I’ve been unsuccessful in finding any information regarding my great-grandmother’s mother, Eliza Jane Fannin(g). I’m not 100% convinced that is her name. But, continuing my investigation, my next step is to look and see if DNA testing will help. In the past, I’ve found DNA test results opened up discovering my biological father and my sister’s biological father. Two DNA tests can be helpful—Autosomal and Mitochondrial.
Autosomal
I tested with Ancestry and 23 & Me during my efforts to determine my biological father. I also uploaded my results to FamilyTreeDNA and GEDMatch.
Ancestry provides a tool that allows you to group individuals that you share the same ancestor with. In my case, it is easy to divide the matches I have into four groups based on my grandparents. The problem with Ancestry DNA is that the relationships rely upon a person’s tree. So, if they have Eliza Fannin, she will show up as a common ancestor. If they have Sarah Garvin as the mother of Mary Brown, she’ll show up as the common ancestor. So basically, I can determine if Mary (Manning) Brown is a common ancestor but can’t discriminate between her mother being Eliza or anyone else.
In looking at my DNA Matches, I found one match, N231, with a tree that indicated Phoebe’s mother was Eliza Fannin, and her parents were James Garvin and Sophia Thompson.
Name
Via
Common Ancestors
Comments
N231
Phoebe
John & Eliza (Fannin) Manning
James Garvin &
Sophia Thompson
The match doesn’t help, but it is interesting to note (See Part 1 in this series – “Could it be Sarah Jane Garvin?”)
The bottom line is using Autosomal DNA test results won’t help in identifying the name of Mary (Manning) Brown’s mother because doing so relays upon other people’s trees which may be incorrect.
Mitochondrial DNA
A mother passes on mitochondrial DNA to her children. So boys have their mother’s mtDNA, but only girls can pass the mtDNA on to their children. So, Mary and Phoebe Manning received their mtDNA from their mother, who received it from her mother, and so forth. That means that any direct female descendants and their children would carry the mtDNA.
Mary (Manning) Brown had 12 children, 5 were girls.[i]
Phoebe (Manning) Richmond had eight children; 2 were girls.
Estella – had five daughters.
Marjorie
Mildred
Meretta
Hazel
Phoebe
Mahala – had four girls
A___
M___
I___
G___
It is possible that mtDNA test results could provide new insight into that line of ancestors. If you are the child of any of these people (or that person), you carry the mtDNA of Mary & Phoebe’s mother. I would love to hear if you have done an mtDNA test and what your test results and matches show. Genealogical mtDNA tests are only available from FamilyTreeDNA.[iv]
Conclusion
I don’t believe autosomal DNA testing can provide any clarity in determining the mother of Mary (Manning) Brown. It is unlikely that mtDNA tests will provide clarity in this identification, but I believe it is possible.
My next step in determining Mary (Manning) Brown’s mother is to do a “deep dive” into her life. Many new sources are available since I looked at her eight years ago that I should explore. So, I’ll begin further research by putting together a research plan using dates and locations.
Endnotes
[i] These names, numbers, and relationships are tentative. I have encountered the information as collateral information and have not researched these family lines personally.
[ii] Names with an initial and a underline are individuals who may be living (I have no death information for them). Note endnote i above.
[iii] FNU is an abbreviation for “First Name Unknown.” I have evidence that the individual exists but I do not have the persons first name.
[iv] I anticipate FamilyTreeDNA will have a sale on their mtDNA a little before Mother’s Day. Watch for it. DISCLAIMER: Several years ago, I was an affiliate in the Family Tree DNA advertising program. I am no longer an affiliate and will receive no reward for if you purchase any tests or services from FamilyTreeDNA.
Marker of Samuel Wolcott (1713-1800) at Find-a-Grave.
Today, I remember my 7th great-grandfather, Samuel Wolcott. He is the son of Samuel Wolcott whose birthday was last Monday.. He was born on 13 April 1713 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut Colony. Samuel married Mary Wyatt on 11 March 1735 in Connecticut Colony. He died on 11 April 1800 in Hartford County, Connecticut and was buried at Wethersfield Village Cemetery.
For more information on Samuel see:
I have not done researched Samuel’s life, however, I did write about the Wolcott surname.
Other Ancestry Trees: Corporal Samuel Wolcott appears in 1,627 Public Trees.
There are no known photos, paintings, or drawings of Samuel Wolcott (1713-1800). If you have an image of Samuel or know more about his life, I would love to hear from you.
