CRAIL-O'NEIL: Sticking with the Crail family for another post, I move on to Aaron Crail's wife, Catherine O'Neil, the last of my ancestors to arrive in the US. Catherine was born in County Cork, Ireland in 1833 or 1834. [Hey there has to be some mystery with this family!] According to family lore, Catherine's brother or brothers were about to be impressed by British soldiers when her father, Peter, stepped in and was fatally wounded. The fate of the brothers was unknown. Mrs. Mary O'Neil died shortly thereafter. Catherine went to work as a domestic to earn passage to America. At the age of 18, she left Liverpool, England for the US. If she was born in'33, then Catherine emigrated in 1851/2; if born in '34, then departure was 1852/3. [Census records with year of immigration show three different years - naturally.]
I was originally told that Cate arrived somewhere between Boston and Galveston - a big help! Several years later, I came across an immigration record that fit Catherine rather nicely - arrival at New York on 25 August 1852, age 18. If this was my Catherine, then she would have turned 19 roughly four months after her arrival, making her birth year 1833. My uncle had a sudden memory jolt and told me that she did indeed arrive in New York!
According to the family, Catherine made her way from New York to the Indianapolis area, where she took a job teaching locals how to read. One of her pupils was Aaron Crail, who was several years her junior. The couple married in 1857. Aaron and Catherine had five children, including a set of twin girls, before Aaron enlisted in the 124th Indiana in 1864. During the torrential rains at battle of Kennesaw Mountain and the siege of Atlanta, Aaron fell victim to "lung fever." After his discharge, Aaron returned home. He and Catherine had another son in 1866. Aaron died of tuberculosis in the spring of 1868. Catherine was left a widow with six children ranging in age from 10-2. She was awarded a widow's pension in 1869.
Catherine moved to Miami Co., Indiana, where eldest son James became a blacksmith. She returned to Indianapolis by 1900 and moved in with the family of brother-in-law John Crail. Catherine was in Shelbyville, Indians in 1909 and back with her eldest son James in Chicago in 1910. Shortly thereafter the Crails moved back to Indy. Catherine lived out her years with daughter Martha in a house on S. Belmont.
Catherine gave her grandkids the same gift each Christmas - a piece of candy and a silver dollar. My mother and uncle recalled celebrating Catherine's 100th birthday. She was of sound mind until the day she died. My uncle described her as a miniature version of Maureen O'Hara. He also recalled family members fanning her open casket during the viewing due to an extremely hot July. Catherine outlived four of her six children and never remarried.
Now back to that 100th birthday party. Catherine's gravestone reads 1834-1934. Her death certificate has her year of birth as 1834, but it was originally written as 1833 then crossed out. If she was born in 1834, then Cate died at 99. If she was born in 1833, then the family did indeed celebrate her 100th birthday.
Her d
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Monday, March 2, 2015
Family Story Mystery!
CRAIL: I have written several times about my great mystery family - the Crails, at least my 3rd great-grandparents. Now they get some additional attention here.
James and Mary [Jones] Crail were the parents of at least three sons, Sylvester, John and Aaron. Mary bought two town lots in Marietta, Shelby Co., Indiana, one in 1851, the other in 1853. She and James sold those lots in 1854. They seemingly dropped off the face of the earth until a widowed Mary appeared in the 1875 Indianapolis City Directory.
I may have found James in Hamilton Co., Ohio church and tax records in the early 1830s. The name also appears in the Shelby Co. tax records in the 1840s. Most of the Crails named in the Shelby Co. tax records were the probable brothers and father of James. The rest of the family seemed to have stayed together.
Sylvester, John and Aaron were found in the records of Marion and Hamilton Counties in Indiana beginning with their marriages until their deaths in 1898, 1907 and 1868 respectively. Mary [Jones] Crail lived with John for most of the final 12 years of her life.
Where were James and Mary before 1851? James' birthplace is given as Ohio, probably Hamilton Co., where the two eldest boys were born [according to their military service records.] Aaron was born in Marion Co., Ohio in 1839. They appear to have been in Shelby Co. during the 1840s, in 1851, 1853 and 1854. Mary was a native of Kentucky - probably from one of the northern counties near Hamilton Co., Ohio.
From 1854 until 1875? James and Mary were probably in central Indiana. I can't imagine that they went west [or east, or south, etc.] while the boys started their families. I'm also guessing that they were in a small town or rural area, since the were not in the city directories. At some point, James died, leaving Mary a widow. Mary was with her son John from 1875-1887, when she died.
