RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => United States of America => Topic started by: Peggy13 on Sunday 09 May 21 18:47 BST (UK)
-
Benjamin Watterson was born Feb 21, 1870 in Ireland to James Watterson and Margaret Hurl. In 1895, he arrives in Philadelphia with wife Martha going to his sister Mary Jane Steal/Steele.
I don't find him again EXCEPT
-
For info :- Reply 20 on this thread shows the passenger list. We also explored the family Steal/Steel/Steele on the same thread.
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=848292.18
A New York Passenger List shows -
Martha Watterson aged 22 years, wife arrived with a Benjamin Watterson aged 23 years - labourer.
Both from Magherafelt, going to Philadelphia arriving 18 September 1895 on the Indiana. Going to a brother in law or and ??? - Mrs Steal, 73166 Anaber/Amber Street - had been here ??? 9 years as per index card or 6 years 5 months before (sorry found it difficult to unravel the writing)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KF69-FT1
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S7WX-98KK-N9?i=4778&cc=1921483
Does this couple belong to your family ?
Linking the County Tyrone thread
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=848107.0
Sandra
Reply 35 (same thread as above) Presume no information from the private ancestry tree owner in Ontario who names Benjamin in her private tree (sent info of twitter account etc)
Sandra
-
Benjamin Watterson was born Feb 21, 1870 in Ireland to James Watterson and Margaret Hurl. In 1895, he arrives in Philadelphia with wife Martha going to his sister Mary Jane Steal/Steele.
I don't find him again EXCEPT that I find a Benjamin and Lizzie on the 1910 census with several children, starting with Julia born 1897. Wondering if Martha is aka Martha Elizabeth.
A lot of this is guesstimates, but thinking Martha aka Lizzie died 1910-1920. I find a Benjamin, widower, born abt 1871, in 1940 living in Philadelphia with the Samuel White family as a lodger. Is this him? I also found a Martha Elizabeth White born in Ireland in 1871 which corresponds fairly nicely with Martha's age in 1895 (age 22). Benjamin's age was 23 in 1895 even though he was born 1870 so Martha slightly younger.
So widower Benjamin would have died after 1940. Can anyone find his death?
Also, Mary Jane Steele nee Watterson married Joseph Steele abt 1880 in Philadelphia. Haven't found the marriage record. Then Joseph died Dec 28, 1914 in Philadelphia and I don't have his death certicate or his obit. Mary Jane died Aug 17, 1948 in Philadelphia and I found a funeral notice in the Aug 20, 1948 in the Philadelphia Inquirer but not a full obit. If a full obit were found, it might mention her brother Benjamin. Or even Joseph Steele's obit might mention Benjamin.
I don't find Benjamin and Martha's wedding in Ireland before departure to Philadelphia so wondering if they married in Liverpool, England before boarding ship. They departed Liverpool Sept 4, 1895 and arrived in Philadelphia Sept 18, 1895.
Private tree owner mentioning Benjamin has no info on him except his date of birth.
Peggy
-
Was typing so will post even though we were crossing. Do remember coming across these two census but nothing to suggest it is the correct person. Will post for reference.
1930 census Philadelphia County Prison Convict Dept. Information is only as good as the informant, so the immigration date could well be wrong.
Benjamin Waterson Birth Year 1875 Ireland - 55 years - immigrated 1884
Married - Inmate
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH43-5YK
1940 census North Second Street Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Samuel White 64 Head
Bertha White 64 Wife
Benjamin Watterson 69 Lodger. widowed.
William Stulman 69 Lodger
Robert Wade 44 Lodger
Robert Dempster 45 Lodger
Robert Dempster Jr 16 Lodger
James McGlynn 61 Lodger
Ellen Watterson 63 Lodger. widowed.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KQWY-1M2
Sandra
-
Julia L Roche 14/6/1897 died 8 April 1959 - "arteriosclerotic" - other significant condition "alcoholism"
Father Benjamin Waterson and Mother Lizzie ? (no other information given for her)
Arlington Cemetery. Upper Darby. Del Co. PA.
