William Buterbaugh (1778-19August 1859)and his wife Christena Rodkey/Rotkey (1776-25 September 1859) are buried at the East Mahoning Baptist Cemetery in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. They had eight children who will not be named since the Buterbaugh family is not our focus here today but their children are named in the following Indiana County deeds: deed book 25, page 626 and deed book 26, page 121. The short biography for Joseph L. Buterbaugh in Caldwell's 1880 History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania on page 482 gives his grandparents' names as William and Christina Buterbaugh nee Rotkey. This is the only mention of her maiden name that I can find other than later family histories. William Buterbaugh came from Huntingdon County where Elias and Rosina Rodkey owned a tavern in Williamsburg, Woodberry Township. A William Butterbaugh is living in Morris Township, Huntingdon Township in 1800 near Joseph and Peter Butterbaugh. William Butterbaugh is 16 to 25 with a wife the same age and one son under 10. He appears in 1810 in Allegheny Township, Huntingdon County under the name Wm Booterbaugh and in 1820 in Woodberry Township, Huntingdon County under the name William Butterbock. He is in Green Township in the 1830 census under the name William Buterbaugh.
Now for the Rodkey family. Elias Rodkey first apppears in Williamsburg, Huntingdon County in 1798 when he is taxed under the U.S. Direct Tax. He owned 2 houses and 2 lots in the town of Williamsburg. He also appears in the 1800 census but died prior to
19 December 1801 when his wife Rosina and son Jacob filed letters of administration to administer his estate. Rosina appears in the 1810 census as R. Rodkey in Williamsburg, Huntingdon County. She is a female 45 years and over living near her son Jacob. She died sometime after this.
Elias and Rosina Barbara Rodkey had children baptized at Friedens Lutheran Church (also known as the Allemangel or White Church) near Stony Run, Albany Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania between 1762 and 1776. The name was spelled Ratchen or Rathge in the baptismal records. These records are available in Rev. Schumacher's record book, in the baptismal register for Friedens Lutheran Church, and on Ancestry.com. There are two baptims for a Christine:
1). Christine Rathge, born 9 December 1773, baptized 1 January 1774
Parents: Elias and Rosina Rathge
Sponsors: Geo. Michael Reinhart and Chrine Boeander
2). Christine Margaret baptized 11 August 1776, 13 weeks old
Parents: Elias and Rosina Barbara Ratchen
Sponsors: Henry Geuck and Anna Marg. Boelender
If one goes by the information on Christena Buterbaugh's tombstone, she was born about 1776. That would indicate that it is the second Christine but I have never seen the name Margaret used for her.
Elias and Christine Rodkey and their children appear in church records in Maryland between 1784 and 1796. Elias and his wife Rosina Radge(h) appear in the records of St. Benjamin's Lutheran Church (also known as Krider's or Pipe Creek) near Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland, as communicants and sponsors in 1786 and 1791. Their son Jacob and his wife Margaret have two daughters, Elisabeth (1786) and Mary (1796) baptized at this church.
Elias' son Jac. Radgie, single, and his daughter, Cathr. Radge, single, were communicants on 7 November, 1784 at St. Mary's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Silver Run, Carroll County, Maryland. It is assumed that Elias and his wife Rosina were living in Carroll County, Maryland also at this time.
The Lutheran church record for St. Paul's Church of Arcadia, Baltimore County, Maryland, was destroyed in a fire but the Rev. C. Stork Jones published a pamphlet in 1902 on the history of the church. According to this pamphlet, Elias and Rosina Barbara Rathge and their children Christina and Daniel appeared in the records for this church in 1794.
A Nicholas Rathge of Albany Township died in Berks County in 1760. His will was written 22 April 1760 and probated 23 May 1760. He names his wife Maria Anna Ursula and his children Elias and Anna Margaret in his will. Elias Ratchen and Maria Ursula (son and wife of Nicholas Rattge) were sponsors for Maria Ursula, daughter of Johann Wilhelm Weynand and Gerdraut on 13 November 1757 at the Allemangel Church (see Record Book of Daniel Schumacher).
Nicolas Rattge arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 26 September, 1737 on the ship, Saint Andrew Galley. Although only male names are recorded on the ship's lists, his wife Maria Ursula and children Elias and Anna Margaret probably came with him since he was married and his children were born prior to his arrival. Johan Nickel Radge and Maria Ursula Helffrich (May) were married on 4 December 1717 in Pfungstadt, Hessen-Darmstadt. Anna Margretha Radje was born 22 May 1727 and baptized 25 May 1727 in Pfungstadt, Hessen-Darmstadt. Elias Radgen was born 17 August 1732 and baptized 19 August 1732 in Pfungstadt, Hessen-Darmstadt. These records are in Anna K. Burgurt's book, Eighteenth Century Emigrants From Pfungstadt, Hessen-Darmstadt To Pennsylvania. They are available on FamilySearch.org. There is a discrepancy on the last name of Maria Ursula. FamilySearch states her name is Maria Ursula Helffrich. Anna K. Burgurt's book states she is a daughter of Henrich Helffrich May. The original marriage record needs checked to clarify which one is correct.
There was an Elias Ratgen on the same ship, Saint Andrew Galley, that arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 26 September 1737. He is often confused with Nicholas Rathge's son Elias that died in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Elias Ratgen was a son of Joachim and Rosina Dorothea. He was born 27 March 1715 and baptized 29 March 1715 in Pfungstadt, Hessen-Darmstadt. He married Magdalena Spindler on 14 May 1737 in Pfungstadt, Hessen-Darmstadt. His second wife was Rosina Ziegler according to the Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, page 940. He died before 28 June 1788 in Berks County, Pennsylvania where he owned property in Cumru Township. An Orphans' Court record in Berks County dated 25 March 1789 (Orphans Court Proceedings Volume 4, page 64) names his heirs. It names his wife Rosina, his "eldest and only son Elias," as well as his daughters and their husbands.
