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The Life From The Roots blog topics have changed several times since I began this blog in 2009. I initially wrote only about the family history I had been working on for 20 years. Years later, I was into visiting gardens, historical homes, churches, libraries that had genealogical collections, historical societies, war memorials, and travel/tourism places. I also enjoy posting autographs and photos of famous people I've met or have seen.

Along with my New England roots, other areas include New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada.

Please check out the labels on the right side for topics (please note, they need work). Below the labels and pageviews is a listing of my top nine posts, according to Google. Four of them pertain to Lowell, MA. These posts change often because they are based on what people are reading.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Obituaries -- Lowell, Massachusetts


The below listed names were taken from The Lowell Sun newspaper's obituary section. The names are often printed on two days, I am only listing them once.


MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011
WILLIAM C. 'BILL' WAYMAN OF WILMINGTON, NAVY VETERAN; 50
ROM CHHAN OF LOWELL, MA


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011
CHRISTOPHER P. QUIGLEY, PATRIARCH OF LARGE AND WELL-KNOWN LOWELL FAMILY; 86
JOSEPH J. HIGGINS, OF CHELMSFORD
JUSTINE P. (POWERS) MURPHY, OF DRACUT, MA; 88
MARIA G. SILVA, BELOVED MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER AND GREAT-GRANDMOTHER; 96
FRANCES M. WALLACE, OF TYNGSBOROUGH, MA; 66
ARLENE MARY (CONNOLLY) WYATT, LIFELONG RESIDENT OF WEST GROTON; 75
KATHLEEN D. (FERRIER) LaFERRIERE, OF LOWELL; 87
EDWARD C. SMITH, LIFELONG RESIDENT OF SHIRLEY; 89
JANE (REED) BULETTE, OF LITTLETON; 84
MICHAEL W. FERMOYLE, LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER AND GRANDFATHER; 64


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2011
DENNIS M. McCARTHY, OF DRACUT; 62
ALBERTO ANDRES 'BEAVA' PAGAN, OF LOWELL; 21
HELEN MARIE (O'NEIL) POULIN, LIFELONG RESIDENT OF LOWELL; 81
MARY S. McLAUGHLIN, OF LAWRENCE, MA; 95
RONALD MICHAEL McCARTHY, OF GROTON, MA; FORMERLY OF LEXINGTON
WILLIAM J. HALLIGAN, OF SHIRLEY;  69
GEORGE F. WOODS, JR., OF DRACUT; 70
FRANCES MARY (CURTIS) RYAN, OF SAGAMORE BEACH; FORMERLY OF ARLINGTON; 83
CATHERINE C. (LANDRY) JACOBS, MEMBER OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH; 78


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011
SISTER DORIS BROUILLETTE, S.C.O., MEMBER OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF OTTAWA FOR 66 YEARS; 86
GERALD A. McELROYK RETIRED LOWELL POLICE OFFICER, 37 YEARS
ARMAND C. DUBE, FORMERLY OF LOWELL, RAYTHEON RETIREE; 89
MARY 'CATE' FOYE, FORMERLY OF LOWELL, MA; 78


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011
BERNICE C. (SEDLEWCZ) ZIS, FORMER CO-OWNER ZIS-SWEENEY FUNERAL HOME; 93
ESTHER E. SCOTT, LIVED IN GILFORD, NH, TIES TO BILLERICA, MA; 92
ROBERT J. LALONDE, OF LOWELL, ACCOMPLISHED MUSICIAN; 67
MARK W. 'WALLY' BLAIR OF WILMINGTON; 42


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
NO PAPER


SUNDAY, OCTOBER  30, 2011
JOHANNA A.FYTEN, BELOVED MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, GREAT-GRANDMOTHER, GREAT-GREAT-GRANDMOTHER; 87
NANCY DONNELLY, MS, ARNP, FORMERLY OF BILLERICA, MA, WORKED AT NH VETERAN'S HOSPITAL IN MANCHESTER,NH; 63
RICHARD M. McCARTHY, LIFE LONG RESIDENT OF LOWELL; 52
EDWARD G. MURDOCK, OF TEWKSBUURY AND INVERNESS, FL; 82
JAMES E. BAKER OF WESTFORD; 70
SCOTT R. NAGEL, OF LOWELL; 40
JUDITH JOSEPHINE THOMPSON, FORMERLY OF CHELMSFORD, MA
ROBERT R. CHOUINARD OF PELHAM, NH; 78
REVEREND CHARLES CROWELL CROOK, DECEMBER 15, 1960 - OCTOBER 27, 2011
ROLAND H. HUBERT, FORMER CARETAKER AT ST. CASIMIR'S CEMETERY; CO-OWNER OF LOWELL VARIETY STORE; VET; 91
ROLAND A.  BRUNELLE, LOWELL, MA NATIVE, USPS RETIREE, WWII VET; 87
WILLIAM E. GRIFFIN, FORMER LONGTIME RESIDENT OF CHELMSFORD; 83
WILLIAM S. KENDALL JR., LONGTIME ACTON BUSINESS OWNER; 79
MARIA A. BAEZ OF LOWELL; 80
GRACE WYNNE GAGNON, OF TOWNSEND, MA, LOVING MOTHER, DAUGHTER, SISTER, GRANDDAUGHTER, FIANCEE, AND FRIEND; 27

