John T Meigs or Meggs 1760-1844 #52Ancestors #25

John T Meggs or Meigs was born about 1760. Tradition says he was born in Virginia, but the only census records I have found show him in North Carolina.
Supposedly he moved to North Carolina when he was about 16.
Tradition and online trees state that John served in the North Carolina Militia in the Revolutionary War at about age 16. There is a record of A John Meggs.

NC State Archives Revolutionary Army Accounts, Reel: S.115.45 Vol. C, pg 64 John Meggs Hillsborough District. The United States of America For Sundries furnished and cash paid the militia of North Carolina Virginia and South Carolina as allowed by the auditors of Hillsborough District in Augst 1782 as p report No82 To amount brought forward (highlighted in yellow) 2027 To John Meggs--574--3.18 Specie. (fromAncestry.com member plrolison)

He also was said to have fought in the War of 1812. I haven't followed up on that yet.

A John Meggs Sr. was issued a Land Grant of 300 acres in Anson Co., NC on December 12, 1816. Grant # 2386, Book 130, Page 426, File #6261.

plrolison originally shared this to Ancestry.com

John married Miss Polly Gordon. They had at least eight children, all born in North Carolina:
Martha Margaret born 1788, never married, died 1843
James born 1789, married Sarah Elizabeth Thomas, died 1821
John born 1790, married Charity Lassiter, died 1854
Stephen Strider born 1792, married Lucinda Adeline Johnson, died 1867
Isaac born 1794, married Anna Balkin, died 1900
William born 1799, married Mary Tubbs and Caroline Goodman, died 1880
Thomas born 1807, married Karonhappuc Tubbs (sister of Mary Tubbs), died 1880
David born 1813, married Nancy, died 1881

Many online trees cite the John Meggs found 1810 in Anson, North Carolina as the same John Meggs.
1810  NORTH CAROLINA  ANSON  NO TWP LISTED
Series: M252 Roll: 38 Page: 25
Jno Meggs
Males
Under 10 2
10 to 15 2
16 to 25 2
26 to 44 1
45 up 0
Females
Under 10 1
10 to 15 0
16 to 25 0
26 to 44 1
45 up 0

The dates are not quite matching up, John and Polly both would have been 45 up, 4 sons would have been 16-25, 1 son 10-16, and 1 son under 10.

The family moved to Hall County Georgia by 1820. In 1830 and 1840 they are in Campbell County, Georgia. Dates still not completely matched up.
1830 Campbell Co., Georgia
1 male 10-15=David about 18
1 male 15-20=Thomas about 23
1 male 60-70=John about 70
1 female 60-70=Polly about 70

On July 1, 1843 John was granted 202 acres of land in Carroll county from the Georgia land Lottery. It is not known if he ever moved there. He died in 1844.

Eleanor Nelly Morris Mills 1739-1833 #52Ancestors #24

Eleanor Morris, known as Nelly, was the daughter of William Morris and his wife, Esther Phalby. She was born 1739 in James River, Williamsburg, Virginia.

She married William Mills October 12, 1765.

I found a very interesting account of her life in the book Chronology of North Carolina, showing when the most remarkable events connected with her history took place, from the year 1584 to the present time, with explanatory notes

"William Mills emigrated to the " block house" on the Catawba, and thence to Green River, now Rutherford County, in 1766. He was of English descent, and was born on James' River, Va., the 10th of November, 1746. At an early age he married Miss Eleanor Morris, of South Carolina, and together they journeyed happily through life for sixty-nine years. They were surrounded by Indians several times, and twice driven from their homes, having their houses and all their contents pillaged and burned. At one time he returned home from hunting, and found his house robbed, his wife gone, and everything laid desolate, which set him perfectly wild ; he commenced moaning and tearing out his hair, when, like an angel, his wife suddenly appeared unharmed. As the Indians entered the house she crept out at a small window in the garret, and down the chimney, making her escape to a swamp near by where she lay concealed till she heard her husband's voice. At another time she escaped in a similar way, and when a whole troop of Indians were ripping up feather beds and yelling over their plunder she raised a shout solitary and alone- in a swamp near the house — " Hurra for King George and his army,'' with such rapidity and vehemence, that the whole horde of savages took to their heels, and she gained a bloodless victory, and saved most of her property. She was not only bold, but a most exemplary woman and Christian, having been a member of the Methodist Church for over fifty years previous to her death, which occurred in the spring of 1833, at the age of ninety-four years, beloved and lamented by all who knew her."

