Daniel James Fagan and Lillian E. Roderick - Ginger's Great-Grandparents

This is a narrative report generated in the NEGHS Register style using RootsMagic 10, for Ginger's great-grandparents, Daniel James Fagan and Lillian E. Roderick. They are the maternal grandparents of Ginger's mother, Marion L. (McDonnell) Whitehead.

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Here is a 3-generation descendant list for Daniel.

1-Daniel James Fagan; born: 7 Apr 1871, Rush, Monroe County, New York; died: 30 Oct 1971, Highland Hospital, Rochester, Monroe, New York

+Lillian E. Rodrick; born: 1 Jul 1876, Rush, Monroe County, New York; marr: abt 1896–1897; died: 6 Mar 1947, Genesee Hospital, Rochester, Monroe, New York

2-Olive Rose Fagan; born: 22 Mar 1898, Rush, Monroe County, New York; died: 8 Sep 1994, Medic Home Health Care Center, Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida

+John Christopher McDonnell; born: 4 Dec 1896, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; marr: 7 Oct 1926, Rochester, Monroe, New York; died: 21 Oct 1975, Veterans Administration Hospital, 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, New York

3-Marion Lois McDonnell; born: 1 Aug 1927, Rochester, New York; died: 24 Jan 1981, Holmes Regional Medical Center, Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida

2-Eugene W. Fagan; born: 20 Aug 1899, Rush, Monroe County, New York; died: 10 Jan 1972, St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Monroe, New York

+Helen Marie Yawman; born: May 1892; marr: abt 1925; died: 2 Apr 1963

2-Ethel M. Fagan; born: 18 Sep 1901, Rush, Monroe County, New York; died: 31 Mar 1985

+Paul R. Bestor; born: 17 Jan 1903, New York; marr: 18 Sep 1923, Rochester, Monroe, New York; died: 20 Oct 1976

3-Harry Paul Bestor; born: 4 Mar 1924, Rochester, Monroe, New York; died: 28 Feb 1943, Sabine, Louisiana

3-Shirley Janet Bestor; born: 19 Dec 1928, New York; died: 6 Dec 1947

+Mae S. Langswager; born: 26 May 1889; marr: aft 1947; died: 16 Jan 1976

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Daniel James Fagan was born on April 7, 1871 in Rush, Monroe County, New York to Thomas Fagan and Helen Yawman. Other dates calculated for his birth are: 1872 from the 1915 NY state census, and 1869 from the 1925 NY state census.

Daniel was baptized on May 14, 1871 at Church of St. Agnes in Avon, New York. His Certificate of Baptism said: "This is to Certify That James Daniel Fagan, Child of Thomas Fagan and Maria Wayson, born in Rush, NY on the 7th day of April 1871 was Baptized on the 14th day of May 1871, According to the Rite of the Roman Catholic Church, by the Rev. J. L. O'Keefe, the Sponsors being Andrew Waldle and Catherine Yawman as appears from the Baptismal Register of this Church. Dated June 25th 1940." This is the only record I've found where his first name and middle name were reversed. Also, handwritten along the left border of the certificate was: "I believe the name of mother in this record should be Helen Yawman as appears on baptismal record of another child of same family. I believe mistake was made in recording mother's name." There is no indication on the certificate who make this note.

He lived in Rush, Monroe County, New York on June 2, 1875 with his family. Members of the Thomas Fagan household listed in the 1875 NY State census were:

• Thomas Fagan; 30; M; Monroe; Now Married; Native
• Helen Fagan; 30; F; Wife; Monroe; Now Married
• Mary Fagan; 8; F; Daughter; Monroe
• Jennie Fagan; 6; F; Daughter; Monroe
• Margaret Fagan; 5; F; Daughter; Monroe
• Daniel Fagan; 4; M; Son; Monroe
• John Fagan; 2-6/12; Son; Monroe
• Richard Fagan; 3/12; Son; Monroe

Daniel lived on a farm in Mendon, Monroe County, New York on June 16, 1880. Members of the Thomas Fagan household listed in the census included:

• Fagan, Thomas; W; M; 36; Married; Farmer; New York; Ireland; Ireland
• Fagan, Helen; W; F; 36; Wife; Married; Housekeeping; New York; France; Bavaria
• Fagan, Mary; W; F; 13; Daughter; Single; Domestic Servant; Attended School; New York; New York; New York
• Fagan, Jennie; W; F; 11; Daughter; Single; Domestic Servant; Attended School; New York; New York; New York
• Fagan, Alice; W; F; 10; Daughter; Single; At Home; Attended School; New York; New York; New York
• Fagan, Daniel; W; M; 9; Son; Single; At Home; Attended School; New York; New York; New York
• Fagan, John; W; M; 7; Son; Single; At Home; Attended School; New York; New York; New York
• Fagan, Richard; W; M; 5; Son; Single; Attended School; New York; New York; New York
• Fagan, William; W; M; 3; Son; Single; New York; New York; New York
• Fagan, Thomas; W; M; 1; Son; Single; New York; New York; New York

Daniel was a life-long fiddle player. He started when he was 11 years old (1882) and played until he was 98 (1969). More information is provided in his obituary found later in this write-up.

He lived in Rush, Monroe County, New York on February 16, 1892. Fagan's listed together on the same page of the 1892 NY State census and assumed to be the same family included:

• Thomas Fagan; M; 48; Born in U.S.; Citizen; Farmer
• Helen Fagan; F; 48; Born in U.S.; Citizen
• Daniel Fagan; M; 21; Born in U.S.; Citizen
• Jennie Fagan; F; 22; Born in U.S.; Citizen
• Alice Fagan; F; 23; Born in U.S.; Citizen
• John Fagan; M; 19; Born in U.S.; Citizen
• Richard Fagan; M; 17; Born in U.S.; Citizen
• William Fagan; M; 14; Born in U.S.; Citizen
• Ray Fagan; M; 8; Born in U.S.; Citizen
• Wellie [Nellie] Fagan; F; 5; Born in U.S.; Citizen

Daniel had many occupations during his lifetime. The following information came from censuses and Rochester, NY city directories: 

• 1900-1905: He was a farmer in Rush, Monroe County, New York. 
• 1909: He was a musician and town collector in West Rush, Rochester, Monroe County, New York. 
• 1910: Daniel was a bartender at a hotel in Rochester, Monroe, New York. 
• 1911: He was a salesman living at 107 Scio Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York. 
• 1912, he was a salesman working at 408 Granite building in Rochester, Monroe, New York while still living at the same Scio Street address. 
• 1913: He was a salesman in 341 Powers Building at 55 Concord in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1913 and still lived on Scio Street. During that year, Daniel was appointed a Commissioner of Deeds in Rochester, Monroe, New York. A commissioner of deeds was appointed by the mayor for a term of 2 years, and they could witness the signatures of some legal documents.
• 1914-1915, Daniel worked in real estate at 918 C of C Meigs Ave in Rochester, Monroe, New York while living at 107 Scio Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York.
• 1918: He was a stockman at 50 W Main in Rochester, Monroe, New York.
• 1919: He was a salesman at 136 W Main Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York.
• 1920-1931: He was a clerk/salesman at a retail furniture store 140 E Main Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York.
• 1930-1953: Daniel was an elevator operator at the Columbus Civic Center.

He was named in the obituary of his mother, Helen Yawman, that appeared in the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper on April 7, 1934 in Rochester, Monroe, New York.

Daniel was a musician in a dance orchestra in Rochester, Monroe, New York on April 8, 1940.

Several of the Fagans held a reunion at the home of Daniel's brother, Raymond Fagan, and his wife on August 26, 1945 in Summerville, Monroe, New York.

He was 75 years old when his wife, Lillian E. Rodrick, passed away on March 6, 1947.

He was named in the obituary of his granddaughter, Shirley Janet Bestor, that appeared in the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper on December 8, 1947 in Rochester, Monroe, New York.

Daniel lived at 115 Rutgers Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1951 and 1952. Apparently, he was unmarried at this time. His occupation was musician.

