Westchester - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Looking for Death Information - lower Westchester

HeatherLea10 — 2009-11-09 20:56:01Z

Info I am looking for: MARGARET Curtin - born about 1853 in England - died in New York about 1860 (NY 1860 census indicates she lived in Eastchester). Eastchester has no record. MARGARET CURTIN - born about 1832 in Ireland - died about 1867 (NY 1860 census indicates living in Eastchester.
MICHAEL CURTIN born about 1828 in Ireland and died about 1875 in NY. (1860 NY census living in Eastchester, 1870 census living in Yonkers. I've been to Bronxville town hall - their dates start at 1898, Mt. Vernon dates start at 1886, and Albany dates start at 1881.

Can ANYONE direct me as to where I can look next? Perhaps some old cemeteries in the area

ANY information received is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Heather

Re: Need help regarding census for New Rochelle

croce82 — 2009-11-08 22:36:50Z

I suppose this has to be them because the names of the
children are correct. Pasquale's wife Josephine must not
have used her birth name of Mary among the family.

My information came from my aunt's son and also
my dad. Both were born in one of Pasquale's homes.

I hope this information can help me find them on
the Ellis Island site. May be I'll now be able to find
out the exact town and Mary's last name.

I thank you for your help pata41! I can't tell you
how many times I've posted a query regarding this
side of the family and have had no responses.

Re: Need help regarding census for New Rochelle

pata41 — 2009-11-08 21:42:30Z

There is a MORANO family at 61 River St. in New Rochelle on the 1920 census. What appears to be the same family is at 27 River on the 1930 census under the name MORAN. In 1910 they are on Railroad Ave also under the Moran name. See below. I can`t locate this family on the 1900 census

Pat R

1930 Census; Place: New Rochelle, Westchester, New York; Roll 1663; Page: 15A
Patsy MORAN, head, age 62, owns home:$52,000, b. Italy, parents b. Italy, yr. of immig. 1896, retired
Mary, wife, 53, b. Italy, parents b. Italy, yr. of immig. 1896
Anthony, son, 21, b. NY, parents b. Italy, occ. chauffer-trucking co
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1920;Census Place: New Rochelle Ward 1, Westchester, New York; Roll T625_1278; Page: 8A
Pasquale MORANO, head, age 47, yr of immig 1893, naturalized 1917, b. Italy parents b. Italy, occ. janitor-speedometer co.
Mary, wife, 53, yr of immig 1893, naturalized 1917, b. Italy parents b. Italy
Michael J., son, 21, b. NY
Antonio, son, 12, b. NY
Louise, dau., 7, b. NY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1910; Census Place: New Rochelle Ward 4, Westchester, New York; Roll T624_1091; Page: 5
Patsy Moran, head, age 40, married for 16 yrs, b. Italy, parents b. Italy, yr. of immg. 1883, occ. bartender-liquor store
Mary Moran, wife, 43, married for 16 yrs, mother of 6, 6 living, b. Italy, parents b. Italy, yr. of immg. 1885
Jennie Moran, dau., 14, b. NY
Joseph Moran, dau. 12, b. NY
Michael Moran, son, 10, b. NY
Francis Moran, son, 7, b. NY
Rockey Moran, son, 5, b. NY
Toney Moran, son, 2, b. NY

Need help regarding census for New Rochelle

croce82 — 2009-11-08 17:50:27Z

I am trying to find any information on my great aunt's family.
Her name was Maria (Mary) Marano (b: 1893 Italy - a small town
outside Naples). Her parents were Pasquale Marano and Josephine (?).
I cannot find Mary in the Ellis Island records nor her parents. I am
hoping someone can try looking for them in the New Rochelle Census.

Pasquale owned a bar and some homes - 13 Oak & 109 River Streets, New Rochelle, NY. ( Bar address I do not know.) I believe Pasquale owned these properties for a while before his daughter married in 1906. Aunt Mary was married at age 13 at New Rochelle City Hall to Pietro (Peter) Randazzo. I did find Mary & Peter in the 1930 Bronx Census. Although I do not have a copy of the actual image which may have given her town of birth.

Mary came from a large family. I was told some of the siblings names:
Louise, Frances, Jennie (Josephine), Guiseppe, Michele, Antonio. The boys were older and I believe my aunt was the oldest girl and that the younger
ones were born in New Rochelle, NY.

