Ellen Maxwell Flanagan was my Great Aunt. She was the sister of my grandfather, Richard Joseph Flanagan. She never married or had children. I do want to write a bio about her someday but I don't know a whole lot of information about her. She was born and raised in Napa, CA and lived in Monterey County near her sister, Kay, for a large part of her life.
The reason why I bring her up here is because one of her hobbies was our family tree. I'm not sure if she spent time working on our Flanagan Family Tree but she certainly researched our McLaughlin's and Maxwell's. I have letters and correspondence starting as early as 1978. The letter that I am about to finish transcribing was written by her to a Duffy cousin. So how did that letter circle back around to my grandfather in the 1990s after Ellen had already passed away?
The Duffy's still have family living in Napa, CA. At least they did. I do know that a descendant still lives out on Big Ranch Road. The Duffy's are Maxwell cousins because Catherine Maxwell, who was married to Philip Duffy, was Ellen Maxwell's sister. The Malloy family of Napa are Duffy grandchildren. They provided information to my grandfather. I wonder if it surprised him to see copies of letters that his sister had written to them. Anyway, some of Ellen's letters live on in my box of treasures.
Ellen's letter of February 15, 1978 continued.....
While I remember your Grandfather Duffy from my childhood days, I knew nothing of his early pioneering nor did I know that your Grandparents were married in Austin. Thank you for sharing.
Due to the dates and places contained in your letter, I believe that there is a possiblity that Philip Duffy and Thomas McLaughlin knew each other in their early youth.
Enclosed is proof that your Grandfather could write - copy of an 1886 letter from Reese or Rien River Ranch. Pages 1 and 2 are written to my Mother, nicknamed Minnie. Pages 3 and 4 to Friend Tom, my Grandfather McLaughlin. Reference to "this devilish law suit" may be of interest.
I will have to see if I have the letter that refers to the "devilish law suit". I'm not entirely sure that I have that.
To be continued..............
Journaling my genealogy research online seems to be the right thing to do for the future of my research rather than hiding it away in some box or drawer in my home. This blog is more of a diary of my research which expands as I go. Know that a post from last year may have more updated research in a different post. I love the discovery process which has resulted in such wonderful success in finding my roots. If you comment and are looking for a response, please leave me an email address.
Linked Pages and Indexes
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Joseph Patrick Maxwell and Family - Part 1
My past posts about any Maxwell's have mostly included McLaughlin's too. The two families do have a strong connection originally based in the Irish Settlement of Newport, New York. The families had two marriages between them. This post, however, is intended to be the family unit of Joseph Patrick Maxwell and Judith Shaffrey Maxwell, along with Joseph's second wife, Rebecca O'Harriet.
Joseph Patrick Maxwell:
I have family tree worksheets that include information about Joseph, my great-great-great grandfather. There really isn't anything spectacular on the sheet except that his date of birth is indicated as circa 1815 rather than 1812. I don't think that it is that unsual to find a small discrepancy like that.
One of the wonderful finds in my box of treasures is a letter that my grandfather's sister, Aunt Ellen Maxwell Flanagan, wrote to a cousin, Philip Duffy. I find this letter to be highly informative. It does contain Duffy information but also Maxwell information. I have a strong need to retype the entire letter right here in my blog. Ellen typed all of her letters so I don't have to decipher her handwriting. I kind of wish I had to though. I may still have a card that she sent me as a child stowed away with her handwriting.
February 15, 1978
Dear Philip,
According to my records, you are the great grandson of Joseph Maxwell, not Dennis Maxwell.
Joseph Maxwell, a teacher, I believe, married Judith Shaffrey, September 24, 1834 in Moynalty, Meath County, Ireland. The marriage information is from the Moynalty Catholic Church Marriage Record Book.
Seven children - two sons and five daughters - were born of this marriage. Six of them were born in Ireland, one in America. Five of them, including our grandmothers, are on record in Moynalty.
The eldest son, Dennis Maxwell, was born June 16, 1836.
Your grandmother, Catherine Maxwell, fifth child, was born July 7, 1849. Her baptismal sponsors were Byron Fanell and Catherine Carpenter.
Our grandmother, Ellen Maxwell, fourth child, was born March 22, 1846.
The family arrived in America somewhere in the 1852-1854 period and had a rough time financially. The parents and children, with the exception of your grandmother and our grandmother, remained in the Upper New York State area.
After the death of Judith Shaffrey, Joseph Maxwell remarried and had an additional son, John Maxwell.
I have family extensions of this group from the Anne Gray you mentioned in your letter but doubt that you would want them. Its involved!
To be continued.................
Joseph Patrick Maxwell:
- b. 9 May 1812, Shancarnan, County Meath, Ireland
- His father was James Maxwell, b. 1786, Scotland.
- d. 31 Jan 1899, Newport, Herikmer County, New York
- m. 24 Sep 1834, Moynalty, County Meath, Ireland to Judith Shaffrey
- Arrived in New York on 2 Jun 1853
- When Judith died, he later married Rebecca O'Harriet.
- He lived in and around Newport and Schuyler, New York from about 1853 to 1899
I have family tree worksheets that include information about Joseph, my great-great-great grandfather. There really isn't anything spectacular on the sheet except that his date of birth is indicated as circa 1815 rather than 1812. I don't think that it is that unsual to find a small discrepancy like that.
One of the wonderful finds in my box of treasures is a letter that my grandfather's sister, Aunt Ellen Maxwell Flanagan, wrote to a cousin, Philip Duffy. I find this letter to be highly informative. It does contain Duffy information but also Maxwell information. I have a strong need to retype the entire letter right here in my blog. Ellen typed all of her letters so I don't have to decipher her handwriting. I kind of wish I had to though. I may still have a card that she sent me as a child stowed away with her handwriting.
