Person Page - 41

Silas Garnsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey b. 27 Mar 1750, d. Aug 1821
• Mother: Sarah Seekins

• Death*: Silas died, Piscataway, New Jersey.
• Birth*: Silas was born on 8 April 1778.
• He was the son of Ezra Garnsey and Sarah Seekins.

• Last Edited: 13 Mar 2005

Ezra Garnsey Jr.

• Father: Ezra Garnsey b. 27 Mar 1750, d. Aug 1821
• Mother: Sarah Seekins

• Birth*: Ezra was born on 12 April 1780, Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut.
• He was the son of Ezra Garnsey and Sarah Seekins.
• Marriage*: Ezra married Lannah Bennett on 31 July 1803, New York City, New York. Ceremony performed by John Wilson, Elder in Methodist Episcopal Church.
• Census: Ezra appeared on the census of 1810 at Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut, as one male under 10, one 10-15, Ezra, Jr. 26-44, 1 female under 10, 1 f. 16-25. David Holly listed about 5 names above.¹
• Census: Ezra appeared on the census of 1820 at Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut, as Ezra Garnsey Ju'r, with 3 males under 10, 1 males 10-15, 1 males 26-44, 1 female under 10, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 26-44, 1 female 45 +, 1 person engaged in manufactures. Surrounded by Smiths and Webbs.²
• Census: Ezra appeared on the census of 1830 at Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut, as 3 males 5-9 (Ezra, William & Samuel), 1 males 15-19 (Solomon was 19 at this time), 1 male 40-49, 1 female 10-15 (Elizabeth), 1 female 20-29 (Rosetta), 1 female 40-49.³
• Census*: Ezra appeared on the census of 1840 at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut.
• Census: Ezra appeared on the census of 1850 at Murray, Orleans County, New York, as Garnsey, age 70, Shoemaker, $200, and Lanah, 63, b. NY.⁴
• Death*: Ezra died after 1850, Utica, Oneida, New York.
• Burial*: Ezra was buried in after 1850, Corn Hill Cemetery, Utica, Oneida, New York. (Haven't yet found where Corn Hill Cemetery was.).

• Last Edited: 24 Feb 2005

Lannah Bennett

• Married Name: Her married name was Garnsey.
• Birth*: Lannah was born in 1787, New York.¹
• Marriage*: Lannah married Ezra Garnsey Jr., son of Ezra Garnsey and Sarah Seekins, on 31 July 1803, New York City, New York. Ceremony performed by John Wilson, Elder in Methodist Episcopal Church.

• Last Edited: 13 Mar 2005

Sally (Sarah) Garnsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey b. 27 Mar 1750, d. Aug 1821
• Mother: Sarah Seekins

• Birth*: Sally was born on 17 March 1782.
• She was the daughter of Ezra Garnsey and Sarah Seekins.
• Marriage*: Sally married Jorum Jessup on 20 November 1803.¹
• Married Name: As of 20 November 1803,her married name was Jessup.
• Death*: Sally died on 28 July 1861, LaPorte, Indiana, at age 79.

• Last Edited: 4 Apr 2004

Solomon Garnsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey b. 27 Mar 1750, d. Aug 1821
• Mother: Sarah Seekins

• Birth*: Solomon was born on 25 May 1787.
• He was the son of Ezra Garnsey and Sarah Seekins.
• Death*: Solomon died on 26 February 1841, Northfield Cemetery, Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut, at age 53.

• Last Edited: 13 Mar 2005

Catherine G. Garnsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey Jr. b. 12 Apr 1780, d. a 1850
• Mother: Lannah Bennett b. 1787

• Birth*: Catherine was born on 10 June 1804, New York City, New York.
• She was the daughter of Ezra Garnsey Jr. and Lannah Bennett.
• Death*: Catherine died on 13 September 1805 at age 1.

• Last Edited: 13 Mar 2005

Rosetta B. Garnsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey Jr. b. 12 Apr 1780, d. a 1850
• Mother: Lannah Bennett b. 1787

• Birth*: Rosetta was born on 13 February 1806, New York City, New York.
• She was the daughter of Ezra Garnsey Jr. and Lannah Bennett.
• Married Name: As of 29 November 1830,her married name was Miller.
• Marriage*: Rosetta married John Miller on 29 November 1830.
• Census*: Rosetta appeared on the census of 1850 at Ward 3, Utica, Oneida, New York, as wife of John Miller, 44, Blacksmith, b. NY. Rosetta is 45, and the following children are listed, Martha A., 24(?), Sarah E, 18, Emily F. 11, John A, 12, Eliza ? 11, Jabez L, 8. Five other people in household, assume boarders, Erby (?) Girzelman, 16, Germany, Elizabeth Gross (?). 26, Louise Higham, 18, Westley (?) Gross, stone cutter, 28, Innus Jones, machinist, Susonence (?) Black, machinist.¹
• Death*: Rosetta died between 1850 and 1860, Utica, Oneida, New York.²

• Last Edited: 13 Mar 2005

John Miller

• Marriage*: John married Rosetta B. Garnsey, daughter of Ezra Garnsey Jr. and Lannah Bennett, on 29 November 1830.
• Birth*: John was born in 1838, New York.¹
• (Witness) Census: John Miller appeared on the census of 1850 in the household of Rosetta B. Garnsey at Ward 3, Utica, Oneida, New York, (See record of Rosetta B. Garnsey for details.).¹
• Census*: John appeared on the census of 1860 at Utica, Oneida, New York, as Blacksmith, $200, age 56, with Sarah, 30, dressmaker, Martha 28, weaver, Emily 26, domestic, Eliza, 21 weaver, Jacob, 19, blacksmith.²

• Last Edited: 24 Feb 2005

Sarah C. (Sarah Ann) Garnsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey Jr. b. 12 Apr 1780, d. a 1850
• Mother: Lannah Bennett b. 1787

• Birth*: Sarah was born on 23 September 1807.
• She was the daughter of Ezra Garnsey Jr. and Lannah Bennett.
• Death*: Sarah died on 5 August 1809, Durham Cemetery at age 1.¹

• Last Edited: 19 Jan 2005

Jesse Hunt Garnsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey Jr. b. 12 Apr 1780, d. a 1850
• Mother: Lannah Bennett b. 1787

• Birth*: Jesse was born on 5 June 1809, New York City, New York.¹
• He was the son of Ezra Garnsey Jr. and Lannah Bennett.
• Marriage*: Jesse married Clara Patrick on 22 July 1830, New Canaan, Fairfield, Connecticut.¹
• Death*: Jesse died on 3 January 1888, Westport, Fairfield, Connecticut, at age 78.

• Last Edited: 19 Jan 2005

Solomon Seekins Guernsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey Jr. b. 12 Apr 1780, d. a 1850
• Mother: Lannah Bennett b. 1787

• Birth*: Solomon was born on 7 December 1811, New Canaan, Fairfield, Connecticut.¹
• He was the son of Ezra Garnsey Jr. and Lannah Bennett.
• (Witness) Census: Solomon Seekins Guernsey appeared on the census of 1820 in the household of Ezra Garnsey Jr. at Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut, (See record of Ezra Garnsey Jr. for details.).²
• (Witness) Census: Solomon Seekins Guernsey appeared on the census of 1830 in the household of Ezra Garnsey Jr. at Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut, (See record of Ezra Garnsey Jr. for details.).³
• Photo Link*: RELATED PHOTO(S): Photo of Gansey Family Register.
  
• Marriage*: Solomon married Elizabeth Jane Mead, daughter of Selah Mead and Sarah Wilson, on 14 February 1833, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut. By Rev. Ebenezer Washburn.⁴
• Census*: Solomon appeared on the census of 1840 at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, as 1 males 5-9, 1 males 20-29, 1 femaile under 5, 1 female 20-29. Right next to Sely Mead.
• (Witness) Probate Record: Solomon Seekins Guernsey was listed in the probate record of Selah Mead on 13 June 1842 at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut. See Selah Mead for details.⁵
• (Witness) Probate Record: Solomon Seekins Guernsey was listed in the probate record of Selah Mead on 19 December 1842 at Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut. See Selah Mead for details.
• (Witness) Probate Record: Solomon Seekins Guernsey was listed in the probate record of Selah Mead on 31 December 1842 at Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut. See Selah Mead for details.
• Research Note*: On 14 November 1843 Daniel M. Mead, in A History of the Town of Greenwich, 1857, gave the following information on the Methodist Episcopal Society of Horseneck. "This Society was formed on the 14th day of November, A.D. 1843. The mutual agreement by which this association was formed, is recorded upon the records of the Society as follows:
  
  Whereas the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church resident in Horseneck, in the town of Greenwich, Fairfield Co., Conn., desire to make provision for the maintenance of the public worship of God according to the usages and doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church in said Horseneck as may be considered necessary.
  
