Surname Saturday – Hale (Ireland)

The only thing I know about my third great-grandmother, Anne HALE, is that she married Michael CAHILL on 30 January 1855 in Thomastown, Kilkenny, Ireland. I have no idea when she was born, when she died, or who her parents (or other relatives) are...she's a bit of a mystery. At least two of Anne's children left Ireland and settled in Aurora, Kane, Illinois (one son eventually removed from Aurora and settled in Chicago, Cook, Illinois). My direct line ancestors are in blue.

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First Generation

1.	Anne1 HALE, married Michael CAHILL on 30 January 1855 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland. Children from this marriage were:

2	i.	John2 CAHILL was born on 2 April 1856. (This son has not been proven by me personally.)
+ 3	ii.	Thomas Robert CAHILL was baptized on 8 May 1860 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 15 October 1929 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.
+ 4	iii.	John F CAHILL was baptized on 4 April 1863 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 4 November 1937 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
5	iv.	Margaret CAHILL was baptized on 5 January 1867 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland.
6	v.	Daniel J CAHILL was born in 1870. (This son has not been proven by me personally.)

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Second Generation

3.

Thomas2 Robert CAHILL (Anne1 Hale) was baptized on 8 May 1860 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 15 October 1929 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. Thomas married Margareth MILLETT, daughter of John MILLETT and Mary RYAN, on 3 July 1887 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. Margareth was baptized on 3 February 1863 in Oldgrange, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 7 January 1945 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

7	i.	Mary3 Ann "Marie" CAHILL was born on 8 November 1888 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 5 May 1972 in South Bend, St. Joseph, Indiana. She married first, Leonard ANDERSON; second, Lloyd NOLEN.
8	ii.	Margaret CAHILL was born on 18 January 1891 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 26 September 1967. She married Roger HILLBROOK.
9	iii.	Thomas Michael CAHILL was born on 1 February 1893 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 29 March 1972 in Danville, Vermilion, Illinois. He married first, Marie NICHOLS; second, Carrie WALLEY.
+ 10	iv.	John F CAHILL was born on 22 May 1895 in Illinois and died on 16 January 1967 in Sturgis, Saint Joseph, Michigan.
11	v.	Rose Ella CAHILL was born on 23 April 1897 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 25 August 1898 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.
12	vi.	Robert Emmett CAHILL was born on 22 January 1900 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 17 March 1974 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. He married Edna DAVIS.

4.

John2 F CAHILL (Anne1 Hale) was born baptized on 4 April 1863 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 4 November 1937 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. John married Anna "Annie" M GLYNN, daughter of Lawrence GLYNN and Mary CONNLEY, on 27 September 1892 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. Anna was born on 27 October 1866 in County Kings, Leinster, Ireland and died on 7 March 1937 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

13	i.	James3 CAHILL, born and died between 1892 and 1900.
14	ii.	Theresa "Tessie" CAHILL was born on 8 August 1895 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 17 May 1986 in Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio. She married Winslow KARAS.
15	iii.	Clarence M CAHILL was born on 31 May 1900 in Illinois and died on 7 December 1964 in Cook County, Illinois. He married Della ROCHE.
16	iv.	June CAHILL was born cal. 7 June 1902 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 21 July 1905 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.
17	v.	John F CAHILL was born on 10 July 1905 in Illinois and died circa 7 November 1976 in Cook County, Illinois. He married Helen SMITH.
18	vi.	Esther CAHILL was born about 1908 in Illinois and died on 3 May 1994 in , Lee, Florida. She married first, Robert BULLER; second, Ivor PARKER.

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Third Generation

10.

John3 F CAHILL (Thomas Robert2, Anne1 Hale) was born on 22 May 1895 probably in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 16 January 1967 in Sturgis, Saint Joseph, Michigan. John married Catherine M SCHWARTZ, daughter of Johann "John" SCHWARTZ and Margarethe "Margaret" KREMER, on 25 April 1916 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. Catherine was born on 16 April 1894 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 26 January 1925 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

19	i.	Raymond4 J CAHILL was born on 8 February 1918 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 21 June 1987 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. He married Ruth HARVEY and may have been married once prior to that marriage.
20	ii.	Marcella Marion CAHILL was born on 22 February 1920 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 2 October 2010 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. She married Leo SCHAG.
21	iii.	John "Jack" Francis CAHILL was born on 12 June 1922 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 16 September 1984 in Addison, DuPage, Illinois. He married Joan McMAHON, and their only son, Joseph, was my father.

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Disclaimer: Information is based on research completed as of 3 May2013. Some details have been omitted to protect the privacy of living relatives.

Sources: Available upon request.

PDF Available: The content of this post is available as a PDF through Scribd and may updated periodically as new information is found.

Other Blog Posts: To see other posts about the Hale family, click here. To see other Surname Saturday posts, click here.

Contact: If you would like more information about this family, or would like to share what you know, please contact me at genblogjulie@gmail.com.

Surname Saturday – Mulligan (Ireland / Michigan / Illinois / Canada / Ohio

James MULLIGAN is third great-grandfather. He was born on 7 December 1812 in Dublin, Ireland. By 1850, he is living in the United States. According to a genealogy compiled by my family, his daughter, Sarah Jane, was named Jane after James' sister. He may also have had a brother, Joseph, who was listed as living with James in the 1850 census, born in Ireland, and the right age to be a sibling. Also, according to the compiled genealogy, there is a note that reads: "James Mulligan's father kept a tavern a couple of miles from Dublin, at the cross-roads." Beyond these few clues, I have no idea who James' parents were, or if there are other siblings.  My direct line ancestors are in blue.

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First Generation

1.

James1 MULLIGAN was born on 7 December 1812 in Dublin, Leinster, Ireland, and died on 8 September 1879 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan. James married first, Margaret --?-- before 1850. Margaret was born about 1820 in Ireland and probably died between 1850 and 1860. Known children from this marriage were:

2	i.	Maria2 MULLIGAN was born about 1839 in Ireland.
3	ii.	Patrick MULLIGAN was born about 1842 in Ireland.
4	iii.	Michael MULLIGAN was born about 1847 in Ireland.
5	iv.	Bridget MULLIGAN was born about 1848 in Ireland.

James married second, Sophia --?--, between 1850 and 1860. Sophia was born about 1823 in New York and died on 5 February 1865 in Oakland County, Michigan. Because the fate of Margaret is unknown and the date of marriage for James and Sophia is also unknown, the children below could belong to either Margaret or Sophia. However, James does list in his marriage record that Sophia is his mother. Known children from this marriage were:

6	i.	Joseph2 MULLIGAN was born about 1851 in Michigan. He may have married Emma J Tower on 17 October 1872 in Grand Blanc, Genesee, Michigan. Everything seems to line up, but this has not been confirmed.
7	ii.	James P MULLIGAN was born 12 December 1856 in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan, and died on 26 November 1932 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio.
8	iii.	Julia MULLIGAN was born about 1858 and died on 2 November 1863 in Oakland County, Michigan.

