2022 Week 39 Road Trip Westward Ho! in an Old Plymouth

Sometimes it is nice to let other people tell the story.  And this is one of them.  (Sometime, I will tell the story of my road trip with my aunt Ladeen.  But this time, I'll let her tell about a trip with her  Grandmother Martha Alice Benton Godley and her Aunt Velma Leavelle Wallace!

Westward Ho!   (1950)

Ladeen, Nettie Ida, and Lavonne

Evelyn and Velma, Buddy, Aubrey, Alton and Travis

Grandmother Leavelle, Lavonne, and I were going back to California by bus, after spending the summer in Pennsylvania.  Aunt Velma got to calculation what three bus tickets would cost. With our bus money and some of hers, she bought a '38 Pontiac in 1950. (Ladeen's note: Wasn't she spunky?!)  

1939 Plymouth 2 Door

I was 15 and Lavonne 13. I grew up on a tractor and knew how to shift and drive. Daddy would let me take the tractor to the store when I was so small, I'd have to jump off the seat to engage the clutch and the brakes. I had also driven my boyfriend's hot rod quite a bit, but I had no license. Aunt Velma was the only legal driver, but off we went across the country. We kept going until we got to relative's homes. (No motels)

We ate out of a picnic basket except at relative's houses. I have a tendency to go to sleep every time I'm in a moving vehicle. I guess I come by it rightly. Aunt Velma fought sleepiness a lot. I talked her into letting me drive. As soon as I got behind the wheel, she'd wake up. Sometimes she spread a quilt on the grass on the side of the road to take a nap and that was very boring to us. Perhaps that's when I nagged her into letting me drive. Lavonne and I wrote down every "Burma Shave" advertisement and collected a leaf from every state. I wish I'd kept them!

When we got to relatives' homes, they gave their spare beds to the adults, and we kids slept on the floor. We made pallets with quilts-no egg crate foam or air mattresses. I woke up sore and stiff one morning-at least I must have complained that I was, and someone said, "Ladeen's a woman now if it bothers her to sleep on the floor." That made it almost worth the pain.

Aunt Velma insisted I not go over 50 MPH and I didn't. She insisted we stop for gasoline every hundred miles. I'm sure by then someone had to go to the bathroom anyway. She even let me drive at night, she told me to wake her up and let her drive through the towns. She'd be sleeping so good, I'd sneak right on through the towns. It seemed a shame to wake her up.

We visited Alabama kin folks, East Texas kin folks, and I think Uncle Aubrey and Aunt Grace lived in Oklahoma then and we may have visited them too. I wish I had kept a diary. The main thing I remember about visiting in Mt. Aire, N.M. at Uncle Alton and Aunt Francis' home, is she made enchiladas, with a fried egg right on top, I loved them.

Aubrey

Aubrey

Aubrey and Grace

Alton

Francis

The only trouble we had with the old car is, we had to get the radiator flushed out once out in the desert. And another day we had a flat. First you hope someone will stop, then you're afraid they might. Sure enough, two drunk sailors came by. Thank the Lord Aunt Velma already had the tire nearly fixed. We got in and took off. (My, wasn't she self-sufficient.) She kept the tire iron out and put it beside her between the driver's seat and the door. After some slick maneuvering on her part, we finally lost the sailors who had followed us!  I'm not sure how long the trip took, but we all enjoyed it.

After a nice visit in California, Aunt Velma sold the car to Uncle Buddy to pay her way back to Pennsylvania. Maurice hot-rodded the car and blew the engine out a short time later.

If any of you remember any details, I don't remember, if there are things that I've forgotten or aren't accurate, please write or email me. 

Mainly I want to keep the memory of my auntie and Grandmother alive. 

(Written by Maryon Ladeen Lindbeck Ring)

So who are these people?  

Grandmother Leavelle is Nettie Ida Godley Leavelle.  Lavonne is Marlita Lavonne Lindbeck Taylor, Ladeen's sister.  Aunt Velma is Mary Velma Leavelle Wallace.   Uncle Aubrey is John Aubrey Leavelle, son of Nettie Ida and Grace is his wife, Grace Beavers Leavelle. Uncle Alton is Wilbur Alton Leavelle, another of Nettie Ida's sons, and Francis Martin is his wife. Uncle Buddy is another son, Elvin  Rufus Leavelle and. Maurice is Travis' son. (Uncle Buddy was my grandmother, Evalyn's twin.)

Evalyn and Elvin (Buddy)

And what is the world were Burma Shave Signs?  Burma-Shave was an American brand of brushless shaving cream, famous for its advertising gimmick of posting humorous rhyming poems on small sequential highway roadside signs. One of them was: Cheer up, face – the war is over! Burma-Shave. Small signs would be posted along the edge of highways, spaced for sequential reading by passing motorists. 

Other examples were: 

Every shaver / Now can snore / Six more minutes / Than before / By using / Burma-Shave; 

Does your husband / Misbehave / Grunt and grumble / Rant and rave / Shoot the brute some / Burma-Shave; 

Past / Schoolhouses / Take it slow / Let the little / Shavers grow / Burma-Shave; 

Slap /The Jay/ With /Iron / Scrap/ Burma-Shave; 

The last signs were in 1963 but the method of using consecutive signs to entice people continues. 

