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.

Berkshire Eagle article on George McCann's visit to his home town

One of the documents that have been passed to me is a newspaper article from the Berkshire Eagle about George McCann's visit to Pittsfield, MA.  George was John McCann's brother.  Unfortunately, the date of the article had not been tied to it, and I haven't located it online yet.  I believe that it was in 1910 or 1911.  I am going to transcribe it first and then step through it putting some of the puzzle together.

HAD CHARGE OF THE FIRST APARTMENT HOUSE

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

George McCann has come up from New York to spend a few months in Pittsfield in an effort to win back health that was shattered by long years of faithful application of his time and energies to one position.

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. 

The Stuyvesant building was erected in 1869 by Rutherford Stuyvesant who died suddenly in the streets of Paris on July 4 one year ago. He was a very wealthy man and was traveling abroad for pleasure when his heart failed him. The property is now held by his heirs.  The trustee is the New York Life and Trust company to whom all the rents are paid.

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.

The Stuyvesant building was the first, the very first, apartment house built in New York city. It proved so great a success that other similar houses were constructed as a matter of course and as a good investment.  The Stuyvesant contains 20 suites. Many famous people have lived in the building. In the list may be mentioned Bayard Taylor, famous as a writer.

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.

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.

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 room is on the second floor, on the west side of the house, which, by the way, was once the residence of the late Dr. Morgan L. Woodruff.  There Mr. McCann has an unobstructed view of the western hills and the gorgeous sunsets.

"I enjoy just sitting here hour after hour and looking at the scenery." Mr. McCann told an Eagle reporter who called to see him, just at twilight last night. "God may make more beautiful scenery and better air than you have here, but I don't know where they are to be found."

  

A bit of a random start: piecing together information on John McCann

I started out with a limited amount of disjointed information on my Great Great Grandfather, John McCann.  For the next series of post, I am going to walk through how I came up with what I have on him and conclude with putting it together into a brief biography.  My mother and cousin have done research into him and I will be building upon their efforts.

Here is my starting point:

• Catherine McCann's Massachusetts birth record shows that she was born on January 3rd, 1861 in Lee, MA to John McCann and Mary Clasby
• Catherine's obituary list her parent's as John McCann and ELizabeth Gillespie
• John paritcipated in the Civil War
• John had a brother named George
• John immigrated from Ireland

Generation 3s: Stories of immigration, war, separation, scandel and death

Things start to get fuzzy three generations back.  This is the generation that were adults during the civil war and we can see how the upheavals of the time affected the different branches of the family.

Putnam Branch

• P0: Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)
• P1: Ervin Earl Putnam(1893-1988)
• P2: Amos Putnam(1896-1936)
• P4: Levi Houlton Putnam(1820-1890)
• P5: Sara Bradbury(1820-1901)
• P3: Cora Margaret Carpenter(1872-1964)
• P6: Frank H. Washington Carpenter(1845-1936)
• P7: Elvira A. Green(1850-1917)

Connolly Branch

• P0: Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)
• C1: Mary Gertrude Connelly(1895-1972)
• C2: Frederick Patrick Connolly(1859-UNKN)
• C4: James C. Connolly(1837-1891)
• C5: Joanna I. Eagan(1837-UNKN)
• C3: Mary Ann Weatherby(1862-1939)
• C6: Peter Weatherbie(1836-1914)
• C7: Louisa Carver(1837-1910)

Wright Branch

• W0: (Florence) Caroline Wright(1930-2016)
• W1: David Sanders Wright(1887-1967)
• W2: David Joy Wright(1851-1908)
• W4: Asa Wright(1819-1883)
• W5: Harriet Clark(1822-1894)
• W3: Jane Caroline Reed(1846-1936)
• W6: Benjamin Franklin Reed(1819-UNKN)
• W7: Sarah Wheeler Sanders(1823-1918)

