Memorial Day - Honoring & Remembering

 “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.” –Sgt. Maj. Bill Paxton

Decoration Day was officially proclaimed in May of 1868 to honor the soldiers who died in the American Civil War. On the first Decoration Day 5,000 people gathered to decorate the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate Soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Today we know Decoration Day as Memorial Day. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a National Holiday. As you enjoy your time with family and friends - please take a moment to honor the members of our family who died in service to our country:

American Civil War

Private Andrew Haggerty served in the Civil War. He died at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. At this time we are unsure if Private Andrew Haggerty is the son of Robert Haggerty and Rebecca Easly or is from a different Haggerty Family. To learn more about Andrew Haggerty view Private Andrew J. Haggerty - Civil War, Pennsylvania Infantry, 148th Regiment, Company I.

John Loll, my 4h great uncle, was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France on 08 Oct 1843. He is the son of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. He arrived in the United States on 07 Oct 1852 at the Port of New York when he was 9 years old with his family. At the age of 18 he would serve in the Union Army. In February of 1862 he would be wounded in battle and would die as a casualty of war on June 10, 1862 in a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Private John McDonald, my 4th great uncle and brother of James McDonald, also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on February 25, 1864 at approximately age 28 with Company F, 63rd Regiment.  He was transferred to Company H, the 105th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died October 16, 1864 in Beverly, New Jersey. He is buried in Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. His grave marker references Company H, 105 PA. Inf. To view his  his grave marker visit this link. To learn more about John McDonald view The Mystery of Pvt John McDonald - Civil War Solider.

World War II

Second Lieutenant Raymond Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. On February 20, 1943, at age 21, Raymond enlisted with the Air Corps in Miami Beach, Florida. Raymond was trained as a B-29 pilot and assigned to the 43rd Bomber Squadron and the 29th Bomber Group designated 'Very Heavy'. On April 14, 1945 Raymond's plane was lost and the crew perished on a Mission to Tokyo. Raymond was recorded as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea. Raymond was 23 years old at the time of his death. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. He is also honored in the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. To learn more about Raymond Loll view Raymond C. Loll - B29 Bomber Pilot.

Private First Class Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr., my 1st cousin 3x removed, was born 02 Oct 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great grand uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great grand aunt. Ambrose Aloysius was also the brother of Virginia McDonald Geary and is a double cousin to me as we are related by the McDonald and O'Neill lines. Ambrose volunteered for military service and joined the Marine Corps. He was killed by enemy fire in Tarawa in November of 1943, at age 24, upon landing on the beach. He earned a Purple Heart for his service. In addition to being remembered at the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii he also has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. He now has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery,  thanks to his sister Virginia McDonald Geary. Ambrose is featured in the blog post A Letter from Tarawa.

The gravemarker for Ambrose in Arlington National Cemetery

Staff Sergeant Christopher D. O'Neill, my 1st cousin 3x removed, was born in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in 1919. He was the son of Owen James O'Neill and Nellie Boyles. Christopher was was a member of the 579th Bomber Squadron, 392nd Bomber Group, Heavy. He served as s a Right Waist Gunner/Assistant Engineer on the B-24 aircraft. He died on November 6, 1943 in a German Hospital in Middelburg, the Netherland after suffering injuries from jumping out his aircraft the day before. He was buried in the Ardennes American War Cemetery in Belgium. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. To view his  his grave marker visit this link.

References:

1. Memorial Day - http://www.usmemorialday.org/&nbsp

The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania - William Kelly & Mary Ann McDonald

This is the third post in the Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania series. The series features family stories and photographs submitted to The Clarion County Historical Society for a family history book that unfortunately was never published. 

Mary Ann McDonald, daughter of Irish immigrants David McDonald and Bridget Dunn, was born 1834 in Farmington Township. The History of Clarion County Pennsylvania records David McDonald in the list of early settlers of Farmington Township. 

The 1850 United States Federal Census recorded Mary Ann living with her parents and seven siblings in Farmington Township. Her father David was recorded as a farmer. The birth location of her parents and older brother James was recorded as Ireland. The local school teacher, John Toomy, was also recorded living in the household. 