  Therefore we the underdigned for the accomplishment of the above named object do hereby by mutual agreement associate ourselves together as a religious society for the maintenance of the public worship of God according to the usages and doctrines of the said Methodist Episcopal Church in said Horseneck, by the name and style of the Horseneck Methodist Episcopal Society; by which name and style the said Society is to be called and known; which said society we do hereby constitute to be subject to all the incidents and liabilities to which religious societies and congregations are by law subject and possess and enjoy all rights powers and privileges given by law to religious societies and congregations.
  
  And we hereby declare this meeting at which the undersigned are present to be the first meeting of said Society the same being holden by us all this 14th day of November, A.D. 1843 at the school house in said Horseneck. And we do hereby appoint John A. Merritt clerk of said Society to continue in office until another be chosen and sworn in his room. And we also appoint Jonathan A. Close, Elisha Halsted, Gilbert Marshall, Solomon S. Gansey and Benjamin Peck jun. to be the committee of the said Society to order the affairs of said society according to law.
  
  And we do hereby fix on the school house in Horseneck Society as the place of holding the meetings of said society until the society shall otherwise direct and we direct that the clerk of this society shall cause the articles of association to be recorded in the records of this Society.
  
  We also appoint Elisha Halsted Treasurer of this society. We also fix on the first Monday of November as the time when the annual meetings of this society shall be holden until the society shall otherwise direct.
  
  Witness our hands this 14th day of November A.D. 1843.
  SOLOMON S. GANSEY,
  ELISHA HALSTED,
  JOHN A. MERRITT,
  GILBERT MARSHALL,
  JOHN M. WEED,
  JONATHAN A. CLOSE,
  BENJAMIN PECK, JUN.
  
  On the 14th of November, 1848, the following united with the Society: Gilbert Lent, Samuel Slagle, Samuel Minor, William Funston, Wm McF. Howard (withdrawn), John Marshall, William Barmore, Charles Gorse.
  
  And on or soon after the 8th of December, 1851, Charles Owen, Drake Marshall, Richard Burns, David H. Smith, Samuel Riker, Samuel Burns, Humphrey D. Mead, John Dayton.
  
  On the 22d of January, 1844, by unanimous consent it was voted to build a meeting-house. The deminsions were thirty feet by forty-five. The building committee then appointed were Elisha Halsted, Jonathan A. Close, and Benjamin Peck, jr. This building was immediately commenced, and soon completed.
  
  The ministers of this Church have been in the following order--Rev., Rufus C. Putney, Benjamin Redford, Jacob C. Washburne, Charles Gorse, John A. Selleck, G.L. Fuller, P.L. Hoyt, George Dunbar, Senaca Howland, present minister. "
• Research Note: In 1843 D. Hamilton Hurd states in his history, p. 386, "Among other early Methodists in the vicinity are mentioned the names of John Avery and wife, Benjamin Wilson and wife, Mrs. Matilda Mead, Mrs. Platt Newman, Miss Mahala Hitchcock, Mrs. Maria Marshall, Mrs. Elizabeth Palmer, Mrs. Isaac Weed, Mrs. Selah Mead, Miss Marilda Fletcher, Mrs. William Mead, Mrs. Huldah Tracey, Mrs. Nehemiah Mead, Mrs. Charity Tudor (colored), Mrs. Ellen Treadwell (colored), Gilbert Lent, Samuel Slagle, Samuel Minor, William Funston, William McF. (MeF.?) Howard, John Marshall, William Barmore, Charles Gorse.⁶
• Census: Solomon appeared on the census of 1850 at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, as "Garnsey", age 40, Carpenter, $600. With Elizabeth, 35, Selah, 16, Sarah J. 14, George 9, Mary 5. Lived between Greens, Sniffen, Purdy.
• Anecdote*: Excerpting from Fred Hubbard's Greenwich Press column of July 3, 1930: "In 1854 Capt. William Lyon was 46 years old. And although in the prime of life he was retired from the sea. He was what has been called a deep sea sailor. He was an experienced navigator. He was in the China trade. His last clipper ship was the Lady Lancashire, and an oil painting owned by the family of the late Nelson B. Mead shows her after she had shortened sail for a landing at the Liverpool docks...
  But Captain Lyon, young as he was, had retired rich. He bought the house on Putnam Avenue, for many years the home of John Voorhis, who for repeated terms was the warden of the borough. That house was torn down last year to make room for the new Pickwick Theatre. In 1854, Greenwich was a very slow suburban town. It had its advantages and one of them was that it was a very healthful place to live and everyone enjoyed the fine Sound view. Looking down Greenwich Avenue or Field Point Road in the winter one can imagine how that glimpse of the water was enlarged when no buildings or trees interfered with the view.
  But there were objections and those most prominent were two: stray cattle, geese and pigs in the highway, and unbroken roads in the deep of winter. Captain Lyon did not like these things any more than his youthful neighbor, Henry M. Benedict, liked the narrow road leading to Piping Point, now Greenwich Avenue, an account of which appeared in this column recently. There were other people who didn't like it, among them Jacob T. Weed, Augustus Lyon and Solomon Gansey. A young lawyer, Julius B. Curtis, was an office tenant of Mr. Weed and that office was the place where the discontented ones gathered. In the autumn and winter of 1854 Mr. Curtis prepared a bill which was presented to the General Assembly at its May term, 1854. The principal objects of this corporation were to run a snow plow in winter, and in summer the coralling of stray animals and the hissing geese, although they were absent from the bill.
  The preliminary expenses were paid by those who conceived the idea of a borough government. Apparently the only objects they had in view were the suppression of the two nuisances to which reference has been made. The area of the proposed borough was very small and the annual tax roll for several years was only $250, and individual bills as small as six cents, but that was enough to pay for the snow plow and the cost of the pound, located on upper Mechanic Street, now Sherwood Place, which was maintained by the statutory fees collected from the he owners of the impounded cattle, pigs and geese. And Solomon Gansey took both the snow plow and the pound jobs."⁷
  
• Property Record: Solomon was involved in a property transaction on 29 April 1854 at Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut, I, Solomon S. Gansey of Greenwich in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, for the consideration of the love and affection for Joseph A. Peck and his wife my daughter and one dollar received to my full satisfaction of the said Joseph and his wife Sarah Jane of said Greenwich, do give, grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said Joseph A. and Sarah Jane his wife a certain piece or tract of land lying in said Greenwich with buildings thereon, being a piece forty nine feet in front and rear and one hundred feet deep. Bounded north and west by my own land, east by Mechanic Street, and south by land of Gilbert Lent. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29th day of April AD 1854, Soloman S. Gansey. Signed, Sealed and Delivered, in Presence of Daniel S. Mead, Samuel Close.
  
  Note: Mechanic Street seems to be now called Sherwood Pl, running for a block or two from Putnam, between the Methodist and the Congregational churches, north to William St. (HK, 2006).⁸
• Position*: In 1859 at Greenwich Boro, Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut, Solomon was appointed Hayward of the borough, which had been chartered 10 July 1854.
• Census: Solomon appeared on the census of 1860 at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, as Gansey, 49, Carpenter, Personal assets of $200, with Elizabeth, 45, George 20, Mary 15, and Ann M. 1. Nearby names, John Dayton, storekeeper, Benjamin Farrington E.P. Minister, Darius Mead, Philander Button.⁹
• Address*: As of 1867, Solomon Seekins Guernsey lived at West side of Mechanic Street (now Sherwood Pl.), Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut near the corner of William Street. His house was between "Mrs. B. and then J.T. Weed on the north side, and B. Wright and the E. Shepard on the south side. Across the street was the property of "H.M.B."¹⁰
• Census: Solomon appeared on the census of 1870 at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, as Gansey, S.S., Carpenter, value of Real Estate, $2000, age 57, with E.J., 51, Mary E. 23, Anna 11. Nearby names are Elizabeth Hoyt, J.E. Brush, Benj. Wright, W.E. Ferris.¹¹
• Census: Solomon appeared on the census of 1880 at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, as as Gurnsey, age 69, Farmer, with Elizabeth , Mary, 22 at home. I think the name is incorrect here, Annie would have been about 21, and didn't marry until the next year, and Mary would have been 34. Also listed are two farm laborers, Frank and Alfred Skoilfinder. Alfred may be living with the neighboring household, Thomas W. Brennon.
• Newspaper Mention*: The 4 June 1885 edition of the Port Chester Journal, Port Chester, Westchester, New York, mentions the Lazy Men's Society. The PCJ had sections of news from all the local communities, sent in by local contributors. A few weeks previously, the Round Hill contributor, "Nero," had written "About five y'rs ago a few of the Round-hillers organized a Lazy Men's Society with Jonathan Husted, Chairman. There were some of the most popular men of Port Chester, Glenville, Greenwich, as well as in this Village who belonged to it. Now the only surviving member we can find is the aged Chairman. We saw Charles Stephens in Port Chester a few days ago; he has mustered up courage enough to be a professional. Jas. McCollough, Ed. Angevine and Tom Tompkins are, we think, eligible. Any man who stands up and opens three cents worth of oysters for a customer and not sit down, or can drive a horse the length of Main St., and bow to every one he meets, and take his hat off to the ladies, or can get a fireman's uniform on in time to get to a fire, we think if we haven't forgot about the by--laws, can't become a member of the L.M.S. By some means or other the by-laws have got lost. Any ex-member who can give any idea of their whereabouts will be thanked by the aged Chairman." And in today's issue of the paper, a followup: "Our aged Chairman has proposed to have three other places to hold meetings of the L.M.S., as it will be such a great undertaking for the members to get to headquarters these hot days, at Port Chester, Glenville, and Greenwich. The place designated at Port Chester is under those Elm trees in front of Ed Week's butcher shop, with Mr. Guernsey, Chairman, and Dr. Odell, Sec. At Glenville in Amos Selleck's blacksmith shop, with Jim Howley, Chair, "Sack" Banks, Sec. At Greenwich, Railroad Depot with Sam Lyon Chairman and Frank Mosier, Sec. These meetings are to be held every hot day. These officers can appoint whoever they have a mind to keep off flies, and they are to be respected accordingly by order of the Aged Chairman."¹²
  