February 15, 1978
Dear Philip,
According to my records, you are the great grandson of Joseph Maxwell, not Dennis Maxwell.
Joseph Maxwell, a teacher, I believe, married Judith Shaffrey, September 24, 1834 in Moynalty, Meath County, Ireland. The marriage information is from the Moynalty Catholic Church Marriage Record Book.
Seven children - two sons and five daughters - were born of this marriage. Six of them were born in Ireland, one in America. Five of them, including our grandmothers, are on record in Moynalty.
The eldest son, Dennis Maxwell, was born June 16, 1836.
Your grandmother, Catherine Maxwell, fifth child, was born July 7, 1849. Her baptismal sponsors were Byron Fanell and Catherine Carpenter.
Our grandmother, Ellen Maxwell, fourth child, was born March 22, 1846.
The family arrived in America somewhere in the 1852-1854 period and had a rough time financially. The parents and children, with the exception of your grandmother and our grandmother, remained in the Upper New York State area.
After the death of Judith Shaffrey, Joseph Maxwell remarried and had an additional son, John Maxwell.
I have family extensions of this group from the Anne Gray you mentioned in your letter but doubt that you would want them. Its involved!
To be continued.................
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Shaffrey - Heraldry Information
When I look up Shaffrey online for the surname meaning and/or Hearldry information, I find some basics. The spelling variations of this name and related surnames are Shaffrey, MacShaffrey, MacJeffery, MacGeoffery, Shaffery, MacGofrey, MacGoffery, Magofrey, Mageffery, etc. I think you get the picture.
The name is first found in Donegal where the sept was seated. The MacGeoffrey surname was listed as one of the major names in County Longford in the 1600s. Information online indicates that the name is found mainly in County Donegal and Derry. The origins of the name come from Mac Seafraidth. Of course, I find Shaffrey's in County Meath.
I found a site online that indicates MacShaffrey is a Erainn Celtic Surname of Eire. I also found that the MacShaffrey surname is a Sept name associated with the Clan name of Muinitir Anghaile in County Longford.
The information that I've found about the Shaffrey name is rather esoteric and hard to digest. I suppose that my best option for heraldry information about this surname is to buy it online. A more professional write up about the name would have information of interest for the everyday individual like myself. Maybe I'll make that purchase someday.
The name is first found in Donegal where the sept was seated. The MacGeoffrey surname was listed as one of the major names in County Longford in the 1600s. Information online indicates that the name is found mainly in County Donegal and Derry. The origins of the name come from Mac Seafraidth. Of course, I find Shaffrey's in County Meath.
I found a site online that indicates MacShaffrey is a Erainn Celtic Surname of Eire. I also found that the MacShaffrey surname is a Sept name associated with the Clan name of Muinitir Anghaile in County Longford.
The information that I've found about the Shaffrey name is rather esoteric and hard to digest. I suppose that my best option for heraldry information about this surname is to buy it online. A more professional write up about the name would have information of interest for the everyday individual like myself. Maybe I'll make that purchase someday.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Shaffrey's - Meath - Judith Shaffrey Maxwell - Part 3
My inventory of Shaffrey's has grown since I started looking at my paperwork. Ok....These individuals are more than just an inventory. They are my ancestors and are connected to several other individuals on my McLaughlin/Maxwell family tree.
I do have a Judith Shaffrey who was my great-great-great grandmother. There is also a John Shaffrey who was a sponsor at Judith Shaffrey's and Joseph Maxwell's wedding in 1834, Moynalty. Maybe he was her uncle or an older brother. Also, I find a Philip Shaffrey at the christening (in Moynalty) of my great-great grandmother, Ellen Maxwell, who is one of the daughter's of Judith Shaffrey.
In all of my research and networking online, is this as far as I've gotten? I may have hit on some additional information but I question how these Shaffrey's are related. They may be directly related but maybe cousin's in the way back machine in the Parish of Moynalty.
Back in May of this year, I contacted someone about their message board post on Ancestry.com. She emailed me back with information about the Shaffrey's. She was thinking that we were searching for the same family line. That may be correct but we don't seem to have much in the way of source information available to prove this.
Simon Shaffrey and Catherine had John (1796), William (1799), and Daniel (1803). Simon later married Mary. They had Elizabeth (1816) and probably Judith (1817). As you can see this information is sketchy at best but there's a Judith and a John. Apparently, William went on to get married and have children. I am assuming that most of the children did too. Simon's first wife, Catherine, must have died and then he remarried to Mary.
On Ancestry.com, I found the tree associated with my correspondant. Simon Shaffrey was born circa 1779 and married Catherine Gallagher (but it might be Callahan as her surname). They had John Shaffrey (16 Dec 1796), William Shaffrey (18 July 1799), and Daniel Shaffrey (11 July 1803). They were born/lived in Dunshaughlin, County Meath, Ireland. Simon's second wife was Mary Byrne, born 1795. They had Elizabeth Shaffrey (16 Dec 1816) and maybe Judith Shaffrey (1817).
Ok, so I think I might be on to something. Dunshaughlin is near Moynalty and probably in the Parish of Moynalty. I've placed my Maxwell's near Moynalty in Shancarnan. I have now hit my proverbial brick wall and still have to question what I have found.
I may need to go to Moynalty to see the actual church records. Although, there is the LDS microfilm that I may be able to retrieve.....hmmmm.
I do have a Judith Shaffrey who was my great-great-great grandmother. There is also a John Shaffrey who was a sponsor at Judith Shaffrey's and Joseph Maxwell's wedding in 1834, Moynalty. Maybe he was her uncle or an older brother. Also, I find a Philip Shaffrey at the christening (in Moynalty) of my great-great grandmother, Ellen Maxwell, who is one of the daughter's of Judith Shaffrey.
