52 Ancestors in 2019: #4 -- Charles W. Drake

Charles W. Drake

This week I'm highlighting my three times great grandfather.   I would love to be able to meet and spend some time chatting with him to get his perspective on the many details that have been presented as the stories of his life.   I have so many questions that I would love to hear his answers and fill out the details.

Charles W. Drake was born on March 25, 1843, in Standford, Dutchess, New York.  Based on my research, he was the fourth of six children born to Morris Drake and Sarah Clark.

Some of the first questions I would ask him are:

• Who were his great-grandparents?
• Where are his parents buried?
• What do you know about your family's history?  When did they come to America?
• Was Edmund Drake really his brother and what are the specifics about his brother's life?
• What was his childhood like?
• Was he close with his siblings?
• What were their holiday traditions? Favorite foods?
• What was going to school like?
• Did he keep in touch with his siblings as adults?

Charles Drake married Annagusta West in 1861.   They lived in Duchess County until the 1880-1890s.  They had a family of seven children; six daughters and one son.   When they left Dutchess County moved to Wayne County, New York where Charles' brother John Drake lived.  

Some additional questions I'd ask:

• How did you meet your wife?
• When was your actual wedding?
• Where did you get married?
• What was life like when your kids were little?
• What was your perspective of Anna's family?
• Where were you in 1875 when Anna and your family were living with her brother?
• Why did you not choose to fight in the Civil War?
• Why did you move to Wayne County?  
• What was life like after you moved, how was it different?
• How did you get here?
• Why did your daughter Minnie move to Illinois?
• What can you tell me about each of your children and your wife?
• Tell me about the pictures that were taken of your family -- what are the stories of each, when were they taken and what was the circumstances?
• Who did your daughter, Clara, marry? When and where was the wedding?
• Who were your wife's mother's parents?  Who were the Grahams?
• Where is your wife's mother buried?
• What happened between your daughter Sarah and her husband George, where did he go and why did he leave?
• What is your perspective on the bonfire that accidentally killed Julia?  What happened as result?
• Why did Anna leave in 1896 and when did she come back?
• Why were you living in the city with Agnes for a period of time?
• Did Agnes marry someone before she married Joe Hasselwander?
• What was Anna's involvement in the WCTU?
• Would you have considered yourself a drinker?   I'd want to explore how much he drank as he died from cirrhosis - did it impact the family? 
• What do you know about Anna's siblings?  Why did her brother move to Illinois as a young teen?

What is the story?

Charles died on November 11, 1922, at his home in Marion, NY.   He is buried in the Marion Cemetery.

52 Ancestors in 2019: #3 - Mary Welbeloved

Mary Welbeloved

For week three of the #52ancestors, I selected to write about my 6 times great grandmother, Mary Welbeloved, as my family member with an unusual name.   As I was looking over my family tree pondering who to write about her name stood out as one that is unusual and unique compared to some of the others.   

I don't have a great deal of information about Mary and am struggling to find that little nugget that will open the door to let more details flow in.   

First of all, in terms of the surname Welbeloved.  I have learned this week that it is from medieval origin meaning "dearly loved by all."  It is believed to date back to the early 14th century.   One of the first recorded individuals with this surname is Richard Wellbyloved appearing in 1327 in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire during the reign of King Edward III.   Surnames became necessary when the government introduced personal taxation.   

The greatest percentage of Welbeloveds appear to have originated or lived near London and its surrounding counties, especially in Middlesex and Surry.  There was a John Welbeloved of Feltham who married Johanna Farr of Ashford in 1529.   Hugh Welbeloved, a yoeman, married Anne Hyne, both of Feltham married in London in 1596.    

My six times great grandmother, Mary Welbeloved, was also married in Feltham which is in Middlesex, England.   She married John West on May 18, 1780.    Records indicate they most likely raised their family in this area as each of their children have baptism records listing this location.  All of her children were baptized at St Dunstan with St Catherines in Feltham, Middlesex, England between 1781 and 1791.

In terms of how I am related to Mary -- Mary Welbeloved was the mother of Joseph West who was the father of Edward West who immigrated to America, he was the father of Annagusta West who born in NYC and moved to Wayne County NY, who was the mother of Sarah Drake who was born in Amenia, NY but also moved to Wayne County, who was the mother of Fred Haskins, who was the father of Vincent Haskins, who was the father of Mark Haskins, father of me!

