Harriet Elizabeth Gregory

Harriet Elizabeth Gregory, born on November 16, 1874, in Burntwood, Lichfield District, Staffordshire, England, was the daughter of Thomas Gregory and Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Gutridge. Her birth coincided with her parents’ first anniversary, occurring just nine days before that milestone. Harriet had 10 siblings: Sarah “Jane” (Jenny) Gregory, Emily (Emma or possibly even Mary) Gregory, Anna (or Annie) Gregory, Samuel (Sam) Thomas Gregory, Ella (Nellie) Gregory, William Gregory, Florence Gregory, John B. Gregory, Henry Charles Gregory, and Lucy Gregory. She is the maternal grandmother of my husband’s aunt, Muriel Jean Dudley, who was married to Ralph Junior Murphy. Harriet and my husband do not share any common relatives.

In 1879, Harriet’s father left England for America, settling in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Curiously, the 1881 England census shows him living with the family on Rugeley Road in Burntwood, Staffordshire, where he worked as a coal miner. The household included Harriet’s mother (enumerated as Bessey), Harriet herself (aged 6, scholar), Sarah J. (aged 4, scholar), Emily (aged 3), and Annie (aged 1). It is unknown whether Thomas briefly returned from America before embarking on his voyage once more.

1881 England census

Harriet’s grandparents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Smallman) Gutridge, lived two doors away in Burntwood on a 20-acre farm. William Richardson, a 15-year-old farmer boy, lived in the home with Samuel and Elizabeth.

On May 17, 1882, Harriet, along with her mother and sisters Jane, Emily, and Annie, embarked on a voyage from Liverpool aboard the S/S British Prince. They arrived in Philadelphia on May 28. Notably, this voyage was only the third for the ship, which had launched on February 4, 1882, and had its maiden voyage on April 12. The family settled in the Hawk Run community of Morris Township in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. In March 1883, Harriet’s brother Samuel was born, making him the first child in the Gregory family to be born in America. Hawk Run, located just beyond Philipsburg (where Harriet’s father Thomas settled upon arriving in America), was an area settled by immigrants coming to America in the early 1900s. Coal mining became the primary source of employment, consistent with Thomas’ occupation. Interestingly, an unknown family member recounted that the Gregorys crossed the seas accompanied by friends. Additionally, they resided in a six-sided home on the outskirts of the town. Harriet’s parents completed their naturalization process in 1885.

S/S British Prince ship manifest

In 1893, Thomas relocated his family to Patton, a borough situated in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. There, he engaged in the coal mining industry until his retirement around 1921. Following the move, the family joined Trinity Episcopal Church in Patton. 

Harriet and John Joseph Randall, son of John Joseph Randle and Charlotte Jones, were married by James Mellon, Justice of the Peace, on October 16, 1894 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. 

Randall-Gregory marriage certificate

The Randall family was blessed with seven children: Charlotte Mae Randall, Ernest Randall, John Thomas Randall, Ethel Randall, Samuel Randall, Wilfred James Randall, and Robert Clair Randall. 

List of Harriet’s children, as recorded by Harriet herself

Trinity Episcopal Church played a central role in their lives. Except for Robert, six of the children were baptized there between 1895 and 1905. Mae and Ernest were confirmed in 1908, but later, in 1910, they departed from the congregation.

Trinity Episcopal Church baptism records

Trinity Episcopal Church confirmation records

On June 20, 1900, Harriet and her family resided in Carroll Township, Cambria County. Harriet, along with her husband John (aged 32, born in England in August 1867), had been married for five years. The census enumerator noted that Harriet was the mother of three living children. John worked as a coal miner, having immigrated to America in 1893 and became a naturalized citizen in Pennsylvania. Both Harriet and John were able to read, write, and speak English. The Naturalization Docket in Cambria County confirms that John was indeed naturalized on August 28, 1900.

John Randall in the Cambria County, Pennsylvania naturalization docket

Harriet

On April 25, 1910, Harriet and her family lived in a rental home in Blandburg Village, situated in Reade Township, Cambria County. Their family had grown, with six children in total. The youngest, Wilfred, was just five years old. The oldest three children—Mae, Ernest, and John—were able to read and write. All except for Wilfred were attending school. Meanwhile, John had risen to the position of foreman at the coal mine. 

