May 2nd, 1961 Paris France Rue du Debaicudele

• May 2nd, 1961
• Paris France Rue du Debaicudele
• Mostly sunny - mild

Up fairly early this a.m. Took our clothes to the Laverie for washing. Then to Palais Royale for some shopping. Bought Carol an evening bag, and Ginny a night gown. Lunch at the Cafe de la Paix - Roast beef and potato puffs with a marvelous strawberry "tarts" we would call a pie. Did some window shopping and back to our hotel to iron and get packed. Went back to the Cafe de la Paix for supper. We find this place about the best for food. To bed early as we have to get an early start tomorrow. Bill submitted by hotel this evening very reasonable.

May 1st, 1961 Harvey Hotel Paris France

• May 1st, 1961
• Harvey Hotel Paris France
• Cloudy, cool, some rain

Decided to skip Italy on our journeys. Afraid it will be crowds, dirt, excitement and more struggling with a foreign language. Bought seats in a train to Geneva, Switzerland leaving Wednesday at 8:07 am. Everything closed today (1st of May) so pretty quiet. We have seen most of historic Paris, so will do a bit of shopping tomorrow and then move on. Laverie closed today, so will catch up tomorrow on fresh cloths. Had dinner at the Cafe de la Paix, Rue des Capucines. Marvelous meal beautifully cooked + served. Reasonable as French prices go.

April 30th, 1961 Harvey Hotel Paris France

• April 30th, 1961
• Harvey Hotel Paris France
• Raw, Cloudy, some sprinkles of rain

This morning we went to Mass at the Church of St. Therese. Mass was held in the crypt bearing her name and the children chanted parts of it - very beautiful. 

Then we went over to Notre Dame where a high mass was in progress. Had a good dinner at a very swanky restaurant* across from the church at a very swanky price. 



From there we went to Napoleons' tomb where one's breath is quite taken away with the atmosphere and beauty of the place. Then went down the Seine in a boat to see all over again all the places we had traversed plus many more. Met a woman from California, about our age, travelling all alone. Intends to do Europe U.K. Scandinavia etc. Some courage!

*Patisserie Perigourdine Place San Michel opp. Notre Dame.  Strolled along the Seine looking at the stalls

April 29th, 1961 Harvey Hotel Paris France

Sorry I missed a few days.  I'll try and catch up.

• April 29th, 1961
• Harvey Hotel Paris France
• Some cloudiness-mild
• This am woke up to find I had left my pocketbook downstairs in the hotel where we had been watching television the night before.  In quite a dither until I found that they had put it away for me. Trip to Versailles this afternoon. Palace at Versailles is a marvel of richness and beauty. Quite a day as we had been to the Effie Tower in the morning - going up in it for a wonderful view - and having a nice lunch at the restaurant there. There is a lot of walking to get buses before you get started on your sightseeing, so one gets quite tired. Had dinner at La Bonne Fourchette un Rue St. Honore. Very good. Wine excellent. Ask Daddy.

April 28th, 1961 Bis Rue du Debarcadere Paris

• April 28th, 1961
• Bis Rue du Debarcadere Paris XVII
• Sunny and mild in am. Cloudy in p.m.

Had le petitie dejeuner at out hotel and went exploring. Visited the Louvre after wandering about the Tuileries. Went to bank and got some of those confusing francs and bought some post cards and mailed them to a few people. Had lunch out of doors in the Tuileries but day was turning cooler so did not linger. Came back to rest after our visit to the Louvre and Dad left for further exploring. He came back at dinner time with tickets for a trip to Versailles tomorrow.  Haven't had a really decent meal yet. Where is the exquisite French cooking we hear so much of. Place de Concord, Royal etc. this eve.

April 27th, 1961 Meadow House & Paris France

• April 27th, 1961
• Meadow House & Paris France
• Some cloudiness Sunny late afternoon in Paris

Anne took us to the station and we caught the 8:45 am train for London. In good time for the Boat Train to Dover. The channel was fairly quiet and we had a good passage over with a fine dinner on the boat.

Reached Paris at about 6 PM and found accommodations at the Hotel Harvey, the place recommended by Dizzy. Dinner at the Chez Georges, making ourselves understood without too much difficulty after dinner strolled down the Avenue De la Grand Armee to the Arch of Triumph and over to the Champs Elyesee. Quite a day. 

April 26th, 1961 Meadow House, Brentwood, Essex

• April 26th, 1961
• Meadow House, Brentwood, Essex
• Cloudy with rain

A trip to the Launderette brought us up to date on fresh cloths. Brought some books for the grandchildren which I think they will like. The little English books for children all seem quite fascinating. We are packing to the train to London tomorrow. We take the boat train for our trip across the English Channel at 10:30 am and my first glimpse of  Paris although Dad has been there before in the first W.W. Conditions there have quieted considerable we manage to get a room at the place recommended by Dizzy we shall be all set. 

Harvey Hotel 7 Bis Rue du Debarcadere Paris 17 E Tel. Etoile 27-19

April 25th, 1961 Meadow House Brentwood

• April 25th, 1961
• Meadow House Brentwood
• Cloudy - some rain

This morning we got an early start to London and purchased our Boat Train tickets for Calais.  Reading "London, Dover, Calais" on the tickets made us think of "A Tail of Two Cities" Did some shopping in London. A darling dress and coat for Carol Ann, and some linen tea towels and a tea cloth for various people. Did not wish to buy too much in London as we may see other things in Paris, Rome and Switzerland. Visited the Royal Academy of Arts and saw the Sir Edwin Laudseer exhibition (1802-1873) Very fine-wide variety of subjects- all skillfully executed with a precision of detail. Saw the new Am. Embassy that the British term a monstrosity. not bad. Got some addresses of hotels in Rome from Catholic Travel Bureau. Ate at Palonio's Buckingham Rd, very fine meal.

