Gazlay Family History
 

Family HistoryFamily History - Charles M. Gazlay


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 Charles M. Gazlay and 12 of his descendants down to the fourth generation.


First Generation
1. Charles M. Gazlay,1 born ca. 1815 in Otsego County, New York, the son of Aaron Gazlay and Abigail Sutton;1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 died before 1880. Charles married, first, presumably, Martha Ann _____ (born ca. September 1820 in New York, parents not determined;7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Martha died 23 February 1909 in Averill Park, Rensselaer County, New York12). Charles married, second, Catherine E. Cornell3 (born ca. 1833 in Chenango County, New York, parents not determined;3, 4, 5, 6, 13 Catherine died 12 July 1905 in Newburgh, Orange County, New York14). Martha is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Stephentown, Rensselaer County, New York.15

Charles M. Gazlay’s early life is sketchy. He is found in the 1850 census living in New Berlin, Chenango County, New York, with his mother, Abigail Gazlay, and two minors, David M. Gazlay and Mary C. Gazlay, who are presumed to be his children. Several records provide circumstantial evidence that their mother, and presumably Charles’ first wife, was named Martha Anna (maiden name unknown). Charles and Martha apparently lived in Rensselaer County, New York, where at least Mary Cornelia Gazlay was born, as indicated in the 1855 New York census. Various records link Charles, Martha, David and Mary individually to events and locations in Rensselaer County. Indeed, one record suggests that Charles was in Rensselaer County in 1845. A Troy, New York, newspaper article indicates that a Charles M. Gazley [sic] was indicted for passing counterfeit money, “five several times,” in a Grand Jury in Troy, in December 1845. He did not make an appearance, but apparently his bail was paid in the amount of one hundred dollars for each of the five offenses.16

Perhaps this prompted him to relocate to New Berlin, where he is found from 1850 to at least 1865 based on census records. One supposes that Charles and Martha divorced some time prior to 1850; Martha subsequently remarried at least once and possibly twice. Shortly after 1850, Charles married a woman named Catherine, with whom he had three more children: Henry M., Charlie M., and Georgina. An 1859 New York business directory lists Charles M. Gazlay as a retail grocer in New Berlin. By 1869 he, his wife, and youngest three children had relocated to Brooklyn, New York, when a Brooklyn directory lists Charles M. Gazlay as a carpenter. The 1870 census also lists him as a carpenter and living in Brooklyn with his family.

An advertisement for the grand opening of Gazlay’s Wine House in Philadelphia in the Philadelphia Inquirer on 22 June 1871 lists Charles M. Gazlay and Company, Proprietors. He is likely the Charles M. Gazlay who is found in Philadelphia city directories in 1871, working at a publishing company, and in 1872, working in a restaurant. The latter directory also lists David M. Gazlay, presumably Charles’ eldest child, working and living at a different address from Charles. David lived in Philadelphia with his family for several years before and after 1870, according to various records. There’s no indication whether Charles’ family was with him in Philadelphia during this time. Trow’s New York City directory of 1879 lists Chas. M. Gazlay in that city working in a liquor store, and again David M. Gazlay is listed in the same directory but at a different address and workplace.

Charles apparently died before 1880, as his wife Catherine is listed as a widow in the 1880 census, living in Old Saybrook, Connecticut with their daughter Georgiana, and no other records have been found after this time that mention Charles M. Gazlay.

Catherine apparently moved with her youngest daughter Georgiana to Old Saybrook, Connecticut, after her husband Charles died, as shown in the 1880 census. Newburgh, New York, city directories for 1891-1895, 1897-1898 and 1900-1903 list a Mrs. C. M. Gazlay, widow, or a Catherine Gazlay, widow, indicating that she relocated there. This aligns with the death record for a Catherine Gazley in 1905.


Children of Charles M. Gazlay and Martha Ann _____:

+2i. David Montross Gazlay, born 17 September 1835 in New York; died 31 May 1895 in Nassau, Rensselaer County, New York. Married (1) Anna Sophia _____ Married (2) Mary Jane Shepherd Married (3) Mary Malvina Jennings.
+3ii. Mary Cornelia Gazlay, born ca. August 1842 in Rensselaer County, New York; died 3 January 1907 in Dunham Hollow, Rensselaer County, New York. Married (1) Zial R. Avery Married (2) John H. Flower.

Children of Charles M. Gazlay and Catherine E. Cornell:

+4i. Henry M. Gazlay, born ca. 1852 in Chenango County, New York; died 18 August 1900 in Bronx County, New York. Married Sarah _____.
 5ii. Charlie M. Gazlay, born ca. 1857 in New York.4, 5, 6
+6iii. Georgiana Eveline Gazlay, born ca. 1861 in New York; died 5 June 1933. Married (1) William E. Gleason Married (2) John Henry Koehler.

