Our cousin, Lyndall Coleman, Milton Wilder Harvey's granddaughter once told me that she remembered Aunt Laura and Aunt Aurelia visiting together sometime in the early 1900's. She also remembered Laura's daughters, Minnie Leger and Gerty Dick, living in Little Ferry, New Jersey.
Minnie was married to a dentist in New York City at some point. In any event, in 1915 they were widows living in New York County (Manhattan), as was their sister, Effie B. (Fannie) O'Dell. Sister Ada Hockman was living in San Francisco. I also point out to you that all of the Distributees of Aurelia's estate signed one document giving VTH power of Attorney to execute the deeds. The significance of this is that all our cousins knew of the existence of the others as late as 1915. I am enclosing a separate list of citations to the records in Philadelphia City Hall that are relevant.
About Julian Flint Hervey. I visited the site of Fort Griffin, Texas, to get a better understanding of what this man was all about. The Old Jail Art Museum in Albany, TX, contains the Archives of the Fort. The public library has microfilm of the Fort Griffin Echo, the newspaper of the town. In it are many references to JFH and his family that I have abstracted and enclose for your amusement. I also visited the graves of his oldest son, Virgil J. Hervey and his baby, Lula Belle. Virgil was supposedly killed by a buffalo hunter, a not uncommon event of those lawless times. This information was in a letter in the archives dated 1958 from a niece of JFH's wife, Emily Davidson. A Coroner's Inquest made a finding, however, that the six bullets in his body were caused by person or persons unknown! So, it appears that a similar shooting story descended on her side of the family.
But what was most revealing from the "Echo" were two stories about other relatives of ours, Ed Hervey and C. H. Harkness! On Nov. 19, 1881, Mr. Hervey of Fort Worth was visiting with his Aunt, Mrs. Jule Hervey, and suffering from a pulmonary complaint. On Dec. 24, 1881, the "Echo" notes the death of Ed Hervey in Fort Worth of consumption. I engaged a researcher at the Fort Worth Public Library to help me find out more about our late cousin Ed and the fruit of that search is enclosed. His obits of Dec.17, 1881 and Dec. 20, 1881, in the Fort Worth Daily & Democrat describe him as quiet, gentlemanly and kind hearted. Most noteworthy is the reference to his aunt in New York City who was telegraphed for burial instructions. I doubt that it could have been Aurelia because she was supposed to be in Philadelphia, leaving - Laura. (I have to go to NYC and check out street directories to locate these people.) So, who were Ed's parents? The 1880 census of Tarrant County Texas lists him as being 24 years of age and born in Penn. (in 1856). VTH was fond of the name. He named one of his sons by his first known wife, Mary Lang Hamilton, (m.1868), Eddie - he died in infancy, and another, Edwin. In 1856 VTH would have been 21. We don't yet know where he might have been from 1850 with the Shakers in Mt. Lebanon, to 1861 at Texas. Julian was already in Texas fathering Virgil and Clarence. Alfred Nelson Bent Hervey was in Bennington, VT. Milton Wilder Harvey had not yet married Mary Schroeder (Oct. 6, 1864), but he was old enough, 28. Ruel remains a mystery. He may still have been living with the Shakers in Ohio, where their records place him in 1852 at age 32. Apparently Ruel died without children or they predeceased him, because no issue of his are listed in Aurelia's estate.
The other name was C. H. Harkness. Sound familiar? Like in Aurelia Harkness? The Fort Griffin Echo of Jan. 31, 1880, refers to " J. F. Hervey, formerly of Harkness & Co." Aurelia's husband was Charles H. Harkness. They are buried together in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Philadelphia. His burial certificate shows his date of death as Aug. 24, 1878, but Phila. has no death certificate and the paper carried no obit after his death. I checked this to see if JFH had worked for Harkness in Phila. before he went west. No luck. So, I'm sitting in the library in Albany, TX, reading the "Echo" on microfilm and I see these big display ads for "C. H. Harness & Co." a local emporium (saloon). Well, that solved the mystery, I thought. Then I saw a news item in the Feb. 1, 1879, issue stating "The body of Mr. C. H. Harkness, who died last summer, was exhumed last Saturday and has been sent to Philadelphia for final burial." Mere coincidence? I doubt it. I believe Aurelia's husband was out west with his brother-in-law, JFH. Deeds in Phila. City Hall show a Charles Harkness selling his four properties by 1877. Interesting, what?
I had some nice visits with our cousins along the way. Frank and Edythe Shortman in the Florida Keys. I saw and photographed the famous chinese vase which was all that remained of Aunt Aurelia's estate when VTH's daughter Rita went to Phila. to gather up her property. Uncle Bert had beaten her to it, so the story goes. I told the story to Bert's grandson, David Hervey Funck, in Houston. He got as big a kick out of it as we all have. David brought out a shoebox full of photos that we went through trying to identify the people in them. One was of a young boy and girl on the reverse of which was written, "To my Daddy Hervey, from Anna". The boy is Bert. I know from his death certificate that his father was Virgil Hervey and he was born July 3, 1887 in New York City. In another photo of them they are seated in a swing in the same yard as the first photo, and who is with them? None other than VTH! I place the time of the photo at about 1897-1899. Apparently visiting while his then present wife, Marguerite, was home with my father VTH, Jr., Rita and Mildred. What a guy!
David also had a picture of my father and brothers taken in our backyard on State Street in North Bergen, NJ, only he didn't known who they were. On the reverse side was written in my Aunt Rita's handwriting their first names only. It was taken either the summer of 1929 or 1930. One of us has the same photo, because I have seen it before. Apparently Aunt Rita was corresponding with either Bert or David's mother, Aurelia. She was a beautiful woman and her father, Bert (Wilbert) was a dashingly handsome man, always dressed to the nines in the photos I saw of him. Took after his father. They were dressed well as children also. Had a nice visit with David and his wife, Elzada.
Wilbert's mother was Mary E. Miller, daughter of a sea captain, according to her obit. She had been a resident of Whitestone, the Bronx, for seven years prior to her death on January 15, 1926, at age 69. She is buried in the Flushing Cemetery with her son, Clarence Lockwood, (by a first husband?). Her last husband was a DeVoe, who predeceased her. The mystery daughters were Florence Zaar who had a beautiful daughter, Mercedes, and one Mrs. Herbert Munson, both of whom were living in Whitestone in 1926. Which one was "Anna"? Her sister? I have not yet located a birth certificate for Bert.
The romance between VTH and Mary Miller produced children, but evidently, not a marriage. The story passed down was that VTH's first wife, Mary Lang had been languishing melancholic for many years over the death of her babies, Eddie and Mamie, and there was no love life at home for poor old Virgil, who was only in his early 50's. (Heck, I just turned 50 and I can relate to that.) How he met Miss Miller is not clear, but he was making a bundle of money in real estate at that time in NYC. His tenants who could not afford to pay their rent offered to barter their services. We know this because my grandmother was suffering from a bad gum disease in her youth and a dentist tenant of VTH extracted all of her teeth and fitted her with dentures in lieu of rent. Not a bad deal. Anyway, after Mary Lang died in 1890, and before VTH married Maggie in 1892, he pleaded with Mary Miller to marry him, but she refused. Why? We don't know. But if he had, I might not be sitting here typing this letter today, and some of you might not be there to read it. What luck!
As an aside, Mary Lang Hamilton was buried in Cypress Hills Cemetery, on Jamaica Ave., Brooklyn, NY, with her babies Eddie and Mamie, as well as VTH's mother, Aurelia Clary Harvey (Her death certificate says Woodworth but I believe it was Woodward). (I have been plagued and hampered with misspellings of names throughout this search.) I also visited with Frances Overin Jenkins and her husband Bill in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Frances is Milton Wilder Harvey's great granddaughter. She shares my interest in identifying our gr-grandfather, James Harvey. Frances is Sturtevant Overin's daughter. His mother was MWH's daughter, Caroline Harvey. Caroline and her sister Elizabeth (Lulu), married two Overins, an uncle and a nephew, both named Henry Clay Overin on the same day, December 13, 1894 in Hackensack, NJ. The nephew was known as HCO the second. He and Lulu were great friends of VTH and even owned a farm next to him on Dug Road in New Paltz. Their son George Overin visited right up until the time of VTH's death according to one of Maggie's letters to my father. Henry executed an affidavit on behalf of Maggie for VTH's pension after his death. It is in his pension file in the National Archives. Frances provided me with her father's application to the Sons of the Revolution which has been a great help in getting started in this search. My membership application can be used by any of us sharing the Hervey bloodline at any time in the future. That is why I joined the S of R. To preserve the history of the family. I have also deposited our genealogy with the Mormon Library in Salt Lake City, the Bennington Museum Library in Vermont, the Jones Library in Amherst, Mass., and the Southeast Texas Genealogy Tyrrel Library in Beaumont.