• Newspaper Mention: The 11 June 1885 edition of the Port Chester Journal, Port Chester, Westchester County, New York reported that Greenwich News: "Mary W[aring] Mead has rented her Octagon house to M. Foster, of New York for the summer."
  
• Church Affiliation*: As of 1886, Solomon was affiliated with Methodist Episcopal Church, Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut,this church, since his funeral services were held here.
• Death*: Solomon died on 4 September 1886, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, at age 74.¹³
• Obituary*: Greenwich Graphic 11 September 1886 Obituary: "Solomon S. Guernsey, an old resident and pretty well known, died on Saturday. Funeral services were held at the M.E. Church Wednesday."¹⁴
• Research Note: From a survey of old buildings, in the Finch Archives at the Bush-Holley House, below are the years built and the owners of houses on Sherwood Place (formerly Mechanic St.):
  
  # 17 - 1837, First owner John E. Knapp (from 1912 Minor's map in tax assessor's office)
  #28 - 1838, Originally owned by John Kirk
  #29 - 1840
  #37 - 1851, Originally owned by William Eddy, later the parsonage for the Methodist Church.
  #49 - 1860
  # 53 - 1870 - Site of Gilbert Lent carriage shop (from 1890 Miller Robbins Map)
  #57-59 - 1837, per 1856 Clark's Atlas
  #58 - 1851, Originally owned by Humphrey Denton
  #61 - 1870
  #65 - 1839, Originally owned by Drake Marshall.

• Last Edited: 10 Jun 2007

Elizabeth Jane Mead

• Father: Selah Mead b. c 1783
• Mother: Sarah Wilson b. c 1790, d. bt 1860 - 1870

• Birth*: Elizabeth was born on 4 March 1817, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut.¹
• She was the daughter of Selah Mead and Sarah Wilson.
• Photo Link*: RELATED PHOTO(S): Photo of Gansey Family Register.
  
• Marriage*: Elizabeth married Solomon Seekins Guernsey, son of Ezra Garnsey Jr. and Lannah Bennett, on 14 February 1833, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut. By Rev. Ebenezer Washburn.²
• Married Name: As of 14 February 1833,her married name was Guernsey.
• (Witness) Census: Elizabeth Jane Mead appeared on the census of 1840 in the household of Solomon Seekins Guernsey at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, (See record of Solomon Seekins Guernsey for details.).
• (Witness) Census: Elizabeth Jane Mead appeared on the census of 1850 in the household of Solomon Seekins Guernsey at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, (See record of Solomon Seekins Guernsey for details.).
• Death*: Elizabeth died on 18 August 1900, Port Chester, Westchester, New York, at age 83. Of cancer, while living in the home of her son, Newman Alexander. 2 May 2005: I (HPKilpatrick) received death information from the Village of Port Chester, handwritten on a form by the clerk, Carma Stanley, as follows: "Name: Elizabeth J. Guernsey, Date of Death 8-18-1900, Local Register # 1538, Place of Death: Townsend Street, Port Chester, age at death 83, Place of Burial: Greenwich, Ct, Birthplace, Port Chester, Father's Name Seely Mead, b. Greenwich, CT, Mother's Name Hannah Mead, b. Greenwich, CT. Medical Attendant O.J. Stafford, M.D., Cause of Death Cancer of Womb."^3,4
• Burial*: Elizabeth was buried in, Christ Church Cemetery, Lot 10 1/2, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut. Note on Selah Mead's plot listing, Christ Episcopal Church, says "Mrs. Elizabeth Mead Guernsey, buried 1900, granddaughter: Mrs. Milton P. Tilley, Gerrish Lane, New Canaan, CT."
  (Note by compiler: Winifred Holly Tilley moved to Gerrish Lane in the 1950's. Probably she told David B. Tilley where Elizabeth was buried, when he was researching in the 1950's, and he or they went to Christ Church and gave the above information.) Jean Treddenich of the church looked in some old ledgers for a mention of the burial of Elizabeth Jane or Solomon, but did not find them listed.^4,5

• Last Edited: 7 Nov 2005

Phebe Garnsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey Jr. b. 12 Apr 1780, d. a 1850
• Mother: Lannah Bennett b. 1787

• Birth*: Phebe was born on 23 August 1814, Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut.
• She was the daughter of Ezra Garnsey Jr. and Lannah Bennett.
• Death*: Phebe died on 11 December 1816, Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut, at age 2.

• Last Edited: 13 Mar 2005

Elizabeth Garnsey

• Father: Ezra Garnsey Jr. b. 12 Apr 1780, d. a 1850
• Mother: Lannah Bennett b. 1787

• Birth*: Elizabeth was born on 17 October 1817, Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut.
• She was the daughter of Ezra Garnsey Jr. and Lannah Bennett.

• Last Edited: 13 Mar 2005

Selah Washburn Guernsey

• Father: Solomon Seekins Guernsey b. 7 Dec 1811, d. 4 Sep 1886
• Mother: Elizabeth Jane Mead b. 4 Mar 1817, d. 18 Aug 1900

• Birth*: Selah was born on 25 July 1834, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut.¹
• He was the son of Solomon Seekins Guernsey and Elizabeth Jane Mead.
• (Witness) Census: Selah Washburn Guernsey appeared on the census of 1840 in the household of Solomon Seekins Guernsey at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, (See record of Solomon Seekins Guernsey for details.).
• Marriage*: Selah married Mary A. Whetmore, daughter of John N. Whetmore and Lydia Cross, on 29 March 1858.²
• Census*: Selah appeared on the census of 8 August 1860 at Pound Ridge, Rye, Westchester, New York, as Seely Dansy, House Carpenter, 23, personal assets $100, separate household in dwelling of John Wetmore (note: father-in-law). With Mary A, 21, Ida J 1, and Mary White 11.³
• Marriage*: Selah married Mary Sophia Miller on 9 March 1870, Port Chester, Westchester, New York.¹
• Census: Selah appeared on the census of 20 June 1870 at Port Chester, Rye, Westchester, New York, as House Carpenter, Value of Real Estate 4,000, Value of Personal Estate 5,000. Age 36. Last name spelled Geurnesy. With wife Mary, age 31, value of Real Estate 2,000, Value of Personal Estate 1,500. Mary born Connecticut. Mary's mother Foreign Born. Ida 11, John 9, Frank 7.
• Census: Selah appeared on the census of 10 June 1880 at Port Chester Village, Rye, Westchester, New York, as age 46, Carpenter, with wife Mary S, age 40, Ida 21, John 20, farm laborer, Frank A., 17, farm laborer. Mary's father born Conn., and mother born New York. Louisa Hodge, age 16, Dress maker, born New York, listed as boarder, both parents born Baden.⁴
• Church Affiliation*: As of circa 1886, Selah Washburn Guernsey was listed on the Church Register,as B. (baptized) with Mrs. Mary Sophia (B.C.C.), on Smith St. , St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Port Chester, Westchester, New York.
• (Witness) Census: Selah Washburn Guernsey appeared on the census of 1910 in the household of John Allen Guernsey at 69 Smith Street, Port Chester, Rye, Westchester, New York, (See record of John Allen Guernsey for details.).⁵
• Directory*: As of between 1910 and 1911 Selah was listed in the Port Chester, New York directory at 69 Smith St as Carpenter.
• Death*: Selah died on 16 October 1925, Port Chester, Westchester, New York, at age 91. Of Cerebral Hemorrhage.⁶
• Obituary*: 17 October 1925 Obituary: Following a lingering illness of several months' duration, Selah W. Guernsey, well known resident of the village, died yesterday at his home, 69 Smith Street. Deceased was in his ninety-first year.
  Mr. Guernsey was born in Greenwich on January 25th, 1834, a son of the late Solomon Guernsey and Elizabeth Mead. After having spent his early life in Greenwich, he came to Port Chester and had lived here for the past sixty years or more. As a young man he mastered the carpenter trade and followed it throughout life.
  Deceased is survived by one son, John A. Guernsey of this village, and by two sisters, Mary Guernsey, of Greenwich, and Mrs. Sarah Jane Waters, of New Jersey. There are also four grandchildren, Walter, Harold, John, and Mrs. Elsie Ramires, all of Port Chester.
  The funeral will be private Monday afternoon. Rev. Stanley S. Kilbourne, Rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, of which the deceased has been a devout member, will officiate. Interment will take place in Greenwood Union Cemetery, Rye.⁷
  