James married third, Sarah Norton WEBSTER, daughter of Calvin Price WEBSTER and Betsey PARKS, on 5 November 1865 in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan. Sarah was the widow of Abram Marshall COFFINGER. Sarah was born on 14 September 1828 in Bloomfield, Oakland, Michigan, and died on 10 August 1894 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

+ 9	i.	Edward2 MULLIGAN was born on 8 April 1867 in Lapeer, Lapeer, Michigan, and died on 17 June 1924 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
+ 10	ii.	Sarah Jane MULLIGAN was born on 16 April 1870 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan, and died on 26 April 1947 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
11	iii.	Margaret Elizabeth MULLIGAN was born on 25 August 1873 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan, and died on 6 February 1886 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan.

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Second Generation

7.

James2 P MULLIGAN (James1) was born 12 December 1856 in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan, and died on 26 November 1932 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. James married Emma Jane MARTIN on 7 November 1877 in Petrolia, Lambton, Ontario, Canada. Emma was born in May 1850 in St. Thomas, Elgin, Ontario, Canada and died between June 1900 and November 1932. Known children from this marriage were:

12	i.	Lawrence3 MULLIGAN was born on 15 August 1878 in Petrolia, Lambton, Ontario, Canada and died before 1880.
+ 13	ii.	John James MULLIGAN was born on 17 August 1879 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan, died on 15 April 1941 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio.
+ 14	iii.	Sophia MULLIGAN was born on 6 November 1881 in Petrolia, Lambton, Ontario, Canada and died on 14 March 1949 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio.
+ 15	iv.	Mary E MULLIGAN was born on 25 March 1884 in Petrolia, Lambton, Ontario, Canada, and died on 4 September 1946 in Lakewood, Cuyahoga, Ohio.
16	v.	Arthur MULLIGAN was born on 6 January 1887 in Enniskillen, Lambton, Ontario, Canada and died before 1891.
17	vi.	Joseph MULLIGAN was born on 10 May 1889 in Ontario, Canada, and died on 13 December 1911 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. He never married and had no children.

9.

Edward2 P MULLIGAN (James1) was born on 8 April 1867 in Lapeer, Lapeer, Michigan, and died on 17 June 1924 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Edward married Sarah RALPH, daughter of Richard RALPH and Elizabeth LOMAS, on 6 August 1891 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Sarah was born on 25 June 1871 in Dublin, Leinster, Ireland, and died on 7 November 1930 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

18	i.	Sarah3 "Sadie" Jane MULLIGAN was born on 24 April 1892 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, died circa 25 December 1972. She married Joseph M GRAFTON on 5 November 191 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Sarah and Joseph had six children.
19	ii.	Ralph Edward MULLIGAN was born on 1 December 1893 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 23 March 1949 in Cook County, Illinois.
20	iii.	Frances Margarite MULLIGAN was born on 15 August 1897 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died between January 1920 and June 1924.
21	iv.	Joseph MULLIGAN was born about 1898 in Illinois and died before 1949.

10.

Sarah2 Jane MULLIGAN (James1) was born on 16 April 1870 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan, and died on 26 April 1947 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Sarah married James Manly GARRISON, son of Susan --?--, on 23 January 1893 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. James was born on 26 December 1861 in Picton, Prince Edward, Ontario, Canada, and died on 23 May 1909 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

22	i.	James3 Norton GARRISON was born on 19 September 1895 in Petrolia, Lambton, Ontario, Canada, and died in September 1962 in Ohio. He married Lorene PLATT and they had one child.
23	ii.	Joseph Webster GARRISON was born on 4 January 1898 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 23 July 1930 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. He never married and had no children.
+ 24	iii.	Emma Jane GARRISON was born on 3 November 1901 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 20 October 1970 in Elk Grove Village, Cook, Illinois.
25	iv.	Robert Parks GARRISON was born on 12 November 1904 in Illinois and died on 19 December 1984 in Polk County, Florida. He married Florence BOAM and they had one child.

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Third Generation

13.

John3 James MULLIGAN (James2 P, James1) was born on 17 August 1879 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan, died on 15 April 1941 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. John married Catherine LYDON on 22 July 1903 in , Cuyahoga, Ohio. Catherine was born on 13 May 1880 in County Mayo, Ireland, and died on 7 September 1945 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. Children from this marriage were:

26	i.	Anna4 Elise MULLIGAN was born on 10 May 1904 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio.
27	ii.	Catherine Blanche MULLIGAN was born on 24 May 1906 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio, and died on 16 February 1934 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio.
28	iii.	Charles Martin MULLIGAN was born on 30 November 1908 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio, and died on 22 May 1927 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. He never married and had no children.
29	iv.	Thomas MULLIGAN was born circa 1911 in Ohio.
30	v.	Bernard MULLIGANwas born circa 1915 in Ohio.

14.

Sophia3 MULLIGAN (James2 P, James1) was born on 6 November 1881 in Petrolia, Lambton, Ontario, Canada and died on 14 March 1949 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. Sophia married Godfreid "Fred" NEUBERT on 28 September 1898 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Godfreid was born on 19 September 1878 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. Known children from this marriage were:

31

i.

Herman4 NEUBERT was born in July 1899 in Ohio and died after June 1900.

15.	Mary3 E MULLIGAN (James2 P, James1) was born on 25 March 1884 in Petrolia, Lambton, Ontario, Canada, and died on 4 September 1946 in Lakewood, Cuyahoga, Ohio. Mary married Thomas QUINN on 15 July 1902 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Thomas died before April 1910. Known children from this marriage were:

32	i.	Cecilia4 or Celia E QUINN was born on 2 February 1903 in Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio.
33	ii.	Agnes QUINN was born on 24 November 1904 in Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio.
34	iii.	Anna M QUINN was born about 1908 in Ohio.

24.

Emma3 Jane GARRISON (Sarah2 Jane, James1) was born on 3 November 1901 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 20 October 1970 in Elk Grove Village, Cook, Illinois. Emma married John Ward McMAHON, son of Timothy James McMAHON and Sarah Jane WARD, on 26 May 1923 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. John was born on 7 April 1902 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 24 June 1962 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

35	i.	Joan4 Garrison McMAHON was born on 6 February 1927 in Oak Park, Cook, Illinois, died on 1 March 1980 in Kissimmee, Osceola, Florida, while visiting her uncle Robert GARRISON. She married John “Jack” Francis CAHILL; their only son, Joseph, was my father.
36	ii.	Florence June McMAHON was born on 16 November 1929 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois and died on 17 October 2009 in Big Sandy, Upshur, Texas. She was married three times and had two children.

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Disclaimer: Information is based on research completed as of 28 March 2013.  Some details have been omitted to protect the privacy of living relatives.

Sources: Available upon request.