  

April 24th, 1961 Meadow House

• April 24th, 1961
• Meadow House
• Sunny-Mild-Showery in London

Went down to Brentwood center to get my hair done. Very reasonable. Paid 1/3 of what it costs in Delaware. Very troubled times in Paris, so we went up to London to the AAA to find out about our going there this week. So far all planes are flying in and out and the man in the AAA seemed to think it would be safe to go. Dad has about made up his mind to make the trip and I can't very well desert him. While in London went to Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. Attending a session in the House of Commons - very dry and uninteresting. Had high tea at St. Stephens, the place we had dinner on the day we met Peter to go down to Bexhill.

April 23rd, 1961 Meadow House Essex

• April 23rd, 1961
• Meadow House Essex
• Cloudy in A.M. Fair in PM

Went to church this morning to a little old place in Essex. After Mass, we set out to drive about the Essex countryside.  Visited one of the oldest churches in Eng. about 900 in Greensted.* Made of logs and a miracle of preservation. Then drove to Chiqwell to have dinner at the Kings Head-the inn made famous in Dickens' "Barnaby Rudge". Dickens stayed here when he wrote the book, and called it the Maypole in his novel. Entertaining atmosphere. Here were held the Quarterly Courts in Pre-Elizabethan and Elizabethan days. Built about 15th cent. Later visited an Old Saxon-Norman church dating from 1154.

*Bones of St Edmonds rested here in 1013 on the way to his resting place in Bury St Edmonds

April 22nd, 1961 Meadow House Essex

• April 22nd, 1961
• Meadow House Essex
• Rainy, intermittent sun

A quiet day. Went down to the launderette in the moving and got caught up on our laundry. Ironed them all today and we are quite up to date on fresh cloths. Jim had a tooth out which required dental surgery, so we decided, because of this, and because of the weather to rest in the afternoon. Enjoyed an evening of television and conversation. News came in that a state of emergency had been declared in France, and we are awaiting more news today and tomorrow to determine whether it will be wise to go there this coming week.

I believe the reason for the state of emergency was the Algiers putsch, a failed coup d'etat in France.

April 21st, 1961 Bexhill and Meadow House Brentwood

• April 21st, 1961
• Bexhill and Meadow House Brentwood
• Clear, Sunny, Cool

Down to the beach at Bexhill with Dad and Robert. A beautiful day, one of the best we've had in Eng. Taxi came at 2:05 to take us to the RR station for the trip to London. London carriage very comfortable and had tea and toast brought to us en route. Took a taxi across the city from Victoria Station to Liverpool Street, and passed by Buckingham Palace, through Trafalgar Sq. + Piccadilly Circus and by many other interesting points. Got to Meadow House in good time for dinner. Very nice to see them all again. Clarissa waiting anxiously for us.

 

April 20th, 1961 St Norbert's Bexhill Sussex, England

• April 20th, 1961
• St Norbert's Bexhill Sussex England
• Raw, cold, over-cast

Down to the sea with Robert this morning. Tide out and the three of us were able to walk far out over the sand looking for shells. I left Dad and Robert and came back early to write some letters. This afternoon Dad went to Bexhill to get his hair cut. Three shillings for a hair cut that would cost $1.50 in Delaware, even (in places) a $1.75.  Mandy, the fox terrier had her puppies last night. Three males and a female. She had been mated with a thoroughbred, but the puppies turned out to be mongrels. I suspect Labrador Retrievers in part.  Tomorrow we go to Essex to stay a but more with Anne and Jim.

April 19th, 1961 St Norbert's Bexhill, England

• April 19th, 1961
• St Norbert's Bexhill, England
• Raw and Cloudy

Jim called this a.m. to see if we planned to come back to Essex this weekend. Said they were counting on us. We assured him that we were. The boys left today for London. Suzanne, the maid, went with them to take care of them at their apt. in the mews. They will be at the famous cricket field at Lords for three days, learning the finer points of the game. Dad and I went to Brighton and had a wonderful promenade on the sea front and a very nice dinner. Bought a little leather change purse for Grampy Cox with the name of Brighton in gold letters upon it. He will be pleased.

April 18th, 1961: St. Norberts Bexhill

• April 18th, 1961
• St. Norberts Bexhill
• Sunny, mild

This morning Dad and I set out for a long walk on the promenade and a little shopping in the store section. Even their larger stores have an old world atmosphere, and a sense of crowdedness and hodgepodge. This afternoon we went back to Hastings Castle for some pictures as Dad did his camera on our first visit. We went down by the shore where the fishing vessels were coming in, and bought some nice fresh plaice for supper. Tomorrow we go to Brighton and will send a postcard to Grampy Cox from his old stomping grounds. Did a bit sewing ofr Kay today.

I am not sure who Grampy Cox was, and will have to poke around the family tree to see if I can figure it out.

April 17th, 1961: St. Norberts, Bexhill, Sussex

• April 17th, 1961
• St. Norberts Bexhill, Sussex
• Cloudy-Cool

This morning Peter and the boys demonstrated the fewer points of cricket to us. They have a small practice field in the garden. Dad and I took a long walk into Bexhill and did a little shopping. Visited St. Peter's Church (High Church) in Bexhill. It was consecrated in 772 and the deed of conveyance in the entrance, by Affa, King of the English, gives in ancient language, the rights of conveyance. There is also, in a glass case, the Stone of Bexhill- made of a sandstone not found in Sussex and thought to be brought by St. Wilfrith where he came to convert the Saxons. It has Saxon carvings upon it and is a thing of great antiquity. It is thought to be a relic, (possibly the covering to a saint's tomb.) which, until 800 or so was necessary in the R.C. church for the consecration of a church. Today Joan came with her children (2 of the 3 of them) for lunch. Later her husband came down to join her, have tea, and bring her home. Peter has gone to London to stay at their apt in the Mews. Joan's husband is a busy doctor and it was very gracious of him to take time from his work to meet us. Supper before the fire in the drawing room tonight.

April 16th, 1961: Bexhill, Sussex, England

• April 16th, 1961
• Bexhill, Sussex, England
• Cloudy in the a.m. turning sunny

We went ot Mass this morning at the church of Magdalen in  Bexhill. It was an ancaint stone edifice with the pulpit on the side aisle of the church instead of in front as are ours. Otherwise, aside fromthe architecture, one might be in an American church. This is understandable whenone reflects upon the antiquity of Roman Catholicism and its unchanging pattern. We strolled home admiring the little English gardens. In one there was a tablet which read something like this:

In the sun is the pardon of God.
In the song of the birds is His mirth
You are nearer God's heart in a garden
Than in any place else on earth.