• Burial*: Selah was buried in on 19 October 1925, Greenwood Union Cemetery, Section B, Lot 087n, Grave 6, Rye, Westchester, New York. MInister, Stanley S. Kilbourne., Funeral Director W. M. Craft, next of kin John Guernsey.⁸

• Last Edited: 18 Sep 2005

George Emory Guernsey

• Father: Solomon Seekins Guernsey b. 7 Dec 1811, d. 4 Sep 1886
• Mother: Elizabeth Jane Mead b. 4 Mar 1817, d. 18 Aug 1900

• Birth*: George was born on 14 September 1838, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut.¹
• He was the son of Solomon Seekins Guernsey and Elizabeth Jane Mead.
• Marriage*: George married Margaret Anise Morrel, daughter of Stephen Morrel and Fanny Louisa June, between 1860 and 1870. GGG says 1870 for marriage date.
• Milit-Beg*: George Emory Guernsey began military service on 2 May 1861 at Company B, 17th Infantry Regiment, New York.²
• Milit-End*: He ended military service on 2 June 1863 at New York City, New York.
• Milit-War*: He served in the military Per Garnsey-Guernsey Genealogy, he was wounded at Camp Mansfield, (Louisiana?) Carmen Heights.
• Anecdote: George is mentioned in Fred Hubbard's "Judge's Corner" column of 28 May 1931: " The first observance of Decoration Day in Greenwich took place in 1870...It fell on Monday and the morning hours were obscured by fog and rain. The great flag suspended at the foot of Lafayette Place had wrapped itself about the pole. Like all the people it presented no enthusiastic appearance. It was a listless inanimate object reflecting the disappointment on every face. For notwithstanding all the preparation, up to 11 o'clock it spelled failure. But at 11:30 o'clock conditions suddenly changed. A breeze from the southwest drove away the fog, leaving refreshing air, fleecy clouds and sunshine. George Gansey untangled the folds of the damp flag and it caught the breeze and fluttered straight from the pole. Confidence and satisfaction were restored..."
  
• Anecdote*: According to Fred Hubbard's "Judge's Corner" column of 1931, "George Gansey was the (night) watchman paid by individual merchants" in the old Town Building on Greenwich Avenue, since removed, informally called Lincoln's Inn at the time. That building was then occupied by town officers, a law office, a dentist, a doctor, and a music teacher.
  
• Death*: George died on 14 May 1905 at age 66.
• Burial*: George was buried in on 16 May 1905, Fitch Old Soldier's Home Cemetery, Next to Spring Grove Cemetery, Post Road, Darien, Fairfield, Connecticut. Inscription copied by Wm.J. Banks, Dec. 1934: Guernsey, George E., Co. B, 17th Reg. N.Y. Vols., died May 14, 1905, age 65 yrs.³

• Last Edited: 9 Oct 2005

Mary Elizabeth Guernsey

• Father: Solomon Seekins Guernsey b. 7 Dec 1811, d. 4 Sep 1886
• Mother: Elizabeth Jane Mead b. 4 Mar 1817, d. 18 Aug 1900

• Birth*: Mary was born on 7 November 1846, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut.¹
• She was the daughter of Solomon Seekins Guernsey and Elizabeth Jane Mead.
• Census: Mary appeared on the census of 27 January 1920 at Parsonage Road, Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut, as age 72.²
• Census*: Mary appeared on the census of 14 April 1930 at Greenwich Town Farm, Parsonage Road, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, as Inmate, age 84, mar. status unkn., b. CT, parents b. unknown.³
• Death*: Mary died on 23 December 1932, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, at age 86. Death date estimated from burial date. Called the oldest inmate at the town home, died in 86th year.⁴
• Burial*: Mary was buried in on 25 December 1932, Putnam Cemetery, 35 Parsonage Street, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut. Aunt Linda has obit that I will add. Lived in town infirmary for many years. Date received over the telephone with cemetery office.
  
• Obituary*: Greenwich News & Graphic 27 December 1932 Obituary: "Miss Mary Guernsey, the oldest inhabitant of the town home, Parsonage Road, died Saturday morning, of an illness lasting for a number of years. She was in her eighty-sixth year.
  Troubled by a rheumatic condition, Miss Guernsey had spent several years in the town infirmary before she was taken into the town home four years ago. She was the daughter of the late Solomon and Elizabeth Mead Guernsey, formerly of East Port Chester. There are no survivors other than distant relatives. The funeral will be held privately and burial will be in Putnam Cemetery."⁵

• Last Edited: 2 Jun 2007

Sarah Jane Guernsey

• Father: Solomon Seekins Guernsey b. 7 Dec 1811, d. 4 Sep 1886
• Mother: Elizabeth Jane Mead b. 4 Mar 1817, d. 18 Aug 1900

• Birth*: Sarah was born on 6 February 1836.
• She was the daughter of Solomon Seekins Guernsey and Elizabeth Jane Mead.
• (Witness) Census: Sarah Jane Guernsey appeared on the census of 1840 in the household of Solomon Seekins Guernsey at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, (See record of Solomon Seekins Guernsey for details.).
• Marriage*: Sarah married Joseph A. Peck, son of Robert Peck and Sarah Elizabeth Fletcher, on 23 November 1853, Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut. (Francis Spies Union Cemetery Listing says 28 Nov.).¹
• Married Name: As of 23 November 1853,her married name was Peck.
• Directory*: As of 1857 Sarah was listed in the Greenwich, Connecticut directory as Mrs. Sarah Peck, Dressmaker, at Humphrey Denton's.²
• (Witness) Census: Sarah Jane Guernsey appeared on the census of 1860 in the household of John A. Merritt at Ward 4, District 2, Brooklyn, Kings, New York, (See record of John A. Merritt for details.).
• Marriage*: Sarah married James Waters, son of George Waters and Emeline (?), in 1865, New Jersey.¹
• Married Name: As of 1865,her married name was Waters.
• (Witness) Census: Sarah Jane Guernsey appeared on the census of 9 August 1870 in the household of James Waters at Eatontown, Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, (See record of James Waters for details.).³
• (Witness) Census: Sarah Jane Guernsey appeared on the census of 18 June 1880 in the household of James Waters at Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, (See record of James Waters for details.).⁴
• (Witness) Census: Sarah Jane Guernsey appeared on the census of 1 June 1900 in the household of James Waters at (Southern Part), Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, (See record of James Waters for details.).⁵
• (Witness) Census: Sarah Jane Guernsey appeared on the census of 16 April 1910 in the household of James Waters at 64 Lake Street, Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, (See record of James Waters for details.).⁶
• (Witness) Census: Sarah Jane Guernsey appeared on the census of 1920 in the household of James Waters at 132 Lake Street, Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, (See record of James Waters for details.).⁷
• Burial*: Sarah was buried in. I don't know where Sarah is buried, but she is listed in Francis Spies Union Cemetery listing, next to Joseph A. Peck, "Sarah Jane Guernsey, his wife, m. 28 Nov. 1853." Have not yet checked if there is a stone.⁸
• Death*: Sarah died after 1920.⁷

• Last Edited: 1 Jan 2007

Annie Maria Guernsey

• Father: Solomon Seekins Guernsey b. 7 Dec 1811, d. 4 Sep 1886
• Mother: Elizabeth Jane Mead b. 4 Mar 1817, d. 18 Aug 1900

• Charts: Descendants of David Holly to 5 Generations

• Photo Link*: RELATED PHOTO(S): Photo of Gansey Family Register.
  
• Birth*: Annie was born on 28 May 1859, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut.^1,2
• She was the daughter of Solomon Seekins Guernsey and Elizabeth Jane Mead.
• Anecdote*: Youngest sibling, eldest brother, Selah, 25 years older. She had nieces and nephews older than herself.
  