What a remarkably brave woman!

Eleanor Morris Mills is buried in the Mills Cemetery in Henderson County, North Carolina.

Mourning Stone Mills #52Ancestors #22

Mourning Stone was the daughter of Thomas Stone and his wife Alexandra Brown. She was born about 1725 in Williamsburg, Virginia.

She married Ambrose Mills about 1745. They first settled on the James River in Virginia. They had several children, the oldest being William.

The family moved to the wild frontier of South Carolina at some point.

Mourning and all their children except William were killed at Pine Tree Hill, Camden, South Carolina by Cherokee Indians during the French and Indian war of 1755-61. William was with his father at the time.

Hung as a Tory-Colonel Ambrose Mills 1722-1780 #52Ancestors #26

Kings Mountain Death of Ferguson

Ambrose Mills was born in Derbyshire England. He was the son of William Mills and Mary "Marty" Walton. Tradition says that he came as a baby with his family to Maryland. He became a farmer in Virginia where he lived on the banks of the James River.

Ambrose married Mourning Stone about 1745 in Augusta, Virginia. They had several children, one of which was William. The family moved to the area of Wateree, South Carolina at some point. At the time this was wild frontier land.

Mourning and all their children except William were killed at Pine Tree Hill, Camden, South Carolina by Cherokee Indians during the Indian war of 1755-61. William was with his father at the time.

Ambrose married Anne Brown and they had six children who were mentioned in his estate: "Thomas Mills, John Mills, Ambrose Mills, Milly Mills, Polly Twitty, Pamilea Mills, Anna Mills the youngest." About 1765 they settled on the Green River in North Carolina. Ambrose was issued a land grant of 600 acres filed December 16, 1766 in Craven County.

From findagrave.com:
"In 1770, he bought a tract of land containing 640 acres in Old Tryon County from Thomas Reynolds for 100 pounds on both sides of Green River, including the mouth of Walnut Creek. Reynolds had bought the property in 1760 and there was a cabin on it called Powell's cabin.
He established a trading post and a sawmill by a spring. It is said the basin was hewn from solid rock. (Jackson tradition is that it was either Gabriel Sr. or David Sr. who carved the basin for Mills). It was called Mills Spring."

Ambrose was a loyalist, as was his son William. Military actions included actions against the Cherokee Indians in 1776, in ignorance (or defiance) of the alliance between the Cherokees and the British.

From THE JOURNAL OF ALEXANDER CHESNEY:
"In 1778, Ambrose Mills and Colonel David Fanning raised a corps of 500 loyalists for the purpose of joining the royal standard at St. Augustine in East Florida, but this scheme was frustrated by the treachery of a traitor in the camp betraying their plans to the enemy. Colonel Mills and sixteen others were apprehended and taken to Salisbury jail.
One of the first engagements of Colonel Ambrose Mills after his liberation was the action at Baylis Earle's ford on the North Pacolet river, North Carolina, when he surprised and attacked the American camp of Colonel Charles McDowell on the night of 15 July, 1780.
Ambrose Mills  commanded the North Carolina loyal militia in the memorable battle of King's Mountain and was taken prisoner. The subsequent severity of his treatment as a prisoner and his execution has been the subject of hostile criticism. Lord Cornwallis in his protest against his execution describes him as "always a fair and open enemy," a verdict which was endorsed by his opponents. (Correspondence of Lord Cornwallis, Vol. I, p. 67).
The memorable battle of King's Mountain was fought October 7, 1780, between the Americans under the command of Colonels Campbell, Shelby, Cleveland, Sevier, and Williams, and the loyalists commanded by Major Patrick Ferguson, composed of detachments from the King's American regiment, the Queen's Rangers, the New Jersey Volunteers, and South Carolina loyal militia, and :was one of the most desperately fought battles in the Southern Colonies.
...the combatants on both sides fought with unsurpassed courage and determination. The exploit of the Americans deserves all the praise bestowed upon it as one of the finest examples of the application of Washington's disregarded advice to Braddock to seek cover behind trees, and of the splendid marksmanship of the Americans.
...the battle of King's Mountain may be regarded as the turn of the tide in the South, leading to the heartening and the re-organization of the American forces in South Carolina for the final triumph in the war of Independence."