Mary Ann McDonald married William Kelly who was born about 1830 in Ireland. The date of their marriage is unknown – but they were likely married prior to the birth of their first child in 1854. The 1860 United States Federal Census includes two references to Mary Ann. The first reference is her father’s household in Farmington Township. 

Family of David McDonald and Bridget Dunn

recorded in the 1860 United States Federal Census

The second reference to Mary Ann McDonald is in the household of her husband William Kelly. William is recorded living in neighboring Washington Township. The household included William, Mary Ann and children David M. Agnes C., James and Andrew. 

Family of William Kelly and Mary Ann McDonald
recorded in the 1860 United States Federal Census

The following children are recorded from the marriage: 

1. David M., son, born 1854. Death unknown. 
2. Agnes C., daughter, born November 1875. Death unknown. 
3. James, son, born Jan 1857. Marriage to Mary Ann Haggerty. Death unknown. 
4. Andrew, son, born 1860. Death unknown. 
5. Joseph, son, birth unknown. Death unknown. 

On July 1, 1863 William Kelly was recorded in the U.S. Civil War draft records. He was recorded as 33 years old, married and working as a laborer.

Both Mary Ann McDonald and William Kelly were most likely deceased prior to 1870 as they were not enumerated in the 1870 United States Federal Census. The majority of the Kelly children were living with their McDonald relatives in the summer of 1870 when the United States Federal Census was recorded. Agnes was living in the household of her uncle, Michael McDonald. James was living in the household of his aunt Bridget McDonald married to Thomas C. Haggerty. Joseph Kelly was living with his grandparents David McDonald and Bridget Dunn. 

The Last Will and Testament for Mary Ann’s father David McDonald was recorded February 16, 1871. May Ann was not included in the will but there are references to the Kelly children: “to my grandchild now David [Dan] Kelly James Kelly Agnes Kelly Joseph Kelly and Andrew Kelly each to fifty cents” 

The 1880 United States Federal Census records Andrew and Joseph Kelly living in the household of their uncle James McDonald. 

The 1888 Civil War Pension files indicated that David M. Kelly was a minor dependent to his uncle Andrew McDonald.

Mary Ann McDonald McDonald and William Kelly’s death and burial location are currently unknown.

Mary Ann McDonald and William Kelly are my 4th great aunt and uncle. Mary Ann is the sister of Michael McDonald my 3rd great grandfather. Michael is the father of Robert Alphonsus McDonald my 2nd great grandfather. Robert is the father of my great grandfather Loraine McDonald. Loraine McDonald is the father of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

Author: Michelle M. Murosky

References:

1. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for David McDonald. Line 42. 

2. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 1-10. 

3. U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records Source Citation: The National Archives in Washington, DC; Washington, DC, USA; Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registration Records (Provost Marshal General's Bureau; Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865); Record Group: 110; Collection Name: Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865 (Civil War Union Draft Records); NAI: 4213514; Archive Volume Number: 2 of 4 

4. 1860 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 144; Image: 148; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for David McDonald. Lines 10-19. 

5. 1860 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Washington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 681; Image: 687; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for William Kelly. Lines 1-6. 

6. 1870 United States Federal Census Year: 1870; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 441B; Image: 204; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for David McDonald. Lines 22-28. 

7. 1870 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 441A; Image: 203; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for Michael McDonald. Lines 22-29. [Note recorded as Michael McDowell] 

8. 1870 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 440B; Image: 202; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for T C Hagerty. Lines 35-40. 

9. 1880 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Family History Film: 1255117; Page: 154A; Enumeration District: 069; Image: 0313. Record for James McDonald. Lines 14-21. 

10. A. J. Davis, History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Syracuse, N. Y.: D. Mason & Co., 1887), Clarion County Historical Society, Chapter 35 History of Farmington Township. Chapter LIII History of Farmington Township Page 515 

11. Pennsylvania, Last Will & Testament of David McDonald. February 16, 1871 

12. National Archives and Records Administration. U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000. Original data: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. T288, 546 rolls. Record for Andrew McDonald, Roll number T288_299.