• Married Name: As of 11 May 1881,her married name was Holly.
• Marriage*: Annie married Alexander Newman Holly, son of William Henry Holly and Margaret McQueen, on 11 May 1881, Port Chester, Westchester, New York.
• Death*: Annie died on 4 March 1911, Port Chester, Westchester, New York, at age 51. From an infection after minor surgey to remove a broken needle from her finger.
• Burial*: Annie was buried in on 7 March 1911, Greenwood Union Cemetery, Section A Lot 116S 1/s Grave 1, Rye, Westchester, New York. Undertaker W.M. Craft, Lot owner Alexander Holly. On stone with husband, photographed 6/04.³

• Last Edited: 5 Sep 2005

Alexander Newman Holly

Alexander Newman Holly, or Newman Alexander -- his name is given both ways in various sources. This photo was taken about the time of his marriage to Annie Guernsey, in 1881.

• Father: William Henry Holly b. 7 Jun 1812, d. 24 Jan 1892
• Mother: Margaret McQueen b. 14 Sep 1818, d. 13 May 1886

• Charts: Descendants of David Holly to 5 Generations

• Photo Link: RELATED PHOTO(S).
  
• Photo Link*: RELATED PHOTO(S).
  
• Birth*: Alexander was born on 6 April 1858, Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut. Birthdate: as transcribed by DBT from Bible of William and Margaret McQueen. Confirmed by every census, Greenwood Union records, and gravestone. Error in obituary.¹
• He was the son of William Henry Holly and Margaret McQueen.
• (Witness) Census: Alexander Newman Holly appeared on the census of 18 July 1860 in the household of William Henry Holly at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, (See record of William Henry Holly for details.).
• Anecdote*: In Aug 2004 David B. Tilley gave to Holly Kilpatrick a 4x4 inch, 3 inch thick very old leather photo album with a clasp, which says Album on the side, and is stitched with thread on the fold where the leather is ripped. It contains 38 very old photos, not one of which is marked. It is very sad that these people are somehow connected to us, but we have no way to know who they are. There is a partial list of people on the first page, 22 lines, which do not map properly to the photos. However, this list of names may be important, so here it is: Aunt Jennie, Cousin Nellie, Cousin Nellie, Cousin Willie, Mrs. Hodge, Mrs. Rolman (?), Susie Merrell (?), Emma Holly (last name partially erased, it could be Holly), Andrew Wallace, May F. Mead, Sarah Purdy, Sarah Slater, L. Purdy & E. Holly, M. Mead, H. Holly, E. Holly (last three on one line), Robert Barmore (Baronore?), James Sullivan, Thomas Barnes, Saxe Martin, Schuyler Colfax, Samuel Williams. There are also some postcards or cutouts from a magazine in some of the picture pockets, and two of these are also listed in the 22 lines, Hugenot Lovers, and Lincoln Family. So the album is from after the Lincoln presidency.
  
• (Witness) Census: Alexander Newman Holly appeared on the census of 6 July 1870 in the household of William Henry Holly at Port Chester, Rye, Westchester, New York, (See record of William Henry Holly for details.).²
• (Witness) Census: Alexander Newman Holly appeared on the census of 1880 in the household of William Henry Holly at ED 124, Port Chester, Westchester, New York, (See record of William Henry Holly for details.).³
• Marriage*: Alexander married Annie Maria Guernsey, daughter of Solomon Seekins Guernsey and Elizabeth Jane Mead, on 11 May 1881, Port Chester, Westchester, New York.
• Census*: Alexander appeared on the census of 26 June 1900 at Travers Avenue, Village of Port Chester, Rye, Westchester, New York, as Newman Holly, Head, b. April 1858, age 42, marriaged 19 years. Says b. New York, father b. New York, mother b. Scotland, Carpenter. Annie, Wife, b. May 1859, age 41, married 19 years, 4 children, 3 living, b. NY, parents b. NY. Margaret, daughter, April 1882, age 18, b. NY, parents b. NY. Winifred, daughter, Mar, 1890, age 10, at school. Annie, daughter, Jan. 1892, age 8. Elizabeth Guernsey, Mother-in-law, b. Mar. 1817, age 83, Widowed, b. NY, parents b. New York.
  (note: some of the birthplaces enumerated here were incorrect.).⁴
• Address*: As of 1910, Alexander lived at 65 Palace Place, Port Chester, Westchester, New York listed as Newman, carpenter, with Margaret M. prior listing in directory.⁵
• Census: Alexander appeared on the census of 19 April 1910 at 65 Palace Place, Village of Port Chester, Rye, Westchester, New York, as Newman, Head, age 51, Md. 29 yrs., b. CT, father b. CT, mother b. Scotland, Occupation: Carpenter, General. Anne, wife, age 50, Md. 29 yrs, 3 children, 3 living, b. CT and parents b. CT. Margaret Daughter, age 28, single, b. NY, Winifred daughter, age 20, b. NY, single. Ann, daughter, age 18, b. NY, single. Daughters all occupation none.⁶
• Photo Link: RELATED PHOTO(S).
  
• Note*: Said to have been an excellent self-taught violinist.
  
  
• Census*: Alexander appeared on the census of 23 January 1920 at 65 Palace Place, Village of Port Chester, Rye, Westchester, New York, as Newman, Head, Renter (not accurate), age 62, Widowed, House Carpenter. Margaret, Daughter, age 37, single, Stenographer, Lawyer's office.⁷
• Death*: Alexander died on 19 April 1923, United Hospital, Port Chester, Westchester, New York, at age 65.
• Obituary*: Port Chester Daily Item 20 April 1923 Obituary: After a week's futile fighting against pneumonia, Alexander Newman Holly, whose home is at 65 Palace Place, this village, succumbed yesterday afternoon at four o'clock in the United Hospital. He was removed to the hospital on Monday when the true state of his condition was realized, and everything was done to save his life.
  Deceased, a carpenter, was born in the Town of Greenwich, April 6, 1856, and was the youngest son of William H. and Margaret McQueen Holly, of that place. His education was received in Greenwich and all his life he had lived either there or in Port Chester. He was a member of the North Baptist Church and belonged to the carpenter's union.
  Funeral services are to be conducted by Rev. Charles Schweikert, of the Baptist Church, Sunday afternoon, at four o'clock at Mr. Holly's late residence on Palace Place. Interment will be made the following morning in Greenwood Union Cemetery, Rye.
  Deceased leaves three daughters, Mrs. Milton P. Tilley, of Chicago, Ill; Miss Margaret M. Holly, of Palace Place, this village; and Mrs. Roy S. Dearstyne, of Raleigh, N.C., as well as a sister, Miss Harriet M. Holly, of this village; and two brothers William of Port Chester, and Madison Holly who resides in Perth Amboy, N.J. Mr. Holly's wife, who was before her marriage Miss Anna Guernsey, has been deceased twelve years.
• Burial*: Alexander was buried in on 23 April 1923, Greenwood Union Cemetery, Map A, Lot So 1/2 116, Grave 5, Rye, Westchester, New York. Cause of Death: Lobar Pneumonia, Undertaker: W.M. Craft. Plot owner: Miss Harriett Holly. Stone with wife Annie.

• Last Edited: 6 Oct 2007

William Henry Holly

William Henry Holly
This photograph is taken from a print made from a daguerrotype of William Henry Holly. It was taken about 1850.

• Father: David Holly b. bt 1790 - 1791, d. 2 Jan 1856
• Mother: Sarah Webb b. 28 Sep 1791, d. 10 Dec 1876

• Charts: Descendants of David Holly to 5 Generations

• Birth*: William was born on 7 June 1812, Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut. At the time of his death, when he was hospitalized at Mt. Pleasant Almshouse, the admission card stated birth in Stamford.
• He was the son of David Holly and Sarah Webb.
• Research Note*: In 1845 Seamen's Protection Certificates and crew lists of some sort are available at the New York City NARA, which would be good to check if possible.
• Marriage*: William married Margaret McQueen, daughter of James McQueen and Elizabeth Mitchell, on 9 June 1847, Brooklyn, Kings, New York. Brooklyn Daily Eagle notice, "In this city on Wednesday evening, by Rev. Dr. Spencer William H. Hawley to Margaret McQuinn." Marriage Register of 2nd Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn: 1847, June 9, William H. Hawley, Margaret McQuinn, Residence Brooklyn.^1,2,3
• Directory*: As of 1848 William was listed in the Brooklyn, New York directory at 263 Hudson Av as a sparmaker. Per Brooklyn City Directory, compiled by Thomas P. Teale, Publisher: E.B. Spooner, Franklin Buildings, corner of Fulton & Orange Sts., Brooklyn, NY. Two other Holly's are listed in this directory: James, shoemaker at 187 Concord and Joseph, shoemaker 99 Cranberry. There are no McQueen's listed in this directory.
• Census*: William appeared on the census of 1850 at Ward 11, Brooklyn, Kings, New York, as Wm. Hawley, indexed Hamley, age 38, carpenter, b. Connecticut with Margaret, age 32, b. Scotland, and Harriet, age 2, b. Connecticut. In Dwelling with 2 other households.⁴
• Address*: As of 1850, William Henry Holly lived at 138 Willoughby, Brooklyn, Kings, New York Listed as carpenter at this address in the Hearne's 1850-51 City Brooklyn Directory.
• Occupation*: William Henry Holly was a ship’s carpenter.
  
