Berkshire - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Looking for an answer

noyes193 — 2010-03-11 15:19:57Z

Mu grand mothers birth in Stockbridge is recorded as Ellen instead of Helen and mother Ellen also instead of Nellie.
I am thinking George's birth was not recorded and they could have called him whatever they wanted.I do not know how educated they were.George is the mystery man. I have pic of Arthur,Helen my grandmother and Katherine but no George.I was told my grandmother was American Indian.
Thanks for your input.

Re: Looking for an answer

lottsahugs — 2010-03-11 03:32:26Z

The Lee marriage record lists Charles as a mulatto. Only two children appear in the Stockbridge records and Arthur is recorded as "Male (Creole)". That's a real stretch, but there's no way to know what the person doing the recording was thinking. Good luck looking at the records in Lee.

Re: Patricia Virgilio

nebriv — 2010-03-11 02:14:55Z

She was my grandmother... I came across this while researching the Virgilio line. If you happen to know anything particularly about Bernodino Di Virgilio and his parents, it would be very helpful. He is Anthony, Patricia's husband, father. He came through Ellis Island.

Any help would be awesome!

Re: Looking for an answer

noyes193 — 2010-03-10 14:32:13Z

Max Thanks for that info some how I missed that.I know he was in New York with his 2nd family but missed that.We are trying to trace the genetic disease Huntinton's but George was my grandmothers brother and his 1st wife Ella May was my grandfathers sister.
thanks for the help
Tina

Re: Looking for an answer

MaxWard44 — 2010-03-09 23:57:45Z

Tina- this isn't much help but, just for future reference, George Henry Monroe lists his birth date as 16 June (not January) 1881 on his WWI draft registration (Columbia County, NY). January or June 16, I still don't see any birth records in Stockbridge or other places I've looked in Berkshire County.

Max

Re: Looking for an answer

noyes193 — 2010-03-09 22:51:21Z

In the 1880 census Nellie and Charles were working in Stockbridge for a Sullivan family she as a servant and he was a farm worker they were not married. Charles was listed as black from Virginia and she from Ireland.I have never been able to connect her with the Kearin's in the Berkshire's. George has never been listed as black in his children's birth records but in his newpaper article he was described as black.He was married twice both were white woman.I am trying to figure out how he got Monroe for a last name if he was born out of wedlock.
Thanks for your answer. I might go to Lee and see if I can find some answers.
Thanks again
Tina

Re: Looking for an answer

CBlaisdell8854 — 2010-03-09 21:27:53Z

Hi Tina,
Thank you for all your work on the boards. I did notice on the marriage that I believe it is the one from Lee that they X'ed out most of the information (NEHGS). Is it possible that they had the wrong dates? Also, I tried to look for Charles's earlier family unit and kept striking out. I had the same problem when trying to help a friend who is part Sioux, black and white. Is it possible that he had either a brother or sister who had George and died and he either was officially or unofficially adopted by Charles and Nellie? Did you try to track Nellie before her marriage? Or George was born out of wedlock and the birth was never recorded.

Sorry I could not help, but I'll keep an eye open for you when researching others.

Carol

Looking for an answer

noyes193 — 2010-03-08 14:50:51Z

My ggranddparents Charles Monroe and Nellie Kearin's 1st son was b.Jan.16,1881 but I have never been able to find his birth record.This date is from grave monument.All the records from his marriage and childrens birth records say he was b.in Stockbridge which has no record.The thing that confuses me,his parents have marriage record in Stockbridge and Lee but one in Feb.1882 and Sept.1882.The would make him b out of wedlock. How did he get the last name Monroe? I thought children at that time had to have the mothers last name.I am trying to trace a genetic disease called Huntington's tha is in our family and it started with his marriage to my grandfathers sister Ella May Squires. There daughter Margaret was the victim of this disease.
George and Ella May had 3 children George Alonzo and Lawrence and Margaret.Any info would be appreciated.
George died from injuries in and Auto accident Jan 1933 in Pittsfield Ma.
Tina

Re: Zilpha/Zilphal Alden born 1781 Tryingham, Berkshire, Mass.