Obituary -- Daniel Jackson Schramling of Iowa

From Vici Beach Paper, Vici, Oklahoma
July 3, 1939


Obituary
Daniel Jackson Schramling


Daniel Jackson Schramling was born in Sabula, Iowa, on September 5, 1856, and departed this life at his home in Vici, Oklahoma, June 28, 1939, at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 23 days. 


His early life was spent in Iowa.


He was united in marriage to Marie J. Higginbotham, in Griswold, Iowa, July 4, 1879. To this union were born six children, Myrtle, Charley E., Avery, Jessie, Margaret, and Daniel Frost. He and his family moved to Byron, Nebraska in 1885. At the opening of the Cherokee Strip, September 18, 1893, he made the run, staking a claim near Garber, Oklahoma, and on March 10, 1894, he came with his family to establish a home. In January, 1905, he moved his family to Vici, Oklahoma, where he has since made his home, living a part of the time on his stock ranch near Vici. The later years of his life were spent at his home in Vici.


He was a true pioneer from pioneer stock, his family being identified with early American pioneers since 1706.


In his early years, he took an active interest in Lodge work. He was a charter member of the I. O. O. F. and Rebekah Lodge at Garber, Oklahoma. He later transferred to Vici, Lodge No. 517, and several years ago he was presented with a twenty-five year jewel by the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma.


He had a wonderful personality which endeared him to his family, and made for him staunch friends wherever he lived.


He leaves to mourn his departure two sons and three daughters; Mrs. William Hartz, Covington, Oklahoma; C. E. Scramling, Vici, Oklahoma; Mrs. R. H. Speck, Perry, Oklahoma; Mrs. L. R. Pierce, Seiling, Oklahoma; and D. F. Scramling, Nickerson, Kansas. Also, twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. E. M. Traver of Sharon, Oklahoma; two brothers, E. H. Scramling, Sharon, Oklahoma; and P. H. Scramling, Woodward, Oklahoma; besides a multitude of friends and neighbors who will sorely miss his passing.


He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie J., on March 27, 1932; his son, Madison Avery, on June 21, 1939; and also one brother and sister.


Funeral services were held at the Vici Church of Christ Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, with Rev. C. Forbes officiating, assisted by Rev. Jones of Sharon.


Interment was made in Sunnyside cemetery under the direction of the Shaw Funeral Home.
Daniel was my 2nd cousin, 4 times removed.
I found the obituary at the DAR Headquarters in Washington, DC (in the file of his daughter's application paper).

Saturday, October 29, 2011

What is a Garden Cemetery?

When another genealogist asked me what a Garden Cemetery was, I was more than happy to explain because I had been to three in Massachusetts. The first ever built was Mt. Auburn Cemetery (see my blog post for photos) in Cambridge, not far from Boston, and two are very close to where I live, the Lowell Cemetery in Lowell, MA and the West Parish Garden Cemetery in Andover, MA. The first two are really like gardens, beautifully landscaped with selected trees, shrubs and flower gardens. Spring is spectacular, there is almost no better place to go to see beauty and to take flower photos. Even yesterday, after a light snow fall, I knew my just taken photos from the cemetery would be a perfect illustration to show it's beauty. With so many trees, and narrow paths, you almost forget it is a cemetery.


Information about the Lowell Cemetery is from their web site, as seen below. 
"The Lowell Cemetery was conceived by a group of prominent Lowell citizens in 1840 as a private, non-sectarian, non-profit cemetery corporation. The Cemetery was dedicated on June 20, 1841, at a time when there were no parks in Lowell, and it soon became a place of refuge for outdoor pleasures such as strolling and bird watching amid shrubs and flowers close to the city.