  It appears from the census that he may have worked on shore at a shipyard as he grew older. The 1860 census gives his occupation as Ship Carpenter. The 1870 census gives his occupation as Spar marker. His obituary refers to him as the “well-known ship carpenter.”
  
  The family tradition says that he sailed on ships as the carpenter and even went to the Orient. We have a fabric (perhaps a scarf) painting of a woman who appears to be upper-class, that is supposed to be a memento he brought back from the Orient. On the back either my grandfather or uncle wrote that it was brought back from Japan about 1850 and is ____ Yoshida. Two wooden boxes that are called his ship trunks are in the family, in the possession of David B. Tilley, Jr., and Roy Dearstyne.
  
  The following description of the duties of a ship's carpenter is taken from Richard Henry Dana, The Seaman's Friend (1841), pp 153-155.
  "CARPENTER.-- Almost every merchant vessel of a large class, or bound upon a long voyage, carries a carpenter. His duty is to work at his trade under the direction of the master, and to assist in all-hands work according to his ability. He is stationed with the larboard or starboard watch, as he may be needed, though, if there is no third mate, usually with the larboard. In working ship, if he is an able seaman, (as well as carpenter) he will be put in some more important place, as looking after the main tack and bowlines, or working the forecastle with the mate; and if capable of leading his watch aloft, he would naturally take the bunt or an earing. He is not expected to handle the light sails, nor to go above the topsail yards, except upon the work of his trade. If he ships for an able seaman as well as carpenter, he must be capable of doing seaman's work upon the rigging and taking his turn at the wheel, if called upon; though he would not be required to do it except in bad weather, or in case the vessel should be short-handed. If he does not expressly ship for seaman as well as carpenter, no nautical skill can be required of him; but he must still, when all hands are called, or if ordered by the master, pull and haul about decks, and go aloft in the work usual on such occasions, as reefing and furling. But the inferior duties of the crew, as sweeping decks, slushing, tarring, &c., would not be put upon him, nor would he be required to do any strictly seaman's work, except taking a helm in case of necessity, or such work as all hands join in.
  
  The carpenter is not an officer, has no command, and cannot give an order even to the smallest boy; yet he is a privileged person. He live in the steerage, with the steward, has charge of the ship's chest of tools, and in all things connected with his trade, is under the sole direction of the master. The chief mate has no authority over him, in his trade, unless it be in case of the master's absence or disability. In all things pertaining to the working of the vessel, however, and as far he acts in the capacity of a seaman, he must obey the orders of the officers as implicitly as any of the crew would; though, perhaps, and order from the second mate would come somewhat in the form of a request. Yet there is no doubt that he must obey the second mate in his proper place, as much as he would the master in his. Although he lives in the steerage, he gets his food from the galley, from the same mess with the men in the forecastle, having no better or different fare in any respect; and he has no right on the quarterdeck, but must take his place on the forecastle with the common seaman.
  
  In many vessels, during fine weather, upon long voyages, the carpenter stands no watch, but "sleeps in" at night, is called at daylight, and works all day at his trade. But in this case, whenever all hands are called, he must come up with the rest. In bad weather, when he cannot well work at his trade, or if the vessel becomes short-handed, he is put in a watch, and does duty on deck, turning in and out with the rest. In many vessels, especially those bound on short voyages, the carpenter stands his watch, and, while on deck, works at his trade in the day-time, if the weather will permit, and at night, or in bad weather, does watch duty according to his ability. "
• Property Record: William was involved in a property transaction on 31 May 1855 at East Port Chester, Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut, Be it remembered that we Gilbert P. Finch and Frederick Lockwood, both of Greenwich in the County of Fairfield, fence viewers in and for said Greenwich duly appointed and sworn according to law, having been called out by William Holly of said Greenwich, to view a certain fence situated in said Greenwich, in East Port Chester so called. The said fence being a division fence, between the said Holly on the one side and Thomas M. Lyons of the town of New London and County of New London on the other side. The said fence commencing at the northwest corner of Holly's land on Water Street so called, and thence running easterly to the northeast corner of said Holly's land, and thence south to the southeast corner of said Holly's land, and being the whole distance, to wit, the distance of four hundred and six feet. The division fence that separates the said land of the said Holly from the land of the said Thomas M. Lyon. And the said fence viewers on this the 31st day of May AD 1855 viewed said fence and it appearing to us that the said Holly and the said Lyon could not agree respecting the division of said existing fence, and the same being an existing fence between said proprietors, and owned by said Holly, and there was no record of any division of such fence. And on said day we then and (sic) divided and proportioned unto the said William Holly the western half of said fence beginning at the aforesaid northwest corner on Water Street so called and running East twelve rods and one quarter to a pile of stones, and a stake drove into the ground. And did divide and apportion to the said Lyon the east half of said fence commencing at the point last described and running east twelve rods and one quarter to the northeast corner of said Holly's land, and thence southerly to the said southeast of said Holly's land, and did award in favour of the said William Holly and against the said Thomas M. Lyon, the just sum of twenty-four dollars and fifty cents for the fence so set to said Thomas M. Lyon, the sum being two dollars per rod for each rod of said fence so set to said Lyon. And do limit the time for the payment of the above award to the 30th day of June AD 1855 from the date hereof. Dated at Greenwich the 31st day of May 1855. Gilbert P. Finch and Frederick Lockwood, fence viewers. Received to record May 31st 1855 and recorded by Samuel Close, Town Clerk.⁵
• Census: William appeared on the census of 18 July 1860 at Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, as Ship Carpenter, no listing for real estate value, $300 for personal estate. Age 48, b. CT, with Margaret, age 42, b. N.Y., Harriet, age 12, b. CT, Emma, age 9, b. N.Y., William, age 7, b. CT, Madison, age 5, b. CT, Newman, age 2, b. CT. Same dwelling as Thomas M. Lyon household. Thomas M. Lyon married Sarah E. Edwards, daughter of Elizabeth Holly Edwards, sister of William Henry. Nextdoor dwelling was Elizabeth and husband William Edwards and children. If the birth places are correct for the children, that would put their residence in Brooklyn no more than 1848-1853. Other nearby residents were William Ritch, William H. Mead, Seth Mead, Henry Merritt, Daniel Lyon ($15,000 in real estate).
• Newspaper Mention*: The 25 November 1869 edition of the Port Chester Journal, Port Chester, Westchester, New York reported that "MARINE DISASTER: The Brigantine, Persia, Capt. Stephen Carey, of Halifax, bound from New York home, in ballast, went ashore on Manursing Island on the night of the 17th instant. She has been surveyed by Capts. E.R. Davis, and Nelson Studwell, assisted by W. H. Holly, of this place, and on their report has been condemned, and will be sold by public auction, by R.F. Brundage, auctioneer, tomorrow, (Friday) the 26th instant, 12 m. She is 160 tons burthen and insured in Halifax, N.S. Her original cost was 5000 pounds sterling."⁶
  
• Census: William appeared on the census of 6 July 1870 at Port Chester, Rye, Westchester, New York, as Holley, William, age 59, Spar Maker, b. Conn., with Margaret, 54, Keeping House, Harriet, 21, Emma 18, William 17, Madison 15, Newman, 12 and Isabella McKinley, 9. All the children listed as "At Home" and all except William listed as born NY. None listed as "father of foreign birth." Madison, Newman, and Isabella listed as attending school within the year.⁷
• Census: William appeared on the census of 1880 at ED 124, Port Chester, Westchester, New York, as Holley, William, age 68, Carpenter, b. Conn and parents born Conn., with Margaret, wife, age 62 born Scotland, and parents born Scotland. Harritt, daughter, age 30, tailoris. Madison, son, age 24, Fisherman. Newman A., age 22, son, Fisherman. The three children listed as born Conn.⁸
• (Witness) Probate: William Henry Holly is mentioned in the probate of the estate of Jane Webb on 4 March 1885 at Probate Court, Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut.
• Newspaper Mention: The 2 July 1885 edition of the Port Chester Journal, Port Chester, Westchester County, New York reported that "Uncle Holley has worked out and is to rig a very nice flag pole for the Dickinson Stables on Westchester Ave." (I suspect this refers to WHH, but don't know.).
  