The next stop on my trek west was in Amarillo, TX, where I visited with Ellen Jones, Barbara Honea and their sister Geraldine. They are descended from one of the daughters of Jonathan Carver and Abigail Robbins Carver, Abigail Carver, who married Joshua Goss in Montague before the revolution and emigrated to Brandon, VT, where in 1775, they owned a popular tavern of the times. In the 1800's it became the County Poor Farm. If James Harvey abandoned his family in Brandon in 1835, this is where they would have lived, unless a cousin, of which there were many, took them in. I took photos of the place when I was up there last Washington's Birthday and sent them to Ellen. Had a lovely visit there too.
Next stop on the way west was in Roswell, NM, where I visited the graves of JFH and James Madison Hervey. As an aside, to show how fate works in its wonderful ways, this story: After I first contacted Frances Overin Jenkins, she went through her late father's things and sent me an old newspaper article from the "Santa Fe New Mexican", March 21, 1903, all browned from age and crumbling. The front-page story was of James Madison Hervey, with photo, District Attorney, and Man of the Hour, an up and coming Republican (re-printed below). She told me she didn't know who he was, but apparently it related to the family. I wrote some letters to New Mexico and was referred to JMH's law partner, who in turn provided me with the names and addresses of JMH's son Andy and daughter Virginia. Incidentally, it wasn't until I found them that I was able to identify JMH's father as Julian and ultimately get his obit from the Roswell Newspaper. It's amazing how all the little pieces fit, how each little piece of information, in itself insignificant, provides a clue that snowballs into an integral part of this giant puzzle. I love it! It is obvious to me now that JMH sent the newspaper clipping to his cousin Caroline and her son Sturtevant saved it all those years.
James Madison Hervey was one in a million. At least. Imagine growing up in frontier conditions with his father tending bar, diving for cover when the bullets started flying, hiding from Indians while traveling west from Texas to New Mexico, settling the frontier with literally every new mile traveled and eventually becoming Attorney General of the Territory of New Mexico, the first President of the Bar Commissioners, and one of the authors of the first codification of the Laws of New Mexico? He had the right stuff. These were just a few of his accomplishments in life. I did not have the opportunity to meet his son, James Andrew. Andy died last year. However, I did visit with his daughter Virginia and her husband Keet McElhany, in Springfield, MO, on my way home, and had a wonderful time.
A little more about Julian. Remember the stories about the family circus and how the boys were traveling through Texas when war broke out and the Confederates confiscated the horses and conscripted the brothers? Well, it appears that only VTH served on either side in the Civil War. I have checked them all out and no record exists to confirm any service of the others. I also joined the Circus Historical Society and advertised in the "Bandwagon" magazine for info on any Hervey or Harvey Brothers Circus in that time frame. No records show any such organizations. However, Stuart Thayer, a circus historian from Seattle provided me with rosters of a Reynold's Circus, 1854, playing San Antonio, September 15 and 16, with a Hervey; Orton's Great Southern Circus, 1857, with a Julien Hervey; Orton & Older Circus, 1858, with a Julian Henry; Orton Brothers' Circus, 1868, with a Julian Harvey; and Orton & Co.'s Circus, 1869, with a Julian Hervey. They all played Texas and surrounding states. No other names on the rosters are familiar. So, is this where the circus stories started? Or, is it where they ended? In any event, Julian was known at Fort Griffin as an ex-acrobat and all around circus man and there is a great story about him in the book, "The Quirt and the Spur" by Edgar Rye. Andy Hervey also told me that his dad, JMH had hurt his back as a boy doing acrobatic stunts with Julian, and that Julian had a black valet or sidekick of sorts (John "Prof." Lewis, the 'negro porter'?), and the two of them would perform scenes from Shakespeare in saloons.
Now for a little puzzle about Aurelia. On July 5, 1985, Jean, Gabriella and I visited her grave. She, Charles H. Harkness, and one Edwin A. Palmer lie together beneath a huge monument marked "PALMER". A stone slab bears the date of Charles' death as Aug. 24, 1878. Edwin's stone reads "son of Aurelia and George"; he died June 14, 1865 at age 15!, ergo he was born in 1850 when Aurelia was 24. Who was George? Cemetery records indicate that Aurelia A. Palmer wed George Palmer on Aug. 6, 1885. Edwin was reburied in this plot on Oct. 17, 1885. With Charlie. But George ain't there. Why? After erecting an expensive memorial? And why only two years later, in 1887, did Aurelia buy property in her name Harkness? Did they have a falling out, a divorce? Was Edwin her biological son by an earlier love affair? I can't quite figure it out and I can't find any marriage certificates or Edwin's death certificate. But, Aurelia was buried there under the name Harkness and her estate was administered under that name. She must have had the power of ownership over that plot.
Well, that's about it for now. I'm still searching for James Harvey. I will write when I learn anything new. I certainly hope you all enjoy these updates on our family history.
Warmest regards,
Robert
FROM "THE FORT GRIFFIN ECHO"
Jan. 18, 1879: A very pleasant party of little folks assembled at the resi-
dence of J.H. Hervey Wed. evening and indulged in dancing,
games and other plays. The little ones enjoyed the party
very much.
Jan. 25, 1879: Refers to a feat of jugglery at Hervey's saloon Sun. morn.
Feb. 1, 1879: C. H. Harkness exhumed. Sent to Phila. for final burial.
May 24, 1879: J. H. Hervey and family off on a visit to friends in the
southern part of the state.
Jan. 17, 1880: Mr. Hervey cleared his dining room last Monday evening and gave
a dance for the benefit of the young folks. The occasion was
the birthday of Miss Clara, Mr. Hervey's oldest daughter. The
little misses and the gallant young gents enjoyed themselves
hugely and dispersed at the very reasonable - for children -
hour of 12 o'clock.
Jan. 24, 1880: It may be a mistake, but the general impression is that Hervey's
restaurant is receiving more than an equal share of patronage
all because of good grub and kind treatment.
Jan. 31, 1880: J. F. Harvey, formerly of Harkness & Co., has for a number of
months been running a restaurant and boarding house with
marked success.
Mar. 21, 1880: Gus Huber is off to Fort Worth and Jule Hervey is behind the
bar at Gus' saloon during the absence of the boss.
July 10, 1880: Deputy Sheriff Hall, of Albany, was in town and took his
fodder at Hervey's restaurant Monday.
July 17, 1880: To Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Hervey, Miss Clara Hervey, and Mrs.
Wolfrom, we are indebted for the pleasant call they made
this office Sunday last.
Nov. 27, 1880: Jule Hervey and family have returned from their trip to
Eastland.
Dec. 4, 1880: Mrs. J. F. Hervey has opened a new boarding house at her
residence in the west part of town.
Mar. 5, 1881: Jule Hervey has bought a span of horses and wagon from Mart
Hoover and a pair of fine mules from Mr. Fout. Jule has the
railroad fever and a fine collection of boils on his neck
of which he is very proud.
Mar. 12, 1881: Mr. J. F. Hervey and family left here on Thursday for Baird
City. Mr. Hervey is one of the old-timers here, and he will
be missed greatly. We wish him success in any enterprise he
may engage.
Mar. 19, 1881: Jule Hervey and Prof. Lewis have located at Baird City.
Mar. 26, 1881: Charley Hartfield is fitting up the Hervey building in fine
style, cleaning, painting, papering, etc.
Apr. 2, 1881: Geo. Wilhelm has taken the house recently occupied by Mr.
Hervey and moved his family from Albany, where they will
remain for the time being. (Note: This house was located
across Collins Creek west of the school house.)
Apr. 2, 1881: Having cleaned, painted, papered and enlarged the old
"Hervey property," Charley Hartfield will move his restaurant
into the new quarters next week. Good board with or without
room.
Oct. 8, 1881: Albert Hervey was visiting his old acquaintances here this week.
(Note: Albert was a son.)
Oct. 8, 1881: Mrs. Hervey, so well known to the travelling public, has leased
the Herron House in Albany and proposes to keep a first class
hotel. We recommend her house to persons visiting the future
great.
Nov. 5, 1881: A new restaurant and boarding house will be opened here next
week by Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Hervey, in the old Wilson house.
Both these ladies are well and favorably known as first-class
caterers and we bespeak for them a liberal patronage.
Nov. 19, 1881: Mr. Hervey, from Fort Worth, is visiting his aunt, Mrs. Jule
Hervey. He is suffering with a pulmonary complaint.
(Note: Apparently Julian is not there, or the paper would
say he was visiting with Jule.)
Dec. 17, 1881: Mrs. Hervey having recovered from a severe spell of sickness
has re-opened her boarding house.
Dec. 24, 1881: Mr. Ed Hervey, formerly a resident of this place, died of
consumption in Fort Worth Friday and was buried by the
barber's association of that place on Sunday.
Jan. 14, 1882: Mrs. Hervey and Mrs. Walsh have opened the old Wilson house
and are keeping it in first class style.
Jan. 21, 1882: Last issue of the "Fort Griffin Echo".
In Jan. 1883, an "Echo" was published at Albany, TX, but
there are no references to the Herveys.
1880 Census Record Shackelford County, TX indicates:
Hervey, Julius F. age 48, bartender, born in New Jersey,
Father born Mass, Mother born Mass.
