Ancestor Bio – William Robert Hingston (1889-1954)

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Don Taylor

52 Ancestors – Week 2018-11
By Don Taylor

It is pleasing to see a family who immigrated, bought a home and then kept that home through several generations. Such is the case of William Hingston who lived in the same house his entire life.

Bradley-Hingston Project – Ancestor #06

List of Grandparents

  • Grandfather: William Robert Hingston
  • 1st Great-grandfather: Freke W. Hingston

William Robert Hingston (1889-1954)

William Robert Hingston was born on 29 January 1889 in Peabody, Essex County, Massachusettes. He was the third of six children of Freke W. and Anna (Smythe) Hingston.  Freke was an immigrant from Ireland and Anna was an immigrant from England.

William grew up with one older sister, Mary Ellen, who was five years older than William. His mother also had a stillborn daughter who was never named. William had three younger siblings;

  •       James Edward, born July 1890.
  •       Joseph Freke, born November 1894.
  •       Florence Louise, born August 1896

Search Military Records - Fold3The 1900 Census finds the widow Hingston heading a household consisting of her five living children.  Sixteen-year-old Ellen is working as a suspender maker. William, James, and Joseph are attending school while 4-year-old Florence is at home.  Also living with them at 250 Washington Street, Peabody, MA are two boarders, Richard Daley, Age 28, and Patrick W. Driscoll, age 27.

The 1910 Census finds the widow Hingston heading the household consisting of her and her five living children. Mary is a bleacher at a bleachery, William is a machinist at a machine shop, James is a carpenter who was out of work 20 weeks during the previous year. Fifteen-year-old Joseph is both working as a bleacher at a bleachery and attending school. Florence is attending school. A “bleachery” is a place where people bleach cloth or clothing.

In 1913 William was appointed as a Reserve Officer in the Peabody Police Department

Marriage

February 1914 was a busy time for William. On February 4th, William initiated as an apprentice in Freemasonry. On February 24th, he married Florence Reid in Peabody in a ceremony performed by Allen Greene, a clergyman. It was the first marriage for both. William continued with his Masonic activities being passed to Journeyman on 11 March 1914 and raised to Master Mason on 8 April 1914.

William and Florence had three children,

  • Barbara Reid Hingston – 11 Sep 1914.
  • Priscilla Ann Hingston – 12 Jan 1923.
  • Allen R Hingston – January 1926.

Adult

In 1919 William was made a regular officer in the Peabody Police Department and William stopped being a machinist.

In 1920, the Census showed William and Florence living with their oldest daughter, Barbara, at 250 Washington St., Peabody, MA.  William is a police officer for the city of Peabody.

Boston Herald – 7 June 1942 – William Hingston (center)

In 1930, the Census showed William and Florence with all three of their children. Barbara and Priscilla are attending school, while Allen is still too young to be going to school. They are still at 250 Washington St.

The 1940 Census indicates that Barbara has left home, but Priscilla and Allen are still home and attending school. The Census also shows that William had an 8th-grade education.

William registered for the draft on 26 April 1942. His physical description was entered as Height 5′ 10½”, 232 lbs, Gray hair blue eyes, light complexion. He was a big man. We see a photo of him in a June 1942 newspaper showing his size.

Death

In July 1953, while on duty, William was struck by a car. His injuries forced him to retire the following January. He died the next month, on February 24th at home. I have not been successful determining where he was interned.

Further Actions / Follow-up

  • Find William Robert Hingston’s burial information.