The road trip sounds like fun but a little scary.  We sure couldn't get away with that type of trip now!

Donna Evalyn Mohney

December 8, 2022

2020 Week 27: Solo: How about a "solo" name? Singleton

 Solo:

Let's see- I don't have a Singletary but I do have a Singleton.  My aunt Margaret Ethel Mohney (1/21/1933-9/6/1967) was the youngest daughter of my paternal grandparents, Valentine Edward and Margaret Annetta Book Mohney.  I have no memories of her as she died when I was only 8, but her family has been very important in my life and that of my family.  Aunt Margaret was, like my dad, born in Lowellville, Mahoning County, Ohio.  She grew up, attended school, appears to have loved animals, and I'm sure, helped care for the house and yard. 

Donald, Dorothy, Margaret

Rusty, Maggie

Willis, Margaret, Dorothy

Gladys, Margaret and Donald

Gladys, Grace, Dorothy, and
Margaret

Rusty, Willis and Margaret

The 1940 Census enumerates her family as living on Struthers-Lowellville Road in Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio: (Her brother, James is already married but living with the family at the time.

1940 United States Federal Census

Name: Margaret Mohney    Age: 7   Estimated birth year: abt 1933

Gender: Female    Race: White        Birthplace: Ohio

Marital Status: Single                    Relation to Head of House: Daughter

Home in 1940: Poland, Mahoning, Ohio

Street: Struthers Lowellville Road   Sheet Number: 14B

Attended School or College: Yes

Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 1st grade

Household Members: Name Age

Valentine E Mohney 49

Margaret A Mohney 44

Warren S Mohney 22

Gladys M Mohney 29

Wayne V Mohney 18

Eugene M Mohney 16

Grace M Mohney 15

Dorothy A Mohney 12

Willis R Mohney 10

Margaret Mohney 7

Donald Mohney 2

James B Mohney 21

Anna V Mohney 25

The 1950 Census enumeration shows the family has become much smaller with most of the children married or moved from home.  They are back in Pennsylvania living at RD #1, Enon Valley. 

1950 United States Federal Census

Enon Valley  RD1

Residence Date: 1950

Home in 1950: Little Beaver, Lawrence, Pennsylvania, USA

Household Members Age Relationship

Valentine Mohney   59 Head   Worked 48 hours as a Conductor on the Railroad

Margaret Mohney 54 Wife

Margaret E Mohney   17 Daughter   born PA

Donald Mohney   12 Son born Ohio

She graduated from Wampum High School, Wampum, Pennsylvania.   

Graduation Photo

She lived for three years in Youngstown, working at the Stambaugh Thompson Co.'s North Side store and living with a sister, probably Grace.  (She was working there when her father died as Stambaugh's sent flowers to his funeral.

Van and Margaret, with her nephews, Butch and Denny

She met and married Van Buren Singleton on 24 March 1956.  He was born 4 Mar 1930 in Gem, Braxton, West Virginia, son of Raymond and Edith (Wine) Singleton. 

Miss Mohney Plans May Rite

Engagement

Engagement Photo

   Miss Margaret E. Mohney, daughter of Mrs. Margaret A.   Mohney 119 1/2 Madison Avenue and the late V. E. Mohney   will be married to Van Buren Singleton, son of Mrs. Edith   Singleton, Gem, W. Va. and the late Raymond Singleton, at   a  family wedding at Evergreen Presbyterian Church on   May   27 a t 2:30 pm. An open reception will follow in the   church parlor.  Miss Mohney is with Stambaugh-Thompson Co. Her fiance is with General Motors, Inc. Fisher Body     Division in   Lansing, Michigan.

Van and Margaret Wedding

In 1959, they were living at 317 North Fairview Avenue Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan.  They moved to Michigan as Uncle Van was working in the Fisher Body Division of General Motors, Inc. 

They had 3 children, Diana Lynne, Mary Ellen and Darryl Rae.  

Diana, Van, Margaret, Mary Ellen and Daryl

They moved to 936 Reo Road, Lansing.    Aunt Margaret was a member of the Emanual Baptist Church. She became pregnant again in 1967 but it resulted in a tubal pregnancy.  She died on 6 September 1967 from complications of the tubal pregnancy and surgery.  

Lansing State Journal   Thursday Sept. 7, 1967    Margaret Singleton

Mrs. Margaret E. Singleton, 34, of 936 Reo Road, died in a local hospital Wednesday. 

A resident of Lansing for 11 years, she was a member of Emanuel Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband, Van B; a son, Daryl R, two daughters, Mary Ellen and Diana L. all at home; her mother, Margaret Mohney of New Galilee, PA.; six brothers, Warren S. Mohney, Youngstown, Ohio; James B. Mohney of Battle Creek, Wayne V. Mohney of Canfield, Ohio; Eugene M. Mohney of Waitsburg, Washington; Willis R. Mohney of Spokane, Washington, Donald E. Mohney of North Lima, Ohio; three sisters, Mrs. Gladys M. Sutherland and Mrs. Grace M Chaberd, both of Youngstown, Ohio; and Mrs. Dorothy A Cook, of New Galilee, PA. 

Services will be held in the Estes-Leadley Colonial Chapel at 8 p.m. Thursday with further services in the King Funeral Home, Youngstown.