Harriet’s son John and her daughter Mae

On May 11, 1915, Harriet gave birth to their sixth child in Sonman, a community within Portage Township. They named him Robert. Sadly, at just seven months old, Robert passed away on January 4, 1916. His cause of death was acute gastric dilatation, an exceptionally rare condition where gas and fluid accumulate rapidly in the stomach, causing it to expand significantly. This condition, which he endured for two days, put immense pressure on his organs and affected blood flow. The family laid Robert to rest at Prospect Cemetery in Portage on January 6.

Harriet’s sister, Anna, passed away in East Carroll, Cambria County, on May 11, 1918, due to lobar pneumonia. She had been suffering from the illness for eight days. Anna was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Patton, Cambria County on May 14.

During World War I, Harriet’s son, Ernest, served his country from March 12, 1918 to June 12, 1919. His service took him overseas, where he spent just over ten months amid conflict. When Ernest returned home near the end of the war, Harriet was the designated emergency contact on the passenger list. She resided in Sonman at the time. 

Ernest’s wife Bessie (Simmers), Harriet, and son Ernest

On January 2, 1920, the Randall family resided in a rental home on Official Row in Portage. The census enumerator noted that Harriet immigrated in 1892 (it was 1882) and John in 1893; both were naturalized in 1890. Four of their children still lived at home—Mae (aged 24), Ernest (aged 22), Ethel (aged 18), and Wilford (aged 14). Everyone in the household was able to read and write, with only Ethel and Wilford attending school. John served as the foreman in the coal mines, while Ernest held the position of assistant foreman. Samuel, the rope rider, had the essential yet dangerous task of riding coal cars into and out of the mine. Meanwhile, the two daughters, Mae and Ethel, were both rural school teachers.

Harriet’s son Samuel, Harriet, and Samuel’s wife Anna (Johanna Stager)

By April 25, 1930, Harriet and John found themselves as empty nesters, their children having left home. Yet, family remained close by. They resided in a rental home at Patton and Reiley Roads. Their neighbors were Harriet’s brother, Henry, along with his wife Sarah, and their sons, Harry and Thomas. Next door to Henry lived Harriet and Henry’s parents, Thomas and Betsy (Elizabeth) Gregory. A short walk away (seven houses), resided Harriet’s other brother William, along with his wife, son, and daughter. The census enumerator noted (correctly) that Harriet immigrated to America in 1882 and John in 1893. At age 63, John continued to work as a foreman in the coal mine. 

Tragedy struck just under a year later. On March 7, 1931, Harriet’s mother, aged 76, succumbed to a stomach hemorrhage, the result of a gastric ulcer. Her death was sudden, occurring within 24 hours of onset. Betsy was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Patton, Cambria County on March 10. Tragedy struck once more on March 23, 1934 when Harriet’s daughter, Ethel, aged 33, passed away in DuBois, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. The cause was volvulus of the ileum—a condition where part of the small intestine twists upon itself, causing a blockage. Ethel’s life was cut short, her death occurring at Maple Avenue Hospital in DuBois within two days of onset. She was laid to rest at St. Clair Cemetery in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on March 26, leaving behind her six-month-old son, William Jr. The decade came to a somber close with the passing of two important figures in Harriet’s life: her brother William, and her father, Thomas. William’s death eerily mirrored their mother’s—gastric hemorrhage resulting from a gastric ulcer claimed his life on June 2, 1939. He had battled the illness for two weeks before succumbing. William was laid to rest on June 5 at Fairview Cemetery in Patton. Meanwhile, Harriet’s father, Thomas, passed away on October 31, 1939, while staying at Ella’s (Nellie’s) home in Akron, Ohio. Like his wife and son, Thomas was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Patton. His obituary hailed him as a pioneer in the coal mining sector of Northern Cambria County.

