaned out of upstairs windows to watch.
David married Margaret CHAMBERS in 1792, at the family church, the Trinity Church, in New York. Why he moved to Philadelphia I don't know. What I do know is the family did spend some time there during the American Revolution and had kin there as well. David and Margaret had one son I can document, William Clarke SIMMONS born 11 August 1793.
David remarries a woman named Ellen as is documented in the land deeds when he sold land in Chenango County, NY. Right David? Of course, it's the land that is described in the will of his father, John, who died in 1795.
David became a prosperous merchant in Philadelphia and spent the remaining years of his life there as did his brother, James (d. 1809). They are both buried at the Hood Cemetery in Germantown. Is the Margaret SIMMONS buried at Hood Cemetery who died 1798 the first wife of David?
David was the last of his siblings to die. I wondered about his children and their families. What a great treasure chest to be found online regarding some of the early PA Probate Records and Wills!
There he is--
Noted in the will and probate files:
No living wife-- but a sister in law, Mary McKEAN
The grandchildren:
William R SIMMONS, Elizabeth GODDARD, James SIMMONS, John B SIMMONS
The great-grandchildren: David DOWLING, Marshall DOWLING, Julius DOWLING- all children of granddaughter, Margaret Simmons DOWLING.
Hmm, looks like more digging is needed to confirm some of the identities of these blood cousins of mine. I have started to look around in Washington, DC, where I find Patrick DOWLING who was first married to Margaret SIMMONS. More digging needed to unearth the details of this treasure chest.
Ahh, genealogy. Digging for the proverbial treasure chest in the wills to find the way!
Sources:
Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.
Original data: Pennsylvania County, District and Probate Courts.
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=21207622&ref=acom
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Simmons&GSiman=1&GScid=45141&GRid=21071924&
For instance, I've started looking in more detail at my old Philadelphia kin, their lives, their final resting spots in the Hood Cemetery and the Christ Church Burial Ground, their connections to George WASHINGTON, etc.
This month seems really appropriate as our country acknowledges the contributions of black Americans through history and celebrates the birthdays of a couple of our early Presidents. While I have already sprinkled some seeds on Samuel FRAUNCES and his relationship to our first President, I will now see what sprouts as I look at a blood uncle who witnessed the inauguration of good old George. I suspect since the inauguration happened next door to the family business in New York City, that all he had to do was lean out the window!
David P SIMMONS (1770-1853) was one of six children of John SIMMONS (d.1795) and his wife, Catharine DALLY (d. 1818). The family business was next to Federal Hall in New York City, which history tells us was the site of the inauguration of George WASHINGTON. As it took place on the balcony, I suspect grandpa John and his family leaned out of upstairs windows to watch.
David married Margaret CHAMBERS in 1792, at the family church, the Trinity Church, in New York. Why he moved to Philadelphia I don't know. What I do know is the family did spend some time there during the American Revolution and had kin there as well. David and Margaret had one son I can document, William Clarke SIMMONS born 11 August 1793.
David remarries a woman named Ellen as is documented in the land deeds when he sold land in Chenango County, NY. Right David? Of course, it's the land that is described in the will of his father, John, who died in 1795.
David became a prosperous merchant in Philadelphia and spent the remaining years of his life there as did his brother, James (d. 1809). They are both buried at the Hood Cemetery in Germantown. Is the Margaret SIMMONS buried at Hood Cemetery who died 1798 the first wife of David?
David was the last of his siblings to die. I wondered about his children and their families. What a great treasure chest to be found online regarding some of the early PA Probate Records and Wills!
There he is--
 |
| Will of David P Simmons found online at Ancestry.com |
Noted in the will and probate files:
No living wife-- but a sister in law, Mary McKEAN
The grandchildren:
William R SIMMONS, Elizabeth GODDARD, James SIMMONS, John B SIMMONS
The great-grandchildren: David DOWLING, Marshall DOWLING, Julius DOWLING- all children of granddaughter, Margaret Simmons DOWLING.
Hmm, looks like more digging is needed to confirm some of the identities of these blood cousins of mine. I have started to look around in Washington, DC, where I find Patrick DOWLING who was first married to Margaret SIMMONS. More digging needed to unearth the details of this treasure chest.