In all of my research and networking online, is this as far as I've gotten? I may have hit on some additional information but I question how these Shaffrey's are related. They may be directly related but maybe cousin's in the way back machine in the Parish of Moynalty.
Back in May of this year, I contacted someone about their message board post on Ancestry.com. She emailed me back with information about the Shaffrey's. She was thinking that we were searching for the same family line. That may be correct but we don't seem to have much in the way of source information available to prove this.
Simon Shaffrey and Catherine had John (1796), William (1799), and Daniel (1803). Simon later married Mary. They had Elizabeth (1816) and probably Judith (1817). As you can see this information is sketchy at best but there's a Judith and a John. Apparently, William went on to get married and have children. I am assuming that most of the children did too. Simon's first wife, Catherine, must have died and then he remarried to Mary.
On Ancestry.com, I found the tree associated with my correspondant. Simon Shaffrey was born circa 1779 and married Catherine Gallagher (but it might be Callahan as her surname). They had John Shaffrey (16 Dec 1796), William Shaffrey (18 July 1799), and Daniel Shaffrey (11 July 1803). They were born/lived in Dunshaughlin, County Meath, Ireland. Simon's second wife was Mary Byrne, born 1795. They had Elizabeth Shaffrey (16 Dec 1816) and maybe Judith Shaffrey (1817).
Ok, so I think I might be on to something. Dunshaughlin is near Moynalty and probably in the Parish of Moynalty. I've placed my Maxwell's near Moynalty in Shancarnan. I have now hit my proverbial brick wall and still have to question what I have found.
I may need to go to Moynalty to see the actual church records. Although, there is the LDS microfilm that I may be able to retrieve.....hmmmm.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Shaffrey's - Meath - Judith Shaffrey Maxwell - Part 2
As I work to trace my Shaffrey's in Ireland, I find it difficult. Ancestry.com indicates difficulty searching an Irish family line in Ireland plus other challenges when you try and research your female ancestors. This combination for my Shaffrey line has proven itself rather challenging. But there may be something to share here...........
As I dig through my box of treasures, I find a number of family tree worksheets. It is amazing what "the box" still holds for me to find. I see the complier's name on the first version of the worksheet. He is one of my McLaughlin researchers from New York. He is, in fact, a McLaughlin cousin but is not actually a Maxwell. To his credit and his quite extensive research, which is pretty darn awesome, he has information about the Maxwell's (and Shaffrey's). I suppose this is not a surprise since the Maxwell's can point you in the direction of the McLaughlin's information too. I love this wonderful connection between the two families.
Let me get back to my great-great-great grandmother, Judith Shaffrey. I have Judith Shaffrey born circa 1817 in Moynalty Parish, County Meath, Ireland. She died on June 6, 1865, in Newport, New York at the age of 42. She is buried at the Old St. Patrick's Cemetery, Newport, New York. The information indicates that there is a tombstone. Judith married Joseph Maxwell on September 24, 1834, in Moynalty, County Meath, Ireland. Joseph Maxwell was probably born in Moynalty around 1815. He died in Newport, New York on January 31, 1899 at the age of 84. Gripp is indicated as his cause of death. The sponsors for their marriage are indicated but I can't read it on this copy. Joseph Maxwell's places of residence are indicated as "Arrived in Newport about 1853" and "Shancar, Co. Meath".
Judith's and Joseph's children are all listed on this same page. They are Dennis, James, Ellen, Catherine, Judith, Ann, Bedelia, and Mary Maxwell. All of the children are indicated as being born in Moynalty except Mary. I will write about this family unit in another post. For now, I want to pursue the Shaffrey's knowing that the Maxwell's may have been very closeby.
A second family tree worksheet has some additional information. It indicates that the sponsors for Judith Shaffrey's and Joseph Maxwell's wedding were Roger McMahon and John Shaffrey. It further indicates that Joseph Maxwell died in 1899 at the age of 88. He may have been born before 1815. He is indicated as being buried at St. John's Cemetery in Newport, New York while his wife, Judith, is buried at Old St. Patrick's Cemetery, Newport, New York. This form also notes that Judith went by Julia or Judy.
The source documents for the above information are noted on the worksheets as the following:
1. Herkimer County Historical Society Files
2. 1875 Census (probably for the state of NY or NV)
3. St. John's Church Records (Newport, New York)
4. 1865 Census (probably for the state of NY)
5. 1870 Census (probably U.S. Census)
6. Maxwell/Flanagan Family Records
7. Moynalty Parish Records - LDS Film #0926176
8. Owen M. Duffy Family Records
9. Austin, Nevada Church Records
I have gone through other worksheets that are included in my box looking for Shaffrey information. For my great-great grandmother, Ellen Maxwell McLaughlin, I find that one of her baptismal sponsors was a Philip Shaffrey and the other was Margaret Carpenter. Ellen was christened on March 22, 1846, in Moynalty Parish, County Meath, Ireland. I have that indicated as her birthdate too.
On May 30, 2010, I paid a few dollars to retrieve information from the Irish Family History Foundation. The church marriage record for Joseph Maxwell and Judith Shaffrey seemed like a promising item to obtain. I was hoping that is would indicate who each of their parents were. It doesn't have them listed. All it tells me is that on 24 Sep 1834, in Moynalty, Co. Meath, Joseph Maxwell married Judith Shaffrey. They were both Roman Catholic. The husband's father was "Maxwell" and the wife's father was "Shaffrey". I couldn't have told them this myself! Ok, so I was a little frustrated at the time with the limited information. I have more than what has been placed online. Maybe, I should be more grateful. I actually am.
To be continued............
As I dig through my box of treasures, I find a number of family tree worksheets. It is amazing what "the box" still holds for me to find. I see the complier's name on the first version of the worksheet. He is one of my McLaughlin researchers from New York. He is, in fact, a McLaughlin cousin but is not actually a Maxwell. To his credit and his quite extensive research, which is pretty darn awesome, he has information about the Maxwell's (and Shaffrey's). I suppose this is not a surprise since the Maxwell's can point you in the direction of the McLaughlin's information too. I love this wonderful connection between the two families.
