BYRNE, Walter Fernald

Other Events and Attributes:

• Cause of Death: Roller coaster accident
• Residence: 23 Apr 1910, 52 Walnut, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Census: 1920, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Notes:

FERNALD BYRNE MEETS WITH FATAL ACCIDENT

The first fatality on the great dipper at the beach was last evening done one of the brightest and most promising boys of the community, Fernald Byrne, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Byrne lost his life.

Fernald, a junior in the high school, was at the freshman reception enjoying the evening, and from there, with Noel Ferguson, a friend, went to the beach and it was in the neighborhood of 10:20 o’clock when the went on the dipper for a ride.

Brakeman Adolph Brutt stated that the two boys were standing up in the front seat of the first car all the way around as far as he could see them.

Coming in for (illegible) stops when the car was within about 50 feet of the end of the journey, Brutt suddenly saw Byrne’s feet up in the air and applied the brakes, lifting the car from the rail.

The entire six cars with about ten people in, came to a stop within about 15 feet, but young Byrne went under the forward car and it was necessary to get help to lift the car from him in order to get him out.

The cars passed over the body and when it was picked up life was gone. The head was badly crushed.

George Reid, the manager, practically confirmed Brakeman Brutt’s story. The Ferguson boy was so badly rattled by the accident that he was unable to give a coherent account of the accident.

When the car stopped he was yelling, “Where is he?” The accident occurred at about 10:20 last evening. In company with the Ferguson boy, Byrne had taken half a dozen rides around on the dipper before the fatal accident occurred.

From the comparatively small distance the cars ran after the boy fell, the cars were running slowly, preparatory to stopping, and where the accident occurred there is practically a level stretch of track with but very slight incline.

The news, when it was received at the freshmen reception, cast a gloom over the entire company, and quickly they left the evening where their young friend who meant so much to the school life had been a short time before.

Fernald was a lad who had much to look forward to in life, as he was one who would have had a future. He was a member of one of the well known families, his father, W. C. Byrne, being of the well-known firm of Byrne Bros. His mother, Mrs. Mabel Drennan Byrne, was a daughter of one of the families that had resided here from early days, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Drennan.

Fernald was born in this city, as was his mother, and after graduating from the Mission school went to the high school. He was an unusually bright lad, and one who entered into the activities of the school life, and would likely have gone on to college on completion of his high school course.

He has always attended the Congregational church and was a member of it, uniting several years ago. He was a member of the church choir and of the Boy Scouts, of which he was greatly interested.

Besides his parents he leaves brothers and sisters, John D, a student at Stanford university, Barbara, a student at Pomona college; Gilbert, Miriam and Louise. He was about 15 years old. The boy was taken to Wesendorf & Sons undertaking parlor.

(Santa Cruz Morning Sentinel, Sep 21, 1924)

INQUEST HELD ON DEATH OF W. FERNALD BYRNE AT BEACH

An inquest was held on the death of a 15 year old son of Walter C Byrne yesterday at the Wesendorf & Sons undertaking parlors, notes being taken by Mrs. Green, official court reporter while the questioning of witnesses was done by the coroner, George W Smith. S Matir, representing the United States Fidelity & Casualty company, and also Walter C Byrne, who asked a number of questions.

Dr. Cowden was the first witness called upon and told of being called to the beach by the accident and what he found on arriving. He stated that he was called about 10:25 Saturday night and arrived about ten minutes after the accident.

Young Byrne was dead when he arrived, and they were taking car from over the body. He stated he was lying on his back between the rails, with his feet pointing toward the stopping place of the train, and stated there were 8 or 10 cars in the train, eight passing over his body.

Q. by George Smith: What are the conditions as to lighting? A. There are lights where the car stops.

Q. Did you talk with any of the management? A. Yes, I talked with the manager of the train. He said just as the cars got over the hill he saw the body of the boy in the air. He applied the breaks and stopped the train.

Q. by Mr. Byrne: What is the condition of the platform? Is it finished off? A. It is about 75 feet from where the platform is. It was a rough condition there.

Dr. Cowden also stated that the boy was crushed in the head and chest. Adolph Brutt, brakeman of the train, was next called and told how long he had been engaged in his present occupation, and in answer to questions from Attorney Smith stated that this dipper was practically the same as the one in San Francisco.

He stated there were ten cars in the train and ten people riding them. He stated the brakes are operated from a station and on being asked if he could see the train all the way around stated he could not.