Smith Branch

• W0: (Florence) Caroline Wright(1930-2016)
• S1: Florence Edna Smith(1892-1937)
• S2: Merrick Luther Smith(1856-1934)
• S4: Edward B. Smith(1815-1863)
• S5: Lydia Edna Kilborne (1814-1898)
• S3: Catherine Ellen McCann(1861-1937)
• S6: John McCann(1831-1910)
• S7: Mary Clasby(1834-UNKN)

Descendants of Frederick Patrick Connolly and Mary Ann Weatherby

I've been struggling with this group, and realize I don't have a lot of information on them.  I think this will represent a future project and therefore I am only going to give a high level report here and not get into individual biographies.  I list someone as living if I don't have evidence they are not.

• Frederick Patrick Connolly(1859-UNKN)-C2 and Mary Ann Weatherby(1862-1939)-C3
• Edward A. Connolly(1888-UNKN) married Grace (1897-UNKN)
• Living Son
• Living Son
• Living Son
• Living Son
• Maud M. Connolly(1891-1975) married William Paul Gates(1893-1961)
• William P. Gates(1921-2002) married Rita Helen Buckley(1922-2006)
• Marion Louise Gates(1923-2006)
• Living Daughter
• Helen A. Connolly(1893-1985)
• Mary Gertrude Connolly(1895-1972)-C1 married Ervin Earl Putnam(1893-1988)-P1
• Robert Ervin Putnam(1927-2011)-P0 married Florence Caroline Wright(1930-2016)-W0
• Living Son married Living
• Jueannette Connolly(1897-1989)
• Madeline Carver Connolly(1899-1990) married Henry Arthur McLaughlin(1902-1989)
• Andrea Teresa McLaughlin(1936-2015) married Living

Francis Harper Sleeper(1927-2006), my first cousin, once removed

Francis "Frank" Harper Sleeper(1927-2006)

• Born on August 4th, 1927 in Worcester, ME to Dr. Francis Harper Sleeper and Ruth Lydia Putnam
• Married on August 14th, 1954 in Westbury, NY
• Died September 16th, 2006 in Portland, ME

There is a biography available for him at Find a grave.  He is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth, ME.   He is the one who I believe wrote the piece on Cora Carpenter that I transcribed about a month ago.  

Ruth Lydia Putnam(1900-1978), my Great Aunt

Ruth Lydia Putnam(1900-1978)

• Born on January 17th, 1900 in Oakfield, ME to Amos Putnam and Cora Margaret Carpenter
• Married Dr. Francis Harper Sleeper(1900-1983) on July 30th, 1924 in Houlton, ME.
• Died on August 4th, 1978 in South Portland, ME

Her husband with the superintendent of the Augusta Mental Health Institute.  They had one child, Francis Harper Sleeper(1927-2006) who was born on August 4th, 1927 in Worcester, ME.  Ruth is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Houlton, ME.  

Frances Ann Cates(1925-1940), my first cousin, once removed

Frances Ann Cates(1925-1940)

• Born on July 15th, 1925 in Houlton ME to Harold Farnhan Cates and Harriette Carpenter Putnam
• Died July 15th, 1940 in Houlton, ME
• Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Houlton, ME

Harriette Carpenter Putnam(1898-1992), my Great Aunt

Harriette Carpenter Putnam(1898-1992)

• Born March 2nd, 1898 in Oakfield, ME to Amos Putnam and Cora Margaret Carpenter.
• Married Harold Farnhan Cates(1892-1947) on August 21st, 1924 in Houlton, ME
• Died on September 4th, 1992 in Cleverdale, NY

Harriette Carpenter Putnam was born March 2nd, 1898 in Oakfield, ME to Amos Putnam and Cora Margaret Carpenter.  She lived with the family and was training to be a nurse.  She married Harold Farnhan Cates(1892-1947) on August 21st, 1924 in Houlton, ME.  He was a public accountant.  They had two children.  Frances Ann Cates(1925-1940) and another daughter who I believe is still living.  Harriette died on September 4th, 1992 in Cleverdale, NY.  She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Houlton, ME.