Joachim and Rosina Dorothea Radge also had a son Johann Jacob Radge, who was born 25 October 1719 and baptized 28 October 1719. He was on the ship, Robert and Alice, that arrived in Philadelphia on 3 December 1740. He died before 28 July 1784 in Berks County, Pennsylvania where he owned property in Union Township. An Orphans Court record in Berks County dated 11 August 1784 (Orphans Court Proceedings Volume 3, pages 105-106) names his heirs. It names his wife Catharine, sons John and John Adam, as well as his daughters and their husbands.
It is not known how the Elias and Jacob Radge, sons of Joachim and Rosina Dorothea Radge, were related to Nicolas Rathge but it is very likely that there was a close relationship since they were all from Pfungstadt, Hessen-Darmstadt. It is possible that Joachim and Nicolas were brothers but further research into the records in Pfungstadt is necessary before any definite conclusion can be reached.
Indiana County in 1817
Indiana County in 1817
Friday, January 20, 2017
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Daniel McMillen and Sons of Armstrong and Indiana Counties, Pennsylvania
Daniel
McMillen was born in 1777 and was a son of John and Mary McMillen whose family was discussed in the last blog post.
A biographical entry for William McMillen in the History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania by Caldwell on page 474 states that Daniel McMillen was a son of John and Mary McMillen. John McMillen names Daniel McMillen as his executor in his will and Daniel McMillen is a witness for Thomas McMillen's will. It is believed that Daniel and Thomas McMillen were brothers. Daniel and Mary McMillen were living in Plum Creek Township, Armstrong County in the 1850 census. Daniel and Mary both died sometime after 1850.
Daniel McMillen married Mary Reynolds, a daughter of John Reynolds, according to the biographical entry for William McMillen. She was born about 1785. John Reynolds' will was written on 6 September 1824 and was probated on 8 January 1825 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania (see will book 1, page 122). His will names his wife Mary and children. He leaves his daughter, Mary McMillen, $50. He signs his name John Runnels.
Daniel McMillen and Mary Reynolds had the following children:
1) William McMillen (1808-1881) married Elizabeth Cessna (1814-1895). His will names 5 children (Indiana County WB 5, page 144-146). He also had a son Silas according to census records and the biographical entry for him.
2) John (born about 1814-died after 1880) and Martha Forster (born about 1833) had 10 children according to census records.
3) Robert Beatty McMillen (1817-1878) married Catharine Helman (born about 1824-25-died before 1878). Indiana County deeds name 9 children.
4) Samuel McMillen (1822-1900) married Elizabeth Juart (1831-1919). His will names 4 children (Indiana County WB 9, page 440.
5) James McMillen (1825-1905) and Martha A. Powell (1839-1884) had 6 children according to census records and his obituary.
All of Daniel and Mary McMillen's children, except for their son John, moved to Indiana County. John remained in Plum Creek Township, Armstrong County. William, Beatty, and Samuel lived in South Mahoning Township, Indiana County. James lived in Rayne Township, Indiana County and was in Company F, 74th Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the Civil War.
Beatty McMillen and Catharine Helman were my second great grandparents. More information regarding their family will be given in a future blog post.
A biographical entry for William McMillen in the History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania by Caldwell on page 474 states that Daniel McMillen was a son of John and Mary McMillen. John McMillen names Daniel McMillen as his executor in his will and Daniel McMillen is a witness for Thomas McMillen's will. It is believed that Daniel and Thomas McMillen were brothers. Daniel and Mary McMillen were living in Plum Creek Township, Armstrong County in the 1850 census. Daniel and Mary both died sometime after 1850.
Daniel McMillen married Mary Reynolds, a daughter of John Reynolds, according to the biographical entry for William McMillen. She was born about 1785. John Reynolds' will was written on 6 September 1824 and was probated on 8 January 1825 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania (see will book 1, page 122). His will names his wife Mary and children. He leaves his daughter, Mary McMillen, $50. He signs his name John Runnels.
Daniel McMillen and Mary Reynolds had the following children:
1) William McMillen (1808-1881) married Elizabeth Cessna (1814-1895). His will names 5 children (Indiana County WB 5, page 144-146). He also had a son Silas according to census records and the biographical entry for him.
2) John (born about 1814-died after 1880) and Martha Forster (born about 1833) had 10 children according to census records.
3) Robert Beatty McMillen (1817-1878) married Catharine Helman (born about 1824-25-died before 1878). Indiana County deeds name 9 children.
4) Samuel McMillen (1822-1900) married Elizabeth Juart (1831-1919). His will names 4 children (Indiana County WB 9, page 440.
5) James McMillen (1825-1905) and Martha A. Powell (1839-1884) had 6 children according to census records and his obituary.
All of Daniel and Mary McMillen's children, except for their son John, moved to Indiana County. John remained in Plum Creek Township, Armstrong County. William, Beatty, and Samuel lived in South Mahoning Township, Indiana County. James lived in Rayne Township, Indiana County and was in Company F, 74th Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the Civil War.
Beatty McMillen and Catharine Helman were my second great grandparents. More information regarding their family will be given in a future blog post.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
John McMillen of Westmoreland and Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
John McMillen and his wife Mary were my 4th great grandparents. They settled in Derry Township, Westmoreland County and later moved to Allegheny Township (now Plumcreek Township) in Armstrong County where John McMillen and his son, Smith McMillen, purchased 156 acres from Nathan Burns in 1807. John McMillen and his wife were from Ireland but it is not known when they immigrated to Pennsylvania. Their son, Smith McMillen, was a tailor in Blairsville, Indiana County. Several of the children of their son, Daniel McMillen, moved to Indiana County where many of their descendants live today.