52 Ancestors in 2019: #1 - Margaret West

Margaret West is My "First" Focus for 2019

So - I completely missed 2018!   Didn't write one blog post, but as part of 2019, I'm not dwelling on my past fails and working to find joy in the journey.   Joy: (noun) - a feeling of great pleasure and happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.  Working on my genealogy brings me joy.   Finally, finishing the book I have been working on, literally for years, will bring me exceptional joy.   Yet, I'm pretty sure as a genealogist the journey is more than half the fun; so maybe subconsciously I'm not finishing for a reason?   Over the past two years, I have done vast amounts of research related to my book and its time to move this journey along.  As an action step to living MyIntent word (JOY) in 2019, I am going to use my blog as a way to flush out those details to assist with the finishing of my book on Annagusta West.   Maybe with any luck, I will finish it in 2019?!

Somewhere along the way, maybe in 2017, I was re-introduced to Margaret West.  She became more than just a name in the family tree.   She was the younger sister of Annagusta West.   Margaret was born on November 26, 1847, to Edward West and Mary Ann Graham in the tenements of NYC.  She was their fourth born child.  The story had always stopped there; Margaret had been a brick wall in my genealogy research but if you dig hard enough and keep at it occasionally you are given gifts.  Strangely enough, I truly do believe that Anna sends me some every now and again.   This gift came by the way of a newspaper posting from February 7, 1929, in The Newark Courier in which there was a notice to all possible heirs of Edward West, Anna's brother.   This notice listed the name Spaulding, which was a name I wasn't familiar with.   I explored this lead and found that Margaret West married James Spaulding in the 1860s.  The brick wall came tumbling down but it got left in a big pile of rubble so I am making her my first focus for this new year.  I'm cleaning up the pieces to make sense of her story and to see how she fits in with her sister.

Margaret West had her first child, Patrick Spaulding in March of 1861.  She was just thirteen years old and James was twenty-five - OMG!  There are no words.   Patrick was born just one month after her parents had Margaret and her siblings baptized at the Church of the Epiphany in NYC.  It was also just three months before her mother died from consumption.   The more I learn about the West family I fear that there was a great deal of dysfunction going on in the home leading up to the years before their mother's death.   James and Margaret would have eight other children before she died while giving birth to their tenth child - Margaret, who also died a few months after being born.    Margaret West Spaulding was only 36 years old when she died.  She is buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY

James and Margaret's Children:

1. Patrick Spaulding: B. Mar 1861 D. 17 Jun 1943 - he lived at least 43 years in Long Island State Hospital, which was an insane asylum. I believe he was committed after stealing from family members.  I'm trying to find his patient records.
2. John F. Spaulding: B. 10 Nov 1863 D. 12 Nov 1892 - he died serving as a Brooklyn Fireman with Engine No. 4 working the Harbeck Store Fire.
3. Daniel Spaulding: B. Feb 1865 D. 19 May 1903 - he worked as a driver, unsure if he married.
4. Mary Spaulding: B. 1868 D. unknown - she became Sister Dolores Spaulding - living at Holy Cross Convent - Convent of Sisters of Charity in Harrison, NJ.   If anyone knows how to find genealogy records on past nuns please advise.
5. Elizabeth Spaulding: B. Feb 1869 D. unknown
6. Annie L Spaulding: B. Jan 1873 D. 19 Oct 1946 - married John J Foster - they are buried with Margaret.  It appears they never had children.
7. Catherine M. Spaulding: B. Oct 1875 D. 11 Mar 1931 - never married, is buried with her mother.
8. James Spaulding: B. 1877 D. unknown
9. Francis Edmund Spaulding B. 13 Jan 1880 D. 04 May 1935 - married Emily Traynor, had two children; Frank E. and James T.   He is buried in St. John's Cemetery.    He took over the family undertaker business.
10. Margaret Spaulding: B. Oct 1883 D. 02 Dec 1883 - it is presumed that her mother died from complications from giving birth to her.  She died soon after.

52 Ancestors in 2015: #8 - Louisa Cooper

Louisa Cooper

Louisa Cooper is my 4th great grandfather, Edward West's, wife.  I guess that makes her my 4th step great grandmother.  Louisa was born in New York in 1818.  She married her first husband, George Hartell on June 5, 1838.  They had two sons.

Week 8: Good Deeds

• George W. Hartell   b. 1844
• Christan F. Hartell   b. Sept 29, 1846  d. Nov. 29, 1883

George Hartell, as well as many of his family members were butchers, just like Louisa Cooper's 2nd husband, my 4th great grand father.  New York City directory records indicate that the Hartells and Edward West with his first wife, Mary were neighbors during late 1840's.  My supposition is that they most likely knew each other.  George Hartell died on March 2, 1848.