Compiled by Robert A. Hervey, Catskill, NY 12414, March 15, 1989
with lots of help from Mrs. Joan Farmer, Archivist of The Old Jail
Art Center and Museum, RR 1 Box 1, Albany, TX 76430. Joan took me on a personal
tour of the site of the old Fort Griffin. It's not there anymore. The Fort itself
was abandoned a long, long time ago, and the adjoining community of hotels and homes
were abandoned shortly therefater and then destroyed by a flood. The foundations of
some of the hotels are there, but little else.
(Photo above right:) The Masonic Temple where James Madison Hervey and his siblings attended school was still standing in 1989.
SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN - NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1903
"MEN OF THE HOUR IN NEW MEXICO"
JAMES MADISON HERVEY
James Madison Hervey was born July 4, 1874, at Stevensville, Texas. He arrived at Lincoln,
New Mexico, December 20, 1886, where he resided until June, 1887, when he went to Roswell which,
with the exception of six years spent in Michigan and Chicago, has since been his home. For
five years he was in Michigan completing his education and one year in Chicago practicing law.
He was the first matriculate of the Goss Military Institute of Roswell in 1891, from which institution the New Mexico Military Institution has grown. In 1894, he entered Albion College, at Albion, Michigan, and in the fall of 1896, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He graduated with the degree of LL.B. on June 24, 1899. He spent one year in Chicago in the law office of Kretzinger and Kretzinger and the legal department of the Monon railroad. He returned to Roswell, May 24, 1900, and since that time has engaged in the active practice of law. On March 8, 1900, he married, in St. Louis, Miss Nettie Hill, daughter of A. J. Hill, a
Roswell merchant. He is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, having been affiliated with the chapters at Albion and Ann Arbor.
In 1900, he was nominated by the Republicans of Lincoln, Chaves and Eddy counties as candidate for the House of Representatives, but was defeated. During the campaign he visited every precinct in the three counties and made an active canvass for votes. At the present time he is city attorney for Roswell. His first vote was cast at Ann Arbor, Michigan, for William McKinley in 1896.
Mr. Hervey on Thursday last was appointed district attorney of the 8th district, composed of the Counties of Chaves and Eddy, by Governor Otero, and his nomination was confirmed. He had been strongly and almost unanimously recommended for the position by citizens of the
two counties named regardless of party. His first nomination for the
office on Wednesday last was rejected by the Council because two members thereof were against him in order to gratify personal feeling. Mr. Hervey is a stanch Republican and has done valiant service for the party in the Democratic stronghold where he resides and during the last
campaign was secretary of the Republican County Committee of Chaves
County. He is a young man of education, ability, excellent habits and
of the highest integrity. He is making an enviable place for himself in the legal profession and will, judging by his record, legal attainment and excellent character perform the duties of the important office to which he has been appointed, faithfully, efficiently and successfully. Mr. Hervey is one of the coming men of New Mexico.
[Many thanks to the courtesy of "Bud" Martin of the Law Firm of Hinkle, Hensley, Shanor & Martin, L.L.P., of Roswell, New Mexico, for providing the above portrait of James Madison Hervey.]
Back to TOP.
THE SEARCH FOR LAURA HARVEY BANCKER
According to the New York County 1900 US Census, Vol. 157, Enumeration District 608, Sheet 11,
Line 74: she was Widowed, age 67, born in Vermont, (possibly Brandon, Rutland County), April,
1833; had four children, all living. (See below)
Mother - Aurelia Clary (Gunn) Woodward. Father - James Harvey (Hervey) both born in Massachusetts;
resided after 1900 in the NYC - NJ - Metro area, possibly with siblings Ruel or Milton Wilder Harvey
or Aurelia Harkness Palmer in Philadelphia. She had died by 1914; when or where is unknown.
No records in New Jersey.
Three of her daughters lived in or near Little Ferry, NJ, 1900 -1920's.
Ada Hockman - b 1858 NYC, living with daughter Gertrude (nee Knight?) Cardwell -b NYC 1888
(Husband-R.G.) 370 D St., Coalinga, Fresno County, California, circa 1915.
Gertrude (Trudie) P. Dick -b Nov. 1862 NY - Husband Gavin A. Dick, Bank Clerk, age 42, born
Canada, emigrated to U.S. 1882. Married 16 years, no children. Laura living with them in 1900
at #309 128th St, Manhattan. (maybe until her death) (Minnie & Trudie both widowed by 1915 and
living together in Little Ferry)
Laura M. B. (Minnie) Leger -b Jan 1865 NYC, & Alfred A., -b Oct 1855, a NYC Dentist, married 1893,
children Effie B. -b May 1894 NJ, Alfred B. -b July 1896 NJ, resided in Little Ferry 1900-1903.
(Alfred had 3 older children, Margretta 1881, Grace 1882, & Estella 1884.)
Effie B. (Fannie) O'Dell -b Sept 1866 NY & William M.- b Sept 1857 (A NYC Treasurer,
lived on Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ, 1900-03; Newark, 1914) Daughter Laura E. - b May 1882
If you are related to Laura, or know anyone who is, I would like to hear from you.
(Note: Released for widespread circulation in 1997, but with no responses to date.)
BY THE WAY, THE DNA TEST RESULTS ARE IN!
November, 2001
Dear Brothers and Cousins;
I have been trying to discover the identity of our elusive James Hervey, the father of Virgil Temple Hervey, Sr., since the early 1980?s. The application of Sturtevant Overin, Sr. to the Sons of the Revolution indicates that his great grandfather, Milton Wilder Harvey?s father (and VTH?s father), was one James Harvey, born around 1780, Worcester, Massachusetts, and last seen, Fort Ann, New York, 1835. I have not been able to find any birth records for a James Harvey or Hervey in Worcester in that time period. There was, however, a James Harvey, born March 28, 1776, in Sunderland, Massachusetts, son of Simeon Harvey (9) [i.e., (9) as numbered for ID in the Harvey Genealogy histories]. This has always struck me as too close to Great Grandma Aurelia Clary to be just coincidence. Back in those days you married your neighbor. Aurelia lived down the road. Although thirty years older, he may have represented financial security or just an escape from poverty, albeit a fantasy on her part.
Back in 1991, I placed an ad in "Yankee" magazine, searching for heirs of Simeon's siblings, hoping to find a cousin who knew something about this James Harvey. I got a response from Garnet L. Harvey of Enosburg Falls, Vermont, but unfortunately, he knew little of Simeon?s descendants. Recently, with the popularity and accessibility of DNA testing, I made inquiries and found Identigene, a laboratory in Houston, Texas, that did testing at the request of the general populace. On August 29, 2001, I traveled up to Vermont with a test kit, and with the cooperation of a very cordial Garnet Harvey, took sample buccal (cheek) swabs of saliva from both of us and submitted them for Y Chromosome testing in the hope of settling the matter of my suspicions.
The results are in! Garnet Harvey and I do not share a common ancestor!
Why did VTH, Alfred Nelson Bent Hervey, and Austin Julian Hervey change the spelling? I was told that VTH would become enraged when anyone called him Harvey. I can only suspect, but I submit that he resented what may have been an abandonment of the family by his father, James, consigning them to penury and the refuge of the Shakers. Note that James only worked half a day on the Champlain Barge Canal. The rest of the sojourns in Brandon, I believe, were spent taking advantage of his wife?s cousins, the Carver girls, who married into industrious families. [Just my take on the subject.]
Finally, I have compiled a photo album on compact disk. If you would like one, let me know, and also, if you have e-mail capability, please advise to my address below.
Warmest regards,
ANOTHER ASIDE
The records of my searches of Census information, NYC Archives and Street Directories is
hardly interesting enough to fit into this narrative history, however, I have preserved it
because of its importance to the overall story. If any reader would like a file copy of what
I have, by e-mail only, please, contact me as provided above.
At the risk of interrupting the flow of the narrative, before going any further, I feel compelled to insert here the vital
statistics not yet recited above, of Virgil's siblings and their children, my cousins, for posterity. The narrative
continues below.
SOME VITALS WORTH NOTING
Alfred Hervey m. Betsy Savage Feb. 5, 1845 at Bennington, VT.
Aurelia died in Philadelphia, March 10, 1914. Buried there in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
Ruel apparently married, wife - Margaret; One daughter - Martha Longfield, b. ca. 1855;
One granddaughter, Mary Longfield, b. ca. 1878. Line seems to end there.
Milton m. Mary Schroeder (RSU). He died July 10, 1895 - buried Hackensack Cemetery,
Unmarked, Section D, Row 2, Grave 12. She was buried with the Schroeder family in Lutheran Cemetery,
Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY, April 18, 1913, and her 4 year old daughter, Aurelia!.
(There was a Harriet and a Lorraine around there too.)
Milton and Mary had three children reach adulthood, Elizabeth, Caroline and George Harvey,
a jewler. Aunt Rita worked in his store as young woman.