Let me get back to my great-great-great grandmother, Judith Shaffrey. I have Judith Shaffrey born circa 1817 in Moynalty Parish, County Meath, Ireland. She died on June 6, 1865, in Newport, New York at the age of 42. She is buried at the Old St. Patrick's Cemetery, Newport, New York. The information indicates that there is a tombstone. Judith married Joseph Maxwell on September 24, 1834, in Moynalty, County Meath, Ireland. Joseph Maxwell was probably born in Moynalty around 1815. He died in Newport, New York on January 31, 1899 at the age of 84. Gripp is indicated as his cause of death. The sponsors for their marriage are indicated but I can't read it on this copy. Joseph Maxwell's places of residence are indicated as "Arrived in Newport about 1853" and "Shancar, Co. Meath".
Judith's and Joseph's children are all listed on this same page. They are Dennis, James, Ellen, Catherine, Judith, Ann, Bedelia, and Mary Maxwell. All of the children are indicated as being born in Moynalty except Mary. I will write about this family unit in another post. For now, I want to pursue the Shaffrey's knowing that the Maxwell's may have been very closeby.
A second family tree worksheet has some additional information. It indicates that the sponsors for Judith Shaffrey's and Joseph Maxwell's wedding were Roger McMahon and John Shaffrey. It further indicates that Joseph Maxwell died in 1899 at the age of 88. He may have been born before 1815. He is indicated as being buried at St. John's Cemetery in Newport, New York while his wife, Judith, is buried at Old St. Patrick's Cemetery, Newport, New York. This form also notes that Judith went by Julia or Judy.
The source documents for the above information are noted on the worksheets as the following:
1. Herkimer County Historical Society Files
2. 1875 Census (probably for the state of NY or NV)
3. St. John's Church Records (Newport, New York)
4. 1865 Census (probably for the state of NY)
5. 1870 Census (probably U.S. Census)
6. Maxwell/Flanagan Family Records
7. Moynalty Parish Records - LDS Film #0926176
8. Owen M. Duffy Family Records
9. Austin, Nevada Church Records
I have gone through other worksheets that are included in my box looking for Shaffrey information. For my great-great grandmother, Ellen Maxwell McLaughlin, I find that one of her baptismal sponsors was a Philip Shaffrey and the other was Margaret Carpenter. Ellen was christened on March 22, 1846, in Moynalty Parish, County Meath, Ireland. I have that indicated as her birthdate too.
On May 30, 2010, I paid a few dollars to retrieve information from the Irish Family History Foundation. The church marriage record for Joseph Maxwell and Judith Shaffrey seemed like a promising item to obtain. I was hoping that is would indicate who each of their parents were. It doesn't have them listed. All it tells me is that on 24 Sep 1834, in Moynalty, Co. Meath, Joseph Maxwell married Judith Shaffrey. They were both Roman Catholic. The husband's father was "Maxwell" and the wife's father was "Shaffrey". I couldn't have told them this myself! Ok, so I was a little frustrated at the time with the limited information. I have more than what has been placed online. Maybe, I should be more grateful. I actually am.
To be continued............
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Shaffrey's - Meath - Judith Shaffrey Maxwell - Part 1
When I look online for the surname "Shaffrey", I find that it is a rather uncommon Irish surname. In pinpointing it's origins in Ireland, County Meath surfaces over and over again. It even surfaces as the present day common location of the surname, Shaffrey. In fact, the Kells area appears to be indicated as a prime location to find some Shaffrey's.
A few months back, I went looking for my Shaffrey family line. I plugged away on Ancestry, reviewed information online relating to Newport, New York, and did several Google searches. Time and time again on my Google search results, County Meath kept popping up. Even before I started my full on, all out search for Shaffrey's, I knew that they were from the Parish of Moynalty, County Meath area. Now, when I do research for my family tree, I really try to pursue any and all opportunities that present themselves online, even if they seem rather unconventional.
During my Google searches, this architectural landscaping company kept popping up online associated with the surname of Shaffrey in Meath. So what do you think I did next? I emailed them. I let them know that while I was not seeking a landscape architect, I was looking for my Shaffrey family line in Meath. I added that their presence on Google puts them at the top of the first search page. From a marketing standpoint, for their business, this is definitely something to be proud of.
The owner and general manager actually got back to me. He was very pleasant and had asked his father about any Shaffrey's who had lived in the area. Well.....He didn't really know much but they did know that some Shaffrey's had left for the U.S. in the 1800s-1900s. They also indicated that this area of Meath is the place to find some Shaffrey's. I did thank him for getting back to me. That's the Irish for you. They are friendly, approachable, and definitely try to help when they can. Mr. Shaffrey didn't have to reply to my inquiry but he did and I so thank him for that.
To be continued...............
A few months back, I went looking for my Shaffrey family line. I plugged away on Ancestry, reviewed information online relating to Newport, New York, and did several Google searches. Time and time again on my Google search results, County Meath kept popping up. Even before I started my full on, all out search for Shaffrey's, I knew that they were from the Parish of Moynalty, County Meath area. Now, when I do research for my family tree, I really try to pursue any and all opportunities that present themselves online, even if they seem rather unconventional.
During my Google searches, this architectural landscaping company kept popping up online associated with the surname of Shaffrey in Meath. So what do you think I did next? I emailed them. I let them know that while I was not seeking a landscape architect, I was looking for my Shaffrey family line in Meath. I added that their presence on Google puts them at the top of the first search page. From a marketing standpoint, for their business, this is definitely something to be proud of.