In 1850, Louisa was living with her two young sons and her mother-in-law Elizabeth Hartell.  They were living next door to Cornelius Hartell and his family.  Cornelius was also a butcher.

In 1855, Louisa was living with her two young sons with no occupation.

In 1860, Louisa is living with her sons and working as a housekeeper with the Commier family.

In 1861, Edward West's wife, Mary, died on June 1st.  Soon after that Edward and Louisa married and had a daughter Louisa.  After Mary's death -Edward's children from his first marriage moved away with the exception of Thomas.  Annaugusta got married, Joseph and George went to fight in the Civil War. Their sister Margaret was also is no longer listed with the family.  Edward was still in Illinois and would also enlist in the Civil War to fight for the Union.

By 1870, Edward and Louisa were living in Brooklyn.  Edward was still working as a butcher. Edward's son Thomas and their daughter Louisa were living with them.

In 1871, Edward and Louisa West were conveyed Lot 18044 in the Greenwood Cemetery.  Once they had the lot they conveyed the front half of the lot to Hiram Kirk and his wife Charlotte.

In 1880 they were still living in Brooklyn. Louisa, their daughter was still living with them.

Both Edward and Louisa died in 1886.  They were buried in their cemetery lot 18044 in the Green-wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY.

I was able to secure the deed and information related to the lot of land in the cemetery.  This is what I was able to learn for those documents.

• Edward Harrison and his wife Maria of Guelph of Canada West sold Edward West, his wife and their heirs for $350 the lot of land in the Green-Wood Cemetery known as 18044 containing three hundred and seventy-eight superficial feet.  Edward and Maria Harrsion purchased the land on May 29, 1868. They sold the land to the Edward and Louisa on October 25, 1871.
• There is a note attached to the sale agreement.  It states - I hereby  ..... for myself, my heirs or assigns to respect the small grave now in the within mentioned for and that it shall remain undisturbed --signed Edward West.
• Edward and Louisa West sold Hiram Kirk and his wife Charlotte and their heirs for $175 the front half of the lot of land in the Green-Wood Cemetery known as 18044 containing one hundred and eighty-nine superficial feet.  They purchased their half of the lot on October 31, 1871.
• Dated - New York, November 29, 1883 To the Superintendent of Internments of Green Wood Cemetery.  Please open a grave in my lot no 18044 for the remains of Christian F. Hartell in the half of lot where no one is buried.  Signed, Edward West.  
• Heirs of Louisa West, Widow of Edward deceased.  Lot No. 18044  State of New York, I , George B. Hartell of 152 East 121st Street New York City, NY being duly sworn, do depose and say that Louisa West, widow of Edward West late part owner of Lot Number 18044 in the The Green-Wood Cemetery, died on the tenth day of April 1886, leaving no will and that the sole surviving heirs at law to such interest in said lot are the five children of her deceased son George W. Hartell; Edward W Hartell, Charles E. Hartell, Lillian Franke, Viola Beatie and George B. Hartell this deponent; and possibly one son of her deceased son Christian F. Hartell; William Hartell who has disappeared and from whom deponent has not heard for more than fifteen years; there being no other issue of any deceased child of said Louisa West deceased.  Signed - George B. Hartell  Dated August 14, 1912.
• New York June 17, 1914  Supt. of Green Wood Cemetery - Kindly open grave in my lot for the remains of my wife Edith Hartell.  The undertaker will give instructions.  Signed George B. Hartell.
• Heirs of George B.  Hartell deceased Part of Lot No 18044.  State of New York, County of New York.  I, Herbert C. Hartell of 1265 Olmstead Avenue, Bronx, New York, New York being duly sworn, do depose and say that George B. Hartell, late part owner of Lot No 18044 in the Green-Wood Cemetery died on the 12th day of February, 1927, leaving a will which was duly probated in the County of New York, State of New York, but which does not alienate any interest in said lot from his heirs at law; that the sole surviving heirs at law to such interes in said lot, are his four children, viz: Herbert C Hartell this deponent, George D Hartell, Harry W Hartell and Irene Phelpos; there being no issue of any deceased child of said George B. Hartell, deceased.   Memo:  Dorthy Hartell, wife of deponent. Mildred Hartell, wife of George D. Hartell, Mae Hartell, wife of said Harry W. Hartell, Arthur Phelps, husband of said Irene Phelps.  Signed Herbert C. Hartell.  Sworn to before me this 11th day of April, 1941 ~ Leslie F Ellert (notary).

