Knox County, Illinois
Genealogy & History

1.  Daniel McGivern

Bridget Byrnes

Daniel McGivern was born around 1810, probably in County Armagh, Ulster Province, Northern Ireland.  It appears that he married at least once sometime before 1839, although there is no confirming information.  Subsequently, he married Bridget Byrnes on November 17, 1845, probably in Ireland.  She was born circa 1824, probably also in County Armagh.  No information has been found about the parents or siblings of either of them.

According to a document Daniel later completed in Peoria County, Illinois, declaring his intention to become a citizen, he and Bridget emigrated from the port of Liverpool, England, just across the Irish Sea from County Armagh, around July 20, 1846.  They had with them Theresa [Teressa] McGivern, approximately age 7.  She is presumed to be Daniel's daughter from an earlier marriage.

It is likely the family left Ireland to escape the widespread poverty and the devastating potato famine that began there in the late summer of 1845.  More than half of the country's potato crop failed that year.  In 1846, and for several years afterwards, the potato crop was a total failure.  At the start of the famine, there were more than 8 million people living in Ireland.  When it had run its course, at least 1 million Irish had died; it may have been as many as 2 million.  Another 1 and 1/2 million people had emigrated in what was the largest single population movement of the nineteenth century.

After almost seven weeks at sea, the McGivern family landed in the port of Quebec, Canada, on September 4, 1846.  Just two months later, on November 7, 1846, Bridget gave birth in Canada to her first child, Bridget Frances McGivern.  In April of 1847, the family moved south to Whitehall, Washington County, New York.  This probably involved traveling by boat down the Saint Lawrence River from Quebec to Montreal, and then going south over land to Whitehall.

The family was next found on the 1850 Federal Census living in Lee, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.  A son, Daniel, born in July, 1850, was now also with them.  The census page, dated August 17, 1850, describes the family as follows.

Less than a year later, Daniel and family appeared more than a thousand miles west in Knox County, Illinois.  On June 9, 1851, "Daniel McGiverin" applied to the General Land Office at Quincy, Illinois, to purchase land.  His application was for the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 20 in Truro Township containing 40 acres for $50.00 ($1.25 per acre).  He paid the full amount in gold and was granted the purchase.  The land is found just two miles west of the where the town of Williamsfield was later laid out in 1888.

The family continued to grow.  Sons James and John were born in August of 1853 and 1854, respectively, on the homestead.

By March of 1855, the land on Section 20 had been sold, and the family owned another 40 acres virtually across the road at the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 21.  The 1855 Personal Property Tax List for Truro Township lists "Daniel McGiveren" with a total value of $276, while the 1855 Illinois State Census values the family's livestock at $270.

In July of 1857, Daniel traveled from the homestead the short distance east into Peoria County, Illinois.  There he completed a form before the Clerk of the Circuit Court declaring his intention to become a United States citizen.

Daughter Mary was born in May of 1858 at the family home.

On March 10, 1860, at a Circuit Court held at Knoxville in Knox County, Daniel was granted his citizenship on the supporting testimony of H. N. Keightley and James Tucker, who appear to have been neighbors.  Daniel had purchased 40 acres of land on Section 21 from Keightley five or so years earlier.

The 1860 Federal Census for Truro Township, dated June 2, 1860, confirms a growing family with 5 children and a young adult.  They are not wealthy, but they appear to be making a reasonable living for the day.

In December 1860, another son Michael was born.  Later records also indicate that, by this time, Daniel was drinking excessively and was becoming increasingly abusive towards Bridget.

On June 10, 1863, Bridget no doubt surprised everyone.  At about age 39, she gave birth to triplets Elizabeth Jane, Catherine A., and Peter F., bringing the number of children in the family to nine.  Multiple births were a very dangerous event on those years.  Miraculously, mother and babies came through it all well.  Daniel didn't seem to fair quite as well.  Around October, he abandoned the family and apparently traveled west into Kansas.

On November 24, 1864, a "Teressa McGiverin" was married to a "Edward A. Corbin"  in Knox County.  It is likely this was daughter Teressa, about age 25, marrying someone from one of the neighboring Corbin families in Truro Township.  Unfortunately, we have no information to confirm this supposition.  [On October 4, 1869, a "Theresa McGiveren" was married to a "John G. Pracht" in Sangamon County, Illinois.  The 1870 census found the couple employed as cooks and living in the Chenery House Hotel in Springfield, Sangamon County.  She is listed as age 31, born in England.  It may well be that Edward Corbin had since died and Teressa was marrying a second time.]

In 1865, the Illinois State Census, page 173, lists "Mrs. McGivern" (Bridget) as the head of household, living with 4 children aged 10 to 20 [Bridget, Daniel, John, and James], and 5 children under age 10 [Mary, Michael, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Peter].  Husband Daniel is still missing, but the family seems to be getting by well enough.  Personal property listed in the census includes livestock - $480, grain - $400, "agg" products - $330, and 210# wood.  Some time soon after the census, daughter Bridget struck out on her own and moved to Galesburg to work as a domestic servant.

Around October, 1866, Daniel returned to the homestead.  Again, later records indicate it was not a happy time for the family.  The situation seemed to culminate in the Spring, with Bridget buying the 40 acres and improvements from him for $100 on April 8, 1867.  He apparently then left again for parts unknown.

Afterwards, things seemed to be going pretty well for Bridget; she was clearly taking charge of her life.  By February of 1868, she had purchased from the McFadden family the adjoining  40 acres immediately to the south of the homestead, bringing her land holding to a total of 80 acres.  And, by March, 1868, a William Lawton was said to be living in the house.

On June 24, 1868, Bridget filed a Bill with the Knox County Circuit Court.  She was seeking to obtain a divorce from Daniel, custody of the eight younger children still living at home, and alimony in the form of clear title to the land and improvements she had purchased on April 8, 1867.  Grounds cited in the filing included desertion, a 5-year absence of financial support, habitual drunkenness, and extreme and repeated cruelty.  Daniel denied the charges.

