Yesterday, I shared the 1810 will of my 5th great grandfather, Peter Close of Armagh, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. Peter’s wife, Catharine Elizabeth Close, wrote her will in 1828. Who were the people listed in her will? Armagh, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, Will of Catharine Elizabeth Close dated 1828. Probate packet retrieved by a friend in Sep 2015 from Pennsylvania Archives in Harrisburg. Entire Probate Packet is attached to FamilySearch Family Tree. Search for “Peter Close Sr” who died 1810 in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, then look at “memories”for his wife, Catharine Elizabteh Close. Peter Close – Peter & Catharine’s son Henry Close...
My 5th great grandfather, Peter Close, wrote his will on 27 June 1810 in Armagh, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. When the 1810 census was taken, reportedly on 6 August 1810, Peter’s widow, Catherine, is enumerated as head of household. The first document in Peter’s probate file was filed on 14 August 1810. So, Peter Close apparently died between 17 June and early August 1810. I have transcribed Peter Close’s will, though I would appreciate any assistance with a few words I’m having difficulty with! (See the transcription at the end of this post and look for the question marks.) Ten people...
While looking at the 1880 census for my 1st cousin 4x removed, William A McKay, I had to smile when I saw the occupation of the next head of household. At 71 years old, Riley E Anderson was a “worn out minister.” Hopefully, he told the minister that mainly in jest! 1880 US Federal Census for Utica, Venango County, Pennsylvania, image 2 of 7 on Ancestry.com Just in case someone might be related… William A McKay’s mother, Jane Eliza Close, was a sister of my 3rd great grandmother, Julia Ann “July” Close (1826-1905), who married John W McClintock (1825-1890). Do...
My 4th great grandfather, Adam Close, wrote his will on February 1st, 1865. He stated he wanted his debts and “funded expenses” to be taken care of, and then he proceeded to give money to his heirs. He bequeathed five dollars to each of his daughters: Catharine intermarried with M P Crosthwaite, Julia Ann intermarried with John W. McClintock, Jane relict of David W. McKay, and Harriet intermarried with Doctor John W. Riddle. And then he gives five dollars to his “son, James M Close (if living).” From Adam Close’s Will in Mercer County, Pennsylvania 1865 When I first came...
I’m a member of Gen Proof Study Group 37 which is currently studying Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones. We are learning about GPS or the Genealogical Proof Standard and have each chosen a research question which we are using throughout the course. Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist, blogged about a Webinar a few days ago. The Webinar, which took place tonight, was “Complex Evidence” by F. Warren Bittner. I was a little afraid it’d be over my head as it was hosted by the Board for Certification of Genealogists, but it was perfect for me! He started with explaining the...
I was on the road last night, so am doing Randy’s Saturday Night Genealogy Fun this morning. This week’s challenge is to share your best find of 2014 and a research challenge of 2015. I already did a “top 10 finds of 2014” post, but this time I will share the one that wasn’t so much a story as a breaking of a brick wall. Here are the guidelines: 1) What was your best research achievement in 2014? Tell us – show us a document, or tell us a story, or display a photograph. Brag a bit! You’ve earned it!...