Daniel died from acute renal failure complicated by shock on October 30, 1971 at the age of 100 at Highland Hospital in Rochester, Monroe, New York.

His obituary appeared on October 31, 1971 in the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper in Rochester, Monroe, New York. His obituary said: 

"Fiddler, 100, Dan Fagan 

Daniel J. Fagan; a fiddler for area square and round dances for 89 years, died yesterday at Highland Hospital at the age of 100. 

Mr. Fagan, who began his career when he was 11, played professionally until he was 98. He lived at 115 Rosewood Terr. He had his own band, a square and round dance orchestra that played every village in Monroe County in its day. 

Daniel Fagan was born on a farm in Rush, one of 14 children. His fiddle debut was back in 1882, when he knew three numbers and filled in as second fiddle in his father's band. 

He operated a farm there until about 40 years ago, then worked as an elevator operator at the Columbus Civic Center. He retired from the center at age 82, but his professional fiddling continued. "I'll play as long as I can," he said with a wink when he was 89. "And by golly, I feel pretty good. I think I'll go for 100. " His brother Ray had a band that traveled the U.S. for years. Ray Fagan died last December. 

Daniel Fagan is survived by his wife, Mae S.; two daughters: Mrs. John (Olive) McDonnell of Brooklyn and Mrs. Paul (Ethel) Bestor of 13 Rowley St.; a son, Eugene, of 140 West- Ave: one granddaughter; six great-grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. George (Nellie) Knapp of 47 Pembroke St."

He was buried on November 2, 1971 at St. Paul Cemetery in Honeoye Falls, Monroe, New York. 

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Daniel James Fagan and Lillian E. Rodrick [Roderick] were married about 1896–1897. Estimated marriage date was based on oldest child, Olive, born in 1898.

They lived at a farm in Rush, Monroe County, New York on June 4, 1900. Members of the Daniel Fagan household listed in the 1900 census:

• Fagan, Daniel; Head; W; M; Mar 1871; 29; Married 3 years; New York, Ireland, New York; Farmer; 0 months unemployed; read, write, speak English
• Fagan, Lillian; Wife; W; F; July 1876; 23; Married 3 years; 2 children born, 2 children living; New York, New York, New York; read, write, speak English
• Fagan, Ollie; Daughter; W; F; Mar 1898; 2; Single; New York, New York, New York
• Fagan, Eugene; Son; W; M; Aug 1899; 9/12; Single; New York, New York, New York

They lived at a farm in Rush, Monroe County, New York on June 1, 1905. Household of Daniel J. Fagan:

• Fagan, Daniel J; Head; W; M; 34; United States; citizen; Farming; Employer
• Fagan, Lillian E; Wife; W; F; 29; United States; citizen; Housework
• Fagan, Olive R; Daughter; W; F; 7; United States; citizen; At School (6)
• Fagan, Eugene W; Son; W; M; 5; United States; citizen
• Fagan, Ethel; Daughter; W; F; 3; United States; citizen

Daniel and Lillian lived at 321 St. Paul Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York on April 15, 1910. Members of Daniel J. Fagan household listed in the census:

• Fagan, Daniel J; Head; M; W; 39; Married 1 for 12 years; New York; New York; New York; English; Bartender, Hotel; Wage worker; not out of work on April 15, 1910; 0 weeks not worked in 1909; read; write
• Fagan, Lillian E; Wife; F; W; 33; Married 1 for 12 years; 3 children born; 3 children alive; New York; New York; New York; English; Keeper, Hotel; Wage worker; not out of work on April 15, 1910; 0 weeks not worked in 1909; read; write
• Fagan, Olive; Daughter; F; W; 12; Single; New York; German [in error]; German [in error]; English; None; read; write; attended school
• Fagan, Eugene; Son; M; W; 10; Single; New York; New York; New York; English; None; read; write; attended school
• Fagan, Ethel; Daughter; F; W; 8; Single; New York; New York; New York; None; read; write; attended school
• Nippert, Phillip; Boarder; M; W; 52; Single; New York; New York; New York; English; Clerk, Hotel; Wage worker; not out of work on April 15, 1910; 0 weeks not worked in 1909; read; write
• Ripley, Fred; Lodger; M; W; 38; SIngle; New York; New York; New York; English; Electrician, Engineer; Wage worker; not out of work on April 15, 1910; 0 weeks not worked in 1909; read; write

They lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York on June 1, 1915. Household of Daniel J Fagan:

• Fagan, Daniel J; Head; W; M; 43; U.S.; citizen; Real Estate; Own Account
• Fagan, Lillian E; Wife; W; F; 38; U.S.; citizen; Housework
• Fagan, Olive R; Daughter; W; F; 17; U.S.; citizen; Office Clerk; Wage Worker
• Fagan, Eugene W; Son; W; M; 16; U.S.; citizen; Delivery Boy; Wage Worker
• Fagan, Ethel M; Daughter; W; F; 13; U.S.; citizen; School

They lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1918-1919.

They lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York on January 19, 1920. Members of Daniel J. Fagan household listed in the 1920 census:

• Fagan, Daniel J.; Head; M; W; 48; Married; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; Salesman at Furniture Store; wage worker
• Fagan, Lillian E.; Wife; F; W; 43; Married; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; none
• Fagan, Olive R.; Daughter; F; W; 21; Single; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; Assembler at Camera Works; wage worker
• Fagan, Eugene W.; Son; M; W; 20; Single; no school; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; Musician in an Orchestra; wage worker
• Fagan, Ethel M.; Daughter; F; W; 18; Single; no school; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; Cashier at a Department Store; wage worker

They lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1921-1924.

They lived at 163 Alexander Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York on June 1, 1925. Household of Daniel J Fagan:

• Fagan, Daniel J; head; W; M; 56; US; citizen; salesman; wage worker
• Fagan, Lillian E; wife; W; F; 46; US; citizen; housework
• Fagan, Olive R; daughter; W; F; 26; US; citizen; Bellows Dept - Kodak; wage worker

Daniel and Lillian lived at 163 Alexander Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1926-1927.

They lived at 274 Navarre Road in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1928-1929.

They lived at 274 Navarre Road in Rochester, Monroe, New York on April 3, 1930 with their daughter's, Olive, family. Members of John C. McDonnell's household in the 1930 census included:

• McDonnell, John C.; Head; M; W; 32; married at 29; no school; read and write; New York; Ireland; Ireland; English; Clerk for Steam Railroad; wage worker; at work yesterday; veteran of World War
• McDonnell, Olive; Wife H; F; W; 31; married at 28; no school; read and write; New York; New York; New York; English; none
• McDonnell, Marrion; Daughter; F; W; 2 6/12; single; no school; New York; New York; New York; none
• Fagan, Daniel J.; Father in law; M; W; 58; married at 25; no school; read and write; New York; New York; New York; English; Salesman at retail furniture store; wage worker; at work yesterday; veteran of Civil War [obviously not correct; he was too young]
• Fagan, Lillian; Mother in law; F; W; 53; married at 20; no school; read and write; New York; New York; New York; English; none

Daniel and Lillian lived at 274 Navarre Road in Rochester, Monroe, New York throughout the 1930s, probably with their daughter Olive's family.

They lived at 274 Navarre Road in Rochester, Monroe, New York on April 8, 1940. [Note: this is the census I have been unable to find Olive's husband, John C. McDonnell, listed in.] Members of the Olive McDonnell household were:

• McDonnell, Olive; informant; Head; F; W; 42; married; no school; 8th grade education; New York; 1935 - same house; Housework; 0 weeks worked; $0 income; no income from other sources
• McDonnell, Marion; Daughter; F; W; 12; single; attended school; 7th grade education; New York; 1935 - same house; student
• Fagan, Danial J.; Father; M; W; 68; married; no school; 8th grade education; New York; 1935 - same house; 0 hours worked week before census; 42 weeks unemployed; Musician in Dance Orchestra; paid worker; 10 weeks worked in 1939; $200 earned; income from other sources
• Fagan, Lillian; Mother; F; W; 63; married; no school; 8th grade education; New York; 1935 - same house; Housework; 0 weeks worked; $0 income; no income from other sources

Daniel and Lillian lived at 53 Lozier Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1943. This is the last residence I have found for them as a couple.