The proceedings were protracted.  Among other things, they included the deposition of two former neighbor children, ages 11 and 9, who had since moved on to Missouri a few months earlier.  Then, in February, 1869, Daniel filed a Cross Bill against Bridget citing adultery with William Lawton, and extreme and repeated abuse and cruelty towards him.  It surely gave the neighbors plenty to talk about!

The case continued on until finally, in December, 1869, almost a year and a half after the original filing, the jury returned a verdict fully in favor of Bridget.  She received all she had asked for.  On February 8, 1870, Daniel filed a petition with the Court asking it to set aside the verdict and grant a new trial.  The petition was denied.  No record of Daniel, who would have been about age 59, has been found after that date.

On May 28, 1870, "Bridget Burns" was married to "William Lawton" by Justice of the Peace A. W. Berggren in Knox County.  The 1870 Federal Census for Truro Township, dated June 27, 1870, reflects the new family structure as follows.  [Note that the real estate and personal property are designated as being in Bridget's name.]

By this date, the older children were starting to go their separate ways.  Perhaps it stemmed from the difficulties associated with supporting a large family on a small farm, or perhaps it was the result of friction with the new "man" in the family, or maybe they were just ready to get out and on their own.  It could well have been some of all - we will never know.  In any case, sons Daniel, age 20, and John, age 17, are now living and working on nearby farms in Truro Township.  Daughter Bridget, age 23, is living in Galesburg..

Tragedy befell the family towards the middle of the 1870s.  During the winter of 1874-75, two of the three children born as triplets died less than eight weeks apart.  Daughter Catherine A. and son Peter F., eleven years old, were buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Lot 43, in East Galesburg.  Three-quarters of the lot was purchased by "Bridget Burns"; one-quarter was purchased by Frances Dewolf.

The 1875 Personal Property List for Truro Township includes "Bridget McGiveren" with an assessed value of $447.

At some point, Bridget Lawton re-acquired the 40 acres of land across the road that she and Daniel had first purchased in 1851.  The family was now farming 120 acres and prospering, though more hardship was coming.  William Lawton must have died some time around 1877-78.  On November 26, 1878, "Bridget Laughton (widow)" signed a Quit-Claim deed in Peoria County transferring the ownership of land in Truro Township to "Bridget McGiverin".  It appears this was done simply to reflect that she had re-adopted the McGivern surname of her children.

On February 4, 1880, son John, age 26, was married in Avon, Fulton County, Illinois, to Ellen Rebecca Conway.

By the 1880 Federal Census, changes in the family structure were starting to show.  A census page, dated June 17, 1880, shows them continuing to occupy their homestead of almost 25 years, but now son James [my great grandfather] is listed as the head of the family.

On April 13, 1881, grandson James Francis McGivern was born to son John and his wife, Ellen.

Bridget McGivern died on January 19, 1883, in Truro Township, at 59 years of age.  She is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in East Galesburg, next to four of her children - Michael and triplets Elizabeth, Catherine and Peter.  [Except for Elizabeth, who died in 1950 and had acquired German as her married name, each of the gravestone inscriptions uses the "McGiverin" spelling for the last name.]

Indications that the family had become very divided became clear in the court records that followed Bridget's death.  Son Daniel had apparently been excluded from Bridget's estate, so, in June 1883, he filed suit against his six surviving siblings seeking to receive an equal share.  A January 4, 1884, publication of court matters in the Galesburg Register reports that the "Petition for removal of administrator was dismissed ..." and that the claims against the estate by Bridget - $183.70, John - $100 and Michael - $150 were allowed.  Then, in January of 1885, son John and daughter Bridget filed suit against their five siblings to force them to sell the 120 acres from Bridget's estate and distribute the proceeds.    Finally, in February of the same year, son Michael, the administrator of Bridget's estate, filed suit against all of his six siblings.  The record paints a picture of a family divided.

The 120 acres of land from Bridget's estate was finally sold more than two years after her death, on March 21, 1885, at public auction to the highest bidder.  It was purchased by son James through his assumption of the $1,600 mortgage against the property.  That closed the estate.

Children:
1.1.  Bridget Frances McGivern (1846 - 1929)
1.2.  Daniel McGivern (1850 - ????)
1.3.  John McGivern (1853 - 1895)
1.4.  James McGivern (1854 - 1921)
1.5.  Mary McGivern (1858 - 1943)
1.6.  Michael McGivern (1860 - 1888)
1.7.  Elizabeth Jane McGivern German (1863 - 1950)    }
1.8.  Catherine A. McGivern (1863 - 1875)                   }- triplets
1.9.  Peter F. McGivern (1863 - 1874)                          }

1.1.  Bridget (Brigie) Frances McGivern, daughter of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes.

Bridget Francis McGivern was born November 7, 1846, in Quebec Province, Canada and, by mid-1851, she was already a seasoned traveler.  She had migrated from Canada south to Whitehall, Washington County, New York; then further south to Lee, Berkshire County, Massachusetts; and, finally, she had traveled more than a thousand miles west.  Now, she and her family were living as farmers on land just two miles due west of what nearly 40 years later became the town Williamsfield in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois.

Bridget spent the remainder of her childhood in Truro Township.  The first school house in the township was built on Section 33, in 1848, about two miles south of the McGivern family homestead.  This is probably where she received all of her formal education.

Around October of 1863, when Bridget was about 16, her father abandoned the family, leaving her mother and eight siblings to fend for themselves.  It was undoubtedly a difficult time.