The Lowell Cemetery was modeled after Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, which was organized a few years earlier as the first garden cemetery in America. These new cemeteries emphasized the physical beauty of the surroundings and created a restful sanctuary for those contemplating the departed, which was in sharp contrast to earlier burial grounds, crowded and unorganized, sometimes dispassionate and severe.


Julie Danforth, a Master Gardener, has been our Landscape Designer since 2004. Julie takes great pride in her work and it shows in our more than 50 gardens. From the early blossoms of the tulips, daffodils and alliums in the early spring, the lovely daylilies and hydrangeas and Knockout roses in the summer to the mums in the fall, our gardens are an amazing display of color and beauty. In the last few years Julie has continued to add mini hillside plantings of spiraea, nine bark, rhododendron and clematis."






Friday, October 28, 2011

My Happy Birthday to Webinars -- Follow Friday

A year ago, I did a post called, "Webinar -- New Family History Technology" At that time, I had viewed a few webinars, and the concept was still new to many of us. Now, every week, somebody is presenting one, and I try to listen and watch as many as I can. The speakers are now more familiar with presenting their topics, and newer lecturers are joining in. You can't lose in this win-win situation, especially if they are free.

During the past year, I listened to topics such as: Google for Genealogists, all the RootsMagic topics, Blogging for Beginners, Backing up your genealogy data, Twitter and Tweet Deck, Facebook for Genealogists, Google Docs, Labeling Digital Photos, Dropbox for Genealogists, Family History's Next Generation, and Let your Voice be Heard in the Digital Conversion.

Are you missing out on these valuable topics? Why not check the up-coming ones out, and sign-up. They are for everybody, not just bloggers.


A short write-up on various sponsors:

RootsMagic Inc.  The genealogy software company offers 26 sessions, and I have attended all because I am currently learning this program. All lectures are archived.

Ancestry.com: Has a new "Family Tree Maker: New Features" seminar scheduled for November 9, 2011.  In addition they have archived sessions that go back several years.



Legacy Family Tree: Has a wide variety of lectures, and great speakers. In addition, there are many archived webinars for you to listen to and/or watch. You can also purchase past lectures.

From the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) and Family Research Library, the Jamboree Extension Series.


A blog site: GeneaWebinars posts upcoming webinars with all information as soon as they are announced. Very nice to have a blog just for genealogy webinars (this site includes all of the above companies). Click on subjects that interest you for the specifics, and note, not all are free.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

New Blog called Seeing New England

Seeing New England, my recent blog, replaces Flowers From My Area. Flowers did quite well, and I was surprised at the number of hits, but I was limited as to what I could post. Seeing New England will incorporate historic sites, along with scenic shots and flowers. If you wish to see the blog, please Follow me. Thanks.  Seeing New England.

Those Places Thursday -- Home of Joshua L. Chamberlain

Home of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Brunswick, Maine

On Tuesday, I posted his cemetery stone.


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Where Is He? -- Wordless Wednesday

Does anybody know if all these old photos were taken in Kilburn, England?
(Photo of my grandfather at least 50 years ago.)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday -- Joshua L. Chamberlain

Every time I go to Brunswick, Maine, I pass by the Pine Grove Cemetery where Joshua Chamberlain was buried and once lived. Although I have been by it many times, it was during my recent visit I finally stopped to see his burial site, his home, and the campus of Bowdoin College, where he worked as professor and president. Joshua wore many hats, including that of the Civil War hero and Governor of Maine.
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Born: September 8, 1828, Brewer, Penobscot Co., Maine

Died:  February 24, 1914, Portland, Cumberland Co., Maine

Buried at Pine Grove Cemetery, Brunswick, Maine


My husband and his uncle visiting the grave site.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Administrator's Account on Financial Settlement -- For JOHN ADAMS 1792 - 1860

Sabra Adams, the widow of John Adams, my 3rd great-grandfather, is a mystery to me because I knew absolutely nothing about her. Not her last name, her age, where born, or where she went after John died. They married between 11 February 1858 and 31 May 1860 (John's death). I don't even know if it is she who is listed on the 1860 census of Stafford, Genesee Co., New York, living with the Ruben Ensign family. After her husband's death, there was a financial settlement of her husbands' estate.


The Administrator's Account on Financial Settlement of John Adams.