If Samuel Wolcott (1713-1800) is your ancestor, I would love to share information with you. Please let me know how we are related. Also, like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, or comment at the bottom of this post.
Wolcott Genealogy – The Family of Henry Wolcott by Chandler Wolcott – c. 1912 – Page 66 – Markers for Capt Samuel Wolcott
Today, I remember my 8th great-grandfather Samuel Wolcott. He was born on 11 April 1676 in Wethersfield Hartford County, Connecticut. Samuel married Abaigail Collins on 27 December 1705. Captain Wolcott commanded a company during the French and Indian Wars. He died on 15 September 1734 at the age of 58, in Wethersfield, Connecticut Colony, and is buried at Wethersfield Village Cemetery.
For more information on Samuel Wolcott see:
My Blog: I have not written an Ancestor Sketch for Samuel, however, you can learn more about the Wolcott surname on my Surname Saturday
There are no known photos, paintings, or drawings of Capt Samuel Wolcott, Jr. If you have an image of Samuel or know more about his life, I would love to hear from you.
If Samuel Wolcott (1676-1734) is your ancestor, I would love to share information with you. Please let me know how we are related. Also, like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, or comment at the bottom of this post.
[This post uses the “Smart Story” creation capability of Family Tree Maker, then gently edited. It is clear, concise, and to the point. I am happy with the result and very happy with the speed of generating the story.]
William Francis (Frank) Halcro (1842-1924)
William Francis Halcro1,2,3 was born on 06 Nov 18424,5 in Quebec, Canada4,5 as the first child of Andrew Halcro6 and Elizabeth Schneider6. In various documents, he appears as Frank, Franc, and Francis. In several documents, his surname is transcribed as Halero. He had six siblings: James, Adeline, John, Catherine, Amanda7, and Arina7. He died on 10 Dec 19241,5 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada1,5 (Hudson1,5). When he was 25, he married Selina Harriett Park8,2,9, daughter of James Park and Mary Maura McLeon, on 17 Dec 18679 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada9. When he was 44, he married Annie E Beswarick10,3, about 188710
He considered that he was of Scotch origin15. (His grandfather came over from Scotland.)
1851 Canada Census – William Francis Halcro1,2,3 was counted in the 1851 census on 12 Jan 18527 in Saint-Michel-de-Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil, Canada East, British Colonial America7 (Captain7).
1861 Canada Census – He was counted in the census on 14 Jan 186111 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada11.
1871 Canada Census – He was counted in the census on 02 Apr 18716 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada6 (Captain, Angelican6). He was employed as a Captain4 in 18814 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada4. He was affiliated with the Church of England4,10,12 religion between 1881-19014,10,12 in Quebec, Canada4,10,12.
1881 Canada Census – He was counted in the census on 04 Apr 18814 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada4 (Captain4).
1891 Canada Census – He was counted in the census on 06 Apr 189110 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada10 (Como (Village)10). He was employed as a Farmer10 on 06 Apr 189110 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada10.
Event: Dec 189213 in Hudson, Quebec, Canada13 (Appointed a justice of the peace.13)
Maison Halcro (539 Rue Main) Hudson, Quebec, Canada. Build by Capt. W. F. Halcro about 1895. Today, it is restored and used by the town of Hudson. Photo by Google Maps.
1901 Canada Census – He was counted in the census on 31 Mar 190112,14 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada12,14 (539 Rue Main12,14).
1911 Canada Census – He was counted in the census on 01 Jun 191115,14 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada15,14 (539 Rue Main, Tug Captain15,14).
1921 Canada Census – He was counted in the census on 01 Jun 192116,14 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada16,14 (539 Rue Main, Navagator, Age 8016,14).
He was buried after 11 Dec 19245 in Hudson Heights, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada5 (St. James Anglican Church Cemetery5).
William Francis Halcro1,2,3 and Selina Harriett Park8,2,9 had the following children:
Andrew James Halcro17,18 was born on 31 Jul 18764,8,2 in Hudson, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada4,8,2. He died on 15 Jul 192519 in Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec, Canada19 (Hudson Heights19). He married Rella May Sauve20 on 24 Jun 19162 in Restigouche, New Brunswick, Canada2 (Performed by Rev. E. P. Wallace of Campbellton2).
May Francis Halcro10 was born on 21 Oct 18704,12 in Quebec, Canada4,12 She died in 1953.
Harriet Louisa Halcro was born in 18724. She died in 1954.