The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania - James M. McDonald & Bridget Moran

This is the second post in the Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania series. The series features family stories and photographs submitted to The Clarion County Historical Society for a family history book that unfortunately was never published. 

James M. McDonald, son of Irish immigrants David McDonald and Bridget Dunn, was born August 1827 in County Kildare, Ireland. James was baptized August 6, 1827 as recorded in the Allen Parish records. The baptismal record reads: “August 6, 1827: James McDonald, parents David and Biddy, sponsors William & Nelly Dunn, residence (of parents) Grange”. 

The family relocated from Ireland and settled in Farmington Township sometime between August 1827 and 1833. The History of Clarion County Pennsylvania references David McDonald, the father of James M., living in Farmington Township around 1833. 

The 1850 United States Federal Census recorded James living with his parents and seven siblings in Farmington Township. James and his father David were recorded as farmers. In the census David, Bridget and James were recorded as born in Ireland. The local school teacher, John Toomy, was also recorded living in the household. 

The 1860 United States Federal Census recorded James living with parents and seven siblings in Farmington Township. James enlisted in the Union Army in August of 1861 serving in F Company of the 63rd Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry. On May 31, 1862 James and his brother, Andrew McDonald, fought in the Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks). During the battle James and Andrew, both privates, were captured by Confederate soldiers. Historical records indicate James was in prison from May 31 to September 13, 1862. James rejoined Company F and was wounded on May 3, 1863 during the Battle of Chancellorsville. James was promoted to Corporal in May of 1863. James was discharged in August 28, 1863 due to wounds he received during the Battle of Chancellorsville on August 31, 1862. The 1890 Veterans schedule indicated that James was shot in the right arm. 

The Last Will and Testament for James’ father David McDonald was recorded February 16, 1871. James and his brother Michael were appointed as executors of the estate. 

On July 22, 1873 James married Bridget Moran at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fryburg, Pennsylvania. Bridget, daughter of Irish immigrants Michael Moran and Ann Dunn, was born July 11, 1840 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The couple settled in Farmington Township. The following children are recorded from the marriage: 

1. Mary, daughter, born October 1871. Death prior to October 1877. 
2. James, son, born November 1875. Death unknown. 
3. Mary A., daughter, born October 1877. Marriage to Albert B. Reinsel. Death unknown. 
4. John C., son, born October 1881. Marriage to C. Christena Zagst. Death 1968.

The 1880 United States Federal Census recorded James as the head of household. His occupation was Lumberman. Enumerated in the household were wife Bridget, son James and daughter Mary. The household also included a niece Mary Kelloher. Andrew and Joseph Kelly, the children of James’ deceased sister Mary Ann, were also recorded in the household. Bridget’s brother Christ (possibly Christian) was also recorded in the household. 

Caldwell's Illustrated Historical Combination Atlas of Clarion County published in 1877 shows James McDonald owning 190 acres of land in Farmington Township. 

James died 1892 in Farmington Township. He was buried at St. Mary’s Church Cemetery in Crown. After his death Bridget took over the farm. The tombstone for James highlights his service in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

The 1900 United States Federal Census records the widow Bridget as the head of the household. Her two sons James and John C., daughter Mary A. Reinsel and her son in law Albert B. Reinsel were recorded in the household. The census indicated that Bridget had four children and three were living. The oldest daughter Mary likely died before 1877 as Mary A. recorded in the 1900 United States Federal Census was recorded as 22 years old. 

The 1910 United States Federal Census records the widow Bridget as the head of the household. Her son James is living with her working as an operator in the oil industry. Both the 1900 and 1910 census records indicate that Bridget owned the farm without a mortgage. 

Bridget died April 25, 1918 in Farmington. She was buried on April 27, 1918 at St. Mary’s Church Cemetery in Crown, Pennsylvania.