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Lillian E. Rodrick, daughter of William Roderick and Rosetta B. Thomas, was born on July 1, 1876 in Rush, Monroe County, New York. Another calculated birth date for her is 1879 from the 1925 NY state census.

She lived in Rush, Monroe County, New York on June 3, 1880 with her father and mother: 

• Roderick, Wm [Thomas]; W; M; 41; Head; Married; Carpenter & Joiner; born in NY; father born in NY; mother born in Penn
• Roderick, Rosetta; W; F; 42; Wife; Married; Keeping house; born in NY; father born in Md; mother born in Penn
• Roderick, Lilean [Lillian]; W; F; 4; daughter; born in NY; father born in NY; mother born in NY

Lillian was a housekeeper at a hotel in Rush, Monroe County, New York on April 15, 1910.

She died from a cerebral vascular accident (stroke) on March 6, 1947 at the age of 70 at Genesee Hospital in Rochester, Monroe, New York. The informant on her certificate of death was her daughter, Ethel. Lillian was living with her Ethel at 115 Rutgers Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York before she passed away in the hospital.

Lillian was buried on March 8, 1947 at St. Paul of the Cross Cemetery in Honeoye Falls, Monroe, New York. Her certificate of death said she would be buried at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, but she was buried at St. Paul of the Cross.

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 Daniel James Fagan and Lillian E. Rodrick had the following children:

1. Olive Rose Fagan, born March 22, 1898, Rush, Monroe County, New York; married John Christopher McDonnell, October 7, 1926, Rochester, Monroe, New York; died September 8, 1994, Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida.
2. Eugene W. Fagan, born August 20, 1899, Rush, Monroe County, New York; married Helen Marie Yawman, about 1925; died January 10, 1972, Rochester, Monroe, New York.
3. Ethel M. Fagan, born September 18, 1901, Rush, Monroe County, New York; married Paul R. Bestor, September 18, 1923, Rochester, Monroe, New York; died March 31, 1985.

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Daniel James Fagan and Mae S. Langswager were married sometime after Daniel's first wife, Lillian, passed in 1947 and probably after 1952 since he's listed in city directories without a wife.

They lived at 115 Rosewood Terrace in Rochester, Monroe, New York until October 30, 1971 when Daniel passed away. This was the current address given on Daniel's death certificate.

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Mae S. Langswager was born on May 26, 1889.

She was the informant on the death certificate of Daniel James Fagan on October 30, 1971.

She was named in the obituary of Daniel James Fagan that appeared in the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper on October 31, 1971 in Rochester, Monroe, New York.

Mae died on January 16, 1976 at the age of 86.

John P. McDonnell and Mary A. Daly, Ginger's Great-Grandparents

 

This is a narrative report generated in the NEGHS Register style using RootsMagic 10, for Ginger's great-grandparents, John Patrick McDonnell and Mary A. "Minnie" Daly. They are the paternal grandparents of Ginger's mother, Marion L. (McDonnell) Whitehead.

John Patrick McDonnell, 1864-1933
(from 1919 Passport Application)

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I have several possible birth dates for John. The one that appears to be most correct is March 11, 1864 in County Cork, Ireland based on information from the Ireland Civil Registration records and Ireland Births and Baptisms indexes. Other alternate birth dates I found include:

• about 1863 from the 1920 US federal census
• about 1865 from the 1905 NY state census
• March, 1866 from the 1892 NY state census and the 1900 federal census
• about 1867 estimated from his age listed on the ship manifest for the ship he may immigrated to the United States on, the "Bothnia"
• about 1868 from the 1910 federal census
• March 11, 1868 from his passport applications in 1919 and 1924
• about 1870 from the 1925 NY state census and the 1930 federal census

The one thing all the birth dates agree on is that he was born in Ireland!

It’s a similar situation for his emigration date. The dates I’ve found include:

• October 21, 1887 to United States. This information came from his 1893 naturalization record, and is likely correct since the information was provided earlier than other emigration dates from censuses and passport applications. The 1887 emigration date was also documented in the 1905 NY state census.
• September, 1888 to New York City, New York according to his 1919 passport application and his death certificate. His emigration dates from the 1900 and 1920 federal censuses were also 1888. His 1924 passport application said he emigrated in Oct 1888 from Quoinstown (Queenstown?), Ireland. The name of the town he emigrated from on the 1924 application is difficult to read. On his 1919 passport application, the town he wrote on the application looked like "Lusenstown".
• 1890 from the 1925 NY state census.

He may have traveled on the ship "Bothnia" from Ireland to the U.S. in June, 1889. A John McDonnell who was 22 years old and a laborer was listed on a ship's manifest. Not sure if this was Ginger's great-grandfather or not. The ship sailed out of Liverpool, and John was number 63 on the list of passengers. He stayed on the ship in the No. 7 berth forward and had one piece of luggage. His native country was Ireland and his destination was the USA.

John declared for naturalization on July 15, 1891 at the Court of Common Pleas in New York, New York, giving his address as 293 Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

John appeared in the New York state census on February 16, 1892 at Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. He was 25 years old, born in Ireland, and worked as a Bookkeeper. He was not yet a citizen.

Similar to his birth dates and immigration dates, I've found multiple dates for John's naturalization:

• 1892 at Suspense Court in New York, New York was provided by John from his his trip to Ireland in 1913. Did he mean Superior Court?
• September 6, 1893 at the Court of Common Pleas in New York City, New York. This appears to be his actual date of naturalization. It matches the date from his 1919 passport application and his entry in the 1920 census. The witness to his naturalization was William O'Neill, 57 Wyckoff St, Brooklyn, NY. At this time, John lived at 272 Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York and worked as a clerk.
• September, 1894 at the Superior Court in New York, New York. This naturalization date came from his 1924 passport application and the ship's manifest, the S.S. Celtic, that he traveled on. It is one year later than his actual naturalization date.
• 1896 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York from the 1925 NY state census.

He was working as an accountant on June 11, 1900 and on June 1, 1905. He was an accountant at a mercantile (possibly the Cotton Exchange) on April 15, 1910.

He traveled from Queenstown, Ireland to New York from February 26, 1911 to March 6, 1911. He was traveling in second class on the Baltic, of the White Star Line. His occupation was listed as an accountant.

He traveled from Southampton, England to New York from May 7, 1913 to May 14, 1913. He was on the Oceanic of the White Star line (the same line as the Titanic). John was 45 years old. Since his father had passed away in 1912, this trip may have been to arrange his father's affairs and help his mother. At that time, he gave his address as 289 Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

I have not been able to find John in the 1915 census in New York.

John applied for a passport to travel to Ireland on March 21, 1919. He needed to go to Ireland to settle the estate of his mother, who had passed away on February 20, 1919. His passport wasn't approved until March 21, 1920. At the time of his passport application, he lived at 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

On the passport application, he was described as 51 years old, 5' 7" tall, high forehead, blue/gray eyes, normal nose, normal mouth, round chin, gray hair, fair complexion and oval face. This information was on page 2 of his passport application. William M. Muhrhell (?), who lived at 235 73rd Street, Brooklyn, testified in an affidavit that he had known John for 25 years. John's photo was also on page 2 of the passport application and is the photo at the beginning of this writeup.

John worked as an accountant at the Cotton Exchange on January 15, 1920.

He traveled from Southampton, England to New York, New York on the S.S. St. Paul in May, 1920. He was listed among the "List of United States Citizens" on the ship's manifest, however his name was crossed out. The only information given was his name and age, 52. Information about naturalization and place of residence in the U.S. was left blank.

John applied for a passport to travel to Ireland on May 8, 1924. On the passport application, he said he had traveled to Ireland 3 times before: in 1911 for 3 weeks, in 1913 for 3 weeks, and in 1920 for 5 weeks. He intended to travel on the "Baltic", leaving from the Port of New York on 24 May 1924. For identification, he used his expired passport from his 1920 trip. John's passport for this trip was granted on 13 May 1924 in Washington, DC and mailed to 703 Cotton Exchange, New York, New York per his request.

