RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => United States of America => Topic started by: norh on Thursday 24 November 11 10:30 GMT (UK)
-
I am trying to find info about my ancestor Thomas Kirk DOB 18.6.1893. He left Ireland as a young man and never returned or contacted family. This was uncharacteristic. His mother awaited news of him years later on her deathbed. He was training to be a teacher so could read & write yet no family contact. My research has so far revealed:-
* He landed in Philadelphia on ship Haverford 1911.
* World War 1 Draft registration card 6th May 1917. Form 2661 No 37.( I cant read details on it.)
* He enlisted Syracuse New York May 1918 (But joined Canadian army. Could he enlist one country & fight for another??)
* Attestation Paper - Ist Depot Battallion 1st Central Ontario Regiment. (No 3040079)
* Discharged Toronto Sept 22nd 1919
* Crossed Canadian border to USA Sept 25th 1919 to stay with friend Mrs Jessie Howland Groton New York.
* 1930 Census he was aged 35 yrs and living in Ithaca, Tompkins New York. He was single and worked as an automobile salesman.
This is all the info I have so far. I would love to fill in the blanks. Where was he and what did he do between 1911 and 1917? Where did he go during the war? Where did he live & what did he do between leaving the army and 1930 Census? Are there any more records of him anywhere? When & where did he die/ Where is he buried?
Any information would be most grateful. Thanks in anticipation. Noreen (Armagh, Ireland)
-
Could this be him? :-\
Sailing from Havana, Cuba to New York, New York, arriving 6 May 1934 on board the Morro Castle:
Thomas M. Kirk, age 39, Mfg. Director, born Belfast, last permanent residence: Belfast, Ireland
Jessie E. Kirk, age 37, H.Work, born Belfast, last permanent residence: Belfast, Ireland
They both had a temporary visa.
Final destination: Belfast
Both were single.
"Name...of nearest relative or friend in country whence alien came...": Friend, Dr. M.R. Ledo Oreilly Y Cuba St., Havana Cuba.
Jessie's information states "with brother line 11" (Thomas' information was on line 11)
Jessie's passage was paid by her brother.
They both had been in the states, in New York, in 1934.
They were in transit to Belfast, via Hotel Commodore, NY. Jessie stated she was "with brother line 11". They may have been staying 2 weeks.
He was 5'11", fresh complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes. She was 5'4", fresh complexion, brown hair, brown eyes.
-
Thomas and Jessie Eileen sailed in April 1934 (arriving NY). They were brother and sister.
They had last been in the states, in NY, in May 1932.
Could this be your Thomas, and the Jessie who was mentioned in your post?
-
The couple doesn't appear to be from your family. This could be Thomas and Jessie:
Thomas Morgan died 1941. Jessie Eileen died 1989. It looks like their parents were Robert and Jessie.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0hk7/
-
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for trying to help but I agree, dont think they are my relatives. The search goes on :)
Noreen
-
In case you haven't seen it, the 1911 passenger list says he was going to Bayonne, New Jersey to join uncle Patrick Farrell of 19 E. 15th St. There are also manifest markings indicating that Thomas later sought to become a naturalized US citizen. There is more information about manifest markings here: http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/manifests/ The markings are a bit hard to make heads or tails of on Thomas' manifest, but there is one with the date July 30 (I think), 1931 and it looks like he was dealing with the naturalization office that covered Western New York and Pennsylvania.
WWI Draft Registration Card 5 Jun. 1917
Thomas Kirk
I can't quite make out the town, but it looks like Lenderville or Tenderville, New York
Born 18 Jun. 1893 in Armagh, Ireland
Alien, British citizen
Occupation - laborer on farm
Employed by Ken (?) Dempsey, Lansing, New York
No dependents
Single, Caucasian
No prior military service
Medium height & build
Brown hair & eyes, not bald, no disabilities
-
On www.fultonhistory.com, there is an article from the Ithaca Daily News dated 7 Nov. 1918 that says: "Thomas Kirk of Ludlowville, whose whereabouts have been unknown to his relatives in the county, has been located at Seaford, Sussex, England where he is a private in the Canadian Machine Gun Corps and is no win training to going to the front in France. This information comes through a letter to Lyman H. Gallagher, chairman of the Tompkins Draft Board."
Ludlowville may be the town I couldn't read on the draft registration card.
Sounds like he was inclined to not tell people where he was going. ;)
Also on fultonhistory.com, there is an article in the Binghamton (New York) Press dated 21 Oct. 1932 that refers to a Thomas Kirk as commander of the Ithaca Post of the American Legion. Maybe him?
-
There is a Thomas Kirk in the 1922 Ithaca city directory - http://tcpl.org/local-history/documents/IthacaDirectories/ICD_1922_pt2.pdf Could be him?
There is someone who does look-ups in later Ithaca city directories - http://nytompki.org/tlook.htm Maybe it's worth checking if he's still there?