Newspaper Unknown:   Singleton, Mrs. Margaret E.   938 Reo Road, age 34, died at a local hospital, Sept. 6, 1967. She had been a resident of Lansing for 11 years, coming here from Youngstown, Ohio, a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and graduated from Wampum High School, Wampum, Ohio. Surviving are her husband Van B., one son Daryl R., 2 daughters, Mary Ellen and Diana L., all at home; mother, Mrs. Margaret A. Mohney of New Galilee, PA 6 brothers, Warren S. Mohney, Youngstown, Ohio; James B. Mohney, Battle Creek; Wayne V. Mohney, Canfield, Ohio; Eugene M. Mohney of Waitsburg, Wash.; Willis R. Mohney, Spokane, Wash.; Donald E. Mohney, North Lima, Ohio; 3 sisters, Mrs. Gladys M. Sutherland and Mrs. Grace M. Chaberd both of Youngstown, Ohio, and Mrs. Dorothy A. Cook of New Galilee, PA.  Religious services will be conducted by Rev. Harry L. Wainscott of Immanuel Baptist Church at the Estes Leadley Colonial Church at 8 p. m. Thursday evening, further funeral services will be at the Kings Funeral Home, Youngstown, Ohio.

Youngstown Vindicator, Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio     Thursday, September 7, 1967

Mrs. Van Singleton

Mrs. Margaret Singleton, 34, of 936 Reo Road, Lansing, Mich., a former Youngstown resident, died at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Lansing Hospital of complications following surgery.

Mrs. Singleton was born Jan. 21, 1933, in Lowellville, a daughter of V.E. and Margaret A. Book Mohney.  She graduated from high school in Wampum, Pa., and lived for three years in Youngstown, working at the Stambaugh Thompson Co.'s North Side store and living with a sister. She moved to Lansing, Pa. in 1956 following her marriage to Van Singleton.

Besides her husband, she leaves three children, Diana, Mary Ellen, and Daryl, all at home; her mother, of New Galilee, Pa; three sisters, Mrs. Gladys Southerland and Mrs. Grace Chaberd, both of Youngstown, and Dorothy Cook of New Galilee; and six brothers, Warren and Wayne Mohney both of Youngstown, Donald of North Lima, James of Battle Creek, Mich., Willis of Spokane, Wash., and Eugene of Waitsburg, Wash.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the King Funeral Home, where friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in New Wilmington, Pa

Funeral Booklet

Aunt Margaret was buried next to her parents in Fair Oaks Cemetery, New Wilmington, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. 

Many times when a family member dies, the rest of the family loses track of the "in-law."  We were so very lucky that Uncle Van made sure his kids stayed involved with their mom's side of the family.  He moved back to Ohio, transferring to the General Motors' Lordstown plant, where he worked until it closed and he retired. 

From 1987, Uncle Van and his children have lived in Diamond, Milton Township, Mahoning County, Ohio.

On 30 Oct 1970 Uncle Van married Sandra Rummel in Mahoning County, Ohio. They divorced 23 July 1975. 

On 16 Jul 1977, Uncle Van and Frances E Snyder are married in Portage County, Ohio.   This marriage added two more kids- Frances' daughters, Rose and Jackie, from a first marriage.  Uncle Van and Aunt Francis have been more a part of the Mohney family's lives than some of our "blood" relatives.  I have memories of them at nearly every important event in our lives:  Graduations, birthdays, cookouts, weddings, baby showers, and many more.  I still have the baby outfit that Frances crochet for my son, Shaun. And every year, the Christmas card from them is the first to arrive.  

Van and Francis Singleton with Lynda Mohney

I don't remember when but Uncle Van and Aunt Frances bought a cabin across from my dad's hunting cabin.  He had gone hunting with dad, and we had all gone up to camp together.  It was nice having them just across the driveway when we went up.  (Last year, at 90 years of age, he was crawling under that cabin as he and my dad (age 84) were replacing or repairing something- furnace?)  

Donna Evalyn Mohney

December 7, 2022

2022 Week 18 (May 3-9): Social: Ladeen Goes to Camp Meeting

 This story was sent to me by my Aunt Ladeen several years ago.

Grandmother Leavelle is Nettie Ida Godley Leavelle, my greatgrandmother. Ladeen is my mother's sister, Maryon Ladeen Lindbeck Maxwell Ezell Ring Ring. They (and many of that side of the family) were Seventh Day Adventists. Part of the social and religious facets of the SDA religion was “Camp Meeting.”

Maryon Ladeen Lindbeck

The camp meeting is a form of Protestant Christian religious service that originated in England and Scotland as an evangelical event in association with the communion season. Camp meetings offered community, often singing and other music, sometimes dancing, and diversion from work.  The Soquel SDA Campground was founded in 1879. It is now part of Yosemite National Park

Well-shaded by pine and fir trees, Soquel Campground provides primitive campsites that can accommodate small trailers and tents. The campground consists of two loops on the banks of Willow Creek with sites located along Willow Creek. Soquel Campground is located in the Highway 41 Corridor of the Bass Lake Ranger District. This area is known for the Nelder Grove of giant sequoias. And is in Madera County, California, within the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Giant Sequoia at Nelder Grove

Aunt Ladeen mentions being a “child bride.” She was married to Eugene Maxwell

Eugene Maxwell, Donald and Lynda (Lindbeck) Mohney,Ladeen (Lindbeck) Maxwell
At Don and Lynda's Wedding on June 19, 1958

"Camping Out With Grandmother"

Grandmother Leavelle announced she wanted me to take her to Camp Meeting. I had only been camping once before in my whole 17 years of life! It sounded like an adventure. I picked her up in a souped up hot rod. (I was a child bride. My husband of 8 months got drafted and was stationed in Germany.) We wrangled Grandmother's foot locker into the car. Somewhere between Fresno, CA, and the Soquel SDA Campground, we bought the groceries we would need for the week. (It actually included 2 weekends - 9 days.)