I was told the family had plots at Holy Sepulcher & Beechwood Cemeteries.
Both these cemeteries' records have not been properly preserved by Blessed
Sacrament Church and the caretaker of Beechwood. The church charges for
looking up information, whether they find a grave or not. The caretaker at Beechwood is useless. He leaves you to look through a cabinet of index cards
which are haphazardly spread through the drawers.

I have been trying to research this family for a while. Any help would
be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Tucker in Bedford

PaddyKevin — 2009-11-08 01:42:34Z

I am looking for information on the pedigree of Allamantha (spelling also Alimantha and Alamantha) Tucker, the daughter of Albert who appears to be the son of Daniel. Albert married an Elizabeth Head. One of the puzzles here is that Allamantha married Charles Stephen Middlebrook when she was barely 18, and the marriage information shows her as Alamantha Bradley

Re: Help with obituaries

repolski — 2009-11-07 02:24:08Z

Hello,
Thanks for the reply but I am not familiar with that person. I know that Peter and Jacqueline Pinto did not have any children, and Peter had only one sister who lived her life in Rapone, Basilicata, Italy. Jacqueline had several brothers and both lived their early lives in Bronx, NY.

Nick

Genealogy Club of Newtown CT Meeting Nov 12th

NancyMoore11 — 2009-11-06 16:11:42Z

Held at the Cyrenius Booth Library, Newtown, CT
November 12, 2009 (THURSDAY MEETING) – Speaker: Jim Sanders Topic:
Searching for Sidney W. Ford at the Connecticut State Library.
Looking for a Connecticut ancestor? This discussion will highlight
the many resources available at the Connecticut State Library,
including genealogical indexes, microfilm and microfiche
collections, books and other information sources. Whether you've
used the library's genealogy resources before or you're planning
your first trip, Jim's advice and experiences will be very helpful.

Re: Help with obituaries

kanemike — 2009-11-06 06:21:05Z

of any help to you,semiao pinto born 4 12 02, wifes name mary lived ossining ny.?

Jonathan & Sarah St. John Reynolds, Bedford, NY

Wieting — 2009-11-06 00:41:43Z

Anyone researching Jonathan Reynolds (1761-1823) of Bedford, NY and his wife, Sarah St. John? As far as I know, neither left a will. The family is described in the Reynolds Family genealogy, but I would like to find out what source material there is - bible records, wills, deeds, etc., to corroborate the family relationship information in the genealogy. I descend from Charlotte Reynolds, wife of Nathaniel Garnsey, said to be a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah, but I would like to confirm the relationship.

Kurt Wieting

John Crissy Miller; Lewisboro, c.1730-1820?

Wieting — 2009-11-06 00:35:41Z

Anyone researching the family of John Crissy Miller of Lewisboro (S. Salem) and Bedford, Westchester, NY? His children include Galen Miller and a daughter, Abby.

Kurt Wieting

Re: William Smith

pata41 — 2009-11-05 23:20:42Z

If you subscribe to Ancestry go to the 1930 census record search here:
http://tinyurl.com/yjfc8r2

Search for William Smith in New York, Westchester, Eastchester. The first hit should be your William J. Smith.

Pat

Re: William Smith

lexie97sb — 2009-11-05 23:13:04Z

could you tell me how you got to the 1930 census? Everytime I try to find it it won't work. Thank you.

Re: William Smith

lexie97sb — 2009-11-05 20:43:40Z

Thank you...I know he died in Passaic County NJ..So I will see if I can get a copy of his death certificate.... I will also look to see if they got married in NY. Thanks again.

Re: William Smith

pata41 — 2009-11-05 19:10:15Z

You might try to find William`s death record; it may have his parents names. William & Beatrice`s marriage license may also show parents names. The Eastchester town clerk may have the records if his death & marriage took place there.
http://www.eastchester.org/departments/townclerk

Pat

Re: William Smith

lexie97sb — 2009-11-05 16:44:19Z

Thank you so much ...That is him...I am trying to locate his parents names...My great grandparents...any other tips you have that may help me would be greatly appreciated...Thanks again

Re: William Smith

pata41 — 2009-11-05 16:21:25Z

The 1930 census of Eastchester, Westchester Co. shows a William J. Smith, age 32, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. Ireland. His occ. is policeman. His wife is Beatrice, age 29, b. NY, parents b. NY. They have two children, Beatrice, 11, & William, 9. In 1920 William & Beatrice Smith with dau. Beatrice, 11 months & dau Dorothy, 3 yrs. are living in Eastchester with Beatrice`s parents Eugene, 48 & Amanda, 52, Tuttle & their children, Ruth, May & Eugene. I can`t locate William Smith on a census before 1920. The name is too common.