 Dad went with Peter to the Cricket Club before noon dinner, and the boys and I went down to the shore. The sea was calm and lovely and the air bracing. This afternoon we set out on an exploration on a very grand scale. First we went to Eastbourne, a place by the sea with 3 promenades on graduating terraces and a profusion of flowers in formal beds almost unavailable for beauty.  Visited Pevensey Castle on the Pevensey marshes. The marshes on which Hitler planned to come down. The Castle was built by the Romans as a fortification, and the ruins of the chapel show the font and Saxon stone with a Saxon symbol carved on it. Following this we tramped the Sussex Downs. Extending for some 20 miles, they roll away into the blue distance with grass as short and green as any lawn. They tell us the chalk in the soil keeps the grass as short as though it had been mowed. At Bleachy Head we saw our first of the famous white Chalk Cliffs. Returning we stopped by the sea at Burling___ for our tea, served with heavenly melt-in-the mouth scones. In Hooe, a tiny village outside Bexhill we visited our first pub. It was all we imagined, with a cozy fire and gleaming bottles reflecting the light. Had a chandy, a drink made of 1/2 ginger ale and 1/2 beer. Dad had light beer and Kay the same as I, and Peter the same as Dad. They served us delicious out-sized sausage on a toothpick, crisped to a lovely brown and with a flavor impossible to describe. The name of the pub is Tamlin's Lamb Inn and the swinging sign had a picture of a little white lamb gamboling on the green. I am sure no "Mary" ever had a prettier lamb. The pub building dates from 1520 and is in remarkably good condition. People were quiet voiced and orderly. The young crowd was just coming in as we left.

April 15th, 1961 Bexhill, Sussex, England

• April 15th, 1961
• Bexhill, Sussex, England
• Sunny-mild

This morning Peter drove us to Hasting (site of the battle of Hastings) where we watched Charles and James play cricket at the Central Cricket Ground. Then we explored Hastings Castle,  Situated on a high point over-looking the Sea (Eng. Channel). The castle was built by Wm. the Conqueror  in the year 1067 or 68 but its dungeons and cells were built far back in antiquity.  The Whispering dungeon is a place where prisoners were tortured and by some quality of the sandstone, whispers from the victims in the torture cells were transmitted to the guards whose purpose it was to listen.  In one of  the cell walls is a carving of a horse done by some Saxon at the beginning or near the beginning of time.*

This afternoon Kay and I with Robert and Charles went over to Egerton Park where the two boys were given a tennis lesson. Dad and Peter went to play golf.

Planned to visit a pub tonight but everyone tired, so we shall postpone it for another time.

*In the castle of Hastings there is the site of the high alter at which Thomas Becket said Mass.  He was at the Castle for about two years and Roman Catholics make pilgrimages to this holy place.

April 14th, 1961 Meadow House/London/Bexhill

• April 14th, 1961
• Meadow House/London/England
• Rainy in a.m. Clearing and sunny later in the day.

Came up to London today from Brentwood.  Check our bags at the station and took the underground from Liverpool St. to Westminster.  Went through St. Margaret's Church, the original parish church of the abbey.  Foundations laid in 1000. About 200 years ago, it was separated from Westminster Abbey. Of course, to a Roman Catholic, all has a familiar and understandable air. Saw burial places of Eliz I, Mary Stewart, James I, and all the other notables. Also, the coronation chair.

Had a lovely lunch at St. Stephens Restaurant opposite the Houses of Parliament but did not go through as we had to meet Peter at 2:30 pm. Got to the Great Eastern Hotel in good time to connect with Peter and drive down to Bexhill.  He has a lovely new Jaguar which rides easily and has a speed capacity of around 130 miles per hour.

The ride down into Sussex and Kent is beautiful. The rolling landscape is much like Western Massachusetts.  We stopped at an ancient castle knoll containing 365 rooms and 52 staircases, 7 courtyards. As it takes an hour plus to go through we just visited the courtyards and Great Hall.  The castle dates from the time of King John 1199-1216. The Duchess of Windsor met her Edward there at some sort of entertainment,  Kay and Peter have a lovely spacious home in Bexhill. There is an air of family living which is very comfortable and easy.  It was a delight to see them all, and we spent most of the time getting acquainted all over again. The sea is only a few minutes walk from their home.

After a lovely dinner, we gathered in the drawing room for conversation and a bit of television.

The boys were pleased with the games we brought them, and James and I had a great time playing concentration.  Kay promises me an Old Castle for tomorrow.

Kay is Ervin's niece, Kathleen Putnam.  She married Peter Murray Willis, the Peter mentioned above.  Unfortunately, they didn't give the name of the castle they visited.  Given the clues they give, someone should be able to figure it out, but I haven't tried.

April 13th, 1961 Meadow House

• April 13th, 1961
• Meadow House
• Fair-mild

Visited Brentwood proper this a.m. Went to Launderette to do some cloths and shopped in a cute little pastry shop where we bought tarts to bring home to Ann.  This afternoon Dad went by bus to Chelmsford where he explored the place as is his wont and pleasure.  Saw an old windmill which had been restored.  Visited the fish market and saw some fresh Scotch salmon that made his mouth water, but at 11 shillings a lb.  which soon dried up his mouth from the price angle.

Visited Ann's parents for a cocktail hour before dinner tonight. Very pleasant.

April 12th, 1961 Meadow House, Cornsland, Brentwood, Essex

• April 12th, 1961
• Meadow House, Cornsland, Brentwood, Essex
• Cloudy-raw

Took the train to London to explore London Tower which took us most of the day.  Had lunch at the Tower Restaurant.  It was our first good view of the Thames which it would be unwise to compare with any of America's rivers.  What it lacks in cleanliness and beauty is amply made up for in richness of history and tradition. At the Tower of London was saw so much that one small book could not encompass  it; The Queens' House where those who were condemned spent their last days; The place where the little Prices were murdered by their wicked uncle; St. John's Chapel where the knights kept all-night vigils; and where the Archbishop of Canterbury was murdered at the alter, and Mary Tudor was betrothed to Phillip II of Spain.  Beauchamp Tower is another interesting place. The signature of Robert Dudley is one of many interesting ones carved at the entrance, when he was imprisoned there. He later became Earl of Leicester and Elizabeth's favorite.  Around the fireplace are many inscriptions among them one by Arundel 6/22/1587.  

