Social Security Death Index
- 30 July 1995
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Delaney Update
Wow! Have I been a slacker! Here is some new information I found on my trip to NYC Department of Records.
Anne Loretta Delaney (1883-1907)
Anne Loretta Delaney (1883-1907)
- Birth Certificate 378451
- Birth Certificate 418958
- Death Certificate 566676
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Answers
I haven't been able to do much work this week, but I did get answers to two of the questions I had floating around cyberspace.
The first was an email to a cousin...
The first was an email to a cousin...
- Do you know what the E means in the 1872/1873 Brooklyn Directory?
- E Blanchard Edward, carpenter, 204 Freeman
- E stands for Eastern District of Brooklyn, namely Williamsburg and Greenpoint
- I am looking for the birth/baptismal record of George Blanchard. I have a date of 26 February 1864. I am not sure if this is his birth or baptismal. I have been to the online baptismal index but it is not there. I was wondering how would I go about getting in touch with St. Simon St. Jude, Tignish. Or could anyone go to the parish and look up the record for me?
- You could also call the Tignish parish house at (902) 882 2049. They have a staff person who answers requests for genealogical information.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
William Blanchard
William Blanchard was born 20 April 1858, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. He was baptized Roman Catholic, 23 May 1858, at St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. His parents were Stephen Blanchard and Catharine Ferris. In the 1861 Canadian Census, William was living with his family in Tignish, Prince Edward Island.
William married Elizabeth Kidd, 7 December 1879, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Brooklyn, New York. After his marriage, William lived at 179 Freeman Street, Brooklyn, New York. By 1884 William, Elizabeth, and his children Stephen (1880- ), William (1882-1883), Francis Joseph (1883- ), and Helen (1885-1886) were living at 58 North 10th Street, Brooklyn, New York.
The next moves for the family were to 45 and 43 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, New York. Here William's family grew to include Edward J Blanchard (1892- ) and William Blanchard (1896-1941). While William was living on Franklin Street he joined the New York City Police Department (25 March 1892).
In the 1910 United States Census and 1920 United Stated Census William's address was 128 Calyer Street, Brooklyn, New York. It is while living at this address William retired from the Police Department (5 December 1913).
In the 1930 United States Census William was living in Queens, New York at 41-23 53rd Street. He died at this address on 15 April 1932. The cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage. William was buried in St. John's Cemetery, Middle Village, Queens. He was buried with his wife Elizabeth, and his son William (1896-1941).
To complete my research on William, I need to find his immigration records.
William married Elizabeth Kidd, 7 December 1879, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Brooklyn, New York. After his marriage, William lived at 179 Freeman Street, Brooklyn, New York. By 1884 William, Elizabeth, and his children Stephen (1880- ), William (1882-1883), Francis Joseph (1883- ), and Helen (1885-1886) were living at 58 North 10th Street, Brooklyn, New York.
The next moves for the family were to 45 and 43 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, New York. Here William's family grew to include Edward J Blanchard (1892- ) and William Blanchard (1896-1941). While William was living on Franklin Street he joined the New York City Police Department (25 March 1892).
In the 1910 United States Census and 1920 United Stated Census William's address was 128 Calyer Street, Brooklyn, New York. It is while living at this address William retired from the Police Department (5 December 1913).
In the 1930 United States Census William was living in Queens, New York at 41-23 53rd Street. He died at this address on 15 April 1932. The cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage. William was buried in St. John's Cemetery, Middle Village, Queens. He was buried with his wife Elizabeth, and his son William (1896-1941).
To complete my research on William, I need to find his immigration records.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
6 Years, 11 Months, and 18 Days
How many times have you seen this on a death certificate? When I first started genealogy I would ignore the months and days and just count backwards to an approximate year. As my genealogy skills improved, I realized how horribly wrong that technique was. Including the years, months, and days are extremely important and necessary.
Enter Tombstone Birthday Calculator. You simply type in date of death, as well as the years, months, and days the person was when he or she died. Hit compute, and the birthday appears. It is that simple! While the date is still approximate, and by no means considered absolute, I have found it to be the closest thing. More importantly it is so much easier than anything I was doing before.
Enter Tombstone Birthday Calculator. You simply type in date of death, as well as the years, months, and days the person was when he or she died. Hit compute, and the birthday appears. It is that simple! While the date is still approximate, and by no means considered absolute, I have found it to be the closest thing. More importantly it is so much easier than anything I was doing before.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Blanchard Update
I searched the Brooklyn City Directories from 1867/1868-1875/1876. I looked for a couple different people, but for purposes of this post I will stick with Edward.
1872/1873
Blanchard Edward, carpenter, 204 Freeman
The directory gives Edward a new documented date, the earliest found in New York.
1872/1873
Blanchard Edward, carpenter, 204 Freeman
The directory gives Edward a new documented date, the earliest found in New York.
Lyons Update
Birth Certificate
My Thoughts...
The marriage certificate proves Michael was married before he married Helen (Ellen) Blanchard. I think it is safe to assume William Henry Lyons, John J Lyons, and Annie Lyons were Michael and Anne's children. William P Lyons was most likely not their child; however he was connected to the Lyons family.
This information also suggests Daniel Joseph Lyons was not Michael and Anne's child. At this point I do not know who is mother was. There is a chance Daniel didn't know either, which is why he listed Ellen Blanchard as his mom on his World War I Draft Card.
Michael Joseph Lyons' birth certificate is interesting. I find it very strange that "in wedlock" was written on the certificate. When I was in vital records I checked, but did not find another certificate with those words written on it. It seems if nothing was written on a birth certificate, in wedlock was assumed. So why did Michael and Ellen write "in wedlock"? Is Michael Joseph's birth certifcate, Michael and Ellen's marriage certificate as well?
Michael Joseph's birth certificate states Ellen was from Nova Scotia, and the state of Maine. Could Maine be how the family entered the United States?
Finally the birth certificate states Ellen was the mother of two children. I would like to think the other child was Helen Lyons, but until I can find her birth record I don't think I can be sure.