At about age 18, some time after the 1865 Illinois Census, Bridget left the family home in Truro Township and moved about 20 miles west into the town of Galesburg.  It appears she stayed there her entire adult life.  She made her living primarily as a live-in servant or housekeeper over the years, as did many young Irish women.  In the 1870 Federal Census, she was one of three live-in servants working in the home of Judge Charles Lawrence.

During the winter of 1874-75, two of her youngest siblings, both age 11, died less than eight weeks apart.  On February 4, 1880, her brother John was married.  By June of 1880, she was a live-in servant in the home of Galesburg merchant Leonard Miller and his aging father George P. Miller.

On January 19, 1883, Bridget's mother died.  In January of 1885, she and her brother John filed suit against their 5 siblings and the company holding the mortgage on the family farm.  Apparently, all 7 of the surviving siblings shared equal ownership in the property, but only James, Mary, Michael and Elizabeth were continuing to live in the house and operate the farm.  Bridget and John wanted a full accounting and to force the final settlement and distribution of their mother's estate.  The property was finally sold to brother James in March of 1885 and the estate was closed.

On December 15, 1888, brother Michael, age 28, died in Copley Township, Knox County.  On December 12, 1889, youngest sister Elizabeth was married, and, on December 24, 1889, brother James was married.

Around late 1893, brother John and his family left Knox County and moved to Johnson County, Nebraska.

The Galesburg City Directory for 1895 lists Bridget as "McGivern Mrs B F (wid)" residing at 324 1/2 West First Street.  The "Mrs" and the "(wid)" may have been an error made by the publisher of the Directory, since we have found no other evidence that she was ever married.

On November 23, 1895, brother John died and was buried in Johnson County, Nebraska

On the 1900 Federal Census, a page dated June 4th lists Bridget still working as a domestic.  She now owned a home and was living alone at 504 West First Street.  She continued to live at this address until her death.

Brother James died March 15, 1921 in Galesburg and was buried there in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Bridget died of apparent heart failure, at age 82, on August 20, 1929, in her home.  Her obituary states that "Miss McGivern had lived in Galesburg for over 60 years and was 81 years old at the time of her death.  She was born near Williamsfield [actually it was Canada] and was educated in the public schools there.  Miss McGivern came to Galesburg when she was 17 years old.  She was a member of St. Patrick's [Catholic] Church.  She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth German of Williamsfield, and Miss Mary McGivern of Piper City, Ill., and by three nieces and one nephew."  She was buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Galesburg, where she now shares a gravestone with her younger sister, Mary.  Her estate, estimated at $500, was passed to the Church, her sister Mary, and her three nieces.

1.2.  Daniel McGivern, son of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes.

Daniel McGivern was born during July, 1850, in Massachusetts, probably in the town of Lee, in Berkshire County, although no birth certificate was found there.  He was less than a year old when the family traveled the thousand miles west to Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois.

Daniel grew up in Truro Township, and attended the public schools there.  He was about 13 when his father abandoned the family in October, 1863.

Probably around 1868 or 1869, in the midst of his parents divorce, Daniel left home and began working as a hired hand for neighboring farmers.  By the end of June,1870, almost at age 20, he was definitely out of the homestead and on his own.  The Federal Census for that year shows him living and working in Truro Township on the nearby farm of James and Ann Mahar.  The Mahars had eight children.  Their oldest son was the same age as Daniel and may have been a school mate.  [The Mahar farm later became the town in Williamsfield around 1888.]

During the winter of 1874-75, when Daniel was about age 24, two of his youngest siblings, both age 11, died less than eight weeks apart.  On February 4, 1880, brother John was married.

The 1880 Federal Census finds Daniel still in Truro Township.  On June 8th of that year, he was living on the James and Louisa Shaffer family farm, just a mile east of the McGivern farm, working as a hired hand.

When Daniel's mother died in January 1883, it seems that Daniel was excluded from some or all of her estate .  In June of that year, he petitioned the court to set aside the claims against her estate of his six surviving siblings.  The Court denied at least some portion  of his petition by allowing the claims of some of the siblings.  The rest of his petition must have been approved, though, because by January of 1885 it is clear that he owns an equal share in the remainder of the estate.

No record of Daniel is found after March of 1885.  Some McGivern descendants believe he was soon afterwards killed in a farming accident in Peoria County, but no evidence has been found to support that belief.

1.3.  John McGivern, son of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes.

John McGivern was born on August 19, 1853,  in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois, where he was educated in the public schools.  He was 10 years old when his father abandoned the family in October, 1863.

By March, 1868, a William Lawton was said to be living in the house.  Lawton and John's mother, Bridget, were married in May, 1870, following her bitter and lengthy divorce.  The 1870 Federal Census for Truro Township, page 453A, shows John, age 17, living with the Samuel and Sarah Seward family.

During the winter of 1874-75, when John was 21, two of his youngest siblings, both age 11, died less than eight weeks apart.

On February 4, 1880, John, age 26, married Ellen Rebecca Conway, age 20, daughter of Cornelius and Bridgett (Maloney) Conway, in Avon, Fulton County, Illinois [the license was obtained in Knox County].  She was born November 10, 1859 in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois.

The 1880 Federal Census for Truro Township, page 373, dated June 17th, lists John and Ellen.  Ellen's 6-year old brother is living with them.  They are located just 5 houses down the road from the old McGivern homestead that John grew up in.

On April 13, 1881, son James Francis was born.

On January 19, 1883, John's mother, Bridget, died.  In January of 1885, John and his sister, Bridget, filed suit against their 5 siblings and the company holding the mortgage on the family farm.  Apparently, all 7 of the surviving siblings shared equal ownership in the property, but only James, Mary, Michael and Elizabeth were continuing to live in the house and operate the farm.  John and Bridget wanted a full accounting and to force the final settlement and distribution of their mother's estate.  The property was sold to brother James in March of 1885 and the estate was closed.