From This Day in History:
"Major Ferguson's Tory force, made up mostly of American Loyalists from South Carolina and elsewhere, was the western wing of General Lord Cornwallis' North Carolina invasion force. One thousand American frontiersmen under Colonel Campbell of Virginia gathered in the backcountry to resist Ferguson's advance. Pursued by the Patriots, Ferguson positioned his Tory force in defense of a rocky, treeless ridge named King's Mountain. The Patriots charged the hillside multiple times, demonstrating lethal marksmanship against the surrounded Loyalists.

Unwilling to surrender to a "band of banditti," Ferguson led a suicidal charge down the mountain and was cut down in a hail of bullets. After his death, some of his men tried to surrender, but they were slaughtered in cold blood by the frontiersmen, who were bitter over British excesses in the Carolinas. The Tories suffered 157 killed, 163 wounded, and 698 captured. Colonel Campbell's force suffered just 28 killed and 60 wounded."

The battle of King's Mountain was a decisive victory for the Patriots. The Loyalists were used to fighting in a line, while the Patriots had learned the best way to fight was to use trees for cover and they were able to shoot as they came up the mountain. The Loyalists had camped at the top of the mountain thinking they could easily defend it..

There are some good youtube videos on the subject. A good one that was shown on A&E can be found with part 1 here and part 2 here.

From King's Mountain and Its Heroes: History of the Battle of King's Mountain:
"Under the law as cited by Colonel Shelby, while the tribunal was, no doubt, practically, a court-martial, it was nominally, at least, a civil court, with two presiding justices. There was no difficulty on this point, for most of the North Carolina officers were magistrates at home — Colonel Cleveland, and four or five others, of the Wilkes regiment alone filling that position. The jury was composed of twelve officers — Lieutenant Allaire, in his Diary, denouncing it as " an infamous mock jury." " Under this law," says Shelby, "thirty-six men were tried, and found guilty of breaking open houses, killing the men, turning the women and children out of doors, and burning the houses. The trial was concluded late at night; and the execution of the
law was as summary as the trial."

How much of the evidence, hurriedly adduced, was one-sided and prejudiced, it is not possible at this late day to determine. Colonel Ambrose Mills, the principal person of those condemned, was a man of fair reputation, and must have been regarded chiefly in the light of being a proper and prominent character upon whom to exercise retaliatory measures ; and yet it was necessary to make some specific charge against him — the only one coming down to us, is that related by Silas McBee, one of the King's Mountain men under Colonel Williams, that Mills had, on some former occasion, instigated the Cherokees to desolate the frontier of South Carolina, which was very likely without foundation.

Photo by Holt Felmet, used by permission

Early in the evening, the trials having been brought to a conclusion, a suitable oak was selected, upon a projecting limb of which the executions were to take place. It was by the road side, near the camp, and is yet standing, known in all that region as the Gallows Oak. Torch-lights were procured, the condemned brought out, around whom the troops formed four deep. It was a singular and interesting night scene, the dark old woods illuminated with the wild glare of hundreds of pine-knot torches ; and quite a number of the Loyalist leaders of the Carolinas about to be launched into eternity. The names of the condemned Tories were —
Colonel Ambrose Mills, Captain James Chitwood, Captain Wilson, Captain Walter Gilkey, Captain Grimes, Lieutenant LafFerty, John McFall, John Bibby, and Augustine Hobbs. They were swung off three at a time, and left suspended at the place of execution. According to Lieutenant Allaire's account, they died like soldiers — like martyrs, in their own and friends' estimation. " These brave but unfortunate Loyalists," says Allaire, " with their latest breath expressed their unutterable detestation of the Rebels, and of their base and infamous proceedings ; and, as they were being turned off, extolled their King and the British Government. Mills, Wilson and Chitwood died like Romans."

Legend says that Martha Biggerstaff and a slave buried the nine excecuted men in a common grave on Biggerstaff's farm near Gilbert Town, Rutherford County, NC.