- Michael Joseph Lyons (1884-1891)
- Michael Lyons & Anne Monahan, 3 February 1867, Manhattan, New York
- William Henry Lyons (1869-1941)
My Thoughts...
The marriage certificate proves Michael was married before he married Helen (Ellen) Blanchard. I think it is safe to assume William Henry Lyons, John J Lyons, and Annie Lyons were Michael and Anne's children. William P Lyons was most likely not their child; however he was connected to the Lyons family.
This information also suggests Daniel Joseph Lyons was not Michael and Anne's child. At this point I do not know who is mother was. There is a chance Daniel didn't know either, which is why he listed Ellen Blanchard as his mom on his World War I Draft Card.
 |
| Michael Joseph Lyons Birth Certificate |
Michael Joseph's birth certificate states Ellen was from Nova Scotia, and the state of Maine. Could Maine be how the family entered the United States?
Finally the birth certificate states Ellen was the mother of two children. I would like to think the other child was Helen Lyons, but until I can find her birth record I don't think I can be sure.
Random People in Random Graves
Here are some more people and their dates of burial.
Thomas F Delaney, 24 June 1886
William P Lyons, 7 June 1869
Thomas F Delaney, 24 June 1886
William P Lyons, 7 June 1869
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Ferris Update
I searched the Brooklyn City Directories from 1867/1868-1875/1876. I looked for a couple different people, but for purposes of this post I will stick with Catharine.
1872/1873
Blanchard Kate, wid 204 Freeman
The directory gives Catharine a new documented date, the earliest found in New York.
1872/1873
Blanchard Kate, wid 204 Freeman
The directory gives Catharine a new documented date, the earliest found in New York.
Delaney Update
Today I braved the Nor'easter and ventured into Manhattan. It is supposed to be seventy degrees by the end of the week, and as much as I love researching, I really don't want to spend beautiful vacation days inside NYC Department of Records.
I am not really sure how to write up my new findings. For some people it is not a problem because I haven't posted their story, but for those I have, I feel it is too soon to post them all over again. For the time being I think I am going to break up my findings by families, and later I will rewrite the stories that need to be rewriten.
The Delaneys
Birth Certificates
William Delaney and Elizabeth Blanchard
Birth Certificates
William Joseph Delaney and Anne Greenwood
I am not really sure how to write up my new findings. For some people it is not a problem because I haven't posted their story, but for those I have, I feel it is too soon to post them all over again. For the time being I think I am going to break up my findings by families, and later I will rewrite the stories that need to be rewriten.
The Delaneys
Birth Certificates
William Delaney and Elizabeth Blanchard
- William Delaney (1872-1908)
- Thomas Edgar Delaney (1874-1878)
- Catherine Delaney (1879- )
Birth Certificates
William Joseph Delaney and Anne Greenwood
- Joseph Edwin Delaney (1903-1905)
- Edward Delaney (1906-1995)
- William Delaney and Elizabeth Blanchard between 1880-1892 updated Tuesday, August 17, 2010
- William Joseph Delaney and Anne Greenwood between 1903-1906
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Tigers and Lyons...
I have been organizing my paperwork in anticipation of my visit to NYC Department of Records. Next to George Illegitimate, Helen (Ellen) Blanchard and the Lyons' prove to be the most confusing.
I posted Ellen's story about a month ago. Since then I have stumbled upon new information. The first thing I found was an old interment list. The list provided the following names and dates of burials:
On my last visit to NYC Department of Records I found the death certificates for William, John, Anne, and Annie Lyons. On the death certificates, the places of death were mentioned. John and Annie died in Manhattan, New York, at 304 Rivington Street. Anne died at 302 Rivington Street. William also died in Manhattan, New York, at 125 Goerck Street.
In light of this information, I decided to examine the 1880 United States Census. I discovered there were still Lyons' living at the addresses. Michael Lyons, age 32, tailor, and William H Lyons, age 10, were living at 304 Rivington Street. At Goerck Street, Daniel Lyons, age 5, was a boarder of Mary Lyons. The ages of Michael and Daniel, as well as Michael's occupation, all correspond to Ellen's husband and son.
After Michael's death in 1891, Ellen and her family moved to Brooklyn. In 1894 William H Lyons was living with Ellen Lyons, widower of Michael, at 100 1/2 Dupont Street. William lived with the family through 1900. William and Daniel Lyons were also connected to Lyons Brother Cigars. They, as well as the business, were listed under the address 566 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, in both 1897 and 1898.
The other piece of information I found was Stephen Blanchard's baptismal record. He was baptized in 1880. Ellen was listed as a sponsor on her nephews baptismal record; however she was not listed as a Lyon, she was Ellen Blanchard.
Based on this new information, it appears Michael was married before Ellen. It also proves William and Daniel were not Ellen's biological children.
I posted Ellen's story about a month ago. Since then I have stumbled upon new information. The first thing I found was an old interment list. The list provided the following names and dates of burials:
- William P Lyons, 7 June 1869
- John J Lyons, 27 August 1872
- Anne Lyons, 28 June 1875
- Annie Lyons, 11 October 1875
On my last visit to NYC Department of Records I found the death certificates for William, John, Anne, and Annie Lyons. On the death certificates, the places of death were mentioned. John and Annie died in Manhattan, New York, at 304 Rivington Street. Anne died at 302 Rivington Street. William also died in Manhattan, New York, at 125 Goerck Street.
In light of this information, I decided to examine the 1880 United States Census. I discovered there were still Lyons' living at the addresses. Michael Lyons, age 32, tailor, and William H Lyons, age 10, were living at 304 Rivington Street. At Goerck Street, Daniel Lyons, age 5, was a boarder of Mary Lyons. The ages of Michael and Daniel, as well as Michael's occupation, all correspond to Ellen's husband and son.
After Michael's death in 1891, Ellen and her family moved to Brooklyn. In 1894 William H Lyons was living with Ellen Lyons, widower of Michael, at 100 1/2 Dupont Street. William lived with the family through 1900. William and Daniel Lyons were also connected to Lyons Brother Cigars. They, as well as the business, were listed under the address 566 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, in both 1897 and 1898.