I`m not related.

Pat R.

William Smith

lexie97sb — 2009-11-05 16:00:31Z

looking for info about my grandfather who was a police officer in Bronxville maybe around 1930's 1940's

Re: Westchester Vital Records

HeatherLea10 — 2009-11-02 12:30:43Z

Re: Yerks & Cutler
During that time there were a lot of Yerks' family living in North Castle, NY - as per the census records. You might want to try St. Stephens Church/Cemetery for information. Or try the Town offices in North Castle (although they are quite expensive - $22 just to do a search - even without results). While I am not related, I do know someone whose ancestors were from North Castle. Good Luck!!

Heather in NY

Re: Westchester Vital Records

BobNY — 2009-10-15 18:24:53Z

You wrote:
"I am still amazed that New York State only has Vital Records after 1881. The corn fields of Iowa have better records that we do."

The Iowa State Board of Health was established on July 1, 1880. During the first meeting, they created an Iowa Vital Records system of birth, death, and marriage record keeping. At the same time, registration responsibilities were not well defined, resulting in poor record keeping in some areas of the state. A few events, primarily marriages, were recorded in some counties prior to the 1880 date; however, little information is included on those records.

=================

Birth/Bapt. records abt. 1820

Soxer — 2009-10-31 22:35:05Z

I was reading a recent post about birth/baptismal records for Westchester county around 1820 and although several people replied because of a connection they never said where one might find some of these records. Other than guessing at a church affiliation does anyone have an idea on how to find that information?

I am specifically looking for Seth Henry Wood who was born about 1821 in Yonkers, Westchester County, NY. His parents were Isreal Wood and Julia Watkins. I have lots of information after the family settled in Galen, Wayne County, NY in the 1830's but can't seem to find the children's births. (Another son, Sidney W. Wood was b. 1829 in Kingston, Ulster County, NY.)

Thanks, Petey

Burials in St Mary's Cemetery, Yonkers, NY

gswbs — 2009-10-17 00:09:56Z

Am looking for all Beaudrias buried in St Mary's
Cemetery. No one in Ramdon Acts of Genealogical
Kindness for Westchester County. I need your help.

My ggrandparents: John Baptiste Beaudrias, d 1872 and wife
Mary T Booth Beaudrias d 1906.

Any of their children: Alphonse Beaudrias, d 1910
Mary Louise Beaudrias, d 1931
Isidore Jean B Beaudrias, d 1949
(and his wife Elizabeth Hart Beaudrias, d 1959)
Frank Beaudrias, d 1880-1900
Marguerite Beaudrias, d 1909

Would like information on stones as well as pictures
if possible. Am willing to pay for pictures.

Thank you in advance for any help. I live in Virginia
and am unable to get to Yonkers.

Re: 1870 Federal Census of Peekskill

jsee190 — 2009-10-16 04:47:43Z

It is all the town of Cortlandt, or in those times Cortlandtown. It encompassed what is now Croton, Crugers (George's Island), Montrose,Buchanan,Peekskill and Cortlandt Manor. I am just suggesting using alternatives to look for your familiy members. It appears in 1880 that these family names are all associated with the brickyards that were at George's Island. It is possible that your families came in to the area after the census was completed. You should try the New York State Census for 1875 to see if you find them.

Re: Godstrey Family

KayFakhar — 2009-10-31 21:02:59Z

Hello Robin, Jason and Phil,

It is very interesting to locate your postings on Frederick and Louise Godstrey of Westchester, NY.

Another researcher and I have recently crossed paths while researching Charles Broughton Tripp(born Ontario, Canada; died January 26, 1939 Salisbury, Rowan Co., NC, age 74 and buried in Olney, IL in Haven Hill Cemetery).

Charles Tripp was born without arms and made his living as part of a famous circus act. He was quite the celebrity, as he was able to do everything with his feet & toes -from shaving, pouring tea from a pot, writing legibly, and even detailed carpentry - he was evidently a talented man.

In tracing Charles' past, it was discovered that he had married Louisa Godstrey of NY, NY on March 18, 1891. She was the daughter of Frederick and Louisa Godstrey. Witnesses to this marriage were Flora Jimmerson and Wm. Godstrey.