Elizabeth (Lulu) and Henry C. Overin, Jr. had six children, Lyndall Coleman, H.C. Overin, II,
Beatrice L. Orall, Mabel Conklin, Caroline Braunstein & George Sturtevant Overin, Sr.
Lulu died 1923, is interred in the Fairview Cemetery masoleum with HCO.
Caroline and Henry C. Overin, Sr. had one son, Sturtevant Overin, b. Nov.13, 1895.
He died Sept. 30, 1957, and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn with his wife and sons.
Sturtevant m. Emma Kuss Sept. 1, 1917. They had four children live to adulthood - Frances O. Jenkins,
Dorothy O. Storey, Audrey O. Palmer and Sturtevant Overin III.
Laura died ca. 1910? in Manhattan? (RSU)
Austin a/k/a Julian, m. Emily Davidson ca. 1870 in Burnet, TX. They had nine children, most notable of whom
was James Madison Hervey, who m. Nettie Hill, March 9, 1900. They had three children,
Ruth Hervey Lomax, Virginia Hervey McElhany and James Andrew (Andy) Hervey.
Virginia had one son, Andrew McElhany, currently in Colorado, and James (Andy) had two children of whom I
am aware, James Powell, and Ann. Andy McElhany has three children, Mary Katherine, Virginia and Andy, Jr..
Julian's other children were: Virgil J., Clarence J., Homer E., Franklin J., Albert L.,
Clara O. (Bradshaw - Chicago), Ella T. (Wombold - San Antonio), and Baby Lula Belle. Homer and
Franklin died young, too.
Virgil's first marriage to Mary Lang Hamilton produced three adult children.
Julian b. Oct. 17, 1871, died Feb. 12, 1944. Married ?(RSU) Had one adult child,
Mabel Hervey, died Sept. 3, 1977. Buried with Julien in Flower Hill Cemetery on Hudson County (JFK) Blvd.
Edwin born March 15, 1878, died July 16, 1959, buried in a lost grave in Mt View cemetery, Saugerties, NY.
Lynette G. Hervey, b. March 24, 1875, died ca, 1970, Union Hill, NJ (RSU). Married one
James Malaney They had three children, Virgil & Lydia had no children. James (Jr.?) married a "Madge"? (RSU)
They had one son, Richard. He married Marion. They have children.
Virgil and Mary E. Miller had only one child whose lineage I have been able to trace,
Wilbert Aloysius Hervey, b. July 3, 1877, Died Jan. 8, 1933, Oakland, CA. Married Alice Brunnings.
They had one daughter, Aurelia Mary Hervey, b. June 25, 1910, Hoboken, NJ. Died Dec. 13, 1974.
Married Edward Martin Funck Jan. 8, 1929, Oakland, CA, and one son - Wilbert Herman Hervey
b.July 11, 1911, died Nov. 1978 in Oregon. Married Margaret Anne Gray.
Aurelia and Ed had two children, David Hervey Funck, b. Oct. 3, 1933, Oakland, CA, and Karen Rae Funck,
b. Jan. 22, 1947, Auburn CA, m. George R. Ayoob, Oct. 10, 1966. She died July 25, 1979 in San
Francisco. They had children.
David m. Elzada Faye Smith on Nov. 25, 1955. They have two sons, Jerry and Robert.
Wilbert Herman and Margaret Gray had one daughter, Diana Louise Hervey b. Dec. 9, 1942. We talk ocassionally. Diana married the Rev. Haig "Hap" Kinosian January 13, 2008. Unfortunately, I could not attend the wedding.
From HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SUNDERLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MONTAGUE & LEVERETT
By John Montague Smith (1899)
CARVER, JONATHAN, from Canterbury, Ct., doubtless descended
from Robert Carver (believed to be the grand nephew of John Carver,
financier of the Mayflower expedition and first Governor of The
Plymouth Colony), who settled in what is now Marshfield, sometime prior to 1636.
He married 1746, in Canterbury, Ct., Abigail,
daughter of Nathaniel and Phebe (Sevine) Robbins; lived in Montague, perhaps
also in Northfield; soldier in the last French and Indian war, and
narrowly escaped with his life at the massacre of Fort William
Henry; afterwards Captain. In June, 1766, at his own cost and
risk, he undertook a journey into the vast territory acquired by
Great Britain at the establishment of peace in 1763. "What I had
chiefly in view," he says, after gaining a knowledge of the manners
customs, languages, soil and natural productions of the different
nations that inhabit the back of the Mississippi, was to ascertain the
breadth of that vast continent which extends from the Atlantic to
Pacific ocean, in its broadest part, between 43 and 46 degrees,
northern latitude. Had I been able to accomplish this, I intended
to have proposed to government to establish a post in some of those
parts about the Straits of Annian, which having been first discovered by
Sir Francis Drake, of course belong to the English." The
straits of Annian are not known by that name at the present day,
but Seattle and Tacoma now flourish in the region where Carver
would have established his post. However, the head waters of the
Mississippi was the remotest region which he reached. He was
everywhere hospitably received by the natives; was five months
with the Nandowissies, who made him a chief. But few of them had
ever before seen a white man. He arrived at Boston on his return
journey, Oct., 1768, and the next year went to London, where he
published his book of travels, of which there have been about 20
editions. He entered into a project with Richard Whitworth, Esq.,
a man of means, to equip an expedition to carry out his original
intention and not only that, but to find a passage from the Pacific
to Hudson's Bay (The elusive Northwest Passage. King George II was offering
a reward of 100,000 Pounds Sterling for its discovery). They were to have
erected a fort at Lake Pepin by which to hold the new possessions
and open them up to development, but the commencement of the Revolution
thwarted their plans.He recognized the value of this section of country,
which later explorers pronounced a barren region, incapable of sustaining a
large population.
He started on his expedition, from Boston in June, 1766. He travelled
in all as much as 7000 miles, by canoe along the shores of the Great lakes
alone with one guide, and
explored much of the territory in the present State of Minnesota.
He spent some time with the Indians, and as a reward for negotiating a
peace treaty between them, received
from two of their chiefs a deed to 12,000 acres of land on the
Mississippi, east of Lake Pepin and the Falls of St. Anthony.
(This account is largely thought to have been a fraud or a myth, perpetrated
to generate income, but for nearly 50 years a large tract of
land appeared on maps of the U.S. designated as "Carver's Tract", and areas of
Minnesota still bear his name. See "The Journals of Jonathan Carver" by
John Parker, Minnesota Press, for a studied treatment of this issue. ISBN 0-87351-099-2)
He returned to Boston in October, 1768, and, having spent
his entire fortune in carrying out his explorations, he
sailed the next year for England, where he petitioned the
Government for a reward for his services. He received nothing,
except permission to publish his journal and charts. In
1778 the first edition of his book appeared in London, under
the title, "Three Years' Travels Throughout the Interior Parts
of North America." For this he received nothing except his
expenses, and less than two years later he died in poverty.
After his death the book had a large sale, and before the close of
the century eight editions had been published. (See Sheldon's
"History of Deerfield", vol. 2, p. 102, and the Wisconsin Magazine
of History for March, 1920.)
[To illustrate how bold an adventurer Carver was, read the accounts of Indian massacres in the region through which he traveled in a recent biography, "Andrew Jackson", by H. W. Brands. He literally took his life in his hands every step of the journey... and, after seeing up close and personal what a massacre was like!]
Children by first wife, Abigail Robbins, the first two born in Canterbury and
the others at Montague.
1. MARY, b. Apr. 8, 1747; m. at Montague, July 18 [or 10], 1765, Simeon King of Montague.
Children by second wife, Mary, born in London:
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THE MASSACRE AT FORT WILLIAM HENRY, AUGUST 11, 1757
When the Indians succeed, a scene of horror that exceeds description ensues. The savage fierceness of the conquerors and the desperation of the conquered, who well know what they can expect should they fall alive into the hands of their assailants, occasion the most extraordinary exertions on both sides. The figure of the combatants all smeared with black and red paint, and covered with the blood of the slain, their horrid yells and ungovernable fury, cannot possibly be understood by those who have never had the personal experience.
The brutal savagery is exemplified by the events that unfolded at Fort William Henry the morning of August 11, 1757, the day after the capitulation was signed. As soon as day broke, the whole garrison, now consisting of about two thousand men, besides women and children, were drawn up within the lines, and on the point of marching off, when great numbers of the Indians gathered about and began to plunder. We were at first in hopes that this was their only intention and let them proceed without opposition. Indeed, it was not within our power to make any, had we been so inclined, for though we were permitted to carry off our arms, we were not allowed a single round of ammunition. We soon became disappointed, for some of them began to attack the sick and wounded when they were not able to crawl into the ranks for mutual protection. Notwithstanding their attempts to avert the fury of the enemy with shrieks and groans, they were soon dispatched.
Here we were fully in expectation that the disturbance was over and our little army began to move, but in a short time we saw the front division driven back and discovered that we were entirely encircled by the savages. We expected every moment that the guard, which the French, by the articles of capitulation had agreed to allow us would have arrived and put an end to our apprehension. But none appeared. The Indians now began to strip everyone without exception of their arms and clothes, and those who made the least resistance felt the weight of their tomahawks.