-
1936 Ithaca city directory
Kirk, Thomas, proprietor Kirk's Smoke Shop, resides 304 W. Seneca
Kirk's Smoke Shop, Thomas Kirk proprietor, 217 E. State
1937 Ithaca city directory
Kirk, Thomas, field census manager, Rural Directories, Inc., resides 116 S. Cayuga
1938 Ithaca city directory
Kirk, Thomas, field census manager, Rural Directories, Inc., resides 317 W. State
No Thomas Kirk listed in various directories in the interim.
1952 Ithaca city directory
Kirk, Thomas, employee MCCo, resides 111 W. Buffalo
-
There is a Thomas Kirk listed here who died in Ithaca and was buried in 1956 at age 63 - http://nytompki.org/cemeteries/tcem108.htm Maybe a possibility?
-
In case that 1956 burial is him, I found a listing in the Syracuse Post-Standard dated Wed., 29 Aug. 1956 under the column "Deaths in Other Places" that says "Ithaca (Tues.) Thomas Kirk." Unfortunately, no further detail is given.
-
Hi Shellesq,
Thank you so so much. I am delighted with all this information and plenty to digest over the next few days. Thomas definitely played his cards close to his chest! This makes him even more intriguing :) I have the 1911 passenger list. I was wondering where you saw that he was going to Patrick Farrell 19E 15th Street (Definitely his uncle)I dont see this on the form and i could not decipher Bayonne New Jersey..so thanks.
Also you mention the article about his "whereabouts being unknown to his relatives in the County" Have you any idea where i should go to see what relatives he had there?
I see he was in training for the war 7th Nov 1918. The war ended 11th Nov 1918 so he didnt have long to serve - if at all. Think ill have to send for his army files.
Also the burial date and age works out perfectly. I think that is him.
Im loving all this :D Thanks so much.
Noreen
-
You're welcome.
The 2nd page of the manifest has the information about who he was going to join.
-
Is anyone able to access an image of 1925 New York State Census?
I want to find where Thomas Kirk (age 31/32) was living at this time and who was Head of Household.
Many thanks,
Noreen
-
Is anyone able to access an image of 1925 New York State Census?
https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1937489
-
Yes Aghadowey I saw that link. It says he lives in Ithaca but doesnt state Head of Household. It shows a card with details but no image of the actual Census - unless im missing something which is very possible!!
I would also love to know about his death.
There is a Thomas Kirk, Ithaca, Death 1956 age 52/53 buried Willow Glen Cemetry. But this Thomas was born in New York not Armagh according to the record.
And thanks
Noreen
-
WWI Draft: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KXBN-9WT
1925 census:
Dist. 1, Ward 5, Ithaca, Tompkins, New York
108 Sears St.; been in US 14 years (1911)
1930 census: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X4LG-Y52
Immigration records first came to US May 1911
Immigration: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q23C-WJHF
=================
The Ithaca Journal
Ithaca, New York
Tuesday, August 28, 1956 - Page 2
Thomas Kirk
Thomas Kirk, custodian at the American Legion Home, 314 Stewart Ave., died this morning, Aug. 28, 1956, in Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements in charge of the Shea Funeral Home, 314 W. State St., will be announced later.
===================
The Ithaca Journal
Ithaca, New York
Wednesday, August 29, 1956 - Page 2
Thomas Kirk
Funeral services for Thomas Kirk, past commander of Post 221,1 American Legion, and custodian of the Legion Home, 415 Stewart' Ave., who died Aug. 28, 1956, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Shea Funeral Home, 314 W. State St
=================
There are lots of bit and piece articles about Thomas's involvement with Ithaca American Legion Post.
====
-
RJ137,
Many thanks for this. I have immigration card, war record card and info from the Census`s but dont have anything from Ithaca Journal or American Legion Post. Do you have links for either please? Any new snippet of information about Thomas is fantastic to have.
Thanks Noreen
-
I would also love to know about his death.
There is a Thomas Kirk, Ithaca, Death 1956 age 52/53 buried Willow Glen Cemetry. But this Thomas was born in New York not Armagh according to the record.
What record are you looking at? I see that a Find a Grave entry says he was born in New York, but it doesn't look like any source is given.
The Social Security application for Thomas Kirk who died 28 Aug. 1956 says he was born 18 Jun. 1893. That seems to match up with the date of birth for your guy on the WWI draft registration card.
-
Hello Shellyesq,
I found it on Find a grave memorial ID 125991122
"Born in New York USA" put a doubt in my head. Are you able to give me an image of the Social security application please?
Earlier RJ137 wrote:-
The Ithaca Journal
Ithaca, New York
Tuesday, August 28, 1956 - Page 2
Thomas Kirk
Thomas Kirk, custodian at the American Legion Home, 314 Stewart Ave., died this morning, Aug. 28, 1956, in Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements in charge of the Shea Funeral Home, 314 W. State St., will be announced later
Do you know if "custodian" is like a manager at that American Legion home? If so I might be able to get some information from there
Thanks again
Noreen
-
RJ137,
Many thanks for this. I have immigration card, war record card and info from the Census`s but dont have anything from Ithaca Journal or American Legion Post. Do you have links for either please? Any new snippet of information about Thomas is fantastic to have.