The wrinkle in the story is that there may well be a fourth son named George. A George B. Crail is recorded as the son of James B. and Mary A. [Jones] Crail. The descendants of George with whom I have communicated have been a bit inconsistent in identifying family members. The number of brothers varied, one of the grandsons claimed for George was in reality a grandson of Aaron. I haven't found any records placing George with the rest of the family.
In support of George belonging to the family? Common parents. He, like James and Mary, is missing from the 1850-70 censuses. James had a brother named George.
If the fit is there then the family is already traced back to Scotland. I just need convincing!!
James and Mary [Jones] Crail were the parents of at least three sons, Sylvester, John and Aaron. Mary bought two town lots in Marietta, Shelby Co., Indiana, one in 1851, the other in 1853. She and James sold those lots in 1854. They seemingly dropped off the face of the earth until a widowed Mary appeared in the 1875 Indianapolis City Directory.
I may have found James in Hamilton Co., Ohio church and tax records in the early 1830s. The name also appears in the Shelby Co. tax records in the 1840s. Most of the Crails named in the Shelby Co. tax records were the probable brothers and father of James. The rest of the family seemed to have stayed together.
Sylvester, John and Aaron were found in the records of Marion and Hamilton Counties in Indiana beginning with their marriages until their deaths in 1898, 1907 and 1868 respectively. Mary [Jones] Crail lived with John for most of the final 12 years of her life.
Where were James and Mary before 1851? James' birthplace is given as Ohio, probably Hamilton Co., where the two eldest boys were born [according to their military service records.] Aaron was born in Marion Co., Ohio in 1839. They appear to have been in Shelby Co. during the 1840s, in 1851, 1853 and 1854. Mary was a native of Kentucky - probably from one of the northern counties near Hamilton Co., Ohio.
From 1854 until 1875? James and Mary were probably in central Indiana. I can't imagine that they went west [or east, or south, etc.] while the boys started their families. I'm also guessing that they were in a small town or rural area, since the were not in the city directories. At some point, James died, leaving Mary a widow. Mary was with her son John from 1875-1887, when she died.
The wrinkle in the story is that there may well be a fourth son named George. A George B. Crail is recorded as the son of James B. and Mary A. [Jones] Crail. The descendants of George with whom I have communicated have been a bit inconsistent in identifying family members. The number of brothers varied, one of the grandsons claimed for George was in reality a grandson of Aaron. I haven't found any records placing George with the rest of the family.
In support of George belonging to the family? Common parents. He, like James and Mary, is missing from the 1850-70 censuses. James had a brother named George.
If the fit is there then the family is already traced back to Scotland. I just need convincing!!
Sunday, March 1, 2015
A German Family Story
CAWBY/CAUVEY: This surname generated close to 200 spelling variations with the initial letters of C or G. That made researching the family's origins quite interesting.
Martin Cawby, Sr. was the earliest member of the family for whom I found records until focusing on the Cawbys several years ago at the Salt Lake Institute. A fellow researcher had mentioned the Catawba Valley as a rumored residence for the family. When I came across a book at the Family History Library on German Speaking People West of the Catawba River in North Carolina, 1750-1800, I latched onto it.
One Johannes Cabi/Cabe had arrived in Philadelphia from his home in one of the German States, settled in Maryland long enough to father seven children, then moved on to North Carolina. Johannes settled in the Catawba Valley. From 1789 until about 1807, John Gaba/Cauvey appeared in Lincoln Co., NC land records. Sons Martin & David were also found in the records. After 1807 the Cawby name disappeared from Lincoln Co. records.
In 1808, the names of John, Martin & David Cawby [or variations thereof] started appearing in the Jessamine Co., Kentucky tax rolls. John's name appeared in the Jessamine tax records until 1819. He presumably died there in 1819/20. Martin died in Jessamine Co. in 1824.
Martin Cawby, Jr., born about a year before his grandfather died, eventually made several stops in Indiana before dying in Indianapolis just short of his 80th birthday.
Martin Cawby, Sr. was the earliest member of the family for whom I found records until focusing on the Cawbys several years ago at the Salt Lake Institute. A fellow researcher had mentioned the Catawba Valley as a rumored residence for the family. When I came across a book at the Family History Library on German Speaking People West of the Catawba River in North Carolina, 1750-1800, I latched onto it.
One Johannes Cabi/Cabe had arrived in Philadelphia from his home in one of the German States, settled in Maryland long enough to father seven children, then moved on to North Carolina. Johannes settled in the Catawba Valley. From 1789 until about 1807, John Gaba/Cauvey appeared in Lincoln Co., NC land records. Sons Martin & David were also found in the records. After 1807 the Cawby name disappeared from Lincoln Co. records.