John McMillen was born about 1740 to 1750 based on his age in the 1830 census. He died in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County where he wrote his will on 26 May 1830. He died about July, 1831 since his will was probated on 28 July 1831 (will book 1:117-118). He leaves his property to his son William and to his daughters Jane and Susannah who never married. He also mentions his son Smith McMillen with whom he had bought this property. His son Smith McMillen sold his undivided one half interest in this property to his brothers, Robert and William McMillen. When his son Robert died without lineal descendants, Robert's undivided one fourth interest in this property reverted back to his father, John McMillen. John McMillen names Daniel McMillen as his executor. Wm Coulter and Archd McIntosh witnessed his will.
A John McMillen (Jr.) is living near John McMillen (Sr.) in the 1800 census in Derry Township, Westmoreland County and a John McMillen (Jr.) and Thomas McMillen are living near John McMillen (Sr.) in the 1810 census in Kittanning Township, Armstrong County. Plumcreek Township was formed from Kittanning Township. Thomas McMillen is living in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County in the 1820 and 1830 censuses and owns property near John McMillen in Plumcreek Township. John and Thomas McMillen are also believed to be sons of John McMillen based on their close proximity to him.
A biographical entry for William McMillen in the History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania by Caldwell on page 474 states that Daniel McMillen was a son of John and Mary McMillen. John McMillen names Daniel McMillen as his executor in his will and Daniel McMillen is a witness for Thomas McMillen's will.
John and Mary McMillen had the following childen:
1) John McMillen
2) Daniel McMillen was born in 1777 and died after 1850 in Armstrong County. He married Mary Reynolds and had five sons, four of whom died in Indiana County.
3) Thomas McMillen was born before 1784 and died about October, 1833 when his will was probated in Armstrong County (will book 1:155). He had two sons and three daughters by his first wife whose surname may have been McCoy. He had two sons and three daughters with his second wife Margaret.
4) Smith McMillen was born between 1780 and 1790 and died about August, 1846 in Blairsville, Indiana County when letters of administration were granted for his estate in Indiana County (will book 1:576). He and his wife, Martha Craig, had seven sons and three daughters.
5) Jane McMillen was born about 1782 and died 23 November 1853 in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County where her will was probated on 29 November 1853 (will book 2:59). She was never married.
6) Susannah McMillen was born about 1784 and died 18 September 1853 in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County where her will was probated on 20 September 1853 (will book 2:54). She was never married. Both she and her sister Jane left their property to their niece, Mrs. Sarah Foster and her children.
7) Robert McMillen died before 1830 when his father wrote his will.
8) William McMillen was born about 1789 and died 22 August 1854. He and his wife Jane (Smith) McCoy had two daughters and a son (Armstrong County Orphans Court Records 2:323).
Daniel McMillen and Mary Reynolds are my third great grandparents. Additional information will be given about them in a future blog post. If anyone has additional information on John McMillen's children, please contact me. I am always willing to share any information I have with anyone.
John McMillen was born about 1740 to 1750 based on his age in the 1830 census. He died in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County where he wrote his will on 26 May 1830. He died about July, 1831 since his will was probated on 28 July 1831 (will book 1:117-118). He leaves his property to his son William and to his daughters Jane and Susannah who never married. He also mentions his son Smith McMillen with whom he had bought this property. His son Smith McMillen sold his undivided one half interest in this property to his brothers, Robert and William McMillen. When his son Robert died without lineal descendants, Robert's undivided one fourth interest in this property reverted back to his father, John McMillen. John McMillen names Daniel McMillen as his executor. Wm Coulter and Archd McIntosh witnessed his will.
A John McMillen (Jr.) is living near John McMillen (Sr.) in the 1800 census in Derry Township, Westmoreland County and a John McMillen (Jr.) and Thomas McMillen are living near John McMillen (Sr.) in the 1810 census in Kittanning Township, Armstrong County. Plumcreek Township was formed from Kittanning Township. Thomas McMillen is living in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County in the 1820 and 1830 censuses and owns property near John McMillen in Plumcreek Township. John and Thomas McMillen are also believed to be sons of John McMillen based on their close proximity to him.
A biographical entry for William McMillen in the History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania by Caldwell on page 474 states that Daniel McMillen was a son of John and Mary McMillen. John McMillen names Daniel McMillen as his executor in his will and Daniel McMillen is a witness for Thomas McMillen's will.
John and Mary McMillen had the following childen:
1) John McMillen
2) Daniel McMillen was born in 1777 and died after 1850 in Armstrong County. He married Mary Reynolds and had five sons, four of whom died in Indiana County.
3) Thomas McMillen was born before 1784 and died about October, 1833 when his will was probated in Armstrong County (will book 1:155). He had two sons and three daughters by his first wife whose surname may have been McCoy. He had two sons and three daughters with his second wife Margaret.
4) Smith McMillen was born between 1780 and 1790 and died about August, 1846 in Blairsville, Indiana County when letters of administration were granted for his estate in Indiana County (will book 1:576). He and his wife, Martha Craig, had seven sons and three daughters.
5) Jane McMillen was born about 1782 and died 23 November 1853 in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County where her will was probated on 29 November 1853 (will book 2:59). She was never married.
6) Susannah McMillen was born about 1784 and died 18 September 1853 in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County where her will was probated on 20 September 1853 (will book 2:54). She was never married. Both she and her sister Jane left their property to their niece, Mrs. Sarah Foster and her children.
7) Robert McMillen died before 1830 when his father wrote his will.
8) William McMillen was born about 1789 and died 22 August 1854. He and his wife Jane (Smith) McCoy had two daughters and a son (Armstrong County Orphans Court Records 2:323).
