That is a lot of information. The Shay bible was destroyed? I wonder what happened to it. That probably had a lot of info on the parents and siblings of James & Margaret...that is unfortunate. I am not sure if questions about Rebecca's first marriage were brought up at the time of James' death. James wouldn't of had his parents or siblings around at that time in 1869 to contest her inheritance rights as his widow and his children were too young to know anything.I wonder how well she got on with her step-daughters. Rebecca didn't have any children until she married her 4th husband. Rebecca knew enough info to know that Jane R. married a Heath. Rebecca outlived all three of her step-daughters. Nancy died in 1944.
Was Rebecca a 1st cousin of Joseph Brown? That might explain why they married so young...probably arranged by the family. This woman seems to be pretty fascinating in 1800's standards. Married 4 times, with at least 1 divorce and possible bigamy under her belt. Also married to both a Union soldier and a Confederate soldier. She then ran her own business with the hotel later in life.
I have an idea of when James & Margaret must have married. Mary Shay was born in Nov 1861. James is still living with David & Sarah in the July 1860 census records. He purchased land in Scott County, MO in Feb 1861. I speculate that shortly after July 1860, James made his way south to the Ohio River and followed it down to where it ran into the Mississippi. This is the general vicinity of where McCracken Co, Ballard Co., & Scott Co. meet. He then meet Margaret Mayberry who was 16 at the time. Since she is not listed with Elizabeth Mayberry in the 1860 census, she was probably living with relatives in the area. I think they probably married around Feb 1861 when he bought the land in Scott Co, MO. He probably bought the land as a wedding present or with the idea that he would soon start a family. Nine months after he purchased the land, Mary was born.
I wonder if I was to send for William Heath's pension records if they would give me as much detail. I still do not have any death details for Jane Shay. Perhaps I might get the info I want from it. I know William made his brother Frank the beneficiary. He must have done that after Jane's death. Its great to see the puzzle start to get filled in.
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I took a little time and read through some of the documents:
Rebecca Peal was born 9/20/1851 in Blandville, KY (?)
She married Joseph Brown in 1865 and he supposedly died in 1866 as a result of an accident on a raft in the Mississippi - he was rafting logs down and fell off - statement in one affidavit indicated that "he did not die by fair means"
Supposedly Ezkiel Ashley was Brown's uncle (wasn't he living with Mary Withrow?? -- Rebecca Jane Peal's mother)
Sshe married James Shay in Mayfield, KY in 7/30/1868 -- in Graves County -- Why did they marry in KY and not in MO --
Shay died 4/21/1869
One statement on rejection....death of first husband not shown .. evidence he was alive long after soldier's death.....
According to affidavits - no death certificates for Mary and James - not recorded at time and no marriage certificate for marriage - destroyed by fire. No baptismal records for children. Listed in Mary Withrow's bible because Shay bible destroyed..
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Question I posed to my daughter - if Jane Peal was not legally married to James Shay - could she have legally inherited James land and other assets?
The lady was persistent -- I can't imagine what else could be in the file.
Looking briefly today to try and locate the death certificate for the Delpha Brown - daughter of Wm and Sarah Mayberry - I located a marriage license for a Joseph R. Brown and a Lucy Raspberry in Scott County.
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I haven't found any real documentation indicating that Joseph was seen alive after the marriage - so I wonder how they could state that he was alive well after Shay's death.
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Questions and more questions.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
APRIL 28, 2008 - PENSION FILE ARRIVED!
WOW - over 100 pages in James Shay's Pension File. The first 100 pages were received today! Many affidavits and applications but nothing on Margaret Mayberry and James Shay's parents -- a little disappointing.
But, we did confirm James' death as being in 1869 and that his daughter Mary died in October 10, 1874. Mention was made that Nancy had married an Owens and Jane had married a Heath and both resided in Potter County, PA. This confirms what we had speculated -- Nancy had married Thomas Owens and most likely Jane came with them to PA where she then met William Heath and married.
