My Irish Roots Planted in PA and AL

In honor of Saint Patrick's Day, I am paying homage to my Irish immigrant ancestors, James McGowan, Bridget Conlon McGowan, Daniel McNamara and Jane McKenzie McNamara.
James was born in Ireland in a yet to be determined location about 1833. Bridget was born May 18, 1837 in Ireland, location also unknown.

The name McGowan in Ireland and Scotland, is of Celtic origins, originally Mac an Ghabhan, and is translated as the "Son of the Smith". James certainly followed this tradition, as he was an iron worker.

I was able to find James arrival to the United States on the Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild website http://www.immigrantships.net/1800/creole18500718.html. James arrived at the Port of Philadelphia aboard the Barque Creole. Captain John Watt's manifest was signed "this 18th day of July 1850".  All the passengers except two were from Ireland. James was the only McGowan on board. He states his age as 18, and occupation as laborer.  For all the passengers, the United States was the country of which it was their intention to become inhabitants. The journey from Ireland would have taken about a month on the Creole, a sailing ship. Sailing from Londonderry would usually indicate that the passengers were from northern Ireland.

The Creole was "...a well-known ship on both sides of the Atlantic--easily identified in port with the unusual figurehead of a Creole Indian in full head-dress and war-livery."

The Great Famine migration began in 1847, but it's effects were still being felt in 1850. The United States was the land of opportunity for these immigrants.

James settled in Pittsburgh. In June, 1860 he is found in the household of Constantine Galegar, age 33, Master Iron Worker.
June, 1860 PA Census ALLEGHENY > MONONGAHELA BORO
Household of Constantine Galegar or Galegor, age 33, Ireland, Master Iron Worker (1827)
Mary, age 34, Ireland (1826) (maiden name Stinson)
Charles, 7, PA (1853)
Christophr, 5, PA (1855)
Constantine, 4, PA (1856)
Mary A, 2, PA (1858)

James McGowan, Age 28, Journeyman Iron work, born Ireland (1832)

James is age 28, and occupation Journeyman Iron work. It is interesting that James was living with the Gallaghers, as there were several on board the Creole on the voyage to the Unites States:

Pat Gallagher        30  labourer                    2 barrels, 1 trunk
Jno. Gallagher        8  child
Dan. Gallagher       6  child
Ann Gallagher       28  spinster

This may suggest a possible relationship to them, but so far unknown.

Shortly after the census was taken, James married Bridget Conlin or Conlon, daughter of Michael and Ellen. Bridget was also born in Ireland, and immigrated to the US in 1855 per the 1900 census. Their first child, my great-grandfather Patrick Henry, was born March 22, 1861. Patrick was baptized March 31, 1861 at St. John the Evangelist (South Side).  Sponsors were Albert Griffin and Anna Conlon.
Other children followed quickly:

Mary, born 12 Feb 1864; baptized 28 Feb 1864; father: James McGowan; mother: Bridg. Conlon; sponsors: John McDowal, Mary Conlon. Mary married Edward O'Malley September 12, 1880. She married Michael Ridge Nov 29, 1897.

Sarah Helen, born 2 Mar 1866; baptized 18 Mar 1866; father: James McGowan; mother: Bridget Conlin; sponsors: Thos. Nolan, Edelia McCann. Sarah died before the 1870 census was taken.

Joseph, born 18 Mar 1867; baptized 31 Mar 1867; father: James McGowan; mother: Bridget Conolan; sponsors: Edward McTiernan, Anna McCann. Joseph married Mary Ann McDonnell about 1888.

Ellen, born 19 Mar 1873; baptized 6 Apr 1873; father: Jacobo [James] McGowan; mother: Brigitta Connolly; sponsors: Hugo McFadden, Anna Murray. Ellen died before the 1880 census.

Jacobum, (James) born 15 Feb 1875; baptized 18 Mar 1875; father: Jacobo McGowan; mother: Brigit Conlon; sponsor: Winifred Gowey. James married Clara Elizabeth Wordtt, probably in PA.

Thomas, born 16 Oct 1877; baptized 21 Oct 1877; father: James McGowan; mother: Brigit Conlon; sponsors: Arthur Holland, Mary McGlinn

In the 1870 Pennsylvania census, the family was living in the East Birmingham Borough of Pittsburgh. 

James, age 36, Iron Pudler, value of real estate 1000, personal estate 100, born Ireland, father & mother of foreign birth, US Citizen.
Bridget, age 33, keeps house, born Ireland.
Patrick, age 9, Born PA
Mary, age 6, born PA
Joseph, age 4, born PA
Michael, age 8/12, born PA, Sept (Michael died Jan 7, 1873 of measles)
Townloe, Mike, age 23, laborer, born Ireland

Between 1855 and 1922 an alien woman became a citizen automatically if she married a native-born or naturalized citizen.

Puddling is the process of stirring pig iron with iron bars, exposing it to the air so that thecarbon in the pig iron is oxidized and burns off. This process creates steel.^[5] As practiced in the early and mid-19th century, puddling required great strength as well as skill.^[1] Because chemical testing of the molten iron had not yet been developed, puddlers relied on their long experience with steelmaking to determine whether too much or too little carbon had been oxidized.^[1][5] Puddling was also an extremely dangerous trade, as some steel processes required the molten metal to boil and bubble as the puddler stirred in scrap iron and puddlers were required to physically remove slag and drain pure steel out of furnaces for additional processing.^{[1][5] -Wikipedia}

An iron puddler makes iron bars in a furnace

In the 1880 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania census:

James MC GOWAN  42 born Ireland, Occupation Boiler, Parents born Ireland Bridget MC GOWAN Wife 40, born Ireland, Keeping Boarding House, Parents born Ireland    Patrick MC GOWAN Son 19 born Pennsylvania, Boilers Helper, Parents born Ireland Mary A. MC GOWAN Dau 16 born Pennsylvania, At Home, Parents born Ireland Joseph MC GOWAN Son 13 born Pennsylvania, Works In Rolling Mill, Parents born Ireland James MC GOWAN Son 5 born Pennsylvania, Parents born Ireland Thomas MC GOWAN Son 2 born Pennsylvania, Parents born Ireland James CONAWAY Boarder 40 born Ireland, Boiler Parents born Ireland Edwd O'MALLEY Boarder 30 born Ireland, Boiler Parents born Ireland William RILEY Boarder 36 born Ireland, Boiler Parents born Ireland

Edwd OMalley above married Mary later in 1880.

Apparently James became ill around 1881:

Title: J. F. Diffenbacher's Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities. 1881/1882
Author: Diffenbacher, J. F.
Collection: Historic Pittsburgh City Directories
pg 557
McGowan, Jas, invalid, 2707 Wrights ay, s s (South Side)
McGowan, Patk, helper, 2707 Wrights ay, s s

Patrick married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Cecilia McNamara, daughter of Daniel and Jane McKenzie McNamara September 28, 1888. Her parents were both born in Ireland.

James passed away in Pittsburgh at the age of 56.

Or 51 per his obit

Bridget is listed as the widow of James in the next few years in the  J. F. Diffenbacher's Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities:
 1889/1890
McGowan, Bridget, wid Jas, 140 S Twenty-fifth
McGowan, Jos, helper, 140 S Twenty-fifth
McGowan, Patk, pud, 2518 Larkins ay
McGowan, Thos, furnace man Newton, n Brownsville av

1890/1891
McGowen, Bridget, wid Jas, 2412 Carey ay
McGowan, Jas J, lab, Salt Works, B & O RR
McGowan, Patk H, pud, 2928 Harcums ay

 1891/1892
McGowan, Bridget, wid Jas, 2412 Carey ay
McGowan, Jas, Leckey av, n Mclure av, ( I'm not sure which James Jr. is this family)
McGowan, Jas, 8 Eden ay
McGowan, Jos, lab, 2412 Carey ay
McGowan, Patk H, pud, 2514 Larkins ay
McGowan, Thos, lab, Fifth av, n Robinson

1892/1893
McGowen, Bridget, wid Jas, 2412 Carey ay
McGowan, Jas, lab, Howard ext, ab Spring, A
McGowan, Jas, mach, Neville,. n Forward av
McGowan, Thos, lab, Robinson, n Fifth av
McGowen, Jos, helper, 2510 Carey ay
Patrick not found, has already moved to Birmingham, AL

I think this may be Bridget in 1900:

1900  >  PENNSYLVANIA  >  ALLEGHENY  >  5-WD MCKEESPORT
 Series: T623  Roll: 1368  Page: 224
630 Jerome St,

MCGOWAN  BRIDGET  57  F  W  IREL  Jan 1843, Widowed. 5 children, 5 living, Immigration 1855, Years in US 45
McGowan, James, son, Feb 1875, 25, born PA, parents Ireland, laborer pipe mill
McGowan, Thomas, Oct 1878, 21, born PA, parents Ireland, laborer pipe mill

Patrick has already blazed the trail to Birmingham. He moved to AL about 1896 based on birthplaces of children:

1900 Jefferson County AL, 9th ward

Patrick H, Head, age 39, b Mar 1861, in PA, says father born PA, mother Ireland, occupation Puddler Rolling Mill, can read & write, rents home
Lizzie, wife, age 35, B June 1864 in PA, 6 children, 5 liviing. Father & mother born Ireland, can read & write
Thomas J,  b March? 1891 in PA, age 9
Ella, b May 1893 in PA, age 7 (+Jen Baldwin great-grandmother)
Dannie, son, b Dec 1895 in PA, age 4
Alice, b March 1898 in AL, age 2
Joseph, b Feb 1900 in AL, age 4/12
Gus Myrlen (boarder)
Joseph Schoclere? (boarder)

Lizzie's father Daniel died in February 1904, and her mother Jane McKenzie McNamara died November 30, 1922.

Lizzie McNamara McGowan died in 1919.

By 1920, Bridget had moved to Birmingham, and is living with Patrick.

1920  >  ALABAMA  >  JEFFERSON  >  BIRMINGHAM
Series: T625  Roll: 22  Page: 248-249

MCGOWAN  P H  55  M  W  PA  AL
TOM 27?  SALESMAN-BARBER SUPPLY PA. Tom married Ora Barfield.
DAN 24  CARPENTER? -STEEL PLANT PA Dan married Ruby Wells November 13, 1920.
ALICE 21 OPERATOR-PHONE CO  AL Alice married Lyman Stribling September 20, 1920.
JOE 20 LABOR ? CO  AL Joe never married.
FRANK 13,  ? BOY, ? CO AL Frank married Ethelyne Blanche Oliver October 12, 1937.
JOHN 11 AL (My grandfather) John Married Georgia Mildred Fratoddi October 7, 1931.
BRIDGET, MOTHER, 85, BORN IRELAND

Bridget died in 1921

Patrick died in 1924.

I have as yet been unable to locate the graves of those buried in Southside Catholic Cemetery. The location is now part of the UAB campus in Birmingham, site of the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. It is possible they were re-interred in Elmwood Cemetery.

If you are connected to any of this family, I would love to hear from you!

Great Grandad was an Anarchist-Bernardino Fratoddi

My great-grandfather was Bernardino Fratoddi. He was born in Montereale, L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy in 1869. He was a brick layer, maurer (builder of walls of stone or brick) and cement worker. He came to the United States aboard the steamship Lahn in 1902. He married Giulia Montagna, born in Bologna, Italy. They were married 1905 in Manhattan. Oral history says that he came to work on the Holland Tunnel in NYC. By 1910 the family was in Memphis, TN, and included a daughter Florida, who was born...in Florida. Son George Esperanto was born shortly after the census was taken. My grandmother, Georgia Mildred, and her twin Elise, were born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1912. Bernardino, now called Bernard,  helped build the Birmingham Terminal Station, and most likely Blessed Sacrament Church in Birmingham. Daughter Flavia was also born in Birmingham.

This is a photo from my father's baby book, 1932, in Birmingham.

So far, this sounds like a typical Italian immigrant who settled in the US. Now for the anarchist part:

an·ar·chist

noun \ˈa-nər-kist, -ˌnär-\

Definition of ANARCHIST

1: a person who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling power

2: a person who believes in, advocates, or promotes anarchism or anarchy; especially: one who uses violent means to overthrow the established order 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I occasionally do a Google search on the name Fratoddi. The name is rare, even in Italy.


I found a reference in Soviet Russia Pictorial By Russian Soviet Government Bureau, Friends of Soviet Russia that B. Fratoddi, of Birmingham, Ala. made a contribution of $10 May 1, 1922.
Interesting.

Here is a transcription of a document I found in Swedish (thank you Google Translate!):


FRATODDI Berardino (called Riccio)
Bricklayer
Montereale (AQ) 07/26/1869 by Giuseppe and Flavia Salieri -Unknown place and date of death.
Emigrated to Switzerland, came into contact with anarchist circles and is reported by police in Switzerland 1898 because it is part of the insurgent bands which have established the Swiss-Italian border after the repression of Milan Bava Beccaris. Expelled from Switzerland by Federal Decree 15 November 1898, takes refuge in Germany where they are hunted in 1902 by anarchist propaganda. He emigrated to the USA in 1904 and since then there has been no news ...
SOURCES: DBAI / GB (deportation order of the Federal Council)


Cantiere biografico
degli Anarchici IN Svizzera
---
Another source with a slightly different translation:
Fratoddi Berardino (said Ricciuto)
Mason

Montereale (AQ) 07/26/1869 by Joseph and Flavia Salieri - You ignore the place and date of death. He emigrated to Switzerland, comes into contact with the anarchist circles and is reported by the Swiss police in 1898 because it is part of the insurgent gangs established themselves to the Italian border -elvetico after the repression of Milan Bava Beccaris. Expelled from Switzerland with the Federal Decree of 15 November 1898 (repression because of the killing of the Empress of Austria part of Luccheni) takes refuge in Germany where they are hunted in 1902 for anarchist propaganda. He emigrated to Argentina in 1904, then in the US where he worked in the social question . With Fratoddi are also expelled, with Federal Decree dell'8,15,18 November 1898: Gualducci Giovanni, Annoni Giuseppe-Giovanni, Bandavalli Silvestro (alias Banderalli), Bazzoli Luigi, Bertola Pietro, Bonati Carlo, Cancarini Giovanni-Battista, Ferraroni Giacinto, Gugliano Carlo, Harrich Joseph, Labade Antonio, Luggi Artore, Wolf Wilhelm/Guillaume, Fratini Antonio, Merlo Francesco-Bernardino.

---
I had to do a little research since I'm admittedly not very knowledgeable about Italian history.
From Wikipedia:

On May 5, 1898, workers organized a strike to protest the government of Antonio Starrabba di Rudinì, holding it responsible for the general increase of prices and for the famine that was affecting the country. The first blood was shed that day atPavia, when the son of the mayor of Milan was killed while attempting to halt the troops marching against the crowd.

After a protest in Milan the following day, Antonio di Rudinì's government declared a state of siege in the city. Infantry, cavalry andartillery were brought into the city and General Bava-Beccaris ordered his troops to fire on demonstrators. On May 9, 1898, the troops used artillery to breach the walls of a monastery outside Porta Monforte, but they found inside only a group of beggars who were there to receive assistance from the friars.

According to the government, there were 118 dead and 450 wounded. The opposition claimed 400 dead and more than 2,000 injured people.

It appears that Bernardino was on the run when he came to the US. His application for citizenship specifically asked if he was an anarchist, to which he replied no. (Good thing for me I guess)

#140

United States of America

Declaration of Intention

(Invalid for all purposes seven years after the date hereof)

State of Alabama

County of Jefferson

In the District Court of U.S. Nor. Dis. of Ala.

I, Bernardino Fratoddi, aged 42 years, occupation Cement Worker, do declare on oath that my personal description is: Color White, complexion Dark, height 5 feet 6 inches, weight 170 pounds, color of hair Brown, color of eyes Brown, other visible distinctive marks____

I was born in Montereale, Italy on the 26th day of July, anno Domini 1869; I now reside at 1419- 3rd Ave, (West End) Birmingham, Ala.

I emigrated to the United States of America from Naples, Italy on the vessel Haw???; my last foreign residence was Rome, Italy.

It is my bona fide intention to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, and particularly to Victor Emanuel III, King of Italy of which I am now a subject; I arrived at the port of New York, in the State of New York, on or about the 18th day of August, anno Domini 1903; I am not an anarchist; I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy; and it is my intention in good faith to become a citizen of the Unites States of America and to permanently reside therin: SO HELP ME GOD.

Bernardino Fratoddi

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 6 day of January, anno Domini 1912

Charles? Allison?

Clerk of the U S Dis Court.

By J S Allison?, Dep Clerk

Note by Bev-

The Steamship Lahn departed from Naples 7 July 1902, and arrived at the Port of New York 18 Aug 1902, not 1903 as stated.

1419- 3rd Ave, (West End) Birmingham, Ala is now Alabama Ave SW. We tried to find the home but the houses have been renumbered also, there was no 1419.

Bernard raised his family and lived to the age of 81.

Bernard Fratoddi, 81, long-time resident, dies at West End Home

A Birmingham Resident for the past 45 years, Bernard Fratoddi, 81, of 1225 Princeton Avenue, West End, died last night at his home after a long illness.

A native of Rome, Italy, Mr. Fratoddi moved to Birmingham in 1905 to make his home. He was a member of the Italian Society and the Cement Finishers Union.

Rosary will be said at 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the home.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, at the home and at 9:30 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Walter J. Tobin officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Johns directing.

---Published in the Birmingham News Oct 25, 1950, pg 16

Bernard's wife Guilia (Americanized to Juilia)died seven years later. Her obit says Bernard was a Birmingham pioneer:

Mrs. Juilia Fratoddi, pioneer resident

Mrs. Juilia M. Fratoddi, 1225 Princeton av, died Sunday Morning at a local Hospital.

Mrs. Fratoddi was the widow of Barnard Fratoddi, a pioneer resident of Birmingham.

Survivors are a son, George E. Fratoddi; three daughters, Miss Florida Fratoddi, Mrs. John R. McGowan and Mrs. J. P. Whitt, Jr., and eight grandchildren. 

She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church of West End.

Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Johns-Ridout's and at 9:30 at Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. George W. Keys officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. The rosary will be said at 7:30 Monday night at Johns-Ridout's Chapel. 

Pallbearers will be Joseph Schneider, William Bayliss, Hal Hamilton, Patrick Tully, John Wilford and Clarence Busenichner.

---Published in The Birmingham News, Monday, Dec 9, 1957, pg 28

DEDICATED TO ANARCHISTS EVERYWHERE WHO BECAME PRODUCTIVE AMERICAN CITIZENS, AND WITHOUT WHOM WE WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY

Footnote: One of Bernardino's grandsons retired from the FBI and is a security consultant.

Eleven Generations

Here is a list of my known direct ancestors back to the 11th generation, beginning with my grandparents. I hope to be able to blog about each family in the future.


John Raymond McGowan, Sr. was born on Nov. 9, 1908 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co. AL and died on Dec. 15, 1976 in Birmingham, AL. He married Georgia Mildred Fratoddi on Oct. 7, 1931 in Blessed Sacrament, West End, Birmingham, AL.
Georgia Mildred Fratoddi was born on Sep. 10, 1912 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co, AL and died on Aug. 16, 2007 in Eufaula, Barbour Co, AL.

Beverly Clinton "Clint" Tidwell was born on Oct. 8, 1888 in Perryville AL and died on May 31, 1955 in Hueytown, Jefferson, Alabama,. He married Flora Jane Carter About 1930.
Flora Jane Carter was born on Aug. 13, 1905 in Hueytown, Jefferson Co, AL and died on Apr. 9, 1981 in Bessemer, Jefferson Co, AL.

Patrick Henry McGowan was born on Mar. 22, 1861 in Pittsburgh, PA and died on May 31, 1924 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co, AL. He married Elizabeth "Lizzie" McNamara September 8, 1888 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Elizabeth "Lizzie" McNamara was born on Jun. 3, 1864 in Pennsylvania and died on Nov. 1, 1919 in Birmingham, AL.

Bernardino Fratoddi was born on Jun. 29, 1869 in Montereale, L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy and died on Oct. 24, 1950 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co, AL. He married Guilia "Juilia" Montagna on May 9, 1905 in Manhattan, NY.
Guilia "Juilia" Montagna was born on Oct. 10, 1879 in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy and died on Dec. 8, 1957 in Birmingham, Jefferson Co, AL

Phelan Tidwell was born on Sep. 27, 1847 in Blountsville, Blount Co, AL and died on Sep. 6, 1933 in Hillman Hospital, Birmingham, Jefferson Co, AL. He married Sarah Elizabeth "Bettie" McCullough on Sep. 13, 1881 in Jefferson Co, AL.
Sarah Elizabeth "Bettie" McCullough was born in Aug. 1858 in Alabama and died on Aug. 9, 1913 in Big Springs (historical), Woodstock, Bibb, Alabama.

Samuel Thomas Carter was born on Jul. 13, 1877 in GA and died on Feb. 20, 1905 in Virginia Mines, Jefferson Co, AL. He married Mary Alice "Alice" Warnick on Dec. 22, 1901 in Dolomite, Jefferson, Alabama.
Mary Alice "Alice" Warnick was born on Jul. 14, 1883 in MS and died on Nov. 29, 1970 in Hueytown, Jefferson Co, AL.

James McGowan was born in 1833 in Ireland and died on Mar. 19, 1889 in 2nd Ward Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA. He married Bridget Conlin About 1860 in PA.
Bridget Conlin was born on May 18, 1837 in Ireland and died on Jan. 30, 1921 in Birmingham, AL.

Daniel McNamara was born March 1841 in Ireland and died February 1904 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He married Jane McKenzie.
Jane McKenzie was born March 17, 1842 in Ireland and died November 30, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Giuseppe Fratoddi was born About 1800 in Italy and died in Rome, Italy. He married Flavia Salieri.
Flavia Salieri was born about 1820 in Italy and died in Italy.

Georgio Julius Montagna was born About 1850 in Italy and died on an unknown date in Italy. He married Elizabeth Rosa Bonini.
Elizabeth Rosa Bonini was born About 1850 in Italy and died on an unknown date in Italy.

Rowan "Ryan" Tidwell was born About 1819 in Allgood, Blount Co, AL and died on Nov. 11, 1873 in Jericho, Perry Co, AL. He married Cynthia Ann "Cincianna" Cornelius on Oct. 16, 1842 in Blount Co, AL
Cynthia Ann "Cincianna" Cornelius was born in Mar. 1820 in Blount Co. AL and died on Apr. 13, 1906 in Jefferson Co, AL

Gabriel J McCullough was born in 1821 in TN and died in 1888 in Perry County, AL. He married Mary A Meggs on Jan. 3, 1857 in Perry County, AL
Mary A Meggs was born on Jul. 12, 1827 in GA and died on an unknown date in AL.

Thomas Kendrell Carter was born on Oct. 21, 1845 in GA and died on Dec. 21, 1881. He married Artemesia Elizabeth "Artie" Wheat on Dec. 14, 1873 in Draketown, Haralson Co, GA.
Artemesia Elizabeth "Artie" Wheat was born Nov. 22, 1853 in GA and died Jan 25, 1923 in Blount County, Alabama.

George Washington Warnick was born on Jun. 27, 1855 in Blount Co, Alabama and died on Nov. 19, 1949 in Flat Top, Jefferson Co. AL. He married Flora Jane Cargo on Aug. 12, 1877 in Blount County, AL.
Flora Jane Cargo was born on Oct. 6, 1859 in Blount County, AL and died on Jun. 3, 1945 in Flat Top, Jefferson Co. AL.

Michael Conlin was born about 1810 in Ireland and died in Pennsylvania. He married Ellen.
Ellen was born about 1810 in Ireland and died on an unknown date.

Josiah Tidwell was born about 1789 in Fairfield, Co, SC and died in 1862 in Blount Co, AL. He married Louvenia "Louvice" Roden about 1810 in Blount Co, AL.
Louvenia "Louvice" Roden was born about 1790 in SC and died on an unknown date in AL.

Beverly Cornelius was born on May 12, 1794 in Greenville District, SC and died on May 27, 1880 in Remlap, Blount County, AL. He married Nancy Euphemia Smith in 1817 in South Carolina.
Nancy Euphemia Smith was born between 1790 and 1800 in Blount Co, AL and died between 1850 and 1858 in AL.

William McCullough was born in 1793 in South Carolina and died in Perry, Alabama. He married Eleanor About 1815 in South Carolina.
Eleanor was born in 1793 in South Carolina and died in Perry, Alabama.

Thomas Meggs was born in 1807 in Anson County, North Carolina and died in 1880 in Attala County, Mississippi. He married Karonhappuc "Carry" A Tubb on Oct. 9, 1826 in Perry County, AL.
Karonhappuc "Carry" A Tubb was born in 1806 in Tennessee and died in 1898 in Alabama.

Samuel M Carter was born in 1816 in SC and died in Nov. 1882 in Haralson Co, GA. He married Agnes Coursey.
Agnes Coursey was born on Jan. 13, 1811 in SC and died on Aug. 15, 1882 in Haralson Co, GA.

Augustus Walter Wheat was born about 1821 in GA and died in 1868 in Campbell Co, GA. He married Mary Gray Danforth on Nov. 13, 1845 in Campbell Co, GA.
Mary Gray Danforth was born about 1825 in GA and died on Sep. 29, 1886 in Pope's Bridge on Chattahoochee River near Atlanta, GA

Caleb Rogers Warnick was born on Jan. 15, 1829 in Blount, Alabama and died on Sep. 14, 1917 in Jefferson Co, AL. He married Sophronia J Holley on Jul. 27, 1854 in Blount Co. AL.
Sophronia J Holley was born on Dec. 16, 1836 in AL or SC and died on Jan. 5, 1898 in Jefferson Co, AL.

Albert Cargo was born about 1818 in Blount Co, TN and died on Jul. 12, 1862 in Auburn, AL. He married Sarah Yielding in 1847 in Blount, AL.
Sarah Yielding was born on Nov. 14, 1820 in Blount County, AL and died After 1880 in AL?.

Edmund Tidwell was born in 1758 in Prince William, VA and died on May 12, 1846 in Burns, Dickson Co TN. He married Anna Gladden Hollis in 1776 in Fairfield Co, SC.
Anna Gladden Hollis was born in 1749 in SC, USA and died on Nov. 4, 1839 in Dickson County, Tennessee.

William Cornelius was born Between 1750 and 1760 in Pittsylvania County, VA and died on Jul. 22, 1842 in Blount Co. AL. He married Lettice Cargile on Jun. 5, 1774.
Lettice Cargile was born in 1756 in NC and died on May 11, 1834 in Blount Co. AL.

John T Meggs was born About 1760 in VA or NC and died in 1844 in Campbell County, Georgia. He married Polly Gordon in 1781.
Polly Gordon was born About 1759 in VA or NC and died in Virginia?, USA.

Samuel Tubb was born in 1775 in Tyson Co, NC and died on Oct. 6, 1840 in Attala Co. MS. He married Mary Terry.
Mary Terry was born in 1775 in Tyson Co, NC and died in 1792 in Attala, Mississippi .

William Danforth was born in 1776 in Virginia and died in 1827. He married Mary Egerton.
Mary Egerton was born in 1794 in North Carolina and died on an unknown date.

Robert William Warnick was born in 1805 in TN or GA and died About 1870 in Blount Co, AL. He married Malinda Cheney on Nov. 16, 1828 in Blount Co. AL.
Malinda Cheney was born About 1805 in VA and died in 1844 in AL.

Samuel Alexander Cargo was born in 1791 in Abbeville, SC and died in 1862 in Blount County, Alabama. He married Sarah "Sally" Malcolm on Nov. 22, 1814 in Staunton, Augusta, VA.
Sarah "Sally" Malcolm was born in 1795 in Augusta, VA and died before 1859 in Blount Co. AL.

John Jasper Yielding was born on Feb. 14, 1797 in Rutherford, North Carolina and died on Jul. 10, 1871 in Blount, Alabama. He married Nancy Billingsly on Nov. 23, 1819 in Blount County, Alabama.
Nancy Billingsly was born in Feb. 1802 in Sullivan Co, TN and died in 1870 in Blount County, AL.

Richard J Tidwell was born in 1712 in Westmoreland Co, VA and died Before 1790 in Fairfield Co, SC. He married Rachael Rebecca Helms.
Rachael Rebecca Helms was born About 1710 in Westmoreland, VA and died in 1794 in Fairfield Co, SC.

Moses Hollis, Sr. was born in 1728 in Fairfax Co, VA and died on Aug. 17, 1794 in Fairfield County, South Carolina. He married Rosannah Berry Hagen in 1749.
Rosannah Berry Hagen was born in 1733 in Fairfax County, Virginia and died on Oct. 20, 1817 in Fairfield County, South Carolina.

Moses Cornelius was born about 1720 in VA and died About 1769 in Pittsylvania County, VA. He married Ann Dodson.
Ann Dodson was born on Nov. 10, 1732 in North Farnham Parish, VA and died on Oct. 4, 1807 in Greenville County, SC.

William Tubbs was born in 1729 in NC and died on Dec. 29, 1804 in Traveler's Rest, Greenville Co, SC. He married Elizabeth Tabor.
Elizabeth Tabor was born in 1732 in Orange Co, NC and died in 1824 in Hickman Co, TN.

John Warnick was born on Apr. 28, 1780 in NC and died on Sep. 24, 1856 in Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee. He married Lucinda "Lucy" Griffin in 1805 in Henry, TN.
Lucinda "Lucy" Griffin was born on Jul. 4, 1784 in Puryear, Henry, TN and died on Oct. 2, 1845 in Puryear, Henry Co., TN

Henry Cheney was born 1770? in VA? and died on an unknown date. He married Susan Henry.
Susan Henry was born 1770? in VA? and died on an unknown date.

Samuel Cargo was born About 1745 in Augusta Co, VA and died in Sep. 1791 in Abbeville, South Carolina. He married Margaret "Peggy" Gibson.
Margaret "Peggy" Gibson was born in 1745 in Augusta Co, VA and died on an unknown date.

James Malcolm was born in 1752 in Buckingham County, VA and died on Feb. 23, 1829 in Morgan County, GA. He married Nancy Sally Ganaway in 1773 in Lincolnton, Lincoln County, Georgia.
Nancy Sally Ganaway was born on Jul. 19, 1760 in Buckingham Co, VA and died in 1828 in Morgan or Walton, Georgia

Richard Jackson Yielding was born on Apr. 26, 1768 in Rutherford, NC and died on Feb. 27, 1864 in Brooksville, Blount, Alabama. He married Millicent "Milly" or Amelia Mills on Nov. 5, 1788 in Rutherford NC.
Millicent "Milly" or Amelia Mills was born in 1768 in Tyron, Columbus, NC and died in 1811 in Rutherford, North Carolina

Thomas Billingsly was born on Dec. 30, 1782 in Onslow Co, NC and died after 1850 in Blount County, AL?. He married Nancy Courtney Allen in May 1801 in Sullivan, Tennessee.
Nancy Courtney Allen was born in 1783 in NC and died in 1843 in Morgan Co, AL

Richard Tidwell, II was born in 1679 in Westmoreland, VA and died in 1739 in Prince William, VA. He married Sabrina About 1710 in Kinsale, Westmoreland County, VA.
Sabrina was born in 1681 and died in 1740 in Kinsale, Westmoreland County, VA.

Joseph Helms was born in 1685 in Frederick Co, VA and died on an unknown date. He married (Unknown).

John Hollis was born about 1700 in Surrey Co, England and died on May 16, 1768 in Fairfax Co, VA. He married Esther Canterbury about 1720.
Esther Canterbury was born about 1707 in Surrey Co, England and died in 1768.

Fortunatus Dodson was born in 1700 in Richmond Co., VA and died on Sep. 9, 1737 in Richmond Co., VA. He married Ann Goad.
Ann Goad was born in Richmond Co., VA and died in 1807.

William Tabor was born in 1710 in VA and died on Aug. 7, 1754 in VA. He married Rachael Womack.
Rachael Womack was born in 1712 in VA and died on Aug. 7, 1754 in Mecklenburg Co, VA.

James Warnick or Warnock was born in 1741 in Ballyferis, County Down, Northern Ireland and died in 1804 in Wilson County, Tennessee. He married Rhoda Brown in 1758 in Newcastle, Delaware.
Rhoda Brown was born in 1737 and died on an unknown date.

William Griffin was born on Nov. 20, 1762 in Orange County, Virginia and died on Aug. 23, 1819 in Robertson, TN. He married Margaret McDole or Madole.
Margaret McDole or Madole was born in 1764 in Ireland and died in Nov. 1835 in Henry County, TN.

Alexander Gibson, Sr. was born about 1710 in Augusta Co, VA and died about 1794 in Augusta Co, VA. He married Mary.
Mary was born about 1716 in Orange Co, VA and died on an unknown date.

George Malcom was born in 1720 in Virginia and died in 1755 in Jefferson, TN. He married Sarah
Malcom.
Sarah Malcom was born in 1720 in Virginia and died in 1753.

William Henry Mills was born on Nov. 10, 1746 in James River, Buckingham, Virginia, United States and died on Nov. 10, 1834 in Green River, Rutherford, North Carolina, United States. He married Eleanor Nelly Morris on Oct. 12, 1765 in Wateree, Richland, SC.
Eleanor Nelly Morris was born in 1739 in James River, Williamsburg, VA and died on Jul. 12, 1842 in Mills Creek, Buncombe, North Carolina

Samuel Billingsly was born in 1747 in St.Mary's Co, MD and died on Jun. 10, 1816 in Sequatchie County, Tennessee. He married Mary Kay Griffith.
Mary Kay Griffith was born on Sep. 1, 1743 in NC and died on Sep. 1, 1838 in Bledsoe, TN.

Richard Tidwell, I was born in 1635 in Alton Parish, Denstone, Staffordshire, England and died on May 25, 1692 in Cople Parish Westmoreland Co VA. He married Ann Barnette.
Ann Barnette was born in 1650 in Westmoreland, VA and died in 1696 in Westmoreland, VA.

William Tabor was born in 1671 in VA and died on Nov. 26, 1713 in Henrico, VA. He married Hagar Stovall.
Hagar Stovall was born in 1686 in VA and died on Oct. 7, 1723 in VA.

Abraham Womack was born about 1645 in Bermuda Hundred, Henrico Co, VA and died in 1732 in Henrico County, Virginia. He married Sarah Worsham in 1661 in Henrico County, Virginia.
Sarah Worsham was born about 1655 in Henrico Co, VA and died in 1712 in VA.

Richard Griffin died on an unknown date. He married Nancy Ann Clark.
Nancy Ann Clark was born on Nov. 28, 1740 in Virginia and died on Oct. 18, 1792 in Laurens, Laurens,
South Carolina.

Daniel Gibson was born about 1680 in Augusta Co, VA and died before 1751 in Augusta Co, VA. He married Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was born about 1680 and died in Augusta Co, VA.

(Colonel) Ambrose Mills was born in 1722 in Derbyshire, England and died on Oct. 14, 1780 in Biggerstaffs Farm, Rutherford, North Carolina. He married Mourning Stone in 1745 in Augusta, Virginia.
Mourning Stone was born about 1725 in James City, Williamsburg, VA and died about 1755 in Pine Tree Hill, Camden, SC.

William Morris was born about 1709 in PA and died in 1780 in Williamsburg, VA. He married Esther Phalby in James City, Williamsburg, Va.
Esther Phalby was born in 1713 in Williamsburg, VA and died in 1790 in Williamsburg, VA.

James B Billingsley was born in Apr. 1726 in St Mary's Court, MD and died on Jan. 25, 1776 in Guilford, North Carolina. He married Elizabeth Crabtree on Sep. 20, 1748 in Baltimore County, Maryland.
Elizabeth Crabtree was born on Nov. 5, 1726 in Kingsville, Baltimore County, Maryland and died after Nov. 5, 1839 in McMinn, Tennessee.

Robert Tiddeswall was born in 1605 in Alton Parish, Denstone, Staffordshire, England and died before 1706. He married Marie Marsh in Alton, Staffordshire, England.
Marie Marsh was born in 1605 between 1605 - 1615 in Ellastone, Staffordshire, England and died on an unknown date.

Bartholomew Stovall was born on Aug. 24, 1665 in Albury, Surreyshire, England and died in 1721 in Deep Creek, Henrico, VA. He married Ann Burton.
Ann Burton was born about 1670 in VA and died in Henrico Co, VA.

William Womack was born in 1610 in Kent, England and died in 1684 in Henrico County, Virginia. He married Mary Jane Allen.
Mary Jane Allen was born in 1606 and died in 1665.

William Mills, Sr. was born in 1699 in Derbyshire, England and died before Aug. 4, 1766 in James River, Albemarle (Amherst), VA. He married Mary "Marty" Walton in Derbyshire, England.
Mary "Marty" Walton was born about 1703 in Derbyshire, England and died in Jul. 1776 in Albemarle, Virginia

Thomas Stone was born in 1698 in James City, Williamsburg, VA and died About 1780. He married Alexandra Brown.
Alexandra Brown was born in 1700 in James City, Williamsburg, VA and died in 1780.

William W Billingsly was born in Nov. 1691 in Calvert Co. MD and died on Aug. 11, 1745 in St. Marys, Maryland. He married Mary Emily Sumner about 1716 in Calvert Co., MD.
Mary Emily Sumner was born in 1696 in Calvert Co., MD and died in Dec. 1740 in St. Marys, Maryland.

William Crabtree was born in 1700 in MD and died on an unknown date. He married Jane Pendelton.
Jane Pendelton was born in 1701 in MD and died on an unknown date.

Four-wheeled Friday: John T Wilson Family



Photo: John T. Wilson Family in Blacksher, Alabama, taken about 1914. John T. at the wheel, B.B.and John Jr. sitting, Back left to right- Minnie, Kate, Ella, Gussie, Hattie Mae, and Jay Tee. (courtesy of Carolyn Hastings Dickinson)

I absolutely love this photo. John Wilson owned the first Cadillac in Baldwin County, AL. It was a 1912 convertible touring car. John Travis Wilson (1866-1916) was born to Henry Wilson and Mary Ellen Vickery Wilson on Sept. 19, 1866 in Escambia County, Florida. John married Annie Missouri Flowers (1872-1957) on Dec. 7, 1887 in High Pine, Florida. They were the parents of 16 children.

Amanuensis Monday: John Raymond McGowan, Jr



Not So Wordless Wednesday: Phelan Tidwell and Son Beverly Clinton Tidwell, Bessemer, AL

Phelan and his son Beverly Clinton (B.C.) Tidwell

This is a photo handed down to me from my mom. The location is in front of the Sullivan Lewis Lumber Company in Bessemer, Alabama. The business would later become Long-Lewis, which is still in business as a well known local car dealership. 

Phelan was a Civil War veteran and made pocket money in his old age by sharpening knives.

A copy of this photo was donated by me to the Bessemer Hall of History Museum.

Amanuensis Monday: Emily Louise Norman Palmer

This postcard and letter were written by Emily Louise Norman Palmer.  Emily was born 1867 in Ohio, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Fenner Norman. Her mother died when she was about five. Her father remarried in 1873. Emily's family moved to Tennessee about 1887. She and her husband William Joseph Palmer moved to Washington in 1909, with their two daughters, Florence and Ruby.

Florence Palmer, age 13, 1903

A post card from Emma to Mr. Thos Norman from Wenatchee, Washington March 16, 1909:

Dear Father and Mother,
We had a fine trip out here.  It is a great fruit country.  So far we like it but haven’t got beautiful yet.  Just as quick as we get settled will write a long letter.
With love,
Emma

Emma wrote the following to her family after learning of the death of her father, Thomas Norman. Her stepmother Emily Buffington Skidmore Norman had died in 1915.
The postmark of this letter is December 23, 1918, Wenatchee, Washington
Addressed to Mr and Mrs William Norman,  Comfort, Tennessee
Wenatchee, Wa.
Dec-22-1918
My Dear Brothers and Sisters
I have delayed writing this letter all together too long but at first the disappointment was too great.  I just could not and have had to work very hard and then I got sick but am feeling better now.  I had always thought I could get to see the folks while they were here but it wasn’t to be.  I could have gone but for my husband being taken so sick with asthma and we had to come to a dry climate.  No one thought he would live to get here but he has got better all the time.  But just the same it means to stay here as he would be just a bad if we leave here. But that wasn’t all.  We lost all our money the first year we came here in a bad investment and had to start all over again and was just getting where I could think about it again but it was too late.  I have tried to find out where he was but all I ever heard was that he was at Will’s and do you know I did not know where you lived until Mame sent the telegram Lena sent.  Please write and tell me all about him.  I know he was contented with you.  Lena said he liked you so well.  I was looking at your fine family yesterday when it came over me that they must be young ladies.  Now please tell me all about them and Lillie the sister I have never seen.  Where is she and how much of a family has she .  Are you having the flue bad down there.  I hope not.  It is a bad thing.  It is quite bad here but we stay right at home.  We have snow on the ground.  I expect you have warm weather down there yet.  We have a fruit farm and raise apples.  We had three thousand boxes this year.  It cost us a thousand dollars just to harvest them.  Help was so scarce and high.  Mostly women now since the war started.  I worked all through it and worked too hard I guess.  Now please write and tell me all about yourselves and the rest of the family.  Where is Loren and how many children has he.  Did you see sister Mame when she was in Alabama.  Well I must close.  With love to you all from your sister.
Mrs. W. J. Palmer
Wenatchee
Fifth St.
Chelan Co.
Washington

Emily lived in Washington until her death December 20, 1950. Her husband passed away in 1949. I pray that she was able to see her family again.

Wordless Wednesday-Mary Alice Warnick Carter

Brick Walls--Gabriel McCullough

I spent the evening yesterday searching for info on one of my brick walls in Perry County, Alabama. His name is Gabriel J McCullough. He was born in Tennessee, probably Warren County, about 1817.
I am glad that I at least got to Warren County, I happened to find his sister, Martha Jane McCullough McCraw, in the 1850 Perry County, Alabama census. A Mr. Hugh LeBaron transcribed the census for USGENWEB http://files.usgwarchives.org/al/perry/census/1850/notes.txt
Luckily, he also had additional information that he was kind enough to add. He states Martha was born in Warren County November 21, 1817. Since my Gabriel was born about 1817, and also in Tennessee, I'll be headed next (via computer) to Warren County.
Here is the 1850 census in Perry County:

1850    ALABAMA     PERRY    SEVERE
Series: M432  Roll: 12  Page: 337
2/2
Wm McCullough  49  Farmer  200 SC
Elender  47  SC
Thomas H  15  AL
Gabriel J  26  TN
Rufus G  18  AL

I have not been able to find too much on parents William and Eleanor? There is an older son, William, that was born in SC in 1815, so marriage is probably in SC.
A younger son, James also born in TN in 1820.

The 1860 census:

1860    ALABAMA    PERRY    OAK GROVE
Series: M653  Roll: 20  Page: 702
491/491
Wm McCullough, 67, SC, Insane
Ellenor McCullough, 67, wife. SC

1860    ALABAMA    PERRY    SEVERE
Series: M653  Roll: 20  Page: 730

Gabriel J Mccullough 39, Real Estate 500, Personal 280, Farmer
Mary A Mccullough 29, AL
Sarah E Mccullough 2, AL
Mary E Mccullough 10/12, AL




Anyone have any suggestions??