Grandmother must have been at least 67 or 68. How she slept in a tent on an army surplus folding cot, I can't imagine! My back didn't like it and I was only 17!

She was like an Army Sargent! We were up, had breakfast and off to the 1st preaching service by 6:30 AM. I soon learned the early speakers were the "cream of the crop"

Nettie Ida Godley 

Photos of Nettie Ida Godley Leavelle

GM urged me to join the mass choir. That was truly a thrilling experience. I could imagine it was almost like being in heaven and singing with the angels! It really impressed me to look out over the vast sea of faces and see how many people there were, just in that area, of like faith. (Plus, there were kids and young people meeting in other big tents. The adults were in a huge auditorium.

Grandmother bought me a book at the book sale. The title is "Lift Him Up." I still have it. I've never forgotten that Camp Meeting and the theme of the book. While by my mistakes in life, I haven't always "lifted him up," I know he forgives. He has kept calling me back to him. I am so thankful for that! I learned to love Camp Meeting. They always have classes on health, money management, marriage counseling and parenting, etc . I never miss a chance to attend Camp Meeting - if at all possible. And I am my own army Sarjent. Yes~I set my alarm and go to the early service.

Written by Ladeen Lindbeck Ring

Aunt Ladeen passed away in June of  2022, and is dearly missed. Born on 27 March 1935 in Arlington, Riverside County, California.

Donna Evalyn Mohney  

December 8, 2022

2020 Week 13 (Mar. 25-31): Nearly Forgotten

Nearly Forgotten:  Grandpa's First Wife and Son  

My grandfather, Valentine Edward Mohney, died in 1954, several years before I was born.  He and my grandmother, Margaret Annetta Book Mohney, had 10 children and my dad was the baby of the family.  I knew all of my uncles and aunts, some better than others.  Or so I thought.  

My mother and I began doing some genealogical research.  We were in Ridgeway, Elk County, PA and decided to stop at the courthouse and look for information on the Mohneys.  We were looking through marriage records and found one for Grandfather Valentine Mohney.  However, surprise, it was not the record of marriage to Grandma.  It was an earlier marriage to Clara C. Mercer.  Her brother, Banfield B, (Ben) Mercer, was married to Valentine's sister, Mary Elizabeth (Mayme) Mohney. 

Valentine Edward Mohney

Marriage License of Valentine Edward Mohney and Clara C Mercer

Valentine and Clara were married, in St. Mary's, Elk County, PA, on April 1, 1912 by E,E. McKelvey.  Clara was living with her parents in Cheerful, PA when she delivered their son, Elmer Edward Mohney on 21 September 1912.  Elmer was stillborn.  He was buried the next day at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Shippenville, PA.  

Death Certificate of Elmer Edward Mohney

Clara had uremic poisoning following the childbirth and died 23 September 1912.  She was buried on 26 September 1912, also at Pleasant Hill Cemetery

Death Certificate of Clara C. Mercer Mohney

I am assuming that she was living with her parents due to the fact that Valentine was working in the logging camps or on the railroad.  Was he able to be there for the childbirth?  Did he get to see his son? Or provide support to Clara through her short illness?  So many questions.  

The biggest question though is why didn't he tell his family about Clara and Elmer?  His children were surprised to learn that Valentine had been married to Clara, and one aunt, in particular, refused to believe it.  

 Week 14 (Apr. 1-7, 2020): Water   Our ancestors traveled by water, built towns near water, and powered machines with water. 

I never realized what a big part water played in the lives of my Western Pennsylvania ancestors until recently.  I've been trying to tighten up some loose ends and am adding background (some of it from these articles.) 

My ancestral Van Eman line: 

George Van Eman

Nicholas Van Eman m. Mary Wilson

Nicholas Van Eman II m. Catherine Riddle

Catherine Van Eman m. Adam Morrow

George Van Eman Morrow m. Margaret McConahy

Sierra Nevada Morrow m. James Preston Book

Margaret Annetta Book m. Valentine Edward Mohney

Donald Edward Mohney m. Nettie Lynda Lindbeck

Donna Evalyn Mohney

One of the first ancestors who relied upon water was Nicholas Van Eman II. 