• Address: As of 14 December 1891, William Henry Holly was admitted to Westchester County Almshouse, Mount Pleasant, Westchester, New York as age 80. The inmate card shows his having lived in state 20 yrs, born in Stamford, CT, and parents the same, able to read and write, Habits: Intemp, Occupation: carpenter, Occupation of Father: Cooper, brothers - 2, sisters - 2, How many children living: 4 (this was incorrect), Existing Cause of Dependence Sick and Vagrant, Probable Destiny: May Recover. From Rye. Discharged: died Jany 24, '92.
• Death*: William died on 24 January 1892, Mt. Pleasant, Westchester, New York, at age 79. Town Clerks for Port Chester and Mt. Pleasant (Valhalla) were not able to find death certificate. Researcher in Albany death index was not able to find an entry in 2005.⁶
• Burial*: William was buried in on 27 January 1892, Greenwood Union Cemetery, Rye, Westchester, New York. Card at cemetery office reads "W. Holly". and lists Plot B75, Haight Plot. J. Sloat is the funeral director, which is the same as for Margaret Holly 6 yrs. earlier. There is no stone in the Haight plot, and W. Holly is not listed on the Haight plot card.⁹
• Obituary*: 28 January 1892 Obituary: Port Chester Journal, 28 Jan 1892, Obituary: "William Holley, a well known ship carpenter of this village, for many years a resident here, died on Sunday, in the 80th year of his age. The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon from the home of his daughter, Mrs. John W. Merritt, on Haseco Avenue, Rev. W. F. Wakefield officiating." (Probably 72 Haseco, based on Port Chester directory.).

• Last Edited: 3 Oct 2007

Margaret McQueen

Closeup of Margaret McQueen, taken from a picture of her standing. This is one of only two known photographs of Margaret.

• Father: James McQueen b. bt 1793 - 1796
• Mother: Elizabeth Mitchell b. c 1798, d. bt 1831 - 1836?

• Charts: Descendants of David Holly to 5 Generations

• ChartLink*: RELATED CHART: (McQueen Chart).
  
  
• MapLink*: RELATED MAP: Map of Morayshire and Nairnshire, 1832.
  
  
• Birth*: She was born on 14 September 1818 at Fornighty, Ardclach, Nairn, Scotland, M.¹
• She was the daughter of James McQueen and Elizabeth Mitchell.
• Anecdote: The common naming convention in Scotland was
  1st son after father's father.
  2nd son--mother's father.
  3rd son --father.
  4th son -- father's oldest brother.
  1st daughter after mother's mother.
  2nd dau--father's mother.
  3rd dau.--mother.
  4th dau--mother's oldest sister.
  Margaret was the first daughter,so we would expect Eliza's mother to be Margaret. Donald was the first son, so we would expect James' father to be Donald.
  Janet was the 2nd daughter, so we would expect James' mother to be Janet. David was the second son, so we would expect Elizabeth's father to be David.
  In fact that is exactly what we find.
  James was the 3rd son, named after the father as we might expect. William was the 4th son, and may be named after James' oldest brother. That we don't know at this point.
  Elizabeth was the 3rd daughter, named after her mother.
  
  Since James and Elizabeth have been so consistent, I would expect to find an older brother William McQueen.
  
• Anecdote, Family*: According to family knowledge, her father was a goldsmith, who made a pair of gold earrings for her which she started wearing shortly after birth (pierced). Some in the family say she came to this country as a child, some as a 16-18 yr. old. It is also said that she came alone, and again that she came with her grandmother Cumming. She wore the earrings until she died, and they were passed on to Alexander Newman Holly, Winifred Lulu Holly, and Elizabeth Mead Winstead Warga. The only mention we have of her father's occupation says carpenter at this point.
  
• Anecdote*: Margaret McQueen sewed two samplers as a child. The first was a practice sampler. The second was completed when she was 8 years old, living in Elgin. It is of Scottish wool. It contains several alphabets and the following names: James McQueen, Elizabeth McQueen, Donald McQueen, David Mitchell, Margaret Mitchell, Jannet McQueen, and the words Jannet of Burghead. It also contains two lines of initials. I am guessing these initials stand for other family members not as close as the names above. The initials that I have been able to read are: AD, ED, MD, EB, JB, DMQ, DMQ, JMQ, MS, IS, E (or F)M, GM, DM. This sampler is in the possession of Elizabeth Mead Winstead Warga, and has been professionally refurbished.
  
• Photo Link*: RELATED PHOTO(S):
  Photo of sampler.
  Closeup Photo of sampler. (1MB) Click with mouse in lower right corner of closeup to enlarge it.
  
• Immigration*: Immigration Information:
  
  In the 1820-1850 Passenger and Immigration Lists online database on Ancestry.com, there are two Margaret McQueens listed who were born about 1818. One arrived 11 Jun 1836, the other arrived 9 Aug, 1834. We cannot prove at this point that either of these Margaret's were ours, our Margaret may have immigrated through Canada or through some other US port. However, the database of other US ports is also online and has not yielded a Margaret McQueen.
  
  I have focussed on the 1836 arrival. The 1834 arrival does not have any matching facts other than Margaret's name and age. It sailed from Liverpool on the Ship Sarah and Caroline, and the McQueen family on board consisted of Henry, age 23, Jerry, age 9, John age 22, Margaret age 16, Mary age 25, Patrick age 13 and Thomas age 14. None of these are names on the sampler.
  
  The 1836 arrival contains many matching facts for the family, but some discrepances also, so may be a red herring.
  
  The Barque Cleo is listed in the online Passenger Lists as the Barque Cleo, Port of Departure Allan and Leith, Place of Origin: Great Britain, Date of Arrival 11 Jun 1836. The Ancestry.com index is not accurate with the actual record as viewed on the microfilm. The McQueen passengers were James, age 43, carpenter, Margaret, 40, wife, Margaret, 18, Spinster, David, 7, and James, 5. NOTE: The index online does not list the wife Margaret. Margaret's mother was Elizabeth, not Margaret.
  
  David Dobson, in his book "Ships from Scotland to North America, 1830-1860, lists the following sailing: "Clio, Captain Young, from Leith with 41 passengers to New York, 6 April 1836" (stated in the journal Leith Commercial Lists). "From Leith and Cromarty with passengers bound for New York in 1836 (stated in the Aberdeen Journal)."
  
  Allan and Leith is a misprint for Alloa and Leith, which are ports of Edinburgh. Cromarty is a port on the Firth of Moray, across the water from Nairn and Moray.The passenger list from the National Archives shows 63 passengers on the Barque Cleo.
  
  I have found a David of this age in District of Columbia, born in Scotland. There are a James and Margaret McQueen in Brooklyn, Ward 9, 1850, ages 60 and 52, which does not add up exactly. Further research may show whether or not there is a connection. Also, research notes of my uncle David Tilley say that a family story was that Margaret came with her grandmother Margaret Cumming Mitchell. I have not found ship passenger records for Margaret Cumming or Margaret Mitchell. Margaret Cumming was born around 1775, so would have been an older woman at the time of the trip. [Note: as of 10 Jan 2009 I have seen the inscription of Margaret Cumming's burial stone at Ardclach Churchyard. See her records for details.]
• WebLink*: RELATED WEBPAGE: Newspaper images related to the voyage to America.
  
  
• Newspaper Item: According to the 16 March 1836 edition of the Aberdeen Journal, Aberdeen, Scotland,
  "FOR NEW YORK:
  The fine First Class Coppered Ship CLIO.
  388 Tons Register, Captain YOUNG,
  is appointed to sail from LEITH, on the 25th inst. calling at CROMARTY; from whence she will be dispatched positively between the 5th and 10th April, direct for NEW YORK.
  Artizans and others wishing to avail themselves of the present great demand for their labour, in consequence of the late disastrous fire at New York, will find this a desirable conveyance, the CLIO being well known as a first-rate sailer, 7 feet high between Decks, and Captain Young long experienced in the trade.
  FOR Quebec: A First Class Ship is intended to be dispatched from Cromarty or Invergordon about 1st May; also for Pictou and Quebec, between the 1st and 10th June.
  The above Ships will be fitted out with the same attention to comfort, and punctuality of sailing, as has hitherto distinguished the Subscribers in the trade.
  Berths may be secured on application to
  Messrs. Johnston and Son, Elgin. Wm. Laing, Forres. Alexr. Fraser, Nairn. Messrs. Will. Watson, Cromarty; and D. McDonald, Inverness.
  Willm Allan and Son
  Leith, March 14, 1836."²
  
• Newspaper Item*: According to the 19 March 1836 edition of the The Scotsman, Scotland,
  "Notice to Passengers for New York: The fine first-class coppered Ship, CLIO, 388 Tons per Register, Capt. Young, has commenced loading at Alloa, will be in Leith about the 29th inst. and sail positively on Monday the 4th April.
  Artizans and others wishing to avail themselves of the present great demand for their labour, in consequence of the late disasterous fire at New York, will find this a desirable conveyance, the Clio being well known as a first-rate sailer -- 7 feet high between decks, and Captain Young long experienced in the trade. A number of berths being already engaged, early application is nedessary, to Will. Allan and Son, Brokers. Leith, 16th March, 1836."³
  