PDF Available: The content of this post is available as a PDF through Scribd and may updated periodically as new information is found.

Other Blog Posts: To see other posts about the Mulligan family, click here.  To see other Surname Saturday posts, click here.

Contact: If you would like more information about this family, or would like to share what you know, please contact me at genblogjulie@gmail.com.

Surname Saturday – Ward (Ireland / Illinois)

My WARD line is one of my more challenging lines.  The earliest known ancestor is my third great-grandfather, James WARD and I don’t know much about him.  He was apparently married prior to marrying my third great-grandmother, Bridget, but I have no information about his first wife.  The only clues come from the 1880 census, which shows James with three additional children, all born before James and Bridget married. 

And, for the longest time, I though Bridget’s maiden name was Shevlin/Shevlan, but after some digging and a closer look at their marriage certificate, I’m not so sure; she may have been married previously as well.  A lot of mystery around this family.  Here’s what I know so far.  My direct line ancestors are in blue.

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First Generation

1.	James1 WARD was born about 1840 in Ireland.  I suspect he died between 1887 and 1890.  James married first, an unknown woman. Known children from this marriage were:

2	i.	May2 WARD was born about 1861 in New York.
3	ii.	Phillip WARD was born about 1866 in Massachusetts.
4	iii.	John WARD was born about 1868 in Illinois.

James married second, Bridget Shevlin (not sure if this is her maiden name or a married name) on 17 May 1874 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Bridget was born about 1838 in Ireland and died on 19 July 1912 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Known children from this marriage were:

+ 5	i.	Sarah2 Jane WARD was born on 7 April 1875 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 8 October 1956 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
6	ii.	Rosanna WARD was born on 19 December 1877 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. I believe that Rosanna married John O’Connor on 21 December 1910 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois and that they had at least two children.

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Second Generation

5.

Sarah2 Jane WARD (James1) was born on 7 April 1875 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 8 October 1956 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  Sarah married Timothy James McMAHON, son of Timothy McMAHON and Margaret RYAN, on 11 November 1899 in Lake County, Indiana.  Timothy was born on 14 May 1874 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 14 October 1939 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

+ 7	i.	John3 Ward McMAHON was born on 7 April 1902 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 24 June 1962 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
8	ii.	Timothy G "Thomas" McMAHON was born on 17 March 1904 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 10 January 1969 in Cook County, Illinois.  Timothy married first, Nellie Helen FENNEMA, between 1920 and 1927.  Nellie was born 20 March 1903 in Missouri and died on 26 January 1927 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  He married second, Eleanor BRANDENBURG, on 30 June 1937 in Cook County, Illinois.  Eleanor was born on 26 March 1910 in Illinois and died on 14 December 1983 in California.

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Third Generation

7.

John3 Ward McMAHON (Sarah2 Jane, James1) was born on 7 April 1902 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 24 June 1962 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  John married Emma Jane GARRISON, daughter of James Manly GARRIOSN and Sarah Jane MULLIGAN, on 26 May 1923 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  Emma was born on 3 November 1901 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 20 October 1970 in Elk Grove Village, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

9	i.	Joan4 Garrison McMAHON was born on 6 February 1927 in Oak Park, Cook, Illinois, and died on 1 March 1980 in Kissimmee, Osceola, Florida.  She married John “Jack” Francis CAHILL; their only son, Joseph, was my father.
10	ii.	Florence June McMAHON was born on 16 November 1929 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 17 October 2009 in Big Sandy, Upshur, Texas.

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Disclaimer: Information is based on research completed as of 22 March 2013. Some details have been omitted to protect the privacy of living relatives.

Sources: Available upon request.

PDF Available: The content of this post is available as a PDF through Scribd and may updated periodically as new information is found.

Other Blog Posts: To see other posts about the Ward family, click here. To see other Surname Saturday posts, click here.

Contact: If you would like more information about this family, or would like to share what you know, please contact me at genblogjulie@gmail.com.

Surname Saturday – Garrison (Ontario / Michigan / Illinois)

My earliest known GARRISON is James Manly GARRISON, who was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1861. I'm still trying to determine, with some level of certainty, who his parents are. I know his mother's name was Susan, and I suspect that she herself was a GARRISON, but I need to do some more digging to learn the truth. James and his mother relocated to Detroit, Wayne, Michigan about 1871, and James later moved to Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

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First Generation

1.

James Manly GARRISON, son of Susan (--?--), was born on 26 December 1861 in Picton, Prince Edward, Ontario, Canada, and died on 23 May 1909 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. James married Sarah Jane "Jennie" MULLIGAN, daughter of James MULLIGAN and Sarah Norton WEBSTER, on 23 January 1893 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Sarah was born on 16 April 1870 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan, and died on 26 April 1947 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

2	i.	James Norton GARRISON was born on 19 September 1895 in Petrolia, Lambton, Ontario, Canada, and died in September 1962 in Ohio. He married Lorene PLATT and they had one child.
3	ii.	Joseph Webster GARRISON was born on 4 January 1898 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 23 July 1930 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. He never married and had no children.
+ 4	iii.	Emma Jane GARRISON was born on 3 November 1901 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 20 October 1970 in Elk Grove Village, Cook, Illinois.
5	iv.	Robert Parks GARRISON was born on 12 November 1904 in Illinois and died on 19 December 1984 in Polk County, Florida. He married Florence BOAM and they had one child.

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Second Generation

4.

Emma Jane GARRISON (James Manly1) was born on 3 November 1901 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 20 October 1970 in Elk Grove Village, Cook, Illinois. Emma married John Ward McMAHON, son of Timothy James McMAHON and Sarah Jane WARD, on 26 May 1923 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. John was born on 7 April 1902 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 24 June 1962 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

6	i.	Joan Garrison McMAHON was born on 6 February 1927 in Oak Park, Cook, Illinois, died on 1 March 1980 in Kissimmee, Osceola, Florida, while visiting her uncle Robert GARRISON. She married John “Jack” Francis CAHILL; their only son, Joseph, was my father.
7	ii.	Florence June McMAHON was born on 16 November 1929 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois and died on 17 October 2009 in Big Sandy, Upshur, Texas. She was married three times and had two children.

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Disclaimer: Information is based on research completed as of 15 February 2013. Some details have been omitted to protect the privacy of living relatives.

Sources: Available upon request.

PDF Available: The content of this post is available as a PDF through Scribd and may updated periodically as new information is found.

Other Blog Posts: To see other posts about the Garrison family, click here. To see other Surname Saturday posts, click here.

Contact: If you would like more information about this family, or would like to share what you know, please contact me at genblogjulie@gmail.com.

Surname Saturday: McMahon (Ireland / Illinois)

My McMAHON line apparently comes from somewhere in County Tipperary, Ireland. Timothy MCMAHON, my third great-grandfather, it the earliest known/proven ancestor in that line. Timothy left Ireland around 1864 and settled in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  My direct line ancestors are in blue.