Q. by George Smith: You are the only man in charge, are you not? A. Of the brakes yes.

Q. This is the only means of stopping the train? A. Yes, sir.

Q. Did you see the accident? A. I heard the train coming and looked at the brakes and saw they were set, and when I looked up I saw the body in the air. I applied the brakes immediately.

Q. When you saw the body in the air, was the train over the rise? A. Yes, it had come over the top.

Q. What is the average speed of a train of this character? A. The average speed is about 35 miles an hour.

Q. What is the highest speed you could reach? A. That I could not say.

Q. Does it reach a speed of 90 miles an hour? A. That I do not know.

Q. The thrill is to have the people shoot around? A. Yes, sir.

Q. How far did the train travel before it stopped? A. 15 feet.

He stated that the brakes are frequently tested and that his hours of work were from ten in the morning until 10:30.

He also stated that the accident happened at 10:20 pm.

Q. by Mr. Byrne: Is there only one point where the emergency can be applied? A. Yes, at the station.

Q. What was the approximate speed where this accident occurred? A. 20 or 25 miles an hour.

S. Muir of the United States Fidelity & Guarantee company also questioned a number of witnesses.

Q. by Mr. Muir: How many trips do you think the boy had taken before he was killed? A. About six trips. (This was found to be wrong as Nome Ferguson testified that they had only taken three trips in all).

George Reed, manager of the dipper, and two other witnesses were questioned.

Nome Ferguson, a school boy 16 years of age, was called to the stand and testified as follows: “We got on a car and rode twice in the back seat. Started to go away and then went into the front seat. Going down we stood up a couple of times and at the top above the station were were standing before starting to make the turn. We had hold of the bar. Then were standing up until we came to the turn that starts to come back and sat down at that turn and stood up again right before the last ride and at the top I sat down at that place. I don’t remember whether he was standing or not. At the top of the rise I have a faint recollection of his going over. The momentum threw me off the seat.

Q. When you came up that last raise, were you standing up at the time? A. No.

Q. Was he standing up? A. I can not say.

Q. When you stood up, did you stand on the floor? A. On the floor.

At 12:30 the jury was excused until 1 o’clock in order that they could view the dipper and see where the accident occurred, and at 1 o’clock after deliberating, the verdict was as follows: “Accident resulting in crushed skull, broken neck and crushed chest. This accident being caused on the giant dipper at the beach.”

Walter Fernald Byrne was a boy well liked by all and particularly bright in his studies at the high school, where he was in his junior year, and the sympathy of a host of friends goes out bereaved father, mother, and children.

Captain Ryland Drennan, uncle of the boy, was also present at the inquest.

(Santa Cruz Morning Sentinel, Sep 22, 1924)

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: United States
• Census: 8 Jun 1880, 137 Maple Avenue, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Residence: 1900, Santa Cruz Ward 2, Santa Cruz, California
• Residence: 1910, r. 52 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz
• Residence: 23 Apr 1910, 52 Walnut, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Civil: 21 Mar 1922
• Arrival: Jul 1922, San Francisco, California
• Residence: 1930, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1935, 28 Union Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Notes:

Santa Cruz Evening News, 10 Sep 1923, Page 2 Col 3:

Santa Cruzans return from Oriental Trip

After a trip of two months, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Byrne and Mrs. Ethelbert Lardin have returned from the Orient. Upon leaving San Francisco on the liner President, their first stop was made at Honolulu and this was followed by visits to Japan, China and the Phillipines. The Santa Cruzans enjoyed a most wonderful trip and spent the major portion of their time traveling in Japan and China.

Santa Cruz Sentinel shows a Walter Byrne in Santa Cruz on 06 Jan 1891, as Treasurer for local Baptist Church Sunday School. Same Walter?

Census:
Maple Ave / Byrne, Walter / White / Male / Age 12 / Son / Single / Occupation: At School / Birthplace Mich / Birthplace of Father Conn / Birthplace of Mother Penn