Sources

  • 1900 Census, 1900 Census – Annie Hingston – Peabody, Esses, MA (FS). “United States Census, 1900,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9R8­841 : accessed 12 March 2018), William R Hingston in household of Annie Hingston, Precinct 1 (east half) Peabody town, Essex, Massachusetts, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 430, sheet 19A, family 423, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,647. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9R8-841.
  • 1910 Census, Annie Hingston, Peabody, Esses, MA (FS). “United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2JN­FF1 : accessed 12 March 2018), William R Hingston in household of Annie Hingston, Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 443, sheet 30A, family 479, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 587; FHL microfilm 1,374,600. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2JN-FF1.
  • 1920 Census, William R Hingston – Peabody, Exxes, MA (FS) ED 239, Sheet 8-B. “United States Census, 1920,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXY5­83B : accessed 12 March 2018), William R Hingston, Peabody Ward 1, Essex, Massachusetts, United States; citing ED 239, sheet 8B, line 59, family 155, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 696; FHL microfilm 1,820,696. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXY5-83B.
  • 1930 Census (FS), Family Search, William R Hingston – Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts. “United States Census, 1930,” database with images, FamilySearch: accessed 8 December 2017), William R Hingston, Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 228, sheet 2A, line 12, family 28,. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XQLB-32P.
  • “United States Census, 1940,” database with images, FamilySearch: accessed 9 December 2017), William R Hingston, Ward 1, Peabody, Peabody City, Essex, Massachusetts, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 5-302, sheet 1B, line 67, family 22, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 – 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 1588.
  • Boston Herald (GB), Genealogy Bank, 1942-06-07, Page 49 – William Hingston – photo at the top of page. Man Hunt in Peabody.
  • Boston Herald (GB), Genealogy Bank, 1954-02-09, Page 7 – Genealogy Bank Ex-Policeman Dies in Peabody, Fireman Aiding Him Collapses.
  • Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915, Family Search, Barbara R. Hingston – 11 Sep 1914. “Massachusetts Births, 1841­1915,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXV1­VS4 : 11 March 2018), William R. Hingston in entry for Barbara R. Hingston, 11 Sep 1914, Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts; citing reference ID #p 721, Massachusetts Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 2,409,800. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXV1-VSC.
  • Massachusetts Marriages, 1841­-1915, Family Search, William R Hingston – Florence Reid – 24 Feb 1914. “Massachusetts Marriages, 1841­1915,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N46B­91L : 18 January 2018), William R Hingston and Florence Reid, 24 Feb 1914; citing Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States, State Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 2,409,947. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N46B-91L.
  • Massachusetts: Grand Lodge of Masons Membership Cards, 1733-1990., American Ancestors, William Robert Hingston . Massachusetts: Grand Lodge of Masons Membership Cards, 1733-1990. Online database. org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2010. (From records held by the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Massachusetts.). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB410/t/12321/7849/138097453.
  • Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1841-1910, American Ancestors, Line 111 – William Robert Hingston – Freke & Annie – Occupation Bleacher Ireland She was born in England. Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1841-1910. (From original records held by the Massachusetts Archives. Online database: org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2004.) Accessed 2018-03-14. https://www.americanancestors.org/DB191/i/10729/367/122175087.
  • S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.Com, Peabody, MA – 1919 – Page 197 – Hingston (A). Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Original sources vary according to directory. The title of the specific directory being viewed is listed at the top of the image viewer page. Check the directory title page image for full title and publication information. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2469/records/517103230.
  • S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.Com, Peabody, MA – 1946 – Page 443 – Hingston. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2469/records/510800033.
  • S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Ancestry.Com, Priscilla Ann Hingston (b. 1923) – No Image. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/60901/records/19492049.
  • “United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V12F­STV : 9 March 2018), William Robert Hingston, 1942; citing NARA microfilm publication M1936, M1937, M1939, M1951, M1962, M1964, M1986, M2090, and M2097 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

————–  Disclaimer  ————–

Posted in Bradley-Hingston | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Ancestor Bio – Willie Hayes Shoemake (1905-1962)

Posted on March 11, 2018 by Don Taylor

52 Ancestors – Week 2018-11
By Don Taylor

Willie Hayes Shoemake was born, grew up, married three times, and died – all in Putnam County, Tennessee. He was too young to have been drafted into World War I and too old (and married with children) to have served in World War II, so it is possible he never left the county.

Rittenberry 2018 – Ancestor #RS-06

List of Grandparents

  • Grandfather: Willie Hayes Shoemake
  • 1st Great-grandfather: James “Jim” M. Shoemake Sr.

Willie Hayes Shoemake (1905-1962)

Willie Shoemake was born 15 March 1905 in Putnam County, Tennessee, probably near Cookeville, which is about 80 miles east of Nashville, to James “Jim” and Mary Fannie Shoemake. He was in the middle of 11 children.