Most likely we will have to pursue the Owens side to find any info on the Margaret and James.
Heard back from LH - his Aunt didn't recall any thing but he has agreed to continue to review his documents and contacts.
Will scan some of the documents from the pension file and post later today.
But, we did confirm James' death as being in 1869 and that his daughter Mary died in October 10, 1874. Mention was made that Nancy had married an Owens and Jane had married a Heath and both resided in Potter County, PA. This confirms what we had speculated -- Nancy had married Thomas Owens and most likely Jane came with them to PA where she then met William Heath and married.
Most likely we will have to pursue the Owens side to find any info on the Margaret and James.
Heard back from LH - his Aunt didn't recall any thing but he has agreed to continue to review his documents and contacts.
Will scan some of the documents from the pension file and post later today.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
April 24, 2008 - Margaret Mayberry
I just replied to this email and I am waiting to hear back and will email you with any info I receive from him. You might find it interesting though. He has a Margaret Mayberry from Kentucky in his family.
Subject: Re: Looking for more information about Margaret Mayberry
I have had trouble getting any e-mail to get through to you in answer to a question you sent about a Margaret Mayberry listed in my database. I have a feeling this is the same person I have listed in my database. She is the daughter of Elias Mayberry. My distant grandmother was named Frances "Fannie" Mayberry. I believe she is a daughter, but there is some conjecture that her parents died at sea and she was raised by relatives. I haven't been able to prove that, and she named one of her sons Elias so there has to be a strong connection.I did find in some research that a group of Mayberrys with the same names has sons in Missouri, so this is likely the one you are looking for.I would like to share any information you have regarding the Mayberrys.
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Did you find the database through Ancestry.com or elsewhere? This is definitely interesting...do you know what County in KY?
Keep me posted.
The pension file status is still "Awaiting shipment" - I went on-line today to see exactly what documents to expect. The pension application itself should reveal where he was from and the actual dates of his marriage. Many times a marriage certificate was included. So, let's hope that's the case here.
I've been sharing our info and some of our emails with family members, would you mind if I edited some of our emails and put them in a blog so some of my family members in TX and CO could read about our "journey." I'm hoping that some of these people may have some info and other pictures that would help us.
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I first got into contact with ST last January about the Mayberrys with an inquiry then I hadn't heard back these past few months until now. I don't think his Margaret fits into our family. His Mayberry family is from Monroe County, Kentucky and his Margaret was born in 1837.
That is a 7 year age difference from the Margaret that lives with Frederick & Elizabeth in Ballard County, Kentucky.
Also Monroe County is located in a different part of Kentucky and the Margaret Mayberry of Ballard County is most likely our ancestor that married James Shay. Ballard County, KY and Scott County, MO are within 40 miles of each other with the Ohio River and Mississippi River as major water routes.
Below is a list of adjacent counties to Ballard Co, KY & Scott Co, MO where we would most likely find Mayberrys that we would be related to.
Soon I will make a list of every person with the last name of Mayberry/Maberry that appears in census for these counties between 1800-1870.
Pulaski County, Illinois (north of Ballard Co, KY) – across the Ohio RiverMcCracken County, Kentucky (east of Ballard Co., MO)Carlisle County, Kentucky (south of Ballard Co., MO)Adjacent counties to Ballard County, MO & Scott County, MO*Mississippi County, Missouri (southwest from Ballard Co, KY & southeast from Scott Co, MO) – Mississippi River separates Mississippi Co from Ballard Co.*Alexander County, Illinois (west of Scott Co, MO & northeast of Ballard Co., MO) – Ohio River separates it from Ballard Co. I think if I compile names and write to these historical societies, I may come up with more information.
April 23, 2008 - Pension File Located - Waiting Shipment
The pension record has been located and copies made. It is awaiting shipment.
We may have it by next week.