James F. McDonald and Brigid Moran are my 4th great aunt and uncle. James is the brother of Michael McDonald my 3rd great grandfather. Michael is the father of Robert Alphonsus McDonald my 2nd great grandfather. Robert is the father of my great grandfather Loraine McDonald. Loraine McDonald is the father of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

Author: Michelle M. Murosky

References:

1. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912, McDonald, James Ancestry.com. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. August 6, 1827: James McDonald, parents David and Biddy, sponsors William & Nelly Dunn, residence (of parents) Grange. 

2. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for David McDonald. Line 42. 

3. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 1-10. 

4. 1860 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 144; Image: 148; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for David McDonald. Lines 10-19. 

5. 1880 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Family History Film: 1255117; Page: 154A; Enumeration District: 069; Image: 0313. Record for James McDonald. Lines 14-21. 

6. Ancestry.com. 1890 Veterans Schedules [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Source Citation: Year: 1890; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 87; Page: 1; Enumeration District: 57 Record for James McDonald. 

7. 1900 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1900; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1395; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 0010; FHL microfilm: 1241395. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 13-17.

8. 1910 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1910; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1329; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 0008; FHL microfilm: 1375342. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 34-35 

9. National Park Service. U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Record for James McDonald 

10. A. J. Davis, History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Syracuse, N. Y.:  D. Mason & Co., 1887), Clarion County Historical Society, Chapter 35 History of Farmington Township. Chapter XIX Company F, 63rd Regiment Battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines Page 194-195 Chapter XIX Company F, 63rd Regiment Battle of Chancellorsville Page 199-200 Chapter XIX Company F, 63rd Regiment Page 207 Chapter LIII History of Farmington Township Page 515 

11. Pennsylvania, Last Will & Testament of David McDonald. February 16, 1871 

12. Joseph A. Caldwell, Caldwell's Illustrated historical combination atlas of Clarion County, Pennsylvania / from actual surveys by & under the directions of Henry Cring ; assisted by C.T. Arms ... [et al.]. (Condit, Ohio, J.A. Caldwell, 1877), Library of Congress Geography and Map Division, Washington, D.C. 20540-4650 USA. Farmington Map 

13. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1924 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Death Certificate for Bridget McDonald. Certificate Number: 41914 

14. Find A Grave. Christena McDonald. Find A Grave Memorial# 111539460. 

15. Find A Grave. John C. McDonald. Find A Grave Memorial# 111539391. 

16. Find A Grave. James McDonald. Find A Grave Memorial# 114581616.

The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania - David McDonald & Bridget Dunn

In 2015 the Clarion County Historical Society announced the intentions of publishing The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the historical society. Families were encouraged to submit family stories and photographs to the historical society to be included in the book. Unfortunately The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania was never published.

A series of 13 stories and 8 photographs were prepared for the Clarion County Historical Society to publish in the The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania. These stories will be published in new research series The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

David McDonald & Bridget Dunn

David McDonald was one of the earliest residents of Farmington Township. David was born about 1803 in or around Dublin, Ireland. David McDonald married Bridget Dunn on May 7, 1825 at the village of Dunbyrn, County Kildare, Ireland. Their oldest recorded child, Richard, was baptized January 29, 1826. A second son, James M., was baptized August 6, 1827. Both baptisms were recorded in the Allen Parish records and indicate that family were residents of Grange. 

Sometime after the birth of James the family left Ireland for the Americas. The History of Clarion County Pennsylvania references that David McDonald was living in Farmington Township around 1833. After settling David and Bridget lived the remainder of their lives in Farmington Township. 

The following children are recorded from the marriage: 

1. Richard, son, born January 1826 Kildare, Ireland. Death unknown. 
2. James M., soon, born August 1827 Kildare, Ireland. Marriage to Bridget Moran. Death 1892.
3. Mary Ann, daughter, born about 1834. Marriage to William Kelly. Death unknown. 
4. John, son, born about 1836. Death October 16, 1864. 
5. Michael, son, born May 10, 1839. Marriage to Anna Haggerty. Death October 8, 1823. 
6. Andrew, son, born 1840. Marriage to Anna Sharrow. Death March 9, 1833. 
7. Bridget, daughter, born 1842. Marriage to Thomas C. Haggerty. Death July 15, 1889. 
8. David F., son, born 1844. Marriage to Hannah E. McCloskey. Death unknown. 
9. Peter, son, born March 3, 1847. First marriage to Mary Ann McAvoy. Second marriage to Emma Cecelia Nye. Death June 7, 1935. 