"Know all men by these presents that I Sabra Adams widow of John Adams late of the town of Stafford in the County of Genesee deceased for a valuable consideration received by me of Carlisle Adams, Liberty Adams, Mary Adams, Delight Benham and Grace Wilcox children and heirs at law and next of him of said John Adams deceased and of Isaac Gillett Administrator of the estate of said John Adams deceased hereby acknowledge receipt in full of my share of the personal estate of said John Adams deceased as well my distribution share of said estate as the estate provided by law to be set apart to the widow and children of deceased or to the widow. And I hereby release all my right title and interest in and to said personal estate and in and to such distributive share to the said Carlisle, Adams, Liberty Adams, Mary Adams, Delight Benham and Grace Wilcox and their assigns.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eleventh day of June 1860.

Sabra Adams  (Seal)

Genesee County  __ On this 18th day of June 1860 before me Moses Jaggart County Judge of the County of Genesee personally appeared Sabra Adams to me known to be the ___."


(Note: The Settlement and Heirs of John Adams was posted on October,  2010.)





Schedule "A"

Schedule "A" "Contains a statement of all property in inventory, sold at a public or private sale with prices, also loss, and gain on each article, also statement of all debts due said estate collected and uncollectible, and the manner of disposition of all property inventoried."
Some interesting items are listed:
George Adams note (no idea who he is)
Balance on Henry Campbell's note (no idea who he is)
Thomas Downing's Note (no idea who he is)
Two mortgages against son Liberty Adams
The usual household items: bureau, table, jar of lard, about 30 lbs. and jar, bed, library, wearing apparel, 4 pictures and frames, and a Military suit.
I would love to learn more about the pictures and Military suit, which was inventoried at $1 and sold for .75. According to my information, he was not in the service, but his father was.

Schedules "E"  and "F"

Widow, Sabra Adams was paid $595.25. She was one of the six next-of-kin listed.


*
Settlement and Heirs of  JOHN ADAMS  1792 - 1860 posted October 4, 2011

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Obituaries -- Lowell, Massachusetts

The below listed names were taken from The Lowell Sun newspaper's obituary section. The names are often printed on two days, I am only listing them once.


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2011
DAVID E. FULTON, OF TEWKSBURY, PRO-TECK VALUATION SERVICE CO., AGE 55
GEORGE A. KERN, OF CHELMSFORD, MITRE CORP. RETIREE; 82
MARIE O. LAMBERT, RESIDENT OF LOWELL; 92
EDWARD J. LISAY OF LOWELL; 87
ROSEMARY 'SISSY' DORAZIO, FORMER LONGTIME TEWKSBURY, MA RESIDENT; 78
DAVID RALPH HOPPER, OF GROTON, AVID GOLFER AND TENNIS PLAYER
JOAN D. TURNER; OF ACTON, LONGTIME KINDERGARTEN TEACHER; 83
EVELYNA (ANDERSON) (BIRTWELL) DAVID, TAUGHT IN BILLERICA AND CHELMSFORD SCHOOLS; 94
MARY M. (CHOULAKES) FANTOZZI, OF N. CHELMSFORD, MA
ARLINE C. KNIGHT OF TEWKSBURY, MARINE CORPS VETERAN;  92
VIRGINIA J. HOLLAND, OF LOWELL, MA
EDWARD R. KOPACZ, OF LOWELL; 72
ROGER S. MELANSON, OF WOBURN, FAMILY IN GR. LOWELL, WWII VET; 85
MARY R. GINSBURG, MATRIACH OF A WELL KNOWN FAMILY; 88
WILLIAM R. 'BILL' ROTH, RETIRED LIEUT. COLONEL, U.S. ARMY; AGE 78
JEANNE C. FILIATRAULT, OF LOWELL, OWNED AND OPERATED FRANK AND ERNEST CONVENIENCE STORE
ANDREW W. STRONG, OF BEVERLY, MA, 1986 - 2011


MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011
RICHARD H. FOREST, OF TEWKSBURY; AGE 65
JAMES 'JIM' VEVES, OF LOWELL
CARLOS dEL LIANO, OF DRACUT, WAS PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER; 78


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2011
MILDRED B. (GRAY) MASON, OF DRACUT; 85
RITA A. (VALKAVITCH) (ELLIOT) HUSSELBEE, LOVING WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, AND GREAT-GRANDMOTHER
PATRICIA ANN (MAHONEY) MULLEN, LOVING WIFE, MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER; 61
BRUCE A. TWEED, HUSBAND, FATHER AND PROUD GRANDFATHER, 72
LEO R. McCLELLAN SR., FORMERLY OF PEPPERELL, MA AND RINDGE, NH
VICTORIA (DALLY) AXTMAN, OF LITTLETON, MA; 79