The 1885 "List of Personal Property" for Truro Township includes "McGivern John" with an assessed value of $170 and 1 dog.  On May 05, 1885, daughter Mary Luella was born.

On December 15, 1888, brother Michael, age 28, died in Copley Township, Knox County.  On December 12, 1889, sister Elizabeth was married and, on December 24, 1889, brother James was married.

Around late 1893, John, Ellen, and their 2 children left Knox County and moved to Vesta, Johnson County, Nebraska.  [The location of Vesta can be seen in the map at the right south, southwest of Omaha, marked by a red star.]

On November 23, 1895, John died at age 42 in Vesta, Johnson County, Nebraska.  His obituary in the Williamsfield Times on December 5, 1895, states:

"John McGivern was born August 19, 1853, at Williamsfield, Ill., [Williamsfield did not exist until 1888] where he lived until two years ago, when he and his family came to Johnson county, Nebraska, and lived until November 23rd, 1895, when the death messenger called him home.  He was married February 4th, 1880, at Avon, Fulton county, Ill., to Ellen Conway by Rev. Father Reilly.  Two children were born to this happy union.  Francis James and Mary Luella.  He was a loving husband, a kind father, and never wanted for friends.  The family have the sympathy of the entire community."

Soon after John's death, Ellen moved about 100 miles northeast to Weston, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, where she eventually married a man named Samuel Tucker.  [The location of Weston can be seen in the map at the right above marked by a red star.]  She died August 03, 1947, in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, and was buried in Section E of St. Joseph's Cemetery there.  Her obituary, published in the Council Bluffs Nonpareil newspaper on August 4, 1947, states:

"Mrs. Ellen Rebecca Tucker, 87, 403 East Washington avenue, died Sunday.  She had lived in Council Bluffs nearly a half-century.  Mrs. Tucker was a member of St. Peter's Catholic church and the St. Peter's Alter society.  Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. C. J. Grundel of Council Bluffs, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  The body will be at Woodring funeral home until Tuesday afternoon when it will be taken to the residence.  Funeral will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. from the residence to 10:00 a.m. St. Peters church.  Burial will be in St. Joseph cemetery.  The Alter society will recite the rosary at the residence Tuesday at 8 p.m."

Children of John McGivern and Ellen Rebecca Conway are:
1.3.1.  James Francis McGivern (1881 - 1936)
1.3.2.  Mary Luella McGivern Grundel (1885 - 1962)

1.3.1.  James Francis McGivern, son of John McGivern and Ellen Rebecca Conway.

Birth:	13 Apr 1881 in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois
Marriage:	05 Feb 1902 to Jane "Jennie" Maude Emerson in Tecumseh, Johnson County, Nebraska
Death:	05 May 1936 in Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming
Burial:	Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming

James Francis McGivern was born and attended the public schools  in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois.  Around late 1893, when he was about age 12, the family moved to Johnson County, Nebraska.  On November 23, 1895, his father died at age 42  in Vesta, Johnson County, Nebraska.  Some time after his father's death, the family moved about 100 miles northeast to Weston, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.

On February 5, 1902, "James F. McGivern", age 20, of Weston, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, married Miss Jane "Jennie" Maude Emerson, age 20, daughter of Taylor Robertson and Phebe Dunning, in Tecumseh, Johnson County, Nebraska.  She was born September 18, 1881 in Carrollton, Carroll County, Kentucky.

On March 30, 1903, daughter Marie Luella was born in Page, Holt County, Nebraska.

On May 1, 1905, daughter Fayetta "Faye" M. was born in Page, Holt County, Nebraska.

On August 23, 1907, daughter Helen Frances was born in Tecumseh, Johnson County, Nebraska.

Some time around 1910, the family moved to Wyoming and took up a homestead seven miles northeast of Burns in Laramie County.  During the 1910 Federal Census, the family was enumerated in the Egbert District of Laramie County, Wyoming.

On August 13, 1913,  James and Jennie owned 160 acres in Laramie County, Wyoming.

On September 24, 1913, daughter Hazel Rebecca was born in Burns, Laramie County, Wyoming.

The picture to the right is of the McGivern family circa 1917.  From left to right: daughter Helen Frances, mother Jane "Jennie" Maude Emerson, father James Francis, daughter Hazel Rebecca (seated), daughter Marie Luella, and daughter Fayetta "Faye" M. McGivern. 

Around 1922 the family moved to Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming.

On May 2, 1928, daughter Helen Frances, age 20, died of ptomaine poisoning at Memorial Hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

In June of 1935, James suffered a stroke and become confined to his home at 2011 House Avenue, Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming.  Prior to his stroke, he had been employed by the State of Wyoming Highway Department for fourteen years.

James, age 55, died May 5, 1936, at his home in Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming.  He was buried in Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming, next to his daughter Helen Frances.

His wife Jennie died June 3, 1943.  She was buried in Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming, next to her husband and daughter Helen Frances.

Children of James McGivern and Fay Jennie Maude Emerson are:
1.3.1.1.  Marie Luella McGivern Halpin Laws (1903 - 1993)
1.3.1.2.  Fayetta "Faye" M. McGivern Stavropoulos (1905 - 1994)
1.3.1.3.  Helen Frances McGivern (1907 - 1928)
1.3.1.4.  Hazel Rebecca McGivern Kline (1913 - before 1993)

1.3.2.  Mary Luella McGivern Grundel, daughter of John McGivern and Ellen Rebecca Conway.

Birth:	05 May 1885 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois
Marriage:	03 Jan 1912 to Christoph J. Grundel
Death:	01 Jul 1962 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Burial:	Sec E, St. Joseph's Cemetery, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Mary Luella McGivern  was born and attended the public schools  in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois.  Around late 1893, when she was about age 8, the family moved to Johnson County, Nebraska.  On November 23, 1895, her father died at age 42  in Vesta, Johnson County, Nebraska.  Some time after her father's death, the family moved about 100 miles northeast to Weston, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.

