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.

Wedding Announcement: Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker

Loraine Anthony McDonald, the son of Robert Alphonsus McDonald and Winifred Agnes O'Neill, married Frances Philomena Selker, the daughter of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, on 10 June 1919 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the Immaculate Conception Church.

The wedding announcement for the couple was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, June 12, 1919 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat
Thursday, June 12, 1919 - Page 5

McDONALD - SELKER

Happy wedding bells pealed forth their chimes at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clarion, Pa., last Tuesday morning, June 10, 1919 when at 8:30 a.m., Miss Frances Philomena Selker, daughter of Mrs. J.W. Selker, one of our most charming and popular young ladies, was joined in the bonds of holy wedlock with Loraine A. McDonald a son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. McDonald, of Clarion, one of our rising young men. The bride was attended by Miss Helen McDonald, a sister of the groom, and the groom's best man was Vincent Selker, a brother of the bride. Full nuptial High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. George Winkler, who performed the marriage ceremony.

Following the marriage service the happy couple were driven to the bride's home where an elegant wedding breakfast was served to the immediate friends of the high contracting parties. It was a very happy and gay crowd that gave the bridge and groom a splendid "send-off" as they departed for the B. & O. train about noon. They will enjoy a short wedding trip after which they will be at home to their friends in Clarion.

The bride was the recipient of many handsome and useful presents.

A very extended circle of friends of these splendid young people unite with us in extending to them the most hearty congratulations and good wishes for their happiness and prosperity.

The couple celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary on 10 June 1954. Their children planned a celebration for the couple. To see photographs from the Anniversary celebration visit the post Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker - 35th Wedding Anniversary.

Loraine Anthony McDonald & Frances Philomena Selker

The photo was found in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Loraine Anthony McDonald and Frances Philomena Selker are my great grandparents. They are the parents of my paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Jun 12, 1919 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/309937121 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018.

Wedding Announcement: Edward C. Selker & Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl

Edward C. Selker, the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, married Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl, the daughter of Andrew Zacherl and Barbara Schultz, on 4 November 1913 at St. Joseph's Church in Lucinda, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

The wedding announcement for the couple was published in The Clarion Democrat on Thursday, November 6, 1913 - Page 5:

The Clarion Democrat 
Thursday, November 6, 1913 - Page 5

Transcription of the wedding announcement:

SELKER - ZACHERL

A very happy wedding was celebrated Wednesday morning, November 5, 1913 at St. Josephs Church, Lucinda, when during the celebration of nuptial high mass by Rev. Father Heibel, the nuptial knot was tied that united the lives of Miss Eva Zacherl, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew  Zacherl, of Arthurs, and Mr. Edward Selker, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Selker, of Clarion, as husband and wife.

Miss Zacherl is a well known and very popular young lady who has hosts of friends not only in her home community but also in Clarion, where she has an extended acquaintance. Mr. Selker is one of Clarion's rising young men, gentlemanly, urbane, accommodating and quite popular. The wedding ceremony was followed by festivities and feasting at the home of the bridge and later at the home of the groom.

Mr. and Mrs. Selker will make their future home in Clarion.

Formal Portrait Edward C. Selker

Formal Portrait Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl 

This portrait of Edward C. Sleker shared with permission. The original portrait is in the care of Leopold George Selker my 2nd cousin 1x. He is a descendant of Leopold George Selker, Sr. the oldest son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Leopold George Selker Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

This formal portrait of  Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl is shared with permission. The original portrait is in the care of Pam Selker Rak, my 2nd cousin 2x. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Edward C. Selker Sr. Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is my 2nd great uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. 

 References:

1. Newspapers.com. The Clarion Democrat (Clarion, Pennsylvania). Thu, Nov 6, 1913 · Page 5. Image: https://www.newspapers.com/image/346255329 Downloaded on Sept 21, 2018  
2. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, County Marriage Records, 1845-1963 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Record for Eva Zacherl.
3. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Eva Margaret Selker.
4. Ancestry.com. U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Memorial Number 84311662.

Formal Portrait: Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl

Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl, the daughter of Andrew Zacherl and Barbara Schultz, was born 12 August 1889 in Arthurs, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

She married Edward C. Selker, the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, on 4 November 1913 at St. Joseph's Church in Lucinda, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Eva's death is recorded as 20 February 1980. She is buried alongside her husband at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

A formal portrait of Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl was taken at the turn of the century. The date of the formal portrait is unknown. Noting the style of hat and the high neckline on the dress the portrait may have been taken between 1900 and 1913.

Formal Portrait Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl 

This formal portrait is shared with permission. The original portrait is in the care of Pam Selker Rak, my 2nd cousin 2x. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is the son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Edward C. Selker Sr. Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Edward C. Selker, Sr. is my 2nd great uncle. His sister Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. 

 References:

1. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, County Marriage Records, 1845-1963 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Record for Eva Zacherl.
2. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Eva Margaret Selker.
3. Ancestry.com. U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Memorial Number 84311662.

Irish Immigrant Mathias Cunningham

Mathias Cunningham was born about 1818 in County Waterford, Ireland. The exact location of his birth and his parents are currently unknown. Mathias married his wife Margaret Litchfield in Ireland. Margaret was born about 1818 in County Waterford, Ireland. The exact location of her birth and her parents are also currently unknown.

The couple had six children who were also born in Ireland:

1. Ellen M. Cunningham. b. 24 Aug 1847 m. to Michael O'Neill d. 6 Jan 1924
2. Margaret Cunningham b. abt 1848 m. Patrick Andrew O'Neill
3. Mary Cunningham b. abt 1850
4. James Cunningham b. between 1853-1855 d. 14 Nov 1924
5. Catherine Cunningham b. between 1856-1857
6. Bridget Cunningham b. 1859

Research completed by others also indicates that the couple may have had another child born prior 1847.

Ellen M. Cunningham and Margaret Cunningham married two O'Neill brothers who were also Irish immigrants.  Ellen married Michael O'Neill on 20 April 1871. Margaret married Patrick Andrew O'Neill about 1875. Michael and Patrick are the sons of Thomas O'Neill Jr and Bridget Conboy. The O'Neill lineage was extensively researched by two descendants - George K. and Patrick G. O'Neill. The cousins published their research findings in a book "O'Neill Descendants of Con & Katherine 1700-2000".

Arrival to Pennsylvania

The application for citizenship indicates that Mathias Cunningham departed Ireland in 1869 and arrived in the United States of America June of 1869.

Mathias Cunningham settled in Clarion County, Pennsylvania after his arrival. On 8 June 1870 he was enumerated with his family in the 1870 United States Federal Census. The family was recorded at Dwelling No. 110. Family No. 112. The members of household include:

• M. Cunningham, male age 52
• Margaret Cunningham, female age 52
• Ellen Cunningham, female age 23
• Mary Cunningham, female age 19
• James Cunningham, male age 15
• Catherine Cunningham, female age 13
• Bridget Cunningham, female age 11

The occupation for M. Cunningham is recorded as a Laborer. The occupation for Margaret Cunningham is recorded as a housekeeper. The personal estate of M. Cunningham was $10. All members of the household were born in Ireland. Mary, James, Catherine and Bridget Cunningham were attending school. The census also indicates that M. Cunningham was denied from voting.

The box for denied voting was checked because Mathias was not a United States Citizen when the Census was recorded.

Naturalization

On 1 September 1871 Mathias Cunningham became a Naturalized Citizen at the Clarion County Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas. The oath from his citizenship application reads:

Let it be Remembered, That on the 4th day of September in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred and seventy one personally appeared Mattias Cunningham  before me, the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Clarion, who upon his solemn oath did depose and say, that he is a native of Ireland now residing in the County of Clarion, aged fifty three years or thereabouts, and that it is a bona fide his intention to become a Citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Price, Protentate, State or Sovereignty whatever and particularly to the King of Ireland and Great Britain of whom he is now a subject. 

Sworn and acknowledged this 4th day of September 1871

His Mark + Mathies Cunningham

The mark that Mathias placed on the page which was used in place of his signature. This very likely indicated that Mathias never learned to write and could not sign his name.

Application for Citizenship - Mathias Cunningham

A time of change

A decade after arrival Mathias' life changed considerably. His children grew and married. He also lost his wife Margaret. There is no record of Margaret in the 1880 United States Federal Census. The date of her death is currently unknown and would have occurred after 8 June 1870. 

In 1880 Mathias Cunningham was living with his daughter Ellen Cunningham and her husband Michael O'Neill and their numerous children. The family was enumerated in the 1880 United States Federal Census on 16 June 1880 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Mathias is recorded as 70 years old in the census. This defers from the other references to his birth however it is not uncommon for immigrants of this time period to have a range of dates associated with their birth.

At this time the death date and burial location for Mathias Cunningham is unknown. Mathias was not recorded in the 1900 United States Federal Census. Unfortunately the 1890 United States Federal Census Fragment does not include any records from Pennsylvania.

Additional References to Mathias Cunningham

The death certificate for Ellen M. O'Neill records she born in Waterford, Ireland. Her parents are recorded as Mathias Cunningham born Waterford, Ireland and Martha Litchfield born Waterford, Ireland. The informant on the death certificate was her daughter Eleanor Monica O'Neill [Mrs. E. M. Mullen].

The death certificate for James Cunningham records he was born in Ireland. His father is recorded as Matthias Cunningham also born in Ireland. The informant on the death certificate was his niece Eleanor Monica O'Neill [Mrs. E. M. Mullen].

Mathias Cunningham is my 4th Great Grandfather. He is the father of Ellen M. Cunningham my 3rd Great Grandmother. My paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald is a descendant of Ellen M. Cunningham and Mathias Cunningham. 

References:

1. George K. and Patrick G. O'Neill, O'Neill Descendants of Con & Katherine 1700-2000 (, April 15, 2008),
2. 1870 United States Federal Census. Year: 1870; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 408A; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for M. Cunningham lines 22-28.
3. Pennsylvania, Clarion County, Court of Common Pleas. Application for Citizenship - Matthias Cunningham.
4. 1880 United States Federal Census. Year: 1880; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Page: 78C; Enumeration District: 065. Record for Michael O'Neill.
5. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964. Record for Ellen M. O'Neill [Ellen M Cunningham]. Certificate number 8274.
6. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964. Record for Jas Cunningham. Certificate number 110917.

JW Selker: Planning a Trip Home

This is the first post in the J.W. Selker Series. The series will be focused on Joseph William Selker's return trip to Germany in 1906. This would be Joseph William's first and only trip to Germany after departing 21 years prior.  

Joseph William Selker, the youngest son of Hermann George Selker and Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus, was born October 8, 1865 in Fürstenau, Province of Hanover, Germany. Historical records indicate that after receiving his early education in Germany Joseph William studied the trade of cigar-making. When he was 20 years old he set his sights on the future and opted to leave Germany. On October 31, 1885 he departed from Rotterdam, Holland in route to the United States.

After arriving Joseph William initially settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he worked as an apprentice cigar maker. Joseph relocated to Clarion, Pennsylvania in March of 1887. He initially worked for Michael Zacherl as a cigar maker. Joseph William opened his own cigar manufacturing business in April of 1889.

Joseph William married Frances Philomena Guth on November 4, 1890 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Frances was the daughter of a well-known Clarion businessman. Leopold Guth, a German immigrant, was a jeweler and watchmaker. Her mother, Theresa Loll, was an Alsatian immigrant. Frances was born February 25, 1863 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Joseph William Selker & Frances Philomena Guth

Joseph was naturalized as a United States citizen on August 22, 1892. In 1898 he built the large Selker family home located at 242 Main Street. The family home was built next door to the cigar factory located at 248 Main Street on the corner of Main and South 3rd Avenue.

Left: Joseph W. Selker Cigar Right: Joseph W. Selker Home
248 & 242 Main Street, Clarion, PA

Over the years Joseph remained in contact with his family in Germany. On January 25, 1906 Joseph applied for a United States passport.  The application was stamped February 8, 1906. After living in Pennsylvania for twenty one years - Joseph William was making plans to return home.

Joseph William Selker
Passport Application - All pages

The passport application written in his own hand indicates that Joseph was a naturalized United States citizen. He indicated he was born October 8, 1865 in Feurstenau, Hanover, Germany. (Note this spelling is a variation of Fürstenau) He traveled by steamship from Rotterdam, Holland on October 31, 1885. The application indicates that he intended to go abroad within 8 months and then return to the United States.

Joseph William Selker
Passport Application - Detail

The passport application also includes a copy of his signature in the Oath of Allegiance section. A close up of his signature is shown below.

The passport application also included a physical description of Joseph William. He was 5’ 7” tall. He had a fair complexion, blue eyes and dark hair.

A photograph of Joseph William Selker shows that the physical description to be quite accurate:

Joseph William Selker

Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth are my 2nd great grandparents. Their daughter Frances Philomena Selker is my great grandmother. My paternal grandmother, Mary Eugenia McDonald, is the daughter of Frances Philomena Selker. 

References:

1. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFWG-R2W : accessed 28 March 2015), Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, 04 Nov 1890; citing Marriage, Pennsylvania, county courthouses, Pennsylvania; FHL microfilm 1,315,270. 
2. John Woolf Jordan, LL.D., Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania, III vols. (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1913), Page 839: Selker
3. Ancestry.com. U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007.

Cyril Clair McDonald - 1929

Cyril Clair McDonald was one of ten children born to Robert Alphonsus McDonald and Winifred Agnes O'Neill. He was born 07 June 1909 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

He was recorded in the 1910 United States Federal Census in his parents household at 914 Ramsey Avenue, age 11/12. The 1920 United States Federal Census recorded the family living at 221 South Street. The census indicated that Cyril was attending school.

This photo of Cyril was included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Selker was the wife of Cyril's brother Loraine. Cyril signed his name on the photograph and recorded the date as 1929. He would have been 20 in the photograph and may have been attending college at the time. The 1940 United States Federal Census indicates that Cyril had completed 2 years of college.

    

In the 1930 United States Federal Census Cyril was enumerated in his parents household at 3044 Landis Street. Cyril was no longer attending school and was not recorded as working.  The census indicated he was able to speak and write.

In 1934 Cyril married his wife Ruth Virginia Clark. Ruth was from Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The couple likely met when Cyril was in Clarion with his parents. Robert and Winifred owned a farm outside of Clarion.

In 1935, as recorded in the 1940 United States Federal Census, Cyril, his wife Ruth and their oldest daughter Helen Lee were living in living in Clarion Township, Clarion County on a farm.

In 1940 the family was living in the same house.  In addition to Cyril, Ruth and Helen children Charles Edwin, Kenneth Ray and Michael Richard had joined the household. The couple was renting the house valued at $10. Cyril was working as a farm laborer. Cyril recorded that he had worked 60 hours during the week of March 24-30, 1940.

Family stories have indicated that the Cyril and Ruth lived on the farm that Cyril's parents Robert and Winifred owned.

The photo was found in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection.  Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Cyril Clair McDonald is my second great uncle. He is the brother of Loraine Anthony McDonald my great grandfather. Loraine's daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald is paternal grandmother.

References:

1. Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Year: 1910; Census Place: Wilkinsburg Ward 2, Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1298; Page: 19B; Enumeration District: 0273; FHL microfilm: 1375311 Record for Robert Ramedonald
2. Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Year: 1920; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1551; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 60; Image: 780 Record for R A Mc Donald
3. Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002. Year: 1930; Census Place: Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1983; Page: 25A; Enumeration District:0333; Image: 51.0; FHL microfilm: 2341717 Record for Robert A Mcdonald.
4. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Year: 1940; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3468; Page: 18B; Enumeration District: 16-7. Record for Cyril McDonald

Antonine Loll: German Cavalryman

While this entry  in the Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania is about George Lauer, founder of the Lauer family in Clarion, Pennsylvania it also includes information about Antonine Loll, my 4th great grandfather, his ancestors and his children. Antoine married Mary Ann. Mary Ann has been recorded as Many Ann Teal and Mary Ann Keal. Despite searches with these surnames, Mary Ann's ancestors have never been located. This entry provide another variation of her maiden name - Elle.

Two of Antonine's children married two of George Lauer's children - entwining the two families.

1. Francis Loll married John Loll, son of George Lauer. [my 3rd great grand aunt]
2. George Loll married Priscilla Lauer [my 3rd great grand uncle]

The Entry in  the Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania.
Page  798-799 Lauer

George Lauer, the founder of the family in this country, was born in Germany in 1815, and died in 1877, in Knox township, Clarion county, Pennsylvania. He emigrated to America in 1846 and settled first at St. Mary's, Elk county, Pennsylvania, removing later to Knox town ship, where he cultivated a farm until his death. He married, in Germany, Ursula Bendorfer, born in 1820, died in Knox township in 1901.

Children:
1. John, mentioned below.
2. George, married Jane Hoffmarts, had issue.
3. Joseph, married (first) May Fassemyer, (second) Mary Seidletz; had issue.
4. William, married Catharine Bauer, had issue.
5. Ursula, deceased; married George Loll, deceased ; had issue.
6. Mary, deceased ; married Henry Harriefberger, had issue.
7. Daughter, died in infancy.

(II) John, son of George and Ursula (Bendorfer) Lauer, was born in Germany in 1841, and died in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, April 28, 191 1. He emigrated to America with his parents and received his early education in the public schools, after which he worked on his father's farm. In 1861 he enlisted in the Federal army as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the civil war. He served in the peninsular campaign, and was at York- town, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and then back to Harrison's Landing, and was then transferred to the department of North Carolina and took part in the battles of Suffolk, New Berne and Plymouth. He was taken prisoner on April 25, 1864, confined at Andersonville from May 4 to September 10, 1864, when he was transferred to Charleston, later to Florence, and exchanged December 16, 1864, and rejoined his regiment. After the war he returned to Clarion county, where he cultivated a farm until his death. He was a Republican in politics, and a Roman Catholic in religion.

He married Frances, born in Knox township, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in November, 1848, and still living there, daughter of Anthony and Mary (Elle) Loll. Her father was born in Germany in 1798, served in a cavalry regiment in the German army, later emigrated to America and settled on a farm near Callensburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, removing later to Knox township, where he died; her mother was born in Germany in 1804, and died in Knox township in 1895  their children were:

1 . Anthony, deceased ; married ; died in Pitts burgh, Pennsylvania.
2. Joseph, deceased; married Helen Eisman.
3. John, died in army hospital, from wounds received in battle in civil war.
4. George.
5. Catharine.
6. Theresa. 
7. Anna. These last four are also deceased.
8. Frances, married John Lauer.

Children of John and Frances (Loll) Lauer :
1. Joseph H., mentioned below.
2. Annie, died in infancy.
3. Frederick, married Gertrude ; no issue.
4. George, unmarried.
5. Augustus, married Lena Felker [Note this is Philomena Selker my 1st cousin 3x removed] ; one child.
6. Louisa, deceased; unmarried.
7. Francis, died young.
8. Mary, married Ralph Weaver.
9. Kate, unmarried.

(lll) Joseph H., son of John and Frances (Loll) Lauer, was born on his father's farm in Knox township, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1867, and is now living in Marble, Pennsylvania. He received his early education in the public schools, and then learned the trade of a carpenter which he fol lowed for some years. In 1893 he settled in Marble, Pennsylvania, where he purchased a hotel which he enlarged and improved and which he still conducts. He is also a stock holder in the Farmers Mercantile Company of which he is the treasurer. He is a Democrat in politics, and now holds the office of supervisor of the township. In religion he is a Roman Catholic. Mr. Lauer married, January 31, 1893, Theresa, daughter of John and Cressence (Hoover) Ginkle, born in Farming- |on township, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in 1868, now living in Marble (see Ginkle).

Children:
Mabel, born January 31, 1894;
Hattie, May 22, 1895;
John, June 12, 1897;
Otta, July 14, 1899;
Leopold, January 2, 1901 ;
Charles, March 16, 1902 ;
Grace, October 20, 1904;
Joseph, September 7, 1906;
Albinus, March 20, 1908;
Earl, October 9, 1910;
Helen, June 25, 1911.

Reference:

1. John Woolf Jordan, LL.D., Genealogical and personal history of the Allegheny Valley Pennsylvania, III vols. (New York:  Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1913), Page 798-799. View the book here: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/John_Woolf_Jordan_Genealogical_and_Personal_Histor?id=VNQqAAAAYAAJ

The French Connection

I am currently in the process of incorporating the research on the French side of the family tree that was done by William E. Loll, my 3rd cousin 2x removed, who wrote 4 volumes of Family History on the Loll Family and traveled to France to do research.

The French Connection begins with Theresa Loll, my 3rd great grandmother. Theresa was born May 12, 1835 in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France. Theresa was born during the last monarchy in France, Louis Philippe I was King of France.

Theresa was the fourth of eight known children born to Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl. During Theresa's childhood there was protest and revolt around France. Strikes and worker demonstrations were becoming more common among the laboring classes. February 24, 1848 brought the end of the monarchy in France when Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was elected President of France by popular vote.  

When Theresa was 17, she moved with her family from Marcholsheim, Alsace, France to the United States. The family ranging from her mother to her four year old sister departed from the Port of Le Harve, France on the "Brig Olivia" or "Bark Olivia". Specific details on the vessel are unknown. From other recorded manifests, the ship was able to provide passage for approximately 159 passengers.  

 The family arrived at the Port of New York October 7,1852. Interestingly enough, the ship's manifest only includes nine Loll family members, listed as French farmers. Theresa's Father, Antoine Loll is not listed. It is plausible that he traveled to the United States ahead of his family and re-connected with them in the United States. It is unknown if the family moved to the United States to avoid the civil unrest in France or if they interested in the propects of a new life.  

The family then traveled from New York and settled in Knox Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Theresa was married within a year of arriving to the United States. On January 20, 1853, at age 18, she married Leopold Guth, 23, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Leopold Guth, born November 14, 1830 in Untersimmonswald, Province of Baden, Germany the son of Anton Guth and Theresia Rösch . Leopold's estimated arrival was in 1850.  Leopold Guth was a jeweler and watchmaker, a skill he leaned from his father.

Nine years after Theresa arrived to the United States, she and her family would live through the Civil War. Her brother John Loll would serve in the Union Army at age 18. In Feburary 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.

Leopold and Theresa are documented as living in the Clarion Borough, Clarion County, Pennsylvania on June 1, 1880 according to the 1880 United States Federal Census. On June 7, 1900 Leopold and Theresa are documented as living on Main Street, Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania according to the 1900 United States Federal Census.

Leopold and Theresa had 12 children, 11 of which the names are know. I am a descendant of their daughter, Frances Philomena Guth, my 2nd great-grandmother.

Notable historical events in Theresa's life included the assassination of two Unites States Presidents, President Lincoln on April 14, 1865 and President McKinley on September 6, 1901, the US Purchase of Alaska on March 30, 1867 and the Great Chicago Fire on October 8, 1871.

Theresa lived to be 69 and died on September 12, 1904. She is buried at the Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

References:

1. 1880 U. S. census, 1880 United States Federal Census schedule, Clarion, Pennsylvania, Family of Leopold Guth. Supervisor's District10, Enumeration District 66, Enumeration Date June 1, 1880, Lines 35-42.; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com).
2. 1900 U. S. census, 1900 United States Federal Census schedule, Clarion , Pennsylvania, Family of Leopold Guth. Supervisor's District 14, Enumeration District 6, Enumeration Date June 7, 1900, Lines 19-21.; digital image, (www.ancestry.com).
3. Find A Grave Memorial# 84821479. www.findagrave.com
4. Find A Grave Memorial# 84821414. www.findagrave.com