The Bloody Tower was built by Henry III and the tower was added over it in the reign of Richard II. Sir Walter Raleigh was one of the many imprisoned here.  Here he wrote his History of the World during the long imprisonment.

Also saw Green-site of execution of Anne Boleyn and others.

April 11th, 1961 Meadow House, Cornsland, Brentwood, Essex, England

• April 11th, 1961
• Meadow House, Cornsland, Brentwood, Essex, Eng.
• Clear, Mild Sunny

Meadow House is even more charming by daylight.  The garden is perfectly delightful and I plan to describe it more fully in my journal. Took Clarissa for a walk in the park.  We had a wonderful time with her, - a bright and very attractive little person-and enjoyed getting acquainted.

Dad went out in the afternoon exploring the countryside. Got to Ockendon, a nearby town and saw a church built in 1326, the original door is Norman and still in good condition.  He also saw the farm from which they took the merino sheep to Australia with which to start their herds.

The church that she mentioned was like St. Nicholas of Myra.

April 10th, 1961-Abd Queen Mary

• April 10th, 1961
• Abd Queen Mary
• Cloudy-Mild-Showery

Docked at Cherbourg at about 8:30 AM. Thrilled to see the coastline of France as we came in.  After breakfast we were permitted to leave the ship and go exploring. Most of the people walked but we took a taxi about the city.  Another passenger asked if he could join us and he spoke very good French was able to interpret much from the driver that we might have missed. Went up on Fort Roule 107 meters high and looked over Cherbourg.

Saw the Musee de Liberation. Thought we would be wrecked going down the steep pitches with the driver gesturing with both hands off the wheel.  Fort Roule was the site of fierce fighting during the 2nd WW, 35000 Germans were trapped on the Peninsula and the Eng + Am's bombed it unceasingly for 5 days.

Our taxi driver told us the the Germans had headquarters in Cherbourg for two years prior to the outbreak of the war.

Frenzy of packing. We will go through customs about 9:00 pm. Will call Jim from Southampton. We are now in sight of the English coast.* 

Docked at Southampton and was through customs by 11 pm. Boat train very comfortable.  Much prefer the English system of side cars to our American aisle trains. "Put" and I had train compartment to ourselves and were able to relax. Jim was waiting with the car, and the ride to Brentwood was very comfortable.

Meadow House where Jim and Ann live with Clarissa (age 5) is charming with a gracious, hospitable atmosphere, reflecting its occupants.  Had tea and went to bed about 3 a.m. I do so like the English system of lavatory and bath separate, with basin and running water in the room.

*Southampton Solents

Comments: I believe Jim was a nickname for my first cousin once removed, Amos Weldon Putnam and the Ann they mention was his wife Ann Elizabeth Campbell.  Amos would have been Ervin's ("Put's") nephew.

April 9th, 1961: onboard Queen Mary

• April 9th, 1961
• on-board Queen Mary
• Windy-sunny-showery in afternoon and evening. SW gale moderating rough sea, heavy swell moderately

Mass at 9:30 am in the 1st class lounge.

Had a most difficult ship quiz for the day in which we matched up riddles against surnames in the passenger list. I knew I had several wrong but passed it in anyway, and to my delight found I was winner again.  Received a beautiful real leather manicure case completely fitted.  Attended cabaret and bingo after dinner. Afternoon on the sun deck.

April 8th, 1961 Queen Mary

• April 8th, 1961
• Queen Mary
• Sunny and windy aboard WSW gale, very rough sea, very heavy swell

Lay in our deck chairs a good portion of the day.

Played a little shuffle board. Visited the ship's laundry where there is every facility for washing and ironing.  Got well caught up on our laundry. A rainbow in the spray has been following us for days. Very lovely!

Much entertainment in the smoking room evenings. Cabaret, music and bingo.  Won over 8 L at bingo and was quite thrilled.

April 7th, 1961 Queen Mary

• April 7th, 1961
• Queen Mary
• near westerly gale rough sea, heavy swells cloudy-gusts of rain, rougher than it has been

Today I passed in a quiz  called "Which is Which" in which a  familiar thing must be matched up with one of two meanings. The were 20 questions and imagine my surprise to find my name listed as winner.  The food continues very good, and the service and attention given everywhere on board is excellent.  

We take salt water baths rinsing off with fresh water from a small tub. It is most invigorating and almost as good as a swim in the ocean.  Met a very interesting person* who had photos of Leeds castle in Maidstone. She lives in one of the lodges and has charge of the Castle while her husband is the caterer.  She has been in the Bahamas at the residence there of her employer and had a vast fund of interesting experiences. She invited us to visit her and go through Leeds castle.  It is one of three castles left in England with the original water moat + draw bridge.

*Mrs. Marjorie Borret

April 6th, 1961 Queen Mary

• April 6th, 1961
• Queen Mary
• Rough sea, moderate to heavy swell Cloudy-Milder WNW wind

Today we reported to the immigration inspector with our passports. Took a chance on the Captain's Tote for the day (mileage in 24 hrs) and picked the correct number of miles. Got 1 pound note, 2 half crowns and 2 shillings all of which took me a little time to figure out.  The initial investment was 35¢, so it was a good profit $3.43.

Wonderful entertainment this evening in the Smoking Room-International Dances and a good vocalist. A game of bingo with very fine stakes.

April 5th, 1961 N.Y. and aboard Queen Mary

• April 5th, 1961
• N.Y. and aboard Queen Mary
• Fair-occasional cloudiness

Florence Taylor now lives in N.Y. so I rang her up. Later she came to see use off, bringing a bottle of champagne for a Bon Voyage gift. Helen joined us for breakfast at the Dorset and come down, also, to see us off.