Ambrose's son William also fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain. Lucky for him (and me), he was left for dead. From King's Mountain and Its Heroes: History of the Battle of King's Mountain:
"... William Mills, was born on James River, Virginia, November tenth, 1746. He was very popular, and served in 1776 against the Indians. He acted as Major under his father at King's Mountain, where he was badly wounded, and left for dead ; and was subsequently saved from being executed by the interference of leading Whigs who knew his worth and goodness. In after years, he settled in the mountain region of the south-western portion of North Carolina on Clear Creek, in now Cleveland County. Mills' River and Mills' Gap, in that section, were named afler him. He married early in life Eleanor Morris, by whom he had two sons and five daughters. He was a handsome, noble, generous man. He died, in consequence of a fall from his horse on his birthday, November tenth, 1834, at the age of eighty--eight years. He had lived a happy married life of sixty-nine years — his venerable companion surviving him."

I have seen a lot of references to Tory lands being seized by the Patriots. Apparently this didn't happen to Ambrose's land. Ambrose's estate is found in Rutherford Co, NC Wills & Miscellaneous Records 1783 – 1868

P 76.  15 Apr 1797.  Proved April Term 1797.  Whereas Ambrose Mills, decd died intestate in the year 17?? Leaving a widow Anna Mills and seven children to wit:  William Mills, Thomas Mills, John Mills, Ambrose Mills, Milly Mills, Polly Twitty, Pamilea Mills, Anna Mills the youngest.  Col James Miller in the year 1782 administered on the estate.  The said Anna Mills, the widow, intermarriaged with John Carrick in Feb 1790.  Such proceeding have been had and such management with the estate as appeared in the copy annexed and certified.  Richard Lewis Esq & William Mills has been appointed guardian of Ambrose, Milly & Anna Mills, one petition is to require bond and security for the estate and action of debts, in part of the second sale of a negro, a wagon, a note on McCaffenty, horses, cattle.  Bond to be on Admnr James Miller, John Carrick & Anna his wife.  This indenture witnesses that William Mills & John Carrick have agreed to settle their suit in law, and other disputes about the estate of the decd.  The widow to have her dower in the old home place, William Mills to pay court cost, attorney fees.  John Carrick shall not claim any more of the personal estate of the decd than he had or left at the old home place when he went to Cumberland.  Wit:  Waightsill Avery, John McKinney, John Goodbread.  Signed:  William Mills & John Carrick

Legend says that Martha Biggerstaff and a slave cut down the bodies and buried the nine executed men in a common grave. Martha's husband, Captain Aaron Biggerstaff , a Tory, was mortally wounded in the battle.

John Raymond McGowan, Jr 1932-1979 #52Ancestors #23

John Raymond McGowan, Jr. was the oldest of five children born to John and Georgia Fratoddi McGowan. He was born October 1, 1932 in Birmingham, Alabama. You can see his baby book here.

John was baptized October 16, 1932 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in West End by Rev Walter J. Tobin.

Blessed Sacrament

He attended West End High School, where he graduated in 1951. From his 1951 yearbook, he was known as Jungle John and Shag. His ambition was "To be a success in everything I undertake". His activities were "Various Session Room Offices, and Student Teacher". His Quotation was "The paths of glory lead but to the grave".
John broke his knee cap playing football. He walked around on it anyway. This resulted in a limp and built up shoe for the rest of his life.

Senior picture, 1951

John went to work for the Birmingham News/Post Herald where he would work in the engraving department all his life.

John married Anna Tidwell  August 16, 1958 at Wylam Baptist Church in Jefferson County, Alabama.

John was the father of three; myself, John Tidwell McGowan, and William Neal "Bill" McGowan.

Family Photo. Bill wasn't born yet.

John was a lover of the outdoors and could be found hunting or fishing every chance he got. He dipped Gold Seal Snuff and chewed Red Man Tobacco, and always drove a Chevrolet truck with step sides. There was usually a dog box in the back for his hunting dogs. If you looked hard enough, you might find a bottle of MD2020 stashed somewhere in the truck, but sweet tea was downed by the gallon at home. There was always a gun rack in the cab, and a snake bite kit in the glove box. He was a member of Tombigbee Hunting Club in Boligee, Alabama, where he could be found every Saturday during deer season. We always had venison in the freezer.
We never knew what kinds of animals would turn up. I can remember having geese, a fox, and a squirrel. We always had a pen full of hunting dogs.

That is no doubt some Red Man in his cheek

He was also strong as a bear, although the bear got the best of him in this wrestling match.