The owner and general manager actually got back to me. He was very pleasant and had asked his father about any Shaffrey's who had lived in the area. Well.....He didn't really know much but they did know that some Shaffrey's had left for the U.S. in the 1800s-1900s. They also indicated that this area of Meath is the place to find some Shaffrey's. I did thank him for getting back to me. That's the Irish for you. They are friendly, approachable, and definitely try to help when they can. Mr. Shaffrey didn't have to reply to my inquiry but he did and I so thank him for that.
To be continued...............
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Maxwell's - My Maxwell's - Our Maxwell's
How much do I really know about my Maxwell family line? I know some because they married into the McLaughlin Family in more than one marriage event. My great-great grandmother, Ellen M. Maxwell, was born in the Parish of Moynalty, County Meath, Ireland, probably close to Shancarnan where I place her father, Joseph Patrick Maxwell. I place her mother, Judith Shaffrey, also nearby in Dunshaughlin. This is the early 1800s with Ellen being born on March 22, 1846. She ultimately married Thomas Michael McLaughlin in Newport, New York, and made her way west to Napa, Califorina where she passed away in September 1928.
The recent information which has been provided to me revolves around the Maxwell line that remained in Newport, New York. Ellen had seven full siblings and two half siblings. I have mentioned Catherine Maxwell Duffy who also made the journey west settling in Napa after Nevada like her sister, Ellen. The information that I am reviewing talks about their older brother, Dennis Maxwell, who was born in Moynalty, Meath, Ireland, on June 16, 1836. One of his granddaughter's, Alice V. Maxwell Knutty, took some time to write down some information about her family line. It is always fun to sit down and read someone's first hand information in their own words. Once I adjust to the handwriting (Alice's is pretty clear by the way), figure out who the people are that are being referred to, and establish a timeline, I'm off and running.
Alice's information was written down in 1998 when she was still alive. She was born on April 11, 1910 in Newport, New York to James Maxwell and Margaret Reardon. She is a great-grandchild of Joseph Patrick Maxwell and Judith Shaffrey and a grandchild of Dennis Maxwell and Mary Ward.
Page 2 of her 1998 note states the following:
"Our first home was the old farm homestead located in the Irish Settlement. All of us attended school in District #6 in the Irish Settlement except Donald. By the time he was ready for school we had moved to where Donald last lived."
Hopefully, I will figure out who Donald Maxwell was and how he fits in on my tree. I think he is currently MIA (missing in action) on my tree. Alice continues:
".....My grandfather, Dennis Maxwell (1836) - came from Ireland - worked on that farm and hoped some day he would own it. He did and my parents bought that farm from him. He was a very successful farmer. He died before I was born so we didn't learn much about him. His wife died and is buried in the "Irish Settlement Cemetery." That was the 1st Catholic Church in Newport. District #6 School was on the same property. It was not a religious school."
As you can imagine, Alice talks about her family including the Maxwell's. She also talks about the one room schoolhouse. She was eventually a teacher at that location too with one of her sister's it sounds like. Then she mentions some McLaughlin's.
"Our Uncle Bert Maxwell taught there and a Louise McLaughlin (my father's niece). The only nieces and nephews my father had were Louise McLaughlin, Dennis McLaughlin, and Rose McLaughlin. Their mother was Mary Maxwell McLaughlin."
Reading Alice's notes/letter is certainly a gift and treasure. She wrote so well and you can tell that the school in the Irish Settlement and all of her family was very meaningful in her life.
It is interesting to read about the families of the "other" McLaughlin and Maxwell marriage between these lines. I refer to it as the "other" marriage because I am associated with the Thomas Michael McLaughlin and Ellen Maxwell marriage which is the family line that ended up in Napa, California. The "other" family line remained in the Newport, New York area. It is wonderful to read something about these families and note their similarities. They were all Roman Catholic, family was the priority as was education, and they were farmers. I'm sure to find other similarities.
I do need to write about the Maxwell/McLaughlin marriages so that I can have the information straight in my mind. It is so fun to see these family connections. I have the same situation with the McLaughlin's and Gartland's. I will write about both of these soon.
The recent information which has been provided to me revolves around the Maxwell line that remained in Newport, New York. Ellen had seven full siblings and two half siblings. I have mentioned Catherine Maxwell Duffy who also made the journey west settling in Napa after Nevada like her sister, Ellen. The information that I am reviewing talks about their older brother, Dennis Maxwell, who was born in Moynalty, Meath, Ireland, on June 16, 1836. One of his granddaughter's, Alice V. Maxwell Knutty, took some time to write down some information about her family line. It is always fun to sit down and read someone's first hand information in their own words. Once I adjust to the handwriting (Alice's is pretty clear by the way), figure out who the people are that are being referred to, and establish a timeline, I'm off and running.
Alice's information was written down in 1998 when she was still alive. She was born on April 11, 1910 in Newport, New York to James Maxwell and Margaret Reardon. She is a great-grandchild of Joseph Patrick Maxwell and Judith Shaffrey and a grandchild of Dennis Maxwell and Mary Ward.
Page 2 of her 1998 note states the following:
"Our first home was the old farm homestead located in the Irish Settlement. All of us attended school in District #6 in the Irish Settlement except Donald. By the time he was ready for school we had moved to where Donald last lived."
Hopefully, I will figure out who Donald Maxwell was and how he fits in on my tree. I think he is currently MIA (missing in action) on my tree. Alice continues:
".....My grandfather, Dennis Maxwell (1836) - came from Ireland - worked on that farm and hoped some day he would own it. He did and my parents bought that farm from him. He was a very successful farmer. He died before I was born so we didn't learn much about him. His wife died and is buried in the "Irish Settlement Cemetery." That was the 1st Catholic Church in Newport. District #6 School was on the same property. It was not a religious school."