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2011
EVELYN C. (ANGELLI) ROMANO, LONGTIME BILLERICA RESIDENT, AGE 69
DENNIS M. KEOHANE, OF NORTH CHELMSFORD, RETIRED FIREFIGHTER; 61
ARTHUR W. KEEFE, JR., LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER AND GRANDFATHER; 55
JOHN F. (JACK) McCARTHY, FORMERLY OF CHELMSFORD, MA; 57
LOUIS S. SOCHA, OF BILLERICA, LOVING HUSBAND, DAD, GRANDPA AND GREAT-GRANDPA
PAULETTE I. NINTEAU, RESIDENT OF LOWELL; 65
REGINALD C. ELSTON, OF DRACUT, MA; 81
HENDRIKA SCHNEIDER, OF NASHUA, FORMERLY OF DERRY, NH; 87
JOHN H. WOLFENDEN, OF SALEM, NH, FORMERLY OF PELHAM, NH; 90
RACHELLE C. (COGNAC) GEISENHAINER, AUGUST 13, 1945 - OCTOBER 14, 2011, AGE 66, BORN LOWELL, MA, OF MILFORD, NH
CAROL A. (GOULET) JUSSAUME, OF LOWELL; 66


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
DOROTHY (TETRO) SILVA, OF CHELMSFORD, AVID GOLFER, READER, AND CRAFTER
KATHLEEN C. HARRINGTON, OF ACTON, REGISTERED NURSE AND DEDICATED HOMEMAKER; 76
VIOLET (RIGOLI) LEIGHTON, BASS RIVER, CAPE COD, FORMERLY OF LOWELL; 71
MARTIN F. BRODERICK, JR., OF FORT WORTH, TX, FORMERLY OF LOWELL; 55
JOHN R. CEPULINSKI, OF LOWELL, RAYTHEON RETIREE, AIR FORCE VET; 79
MICHAEL P. RADZIK, JR., LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER AND GRANDFATHER; U.S. NAVY VIETNAM WAR VETERAN; 63
REV. MONSIGNOR JAMES P. KEANEY, RETIRED PRIEST - DIOCESE OF RALEIGH, NC; 87
NATHAN F. WOOD, OF BROCKTON, SERVED AS PASTOR FOR FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE AREA; 79
ROSELLA (CARDOZA) ANDRADE, RESIDENT OF LOWELL, 84
KYLA DAOMANY SIHAKAMPHONG, OF LOWELL, AGE AGE 5


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011
GEORGE "HENRY" RANCOURT, SR., OF WESTFORD, MA, WWII VET; 89
EUGENE 'E.J.' MORIN, BELOVED SON, HUSBAND, FATHER, AND UNCLE; 40
GEORGE 'JIM' RAINVILLE, ACTIVE IN CHELMSFORD ART COMMUNITY; HONORED FOR WORK - WATERCOLOR PAINTING, ARMY VET
ELEANOR A. (SANTRY) POTTER, OF NASHUA, NH; 78
PETER R. BRUNEAU, OF LOWELL, ARCHITECT; 51
BEVERLY MAE 'BOLTON' McDONALD, FORMERLY OF TEWKSBURY, OF DUNCAN, SC; 79


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011
CONSTANCE D. (PATENAUDE) WALLACE, DEVOTED MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER, LIFELONG RESIDENT OF LOWELL; 78
GILBERTE 'JILL' R. BORDELEAU, RESIDENT OF LOWELL; 92
KAREN P. GEOFFROY, OF LOWELL, ST. MICHAEL CHURCH MEMBER; 56
JOHN C. PADUANO, OF NORWOOD, FORMERLY OF WESTFORD
JANICE MARION (BYKOWSKI) LARSON, OF PEPPERELL, UMASS LOWELL RETIREE; 70
BEVERLY MAE "BOLTON" McDONALD, FORMERLY OF TEWKSBURY, MA; 79