  1. Last Will and Testament, David M. Gazlay, will written September 8, 1876. Summary of will provided by Adine Wakefield in a posting at genforum.genealogy.com. The will names the following individuals: widow Angeline E. Gazlay; brother Henry M. Gazlay, Putnam CT; A. M. Gazlay, Louisville, KY; sister Sally Warner, Woodstock, NY; brother Charles M. Gazlay, Jefferson County, KY; brother Albert S. Gazlay; deceased brother Oroville Gazlay; Renu (sp?) C. Gazlay, daughter of Oroville Gazlay; Ellen A. Palmer (formerly Ellen A. Gazlay), daughter of Oroville Gazlay, lived in Ruttum (?) Vermont; Abbie (Abby) A. Miller (formerly Abbie A. Gazlay), daughter of Oroville Gazlay, lived in State of Florida, San Mateso. [Note: the family members in this Will match nearly exactly the composition of children of Aaron and Abigail Gazlay named in at least one other record, so this David M. Gazlay is strongly believed to be their eldest son.]
  2. U.S. Federal Census, 1850, New York, Chenango County, Town of New Berlin, page 150, family of Abigail Gazlay, 68 NY; Charles Gazlay, 35, NY, pedlar; David M. Gazlay, 13, NY; Mary C. Gazlay, 8, NY. Relationships are not indicated but Charles is probably the son of Abigail (who is probably the widow of Aaron Gazlay).
  3. New York State Census, 1855, Chenango County, New Berlin, family of Charles M. Gazlay (39, Otsego, Grocer, resided here for 12 years); wife Catherine Gazlay (22, Chenango, resided here for 4 years); child Cornelia Gazlay (14, Rensselaer, resided here for 12 years); child Henry Gazlay (3, Chenango, resided here for 3 years); border Daniel Cornell (17, Chenango, resided here for 1/12 year).
  4. U.S. Federal Census, 1860, New York, Chenango County, New Berlin, Page 83, family of Charles Gazley (43, New York, grocer); Catharine Gazley (26, New York); Henry Gazley (8, New York); Charlie Gazley (3, New York).
  5. New York State Census, 1865, Chenango County, New Berlin, Page 687, family of Charles M. Gazlay (51, Westchester, house maker married 2 times); wife Catharine E. Gazlay (31, Chenango, married once; parent of 3 children); child Henry M. Gazlay (13, Chenango); child Charlie M. Gazlay (8, Chenango); child Georgiana Gazlay (4, Chenango).
  6. U.S. Federal Census, 1870, New York, King County, Brooklyn, page no. 33, family of Charles Gassley [sic] (54, N.Y., carpenter); Catherine Gassley (35, N.Y.); Henry Gassley (18, N.Y., works in theater); Charles Gassley (13, N.Y.); Georgiana Gassley (10, N.Y.); Jacob Cooney (25, Ireland, bartender).
  7. New York State Census, 1865, Rensselaer County, Troy, South Part of the 7th Ward, Page 18, Mrs. Eliza Dunning [or Durning], 64, Otsego, seamstress, 5 children, married once, now widowed; border Martin Conner, 23, Ireland, laborer; border Cordelia Conner, 19, Rensselaer, border Hattie Lupe, 5, Rensselaer; niece Mrs. Martha Gazley, 40, Rensselaer, servant, 4 children, married once, now widowed. [Martha is believed to be the first wife of Charles M. Gazley; it is presumed that they divorced before 1850, and since Charles was apparently still living in 1865, the indication of “now widowed” on Martha’s census entry represents that she is divorced, since there is no explicit indicator for that. The indication of ‘niece’ for the relation to the head of the family may provide a clue to Martha’s identity and maiden name.]
  8. New York State Census, 1875, Albany County, Rensselaerville, Page 15, family of Abram Coon (70, Columbia [County], farmer); wife Anna M. Coon (67, Columbia [County]). [Both of their ages here appear to be high by several years.]
  9. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, New York, Rensselaer County, Nassau, Enumeration District 176, Page No. 12, family of Abram Coons (70, New York, farmer, cripple); wife Martha Coons (59, New York). They are living near Martha’s granddaughter Carrie Gazlay who is living in the household of Abram’s sister Lavantia [Coons] Hollas.
  10. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, New York, Rensselaer County, Nassau Town, Enumeration District 45, Sheet No. 21B, family of Martha Coons (79, New York, Sept 1820, widow, 4 children, 1 living); daughter Cornelia Flower (57, New York, Aug 1842, married 10 years, no children, button hole collars home).
  11. New York State Census, 1905, Rensselaer County, Nassau, Second Election District, Page 4, three related families: head Willie C. Clifford (47, farmer); wife Aurulia [sic] Clifford (51); mother Lavantia Hollis (77); servant Francelia Carrier (56); head Leander Coon (37, farmer); wife Maggie L. Coon (29); head Martha A. Coon (84); daughter Flower C. Coon [sic, Cornelia Flower; her surname was not Coon] (62).
  12. New York, State Death Index, 1880-1956, available at familysearch.org. 1909, Martha Coons, died: 23 February 1909 in Averill Park, Rensselaer County, New York.
  13. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, Connecticut, Middlesex County, Old Saybrook, Enumeration District 83, Page No. 9A, family of Cathrine Gazlay (44, New York, widow, dress maker); daughter Georgina Gazlay (18, New York).
  14. New York, State Death Index, 1880-1956, available at familysearch.org. 1905, Catherine Gazley, died 12 July 1905 in Newburgh, Orange County, New York.
  15. Notice of Interment. The Semi-Weekly Times, Troy, New York. 5 March 1909, Notes from Out of Town. West Stephentown, Mrs. Martha Coons was interred in the cemetery recently. [This is understood to refer to Hillside Cemetery in Stephentown, Rensselaer County, New York].
  16. Troy Daily Whig, Troy, New York. Available at www.fultonhistory.com. 19 December 1845, article about Charles M. Gazley being indicted by a Grand Jury for passing counterfeit money.
Second Generation
2. David Montross Gazlay2 (Charles1), born 17 September 1835 in New York;1, 2, 3, 4 died 31 May 1895 in Nassau, Rensselaer County, New York.4, 5 David married, first, 4 November 1858 in New York, New York, Anna Sophia _____6 (born ca. 1835, parents not determined;6 Anna died 29 October 1859 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California7). David married, second, 22 April 1861 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California, Mary Jane Shepherd13 (born ca. 1829 in England, the daughter of John Shepherd and Sarah Davis;8, 9, 10 Mary died 27 February 1864 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York9, 11, 12). David married, third, Mary Malvina Jennings2 (born ca. 1845 in New York, parents not determined;2, 3, 14, 15, 16 Mary died 4 September 1921 in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York17, 18). David is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Stephentown, Rensselaer County, New York.4 Mary is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.8, 19 Mary is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Stephentown, Rensselaer County, New York.17