Harriett and her sisters Nellie (Ella), Lucy, and Florence

On April 5, 1940, Harriet and John resided in East Carroll Township in Cambria County. Thomas had finally retired from his work at the coal mine. Harriet’s brother, Henry, lived next door with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Harry. Both Henry and Harry worked as laborers in the coal mine. Tragically, within two months, Harriet became a widow on May 30, 1940. John’s death occurred in East Carroll Township due to cerebral apoplexy, which resulted from chronic inflammation of the myocardium (heart muscle) over a 10-day period. Harriet served as the informant on John’s death certificate. He was laid to rest at Prospect Cemetery in Portage on June 2. 

After John’s passing, Harriet relocated to Nutter Fort, where she resided on Maryland Avenue alongside her daughter Mae. Her time was divided evenly: six months in Nutter Fort and the remaining six months in Pennsylvania with her other children.

Harriet’s daughter Mae (Randall) Dudley, Harriet, and
Harriet’s granddaughter, Jean (Dudley) Murphy

On April 11, 1950, the census enumerator discovered Harriet residing with Mae and James on Maryland Avenue in Nutter Fort. James held the position of a grocery store manager, while Mae was his partner.

Harriet and Mae

Mae and Harriet

Harriet’s brother, Henry, passed away at Miners Hospital of N.C. in Spangler, Cambria County, on October 7, 1952. Like his mother and brother William, the cause of death was acute gastric hemorrhage contributed by a gastric ulcer. Henry had suffered from this condition for one year before his passing. Harriet’s other brother, John, passed away in East Carroll, Cambria County, on April 19, 1955, due to chronic bronchial asthma compounded by chronic myocarditis. John had battled this illness for 19 days before his passing. Both were laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Cambria—Henry on October 11, 1952, and John on April 22, 1955.

Harriet passed away at Mae’s home in Nutter Fort on December 21, 1957. Her burial took place at Prospect Cemetery in Portage on December 23, 1957, following a service at Bethany Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church, officiated by Reverend James A. Woomer. Harriet was survived by her daughter Mae, sons Ernest, Sam, John, and Wilfred, brother Thomas, and sisters Emma, Jenny, Nellie, Florence, and Lucy. Additionally, she left behind 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral card for Harriet

Photo by B. Felix, Find A Grave member 48565277
(permission granted on Find A Grave profile)

The photos of Harriet and her family were taken by my husband’s uncle, Ralph Murphy. To see others from his collection, click here.

References

• Betsy Gregory, Certificate of Death no. 27934, E. Carroll Township, Cambria County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1931.
• Burntwood, Staffordshire, England census, 1881.
• Clarksburg, West Virginia, City Directory, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955.
• Ernest Randall, Pennsylvania, U.S., World War I Veterans Service and Compensation Files, 1917–1919, 1934–1948.
• Ernest Randall, U.S., Army Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1910–1939.
• Ethel Randall Walthour, Certificate of Death no. 27174, DuBois, Clearfield County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1934.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94975115/thomas-gregory: accessed May 27, 2024), memorial page for Thomas Gregory (18 Mar 1851–31 Oct 1939), Find a Grave Memorial ID 94975115, citing Fairview Cemetery, Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Albert Ledoux (contributor 46511171).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94974850/betsy-gregory: accessed May 27, 2024), memorial page for Betsy Gutridge Gregory (13 Feb 1855–7 Mar 1931), Find a Grave Memorial ID 94974850, citing Fairview Cemetery, Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Albert Ledoux (contributor 46511171).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94975124/william-gregory: accessed May 28, 2024), memorial page for William Gregory (13 Jan 1886–2 Jun 1939), Find a Grave Memorial ID 94975124, citing Fairview Cemetery, Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Albert Ledoux (contributor 46511171).
• Gregory/Randall family tree, handwritten by Harriet Gregory Randall, provided by Jean Dudley Murphy.
• Harriet E. Gregory and John Randall, 1894, Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852–1968.
• Harriet Eliz Randall, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, U.S., Church and Town Records, 1669–2013.
• Harriet Elizabeth Gregory, Staffordshire, England, Birth, Marriage and Death Indexes, 1837–2017.
• Harriet Elizabeth Randall funeral card, 1957.
• Harriet Elizabeth Randall, West Virginia, Deaths Index, 1853–1973.
• Harriet Gregory, Pennsylvania, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1798–1962, Philadelphia, 1800–1882.
• Henry C. Gregory, Certificate of Death no. 84776, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1952.
• John B. Gregory, Certificate of Death no. 31443, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1955.
• John Randall, Certificate of Death no. 48408, E. Carroll Township, Cambria County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1940.
• John Randall, Naturalization Docket, Cambria County, vol. 9, Court of Common Pleas (Cambria County) Pennsylvania.
• Mrs. Anna Simmons, Certificate of Death no. 56051, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1918.
• Mrs. Ethel Walthour, obituary, The Indiana Gazette, Indiana, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1934.
• Mrs. Harriet Randall obituary, newspaper unknown, 1957.
• Robert Clair Randall, Certificate of Death no. 6696, Portege, Cambria County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1916.
• Rope Riders Mining Footage, ScholarWorks, CWU Libraries; https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/roslyn_history/90/. 
• S/S British Prince, American Line, Norway-Heritage Hands Across the Sea; https://www.norwayheritage.com/p_ship.asp?sh=brpr1. 
• Thomas Gregory, obituary, Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1939.
• Thomas Gregory, Pennsylvania, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1798-1962, Philadelphia, 1883¬1945
• Throwback Thursday: Hawk Run: A Long-Ago Railway Thoroughfare, Clearfield County Historical Society, September 2, 2021; https://gantnews.com/2021/09/02/throwback-thursday-hawk-run-a-long-ago-railway-thoroughfare/. 
• U.S. Federal Census, Carroll Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, East Carroll, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1930, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Nutter Fort, Harrison County, West Virginia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Portage, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Reade Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1910.
• William Gregory, Certificate of Death no. 55279, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1939. 