David was known as a farmer, logger and river pilot. There are multiple references to him in the True Tales of the Clarion River, Volume 1. As told by Victor M. Bake: 

"We have some old timers here who used to raft on the Clarion and Allegheny rivers. There are George Hazlett who used to work for Croasman Brothers, Horace Greely Sigworth, A. B. Sarver and Harry Horton. We also have here David McDonald and Mr. Hutton who used to run 90 foot platform rafts on the Susquehanna River. I don't believe that any of the 90 foot platform rafts ever came out of the Clarion." 

As told by his son Peter: 

“My experience as a raftman up to the time of this story, which was in December of 1862, was of the traditional style handed down by my father, David McDonald, who had helped Davis Munn run several rafts down the Clarion to Lower Hillville. There he sold them to Jacob Hill, who had a boat scaffold and furnished 100 foot boats for the Pittsburgh coal companies. These boats were dropped into the water without the aid of lines. My father and Mr. Munn used grapevines for cable to anchor the rafts. David Munn ran his first raft around 1840. He had purchased 150 acres on Troutman Run near the Clarion. He and his wife lived and died on this piece of ground, and their tombstones are standing to this day. They should have a monument. As I pass their lonesome resting place it brings back memories of the earlier days of the lumbering and rafting business and along with these memories of the many hardships the early pioneers had to endure.” 

David and Bridget are recorded in the 1840 United States Federal Census in Farmington Township, Venango, Pennsylvania. 

The 1850 United States Federal Census recorded David as head of household in Farmington Township. The household included Bridget and children James, Mary Ann, John, Michael, Andrew, Bridget, David and Peter. David was recorded as a farmer. David, Bridget and James are recorded as born in Ireland. The local school teacher, John Toomy, was also recorded living in the household. The farm was valued at $1,100. 

The 1860 United States Federal Census recorded David as head of household in Farmington Township. The household included Bridget and children James, Mary Ann, John, Michael, Andrew, Bridget, David and Peter. David was recorded as a farmer. The farm was valued at $2,000 and David’s personal estate was valued at $640. 

Family of David McDonald and Bridget Dunn

recorded in the 1860 United States Federal Census

The 1870 United States Federal Census recorded David as head of household in Farmington Township. The household included his wife Bridget and their sons Andrew, Peter and David F. Daughter in law Hannah, wife of David F., and grandson Joseph Kelly were also living in the household. David was recorded as a farmer and his sons as farm hands. The farm was valued at $3,000 and David’s personal estate was valued at $300. 

The last will and testament of David McDonald was recorded August 28, 1871. Following David's death Bridget lived with her son David. Bridget was included in the household of David McDonald when the 1880 United States Federal Census was recorded in Farmington Township. 

Bridget died prior to 1900 as she was not enumerated in the 1900 United States Federal Census. The burial location for David and Bridget is unknown.

David McDonald and Brigid Dunn are my 4th great grandparents. They are the parents of Michael McDonald my 3rd great grandfather. Michael is the father of Robert Alphonsus McDonald my 2nd great grandfather. Robert is the father of my great grandfather Loraine McDonald. Loraine McDonald is the father of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

Author: Michelle M. Murosky

References:

1. Ireland, Civil Registration Marriages Index, 1845-1958, McDonald, David. David McDonald to Brit (Bridget) Dunn on 7 May 1825 at village of Dunbyrn, witnesses Michael and Margaret Dunn. 

2. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912, McDonal, Richard Ancestry.com. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Richard McDonal, parents Davy and Biddy, sponsors John Kene(sic) and Nel McDonald, residence (of parents) Grange Baptism: 29 January 1826. 

3. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912, McDonald, James Ancestry.com. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. August 6, 1827: James McDonald, parents David and Biddy, sponsors William & Nelly Dunn, residence (of parents) Grange. 