On February 5, 1902, brother James Francis was married and left the family home.

On January 3, 1912, Mary Luella, age 26, married Christoph J. Grundel, a Weston, Iowa, farmer, age 42, in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.  He was born November 2, 1869 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska.  Both attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Council Bluffs.

Christoph died April 16, 1947 in his home at 403 East Washington Avenue in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.  He was buried by Woodring's Funeral Home in Section E of St. Joseph's Cemetery there.

Mary Luella died July 1, 1962 in her home at 403 East Washington Avenue in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.  She was buried by Woodring's Funeral Home in Section E of St. Joseph's Cemetery there.  Her obituary, published in the Council Bluffs Nonpareil newspaper in July, 1962, states:

"Mrs. Luella Grundell (sic), age 77, 403 E. Washington Ave., died Sunday at a local convalescent home after an extended illness.  She was born at Galesburg, Ill.  Her husband, Christopher, died in 1947.  Mrs. Grundell was a member of St. Patrick's Church, its Alter Society, Catholic Daughters of America and the Christ Child Society.  Only survivors are nieces and cousins.  Requiem Mass well be at 9 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick's Church.  The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Moriarty will be celebrant at his church.  Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery.  Rosary recitations at the Woodring Chapel will be: Alter Society at 7:30 p.m. and Catholic Daughters at 8 p.m. Monday."

Christoph and Mary Luella had no children.

1.4.  James McGivern, son of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes.

James McGivern was born August 9, 1854 in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois, where he was educated in the public schools.  He was 9 years old when his father abandoned the family in October, 1863.  His three older siblings, Bridget, Daniel and John, all left the homestead some time between 1865 and 1870.

By March, 1868, a William Lawton was said to be living in the house.  Lawton and James' mother, Bridget, were married in May, 1870, following her bitter and lengthy divorce from Daniel McGivern.  The 1870 Federal Census for Truro Township, dated June 27, 1870, reflects the new family structure as follows.  [Note that the real estate and personal property are designated as being in Bridget's name.]

During the winter of 1874-75, when James was 20, two of his youngest siblings, both age 11, died less than eight weeks apart.  It appears that William Lawton died a few years later, around 1877 or 1878.  On February 4, 1880, brother John was married.

By the 1880 Federal Census, the changes in the family structure were clear.  A census page, dated June 17, 1880, has the family continuing to occupy their homestead of almost 25 years, but now son James is listed as the head of the family.

On January 19, 1883, James' mother, Bridget, died.  In January of 1885, sister Bridget and brother John filed suit against James and his other 4 siblings and the company holding the mortgage on the family farm.  Apparently, all 7 of the surviving siblings shared equal ownership in the property, but only James, Mary, Michael and Elizabeth were continuing to live in the house and operate the farm.  Bridget and John wanted a full accounting and to force the final settlement and distribution of their mother's estate.  The property was finally purchased by James in March of 1885 for assumption of the $1,600 mortgage, and the estate was closed.

The Truro Township Personal Property tax collector for 1885 was "James McGivernn".  That year's "List of Personal Property" for Truro Township includes "McGivern J & M" [James and Mary] with an assessed value of $550 and 1 dog.  Brother Michael appears to no longer be associated with the family homestead.

The 1888 Farmer's and Land Owner's Directory lists "McGiven James. sec 20-21 Truro 114 a, p o Williamsfield".  On December 15, 1888, brother Michael, age 28, died in Copley Township, Knox County.

On December 12, 1889, James signed as a witness on the marriage license for youngest sister Elizabeth Jane and Elmer German.  Less than two weeks later, on December 24, 1889, "James McGivern, of Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois", obtained a marriage license in Cook County, Illinois, to marry Miss Mary Hickey, of Chicago, daughter of John Hickey and Catherine Kerwin.  It is believed that they were married on December 25, 1889, in Chicago.  She was born January 14, 1858 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.

On February 3, 1891, daughter Catherine Agnes McGivern was born in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois.  She was baptized March 6th of that year by Father Joseph Shannon.

On April 29, 1893, James McGivern was listed as age 39 and a laborer living in Galesburg when his twins Elizabeth Loretta and Frederick Martin were born there.

Around late 1893, brother John and his family moved to Vesta, Johnson County, Nebraska.  On November 23, 1895, John McGivern died at age 42 in Johnson County and was buried there.

Between 1890 and 1900, James held a variety of jobs, and the family appeared to move several times.  For example: March, 1890 - James was in the partnership of "Mahar & McGivern" in Williamsfield; February, 1892 - the family was living in Edelsteen, Peoria County; April,1893 - they were living in Galesburg; 1894 - they were living in East Galesburg and James was working at the brickyard; February, 1895 - James was postmaster of the mining town of Etherley, Victoria Township.  Etherley as a town was short-lived and was gradually dismantled as the mining ran out.  A front page story in the August 31, 1999, Williamsfield Times states:

"The grain elevator at Etherley had a narrow escape recently.  A number of men of that village were all ready to tear it down when the officials of the Etherley railroad company took the matter into the courts and succeeded in getting an injunction stopping the tearing down proceedings.  In the petition for an injunction the court is asked to restrain Albert West, Thomas Wells, H. L. Johnson, M. B. Sloan and James McGivern form removing in whole or in part the grain elevator situated upon the grounds of the company at Etherley.  ..."  As can be seen in the picture to the right of a grain elevator being moved down a road, it seems that the railroad company may have "won the battle, but ultimately lost the war" in the grain elevator dispute.

By 1900, the family was living in Victoria Village, Copley Township, Knox County.  The census page, date June 21, 1900, lists the family as follows.  Note that James is now a grain dealer.  Perhaps that explains his need for a grain elevator!