The Gregory sisters

Meet the Gregory sisters—Harriett Elizabeth, Ella (Nellie), Lucy, and Florence C.—4 of the 11 children born to Thomas Gregory and Elizabeth Ann Gutridge of Staffordshire, England. The other children were Sarah Jane Gregory, Emily Gregory, Annie Gregory, Samuel Thomas Gregory, William Gregory, John B. Gregory, and Henry Charles Gregory. The Gregory sisters are not mine nor my husband’s ancestors but they do connect in the family tree through my husband’s Aunt Jean Murphy. 

The photos I share here are part of Uncle Ralph Murphy’s slide collection given to my husband by his Aunt Jean in 2012. The collection consists of 21 boxes of slides (thousands) taken by Uncle Ralph, spanning the years 1947 to 1984. Many are scenic shots from their travels across the United States, some are family members, and others friends and co-workers. I converted the majority of the slides to digital several years ago and have been enjoying them ever since.

Harriett, Ella, Lucy, and Florence Gregory

Harriet was born on November 16, 1874 in Burntwood, Lichfield District, Staffordshire, England. She arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her family in 1882 aboard the British Prince. Harriett married John Joseph Randall on October 16, 1894 in Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Harriet and John had seven children together—Charlotte Mae Randall, Ernest Randall, John Thomas Randall, Ethel Randall, Samuel Randall, Wilfred James Randall, and Robert Clair Randall. Harriet died on December 21, 1957 at the age of 83 in Nutter Fort, Harrison County, West Virginia. 

Harriet (Gregory) Randall

Ella (Nellie) was born in September 19, 1884 in Pennsylvania. She married Frederick M. Windows on October 1, 1904 in Hastings, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Ella and Fred had one son, Frederick Earl Windows. Nellie died on January 8, 1968 at the age of 83 in Barberton, Summit County, Ohio.

Ella (Gregory) Windows and Harriet (Gregory) Randall

Lucy was born on April 2, 1896 in Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. She married George Parris on November 6, 1920 in Summit County, Ohio. Lucy and George had one son, Harold Clair Parris. Lucy died on October 28, 1968 at the age of 72 in Akron, Summit County, Ohio.

Lucy (Gregory) Parris and Florence (Gregory) Ober

Florence was born on December 20, 1888 in Phillipsburg, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. She married Robert Clyde Ober on March 17, 1913 in Summit County. Florence and Robert had one son, Raymond Cletus Ober. She died on March 20, 1980 at the age of 87 in Akron. 