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First Generation

1.

Timothy McMAHON, was born about 1845 in County Tipperary, Ireland, and died on 29 March 1913 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  According to his death certificate, his parents were John McMAHON and Rebecca O’BRIEN, both born in Ireland.  Timothy married Margaret RYAN, widow of Edward MURNANE, on 29 June 1873 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  Margaret was born about 1846 in County Tipperary, Ireland, and died on 23 July 1928 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

+ 2	i.	Timothy James McMAHON was born on 14 May 1874 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 14 October 1939 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
3	ii.	John Joseph McMAHON was born on 27 September 1875 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 11 September 1937 in Cook County, Illinois.  He never married and had no children.
4	iii.	Ellen "Nellie" G McMAHON was born on 21 January 1882 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 14 November 1937 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  She never married and had no children.
5	iv.	Jeramiah "Jerry" William McMAHON was born on 8 August 1883 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois and died on 20 February 1928 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Jeramiah married first, Florence SHANNON on 23 May 1904 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  He married second, Ellen (or Ella) between 1920 and 1928.
6	v.	Elizabeth "Lizzie" V McMAHON was born on 18 June 1886 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died circa 1 October 1955 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  Elizabeth married Arthur L FRANCOEUR on 29 June 1937 in Cook County, Illinois.  Arthur was born on 1 November 1889, and died on 3 March 1971 in Miami, Dade, Florida.

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Second Generation

2.

Timothy James McMAHON was born on 14 May 1874 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 14 October 1939 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  Timothy married Sarah Jane WARD, daughter of James WARD and Bridget SHEVLIN (may be a married name), on 11 November 1899 in Lake County, Indiana.  Sarah was born on 7 April 1875 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 8 October 1956 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

+ 7	i.	John Ward McMAHON was born on 7 April 1902 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 24 June 1962 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
8	ii.	Timothy G "Thomas" McMAHON was born on 17 March 1904 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 10 January 1969 in Cook County, Illinois.  Timothy married first, Nellie Helen FENNEMA, between 1920 and 1927.  Nellie was born 20 March 1903 in Missouri and died on 26 January 1927 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  He married second, Eleanor BRANDENBURG, on 30 June 1937 in Cook County, Illinois.  Eleanor was born on 26 March 1910 in Illinois and died on 14 December 1983 in California.

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Third Generation

7.

John Ward McMAHON was born on 7 April 1902 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 24 June 1962 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  John married Emma Jane GARRISON, daughter of James Manly GARRISON and Sarah Jane MULLIGAN, on 26 May 1923 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  Emma was born on 3 November 1901 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 20 October 1970 in Elk Grove Village, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

9	i.	Joan Garrison McMAHON was born on 6 February 1927 in Oak Park, Cook, Illinois, and died on 1 March 1980 in Kissimmee, Osceola, Florida.  She married John “Jack” Francis CAHILL; their only son, Joseph, was my father.
10	ii.	Florence June McMAHON was born on 16 November 1929 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, and died on 17 October 2009 in Big Sandy, Upshur, Texas.

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Disclaimer: Information is based on research completed as of 23 January 2013. Some details have been omitted to protect the privacy of living relatives.

Sources: Available upon request.

PDF Available: The content of this post is available as a PDF through Scribd and may updated periodically as new information is found.

Other Blog Posts: To see other posts about the McMahon family, click here. To see other Surname Saturday posts, click here.

Contact: If you would like more information about this family, or would like to share what you know, please contact me at genblogjulie@gmail.com.

Surname Saturday: Cahill (Ireland / Illinois)

This is my first Surname Saturday post, so I figured I’d start with my maiden name.  I’ll probably work in order by ahnetafel number just so I don’t lose my mind trying to remember what names I’ve done. 

My CAHILL clan hails from Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Ireland.  Michael CAHILL, my third great-grandfather, it the earliest known/proven ancestor in that line.  At least two of his children left Ireland and settled in Aurora, Kane, Illinois (one son eventually moved to Chicago, Cook, Illinois).  My direct line ancestors are in blue.

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First Generation

1.	Michael1 CAHILL, possibly the son of John CAHILL and Catherine CROAK, who was baptized on 11 November 1834 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland.  Michael married Anne HALE on 30 January 1855 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland. Children from this marriage were:

2	i.	John2 CAHILL was born on 2 April 1856. (This son has not been proven by me personally.)
+ 3	ii.	Thomas Robert CAHILL was baptized on 8 May 1860 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 15 October 1929 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.
+ 4	iii.	John F CAHILL was baptized on 4 April 1863 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 4 November 1937 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.
5	iv.	Margaret CAHILL was baptized on 5 January 1867 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland.
6	v.	Daniel J CAHILL was born in 1870.  (This son has not been proven by me personally.)

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Second Generation

3.

Thomas2 Robert CAHILL (Michael1) was baptized on 8 May 1860 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 15 October 1929 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.  Thomas married Margareth MILLETT, daughter of John MILLETT and Mary RYAN, on 3 July 1887 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.  Margareth was baptized on 3 February 1863 in Oldgrange, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 7 January 1945 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

7	i.	Mary3 Ann "Marie" CAHILL was born on 8 November 1888 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 5 May 1972 in South Bend, St. Joseph, Indiana.  She married first, Leonard ANDERSON; second, Lloyd NOLEN.
8	ii.	Margaret CAHILL was born on 18 January 1891 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 26 September 1967.  She married Roger HILLBROOK.
9	iii.	Thomas Michael CAHILL was born on 1 February 1893 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 29 March 1972 in Danville, Vermilion, Illinois.  He married first, Marie NICHOLS; second, Carrie WALLEY.
+ 10	iv.	John F CAHILL was born on 22 May 1895 in Illinois and died on 16 January 1967 in Sturgis, Saint Joseph, Michigan.
11	v.	Rose Ella CAHILL was born on 23 April 1897 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 25 August 1898 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.
12	vi.	Robert Emmett CAHILL was born on 22 January 1900 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 17 March 1974 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.  He married Edna DAVIS.

4.

John2 F CAHILL (Michael1) was born baptized on 4 April 1863 in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ireland and died on 4 November 1937 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.  John married Anna "Annie" M GLYNN, daughter of Lawrence GLYNN and Mary CONNLEY, on 27 September 1892 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.  Anna was born on 27 October 1866 in County Kings, Leinster, Ireland and died on 7 March 1937 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

13	i.	James3 CAHILL, born and died between 1892 and 1900.
14	ii.	Theresa "Tessie" CAHILL was born on 8 August 1895 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 17 May 1986 in Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio.  She married Winslow KARAS.
15	iii.	Clarence M CAHILL was born on 31 May 1900 in Illinois and died on 7 December 1964 in Cook County, Illinois.  He married Della ROCHE.
16	iv.	June CAHILL was born cal. 7 June 1902 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 21 July 1905 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.
17	v.	John F CAHILL was born on 10 July 1905 in Illinois and died circa 7 November 1976 in Cook County, Illinois.  He married Helen SMITH.
18	vi.	Esther CAHILL was born about 1908 in Illinois and died on 3 May 1994 in , Lee, Florida.  She married first, Robert BULLER; second, Ivor PARKER.