As you can imagine, Alice talks about her family including the Maxwell's. She also talks about the one room schoolhouse. She was eventually a teacher at that location too with one of her sister's it sounds like. Then she mentions some McLaughlin's.
"Our Uncle Bert Maxwell taught there and a Louise McLaughlin (my father's niece). The only nieces and nephews my father had were Louise McLaughlin, Dennis McLaughlin, and Rose McLaughlin. Their mother was Mary Maxwell McLaughlin."
Reading Alice's notes/letter is certainly a gift and treasure. She wrote so well and you can tell that the school in the Irish Settlement and all of her family was very meaningful in her life.
It is interesting to read about the families of the "other" McLaughlin and Maxwell marriage between these lines. I refer to it as the "other" marriage because I am associated with the Thomas Michael McLaughlin and Ellen Maxwell marriage which is the family line that ended up in Napa, California. The "other" family line remained in the Newport, New York area. It is wonderful to read something about these families and note their similarities. They were all Roman Catholic, family was the priority as was education, and they were farmers. I'm sure to find other similarities.
I do need to write about the Maxwell/McLaughlin marriages so that I can have the information straight in my mind. It is so fun to see these family connections. I have the same situation with the McLaughlin's and Gartland's. I will write about both of these soon.
Monday, September 13, 2010
CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR: Memories of Dennis Maxwell, Middleville 1920's - by Dennis Maxwell
Provided by Joe Maxwell and authored by Dennis Maxwell.
"Back in the 1920's when I was a youngster, Middleville was a self-supporting little town. It had five gas stations, three blacksmith shops, two milk stations, one ice house, and an ice cutting business. There was the hydraulic canal, a dam, a feed mill, a saw mill, the tannery, the felt mill, two hotels, and a coal business. The railroad was operating with a station, station master, and telegraph operator. Also in Middleville were four grocery stores, a drug store, three garages, two woodworking shops, wagon and sleigh makers, three restaurants, four active churches, two shoe repair shops, a post office, a bank, and two bars. There was a farm machinery dealer, a building material dealer, a hardware store, two barber shops, a meat market, a bake shop, an insurance business, a beauty operator, and one junk dealer who later had a successful trucking business. There were also numerous home brew and moonshine makers.
Nine farms were located in or near the village: Jay Goodman, Holly Petrie, Bert Randall, Joe Pocus, Bert and Stewart Atabor, Byron Pickert, George Smith, Aronald Huyck, and John Dorsey. Itinerant farm help used to go from place to place. The ones I recall are J. Crossett, Tom Gorman, Doc Smith, Peter Thompson, Jack Leahy, Ed Enright and Jack McPhillps. The only abandoned farm that I knew of was the Peter's place, up back of Harter's Mountain.
When I was in early grammar school in the middle to late 1920's, I went to the third grade at the old high school ( since razed ), Miss Edith Sidell, teacher. The fourth grade met in Corey Hall, Miss Wineta Wood was the teacher. The fourth grade next was on the stage of the Polish Hall with Miss Marian Dickens, teacher. Fifth grade was on the main floor of the Polish Hall with Miss Florence Budlong as teacher.
In the 1920's and 1930's many of the younger boys used to enjoy sliding down the four big hills when the roads were covered with snow. The favorite run was Strobel's Hill (Summit St). Next was Fairfield hill where Jack Casler used to run his eight - man bobsled, a most impressive ride. I had the privilege of experiencing it on one occasion. There was rarely a car on any roads. We could use our sleds without the fear of being run over. The other two hills were the Limekiln and the Reservoir hills, but the coasters never took to them like the others. I preferred Strobel's , it was steep, well lighted and it didn't take long to walk back up.
One time, at about age twelve, I put on a fur coat and crawled across the top of the high bridge that spanned the creek. I was trying to make people think I was a bear. I guess I was lucky someone didn't take a shot at me.
One day in the spring of the year , Joe Schfranek, Benny Zaborek and I were up by the dam. We pried away a huge chunk of ice from the shore and got it water-borne. I was on it, pushing it out to deeper water with a pole. Before I knew it, I couldn't get off and I was heading down stream at a pretty good clip. What a wild ride it was. The ice flow was awash and it seemed like I was going 100 miles per hour. My pants and legs were soaking wet and I could hardly stay on the darn thing. It finally came close enough to shore by Stoney Brook so I could Jump off. TO ALL KIDS, DON'T EVER TRY THIS!!
Dave Strobel and I had to stay after school one day when we were in the fourth grade. When we left , we crawled under the stage of the Polish Hall and found a bunch of Utica Presses dating back to World War #1. We also found enough pencils, erasers and money that had fallen through a long crack in the floor to last us for a year. We heard voices and noticed that a polish class was being held on the main floor of the hall. We then made a hasty exit, fearing capture by the adult students in the class.
Once I was fishing with Bob Boynton, he caught a nice 14 inch trout and was so excited that he didn't even reel it in. He ran backwards away from the creek as fast as he could go until the fish was dragged to the shore. Bob was so anxious to show his mother his prize fish that he immediately packed up hisw fishing gear and headed home.
One day in June our class had a picnic. It was suggested that I bring ice cream. I was allowed to go two hours early to make it. I took Bob Staring along to help. First we had to stop at the milk station to get a hundred pound block of ice. We had to drag it all the way up to the farm in a burlap bag. I had to go up in the pasture to get the cows and milk them for the milk we needs. Then I had to start a fire in the stove to cook the mixture. It was then put in the ice and salt freezer. We lugged it all the way to the picnic up behind Huyck Ave. On our arrival the picnic was all over. Nothing left to eat except a couple of rolls and some chips. The class ate all the ice cream, so we got none of that either. That was one picnic Strib and I will never forget.