We know that Charles married a second time to a Mae, last name uncertain. We believe that Charles' marriage to Louisa Godstrey ended prior to the 1910 census because Charles is found listed in his sister's household in Wichita Ward 4, Sedgwick, Kansas (though it is possible that he was perhaps just visiting and his wife did not travel with him...)

Regardless, it is a fact that he later had a second marriage, which either followed the death or divorce of his first wife.

This is a new avenue we intend to explore, and wanted to inquire if you are able to tell us anything more about Louisa Godstrey, b.1862 Tarrytown, NY?

Thank you very much,
Kay Clerc - KayClerc@aol.com
-and-
Tom Hernandez - zenheard@yahoo.com

Re: Whre to find birth or baptismal records ca. 1820 (Purdy)

kanemike — 2009-10-27 02:02:32Z

also,harold r purdy born 8 23 1924 ny,ethel c purdy born 6 7 1903,stanely ny,,lived peek,cliford purdy born 11 10 1909,croton

Re: Whre to find birth or baptismal records ca. 1820 (Purdy)

kanemike — 2009-10-27 01:58:44Z

of any help to you,lena m purdy born 12 25 1889,mass, lived tarrytown 1940,,jacob r purdy born 9 1 1888, oss,lived wp,1940,,sara purdy purdy born 23 oct 1895, lived york town 1940,,virginia jean purdy born aug 26 1924,, lived yonkers?? all worked eastern air craft ww11 tarrytown n.y..

Re: Westchester Marriage Licenses 1908-1930

ebwolff — 2009-10-20 00:10:59Z

How do we find marriages in this county.

Robert Huff Jr. lived in this county...parents were Robert Sr, and Margaret Dieckmann.

Re: Westchester Vital Records

mygrey1 — 2009-10-15 17:45:08Z

I have been wondering same thing .. how sad for NY .

I have been putting NY on the back burner for years because of this , about 10 years, and now have no choice but start my search into NY records or skip that side of the family. I am searching the same time Period and towns

Bedford - North Salem - New Castle - PoundRidge. I was hoping that after 10 years would Have tired to compiled something..guess not =0(.

Scarpulla-Belmont Queens NY

pattypennac — 2009-10-16 17:28:15Z

I am looking for info on Minerva Belmonte Scarpula married to Harold Scarpulla and son Andrew James Scarpulla

Re: Looking for parents of Matthew Haines (Haynes or Hanes)

thomasamurray1 — 2009-10-19 18:49:31Z

The time and location suggests the Matthew I have as:

3. MATTHEW HAINES b. ca. 1728, d. Bedford, Westchester Co., NY 1791, m. SARAH MILLER, possibly d/o Samuel and Phoebe (Lyon) Miller.
A Matthew Haines was in Mamaroneck, Westchester Co., NY in the 1790 census. This is likely a younger Matthews, with a wife and 2 sons under the age of 16.

One of the (Loyalist) Bartholomew's was described as a cousin to Godfrey Haines. This would make Matthew the s/o:

Godfrey Haines (Godfret Hans), s/o Josef Hans, was b. Hamburg, Germany (Prussia) 1675, d. Rye, Westchester Co., NY 22JUL1768 aet. 93 years, bur, Blind Brook Cem., Rye Westchester Co., NY, Anne Budd (b. 1690, d. Rye, Westchester Co., NY 19FEB1758.)
In a work called, The Haines Family of Rye and Bedford, by Estelle Hobby Haines, at the, Haines Web, 1999, at:
http://hainesweb.com/bedford.shtml

My own connection is through another son of Godfrey, Sr., Joseph; so I know little of Matthew.

Thomas

Re: Whre to find birth or baptismal records ca. 1820 (Purdy)

thomasamurray1 — 2009-10-22 16:56:53Z

If you are referring to the Robert C. Purdy in the IGI given as b. Westchester Co., NY ca. 1820, I doubt if he ever was near Westchester Co. He appears to have been of an unrelated family in Kentucky. He was b. 7MAY1820 in Lebanon, Marion Co., Kentucky, the s/o Henry and Ann Scorborough (Slayton) Purdy. See:

http://files.usgwarchives.org/ky/marion/families/purdy.txt

There is a Robert C. Purdy given as b. Westchester Co., NY ca. 1820, s/o Simeon and Mary Purdy. At that point things get a bit vague (such as which Simeon Purdy?), and in light of the above it seems possible that Robert C. Purdy has been confused with another Robert Purdy.