4. A. J. Davis, History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Syracuse, N. Y.:  D. Mason & Co., 1887), Clarion County Historical Society, Chapter 35 History of Farmington Township. Chapter LIII History of Farmington Township Page 515 

5. 1840 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1840; Census Place: Farmington, Venango, Pennsylvania; Roll: 497; Page: 32; Image: 68; Family History Library Film: 0020559. Record for David Mcdonald. 

6. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for David McDonald. Line 42. 

7. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 1-10. 

8. 1860 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 144; Image: 148; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for David McDonald. Lines 10-19. 

9. Pennsylvania State Archives. Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866 Indexes. McDonald, John, F – 63 I, 2-511 

10. Pennsylvania State Archives. Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866 Indexes. McDonnell, John – H-105 I, Muster Roll 

11. Ancestry.com. U.S., Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, compiled 1861–1865. ARC ID: 656639. Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780's–1917. Record Group 94. National Archives at Washington, D.C. Record for Jno McDonald. 

12. Find A Grave. Pvt John McDonald. Find A Grave Memorial# 27625754. 

13. 1870 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 441B; Image: 204; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for David McDonald. Lines 22-28. 

14. 1880 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Family History Film: 1255117; Page: 153D; Enumeration District: 069; Image: 0312. Record for David McDonald. Lines 24-32 

15. George P. Sheffer, True Tales of the Clarion River, Volume 1: (Clarion, Pa.: The Clarion Republican Newspaper Co, 1933), An Old Timer's Early Thrills on the River, by Peter McDonald of Vowinckel, Pa., Page 42-44 

16. George P. Sheffer, True Tales of the Clarion River, Volume 1: (Clarion, Pa.: The Clarion Republican Newspaper Co, 1933), Adventures in Boating and Rafting on the Clarion and Allegheny Rivers, by Victor M. Baker, Masonic Homes, Elizabethtown, Pa., Page 136-137

Memorial Day - Honoring & Remembering

"There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country." – Nick Lampson

Decoration Day was officially proclaimed in May of 1868 to honor the soldiers who died in the American Civil War. On the first Decoration Day 5,000 people gathered to decorate the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate Soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Today we know Decoration Day as Memorial Day. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a National Holiday. As you enjoy your time with family and friends - please take a moment to honor the members of our family who died in service to our country:

American Civil War

A Private Andrew Haggerty served in the Civil War. He died at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. At this time we are unsure if Private Andrew Haggerty is the son of Robert Haggerty and Rebecca Easly or is from a different Haggerty Family. To learn more about Andrew Haggerty view Private Andrew J. Haggerty - Civil War, Pennsylvania Infantry, 148th Regiment, Company I.

John Loll, my 4h great uncle, was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France on 08 Oct 1843. He is the son of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. He arrived in the United States on 07 Oct 1852 at the Port of New York when he was 9 years old with his family. At the age of 18 he would serve in the Union Army. In February of 1862 he would be wounded in battle and would die as a casualty of war on June 10, 1862 in a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Private John McDonald, my 4th great uncle and brother of James McDonald, also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on February 25, 1864 at approximately age 28 with Company F, 63rd Regiment.  He was transferred to Company H, the 105th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died October 16, 1864 in Beverly, New Jersey. He is buried in Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. His grave marker references Company H, 105 PA. Inf. To view his  his grave marker visit this link. To learn more about John McDonald view The Mystery of Pvt John McDonald - Civil War Solider.

World War II

Second Lieutenant Raymond Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. On February 20, 1943, at age 21, Raymond enlisted with the Air Corps in Miami Beach, Florida. Raymond was trained as a B-29 pilot and assigned to the 43rd Bomber Squadron and the 29th Bomber Group designated 'Very Heavy'. On April 14, 1945 Raymond's plane was lost and the crew perished on a Mission to Tokyo. Raymond was recorded as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea. Raymond was 23 years old at the time of his death. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. He is also honored in the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. To learn more about Raymond Loll view Raymond C. Loll - B29 Bomber Pilot.