One time there was a carload of coal that was not deposited in the proper location by he train crew. It had to be moved 150 feet to be unloaded. The owner of the coal yard tried to get it moved by asking various farmers if they would hook up their teams of horses. They all failed. They finally put two seperate teams togeather, to no avail. My father, Joe Maxwell, happened to come along at that time with his big team of dapple grays, Tom and Jerry. He was asked if he could help. He asked that the other horses be removed and he hooked his team to the coal car. His horses bucked down, their bellies almost touching the ground, and moved the car like it was a wagonload of hay. My Dad knew without question that his team could do the job. He was the talk of the town after that.
Mr. Dennis Maxwell of Boston grew up on a farm on Voelke Hill in the 1920's and 1930's. He served in the navy in World War 2. He and his wife, Margie, built a successful refrigeration business in the Boston area. Later they branched out into a thriving restaurant business at which he still works 12 hours a day. He has maintained a friendship with Dave Strobel for over sixty years." - By Joe Maxwell
This information can also be found in the book: Middleville "The story of a Village", 1990
"Back in the 1920's when I was a youngster, Middleville was a self-supporting little town. It had five gas stations, three blacksmith shops, two milk stations, one ice house, and an ice cutting business. There was the hydraulic canal, a dam, a feed mill, a saw mill, the tannery, the felt mill, two hotels, and a coal business. The railroad was operating with a station, station master, and telegraph operator. Also in Middleville were four grocery stores, a drug store, three garages, two woodworking shops, wagon and sleigh makers, three restaurants, four active churches, two shoe repair shops, a post office, a bank, and two bars. There was a farm machinery dealer, a building material dealer, a hardware store, two barber shops, a meat market, a bake shop, an insurance business, a beauty operator, and one junk dealer who later had a successful trucking business. There were also numerous home brew and moonshine makers.
Nine farms were located in or near the village: Jay Goodman, Holly Petrie, Bert Randall, Joe Pocus, Bert and Stewart Atabor, Byron Pickert, George Smith, Aronald Huyck, and John Dorsey. Itinerant farm help used to go from place to place. The ones I recall are J. Crossett, Tom Gorman, Doc Smith, Peter Thompson, Jack Leahy, Ed Enright and Jack McPhillps. The only abandoned farm that I knew of was the Peter's place, up back of Harter's Mountain.
When I was in early grammar school in the middle to late 1920's, I went to the third grade at the old high school ( since razed ), Miss Edith Sidell, teacher. The fourth grade met in Corey Hall, Miss Wineta Wood was the teacher. The fourth grade next was on the stage of the Polish Hall with Miss Marian Dickens, teacher. Fifth grade was on the main floor of the Polish Hall with Miss Florence Budlong as teacher.
In the 1920's and 1930's many of the younger boys used to enjoy sliding down the four big hills when the roads were covered with snow. The favorite run was Strobel's Hill (Summit St). Next was Fairfield hill where Jack Casler used to run his eight - man bobsled, a most impressive ride. I had the privilege of experiencing it on one occasion. There was rarely a car on any roads. We could use our sleds without the fear of being run over. The other two hills were the Limekiln and the Reservoir hills, but the coasters never took to them like the others. I preferred Strobel's , it was steep, well lighted and it didn't take long to walk back up.
One time, at about age twelve, I put on a fur coat and crawled across the top of the high bridge that spanned the creek. I was trying to make people think I was a bear. I guess I was lucky someone didn't take a shot at me.
One day in the spring of the year , Joe Schfranek, Benny Zaborek and I were up by the dam. We pried away a huge chunk of ice from the shore and got it water-borne. I was on it, pushing it out to deeper water with a pole. Before I knew it, I couldn't get off and I was heading down stream at a pretty good clip. What a wild ride it was. The ice flow was awash and it seemed like I was going 100 miles per hour. My pants and legs were soaking wet and I could hardly stay on the darn thing. It finally came close enough to shore by Stoney Brook so I could Jump off. TO ALL KIDS, DON'T EVER TRY THIS!!
Dave Strobel and I had to stay after school one day when we were in the fourth grade. When we left , we crawled under the stage of the Polish Hall and found a bunch of Utica Presses dating back to World War #1. We also found enough pencils, erasers and money that had fallen through a long crack in the floor to last us for a year. We heard voices and noticed that a polish class was being held on the main floor of the hall. We then made a hasty exit, fearing capture by the adult students in the class.
Once I was fishing with Bob Boynton, he caught a nice 14 inch trout and was so excited that he didn't even reel it in. He ran backwards away from the creek as fast as he could go until the fish was dragged to the shore. Bob was so anxious to show his mother his prize fish that he immediately packed up hisw fishing gear and headed home.
One day in June our class had a picnic. It was suggested that I bring ice cream. I was allowed to go two hours early to make it. I took Bob Staring along to help. First we had to stop at the milk station to get a hundred pound block of ice. We had to drag it all the way up to the farm in a burlap bag. I had to go up in the pasture to get the cows and milk them for the milk we needs. Then I had to start a fire in the stove to cook the mixture. It was then put in the ice and salt freezer. We lugged it all the way to the picnic up behind Huyck Ave. On our arrival the picnic was all over. Nothing left to eat except a couple of rolls and some chips. The class ate all the ice cream, so we got none of that either. That was one picnic Strib and I will never forget.
One time there was a carload of coal that was not deposited in the proper location by he train crew. It had to be moved 150 feet to be unloaded. The owner of the coal yard tried to get it moved by asking various farmers if they would hook up their teams of horses. They all failed. They finally put two seperate teams togeather, to no avail. My father, Joe Maxwell, happened to come along at that time with his big team of dapple grays, Tom and Jerry. He was asked if he could help. He asked that the other horses be removed and he hooked his team to the coal car. His horses bucked down, their bellies almost touching the ground, and moved the car like it was a wagonload of hay. My Dad knew without question that his team could do the job. He was the talk of the town after that.