Thomas

Re: Looking for parents of Matthew Haines (Haynes or Hanes)

thomasamurray1 — 2009-10-22 16:24:21Z

No problem. I tend to focus on my own branch of the family and this gave me an opportunity to examine another branch. I also had assumed that my branch was not connected because of a difference in locations. My father is descended from Godfret Haines, but my mother has cousins amongst the family; so I knew of the Rye family but did not think I was connected. If there is anything I can look for, let me know.

Thomas

Re: Where to find birth or baptismal records ca. 1820 (Purdy)

thomasamurray1 — 2009-10-27 04:34:41Z

I agree on the unreliability of the IGI. I note a possibly related query at:
http://listsearches.rootsweb.com/th/read/PURDY/1998-11/09122...
with the Purdy's referred to mentioned at:
http://www.lindapages.com/marshall/1840cen.htm
with Simeon Sr. apparently coming from NY at:
http://www.lindapages.com/marshall/1850cen.htm
with, in particular:

PURDY (14/15 - Moundsville)
Robert C...Cooper...29-M...NY
MinerVA...27-F...OH
William...10-M...VA
Mary E...8-F...VA
Henrietta...6-F...OH
Martha...2-F...OH

This may be one of the census returns you mention. Right next to Robert is apparently (or so I would guess) his brother:

PURDY (1567)
Simeon B...Farmer...$15,000...45-M...VA
Margaret J...31-F...VA
Eunice...20-F...VA
Mariah...17-F...VA
Jonathan...15-M...VA
Lewis...9-M...VA
Mary E...3-F...VA
Martha...1-F...VA
Annice...$400...50-F...VA

and on the other side, another brother?:

PURDY (1596)
Lewis D...Farmer...$5000...57-M...VA
Elizabeth...45-F...PA
Samuel...Farmer...28-M...VA
Eliza...26-F...VA
Amanda...24-F...VA
Jonathan...Farmer...22-M...VA
George...Farmer...20-M...VA
Elizabeth...18-F...VA
Emily...16-F...VA

I think that Simeon Sr. also being a cooper is indicative. I have experienced families of cooper's moving long distances to practice their craft (New Brunswick, Canada to New York City to Chicago.)
According to Alec Purdy, whose research is the most extensive, there was a branch of the New York family in which the forename, Simeon, was distinctively and often used. I see you have consulted with Alec, and if he could not resolve the issue, then it will be excessively difficult to find a resolution. His comment about these people moving in groups should be kept in mind. This is a phenomenon I have seen time and again. They may not move at exactly the same day, month or year; but often the appearance of one sometimes heralds the appearance of others.
In the 1840 census index, names that might be connected to Westchester Co., Long Island, Putnam, Dutchess, etc. counties in NY (the early haunts of a series of interconnected families; especially the Quaker branches) I see Clendenning, Coe, Hicks, Reynolds, Welling; but nothing really indicative. The Purdy's

James Purdy
John Purdy
Lewis Purdy
Robert Purdy
Simeon B. Purdy
Simeon Purdy, Sr.

seem numerous; yet with Simeon, Sr. b. ca. 1770, they could easily be one family.
If the name, Simeon, is largely confined to one branch, then perhaps Simeon C. Purdy [82] at:
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/l/a/n/Patricia-A-...
is significant. It seems he has too few children for the period (when children were an economic advantage), that his children were b. about the same time as Simeon, Sr., and that not having a son, Simeon is just a tad suspicious in itself. I am not the first to have such a suspicion, apparently, and Simeon, b. ca. 1770, is made a s/o Simeon C. Purdy at:
http://www.stonehouse.ca/tree/p141.htm#i7009
This site, itself, I believe has both its inadequacies and its uses; but I am not sure how reliable the conclusion is.
At:
http://home.online.no/~hainm/genealogy/mitcheltree/wga4.html
Simeon, Sr.'s wife is given as Jane.
If, as it seems, that Robert C. Purdy is the s/o Simeon Purdy (b. ca. 1770), s/o Simeon C. Purdy, then I see we have a very distant connection through the Budd's as well.
At:
http://dunhamwilcox.net/ny/chappaqua_deaths2.htm
is indicated that Simeon C. Purdy was a Quaker, in or near North Castle, Westchester Co., NY. North Castle, after the Revolution, was subdivided and place names are also New Castle, Armonk, Chappaqua, etc. At Mt. Pleasant Town, Westchester Co., NY in 1790 was a Simeon Purdy with a relatively young family as at:
http://files.usgwarchives.org/ny/westchester/census/1790/wes...
This appears to have been near Ossining.
I had seen one reference to a Simeon (either Sr. or Jr.) as Simeon P. Purdy. An apparent d/o Simeon, Sr., Eliza Davidson is also listed in the 1850 census of Marshall Co. At:
http://boards.ancestry.ca/surnames.davidson/3127.1/mb.ashx
it is indicated that Eliza was b. NY ca. 1817, and a son was Simeon P. Davidson. Interestingly, Eliza's husband, George Davidson b. Virginia ca. 1813, was also a cooper.
Simeon P. Davidson is given as m. Eliza J. Purdy. Under the circumstances, the connection between the Davidson's and the Purdy's seems to antedate their marriage. So much so that I would suspect his mother, Eliza, was a Purdy as well, and he and his wife were cousins. This seems almost confirmed by Simeon, Sr. living with George and Eliza Davidson in 1850; in other words with a daughter and son-in-law.
I wonder if it significant that Robert Purdy, Milford A. (Allen) Purdy and Simeon P. Hudson are all sergeants in Company D at:
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ky/state/military/civilwar/ros...
with Stephen Purdy amongst the privates. Milford is given as a brother of Robert C. Purdy.