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2011
WILLIAM F. McQUADE, LOWELL-BASED FAMILY BUSINESS UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP; VET; 90
DONALD JOSEPH LOISELLE, OF W. CHELMSFORD, MA, WWII VETERAN; 85
SAMUEL DeSILVIO, LIFETIME LITTLETON RESIDENT; 96
PAUL B. LEPINE, OF DRACUT; AGE 80
PETER N. CHAREAS, LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER, AND GRANDFATHER; 68
KRISTINA LOUISE KEENE, OF WINCHESTER, VA, FORMERLY OF LOWELL, MA; 35
MARIAN C. (MACLELLAN) HANLEY, COMMUNICANT OF ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE CHURCH, ANDOVER; 95
MARVIN ALBERT THOMPSON, FORMERLY OF CHELMSFORD, MA; 79
KEVIN M. CONWAY, FORMERLY OF LOWELL, MA, WORKED AT COURIER CITIZEN CO., 72
ELLEN S. TORONTO, 1941 - 2011, OF BILLERICA, MA; 69
FRANCIS M. 'MICKY' CARNEY, FORMER EMPLOYEE - CITY OF LOWELL; 73
SHIRLEY E. HANN, OF CLERMONT, FL; 82
CONSTANCE M. MAKIEJ, OF LOWELL, JORDAN MARSH CO. RETIREE; 91

Oldest Iowa Pioneer -- Obituary

When you see the copy and condition of the document I received about nine years ago (see below), you might wonder how anybody could transcribe it. The other day I found it typed up at a FindAGrave site, submitted by an old friend from about seven years ago. I immediately wrote Leanne and asked if I could use it for my blog. She gave her okay, then realized, she didn't do it, but it was me. Well, I don't remember...do we do things so quickly, and promptly forget? I'm giving both of us credit.


Joseph McElroy with grandchildren, Eleanore and Margaret Schramling.
OLDEST IOWA PIONEER PASSES AWAY
Joseph McElroy Who First Came to Iowa in 1837, Died at Ripe Old Age


The death of Joseph McElroy at the home of his daughter Mrs. J.F. Schramling, in this city, Monday morning, marks the passing of Iowa's oldest pioneer; for such Mr. McElroy undoubtedly was having come to Sabula in 1837, the year that our little city was laid out in town lots. The other sturdy pioneers who braved the wilds of virgin Iowa at that early date or within daresay five years of that time have all passed into the better world.

Joseph McElroy was born on a farm two miles from the city of Erie, Pa, on September 2, 1815, and at the time of his death was 90 years, 5 months and 17 days old. He was a son of Hugh and Margaret (Duncan) McElroy, natives of Cumberland county, Pa., and his father served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He participated in several active engagements and was wounded in the battle of Lundy's Lane, a ball passing through his liver. Notwithstanding this fact he recovered and lived to the advanced age of seventy-three years. To him and his excellent wife were born thirteen children, of whom the subject of our sketch was the last to pass away, and he was the eldest of the family.

The earlier years of Joseph McElroy’s life were spent in his native county, but in 1837 he decided to investigate the then far west and set out for the territory of Iowa. He reach Sabula during that year and finding the country to his liking, went back to Pennsylvania for his folks and returned to this county in 1838 and entered 200 acres of land in Iowa township, west of the town of Sabula. In an exchange afterward with Mr. Grant he came into possession of the quarter section of land which he owned to the time of his death. When gold was discovered in California, Mr. McElroy and a number of other Sabula men organized a party and in 1849 made the hazardous overland trip to that state and engaged in mining until 1852, when they returned to their homes. The return trip was made by way of the Pacific ocean, crossing the isthmus of Panama and the Gulf of Mexico and up the Mississippi river to St. Louis.

On Sept. 22, 1853, he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Mrs. Mary A. Winsor, a daughter of G. Gilroy, then a resident of Jackson county. The fruit of this union were four children. They are George of Malvern, Margaret, who died in infancy, Mrs. J.F. Schramling of the city, and Joseph, of Norris, Montana. Three step-children who were reared to manhood and womanhood by the deceased, also survive him-Mrs. G.A. Buzza, of Marion, Mrs. G.A. Hatheway of Magnet, Neb., and Wm. Winsor. The esteemed wife and mother passed away on November 1, 1872, and soon afterward Mr. McElroy moved to a home he purchased in town, where he lived until the past few years where he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Schramling.

At the time of the rush to Pike's Peak, about the year 1849, Mr. McElroy and Clarke Cook (deceased) started for Colorado, but after getting as far as the Platte river returned. Of the Sabula party of "Forty-niners," Mr. McElroy was the last survivor and he was also the last original member of the Sabula Pioneers’ Association to pass away. This association was formed on Nov. 22, 1872, by J.G. Sugg, E.A. Wood, James Murphy, J. S. Dominy, George Canfield, Robt. C. Westbrook, Royal L. Westbrook, Jos. McElroy, John Scarborough and Oliver Emerson. All of these gentlemen, with the exception of Joseph McElroy passed ___ ago. The latter was always a familiar figure at the annual picnics of this association until the last one held when he was confined to his bed in this his last sickness, the general breaking down caused by old age. On this occasion several of the older settlers called and spent a short time visiting with him and the parting of these old friends of the early days was a very pathetic one.