The other piece of information I found was Stephen Blanchard's baptismal record. He was baptized in 1880. Ellen was listed as a sponsor on her nephews baptismal record; however she was not listed as a Lyon, she was Ellen Blanchard.
Based on this new information, it appears Michael was married before Ellen. It also proves William and Daniel were not Ellen's biological children.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Random People in Random Graves
I love getting interment lists. They usually provide instant family members, and if you are lucky, they are family members you don't know. Every now and then however, you come across people who appear to have no connection to your family. Here are some of those people and their dates of burial.
Lizzie Delaney, 1 June 1887
Charles C Dvorah, 20 August 1890
Harry B Battersby, 4 June 1940
Julia Dunn, 2 December 1949
Lizzie Delaney, 1 June 1887
Charles C Dvorah, 20 August 1890
Harry B Battersby, 4 June 1940
Julia Dunn, 2 December 1949
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Fun Mail
I love getting mail, especially fun mail. Fun mail is all mail dealing with genealogy and/or travel.
I recently started writing to churches in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I started with St. Cecilia's. They were able to locate a few records. The records included my grandfather's baptismal record, as well as his parent's marriage record. St. Cecilia's was extremely helpful and generous. They even sent me copies of the original cards.
The next parish I wrote to was St. Anthony/St. Alphonsus Parish. I waited. Fun mail!
Baptismal Certificates
Mary Cecilia Colahan
Child of Thomas P Colahan and Sophia Blanchard
Born 25 March 1889
Baptized 10 April 1889 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Stephen A Blanchard, Cecilia Colahan
Stephen John Colahan
Child of Thomas P Colahan and Sophia Blanchard
Born 15 January 1891
Baptized 4 February 1891 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors John J McElroy, Elizabeth Colahan
Stephen Blanchard
Child of William Blanchard and Eliza Kidd
Born on 12 September 1880
Baptized on 26 September 1880 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Thomas Kidd, Ellen Blanchard
William Blanchet
Child of William Blanchet and Elizabeth Kidd
Born 16 January 1882
Baptized 5 February 1882 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Stephen Blanchet, Johanna Kennedy
William is another child I had no knowledge of. This record lists Johanna Kennedy as a sponsor. Is Johanna Kennedy connected to Mary Kennedy?
Edward Blanchard
Child of William Blanchard and Elizabeth Kidd
Born 1 August 1892
Baptized 15 August 1892
Sponsors Francis Kidd, Ella Delany
Marriage Notation
To Anna Smith
Date 7 July 1937
Church St. Joan of Arc
Place Jackson Heights, New York
William Blanchard
Child of William Blanchard and Lizzie Kidd
Born 26 May 1896
Baptized 16 June 1896 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors George Blanchard, Katie Kidd
Catherina Blanchard
Child of Stephen Blanchard and Elizabeth Briordy
Born 22 October 1896
Baptized 16 November 1896 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Thomas Hawkins, Sophia Colahan
Attached note
Elizabeth Briody
Born 16 March 1875
Baptized 1 April 1878 at St. Alphonsus Church
Parents John Briody, Brigid Briody
Helen Elizabeth Blanchard
Child of George Blanchard and Alice Leigh
Born 19 March 1905
Baptized 2 April 1905 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Stephen Blanchard, Ellen Novnan
Marriage Certificates
Thomas P Colahan, Sophia M Blanchard
25 June 1888
St. Anthony of Padua Church
Witnesses Stephen Blanchard, Mary Colahan
William Blanchard, Elizabeth Kidd
7 December 1879
St. Anthony of Padua Church
Witnesses Edward Blanchard, Joanna Kennedy
Robert H McDermott, Eileen Corrigan
18 May 1946
St. Anthony of Padua Church
Witnesses Thomas A Kavanagh, Mary Kavanagh
Attached note
Robert H McDermott
Baptized 7 March 1920
Immaculate Conception of BVM
Brooklyn
Eileen Corrigan
Baptized 17 September 1922
St. Cecilia's
Brooklyn
I recently started writing to churches in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I started with St. Cecilia's. They were able to locate a few records. The records included my grandfather's baptismal record, as well as his parent's marriage record. St. Cecilia's was extremely helpful and generous. They even sent me copies of the original cards.
The next parish I wrote to was St. Anthony/St. Alphonsus Parish. I waited. Fun mail!
Baptismal Certificates
Mary Cecilia Colahan
Child of Thomas P Colahan and Sophia Blanchard
Born 25 March 1889
Baptized 10 April 1889 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Stephen A Blanchard, Cecilia Colahan
Stephen John Colahan
Child of Thomas P Colahan and Sophia Blanchard
Born 15 January 1891
Baptized 4 February 1891 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors John J McElroy, Elizabeth Colahan
Stephen Blanchard
Child of William Blanchard and Eliza Kidd
Born on 12 September 1880
Baptized on 26 September 1880 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Thomas Kidd, Ellen Blanchard
Prior to this record I had no knowledge of Stephen. What happened to him? This baptismal record gives Helen (Ellen) Blanchard a new documented date, the earliest found in New York.
William Blanchet
Child of William Blanchet and Elizabeth Kidd
Born 16 January 1882
Baptized 5 February 1882 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Stephen Blanchet, Johanna Kennedy
William is another child I had no knowledge of. This record lists Johanna Kennedy as a sponsor. Is Johanna Kennedy connected to Mary Kennedy?
Edward Blanchard
Child of William Blanchard and Elizabeth Kidd
Born 1 August 1892
Baptized 15 August 1892
Sponsors Francis Kidd, Ella Delany
Marriage Notation
To Anna Smith
Date 7 July 1937
Church St. Joan of Arc
Place Jackson Heights, New York
William Blanchard
Child of William Blanchard and Lizzie Kidd
Born 26 May 1896
Baptized 16 June 1896 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors George Blanchard, Katie Kidd
Catherina Blanchard
Child of Stephen Blanchard and Elizabeth Briordy
Born 22 October 1896
Baptized 16 November 1896 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Thomas Hawkins, Sophia Colahan
Attached note
Elizabeth Briody
Born 16 March 1875
Baptized 1 April 1878 at St. Alphonsus Church
Parents John Briody, Brigid Briody
Helen Elizabeth Blanchard
Child of George Blanchard and Alice Leigh
Born 19 March 1905
Baptized 2 April 1905 at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Sponsors Stephen Blanchard, Ellen Novnan
Marriage Certificates
Thomas P Colahan, Sophia M Blanchard
25 June 1888
St. Anthony of Padua Church
Witnesses Stephen Blanchard, Mary Colahan
William Blanchard, Elizabeth Kidd
7 December 1879
St. Anthony of Padua Church
Witnesses Edward Blanchard, Joanna Kennedy
I assume this is the same Joanna Kennedy that sponsored their son William at his baptism.