Nicholas Vanemon II was born March 30, 1767 and died April 24, 1832.  He married Catherine Riddle on April 11, 1793.  He and his first wife left Washington County, Pa around 1800 to settle in New Castle, Lawrence County, PA.  In his father's will, Nicholas was given the land his parents lived on, " I give and bequeath unto my son Nicholas that tract of land on which I now live that at the death of his mother, he shall enjoy the same to his own proper use and benefit together with 10 half johannas to pay the consideration money for deed and land "

He bought 100 acres of land and rebuilt the old John Elliot gristmill.  The land was located on the west bank of the Neshannock River in New Castle (about the present North Street.).   Elliot, in the "insturment of Writting" (i.e. Deed) states that: 

"Whereas I, William Elliott, now of Mercer County in Pennsylvania, did in the last of Spring or first part of the summer in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred Verbally sell to Nicholas Vaniman a lot of Ground situate on the Shenango River (or Creek) and bounded on said River or Creek to the Westward, Newcastle Town on the East and was & is adjoining Cornelius Hendrickson on the Lower side and the same year (to wit) the twenty first day of July in the said year One thousand eight hundred I the said William Elliott made & signed an Instrument of Wrighting which was intended by me to Operate as a legal conveyance of all my right in the Law and in Equity of in and to said Lot for the use benefit and Interest of said Nicholas Vanemon His heirs & assigns and said Nicholas Vaneman since he has the right to said Lot has sold & transferred by an Instrument in Writing the Right to said Lot of Ground together with all rights and Advantages appertaining thereto to Thomas Holidy."  This deed wasn't filed legally until 5 November 1810. and probably was only for a small lot if it only sold for 17 dollars.

A tragic incident is connected with Vaneman's misfortune that is worth preserving. The miller whom Vaneman employed to run his mill, a man named Crane, was naturally a little anxious about the property.  Being on the ground on the day when the great ice flood came tumbling and rolling down the creek, he was standing near the old-fashioned tub wheel, and peering into the mill to see what damage had been done, when a sudden rush of ice made everything crack around him. Eagerly bending forward and pointing with his finger toward the impending wreck, he exclaimed, "The old mill is all gone to h__l!"  In his excitement he lost his balance and fell into the wheel, which was in rapid motion, and was killed. His body was soon after recovered and laid out in one corner of the the mill, which after all the apparent danger, was only injured to a small extent.  After his remains were laid out, a watch-dog was placed inside as a guard, the mill was locked and the corpse left until the next morning. 

It is said that Vaneman would on no account consent to have the dead body in his dwelling, which is why it was left in the mill.  Vaneman was a member of the Presbyterian Church and perhaps he objected to Crane's use of profane words. Crane had no relations to bury his body or take charge of his property Crane, it appears, had no relatives, at least not in this portion of the country, and so all that he possessed was buried with him. This consisted of the clothes he wore, a pocket knife, a pipe and tobacco, and a few pieces of silver amounting to between one and two dollars. His remains were placed in a rough box of oaken boards, and buried on the summit of Shaw's hill. There was no burial ground at the spot chosen, but as the only burial place was on the west side of the Shenango, and unapproachable by reason of the flood (there being then no bridges over the stream), his remains were interred in the most suitable place they could find, under the circumstances. The place has no stone to mark it and the locality is known to very few persons. This incident occurred, probably, in 1807.   Seth Rigby who lived more than seventy years sough of town was of the opinion that Crane's body had been exhumed later by some youths who were desirous of obtaining the money buried with him.

Nicholas Vaneman left New Castle in 1808 or 1809, selling the mill, water-power, and land to James Gillespie. He moved to Wayne Township about 1808/9 (near Chewton), where he  put up a new mill on Mill Run or Big Run   Nicholas Vaneman of Mercer County purchased 400 acres of land from Thomas Beard of Beaver County on Sept. 24, 1805 for $700.

The property was on the east side of Big Beaver "creek", about one mile above the mouth of the Connoquenessin' Creek, adjoining the lands of Moses McCullum, James McCrearer, and Thomas Beard.

The mills were frame, and  the grist-mill had one run of "Country Stone".   His wheel was 18 feet in diameter and "overshot'.  He evidently didn't plan well, for moving down the stream further, he could have had a fall of 30 or 40 feet.  He operated the mill until one of his sons took over.  It did a fair "corn cracking business", but was never a very good mill.  The land was "Academy Land" and was originally settled by Lewis Kirkendall.  (Academy Lands were 5000 acres granted to the trustees of Washington Academy in 1787, the sale of which was to become part of the funding of Washington and Jefferson College.)  

A pair of "Laurel Hill Stones" with just enough machinery to set them in motion was all there was to it. At first there was nothing to grind but corn, and no bolting cloth was necessary. The only sieve in town, or within several miles,  was one Jesse DuShane had made of a deerskin, and perforated with a hot iron. This was frequently borrowed and often went the rounds of the neighborhood, sometimes going several miles away. Soon the settlers began to raise wheat, and Mr. Vaneman introduced a rude belt. It was operated by a turning a crank by hand. The miller carried the grist up a pair of stairs and put it into a hopper from which it ran to the bolt below, and thus became flour and bran in the process."

The North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania Tax List in 1815 shows Nicholas with 300 acres 1 horse  2 cows 1 grist mill 1 saw mill  post of Proffit.

Tax records of 1827 show that he owned 310 acres of land, 2 horses, 3 cows, a gristmill, and a sawmill. 

About 1809, his wife Catherine passed away.  He and Catherine had 8 children.  He married 2nd. Margaret Catherine Lusk and had 8 more children.

A couple of other ancestors also made use of the water in supporting their families. 

But I'll save them for later!