For the past three years Mr. McElroy has felt the weight of years and his health gradually failed until last February, he was obliged to take to his bed and although his condition varied from better to worse it could be seen by those around him that he was gradually nearing the close of a well spent life. Sunday he conversed with the family and appeared brighter than usual, but at 6:25 the end came and his last moments were marked with peace and contentment and thus he passed away.

Eulogies to the life and character of this grand old ___”


Note: Eleanore and Margaret Schramling were my 3rd cousins, 3 times removed.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Wordless Wednesday -- Nantucket's Oldest House

Jethro Coffin House
The residents of this 1686 house were Jethro Coffin and Mary Gardner (she was my first cousin, 9x removed).

Unfortunately, it was closed, perhaps for the season, so I couldn't see the inside.

For older photos of the house, see
For photos from my recent trip, see

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday -- My Nantucket Family

When I planned my Nantucket, Massachusetts trip the other day, one of the things I wanted to do was to see the oldest cemetery, but did I see it? I was told The Old North (below) was the oldest cemetery, or the Old Settlers Cemetery and possibly the Founders Burial Ground. The google searches didn't help much. I am thinking all are one and the same.

Who was I looking for? My two 8th great-grand uncles and a first cousin, 9x removed. Richard Gardner, died 1686,  John Gardner, died 1706 and John's daughter and son-in-law, Jethro Coffin and Mary Gardner Coffin. The Jethro Coffin house is the oldest house in Nantucket, and it still stands. I'll post photo tomorrow.

Information obtained from a FindAGrave volunteer, wrote: "A monument was erected to honor the founders of Nantucket island in 1881. The monument is located in the Nantucket Founders Cemetery (also referred to as the First Settlers' Burial Ground and the Forefathers' Cemetery)."

From the Nantucket Historical Association page:


The main memorial, with the names of some of the island's first male European settlers, is situated on the plot. The text of this memorial reads:
ERECTED A.D. 1881. BY
A DESCENDANT OF THE FIRST
SETTLERS OF NANTUCKET
IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHOSE REMAINS
ARE BURIED ON THIS HALLOWED SPOT
WHERE STOOD THE FIRST CHURCH
GATHERED HERE IN 1711,
SINCE REMOVED TO WHERE IT
NOW STANDS AS THE VESTRY OF THE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.
1609 - TRISTAM COFFIN - 1681
1598 - THOMAS MACY - 1682.
1604 - EDWARD STARBUCK - 1690
1617 - PETER FOLGER - 1690.
1624 - JOHN GARDNER - 1706
1664 - JOHN SWAIN. JR. - 1738.
1644 - JOHN COLEMAN - 1715.
1626 - RICHARD GARDNER - 1688.
1598 - CHRISTOPHER HUSSEY - 1686.
1640 - WILLIAM BUNKER - 1712.

Unfortunately, I did not see the memorial.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Obituaries -- Lowell, Massachusetts

The below listed names were taken from The Lowell Sun newspaper's obituary section. The names are often printed on two days, I am only listing them once.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2011

DOROTHY (SHEA) BRULE, OF LITTLETON, MA, LOVING MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER; 90
LEO B. TEAGUE, OF LOWELLL, 1940-2011
WILLIAM F. 'BILLY' MURPHY, OF LOWELL, WORKED FOR SULLIVAN BROTHERS PRINTERS; 68
RITA A. THOMPSON, FORMERLY OF TEWKSBURY; 91
WILLIAM W. 'BILL' CHASCIN, OF LOWELL, GIFTED PAINTER; 47


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011
THEOHARIS "HARRY" M. VALERAS, LONGTIME RESIDENT OF HUDSON, NH; 81
JOHN F. SCANNELL, SR., FORMERLY OF WILMINGTON, MA, OF SULLIVAN, NH; 76
DORIS TRUDEL, OF LAWRENCE, MA; 78
CATHERINE LABA, OF DRACUT, MA; 95