Daniel McMillen and Mary Reynolds are my third great grandparents. Additional information will be given about them in a future blog post. If anyone has additional information on John McMillen's children, please contact me. I am always willing to share any information I have with anyone.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Welsh Origin of Griffith Rowland and his parents of Cambria County, Pennsylvania
My fourth great-grandparents were Griffith Rowland and Jane Jones. I knew they were born in Wales but did not have the name of a village or parish. There is a lot of information in the county histories for Cambria and Indiana Counties on Griffith Rowland's family but the county histories did not provide a location in Wales as to where Griffith Rowland and his family lived. I finally found the answer to this question from marriage records on Find My Past and a will for Rowland Williams that the National Library of Wales had online.
Griffith Rowland settled in Cambria Township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania about 1795. This later became Cambria Township in Cambria County in 1804. He married Jane Jones, a daughter of William Jones, sometime after 1800 when he appears in the 1800 census in Cambria Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania living with a male and female over 45 years of age.
Griffith Rowland's parents were William Rowland and Elizabeth Ellis. William Rowland was known in Wales as Rowland Williams since the Welsh used the patronymic naming system whereby a man was known by his name (son of) and his father's name. Thus, Rowland was the son of a man named William. Rowland Williams died before 9 June 1795 when his will was probated in Wales. He was living in Tyddyn Issa in the parish of Llanllechid in the county of Caernarvon when he wrote his will on 15 July 1789. He names his wife Elizabeth Ellis in his will and his brother Ellis Williams as well as his sons: William Rowlands, Ellis Rowlands, and Griffith Rowlands. He also names his daughters Ellin, Jonet, and Grace who were under 21 at the time his will was written. His sons Ellis and Griffith Rowlands were named as executors.
Information about the Rowland families of Cambria and Indiana Counties are given in the following county histories: a biographical entry for William Rowland in the History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania published in 1880 by Caldwell; a biographical entry on the Rowland family in Indiana County, Pennsylvania by Stewart; and a biographical entry for Rev. Elias Rowland in the Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Cambria County, Pennsylvania by Wiley.
Three children of William Rowland (Rowland Williams) and his wife Elizabeth Ellis emigrated to Cambria County, Pennsylvania:
1) Ellis (1765-1858) married Catherine Hughes (1773-1840)
2) Griffith born 1771
3) Joned (1777-1834) married Rev. William Williams (1777-1848)
Griffith Rowland and his wife Jane Jones had the following children:
1) William (1801-1883) married Clarissa Rundel (1809-1897)
2) Maria (1803-1867) married John Crumb and Joseph Craig
3) Isaac (1805-1887) married Elizabeth Keller
4) Jacob
5) Griffith J. (1809-1871) married Mary Mikesell and Margaret Jordan (born 1811)
6) John (born about 1811- died after 1860) married Jane Conrad
7) Eliza (1814-1883) married Enoch Reese (1811-1889)
Griffith died 1 June 1847 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania and left a will naming his wife and children. His wife Jane was born in 1777 in Wales and died 18 May 1850 in Cambria County.
The Rowlands were Baptists and attended Baptist churches in Cambria and Indiana Counties. Griffith and his wife Jane as well as his daughter Joned and her husband William Williams are buried in Bethel Baptist Church cemetery right off Route 422 outside of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Baptists do not practice infant baptism.
The Church of England was the official church in Wales in the 1700's. All other churches were known as non-conformist churches, including the Baptist church. There are parish records for the Church of England in Wales in the 1700's but little if any for the non-conformist churches. However, all marriages after 1754 had to be performed in the Church of England in Wales.
There are no baptismal records for any of Rowland Williams' children in the Church of England parishes and no parish records exist for the non-conformist churches. A marriage record does exist for a Rowland Williams and Elizabeth Ellis in the Church of England parish for Llanllechid, Caernarvonshire, Wales. They were married on 23 June 1762. A William Williams and Jonnet Rowland were also married in this parish on 2 March 1798. These marriage records with the will of Rowland Williams establish that the family of Griffith Rowland lived in the parish of Llanllechid, Caernarvon (same as Caernarvonshire), Wales.
Llanllechid is a village, a parish, and a sub-district in the Bangor district and is 3 1/2 miles SE of Bangor. Martha Jones, a great-great granddaughter of Ellis Rowland gave his birthplace as Bangor, Caernarvonshire, Wales. This information is consistent with each other. Caernarvonshire is now Gwynedd in Wales due to name changes of the counties.
Griffith Rowland settled in Cambria Township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania about 1795. This later became Cambria Township in Cambria County in 1804. He married Jane Jones, a daughter of William Jones, sometime after 1800 when he appears in the 1800 census in Cambria Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania living with a male and female over 45 years of age.
Griffith Rowland's parents were William Rowland and Elizabeth Ellis. William Rowland was known in Wales as Rowland Williams since the Welsh used the patronymic naming system whereby a man was known by his name (son of) and his father's name. Thus, Rowland was the son of a man named William. Rowland Williams died before 9 June 1795 when his will was probated in Wales. He was living in Tyddyn Issa in the parish of Llanllechid in the county of Caernarvon when he wrote his will on 15 July 1789. He names his wife Elizabeth Ellis in his will and his brother Ellis Williams as well as his sons: William Rowlands, Ellis Rowlands, and Griffith Rowlands. He also names his daughters Ellin, Jonet, and Grace who were under 21 at the time his will was written. His sons Ellis and Griffith Rowlands were named as executors.
Information about the Rowland families of Cambria and Indiana Counties are given in the following county histories: a biographical entry for William Rowland in the History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania published in 1880 by Caldwell; a biographical entry on the Rowland family in Indiana County, Pennsylvania by Stewart; and a biographical entry for Rev. Elias Rowland in the Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Cambria County, Pennsylvania by Wiley.