I happened to be in the rear division, but it was not long before I shared the fate of my companions. Three or four of the savages laid hold of me and while some held their weapons over my head, the others soon disrobed me of my coat, waistcoat, hat and buckles, omitting not to take from me what money I had in my pocket. I ran to a French sentinel who was posted close by our passage and claimed his protection, but he only called me an English dog and violently thrust me back again into the midst of the Indians.
I now endeavored to join a body of our troops that were crowded together at some distance, but innumerable were the blows that were made at me with different weapons as I passed on. Luckily, however, the savages were so close together that they could not strike me without endangering each other. Nevertheless, one of them made a thrust at me with a spear which grazed my side, and from another I received a wound with the same kind of weapon, in my ankle. After a while I reached the spot where my countrymen stood, and I forced my way into the midst of them.
But before I got this far out of the hands of the Indians, the collar and wristbands of my shirt were all that remained of it, and my flesh was scratched and torn in many places by their savage grasps.
By this time the war hoop was given and the Indians began to murder those that were nearest to them without distinction. It is not in the power of words to give a tolerable idea of the horrid scene that now ensued; men, women and children were dispatched in the most wanton and cruel manner and immediately scalped. Many of these savages drank the blood of their victims as it flowed warm from the fatal wound.
We now perceived, though too late to avail us, that we were to expect no relief from the French, and that, contrary to the agreement that they had so lately signed to allow us a sufficient force to protect us from these insults, they tacitly permitted them, for I could plainly see the French officers walking about at some distance, talking among themselves with apparent unconcern.
For the honor of human nature I would hope that this flagrant breach of every sacred law proceeded rather from the savage disposition of the Indians, which I acknowledge is sometimes almost impossible to control, and which might now unexpectedly have arrived to a pitch not easily restrained, than to any premeditated design in the French commander. An unprejudiced observer would, however, be apt to conclude that a body of ten thousand Christian troops had it in their power to prevent the massacre from becoming so general. But whatever was the cause from which it arose, the consequences of it were dreadful and not to be paralleled in modern history.
As the circle in which I stood enclosed by this time was much thinned, and death seemed to be approaching with hasty strides, it was proposed by some of the most resolute to make one vigorous effort and endeavor to force our way through the savages, the only probable method of preserving our lives which now remained. This, however desperate, was resolved on and about twenty of us sprung at once into the midst of them.
In a moment we were all separated, and what was the fate of my companions I could not learn till some six months after, when I found that only six or seven of them affected their design. Intent only on my own hazardous situation, I endeavored to make my way through my savage enemies in the best manner possible.
I have often been astonished since, when I recollected with what composure I took, as I did, every necessary step for my preservation. Some I overturned, being at that time young and athletic, and others I passed by, dexterously avoiding their weapons, until at last two very stout chiefs of the most savage tribes, as I could distinguish by their dress, whole strength I could not resist, laid hold of me by each arm and began to force me through the crowd.
I now resigned myself to my fate, not doubting but that they intended to dispatch me and then to satiate their vengeance with my blood, as I found they were hurrying me towards a retired swamp that lay at some distance. But before we had got many yards, an English gentleman of some distinction, as I could discover from his breeches, the only covering he had on, which were of fine scarlet velvet, rushed close by us. One of the Indians instantly relinquished his hold and springing on this new object, endeavored to seize him as his prey; but the gentleman, being strong, threw him on the ground and would probably gotten away had not he who held my other arm quitted me to assist his brother.
I seized this opportunity and hastened away to join another party of English troops that were not yet unbroken and stood in a body at some distance. But before I had taken many steps I hastily cast my eye towards the gentleman and saw the Indian?s tomahawk gash into his back and heard him utter his last groan. This added to me speed and desperation.
I had left this shocking scene but a few yards when a fine boy about twelve years of age that had hitherto escaped, came up to me and begged that I would let him lay hold of me so that he might stand some chance of getting out of the hands of the savages. I told him that I would give him every assistance in my power, and to this purpose bid him lay hold, but in a few moments he was torn from my side, and by his shrieks I judge was soon demolished. I could not help forgetting my own cares for a minute to lament the fate of so young a sufferer, but it was utterly impossible for me to take any methods to prevent it.
I now got more into the midst of my friends, but we were unable to afford each other any succor. As this was the division that had advanced the furthest from the fort, I though there might be a possibility, though but a very bare one, of my forcing my way through the outer ranks of the Indians and getting to a neighboring wood, which I perceived at some distance. I was still encouraged to hope by the almost miraculous preservation I had already experienced.
Nor were my hopes vain or the efforts I made ineffectual. Suffice it to say that I reached the wood, but by the time that I had penetrated my way into it, my breath was so exhausted that I threw myself into a brake and lay for some minutes apparently at the last gasp. At length I recovered the power of respiration, but my apprehensions returned with all their former force when I saw several savages pass by, probably in pursuit of me, but at no very great distance. In this situation I knew not whether it was better to proceed or endeavor to conceal myself where I lay till night came on. Fearing that they would return the same way, I thought it most prudent to get farther from the scene of my past distresses.
Accordingly, striking into another part of the wood, I hastened on as fast as the briars and the loss of one of my shoes would permit me, and after a slow progress of some hours, gained a hill that overlooked the plain which I had just left, from whence I could discern that the bloody storm still raged with unabated fury.
After passing three days without subsistence and enduring the severity of the cold dews for three nights, I at length reached Fort Edward where with proper care my body soon recovered its wonted strength, and my mind, as far as the recollection of the late melancholy events would permit, its usual composure.
It was computed that fifteen hundred persons were killed or made prisoners by these savages during that fatal day. Many of the latter were carried off by them and never returned. A few, through favorable accidents, found their way back to their native country after having experienced a long and severe captivity.
So many brave fellows, women and children died that day, murdered in cold blood. It breaks my heart to recount this story. But the savages paid a dear price. Few who shared their specious glory that day returned to their home either. The small pox, by means of their communication with the stricken at the fort, found its way among them. They died by the hundreds. In retrospect, theirs was a Pyrrhic victory.
The good Monsieur Montcalm fell soon after on the plains of Quebec, and not long after, I stood alongside General Jeffrey Amherst at the surrender of the French at Montreal.
Back to TOP.
From HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SUNDERLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MONTAGUE & LEVERETT
By John Montague Smith (1899)
1. GUNN, JASPER, the emigrant, came to New England in the ship Defence, in 1635, then 29 years
of age. He settled at Roxbury and after some years perhaps rem. to Milford Ct., but was at
Hartford as early as 1648. He was a man of active temperament and versatile talent. In 1649
he was "freed from watching during the time that he attends the service of the mill." In 1656
he is "freed from training, watching and warding during his practice of phissicke." He rem. to
Miiford, where he was deacon and, it is said, schoolmaster, and on one occasion, at least, he
appeared in court as an attorney. He was representative for Milford, had wives, Mary and
Christian, but it is not certain which was mother of the children, which are not, probably,
here named in order of birth. In his will he gives his sons his land and stock, and his
daughter, Mehitable, "one of Mr. Hooker's books and my Aynsworth Communion of
Saints." He d. Jan. 12, 1671; Mrs. Christian Gunn d. 1690.
Children: Samuel.
2. NATHANIEL, son of Jasper(1), m. Nov. 17, 1658, Sarah, dau. Robert and Editha (Stebbins) Day
of Hartford and settled in Branford, Ct, where he d. 1663. His widow m. Nov. 24, 1664, Samuel Kellogg
of Hatfield. She was slain by Indians Sept. 19, 1677.
Children: Two children, d. young.
3. SAMUEL, son of Nathaniel (2), b, ab. 1663; was taken to Hatfield by his mother on her
marriage with Samuel Kellogg. He there
m. Jan. 22, 1685. Elizabeth, dau. John and Mary (Bronson) Wyatt of Haddam, Ct. He was an
original proprietor and one of the 40 first settlers of Sunderland; home lot, No. 15, East side.
His house stood on the site of the present dwelling of John M. and Charles K. Smith. He was
an important citizen of the new town, one of the first deacons, the first town clerk,
selectman, etc. etc. His children were all born in Hatfield. He d. Aug. 1, 1755, in his
93rd year; wife d. Oct. 2, 1737.
Children: Sarah, b. Aug. 3, i686; m. Jan. 23, 1707, Azariah Dickinson; d. 1709.
4. NATHANIEL, son of Samuel (3), b. 1693; was also one of the 40 first settlers; home lot,
No. 8, East side. He succeeded his father as town clerk in 1730, but soon returned to Hatfield.
His children, Elisha and Esther, were born in Hatfield. After 1739 he returned and settled in
"Hunting Hills"; m. Dec. 29, 1720, Hannah Dickinson. She d, Nov. 4, 1721; m. (2) Nov. 26, 1724,
Esther, dau. Stephen and Mary (Wells) Belden; m. (3) Hannah, who d. Feb. 12, 1783, ae. 73.
He d. Nov. 29, 1779.