David Montross Gazlay led a fascinating life—publisher, printer, restaurateur, patriot, husband, father—and died at the early age of 59 years. He left a legacy of innovation in advertising in city directories. David published several noteworthy directories, periodicals, and other publications, and he played a key role in California’s decision to align with the Union on the brink of the Civil War. David left only one natural descendant who lived to adulthood, a daughter, and no natural grandchildren; his two adopted daughters both grew to adulthood and had descendants, some to present day.

A detailed biographical sketch is presented here: David Montross Gazlay

Anna was apparently something of an entrepreneur, as evidenced by an announcement of her employment office, the only one exclusively for females and run by females, followed by over three months of advertisements, such as the one below, that ran both before and after her death.20

MRS. A. S. GAZLAY’S

FEMALE

EMPLOYMENT OFFICE,

249 Washington st., near cor. Stockton,

SAN FRANCISCO.

----

The only office in the city exclusively for Females and under Female Supervision.--Centrally and respectably located. No charge to employers. Country orders promptly attended to.

----

REFERENCES.

REV. DR. CHEEVER, Pastor Church of the Puritans, New York.

MRS. M. O. ROBERTS, corner 18th street, and 5th Avenue, New York.

REV. J. C. HOOLBROOK, First Congregational Church, San Francisco.

September 24th, 1859.--3m


The references cited in the advertisement are interesting. Anna’s connection to Rev. Cheever is not known, but Anna met and became friends with Rev. Holbrook and his wife on their travels from the east coast to California. In fact, after Anna’s death (shortly following the birth of her third child, Anna Sophia Gazlay, who also died a few days later), Rev. Holbrook and his wife adopted and raised Anna’s two surviving children. The Mrs. M. O. Roberts mentioned as a reference is undoubtedly Caroline, the second wife of Marshall Owen Roberts, a prominent American merchant who founded and operated the U.S. Mail Steamship Company, and later purchased and operated the competing Pacific Mail Steamship Company. These companies provided cargo and passenger transport between New York and San Francisco, by way of the Isthmus of Panama and other intermediate ports. It may be that Anna met Mrs. Roberts on her travels, or at least found a supportive reference for Anna’s female employment office.

Identifying Mary’s birth surname as Shepherd is based on circumstantial evidence. What is known is that a Mary S. Bowker married David M. Gazlay in San Francisco on 22 April 1861, that a Mary Gazlay died on 27 February 1864 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, and that a Mary S. Gazlay (or Gazley) is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn in a lot belonging to the Shepherd family. This Mary Gazlay is believed to be David M. Gazlay’s wife. David, originally from New York, was known to be in California for several years starting in 1858, and returned to New York in late 1863 or early 1864, likely with his wife Mary.8

The name Mary S. Gazley tops the gravestone in Green-Wood Cemetery that also bears the barely readable name of Sarah D. Shepherd, who died on 20 May 1876 in Brooklyn. Sarah bought the grave lot in 1864, shortly before Mary’s burial, so one surmises that the lot was purchased specifically for that purpose. With both Sarah and Mary’s names appearing on the same gravestone, the presumption is that they were related, most likely as mother (Sarah) and daughter (Mary).8, 19, 21

Sarah Shepherd’s will names several children, including Sarah R., wife of William Bowker, residing in San Francisco (in 1876). Association of the surname Bowker with both Mary and Sarah, and both in San Francisco, seems more than a coincidence. It’s possible that sisters Mary and Sarah married Bowker brothers, but records suggest that John William Bowker first married Mary, and after her death married Sarah R.22

The sad funeral notice for both Mary and her daughter Carrie is shown below.17

DOUBLE FUNERAL TODAY

Mrs. Mary M. Gazlay, who died Sunday, and her daughter, Mrs. Carrie A. Hamilton, who died in the Homeopathic hospital Thursday night, will be buried this afternoon at West Stephentown following a double funeral at 3 o’clock in the Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. J. V. Moldenhawer, pastor of the Westminster church, will conduct the service. There are no surviving relatives. For the last three years Mrs. Hamilton was employed in the office of the Homeopathic hospital.