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Third Generation

10.

John3 F CAHILL (Thomas Robert2, Michael1) was born on 22 May 1895 probably in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 16 January 1967 in Sturgis, Saint Joseph, Michigan.  John married Catherine M SCHWARTZ, daughter of Johann "John" SCHWARTZ and Margarethe "Margaret" KREMER, on 25 April 1916 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.  Catherine was born on 16 April 1894 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 26 January 1925 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. Children from this marriage were:

19	i.	Raymond4 J CAHILL was born on 8 February 1918 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 21 June 1987 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.  He married Ruth HARVEY and may have been married once prior to that marriage.
20	ii.	Marcella Marion CAHILL was born on 22 February 1920 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 2 October 2010 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.  She married Leo SCHAG.
21	iii.	John "Jack" Francis CAHILL was born on 12 June 1922 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois and died on 16 September 1984 in Addison, DuPage, Illinois.  He married Joan McMAHON, and their only son, Joseph, was my father.

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Disclaimer: Information is based on research completed as of 12 January 2013. Some details have been omitted to protect the privacy of living relatives.

Sources: Available upon request.

PDF Available: The content of this post is available as a PDF through Scribd and may updated periodically as new information is found.

Other Blog Posts: To see other posts about the Cahill family, click here. To see other Surname Saturday posts, click here.

Contact: If you would like more information about this family, or would like to share what you know, please contact me at genblogjulie@gmail.com.

Fearless Females – Memorial Pages

Back in 2010, in honor of Women’s History Month, Lisa Alzo created a list of writing prompts for each day during the month of March.  I didn’t participate in 2010, so I’m going to take the opportunity to participate this year, since Lisa was kind enough to resurrect her prompts for 2012.

Create a free Fold3 Memorial Page or a Genealogy Trading Card at Big Huge Labs for a female ancestor. Some of you may have created your own card back in September 2009 following Sheri Fenley’s post over at The Educated Genealogist. This time, the card is for your female ancestor. Tell us about who you've selected and why and then post a link to what you've created.

I had previously created or contributed to five memorial pages at Fold3, one for my dad and one for each of my grandparents.  For my grandparents, I started with the SSDI entry and added a few facts and a photo or two.  It’s been almost two years since I did that.  Because of this prompt, I went ahead and updated all five pages, added sources, and some more images.

Since this prompt deals with female ancestors, here are the links to the pages for my grandmothers.  I hope that some of my family members will take the time to add their memories and stories to these pages.

• Marie Ethel (Rottman) Miller
• Joan Garrison (McMahon) Cahill

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Read all of my Fearless Females posts.

Fearless Females – Favorite Female Ancestor

Back in 2010, in honor of Women’s History Month, Lisa Alzo created a list of writing prompts for each day during the month of March.  I didn’t participate in 2010, so I’m going to take the opportunity to participate this year, since Lisa was kind enough to resurrect her prompts for 2012.

Do you have a favorite female ancestor? One you are drawn to or want to learn more about? Write down some key facts you have already learned or what you would like to learn and outline your goals and potential sources you plan to check.

I’d have to say that my favorite female ancestor is my third great-grandmother, Sarah Norton (Webster) Coffinger Mulligan (1828-1894).  Sarah is my pivotal connection to the Webster line, as well as the reason behind the joining of my parent’s families. 

As children, Sarah’s parents, Calvin Price Webster and Betsey Parks, moved with their families to Oakland County, Michigan, where they later married.  Sarah first married Abram Coffinger, apparently in 1850 in the neighboring county of Macomb, and together they had five known children.  Abram died in 1863, so Sarah married James Mulligan (my third great-grandfather) in 1865.  James and Sarah had three children:  Edward, Sarah Jane (my ancestor), and Margaret.  At one point, James and Sarah moved to Flint, Michigan, where James later died in 1879.  By 1892, Sarah had moved to Chicago with daughter Sarah Jane (evidence suggests that son Edward was there before his mother and sister, although they may have all moved together by 1891).

Sarah’s move to Chicago, albeit, possibly not solely her decision, was what started the joining of my parent’s family.  Her daughter Sarah Jane, married James Manly Garrison on 23 January 1893 in Chicago.  Their daughter, Emma, married John Ward McMahon on 26 May 1923 in Chicago.  John and Emma’s daughter, Joan, married John Francis Cahill on 6 November 1943 in Chicago.  And finally, their only son, my dad, married my mom in 1967 in Chicago.  Most of mom’s family had settled in Chicago in the late 1880s.  Many of the families of both my mom and dad coexisted in Chicago in the same general vicinity for decades.  Then each set of my grandparents relocated to the same Chicago suburb.

It’s amazing how the decision of one person can lead to the chain of events that create our existence.  Had Sarah and her daughter not moved to Chicago, I would certainly not be here writing about it!

Read all of my Fearless Females posts.

SNGF - “Heritage Pie” Chart

This week’s challenge from Randy is:

• List your 16 great-great-grandparents with their birth, death and marriage data (dates and places). 
• Determine the countries (or states) that these ancestors lived in at their birth and at their death.
• For extra credit, go make a "Heritage Pie" chart for the country of origin (birth place) for these 16 ancestors. [Hint: you could use the  chart generator from Kid Zone for this.] [Note: Thank you to Sheri Fenley for the "Heritage Pie" chart idea.]
• Tell us about it in your own blog post, in a comment to this post, or in a post on Facebook or google+.

Here’s mine:

 

16.  Thomas CAHILL - bap. 8 May 1860 in Thomastown, Kilkenny, Ireland; died 15 October 1929 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois; married Margareth MILLETT, 3 July 1887 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.

17.  Margareth “Maggie” MILLETT – bap. 3 February 1863 in Old Grange, Kilkenny, Ireland; died 7 January 1945 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.

18.  John SCHWARTZ – born 11 Arpil 1856 (cal.) in Luxembourg; died 20 January 1912 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois; married Margaretha KRAMER, 6 September 1888 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.

19.  Margaretha “Margaret” KRAMER – born 31 October 1866 in Consdorf, Echternach, Luxembourg; died 14 January 1945 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois.

20.  Timothy McMAHON – born 14 May 1874 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois; died 14 October 1939 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois; married Sarah Jane WARD, 11 November 1899 in Lake County, Indiana.