Children: Hannah, b. Oct. 22, and d. Nov. 15, 1721.
Go directly to Nathaniel (8)
8. NATHANIEL, son of Nathaniel (4), (Montague), b. 1726; Lieut.; m. Mar. 21, 1745, Dorothy,
dau. of Ebenezer Marsh. She d. July l3, 1805. He d. Apr. 22, 1807.
Children: Dorothy, b. Dec. 25, 1745; m. Elkanah Baker; m (2) George Howland.
Go directly to Moses (18)
18. MOSES, son Nathaniel (8), b. 1754; m. July 19, 1781, Olive, dau. Jonathan Carver.
She d. Apr. 21, 1789, ae. 30; m. (2) Eunice, dau. Jonathan Preston of So. Hadley.
She d. July 18, 1805, ae. 59; m. (3) Experience Stebbins; m. (4) Mary Hastings.
She d. Dec. 9, 1837, ae. 69. He d. Feb. 6, 1844.
Children: Laura, b. May 21. 1782; m. Lucius Clary; d. Dec. 18, 1817; rem. to Utica,N.Y.(?)
[Notes: Jasper Gunn is honored with a stone bearing his name on the old bridge in Milford, CT. I was there for the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Town.
Sarah Day Gunn was not our only relative murdered by Indians. Our cousins George and Aaron Robbins were massacred on the Main Street of Brandon by a war party in 1775. It was a frontier yet.
Moses? brother, Nathaniel (17) had a daughter, Lucretia, who married Samuel Fowler Dickinson, founder of Amherst College, and became grandparents of poet Emily Dickinson.
Henry Gunn emigrated west with his wife, Tirzah Morley. He died at Fremont Iowa in 1875. All the others named in (18) are buried in Moses?s plot in the Old South Cemetery on Taylor Hill Road in Montague. Nathaniel (8) is buried close by.]
Back to TOP.
[Note: Grandfather Moses Gunn received a federal pension of $25 per annum on February 28, 1833,
(File No. S 31,085).]
In his affidavit made in open court before the Court of Common Pleas of
Franklin County, Mass. on August 14, 1832, he swore to the following:
"I, Moses Gunn, of Montague in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do
say that I was born at said Montague on the third day of May, AD 1754 as appears by the Book
of Records of said Town of Montague. I was living in said Montague when called into the
service of the Revolution where I have lived ever since. In the year AD 1776, I entered
the service of the Revolution a volunteer in the Militia under Captain Petty of
Warwick M, Lieut. Asahel Rect in Col. Pomeroy's Regiment, Major Chester Williams and
Lieut. Col. Samuels Williams for the term of three months. I marched from said Montague
to Peekskill in the State of New York from thence to Morristown in the State of New Jersey
where I continued till the expiration of the term of my enlistment and was dismissed but
received no written discharge. In the year 1780, I again entered the Service a volunteer
for the term of three months and acted as Quarter Master's Sergeant in Col. Seth Murray's
Regiment, marched to West Point and continued there until the close of said term of three
months and then as before was dismissed and returned home. I was at West Point when Arnold
went over to the enemy.
Mr. Salmon Root and Apollos Gunn, Esq. are my neighbors, who can state my character for
truth and veracity and belief as to my Services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present
and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid."
/s/Moses Gunn
In support of his claim, the following affidavits were submitted on August 11, 1832 by his
Cousin Salmon Gunn and his Uncle Asahel Gunn.
"I, Salmon Gunn of Montague in the County of Franklin of lawful age do testify and say that
I am well acquainted with Mr. Moses Gunn of said Montague, was in the army of the revolution
with him while stationed at West Point for the term of three months in the year 1780, he
acted as Quarter Master Sergeant in Col. Seth Murray's Regiment."
/s/ Salmon Gunn
"I, Asahel Gunn of Montague in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of
lawful age do testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Mr. Moses Gunn of said
Montague. I was acquainted with him when a Soldier of the Revolution in 1776 & 1777.
I was out with him for the term of three months, he was stationed at Peekskill, N.Y.
about a month and from there he marched to Morristown in the State of New Jersey, he
remained at said Morristown till discharged at the expiration of the said term of
three months."
/s/ Asahel Gunn
[Notes: "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolution" confirms that Grandpa Moses
served from December 16, 1776 to March 19, 1777, and from July 15, 1780 to October 10, 1780.
Arnold escaped on September 25, 1780, on receiving word that Major John Andre had been
captured earlier on September 22nd. On the 25th Washington ordered Andre held at West
Point. He was transferred later to Tappan where he was hanged on October 2, 1780.]
and
MARGUERITE BORSIG MARRIAGE
[From whence yours truly, is descended.]
"Maggie", as she was known, was born April 9, 1874 in NYC. Her parents were Herman Borsig and
Christine Margaret Bender, both born in Germany, he - April 8, 1846 and she - circa 1848. They were married at LeHarve, France
circa 1866-68 and emigrated to the U.S immediately on the Helvetia. He died in the Bronx circa 1928, she later at Canarsie, Brooklyn, circa 1932. Maggie became Mrs. VTH on October 30, 1892 in NYC. VTH was almost 58, she was 18!
Click here for more on the Herman & Christine Borsig Family Their first bundle of joy was Virgil, Jr., my father, born October 4, 1893 in NYC. I never knew he was a Junior until
the day we buried him next to his father. He died April 2, 1960 in Middletown State Hospital where he had been
a patient since admitting himself in 1953. Seven years it took for his brain to slowly turn to stone, the
effect of cerebral sclerosis. Curiously, Middletown Hospital was where he met and wooed and soon wed
my mother, Rose Eunice McGee on April 20, 1917. He was an attendant and she was a nursing student,
along with her sister and my future Godmother, Aunt Molly McGee (Singer).
Marguerite (My wonderful Aunt Rita), was born February 10, 1895. She and Virgie were the only two who would have children.
Her only son, Frank Joseph Shortman, the handsomest man I ever knew, was born January 9, 1925, attended Princeton and Tufts,
and became one of the most decorated Fireman in New York City. She died August 23, 1964. The last time I saw her was at my father's
grave site. After my mother died when I was five, she devoted herself to seeing that my father and my brothers had dinner
every night - after working all day in NYC, traveling to North Bergen and returning to her Brooklyn apartment to go to bed.
Did I mention that she was wonderful? She never forgot my birthday. She took me to every Disney
Holiday movie, Radio City Music Hall, Toffenetti's Restaurant for dinner. She was the bright part of my life in those dark years.
Mildred was born August 14, 1896. Married Everett Gardner. Died Anaheim, CA, January 21, 1979.
Harold Austin was born January 22, 1901, and died in the same nursing home as his sister Mildred, a
month later, February 26, 1979. Their nurse told me that he held on as long as he could so that Mildred
wouldn't be there alone. When she died, he felt that he could let go of life. That's devotion. Just like Aunt Rita.
Notice his middle name? Austin. After VTH's brother.
After VTH died on June 29, 1921, Maggie eventually remarried John Zimmerman, a New Paltz, NY, native, a fine and
kindly gentleman who we all called Uncle John. He too, was devoted to Maggie, as I observed when she started down
the long slide to cerebral sclerosis like her son, my father. It was not pleasant to watch, and
I will not relate it here. She died June 18, 1953 and is buried in the Zimmerman family plot
in the New Paltz Rural Cemetery. I'll remember her rosy apple cheeks and the music in her voice.
VIRGIL T. HERVEY, JR.,
AND
ROSE EUNICE MCGEE
(Of which I am the youngest.)
Rose Eunice McGee was born October 15, 1893 in NYC to John McGee, a
handsome devil who Captained B&O RR tugboats in New York Harbor, and Lina Riemenschneider.
My mother died January 7, 1944 from complete neglect to take care of what eventually would be talked about
out loud, but which was a deep secret at the time... colon cancer. She had it bad, she knew it, and
did nothing about it! A horrible, painful death at age 50! A week after my fifth birthday.
First in her class at Middletown Hospital School of Nursing! (Photo to the left.)
She is buried in the Fairview,
NJ Cemetery in the McGee Family plot with her father and mother and the ashes of siblings and some of my cousins.
I remember very little about her. Crying into a handkerchief in a Lassie movie. Burning my fingers on the stove for
playing with matches under the bed. Now there's a memory that'll stick with you. And screaming when they
took her away in the ambulance. That's it.
Click here for more on the John McGee Family of Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania Click here for more on the Andreas Riemenschneider Family Virgil T. Hervey, Jr. (Photo to the right.) The Borsigs loved him, my Grandmother McGee apparently did not. Who knows why?
I never heard him swear or raise his voice. He didn't smoke, drink, play cards, gamble or bowl. He
went to work every day of his life until his brain froze. He served in the U.S. Army from Aug.7, 1918,
until February 5, 1919, at Fort McClellan, Alabama, where, we were always told, his unit was decimated by the Great Influenza. Honorably discharged as Corporal. The war was over.
(Service # 3 598 804) Fire at the St. Louis Military Archive on July 12, 1973 destroyed many records.