MAMiddleGenWeb — 2010-03-05 22:08:04Z

From the published vital records of Tyringham, online at http://MA-VitalRecords.org, Zilpha was the daughter of Israel and Lucy. Therefore, she was female. I couldn't find any thing for a marriage or death for her.

There was a Zilpha Alden who married Benjamin Hayward in Bellingham in 1803. A death record for Zilpha Hayward in 1865, aged 85, has father as Noah. The age would be about right.

There was a Zilpha Alden, father Noah, born in 1766 in Montague.

Zilpha/Zilphal Alden born 1781 Tryingham, Berkshire, Mass.

BarbaraCady73 — 2010-03-05 21:02:47Z

Zilpha Alden was born 24 March 1781 Tryingham, Berkshire, Mass. She was the daughter of Israel Alden and Lucy Markham.
Was Zilpha a male? What became of Zilpha, male or female?

Re: MARY MOODY

lottsahugs — 2010-03-05 16:41:31Z

According to the SSDI there was a Curtis Moody, residing in Becket, MA, at the time of his death in 1995. Could this be the one you are looking for? If you are not familiar with the area, Becket is in Berkshire County the same as Pittsfield.

Re: MARY MOODY

SCarroll7027 — 2010-03-05 12:01:19Z

Hi,
What is the approximate year of birth for your grandparents??
Sara

MARY MOODY

EttiennePercy — 2010-03-05 05:03:23Z

I am looking for ANY info on my grandmother MARY MOODY of Pittsfield, MA (Berkshire County).

Unfortunately I am not sure of her birth or death date, and I am not positive as to where she lived at her time of death but I assume it was in Pittsfield, MA like her husband (my grandfather), CURTIS MOODY.

I am not sure of of her children except for one, my father, NATHAN MOODY, also of Pittsfield, MA.

Any info on Mary, her parents, or her children would be greatly appreciated.

Ettienne Percy (UConn Storrs)

Margaret Hayes

EttiennePercy — 2010-03-05 04:13:09Z

Looking for information on my ggrandmother MARGARET HAYES (b. Sept. 15, 1924, d. Nov. 2, 1993). Any info on either of her parents or on any husbands she may have had would be greatly appreciated.

I am not exactly sure where she was born, but I know she lived in Pittsfield, MA for a great deal of time and that is where she died. I know she was of Irish nationality, but I'm not sure of any ties she may have had to Ireland.

I know she had several children, the names of whom I am also not sure of except for my grandmother (her daughter) who is also named Margaret.

Ettienne Percy UConn Storrs
(Researching HAYES)

Re: Lawrence

godangel2004 — 2010-03-05 02:05:44Z

I'm hoping that maybe you can help. I'm looking for info on the sons of Eliza (Todd) and Richard Lawrence. From what I understand one or both are buried somewhere in New Orleans. Myron Lawrence was born Dec 30, 1880 and married Lucie Marie Sondacki. The other son was Wardner Lawrence born Feb. 9, 1883 and married Mary Ellen Davidson. Wardner died on March 26, 1946. Both were born in St. Lawrence Co., NY. I'm trying to find what became of the wifes and where the four of them are buried. Thanks for the help.
Luwana

WALTER N. VOSBURG MARRIED MAMIE BOLGER, SO -- WHO IS THIS GUY ?

rbass101 — 2010-03-04 06:39:00Z

Walter N. Vosburg married Mamie Bolger 14 April 1900 in Stamford, Vermont, Rev F.O. Winans presiding. This is all that I know about Walter N. Vosburg..............Mamie was 22 years old when she was married and a resident of North Adams, MA, where she was also born @1878. Her parents were Thomas Boulger (1844-1916) and Sarah Glenn (1853-1939.) They were both Irish. Tom was born there, while Sarah was born in Scotland. I am fairly certain that "Mamie" ( a nickname for Margaret or Mary) was, in fact, Mary Bolger (1878-1939) If so, she clearly married Carl Brown, of Gloversville, NY, at a later date. She was his widow when she passed away -- on a train -- in Stockbridge, MA in 1939. I would appreciate any information on any of the individuals noted above. Especially Mr. Vosburg. Thank you. PS Bolger and Boulger are the same name. Tom was Bolger when he first got here in 1858 and Boulger when he died in 1916. [Bulger is another version.] rb

Re: WALTER N. VOSBURG MARRIED MAMIE BOLGER, SO -- WHO IS THIS GUY ?

rbass101 — 2010-03-04 00:52:32Z

Thank you. I'm an idiot. I LIVE in Berkshire County (tho 2010 not 1880.) Don't know how I could have missed it ---- (oh yeah, I'm an idiot...)