Childhood

His siblings included:

  • Homer Blain Shoemake 1891
  • Maggie Shoemake 1894
  • Oscar Bell Shoemake 1898
  • Haskell Shoemake c. 1900
  • Marshel M Shoemake c. 1902
  • Willie Hayes Shoemake 1905
  • Andrew W Shoemake c. 1907
  • Ethel Madelia Shoemake c. 1909
Photo of Willie Hayes Shoemake

Willie Hayes Shoemake

The 1910 Census finds a family of James & Fannie, with seven of their children, Homer, Oscar, Haskell, Marshel, Willie, Andrew, and Madelia, renting a house along Cookeville and Smithville Road. Willie’s father, James, is a “sawer” at a lumber mill; older brothers Oscar and “Haskie” are laborers at a lumber mill. “Haskie” and Oscar are only 11 and 13 respectively, neither are attending school, and neither could read and write. Willie’s oldest brother, Homer, is a laborer doing odd jobs. Besides appearing like a family in poverty, the 1910 Census also tells the story of great loss. It reports that “Fannie” had 11 children and only nine were living in 1910. So, two children were born and died before 1910. There is also one more child of James and Fannie whose name I’m not confident about.

The next census, 1920, shows the family as James and Fannie with five of their children still at home. “Osker,” Haskell, Marshell, Willie, and Ethel. None of the children are attending school. However, all are reported as being able to read and write. Willie and Ethel are still home, but Oscar, Haskel, and Marshell are farm laborers “working out.”

Marriage 1

In 1923, Willie married Berchie A Bryant. Willie was 18 and Berchie was 15 years old.

The 1930 Census finds the young family of Willie, Berchie with 4-year-old Gladys Rosalee and baby James Cecil (8 months old). Willie owns his home and is a truck driver for a planning factory.

Birchie died on 12 March 1932 at the age of 24.

Marriage 2

Willie married Ruby Foster Wilmoth in 1933.

The 1940 Census finds Willie’s family consisting of him and Ruby. With them is 10-year-old James plus two young children, five-year-old Ruby J and a newborn, Robert. Willie is a painter and decorator. Fifteen-year-old Gladys does not appear with them in the 1940 Census. Further research will be needed to determine where Gladys went.

On 18 March 1943 Ruby gave birth to another son, Willie Paul Shoemake. Willie Paul died eight months later on 28 November 1943.

Willie and Ruby separated sometime between 1943 and 1958. (Ruby passed in 1966.)

Marriage 3

Willie married Rosa Burris in 1958. In 1958 Rosa was 50-years-old, so Willie and Rosa had no children.

Death & Burial

Marker of Willie Hayes ShoemakeWillie died on 25 April 1962 at the age of 57 at Cookeville General Hospital. He was buried at the Judd Church Cemetery, Cookeville, Putnam County, Tennessee. His wife Rosa joined him in death 13 years later and was buried with him.

Further Actions / Follow-up

  • None – Research of James and Fannie should fill in several of the known holes in the tree.

Sources

  • 1910 Census, Various, James M Shoemake – Cookeville, Putnam, Tennessee (FS). Family Search. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MGFQ-SZ2.
  • 1920 Census (A), Ancestry.com, James M Shoemake – Putnam, TN. 1920; Census Place: Civil District 16, Putnam, Tennessee; Roll: T625_1759; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 88. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1920usfedcen&indiv=try&h=36052847.
  • 1930 Census (FS), Family Search, 1930 Census – Willie Shoemake – Putnam, TN. 1930; Census Place: District 1, Putnam, Tennessee; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 0002 – Ancestry. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/6224/records/66728296.
  • 1940 Census (FS), Family Search, Willie Shoemake – Putnam, Tennessee. “United States Census, 1940,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K4ZJ-BXM.  accessed 8 March 2018), Willie Shoemake, Civil District 1, Putnam, Tennessee, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 71-5, sheet 1A, line 19, family 5, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 – 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 3928.
  • Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 11 March 2018), memorial page for Willie Hayes Shoemake (15 Mar 1905–25 Apr 1962), Find A Grave Memorial no. 58511255, citing Judd Church Cemetery, Cookeville, Putnam County, Tennessee, USA ; Maintained by Papa Randy (contributor 46864588) .
    • Tennessee, Death Records, 1914-1963, Family Search, Willie Hayes Shoemake – Death 25 Apr1962. “Tennessee Death Records, 1914-1963”, database with images, FamilySearch  24 October 2016), Willie Hayes Shoemake, 1962.
  • “Tennessee Death Records, 1914-1963,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NSTM-N43 : 25 May 2014), Willie Paul Shoemake, 28 Nov 1943; citing Judd Cemetery, Cookeville, Putnam, Tennessee, 24298, State Library and Archives, Nashville; FHL microfilm 2,137,340.
  • Tennessee, State Marriages, 1780-2002, Ancestry.com, Willie Shoemake & Birchie Bryant – 24 Jun 1923. Ancestry.com. Tennessee, Marriage Records, 1780-2002 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008. Original data: Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002. Nashville, TN, USA: Tennessee State Library and Archives. Microfilm. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/1169/records/2817262/.