Robert H McDermott, Eileen Corrigan
18 May 1946
St. Anthony of Padua Church
Witnesses Thomas A Kavanagh, Mary Kavanagh
Attached note
Robert H McDermott
Baptized 7 March 1920
Immaculate Conception of BVM
Brooklyn
Eileen Corrigan
Baptized 17 September 1922
St. Cecilia's
Brooklyn
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sophia
Sophia M Blanchard was born 1 April 1856. She was baptized, Roman Catholic at St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. Her parents were Stephen Blanchard and Catharine Ferris. In the 1861 Canadian Census, Sophia was living with her family in Tignish, Prince Edward Island.
On 24 December 1876 at Church of St. Michael, Manhattan, New York, Sophia served as godmother to her sister Elizabeth's daughter, Mary Ellen Delaney. In the 1880 United Stated Census, Sophia was living with her mother Catharine, and her brothers Edward, Stephen, and George. They were living in Brooklyn, New York at 595 Lorimer Street. In 1887, Sophia M Blanchard, a teacher, was living at 148 Meserole Avenue.
On 24 December 1876 at Church of St. Michael, Manhattan, New York, Sophia served as godmother to her sister Elizabeth's daughter, Mary Ellen Delaney. In the 1880 United Stated Census, Sophia was living with her mother Catharine, and her brothers Edward, Stephen, and George. They were living in Brooklyn, New York at 595 Lorimer Street. In 1887, Sophia M Blanchard, a teacher, was living at 148 Meserole Avenue.
On 25 June 1888, Sophia married Thomas P Colahan at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Brooklyn, New York. In the 1900 United Stated Census Sophia and Thomas were living at 105 India Street. Also living in the household were the couple's three children, Mary Cecilia (1889-1979), Stephen John (1891-1973) and Francis Ambrose (1892-1938). By 3 January 1915, Sophia and her family were living at 821 Lincoln Place. Sophia lived at this address until her death, 28 February 1948. Sophia and her husband, Thomas, were buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.
Like all Blanchard children, to complete my research on Sophia, I need to find her immigration records. Unlike the other children, Sophia's family can be traced to present day, and it is through their generosity that I have a picture of her.
 |
| Sophia M Blanchard |
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Happy Shamrock Day!
There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were.~Irish saying
With this in mind, Happy St. Patrick's Day to the Boyde, Corrigan, Dyer, Ferris, Flynn, Friel, Hassett, Mahon, McDermott, and Prior/Pryor families.
With this in mind, Happy St. Patrick's Day to the Boyde, Corrigan, Dyer, Ferris, Flynn, Friel, Hassett, Mahon, McDermott, and Prior/Pryor families.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Annie
Anne was born to Stephen and Catharine Blanchard abt November 1853. She was baptized Roman Catholic, 8 March 1854, St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. In the 1861 Canadian Census, Anne was living with her family in Tignish, Prince Edward Island.
On 10 December 1871, Anne was a witness at her sister Elizabeth's wedding. The wedding took place at the Church of St. Michael, Manhattan, New York. On 24 June 1877, Anne married John O'Brien at the same church. John was a tailor.
Unfortunately this is the only information I have for Anne.
On 10 December 1871, Anne was a witness at her sister Elizabeth's wedding. The wedding took place at the Church of St. Michael, Manhattan, New York. On 24 June 1877, Anne married John O'Brien at the same church. John was a tailor.
Unfortunately this is the only information I have for Anne.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Still My People
A few days have passed since I found George Illegitimate's baptismal record. I am still upset, but I am thinking clearer about the situation. I realize there are many leads to follow up on, and I have a lot more research to do.
When I started researching my family the goal was simple, find out who "my people" were. What were they like? What were their lives like? I wasn't looking to find kings and queens, or the rich and the famous. I was looking to find the personalities that shaped my family. I was looking to find pieces of me.
As you might have guessed, I started my family tree researching the Blanchard's. At first their lives appeared simple; a couple kids living with their mother in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. As I continued my research I discovered some more family members, and it wasn't before long I found a Canadian connection. When I started my Canadian research I stumbled across Stephen Smith Blanchard, born 1815, Truro, Nova Scotia. I ignored him. I did some more research, but I wound up back at Stephen Smith Blanchard. I found out Stephen's family could be traced back to the American Revolution. Being an American History major, I have to admit this intrigued me, but I still doubted Truro Stephen was my Stephen. So I continued my research. I found a marriage record and a census record. These documents supplied my Stephen's middle initial, S. Wow! I was related to Truro Stephen. He was my people, his family were my people, and my people were involved in a very cool time in American History.
This is why I became so upset upon finding George's baptismal record. It appeared my people weren't my people. All my time and energy was wasted on someone else's family. Of course, now I realize that was ridiculous. Whether or not I am blood related to them, the family that left Canada and moved to Brooklyn, New York was George's. They called him brother. They lived with him, celebrated birthdays and weddings with him. They made him a godfather to their children. In every way important, they were his brother, and he was theirs.
So I have decided that while George might not technically be a Blanchard, and multiple people I trust have pointed out he still might be, he is still very much connected to the family I have come to know and love. They are still my people.
When I started researching my family the goal was simple, find out who "my people" were. What were they like? What were their lives like? I wasn't looking to find kings and queens, or the rich and the famous. I was looking to find the personalities that shaped my family. I was looking to find pieces of me.
As you might have guessed, I started my family tree researching the Blanchard's. At first their lives appeared simple; a couple kids living with their mother in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. As I continued my research I discovered some more family members, and it wasn't before long I found a Canadian connection. When I started my Canadian research I stumbled across Stephen Smith Blanchard, born 1815, Truro, Nova Scotia. I ignored him. I did some more research, but I wound up back at Stephen Smith Blanchard. I found out Stephen's family could be traced back to the American Revolution. Being an American History major, I have to admit this intrigued me, but I still doubted Truro Stephen was my Stephen. So I continued my research. I found a marriage record and a census record. These documents supplied my Stephen's middle initial, S. Wow! I was related to Truro Stephen. He was my people, his family were my people, and my people were involved in a very cool time in American History.
This is why I became so upset upon finding George's baptismal record. It appeared my people weren't my people. All my time and energy was wasted on someone else's family. Of course, now I realize that was ridiculous. Whether or not I am blood related to them, the family that left Canada and moved to Brooklyn, New York was George's. They called him brother. They lived with him, celebrated birthdays and weddings with him. They made him a godfather to their children. In every way important, they were his brother, and he was theirs.
So I have decided that while George might not technically be a Blanchard, and multiple people I trust have pointed out he still might be, he is still very much connected to the family I have come to know and love. They are still my people.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Who Do You Think You Are?
George Illegitimate
On the 5th April 1864 I have baptized George born on the 26th February of unknown parents. Sponsors Daniel Blanchard and Hariette O'Reilly.
I am very sad....
On the 5th April 1864 I have baptized George born on the 26th February of unknown parents. Sponsors Daniel Blanchard and Hariette O'Reilly.
I am very sad....
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Edward H Blanchard
Edward Blanchard was born 2 October 1851, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. He was baptized Roman Catholic, 21 October 1851, at St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. His parents were Stephen Blanchard and Catharine Ferris. In the 1861 Canadian Census, Edward was living with his family in Tignish, Prince Edward Island.
In 1874-1875 Edward was living in Brooklyn, New York, at 180 Green Street. In 1877 he was living at 140 Huron Street, Brooklyn, New York. In 1879-1880 Edward was living at 179 Java Street, Brooklyn, New York. In the 1880 United States Census Edward was living at 595 Lorimer Street, with his mother Catharine, his two brothers, Stephen and George, and his sister Sophia. His occupation was listed as a stair builder. In 1881 Edward was still living at this address. In 1894 Edward was living at 183 Eagle Street, Brooklyn, New York. In 1897 he relocated to 116 Eagle Street, Brooklyn, New York. In 1900 Edward was living at 190 Freeman Street, Brooklyn, New York.
In the 1900 United States Census Edward was living with his wife, Ellen Easton, at 152 Java Street, Brooklyn, New York. On 3 December 1900, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle stated, Edward Blanchard of 153 Eagle Street, was promoted to bridge tender on the Blissville Bridge. His salary was $839.50. Two years later (7 February 1902) the paper reported Edward was dismissed. In 1910 the United States Census stated Edward was living at 130 Huron Street, Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, Ellen. On 2 September 1915, Edward H Blanchard fell down a flight of cellar stairs at 236 West 144 Street, Manhattan, New York. He died from a fracture, at the base of his skull. Edward was buried in Calvary Cemetery with his wife.
To complete my research on Edward I need to find his immigration and marriage records. Also Edward was listed as having two children in the 1910 Census, Edward (17) and Edith (12) Blanchard. This was the first and last time they were mentioned.
In 1874-1875 Edward was living in Brooklyn, New York, at 180 Green Street. In 1877 he was living at 140 Huron Street, Brooklyn, New York. In 1879-1880 Edward was living at 179 Java Street, Brooklyn, New York. In the 1880 United States Census Edward was living at 595 Lorimer Street, with his mother Catharine, his two brothers, Stephen and George, and his sister Sophia. His occupation was listed as a stair builder. In 1881 Edward was still living at this address. In 1894 Edward was living at 183 Eagle Street, Brooklyn, New York. In 1897 he relocated to 116 Eagle Street, Brooklyn, New York. In 1900 Edward was living at 190 Freeman Street, Brooklyn, New York.
In the 1900 United States Census Edward was living with his wife, Ellen Easton, at 152 Java Street, Brooklyn, New York. On 3 December 1900, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle stated, Edward Blanchard of 153 Eagle Street, was promoted to bridge tender on the Blissville Bridge. His salary was $839.50. Two years later (7 February 1902) the paper reported Edward was dismissed. In 1910 the United States Census stated Edward was living at 130 Huron Street, Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, Ellen. On 2 September 1915, Edward H Blanchard fell down a flight of cellar stairs at 236 West 144 Street, Manhattan, New York. He died from a fracture, at the base of his skull. Edward was buried in Calvary Cemetery with his wife.
To complete my research on Edward I need to find his immigration and marriage records. Also Edward was listed as having two children in the 1910 Census, Edward (17) and Edith (12) Blanchard. This was the first and last time they were mentioned.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Churches in Greenpoint
St. Anthony-St. Alphonsus
862 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
St. Cecilia
84 Herbert Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
SS Cyril and Methodius
150 Dupont Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Holy Family
21 Nassau Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
St. Stanislaus Kostka
607 Humboldt Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
862 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
St. Cecilia
84 Herbert Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
SS Cyril and Methodius
150 Dupont Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Holy Family
21 Nassau Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
St. Stanislaus Kostka
607 Humboldt Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Helen = Storyteller
Family members that change their name, place of birth, and age with great frequency are the hardest to track down. In one census they might list their age as 41; twenty years later they say they are 50. This leads to a lot of frustration and uncertainty. In my family tree, "lying" people all seem to share a common trait, the name Helen, or Ellen, or Nellie, etc. For a name that means light, they turn it off.
Helen Blanchard (1849-1927)
Helen was born in May 1849. She was baptized Roman Catholic, 3 June 1849, St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. Her baptismal certificate lists her parents as Stephen Blanchard and Catharine Ferris. Helen, or Ellen as she commonly referred to herself, lived in Tignish, Prince Edward Island, along with her family in the 1861 Canadian Census.
The next time Ellen was documented was 16 May 1891. She was listed as the mother of Michael Joseph (abt 1884-1891), on his death certificate from that date. At the time of his death Ellen and her family were living at 81 Avenue C, Manhattan, New York. She was still living there 9 November 1891, when her husband, Michael Lyons (abt 1850-1891), was admitted to the New York City Asylum for Insane, Wards Island, New York.
In the 1900 United States Census Ellen was living on Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, New York, with her daughter Helen (abt 1880-1893) and her niece Catherine Blanchard (1896-1965). In the 1910 United States Census she was living at 83 Third Street in Queens, New York. She was living with her daughter Helen and Helen's family, as well as Catherine Blanchard. In 1918 Ellen was listed as Daniel Joseph's (1876- ) mother on his World War I Draft Card. Her address was 26-84 12th Street.
In 1920 Ellen was living at 912 Crescent Street, Queens, New York. She was living with her husband, John Ryan. Ellen died on 30 November 1927 in Wyckoff Heights Hospital from appendicitis. At the time of her death she was living at 76 McComb Place, Queens, New York. Ellen was buried in St. John's Cemetery, Queens, New York.
There are so many things I need to do to complete my research on Helen. My first to do is figure what Ellen was doing between the years 1861-1891. Obviously she immigrated, married, and had children, but I do not have records on any of these events.
Helen Blanchard (1849-1927)
Helen was born in May 1849. She was baptized Roman Catholic, 3 June 1849, St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. Her baptismal certificate lists her parents as Stephen Blanchard and Catharine Ferris. Helen, or Ellen as she commonly referred to herself, lived in Tignish, Prince Edward Island, along with her family in the 1861 Canadian Census.
The next time Ellen was documented was 16 May 1891. She was listed as the mother of Michael Joseph (abt 1884-1891), on his death certificate from that date. At the time of his death Ellen and her family were living at 81 Avenue C, Manhattan, New York. She was still living there 9 November 1891, when her husband, Michael Lyons (abt 1850-1891), was admitted to the New York City Asylum for Insane, Wards Island, New York.
In the 1900 United States Census Ellen was living on Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, New York, with her daughter Helen (abt 1880-1893) and her niece Catherine Blanchard (1896-1965). In the 1910 United States Census she was living at 83 Third Street in Queens, New York. She was living with her daughter Helen and Helen's family, as well as Catherine Blanchard. In 1918 Ellen was listed as Daniel Joseph's (1876- ) mother on his World War I Draft Card. Her address was 26-84 12th Street.
In 1920 Ellen was living at 912 Crescent Street, Queens, New York. She was living with her husband, John Ryan. Ellen died on 30 November 1927 in Wyckoff Heights Hospital from appendicitis. At the time of her death she was living at 76 McComb Place, Queens, New York. Ellen was buried in St. John's Cemetery, Queens, New York.
There are so many things I need to do to complete my research on Helen. My first to do is figure what Ellen was doing between the years 1861-1891. Obviously she immigrated, married, and had children, but I do not have records on any of these events.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
National Genealogical Society
I just became a member of the National Genealogical Society. According to their website the NGS is the "premier national society for everyone from the beginner to the most advanced family historian."
We shall see...
We shall see...
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Daniel Blanchard
Daniel Blanchard was born 7 September 1847 to Stephen Blanchard and Catharine Ferris. He was baptized Roman Catholic at St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, Prince Edward Island, 17 September 1847. Daniel was living with his family in Tignish, Prince Edward Island in the 1861 Canadian Census.
These are the only facts that I have on Daniel. I don't know if Daniel came to New York with Catharine, or stayed in Canada with Stephen and John. I have searched the Prince Edward Island Public Archives and Records Office. I have also searched New Brunswick Vital Records and Nova Scotia Vital Records. The name Daniel Blanchard doesn't appear in any of these databases.
The clues I have to help me find Daniel are...
A Daniel Blanchard appears as a sponsor on a baptismal record from Tignish, Prince Edward Island, dated 5 December 1863. The record is for a Stephen Blanchard whose parents are listed as Stephen Blanchard and Catharine Tennessy. Unfortunately there is no way to tell if this is my Daniel.
The name Daniel does not appear in the Blanchard family. Therefore I am assuming the name Daniel comes from the Ferris side.
These are the only facts that I have on Daniel. I don't know if Daniel came to New York with Catharine, or stayed in Canada with Stephen and John. I have searched the Prince Edward Island Public Archives and Records Office. I have also searched New Brunswick Vital Records and Nova Scotia Vital Records. The name Daniel Blanchard doesn't appear in any of these databases.
The clues I have to help me find Daniel are...
A Daniel Blanchard appears as a sponsor on a baptismal record from Tignish, Prince Edward Island, dated 5 December 1863. The record is for a Stephen Blanchard whose parents are listed as Stephen Blanchard and Catharine Tennessy. Unfortunately there is no way to tell if this is my Daniel.
The name Daniel does not appear in the Blanchard family. Therefore I am assuming the name Daniel comes from the Ferris side.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Elizabeth and the Delaneys
Elizabeth Blanchard was born circa 1846. She was living with her family in Tignish, Prince Edward Island, in the 1861 Canadian Census. Elizabeth married William Delaney, 10 December 1871, at the Church of St. Michael, Manhattan, New York. Her marriage certificate lists her parents as Stephen Blanchard and Catharine Ferris. After her marriage, Elizabeth lived at 444 West 37 Street. She was listed at this address in both the 1880 and 1900 United States Censuses. Elizabeth and William had eight children.
William Joseph Delaney (abt 1872-1908)
Thomas Delaney (abt 1874-1878)
Mary Ellen Delaney (1876-1897)
Catherine Delaney (1879- )
Joseph Delaney (1881 - )
Anne Delaney (1883-1907)
Elizabeth Delaney (1888- )
Elizabeth Blanchard Delaney died 18 January 1901, from pulmonary phthisis. Elizabeth is buried with family members in Calvary Cemetery.
To complete my research on Elizabeth and her family I need to find, and/or follow up on quite a few things
William Joseph Delaney (abt 1872-1908)
Thomas Delaney (abt 1874-1878)
Mary Ellen Delaney (1876-1897)
Catherine Delaney (1879- )
Joseph Delaney (1881 - )
Anne Delaney (1883-1907)
Elizabeth Delaney (1888- )
Elizabeth Blanchard Delaney died 18 January 1901, from pulmonary phthisis. Elizabeth is buried with family members in Calvary Cemetery.
To complete my research on Elizabeth and her family I need to find, and/or follow up on quite a few things
- Elizabeth's baptismal record.
- Immigration records for Elizabeth.
- William Joseph Delaney and Thomas Delaney's birth records. The Church of St. Michael's searched their records for 1872, 73, 74 and 1874, 75, 76 respectively, but couldn't find anything. updated Tuesday, March 30, 2010
- Joseph Delaney's baptismal sponsors were George Blanchard and Mary Kennedy. The Kennedy name appears on numerous Blanchard family documents.
- Elizabeth Delaney's baptismal sponsors were William J Delaney and Ellen Ferris.
- I do not have any records on Catherine, Joseph, and Elizabeth Delaney after 1900.
- I only have records for seven Delaney children. updated Tuesday, August 17, 2010
- William Joseph Delaney had at least two living children when he died in 1908, William Delaney (abt 1901- ) and Edward Delaney (abt 1906- ).
Saturday, February 20, 2010
John Blanchard
John Blanchard (1843-1867) was Stephen and Catharine's eldest son. He was born 14 August 1843. John was baptized Roman Catholic, 27 August 1843, in St. John the Baptist, Miscouche, Prince Edward Island. His sponsors were Donald Ferris and Catherine McNeil. In the 1861 Canadian Census, an 18 year old John was living with his family in Tignish, Prince Edward Island. John married Ann Cook, 27 June 1867, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They were married in an Episcopal Church. John died 26 November 1867. He died in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from disease of the heart.
Due to John's short life, I think I am finished researching him. The one name I would like to follow up on is Donald Ferris.
Due to John's short life, I think I am finished researching him. The one name I would like to follow up on is Donald Ferris.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Catharine Ferris Blanchard
Catharine Ferris Blanchard is one of the more interesting stories in my family tree. She married very young and had quite a large family. She appeared to be living a rather normal life; however things changed. For reasons yet unknown Catharine left her husband, her home, and everything she knew in Canada, to start life over in the United States. Here, with most of her children by her side, she lived to become a very "old lady."
Here is Catharine's story...
On 29 September 1839 Catharine Ferris (abt 1825-1915) married Stephen S Blanchard in Bathurst, New Brunswick. On 27 August 1843 her son John (1843-1867) was baptized in St. John Baptist Church, Miscouche, Prince Edward Island. In September of 1847, Catharine gave birth to her son Daniel (1847- ). He was baptized at St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. Catharine's children Helen (1849-1927), Edward (1851-1915), Anne (1853- ), Sophia (1856-1948), and William (1858-1932) were also baptized in this Church. In 1861 Catharine was still living with her family, in Tignish, Prince Edward Island. She was listed with them in the 1861 Canadian Census. In 1877 Catharine was living at 140 Huron Street, Brooklyn, New York. From here she moved to 179 Java Street, and in the 1880 United States Census she was living with Edward, Sophia, Stephen (abt 1861-1936), and George (abt 1864-1940) at 595 Lorimer Street. During the next twenty years some of her addresses included 692 Leonard Street and 148 Meserole Avenue. In the 1900 United States Census, Catharine was living with Sophia's family at 105 India Street. Catharine died 3 January 1915. Her cause of death was listed as bronchial asthma and pleura-pneumonia. At the time of her death Catharine was living at 147 Twelfth Avenue, Queens, New York. Catharine was buried 5 January 1915 in Calvary Cemetery.
Those are the facts, but there is plenty I still need to learn.
When was Catharine born?
Her year of birth ranges from 1825 in the 1900 United States Census to 1832 in the 1880 United States Census. In the 1861 Canadian Census she was listed as 21 to 45, which puts her birth between 1816 and 1840. Considering she was married in 1839 and John was born in 1843, Catharine was probably born closer to the 1825 date.
Where was Catharine born?
Catharine states she was born in Ireland in the 1861 Canadian Census and the 1900 United States Census. In the 1880 United States Census she states she was born in Massachusetts. Her children list her birthplace as Ireland, Nova Scotia, England, or Canada depending on the child and the year of the census.
How did Catharine wind up in New York?
Catharine was living in Canada in 1861. She was probably living there when Stephen and George were born as well, but right now I do not have those records. In 1877 Catharine is living in Brooklyn, New York. She is actually living in New York earlier; however I need to double check my source. Last time I went to NYC Department of Records I found Catharine in an earlier directory. She was living at 204 Freeman; however I did not write down the exact year. I wrote Freeman Street, 1872/1873. I am going to have to verify what directory this is from next time I go. updated Tuesday, March 30, 2010 I have yet to find immigration records for Catharine or her family.
As to why Catharine left Canada we may never know; however we can speculate...My speculations will be in another post.
Here is Catharine's story...
On 29 September 1839 Catharine Ferris (abt 1825-1915) married Stephen S Blanchard in Bathurst, New Brunswick. On 27 August 1843 her son John (1843-1867) was baptized in St. John Baptist Church, Miscouche, Prince Edward Island. In September of 1847, Catharine gave birth to her son Daniel (1847- ). He was baptized at St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, Prince Edward Island. Catharine's children Helen (1849-1927), Edward (1851-1915), Anne (1853- ), Sophia (1856-1948), and William (1858-1932) were also baptized in this Church. In 1861 Catharine was still living with her family, in Tignish, Prince Edward Island. She was listed with them in the 1861 Canadian Census. In 1877 Catharine was living at 140 Huron Street, Brooklyn, New York. From here she moved to 179 Java Street, and in the 1880 United States Census she was living with Edward, Sophia, Stephen (abt 1861-1936), and George (abt 1864-1940) at 595 Lorimer Street. During the next twenty years some of her addresses included 692 Leonard Street and 148 Meserole Avenue. In the 1900 United States Census, Catharine was living with Sophia's family at 105 India Street. Catharine died 3 January 1915. Her cause of death was listed as bronchial asthma and pleura-pneumonia. At the time of her death Catharine was living at 147 Twelfth Avenue, Queens, New York. Catharine was buried 5 January 1915 in Calvary Cemetery.
Those are the facts, but there is plenty I still need to learn.
When was Catharine born?
Her year of birth ranges from 1825 in the 1900 United States Census to 1832 in the 1880 United States Census. In the 1861 Canadian Census she was listed as 21 to 45, which puts her birth between 1816 and 1840. Considering she was married in 1839 and John was born in 1843, Catharine was probably born closer to the 1825 date.
Where was Catharine born?
Catharine states she was born in Ireland in the 1861 Canadian Census and the 1900 United States Census. In the 1880 United States Census she states she was born in Massachusetts. Her children list her birthplace as Ireland, Nova Scotia, England, or Canada depending on the child and the year of the census.
How did Catharine wind up in New York?
Catharine was living in Canada in 1861. She was probably living there when Stephen and George were born as well, but right now I do not have those records. In 1877 Catharine is living in Brooklyn, New York. She is actually living in New York earlier; however I need to double check my source. Last time I went to NYC Department of Records I found Catharine in an earlier directory. She was living at 204 Freeman; however I did not write down the exact year. I wrote Freeman Street, 1872/1873. I am going to have to verify what directory this is from next time I go. updated Tuesday, March 30, 2010 I have yet to find immigration records for Catharine or her family.
As to why Catharine left Canada we may never know; however we can speculate...My speculations will be in another post.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Grandpa
About two months ago I found out you could order photocopies of the the actual application for a Social Security card. I was curious to see what new information the application might supply, so I ordered my grandfather's, George Christopher Blanchard (1910-2007). Unfortunately the only new fact was the address he was living at when he filled out the application, 627 Morgan Avenue.
I don't know if I will order any more, but it is definitely something to keep in mind.
I don't know if I will order any more, but it is definitely something to keep in mind.
Three + One = Four
I have been searching for four baptismal records from Prince Edward Island. Without civil records, baptismal records are the only way to establish birth, and links to parents.
I have no records for Elizabeth (abt 1846-1901) and George (abt 1864-1940).
I have two records for Stephen (abt 1861-1936); however I am not sure if either is correct.
That is three. My fourth record is for a girl listed in the 1861 Canadian Census. The 1861 Canadian Census isn't nominal; however it does list the ages of people in the household. According to the census there should be a girl, aged 16-21. Assuming this girl isn't a servant, and based on her age and where her immediate siblings were baptized, I should find her record at St. John the Baptist.
So to figure all this out, I ordered microfilm from my local Family History Center. I ordered two different films. One from St. John Baptist and one from St. Simon and St. Jude.
I have no records for Elizabeth (abt 1846-1901) and George (abt 1864-1940).
I have two records for Stephen (abt 1861-1936); however I am not sure if either is correct.
That is three. My fourth record is for a girl listed in the 1861 Canadian Census. The 1861 Canadian Census isn't nominal; however it does list the ages of people in the household. According to the census there should be a girl, aged 16-21. Assuming this girl isn't a servant, and based on her age and where her immediate siblings were baptized, I should find her record at St. John the Baptist.
So to figure all this out, I ordered microfilm from my local Family History Center. I ordered two different films. One from St. John Baptist and one from St. Simon and St. Jude.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Dad and Michael Joseph
I have been doing genealogy since 25 May 2007. What started out as a few names and dates, has quickly turned into extraordinary lives and stories, some of which, I couldn't make up if I tried. I have two people who are responsible for my journey to the past.
Dad (1949- )
It was a few months after my Grandfather died, when my Dad decided to take another shot at figuring out who Hiram Blanchard and Elizabeth Ferris were. As I watched him click around ancestry.com, I became more and more frustrated with how slow he was working. I also realized some of his research techniques were a little "shady." For example he would just open a directory and look for the name Blanchard. It wasn't long before I took over the whole project. I quickly found out Hiram and Elizabeth were not my family, and all the Blanchard's listed in the 1851 New York directory weren't either.
Michael Joseph Lyons (1884-1891)
The name Michael Joseph Lyons was on one of the first interment lists I ordered from Calvary Cemetery. I had to figure out who he was, so I visited the Italian Genealogical Group. Armed with the certificate number, my next stop was the NYC Department of Records. How excited I was to find out his death certificate stated his Mom was born in Prince Edward Island. Maybe I was related to Lucy Maud Montgomery!
So why am I writing a blog about all this. First I would like to capture my feelings and emotions, as I continue my journey to the past. Second, and more importantly, I need to record what I am doing, and what I have done. I have found I have been forgetting my reaseach, and in some cases doing research I have already done. Hopefully this blog will help prevent me from doing this in the future.
Dad (1949- )
It was a few months after my Grandfather died, when my Dad decided to take another shot at figuring out who Hiram Blanchard and Elizabeth Ferris were. As I watched him click around ancestry.com, I became more and more frustrated with how slow he was working. I also realized some of his research techniques were a little "shady." For example he would just open a directory and look for the name Blanchard. It wasn't long before I took over the whole project. I quickly found out Hiram and Elizabeth were not my family, and all the Blanchard's listed in the 1851 New York directory weren't either.
Michael Joseph Lyons (1884-1891)
The name Michael Joseph Lyons was on one of the first interment lists I ordered from Calvary Cemetery. I had to figure out who he was, so I visited the Italian Genealogical Group. Armed with the certificate number, my next stop was the NYC Department of Records. How excited I was to find out his death certificate stated his Mom was born in Prince Edward Island. Maybe I was related to Lucy Maud Montgomery!
So why am I writing a blog about all this. First I would like to capture my feelings and emotions, as I continue my journey to the past. Second, and more importantly, I need to record what I am doing, and what I have done. I have found I have been forgetting my reaseach, and in some cases doing research I have already done. Hopefully this blog will help prevent me from doing this in the future.
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