I suspect you may be on the right track and that there were two, contemporary Robert's who have been, in some cases, confused. Your Robert seems (with some certainty) to be from bNY, therefore most likely the s/o Simeon, Sr., himself the s/o Simeon C. Purdy. At least, that is the avenue of research that might be most productive.

Thomas

Re: Westchester Vital Records

lauradell6861 — 2009-10-24 00:14:13Z

Try going to WWW.germangenealogygroup.com I have found a lot of birth, death and marriage records here. The info I found was for my Scottish ancestors. give it a try. Its free also.... laura

Help with obituaries

nrepole — 2009-11-01 05:58:13Z

Hi, looking for obituaries for my relatives, husband and wife. Peter Pinto (16 Jul,1899 - Jan,1980) and Jacqueline Pinto formerly Schettino (1 Oct,1904 - 24? Sep,1994). Last residence is Yonkers, Westchester. I know they lived at Garth Rd, Scarsdale in their latter years.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Nick

Re: Thomas B. Connery NY Herald Editor and Author

Sio59 — 2009-10-21 20:25:16Z

Hello,

Thank you for replying. This is fantastic. Anne Walsh was a sibling of my gggrandfather John Walsh, a jeweller in Limerick. The Walsh's were from Patrick Street,Limerick City.Anne was the only surviving daughter of two girls born into the family.

I have quite an amount of information on the Walsh family if you are interested.

Re: Westchester Marriage Licenses 1908-1930

foredsemail — 2009-10-20 06:38:39Z

Hi,

There is no Robert Huff in the marriage index.

Re: SCHEY

robandadrianna — 2009-10-17 02:43:09Z

I can give you information. Wendell is my great uncle. My greatgrandmother was Irene. Please contact me. Wendell was 1 of 3kids. 2 girls, 1 boy.

HERBERT C. MELLENEY, b. Bronxville, NY, June 19, 1931, died St. Petersburg, FL on October 13, 2009

Jacqueline4242 — 2009-10-17 21:37:20Z

http://obit.andersonmcqueen.com/obitdisplay.html?id=715697&a...

Herbert C. Melleney
Born in Bronxville, NY on Jun. 19, 1931
Departed on Oct. 13, 2009 and resided in St. Petersburg, FL.
Visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
Service: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009

Melleney, Herbert C.

78, of St. Petersburg, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2009. Born in Bronxville, NY, he came here in 1962 from Norfolk, VA. He was a United States Air Force veteran.

He spent 22 years as the Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Festival of States. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert C. and Ruth (Byron) Melleney.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Bond Melleney; daughter, Kristan (David) Schrader; grandsons, Alec and Jack.

There will be a Gathering of Friends from 11am till service time at 12pm on Tuesday, October 20th at Anderson-McQueen, 2201 Dr. M.L.K. St. N., St. Petersburg. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Pinellas Marine Institute, 3101 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706.
=========================================================
St. Petersburg Times Friday, October 16, 2009

Epilogue - Herbert Cecil Melleney Jr.
Herb Melleney Jr. put 'wow' into Festival of States
By Andrew Meacham, Times Staff Writer

PHOTO/caption Mr. Melleney was the first professional director for the Festival of States. He turned the event into a competitive national stage for high school bands and reaped a ton of publicity for the city.