21.  Sarah Jane WARD – born 7 April 1875 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois; died 8 October 1956 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

22.  James Manly GARRISON – born 26 December 1861 in Picton, Prince Edward, Ontario, Canada; died 23 May 1909 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois; married, Sarah Jane MULLIGAN, 23 January 1893 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

23.  Sarah Jane “Jennie” MULLIGAN – born 16 April 1870 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan; died 26 April 1947 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

24.  Emil MILLER – born January 1864 in Germany; died after 1902, probably in Chicago, Cook, Illinois; married Hulda WACH, 8 August 1886 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

25.  Hulda WACH – born 9 January 1869 in Germany; died probably between 1910 and 1920 in McHenry County, Illinois.

26.  Herman LEPPIN – born 22 March 1873 in Germany; died 31 March 1948 in Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona; married Minnie HEMFLER, 26 March 1894 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

27.  Minnie HEMFLER – born 9 April 1871 in Germany; died 17 May 1945 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

28.  Philip ROTTMAN – born about 1835 in Bavaria, Germany; died between 1885 and 1889, probably in Linn Couny, Iowa; married Mary Eva REEDER before 1870, possible in France.

29.  Mary Eva REEDER – born 18 March 1849 (cal.) in France; died 26 October 1889 in Iowa.

30.  Carl “Charles” STOFFEL – born 16 September 1855 in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany; died 8 November 1902 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois; married Mary BRAUN, about 1884.

31.  Mary BRAUN – born 19 November 1855 in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany; died 9 August 1936 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

Who Knew a Visitation Register Could Be So Helpful

I am fortunate to have many family artifacts upon which much of my initial research is based.  There are two visitation registers in my possession: one for my great-grandfather, George Rottman, and one for my great-grandfather, John Ward McMahon.  When I initially found them I entered relevant family information in my database, such as the residence recorded for visitors.  The past few weeks have been spent fixing sources throughout my database, which sometimes has forced me back to the original source at which point I re-analyze it.  This is where my story begins.

Today I revisited the register for John War McMahon’s visitation for when he died in 1962.  There are pages of names and addresses of those who attended.  Years ago when I first reviewed it, there were many names I didn’t recognize.  Given the addresses of some, I concluded they were neighbors.  But there were still many unknowns that remained.

In the meantime, I went on doing my research using a variety of sources.  This led to the discovery of a “half” family I had no idea existed.  My third great-grandmother, Margaret RYAN, had been married prior to her union to my third great-grandfather, Timothy McMahon.  From her first marriage, at least two daughters were born: Mary and Margaret Murnane.  The only evidence (which is what I originally found that tipped me off to this half family) is the 1880  census for Margaret (Ryan) McMahon.  [1]  I did not believe it to be shaky evidence despite the fact that her husband, Timothy, was not listed in the household (nor have I been able to find him anywhere in the 1880 census).  There was Margaret, with sons Timothy and John, all of the right age and birth location.  But there under the two sons were two daughters, Mary and Margaret Murnane.

So I began to research these half-siblings and, long story short, learned that a friend from high school descended from Margaret’s union with the unknown Murnane making us cousins.  Obituaries for Timothy J McMahon, son of Timothy and Margaret (Ryan) McMahon, tied him to his “sisters” Mary (Murnane) Franklin and Margaret (Murnane) King.  Margaret King’s obituary tied her to “sister” Elizabeth (McMahon) Francoeur, a daughter of Margaret and Timothy McMahon.  I was pretty satisfied with the research completed to date, keeping in mind that most of it had been completed almost two years ago.

Back to today and John Ward McMahon’s visitation register.  (John is the son of Timothy J. McMahon, who is the son of Timothy and Margaret (Ryan) (Murnane) McMahon.)  As I was combing through all the names in the register, one stuck out at me.  It was F J Franklin.  Having not looked at this particular family for awhile, I was surprise that it caught my attention.  So I headed to my database to see if there was an F J Franklin tied to Mary (Murnane) Franklin (aunt to John Ward McMahon).  I found Francis J Franklin and was pretty sure they’re one in the same.  As I continued to go through the names, two other names stuck out:  Mr. and Mrs. H L Condon and Beatrice Curran, right next to one another.  These are daughters of Margaret (Murnane) King (also aunt to John Ward McMahon).

Knowing that these three people attended the visitation for my great-grandfather further establishes proof of the relationship between the half families.  It also shows that even though I knew nothing of the half family, they evidentially intermingled at least until 1962 when John Ward McMahon died.

As I continued to examine more names, I found two in a row that had “(Grafton)” written to the side; a third followed that had “(Mary Grafton)” written to the side.  So off I went to my database to look at my Graftons, and sure enough there they were.  This family is related through John Ward McMahon’s wife’s side of the family.  Again, these names were foreign to me when I looked at the register years ago.  This is another family group that was researched with traditional sources and further supported today by the register.

I’m glad I took another look at this artifact.  Sure it gave me more clues about particular family members, such as where they were living and that there with alive in 1962.  But more importantly, the register further proved connections to two other families, which were initially found through basic research and typical sources.  This basically solidifies my confidence that I know what I’m doing when it comes to genealogy research.  Hallelujah!!  I must be doing something right!

Sources

1. 1880 U.S. census population schedule, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, enumeration district (ED) 96, p. 23, dwelling 129, family 295, Margaret McMahon; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed December 17, 2008); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm T9, roll 192.

My Revolutionary War Patriots

In honor of Independence Day, I thought I’d write a post about my ancestors who are Revolutionary War patriots.

Robert Parks

Robert PARKS is the patriot I went in under for membership to National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).  His service is listed as a private serving under Captain Benager Leffingwell.  Below is a muster roll from 1777; it is the only one I have found for him.

Robert is my sixth great-grandfather.  He was born 4 December 1737 in Voluntown, Connecticut and died in 1810 in Windham, Connecticut.  Following is my direct line to him (in bold):

1. Me
2. Joseph CAHILL (1945-1989), m. Jean MILLER (living)
3. Joan Garrison McMAHON (1927-1980), m. John Francis CAHILL (1922-1984)
4. Emma Jane GARRISON (1901-1970), m. John Ward McMAHON (1902-1962)
5. Sarah Jane MULLIGAN (1870-1947), m. James Manly GARRISON (1861-1909)
6. Sarah Norton WEBSTER (1828-1894), m. James MULLIGAN (1812-1879)
7. Betsey PARKS (1801-1856), m. Calvin Price WEBSTER (1802-1856)
8. Robert PARKS (1776-1863), m. Mary “Polly” Wheeler SMITH (1781-1844)
9. Robert PARKS (1737-1810), m. Elizabeth HALL (?-?)