George Frank Halcro was born in 18794 in Quebec, Canada4. He died in 1959.
Alma Kate Halcro was born in 1874. She died in 1878.
William Francis Halcro1,2,3 and Annie E Beswarick had the following children:
Willie Magnus Halcro was born in 188710 in Canada10. He died in 1989.
Elizabeth Amanda Halcro was born in Mar 188910,15 in Canada10,15. She died in 1974.
Alice G Halcro was born in 189010 in Canada10. She died in 1967.
Annie Irena Maude Halcro was born on 05 Sep 18933,15 in Quebec, Canada3,15. She died on 27 Sep 19843 in Barre, Washington, Vermont, USA3, at the McFarland House Nursing Home, 7 Bromur St, 056413.
Bulah Florence Halcro was born in Mar 189415 in Quebec, Canada15. She died in 1992.
Etta Carolina Halcro was born in Jul 189615 in Quebec, Canada15. She died in 1977.
Francis Julian Halcro was born in Nov 189715 in Quebec, Canada15. He died in 1977.
John Henry Halcro15 was born in Mar 1900 in Quebec, Canada. He died in 1986.
Capt. William Francis Halcro was born, married twice, had 13 children, died and was buried all in Vaudreuil, Quebec, Canada. He worked as a captain of a tugboat and was a justice of the peace. There is a photo of his marker at Find-a-Grave. See Find-a-Grave for the image; the photographer has copyrighted the photo and indicates it may NOT be “posted on any other web-site for any purpose whatsoever.
Citations:
1 Family Search Family Tree, Family Search, Andrew James Halcro – Timeline – LYBX-5WS. https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/timeline/LYBX-5WS.
2 Acadia, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1757-1946 (Drouin Collection), Ancestry.com, Marriage – Andrew J Halcro & Rella Sauve – Page 84, #149. Ancestry.com. Acadia, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1757-1946 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007.
3 Vermont Vital Records, 1760-2008, Family Search, Death – Annie (Halcro) Town – 27 Sep 1984. “Vermont Vital Records, 1760-2008”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KF5R-59Q : 23 February 2021), Annie Town, 1984.
4 1881 Canada Census, Library & Archives of Canada, Frank A Halcro – Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil, Quebec. Item Number: 5775195. Accessed 28 Aug 2020. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVJH-9TV.
5 Find a Grave, Find a Grave, Capt William Francis Halcro – Memorial 138636602. Find a Grave, database, and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/138636602/william-francis-halcro : accessed 07 April 2022), memorial page for Capt William Francis Halcro (6 Nov 1842–10 Dec 1924), Find a Grave Memorial ID 138636602, citing Saint James Anglican Church Cemetery, Hudson Heights, Monteregie Region, Quebec, Canada ; Maintained by Stoneman (contributor 47572378).
6 1871 Canada Census, Family Search, Franc Alcru (James Francis Halcro) – Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil, Quebec, Canada. “Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4K8-9PB : 19 March 2021), Franc Alcru, Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil, Quebec, Canada; citing 1871; citing National Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. Image at: https://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?app=Census1871&op=img&id=4395443_00040
7 1851 Canada Census, Family Search, Andrew Halero – Canada East (Quebec) – Vaudreuil. “Canada Census, 1851”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWRP-L7T : 1 October 2021), William François Halero, 1851.
Image from https://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?app=Census1851&op=img&id=e002321641. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWRP-L7T.
8 Quebec, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1968 (Montreal, Quebeck, Canada), Ancestry.com, Andrew James Halcro – Baptism – 1876. Accessed 28 Aug 2020. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/1091/records/9360488/.
13 1892-12-05 – Montreal Daily Herald (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) – 5 Dec 1892, Page 8, Column 4, “Personal” – Captain W. F. Halcro. https://banq.qc.ca/accueil/., (https://diffusion.banq.qc.ca/).
14 Hudson, Quebec, Extract of Minutes of Town Council, THE “MAISON HALCRO” (539 Main),. EXTRACT of Minutes of the regular meeting of the Council of the Town of Hudson held at the Community Centre on March 5th, 2012, during which the following by-law was adopted:
   BY-LAW No 599
AIMED TO DESIGNATE AS A HISTORICAL BUILDING THE “HĂ”TEL DE VILLE” (481 Main), THE “MAISON HALCRO” (539 Main), AND THE “MUSÉE D’HUDSON” (541 Main). https://hudson.quebec/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/599-Historical-buildings.pdf.; Internet – Hudson.Quebec.