The last time I was aboard the Queen Mary was some 7-8 yrs. ago and I had forgotten what a wonderful ship she is. Our cabin is adequate-in fact fairly comfortable and after we had complied with the usual formalities, filling out our declaration forms, etc., we wondered about the ship, finally landing atop the sun deck where we lay in our chairs for about an hour, sunning ourselves.

The meals on the ship are excellent and I am afraid it will be hard on Put's waistline, be he has been warned and is paying no heed-so far!

Letters from Jim and the Moncures when we arrived aboard. Very nice-especially Jim's-which made us feel quite at home.

People on board seem to be well behaved with the few exceptions one finds anywhere.

April 4th, 1961 New York-Dorset Hotel

• April 4th, 1961
• New York-Dorset Hotel
• Fair-Cloudless

Arrived at the Dorset about 1:15 PM after a trip to the peir with our luggage.  All taxi men in New York are valuable but we picked the most valuable of the all. Quite entertaining in fact.

Ate dinner at a little restaurant on W. 55th Street.  Exceptionally good cuisine. 

After dinner we strolled up 5th Avenue and visited St. Thomas Episcopal Church and St. Matthews. Did a bit of window shopping but one can see the counterparts of these 5th Ave. styles in any moderate dress shop.

Taking a break from the McCann Story: Mary and Ervin Putnam's 1961 European trip

I have a copy of a travel journal my Grandmother, Mary Gertrude Connelly Putnam wrote about her trip to Europe with Ervin Earl Putnam in 1961 that I thought I would transcribe.  The trip went from April 4th to June 6th and I'll post the entries on the appropriate days.  They had a list of locations they visited at the front of the book, so I've mapped them out here.  AS I go through the entries I might add more locations or make them more precise.

The Cummings Connection, 1870 U.S. Census

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Catherine McCann, born November, 1829 in Ireland, died in 1911 in Pittsfield, MA married a Bartley Cummings born July, 1820 in Ireland, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-born about 1855 lives in Pittsfield, MA married Maria
• Anna G. Cummings, born in February, 1882
• George E. Cummings, born in February, 1884
• Fredrick M. Cummings, born in August, 1886
• Mary A. Cummings, born in June, 1888
• Bartholomew W. Cummings, born in July 1890
• Micheal Cummings, born about 1859
• John Cummings, born about 1861
• James Cummings, born about 1866
• Williams Cummings, born about 1868
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

Stepping back to the 1870 census, we find Catherine living with her husband, and seven or five children in Pittsfield.  I'll explain the children confusion this in a minute.  Catherine is 40, which lines up pretty well with the 1829 birth year I expect.  Her husband is listed as a Stone Mason.  They own the house and it is valued at $1500 and they have personal property worth $100.  

We see the five children that are listed in the 1880 census but there are two other family members.  Edward Cummings, age 18 (born about 1852) who is working at a Woolen Mill and George, age 17 (born about 1853), who works on the railroad.  From the census, I cannot tell if these are their children so I went looking for thier birth records, and they are Bartley and Catherine's older sons.  

Source: 1870 United States Federal Census; Year: 1870; Census Place: Pittsfield, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: M593_602; Page: 526A; Image: 139963; Family History Library Film: 552101

Source: Massachusetts, Birth Records, 1840-1915; Name Edward Cummings, Gender Male, Birth Date 20 Jan 1852, Birth Place Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA, Father Berthy Cummings, Mother Catharine Cummings

Source: Massachusetts, Birth Records, 1840-1915; Name George Thomas Cummings, Gender Male, Birth Date 13 Sep 1853, Birth Place Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA, Father Darthy Cummings, Mother Catharine Cummings

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Catherine McCann, born November, 1829 in Ireland, died in 1911 in Pittsfield, MA married a Bartley Cummings born July, 1820 in Ireland, is 82 when the article was written
• Edward Cummings-born January 20th, 1852 in Pittsfield, MA
• George Thomas Cummings-born September 13th, 1853 in Pittsfield, MA
• Bartley Cummings-born about 1855 lives in Pittsfield, MA married Maria
• Anna G. Cummings, born in February, 1882
• George E. Cummings, born in February, 1884
• Fredrick M. Cummings, born in August, 1886
• Mary A. Cummings, born in June, 1888
• Bartholomew W. Cummings, born in July 1890
• Micheal Cummings, born about 1859
• John Cummings, born about 1861
• James Cummings, born about 1866
• Williams Cummings, born about 1868
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

The Cummings Connection, the 1880 Census

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Catherine McCann, born November, 1829 in Ireland, died in 1911 in Pittsfield, MA married a Bartley Cummings born July, 1820 in Ireland, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-born about 1855 lives in Pittsfield, MA married Maria
• Anna G. Cummings, born in February, 1882
• George E. Cummings, born in February, 1884
• Fredrick M. Cummings, born in August, 1886
• Mary A. Cummings, born in June, 1888
• Bartholomew W. Cummings, born in July 1890
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

The 1880 census shows Catherine living with her husband and five sons.  Catherine is marked as being 42, showing her born in 1838.  Once again, I think the age is wrong.  Her husband is a stone mason.  Her sons are:

• Bartlett Cummings, born about 1857, age 23, working in a shoe factory
• Micheal Cummings, born about 1859, age 21, working as a grocer
• John Cummings, born about 1861, age 19, working in a shoe factory
• James Cummings, born about 1866, age 14, at school
• Williams Cummings, born about 1868, age 12, at school

Source: 1880 United States Federal Census; Year: 1880; Census Place: Pittsfield, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 521; Family History Film: 1254521; Page: 366A; Enumeration District: 057; Image: 0736

Therefore we can add a bit more information about this family:

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Catherine McCann, born November, 1829 in Ireland, died in 1911 in Pittsfield, MA married a Bartley Cummings born July, 1820 in Ireland, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-born about 1855 lives in Pittsfield, MA married Maria
• Anna G. Cummings, born in February, 1882
• George E. Cummings, born in February, 1884
• Fredrick M. Cummings, born in August, 1886
• Mary A. Cummings, born in June, 1888
• Bartholomew W. Cummings, born in July 1890
• Micheal Cummings, born about 1859
• John Cummings, born about 1861
• James Cummings, born about 1866
• Williams Cummings, born about 1868
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