Individuals Buried in lot 18044 at The Green-Wood Cemetery

1. Edward P. Lees - interred on March 5, 1865.  Died on March 3, 1865.  Last Residence:  3130 Fifth Ave, New York.  Age at Time of Death - 2 years, 11 months 2 days.  Birthplace: England.  Cause of Death: Consumption.  Funeral Director: C.C. Simpson.
2. Hester Weaver - interred on May 13, 1876.  Died on May 11, 1876.  Last Residence 676 Greene Ave Brooklyn.  Age at Time of Death: 72 Years, 1 month, 11 days. Marital Status: Widow.  Birthplace: Long Island.  Cause of Death: Debility.  Undertaker - Samuel Henderson
3. Christian F. Hartell - interred on December 2, 1883. Died on November 29, 1883.  Last Residence 460 East 115 St, New York.  Age at Time of Death - 37 years, 2 months.  Marital Status: Married.  Birthplace: New York.  Cause of Death: Diarrhea.  Undertaker: T.C. Freeborn
4. Edward West - interred on January 29th 1886.  Died on January 27, 1886.  Last Residence: 314 East 114 St., New York.  Age at Time of Death:  68 years, 11 months, 3 days. Marital Status:  Married.   Birthplace: England. Cause of Death: Nephritis.  Undertaker: C Merritt.
5. Louisa West - interred on April 13, 1886.  Died on April 10, 1886.  Last Residence: 314 114th St, New York.  Age at Time of Death: 68 years.  Marital Status:  Widow.  Birthplace: New York.  Cause of Death: Disease of Heart.  Undertaker:  C. Merritt.
6. Hiram Kirk - interred on December 2, 1886.  Died on November 30, 1886.  Last Residence 676 Green Ave. Brooklyn.  Age at Time of Death:  74 Years, 2 months, 2 days. Marital Status:  Married.  Birthplace: Delaware. Cause of Death:  Cancer of Stomach.  Undertaker:  Samuel Henderson & Son.
7. Eliza H. Hammell - interred on December 26th 1887.  Died on December 23, 1887. Last Residence:  676 Greene Ave. Brooklyn.  Age at Time of Death: 72 Years, 1 month. Marital Status: Widow Birthplace: Brooklyn, NY.  Cause of Death:   Phlegmonous erysipelas of face.   Undertaker: G.W. Smith.
8. Charlotte Kirk - interred on August 12, 1890.  Died on August 9, 1890.  Last Residence: 676 Green Ave. Brooklyn.  Age at Time of Death: 79 Years, 4 months.  Marital Status:  Widow.  Birthplace: NY.  Cause of Death: Dysentery.  Undertaker: Samuel Henderson & Son.
9. Edith Hartell - interred on June 20, 1914.  Died on June 16, 1914.  Last Residence: 154 East 121st, NY.  Age at Time of Death:  40 years. Marital Status:  Married.  Birthplace: New York City.  Cause of Death: Septicemia.  Undertaker: L.A. Hammond.
10. George Boyde Hartell - interred on February 16, 1927.  Died on February 12, 1927.  Last Residence:  2460 Davidson Ave., Bronx, NY.  Age at Time of Death:  58 Years.  Marital Status: Married. Birth Place: New York City.   Cause of Death:  Endcarditis.  Undertaker: L.A. Hammond

Summer 2014 - I visited Lot 18044.

Lot 18044 in The Green-Wood Cemetery - Brooklyn, NY

Thoughts based on the information that I have obtained from the deed of Lot 18044.

• I was surprised to see that there was no mention of Louisa West, the daughter of Edward and Louisa.  I would have expected her to be listed as an heir, or buried there if she had already died.   
• There was no mention of any of Edward's children as being heirs to the lot.  I am not surprised.  I have a feeling that Edward's children became estranged from him after their m other passed away and he married Louisa.  There was no mention of him in a family bible that I was given dating back to the late 1800's.

Marriage of Anna Augusta Druitt and Joseph West

Joseph West and Anna Augusta Druitt are my fith great grandparents.  It appears that they were married on May 10th 1814 in the St. Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney near London, England.

London Metropolitan Archives, Saint Dunstan And All Saints, Register of marriages, P93/DUN, Item 054

Here is a picture of the church as it looks today.  This picture was found on the church's website.

http://www.stdunstanstepney.org/Welcome.html