Walter married DRENNAN, Mabel Louise on 6 Jun 1899 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA. Mabel (daughter of DRENNAN, Samuel and FERNALD, Olive Louisa) was born on 21 Feb 1874 in 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA; was christened on 6 Sep 1874 in First Congregational Church, Lincoln and Center Streets, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA; died on 15 Sep 1941 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; was buried on 18 Sep 1941 in IOOF Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: San Jose Normal School (aka San Jose State)
• Obituary: From the Santa Cruz Evening News Mrs. Mabel D. Byrne, 67, S. C. Leader, Succumbs Funeral services for Mrs. Mabel Drcnnan Byrne, 67, one of Santa Cruz' most esteemed women, who died at 11 o'clock Monday night at a local hospital, will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday from Wessendorf's mortuary. Private interment will follow in the I. O. O. F. cemetery. She had been ill since Sept. 5, when she suffered a stroke. Prominent in the church, educational, civic and social life in her native Santa Cruz, Mrs. Byrne will be mourned by the entire community in whose betterment she maintained an active leadership. Mrs. Byrne was born in the pioneer Drennan home on Church street, which recently was razed for the Wessendorf mortuary parking lot. She was the daughter of the late Samuel and Louisa Drennan. The mother was one of the early teachers in the public schools and was a leader in the church, club and civic life. Her father was a prominent citizen and for years a leading realtor and insurance agent. Mrs. Byrne attended the schools of the city, was graduated from the San Jose State Normal school, now known as San Jdse state college, and then was recognized as a teacher of unusual ability in the Mission Hill school. LEADER A woman with a keen mind and intellect she was a leader in all that stood for the best progress of the city. She figured in civic and social life, but above all her church life was always first; As a girl she united with the Congregational church. She was as an infant baptized in this church and the baptismal robe worn by her was worn by children of her own family for the sacred ceremonial. AFTERNOON CLUB She was one of the early members of the Saturday Afternoon Club, now the Santa Cruz Woman's club. From the beginning she was a member of the Friday Shakespeare club, also of the Santa Cruz Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and of the Decorative Art Society. She had served a number of times on the Santa Cruz Council of the Young Women's Christian Association and was interested in all the work for young people. In this city she was married to Walter C. Byrne. The wedding was at the family home on Church street Her husband preceded her in death about a year. He was prominent in the business life of the community and was connected with the Byrne Bros, store in the Drennan block. Surviving her are children, Barbara, of the high school faculty at San Diego, Gilbert and John, Santa Cruz; Mrs. George Shreve, Redwood City; Mis. Paul Kerr, Daley City; and a sister, Mrs. R. B. H. Collier, of Berkeley.
• Occupation: Teacher prior to marrying
• Cause of Death: Complications of stroke
• Residence: 1892, 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1900, Santa Cruz Ward 2, Santa Cruz, California
• Census: 23 Apr 1910, 52 Walnut, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1920, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Arrival: 13 Jul 1922, San Francisco, California
• Residence: 1930, 28 Union Street (now 332), Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Notes:

Birth:
Mrs. Byrne was born in the pioneer Drennan home on Church street, which recently was razed for the Wessendorf mortuary parking lot.

Residence:
Drennan, Mabel L Miss, Student, res 45 Church Street

Notes:

San Francisco Call, June 7, 1899:

Walter C. Byrne and Miss Mabel Drennan were married this morning at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Louisa Drennan.

The interior of the home presented a beautiful appearance. The back parlor, where the ceremony was solemnized, was decorated with festoons of smilax, woodwardia ferns and the pure white wax lily, which was the only flower used. The main parlor was decorated with sweet peas. The young couple stood in the bay-win-dow and the beautiful Episcopal service was road by Rev. James B. Orr of the First Congregational Church. The bride was gowned in a silk dress of blue— the same one used by her mother at her wedding. Miss Drennan was attended by her sister, Miss Dora Drennan, and Mr. Byrne by Thomas G. McCreary. A wedding breakfast followed the ceremony. The tables had been placed in the lawn under the trees, and in this natural garden spot with the addition of immense clusters of azaleas the breakfast was enjoyed.

Mrs. Byrne is a native of Santa Cruz and a graduate of the local high school and the State Normal School. For a number of years she has taught in the Santa Cruz schools.

Mr. Byrne is a member of the firm of Byrne Bros.