Child of David Montross Gazlay and Anna Sophia _____:

 7i. Anna Sophia Gazlay, born 27 October 1859;23 died 7 November 1859 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California.23

Children of David Montross Gazlay and Mary Malvina Jennings:

 8i. David Montross Gazlay, Jr., born ca. October 1865 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York;2, 24 died 2 May 1873 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.24, 25 David is buried in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.25
+9ii. Carrie Augusta Gazlay, born 13 March 1867 in Manhattan, New York City, New York; died 8 September 1921 in Albany, Albany County, New York. Married Samuel James Hamilton.

3. Mary Cornelia Gazlay2 (Charles1), born ca. August 1842 in Rensselaer County, New York;1, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 died 3 January 1907 in Dunham Hollow, Rensselaer County, New York.33 Mary married, first, 19 January 1860 in New Berlin, Chenango County, New York, Zial R. Avery36, 37 (born 6 March 1835 in New York, the son of Orrin Avery and Mary B. _____;27, 28, 29, 34, 35 Zial died 13 January 188934). Mary married, second, John H. Flower (born ca. 1843 in New York, parents not determined;30, 38 John died 7 February 1902 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York39, 40). Zial is buried in Reynolds Cemetery, Cross River, Westchester County, New York.34

Mary Cornelia Gazlay was first married, in 1860, to Zial R. Avery. A brief article, appearing several months after Zial’s death, provides a link between to her second husband, John H. Flower, before they were married:41

New Berlin. Aug. 12 -- Mrs. Cornelia Avery, Mrs. Hedges and Mr. John Flower, of New York, are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Kuhn.

Zial’s obituary provides the details of his unfortunate death:42

Obituary Notice.

Mr. Zial R. Avery.

We record this week the sad death of Mr. Zial R. Avery, of New York city, who was killed on the Sixth avenue elevated railroad, last Saturday night. He was the son of the late Mr. Orrin Avery, of Cross River, and was 53 years of age. For the past ten years he has been a conductor on the elevated railroad in the city. Last Saturday night, having completed his work at midnight, he stepped off his train on the east side, between 145th and 155th street stations, and started across the tracks to take a down train home. As he did so he was struck by a locomotive on the centre track and instantly killed, the driving wheel of the engine cutting his body in two. He leaves a widow but no children.

The body was brought up to Katonah on Wednesday and taken to Cross River for burial. The funeral services were held in the Baptist Church at 11 o’clock, Rev. Frank Fletcher officiating.

The following year, his wife provided a fitting honor for Zial:43

Mrs. Cornelia Avery , of N.Y., spent a few days with her sister-in-law, Miss Sophronia Avery. During her stay she had a very pretty bronze monument erected to the memory of her late husband, Zial R. Avery.


4. Henry M. Gazlay2 (Charles1), born ca. 1852 in Chenango County, New York;26, 44, 45, 46, 47 died 18 August 1900 in Bronx County, New York.48 Henry married Sarah _____47 (born ca. 1849 in England, parents not determined). Henry is buried in St.Michaels Cemetery, East Elmhurst, Queens County, New York.48

Henry is listed in Hartford, Connecticut, directories (1876, 1877, and 1879) as a brakeman, which matches his occupation shown in the 1880 census as brakeman on a railroad.


6. Georgiana Eveline Gazlay2 (Charles1), born ca. 1861 in New York;45, 46, 49, 50, 51, 52 died 5 June 1933.53 Georgiana married, first, ca. 1881, William E. Gleason (born ____, parents not determined). Georgiana married, second, 3 September 1919 in Kings County, New York, John Henry Koehler55 (born ca. 1854 in Germany, the son of Adam H. Koehler and Barbara E. Arnold;51, 52, 54, 55 John died 9 March 193454, 56). John is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.54

Children of Georgiana Eveline Gazlay and William E. Gleason:

+10i. William Merton Gleason, born 31 August 1889 in Kingston, Ulster County, New York. Married Vera E. Zelie.
+11ii. Mabel Gleason, born ca. 1890 in New York. Married (unidentified).