————–  Disclaimer  ————–

Posted in Rittenberry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

DNA – Glennis’ Paternal Search – Part 13

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Don Taylor

Following Descendants of Nathan Smith & Belinda (Odell) Morgan
By Don Taylor

My half-sister Glennis is a DNA match on Ancestry.Com with several individuals who have common ancestors with Nathan Smith Morgan and his wife, Belinda [sometimes Malinda Odell. In the search to determine Glennis’ biological father, I am continuing to develop a tree of the descendants of Nathan and Belinda. First I looked at Francis Marion and Fannie (McGreggor) Morgan and their his descendants. During that research, I learned that Francis had an older brother, John Westley Morgan. To expedite my research, I decided to rely on other individuals trees for the most part. If I find a potential match, I will then investigate the sources for all these connections. I based this notional tree on many trees available on Family Search, Ancestry.Com, and internet searches.

Descendants of John Westley Francis and Odella T. (Maxwell) Morgan

#.#.# Child Notes/Comments Status
1. Ella L Morgan Died at Age 16 No Issue
2. Faran Francis Morgan Married Theodosia Grace Weekley 3 Children
2.a. Delta Ella Morgan Married John Van Buren Wright 6 Children
2.a.i. John Morgan Wright Died as infant No Issue
2.a.ii. Cuba Jean Wright Married Clyde G McClead 1 child
2.a.ii.1 Esther Lee McClead Born 1932 Not Considered
2.a.iii. Edgar Weekley Westley Wright Born 1915 No known children
2.a.iv. Joseph Denton Wright Born 1916, Not Considered.
2.a.v. Kathleen Wright Born 1920 Not Considered
2.a.vi Arlene Lenore Cleaver Wright Born 1922 Not Considered
2.b Argie Morgan   One child
2.b.i Earl Wesley Morgan Born 1924 Not a Candidate
2.c Cuba Morgan Rolfe Creger Three Children
2.c.i John M Creger Born 1925 Possible but Unlikely
2.c.ii Mary Frances Creger Born 1929 Not Considered
2.c.iii Sarah B Creger Born 1931 Not Considered
3. Samuel Morgan Born 1864 Probably died as a child.
  1. Ella L. Morgan – Born 1860, died 1876 (age 16). Presumably no issue.
  2. Faran Francis Morgan – Born 1862, Married Theodosia Grace Weekley, had three children, died 1932 in Pleasants County, WV.
    1. Delta Elia Morgan – Born 1888, Married John Van Buren Wright, had six children, died 1936.
      1. John Morgan Wright – Born 1911, died an infant.
      2. Cuba Jean Wright – Born 1913, Married Clyde G McClead had a daughter. Died (unknown).
        1. Esther Lee McClead – Born 1932 – Not Considered.
      3. Edgar Weekley Wesley Wright – Born 1915, Single in 1930 and 1940 Censuses.
      4. Joseph Denton Wright – Born 1916 – Single in 1930 and 1940 Censuses.
      5. Kathleen Wright – Born 1920 – Not Considered.
      6. Arlene Lenore Cleaver Wright – Born 1922, died 2004
    2. Argie Faran Morgan – Born 1890 – Married Eva Arline McCarrier, in 1922.
      1. Earl Wesley Morgan – Born 1924 – Not a Candidate.
    3. Cuba Morgan – Born 1896, Married [unk] Kreger, died 1966.
      1. John M Creger – Born 1925 – Possible but not likely.
      2. Mary Frances Creger – Not Considered
      3. Sarah B Creger – Not Considered.
  3. Samuel Morgan – Born 1864 does not appear in 1880 Census. Unable to find anything about him after the 1870 Census.

