McGinnis’s from Macoupin county Ill.c1800’s looking for Calvin D Mcginnis parents, born 1836. His de
I can’t seem to find any sources to support Mary as his mother or any thing that would tie him into the Mcginnis family’s around that time. Any suggestions?
Answers
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Hi Kelly,
Did the death certificate state where Calvin was born? The accuracy of death certificates is based on what the informant knew. Sometimes they are correct and sometimes they are not or the information is incomplete. Because births were not typically recorded that early, other records or means may be of value.
- Marriage records. Some state marriage registrations included the names of parents.
- Did Calvin have any known siblings? Researching them may lead you to his parents.
- Trace Clavin in the census records as early as you can. Were other Mcginnis households in the vicinity? Families typically remained close, which would offer clues to his parentage.
Doing a brief search of McGinnis's in the 1850 U.S. Federal Census in Macoupin County, Illinois, resulted in several families including a Mary AC McGinnis, which is similar to what was recorded in the death certificate. At age 63, she was the only member of her household. This indicated her husband died prior to 1850, and if this were Calvin's mother, she would have had him late in life and therefore likely the youngest child. By 1850, Calvin would have been about 14 years old, and it is not uncommon for a widow to send her children to board with other families if she could not care for them. This brings up a whole new set of records to consult. Search the 1850 U.S. Census for Calvin, was he near Macpoupin county? Check probate records, if a will was created, children are usually listed. Search for the name McGinnis in the 1840 Census: How many were there? Look for households that had a child under the age of 5. This will help narrow the possibilities.
Sorry, this is long, but there is no simple answer. Good luck in your search.
Will
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ID# is 9NSB-NYC
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Thanks for your help, I kinda thought she was a bit old to be his birth mother. I haven’t found any actual source that places him in Macoupin other then his obit & death certificate. I appreciate your tips it helps me with my search!
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It is very possible for a 50-yr-old woman to have a child. But you wrote his father's name was Calvin not James....?
Perhaps looking at published obituaries will help. They often list siblings and parents. Try newspapers.com.
Difficult family.... But here is a list of Mcginnis in Sangaman, IL in 1860 (very near Macoupa county). There may be a link somewhere here. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXHL-1CC?treeref=9NSB-NYC
Looks like he had moved to Missouri for the Civil War. I added the sources.
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i agree with that, find a grave list 3 other children from from James & Mary but not Calvin. I have his obit,marriage & Missouri & NE info but these have never given any other family information. Thank you for your information I agree it seems to be a difficult line to trace .
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