Gazlay Family History
 

Family HistoryFamily History - Leonette Sophia Scales


Key:1.“+” before a child’s name indicates the child has their own entry in the next generation.
 2.“born xxxx” indicates the child is under 18 years of age so the birth date is not shown.
This family history features Leonette Sophia Scales and her immediate family.



First Generation
1. Leonette Sophia Scales,1 born 23 May 1897 in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey, the daughter of Joseph H. Scales and Leonette Nichols;1, 2, 3, 4, 5 died 23 May 1992 in Dover Township, Ocean County, New Jersey; she died on her 94th birthday.2 Leonette married, 6 May 1934 in Elkton, Maryland, William Passmore McGregor (born 18 July 1897 in New Jersey, the son of David McGregor and Nellie Birrell Patterson;5, 6, 7 William died 20 December 1976).

Leonette claimed she weighed only 2 1/2 pounds at birth although this is doubtful given the state of medical procedures at that time. She worked for Westinghouse Corporation for most of her adult life until her retirement in 1962. Leonette was an astute investor in blue chip stocks, and Bill and Leonette were able to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in retirement primarily due to her investments. They enjoyed traveling, especially to New England.

Bill’s middle name was in honor of a Mr. Passmore who worked with, and was well liked by, his father David McGregor. Bill enrolled in the U.S. Navy on 19 May 1917 at New York, N.Y. His enrollment records indicate ‘height 5 feet 8 1/2 inches, weight 137 pounds, eyes brown, hair brown, complexion ruddy,’ and lists several personal characteristics and marks. He was discharged as a Seaman (provisional) when his four year enrollment expired, having served honorably with active duty from 20 September 1917 to 14 December 1918, i.e., during World War I. The nature of his active service is not known, although his enrollment card indicates a ‘sea’ qualification. He was awarded the Victory Button and Victory Medal without clasp. Bill lived much of his life in Highland Park, West Orange and Bloomfield, New Jersey, although after his first wife died he was out of touch with his family for over ten years (leaving his first daughter to be raised by his parents). Bill was an automobile salesman during his working life. When Bill finally retired in 1962, he and his third wife Leonette (nee Scales) were among the first two couples to move into Cedar Glen Homes, the first senior citizen development in Ocean County, New Jersey. He served as vice chairman of the Manchester Township, New Jersey, Planning Board for many years. He was also a member of the Manchester Township Republican Club and a member of Corinthian Union Lodge No. 11, Free and Accepted Masons, following in his father’s Masonic footsteps.


  1. New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980; Leonette L. Scales: born: 23 May 1897 in Hudson County, New Jersey; father: Jos. Scales, age 35; mother: Leonette Nichols, age 31.
  2. Death Certificate, New Jersey, Leonette McGregor, issued by Township of Dover Department of Health, Ocean County, New Jersey. Certified copy in possession of Lee Gazlay.
  3. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, New Jersey, Hudson County, Kearny, Enumeration District 51, Sheet No. 1B, family of Joseph Scales (37, New Jersey, May 1863, sign painter); wife of 11 years Leonette Scales (32, New York, June 1867, 3 children, 3 living); son Watson J. Scales (10, New Jersey, June 1889); son Harry E. Scales (4, New Jersey, Dec 1895); daughter Leonette Scales (2, New Jersey, May 1898); s in law Estella Nichols (29, New York, Oct 1870).
  4. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, New Jersey, Essex County, Bloomfield, Enumeration District 7-334, Sheet No. 2B, family of Joseph Scales (64, New Jersey, widow, painter, house); daughter Leonette Scales (31 New Jersey typist, lamp factory); border Estelle Nicolls [sic, Nichols] (60, New York); border Kathleen Pierson (33, England, typist, (?) factory).
  5. U.S. Federal Census, 1940, New Jersey, Essex County, Bloomfield, Enumeration District 7-34, Sheet No. 13B, family of William McGregor (42, New Jersey, salesman, automobile, new cars); wife Leonette McGregor (41, New Jersey, typist, electrical appliance); aunt Estelle Nichols (70, New York, housekeeper, private family); border Kathleen Pierson (45, England, photometer operator, General Electric).
  6. New Jersey State Census, 1915, Middlesex County, Perth Amboy, ED 1, Page A-11, David MacGregor, 50, Sept. 1864, Scotland, engineer; Nellie MacGregor, 46, Mar. 1868, Scotland, housewife; Ida MacGregor, 20, Aug. 1895, New Jersey, milliner; William MacGregor, 17, July 1897, scholar, high school; Grace MacGregor, 13, Apr. 1902, New Jersey, scholar, grammar school; George Patterson, 74, Aug. 1840, Scotland, retired.
  7. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, New Jersey, Essex County, Orange, Enumeration District 299, Sheet No. 7B, family of David McGregor (54, New Jersey [sic, Scotland], finisher, hat works); wife Nellie McGregor (51, New Jersey [sic, Scotland]); daughter Jennie McGregor (24, New Jersey, clerical, office); son William McGregor (22, New Jersey, clerical, office). They are living next door to their daughter Margaret and her husband and family.