This beautiful tribute was written by family friend John E. Phillips

John died January 19, 1979 of liver cancer. I found out years later that printer's ink can cause liver cancer. John is buried in Hueytown, Alabama at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

Happy Father's Day Daddy! I love and miss you!

Louvice Roden Tidwell #52Ancestors #21

Updated June 20, 2015
Louvice Roden, aka Lavisa, Leuvice, Louvenia, was born about 1790 in South Carolina. She was the daughter of Revolutionary War soldier Jeremiah Roden and his wife Susannah Kirkland. The Roden family had moved to Blount County, Alabama by the 1830 census.

It appears by DNA I'm on the right track with this family.

Ancestry DNA circles. Photo of Jeremiah's grave by Maria Gilliland (Head Hunter) (#47958320). Photo of Susannah's grave by Nancy Cornelius (#47621517). Both allow use of their photos from findagrave.

Louvice Roden married Josiah Tidwell about 1810. They had possibly been neighbors in South Carolina before the marriage. In 1802 Jeremiah Roden sold land to Edmond Tidwell, father of Josiah, in Chester, South Carolina.

Louvice and Josiah settled in Blount County, Alabama. In June 1833 Josiah was issued a land patent for 80.44 acres in section 27 of Blount County. In March 1858 Josiah was issued another patent for an additional 120.66 acres on section 27.

Louvice and Josiah had at least eight children:
Harriett born about 1811 in Tennessee, married George W Cowden
John Roden born about 1813 in Tennessee, married (1) Cecelia Huffstuttler and (2) Sarah Gilliam Beavers
Orlena Arrena born 1816 in Tennessee, married Rev. Deforest Allgood
Rowan "Ryan" born about 1819 in Alabama, married Cynthia"Cincianna" Cornelius
Kesterson born 1819 in Alabama, married (1) Nancy Huffstuttler  and (2) Louisa Elizabeth Brown
Sheba born 1828 in Alabama
Gazzam born 1829 in Alabama, married Sarah J Montgomery
and Vienna born 1831 in Alabama.

Louvice died sometime after the 1860 census of Blount County, Alabama. She was not mentioned in the estate of Josiah, which was filed September 28, 1870.

Karonhappuc "Carry" Tubb Meggs 1806-1898 #52Ancestors #20

Karonhappuc "Carry" A Tubb or Tubbs was the daughter of Samuel Tubb(s) and Mary Terry. She was born 1806 in Tennessee. Karonhappuc is a Biblical name. Keren-Happuch was the 3rd daughter of Job (Job 42:14). This Karonhappuc was also named after her father's sister, Karenhappuck, who married her first cousin, John Tubb (but that's a whole 'nother blog post) .

Carry married Thomas Meggs October 10, 1826 in Perry County, Alabama.

They had at least 12 children:
Mary A born 1827, married Gabriel J McCullough.
Davis Willis born 1829, married Mary Jane Whitman.
Elizabeth born 1832, married George Rolison.
Stephen David born 1835, married Penelope Digby.
Sarah born about 1836, never married.
Nancy born 1837.
Mahala born 1838.
Lavinia born 1840.
Martha born 1841.
Thomas J born 1843,
James M born 1847  and
Adaline born 1852, married Charles Wesley Warren.

Carrie died about 1898 in either Bibb or Perry County, Alabama

Margaret "Peggy" Gibson Cargo born 1745 #52Ancestors #19

Peggy Gibson was the daughter of Alexander Gibson, Sr. and his wife Mary, She was born in Augusta County, Virginia.

Peggy married Samuel Cargo. They moved to Abbeville, South Carolina. Samuel was a merchant at Cambridge (Old 96). After Samuel died, Peggy married James Criswell. They were married December 13, 1794 in Augusta County, Virginia.

Peggy had at least two children with Alexander Cargo:
Elizabeth born about 1786 in Virginia. She married John Trimble.
Samuel Alexander born 1791 in Abbeville, South Carolina. He married Sarah Malcolm.

Sarah also had at least one child with James Criswell. Harriett was born about 1798.

Deandra Stanley Norman 1981-2014 #52Ancestors #18

My beautiful daughter-in-law Deandra was born April 6, 1981 in Alabama and died in a tragic car accident May 3, 2014 near Calistoga, California. She was on the hospitality staff for Charles Krug Winery in Napa, California and worked in the tasting room at Casa Nuestra Winery and Vineyard.