Thanks.

rb

Re: WALTER N. VOSBURG MARRIED MAMIE BOLGER, SO -- WHO IS THIS GUY ?

Bieliauskaite — 2010-03-03 21:12:26Z

I'm not related but looking at the 1880 census in Berkshire sounty MA, there is a Walter Vosburgh age 1 MA, son of Loomis 30 MA and Rosa 33 CAN, also there is Jennie A 2 MA. This seems likely to be the person who wed Miss Bolger from the same county.

Re: Orr Family research

peder27 — 2010-02-28 22:49:13Z

from massachusetts arcives
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/vitalrecordssearch/VitalRecordsSe...

Orr Marcia Helena North Adams 1904 542 83 Birth
Orr Leonora Veronica Boston 1908 577 327 Birth

Re: Daniel Cole, Berkshire MA

archie612 — 2010-02-28 22:43:12Z

I think his father was James Cole 1766-1853 or one of Jame's brothers. I am desendant of James through his son Dexter Cole 1794-1875. Get back to me with any other info or questions. I am a Martin from Cheshire,MA.

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

frenchlesson — 2010-02-28 14:06:35Z

Here is another idea for you.

Call Notre Dame and ask what they have for information. They are helpful. Then send a letter and evenelope and have them copy what you need.

The Town Hall in Adams is a wealth of information . They have all sorts of card catelogues and original records on B-M-D. You can go in there and search yourself. The clerks are very familiar with genealogy . You can call them for advice too. If he died in adams you should be able to get a death certificate from them.

Call up the Berkshire Atheneum which is the public libray in Pittsfield. Ask for the local history room. They have also have all sorts of books of cemetry listings ( and know all the cemeteries)plus there are microfilm files of B-M-D I think up till 1910 for Berkshire County. They are microfilsm of the actual town records. .They will do research for you. I don't know if they charge anything for that or not but I know the librarians are always do people research queries. They have a very good..big genealogy library. They also have "family files" you might ask about that though I don't think too many are french people in that file. There is alos a MASSachusetts web site which has listings of people who died and dates.

Then at the Berkshire COurt House in Pittsfield there are all the probate records. Even if he was in Adams, there might be probate records. Its a matter of searching through some big log books and then asking to the the envelopes with the records, if he had any. If he was poor or had no will, there might not be anything. I don't know how they are about phone or mail queries.

I finally found my Bourdon ancester died in late 1880s through the microfilm records at the Berkshire Atheneum . You look through the microfilm by date and towm.You can get the names of the microfilm form the library and order them from the Latter Day Saints if you are not close by. Or look on their web site and search for Adams records. You should find them there to order. Also check with the Adams town clerk... but after searching for cemeteries... I found she had been brought back to Canada by train and was listed in the records of her parish in Canada! I had spent 2 years looking in Massachusetts. This is esp likely if the family went back to canada for a while.

I hope this is of somehelp. Do you live any where near by so you could make a trip to these places. They are "friendly" to genealoists. Laura

Orr Family research

TarrahaBranch — 2010-02-27 18:08:21Z

we are going out on a limb here with this one and hoping for help from our genealogy friends online .
This is what I know ....
Helen Orr b.1904 is the daughter of Thomas Orr and Anna M Lynch. they were in the 1910 Census in Boston they had 2 daughters with them

Helen F b 1904
Leonora Veronica b 1908 July 5th

Between 1910 and 1911 Anna M Lynch Orr dies ,
Thomas James Orr remarried a Ann Mae Dennison daughter of THomas dennison and Delia Brousseau dennison on June 7 1911
in North Adams Ma . At that time Ann Mae was living at the home of her parents there in N. Adams .