The passport application indicated he was an accountant and he was employed at The Cotton Exchange in New York, New York. He was described as 56, 5' 7", high forehead, blue gray eyes, medium nose, medium mouth, round chin, gray hair, fair complexion, and oval face. He lived at 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

He traveled from Cobh, England to New York, New York on the S.S. Celtic from June 15, 1924 to June 22, 1924. Cobh was formerly known as Queenstown. John was 56 years old and married. He listed his address at that time as 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

John appeared in the New York state census on June 1, 1925 at 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. He was the head of household, 55 years old (?), born in Ireland, in the U.S. for 35 years, naturalized in 1896 in Brooklyn, and worked as an accountant for wages.

He was an accountant at the Cotton Exchange on April 3, 1930.

John died from chronic myocarditis on February 13, 1933 at the age of 68 at 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. The hospital listed on his death certificate index entry was Hoyt and Sackett Hospital in Brooklyn. He was a Certified Public Accountant when he passed away.

His obituary appeared on February 14, 1933 in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York:

"John P. McDonnell, a well-known resident of the old 10th Ward, where he lived for 45 years, died yesterday at his home, 267 Carroll St. He was taken ill suddenly while attending mass at St. Agnes' R. C. Church.

He was for many years active In fraternal circles. He was past chief ranger of Court Brooklyn, Foresters of America, and secretary-treasurer of Branch 186, Catholic Knights of America. He was the husband of the late Mary A. Daly McDonnell. Surviving are two sons, Roger A. and John C; a daughter, Lillian M., and a brother, William.

A requiem mass will be celebrated in St. Agnes' R. C. Church on Thursday morning at 9::30 o'clock, with interment In Holy Cross Cemetery."

John was buried on February 16, 1933 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

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John Patrick McDonnell and Mary A. "Minnie" Daly were married about 1891. This date is estimated based on how long they said they had been married in the 1900 census (9 years) and the 1910 census (19 years).

They appeared in the 1900 census on June 11, 1900 at 287 Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. The family was living in a rented home with two other families at the same address. 

• John P. was born in March 1866, 34 years old, and married for 9 years to his wife, Mimmie. He was born in Ireland, as were his parents. He emigrated to the United States in 1888, had been in the country for 12 years, and was a naturalized citizen. He worked full-time as an accountant, and could read, write and speak English. 
• His wife, Minnie, was born in May 1868, 32 years old, and married for 9 years. She had 3 children, of which 2 were still living. Like her husband, she and her parents were born in Ireland. She came to the United States in 1887, had been here for 13 years, and was not indicated as a naturalized citizen. She had no occupation, and could also read, write and speak English. 
• Their sons, Roger William and John C. McDonnell were living with them.

They appeared in the NY state census on June 1, 1905 at 287 Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Members of the John P. McDonnell household included:

• McDonnell, John P; Head; W; M; 40 at last birthday; Ireland; 18 years in U.S.; Citizen; Accountant; Wage earner
• McDonnell, Mary; Wife; W; F; 35; Ireland; 18; Citizen; Housework
• McDonnell, Rodger; Son; W; M; 13; U.S.; Citizen; School
• McDonnell, John C; Son; W; M; 8; U.S.; Citizen; School
• McDonnell, Elizabeth; Daughter; W; F; 4; U.S.; Citizen; At Home

John and Minnie appeared in the census on April 15, 1910 at 287 Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Members of John P. McDonnell household listed in the 1910 census:

• McDonnell, John P; Head; M; W; 42; M1; 19 years married; Ireland; Ireland; Ireland; 1889; Naturalized; English; Accountant; Mercantile; Wage earner; 0 weeks out of work in 1909; read; write; rented; home
• McDonnell, Mary; Wife; F; W; 40; M1; 19; 4 children, 3 still living; Ireland; Ireland; Ireland; 1887; English; None; read; write
• McDonnell, Roger M; Son; M; W; 17; S; New York; Ireland; Ireland; English; None; read; write; attended school
• McDonnell, John C; Son; M; W; 13; S; New York; Ireland; Ireland; English; None; read; write; attended school
• McDonnell, Elizabeth; Daughter; F; W; 9; S; New York; Ireland; Ireland; None; attended school

They appeared in the census on January 15, 1920 at 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Members of John P. McDonnell household:

• McDonnell, John P; Head; M; W; 57; Married; Immigrated 1888, Naturalized in 1893; read; write; Ireland/English; Ireland/English; Ireland/English; English; Accountant; Cotton Exchange; Wage worker
• McDonnell, Mary; Wife; F; W; 50; Married; Immigrated 1887, Naturalized in 1893; read; write; Ireland/English; Ireland/English; Ireland/English; English; None
• McDonnell, Lillian; Daughter; F; W; 19; Single; attended school; read; write; New York; Ireland/English; Ireland/English; English; None

They appeared in the census on April 3, 1930 at 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Members of John P McDonnell household listed in the 1930 census:

• McDonnell, John P; Head; M; W; 60; Married at 27; no school; read and write; Ireland; Ireland; Ireland; English; Immigrated in 1889; Naturalized; Accountant at Cotton Exchange; Wage worker; at work day before census
• McDonnell, Mary; Wife; M (s/b F); W; 60; Married at 27; no school; read and write; Ireland; Ireland; Ireland; English; Immigrated in 1887; Naturalized; None
• McDonnell, Lillian; Daughter; F; W; 29; Single; attended school; read and write; New York; Ireland; Ireland; English; Teacher at Public School; Wage worker; at work day before census

John and Minnie lived at 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York on April 8, 1931. This information came from the obituary of John's wife, Mary McDonnell.

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Mary A. "Minnie" Daly, daughter of Daniel Daly and Mary Hurly, was born on May 8, 1865 in Innishannon, County Cork, Ireland. This date came from the registrar's records for the Bandon District. The record listed her parents as Daniel Daly of Innishannon and Mary Daly, formerly Hurly. Daniel was a carpenter, and he was the informant for the birth, which was registered on 10 May 1865.

She was baptized on May 9, 1865 in Innishannon, Cork, Ireland. Daniel Daly and Mary Hurley were identified as her parents. Umphery [Humphrey?] Desmond and Mrs. Donovan were the sponsors.

As with her husband, John, I've found/calculated multiple birth dates for Minnie, all with the birthplace Ireland:

• May, 1868 from the 1892 NY state census
• about 1869 from the 1910, 1920 federal censuses
• about 1870 from the 1905 NY state census and the 1930 federal census
• about 1872 from her death certificate
• about 1873 from the 1925 NY state census

I've also found several emigration dates for Mary, like I found for her husband, John:

• about 1885 from Ireland according to her death certificate
• 1887 from Ireland according to her entries in the 1900-1930 federal censuses and the 1905 NY state census. She most likely arrived in New York City, NY
• about 1890 from Ireland according to the 1925 NY state census

She appeared in the New York state census on February 16, 1892 at Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. She was 24 years old, born in Ireland, and a Housewife (assume married to John P. McDonnell at this time). She was not yet a citizen.

Mary was naturalized in 1893. This matches what I believe to be the correct naturalization date for her husband, John. At this time, foreign-born wives were automatically naturalized when their husbands were naturalized.

Minnie appeared in the New York state census on June 1, 1925 at 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. She was the wife of John P. McDonnell, 52 years old (?), born in Ireland, in the U.S. for 35 years, a citizen, and did housework.

She died from cirrhosis of the liver on April 8, 1931 at the age of 65 at 267 Carroll Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

Her obituary appeared on April 9, 1931 in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper in Brooklyn, New York:

"McDonnell, Mary (nee Daly), at her residence, 267 Carroll St., on April 8, beloved wife of John P. McDonnell and loving mother of Roger A., John C. and Lillian M. McDonnell. Funeral Saturday, 9:30 a.m.; thence to St. Agnes' R. C. Church. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery."