Mr. Dennis Maxwell of Boston grew up on a farm on Voelke Hill in the 1920's and 1930's. He served in the navy in World War 2. He and his wife, Margie, built a successful refrigeration business in the Boston area. Later they branched out into a thriving restaurant business at which he still works 12 hours a day. He has maintained a friendship with Dave Strobel for over sixty years." - By Joe Maxwell
This information can also be found in the book: Middleville "The story of a Village", 1990
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Children of Thomas McLaughlin and Ellen Maxwell
Where did they all go? My Grandpa, Richard J. Flanagan, used to say that his McLaughlin relatives had all left Napa, California years ago. I do think that is a true statement. Even my great-grandmother, Mary Elizabeth "Minnie" McLaughlin left Napa. She moved to Monterey County to live with her daughter, Kay, after Jack passed away. I can briefly trace the movements that I know off for this children and indicate questions where I don't know what happened. I suspect that many of their children stuck around Northern California. They had just all left Napa.
1. Mary Elizabeth McLaughlin - Minnie Flanagan:
b. Austin, Nevada, 17 May 1870
m. Napa, CA, to Jack Flanagan 1 Sep 1904
d. Carmel,California, 12 Jun 1949
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Napa, CA from 1886 to around 1936
-Lived in Monterey County, CA from 1936 to 1949
-Buried at Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA
- Flanagan Plot
2. Ellen M. McLaughlin - Ellen Heflin:
b. Austin, Nevada, 5 Oct 1872
m. Napa, CA, to Albert Bluford Heflin, 10 Nov 1892
d. San Francisco, CA around 1938
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Napa, CA from 1886 and at least until 1892
-Based on what I can find, she may have moved back to
Napa from San Francisco but ended up in San Fran.
3. Catherine W. McLaughlin - Katie McLaughlin:
b. Austin, Nevada, 10 Dec 1874
m. Never married or had children
d. Napa, CA, Dec 1925
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Napa, CA from 1886 until 1925
-Buried at Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA
- unmarked grave next to her parents
near marked grave of Julia Lorenz
4. Joseph Maxwell McLaughlin:
b. Austin, Nevada, 19 May 1877
m. Henrietta Trailer
d. Vacaville, CA
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived part of his childhood and teens in Napa
5. Anna Agnes McLaughlin - Anna Lewis:
b. Austin, Nevada, 25 Aug 1879
m. Napa, CA to John James Lewis, 1909
d. Dunmuir, CA, Feb 1930
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Siskiyou County, CA by 1910
-Lived in Sacramento, CA by 1920
6. Thomas Shaffrey McLaughlin:
b. Austin, Nevada, 20 Jan 1882
m. Alice M. Loney
d. Mendocino, CA 21 Mar 1955
-Lived in Austin/Grass Vallley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Napa during 1910 and 1920 Census
7. Hugh Robert McLaughlin:
b. Napa, CA 17 Apr 1886
m. Emma Louise Kerns in Yountville, CA in 1906
d. Fresno, CA 8 Oct 1952
-Lived in Napa for a while but by 1910 and 1920 have
him living in Sacramento County
-By 1930, living in Fresno County
Except for Catherine, all of these McLaughlin siblings were married and had children. I believe many of the children also lived in Northern California. If any of the descendants of this line would like to share information about their ancestors, feel free to email me at kristin@zelsersk.net. I do have some additional information for this family unit.
1. Mary Elizabeth McLaughlin - Minnie Flanagan:
b. Austin, Nevada, 17 May 1870
m. Napa, CA, to Jack Flanagan 1 Sep 1904
d. Carmel,California, 12 Jun 1949
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Napa, CA from 1886 to around 1936
-Lived in Monterey County, CA from 1936 to 1949
-Buried at Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA
- Flanagan Plot
2. Ellen M. McLaughlin - Ellen Heflin:
b. Austin, Nevada, 5 Oct 1872
m. Napa, CA, to Albert Bluford Heflin, 10 Nov 1892
d. San Francisco, CA around 1938
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Napa, CA from 1886 and at least until 1892
-Based on what I can find, she may have moved back to
Napa from San Francisco but ended up in San Fran.
3. Catherine W. McLaughlin - Katie McLaughlin:
b. Austin, Nevada, 10 Dec 1874
m. Never married or had children
d. Napa, CA, Dec 1925
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Napa, CA from 1886 until 1925
-Buried at Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA
- unmarked grave next to her parents
near marked grave of Julia Lorenz
4. Joseph Maxwell McLaughlin:
b. Austin, Nevada, 19 May 1877
m. Henrietta Trailer
d. Vacaville, CA
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived part of his childhood and teens in Napa
5. Anna Agnes McLaughlin - Anna Lewis:
b. Austin, Nevada, 25 Aug 1879
m. Napa, CA to John James Lewis, 1909
d. Dunmuir, CA, Feb 1930
-Lived in Austin/Grass Valley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Siskiyou County, CA by 1910
-Lived in Sacramento, CA by 1920
6. Thomas Shaffrey McLaughlin:
b. Austin, Nevada, 20 Jan 1882
m. Alice M. Loney
d. Mendocino, CA 21 Mar 1955
-Lived in Austin/Grass Vallley, NV until 1886
-Lived in Napa during 1910 and 1920 Census
7. Hugh Robert McLaughlin:
b. Napa, CA 17 Apr 1886
m. Emma Louise Kerns in Yountville, CA in 1906
d. Fresno, CA 8 Oct 1952
-Lived in Napa for a while but by 1910 and 1920 have
him living in Sacramento County
-By 1930, living in Fresno County
Except for Catherine, all of these McLaughlin siblings were married and had children. I believe many of the children also lived in Northern California. If any of the descendants of this line would like to share information about their ancestors, feel free to email me at kristin@zelsersk.net. I do have some additional information for this family unit.