There don’t appear to be any viable candidates from the descendants of John Wesley Morgan, with the minor exception of Cuba Morgan Creger’s first son, who is possible but not likely

Follow-up

John M. Creger if other candidates do not arise.

Note – My Criteria:

  • “Candidates” are males born between 1925 and 1935.
  • “Not considered” are females who are unlikely to have had a male child between 1925 and 1935.
  • “Not a Candidate” are males born between 1915 and 1925 as being too young to have had a son between 1925 and 1935 and too old to be a candidate.
  • “Possible but unlikely” are males born between 1925 and 1935, but are not named Paul or Phil, which are the likely names of Glennis’ biological father, or otherwise don’t appear to fit the likely candidate who would have been in Minnesota or Michigan in 1953. I will revisit these possibilities later if this project fails to find a potential candidate.

Sources:

This is a quickly developed “notional” tree. All records used were found at the following sites:

  • Family Search
  • Ancestry
  • Find a Grave
  • Genealogy Bank

For specific sources, please contact me using the form below.

Posted in Peterson Paternity | Tagged , | Leave a comment

DNA – Glennis’ Paternal Search – Part 12

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Don Taylor

Following Morgan/Morgan (Orien & James)
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.My half-sister Glennis is a DNA match on Ancestry.Com with several individuals who have common ancestors with Nathan Smith Morgan and his wife, Belinda Odell. In the search to determine Glennis’ biological father, I am continuing to develop a tree of the descendants of Francis and Fannie (McGregor) Morgan of Pleasants County, West Virginia. This time I look at Sarah D. Morgan, Orien Morgan, and James Cyrus Morgan. They are the ninth, tenth, and eleventh of eleven (known) children to be examined.

Francis and Fannie (McGregor) Morgan’s 11 (known) children

Child Children Notes/comments
Clara M Morgan Gail Hemsworth
Naomi Hemsworth		 Married Everett Luzader

Married Earl Deem
Henry Clifford Morgan None. Died at age 15.
Lewis V. P. Morgan Lula Edna Morgan
Opal Jean Morgan		 Died at age 2.

Married William Davis
Rosa Virginia Morgan Carrie Vernice May

Clara Bernice May

Mary Fannie May

Edna Marie May

Roy Harold May

 Married Pearl W. Dutton

Married Hezekiah Martin Morrison

Married Floyd T. Williamson

Married Clarence Gorell

Married Della Olive Hooper
Dora D. Morgan None Died at age 2.
Ephraim Stokeley Morgan Helen Virginia Morgan

Ralph W. Morgan

 Married Louis Scott – No  Candidates

Died at age 1
Nathan Spencer Morgan None (Apparently) Married Alice Redding
John A. Morgan Louise
Harold A
Mildred Eloise
Erma Ruth		 Died as Infant.
Married Iris Edith Estep – 3 children.
Married Van Bert Franks – 1 child.Married Wilbert Clayton Bauer – No children.
Sarah D Morgan   See Dora D Morgan above.
Orien E. Morgan Melvel Cyrus
Clarence Kendle
Richard Albert
Glen E
Carl Morgan		 Married – Daughter b. 1933

Married – Son b. 1938

Married 1936.

Not a Candidate

Died as infant
James Cyrus Morgan James J

Alice Morgan

Betty Morgan

 Not a Candidate

Not Considered

Not Considered

Sarah D Morgan was born on 4 June 1876 to Francis & Fannie Morgan. This was a single birth. The same date and same parents indicate that the two individuals, Dora D. Morgan and Sarah D. Morgan are the same person. The child was buried as Dora D, so I use that name and have merged the individuals.

Birth, Marriage & Death CollectionOrion E. Morgan was born on 1 Sept 1878 in West Virginia. He married Grace Martin about 1906; they had five boys, Mervel, Clarence, Richerd, Glen, and Carl. None of them appear to have had boys between 1925 and 1935. He died in 1973 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

James Cyrus Morgan was born in October of 1880. He married Annie Cecil [LNU]. They had one son and two daughters, none of them appear to have children between 1925 and 1935.

That completes my look AT the children of Francis and Fannie (McGregor) Morgan. I have not found any strong candidates with this group.  Francis was the first of twelve children of Nathan Smith Morgan and Belinda Odell, so I will continue…

Follow-up

Next, I’ll look at the descendants of Samson G Morgan, son of Nathan Smith Morgan and Belinda Odell, who was born in 1842.