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Thats great news. I found a very interesting link about Mayberrys in this country. All we have to do is fill in the puzzle of where we fit. I truely believe that our Margaret Mayberry has to be the daughter or granddaughter of Frederick & Elizabeth Mayberry. Given the ages of Frederick & Elizabeth it could be a possibility that they are grandparents of hers. The 1830 census lists Frederick's age between 30-40, Elizabeth between 30-40. 1840 census lists Frederick's age between 40-50, Elizabeth between 40-50. 1850 census lists Frederick's age 62, Elizabeth as 61. 1860 census lists Elizabeth's age as 60. I think the 1860 census is nearer her true age and that she was born around 1800. Probably between 1795-1800. This would put her in her mid to late 40's at the time of Margaret's birth. Frederick & Elizabeth had at least 2 sons born between 1820-1825 according to the 1830 census. They also had a daughter born between 1815-1820. I think this daughter was the mother of the Allen children who are listed in the 1850 & 1860 census with the Mayberry family. I think they are grandchildren of Frederick & Elizabeth. One of the sons born between 1820-1825 could have married young, had Margaret in 1844 then died before 1850. The 1850 & 1860 census does not list the relationship between everyone in the household. Just another thing to consider. Below is the link of many early Mayberrys. Let me know what you think. http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mabry/
We may have it by next week.
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Thats great news. I found a very interesting link about Mayberrys in this country. All we have to do is fill in the puzzle of where we fit. I truely believe that our Margaret Mayberry has to be the daughter or granddaughter of Frederick & Elizabeth Mayberry. Given the ages of Frederick & Elizabeth it could be a possibility that they are grandparents of hers. The 1830 census lists Frederick's age between 30-40, Elizabeth between 30-40. 1840 census lists Frederick's age between 40-50, Elizabeth between 40-50. 1850 census lists Frederick's age 62, Elizabeth as 61. 1860 census lists Elizabeth's age as 60. I think the 1860 census is nearer her true age and that she was born around 1800. Probably between 1795-1800. This would put her in her mid to late 40's at the time of Margaret's birth. Frederick & Elizabeth had at least 2 sons born between 1820-1825 according to the 1830 census. They also had a daughter born between 1815-1820. I think this daughter was the mother of the Allen children who are listed in the 1850 & 1860 census with the Mayberry family. I think they are grandchildren of Frederick & Elizabeth. One of the sons born between 1820-1825 could have married young, had Margaret in 1844 then died before 1850. The 1850 & 1860 census does not list the relationship between everyone in the household. Just another thing to consider. Below is the link of many early Mayberrys. Let me know what you think. http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mabry/
April 22, 2008 - Pension File Request Classified as "Servicing"
My request for the pension file is classified as "Servicing" which means they are trying to locate the file.
Everyone was very pleased to see the pictures of Wm and Jane, Jane Heath and her husband.
In reviewing the census records - when Jane Shay was living with her mother - did you happen to notice the income/assets the person had -- not much by today's standards but quite a bit compared to the others on the census report.
I wonder if Jane Shay Peal inherited some of this money and that is how she came to own a hotel.
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I am hoping the pension files reveal a lot. They would probably reveal the whereabouts of his daughters since they too could have a claim for the pension being that they were minor children when he died. We know the whereabouts of Nancy & Jane...but not sure about Mary.
Also if James Shay was truely the son of David Shay & Sarah Worden, then there is a chance that he had money growing up. James Shay purchased land around the age of 23, therefore he must have already had some money he came into or was given. Perhaps, James was also a successful farmer in Scott Co., MO which afforded his family a nice homestead.
The 1870 census lists his wife, 3 daughters, wife's mother, wife's sister and wife's brother all living at the homestead in additional to a laborer.
The house had to be large enough 8 persons or more.
I am trying to trace out the Mayberry branch. According to the census, Frederick Mayberry was born in VA in 1788. I cannot find any info on his early life or who his parents were. There is another Frederick Mayberry born around 1781 but he is not of the same line. I will talk to you later.