Three children of William Rowland (Rowland Williams) and his wife Elizabeth Ellis emigrated to Cambria County, Pennsylvania:
1) Ellis (1765-1858) married Catherine Hughes (1773-1840)
2) Griffith born 1771
3) Joned (1777-1834) married Rev. William Williams (1777-1848)
Griffith Rowland and his wife Jane Jones had the following children:
1) William (1801-1883) married Clarissa Rundel (1809-1897)
2) Maria (1803-1867) married John Crumb and Joseph Craig
3) Isaac (1805-1887) married Elizabeth Keller
4) Jacob
5) Griffith J. (1809-1871) married Mary Mikesell and Margaret Jordan (born 1811)
6) John (born about 1811- died after 1860) married Jane Conrad
7) Eliza (1814-1883) married Enoch Reese (1811-1889)
Griffith died 1 June 1847 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania and left a will naming his wife and children. His wife Jane was born in 1777 in Wales and died 18 May 1850 in Cambria County.
The Rowlands were Baptists and attended Baptist churches in Cambria and Indiana Counties. Griffith and his wife Jane as well as his daughter Joned and her husband William Williams are buried in Bethel Baptist Church cemetery right off Route 422 outside of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Baptists do not practice infant baptism.
The Church of England was the official church in Wales in the 1700's. All other churches were known as non-conformist churches, including the Baptist church. There are parish records for the Church of England in Wales in the 1700's but little if any for the non-conformist churches. However, all marriages after 1754 had to be performed in the Church of England in Wales.
There are no baptismal records for any of Rowland Williams' children in the Church of England parishes and no parish records exist for the non-conformist churches. A marriage record does exist for a Rowland Williams and Elizabeth Ellis in the Church of England parish for Llanllechid, Caernarvonshire, Wales. They were married on 23 June 1762. A William Williams and Jonnet Rowland were also married in this parish on 2 March 1798. These marriage records with the will of Rowland Williams establish that the family of Griffith Rowland lived in the parish of Llanllechid, Caernarvon (same as Caernarvonshire), Wales.
Llanllechid is a village, a parish, and a sub-district in the Bangor district and is 3 1/2 miles SE of Bangor. Martha Jones, a great-great granddaughter of Ellis Rowland gave his birthplace as Bangor, Caernarvonshire, Wales. This information is consistent with each other. Caernarvonshire is now Gwynedd in Wales due to name changes of the counties.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Two George Helmans of Indiana County, Pennsylvania
There were two George Helmans living in Indiana County, Pennsylvania during the 1800's. They were first cousins. Both were born in the 1780's in Franklin County, Pennsylvania to sons of George Sebastian Helman. George Helman who eventually settled in East Mahoning Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania was a son of John Daniel Helman. John Daniel Helman left Franklin County, Pennsylvania and moved to Somerset County, Pennsylvania where he was living in the 1810 census. The first wife of George Helman (son of John Daniel Helman) may have been Catherine Seese. His second wife was Mary Miller. More information will be given on the George Helman living in East Mahoning Township in a future blog post.
George Helman who settled in Washington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania was a son of George Sebastian Helman, Jr. George Sebastian Helman, Jr. remained in Franklin County, Pennsylvania where he died in 1832. Estate records in Franklin County, Pennsylvania give the names of his children. Among them was the George Helman of Washington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. His first wife was Catharine Heffner (Heiffner) who was a daughter of John Heffner. The surname Heffner has various spellings. She is often erroneously listed as the first wife of the George Helman living in East Mahoning Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Her father's will written in 30 August 1823 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania and probated in 1828 gives us the first clue. Although it does not give her husband's first name, her father prevents him from sharing in her inheritance by giving her the interest on it and giving the principal to her children after they become 21. He states that her husband deserted her and their children leaving them living in poverty (...her husband being a worthless husband he discerting his wife and left her in the greadest poverty therefore shall the said Helman forever be excluded from having any part of my estate..)
The second clue to the identity of Catharine (Heiffner) Helman's husband occurs after the death of George Sebastian Helman, Jr. in 1832. George Helman, one of the children of George Sebastian Helman, Jr, is presumed dead and Catharine's brother, John Heffner, is appointed guardian in 1833 for George and Catharine's children: Elizabeth, Susan, John, Polly, and Peter, all of whom are over 14 years of age except for Peter. The guardianship order is vacated in 1835 since he is not deceased. George Helman must have come forward to collect his inheritance.
Catharine Helman is listed as a head of household in the 1830 and 1840 censuses in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She is living with a John W. and Elizabeth Cromer in the 1850 and 1860 censuses in Franklin County. She had a daughter Elizabeth so this is probably her daughter and son in law. Find A Grave has a tombstone for Catherine Heiffner Helman born 14 February 1782 and died 9 April 1863. She is buried in Mont Alto Cemetery, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
George Helman is living in Washington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania with Fanny in the 1850 and 1860 censuses. He is living with his son Gordon in the 1870 census. Gordon Hellman's death certificate gives his parents' names as George Helman and Frances Strange. It is not known if George Helman obtained a divorce before marrying or living with Fanny since the Franklin County records indicate he deserted his wife and children sometime prior to 1823. He then shows up in 1835 to collect his inheritance from his father. He evidently was living with Fanny soon after leaving his wife Catharine since he has children with her in the 1820's and 1830's. When George Helman sold property in 1860, Fanny did not release her dower right but it is not known if she was living then. It is not known if George's children to his first wife Catharine and his children with Fanny knew about each other.
George had the following children with Frances Strange:
1) William Helman (about 1825-4 April 1864) married Sarah Ellen Conner (1829-1915)
2) James Helman (born about 1826 to 1830-died after 1860) married Mary Ann Harmon
3) Gordon Helman (1829-26 March 1916) married Elizabeth Conner (1820-1911)
4) George Helman (about 1836-31 December 1861)
5) John Helman (born about 1838)
William, Gordon, and George were in the Civil War. William and George died during the Civil War. The pension file for William Helman's widow, Sarah Helman, is available on Fold3. George Helman, Sr. applied for a pension based on his son George's service in the Civil War but never received it.