Thanks Noreen
The Ithaca Journal is available on Newspaper com from 1914-present. It is a pay site to view articles. I am not a paying member and can't view the articles.
I can only see snippets of articles using different search criteria
Snippets for "Thomas Kirk"
Link: http://www.rootschat.com/links/01mkn/
=========
The are two pictures of past Post commanders which he is included. But I can only see small preview picture of page.
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/256947224/
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/254731049/
-
RJ137,
This is great!! Ill subscribe to the newspaper site. Many thanks for your help.
Noreen
-
Are you able to give me an image of the Social security application please?
It is only a transcription from a subscription site. If you wanted to order the application for a fee, this explains how to do it - https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2013/05/31/ordering-the-ss-5/
-
Many thanks Shellyesq & RJ137,
Ive just gone through all the Ithaca Journal newspaper clippings (124) and learnt the following:-
Most importantly it is definitely my relative - because the genetics came through and I picked him out in a photo without looking at the name. So Delighted.
He lived in Ithaca and joined the American Legion where he held a number of positions between 1921 until he died on 25th August 1956. Positions held - volunteer, committee member, Leader Chef de Gare, Captain Canvassing team, Chairman, Adjutant, Vice Commander, Commander (two terms) Executive Committee, Sergeant at arms, Service Officer, Finance Officer & Refreshment committee before dying in 1956.
In 1929 an article mentions Mrs Thomas Kirk - it was about a storm & flooding which resulted in Mrs Thomas Kirk having spent Sunday with Mr & Mrs Arthur Loope. This was the only link to the possibility of Thomas having been married - if only for a short time. Can anyone find any documentation to clarify this?
Employment -
1929 HCT Motor Company. May 28th they flew to Syracruse in a Ryan cabin monoplane for a business meeting.
1932 - Employed by Erie J Millar - Automobile Salesman
I would love to know if Thomas married and if so had he any children.
With the information above can anyone think of another means to create a fuller picture?
I have contacted the Canadian army requesting his file.
Many thanks
Noreen
-
PS
I forgot to mention there were Kirks Smoke Shop adverts frequently between Sept 1934 and March 1936.
Is there a way of finding out if this was Thomas Kirk? Could he have owned or leased this shop?
Noreen
-
PS
I forgot to mention there were Kirks Smoke Shop adverts frequently between Sept 1934 and March 1936.
Is there a way of finding out if this was Thomas Kirk? Could he have owned or leased this shop?
Noreen
Buys Smoke Shop: http://www.rootschat.com/links/01mky/
The search criterea I previuosly linked included the word "Legion" and produced 124 results. I was looking for articles associating Thomas with the American Legion
You don't have to use just that search criterea. Here is a search just for "Thomas Kirk". It produced 163 results.
Link: http://www.rootschat.com/links/01mkz/
-
Hi again RJ137,
Having looked at those papers it appears there is another Thomas Kirk in Ithaca at this time.
In 1915 the son of Mr And Mrs Thomas Kirk drowned in Waterloo canal aged 11 years. My ancestor would only have been 22 so wouldnt have had a son aged 11.
Maybe this family owned Kirks Smoke shop also..
Noreen
-
In Ithaca Journal 1939 March 16th there is an article about the Legion being 20 years old and Thomas having been Commander for 2 Terms.
NO RECORD FOR NEXT 10 YEARS
Another article in the same Newspaper 1949 Oct 3 shows a Photo of Past Commanders. Thomas must have returned to Ithaca for this dinner. It was 30 years from Ithaca Legion Post 221 was set up.
Can anyone find where Thomas went for 10 years?
Thanks
Noreen
-
A 27 Apr. 1942 WWII draft registration card has this:
Thomas Kirk
1213 W. 3rd St., Jamestown, New York
Born June 18, 1893 in Armagh, Ireland
Person who will always knew his address: E.B. Wells at same address
Employer's name: Withope? Holmes Co., 4 Market St., Jamestown, NY
Race: white
5'9 1/2" tall, 180 lbs., gray eyes, brown hair, ruddy complexion
scar on the right side of his neck
-
Jamestown city directories
1942
Kirk, Thos., salesman Witkop & Holmes Co., resides 1213 W. 3d.
1944
Kirk, Thos., plantmn General Ice Cream Corp., resides 1213 W. 3d.
-
Thanks again shellyesq. Ive tried to find the WW11 card on family search but cant get it. I really am quite amateurish at all this research!!
In 1930 Thomas was on a committee to"encourage Americanization, aid in obtaining Citizenship papers for aliens, instruct in English and the customs & history of the nation."
So with this in mind - Can you think of a reason why Thomas would have crossed the border and joined the Canadian Army?
Noreen
-
I have seen other UK immigrants who joined up with them, presumably because they wanted to support their country of origin by fighting. Canada got into WWI sooner than the US did, but I don't know if that would matter in this case if he was still in the US in 1917-1918. I don't know if there were any other benefits of choosing Canada over the US.
-
shellyesq can you please give me a link to the WW11 card?
Thanks
Noreen