Married:
Samuel Drennan House on Church Street

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: From the Jackson Weekly Citizen, 08 Dec 1891 Died BYRNE - At his late residence, No. 137 Maple avenue, on Saturday, Nov 28, after an illness of five months, George Griffin Byrne, aged 58 years. Mr. Byrne came to Jackson with his parents from the east when a child, and had resided in Jackson for a period of fifty-one years. Deceased had been a member of the Baptist church for about thirty years, and had served that organization as deacon and in other capacities, filling every office with credit to himself. Mr. Byrne had been employed by the Withington & Cooley company as foreman of their prison contract for twenty-three years. Deceased leaves a wife and seven children to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent husband and father. The funeral occurred at 10 o'clock on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 2, Rev E. R. Curry officiating. The funeral was largely attended. The body was borne to the grave by the deacons of the Baptist church.
• Occupation: Carpenter/Joiner worked for private company with contract at Jackson prison
• Religion: Baptist
• Residence: 1 Jun 1840, Jackson, Michigan
• Residence: 1850, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan
• Residence: 1860, Jackson Ward 2, Jackson, Michigan
• Military: 23 Jun 1863, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan
• Residence: 1870, Jackson Ward 2, Jackson, Michigan
• Residence: 1872, Corner Blackstone & Wilkins, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Residence: 1876, 41 Washington, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Census: 8 Jun 1880, 137 Maple Avenue, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Residence: Jan 1887, 137 Maple Avenue, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA

Notes:

A carpenter by trade, working on his own, or as an employee of the Jackson penitentiary. When my daughter, Zoe, was born in 1988, my grandparents offered me a crib that had been made by George G Byrne. It was lovely, but looked terrible by comparison with modern cribs (e.g. slats that were a perfect fit for catching a baby’s head), so I declined. While I never would have used it, I regret not having a sample of his handiwork.

Military:
Registered for draft, but no record of serving

Census:
Maple Ave / Byrne, George G / White / Male / Age 47 / / Married / Occupation: Joiner / Birthplace Conn / Birthplace of Father Conn / Birthplace of Mother Conn

George married EARLEY, Henrietta on 22 Dec 1856 in Rock Island, IL. Henrietta (daughter of EARLEY, Robert M and YOST, Lydia) was born on 14 Apr 1838 in Pennsylvania; died on 13 Nov 1910 in Jackson, Jackson, MI, USA; was buried on 18 Nov 1910 in Mount Evergreen Cemetery, Jackson, Jackson, MI, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: Sudden indeed was the summons to Mrs Henrietta Byrne, widow of George G Byrne who died nineteen years ago. While sitting in her pew at the First Baptist church last Sunday morning with two of her daughters, Misses Anna and Josephine, she was seized with a stroke of apoplexy and instantly passed away. But while the call was sudden and unexpected it found her prepared, for she was a devout christian. Mrs. Byrne was 72 years of age, and is survived by seven children. Funeral services have been deferred until today when it is believed her son George of Santa cruz, California, will have arrived.
• Occupation: Homemaker
• Religion: Baptist
• Cause of Death: Apoplexy
• Residence: 1850, Rock Island Middle Ward, Rock Island, Illinois
• Residence: 1860, Jackson Ward 2, Jackson, Michigan
• Census: 8 Jun 1880, 137 Maple Avenue, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Census: 1 Jun 1900, 137 Maple Avenue, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Residence: 1910, Jackson Ward 3, Jackson, Michigan

Notes:

Census:
Maple Ave / Byrne, Henrietta / White / Female / Age 41 / Wife / Married / Occupation: Keeping House / Birthplace Penn / Birthplace of Father Penn / Birthplace of Mother Penn

Census:
137 Maple Ave / Byrne, Henrietta / Head / White / Female / Birth month: April / Birth Year: 1838 / Age: 62 / Marital Status: Widow / Children born: 7 / Children living: 7 / Birthplace: Pennsylvania / Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania / Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania / Occupation N/A / Can read / Can Write / Can Speak English / Owns Home / No Mortgage / House (not farm)

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Real Estate, General Agent
• Residence: 1850, Not Stated, Sangamon, Illinois
• Arrival: Aft Jan 1853, New Orleans, LA
• Arrival: Bef Mar 1853, Panama Isthmus, Panama
• Arrival: Mar 1853, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Arrival: Aft Mar 1853, Gold Fields, Mariposa County, CA, USA
• Arrival: Aft Apr 1853, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Occupation: Between 1856 and 1891, Real Estate & Insurance Agent
• Membership: 1857, Grand Lodge of California, Free & Accepted Masons
• Residence: 1860, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Witness: Dec 1860, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Juror: Aug 1862, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1870, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1884, 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Notes:

From DAR of California Pioneers:

A member of a pioneer Illinois family ? 1822 his grandfather surveyed and marked stakes for Springfield, Ill. He left Illinois Dec. 18, 1852 and went down the Mississippi to New Orleans, thence to Isthmus which he crossed on mule back ? arrived in San Francisco, Calif March 1853. He went to mines of Mariposa County for a short time then came to Santa Cruz where he remained until his death. He served as Deputy Sheriff under the second, third and fourth sheriffs of the County. The fourth Sheriff of the County was John T. Porter. ON return from a hot dusty ride Mr. Porter and Samuel Drennan went to mouth of San Lorenzo river on Monterey Bay, disrobed and bathed in surf. They were greatly invigorated and continued the practice. Huts for dressing rooms were erected and sea bathing, now one of Santa Cruz main attractions, was inaugurated. He was a member of the Butler Guards during the Civil War. He was a member of the early Volunteer Fire Company ? the Pilots. He was instrumental in introducing bituminous rock, a native product, as a road building material. He was prominent in the business and social life of the city from 1854 until his death in 1891.

Buried:
JPG, Genealogy/Reunion/headstones/2007 10 03 002_edited-1.jpg, Samuel Drennan Headstone, HEADSTONE, JPG, Genealogy/Reunion/headstones/2007 10 03 004_edited-1.jpg, Drennan Family Marker, HEADSTONE

Samuel married FERNALD, Olive Louisa on 28 May 1868 in Pacific Ocean House, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co, CA. Olive (daughter of FERNALD, Oliver and ADAMS, Louisa) was born on 4 Apr 1839 in North Berwick, York, ME, USA; died on 21 Feb 1921 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA; was buried on 26 Feb 1921 in IOOF Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co, CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: MRS. OLIVE DRENNAN'S LONG, USEFUL LIFE, DRAWS TO CLOSE This morning, soon after three o'clock, occurred the death of an old citizen of Santa Cruz -- one of most distinguished ones -- a woman identified with the best things carried on In this city for a very long period. Mrs. Olive Louisa Drennan passed to her well-earned rest, at the age of 81 years 1 month and 21 days. She had been ill at her home on Church street, only being in bed for a week, though she had needed care for five years. She had a keen brain to the last, vividly interested in matters of world wide importance a great reader tile best in modern literature, as as that of older times. Mrs Drennan -- Olive Louisa Fernald being her maiden name -- was born in North Berwick, Maine, and received her education there and Boston, where she attended school under W. J. Rolfe, the famous Shakespearian scholar. In '63 she came to California with her sister, Mrs. Amasa Pray, Mr. Pray and their family of children. They were in Santa Barbara for a year, with a brother, Charles Fernald. In '64 Miss Fernald settled in Santa Cruz with the Prays, and she taught in Santa Cruz schools for four years. While at Mission hill's little two room building she was one of those who planted a long row of trees, a later landmark. She married in '68 Samuel Drennan, a prominent business man, and entered the Church street Home where she passed away last night, as a bride. She was a staunch Congregationalism secretary of the Ladies' society and the missionary society for years almost without number. She was the second president of the Decorative Art society and Women's exchange a charter member of the Improvement society, which closed its affairs in her home a few months ago. She was its treasurer for a long period. Other activities were the D. A. R., to the local chapter of which she belonged, an honored member, and the Saturday Afternoon club. Mrs. Drennan is survived by her four children Captain Ryland Drennan of the Pacific Mail Steamship company, at Shanghai, but at present in Calcutta; Mrs. Hazzard Gragg of San Luis Obispo; Mrs. Walter Byrne of this city, and Mrs. R. H. B. Collier of Berkeley. The funeral services will be by her own request, strictly private, and will be held at her late home, 45. Church street, tomorrow afternoon at half past 2.
• Residence: 1850, Berwick, York, Maine
• Residence: 1860, North Berwick, York, Maine
• Residence: 1870, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Residence: 1892, 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1900, Santa Cruz Ward 3, Santa Cruz, California
• Residence: 1910, r. 45 Church street, Santa Cruz, CA
• Residence: 1910, 3-Wd Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
• Residence: 1914, 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
• Residence: 1920, Santa Cruz Ward 5, Santa Cruz, California

Notes:

Excerpt of first person oral history of early Santa Cruz County, "My Early Childhood Memories", by Sarah Hinton Gourley.

Following the death of Gourley's grandmother in May, 1858:

"Our folks took up about eighty acres of land in Blackburn Gulch. When they moved to this farm, I went to live with Aunt Hannah Anthony, and attended the Grant School for a short time. Miss Louisa Fernald [DRENNAN] was the teacher and boarded at the Geo. Anthony home. I helped Aunt Hannah with [her] work. In the evening I sat with Grandfather by the fireplace in his room as he was so lonely. He told me stories of his early life which were very interesting."



Misc:
Though she died in 1921, her estate apparently wasn’t settled until 1938 by daughter Mabel Byrne.

Residence:
Also residence Edith, Mabel

Residence:
Precinct 8-44 Drennan, Mrs. Louisa Republican Homekeeper 45 Church Street, Santa Cruz-

Other Events and Attributes:

• Physical Description: Semi-disabled
• Research Notes: Found verification of death on 2 Oct 1844. A document from 10/1/1844 transferring assets to his children is in the Jackson County records department, and I hope to be able to transcribe my photos of it at some point. The date used in my records comes from another tree on Ancestry.com. DNA tests and comparison with descendants from other children of John Byrne of Windham, CT (notably descendants of Samuel Hazard Byrne), indicate George was not a biological child of John. Whether he was a son of Ann Powers is unclear.
• Occupation: Register of deeds
• Religion: Baptist (was also first clerk, of the First Baptist Church in Willimantic, as well as Baptist Church in Norwich, CT)
• Residence: 1830, Windham, Windham, Connecticut
• Possessions: 7 Nov 1837, Land Patent granted of 74.5 acres, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Occupation: Bef 1838, Ran a store, combined with dwelling in Windham (Willimantic)
• Occupation: 1838, Schoolteacher, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Residence: 1838, Jackson County MI
• Occupation: Between 1840 and 1842, Register of Deeds, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Residence: 1 Jun 1840, Columbia, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Occupation: Aft 1842, Justice of the Peace, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA

Notes:

From History of Jackson Michigan: George Byrne settled in Jackson in 1838. He was elected register of deeds in 1840, and served two years. He also served very acceptably as justice of the peace for several years. His son, Gilbert R. Byrne, has been in the banking-house of Cooper, Thompson & Co., and with the Jackson City Bank for many years. He is now assistant cashier of the last-named institution.

From A Modern History of Windham County Connecticut:

Page 582: “First Baptist Church, WIllimantic… a number of bretheren met in council at the house of Elder Chester Tilden on Thursday, the 20th of October, 1827…. Brethren:…George Byrnes…Records of December 11, 1827, show that the first clerk of the church was George Byrnes.”

Buried:
Headstone incorrectly reads 1841, and was placed at some point in the 20th century, probably by either daughter Susan or Josephine, who have similar markers, and died in the early 1960s

George married GRIFFING, Sarah S on 23 Jan 1828 in Albany, Albany, NY USA. Sarah (daughter of GRIFFING, Benjamin and MATHER, Clarissa) was born on 24 Sep 1801 in Lyme, New London, CT, USA; died on 3 Jan 1887 in 137 Maple Avenue, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA; was buried on 6 Jan 1887 in Mount Evergreen Cemetery, Jackson, Jackson, MI, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Obituary: Obituary from the Jackson Weekly Citizen, 11-Jan-1887: Mrs. Sarah Byrne, who has been suffering from a stroke of paralysis for a week, died yesterday about noon at the residence of her oldest son, George G Byrne, 137 Maple avenue, aged 85. Being one of our oldest settlers, and the oldest member of the First Baptist Church of this city, a short biographical sketch of her long busy life will be appreciated by her legion of intimate friends and of interest to those who knew her but slightly. She was born at Lyme, Conn, Sept 24, 1801, of Puritan extraction, being a descendant of the celebrated Puritan leader, Cotton Mather. She experienced a change of heart in her girlhood and embraced the Christian religon, being baptized and connecting herself with the Baptist church at Pleasant Valley, Conn. She was married to George G Byrne at the residence of Erastus Corning, Esq., in Albany, N.Y. on Jan 23, 1828. The family moved to Brooklyn, this county, in 1837. Her husband being elected Register of Deeds for Jackson county on the Whig ticket in the fall of 1838, the family moved to this city when Mr. Byrne took his office, on Jan. 1, 1839, and have lived here since, a period of forty-seven years. On their arrival here, Mrs. Byrne and husband united with the First-Baptist Church. Mr. Byrne died in 1844, leaving his wife and five small boys to mourn the loss of a kind husband and affectionate father. Being a woman endowed with an abundance of spiritual strength, she reared her family of boys and has had the supreme pleasure, allotted to few, of seeing her children and grandchildren uniting with her church, and to hear great-grandchildren lisping the blessed truths of the gospel. She leaves a legacy to her descendants a beautiful Christian character. Her five sons are Gilbert R and George G of this city, Rufus H of Buffalo N.Y., (who is here to attend the funeral), Charles B., of Santa Cruz, Cal., and John H, who died in Jackson in 1878. The funeral will be held at residence, 137 Maple avenue, to-morrow (Thursday) morning, at 10:30.
• Religion: Puritan, later converted to Baptist
• Cause of Death: Paralysis following a stroke
• Residence: 1850, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan
• Residence: 1860, Jackson Ward 2, Jackson, Michigan
• Residence: 1867, 41 Washington, Jackson, Jackson, MI, USA
• Residence: 1870, Jackson Ward 2, Jackson, Michigan
• Residence: 1872, Corner Blackstone & Wilkins, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA
• Census: 8 Jun 1880, 137 Maple Avenue, Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, USA