Minnie was buried on April 11, 1931 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

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John Patrick McDonnell and Mary A. Daly had the following children:

• Roger William McDonnell, born June 23, 1892, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; married Mary Stopenhagen, about July 28, 1915, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; died February 15, 1971, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.
• Mary Catharine McDonnell, born July 30, 1894 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; died March 21, 1900 at the age of 5 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; buried March 23, 1900 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.
• John Christopher McDonnell, born December 4, 1896, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; married Olive Rose Fagan, October 7, 1926, Rochester, Monroe, New York; died October 21, 1975, Brooklyn, New York.
• Elizabeth "Lillian" McDonnell, born October 5, 1900 in United States (probably Brooklyn, Kings County, New York); died January 16, 1968 at the age of 67 at Clove Lake Nursing Home in Richmond, New York, New York; buried January 20, 1968 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

William J. Kinsley and Elvira Gertrude Rose - Ginger's Great-Grandparents

This is a narrative report generated in the NEGHS Register style using RootsMagic 10, for Ginger's great-grandparents, William J. Kinsley and Elvira Gertrude Rose. They are the maternal grandparents of Ginger's father, Thomas Whitehead IV.

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William Joseph Kinsley was born on August 27, 1865 in Blackstone, Worcester County, Massachusetts.

He lived in Blackstone, Worcester County, Massachusetts on June 23, 1870 in the household of his father, Thomas Kinsley, which included:

• Kinsley, Thomas; 34; M; W; works in cotton mill; real estate $70; personal estate $200; born in England; father and mother of foreign birth; male citizen over 21
• Kinsley, Mary; 35; F; W; keeping house; born in Ireland; father and mother of foreign birth
• Kinsley, William; 4; M; W; at home; born in Mass; father and mother of foreign birth
• Kinsley, Mary; 1; F; w; at home; born in Mass; father and mother of foreign birth
• Houghs, Nancy; 65; F; W; housework; born in Ireland; father and mother of foreign birth; cannot read and write

He lived at Pleasant Street in Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island on June 4, 1880 in his father's household:

• Kinsley, Thomas; W; M; 45; married; Cotton Weaver; born in England; father and mother born in Ireland
• Kinsley, Mary; W; F; 40; Wife; married; Cotton Weaver; self, father and mother born in Ireland
• Kinsley, William; W; M; 13; Son; single; At School; born in Mass; father born in England; mother born in Ireland
• Kinsley, Mary; W; F; 11; Daughter; single; At School; born in Mass; father born in England; mother born in Ireland
• Kinsley, Ann; W; F; 80; Mother; Widowed; Keeping house; self, father and mother born in Ireland

William lived in Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island on June 1, 1885 still in his father's household. The family name was misspelled as "Kingsley:"

• Kingsley [Kinsley], Thomas; M; Head; W; 45; married; place of birth England; parentage English; Weaver; not read; not write; naturalized
• Kingsley [Kinsley], Mary; F; Wife; 40; married; place of birth England; parentage English; housewife; not read; not write 
• Kingsley [Kinsley], Willie; M; Son; 22; single; place of birth Woonsocket; parentage English; Book-keeper; registered voter
• Kingsley, Mary; F; Daughter; 20; single; place of birth Woonsocket; parentage English; Carder Cotton Mill
• Kingsley [Kinsley], Nancy; F; Mother [should be mother-in-law]; 100; widowed; place of birth Ireland; parentage Ireland; not read; not write

He was managing editor of the Penman's Journal according to an article in the Morristown County Chronicle (Morristown, NJ) on November 12, 1897. The article said: "BUSINESS NOTES...William J. Kinsley, managing editor of the Penman's Journal, who for many years has been engaged in the work of expert examination of forged and disputed handwriting and as an expert accountant, has formed a co-partnership with D. T. Ames, of New York, with whom he has been associated for many years."

A little more information about the Penman's Journal and D. T. Ames, provided by ChatGPT:

"The Penman's Journal was a late 19th to early 20th-century publication focused on penmanship, calligraphy, and related skills like bookkeeping. It targeted business professionals, educators, and penmanship enthusiasts, offering articles, instructional content, and exemplars, especially in Spencerian and ornamental styles. Contributions came from master penmen like William J. Kinsley, who was also an expert in handwriting forgery detection. The journal was significant during a time when penmanship was highly valued for professionalism, particularly in business settings, and it set standards for excellence in handwriting before typewriters and computers became prevalent.

D. T. Ames, mentioned in the business note, was a well-known figure in the world of penmanship. He was a prominent penman and publisher, often associated with other penmanship publications like The Ames' Guide to Self-Instruction in Practical and Artistic Penmanship. The partnership between Ames and Kinsley likely aimed at combining their expertise to further enhance the field of penmanship through their journalistic and instructional work."

William was named in the obituary of his father-in-law, Oscar Philip Rose, that appeared in the Washington Times newspaper on June 8, 1901 in Washington, D. C..

He lived at 244 Prospect Street in Nutley, Essex County, New Jersey until March 25, 1916, when he died at the age of 50 at Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan Borough, New York City, New York.

He had several obituaries. One obituary appeared on March 26, 1916 in the New York Tribune newspaper in New York, New York:

"WILLIAM J. KINSLEY, WRITING EXPERT, DEAD

Recognized in Many Celebrated Trials as an Authority.

William J. Kinsley, considered one of the foremost handwriting experts, died last night at the age of fifty. He lived at 244 Prospect Street, Nutley, N.J., and leaves a wife and two children.

Kinsley, besides having a scientific knowledge of all the tricks and telltale signs of handwriting gleaned from a life of study of his subject, possessed an insight into the characteristics of the writer as shown by penmanship. He was called as expert in many celebrated trials during the last twenty years, among them the Thaw trial, in which he was asked for an opinion on whether Thaw’s writing was that of a rational man."

More information on the Thaw trial mentioned in the obituary above (provided by ChatGPT): 

"The Thaw trial mentioned in the obituary refers to the infamous case involving Harry Kendall Thaw, a wealthy and controversial figure in the early 20th century. The case that garnered significant public attention was the murder trial of Harry K. Thaw, who was accused of killing the renowned architect Stanford White in 1906.

Background of the Thaw-White Case

The trial centered around a dramatic love triangle involving:
Stanford White: A famous architect known for designing several iconic buildings in New York City.
Evelyn Nesbit: A young model and chorus girl who became White's mistress when she was a teenager.
Harry K. Thaw: A millionaire from a wealthy Pittsburgh family who later married Evelyn Nesbit.
Harry Thaw was reportedly enraged by White's past relationship with Evelyn, which he perceived as a seduction and exploitation of her innocence. On June 25, 1906, Thaw shot and killed White in a crowded rooftop theater at Madison Square Garden (a building designed by White himself). The murder occurred in front of numerous witnesses during a performance, leading to what was famously called the "Crime of the Century."

The Trial and Kinsley's Involvement

Harry Thaw's defense hinged on his claim of temporary insanity. The defense argued that Thaw was driven by an "unwritten law" to avenge Evelyn's honor. The case went through several trials due to hung juries, with Thaw ultimately being found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to an asylum.

William J. Kinsley, mentioned as a handwriting expert in your provided obituary, was called upon during one of these trials. His expertise was likely used to analyze letters or written evidence presented during the trial, possibly to assess Thaw's mental state through his handwriting. Handwriting analysis was occasionally used in early 20th-century legal proceedings to provide insight into a person's psychological condition.

Public and Media Sensation

The trial captivated the public and the media due to the scandalous details of the love affair, the social prominence of those involved, and the dramatic courtroom proceedings. It was one of the first American criminal trials to become a media spectacle, foreshadowing the modern-day phenomenon of celebrity trials.

While specific details of Kinsley's testimony in the Thaw case are not widely documented, his role as a handwriting expert in such a high-profile case underscores his reputation in the field of forensic handwriting analysis, as highlighted in his obituary."

Another obituary appeared on March 26, 1916 in the Brooklyn Eagle newspaper in Brooklyn, New York. Text of his obituary:

"CHIROGRAPHY EXPERT DIES

W. J. Kinsley Long an Authority on Handwriting.

New York, March 25 — William J. Kinsley, a handwriting expert who figured in many celebrated trials throughout the country, died here today at the age of fifty years. He is survived by a widow and two children."