The Cummings Connection, the 1900 census

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Kathrine McCann, born about 1822 in Ireland, died in 1911 in Pittsfield, MA married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-born about 1855 lives in Pittsfield, MA married Maria
• Anna G. Cummings, born about 1882
• Fredrick Cummings, born about 1887
• May A. Cummings, born about 1889
• Bartholomew Cummings, born about 1891
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

The 1900 U.S. Census has Catherine (spelled with a C this time) living in her son Bartley's house on 50 Madison Ave with her husband, son, his wife and their five children.  Catherine's husband's name was also Bartley.  He was 70, being born in July of 1820 in Ireland.  He immigrated in 1847 and married Catherine in 1846.  Therefore they where married in Ireland.  His was a stone mason.  

Catherine is show as being born in November of 1829 in Ireland.  This date matches better with the information in the article, so I think that the 1910 Census is off.  This census shows her immigrating in 1852, so it may be that Catherine and Bartley where married in Ireland.  He then immigrated to the US and Catherine followed a few years later.  

Catherine's son Bartley is married to Maria.  He was born in October of 1854 in Massachusetts and they had been married for 19 years (1881) they have five children, who are all living.

• Anna G. Cummings, born February 1882, age 18
• George E. Cummings, born February 1884, age 16
• Frederick M. Cummings, born August 1886, age 13
• Mary A. Cummings, born June 1888, age 11
• Bartley W. Cummings, born July 1890, age 9

They are all attending school when the census was taken.

Source: 1900 United States Federal Census; Year: 1900; Census Place: Pittsfield Ward 6, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 633; Page: 11B; Enumeration District: 0074; FHL microfilm: 1240633

Given that Catherine's husband died between the 1900 and 1910 U.S. Censuses, I went looking for his death certificate.  He died on December 16th, 1907 of Apoplexy with contributing factors of bronchopneumoia.  His father was named Bartley as well and from Ireland.  They didn't know the name of his mother.  He was buried in St. Joseph's cemetery on December 19th, 1907.  I can't find his record on find-a-grave, but I can see some of his children there.  Given that St. Joseph's is a catholic cemetery, it is my belief that Catherine was one of the girls that were catholic.

Source:  Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915; eath date: 16 DEC 1907 death place: Pittsfield, Berkshire, Massachusetts, USA Name: Bartlett Cummings birth date: abt 1825 birth place: Ireland; Link: search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=madeathrecords&h=7071 32&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Kathrine McCann, born November, 1829 in Ireland, died in 1911 in Pittsfield, MA married a Bartley Cummings born July, 1820 in Ireland, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-born about 1855 lives in Pittsfield, MA married Maria
• Anna G. Cummings, born in February, 1882
• George E. Cummings, born in February, 1884
• Fredrick M. Cummings, born in August, 1886
• Mary A. Cummings, born in June, 1888
• Bartholomew W. Cummings, born in July 1890
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

The Cummings Connection- 1910 and 1920 census

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Daughter married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

If we look back at the Berkshire Eagle article, there are more strings we can tug on.

• Thirty-two years ago Mr. McCann's wife died and husband and daughter of the immediate family remain.  Bartley Cummings and George H. Walsh, both in public service of Pittsfield, are nephews of Mr. McCann's.
• A sister of Mr. McCann, who is mother of Bartley Cummings, is 82 years old. She and Mr. McCann are the only members of that family who are living.

I'll start digging into the Cummings connection here.  We know that Bartley Cummings was alive and living in Pittsfield when the article is written.  His mother is also still alive.  So lets see if Bartley shows up in the 1910 U.S. Census.  There was a Bartholomew Cummings, age 55 living in Pittsfield, MA at this time.  He lives at 41 Symour Street with his mother, wife, and four children.  He was born about 1855 in Massachusetts.  He was working as an inspector for the city.

His mother's name was Katherine Cummings, and she was 87 at the time of census.  The age is a bit of a discrepancy but I think this is the right family.  She was a widow and immigrated in 1855.  She was born in Ireland and could not read or write.  The record says that she had eleven children, seven of which survived.

Bartholomew was married to Maria, age 49.  She had 5 children, all of which were living at the time of the census.  four of them, Anna G. (28), Fredrick (23), May A. (21) and Bartholomew (19).

Source: 1910 United States Federal Census; Year: 1910; Census Place: Pittsfield Ward 6, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_573; Page: 17B; Enumeration District: 0078; FHL microfilm: 1374586

If we jump forward to the 1920 U.S. Census, Bartley is living with his wife and two of there children at the Seymour Street house as well as with his one year old granddaughter, Marjorie A Naughton. I haven't had time to research this little mystery.  Katherine is no longer there so we can assume that she died before 1920.  Looking at the Massachusetts Death Index, there is a record of Katherine dying in 1911.  

Source: 1920 United States Federal Census; Year: 1920; Census Place: Pittsfield Ward 3, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_680; Page: 17B; Enumeration District: 62; Image: 723

Source: Massachusetts, Death Index, 1901-1980; Name Catherine Cummings, Death Date 1911, Death Place Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA, Volume Number 82, Page number 9, Index Volume Number 60, Reference Number F63.M363 v.60 1911-Pittsfield-82 9

I'll try and track this family back in time in the next post.  

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Kathrine McCann, born about 1822 in Ireland, died in 1911 in Pittsfield, MA married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-born about 1855 lives in Pittsfield, MA married Maria
• Anna G. Cummings, born about 1882
• Fredrick Cummings, born about 1887
• May A. Cummings, born about 1889
• Bartholomew Cummings, born about 1891
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

Is there anything else we can find from the Jane McCann connection?

There isn't a lot more to find along this branch of research, but I can add a few more bits of information.

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Daughter married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

Two of the daughters are Catholic and the other two are protestants.
A child name George McCann was born in 1858 and was living with George McCann in 1870.