Donna E. Mohney

Mary Ann (Hennon) McConahy

2022 03 01 Week 9  Females

Mary Ann (Hennon) McConahy

Mary Ann Hennon was born in 12 January 1805, a daughter of Joseph Hennon and Margaret Morrow.  She was born in Moravia, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.  Moravia is south of New Castle in North Beaver township. It has a an interesting history and many legends passed on to the present generation. 

Years ago away before the Europeans arrived in this part of the country, the Native Americans had possession of the forests which ranged on either side of the Beaver river.  The original town of Moravia was formerly located on the east side of the river. That is where the old Moravian Missions once stood.  The mission began about the year 1755.

Missionaries going up the Beaver river in 1772 were surprised to find an Indian village composed entirely of girls, who were pledged never to marry. It was located between the present-day towns of Newport and Moravia, on the west side of the Beaver River.  In 1772, everyone moved across the river to the west side.  The Moravians left this part and went to Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where many were massacred a short time afterward by a party of whites,  accused of being spying on them.

About 1798, William Forbes settled just what is now Moravia and built a grist and saw mill.   The history of the Moravian Missions allows us to identify East Moravia as the oldest settlement in the county.

In the 1803 and 1805 tax records of North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania (In 1849, this became Wayne Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania) Joseph Hennon's property consists of 157 acres, 1 horse, and 3 cows.  

Mary is born on this property on `1 January 1805. 

In 1806, the family had gained 2 oxen.  Joseph was practicing the trade of a saddler. 

Joseph and his wife, Margaret, along with William and Mary (Smith) Cunningham, William and Nancy Cairns, Jesse Bell, Jonathon and Elizabeth Peppard, Andrew Elliot and his wife, and Jacob Van Gorder,  were instrumental in founding Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church. The church members first met for prayers at Allen's Grist Mill on Slippery Rock Creek.  The first log church was later built on the banks of the Slippery Rock.  Two other buildings were later erected.   He was one of the first three elders and was again appointed elder on 11 April 1811. On 25 October 1812, he was ordained 1st elder.   I am certain that Mary must have, as a young girl, attended in the old log church. 

This marks the "Location of the First Log House
of Worship."

In 1810, the Hennon family appear on the census of North Sewickley, Beaver County, PA: 

1810 Census North Sewickley, Beaver, PA  page2 

Joseph Hannon      3 1 0 0 1/1 2 2 1 0

1820- I can't locate Joseph's family in 1820.

On 16 April 1829, Mary Ann married William James McConahy, son of Thomas McConahy and Agness McKay.  William was born on 32 July 1804 in the Parish of Ballintoy, Diocese of Connor, Craige, Antrim, Ireland.  He came to America with his mother and siblings to join their father in 1816. 

According to the 1830 census, they had a son under 5.  However, his oldest known son is Thomas born 1835- who is the male 5 and under in this census?  The census could be incorrect and the family should include 1 female (Martha- born 1830).  

1830 Census Shenango Township, Beaver County, PA page 1 

William McConaha 1 male five and under, 1 male 20-30; 1 female 20-30

On 8 September 1837 (Beaver County, PA Deeds Volume 16 page 398-9),  William James and Mary sold land to Abigail Maynard.  It was 112 acres which Joseph had inherited from his father, Thomas.  Located in Shenango Township, Beaver County, it was part of a larger tract called “Chester;” that Benjamin Chew deeded to Charles Morrow.   (Charles Morrow was Mary's grandfather. Her mother was Margaret Morrow.

1840 US Census North Sewickley township, Beaver County, PA 

Wm. McConaha 1 0 00 1 1/2 2 0 1 0 1

On 23 April 1840, land was bought by William James and Mary ( Beaver County, PA Deeds Volume 19 p 201-2) from Thomas Morrow.   It was 3 acres for 30 dollars. The land was in Shenango Township, adjacent to land of Thomas Morrow, Peter Book, the North Sewickley/Shenango Township line, and that it was once part of “Amsterdam,” deeded by Benjamin Chew to Thomas Morrow. 

On 16 December 1843, they bought 36 acres of land from Jesse Morrow and Caleb Jones for $50.  The deed mentions the towing road above Hardscrabble dam and the North Sewickley Township line. 

On 26 August 1847,  Charles Morrow sold land (Beaver County, PA Deeds Volume 25 P 188-9) to William James and Mary.  For 80 dollars, they received  4 acres of land adjacent to Charles Morrow and Tindall, which had been part of “Amsterdam”. 

On 8 September 1847, (Beaver County, PA Deeds Volume 25 p 187-8) for 200 dollars, they purchase 8 acres from John and Barbary (Book,) McConahy, part of the land granted to Peter Book by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1806 and left to his daughter Barbara, in his will. This land was bounded by land of John Book, the village of Staylesville and Book Town.  (Book Town was laid out in one of the wills of Peter Book, and was made up of lots and land left to his children and grandchildren.)

On 21 September 1847, William James and Mary sold land to Samuel Haso (Beaver County, PA  Deed Book 25, page 202) for 400 dollars. This land was lot 1 and lot 19 in the village of Staylesville,  Mentioned are lot #2, East Main Street, Water Street. This was land of Peter Book and his wife Margaret.