  1. U.S. Federal Census, 1850, New York, Chenango County, Town of New Berlin, page 150, family of Abigail Gazlay, 68 NY; Charles Gazlay, 35, NY, pedlar; David M. Gazlay, 13, NY; Mary C. Gazlay, 8, NY. Relationships are not indicated but Charles is probably the son of Abigail (who is probably the widow of Aaron Gazlay).
  2. U.S. Federal Census, 1870, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, District No. 30, Page No. 15, family of David Gaylay [sic] (30); Mary Gaylay (25); Carrie (1); Monte (5).
  3. New York State Census, 1892, Kings County, Brooklyn, 8th Election District, Eleventh Ward, Page 3, David M. Gazlay (56, US, retired); Marey [sic] M. Gazlay (34, US). [Either Mary’s age is low by over 10 years, or this is a different person than David’s third wife.]
  4. Stephentown Genealogy, Hillside Cemetery, Gazley, D. M., born 9/17/1835; died: 5/31/1892; Inscription: “Erected by Nassau Council No. 22 of the A.P.A.” [sic, his gravestone show the year of death as 1895, and the word “Friend” precedes his name at the top of the gravestone; based on a photograph provided by Adine Wakefield, December 2010.]
  5. New York, State Death Index, 1880-1956, available at familysearch.org. 1895, David M. Gazlay, died: 31 May 1895 in Nassau, New York [the document only shows Nassau; the index shows Nassau, Richmond, New York, but this must be an error; Nassau is in Rensselaer County, and he was know to have lived there late in life; he is also buried there].
  6. Marriage Records, Methodist Episcopal Church of New York City, Page 98 of handwritten marriage ledger, 4 November 1858, Gazlay, David M. (single, aged 22), and Masterton, Anna Sophia (widow, aged 23), (both of NY); witnesses: James T. Stafford, S. K. Rouley [?]. Scan of page provided by Adine Wakefield, December 2010.
  7. Deaths, Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, California. Available at Veridian Digital Library. 31 October 1859: In San Francisco, Oct. 29th, Ann S., wife of David M. Gazlay, and grand daughter of the late General Hitchcock, of London, Eng.
  8. Cemetery Record, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York, Mary S. Gazlay indicating her dates of death and burial, residence in Brooklyn, and birthplace (England).
  9. New York City, Department of Records & Information Services, Historical Vital Records (website: a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov), Certificate of Death, Mrs. Mary Gazlay, age 35, died: 27 February 1864 in Kings County (Brooklyn), born: England; buried: Greenwood; residence: 272 Pacific St. [This is a hand-written certification of death]. [On the reverese: For Mrs. Shepperd, 272 Pacific St.].
  10. U.S. Federal Census, 1860, California, San Francisco County, San Francisco, 2nd District, Page No. 91, Mary Bowker (31, N.Y.).
  11. Italian Genealogical Group, New York Death Index, Gazlay, Mary, 27 February 1864, Kings County, age 35 years, Cert# 1191.
  12. Deaths, Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, California. Available at California Digital Newspaper Collection. 26 March 1864: In Brooklyn (N.Y.), Feb. 27th, Mary S., wife of David M. Gazlay, of San Francisco.
  13. Marriage, Sacramento Daily Union, California. Available at California Digital Newspaper Collection, cdnc.ucr.edu. 25 April 1861: In San Francisco, April 22d, David M. Gazlay to Mary S. Bowker.
  14. New York State Census, 1905, Rensselaer County, Nassau, Second Election District, Page 1, Mary M. Gazlay (54, US, dress maker).
  15. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, New York, Albany County, Albany, Enumeration District 71, Sheet No. 1B, family of Mary M. Gazlay (60, New York, widow, 2 children, 1 living); daughter Carrie A. Hamilton (44, New York, widow, no children, dressmaker). They were living at 33 Chestnut Street; compare with 1920 census for “Mary Hamilton.”
  16. New York State Census, 1915, Albany County, Albany, Enumeration District 3, Page No. 9, family of Mary M. Gazlay (57); daughter Carrie Hamilton (38). [Both of their ages are low by several years compared with other records.]
  17. Funeral Notice, The Knickerbocker Press, Albany, New York, 10 September 1921, Mary M. Gazlay, died 4 September 1921, and daughter Carrie A. Hamilton, died 8 September 1921, both in Albany [Mary’s death record indicates she died in Poughkeepsie]. The article provides brief biographical details and their place of burial, shown as West Stephentown (believed to refer to Hillside Cemetery in Stephentown, Rensselaer County, New York, where Mary’s husband David Montross Gazlay is buried).
  18. New York, State Death Index, 1880-1956, available at familysearch.org. 1921, Mary M. Gazley, died 4 September 1921 in Pokeepsie [sic, Poughkeepsie], Dutchess County, New York. Her obituary indicates she died in Albany, but this death record is probably more accurate.
  19. Headstone, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York, Lot 12808, Section 55, Mary S. Gazley and Sarah D. Shepherd. Visited and photographed by Karen Held in September 2012 and by Lee Gazlay in December 2012.