Ahh, genealogy. Digging for the proverbial treasure chest in the wills to find the way!
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.
Original data: Pennsylvania County, District and Probate Courts.
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=21207622&ref=acom
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Simmons&GSiman=1&GScid=45141&GRid=21071924&
Thankful Thursday: Rumor Mill for Access to UK Records
Is it true? Did you hear?
The rumor mill says Ancestry.com will open its United Kingdom records at no charge on Friday, February 17! I suspect it will be a short window of opportunity for us to all crash the site as we jump in those records in record numbers!
As for me, I will be sailing across the pond via my tired fin fans looking at Portsea for those records on Hanover Row! And then, there are the burial locations in Hampshire. And then, and then........
Thanks, Geneabloggers.com for spreading the rumor, uh, news! Thankful for all you do!
Ahh, genealogy. Must rest to be ready for the race!
Source:
http://www.myfamilymatters.org.uk/page85.html
The rumor mill says Ancestry.com will open its United Kingdom records at no charge on Friday, February 17! I suspect it will be a short window of opportunity for us to all crash the site as we jump in those records in record numbers!
 |
| Hanover Row was demolished in 1874. |
Thanks, Geneabloggers.com for spreading the rumor, uh, news! Thankful for all you do!
Ahh, genealogy. Must rest to be ready for the race!
©2017 AS Eldredge
Source:
http://www.myfamilymatters.org.uk/page85.html
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Wordless Wednesday: Oh! If Only I Could See the Letters
Looking around in Philadelphia for more information has been quite an eye opening experience for me over the last two weeks. While I have long known of the marriage of Catharine SIMMONS to Condy RAQUET at Christ Church in Philadelphia, I haven't spent much time on the two of them.
Condy RAQUET(1784-1842) was a merchant, an author, an attorney, a PA State Senator, Consul in Brazil, War of 1812 veteran, etc. Much has been written on him and is easily found. Politically, he was a Federalist, and his books on free trade are still discussed today.
Of interest today, even if I can't see any of the words, are his letters. There are several that still survive today in repositories across the land.
For example,
Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library at the Alamo has one:
Letter: Condy Raguet, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to James Condy Raguet and Henry W. Raguet, 1837 November 13.
As does the University of Michigan. This collection contains 11 letters from Catharine and Condy written during his time as US Consul to Brazil in 1820.
I wish I could see these letters.
Ahh, genealogy. His eyes reach out to me, although I just can't see the words.
Sources:
Dana, William B. Sketch of the Life and Character of Condy Raguet, Merchant's Magazine and Commercial Review.
Condy RAQUET(1784-1842) was a merchant, an author, an attorney, a PA State Senator, Consul in Brazil, War of 1812 veteran, etc. Much has been written on him and is easily found. Politically, he was a Federalist, and his books on free trade are still discussed today.
 |
| Condy Raguet. Photo from PA Legislators Bios. |
Of interest today, even if I can't see any of the words, are his letters. There are several that still survive today in repositories across the land.
For example,
Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library at the Alamo has one:
Letter: Condy Raguet, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to James Condy Raguet and Henry W. Raguet, 1837 November 13.
As does the University of Michigan. This collection contains 11 letters from Catharine and Condy written during his time as US Consul to Brazil in 1820.
I wish I could see these letters.
Ahh, genealogy. His eyes reach out to me, although I just can't see the words.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
Dana, William B. Sketch of the Life and Character of Condy Raguet, Merchant's Magazine and Commercial Review.
www.famousamericans.net/condyraguet/
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/BiosHistory/MemBio.cfm?ID=4381&body=S
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/drtsa/00020/drt-00020.html
http://quod.lib.umich.edu/c/clementsmss/umich-wcl-M-4749har?view=text
https://books.google.com/books?id=O0QOAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=condy+raguet+will+philadelphia&source=bl&ots=fp_8h-umU1&sig=s_2YCRyNhY4qWFYBb4YEsl5vnN4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjcjfr-zpLSAhVW2GMKHbW6DWE4ChDoAQgkMAI#v=onepage&q=condy%20raguet%20will%20philadelphia&f=false
Friday, February 10, 2017
Friends Friday: Uh, Mr President? Appoint me!