(His Pension Claim File # XC 17567564.)
Virgil Walter Hervey (photo to left) was born in Astoria, Queens October 30, 1920. A graduate of Fordham College and
St. John's Law School. Died in Italy after a car accident (September 30, 1998). Served in the U.S Marines as Lieutenant
in clean-up operations in the Pacific in 1944. Wife - Adele, Children - Virgil, Jr., Patricia &
Jacqueline.
James Robert Hervey born March 3, 1923. Retired from the Nassau County, NY Police Dept. and lives in Florida. Saw lots of combat action in the submarines in WWII. (See his photo below, with the account of one of his tours of duty in the pacific.) Wife - Joanne, Children - James, Jr., Kathleen & Elaine.
Jean Hervey first of the twins to emerge on September 13, 1927, followed shortly
thereafter by his womb mate, Gerald Hervey. They became instant bosom buddies. First to be
born at home, next was me, in what is now known as 1317 86th Street in North Bergen, NJ.
I can't explain why, but I never win when I play those numbers. Jean lived in Palenville, NY, until his death on January 21, 2006, after struggling for two weeks to survive a massive stroke. He was the best big brother a kid could have had. Boys - David & Jean Paul.
Gerry (photo to right) retired from the Fort Lee, NJPD as Detective Lt. He died suddenly, November 9, 2004. He was at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station when the U.S. dropped its "superweapons" on Japan. Wife - Mary, Children - Joan, Steven, Glenn & Jay Peter.
Jean was deferred from the military during the Korean War because of a plate in his leg and the cows, pigs, chickens and rabbits back on the farm that needed his personal attention. He was a founding member and long-time Chairman of the Greene County, NY Conservative Party and friend and confidant of many (honest) elected public officials. He ran for the US House of Representatives in the 1960's but didn't get a majority of the votes.
Robert Arthur Hervey arrives on December 28, 1938, as Lauritz Melchior is singing the title role of "Siegfried" at the Metropolitan Opera across the river. I attribute my love of opera to that magic instance. Then again, maybe not. Graduated from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA, and Albany Law School, Albany, NY. To this day, I don't know how I did it. Retired after a 25 year career in law. I write... funny stories, movies, (see my screenplays) and of course, "The Gunns of Montague". Almost invaded Cuba during the Missile Crisis in October,
1962, with the 1st Armored Division, but Krushchev blinked. Children, Rob, Jr., and Gabriella - Their
mother, Lourdes Huicochea, lives near Nogales, AZ.
One Day In The War Patrol of the USS BANG (SS385)
(James Robert Hervey (photo to left) lived through the action described below.)
The following is taken from the log of the 3rd war patrol of USS BANG (SS385), 27 August to
29 September 1944. By Jim Heg, an officer (44-46, WP2 thru 6).
Six days out of Midway, enroute to our patrol area (NE of Formosa and southern part of Nansei
Shoto) we passed through a large cyclonic disturbance while running on the surface. On Sept 4th,
about 15:00 a large wave broke over the bridge. We shipped a great deal of salt water down the
conning tower hatch and main induction, resulting in the following damage: flooded out #2 air
compressor motor; crankcases of both H.P. air compressors; main engine cooling motors in both
engine rooms; No.l & 2 distiller motors and distiller feed pump; auxiliary generator, rudder
angle indicator in conning tower, drain pump, and main power switch to surface search radar.
There was more damage. The wave also flooded the officer of the deck (your present correspondent)
. On September 9th we made our first contact. At 14:30 we commenced a submerged approach from
about 10,000 yards. At 16:16 we commenced firing at a tanker and a cargo ship. Four hits heard
and seen by C 0, Antone Gallaher. I'll let the Captain tell you what happened next:
'After seeing the hit in the AO (tanker), I swung around and saw that the leading escort was
heading toward me - ordered 400 feet. Received the first pattern of depth charges while passing
350 feet, all above. Running at 450 feet at 2/3 speed under a 17 degree negative gradient. Both
escorts were on us, alternating runs. During the next hour and a half, they dropped about 70
depth charges, many of them very close. They were not pinging, but were listening and using
hedge-hogs, sono-bombs, or something else between the depth charge runs. All kinds of minor
explosions that sounded quite close were heard. These were predominated by salvos of 16 to 20
double sounds; as pop-pop, 2 second interval, pop-pop, etc. At times they seemed to completely
surround us.
After about an hour and a half of this, I thought we had lost them, as the only thing we could
hear was slow light screws that sounded quite a distance astern. Twenty minutes of quiet and we
were beginning to feel relieved, when JP (a sonar) reported light screws dead ahead and getting
louder. I ordered right full rudder and we bad swung through about 30 degrees, when we heard
the escorts screws through the hull, passing right over us.
It was so long after he had passed that I thought we were safe - then, as the saying goes. All
Hell Broke Loose! 16 depth charges about one second apart, above very slightly and to port very
slightly. We were at 450 feet when they started, but the bow was knocked down and we were at
580 feet, making standard speed with a 10 degree up angle before we caught the boat. A large
shower of water poured down from the conning tower lower hatch from the bilges, due to the down
angle. I was trying to get up through it to see if the cause of the water leak could be repaired
or whether the conning tower would have to be abandoned, when I heard a definite thump on the
hull, followed by a tremendous explosion. I believe this was a depth charge that bounced off our
side. Lights were knocked out, the starboard sound head and JP were knocked out, all sea valves
had been (knocked) open, oxygen and acetylene flask valves opened. Fuel filling and transfer
valves opened, causing some fuel oil to shift from all normal tanks to No. 4 fuel ballast tank.
This was a close one, but we were very thankful that it was evidently the last of their depth
charges. There were no more attacks, although we were certainly more noisy than we had been,
what with all kinds of superstructure noises, air noises and pumps running.
At 20:55 surfaced. All clear. We found that the glass in the bridge gyro repeater was shattered,
the TBT (Target Bearing Transmitter shattered, the forward end of the periscope shears dished
in, sights and rudder angle indicator shattered, breech cover of the gun split open, lookout
platform stanchions broken loose, and deck lockers loose. Repaired all major damage except SJ
(radio) lobe switching which was out for the remainder of the patrol, starboard sound head out
of commission, and two air bottles had to be bled down and secured.
A lot of us thought it was "quitting time" but not our Captain. On 12 September at 22:22 we
finally arrived at our assigned patrol area. On 19 September at 06:15 we made a radar contact
at 30,000 yards. At 09:15 we fired four bow tubes at a cargo ship and four side tubes at another
cargo ship. Captain saw 2 hits on each target, and heard one breaking up and the other moving
very slowly. Again from the Captain:
'Very deliberate depth charging began 4 minutes after firing. Their escorts were detailed to
the job. They boxed us in and let us have about 80 charges, in patterns of 3, 6 or 9, during
the next 5 hours. We were running silent at 450 feet under a 24-degree negative gradient It was
disconcerting to find they could stay on us under those conditions. Two escorts would ping while
the other made a run. Most of the charge sounded directly above us, but I doubt if they were
set deeper than 300 feet. We finally pulled out from between them but could hear their screws
astern for another hour and a half.'
At 20:50 we surfaced, all clear. (Just another long day at the office. On 20 and 21 September
we made another attack - this one at night on the surface. We fired 10 torpedoes and hit 3
targets. Sunk two and damaged a third. The escorts thought we were on other side of the convoy
so we did not receive a counter attack. With no more torpedoes, we set course for home. For
this short 33 day patrol we were given credit for 5 ships sunk and 2 ships damaged. The Captain
received a Navy Cross.
[Note: I included this account because it's a reminder of our family heritage, the dangers
faced by our Grandfathers Nathaniel, Moses, Virgil, my brothers and all of our cousins who served
in the military, and to understand what so many good Americans sacrificed for all of us. For
those whose lives passed through Hell while we were safe at home, I am honored to be able to
relate this family's story.]
This concludes the end of the family history as far as this site is concerned. It is up to the third
generation of Virgil Temple Hervey, Sr.'s descendants to continue the tradition.
Click here for more (censored) Hervey Family Memoirs & Anecdotes.
For your pleasure, I include an excerpt from The Civil War Years of "The Gunns Of Montague",
a fictional account of what my grandfather witnessed and may have written to his mother after the Second Battle of Manassas, August 30, 1862.
[Private Henry A. Easterling died from wounds received that day.]
THE GARDEN - From "THE GUNNS OF MONTAGUE"
The toe-to-toe fighting stopped at nightfall. Then the clean up commenced. Musicians acted as
litter bearers, transporting the wounded to hospital locations. When there were no more wounded,
they began the grave task of digging. But now, there were the wounded. Virgil and Sandall, the
fifer, were litter bearers. Next to the wounded, they felt and smelled the glory of war just as
if they had fought the battle. The sulfurous smoke of thousands of rounds of gunpowder hung like
a shroud over the plains of Manassas. It was a most intimate sensory experience.