What is a chirographer? From ChatGPT:

"Chirography is the art or study of handwriting. The term comes from the Greek words cheir (meaning "hand") and graphia (meaning "writing"). In a historical context, chirography can refer to the technique, style, or analysis of handwriting, often focusing on aspects like penmanship, calligraphy, or the unique characteristics that distinguish one person's handwriting from another.

In the obituary you provided, "chirography expert" refers to William J. Kinsley's expertise in analyzing handwriting, which he applied in legal cases to determine the authenticity of documents or the psychological characteristics of the writer. This field is closely related to graphology (the study of handwriting to infer a person's character) and forensic handwriting analysis, which is used in criminal investigations and legal contexts."

The last obituary appeared on March 27, 1916 in the New York Times newspaper in New York, New York:

"KINSLEY — On March 25, 1916, William Joseph Kinsley, beloved husband of Elvira Rose Kinsley, at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. Funeral services from his late residence, 244 Prospect St., West Nutley, N.J., Monday evening at 8 o'clock. Conveyances will meet train at West Nutley, Erie Railroad, Newark branch, leaving West 23d St., New York, 5:25 P.M."

William was buried on March 29, 1916 at Evergreen Cemetery in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey. 

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William Joseph Kinsley and Elvira Gertrude Rose were married on October 1, 1896 in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey.

They lived at 1275 Clinton Avenue in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey on June 1, 1900. The household of William J. Kinsley included:

• Kinsley, William J; Head; W; M; Aug 1865; 34; married for 14 years; born in RI; father born in England; mother born in Ireland; Writing Expert; can read, write and speaks English
• Kinsley, Evia [Elvira]; Wife; W; F; Mar 1865; 35; married for 14 years; self, father and mother born in NY; can read, write and speaks English
• Rose, Oscar P; father-in-law; W; M; May 1824; 76; married for 46 years; self, father and mother born in NY; can read, write and speaks English
• Pugsley, Nellie; sister-in-law; W; F; Jun 1870; 29; widowed; self, father and mother born in NY; can read, write and speaks English
• Burner, Buefia [?]; Servant; W; F; Feb 1867; 33; single; born in NY; father and mother born in Ireland; Servant; can read, write and speaks English

They lived in Nutley, Essex County, New Jersey on June 26, 1905. The household of Wm J Kinsley:

• Kinsley, Wm J; W; M; Aug 1865; 39; Married; born in Mass; father born in Ireland; mother born in England; Handwriting Expert; can read, write, speak English
• Kinsley, Elvira G; W; F; Mar 1866; 39; Married; self, father and mother born in NY; can read, write, speak English
• Kinsley, Wm J Jr; W; M; Sept 1900; 4; born in NY; father born in Mass; mother born in NY
• Kinsley, Gertrude E; W; F; Oct 1902; 2; born in NY; father born in Mass; mother born in NY
• Auy, Augusta; W; M; Feb 1889; 16; self, father and mother born in Germany; 5 years in U.S.; Servant; can read, write, speak English
• Wilson, James T; W; M; Jan 1878; 27; Single; born in NY; father born in Ireland; mother born in NY; Gardner; can read, write, speak English

William and Elvira lived at 244 Prospect Street in Nutley, Essex County, New Jersey on April 28, 1910. Their household consisted of:

• Kinsley, William J; Head; M; W; 44; Married for 14 years; born in MA; father and mother born in Ireland; Handwriting Expert; working on own account; can read and write
• Kinsley, Elvira; Wife; F; W; 43; Married for 14 years; 2 children with 2 living; self, father and mother born in NY; no occupation; can read and write
• Kinsley, William J Jr; Son; M; W; 9; Single; born in NJ; father born in MA; mother born in NY; attended school
• Kinsley, Gertrude; Daughter; F; W; 7; Single; born in NJ; father born in MA; mother born in NY; attended school
• Aug, Johanna; Servant; F; W; 19; Single; self, father and mother born in Germany; came to U.S. in 1900; speaks English; Cook for private family; wage worker; not out of work; can read and write; did not attend school

I have not been able to find William and Elvira yet in the 1915 New Jersey state census.

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Elvira Gertrude Rose, daughter of Oscar Philip Rose and Gertrude M. Burhans, was born on March 20, 1866 in Marlboro, Ulster County, New York.

She lived in Marlborough, Ulster County, New York on June 1, 1870 in the household of Oscar P. Rose, her father:

• Rose, Oscar P; 47; M; W; Farmer; real estate $12,000; born in NY; male citizen over 21
• Rose, Gertrude; 38; F; W; Keeping House; born in NY
• Rose, Abrm J; 16; M; W; At Home; born in NY; attended school
• Rose, Homer A; 14; M; W; born in NY; attended school
• Rose, Ida B; 10; F; W; born in NY; attended school
• Rose, L.S.D; 9; M; W; born in NY; attended school
• Rose, Eva C; 6; F; W; born in NY; attended school
• Rose, Elvira G; 4; F; W; born in NY; attended school
• Rose, Infant [Della?]; 3/12, born in April; F; W; born in NY
• Calder, Maggie; 26; F; W; Domestic Servant; born in NY
• Vanorsdale, Gilbert; 22; M; W; Laborer; born in NY; male citizen over 21

She lived in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York on June 1, 1875 in the household of Oscar P. Rose (her name was written down as "Alvira"):

• Oscar P. Rose; 53; M; born in Dutchess County; now married; Contractor; native voter
• Gertrude Rose; 42; F; wife; born in Ulster County; now married
• Abraham Rose; 21; M; son; born in Dutchess County; single; Lawyer; native voter
• Homer Rose; 19; M; son; born in Dutchess County; single
• Lenox Rose; 14; M; son; born in Dutchess County; single
• Ida Rose; 15; F; daughter; born in Dutchess County; single
• Eva Rose; 10; F; daughter; born in Ulster County; single
• Alvira Rose; 9; F; daughter; born in Ulster County; single
• Nellie Rose; 5; F; daughter; born in Ulster County; single

Elvira lived at 87 South Clinton Street in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York on June 2, 1880. The household of Oscar Rose:

• Rose, Oscar P; W; M; 55; married; Hay Dealer; self, father and mother born in NY
• Rose, Gertrude M; W; F; 46; wife; married; Keeping House; self, father and mother born in NY
• Rose, Thomas A; W; M; 24; son; single; Lawyer; self, father and mother born in NY
• Rose, Ida B; W; F; 21; daughter; single; School Teacher; self, father and mother born in NY
• Rose, Lenox S D; W; M; 19; son; single; Teamster; self, father and mother born in NY
• Rose, Eva C; W; F; 16; daughter; single; at school; attended school within census year; self, father and mother born in NY
• Rose, Elvira G; W; F; 14; daughter; single; at school; attended school within census year; self, father and mother born in NY
• Rose, Della [?] W O; W; F; 10; daughter; single; at school; attended school within census year; self, father and mother born in NY

She lived in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York on February 16, 1892 in the household of Oscar P. Rose:

• Oscar P. Rose; M; 68; born in United States; Citizen; Occupation of Gentleman
• Gertrude M. Rose; F; 59; born in United States; Citizen
• Elvira G. Rose; F; 25; born in United States; Citizen

The last census she was listed in where she was single was the 1895 New Jersey state census. She lived in Union, Union County, New Jersey on June 1, 1895 and the household of Oscar P. Rose consisted of:

• Oscar P. Rose; White male; over 60 years old
• Gertrude M. Rose; White female; over 60 years old
• Lenox F. Rose; White male; 20-60 years old
• Vira F. Rose; White female; 20-60 years old
• Nettie R. Pugsley; White female; 20-60 years old
• Henry Jackson; Colored male; 20-60 years old
• Annie Dorsenger; Other nationality female; 20-60 years old

Have not found Elvira yet in the 1915 census in New Jersey.

She died after an illness lasting about three months on June 20, 1919 at the age of 53 in Montclair, Essex, New Jersey.