See the will of John Hieffner in Franklin County Will Book D-pages 26 to 28.
See the guardianship record for George Helman's children in Franklin County Orphans Court Record Book C-pages 300 and 301 and the order
vacating the guardianship order in Book C-page 409 since George Helman was not deceased.
The above records are available on Family Search in their Pennsylvania Probate Records but they are not indexed. They are organized by county and can be easily accessed with the above information.
George Helman who settled in Washington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania was a son of George Sebastian Helman, Jr. George Sebastian Helman, Jr. remained in Franklin County, Pennsylvania where he died in 1832. Estate records in Franklin County, Pennsylvania give the names of his children. Among them was the George Helman of Washington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. His first wife was Catharine Heffner (Heiffner) who was a daughter of John Heffner. The surname Heffner has various spellings. She is often erroneously listed as the first wife of the George Helman living in East Mahoning Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Her father's will written in 30 August 1823 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania and probated in 1828 gives us the first clue. Although it does not give her husband's first name, her father prevents him from sharing in her inheritance by giving her the interest on it and giving the principal to her children after they become 21. He states that her husband deserted her and their children leaving them living in poverty (...her husband being a worthless husband he discerting his wife and left her in the greadest poverty therefore shall the said Helman forever be excluded from having any part of my estate..)
The second clue to the identity of Catharine (Heiffner) Helman's husband occurs after the death of George Sebastian Helman, Jr. in 1832. George Helman, one of the children of George Sebastian Helman, Jr, is presumed dead and Catharine's brother, John Heffner, is appointed guardian in 1833 for George and Catharine's children: Elizabeth, Susan, John, Polly, and Peter, all of whom are over 14 years of age except for Peter. The guardianship order is vacated in 1835 since he is not deceased. George Helman must have come forward to collect his inheritance.
Catharine Helman is listed as a head of household in the 1830 and 1840 censuses in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She is living with a John W. and Elizabeth Cromer in the 1850 and 1860 censuses in Franklin County. She had a daughter Elizabeth so this is probably her daughter and son in law. Find A Grave has a tombstone for Catherine Heiffner Helman born 14 February 1782 and died 9 April 1863. She is buried in Mont Alto Cemetery, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
George Helman is living in Washington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania with Fanny in the 1850 and 1860 censuses. He is living with his son Gordon in the 1870 census. Gordon Hellman's death certificate gives his parents' names as George Helman and Frances Strange. It is not known if George Helman obtained a divorce before marrying or living with Fanny since the Franklin County records indicate he deserted his wife and children sometime prior to 1823. He then shows up in 1835 to collect his inheritance from his father. He evidently was living with Fanny soon after leaving his wife Catharine since he has children with her in the 1820's and 1830's. When George Helman sold property in 1860, Fanny did not release her dower right but it is not known if she was living then. It is not known if George's children to his first wife Catharine and his children with Fanny knew about each other.
George had the following children with Frances Strange:
1) William Helman (about 1825-4 April 1864) married Sarah Ellen Conner (1829-1915)
2) James Helman (born about 1826 to 1830-died after 1860) married Mary Ann Harmon
3) Gordon Helman (1829-26 March 1916) married Elizabeth Conner (1820-1911)
4) George Helman (about 1836-31 December 1861)
5) John Helman (born about 1838)
William, Gordon, and George were in the Civil War. William and George died during the Civil War. The pension file for William Helman's widow, Sarah Helman, is available on Fold3. George Helman, Sr. applied for a pension based on his son George's service in the Civil War but never received it.
See the will of John Hieffner in Franklin County Will Book D-pages 26 to 28.
See the guardianship record for George Helman's children in Franklin County Orphans Court Record Book C-pages 300 and 301 and the order
vacating the guardianship order in Book C-page 409 since George Helman was not deceased.
The above records are available on Family Search in their Pennsylvania Probate Records but they are not indexed. They are organized by county and can be easily accessed with the above information.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
William Kennedy and Julia Ann Peddicord of Indiana County, Pennsylvania and Their Children
My grandmother was Margaret Lucille Kennedy married to Harry William Rowland. She was the seventh of ten girls born to Daniel McCoy Kennedy (1852-1939) and Evaline Fleming (1855-1932). Her two youngest sisters, Pearl and Eva Kennedy, were my great aunts but were part of my life growing up. My sister Susan and I would visit them in the summertime in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania where they still lived in the home built by their father, Daniel McCoy Kennedy. When I started my quest to find my ancestors, I questioned them about their Kennedy relatives. They were able to give me little information other than the name of Daniel McCoy's father, James Kennedy. Daniel McCoy Kennedy had left home when he was sixteen since he and his father, James Kennedy, did not get along. James Kennedy was supported by the Overseers of the Poor in Young Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania in 1900. As a result, the Court ordered Daniel McCoy Kennedy and his brother William Smith Kennedy to pay 75 cents a week each towards their father's support. James Kennedy married Elizabeth F. Rosensteel in 1878 after his first wife, Nancy McCoy Kennedy, died sometime between 1870 and 1878.