Note – My Criteria:

  • “Candidates” are males born between 1925 and 1935.
  • “Not considered” are females who are unlikely to have had a male child between 1925 and 1935.
  • “Not a Candidate” are males born between 1915 and 1925 as being too young to have had a son between 1925 and 1935 and too old to be a candidate.
  • “Possible but unlikely” are males born between 1925 and 1935, but are not named Paul or Phil, which are the likely names of Glennis’ biological father, or otherwise don’t appear to fit the “likely candidate” criteria as being in Minnesota or Michigan in 1953. I will revisit these possibilities later of this project fails to find a potential candidate.

Sources:

This is a quickly developed “notional” tree. I have all supporting documents regarding Orien Eli Morgan & descendants documents in a separate folder. All records used were found at the following sites:

For specific sources that I used, please email me or use the contact form below.

————–   * DISCLAIMER ————-

Posted in Peterson Paternity | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

We’re Related – Barack Obama?

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Don Taylor

Famous Friday

Roberts/Blackwell/Harris Line
by Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.Last April, through the application “We’re Related,” I was learned that my wife is related to her eighth cousin, twice removed, Michelle Obama. I determined that that relationship was “very probable.”  This year “We’re Related” suggests that I am related to Barack Obama. I am very sure that I’m related to President Taft, but Barack Obama? Could “We’re Related” be right?

Common Ancestor

“We’re Related” suggests that Temperance Overton (1679-1765) is our common ancestor. The lineage goes up my paternal (Roberts) line:

  • Hugh Eugene Roberts (1926-1997)
  • Bert Allen Roberts (1903-1949)
  • Hugh Ellis Roberts (1882-1908)
  • Asa Ellis Roberts (1835-1887)
  • Elizabeth Blackwell (1796-1867)
  • Sarah Harris (1765-1806)
  • Robert Harris (1741-1809) *
  • Robert Harris (1696-1765) *
  • Temperance Overton (1679-1710) *

Comment

I don’t see anything intrinsically wrong with the suggested pedigree from me up to Temperance. I know that a Sarah Harris married a David Blackwell, but I haven’t found adequate sources for birthdates, places or parents for either of them. I am a little uncomfortable that there are three generations for whom I haven’t confirmed the pedigree research.

Temperance Overton’s Descendants leading to Barack Obama as suggested by “We’re Related include:

  • Temperance Overton (1679-1710)
  • Elizabeth Haris Hudson *
  • Mary Hudson (1726-1792) *
  • Charles Bunch (1765-1792) *
  • Nathaniel Bunch (1793-1859) *
  • Anna Bunch (1814-1893) *
  • Frances Ann Alfred (1834-1918) *
  • Margaret Belle Wright (1869-1935) *
  • Private **
  • Private **
  • Private **
  • Barack Obama

Analysis

I did a brief look at the Ancestors of Barack Obama on Famous Kin.  Their website indicated Barack’s ancestors as follows:

  • Barack Obama
  • Mother – Stanley Ann Dunham (1942-1995)] **
  • Grandfather – Stanley Armour Dunham (1918-1992)] **
  • Great-grandmother – Ruth Lucille Armour (1900-1926)] **
  • Great-great-grandmother Gabriella Lee Clark (1876-1966) **

Margaret Belle Wright (1869-1935) and Gabriella Lee Clark (1876-1966) are clearly not the same person. So, it appears that I need to look at which pedigree is more likely — The one with three “private” entries or the pedigree that is documented. I’ll take the Famous Kin and Geni suggestions over Ancestry’s ‘private’ entries.

Findings

Although entertaining, “We’re Related” in this case, proved to be an unreliable application that suggested a famous cousin that is unlikely to be related to me.

Endnotes:

  1. * = Italic entries are “We’re Related suggestions that are unknown to my research.
  2. ** = Names and dates are from “Famous Kin.” See https://famouskin.com/family-tree.php?name=10012+barack+obama for details.
  3. Geni entry for Gabriella Lee Armour (Clark). See https://www.geni.com/people/Gabriella-Armour/6000000000240290231.
Posted in Famous Friday, Roberts | Tagged | Leave a comment