Her obituary appeared on June 21, 1919 in the Poughkeepsie Eagle-News newspaper in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York:

"ELVIRA R. KINSLEY DIES AT MONTCLAIR

Mrs. Elvira Rose Kinsley, daughter of Oscar P. Rose, and wife of William J. Kinsley, the hand-writing expert, died Friday at her home in Montclair, N. J., after an illness lasting about three months. Mrs. Kinsley was born in this city and spent her early life here. Oscar P. Rose was connected with the Poughkeepsie Transportation Co. for a number of years and removed to New York City after severing his connection with the boat company. Mrs. Kinsley was a brother of Abram J. Rose, former Poughkeepsian and a prominent member of the New York Bar, and leaves another brother, Lenox S. Rose, of Paterson, N. J. She also leaves two children, Wilbur J. and Gertrude, and three sisters, Mrs. Ida Prollet, of Sayre, Pa., Mrs. Iva Covington, of Montgomery, Ala., and Mrs. von Stow, of New York City. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 10:30 on the arrival of the 9:10 train from New York City over the D., L. & W. R. R. Interment will be made in the Montclaim Cemetery."

Elvira was buried on June 23, 1919 at Evergreen Cemetery in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey.

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William Joseph Kinsley and Elvira Gertrude Rose had the following children:

William Joseph Kinsley Jr., born September 17, 1900, Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey; married first Barbara Georgina Penrose, July 21, 1927, Portland, Multnomah, Oregon; married second Margaret Louise Foyle, December 6, 1941, Towanda, Bradford, Pennsylvania; died March 30, 1944, Contra Costa, California.

Gertrude Elvira "Giddy" Kinsley, born October 14, 1902, Nutley, Essex County, New Jersey; married Thomas Whitehead III, January 23, 1925, Washington, D. C.; died June 11, 1986, Lynchburg (City), Virginia.

John Christopher McDonnell and Olive Rose Fagan - Ginger's maternal grandparents

This is a narrative report generated in the NEGHS Register style using RootsMagic 10, for Ginger's maternal grandparents, John Christopher McDonnell and Olive Rose Fagan.

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John Christopher McDonnell was born on December 4, 1896 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

He lived at 287 Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York on June 11, 1900. John C. was living with his parents, John P. and "Mimmie" McDonnell, and his older brother, Roger William McDonnell. He was born in December 1896 in New York and was 3 years old. Both his parents were born in Ireland.

He lived at 287 Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York on June 1, 1905. Members of the John P. McDonnell household listed in the 1905 NY state census were:

• McDonnell, John P; Head; W; M; 40 at last birthday; Ireland; 18 years in U.S.; Citizen; Accountant; Wage earner
• McDonnell, Mary; Wife; W; F; 35; Ireland; 18; Citizen; Housework
• McDonnell, Rodger; Son; W; M; 13; U.S.; Citizen; School
• McDonnell, John C; Son; W; M; 8; U.S.; Citizen; School
• McDonnell, Elizabeth; Daughter; W; F; 4; U.S.; Citizen; At Home

John lived at 287 Smith Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York on April 15, 1910. Members of John P. McDonnell household listed in the 1910 census were:

• McDonnell, John P; Head; M; W; 42; M1; 19 years married; Ireland; Ireland; Ireland; 1889; Naturalized; English; Accountant; Mercantile; Wage earner; 0 weeks out of work in 1909; read; write; rented; home
• McDonnell, Mary; Wife; F; W; 40; M1; 19; 4 children, 3 still living; Ireland; Ireland; Ireland; 1887; English; None; read; write
• McDonnell, Roger M; Son; M; W; 17; S; New York; Ireland; Ireland; English; None; read; write; attended school
• McDonnell, John C; Son; M; W; 13; S; New York; Ireland; Ireland; English; None; read; write; attended school
• McDonnell, Elizabeth; Daughter; F; W; 9; S; New York; Ireland; Ireland; None; attended school

He registered for the World War I draft on June 5, 1918 at Manual Training High School, 7th Ave. 4th & 5th Sts. in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. He was described as medium height and build, dark blue eyes and dark brown hair. His nearest relative was his father, John P. McDonnell of 267 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY. John lived at 18 Sterling Place in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York on June 5, 1918. He was employed by the NY Dock Co at 2001 Montague St. in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York on June 5, 1918.

He served in the U. S. Army during World War I. His tour of duty must have been brief because he registered for the draft in June 1918 and the war was over in November 1918.

I have not been able to find John in the 1920 federal census, the 1925 NY state census, or the 1940 federal census.

He lived at 274 Navarre Road in Rochester, Monroe, New York on October 6, 1926, and he was an inspector in Rochester, Monroe, New York.

He was an electrical inspector in 1928.

He was a clerk at Boxart freight terminal in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1930, and was listed as a clerk for the steam railroad in Rochester, Monroe, New York on April 3, 1930.

He registered for the World War II "Old Man's" draft on April 27, 1942 at Local Board No. 170 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. He was described as 5' 7" and 145 pounds, with blue, black hair and a light complexion. He listed his wife, Olive, as the person who would always know his address. He lived at 67 93rd Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York and was employed by the Railway Mail Service, U. S. Government in New York City, New York.

He appeared in the 1950 census on April 5, 1950 at 67 93rd Street, Apt 3B in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. John was the head of household, 53 years old, married to Olive, and born in the U.S. [no state listed]. He worked 40 hours the week before the census as a Postal Transport Clerk for the Government's New York City Postal Transport Company. Along with his wife, Olive, his daughter, Marion, was living in the same household.

He lived at 67 93rd Street in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York until October 21, 1975, when he died at the age of 78 at Veterans Administration Hospital, 800 Poly Place in Brooklyn, New York. No cause of death was noted on the Certificate of Death. John passed away at 3:00 in the morning. His occupation on the Certificate was a clerk for the US Postal Service.

John's death notice was printed in the New York Daily News newspaper on Wednesday, October 22, 1975. Text of his obituary: 

"MCDONNELL — John C. Oct. 21, 1975. Beloved husband of Olive (nee Fagan). Dear father of Marion Whitehead, of Fla., also survived by 6 grandchildren. Funeral Fri. 9:15 A.M. from the McLAUGHLIN & SONS COLONIAL HOME, Third Ave. at 97 St. Bklyn. Mass of Resurrection Fri. 9:45 A.M. St. Patrick's Church."

He was buried on October 24, 1975 at Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York.

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John Christopher McDonnell and Olive Rose Fagan obtained a marriage license on October 6, 1926 in Rochester, Monroe, New York.

They were married on October 7, 1926 in Rochester, Monroe, New York by Thomas L. Connor. Olive's brother in law, Paul R. Bestor, witnessed the marriage. Emma L. Gleason also witnessed the marriage, but I don't know if she had any relationship to either John or Olive.

They lived at 274 Navarre Road in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1928.

They lived at 274 Navarre Road in Rochester, Monroe, New York on April 3, 1930. Members of John C. McDonnell's household were:

• McDonnell, John C.; Head; M; W; 32; married at 29; no school; read and write; New York; Ireland; Ireland; English; Clerk for Steam Railroad; wage worker; at work yesterday; veteran of World War
• McDonnell, Olive; Wife H; F; W; 31; married at 28; no school; read and write; New York; New York; New York; English; none
• McDonnell, Marion; Daughter; F; W; 2 and 6 months; single; no school; New York; New York; New York; none
• Fagan, Daniel J.; Father in law; M; W; 58; married at 25; no school; read and write; New York; New York; New York; English; Salesman at retail furniture store; wage worker; at work yesterday; marked as a veteran of the Civil War [obviously not correct; he was too young]
• Fagan, Lillian; Mother in law; F; W; 53; married at 20; no school; read and write; New York; New York; New York; English; none

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Olive Rose Fagan, daughter of Daniel James Fagan and Lillian E. Rodrick, was born on March 22, 1898 in Rush, Monroe County, New York.