I looked for the parents of James Kennedy for many years but could not find them. The clues to their identity were in my files all along. James Kennedy and his wife Nancy McCoy had the following children:
William Smith Kennedy (1850-1922)
Daniel McCoy Kennedy (1852-1939)
Sarah Agness born about 1855
Charles M. born about 1859-died before 1870
Howard J. Kennedy (1865-1918)
Margaret Alice Kennedy (about 1869-1900)
The following information was used to determine the identity of James Kennedy's parents: William Kennedy (born about 1775-died between 1858 and 1860) and Julia Ann Peddicord (born about 1789-died after 1870). James Kennedy's son, Smith Kennedy, was living with Daniel McFarland in the 1870 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. James Kennedy's son, Howard Kennedy, was living with Daniel McFarland in the 1880 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. According to a biography for Captain Daniel McFarland in the Indiana County History by Stewart, he was married to Sarah Kennedy. William and Juliann Kennedy are living near Daniel McFarland and his wife Sarah in the 1850 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Julia A. Kennedy is living near Daniel McFarland and his wife Sarah in the 1860 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Julia Kennedy is living near Daniel McFarland in the 1870 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. A biographical article on the Kennedy family of Indiana County, Pennsylvania in the Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania by Jordan on page 381 states that the maiden name of William Kennedy's wife was Peddicord and that they had three children: Samuel, James, and Sarah.
Sarah Kennedy married Daniel McFarland. Two of their children's death certificates,William Hays McFarland and Elizabeth Catharine McFarland Stephens, give their parents names as Daniel McFarland and Sarah Kennedy.
James Kennedy married Nancy McCoy. Two of their children's death certificates, William Smith Kennedy and Daniel McCoy Kennedy, give their parents' names as James Kennedy and Nancy McCoy.
Since James Kennedy did not get along with his children, his son Daniel Kennedy was living with a neighbor Smith Templeton in the 1870 census. His son Smith Kennedy was living with his uncle Daniel McFarland by marriage in the 1870 census and his brother Howard Kennedy was living with his uncle Daniel McFarland by marriage in the 1880 census. This was what led me to determine the identity of James Kennedy's parents.
The other son of William Kennedy and Julia Ann Peddicord was Samuel Kennedy (1822-1898). He married Amelia Paige (born about 1827-1855) with whom he had four children. He married Harriet (1828-1904) after his first wife's death with whom he had additional children. He moved to Peabody, Kansas in 1877 and died in Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas in 1898. There is an article on this family in the Biographical and Historical Cyclopedia of Indiana and Armstrong Counties, Pennsylvania on page 196 and an additional article on this family in the Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County Pennsylvania on page 381.
I looked for the parents of James Kennedy for many years but could not find them. The clues to their identity were in my files all along. James Kennedy and his wife Nancy McCoy had the following children:
William Smith Kennedy (1850-1922)
Daniel McCoy Kennedy (1852-1939)
Sarah Agness born about 1855
Charles M. born about 1859-died before 1870
Howard J. Kennedy (1865-1918)
Margaret Alice Kennedy (about 1869-1900)
The following information was used to determine the identity of James Kennedy's parents: William Kennedy (born about 1775-died between 1858 and 1860) and Julia Ann Peddicord (born about 1789-died after 1870). James Kennedy's son, Smith Kennedy, was living with Daniel McFarland in the 1870 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. James Kennedy's son, Howard Kennedy, was living with Daniel McFarland in the 1880 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. According to a biography for Captain Daniel McFarland in the Indiana County History by Stewart, he was married to Sarah Kennedy. William and Juliann Kennedy are living near Daniel McFarland and his wife Sarah in the 1850 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Julia A. Kennedy is living near Daniel McFarland and his wife Sarah in the 1860 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Julia Kennedy is living near Daniel McFarland in the 1870 census in Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. A biographical article on the Kennedy family of Indiana County, Pennsylvania in the Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania by Jordan on page 381 states that the maiden name of William Kennedy's wife was Peddicord and that they had three children: Samuel, James, and Sarah.
Sarah Kennedy married Daniel McFarland. Two of their children's death certificates,William Hays McFarland and Elizabeth Catharine McFarland Stephens, give their parents names as Daniel McFarland and Sarah Kennedy.
James Kennedy married Nancy McCoy. Two of their children's death certificates, William Smith Kennedy and Daniel McCoy Kennedy, give their parents' names as James Kennedy and Nancy McCoy.
Since James Kennedy did not get along with his children, his son Daniel Kennedy was living with a neighbor Smith Templeton in the 1870 census. His son Smith Kennedy was living with his uncle Daniel McFarland by marriage in the 1870 census and his brother Howard Kennedy was living with his uncle Daniel McFarland by marriage in the 1880 census. This was what led me to determine the identity of James Kennedy's parents.
The other son of William Kennedy and Julia Ann Peddicord was Samuel Kennedy (1822-1898). He married Amelia Paige (born about 1827-1855) with whom he had four children. He married Harriet (1828-1904) after his first wife's death with whom he had additional children. He moved to Peabody, Kansas in 1877 and died in Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas in 1898. There is an article on this family in the Biographical and Historical Cyclopedia of Indiana and Armstrong Counties, Pennsylvania on page 196 and an additional article on this family in the Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County Pennsylvania on page 381.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
More on Daniel McCoy and his wife Deborah Norris
Daniel McCoy was born in 1749 in Ireland according to he and his wife's tombstone that is located in Oakland Cemetery in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He states he is 65 years old in the affidavit he gives in June, 1818 when he applies for a pension. This would make him born about 1753. Oakland Cemetery was not founded until 1864. Therefore, his tombstone was probably erected by his grandson William McCoy who is also buried there with his father Joseph McCoy. Deborah Norris was born in 1752 in the Isle of Man according to the information on her tombstone. When Daniel McCoy applied for a pension in June, 1820, his affidavit stated his wife was 65 years old. This would make her born about 1755. She was baptized on 7 April 1754 in the Michael parish in the Isle of Man. Her parents were Hen Norris and Esther Creer. Based on the above information Daniel McCoy's birth date is from 1849 to 1853. Based on the above information Deborah Norris' birth date is from 1752 to 1754.