Thomas and his new wife had a son by January 2 1912 in Springfield MA . by 1914 Thomas Orr was out on war service ??? I have no idea what that would have been .

then by 1916 Ann Mae that moved with her son Thomas J Orr Jr. Out to Utica NY with her parents . In the 1920 NY Utica census it listed Ann Mae as Widowed

I just found an article to Thomas J Orr in a Utica NY paper in 1935 from his sister Helen Orr Westphal . She was asking for him to contact her in Miami Fl. All I have is her married name as Westphal which doesn't really give me much to work with . I don't know who she married ...

I have attached a picture Of Anna Mae with her step daughters and new son Thomas Jr.

By 1936 Ann Mae died her obit states that she was her first husband died in 1916 during war service over seas. no other details

I would like to know what happened to the two daughters of Thomas J Orr b 1882

Oh thomas J Orr's parents were Thomas G Orr 1858 and Mary Gallaher 1857

Anna M Lynch's parents were michael Lynch and Mary Foley .

Thanks so much

Tee

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

Mizzsinjin — 2010-02-25 18:55:33Z

Erin,
The St. Joesph's cemetery in North Adams was affiliated with St. Jospeh's Church there; I'm not positive but I believe that only parishioners were buried there. Since St. Joesph's in Pittsfield was the 'mother church' for many of the other Catholic churches that were subsequently built in the area, Catholics from all over Berkshire County were buried there as well as their own parishioners.

I have alot of information I can give you regarding searching for graves in the Adams area, but don't want to take up too much room here. Why don't you email me offline at Mizzsinjin@aol.com and I can fill you in?
Kathleen

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

erinlancestry — 2010-02-24 21:01:12Z

Kathleen,

Thank you so much! I will try calling St Joes tomorrow and see if they can be of any help. I see a St Josephs cemetery in Pittsfield and one is North Adams....
Do you know if Notre Dame kept Records from the 1880s? baptisms/deaths/burials?
5 of Amede's children were born in Adams and 2 died there as children. I have the birth and death records from NEHGS, but would be interested in the Church records as well.

You said that you found relatives buried at the various cemeteries - do I just call the cemeteries and ask? I have never tried before, so really not sure lol.

Erin

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

Mizzsinjin — 2010-02-24 20:26:35Z

For many years, there were 3 Catholic Churches in Adams: The "Irish Church" (St. Thomas Aquinas), the "Polish Church (St. Stanislaus), and the "French Church" (Notre Dame). Until very recently, people in Adams still tended to go to the ethnic church of their ancestors...so I would assume that your GGgrandfather attended Notre Dame (which is now the only Catholic church in Adams--the other 2 were closed down last year.) Notre Dame had been built by the time of your GGgrandfather's death, and they did have a small cemetery there at one time. However, I was told that some time after St. Joesph's Cemetery opened in Pittsfield c1853, the cemetery at Notre Dame closed, and moved their graves to St. Josephs. You might want to call St. Joe's--their files are partially computerized and the office secretary is very helpful. However, I've also found Irish Catholic relatives from that period buried in Cheshire Cemetery and in Bellevue & Maple Street Cemeteries in Adams. Good luck!
Kathleen

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

noyes193 — 2010-02-24 16:00:25Z

Yes I had the 1st edition.

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

erinlancestry — 2010-02-24 15:26:58Z

I am looking at buying this book - A Guide to Massachusetts Cemeteries, 2nd Edition - is that the one?

I did get a reply on the mailing list that said to check on Notre Dame in Adams.
I guess I just need to call around and ask, but I am very bad at using the phone lol :-)

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

noyes193 — 2010-02-23 22:27:54Z

Sorry about that I had a book of Cemetery's in the Berkshire's and I accidently threw it out along with directions for my new washer.......
I got the book at the Pittsfield Atheneaum was 12 dollars.

Re: What newspaper serviced the Washington (Berkshire) area in 1898?

MexicoMeg — 2010-02-23 18:43:48Z

For those of us out of the area (like in Ohio) are any of the Berkshire Eagle issues online anywhere? Or is microfilm available that can be interlibrary loaned? Anyone know? Anyone done that?

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

erinlancestry — 2010-02-23 18:35:18Z

yeah - tried that - not having much luck....but thank you for the idea :-)

Hoping someone that knows the area happens by I guess.

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

noyes193 — 2010-02-23 18:31:26Z

You can do a search for the town/city website and maybe get the info or just do a search for Catholic Cemetery's in the town.

Re: Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

helendavis18 — 2010-02-23 03:33:48Z

Have you tried St. Joseph's Cemetary in Pittsfield? It was one of the earliest Catholic cemetaries in Berkshire County. I know there are many Irish from Lee and Richmond buried in the oldest sections.

Helen

Catholic Cemetaries/Chuches in Adams?

erinlancestry — 2010-02-23 02:17:34Z

My GGGrandfather Amede/Edward Levac died in Adams in 1893. I am trying to track down where he would be buried, or maybe church records of his burial?
He was Roman Catholic from Les Cedres in Quebec, but I doubt he would have been taken back....

thank you!
Erin (Levack)

Re: Amede Levack - died May 1, 1893 in Adams.

erinlancestry — 2010-02-23 02:04:49Z

Thanks for taking a look :-)

I am now searching to see if I can figure out where he was buried - He was from Les Cedres, Quebec, but I am not sure if he would have been taken "home" or buried locally...I am thinking locally. Maybe I need to start with Catholic Churches in Adams...

Re: PIERCE

nblOR — 2010-02-23 00:02:51Z

Thank you for the response. No, my Levi Piece is buried in Otsego Co., NY.

Re: PIERCE

cwnicholls — 2010-02-22 14:00:39Z

There's a Levi Pierce in Pittsfield Cemetery, but wife is Lydia.
http://www.cwnicholls.com/familytree/PierceGravesPittsfield/...

Re: What newspaper serviced the Washington (Berkshire) area in 1898?

cwnicholls — 2010-02-22 13:24:51Z

The Berkshire Eagle and other Pittsfield newspapers are on microfilm at the Pittsfield Library Local History room. (Berkshire Atheneum)

Re: Goodfellow

noyes193 — 2010-02-16 15:53:09Z

I found this but don't know if ther is a connection

Aug.9,1913 Weymouth, Ma. marriage

John Claude Goodfellow 22 1st marriage machinist b. England parents John W.and Eliabeth J.Moyle
Almerta Amanda Barbour 19 1st marriage b.Rockland at home parents Ceorge A. and Nettie Tyler
Charles Clark Clergyman,Weymouth
Tina

Re: Two Blanchard Lines (now Tower line)

MexicoMeg — 2010-02-15 17:39:38Z

I just checked to see if there was any info. I had that might help you with a possible connection to the Tower line that I have.... I can't find anything and really can't even think of where you might begin. I don't know if an organization or church might have been involved, or if it might just have been accomplished between families. Best of luck on this search!

Reuben Hart and Beulah Warner

PamelaGray23 — 2010-02-15 06:15:08Z

Looking for information/documentation on marriage of Joseph Hart (Born 1765 in Kensington, Hartford, Connecticut)and Beulah Warner (Born 1777 in Stockbridge, Berkshire, Massachusetts.) Married 17 or 20 March 1793 in Stockbridge, Berkshire, Massachusetts. They married and moved to Pompey, Onondaga, New York.

Also looking for descendents of Joseph and Beulah, born in Ponpey, Onondaga, New York. We believe one of their children to be Reuben Hart who married Lydia Duell.

Any information would be very helpful and much appreciated.

Pam

Re: Goodfellow

SCarroll7027 — 2010-02-14 23:20:33Z

Hi,
I found this family through the US Census here on Ancestry.com ..

In 1910 they lived in Schaghticoke, Renasslaer, NY

In 1920 they lived in Pittstown, Rennasslaer, NY
In 1930 they lived in Pittsfield, Berkshire, Massachusetts..by then John was not listed..he must have died between 1920-1930..
The Census states that Elizabeth was born in NY....

Hope this helps...