She lived at a farm in Rush, Monroe County, New York on June 4, 1900. Members of the Daniel Fagan household listed in the 1900 census included:

• Fagan, Daniel; Head; W; M; Mar 1871; 29; Married 3 years; New York, Ireland, New York; Farmer; 0 months unemployed; read, write, speak English
• Fagan, Lillian; Wife; W; F; July 1876; 23; Married 3 years; 2 children born, 2 children living; New York, New York, New York; read, write, speak English
• Fagan, Ollie; Daughter; W; F; Mar 1898; 2; Single; New York, New York, New York
• Fagan, Eugene; Son; W; M; Aug 1899; 9/12; Single; New York, New York, New York

She lived at a farm in Rush, Monroe County, New York on June 1, 1905. The household of Daniel J. Fagan in the 1905 NY state census included:

• Fagan, Daniel J; Head; W; M; 34; United States; citizen; Farming; Employer
• Fagan, Lillian E; Wife; W; F; 29; United States; citizen; Housework
• Fagan, Olive R; Daughter; W; F; 7; United States; citizen; At School
• Fagan, Eugene W; Son; W; M; 5; United States; citizen
• Fagan, Ethel; Daughter; W; F; 3; United States; citizen

Olive lived at 321 St. Paul Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York on April 15, 1910. Members of Daniel J. Fagan household listed in the 1910 census were:

• Fagan, Daniel J; Head; M; W; 39; Married 1 for 12 years; New York; New York; New York; English; Bartender, Hotel; Wage worker; not out of work on April 15, 1910; 0 weeks not worked in 1909; read; write
• Fagan, Lillian E; Wife; F; W; 33; Married 1 for 12 years; 3 children born; 3 children alive; New York; New York; New York; English; Keeper, Hotel; Wage worker; not out of work on April 15, 1910; 0 weeks not worked in 1909; read; write
• Fagan, Olive; Daughter; F; W; 12; Single; New York; German [in error]; German [in error]; English; None; read; write; attended school
• Fagan, Eugene; Son; M; W; 10; Single; New York; New York; New York; English; None; read; write; attended school
• Fagan, Ethel; Daughter; F; W; 8; Single; New York; New York; New York; None; read; write; attended school
• Nippert, Phillip; Boarder; M; W; 52; Single; New York; New York; New York; English; Clerk, Hotel; Wage worker; not out of work on April 15, 1910; 0 weeks not worked in 1909; read; write
• Ripley, Fred; Lodger; M; W; 38; Single; New York; New York; New York; English; Electrician, Engineer; Wage worker; not out of work on April 15, 1910; 0 weeks not worked in 1909; read; write

She lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York on June 1, 1915. The household of Daniel J Fagan in the 1915 NY state census included:

• Fagan, Daniel J; Head; W; M; 43; U.S.; citizen; Real Estate; Own Account
• Fagan, Lillian E; Wife; W; F; 38; U.S.; citizen; Housework
• Fagan, Olive R; Daughter; W; F; 17; U.S.; citizen; Office Clerk; Wage Worker
• Fagan, Eugene W; Son; W; M; 16; U.S.; citizen; Delivery Boy; Wage Worker
• Fagan, Ethel M; Daughter; W; F; 13; U.S.; citizen; School

She was a bellows maker at 45 South Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1918.

She lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1919, and was an assembler at 45 South Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York.

She lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York on January 19, 1920 with her parents. Members of the Daniel J. Fagan household listed in the 1920 census included:

• Fagan, Daniel J.; Head; M; W; 48; Married; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; Salesman at Furniture Store; wage worker
• Fagan, Lillian E.; Wife; F; W; 43; Married; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; none
• Fagan, Olive R.; Daughter; F; W; 21; Single; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; Assembler at Camera Works; wage worker
• Fagan, Eugene W.; Son; M; W; 20; Single; no school; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; Musician in an Orchestra; wage worker
• Fagan, Ethel M.; Daughter; F; W; 18; Single; no school; read; write; New York; New York; New York; English; Cashier at a Department Store; wage worker

Olive lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1921, and was an assembler at 45 South Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York.

She lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1924, and was still an assembler.

She lived at 69 Pearl Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York for part of 1925, still working as an assembler.

Olive lived at 163 Alexander Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York on June 1, 1925 with her parents. The household of Daniel J Fagan in the 1925 NY state census included:

• Fagan, Daniel J; head; W; M; 56; US; citizen; salesman; wage worker
• Fagan, Lillian E; wife; W; F; 46; US; citizen; housework
• Fagan, Olive R; daughter; W; F; 26; US; citizen; Bellows Dept - Kodak; wage worker

She lived at 163 Alexander Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1926, and was a camera worker.

She lived at 274 Navarre Road in Rochester, Monroe, New York on October 6, 1926 and was employed at the Kodak Company in Rochester, Monroe, New York.

Olive lived at 163 Alexander Street in Rochester, Monroe, New York in 1927 and was still employed as  a camera worker.

She lived at 274 Navarre Road in Rochester, Monroe, New York on April 8, 1940. Members of her household were:

• McDonnell, Olive; informant; Head; F; W; 42; married; no school; 8th grade education; New York; 1935 - same house; Housework; 0 weeks worked; $0 income; no income from other sources
• McDonnell, Marion; Daughter; F; W; 12; single; attended school; 7th grade education; New York; 1935 - same house; student
• Fagan, Danial J.; Father; M; W; 68; married; no school; 8th grade education; New York; 1935 - same house; 0 hours worked week before census; 42 weeks unemployed; Musician in Dance Orchestra; paid worker; 10 weeks worked in 1939; $200 earned; income from other sources
• Fagan, Lillian; Mother; F; W; 63; married; no school; 8th grade education; New York; 1935 - same house; Housework; 0 weeks worked; $0 income; no income from other sources

[Note: John C. McDonnell, Olive's husband, was not listed with the family. I have not found him yet in the 1940 census.]

Olive appeared in the 1950 census on April 5, 1950 at 67 93rd Street, Apt 3B in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Olive was listed as the wife of John C. McDonnell, 52 years old, born in the U.S., and Keeping House. Along with her husband, John, her daughter, Marion, was also living in the same house.

She was named in the obituary of her father, Daniel James Fagan, that appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper on October 31, 1971. She was living in Brooklyn, NY at the time.

Olive was the informant on the death certificate of her brother, Eugene W. Fagan, on January 10, 1972.

She was the informant on the death certificate of her husband, John Christopher McDonnell, on October 21, 1975.

She was living in Brooklyn, New York on January 24, 1981 when her only child, her daughter Marion (McDonnell) Whitehead, passed away.

Olive was named in the obituary of her sister, Ethel M. Fagan, that appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper on April 1, 1985.

She moved to Florida from Brooklyn, NY in 1985.

She lived at 644 DeSoto Lane in Indian Harbour Beach, Brevard County, Florida until September 8, 1994. She lived with her granddaughter, Kathleen L. Whitehead.

She died from a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) on September 8, 1994 at the age of 96 at Medic Home Health Care Center in Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida.

Olive's obituary appeared in the Florida Today newspaper (Cocoa, FL) on September 10, 1994. The obituary text: 

"Olive R. McDonnell, 96, a homemaker, died Thursday, Sept. 8, at Medic Home Health Center of Melbourne.

Mrs. McDonnell was born in Rush, N.Y. She came to Brevard County in 1985 from Brooklyn, N.Y.

She was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic.

Survivors include her granddaughters, Kathleen Whitehead of Indian Harbour Beach and Virginia Campbell of Satellite Beach; grandsons, John Whitehead of Satellite Beach, Robert Whitehead of Palm Bay, William Whitehead of Lake Worth and Thomas Whitehead of Old Saybrook, Conn.; and seven great-grandchildren.

No calling hours are scheduled. A funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Burial will be in Fountainhead Memorial Park in Palm Bay. Brownlie and Maxwell Funeral Home in Melbourne is in charge of arrangements.

Donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 2800 Aurora Road, Suite H, Melbourne, FL 32935."

Olive was buried at Fountainhead Memorial Park in Palm Bay, Brevard County, Florida on September 12, 1994.

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John Christopher McDonnell and Olive Rose Fagan had the following child:

• Marion Lois McDonnell, born August 1, 1927, Rochester, New York; married Thomas Whitehead IV, February 3, 1952, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; died January 24, 1981, Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida.