EARLY, Polly

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, Rock Island Middle Ward, Rock Island, Illinois

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1830, Columbia, Bradford, Pennsylvania
• Occupation: 1850, Tavern Keeper
• Residence: 1850, Rock Island Middle Ward, Rock Island, Illinois
• Will: 15 Mar 1852, Rock Island, Illinois

Notes:

Possibly born in Connecticut (stated on Henrietta Earley Byrne’s death certificate in 1910).

Probate files are extensive. There are multiple claims from Bedford County, PA regarding debts owed by Robert M Earley. Additionally, further evidence he kept a tavern (a coffin maker claimed Earley owed him $14 for making coffins for two patrons who died in his tavern). Also, there appears one document of debt tied to both Robert M and Henry Earley. In 1857, a robbery-murder took place in Rock Island where a Henry Earley was the victim. Haven’t confirmed yet that this is one in the same, but there is a Henry (born ~1808) living with Robert, Lydia and family in Rock Island in the 1850 census.

Robert appears to have skipped out on ~$2,500 in unpaid debt when he left Bedford, PA. His creditors at some point learned of his debt (possibly late 1852, or early 1853), and tracked down his widow to try and collect. The court *appears* to have ruled in their favor, though it’s not clear if and how the debt was collected from the estate. Items documented in the estate are basic things, including beds, linens, etc., and don’t add up to more than a few hundred dollars.

From the Rock Island Weekly Argus, April 7th 1852:

Estate of Robert M Earley dec’d

Public notice is herby given that I shall attend before County court of Rock Island county at the May Term thereof, commencing on the first Monday of said month A.D. 1852, for the purpose of settling and adjusting all claims against the estate of R. M. Earley late of said County, deceased, when and where all claimants are required to present their demands for adjustment.

All persons indebted to said estate, are also notified to make payment to the undersigned without delay. Dated this 16th of March, 1852. — Lydia Earley, Administrator.

Robert married YOST, Lydia. Lydia was born in 1805 in Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Also Known As: Lydia Yont
• Residence: 1850, Rock Island Middle Ward, Rock Island, Illinois

Notes:

In later documents associated with Robert M Earley estate, Lydia is referred to as Lydia Johnson. In the assessment of the Earley estate after Robert’s death, the appraiser is named Johnson.