In 1808, the names of John, Martin & David Cawby [or variations thereof] started appearing in the Jessamine Co., Kentucky tax rolls. John's name appeared in the Jessamine tax records until 1819. He presumably died there in 1819/20. Martin died in Jessamine Co. in 1824.
Martin Cawby, Jr., born about a year before his grandfather died, eventually made several stops in Indiana before dying in Indianapolis just short of his 80th birthday.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
More Family Stories & Legends
CAIN: This family get a mention just because of the unique family monument at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Eliza Ann [Jennison] Cain [c1812-1881] was the wife of Captain John Cain, Sr. & the daughter of Rufus Jennison, Sr. & Jerusha Field. John Cain served as agent for the Nez Perce from 1853-58 and was replaced by his son Andrew.
The Cain monument at Crown Hill is a virtual family group record. Several members of the family predeceased Eliza and were buried elsewhere. She had those remains reinterred at Crown Hill in 1874. On one side of the monument is recorded the names of John and Eliza. Her parents and brother Rufus Jr. were named on another side. On a third panel were inscribed the names of children Andrew J. Cain, John Cain, Clara Bierce, Jerusha V., Van Buren, Caroline, Harriet and Jessie B. Cain.
The Day Book for Crown Hill interments gives more detailed information on several of the family members including birth & death dates & places.
One curious item does exist for the family. Eliza's father, Rufus has a death date of 6 August 1862. Family records are consistent as to the date. The fly in the ointment - Rufus' obituary & funeral notice appear in the Indianapolis papers in 1864. Did he die in 1862 or 1864?
The Day Book & the monument are rare finds.
The Cain monument at Crown Hill is a virtual family group record. Several members of the family predeceased Eliza and were buried elsewhere. She had those remains reinterred at Crown Hill in 1874. On one side of the monument is recorded the names of John and Eliza. Her parents and brother Rufus Jr. were named on another side. On a third panel were inscribed the names of children Andrew J. Cain, John Cain, Clara Bierce, Jerusha V., Van Buren, Caroline, Harriet and Jessie B. Cain.
The Day Book for Crown Hill interments gives more detailed information on several of the family members including birth & death dates & places.
One curious item does exist for the family. Eliza's father, Rufus has a death date of 6 August 1862. Family records are consistent as to the date. The fly in the ointment - Rufus' obituary & funeral notice appear in the Indianapolis papers in 1864. Did he die in 1862 or 1864?
The Day Book & the monument are rare finds.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Stories & Legends V
CALLUM/MACCALLUM: I haven't found much yet on Malcolm MacCallum, but what little I do know, makes for an interesting character sketch. I would estimate that Malcolm was born between 1625 & 1632 in Scotland. He was probably a conscript in the Scottish army in the fight against Oliver Cromwell's English forces. MacCallum was captured at the Battle of Dunbar in 1650. Cromwell sold many of his prisoners into servitude at iron works & other businesses in the Colonies.
Young MacCallum found himself aboard the Unity bound for the Saugus Iron Work at Lynn, Massachusetts in 1651. There he worked off his indenture, possibly early, and remained in the Lynn area. Malcolm had married by 1655. He & wife Martha had three sons & three daughters. The MacCallums probably moved to Salem and, possibly, Rowley later on.
There is a lot more to be learned in order to complete the Malcolm MacCallum story.
Young MacCallum found himself aboard the Unity bound for the Saugus Iron Work at Lynn, Massachusetts in 1651. There he worked off his indenture, possibly early, and remained in the Lynn area. Malcolm had married by 1655. He & wife Martha had three sons & three daughters. The MacCallums probably moved to Salem and, possibly, Rowley later on.
There is a lot more to be learned in order to complete the Malcolm MacCallum story.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
FS&L IV
BREWSTER: Back in my early research days while working on my Hazen genealogy, a fellow researcher informed me that she had been told that there was a Mayflower connection to that family. None of the research to that time supported the claim. Little did I know at the time that early researchers had made a crucial error in calculating relationships in the lineage. Elizabeth Dart was presumed to be a Dart by birth, whereas she was actually a Dart by marriage and a Turner by birth. That was the key to solving "the Mayflower mystery." The evidence was in the records. It had been overlooked. Elizabeth Turner's grandmother was Mary Brewster, daughter of Jonathan and granddaughter of Elder William Brewster.