Watching the process of being appointed to positions by the President of the United States teaches us many things about politics, grudges, personality differences, etc. Today, we see all these arguments and confirmations almost instantly with the use of social media and the news.
But what about in the time of our first President? When George WASHINGTON was first inaugurated in 1789, the power of the written word via letters carried back and forth ruled the day. While WASHINGTON was known to request in writing the discussion of the cabinet, he also listened and understood the ground upon which he walked was untested.
Looking at history books and Washington's correspondence can reveal much about my own early American roots and ties to the early government.
As previously discussed, my grandpa and his brother-in-law both owned taverns in New York where it was documented at the time the presence of George and his cronies to dine often. You have probably heard of one of the taverns, FRAUNCES Tavern, but the other one located at 63 Wall St is only mentioned in history books.
Looking around online, I found a letter collection from the revolutionary war period through the National Archives. While I would love to see the originals, I am thrilled to see the transcriptions of several that pertain to my family.
Let's see---
There are a couple to share which will hopefully prompt you to read more about our early country using the letters of their time.
First, on 7 September 1785, President WASHINGTON writes to his friend, Samuel FRAUNCES, and asks if Samuel knows of someone who could be induced to come work for WASHINGTON as a steward. As history tells us, FRAUNCES himself accepted the position and was a member of the household for a number of years.
Another example is one that involves the nephew of FRAUNCES, William SIMMONS (my uncle). On July 4, 1791, SIMMONS writes to WASHINGTON asking for the appointment as auditor of the United States. SIMMONS, who lived in Philadelphia at the time was a clerk in the auditor's office, was first turned down for the position by WASHINGTON, but was given the position of accountant in the War Department upon a reference by Alexander HAMILTON.
Ahh, genealogy. I wonder-- did old George ask Samuel if he should appoint his nephew for the job? Hmmmm....
Sources:
http://www.presidentprofiles.com/Washington-Johnson/George-Washington-First-term.html
https://founders.archives.gov/search/Correspondent%3A%22Washington%2C%20George%22%20Correspondent%3A%22Fraunces%2C%20Samuel%22
“From George Washington to Samuel Fraunces, 7 September 1785,” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified December 28, 2016, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/04-03-02-0215. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Confederation Series, vol. 3, 19 May 1785 – 31 March 1786, ed. W. W. Abbot. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1994, p. 236.]
But what about in the time of our first President? When George WASHINGTON was first inaugurated in 1789, the power of the written word via letters carried back and forth ruled the day. While WASHINGTON was known to request in writing the discussion of the cabinet, he also listened and understood the ground upon which he walked was untested.
Looking at history books and Washington's correspondence can reveal much about my own early American roots and ties to the early government.
As previously discussed, my grandpa and his brother-in-law both owned taverns in New York where it was documented at the time the presence of George and his cronies to dine often. You have probably heard of one of the taverns, FRAUNCES Tavern, but the other one located at 63 Wall St is only mentioned in history books.
Looking around online, I found a letter collection from the revolutionary war period through the National Archives. While I would love to see the originals, I am thrilled to see the transcriptions of several that pertain to my family.
 |
| Founders online- Search for Correspondence in early America |
Let's see---
There are a couple to share which will hopefully prompt you to read more about our early country using the letters of their time.
First, on 7 September 1785, President WASHINGTON writes to his friend, Samuel FRAUNCES, and asks if Samuel knows of someone who could be induced to come work for WASHINGTON as a steward. As history tells us, FRAUNCES himself accepted the position and was a member of the household for a number of years.
Another example is one that involves the nephew of FRAUNCES, William SIMMONS (my uncle). On July 4, 1791, SIMMONS writes to WASHINGTON asking for the appointment as auditor of the United States. SIMMONS, who lived in Philadelphia at the time was a clerk in the auditor's office, was first turned down for the position by WASHINGTON, but was given the position of accountant in the War Department upon a reference by Alexander HAMILTON.
Ahh, genealogy. I wonder-- did old George ask Samuel if he should appoint his nephew for the job? Hmmmm....