15 1911 Canada Census (Ottawa, Ontario, Library and Archives of Canada), Family Search, Wm V Halcro (William F Halcro) – Dist. 204, Enu 18, Page 11, Line 16. “Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVB8-2Y2G : 16 March 2018), Wm V Halcro, 1911; citing Census, Vaudreuil Sub-Districts 1-23, Quebec, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,418,582.
16 1921 Canada Census, Library & Archives of Canada, Will Halcro (William Halcro). District 210 Vaudreuil-Soulanges – Sub-District 54 Como Centre, (Village) – Page 17 –Â Lines 25-30
17 Obit – Lawrence A. Halcro, 81 . Portland Press Herald (Maine) 14 October 1998, obit for LAWRENCE A. HALCRO WORKED IN CONSTRUCTION, GenealogyBank.com = (https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/obituaries/obit/0F9C33DE087471CD- 0F9C33DE087471CD : accessed 27 August 2020).
18 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, Ancestry.com, Lawrence Denis Halcro (1917-1998). No image – Accessed 11 Sep 2020. https://search.ancestry.com/collections/60901/records/47733239.
20 Maine, U.S., Federal Naturalization Records, 1787-1991 (Boston, Waltham, Massachusetts, National Archives), Ancestry.com, Rella May Squires – Certificate Number: 12519. National Archives at Boston; Waltham, Massachusetts; Record Group Title: Records of District Courts of the United States, 1685-2009; Record Group Number: RG 21; NAI Number: 6250662; NAI Title: Petitions and Records of Naturalization for Maine, 1945-1991; 1 Jan 1945-31 Dec 1991.
I previously concluded that Sarah Jane Garvin could not be my 2nd great-grandmother. (See: Could it be Sarah Jane Garvin – Part 2.) However, other researchers believe Mary Elizabeth Mannin(g)[i] Brown mother is one of four different names.
Mary A. [Mannin] (1851-1877)
Nelly Nellie Burton (1863-1949)
Lisa J. Mannin (1861-___)
Eliza Jane Fannin (1861-1882)
In Part 3 of this series, I’ll look at the evidence that Mary E Mannin’s mother was Mary A.
One hundred thirty-one public trees refer to Mary Elizabeth Manning, who married Arthur Durwood Brown. Three trees suggest her mother is Mary A. Mannin (1851-1877); two others suggest Mary A. Mullins (1851-1885).
1880 Census – Finds James Mannin, his wife Mary A, and two children, four-year-old Mary E and one-year-old Floyd living in Hamptons Mill, Morgan County, Kentucky. There is no evidence that James is John William “Joe” Mannin.
1900 Census – Starting in the 1900 Census and records after that, Mary Elizabeth’s husband and children are consistent with my record sources. Only ascribing the 1880 census and the mother “Mary A” appears to be inconsistent with my records.
One tree that suggests Mary A. Mullins is Mary’s mother also provides a different spouse, children, and death inconsistent with the other known Mary Elizabeth (Manning) Brown’s life. So, this tree uses the same 1880 Census record as above but ascribes the record to a different, and likely correct, Mary E Manning, not my great-grandmother.
Next, I’ll consider Nellie Burton as a candidate to be Mary Elizabeth Manning’s mother.
Conclusion
I am confident that Mary A Manning is not my 2nd great-grandmother. The cross-over is caused by several people linking a different Mary E Manning to my Mary Elizabeth Manning in the 1880 Census.
Endnotes
[i] Mannin and Manning are used interchangeably in various documents. I try to use the spelling used in a particular document when quoted. Occasionally, Mannen, Mannan, and Mannon are also used as the spelling is typically based upon what the recorder of the document believed they heard.
I’ve been unsuccessful in finding any information regarding my great-grandmother’s mother, Eliza Jane Fannin(g). I’m not 100% convinced that is her name. But, continuing my investigation, my next step is to look and see if DNA testing will help. In the past, I’ve found DNA test results opened up discovering my biological father and my sister’s biological father. Two DNA tests can be helpful—Autosomal and Mitochondrial.
I tested with Ancestry and 23 & Me during my efforts to determine my biological father. I also uploaded my results to FamilyTreeDNA and GEDMatch.
A mother passes on mitochondrial DNA to her children. So boys have their mother’s mtDNA, but only girls can pass the mtDNA on to their children. So, Mary and Phoebe Manning received their mtDNA from their mother, who received it from her mother, and so forth. That means that any direct female descendants and their children would carry the mtDNA.