Florence and her husband Robert

If you’d like to see more photos from Uncle Ralph’s collection, click on the links below.

Hidden West Virginia racetrack photos

A boy and his bicycle

The beauty of nature

Ruth Miller

Share your photos and make a difference

Water sports at Tygart Lake 

Nutter Fort, West Virginia Soap Box Derby

Warner’s Skyline Drive-In Theater

Palace Furniture Company and Pepsi-Cola—a colorful combination

Vintage Christmas photos

52 Ancestors – no. 40: Anna B. Church – (week 24) (Anna (Church) and Everett Evans photos only)

References

• Burntwood, Staffordshire, England Census, 1881.
• Ella Windows, U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935–2014.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/217622202/ella-g-windows: accessed 28 October 2021), memorial page for Ella G “Nellie” Gregory Windows (Sep 1884–8 Jan 1968), Find a Grave Memorial ID 217622202, citing Greenlawn Memorial Park, Akron, Summit County, Ohio, USA; maintained by Paul M. Gregory (contributor 49351006).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94445649/harriet-elizabeth-randall: accessed 28 October 2021), memorial page for Harriet Elizabeth Gregory Randall (16 Nov 1874–21 Dec 1957), Find a Grave Memorial ID 94445649, citing Prospect Cemetery, Portage, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, USA; maintained by Albert Ledoux (contributor 46511171).
• Florence Gregory and Robert C. Ober, Ohio, County Marriages, 1774–1993.
• Fred Windows and Ella Gregory, Application for Marriage License, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1904.
• Harriet Elizabeth Gregory, Staffordshire, England, Birth, Marriage and Death Indexes, 1837–2017.
• Josephine Auten and Frederick Earl Williams marriage announcement, The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, July 2, 1932.
• Lucy Gregory and George Parris, Summit County, Ohio, U.S., Marriage Records, 1840–1980.
• Obituary for Ella G. Windows, The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, January 9, 1968.
• United States Federal Census, Akron Ward 7, Summit County, Ohio, 1910.
• United States Federal Census, Akron Ward 8, Summit County, Ohio, 1920.
• United States Federal Census, Akron, Summit County, Ohio, 1930.
• United States Federal Census, Carroll, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1900.
• United States Federal Census, Reade, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, 1910. 

Thomas Gregory

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “unusual name.” This was the first time I've done any real research for someone born in England. While the town names may not seem unusual to some people, this Georgia girl found them to be quite unusual and very interesting when I looked them up.

Thomas is not mine nor my husband’s ancestor, although I can connect him in the family tree. His great granddaughter is my husband’s Aunt Jean Murphy.

Thomas Gregory, son of Joseph Gregory and Harriett Moore, was born in March 1851 in Shelton, Staffordshire, England. He was baptized at Etruria, Staffordshire in St. Matthew Parish on April 13. When the census was taken later that year, it showed that Thomas was the only son of Joseph and Harriet at the time. The family lived on Mill Street in Stoke-Upon-Trent in Staffordshire.

In 1861, the Gregory family was still living in Shelton, on Paddock Street. The Ecclesiastical Parish was Hope, in the Stoke-Upon-Trent district. Thomas’ father worked in the coal mines. At age 10, Thomas was a scholar along with his five-year-old brother William. They would have come home from school and played with their three-year-old sister Harriett.

In 1871, the Gregory family lived in Staffordshire, Burntwood, District 14. The family had grown by one since the last census was taken—a 9-year-old brother named Joseph. Thomas’ 60-year-old widowed paternal grandfather, Samuel Gregory, was also living in the home. Samuel worked in the coal mines. When Thomas was 22 years old, he married Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Gutridge, daughter of Samuel Gutridge and Elizabeth (Betsy) Smallmon, at St. Anne’s Church on November 25, 1873. The Reverend John Montague Seaton, Vicar of Chasetown, performed the ceremony which was attended by Thomas Robinson and Sarah Gutridge. At the young age of 18, Betsy was considered a “spinster.” At the time of their marriage, both Thomas and Betsy lived in the Chasetown community in Staffordshire, which according to Wikipedia, was “developed in the mid-19th century as a coal mining village.” We already know that Thomas’ father was a coal miner and learn from Thomas and Betsy’s marriage record that Thomas and his new father-in-law was one as well.

St. Anne's Church Chasetown, image used with permission.

Marriage record for Thomas Gregory and Betsy Gutridge

A few months into their marriage, Betsy learned that she was expecting their first child. Their daughter Harriett Elizabeth Gregory was born on November 16, 1874, nine days before they celebrated their first anniversary. Daughter Sarah “Jane” (AKA Jennie) Gregory soon followed on August 8, 1876; Emily (AKA Emma or possibly even Mary) Gregory was born on January 19, 1878; and Annie Gregory was born in July 1879. With a newborn at home, U.S. census records show that Thomas left for America in 1879. However, I found conflicting immigration information. The 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 U.S. census records all recorded Thomas arriving in America in 1879. However, Thomas and his family were enumerated as living on Rugeley Road in Lichfield, Burntwood, Staffordshire, England in 1881. Thomas was 30 years old and working as a coal miner to support Betsy and their four children. Was he counted even though he was already in America? I also found conflicting information on Betsy. The 1920 U.S. census record shows she arrived in 1879. However, the 1930 U.S. census record shows she arrived in 1882. It also shows that Harriet arrived in 1882. Since Harriet was married and living several doors from her parents, the census enumerator would have asked the question from each woman and they both gave 1892 that year. I’ve looked for the actual immigration records but can't find one for any of this at this point.

6/3/24 update: Five years after writing this sketch, I found the ship manifest confirming the date Betsy and daughters Harriet, Jane, Emily, and Annie immigrated to America. On May 17, 1882, they embarked on a voyage from Liverpool aboard the S/S British Prince, arriving in Philadelphia on May 28. The family settled in the Hawk Run community of Morris Township in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

At some point (present day), an unknown (to me) family member mapped out the Gregory family on a sheet of paper. They wrote that Thomas and Betsy traveled to America with friends from Lancashire, England to Pennsylvania in the 1800s and that they had 11 children. They further noted that Samuel Thomas Gregory (March 15, 1883) was the first child born “here in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania.” They wrote that the family lived in a six-sided home on the outside of the town. Since there’s a gap between the birth of Annie in 1879 and Samuel in 1883, I’m inclined to believe that Betsy in fact stayed behind in England and arrived in 1882 but I need to prove that. Their daughter Ella (AKA Nellie) Gregory was born in September 1884. Thomas and Betsy were both naturalized in 1885. Their son William Gregory, was born on January 13, 1886; daughter Florence Gregory was born in December 1888; son John B. Gregory was born in May 1890; and son Henry C. Gregory was born on October 13, 1893. By that time, Thomas had moved the family to the Carroll Township in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, another mining community, where they would live out their lives. After moving, Thomas joined the Trinity Episcopal Church in Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. He remained a member at least until 1931, and most likely until his death. The 11th and last child, a daughter named Lucy Gregory was born in April 1894.

On June 21, 1900, the family lived in the Carroll Township of Cambria County, Pennsylvania. The census enumerator noted that Betsy was the mother of 11 children, all of which were living. All of the children living in the home had been born in Pennsylvania. Thomas’ brother, William, had immigrated to America in 1885 and was living in the home as well. Thomas, his sons Samuel and William, and his brother William were all coal miners.

On May 11, 1910, the family still lived in the Carroll Township although it appears to be a different location. All 11 children are still living, however, only two were left at home—Henry and Lucy. Thomas was still working in the coal mine. Henry, at age 17, was now working in the mine as well.

On January 6, 1920, Thomas and Betsy lived on Reilley Road in the Carroll Township. Their son Henry and his family—wife Sarah, and sons Harry and Thomas—lived next door. Their son William and his family—wife Josephine, son William Jr., and daughter Amelia—lived four houses away. Thomas was still working in the coal mine at the age of 69. This census record notes that both Thomas and Betsy immigrated in 1879.

On April 25, 1930, Thomas and Betsy lived in the East Carroll Township of Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Thomas was no longer working. Their son Henry, his wife Sara, and sons Harry and Thomas lived next door. His daughter Harriett and her husband John Randall lived next door to Henry. His son William, his wife Josephine, son William, and daughter Emily lived five houses from them on the opposite side of Henry and Harriett.

After 56 years of marriage, Thomas’ wife Betsy died on March 7, 1931 in East Carroll from a stomach hemorrhage, contributed by a gastric ulcer of the stomach. She was buried on March 10 at Fairview Cemetery in Patton, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Thomas was the informant on her death certificate.

Photo from Tricia, Find-A-Grave ID 48257775

Thomas died in 1939 at the age of 87 or 88. Other than his memorial in Find-A-Grave, I have yet to find a death record for him to pinpoint the exact age. Thomas was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Patton.

Photo from Tricia, Find-A-Grave ID 48257775

References

• “England and Wales Census, 1851,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SGLB-DJK : 10 November 2017), Thomas Gregory in household of Joseph Gregory, Stoke Upon Trent, Staffordshire, England; citing Stoke Upon Trent, Staffordshire, England, p. 2, from “1851 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
• “England and Wales Census, 1861,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M74Q-7B7 : 11 December 2017), Thomas Gregory in household of Joseph Gregory, Shelton, Staffordshire, England; from “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
• “England and Wales Census, 1881,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q27X-YF2R : 13 December 2017), Thomas Gregory, Lichfield Burntwood, Staffordshire, England; from “1881 England, Scotland and Wales Census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing p. 25, Piece/Folio 2774/64, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 101,774,794.
• “England, Staffordshire, Church Records, 1538-1944,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QL32-F1JM : 16 March 2018), Thomas Gregory, 1851.
• “England, Staffordshire, Church Records, 1538-1944,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLQC-FYHJ : 13 December 2017), Betsy Gutteridge and Thomas Gregory, 1873.
• 1851 England Census, Stoke upon Trent Parish, Staffordshire.
• 1881 England Census, Staffordshire, Burntwood Edial and Woodhouses District 16.
• Arizona State death, certificate number 4909, Sarah Jane Steffey.
• Chasetown; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chasetown.
• England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538–1975, Betsy Gregory, no. 27934.
• Find-A-Grave memorial ID 94974850, Thomas Gregory.
• Find-A-Grave memorial ID 94975115, Betsy Gutridge Gregory.
• Harriett Randall obituary, newspaper unknown, December 1957.
• Marriage license, Thomas Gregory and Betsy Gutridge, April 25, 1905.
• Ohio, County Marriages, 1774-1993.
• Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906–1924, certificate number 27934, Betsy Gregory.
• Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906–1966, certificate number 55279, William Gregory.
• Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906–1966, certificate number 84776, Henry C. Gregory.
• U.S. Federal Census, Cambria, Carroll District 0100, Pennsylvania, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Cambria, Carroll District 0106, Pennsylvania, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Cambria, East Carroll, District 0032, Pennsylvania, 1930.
• U.S. Federal Census, Cambria, East Carroll, District 0154, Pennsylvania, 1920.
• "Vicars Through the Ages," St. Anne’s Church Chasetown; https://stanneschasetown.com/vicars/.

52 Ancestors – no. 49: Joseph Dudley Jr. (week 33)

Joseph Dudley Jr., son of Joseph Dudley Sr. and Martha West, was born March 20, 1900 in Pennsylvania. He was the youngest child of eight—John W. Dudley, Harriet Dudley, Mary Dudley, Thomas Dudley, Annie Dudley, James Dudley, Steven William Dudley, and Joseph Dudley Jr. His parents had a ninth child according to 1900 census records but nothing is known about this child.

Joseph was neither mine nor my husband’s ancestor. Instead, he was my husband’s Aunt Jean Dudley Murphy’s uncle. Aunt Jean, who had previously shared historical family information with me, recently called and asked me to do additional research on her family. When I pulled the notebook that held that information out for a refresher, I ran across notes and articles related to Joseph’s story. After doing a little more research on Joseph, I thought I’d share his tragic story with 52 Ancestors.