Everyone was very pleased to see the pictures of Wm and Jane, Jane Heath and her husband.
In reviewing the census records - when Jane Shay was living with her mother - did you happen to notice the income/assets the person had -- not much by today's standards but quite a bit compared to the others on the census report.
I wonder if Jane Shay Peal inherited some of this money and that is how she came to own a hotel.
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I am hoping the pension files reveal a lot. They would probably reveal the whereabouts of his daughters since they too could have a claim for the pension being that they were minor children when he died. We know the whereabouts of Nancy & Jane...but not sure about Mary.
Also if James Shay was truely the son of David Shay & Sarah Worden, then there is a chance that he had money growing up. James Shay purchased land around the age of 23, therefore he must have already had some money he came into or was given. Perhaps, James was also a successful farmer in Scott Co., MO which afforded his family a nice homestead.
The 1870 census lists his wife, 3 daughters, wife's mother, wife's sister and wife's brother all living at the homestead in additional to a laborer.
The house had to be large enough 8 persons or more.
I am trying to trace out the Mayberry branch. According to the census, Frederick Mayberry was born in VA in 1788. I cannot find any info on his early life or who his parents were. There is another Frederick Mayberry born around 1781 but he is not of the same line. I will talk to you later.
April 12, 2008 - Shay's Pension File
I wasn't sure when you were going to Washington but I wanted to let you know that I just ordered a copy of James Shay's complete Pension record. (I received a bonus for typing a dissertation.) It takes approx. 1 1/2 month to process the request.
I haven't had much time to review any more newspaper articles but hopefully will in the coming weeks -- now that I have my son's taxes done.
I plan to go home in mid May for a week. Both my Aunt Georgie and sister would like to go to Potter County. Perhaps, we could meet at that time.
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I was planning to go to Washington in May sometime for the Pension Record but will hold off since you ordered it.
Is the Seeley reunion still going on in July? Let me know because I think my uncle would like to attend it. I would most likely tag along for it also.
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The Seeley Reunion is July 19th at Craig Park in Painted Post, NY - next to the West High School. It usually starts around 11:00 and we eat at Noon or so then there's the business meeting and auction. People start coming around 10:00 or so.
I haven't had much time to review any more newspaper articles but hopefully will in the coming weeks -- now that I have my son's taxes done.
I plan to go home in mid May for a week. Both my Aunt Georgie and sister would like to go to Potter County. Perhaps, we could meet at that time.
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I was planning to go to Washington in May sometime for the Pension Record but will hold off since you ordered it.
Is the Seeley reunion still going on in July? Let me know because I think my uncle would like to attend it. I would most likely tag along for it also.
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The Seeley Reunion is July 19th at Craig Park in Painted Post, NY - next to the West High School. It usually starts around 11:00 and we eat at Noon or so then there's the business meeting and auction. People start coming around 10:00 or so.
April 4, 2008 - Mary L. James
I do not know who Mary James is. I noticed that too. My mother never remembered anything being said about that.
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It looks as if she married sometime after the 1900 census - mostly like around 1907 or so -
It looks as if she married a Frank Larkin and had another child Myrtle.
She appears in at least the 1910 and 1920 census --
Maybe she was William's live-in housekeeper after Jane died.
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That would make sense since Jane probably did all the house cleaning and upkeep. William's mother was nearing 80 years old and running the household next door with her sons Lorenzo & Frank who both never married. I will see if Tonie has anything written in her father's notes about this branch.
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It looks as if she married sometime after the 1900 census - mostly like around 1907 or so -
It looks as if she married a Frank Larkin and had another child Myrtle.
She appears in at least the 1910 and 1920 census --
Maybe she was William's live-in housekeeper after Jane died.
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That would make sense since Jane probably did all the house cleaning and upkeep. William's mother was nearing 80 years old and running the household next door with her sons Lorenzo & Frank who both never married. I will see if Tonie has anything written in her father's notes about this branch.
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