Sandra
-
There may be no record of the marriage of Mary and Joseph Steele at that time - Before September 30, 1885 the issuing of licenses was not obligatory, but was intended for those cases where the banns were not published or the marriage in church was dispensed with. For these earlier marriages, church records and newspapers may provide information. Since September 1885 , marriage licenses have been required in Pennsylvania and are maintained by the Marriage License Clerk in the county courthouse of the county issuing the license.
https://www.statelibrary.pa.gov/GeneralPublic/VitalRecords/Pages/default.aspx
Sandra
-
If we found Julia's birth, might give mother's name. The Benjamin that I found in 1910 with Lizzie was a fireman. In 1920, the Benjamin that I found, widower, was a fireman. The Benjamin in the prison in 1930 was a fireman (or did he work there?). No occupation in 1940.
Peggy
-
Julia's birth
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBBY-WNV
Sandra
-
Wonder if the H in Julia's name might be Hurl.
-
The 1910 census shows Jennie Watterson born 1900 - perhaps she was Regina Waterson - 4 August 1900
https://www.familysearch.org/search/ark:/61903/1:1:VBYW-Y89
Sandra
-
You are likely correct regarding Jennie aka Regina.
Peggy
-
The Benjamin in 1920 says naturalized 1898. Wonder if that would enlighten us, if we could find it.
Peggy
-
The 1910 census shows Jennie Watterson born 1900 - perhaps she was Regina Waterson - 4 August 1900
https://www.familysearch.org/search/ark:/61903/1:1:VBYW-Y89
Sandra
Hmmm and a WW2 Draft - Benjamin with a birth date 4 August 1900 born Philadelphia.
Benjamin Watterson - 4 August 1900 - Philadelphia PA - aged 41 years
Residence Place Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio - Registration Date 15 Feb 1942
Registration Place Cayuga, Ohio
Employer Republic Steel Co Independence Rd Cleveland Ohio
Weight 115 - Complexion Light - Eye Color Blue - Hair Color Blonde Height 5''3"
Next of Kin Virginia Spencer.
Sandra
-
Same chap WW1 Draft - Benjiman Franklin Watterson - Benjamin Franklin Watterson
Birth Datem 4 Aug 1900
Residence Date 1917-1918
Street Address 546 First Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Draft Board 2
Physical Build Medium - Height Medium - Hair Colour Light - Eye Colour Blue
Relative Benjiman Watterson.
Sandra
-
I find a Lillian E. Watterson in 1920, age 11, in Northern Home for Friendless Children. Is this Benjamin's youngest daughter.
Also, I keep running across an Elizabeth Aber/Abed/Averill in the familysearch records in connection to Benjamin Watterson. Perhaps Lizzie Watterson, mother of the 4 children is not the 1895 Martha.
There is a Lillian Watterson born Jan 27, 1909 to Benjamin Watterson and Elizabeth Abed/Aber.
Peggy
-
Yes, i saw those records - not sure if its a red-herring
Sandra
-
Son Benjamin should be born abt 1902 as he is 8 on the 1910 and his sister Jennie is born 1900.
Peggy
-
Ages can be wrong, the census isn't gospel.
Lillian Hallowell - Lillian Waterson - 27 January 1909 Philadelphia - aged 46 years.
Death Date 13 Dec 1955 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Father Benjamin Waterson - Mother Lillian Aveell
Certificate Number 110206
Sandra
-
Wow, another name for mother. Close to Averell but first name Lillian.
Quite the mess.
Peggy
-
Benjamin Watterson - 4 August 1900 - 2 February 1944
Watterson, Benjamin--Beloved husband of Irene, brother of Mrs. John Spencer.
FIND A GRAVE
Whitehaven Memorial ParkMayfield Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/167427967/benjamin-watterson
Sandra
-
1940 census Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio.
Benjamin Watterson 39 Head. Maintainance Man.
Irene Watterson 37 Wife. born Maryland.
Sandra
-
Wow, another name for mother. Close to Averell but first name Lillian.
Quite the mess.
Peggy
and another reference:-
Virginia M Gee - Virginia M Waterson - 1899 - married 27 June 1931 Cleveland Ohio - aged 32 -
Father Benjamin Waterson - Mother Elizabeth Averill - Spouse William Digney.