Some time before 1904, the family moved to Galesburg, where they stayed.  By 1907, they are living at 819 Accommodation Avenue in Galesburg.  Daughter Catherine graduated in the summer of that year from St. Joseph's Academy.  James is working in the CB&Q stockyards, a job he held until late 1909 or early 1910.

On the 1910 Federal Census, dated April 22, 1910, the family is still living on Accommodation Avenue.  James and his son Fred are both working at Frost Manufacturing, which was located near their home.  Daughter Kate was teaching grades 1-8 in the one-room Center Point school in Galesburg.

Some time before 1913, James and Mary purchased land and built a residence at 652 Henderson Street in Galesburg.  This was to be their home for the remainder of their lives.  James continued to work for Frost Manufacturing, but by 1915 son Fred was a brakeman with the CB&Q railroad and daughter Bess was a dressmaker for the O. T. Johnson Co.

During the summer of 1917, son Fred entered the Army and served in France.  He was honorably discharged from the service near the end of July, 1919.  Just seven weeks later, he died from drowning at age 26 on September 20, 1919, in the Mississippi River near Quincy, Adams County, Illinois.  It was very difficult loss for the family.

By early 1919, James was working as a laborer for Dependable Truck Co.  A year later, he was working as a fireman for a local hotel.  The 1920 Federal Census, dated January 3, 1920, lists the family as follows.

James died at about age 66 on March 15, 1921 in Galesburg and was buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery there.  His obituary in the Williamsfield Times on March 23, 1921, states:

"James McGivern, son of Daniel and Bridget (Byrnes) McGivern, was born Aug. 11, 1856 in Truro Twp., about three miles west of where Williamsfield now stands, on the old McGivern Homestead.  Jim's education consisted of what little he could learn by attending the public school when the work on the farm would allow him.  He was married to Mary Hickey on December 24, 1890 [actually 1889].  To them three children were born, Kathryn, who teaches in one of the public schools of Galesburg; Elizabeth, an employ of the Big Store [O. T. Johnson Co.]; and Fred, who passed away Sept. 20, 1919.  Jim remained on the farm until his marriage then moved to Williamsfield engaging for a time in the farm implement business, afterwards moving to Galesburg where he passed away March 15, 1921.  Besides his wife and two daughters he leaves three sisters, Mary McGivern of Piper City, Ill., Bridget McGivern of Galesburg, and Mrs. E. E. German of Williamsfield.  [A later letter indicated that he had stayed in close contact with all three sisters.]  Mr. McGivern was a member of the St. Patrick's [Catholic] Church of which he took a very active part.  He was also affiliated with the Mystic Worker's Lodge No. 90.  The funeral services were conducted by Father Baines in St. Patrick's Church.  Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  The pall bearers were his four nephews, Clarence, James, Leo and Russell German, and John Moore and Joe Burns."

Mary McGivern continued to live in the family home at 652 South Henderson Street, Galesburg, with her daughter Catherine.  A couple of years later, she made a place there for her half-brother, John Ryan, who stayed with the family until his death on April 13, 1938.

Mary died in her home on April 16, 1938, and was buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery next to her husband.  Her obituary read as follows:

"Mrs. Mary McGivern, 652 South Henderson street, died at 7:40 o'clock this morning in her home of pneumonia, shortly over three days after her brother, John Ryan, succumbed in the home of the same disease.  Mrs. McGivern, the widow of James McGivern, had been ill one week.  Mary Hickey, the daughter of Martin and Catherine Kerwin Hickey, was born in Galesburg, but spent her early life in Chicago.  She was married there to James McGivern on Christmas Day, 1890.  The couple resided here for a number of years.  Mr. McGivern died on March 17, 1920, and son, Frederick, a World war veteran, died in 1919.  Mrs. McGivern was a member of St. Patrick's church, and the altar society.  She leaves two daughters, Catherine McGivern at home and Mrs. James Burke of this city; a sister, Mrs. Hannah Burns of Kewanee; and six grandchildren.  ..."

Children of James McGivern and Mary Hickey are:
1.4.1.  Catherine (Kate) Agnes McGivern (1891 - 1972)
1.4.2.  Elizabeth (Bess) Loretta McGivern Burke (1893 - 1970)
1.4.3.  Frederick (Fred) Martin McGivern (1893 - 1919)

1.4.1.  Catherine (Kate) Agnes McGivern, daughter of James McGivern and Mary Hickey.

Birth:	03 Feb 1891 in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois
Marriage:	n/a
Death:	08 Nov 1972 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois
Burial:	St. Joseph's Cemetery, Galesburg

Catherine Agnes McGivern was born February 3, 1891, in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois.  Church records state that she was baptized on March 06, 1891, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Brimfield, Illinois, although the story passed down through the family is that she was the first baby baptized at the newly built Catholic Church in Williamsfield.  [The Williamsfield church was later merged into the Brimfield church.]

Kate spent her early years with her family as they moved among the area towns of Williamsfield, Edelstein, Galesburg, Etherley, and Victoria.  Eventually, the family settled in Galesburg where she attended St. Joseph's Academy for school years 1904-1907.  On June 20, 1907, at age 16, she graduated from St. Joseph's Academy.

Kate's love of children was reflected in the profession she chose.  For eleven years, from 1908 through the 1919 school year, she taught grades 1-8 in five different one-room, one-teacher, rural school houses around Knoxville, Galesburg and Abingdon.  For the next eleven years, to the summer of 1930, she taught grades 2-7 in the larger six-teacher L. T. Stone school in Galesburg.  Subsequently, she moved to Churchill Jr. High School where she remained until her retirement.  In all, she worked as a teacher for nearly fifty years in Galesburg and the surrounding communities.  She is remembered fondly by many of her students as the big-bosomed, over-weight woman who walked with a bad limp and always had a warm smile.