On June 4, 1900, Joseph’s family lived in the Hastings Borough of Cambria County, Pennsylvania. The census enumerator recorded Joseph’s birth as March 1899 rather than 1900. His age was recorded as 2/12 (or two months). Joseph’s parents were both born in England, with his father immigrating to America in 1882 and his mother in 1883. His father was a coal miner. The census record shows that his mother had nine children, six of which were living. This piece of information has me confused. The only children not listed in the census were John W., Harriet, and what would be the unknown ninth child. I don’t know anything about John but do know Harriet went on to live until 1965. Perhaps it was another error by the enumerator but I really have no way of knowing that at this point.

On April 21, 1910, 10 year old Joseph lived with his family in the Summerhill Township of Cambria County, Pennsylvania. His sister Harriet lived next door with her husband, William H. Booth, and their children. Joseph’s father and brothers Thomas, James, and Steven were all coal miners.

I don't have a picture of Joseph so am
posting a picture of his brother James
instead. At least we get an idea of what
Joseph might have looked like.

Joseph registered for the World War I draft sometime during the years 1917 to 1918. He recorded his permanent address as Beaverdale, Cambria County, Pennsylvania and his occupation as mule driver for the Beaver Run Coal Company. He listed his father, who also lived in Beaverdale, as his nearest relative. Joseph was of medium height and build; he had brown eyes and black hair.

On January 21, 1920, Joseph was the only child living with his parents in the Summerhill Township, South District of Cambria County, Pennsylvania. At age 19, he was still single and able to read and write. Following in his father’s footsteps, Joseph was now a miner in the coal mine.

Sometime between 1920 and 1923, Joseph married Ruth Miller, daughter of William T. Miller and Jessie G. (last name unknown). Together they had three children—Bettie Lou Dudley born April 13, 1924, Leah Jo Dudley born July 7, 1926,  and Florence Ann Dudley born January 30, 1928. Joseph’s daughters were all born in Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia with Dr. W. M. Davis signing all three birth certificates.

Joseph must not have enjoyed being a coal miner, although he continued to work at the mine. In 1924, he was a laborer. By 1926, he was a tipple boss, supervising the miners loading coal into the railroad cars. By 1928, he was a store manager.

October 8, 1928 should have been a normal workday at the Cortright-Cornog Collieries Company mines near Lodgeville and Ocean Mines in Harrison County, West Virginia. Instead, a tragic event that morning changed the lives of the Dudley family forever. Joseph, the first person entering the pumping station that morning, was rocked by an explosion when he turned on the electric switch. Apparently, someone had planted a bomb made out of dynamite that would go off when the switch was turned on. James, who was Joseph’s brother and Aunt Jean’s father, was the mine superintendent at the time and usually the first person to arrive, believed the bomb was placed by a disgruntled worker and meant for him. The explosion could be felt for miles, including by members of Joseph’s own family. His mother was drinking coffee at the time of the explosion and the cup was knocked from her hand. Joseph, whose legs were blown off by the explosion, was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Clarksburg. The injuries were too severe to overcome and Joseph died the next morning. His death was ruled a homicide by explosion of a bomb and shock by Dr. W. M. Davis, the same physician that signed the birth certificates for his three daughters. Dr. Davis certified that he attended to Joseph from October 8 to October 9, 1928. Joseph was buried at the Bridgeport Masonic Cemetery on October 13.

Death certificate for Joseph Dudley Jr.

West Virginia State Police and county deputies arrested two men for the crime. Aunt Jean recalled that only one person was convicted and served time in the West Virginia Penitentiary.

Joseph’s wife Ruth later remarried and died at the age of 101 in September 2000.

References

1. 1900 Hastings, Cambria, Pennsylvania census record.
2. 1910 Summerhill, Cambria, Pennsylvania census record.
3. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918; ancestry.com.
4. 1920 Summerhill, Cambria, Pennsylvania census.
5. West Virginia, Deaths Index, 1853-1973; ancestry.com.
6. Register of Deaths, Harrison County, West Virginia.
7. Clerk of the County Commission Death Certification Form, State of West Virginia, Harrison County.
8. “Niece of 1928 Bomb Victim Recalls Details,” The Exponent Telegram, Bob Stealey, Editor, November 14, 2003.
9. “Daily Digest—A Look Back In Time,” The Exponent Telegram, November 14, 2003.
10. Personal memories of Jean Dudley Murphy.