Notes:

Census:
Maple Ave / Byrne, Sarah / White / Female / Age 78 / Mother / Widowed / / Birthplace Conn / Birthplace of Father Conn / Birthplace of Mother Conn

Notes:

Per Albany Argus, ceremony was performed by Rev (Bartholomew) Welch. (Welch was a Baptist minister who was successful in growing the Albany parish). Per Sarah’s obituary, George and Sarah were married at the residence of Erastus Corning, Esq (a noted Albany businessman, politician, and Baptist).

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.

Notes:

History of William Drennan and Mary Thomas in Sangamon County, IL

William and Mary were married about 1790. Six of their children were born in the Pendelton district (South Carolina), and they moved to Caldwell county, KY, about 1803, where they had six children. In the fall of 1817, they moved to Illinois, first stopping on Wood river, about two miles from Alton, in Madison county. Their destination was the San-ga-ma country, but it was more economical to remain idle that winter than to move up, and thus incur the necessity of hauling provisions for themselves and stock. Early in 1818 William Drennan, his half brother, Joseph Drennan, his son-in-law, Joseph Dodds, and George Cox, left their families near Alton, and, with their teams, farming implements, provisions, and all the young men and boys belonging to the families who were able to assist in making a home, started, piloted by a white man named William Moore, who had belonged to a company that had been over the country before, in fighting the Indians. He was called an Indian Ranger. Arriving at Sugar creek, they took a day or two for exploring, and on March 10, 1818, drove to the spot on which William Drennan built his cabin and which proved to be section 32, town 14, range 5 west, when the government made its survey. It is on the northwest side of Sugar creek, and about twelve miles nearly due south of Springfield, and near where the Sugar creek Cumberland Presbyterian church now stands. Immediately after their arrival they built two cabins. One was occupied by George Cox alone. The other was occupied for the summer by William and Joseph Drennan and Joseph Dodds. That was the one spoken of as belonging to William Drennan. As they had not the slightest idea of cultivating the prairie, these three men agreeed to clear all the land they could in one body, and have a crop from it that year in common, with the understanding that before another year they were all to work together until an equal sized piece was cleared for the other two. They cleared the timber from about fifteen acres, fenced it, plowed as well as they could among the roots and stumps with a little short wooden mould board plow, and planted it in corn and pumpkins. The soil in the timber was very light -- so much so that in some places they would almost sink in over their shoes. In fencing this land, they inclosed about three-fourths of an acre of prairie. After they had plowed and planted their crop, one of the men suggested that it was quite a waste to have that under fence and nothing growing on it, and proposed that they break it up and plan something on it. In order to make sure work, they uncoupled one of their wagons, hitched four horses to the forward wheels, and fastened their wooden mould board plow to the axle. They soon found this was a failure.

Try as they would, the plow would not center the sod, and they reluctantly gave it up. While they were taking off the team and plow, one of the boys, full of fun and mischief, took up a hoe and began to shave the grass off, saying he could break the prairie with his hoe. That suggested an idea to one of the men, and he, also, took a hoe and began shaving the grass. It was the work of but a few minutes to remove the sod from a spot several feet in diameter. He then called one of the othermen, and proposed that, as they were well advanced with their work, and there were seven or eight of them, and all had hoes, that they call all hands together , and shave the grass from the whole piece, plant something on it, and see what would be the result. The man spoken to first, laughed at the idea as ridiculous, but after studying a moment, he fell in with it, and the men and boys were all called up, and the grass shaved off, holes dug, and corn and pumpkin seed planted. They did not tought it any more; that killed the grass. The crop was fully twice as much in proportion to the area, as that planted among the stumps, and the next spring it broke up the nicest of any land they had ever seen. This taught them an important lesson, and caused them to make greater exertions to induce some one to invent a plow that would break up the prairie. I have this account from the venerable William Drennan, who was one of the young men that assisted in doing the work, and who has lived in sight of the spot to the present time. Several years elapsed before a plow was invented that would do good work at breaking. In the mean time the early settlers continued clearing their land, that they might have it to cultivate, and were always uneasy for fear their timber would be exhausted.