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
http://www.presidentprofiles.com/Washington-Johnson/George-Washington-First-term.html
https://founders.archives.gov/search/Correspondent%3A%22Washington%2C%20George%22%20Correspondent%3A%22Fraunces%2C%20Samuel%22
- “To George Washington from William Simmons, 4 July 1791,” Founders Online, National Archives, last modified December 28, 2016, http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-08-02-0216. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Presidential Series, vol. 8, 22 March 1791 – 22 September 1791, ed. Mark A. Mastromarino. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1999, pp. 318–319.]
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Those Places Thursday: Dying in Old Philadelphia
Dig, dig, dig. Don't you just love digging in old cemeteries? Oh, wait. Don't you just love to see what surfaces when you dig in old cemeteries?
While we genealogy buffs can't literally dig in old cemeteries, we can dig back to our roots by using cemeteries of old. For instance, just this last week, I have been digging around in Philadelphia trying to find more evidence of the family. While I have known of early family ties in the area, my new attempts at digging up more have resulted in both frustration and joy with the old cemeteries.
The two cemeteries of interest are the old Christ Church Burial Ground and the Lower Burial Ground.
The Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia has been around for about 300 years. Interred underground and in the above ground sections are many interesting and famous colonial families. While its most famous resident is Benjamin FRANKLIN, there are also many other early Americans of interest. There are five signers of our great Declaration of Independence who rest here, as well as other famous Americans, including John ROSS, Betsy's husband. While my family does not have anyone considered "famous" residing here, I do have family. I am related to the BRINGHURST, DALLY, and SIMMONS residents. What is frustrating is I have identified the sections and the plot numbers. Why is that frustrating? Because there is no map showing where the sections are! I know old Ben is in Section A, and I know my BRINGHUST kin are in section B. How close are they? Perhaps I need to take a pen to paper......
Imagine my delight after the disappointment of not finding section maps when I stumbled across the Hood Cemetery in Germantown! This cemetery, originally known as the Lower Burial Ground, had its land set aside before 1700, thus making it also around 300 years old! This cemetery is alive! No, no. It's not the walking corpses, it's the history! Thanks to Brendon McTEAR for taking the time to thoroughly dig in to the lives of the residents and posting about them. What a treat it is to read of the history of Germantown and its early residents. Of course, I, too, have kin resting there as well. Think BRINGHURST, SIMMONS, RAGUET and ASHMEAD. See a common theme?
I have the roots in those early cemeteries and am always looking to learn more about the early folks, their lives, and how they shaped the history of our land.
Ahh, genealogy. Gotta just dig the history!
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/HoodCemetery/
http://www.ushistory.org/tour/christ-church-burial-ground.htm
http://www.ushistory.org/germantown/lower/lbury.htm
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/pa0825/
Ancestry.com. Philadelphia, Tombstone Inscriptions from Christ Church [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.
Original data: Clark, Edward L. Record of the Inscriptions on the Tablets and Grave-stones in the Burial-Grounds of Christ Church, Philadelphia. Philadelphia, PA, USA: Colines, Printer, 1864.
http://www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/ChristChurch/
While we genealogy buffs can't literally dig in old cemeteries, we can dig back to our roots by using cemeteries of old. For instance, just this last week, I have been digging around in Philadelphia trying to find more evidence of the family. While I have known of early family ties in the area, my new attempts at digging up more have resulted in both frustration and joy with the old cemeteries.
The two cemeteries of interest are the old Christ Church Burial Ground and the Lower Burial Ground.
The Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia has been around for about 300 years. Interred underground and in the above ground sections are many interesting and famous colonial families. While its most famous resident is Benjamin FRANKLIN, there are also many other early Americans of interest. There are five signers of our great Declaration of Independence who rest here, as well as other famous Americans, including John ROSS, Betsy's husband. While my family does not have anyone considered "famous" residing here, I do have family. I am related to the BRINGHURST, DALLY, and SIMMONS residents. What is frustrating is I have identified the sections and the plot numbers. Why is that frustrating? Because there is no map showing where the sections are! I know old Ben is in Section A, and I know my BRINGHUST kin are in section B. How close are they? Perhaps I need to take a pen to paper......
 |
| Entrance to Hood Cemetery. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress |
I have the roots in those early cemeteries and am always looking to learn more about the early folks, their lives, and how they shaped the history of our land.