Brewster was a native of Scrooby, Nottinghamshire, England. He served Secretary William Davison and was in the "Low Countries" with Davison when he negotiated an alliance with the States General. He was later postmaster of Scrooby. About 1602 Brewster began hosting worship services in his home. The attendees would form the Separatist Church in 1606. Brewster was arrested in 1607 for trying to lead a Separatist group in fleeing England. The next year he was released and joined the Separatists in The Netherlands and was chosen ruling elder in 1609. After escaping authorities in 1619, Brewster was able to secure a grant from the Virginia Company.
The Mayflower and the Speedwell left Plimouth, England in August 1620 for Virginia, The Speedwell was forced to turn back and the Mayflower sailed off course, landing at Cape Cod [Massachusetts] in October. The passengers, about half Separatists and half Strangers [non-Separatists] signed the "Mayflower Compact" - the document that laid out the government of the new colony. [men only]
Of the 102 passengers, 52 survived the first winter. The Fortune arrived in 1621 with relief for the survivors.
Brewster served as leader of the church for many years. He was praised by his contemporaries for his leadership. William moved to Duxbury in 1630 to join his son Jonathan [who arrived in 1621]. He died there in April of 1644 at the age of 89.
Brewster was a native of Scrooby, Nottinghamshire, England. He served Secretary William Davison and was in the "Low Countries" with Davison when he negotiated an alliance with the States General. He was later postmaster of Scrooby. About 1602 Brewster began hosting worship services in his home. The attendees would form the Separatist Church in 1606. Brewster was arrested in 1607 for trying to lead a Separatist group in fleeing England. The next year he was released and joined the Separatists in The Netherlands and was chosen ruling elder in 1609. After escaping authorities in 1619, Brewster was able to secure a grant from the Virginia Company.
The Mayflower and the Speedwell left Plimouth, England in August 1620 for Virginia, The Speedwell was forced to turn back and the Mayflower sailed off course, landing at Cape Cod [Massachusetts] in October. The passengers, about half Separatists and half Strangers [non-Separatists] signed the "Mayflower Compact" - the document that laid out the government of the new colony. [men only]
Of the 102 passengers, 52 survived the first winter. The Fortune arrived in 1621 with relief for the survivors.
Brewster served as leader of the church for many years. He was praised by his contemporaries for his leadership. William moved to Duxbury in 1630 to join his son Jonathan [who arrived in 1621]. He died there in April of 1644 at the age of 89.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Family Stories & Legends III:
BILLIOU: The Walloon Pierre Billiou was born about 1622 in the LaBasse or Wicres region of Flanders [later Artois, France], the son of Jean/Jacq Billiou. Being of the Protestant faith, Pierre fled the Catholic-ruled Spanish territory for Leiden, Holland, The Netherlands. There he married Francoise DuBois [sister of New Paltz, NY founder Louis] in 1649. The Billious had five daughters before leaving for the Dutch colony of New Netherland in 1661. Four of the girls accompanied Pierre and Francoise to America. It is believed that the eldest, Marie, sailed to New Netherland with the DuBois family a year or so earlier.
The Billious would eventually settle on Staten Island, where Pierre was one of the original petitioners for the new settlement of Oulde Dorp [Old Town] near South Beach. In 1663, Pierre began building their house - which still stands today as part of the Billiou-Stillwell-Perine House. [Dongan Hills section on Richmond Road, see photo below] Pierre went on to acquire additional tracts of land on Staten Island, Flatbush, Long Island and New Jersey. He was active in local politics and was a strong community leader.
Marie Billiou and her husband, Arent Jansen Prall, relocated from Kingston to Staten Island about 1675.
Pierre became a widower in 1696 and remarried perhaps twice. He died in 1701, leaving behind a pioneer's legacy.
http://www.historicrichmondtown.org/treasures/structures/billiou-stillwell-perine-house
The Billious would eventually settle on Staten Island, where Pierre was one of the original petitioners for the new settlement of Oulde Dorp [Old Town] near South Beach. In 1663, Pierre began building their house - which still stands today as part of the Billiou-Stillwell-Perine House. [Dongan Hills section on Richmond Road, see photo below] Pierre went on to acquire additional tracts of land on Staten Island, Flatbush, Long Island and New Jersey. He was active in local politics and was a strong community leader.
Marie Billiou and her husband, Arent Jansen Prall, relocated from Kingston to Staten Island about 1675.
Pierre became a widower in 1696 and remarried perhaps twice. He died in 1701, leaving behind a pioneer's legacy.
http://www.historicrichmondtown.org/treasures/structures/billiou-stillwell-perine-house
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