1850 US Census, Roll 790 Page 64

North Beaver Township, Lawrence County, PA 

296-297 McConahey, William 46 Farmer $6000 Ireland

Mary 46 PA  Rebecca 19 PA 

Matilda 17 PA

Joseph 15 PA school 

Mary 13 PA school

Margaret 10 PA school 

Isabella 8 PA school 

William 5 PA school

Guiley Batton 38 Pa

1860 US Census Mount Jackson, North Beaver Township, Lawrence County, PA

enumerated 21 June 1860 James Stewart, ass't Marshall page 75 (ancestry 47/50)

538-535 McConachy, William (indexed as McCanady) 55 farmer $5350 $1500 Ireland

Mary 55 PA

Mary 21 Pa

Margaret 20 Pa

William 15 PA

Gurly Button 46 farm labor Ohio

William James died in 1866, without leaving a will.

  

In his estate were 8 horses, 2 cows, 154 sheep and lambs, 3 hogs, wagons, horse carriages, carts, tools, beehives and bees, ploughs, land planted in wheat and corn,  Charles and George Van Eman Morrow were among those paid money due to them. Gurley Batton was paid “on Account”  $210.   It appears that all of his belongings were sold and Mary kept the house and property, along with money from the sale. 

1870 Census North Beaver Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania

Hennon, Joseph 35 PA

Mary H. 66 PA

Lisabella 25 PA

Willie J. 23 PA 

Hennon, Martha 18 PA

Batton, Gurley 55 PA laborer 

Parker, Robert J. 22 PA laborer

1880 United States Federal Census 

Name: Mary H. McConahy

Home in 1880: North Beaver, Lawrence, Pennsylvania

Age: 76 Estimated birth year: abt 1804 Birthplace: Pennsylvania Relation to head-of-household: Mother

Father's birthplace: PA Mother's birthplace: PA Marital Status: Widowed Race:White Gender: Female 

Household Members: Name Age

Joseph H. McConahy 45

Mary E. McConahy 35

Lydia M. McConahy 8

Rebecca W. McConahy 6 

William A. McConahy 4 

Relief McConahy 3 

Mary H. McConahy 76

Party plans were afoot despite the weather forecast for the month of January 1892.

Warmest, 50 deg. on the 1st.   Coldest 12 degs. below zero on the 20th.   

Snowfell on 16 different days.

Prevailing winds, northwest and southwest. There were only five clear days.

The ground has been covered with snow since January 2d, and there has been good sleighing since the 6th.

The mercury was below zero on the 10th and 20th, being 5 deg. and 12 deg.respectively. The ground was covered with snow at the close of the month.

From the 13th to the 23d.  the trees were covered with a heavy coating of ice. 

Lewis E. Stunkard, East Brook, PA.

On January 12th (1892), the children and grandchildren of Mrs. Mary McConahy gathered at the home of James McConahy near Moravia to celebrate her 87th birthday. They all enjoyed themselves and wished her more glad birthdays.   (Thursday, Feb. 25 1892 page 3 New Castle Democrat)  

 Mrs. Mary MCCONAHY, mother of Joseph MCCONAHY, of the west side, is the oldest settler in the neighborhood. It is said that she came there about 1807 at the age of two.    Her father, Joseph HENNON, was one of the earliest settlers in these parts, and a number of his descendants still live in the area

Mary died on 27 January 1892, only 2 weeks after her party.  How lovely that she got to see so many of her family.

Mrs. Mary M'Conahy

One of the oldest, if not the oldest, citizens of near Moravia, died on Wednesday, aged eighty seven years.  The deceased, whose maiden name was Hennon, was born in what is now known as Wayne township.  For sixty or seventy years she has been an earliest and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and her life, was an example to the young and old.  She was beloved by a large circle of friends, and her death has caused deep sadness in the neighborhood in which she lived and died.  She was the mother of Mrs. Samuel W. Smith, of New Castle, Mrs. Charles Morrow, Mrs. George Morrow, both of near Moravia, James and Joseph McConahy of Moravia, and Mrs. Martin Ritchie of Beaver Falls, and was the grandmother of William Wilkinson, the Second ward groceryman.  Funeral Friday morning at ten o'clock from the homestead at Moravia.  Interment at Slipperyrock Presbyterian cemetery. 

Mrs. Mary McConahy, one of the best known residents of near Moravia, died on January 27th in her 87th year.  Deceased's maiden name was Hennon. She was born in Wayne township and has resided continuously in the southern part of the county. Early in life she joined the Presbyterian church and besides being a conscientious Christian was a person of many sterling traits of character and was beloved by a large circle of relatives and acquaintances. Grandmother McConahy was a friend to both old and young and will surely be missed by many. The children who survive are: Mrs. Samuel W. Smith of this city, Mrs. Charles Morrow and Mrs. George Morrow of Moravia, James and Joseph H. McConahy of Moravia and Mrs. Martin Ritchie of Beaver Falls.. She was also the grandmother of Wm. C. Wilkinson, the Second ward grocery man of this city.  The funeral services were held Friday morning at the homestead near Moravia.  Interment at Slipperyrock Presbyterian cemetery,

Lawrence Guardian 4 February 1892 p8

Mrs. Mary McConahy, a highly esteemed woman, died at her home near Moravia, on the 27th ult., aged 87 years. The deceased, whose maiden name was Hannon, was born in Wayne township. She was the mother of Mrs. Samuel W. Smith, of New Castle; Mrs. Charles Morrow and Mrs. George Morrow, of near Moravia; James McConahy and Joseph McConahy, of Moravia, and Mrs. Martin Richie, of Beaver Falls. She was the grandmother of William Wilkinson, the groceryman of the Second ward, this city. The funeral services were held at her late residence on the 29th ult. The remains were interred at the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church. 