Ahh, genealogy. Gotta just dig the history!
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/HoodCemetery/
http://www.ushistory.org/tour/christ-church-burial-ground.htm
http://www.ushistory.org/germantown/lower/lbury.htm
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/pa0825/
Ancestry.com. Philadelphia, Tombstone Inscriptions from Christ Church [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.
Original data: Clark, Edward L. Record of the Inscriptions on the Tablets and Grave-stones in the Burial-Grounds of Christ Church, Philadelphia. Philadelphia, PA, USA: Colines, Printer, 1864.
http://www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/ChristChurch/
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Surname Saturday: Digging in Philadelphia's Hood
Going back and looking at old details with an open eye years later can be quite satisfying. Just this week, someone contacted me regarding some early military commissions he has in his possession. He just doesn't know why his family has them. We looked together, and at the surface, I can't figure it out either.
What I can figure out is those commissions belonged to my family of old. This sent me on a more thorough search of that side of the family. Ah, all the new uploaded scans and information on the internet made this so much easier than it was when I first started all this some 20 years ago.
Anyway, I decided to go back and look at some of the research others have done on this one particular line. It wasn't much, but it was enough to send me digging in the old Hood Cemetery and the old Christ Church Burial Grounds in Philadelphia.
I have more research to do and then I must start drawing some lines on paper to connect the dots. For, you, see, I also found that my one-line-by-marriage had an officer in the American Revolution whose name I am familiar with. Why? Because he was the commander of the unit another one of my grandpa's served in-- the 2nd PA Regiment! This is really neat as that particular grandpa of mine was residing in Lancaster (Chester) at the time. James GLENN (1750-1813), who is buried at my family cemetery, the St Clair Cemetery in Allegheny Co, PA, was a private in Captain Jacob ASHMEAD'S 2nd PA Regiment and is listed at Valley Forge on the muster rolls.
Let me see if I can sum it up:
Captain Jacob ASHMEAD (1742-1814)- history tells us he served under Bendedict Arnold (ouch)
before he was promoted to lead the 2nd PA Regiment.
He was nephew to George BRINGHURST (1697-1752) and Anna ASHMEAD(1708-1760) -his natural aunt.
George and Anna were parents of John BRINGHURST (1726-1795) who married Elizabeth SHUTE (1735-1808).
Their daughter, Margaret (1757-1798) married James SIMMONS (1763-1809).
James, son of John SIMMONS (c. 1730-1795) and Catherine DALLY (c. 1742-1818)-- my grandparents!
With the exception of John SIMMONS and Catherine DALLY, they all reside at Hood Cemetery in Philadelphia. This cemetery has a fascinating history in its residents. I hope to go there one day.
Ahh genealogy. Digging in the Hood now has me mixing the blood of old with current generations.
Sources:
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20768108
https://archive.org/stream/historyofbringhu00leac/historyofbringhu00leac_djvu.txt
https://www.facebook.com/HoodCemetery/photos/a.873920835979198.1073741829.131577916880164/1094984470539499/?type=3&theater
Leach,Josiah, History of the Bringhurst Family, 1901.
What I can figure out is those commissions belonged to my family of old. This sent me on a more thorough search of that side of the family. Ah, all the new uploaded scans and information on the internet made this so much easier than it was when I first started all this some 20 years ago.
Anyway, I decided to go back and look at some of the research others have done on this one particular line. It wasn't much, but it was enough to send me digging in the old Hood Cemetery and the old Christ Church Burial Grounds in Philadelphia.
 |
| Jacob Ashmead, Hood Cemetery, Germantown, Philadelphia, PA |
I have more research to do and then I must start drawing some lines on paper to connect the dots. For, you, see, I also found that my one-line-by-marriage had an officer in the American Revolution whose name I am familiar with. Why? Because he was the commander of the unit another one of my grandpa's served in-- the 2nd PA Regiment! This is really neat as that particular grandpa of mine was residing in Lancaster (Chester) at the time. James GLENN (1750-1813), who is buried at my family cemetery, the St Clair Cemetery in Allegheny Co, PA, was a private in Captain Jacob ASHMEAD'S 2nd PA Regiment and is listed at Valley Forge on the muster rolls.