"Oh God, oh God," screamed Easterling as he was borne to the Stone House which had served as a
Union Hospital a day earlier, but was now in victorious Confederate hands. "Oh, God, oh Momma,
Momma." The screaming was intense, unrelenting. The battlefield was a desperate choir of
screaming, crying and moaning, underscored from a distance with arrhythmic canon timpani, a
solemn requiem, played in scarlet against an ebony sky.
"Oh God, the pain, please stop the pain, Ahhh!"
"It'll be all right Easterling," soothed Virgil with a calm, rote reassurance. "It'll be all
right. We're almost to the hospital."
They could hardly avoid stepping on bodies or tripping over them in the dark there were so many,
like the herring runs in the Connecticut River when he was a boy. He could hardly wade in the
water without stepping on the fish. Stepping on the dead didn't matter much; it was stepping on
the unmoaning wounded that caused shock and consternation. They were a macabre sight, dancing a
ballet on tiptoe among the multitudes of lifeless and barely living, blue back silhouettes
against a sorrowful sky.
"Oh God, oh God, please, please, Ahhh!" the screaming persisted.
"It's all right Easterling, we're there. We're there. It's all right."
The dim light from the open door guided their path. Beneath a window alongside the path in
eerie illumination, lay testimony to the grim drama unfolding within the walls. It was a pile of
human extremities, severed arms and legs, hands and feet, fingers, a toe or two. Virgil slowed;
it was a gruesome sight, the battlefield notwithstanding. Easterling was alert and cognizant enough to see and
understand. He screamed again, this time in fear.
"Oh God, don't let them cut off my leg, don't let them cut off my leg." His screaming was
pitiful. "Oh God, please, no."
The prognosis was inescapable. His leg was hanging by shredded flesh, probably being held on
more by what was left of his pants. Only his belt, a self-applied tourniquet, had kept him from
bleeding to death.
"Don't let them cut my leg off, please Virg, please," he screamed.
A shadow dropped from the window and with a dull thud, landed on the pile of human debris and
rolled down its side, creating a quivering avalanche of flesh. Virgil wasn't sure but it could
have been a foot. He noticed a foot settling at the bottom of the pile, but an arm seemed to be
moving at the same time, its elbow nudging its way among other limbs. It could have been the arm,
he wasn't sure.
"Oh God, oh God, please, please." The screams continued as the sound of bones being sawed grew
louder. They were directed by an orderly to place the wounded man alongside others. The orderly
looked him over and reported to a surgeon whose arms were dripping with blood.
"It's the leg. It'll have to come off. Only take a minute," he reported. The surgeon nodded in
silent agreement.
"No, no, Oh God, no. Please, Virg, don't let them cut my leg off," he screamed grabbing Virgil's
arm. "Please don't let them Virg, don't let them."
Virgil pried open the hand and released himself from the death grip. "Can't you save it?" he asked the surgeon.
The surgeon shook his head and added impatiently, "Go gather up the others. We can't stand here
and debate the issue. We have work to do."
Virgil backed away from his pleading friend. He felt helpless. "You'll be all right, don't
worry," was all he could offer as consolation. Amid a cluster of lamps he could see teams of
surgeons busily and quietly performing their art. A stream of red spurted from the table hitting
one of them in the face. A casual back of the hand smeared the drops into a fearful mask.
Virgil turned his back on the sickening smell of bowels and blood for more of his nightmarish
task of locating the wounded. It was easy. Too easy.
Those who scream the loudest get our attention. The dead we simply cannot concern ourselves
about. Those who quietly moan are left to their horrible and inevitable silent end. Like picking
tomatoes from the garden in late summer, there are so many juicy red ripe ones,
plump and tender, you don't know where to start. The sad consequences of this bountiful harvest,
however, are the many which, for want of prompt attention, grow weak and fall crushed, their
life blood needlessly enriching the soil. But unlike the garden, there are no seeds scattered
on these fields from which new life will spring.
It is a sad son who writes you this day from Manassas, Virginia, the 30th of August 1862.
Lovingly, Virgil Back to TOP.
Emily Age 40, keeping house, born Ala,
Father - Tenn, Mother Ala.
Albert, Age 16, born in Mexico
Clara, Age 13, born Tex
Ellen, Age 11, born Tex
James, Age 6, born Tex
Lula, Age 10/12, born Tex
All children but Lula in school.
District Attorney of the Eighth District
Robert
Children: Frank Nelson Hervey b. Oct. 23, 1855, Shelburne Falls, MA. Died Oct. 27, 1941,
Bennington. M. Sarah Jonston, April 30, 1878, Philadelphia! (Aurelia influence?) (RSU)
They had three children, FNH, Jr., Rhea (a R.N.) and Mabel (a little pixilated,
I have been informed by Roy Marsden, a life-long family friend). All but Rhea are buried
in Park Lawn Cemetery on the highest hill facing south. The line seems to have ended there,
unless Rhea (Mrs. Philip Sanderson) of 1941 Waltham, MA, had children (RSU).
Robert's wife is Vickie, they have three children, Anna, April and Wesley.
Jerry's wife is Patty, they have a son, Brandon Noble.
MORE ON JONATHAN CARVER
2. ABIGAIL, b. May 29, 1748; m. (intention recorded at Montague, Sept. 10, 1774) Joshua Goss
of Montague.
3. SARAH, b. June 8, 1750; m. at Montague, June 19, 1775,Samuel Church of Montague.
4. RUFUS, b. Dec. 14, 1754, living at Sodus, N. Y., in 1837
(Sheldon's History); m. at Montague Nov. 16 [or 6], 1780, Priscilla Cummings of
Hinsdale, N. H., who d. at Brandon, Vt., July 8, 1832, aged 73 years (Brandon Town Records).
In the Revolution he was a soldier from Northfield and Deerfield, and took part in the
battle of Bunker Hill and in the campaign in which Burgoyne and his troops were taken
prisoners. He moved from Deerfield to Brandon, and afterwards went to Sodus
(Cf. Sheldon's History of Deerfield, vol. 2, p. 104).
5. OLIVE, b. July 9. 1757 [or 1758]; m. at Montague July 19, 1781, Moses Gunn of Montague.
6. JONATHAN, b. Jan. 3. 1759.
7. MINDWELL, b. May 1, 1762.
8. An unnamed child, d. young, after 1780.
9. MARTHA (POPE).
[Note: Newspapers of the time reported that Jonathan was buried in Holywell Mount, a site for disposal
of the poor. His widow is said to have had him reburied in a "more respectable" grave. I searched
archives for more information when I was in London with Gabriella in July, 1985, but...RSU.]
FROM THE JOURNALS OF JONATHAN CARVER
THE GUNN FAMILY HISTORY IN THE UNITED STATES
Jobamah.
Daniel, m. Deborah Coleman; d. 1690. s. p.
Nathaniel, (2).
Mehitable, bap. l641; m. Benjamin Fenn, Jr.
Abel, bap. 1643; m. ab. 1670. Mary Smith, was a physician; lived in Derby.
Samuel, b. 1663, (3)
Elizabeth, b. May 11, 1688.
Elizabeth, b. Nov. 8, 1689; m. May 4. 1709, Simon Cooley.
Nathaniel, b. July 30, 1693. (4)
Samuel, b. Mar. 22, 1696, (5).
Mary, b. Aug. 9, 1698; m. Nov. 16, 1732. Daniel Hubbard.
Abel, b. luly 17, 1700, (6).
Christian, b. Sept. 5, 1702; m July 4, 1723. Isaac Hubbard, Jr.
Editha, b. Apr. 26, 1705; m. May 7. 1724, Ebenezer Billings, Jr.
John, b. Dec. 3, 1707, (7).
Sarah, b. Oct. 27, 1710; m. Dec. 25, 1729, Joseph Clary.
Nathaniel, b. Jan. 24. 1726, (8).
Moses, b. Oct. 28, and d. Nov. 13, 1727.
Moses, b. Oct. 12, 1728.(9).
Asahel, b. Nov. 16. 1730, (10).
Elisha, b. Jan. 16. 1733, (11).
Esther, b. Apr. 20, 1736.
Submit, b. Sept. 2, 1747; m. Nov. 2, 1775, Josiah Rice of Leverett.
Jemima, b. Dec. 3. 1749; m. Dec. 30. 1778. Zebina Montague.
Nathaniel, bap. Jan. 12, 1752, (17).
Moses, b. May 3, 1754, (18).
Stephen, b. Aug. 18, 1756, (19).
Elijah, b. Dec. 25. 1759; rem. to Ohio.
Elisha, b. Nov. 5, 1761; d. young.
Elihu, b. Nov. 10, 1763. (20).
Elisha, b. Oct. 10, 1765; rem. to Ohio.
Mercy, b. Jan. 12, 1768.
Henry, b. Feb. 13, 1784; d. at the West.
Olive, b. Mar. 21, 1786; d. Nov. 18, 1831, unm.
Moses, b. July 19, 1788; d. Nov. 29, 1843, unm.
MOSES GUNN'S REVOLUTIONARY WAR PENSION AFFIDAVIT
THE VIRGIL TEMPLE HERVEY, SR.
THE FAMILY OF