Jonathan Webster

Jonathan WEBSTER took the Oath of Fidelity in October 1777 at Glastonbury, Connecticut.  Jonathan in my seventh great-grandfather.  He was born 5 October 1705 in Hartford, Connecticut and died 14 November 1781 in Glastonbury.  Following is my direct line to him (in bold):

1. Me
2. Joseph CAHILL (1945-1989), m. Jean MILLER (living)
3. Joan Garrison McMAHON (1927-1980), m. John Francis CAHILL (1922-1984)
4. Emma Jane GARRISON (1901-1970), m. John Ward McMAHON (1902-1962)
5. Sarah Jane MULLIGAN (1870-1947), m. James Manly GARRISON (1861-1909)
6. Sarah Norton WEBSTER (1828-1894), m. James MULLIGAN (1812-1879)
7. Calvin Price WEBSTER (1802-1856), m. Betsey PARKS (1801-1856)
8. Aaron WEBSTER (1775-1823), m. Sarah NORTON (1780-1823)
9. Ashbel WEBSTER (1733-1801), m. Rachel PRICE (1737-1813)
10. Jonathan WEBSTER (1705-1781), m. Mabel RISLEY (1718-1871)

Solomon Norton

Solomon NORTON is apparently my sixth great-grandfather, although I have not been able to prove this through actual records.  According to NSDAR, he is a patriot, having served as a private under Captain Bostwick in New York.  There are three members listed that have gone in under his supposed daughter Sarah, but again, I have not proven this connection through any records.  By all accounts, Solomon was born 12 May 1751 in Farmington, Connecticut and died after 1837 probably in Villanova, New York.  Following is my direct line to him (in bold), assuming Sarah is his daughter:

1. Me
2. Joseph CAHILL (1945-1989), m. Jean MILLER (living)
3. Joan Garrison McMAHON (1927-1980), m. John Francis CAHILL (1922-1984)
4. Emma Jane GARRISON (1901-1970), m. John Ward McMAHON (1902-1962)
5. Sarah Jane MULLIGAN (1870-1947), m. James Manly GARRISON (1861-1909)
6. Sarah Norton WEBSTER (1828-1894), m. James MULLIGAN (1812-1879)
7. Calvin Price WEBSTER (1802-1856), m. Betsey PARKS (1801-1856)
8. Sarah NORTON (1780-1823), m. Aaron WEBSTER (1775-1823)
9. Solomon NORTON (1751-after 1837), m. Sarah REXFORD (1757-?)

A big salute to all those who have served or are currently serving our country.

Also, a reminder that anyone can access the NSDAR’s Genealogical Research System to search for patriots.   Celebrate the 4th of July by doing a little research on your Revolutionary War patriots.

Saturday in the Attic – 05/22/10

This is a card the my grandmother, Joan Garrison McMAHON made when she was a child.  I found it in her baby book.

Saturday in the Attic – 01/16/10

This is the obituary for my third great-grandmother, Margaret RYAN Murnane McMahon.  It, along with the 1880 census helped me to identify that she was married prior to marrying my third great-grandfather, Timothy McMahon in 1873.  The 1880 census provided the maiden names of the two daughters born to the first husband.  This obituary provides the married names for those daughters.  Eventually, this led me to discover an old friend was in fact a fourth cousin!

Source:  Obituary for Margaret RYAN McMahon, Chicago Daily Tribune, 25 July 1928, p 30.

Saturday in the Attic – 01/09/10

My grandmother, Joan McMAHON Cahill made many ceramics.  This one was made for me when I was born.  It’s in the shape of a large mug; my mom thinks it was meant to be a planter.

Saturday in the Attic – 01/02/10

It’s a new year, and time to get back to my Saturday in the Attic column!

This is a large pasta bowl that belonged to my grandmother, Joan McMAHON Cahill.  I have no idea where or when she got it, but it sure is a pretty dish.

Wordless Wednesday – 12/09/09

Wordless Wednesday – 11/04/09

Finding Sarah Jane WARD’s Parents

The first clue to Sarah Jane WARD’s parents came from the 1910 US Federal Census.  Sarah was listed with her husband and two children, living at 1252 Washburne Ave. in Chicago.  Two additional females were listed as the head of household’s mother- and sister-in-law.  The census breakdown is as follows:

1910 US Census
Name	Relation	Age	Birthplace	Other Info
McMahon, Timothy	Head	36	IL
McMahon, Sarah	Wife	35	IL	2 children born/living
McMahon, John	Son	8	IL
McMahon, Timothy G	Son	6	IL
Ward, Bridget	Mother-in-law	69	Ireland	- Widowed - 8 children born / 4 living - Imm. 1860
Ward, Rose	Sister-in-law	28	IL	Single

Knowing already that Sarah’s maiden name was WARD, I was fairly certain that Bridget was her mother.  So it was off to search the 1900 and 1880 censuses in hopes of figuring out who her father was as well as the additional siblings.

Searching the 1900 Census

In the 1900 census, Sarah was living with husband, Timothy, at 50 Hastings in Chicago.  I found a Bridget and Rose Ward living at 709 W. Erie Street in Chicago.  The census breakdown for Bridget and Rose follows:

Name	Relation	Age	Birthplace	Other Info
Ward, Bridget	Head	62 Jan 1838	Ireland	- Widowed - 1 children born / 1 living - Imm. 1860
Ward, Rose	Daughter	20 Dec 1879	IL	Single

I am pretty sure that this is my Bridget and Rose; the ages each differ from the 1910 census, but are still relatively close.  The birthplace for each is the same, and Bridget’s immigration year is the same.  The only significant difference is the number of children.  Perhaps they misunderstood the question and only accounted for the one child living in the same household as the mother.   I did not find any other possible matches, so I tucked this away for the time being and moved on to the 1880 census.

Searching the 1880 Census

I located a Sarah and Rosannah Ward in the 1880 census, living with father James and mother Dolly at 60 Emma in Chicago.  The ages for the girls were consistent with the 1900 and 1910 censuses.  Here is that census breakdown:

1880 US Census
Name	Relation	Age	Birthplace	Other Info
Ward, James	Head	40	Ireland	Laborer
Ward, Dolly	Wife	44	Ireland
Ward, May	Daughter	19	NY
Ward, Phillip	Son	14	MA(?)
Ward, John	Son	12	IL
Ward, Sarah	Daughter	5	IL
Ward, Rose	Daughter	2	IL

Could Dolly be my Bridget?  An age of 44 in 1880 puts her birth year around 1836, which is somewhat consistent with the 1900 census (YOB ca. 1838), and the 1910 census (YOB ca. 1841).  I wasn’t really sure if this was the right family, so I hung onto it and moved on to other records.

Possible Marriage Records

I first looked at the Illinois marriage index available through the state archives.  I searched for a groom with the last name of Ward and a bride with the first name of Bridget (there were no listings for a Dolly).  This yielded two possibilities (marriages before 1875, which is when Sarah was born and occurring in Cook County):

• James Ward and Bridget Sheslan (17 May 1874)
• William Ward and Bridget Noonan (20 February 1873)

Working of the theory that the 1880 census was the right family, I obtained the marriage record for James and Bridget.  It didn’t have much information, but I could tell that Bridget’s last name was written as Shevlan, not Sheslan as indicated in the index.  Having no luck, I requested Sarah’s death certificate in hopes of tying her to these parents.