Let me see if I can sum it up:
Captain Jacob ASHMEAD (1742-1814)- history tells us he served under Bendedict Arnold (ouch)
before he was promoted to lead the 2nd PA Regiment.
He was nephew to George BRINGHURST (1697-1752) and Anna ASHMEAD(1708-1760) -his natural aunt.
George and Anna were parents of John BRINGHURST (1726-1795) who married Elizabeth SHUTE (1735-1808).
Their daughter, Margaret (1757-1798) married James SIMMONS (1763-1809).
James, son of John SIMMONS (c. 1730-1795) and Catherine DALLY (c. 1742-1818)-- my grandparents!
With the exception of John SIMMONS and Catherine DALLY, they all reside at Hood Cemetery in Philadelphia. This cemetery has a fascinating history in its residents. I hope to go there one day.
Ahh genealogy. Digging in the Hood now has me mixing the blood of old with current generations.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20768108
https://archive.org/stream/historyofbringhu00leac/historyofbringhu00leac_djvu.txt
https://www.facebook.com/HoodCemetery/photos/a.873920835979198.1073741829.131577916880164/1094984470539499/?type=3&theater
Leach,Josiah, History of the Bringhurst Family, 1901.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Treasure Chest Thursday: The Power of the Written Word
Finding old written words is exciting. Finding the scan of the original words online is breathtaking. Here is just one example of the power of words.
Written by the Rev. Joseph Smith BUCHANAN in 1883 is a summary of his family. What strikes me as I reread this great document is the way he starts by mentioning his (and my)grandpa came from Scotland. He then quickly moves to the names of his brothers and the role the family played in early Lancaster Co, PA, with the Covenenter Church. He mentions the services being performed in the house and in the barn......
Of particular interest is he then goes to explain how many of his peer aged kin were elders in the church which later evolved in to the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Of course, cousin Joseph was a minister as many, many of his kin have chosen. He states his grandfather's descendants are like the tribe of Levi with their devotion to God.
Of more genealogical interest on this particular day is his first wife, Jane WADDLE. She was born in VA around 1813. She married Joseph in 1841 in Wheeling, WV. In 1850, they are living in Donegal, Washington, PA, near many, many kin. She is gone by 1857, when Joseph remarries Ellen CLELAND.
I suspect Jane's brother was most likely the Rev. Benjamin WADDLE (1802-1879), who was, yet another, Presbyterian minister and the President of Muskingum College in Ohio.
Why this interest in finding out? Well, I have more than one connection to the BUCHANAN family as well as the WADDLE family as they keep marrying my kin. Oh wait, they are my kin, too. So....
Ahh, genealogy. More fish to fry as I waddle through the ponds looking for the just the right species.
 |
| JSBuchanan 1883 letter, received 2013 by email |
Written by the Rev. Joseph Smith BUCHANAN in 1883 is a summary of his family. What strikes me as I reread this great document is the way he starts by mentioning his (and my)grandpa came from Scotland. He then quickly moves to the names of his brothers and the role the family played in early Lancaster Co, PA, with the Covenenter Church. He mentions the services being performed in the house and in the barn......
Of particular interest is he then goes to explain how many of his peer aged kin were elders in the church which later evolved in to the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Of course, cousin Joseph was a minister as many, many of his kin have chosen. He states his grandfather's descendants are like the tribe of Levi with their devotion to God.
Of more genealogical interest on this particular day is his first wife, Jane WADDLE. She was born in VA around 1813. She married Joseph in 1841 in Wheeling, WV. In 1850, they are living in Donegal, Washington, PA, near many, many kin. She is gone by 1857, when Joseph remarries Ellen CLELAND.
 |
| Death Notice of JS Buchanan, found online |
I suspect Jane's brother was most likely the Rev. Benjamin WADDLE (1802-1879), who was, yet another, Presbyterian minister and the President of Muskingum College in Ohio.
Why this interest in finding out? Well, I have more than one connection to the BUCHANAN family as well as the WADDLE family as they keep marrying my kin. Oh wait, they are my kin, too. So....