  20. The Placer Herald, Auburn, Placer County, California, available at Chronicling America (chroniclingamerica.loc.com), 24 September 1859 (and several other dates through 7 January 1860), advertisement for Mrs. A. S. Gazlay’s Female Employment Office in San Francisco. [Some newspapers, notably, the Daily Alta California, carry the advertisement under the name Cazlay.]
  21. Email between Karen Held and Lee Gazlay, September 2012.
  22. Last Will and Testament, Sarah D. Shepherd, 1876, that names four children: William J. Shepherd residing in the City of Brooklyn; Elizabeth, wife of William P. Smith residing at Seattle Washington Territory; Sarah R., wife of William Bowker residing at San Francisco, California; and Annie, wife of Benjamin Harned residing at Trenton New Jersey. Copy of probate documents in possession of Karen Held.
  23. Deaths, Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, California. Available at California Digital Newspaper Collection. 10 November 1859: In San Francisco, Nov 7th, Anne S. Gazley, infant daughter of David M. Gazley, aged 11 days.
  24. Deaths, New York Herald, available at www.fultonhistory.com, 3 May 1873, GAZLAY -- Suddenly, at Philadelphia on Friday May 2, 1873, David M. Gazlay, Jr., aged 7 years and 7 months.
  25. Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Death Certificates, 1803-1915, Return of a Death in the City of Philadelphia, Physician’s Certificate, David Montross Gazlay, Jr., age: in 8th year; died: 2 May 1873; born: Brooklyn, New York; father: David M. Gazlay; mother: May M. Gazlay; burial: 10th + Berrye/Perrye [? word is unclear].
  26. New York State Census, 1855, Chenango County, New Berlin, family of Charles M. Gazlay (39, Otsego, Grocer, resided here for 12 years); wife Catherine Gazlay (22, Chenango, resided here for 4 years); child Cornelia Gazlay (14, Rensselaer, resided here for 12 years); child Henry Gazlay (3, Chenango, resided here for 3 years); border Daniel Cornell (17, Chenango, resided here for 1/12 year).
  27. U.S. Federal Census, 1860, New York, Westchester County, Pound Ridge, Page No. 10, family of Zial Avery (25, N.Y., farmer); Cornelia Avery (18, N.Y.).
  28. U.S. Federal Census, 1870, New York, Westchester County, Town of Ossining, Page No. 104, family of Zial Avery (36, New York, keeper in Sing Sing Prison); Cornelia Avery (28, New York).
  29. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, New York, New York County, New York City, Enumeration District 562, Page No. 42, family of Ziael Avery [sic] (46, New York, elevated R.R.); wife Mary Cornelia Avery (New York).
  30. New York State Census, 1892, Kings County, Brooklyn, First ED, Eleventh Ward, Page 3, family of John H. Flower (49, hatter); Cornelia Flower (50).
  31. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, New York, Rensselaer County, Nassau Town, Enumeration District 45, Sheet No. 21B, family of Martha Coons (79, New York, Sept 1820, widow, 4 children, 1 living); daughter Cornelia Flower (57, New York, Aug 1842, married 10 years, no children, button hole collars home).
  32. New York State Census, 1905, Rensselaer County, Nassau, Second Election District, Page 4, three related families: head Willie C. Clifford (47, farmer); wife Aurulia [sic] Clifford (51); mother Lavantia Hollis (77); servant Francelia Carrier (56); head Leander Coon (37, farmer); wife Maggie L. Coon (29); head Martha A. Coon (84); daughter Flower C. Coon [sic, Cornelia Flower; her surname was not Coon] (62).
  33. New York, State Death Index, 1880-1956, available at familysearch.org. 1907, Cornelia Flower, died: 3 January 1907 in Dunham Hollow, Rensselaer County, New York.
  34. Find a Grave (website). Reynolds Cemetery, Cross River, Westchester County, New York, Zial R. Avery: Zial R. Avery / March 6, 1835 / January 13, 1889 [from monument].
  35. U.S. Federal Census, 1850, New York, Westchester County, Pound Ridge, Page 294, family of Orren Avery (49, N. York, farmer); Mary B. Avery (44, N. York); Emily Avery (19, N. York); Sophronia Avery (9, N. York); Zial R. Avery (15, N. York, farmer); Josephine Avery (13, N. York); Sarah A. Avery (11, N. York); Georgianna Avery (7, N. York).
  36. Chenango Marriages, listed in the Chenango Telegraph, March 1959 - March 1862, available at Rootsweb; 8 February 1860, marriage of Zial A. Avery [sic, middle initial is actually R] to Mary C. Gazlay on 19 January 1860 in New Berlin, New York.
  37. Marriage, Daily Alta California, San Francisco, California, 24 January 1860, Married. at New Berlin, Chenango County, N.Y., Jan. 1st, Miss Mary Cornelia, only daughter of Charles M. Gazlay, Esq., to Mr. Ziel Avery, of Westchester County, N.Y. [The date shown in this article differs from the Chenango County marriage record, which is believed to be the more accurate.]
  38. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, New York, Kings County, Brooklyn, Enumeration District 17, Page No. 31, family of John H. Flower (37, New York, hatter); mother Margaret A. Flower (67, New York, widow); sister Sarah Sascier (47, New York, boarding); sister Fidelia Vicker (45, New York, boarding); brother-in-law Joseph Gascier (49, New York, hatter); brother-in-law Tunis Vicker (49, New York, hatter).