As far as we know, Kate McGivern was the first descendant from this line to achieve a full college education.  Bringing with her credits from Knox College and Illinois State Normal University, she entered Western Illinois State Teachers College in Macomb, Illinois, in October, 1914, as an extension and summer student, taking classes there until finally graduating with a two year diploma in July 1926.  In the summer of 1930, she returned to Western to continue her program of summer and extension classes.  Finally, on August 23, 1935, she received a full bachelors degree, with a major in education and minors in history and English.  On February 19, 1938, she entered the University of Illinois graduate program full-time at the start of the second semester and continued her classes there through January, 1940.

Kate was never married, although she had some courtships.  Sometimes she spoke of a farmer she had dated, and of how much she had liked him.  In the end, it didn't work out though.  He wouldn't move to Galesburg - and she refused to live on a farm!

Kate continued to live with her mother Mary Hickey McGivern until the mother's death in 1938.  After that, she moved in with her sister Elizabeth McGivern Burke and her family - and she never moved out.  As my grandfather Burke used to say, "Bob, be very careful if an in-law ever talks about moving in with you.  They might not ever leave!"

Although Kate had no children of her own, to her nieces and nephews she was like a second mother and Santa Claus all rolled up in one.  Her visits invariably included gifts and candies for all of the kids.  Then she would spend hours reading stories, making puzzles, playing Scrabble™, and generally making each of us feel special.  Best of all were the trips she would take us on.  All of us remember going to O. T. Johnson 's for some "Key Lime" pie or to the American Beauty restaurant for a milk shake.  She was a very special lady.

Kate McGivern died at age 81 on November 08, 1972 in Galesburg and is buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery there.  She has been deeply missed.

1.4.2.  Elizabeth (Bess) Loretta McGivern Burke, daughter of James McGivern and Mary Hickey.

Birth:	29 Apr 1893 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois
Marriage:	26 Oct 1921 to James L. Burke in Galesburg
Death:	14 Oct 1970 in Galesburg
Burial:	St. Joseph's Cemetery, Galesburg

Elizabeth Loretta McGivern was born with a twin brother on April 29, 1893, in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.  She and her siblings spent their early years with her family as they moved among the area towns of Williamsfield, Edelstein, Galesburg, Etherley, and Victoria, eventually settling in Galesburg some time before 1904.  She attended school at least up to the summer of 1910, and probably longer.

Some time before 1913, Elizabeth began employment as a dressmaker for O. T. Johnson Co. in downtown Galesburg.  By early 1919, her job had evolved within the company to "sales lady".  Her first cousin Myrtle German was also working as a clerk in the store by then, and was living in the McGivern home.  They were probably having a lot of fun.  Pictures of the time show lots of horseback riding, carriages and dates.

After nearly two years away, twin brother Fred was honorably discharged from the service near the end of July, 1919.  Just seven weeks later, he died from drowning at age 26 on September 20, 1919, in the Mississippi River near Quincy, Adams County, Illinois.  By all accounts, this was a very painful loss that Elizabeth carried with here for the rest of her life.

On October 26, 1921, Elizabeth, age 28, was married to James Lawrence Burke, age 38, son of Lawrence Burke and Honora O'Hern, in St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Galesburg.  He was born January 30, 1883, in Yates City, Knox County, and had been working for the CB&Q railroad for nearly fifteen years at the time of their marriage.

The couple initially lived with Elizabeth's mother and sister at 652 South Henderson Street, where their first child was born.  Some time around 1924-25, they built a bungalow of their own two lots south on land owned by her mother.  Five more children were added as the years passed in the new home.

On April 16, 1938, Elizabeth's mother died.  It was some time close to this that the family moved into a larger rented home at 654 Academy Street.  It was also about this time that her sister Catherine and Aunt Hannah moved in with the family.  Families took care of each other in those times.  Neither ever moved out

Around 1940, the family of eight, and two in-laws, moved into a larger home they had purchased next door at 694 South Academy Street in Galesburg.  It was the family home for most all of their remaining years.

James died at age 82 on October 06, 1965, in Galesburg and is buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery there.  Elizabeth died at age 77 on October 14, 1970, in Galesburg.  She is also buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery where she shares a gravestone with her husband.

Children of Elizabeth McGivern and James Burke are:
1.4.2.1.  Margaret Loretta Ewing 
1.4.2.2.  Mary Elizabeth Burke Mower
1.4.2.3.  Frances Eleanor Burke Miller
1.4.2.4.  Catherine Eileen Burke Fey
1.4.2.5.  James Frederick Burke
1.4.2.6.  Helen Virginia Burke Weaver

1.4.3.  Frederick (Fred) Martin McGivern, son of James McGivern and Mary Hickey

Birth:	29 Apr 1893 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois
Marriage:	n/a
Death:	20 Sep 1919 in Galesburg
Burial:	St. Joseph's Cemetery, Galesburg

Frederick Martin McGivern was born with a twin sister on April 29, 1893, in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.  He was educated at Corpus Christi college in Galesburg.  After leaving school, Colville's 1910-11 Directory for Galesburg lists him, at age 16, as a boiler maker working for Frost Manufacturing Company - a job he apparently kept until around 1914.  In Colville's 1915-16 Directory, he is working as a brakeman for the CB&Q railroad.  Throughout these years, he continued to live in the family home.

According to his obituary, on June 24, 1918, Fred entered the Army and basic training at Camp Grant near Rockford, Illinois.  On October 9th of the same year he landed in France where he saw service in the field.  He was honorably discharged from the service near the end of July, 1919, and returned to working as a brakeman for the CB&Q.  Just seven weeks later, he died from drowning at age 26 on September 20, 1919, in the Mississippi River near Quincy, Adams County, Illinois.  He is buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.  He was never married.