Ahh, genealogy. More fish to fry as I waddle through the ponds looking for the just the right species.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
1850 Census, Donegal, Washington, PA
Kohler, Minnie. A 20th Century History of Hardin Co, OH, Vol 2, page 622.
Buchanan, Rev JS. Letter in possession of a descendant.
The Moffitt Book of Obituaries, Vol 5, Warren Co, Ill
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Wordless Wednesday: Eating with the President
Looking at old family info which was researched some years ago and then looking again now can provide more tidbits to follow. The increased genealogy documents online can cause one to almost drop the morning coffee! Almost.
There are several new finds which connect my bloodline of John SIMMONS (d.1795) the innkeeper to his descendants. Just yesterday, a new family seeker wondered if I had the right man. My answer to that is absolutely. Why? Because I like following the land and the wills. Legal documentation is a strong first degree of evidence when researching the past.
Sometimes, though, the legal documentation just isn't there. Sometimes, one can find more secondary evidence in census records and in history books of the times.
Samuel FRAUNCES (b. c 1722 d. 1795) is most certainly an interesting case to follow. I plan to spend more time this February to see what else I can dig up on him. For a teaser, he was the owner of Fraunces Tavern in New York during the time of the American Revolution. In fact, his tavern was the site of George WASHINGTON's farewell speech. Much has been written on that subject. FRAUNCES goes on to work directly for WASHINGTON after the American Revolution as the steward in his household. Again, nothing new here.
What is new about FRAUNCES since the last time I looked at him? While the location of his unmarked grave at St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia is still unknown, he now has an obelisk in the churchyard. On June 26, 2010, the legacy of Samuel FRAUNCES was honored with the church erecting an obelisk for him.
I also found it really interesting to see the handout given at the dedication of the obelisk for Samuel. Of course, I have to wonder. Where is his wife?
If I remember correctly in some of my early readings on him, oh, so many years ago, that he was put in an unmarked grave intentionally.
There has been much debate over the years as to his race. Was he born of both black and white parents? I don't know. Was he mulatto? The 1790 census lists him as white. Some of his kids are listed in later census as black, white, and mulatto. So, I expect he was of mixed blood. I do know that the current line of thought does identify Samuel as black. I was told some years ago by another researcher that free blacks were considered rather exotic back in colonial New York and it would not have been unusual for interracial marriages. From what I have researched, there were laws banning these marriages in nine of the original 13 colonies as the colonies transitioned in to an America free from British rule. I have seen in early Massachusetts, for instance, that the race of the child was defined by the race of the mother. But, I haven't found this particular law in colonial New York.
What I do know is that his wife, Elizabeth DALLY, was the sister of Catherine DALLY SALTER SIMMONS, my grandma. What I do know is Elizabeth is mentioned only briefly in what I have read. I hope to find more on her.
What I do know is that the brothers in law, FRAUNCES and SIMMONS were both tavern owners in New York City before and after the American Revolution. What I do know is that their taverns are about four blocks apart. The FRAUNCES Tavern was at Pearl St and the corner of Broad, while the SIMMONS Tavern, was at the corner of Wall St and Broad. What I do know is that there is a written history of the times of WASHINGTON eating at both places.
Ahh, genealogy. Knowing my kin cooked and served early America is just cool. Knowing that they knew and mingled with George Washington, before and after he became our first President, well, that leaves me wordless.
Sources:
https://alchetron.com/Samuel-Fraunces-1087609-W
http://www.ushistory.org/presidentshouse/history/frauncesobelisk.php
Encyclopedia of African American History, 1619-1895. Edited by Paul Finkelman
There are several new finds which connect my bloodline of John SIMMONS (d.1795) the innkeeper to his descendants. Just yesterday, a new family seeker wondered if I had the right man. My answer to that is absolutely. Why? Because I like following the land and the wills. Legal documentation is a strong first degree of evidence when researching the past.
Sometimes, though, the legal documentation just isn't there. Sometimes, one can find more secondary evidence in census records and in history books of the times.
Samuel FRAUNCES (b. c 1722 d. 1795) is most certainly an interesting case to follow. I plan to spend more time this February to see what else I can dig up on him. For a teaser, he was the owner of Fraunces Tavern in New York during the time of the American Revolution. In fact, his tavern was the site of George WASHINGTON's farewell speech. Much has been written on that subject. FRAUNCES goes on to work directly for WASHINGTON after the American Revolution as the steward in his household. Again, nothing new here.