  39. Italian Genealogical Group, New York Death Index, Flower, John H., died 7 February 1902 in Kings County, N.Y.
  40. Deaths, Brooklyn Daily Eagle (available at fultonhistory.com); 9 February 1902, Flower - Suddenly, at his residence, 398 State st., John H. Flower, in the 57th year of his age. Interment at Albany, N.Y.
  41. Brookfield Courier, New York. Available at www.fultonhistory.com. 1889-1890 (exact date not shown, but probably on or shortly before 12 August 1889), visit to New Berlin by Mrs. Cornelia Avery and two others.
  42. Obituary, The Recorder, Mount Kisco, Westchester County, New York. Available at www.fultonhistory.com. week of 20 January 1889, Mr. Zial R. Avery, died 13 January 1889. The article provides a brief account of his death.
  43. The Recorder, Mount Kisco, Westchester County, New York. Available at www.fultonhistory.com, 30 May 1890, Mrs. Cornelia Avery has a bronze monument erected to the memory of her late husband, Zial R. Avery.
  44. U.S. Federal Census, 1860, New York, Chenango County, New Berlin, Page 83, family of Charles Gazley (43, New York, grocer); Catharine Gazley (26, New York); Henry Gazley (8, New York); Charlie Gazley (3, New York).
  45. New York State Census, 1865, Chenango County, New Berlin, Page 687, family of Charles M. Gazlay (51, Westchester, house maker married 2 times); wife Catharine E. Gazlay (31, Chenango, married once; parent of 3 children); child Henry M. Gazlay (13, Chenango); child Charlie M. Gazlay (8, Chenango); child Georgiana Gazlay (4, Chenango).
  46. U.S. Federal Census, 1870, New York, King County, Brooklyn, page no. 33, family of Charles Gassley [sic] (54, N.Y., carpenter); Catherine Gassley (35, N.Y.); Henry Gassley (18, N.Y., works in theater); Charles Gassley (13, N.Y.); Georgiana Gassley (10, N.Y.); Jacob Cooney (25, Ireland, bartender).
  47. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, Connecticut, Hartford County, Hartford, Enumeration District 4, Page No. 15, family of Henry M. Gazlay (28, New York, brakeman on railroad); wife Sarah Gazlay (31, England).
  48. New York City, Department of Records & Information Services, Historical Vital Records (website: a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov), Certificate and Record of Death, Certificate No.: 2927, Henry Gazley, died: 18 August 1900 in Bronx, New York, age: 47 years; married; occupation: brakeman; place of burial: St. Michaels.
  49. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, Connecticut, Middlesex County, Old Saybrook, Enumeration District 83, Page No. 9A, family of Cathrine Gazlay (44, New York, widow, dress maker); daughter Georgina Gazlay (18, New York).
  50. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, New York, Orange County, Newburgh City, E.D. 54, Sheet No. 2A, Georgina Gleason, 42, New York, widow, laundress, laundry; son William Gleason, 21, New York, salesman, clothing.
  51. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, New York, Kings County, Brooklyn, E.D. 53, Sheet No. 4B, John H. Koehler, 66, Germany, retired, business; wife Evelyn Koehler, 53, New York.
  52. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, New York, Kings County, Brooklyn, E.D. 24-940, Sheet No. 6A, John Koehler, 76, Germany, 29 at first marriage, retired butcher; wife Georgiana Koehler, 65, New York, 20 at first marriage; daughter Mabel Gleason, 40, New York, widow, 20 at first marriage, sales lady, dry goods; granddaughter Ruth Gleason, 10, New York.
  53. Deaths, Brooklyn Daily Eagle (available at fultonhistory.com); 6 June 1933, Evelyn Koehler, died: 5 June 1933, in her 67th year, wife of John H. Koehler. Funeral on 8 June 1933.
  54. Find a Grave (website). Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; John Henry Koehler, born; 1854 in Germany; died: 11 March 1934 [sic, his death notice indicates he died on the 9th] (from record, which provides the names and links for his [first] wife and son).
  55. New York City Marriage Records, 1829-1940, John Henry Koehler, age 65; father: Adam H. Koehler; mother: Barbara E. Arnold; Georgie Eveline Gazley Gleason, age 53; father: Charles Gazley; mother: Catherine Cornell; married on 3 September 1919 in Kings County, New York.
  56. Deaths, Brooklyn Daily Eagle (available at fultonhistory.com); 10 March 1934, John Henry Koehler, died: 9 March 1934. Services on 11 March at Green-Wood Cemetery.
Third and Fourth Generations
9. Carrie Augusta Gazlay3 (David,2 Charles1), born 13 March 1867 in Manhattan, New York City, New York;1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 died 8 September 1921 in Albany, Albany County, New York.9, 10, 11 Carrie married, 25 February 1885 in Kings County, New York, Samuel James Hamilton5, 13, 14 (born ca. April 1862 in Ireland, parents not determined;5 Samuel died 17 April 1908 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York12). Carrie is buried in Hillside Cemetery, Stephentown, Rensselaer County, New York.9