1.5.  Mary McGivern, daughter of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes.

Mary McGivern was born on may 14, 1858, in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois, where she attended the public schools.

On October 19, 1899, the Williamsfield Times reported that "Miss Mary McGivern, of Galesburg who had been visiting her sister, Mrs. E. E. German, for several weeks, returned home Tuesday."

Much of her adult life was spent as a housekeeper in the Peoria, Illinois, Diocese of the Catholic Church.

At the death of her brother, James, on March 23, 1921, she was living in Piper City, Illinois.

Mary McGivern died at age 85 on August 03, 1943, in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, and was buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.  She was never married.

1.6.  Michael McGivern, son of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes.

Michael McGivern, son of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes, was born circa 1860 in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois.  He died at age 28 on December 15, 1888, in Copley Township, Knox County, Illinois, and was buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, East Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, next to his mother and his three younger triplet siblings.  He was never married.

1.7.  Elizabeth (Lizzie) Jane McGivern German, daughter of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes.

Elizabeth Jane McGivern, daughter of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes, was born with triplets on June 10, 1863, in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois.

Elizabeth married Elmer E. German, son of Henry German and Polly Miller, at 1 p.m. on December 12, 1889, in the bride's home 2 miles west of the village of Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois.  The Rev. Father Shannon, of Brimfield, officiated.  Elizabeth's brother James signed as a witness on the marriage license.  Elmer was born February 25, 1865, in Millbrook Township, Peoria County, Illinois.

On October 19, 1899, the Williamsfield Times reported that "Miss Mary McGivern, of Galesburg who had been visiting her sister, Mrs. E. E. German, for several weeks, returned home Tuesday."

On October 26, 1899, the Williamsfield Times reported that "E. E. German had a good horse killed Sunday morning on the Santa Fe tracks just west of town.  He was driving the animal, loose, from one pasture to another when an extra eastbound freight came along and the horse started off down the track pursued by the train.  The race did not last long, as the train quickly overtook the horse and killed it."

At the death of her brother, James, on March 23, 1921, she was living in Williamsfield, Illinois.

Elmer German died at age 70 on March 17, 1935, in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, and is buried in Williamsfield Cemetery, Knox County, Illinois.

Elizabeth Jane McGivern German died at age 86 on February 11, 1950, in St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri, at home of her daughter, Mary Myrtle German.  She is buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, East Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, next to her mother, the two siblings she was born with, and her older brother Michael.

Children of Elizabeth McGivern and Elmer German are:
1.7.1.  Clarence Winfred German (1890 - 1943)
1.7.2.  Mary Myrtle German (1894 - 1983)
1.7.3.  James Henry German (1896 - 1958)
1.7.4.  William Russell German (1899 - 1962)
1.7.5.  Leo Elmer German (1901 - 1951)

1.7.1.  Clarence Winfred German, son of Elizabeth McGivern and Elmer German, was born May 21, 1890, in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois, and died December 27, 1943.  He married Myrtle Atem.  She was born in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois.

Child of Clarence German and Myrtle Atem is:
1.7.1.1.  Mary Margaret German Danielson

1.7.2.  Mary Myrtle German, daughter of Elizabeth McGivern and Elmer German, born May 08, 1894 in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois.  She died October, 1983, in St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri.

1.7.3.  James Henry German, son of Elizabeth McGivern and Elmer German, was born December 08, 1896, in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois.  He died October 27, 1958, in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois.

James married Lois May Caldwell, daughter of Charles Caldwell and Janette Pulver, on November 08, 1924, in Brimfield, Peoria County, Illinois.  She was born June 15, 1903, in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois.  She died December 21, 1990, in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, and was buried December 24, 1990, in the Williamsfield Cemetery, Knox County, Illinois.

Children of James German and Lois Caldwell are:
1.7.3.1.  James Caldwell German
1.7.3.2.  Gerald Francis German
1.7.3.3.  Gloria Joanne German Johnson

1.7.4.  William Russell German, son of Elizabeth McGivern and Elmer German, was born April 24, 1899, in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois.  He died January 04, 1962 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, and is buried in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois.  He married Lorena Yelm, daughter of Charles Yelm and Betsey Norman, on January 26, 1927, in St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri. She was born August 04, 1898, in Laura, Peoria County, Illinois.  She died August 12, 1988, in Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois, and is buried there.

Children of William German and Lorena Yelm are:
1.7.4.1.  Russell Charles German

1.7.5.  Leo Elmer German, son of Elizabeth McGivern and Elmer German, was born July 15, 1901, in Williamsfield, Knox County, Illinois.  He died December 31, 1951, and is buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, East Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.  He married Edith Carlson.

Children of Leo German and Edith Carlson are::
1.7.5.1.  Elizabeth German

1.8.  Catherine A. McGivern, daughter of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes.

Catherine A. McGivern was born with triplets on June 10, 1863, in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois.  She died at age 11 on January 14, 1875, in Truro Township, Knox County, Illinois, and is buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, East Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, next to her mother, the two siblings she was born with, and her older brother Michael.

1.9.  Peter F. McGivern, son of Daniel McGivern and Bridget Byrnes.

Peter F. McGivern was born among a set of triplets.  He was the first member of the family to pass on.  He died during the winter of 1874-75, at age 11, just a couple of months before his sister Catherine.  He is buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, East Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, where he shares a gravestone with his mother, his triplet sister Catherine, and his older brother Michael.  His other triplet sister Elizabeth is buried in the same plot under a separate stone.

Copyright © 2001-2004 by Robert D. Miller, Site Designer.  All Rights Reserved.
The electronic pages on this website are not to be linked to or reproduced in any format for profit or payment.  They may be freely used by non-commercial entities for educational and/or research purposes as long as no payment is asked for or made in exchange for viewing them and this message remains on them.