• Newspaper Item: According to the 9 April 1836 edition of the The Scotsman, Edinburgh, Scotland,
  "Leith Shipping: CLEARED OUT: April 6. Clio, Young, Newcastle, goods." It seems odd that this would not say New York, I wonder if it was a mistake, or did they actually go to Newcastle and then Cromarty. The next entry is the 7th, the Charles Forbes, Cpt. Beveridge, Quebec, goods. Perhaps at some point I will find the departure from Newcastle noted, or the arrival or departure from Cromarty. Since Newcastle is 80 miles south of Edinburgh, it seems that the route to New York would logically continue south and through the Channel. However I have not been able to find information so far as to the normal shipping routes.⁴
  
• Newspaper Item: According to the 22 April 1836 edition of the Inverness Courier, Inverness, Scotland,
  "The ship Clio, Captain Young, sailed from Cromarty for New York on Friday evening last, having on board 74 passengers, as well as a valuable cargo of merchandize; and, on intending pessengers account, we are glad to learn she is to be succeeded by other equally fine ships fitted out by Mr. Allan, to sail next month for Pictou and Quebec. Emigrants are perhaps not generally aware that there is now a new Act of Parliament, passed in August last, for the better regulation of passenger ships, which must add greatly to their safety and comfort; the chief difference in their favour is a reduction of one fourth on the number allowed to be carried in each ship, and, if above 100, a Surgeon must be provided for the voyage. Passengers can also demand from the parties with whom they may engage, one shilling each for every day the ship is detained beyond the appointed time of sailing; and last, though not least, the Collector and Comptroller of Customs have it in their power to detain any ship which, on the report of competent judges, may be deemed unfit for the voyage."
  
• Naturalization*: Per an article in NARA Prologue, Summer 1998, Vol. 30, No. 2, "New laws of the mid-1800s opened an era when a woman's ability to naturalize became dependent upon her marital status. The act of February 10, 1855, was designed to benefit immigrant women. Under that act, " at an unknown age ny woman who is now or may hereafter be married to a citizen of the United States, and who might herself be lawfully naturalized, shall be deemed a citizen." Thus alien women generally became U.S. citizens by marriage to a U.S. citizen or through an alien husband's naturalization. " Margaret and William Henry were married in 1847, and she may have been in the country for 10 years before that, but so far I have not found any naturalization records.⁵
  
  
• Church Affiliation*: As of March 1838, Margaret McQueen was affiliated with at Second Presbyterian Church, Clinton near Fulton, Brooklyn, Kings, New York. In the membership register, Additions were grouped By Letter or By Profession. Margaret was listed as an addition by profession in this month. After her name is written in smaller letters 'Mrs. Hawley'. It does not say (dismissed) or (dead) after her name, although they left this church, and many of the other members are so marked. There is a check mark before her name, as well as some others on the page, but no indication what the check means. We looked through the records from 1831 to 1861, and did not see any other McQueens, nor did we see the baptisms of any of their children. There was a member named Eliza Mitchell, widow, in the church.
  
  From "The History of Long Island, from Its Discovery to the Present Time by Benjamin Franklin Thompson, published 1843, page 252: The Presbyterian Church in Clinton street, near Fulton, was organized Oct. 25, 1831, the church edifice was erected in 1833, and dedicated May 4, 1834. It is 65 feet wide by 110 deep, and is built of brick in the Grecian Doric order.
  
  The Rev. Ichabod S. Specer, D.D., has been the only pastor of this church. He is the son of Phineas and Olive Spencer of Rupert, Vermont, where he was born Feb. 24, 1798. He graduated at Union College, Schenectady, NY, in 1822, and was ordained over one of the churches in Northampton, Mass., Sept. 11, 1828; dismissed from thence March 12, 1832, and installed in this church on the 22nd day of the same month. He married Hannah, daughter of Joseph and Catharine Magoffin, of Schenectady." [Another connection of interest is that the pastor of Third Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, Jay street near High, in 1843 was Rev. William Beale Lewis, son of Zachariah Lewis, Esq. of Brooklyn, and grandson of the late Rev. Dr. Isaac Lewis, of Greenwich, Conn. (who was Isaac Lewis, Jr.). Isaac Lewis father and son were both pastors of Greenwich 2nd Congregational, and the elder lived next to Nathaniel Mead and then Selah Mead for years.]⁶
• Married Name: As of 9 June 1847,her married name was Holly.^7,8,6
• Marriage*: Marriage: Margaret married William Henry Holly, son of David Holly and Sarah Webb, on 9 June 1847, Brooklyn, Kings, New York. Brooklyn Daily Eagle notice, "In this city on Wednesday evening, by Rev. Dr. Spencer William H. Hawley to Margaret McQuinn." Marriage Register of 2nd Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn: 1847, June 9, William H. Hawley, Margaret McQuinn, Residence Brooklyn.^7,8,6
• Anecdote: The family is in possession of a copy of the Forres, Elgin & Nairn Gazette from September 24, 1851. This was evidently sent to Margaret by a family member or friend still in Scotland.
  
• Religion*: As of 1886, Margaret McQueen wasaffiliated with the North Baptist Church because her funeral was led by Rev. W. F. Wakefield of that church., Port Chester, Westchester, New York.⁹
• Death*: Margaret died on 13 May 1886, Slater St., Port Chester, Westchester, New York, at age 67.¹⁰
• Burial*: Margaret was buried in on 16 May 1886, Greenwood Union Cemetery, Plot A?, Rye, Westchester, New York. Listed on old 3X5 card in office, plot not specified. No stone found. J. Sloat, funeral director.¹¹
• Obituary*: 20 May 1886 Obituary: Obituary in Port Chester Journal of 20 May 1886: " After an illness of about 5 weeks, Mrs. Margaret Holly, wife of William Holly, died at her residence on Slater Street, on Thursday, at the age of 67 years. Mrs. Holly was the mother of Mrs. John F. Merritt, Newman, Madison, William and Miss Hattie, Holly. The funeral took place from her late residence, on Monday, the Rev. W. F. Wakefield, of the North Baptist Ch. officiating. He preached a most impressive sermon, taking for his text the words "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," found in the 7th Chapter of Acts, 59th verse. He spoke appreciatively of the deceased, and of her Christian example. Interment was in Union Cemetery, under the direction of John Sloat, the Main Street undertaker.⁹

• Last Edited: 28 Feb 2009

Henry Raymond Tilley

• Father: Milton Popple Tilley b. 13 Jan 1882, d. 5 May 1981
• Mother: Winifred Lulu Holly b. 16 Mar 1890, d. 23 Jun 1980

• Charts: Descendants of David Holly to 5 Generations

• Birth*: Henry was born on 8 April 1919, Rye, Westchester, New York.
• He was the son of Milton Popple Tilley and Winifred Lulu Holly.
• Milit-Beg*: Henry Raymond Tilley began military service on 22 February 1942 at 28th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, World War II, Graduated from Officers Training School, Ft. Benning GA, Batt. Adjt. Hdq. Co. Commdr, Normandy, Northern France and Luxembourg Campaigns. European Theater Ribbon with 3 Combat Starts. Purple Heart (wounded 10 Sept 1944, Luxembourg.).
• Marriage*: Henry married Lola Jane Powell, daughter of Jay Delbert Powell and Barbara Theresa Gollhofer, on 25 December 1943, Camp Howze, Texas.^1,2
• Milit-End*: He ended military service on 28 February 1946.
• Death*: He died on 13 March 1956, Durham, Litchfield County, Connecticut, at age 36.

• Last Edited: 19 Apr 2006

Celinda Barker Tilley

• Father: Milton Popple Tilley b. 13 Jan 1882, d. 5 May 1981
• Mother: Winifred Lulu Holly b. 16 Mar 1890, d. 23 Jun 1980

• Charts: Descendants of David Holly to 5 Generations

• She is the daughter of Milton Popple Tilley and Winifred Lulu Holly.
• Marriage*: Celinda married Carl Johnston Winstead, son of Rheuben Hinds Winstead and Nellie Rachel Vinzant, on 30 March 1946.¹

• Last Edited: 10 Apr 2004

John Milton Tilley

• Father: Milton Popple Tilley b. 13 Jan 1882, d. 5 May 1981
• Mother: Winifred Lulu Holly b. 16 Mar 1890, d. 23 Jun 1980

• Charts: Descendants of David Holly to 5 Generations

• He is the son of Milton Popple Tilley and Winifred Lulu Holly.
• Marriage*: John married Virginia Winfield Williams, daughter of Edward Thomas Towson Williams and Clarice Elizabeth Tinklepaugh Foland, on 9 February 1952, Rutherford, New Jersey.¹

• Last Edited: 10 Apr 2004

Charlotte Stewart

• Marriage*: Charlotte married an unknown person in 1986, Houston, TX.

• Last Edited: 5 Apr 2004

William R. Voorhies

• Marriage*: William married Marilyn Saunders, daughter of Elmer Saunders and Oriola Vilana Davidson.

• Last Edited: 12 Apr 2004

Harry Miller

• Marriage*: Harry married Janet F. Pearsall, daughter of James Ferris Pearsall and (?) Antoinette (Nettie).

• Last Edited: 18 Apr 2004