ST. PETERSBURG - That spring in 1965, a black-tie crowd at the Coronation Ball danced at the Coliseum, expecting nothing more exciting that evening than crowning a Sun Goddess.

Then a drum major, head encased in a giant Q-tip, hi-stepped it into the ballroom.

"Then, bam, coming out of all the sides and everywhere, in comes this full-blown marching band with all their horns and everything," said Linda Melleney, the 1963 Sun Goddess and wife of the man behind it all. "It just blew the socks off of everyone."

Like everything else at the St. Petersburg Festival of States, right down to the name and tag line ("Where All America Welcomes Springtime"), the surprise had Herb Melleney's fingerprints all over it.

Mr. Melleney, the first professional director for the Festival of States who in a 22-year run quickly turned the event into a competitive national stage for high school bands and reaped a ton of publicity for the city, died Tuesday, of cancer. He was 78.

"I don't think that even Herb had any idea about how many kids he affected in a positive way," said Bobby Cotter, 60, a former Pinellas Park High School band director and the son of Largo High School's legendary band director Bob Cotter. "During his tenure, he put together what was called one of the national championship shows."

A former advertising executive, Mr. Melleney came to St. Petersburg from Norfolk, Va., in 1962 as incoming director of the Suncoasters, a nonprofit group that still sponsors the festival.

"He was a very clear-cut, no-nonsense guy," said former boss Dan Ballard, 76. "If he liked you, great. If he didn't, get out of his way."

Mr. Melleney established himself as a pageant maker. In 1963, he doubled the festival's events to 36; a year later there were 100 events ranging from square dances to fireworks on the last night. "It was the whole 'wow' factor — 'What can I do so people are going to remember this'?" said his daughter, Kristen Schrader, 41.

Mr. Melleney scoured the country looking for top-flight high school bands. He started with Pennsylvania. Before long, an average of 27 bands marched down Central Avenue each year at the Festival of States Parade; half of them from other states.

Bands competed against each other in the Champions on Parade Field Show. Mr. Melleney also created the Illuminated Night Parade and a National Flag Pageant, a visual history of the U.S. flag.

"It's all hokey, but we need hokey sometimes," Mr. Melleney told the Times in 1981. "We need the flags flying, the people dancing, the music."

He wined and dined the visiting band boosters. "Band directors began to recognize, 'Hey, the place to go is St. Pete, Florida, because you got treated with respect and dignity,' " said William Findeison, 68, a former Lakewood High School band director. The job came with headaches. A pair of scantily clad sisters liked to jump aboard floats each year and wave. One year, local band directors complained about the amount of publicity given to out-of-state bands and threatened a boycott.

In the early 1980s, Mr. Melleney became concerned about tightening from the city, which had once gladly underwritten the festival's debts, and the prospect of corporate sponsorship. He resigned in 1984 to direct the International Festivals Association.

"The city is not in a financial position to fund the festival at the same level they did at one time," said Rick McCollum, the Suncoasters' executive director. Schools have also slashed funding. Just three out-of-state bands have participated since 2008.

"The bottom line is there will never be another Herb Melleney," Findeison said. "Once he retired, it has never been the same again."

Biography
Herbert Cecil Melleney Jr.
Born: June 19, 1931.
Died: Oct. 13, 2009.

Survivors: Wife, Linda; daughter, Kristen Schrader, and her husband, David; and two grandsons.
Service: Noon Tuesday (gathering of friends 11 a.m.); Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street N, St. Petersburg
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FOX news Remembering HERB MELLENEY

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/subindex/news/my_view
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graham school,hasting on hudson ny

geetom1 — 2009-10-22 02:37:16Z

WHEN I WAS 9-10 YEARS OLD....1941-42.....I WAS SENT TO THIS SCHOOLALONG WITH MY 2 SISTERS AND A BROTHER....OUR NAMES ARE...GEORGIANNA VANOYAN....MARGARET LOUISE VANOYAN...BARBARA GERTRUDE VANYN AND FRANCIS JESSE VANOYAN....I WAS TAKEN AWAY A COUPLE MONTHS LATER..BEING THE OLDEST..BUT THEY STAYED THERE UNTIL THE 1950'S...I AM LOOKING FOR ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON MY SIBLINGS IN THIS SCHOOL AND ANY PICTURES THAT MAY BE THERE FOR MY FAMILY TREE.. I HAVE BEENDOING A LOT OF RESERCH ON THIS...I THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP....GEORGIA

Re: James Warburton Marshall.