Sandra
-
So if Julia married Roche, and Lillian married Hallowell, that leaves Jennie/Regina for Mrs. John Spencer, unless remarriage for Mrs. Spencer or a different Benjamin.
Now I see you have found a Virginia Watterson who may be different than Regina and maybe not. Husband not John Spencer.
Beginning to think we have 2 Benjamin Watterson families on the go here. Maybe one in Ohio and one in Philadelphia.
Peggy
-
I have now found on familysearch a Virginia M. Watterson who married William Digney in 1931 and John Spencer in 1934. Parents Benjamin Watterson and Elizabeth Averill, and Virginia had a brother Benjamin born abt 1901.
Peggy
-
Hmm gives the name of mother as Elizabeth White - maiden name Averill - Elizabeth Averill White.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-61HS-KB7?cc=1589502
Virgina married twice - divorced 23 December 1923 and 17 April 1934
Sandra
-
1940 census 8000 State Road Parma, Cuyahoga, Ohio.
John Spencer 57 Head
Virginia Spencer 39 Wife
Joan Spencer 7 Stepdaughter (Step Daughter)
Living "J" Spencer 2 Daughter (12 June 1938)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K86Z-F3X
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V627-PB9
https://www.familysearch.org/search/ark:/61903/1:1:VPYZ-5Z6
Sandra
-
Virginia Margaret Waterson
Event Type Confirmation
Confirmation Date 20 Apr 1919 Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Denomination Lutheran
Organization Name Trinity Lutheran Church
Sandra
-
1930 census Cleveland (Districts 1-250), Cuyahoga, Ohio.
Virginia Gee Head Female 30 Pennsylvania - divorced,
Alfred E Gee Son Male 10 Pennsylvania
Robert A Gee Son Male 8 Pennsylvania
Benjamin Watterson Brother Male 29 Pennsylvania
William Digney Lodger Male 29 Canada
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RZ8-9ZMX?i=27&cc=1810731
Sandra
-
This is getting interesting. The first person that I guessed might be Martha who arrived with Benjamin in 1895 was born Martha Elizabeth born 1871 to Richard White and Margaret Jane Blakely. No Averill unless that is further back. And then Benjamin is living with a White family in 1940.
Right next door to Virginia in 1930 is sister Lillian Hallowell.
So perhaps the family moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio. If father Benjamin followed after 1940, maybe his death is in Ohio.
Peggy
-
Benjamin Watterson - 4 August 1900 - 2 February 1944
Watterson, Benjamin--Beloved husband of Irene, brother of Mrs. John Spencer.
FIND A GRAVE
Whitehaven Memorial ParkMayfield Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/167427967/benjamin-watterson
Sandra
Irene Cahill Watterson - 6 May 1902 Maryland - 23 January 1970
East Claridon Cemetery Claridon, Geauga County, Ohio
PLOT New, Lot 553, gr 4
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55197022/irene-watterson
Sandra
-
You are certainly finding lots of people. Thank you very much. Looking into the Averill bit in Ireland
Peggy
-
I am wondering if Benjamin Jr. somehow started using his sister Regina's dob which was Aug 4, 1900.
Also wondering if the "nee Averill" is a red herring for Virginia's mother's maiden name if she is the same person as Regina. I did find a Martha Elizabeth White born 1871 who fits the bill to be Benjamin's wife if it was Elizabeth White as per Virginia's marriage to John Spencer. And to be Ben's wife Martha in 1895. But need more proof if possible. Need Ben's death certificate.
Peggy
-
Joseph Steele who died 28 December 1914 died of Apoplexy age 54.
Death recorded by Mary Steele on the 29th he was buried the 31st at Belvue.
Occupation Weaver
Father Moses Steele
Mother Bella Dougherty both born Ireland.
ADDED
Find a grave. The Steele's were moved from Belvue Section B lot 105 on 4 August 1954 to Oakland Cemetery Section U Lot 103.
Wife Mary J Watterson Steele, children Laura 1889-1889, William 1882-1936, Walter 1885-1902 and Joseph. There is notation that Thomas is with them but the person entering the information did not find the name in the Belvue(sic) burials.
2nd Add
Obituary 30 October 1902 Philadelphia Enquirer. Thomas Walter son of Joseph and Mary Jane Steel.