She married John Dewayne Norman October 9, 2005 at Okaloosa Island, Florida. While they were living in Destin, Deandra worked for +Beach Walk Cafe, +Marina Cafe, and +Cuvee Bistro.

This is the tribute video I made for her.

We love you Deandra. Heaven has a special angel.



Deandra Stanley Norman, 33, of Bessemer, passed away May 3, 2014 in Calistoga, California. Deandra was employed by Casa Nuestra Winery and Vineyard in the tasting room, and was on the event staff at Charles Krug Winery in Napa, California. Deandra was a former resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and was employed by Beach Walk Cafe, Marina Cafe, and Cuvee Bistro in Destin.
Deandra's smile and personality lit up the world around her. She was an Alabama football fan, snowboarder, golfer, pool shark, wife, friend, gluten free foodie, and a delight to be around.
Deandra was the daughter of the late Carol Black, and is survived by her husband John, brother David (Emily), fathers Ronald Stanley (Betty) and Jerry Black, grandparents Fred and Dale Thrasher, stepbrother Joe Phelps and stepsister Tamika O'Neal, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law David and Beverly Norman, devoted friends, and her beloved dog Bella and goat Happy. Services will be held Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 with visitation beginning at noon. Burial will be at Patterson Forest Grove. - See more at: http://obits.al.com/obituaries/birmingham/obituary.aspx?n=Deandra-Norman&pid=171034836

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle,and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up , and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised . 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.


Proverbs 31:10-31

Nancy Billingsley Yielding 1802-1870 #52Ancestors #17

Nancy Billingsley or Billingsly was born February 1802 in Sullivan County, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Thomas Billingsley and Nancy Courtney Allen Billingsley.

Nancy married John Jasper Yielding November 23 1819 in Blount County, Alabama. She was the mother of at least six children:
Sarah born 1820
Susan born 1825
Joseph born 1833
Mary Jane born 1835
Samuel T born 1836
and Nancy born 1842

Nancy has an occupation of midwife in the 1860 Blount, Alabama census, and could read and write.

Nancy died sometime after the 1870 census was taken in Blount County, Alabama. Her final resting place is unknown.

Giulia "Juilia" Montagna Fratoddi 1879-1957 #52Ancestors #16

Giulia Elvira Teresa Montagna was born October 10, 1878 in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. She was the daughter of Georgio Julius Montagna and Elisabetta Rosa Bonnini.

Panoramic view of Bologna by Luigi Anzivino. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License.

Thanks to the great folks at Italiangenealogy.com who helped me locate her immigration, we found traveling in Second Cabin, Giulia Montagna, age 25. She was single, and able to read and write. Giulia departed from Naples Jan 24, 1905 on SS Neckar, and arrived in New York Feb 6 1905. Her home city was Roma (Rome). She was going to W 27th St, NY, and in possession of $30. Never before in US. Discharged to Aunt. Unfortunately it does not give the aunt's name.

Giulia, whose name was "Americanized" to Juilia, married Bernardino Fratoddi May 9, 1905 in Manhattan, New York. Family stories indicated they both came to the US as newlyweds, but apparently they were possibly engaged in Italy and came over separately. Bernardino arrived in New York in 1902.

Juilia and Bernardino had five children:
Florida Marie born 1908 in Florida
George Esperanto born 1910 in Tennessee
Georgia Mildred born 1912 in Alabama (twin)
Helen Elise born 1912 in Alabama (twin)
Flavia Louise born 1916 in Alabama

Fratoddi children, Birmingham, Alabama circa 1915

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

Eleanor McCullough born 1793 SC #52Ancestors #15

Eleanor, whose maiden name is unknown, was born about 1793 in South Carolina. She married William McCullough, probably in South Carolina about 1814.

Eleanor was the mother of
William Madison McCullough born 1815
Gabriel J born 1817
Martha Jane born 1817
James born 1820
Elizabeth born 1827
Rufus born 1832
Thomas Huntington born 1835

The family moved to Perry County, Alabama as William is noted in the 1830 census and purchased land in 1836.
Eleanor is found in the 1850 and 1860 censuses in Perry County, Alabama. Her date of death is unknown

Sophronia J Holley Warnick 1836-1898 AL #52Ancestors #14

Sophronia Holley was born December 16, 1836 in Alabama. Her parents are unknown at this time. One suspect for her father is Phillip Joseph Holley who was in Blount County, Alabama in the 1840 and 1850 census. DNA links me to Phillip and his wife Harriett Hood. I think Sophronia may be the Julietta listed as his child in the 1850 census.


Household ID: 109
House Number: 109
Line Number: 21
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number: M432
Affiliate Film Number: 2
GS Film Number: 2344
Digital Folder Number: 004187292
Image Number: 00260


Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Philip Holly M 50 South Carolina
Harriet Holly F 48 South Carolina
Joseph Holly M 24 South Carolina
Nancy Price F 22 South Carolina
Matilda Holly F 17 South Carolina
Wm Holly M 17 South Carolina
Elizabeth Holly F 14 Alabama
Juletta Holly F 12 Alabama
John Holly M 9 Alabama
Mary Holly F 8 Alabama
Jas Holly M 3 Alabama
Harriet Holly F 0 Alabama


Sophronia married Caleb Rogers Warnick July 27, 1854 in Blount County, Alabama.
I learned a hard lesson on citing my sources with this marriage. I found it on the internet years ago when I was just starting genealogy. I didn't copy anything but the date and place. I can remember the names were misspelled, but did not note the spelling. I've never been able to find it again. Nothing like that to make you remember THAT lesson. I'M STILL KICKING MYSELF.

Sophronia and Caleb had at least ten children:
George Washington born 1855
Margaret A "Maggie" born 1858
James P born 1859
West born 1862
Nancy born 1866
Mary C. born 1869
John Wesley born 1874
Gus born 1881
Gibbie C. born 1887
Richard, date unknown

They moved from Blount to Jefferson County at some point, where .Sophronia died January 5, 1898.
Sophronia is buried in the Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery in Dolomite, Jefferson County, Alabama.

Cynthia Ann "Cincianna" Cornelius Tidwell 1820-1906 AL #52Ancestors #13

Cynthia Cornelius was the daughter of Beverly Cornelius and his wife Nancy Euphemia Smith. She was the third of nine children and born in Blount County, Alabama March of 1820. Census data all have her name spelled differently. Cancy Ann, Cinceana, and even as Susana. The death certificate for her son  Phelan has Synsandis. The estate of her father Beverly Cornelius refers to her as Cynthia Ann, Cinthian and Cinciana. She is often confused in online trees as her sister, Cincinatti.

Cynthia Cornelius Tidwell from Sandy Grods collection. She looks so much like my grandmother!

Cynthia married Rowan "Ryan" Tidwell October 16, 1842 in Blount County, Alabama. In this record she is recorded as Caney Anny Cornelius. Rowan and Cynthia had at least nine children:
Louisiana "Sis" born 1844. She married Benjamin Jerome Munkus
Phelan born 1847. He married Sarah Elizabeth McCullough
Harriett born 1851, married E Holdridge Monkus
Beverly Cornelius born 1853, married Eva Locke
Hampton Clinton born 1855 and married Palestine Gibson
Rowan B "Ryan" Jr. born 1859. He married Zimmie Tubb.
Brecusie?? born about 1861. He died young and is only found in the 1870 Perry, AL census.

Phelan Tidwell family about 1891. From left: Zada, Phelan, Ella, Kess, Beverly, Sarah, Mattie, Cynthia "Cincianna" Cornelius Tidwell, and Zola

The family lived in Blount County, Alabama until at least after the 1866 Alabama census. Rowan Tidwell died November 11, 1873 in Jericho, Perry County, Alabama. Cynthia A Tidwell applied and was granted a Civil War Widows Pension in 1899.

In 1880 Suzanna? Tidwell was living with her son Beverly's family in Perry County.
In 1890 Perry, Alabama had some of the few surviving 1890 census records, but unfortunately not Cynthia.
The 1900 census enumerated her as Sinsanny Tidwell living in Perry County with her son Rowan Jr's family.

Cynthia A. Tidwell died on April 13, 1906 in Jefferson County, Alabama per the Jefferson County, Alabama Pension Application (#14196). I do not know where she is buried.

Bridget Conlon McGowan from Ireland to PA to AL #52Ancestors #12

Bridget was born somewhere in Ireland. She was the daughter of Michael Conlon and his wife Ellen. The last name has been found as Conlan, Conlen, Conlin and Conlon.