Private First Class Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr., my 1st cousin 3x removed, was born 02 Oct 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great grand uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great grand aunt. Ambrose Aloysius was also the brother of Virginia McDonald Geary and is a double cousin to me as we are related by the McDonald and O'Neill lines. Ambrose volunteered for military service and joined the Marine Corps. He was killed by enemy fire in Tarawa in November of 1943, at age 24, upon landing on the beach. He earned a Purple Heart for his service. In addition to being remembered at the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii he also has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. He now has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery,  thanks to his sister Virginia McDonald Geary. Ambrose is featured in the blog post A Letter from Tarawa.

The gravemarker for Ambrose in Arlington National Cemetery

Staff Sergeant Christopher D. O'Neill, my 1st cousin 3x removed, was born in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in 1919. He was the son of Owen James O'Neill and Nellie Boyles. Christopher was was a member of the 579th Bomber Squadron, 392nd Bomber Group, Heavy. He served as s a Right Waist Gunner/Assistant Engineer on the B-24 aircraft. He died on November 6, 1943 in a German Hospital in Middelburg, the Netherland after suffering injuries from jumping out his aircraft the day before. He was buried in the Ardennes American War Cemetery in Belgium. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. To view his  his grave marker visit this link.

References:

1. Memorial Day - http://www.usmemorialday.org/&nbsp

Easter Memories - 1940's & 1950's

A collection of Easter Memories from the Herbstritt, McDonald and Murosky families.

Spring 1947 - Erie, Pennsylvania 

A grouping of photographs taken Easter 1947 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The photographs would have been taken in front of the McDonald Family home owned by Loraine A. McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker located at 317 East 27th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania

McDonald Family Siblings photographed Spring 1947

 Left to Right: William Loraine McDonald, Dorothy Elizabeth McDonald, 

Kathryn Joan McDonald, Rose Marie McDonald

1947 - Family Photograph 

Mary Eugenia McDonald holding her daughter Kathleen Marie Murosky. Mary Eugenia's children Mary Helen Murosky and James Arthur Murosky are standing in front of Dorothy Elizabeth McDonald, Mary Eugenia's sister. The photograph was likely taken in spring of 1947 based on the ages of the children.

Spring 1954 - Erie, Pennsylvania 

A grouping of photographs taken Easter 1954 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The photographs would have been taken in front of the McDonald Family home owned by Loraine A. McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker located at 317 East 27th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania 

1954 - Rose, Kathleen & Michael 

Rose Marie McDonald photographed with her children Kathleen and Michael Herbstritt. The photograph was likely taken Easter 1954.

1954 - Richard, Kathleen & Michael

Rose Marie McDonald's husband Richard Herbstritt photographed with their children Kathleen and Michael Herbstritt. The photograph was likely taken Easter 1954.

These photographs were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances' daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

William Loraine McDonald is my Great Uncle. Dorothy Elizabeth McDonald, Kathryn Joan McDonald and Rose Marie McDonald are my Great Aunts. They are the siblings of my paternal grandmother, Mary Eugenia McDonald.  James Arthur Murosky is my Uncle.  Mary Helen Murosky and Kathleen Marie Murosky are my Aunts.

Bukowski & Kwiatkowski Research Update: Vincinety Frank Bukowski & Franciska Kwiatkowski Marriage Record

This is the fifth post in the Bukowski & Kwiatkowski Research Update Series. This series will be focused on two Polish immigrants, my 2nd great-grandparents, who settled in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania and their family members.  Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski arrived at Ellis Island 1 May 1895 with three small children - Teo Fila, Catherine and William. The family had sailed from Antwerp, Belgium on the Noorland. The family was very quiet about their past - leaving few clues to where they lived in Poland and why they left. All that was known is that the family resided on the Prussian or German side of the Polish partition. The city of origin for the family was previously unknown. Over the last year collaboration with other researchers, DNA results and newly discovered records have provided additional context to where in Poland the families were living prior to their journey to Ellis Island.

