Happy St. Patrick's Day! I know the day is nearly over, but I'm still in the Irish Mood. I thought I'd share a little family history today. I have a bit of Irish in me on my biological father's side. I have traced my family roots on this side of my family way back to the mid 1700's. Haven't been so lucky with my mom or stepfather's family. But I'm still working on it. Ancestry takes a long time though. I've been researching for about 10 years now. Anyway, on to the history.
My g-g-g-g-grandfather, Peter, was born in Ireland in 1743. He came over to America from England in the early 1760's. He married his wife, Margaret, in Poughkeepsie NY in 1766. Margaret's family was German, possibly from Prussia, and they possibly first settled in the States, in Maryland, around 1672-1679.
Peter and Margaret moved and settled in Washington Township, Fayette County, PA and had many children, about a dozen. Peter died February 15, 1813. Margaret was still living when Peter died, and I've not been able to find her date of death.
Peter formed a church and held services on his property. Next to the church was the family cemetery. Last I heard from a distant relative both are still standing today. This distant relative's family now "own" both the church building and cemetery, and she takes care of the cemetary. Many babies are buried there from what I have been told. Peter is also buried there. Margaret may be buried there. I have a copy of Peter's last will and testament. He was pretty well off when he died. He left 1.00 and property to each of his children and left money and property to his wife.
My g-g-g-grandfather, Levi, was born September 24, 1784. His wife, Sarah, was born April 17, 1786. They married in Fayette County about 1801. Sarah's family was from Wales. Levi died December 18, 1867. Sarah died February 4, 1864. Both are buried in the family cemetery.
They had a large family also, 12 children. My g-g-grandfather, Israel, was the second youngest of the 12. He was born about 1827. His first wife, Lucinda, was born July 31, 1821. They had 2 children together, one of which was my g-grandfather, Ira. Lucinda died August 6, 1875.
Israel married his second wife, Sarah, in 1878 (she was a year younger than his youngest son, my g-grandfather) and had two more children with her. Sarah was born around 1856 and died around 1893. She is buried in the family cemetery. Israel died around 1898. (Poor guy, buried two wives before he kicked the bucket)
My g-grandfather, Ira, was born about 1855 and married in 1891. His wife, Maude, was of Scottish descent. They had 7 children. I have no date as to when Ira died, but Maude died March 22, 1973. I have vague memories of her from when I was a small child. I don't have any memories of Ira. Neither are buried in the family cemetery.
Which brings us to my grandmother. She was the eldest of Ira and Maude's children. Grannie was born September 10, 1913 and died right before Christmas in 1983. My grandfather's name was Joe. He was Slovak. He was born August 20, 1911 and died in May of 1975. They had 6 children, one of which is my biological father. Not much to talk about as far as he goes. Well, there is, but I want this entry to be a positive one so I won't go there.
Have a great evening and a wonderful tomorrow!
That's so neat that you know all that history. I'm trying to write down what I know to pass to my grandson and put together pictures. I know I have g-g-g-grandparent pictures for him, but can't go back any more than that.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Chrissie
I learned my lengthy history about three years ago. Yours is very interesting. Do your facial features show all that European ancestry? Mine show mostly my Cherokee heritage and my little drop of German. I love doing the research and finding all this family.
ReplyDeleteThat sounded like fun doing the research for all of this.
Nelishia