Sarah’s Death Certificate Leads to a Discovery

The first thing I looked at when I got Sarah’s death certificate was the parents names.  And wouldn’t you know, they were listed as James Ward and Bridget Shevlin.  Eureka!!  So now I am fairly certain that I’ve got the right marriage record for Sarah’s parents.  But this still did not confirm whether the 1900 and 1880 censuses were the right ones.

Finding Bridget’s Death Certificate

I then sought out a death record for Bridget.  She last showed up in the 1910 census and I was unable to locate her or Rose after 1910.  I searched the Illinois death index for deaths that occurred before 1916 and found only one possibility:  Bridget Ward, d. 19 July 1912 in Chicago, aged 70.  There were three possibilities in deaths occurring from 1916 to 1950, but I was banking on the fact that I hadn’t located her after 1910.  So I obtained the 1912 death certificate.

At first I wasn’t sure if this was her.  The information in terms of age (70), birthplace (Ireland), and marital status (widow) seemed to match.  And then I saw two things, which solidified that this was the right person.   First, the address listed as her residence was 1252 Washburne in Chicago.  Sound familiar?  It is where she was living in 1910.  And second, the informant was Rose O’Connor, who I suspected was her daughter, now married and living at the same address.

What About Sister Rose?

I decided to do a little digging on Rose.  I found a likely marriage record for a Rose Ward and a John O’Connor, who married on 25 December 1910.  But it was highly suspect, as the ages for John and Rose were 23 and 18 respectively.  Remember, Rose’s age in the 1910 census was 28.  Some more digging turned up two birth certificates for babies born to a John O’Connor and Rose Ward.  The first, Edward, was born on 24 May 1912, with a place of birth and residence of mother as 1252 Washburne Ave. in Chicago (placing her in sister Sarah’s household).  The ages of father and mother were 31 and 29 respectively, which certainly seems to fit better.  The second birth certificate was for John, born 14 August 1913.  The residence for the mother was 1344 S. Ashland.  Age of father and mother were 33 and 31 respectively, again very much in line with what they should be.  So is the marriage record the right record with the wrong information?  I’m still not 100% sure at this point; the marriage date of December 1910 does fit, as she was single in May 1910 (census) and married by July 1912 (mother’s death), but I can’t be certain.

Exploring the Chicago City Directories & Answering Some Questions

Today, I spent most of my time going through the Chicago city directories (as I’ve pretty much spent the last several days doing).  I was focused on Bridget and Rose today in hopes of figuring out if the 1880 and 1900 censuses I found were in deed the right family.  Below is a list of what I found working backward from 1912:

Year	Name	Address
1904	Rose Ward (wid. James)	499 W. 13th
1903	Rose Ward (Miss)	499 W. 13th
1902	Rose Ward (Miss)	499 W. 13th
1900	Bridget Ward (wid. Edward)	709 W. Erie
1899	Bridget Ward (wid. Edward)	709 W. Erie
1898	Bridget Ward (wid. Edward)	709 W. Erie
1897	Bridget Ward (wid. James)	709 W. Erie
1896	Bridget Ward (wid. Edward)	709 W. Erie
1893	Bridget Ward (wid. James)	60 Emma
1891	Bridget Ward (wid. James)	60 Emma
1890	Bridget Ward (wid. James)	60 Emma
1887	James Ward (laborer)	60 Emma
1886	James Ward (laborer)	60 Emma

While they didn’t show up every year, there is enough here to put some pieces of the puzzle together.  First, Miss Rose Ward is found in 1902 and 1903 at 499 W. 13th, which was also the home of her sister Sarah.  In 1904, a Rose Ward is found, widow of James at the same address.  The question becomes, is this really Bridget, who was the widow of James and this is simply an error (a listing for Bridget was not found), or misinformation about daughter Rose?

Working backward and finding a Bridget, a widow of Edward, listed at the Erie address, was pretty alarming, since the Erie address was what I theorized in the 1900 census.  When I made it back to 1897 and saw “widow of James” I was pleased, as this still gives me some hope.  More research is needed to prove or disprove this theory.

But the best thing I found was a Bridget, widow of James at 60 Emma; this is the same address for that family enumerated in 1880!  To me, this puts a Bridget in that household, and makes the case that the Dolly listed in the 1880 census, is in fact Bridget.  I am now fairly certain that the family I found in 1880 is the correct family.  Finding James last listed in 1887 and then Bridget listed as a widow in 1890 also narrows down the approximate death date of James to 1887 to 1890.  There are three potential matches in the Illinois death index, but one was stricken as a possibility after reviewing the obituary (note I also looked for Edwards, but none fit the criteria).  That leaves two possibilities:

• James Ward, d. 30 July 1890 in Chicago, age 40
• James Ward, d. 17 November 1890 in Chicago, age 45

Update:  Not even an hour after writing this, the first thing I did was check out the birth registers for Cook County at Family Search (it was recently updated from about 8% to 43% complete, so I thought I’d look again).  And guess what I found?  Sarah’s birth register with an address of 60 Emma.  Can’t go wrong with that!

Another question was also confirmed.  According to Bridget’s death certificate, Rose apparently married an O’Connor sometime between May 1910 and July 1912.  Searches led to the possibility that she married a John O’Connor.  A search for John O’Connor in the 1912 Chicago city directory turned up a John O’Connor, residing at 1252 Washburne, the same address where Rose was living at the time of her mother’s death (not to mention Rose’s sister’s address during the same time period).  With that said, I am fairly certain that Rose did in fact marry a John O’Connor, but it still doesn’t prove whether the marriage record is the correct record or not.

New Questions Arise

Having more than likely confirmed that the family in the 1880 census is correct, that raises several more questions.

Bridget and James were married in 1874.  Three out of the five children were born before 1874.  Could James and/or Bridget been married before?  Another look at the marriage license leaves in question whether or not Bridget was a Miss or Mrs.  In the first instance, it looks like Mrs.; the second instance is faded, but looks like it could be Miss. 

Based on the marriage and birth dates then, whose children are they?  The 1910 census indicated that Bridget bore eight children and four were living in 1910.  This is certainly not proof that the three children are hers, but I suppose it’s a possibility. 

Did they have more children after Rose?  The lack of the 1890 census makes this question a little more challenging to answer.  My great-aunt seems to remember that there were more children, but she may have been thinking about the other children born before Sarah.

Next Steps

• Obtain a copy of each death certificate possibility for James Ward.
• Investigate the three children living in the household in 1880.  Search for birth records, marriage records, censuses, and death records to start.
• Finish collecting the city directory entries for James Ward (pre-1886).
• Continue barking up Rose and John’s tree.

What do you think?  Have I got it all wrong?  Am I assuming too much?  Do you have any suggestions to further this research?  I’m certainly open to hear your thoughts, so be sure to leave a comment about what you think.

 

Source information available upon request.