Other Posts in the Series:
9 February 2020: Bukowski & Kwiatkowski Research Update: Teo Fila Bukowski Birth Location Identified
22 February 2020: Bukowski & Kwiatkowski Research Update: Männlichen Bukowski
01 March 2020: Bukowski & Kwiatkowski Research Update: Teo Fila Bukowski Baptismal Record
04 April 2020: Bukowski & Kwiatkowski Research Update: Elisabeth Bukowski

Bukowski & Kwiatkowski Research Update: Vincinety Frank Bukowski & Franciska Kwiatkowski Marriage Record

The Ryńsk Catholic Parish registers did not include a marriage record Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski. The next step in the research journey was to locate Catholic Parish registers for the other Polish locations associated with the the family - Pluskowęsy, Wąbrzeźno and Orzechowo, Wąbrzeźno.

The positive news is that Catholic Parish registers for Orzechowo, Poland are housed in the collections at The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. These records can be accessed by visiting the The Family History Library or one of the affiliate libraries.

The church records available for Poland, Bydgoszcz, Orzechowo (Wąbrzeźno) include:

• Film 1569299, DGS 8021410: Baptisms from 1876-1890, Marriages from 1877-1890, Deaths from 1876-1890

It should be noted that this area was associated with Germany, Preußen, Westpreußen, Groß Orsichau prior to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

Marriage Record

The marriage record for Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski was located in the Orzechowo, Poland Catholic Parish Registers.

The translation provided by German Script Experts:

Year 1885
Record 8
Married on 18 October: Vincent Bukowski, unmarried young man from Orzechowo, Catholic faith, and Franciska Kwiatkowska, unmarried young woman from Orzechowo, Catholic faith. Proclamations were posted on the 19th, 20th, and 21st Sunday after Pentecost.

The marriage of Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski most likely occurred at the Kościół Rzymskokatolicki Pw. św. Marii Magdaleny or Roman Catholic church St. Mary Magdalene in Orzechowo, Poland.

"The Gothic, stone church (with brick gables), one-nave, dates from the fourteenth century."
As shared by Maciej Ch on Google Maps.

Kościół Rzymskokatolicki Pw. św. Marii Magdaleny
Roman Catholic church St. Mary Magdalene
Orzechowo, Poland
Photo By 1bumer - Praca własna, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski Family Timeline

The death record for Männlichen Bukowski and the birth record for Teo Fila Bukowski both record Vincent working as a farmhand. The families movements in Poland are noted below.

• 18 October 1885 Orzechowo, Poland as recorded in the marriage record for Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski. 
• 14 September 1886 through 27 October 1886 Vincent and Franciska are living in Orzechowo, Poland as recorded in the birth and death records for Elisabeth Bukowski. 
• 19 January 1888 through 2 April 1889 the family is living in Ryńsk, Poland as recorded in death record for Männlichen Bukowski and birth record for Teo Fila Bukowski. 
• 23 November 1891 the family was living in Poland - birth of Catherine M. Bukowski - exact location is currently not known.
• 14 September 1894 the family was living in Poland - birth of William F. Bukowski - exact location is currently not known.
• 1895 Antwerp, Belgium - Port of Departure 
• 1 May 1895 New York, New York - Port of Arrival - Ellis Island 

Vincent  Bukowski and  Franciska Kwiatkowski  are my 2nd great grandparents. They are the parents of my great-grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen's son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. 

References:

1. Ancestry.com. Eastern Prussian Provinces, Germany [Poland], Selected Civil Vitals, 1874-1945 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. 
2. Ellis Island Records, Bukowski, Vincent Manifest: First Name: Vincenty Last Name: Bukowski Ethnicity: Germany Last Place of Residence: Date of Arrival: May 01, 1895 Age at Arrival: 33y Gender: M Marital Status: Ship of Travel: Noordland Port.
3. Poland, Bydgoszcz, Orzechowo (Wąbrzeźno) - Church records: Taufen 1876-1890 -- Heiraten 1877-1890 -- Tote 1876-1890, Katholische Kirche Groß Orischau (Kr Briesen) , Salt Lake City, Utah : Gefilmt durch The Genealogical Society of Utah, 1988. Film No. 1569299 Items 4-6, Marriage Record 23.