McConahy Monument at Slippery
Rock Cemetery

Mary Ann (Hennon) McConahy

William James McConahy

        

Mary did not leave a will but there is an intestate record which reads as follows: 

Intestate File Mc No. 112 In Estate of Mary H. McConahy

Late of North Beaver Twp., Lawrence Co., PA Deceased See Register Docket No. 6, page 365

To. J. G. Gleason, Esq. Register of Wills, of the county of Lawrence

We the undersigned being all the sons and daughters of Mary H. McConahy deceased, and entitled to take letters of administration upon her estate do hereby renounce our right to administration upon said estate and request that you appoint Jno. G. McConahy of New Castle as administrator of said estate. (John Glass McConahy was her nephew.)

Signed: 

Belle Ritchie     W J. McConahy    J. H. McConahy    Matilda Morrow

Margaret Morrow   Mary M. Smith

( So Isabelle, William J., John Hennon, Matilda, Margaret, and Mary M. are the 6 surviving of her 13 children. Abel, Sarah, Ruth, Joseph,  Rebecca, Margaret Eleanor, Martha and Elander are already gone.)

Know Ye Men By These Presents, That we, Jno. G. McConahy, Thomas McConahy and Samuel A. Winternitz all of Lawrence County, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are held and bound to the Commonwealth aforesaid, in the sum of five hundred dollars, to be paid to said commonwealth, to which payment well and truly to be made, we do, and each of us doth hereby bind ourselves and each of us our heirs, executors, and administrators, and the heirs, executors and administrators of eachof us, for and in the whole, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated the 22nd day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety two.

The Condition of this Obligation is Such, That if the above bounden, Jno. G. McConahy Administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights and credits of Mary H. McConahy, deceased, make or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all and singular, the goods and chattels, rights and credits of the said deceased which have come or shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of him the said John G. McConahy or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for him, And the same so made, do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the register's office, in the County of Lawrence,within thirty days from the date hereof, and the same goods and chattels, rights and credits, and all others the goods and chattels of the said deceased, at the time of her decease, which at any time after shall come into the hands or possession of him the said John G. McConahy, or any other person for him, do well and truly administer according to law; and further to make or cause to be made, true and just account of his administration, within one year from the date thereof,  or when thereunto legally required, and all the rest and residue of said goods chattels and credits which shall be found remaining upon the said administrators account the same being first examined and allowed by the Orphan's court of the county, having jurisdiction, shall deliver and pay unto such person and persons as the said Orphan's Court, by their decree or sentence, pursuant to law, shall limit and appoint, and shall well and truly comply with the laws of this Commonwealth relating to collateral inheritance, and if it shall hereafter appear that any last will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the same shall be proved according to law, if the said Jno. G. McConahy, being thereunto required to surrender the said letters of administration into the Register's office aforesaid, then this obligation is to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.

Jno.G. McConahy

Thos. McConahy Samuel A. Winternitz

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in Presence of B. A. Wintermitz

Lawrence County SS:

I, Jno G. McConahy, do swear that as Administrator of the estate of Mary H. McConahy, deceased, I will well and truly administer the goods and chattels, rights and credits of the said deceased according to law,and diligently and faithfully regard and well and truly comply with the provisions of the law relating to collateral inheritances.

Jno. G. McConahy

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 22nd day of August 1892 

J. F.  Gleason, Register

The children of William James McConahy and Mary Hennon are: 

Martha McConahy  (1827-1881)  m, Alfred Aley 

ch. Joseph Morrow Aley  

Rebecca McConahy (1831-1887) m. Samuel Willkinson  

ch. James Crawford, John McConahy, William Galbraith, Charles, Mary Isabelle, Cora  Nancy, Margaret Rebecca, Matilda Lenora 

Matilda A. McConahy   (1833-1895) m. Charles Morrow

ch.  Mary Catherine, Frank George, George Van Eman, Susan Rose, Lida, Lena, Margaret, Rose

Joseph Hennon McConahy (1836-1895)  m. Mary L. Phillips 

ch. Lydia M, Rebecca W. , William A., Relief Lillian, Margaret, Leuth, Myrtle, Wells

Mary  McConahy (1838-1918) m. Samuel W. Smith

ch. Clara M., Frank W. 

Margaret Jane (McConahy) Morrow

Margaret Jane  McConahy  (1840=1893)  m. George Van Eman Morrow 

Sierra Nevada, William Lamont, Charles Lee, Matilda Gertrude, Mary Rebecca

Isabella (McConahy) Ritchie 
Photo from B. Caposell

Isabella McConahy  (1842-1916)  m. Martin Watson Ritchie

ch. David Watson, Mary Matilda, Jane B., Cora Emily

William James McConahy, Jr. 
Photo from Sherry Slater

Willliam James McConahy, Jr.  (1845-1907) m. Elizabeth E. Alford

ch.  Anna Mary, Samuel Luther

The above is what I have learned about the life of Mary Ann (Hennon) McConahy.  I sure wish that Mary had kept a journal.  How nice would it be to read, in her own words, the little tidbits of her life.  

Donna E. Mohney

30 June 2022