Jane McCann was married on July 22nd, 1870 to John Price in Manhattan, New York. Her son Walter married  Luella M Root on February 12th, 1910 in Chenango, New York, USA.  He is listed as being born in Pittsfield, MA and his parents were John Price and Jane McKan.

• Source: New York, New York, Marriage Index 1866-1937; Name Jane McCann, Gender Female, Marriage Date 22 Jul 1870, Marriage Place Manhattan, New York, USA, Spouse John Price Certificate Number 7054
• Source: New York, County Marriages, 1847-1849; 1907-1936; Name Jane Mckan, Gender Female, Spouse John Price, Child Walter H Price, Film Number 001023093

So we can add a bit to the information on the family.  

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Daughter married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married John Price on July 22nd, 1870.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York married Luella M. Root on February 12th, 1910
• Daughter

More on George McCann's census records

Yesterday, I stepped through some of the available census records for George McCann and in the process found out the name of his daughter and sister. Being that the sister was also from Ireland, and George's wife was suppose to be from Wales, we can list Jane as one of the sisters of George and John.  Here is what we know so far:

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born about 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850
•  Benedicta McCann-born 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Daughter married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Daughter

Two of the daughters are Catholic and the other two are protestants.  

If we go back another 5 years to the 1900 U.S. Census, George is living at 142 E. 18th Street.  George was 66 years old and listed as being born in January of 1834 in Ireland.  Both his parents were born in Ireland and he immigrated fifty years earlier in 1850 and is a naturalized citizen.   He was working as a janitor.  

George was a widower who was married in 1867 and listed as having one child who lived.  This has been crossed out on the form.  I think this is because the census taker was only suppose to collect this information for mothers.  He is living with his daughter Benedicta.  She was 33 years old, being born in January of 1865 in New York.  Her father was from Ireland and mother from England.  She is working as a bookkeeper.  

Once again, we find George's sister Jane Price living with him.  Jane was listed as being a 63 year old widow who married in 1872.  She was born in August of 1837 in Ireland.  She is listed as having two children, and both of them were alive and living with her.  Her son, Walter H. Price is 23, born in May 1877.  Both his parents are listed as being from Ireland.  Walter was working as an Elevator Operator.

Jane's Daughter, Lillie Price,  was living in the house as well along with her husband, John C. Stagg. She was 25, being born in January of 1875 in New York.  She married John in 1899.  John was 29, being born in May of 1871 in New York and worked as a Travelling Salesman.

• Source: 1900 United States Federal Census; Year: 1900; Census Place: Manhattan, New York, New York; Roll: 1101; Pages: 15B, 16A; Enumeration District: 0420; FHL microfilm: 1241101

I have found a marriage record for Lillie that shows they got married on June 6th, 1899.

• Source: New York, New York, Marriage Index 1866-1937; Name Lillian Price, Gender Female, Marriage Date 6 Jun 1899, Marriage Place Manhattan, New York, USA, Spouse John C Stagg, Certificate Number 8706

I haven't found any records between the 1880 census and the the 1900 one, so we will drop back to the 1880 to see what we can find out.

George is living at 142 E. 18th Street address.  He is  46 year old widower working as a janitor.  He is living with his daughter Benedicta, age 15 who is attending school.  His sister Jane is also living in the house.  She is a 44 year old widow.  but there is no sign of her two children.  There is also a Nellie Hughes living in the house, listed as George's Neice.  She was 16, born in Illinois and is attending school.  He mother is listed as being from Wales, therefore, I suspect that she is George's wife's niece.

• Source: 1880 United States Federal Census; Year: 1880; Census Place: New York City, New York, New York; Roll: 870; Family History Film: 1254870; Page: 21B; Enumeration District: 070; Image: 0045

If we go back another 10 years to the 1870 U.S. Census, we find a bit more information.  George was 37, born about 1833 in Ireland.  He was working as a Janitor.  His wife's name was Mary and she was 30 years old.  Therefore she was born abt 1840 in Wales.  So she died sometime between 1870 and 1880.  There are two children listed as living in the house.  Benedicta was 6 years old.  The second child, George is a bit of a mystery.   He was listed as being 12 years old, born in 1858 in New York.  If we look back at the 1900 census, George McCann said he only had one child.  Who is this younger George and what happened to him.  I suspect that he may have been John McCann son, and therefore my 2nd Great Uncle, but I have no proof of this and can find no other record of this George. 

• Source: 1870 United States Federal Census; Year: 1870; Census Place: New York Ward 18 District 4, New York, New York; Roll: M593_1001; Page: 161B; Image: 326; Family History Library Film: 552500

I haven't been able to find any other census records for George so below is a summary of what we know now:

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born in January, 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850, married Mary in 1867.  
•  Benedicta McCann-born January, 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Daughter married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Walter H. Price, born May 1877 in New York.  
• Lillie Price, born January 1875 in New York, married John Stagg on June 6th, 1899 in Manhatten, New York.
• Daughter

Two of the daughters are Catholic and the other two are protestants.
A child name George McCann was born in 1858 and was living with George McCann in 1870.

Census Records for George McCann

Here is what we know so far:

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born 77 years before the article was written, Immigrated before 1851
•  Daughter-Lives with George in New York at the time of the article
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Daughter married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter
• Daughter

Two of the daughters are Catholic and the other two are protestants.  

So, the next stop is to look at census records related to George McCann.  Remember, George is my Great, Great, Great Uncle.  Given that I thought the article was written around 1910 or 1911 I looked first at the 1915 New York Census.  Here is what I found.

George McCann living at 142 E. 18th Street, Manhattan, New York, New York.  He is 84 years old, therefore born about 1831 in Ireland.  He is working as a Superintendent of the building.   He is living with his daughter, Benedicta McCann.  She is 50 year old and therefore was born in 1865.  She is working as a Bookkeeper.

• Source: New York State Archives; Albany, New York; State Population Census Schedules, 1915; Election District: 17; Assembly District: 25; City: New York; County: New York; Page: 11

If we jump forward to the 1920 U.S. Census we can find Benedicta McCann living in a boarding house at 113 West 12th Street.  We can assume that her father died sometime between 1915 and 1920.