What is new about FRAUNCES since the last time I looked at him? While the location of his unmarked grave at St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia is still unknown, he now has an obelisk in the churchyard. On June 26, 2010, the legacy of Samuel FRAUNCES was honored with the church erecting an obelisk for him.
 |
| Samuel Fraunces, St Peter's Church, Philadelphia, PA, erected 2010 |
I also found it really interesting to see the handout given at the dedication of the obelisk for Samuel. Of course, I have to wonder. Where is his wife?
 |
| Handout given at the dedication in 2010 |
If I remember correctly in some of my early readings on him, oh, so many years ago, that he was put in an unmarked grave intentionally.
There has been much debate over the years as to his race. Was he born of both black and white parents? I don't know. Was he mulatto? The 1790 census lists him as white. Some of his kids are listed in later census as black, white, and mulatto. So, I expect he was of mixed blood. I do know that the current line of thought does identify Samuel as black. I was told some years ago by another researcher that free blacks were considered rather exotic back in colonial New York and it would not have been unusual for interracial marriages. From what I have researched, there were laws banning these marriages in nine of the original 13 colonies as the colonies transitioned in to an America free from British rule. I have seen in early Massachusetts, for instance, that the race of the child was defined by the race of the mother. But, I haven't found this particular law in colonial New York.
What I do know is that his wife, Elizabeth DALLY, was the sister of Catherine DALLY SALTER SIMMONS, my grandma. What I do know is Elizabeth is mentioned only briefly in what I have read. I hope to find more on her.
What I do know is that the brothers in law, FRAUNCES and SIMMONS were both tavern owners in New York City before and after the American Revolution. What I do know is that their taverns are about four blocks apart. The FRAUNCES Tavern was at Pearl St and the corner of Broad, while the SIMMONS Tavern, was at the corner of Wall St and Broad. What I do know is that there is a written history of the times of WASHINGTON eating at both places.
Ahh, genealogy. Knowing my kin cooked and served early America is just cool. Knowing that they knew and mingled with George Washington, before and after he became our first President, well, that leaves me wordless.
©2017 AS Eldredge
Sources:
https://alchetron.com/Samuel-Fraunces-1087609-W
http://www.ushistory.org/presidentshouse/history/frauncesobelisk.php
Encyclopedia of African American History, 1619-1895. Edited by Paul Finkelman
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Sympathy Saturday for the Challenger and My Heart
Today. Remember how sunny it was 28 January 1986? Remember the excitement of the upcoming Challenger flight to carry just an ordinary teacher (wait-- are teachers ordinary?) in to the wonder of space? Remember sitting and watching the liftoff? Remember the horror of the explosion just 74 seconds later?
I remember it well. For, you see, I was sitting with my dad and his oncologist in a hospital room watching the event. For, you see, the news regarding the return of my father's cancer was not good. For, you see, the oncologist sat on the bed as the shuttle exploded and tears ran down his face. For, you see, it was one of the best buddies of the oncologist on that flight.
We cried. All of America cried. And then my family cried more. This story I will tell my children about today in much more detail will break my heart once more. For the loss of the Challenger and the soon loss of my dad still has its effect on the space program and my family.
Ahh, genealogy. Just hearing of a past event that our nation witnessed with such loss of life and hope also brings tears to my eyes as I remember my own gentle giant of a hero. Rest gently.
I remember it well. For, you see, I was sitting with my dad and his oncologist in a hospital room watching the event. For, you see, the news regarding the return of my father's cancer was not good. For, you see, the oncologist sat on the bed as the shuttle exploded and tears ran down his face. For, you see, it was one of the best buddies of the oncologist on that flight.
We cried. All of America cried. And then my family cried more. This story I will tell my children about today in much more detail will break my heart once more. For the loss of the Challenger and the soon loss of my dad still has its effect on the space program and my family.
Ahh, genealogy. Just hearing of a past event that our nation witnessed with such loss of life and hope also brings tears to my eyes as I remember my own gentle giant of a hero. Rest gently.
©2017 AS Eldredge
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