Re: Viola Jesse Perry-PA, and siblings-Oliver Hazard Perry
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In reply to:
Re: Viola Jesse Perry-PA, and siblings-Oliver Hazard Perry
Adina Roberts 2/20/12
Adina and Stephanie,
I will do some quick searches to see how far I can carry this line back and if it might connect with either of the TWO FAMOUS COMMODORES PERRY in US history.
I found Lawrence Perry, 28, laborer for house decorators in the 1920 census for Venango Co, PA. He and his parents were born in PA. He was married to Rachel C, 22, Two daughters are listed in the household: Viola J, 5; and Dorothy G, 1-0/12 (census taken 12 Jan 1920). Also in the household were a cousin: Ross, Young, 33, laborer livery barn; and father-in-law, Daniel Brewster, 56, divorced, shop laborer. All were born in PA with parents b in PA.
This does not tell us that Rachel C (Brewster?) was the mother of Viola. In Sep 1914 when Viola was born, Rachel would have been say 17 -- married at age 16? Call the Venango (or Clarion - see below) courthouse and ask about the marriage record.
In 1910 Rachel C Brewster, 12, was living at home in Farmington, Clarion Co, PA. Her father was Daniel M Brewster, 46, married once for 16 years to Lottie E., 35, married once for 16 years, mother of 2 children and 2 were living. Daniel was an oil field supply laborer. Children listed were: Walter J., 16, oil field supply laborer; and Rachel C. 12. All were born in PA and parents b in PA.
In 1910 a man named Lawrence Perry, 18, lived in Silvery, Venango Co, PA. He was a machinist. He was living at home with his father: Thomas, 48, married once for 19 years to Emma, 38, married once for 19 years, mother of 4 children and 4 were living. Children living at home were: Florence, 18; Lawrence, 18; Roland, 13; and Ruth, 3. All were born in PA and parents were b in PA. Thomas was a house carpenter.
In 1900 Lawrence Perry, 8, b Feb 1892 lived in Cranberry, Venango Co, PA. He was living at home with his father whose name I read as Tomes G (but ancestry has indexed this as James G and that is a possible reading), 28, b Mar 1871, married for 9 years. I can't read his occupation. Tomes is married to Emma J., 28, b Jul 1871, m for 9 yr, moth of 3 ch, and 3 were living. Children at home were: Florence, b Feb 1892; Lawrence, and Roland C, n June 1896, 3.
When I read a census, I take a look at the adjacent listings. It paid off this time. The prior listing is: William V. ("V" is according to index, but hard to read), 42, b June 1858, farmer, m 14 yr to Sarey J, 34, b Sep 1865, 7 ch and 4 living. Four children are listed. Again everyone was b in PA and parents were b in PA. This could be a brother of Thomas G.
I tried the 1880 census and hit problems. It is available for free at familysearch.org. I suggest you do some in depth searches to try to find Thomas. I did find a William, 21, living in Cranberry, Venango Co. He is said to be the son of William, 52, who is married to Eliza, 53. There are 6 children listed in the household including Thomas who is now 17! The children are not listed in birth order that often indicates a blended family. The census is difficult to read because of fading. Here is what I make of the children in the order listed: Thomas, 17; James, 23; William, 21; Henry, 16; George, 14; and Nancy, 6.
I decided to give 1870 a try at checking on this family. Still in Cranberry but with 9 children: William, 47, farmer; Elizabeth, 43; Hollister, 19, works on farm; Clara, 17; Marvin, 13; William, 11; Benjamin 9; Samuel L, 6; Henry, 5; George, 4; and Anthony S, 1/12. I don't see Thomas in this list. Could Thomas' age be mis-stated in 1880. Mom is still having kids at age 43 as evidenced by Anthony. If Thomas comes along in Feb 1772, then mama would be 45. But did she also have Nancy the next year?
It would have been nice to have tracked this family back to 1850 with a reasonable degree of confidence. That would make it a lot easier to try and fit them into the genealogy of the famous Commodores Perry. In the Perry genealogy I published in 1993, there is only one Viola -- a Viola Grace, b in 1923. Not your Viola. There is one Lawrence, b 1932. Not yours. I don't find a Thomas or a William that appear to match those I found in the censuses above.
Stephanie, you say that you know you are related to Oliver Hazard Perry through Viola. How do you know that? That is a strong statement. Does your source also say that you are related to Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry, who while not as well known, may have had even a greater significance in US history, having had a much longer naval career?
Here is a list of libraries that have a copy of my Perry genealogy:
If you can sort any of this out and provide me with more information, I will be happy to try to fit the family into the genealogy of the famous Perrys.
Bill Wright