PeterHenderson67 — 2009-11-01 16:48:28Z

Hello Chris

I would be very interested to receive a copy of this picture. Do you know anything more about this album? My e-mail is henderson@hendersonmail.co.uk. James & I have common ancestors in my ggreatgrandparents - John & Mary Ann Warburton who were married in Agra, India in 1847!

James had two brothers - Reginald Ross Marshall & William Sime Marshall, both also born in British Honduras in the 1890's. Would you have any info re them?

Kind Regards, Peter

Re: Looking for parents of Matthew Haines (Haynes or Hanes)

VanHayMill — 2009-10-22 11:30:19Z

Hi Thomas,
I'm sorry you went through all that trouble to find info on Matthew Haines....I found out later this is the wrong Haynes/Haines/Hanes line I was following. However I will keep this information incase it ties in with the true line that I found, because once again, I'm stuck on my 2nd great grandparents.

Thankyou for your efforts.
Vanessa

Re: Looking for parents of Matthew Haines (Haynes or Hanes)

VanHayMill — 2009-10-22 16:52:29Z

Thankyou, I might take you up on that.

Weingartner- looking for records

JenniferLyons13126 — 2009-10-23 13:22:25Z

John Weingartner, a Bavarian man living in White Plains married Mary Casey, an Irish immigrant living in Westchester County, on October 2, 1855. I believe they were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manhattan. I know that Rev. W. Drees was the officiant.
I find John and Mary (possibly) living in White Plains in 1860. The name on the record says John Mnganna.
What other records are available to help in this search?

Re: Thomas B. Connery NY Herald Editor and Author

biscayart001 — 2009-10-21 19:21:54Z

Hello, Thomas B Connery was my great grandfather. My Grandfather was his son Thomas B Connery. My great grandfather was born in Limerick on Oct 13 1835 and his parents were Edward Downes Connery and Anne Walsh. This is from his baptismal certificate from St Michaels Church, Denmark St, Limerick. May I ask what your relationship to him was?

Hope this helps

McElroy Flynn Funeral Home

ItalianRose1910 — 2009-10-18 00:26:09Z

I need help I am trying to find information on McElroy Flynn Funeral Home in 72 East Main Street Elmsford New York, 10523- The place says they were esatblished in the late 1800's. I can not find any proof of this. The owner at the time was Dennis McElroy (who I was told was the undertaker & possible owner). The place is currently still in business. I am looking for any information about the place- Thanks for all your help-

Village of Elmsford

ItalianRose1910 — 2009-10-31 01:12:43Z

The Village of Elmsford will celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2010. Does anyone have any interesting stories.Or does anyone know of any Elmsfordians? Also looking for any online news articles or pictures. Thanks for all your help.

Re: Whre to find birth or baptismal records ca. 1820 (Purdy)

DMcCMackey — 2009-10-28 02:58:26Z

Thanks for responding, but these Purdys iived about a century after the one I'm seeking. As you may know, the Purdy family was and is numerous in Westchester County.

Re: Where to find birth or baptismal records ca. 1820 (Purdy)

DMcCMackey — 2009-10-28 02:56:56Z

Thomas,
Thanks for taking time to provide this wealth of information. Some of the sources you cite, I'm familiar with; others not so, but will investigate them further. Unfortunately, as you know, many of the online genealogies list no sources for their information, so it must be viewed skeptically.
I've analyzed all the information I can find on the Purdys who lived in Marshall Co., Va./W.Va. at an early date and believe it likely that Robert C. is a son of Simeon, along with John, James and Simeon B., but I have found no proof of any of this. The search continues!
David

Re: Where to find birth or baptismal records ca. 1820 (Purdy)

DMcCMackey — 2009-10-27 01:32:35Z

Yes, it's the same Robert C. Purdy, but I find the IGI unhelpful as no original sources for the information are provided.

I'm confident my Robert C. Purdy is not the Kentucky-born one. Two U.S. censuses show his birthplace as New York, and his Civil War record indicates his birthplace as Westchester. He may have been Simeon's son, but i have found no proof of that.

DOWNEY Andrew & Eleanor - Mt. Kisco/Chappaqua area

HeatherLea10 — 2009-10-27 09:59:16Z

Looking for obituary info for Andy & Eleanor.
Andrew born Dec 1917 and died Aug 1985 in Mt. Kisco(SSI).
Eleanor was born 10 June 1916 and died March 1986 Mt. Kisco(SSI). Any help you can provide regarding these two individuals is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Heather