Daniel and Deborah lived in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania after they were married in 1777. Their daughter Mary was baptized in 1781 in Philadelphia and Daniel was taxed as a weaver in Northern Liberties Township in Philadelphia County in 1782. It is not known where they lived between 1782 and 1798. The first record for them in Western Pennsylvania is a 1798 U.S. direct tax record for Daniel McCoy in Armstrong Township, Westmoreland County. According to the tax record, he owned a small cabin, 10 x 24 feet, worth $20 and was taxed on 140 acres worth $210. He was living on land owned by John McQuiston and was living adjacent to Benjamin Walker. The biographical entry for his grandson Church Smith McCoy in the Indiana County History by Arms and White states he (Daniel McCoy) was "an early settler on Crooked Creek" and "at one time resided on what is now the Benjamin Walker farm. He was a scout in the Indian Wars."
Daniel and Deborah lived in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania after they were married in 1777. Their daughter Mary was baptized in 1781 in Philadelphia and Daniel was taxed as a weaver in Northern Liberties Township in Philadelphia County in 1782. It is not known where they lived between 1782 and 1798. The first record for them in Western Pennsylvania is a 1798 U.S. direct tax record for Daniel McCoy in Armstrong Township, Westmoreland County. According to the tax record, he owned a small cabin, 10 x 24 feet, worth $20 and was taxed on 140 acres worth $210. He was living on land owned by John McQuiston and was living adjacent to Benjamin Walker. The biographical entry for his grandson Church Smith McCoy in the Indiana County History by Arms and White states he (Daniel McCoy) was "an early settler on Crooked Creek" and "at one time resided on what is now the Benjamin Walker farm. He was a scout in the Indian Wars."
The following McCoy head of
households appear in the 1800 through the 1820 censuses in Westmoreland, Indiana
and Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.
Charles McCoy was living near his father Daniel McCoy in the 1810
census. Daniel McCoy, Joseph McCoy, and
John McCoy were all living in Plumcreek Township in the 1820 census where their
father Daniel McCoy was living.
The household composition for
Daniel McCoy (father) in the 1800 census for Armstrong Township, Westmoreland
County was:
Free white males under 10-2 (John and Joseph)
Free white males 10 thru 15-2 (Daniel and ?)
Free white males 16 thru 25-1 (Charles)
Free white males 45 and over-1 (Daniel)
Free white females under 10-2
Free white females 10 thru 15-1
Free white females 45 and over-1 (Deborah)
The household composition
for Daniel McCoy (father) in the 1810 census for Armstrong Township, Indiana
County was:
Free
white males 10 thru 15-1 (John)
Free
white males 16 thru 25-3 (Daniel, Joseph born 1791, and ?)
Free
white males 45 and over-1 (Daniel)
Free
white females 10 thru 15-1
Free
white females 16 thru 25-1
Free
white females 45 and over-1 (Deborah)
The
household composition for Charles McCoy (son) in the 1810 census for Armstrong
Township, Indiana County was:
Free
white males 26 thru 44-1 (Charles)
Free
white females under 10-1
Free
white females 26 thru 44-1
The
household composition for Daniel McCoy Sr. (father) in the 1820 census for
Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County was:
Free
white males 45 and over-1 (Daniel)
Free
white females 45 and over-1 (Deborah)
Number
of persons engaged in manufactures-1
The
household composition for Daniel McCoy (son) in the 1820 census for Plumcreek
Township, Armstrong County was:
Free
white males under 10-2
Free
white males 26 thru 44- 1 (Daniel)
Free
white females under 10-3
Free
white females 26 thru 44-1 (Nancy)
Number
of persons engaged in agriculture-1
The
household composition for Joseph McCoy (son) in the 1820 census for Plumcreek
Township, Armstrong County was:
Free
white males under 10-2
Free
white males 26 thru 44-1 (Joseph born 1791)
Free
white females 16 thru 25-1 (Nancy)
Number
of persons engaged in manufactures-1
The
household composition for John McCoy (son) in the 1820 census for Plumcreek
Township, Armstrong County was:
Free
white males under 10-1
Free
white males 16 thru 25-1 (John)
Free
white females 16 thru 25-1 (Jane)
Persons
engaged in agriculture-1
Since Joseph McCoy is the only son of Daniel McCoy with a known birth date, the ages of Daniel McCoy’s other sons (Charles, Daniel, and John McCoy) in the 1820 through the 1800 censuses were used to estimate their birth dates. An excel chart was used to illustrate this but cannot be reproduced here.
Birth dates for Daniel and Deborah McCoy's sons:
1) Charles McCoy 1775 to 1784
2) Daniel McCoy 1785 to 1790
3) Joseph McCoy 1791 from tombstone
4) John McCoy 1790 to 1800
Daniel and Deborah McCoy also must have had daughters since there are two females under 15 in the 1800 census and two females under 25 in the 1810 census. The only known daughter is Mary who was baptized in 1781 in Philadelphia, PA.
There is no further information on Charles McCoy. He may have died or moved after he appears in the 1810 census in Armstrong Township, Indiana County. The children of Daniel, Joseph, and John McCoy and will be discussed in future posts.
Since Joseph McCoy is the only son of Daniel McCoy with a known birth date, the ages of Daniel McCoy’s other sons (Charles, Daniel, and John McCoy) in the 1820 through the 1800 censuses were used to estimate their birth dates. An excel chart was used to illustrate this but cannot be reproduced here.
Birth dates for Daniel and Deborah McCoy's sons:
1) Charles McCoy 1775 to 1784
2) Daniel McCoy 1785 to 1790
3) Joseph McCoy 1791 from tombstone
4) John McCoy 1790 to 1800
Daniel and Deborah McCoy also must have had daughters since there are two females under 15 in the 1800 census and two females under 25 in the 1810 census. The only known daughter is Mary who was baptized in 1781 in Philadelphia, PA.
There is no further information on Charles McCoy. He may have died or moved after he appears in the 1810 census in Armstrong Township, Indiana County. The children of Daniel, Joseph, and John McCoy and will be discussed in future posts.
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