There can be but little doubt that the same labor required to destroy the timber on one acre would have shaved the grass from two acres, with no better implements than a hoe. They could, by that means, have had better land to cultivate, twice the quantity of grain raised, and saved their timber, but the probability is they never thought of it. After the provisions they brought with them were exhausted, one fo their number would return south, load a couple of horses with provisions, salt, and other indispensibles, in regular pack saddle style, and bring them to their new home. The distance was between sixty and seventy miles. They brought cows in the spring, and had plenty of milk. Wild honey was abundant, and Mr. Drennan told the writer that two of their number would cut down a hollow tree where bees had stored their wealth, and with a few hours work, would bring in from two to five gallons of honey. While they were doing this, others of their number would be looking for more bee trees, so that they always had four or five trees ahead, and knew just where to go when they needed more honey. For meat, they would hunt as the necessitieis required, some times one, and often all would hunt. In warm weather they would take venison, the breast of turkeys and geese, cut the meat into thin slices, sprinkle a small quantity of salt on it, and dry it on a frame work of sticks about three feet hight, setting the frame in the sun, with a smouldering fire underneath. In this way the meat would soon be cured, and ready for use at any time. This they called jerked meat, a considerable supply of which could be kept on hand. Fresh meat, jerked meat, milk, honey and bread, constituted their bill of fare during the first summer. As trips were made back and forth, some fo the younger sons and those who had families were brought to the new settlements. After the crops were cultivated, the men who had families returned to them, leaving the unmarried men and boys to take care of the property. The four men who came up in the spring, all brought their wives and childern in the fall of that year. Mr. Cox arrived first, Joseph Drennan next, and, William Drennan, with his son-in-law, Joseph Dodds, came together, arriving Dec. 3, 1818. Of the twelve childeren of William Drennan, Sen.---

Mattie, born in South Carolina, married in Kentucky.

Samuel

William, born Oct 15, 1797, in Pendleton district, SC, came to Kentucky, and from there to Sangamon county with his father, arriving March 10, 1818 in what is now Ball township. He was married May 30, 1822, in Sanagamon county to Margaret Anderson. They had twelve childern, all born in Sanagmon county, viz: James A., born Aug 6, 1828, married Dec 8, 1853, to Rachel Cannan. They have six children, Jannetta F, Mary E, Robert W, Minnie W, Ira and Frederick, and reside in Ball township, five miles northeast of Auburn. Samuel, born Oct. 30, 1829, went to the Pacific coast in 1852, and was married there May 28,1868 to Lousia Fernald, who was born April 4, 1839 in North Berwick, Maine. They have three children, Edith A., Mabel L, and Dora A, and reside in Santa Cruz county, Ca. John T, born Jan 14, 1832, enlisted August 9, 1862 at Chatham, in Co. I, 73d Ill INf, for theree years. He was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, Sept 20, 1863, lay five days on the battlefied, before medical aid was given. He recovered, but is permanently disabled. He was dischard on account of physical disability, June 16, 1864, and resides with his parents in Ball Township...

"History of the Early Settlers, Sanagamon County, Illinois, "Centenial Record"" 1876

William married ANDERSON, Margaret L on 30 May 1822 in Sangamon Co, IL. Margaret (daughter of ANDERSON, James and FLETCHER, Nancy) was born on 28 Mar 1806 in Rockbridge, VA, USA (Alt Botetourt Co, VA); died on 28 Aug 1881 in Sangamon, IL, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Blacksmith & Farmer
• Residence: 1 Jun 1840, North Berwick, York, Maine, USA
• Residence: 1850, Berwick, York, Maine
• Residence: 1860, North Berwick, York, Maine
• Residence: 1880, North Berwick, York, Maine

Notes:

Maine death records have his date of death as March 30, 1883. Headstone shows March 31, 1883 as his date of death, which is used in this record as his death date. Interesting/odd that his granddaughter, Mabel Drennan Byrne, used a different, earlier date (2 Mar 1882) in a 1927 DAR account on early California pioneers.

Oliver married ADAMS, Louisa on 6 Dec 1832 in North Berwick, Maine. Louisa was born on 1 Apr 1804 in Maine; died on 22 Aug 1842 in North Berwick, Maine; was buried in Fernald Cemetery (private), West Beech Ridge Road, North Berwick, York, ME, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]