I have not been able to determine Bridget's entry into the US. Per two census records, she arrived in 1855. There are quite a few Bridget Conlons immigrating in the time period before 1860. I've not found any that are on the same ship with a Michael and Ellen, nor any alone in 1855. I have also not been able to be certain where Bridget was in the 1860 census.

Bridget married James McGowan about 1860 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Pittsburgh says that marriage records before 1877 are no longer in existence. They were probably married at St. John the Evangelist (South Side)


I was able to obtain the following births and baptisms from the Diocese:
St. John the Evangelist (South Side) Baptismal Records

Patrick, born 22 Mar 1861; baptized 31 Mar 1861; father: James McGown; mother: Bridget Conboy; sponsors: Albert Griffin, Anna Conlon

Mary, born 12 Feb 1864; baptized 28 Feb 1864; father: James McGowan; mother: Bridg. Conlon; sponsors: John McDowal, Mary Conlon

Sarah Helen, born 2 Mar 1866; baptized 18 Mar 1866; father: James McGowan; mother: Bridget Conlin; sponsors: Thos. Nolan, Edelia McCann

Joseph, born 18 Mar 1867; baptized 31 Mar 1867; father: James McGowan; mother: Bridget Conolan; sponsors: Edward McTiernan, Anna McCann

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

Jacobum, born 15 Feb 1875; baptized 18 Mar 1875; father: Jacobo McGowan; mother: Brigit Conlon; sponsor: Winifred Gowey

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

The family was in the East Birmingham Borough of Pittsburgh in 1870:
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
Townloe, Mike, age 23, laborer, born Ireland

The 1880 census:
James McGowan Self M Male W 42 IRE Boiler IRE IRE
Bridget McGowan Wife M Female W 40 IRE Keeping Bdg House IRE IRE
Patrick McGowan Son S Male W 19 PA Boilers Helper IRE IRE
Mary A. McGowan Dau S Female W 16 PA At Home IRE IRE
Joseph McGowan Son S Male W 13 PA Wks In Rg Mill IRE IRE
James McGowan Son S Male W 5 PA IRE IRE
Thomas McGowan Son S Male W 2 PA IRE IRE
James Conaway boarder S Male W 40 IRE Boiler IRE IRE
Edwd O'Malley boarder S Male W 30 IRE Boiler IRE IRE
William Riley boarder S Male W 36 IRE Boiler IRE IRE

James died in 1889. Bridget is listed as the widow of James in the 1889/90 city directory

Title: J. F. Diffenbacher's Directory of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities. 1889/1890
Author: Diffenbacher, J. F.
Collection: Historic Pittsburgh City Directories
pg 760

McGowan, Bridget, wid Jas, 140 S Twenty-fifth
McGowan, Jos, helper, 140 S Twenty-fifth

In 1900, Bridget was living in McKeesport, Pennsylvania:
630 Jerome St. (Jerome St was demolished as part of the Jerome St Bridge construction in McKeesport)

Picture by Leepaxton at en.wikipedia

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

In 1910, Bridget was living with her daughter and son-in-law in McKeesport.
1408 Jenny Lind St (now an empty lot)

Ridge, Michael, 44, 1st marriage, married 13 years, Born England, parents England, Immigration 1891, Gas Producer, Tube Works
Mary A, wife, 44, 3 children, 3 living, Born PA, parents Ireland
Katherine, daughter, 11, PA
Maria, daughter, 8, PA
Ellen, daughter, 4, PA
MCGOWAIN BRIDGET 69 F W IREL Mother-in-law, widowed, 10 children, 4 living, parents Ireland, Immigration 1855

By 1920, Bridget had moved to Birmingham, Alabama, and was living with her son Patrick:
Nineteenth Street
McGowen P H 55 M W PA
Tom 27? Salesman Barber Supply
Dan 24 Carpenter Steel Plant
Alice 21 Operator Phone Co
Joe 20 Labor ? Co
Frank 13, ? boy, ? Co
pg 249
John 11
Bridget, Mother, 85 born Ireland

Bridget died January 30, 1920 of Bright's disease (kidney disease). She was buried in Southside Catholic Cemetery. UAB purchased the property where the cemetery was located, and all graves were moved. I have not been able to locate Bridget's final resting place.