Re: Goodfellow

Joyce1812va1 — 2010-02-14 17:24:47Z

more dates of those listed would be helpful

Goodfellow

kevinramsdell63 — 2010-02-14 16:39:53Z

Looking for info on the Goodfellow clan from berkshire county Ma. early 1900-1975 or so. Elizabeth was my grandmother. Her mother was Theresa, her father was John I believe they came to USA in 1870's or so from Galway Ireland. Any info would be great.
Thanks

Re: Amede Levack - died May 1, 1893 in Adams.

noyes193 — 2010-02-13 17:07:48Z

I have ordered several records from Stockbrige,Pittsfield, Eastampton,all Mass.Some are actual copy's and others are typed with the actual record. Ypu have to remember some of these people did not know the language if they were from the French part of Canada. This a problem I have with my ancestors last names were changed several times.I did not find any thing. in the newspaper achives.
Tina

Re: Amede Levack - died May 1, 1893 in Adams.

erinlancestry — 2010-02-13 16:38:50Z

Is there somewhere I can request the actual Marriage Certificate in Adams? Or are those records in NEHGS the only records from that long ago?

Re: Amede Levack - died May 1, 1893 in Adams.

erinlancestry — 2010-02-13 16:25:00Z

Thank you!

I have their Children's Birth records, and he is also listed as Edward/Eddie Levack/Lavack/Le Vach on the various children's birth records - Edward is also what my Grandfather referred to him as. Family history says that he was really a Levesque, but I have not found confirmation of that...

Erin

Re: Amede Levack - died May 1, 1893 in Adams.

noyes193 — 2010-02-13 16:11:52Z

You are right the names are poorly written and missspelled
the death record and marriage In NEHGS vitals are both listed in Adams and nothing in No.Adams although she was listed as living in No.Adams.I searched by last name to see if any chidren would show up.
I will see if I cn find a death record
Tina

Amede Levack - died May 1, 1893 in Adams.

erinlancestry — 2010-02-12 20:20:45Z

I am looking for any additional information on the death of Amede LEVACK on May 1, 1893 in Adams, MA. I have the record from the MA Vital Records which lists his parents (John and Ernestine (Chenier/Cheiner)) but no information on his wife or other family.

I am trying to determine if this is the same Amede LEVACK that married Mederise CHOQUETTE on August 6, 1883 in Adams (or North Adams - I have a record for both cities, but cannot tell which city they were actually married in).

Adams Record lists Parents as John B. & Anriette Chainelyz (this is purely a guess as the name is very hard to read)

North Adams Record lists parents as Jean Bptst and Anriette Chamlyz (again very hard to make out).

Dates and ages seem to line up, but his mother's last name does not match up.

Would there be an Obit someplace perhaps with more detail?

thanks!
Erin

Monroe and Kearin

noyes193 — 2010-02-12 19:30:11Z

Interested in contacting relatives of Charles Monroe b.abt.1856 b,Richmond Va.and Nellie Kearin b.abt 1850 in Ireland m.In Stockbridge or Lee abt 1882.Children George ,Arthur,Helen,Katherine (Katy) all b.Stockbrige.
George Married Ella May Squires. Arthur Married Nora Lee, Helen Married Wilson Squires,Ella's brother,Katherine married George Pulshier.
Tina

Re: Is it possible to find parents of Orrin Porter King born June 22, 1810

MaxWard44 — 2010-02-07 18:37:18Z

Eva,

Nothing definitive but I'm sure my speculation is the same as yours- in the 1810 census there was both a Wanton and a Ward King living in Hancock. In 1820, Wanton is still there and has a son the right age to be Orrin.

The IGI index on the LDS site shows two Wanton King's born in RI-one in 1765 (born West Greenwich, Kent County, RI) and one in 1767. Moreover, it also shows a Wanton King Jr born in MA in 1798.

Lastly, the vital records of RI database on NEHGS shows a marriage in West Greenwich:
King, Wanton, of Susannah, and Sarah Matteson, of Obediah; m. by Elder Thomas Manchester, Aug. 3, 1797.

As well as this birth record in West Greenwich:
King Ward, of Wanton and Sarah, May 13, 1800.

Not definitive proof but maybe a better than 50% chance that Orrin's Parents were Wanton King and Sarah Matteson, from West Greenwich RI, and that they moved from RI to Ma between 1800 and 1810.

Max