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011
DONALD E. 'DON' SCOTT, FORMERLY OF LOWELL, OF BRIDGEPORT, CT; 86
HARRIET E. (ROBTOY) GARDNER, FORMERLY OF AYER, MA; 81
THERESA D. KOWALSKI, RETIRED BUYER FOR D.R.C. CO;. 81
JOHN A. "JACK" DAHLGREN, LONGTIME CHELMSFORD RESIDENT; 77
GEORGE E. DERY, OF CHELMSFORD; FORMERLY OF LOWELL; 100
BETTY J. (HENDERSON) OTTERSON, OF NASHUA, NH; FORMERLY OF GROTON, MA; 86
NADINE F. RODGERS, OF LOWELL AND MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA
REV. PAUL J. FRANK, OMI, MISSIONARY OBLATE PRIEST FOR 61 YEARS
ALFREIDA R. (INDYK) LEEDBERG, JULY 26, 1929 - OCTOBER 10, 2011
MARGARET E. CUSICK, LIFELONG CENTRALVILLE RESIDENT; 87


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13,  2011
KATHLEEN 'KI' McCARTY, OF LOWELL, PARISHIONER OF ST. MARGARET
ETHEL P. MERRITT, RETIRED ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY, SAINTS MEMORIAL CENTER; 87
DONALD E. 'DON' SCOTT, FORMERLY OF LOWELL, BRIDGEPORT, CT; 86
FLORENCE 'FLO' HOLMES, OF BURLINGTON, MA, LOVING WIFE, MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER; 78
HELEN M. BALZARINI, WAS PROPRIETOR OF BALZARINI SIGN SHOP IN CHELMSFORD; 91
VINAL J. PORTER, JR., LONGTIME TEWKSBURY RESIDENT, WWII VET; 87
LOUIS R. COTE, FORMERLY OF WALTHAM, MA, AIR FORCE VET; 89
MAUREEN E. (RILEY) METHOT, LONGTIME DRACUT RESIDENT; FORMERLY OF LOWELL; 70
KEN B. SPRIGGS, OF CHELMSFORD; 60
ROBERT J. 'BOB' BARRETT, OF LOWELL, FORMERLY OF LUNENBURG


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011
EDWARD J. LISAY, LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDFATHER, AND GREAT-GRANDFATHER; 87
KATHERINE 'KAY' FULLER, OF TEWKSBURY, MA, RETIRED FROM RAYTHEON; 86
DOROTHY E. IVERSON;  FORMERLY OF NASHUA, NH; 91


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011
CHRISTOPHER M. ANDREWS, LOVING SON, GRANDSON, BROTHER, UNCLE, NEPHEW AND COUSIN; DEVOTED FRIEND
PAUL F. CADDEN, OF YARMOUTH, FORMERLY OF N. CHELMSFORD AND DENNISPORT
MARY A. (KEANE) PICANSO  1941 - 2011, OF LOWELL, 70
DORIS M. HUBERT, FORMERLY OF DRACUT, MA, OF  DELRAY BEACH, FL, WAS MANICURIST; 81
JOHN H. BOWLES, LOVING FATHER, SON AND BROTHER, OF BILLERICA; 48
EDWARD RINEHARDT SMITH, OF NASHUA, NH, ARMY VET; 73
GRACE PATRICIA LeGENDRE, OF LOWELL, ACTIVE AT ST. RITA CHURCH; 93

Saturday, October 15, 2011

My Blog is Finally Two Years Old!


For my second year Blogiversary*, I had to take a special photo, shown on the left. It was taken about five miles from my house on a rainy, yet warm October 14th. It also serves as a reminder to me, to write about Garden Cemeteries.


Last year I wrote 302 posts, and this year 250. I'm trying to cut down on writing and spend more time on research. No brick walls have been solved, that's my biggest regret. But this doesn't mean I won't try to write interesting posts, I will try very hard.

One of the best things that happened this year was finally being able to see my grandparent's gravestone, a photo was taken by a cemetery employee. The cemetery is in Illinois (I live in Massachusetts).


I began a new series for Sunday posts, that being a listing of all the obituaries in the Lowell Sun newspaper for Lowell, Massachusetts. Usually I show just the name, where they were from and age. Two things I discovered, first, I receive a huge number of hits, and second, I found out that three of my classmates died last week, we were all the same age! After more than a month, none of the readers has asked me to send a copy of an obit, but I have them saved, ready to scan for their asking.


Two fun events happened recently. The New England GeneaBlogger's Bash was held in late August, and I met some bloggers there. Last week, I met top Genea-Blogger, Thomas MacEntee and several other bloggers in Boston.

In closing, I'll repeat what I wrote last year, "thank you to each of you who have followed me, left comments and / or encouraged me. Without you, I wouldn't have made it." Will I make it to my third, we will see.

* Blogiversary combines the words Blog and Anniversary.