• Source:  1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Manhattan Assembly District 10, New York, New York; Roll: T625_1203; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 722; Image: 83

Looking back at the 1910 U.S. Census, we find some more information.  George McCann is living at 142 E. 18th Street.  He is listed as being 75 years old, being born about 1835 in Ireland.  He is an English speaker  and both his father and mother where from Ireland.  He is a naturalized citizen that immigrated in 1850.  He is working as a janitor for the apartment house.  

George is a widow and living with his daughter Benedicta McCann.  She is 45 years old, being born about 1865 in New York.  Her father is listed as being from Ireland and mother from Wales.  She is working as a bookkeeper for a church.  Since George was listed as  being Presbyterian, this was likely at one of the Presbyterian churches nearby.  They have two boarders living with them.

•  Source: 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Manhattan Ward 18, New York, New York; Roll: T624_1036; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 0982; FHL microfilm: 1375049

If we step back again to the 1905 New York Census, we find George still living at 142 E. 18th Street. He is 71 Years old, being born about 1834 in Ireland.  He is listed as being an Agent, a citizen and having immigrated 60 years earlier.   Therefore, he immigrated about 1845.  

George is living with his daughter, Benedicta.  She is 40 years old and working as a bookkeeper.  He is also living with his sister, Jane Price.  She is 65 years old and therefore was born about 1840 in Ireland.  She was an citizen who immigrated in 1865.  Given that she doesn't show in the 1910 census, she likely died between 1905 and 1910.

• Source: New York, State Census, 1905: New York State Archives; Albany, New York; State Population Census Schedules, 1905; Election District: A.D. 18 E.D. 01; City: Manhattan; County: New York; Page: 10

There is more census information which I will cover next, but for now lets summarize:

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born about 1834 in Ireland, Immigrated 1845-1850
•  Benedicta McCann-born 1865 in New York
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Daughter married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Jane McCann, born about 1840 in Ireland.  Married Mr. Price.  She immigrated in 1865.
• Daughter

Two of the daughters are Catholic and the other two are protestants.  

Dissecting the Berkshire Eagle article for information

Let's see what information we can glean from the first part of the article:

Mr. McCann, Now in Pittsfield, Has Held One Position in New York 41 Years

• George has been in New York for at least 41 year and working at the same place

In charge of the Stuyvesant building, 142 East 18th street, for 41 years, until this summer he had never had a week's vacation.  Remarkable record that. Feeling that a change would be beneficial, his physician advised him to get away from the noise and tumult of the great city and hike to the hills.

"You don't need any medicine. All you want is the tonic of the Berkshires," his medical adviser told him and that is how it happens that man 77 years old, somewhat below the medium height, but well built, active, clear of brain and as straight as an arrow, his hair and closely chopped beard pure white is staying for a season at the pleasant residence of Mrs. Connor at 576 North street. 

• He is 77 years old at the time of the visit.
• He is staying at Mrs. Connor's residence, 576 North street (though I don't think this is relevant)

In coming to this city Mr. McCann was accompanied by his only child, a daughter, who has returned to New York to look after the duties which her kindly father had abandoned for a while.

• He has a daughter who is living with him in New York

Thirty-two years ago Mr. McCann's wife died and husband and daughter of the immediate family remain.  Bartley Cummings and George H. Walsh, both in public service of Pittsfield, are nephews of Mr. McCann's.

• He has two nephews living in Pittsfield, Bartley Cummings and George H. Walsh

Born in Ireland Mr. McCann, when a child, came to Pittsfield with his mother.  His father had died in the old county. He attended the common schools of Pittsfield.  Way back in 1851 Mr. McCann was employed in a machine shop conducted at different times by McKay & Hoadley and by Dodge & Francis.  Upon leaving this city while a young man Mr. McCann went to New York where he was employed for a time by Brown Brothers & Company, the bankers and brokers. He filled other positions and finally was given charge of the Stuyvesant building. He has a considerable force of men employed under him there now.  He has apartments in the block and is entirely responsible for its management.

• He was born in Ireland
• Came to U.S. with mother as a child
• Father died in Ireland before the family immigrated
• Lived in Pittsfield in 1851, so the family had to immigrate before that
• He lived in the apartment building where he worked

Mr. McCann's mother died in Pittsfield 20 years ago. She was 95 years of age. She is buried in St. Joseph's cemetery and her son visited her grave the other day. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.  His father was a Protestant and in religious matters the son as with the father. His wife was a native of Wales and a Protestant.  In Mr. McCann's family were six children, three of them, two sisters and a brother, married Catholics and had membership in the catholic church. Mr. McCann and two other sisters married protestants and attended the Protestant church. A sister of Mr. McCann, who is mother of Bartley Cummings, is 82 years old. She and Mr. McCann are the only members of that family who are living.

• His other died 20 years earlier in Pittsfield, MA at age 95 so she was born 115 years before the article was written.
• She is buried at St. Joseph's cemetery.  This is a Catholic cemetery so she was likely a Catholic.
• George is a Presbyterian
• His father was a Protestant, which is interesting if his mother was a Catholic
• There were six children, 2 brothers (George and though the article doesn't state it, John) and 4 sisters
• 2 sisters and George are Protestants
• 2 sisters and John are Catholic
• George and 1 sister are the only ones still alive
• She is the mother of Bartley Commings and is 82

Lets summarize:

• Father: A Protestant who died in Ireland married Mother in Ireland, she was a Catholic who was born 115 years before the article was written and died 20 years before writing
• George McCann, a Presbyterian, born 77 years before the article was written, Immigrated before 1851
•  Daughter-Lives with George in New York at the time of the article
• John McCann, married a Catholic, died before the article was written
• Daughter married a Cummings, is 82 when the article was written
• Bartley Cummings-lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter married a Walsh and has passed away before the article
• George H. Walsh-Lives in Pittsfield, MA
• Daughter
• Daughter

Two of the daughters are Catholic and the other two are protestants.  

Since we know George has been living in New York at the same address for 41 years, the next step is to hit the census records.  I'll do that in the next post.