10. William Merton Gleason3 (Georgiana,2 Charles1), born 31 August 1889 in Kingston, Ulster County, New York.15, 16 William married, 5 September 1916 in Kingston, Ulster County, New York, Vera E. Zelie17 (born 1896 in Kingston, Ulster County, New York, the daughter of Frank B. Zelie and Emma Ploss;17, 18 Vera died 30 June 196418). Their marriage ended in divorce in ca. 1918.19 Vera is buried in Wiltwick Cemetery, Kingston, Ulster County, New York.18

Child of William Merton Gleason and Vera E. Zelie:

 12i. William Weldon Gleason, born 18 August 1916;19, 20 died 28 March 1918 in Manhattan, New York City, New York.20

11. Mabel Gleason3 (Georgiana,2 Charles1), born ca. 1890 in New York.21 Mabel married (unidentified) (born ____, parents not determined).

Child of Mabel Gleason and (unidentified):

 13i. Ruth Gleason, born ca. 1920 in New York.21

  1. New York Births and Christenings, 1640-1962, , Christening, Manhattan, New York City, New York, female, born: 13 March 1867; father: David Montrose Gazlay; mother: Mary Malvina Jennings Gazlay.
  2. New York, New York City Births, 1846-1909, Gazlay, female, born: 13 March 1867 in Manhattan, New York, New York; father: David M. Gazlay, born in NY; mother: Mary M. Jennings, born in NY.
  3. U.S. Federal Census, 1870, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, District No. 30, Page No. 15, family of David Gaylay [sic] (30); Mary Gaylay (25); Carrie (1); Monte (5).
  4. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, New York, Rensselaer County, Nassau, Enumeration District 176, Page No. 12, family of Stephen Hollas (53, Mass., farmer); wife Lavantia Hollas (53, New York); daughter Aurelia Hollas (26, New York, makes collars); mother Caroline H. Hollas (81, Mass., widow); Carrie Gazlay (12, New York). Carrie is a step-niece of Lavantia through Carrie’s grandmother, Martha (nee ?) Coons, and her then-husband, Abram Coons, i.e., Lavantia and Abram are siblings. This Hollas family is living near Abram and Martha Coons.
  5. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, New York, Kings County, Brooklyn, Enumeration District 534, Sheet No. 6B, family of Samuel J. Hamilton (38, Ireland, Apr 1862, printer); wife of 15 years Carrie A. Hamilton (31, New York, Mar 1869, no children).
  6. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, New York, Albany County, Albany, Enumeration District 71, Sheet No. 1B, family of Mary M. Gazlay (60, New York, widow, 2 children, 1 living); daughter Carrie A. Hamilton (44, New York, widow, no children, dressmaker). They were living at 33 Chestnut Street; compare with 1920 census for “Mary Hamilton.”
  7. New York State Census, 1915, Albany County, Albany, Enumeration District 3, Page No. 9, family of Mary M. Gazlay (57); daughter Carrie Hamilton (38). [Both of their ages are low by several years compared with other records.]
  8. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, New York, Albany County, Albany, Enumeration District 73, Sheet No. 3B, family of Mary [sic] Hamilton (52, New York, widow); lodger James Smith (49, New York, architect, buildings). They are living at 33 Chestnut St., the same address that Carrie A. Hamilton lived at in 1910. Therefore, it is believed that this is the same person and that the first name is incorrect here.
  9. Funeral Notice, The Knickerbocker Press, Albany, New York, 10 September 1921, Mary M. Gazlay, died 4 September 1921, and daughter Carrie A. Hamilton, died 8 September 1921, both in Albany [Mary’s death record indicates she died in Poughkeepsie]. The article provides brief biographical details and their place of burial, shown as West Stephentown (believed to refer to Hillside Cemetery in Stephentown, Rensselaer County, New York, where Mary’s husband David Montross Gazlay is buried).
  10. Albany Evening Journal, Albany, New York, 15 July 1922, notice to creditors for Carrie A. Hamilton [the presumption being that she died before that date].
  11. New York, State Death Index, 1880-1956, available at familysearch.org. 1921, Carrie A. Hamilton, died 8 September 1921 in Alb. [Albany, Albany County, New York].
  12. Deaths, The New York Times, available at www.fultonhistory.com, 19 April 1908: HAMILTON -- At 285 Carroll St., Brooklyn, April 17, Samuel J. Hamilton.
  13. New York Marriage and Death Index - New York City, Samuel Hamilton and Carrie A. Gazlay, married on 25 February 1885 in Kings County.
  14. New York City Marriage Records, 1829-1940, Samuel James Hamilton and Carrie Augusta Gaglay [sic, Gazlay], married on 25 February 1885 in Kings County, New York.
  15. Draft Registration Card, World War I, William Merton Gleason, No. 84, age 28, born: 31 August 1889 in Kingston, NY; salesman; dependant: mother; married; mother and child.
  16. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, New York, Orange County, Newburgh City, E.D. 54, Sheet No. 2A, Georgina Gleason, 42, New York, widow, laundress, laundry; son William Gleason, 21, New York, salesman, clothing.
  17. New York, County Marriages, 1847-1848, 1908-1936, available at familysearch.org, William M. Gleason, age 28, born in Kingston, 1st marriage, father: William E. Gleason; mother: Georgianna Gazley; Vera E. Zelie, age 20, born in Kingston, 1st marriage; father: Frank B. Zelie; mother: Emma Ploss; married on 5 September 1916 in Kingston.
  18. Find a Grave (website). Wiltwick Cemetery, Kingston, Ulster County, New York, Vera E. Zelie Gleason, born: 1896; died: 30 June 1964 in Baldwin, Nassau County, New York (from record, which includes a copy of her obituary giving vital and biographical details; and provides the names and links for her parents and siblings).
  19. Divorce Filing, Poughkeepsie Eagle-News, 25 August 1917, William and Vera Gleason filed for divorce from each other. The article describes each of the parties, provides the grounds for divorce from both parties, and indicates their son, W. Weldon Gleason, is now living with Mr. Gleason’s mother.
  20. New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949, William Weldom Glason [sic], born: 18 August 1916; died: 28 March 1918 in Manhattan, New York City, New York; father: William M. Glason [sic]; mother: Vera Zelie; cemetery: St. Michael’s.
  21. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, New York, Kings County, Brooklyn, E.D. 24-940, Sheet No. 6A, John Koehler, 76, Germany, 29 at first marriage, retired butcher; wife Georgiana Koehler, 65, New York, 20 at first marriage; daughter Mabel Gleason, 40, New York, widow, 20 at first marriage, sales lady, dry goods; granddaughter Ruth Gleason, 10, New York.