So it looks like Thomas Walter and went by Walter on the census 1885-1902
-
Notes
Benjamin Waterson aka Benjamin Watterson died 3 August 1952 age 86 at the Episcopal Hospital Philadelphia. No parents listed on death certificate. Place of birth unknown.
DOB then 1866 should he be 82 not 86?
-
California Death Index - Did she change her name back to GEE ?
Virginia Margaret Gee
Birth Date 5 Jun 1899 Pennsylvania
Death Date 24 Oct 1980 Los Angeles
Mother's Maiden Name Watterman.
Sandra
-
SSDI - Virginia Gee - Birth Date 5 Jun 1899 - October 1980
Last Residence 90810, Long Beach, Los Angeles, California, USA
Last Benefit 92643, Garden Grove, Orange, California, USA
Issue Year Before 1951 - Issue State Ohio
Sandra
-
California Voters List - 1950/1952/1954 - Mrs Virginia M Gee - 683 N Ramona av Los Angeles California.
John G Spencer listed at same address.
Sandra
-
John G Spencer - Birth Date 11 Jan 1883 - Death Date 4 Jan 1966 Los Angeles.
https://www.familysearch.org/search/ark:/61903/1:1:VP45-7M7
Sandra
-
FIND A GRAVE
John George Spencer -
Pacific Crest Cemetery Redondo Beach, Los Angeles County, California
PLOT 9 618 3
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/160508434/john-george-spencer
Sandra
-
You have done an amazing job of finding this Watterson family, amondg and Sandra. I believe you have found the right people despite the age differences and name differences and place differences.
Great to have the dates of death for Benjamin and Virginia, also Julia.
I wonder who Lillian gave as parents when she married Charles Hallowell or Julia when she married Mr. Roche. Also Benjamin.
Interesting that when Virginia married John G. Spencer, she gave her mother as Elizabeth White nee Averill but when she died her mother's maiden name was Watterman which obviously would be Watterson.
Thanks ever so much,
Peggy
-
I found a marriage of Benj. Watterson to Lizzie Averell in Camden, Camden, NJ on June 8, 1895 and I have ordered the marriage record although I am prepared to find no additional information on the record such as parents, ages, church, etc. But one can always hope.
Peggy
-
Good luck Peggy. Would love to hear an update if you make further progress.
Take Care
Sandra :)
-
I have not yet received the marriage record of Benjamin Watterson in Camden New Jersey in 1895 to see what it might reveal. Hoping to see the names of Benjamin‘s parents among other things to see if we have two Benjamin Wattersons at the same time in Philadelphia or one. I had hoped the death certificate for the Benjamin who died in 1952 would clarify that but it didn’t so so.
-
Thinking of Virginia Margaret Gee's death Oct 24, 1980 in Long Beach, California. Do we know where she is buried? She is nee Watterson, last husband John George Spencer, but she doesn't seem to be buried with John. Wondering if her mother might be buried with her and we would finally find out Lizzie's date of death.
-
I have learned that Virginia and John George Spencer were divorced before the 1950 census, and John states that he is divorced and was just visiting his daughters at the time of the census and that is why they are in the same household. This partially explains why Virginia is using her first husband's surname of Gee in 1950 and in 1962, and at time of death in Long Beach, Oct 24, 1980. I wonder if she might be buried with her mother. I still haven't found her mother Lizzie's death aka Elizabeth White in 1934 but nee Averell.
-
Benjamin's death certificate says he had an autopsy. I wonder if one could obtain the results of that autopsy. Could be interesting. Also although he died Mar 8, 1952 he wasn't buried until May 5 in Potter's Field. Wonder why.
-
I have emailed the Philadelphia Archives for Benjamin's autopsy report, his naturalization papers, his divorce record, and his prison records. The autopsy report could be interesting, although the death certificate says he died of lung cancer and pericarditis. Why an autopsy?
-
It appears that autopsy reports are not available in Philadelphia between 1948-1960. But I am awaiting Benjamin's naturalization record and his prison records, hoping the latter will mention his wife Lizzie and her death, or remarried name or residence. Anything at all.
Peggy