Family History - William Passmore McGregor
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 William Passmore McGregor and 30 of his descendants down to the fifth generation.
First Generation
1.
William Passmore McGregor,
1 born 18 July 1897 in New Jersey, the son of
David McGregor and
Nellie Birrell Patterson;
1, 2, 3 died 20 December 1976. William married, first, 20 November 1921 in New Jersey,
Josephine Caroline Voelker10 (born 24 July 1904 in Bloomfield, Essex County, New Jersey, the daughter of
Joseph George Voelker and
Margaret Percy;
4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Josephine died 18 August 1923 in Orange, Essex County, New Jersey; she died of typhoid fever
9). William married, second, ca. 1924,
Alice E. Hodgeboom17 (born 6 July 1906 in Harrison, Hudson County, New Jersey, the daughter of
Harry C. Hodgeboom and
Wilhelmina ‘Minnie’ Steinheart;
11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Alice died 16 January 1974 in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey
13, 16). Their marriage ended in divorce in ca. 1930. William married, third, 6 May 1934 in Elkton, Maryland,
Leonette Sophia Scales (born 23 May 1897 in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey, the daughter of
Joseph H. Scales and
Leonette Nichols;
3, 18, 19, 20, 21 Leonette died 23 May 1992 in Dover Township, Ocean County, New Jersey; she died on her 94th birthday
19). Alice is buried in Arlington Cemetery, Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey.
16Bill’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.
Josephine was said to be happy-go-lucky, and well-liked by her siblings. She attended but never graduated from Bloomfield High School, New Jersey.
Alice was a secretary to the vice president of the Mohawk Savings and Loan Co. in Newark, New Jersey, for eight years until her retirement in 1973. Previously she was a secretary for the Kearny Federal Savings & Loan Co. She lived in Kearny for 45 years, the last several at the home of her daughter Ruth.11
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Birth Certificate, New Jersey, Josephine Caroline Voelker. Copy in possession of Robert Lee Gazlay
- New Jersey State Census, 1905, Essex County, family of Joseph Volker (37); Margurett Volker (31); Faney T. Volker (12); John J. Volker (8); Margurett E. Volker (2); Josephine C. Volker (1).
- U.S. Federal Census, 1910, New Jersey, Essex County, Bloomfield City, Enumeration District 152, Sheet No. 18B, family of Joseph Volker (41, Germany, carpenter, house); wife of 13 years Margaret Volker (35, New Jersey, 5 children, 5 living); daughter Fannie Volker (17, New Jersey); daughter Margaret Volker (7, New Jersey); daughter Josephine Volker (6, New Jersey); son Jack Volker (13, New Jersey); son Percy Volker (2, New Jersey).
- New Jersey State Census, 1915, Essex County, Bloomfield Township, E.D. 4, Sheet No. 10A, Margaret Voelker, 41, Penna., Ap. 1874; John Voelker, 18, New Jersey, Ap. 1897; Marguerite Voelker, 12, New Jersey, May 1903; Josephine Voelker, 11, New Jersey, July 1903; Percy Voelker, 7, New Jersey, Aug. 1907.
- U.S. Federal Census, 1920, New Jersey, Essex County, Orange, Enumeration District 308, Sheet No. 5A, family of Margaret Brighton (42, New Jersey); daughter Evelyn Brighton (3 6/12, New Jersey); daughter Margaret Voelker (16 11/12, New Jersey, machine worker, magneto plant); daughter Josephine Voelker (15 11/12, New Jersey, machine worker, magneto plant); son Percy Voelker (11, New Jersey).
- Death Certificate, New Jersey, Josephine C. McGregor. Copy in possession of Robert Lee Gazlay
- New Jersey Marriage Index, by Reclaim the Records (available at: archives.org), Josephine Voelker, married WM [William McGregor] on 20 November 1921, location: 18.
- Record of visit with Ruth Hamilton by Robert Lee Gazlay and Doris M. (McGregor) Gazlay
- New York City Marriage Records, 1829-1940, Barnett B. Greenfield, 42, born in Kearney, NJ, widowed; father: Wm. G. [Greenfield]; mother: Eliza J. Wilkinson; Alice E. Hogeboom, 25, born in Harrison, NJ, single; father: Harry L. Hogeboom; mother: Minnie Steinhart; married on 16 July 1932 in Manhattan, New York County, New York.
- Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Rootsweb (website). Alice Greenfield, no. 145-14-6520
- U.S. Federal Census, 1910, New Jersey, Hudson County, East Newark, Enumeration District 31, Sheet 7B
- U.S. Federal Census, 1940, New Jersey, Hudson County, Kearny, E.D. 9-176, Sheet No. 8B, Burtis Greenfield, 52, patrolman, minnie. pd; wife Alice Greenfield, 34, New Jersey; daughter Ruth [surname crossed out], 13, New Jersey.
- Obituary, Newark Star Ledger, Newark, New Jersey, Alice Greenfield, 17 January 1974, page 36. Microfilm, Library of Congress, Madison Building, Newspaper and Current Periodical Reading Room.
- U.S. Federal Census, 1930, New Jersey, Hudson County, East Newark, Enumeration District 9-238, Sheet 10A, family of Harry Hodgeboom with daughter Alice McGregor and her daughter Ruth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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).
Second Generation
2.
Doris Margaret McGregor2 (
William1), born 21 May 1922 in Orange, Essex County, New Jersey;
1 died 15 May 2012 in Manahawkin, Ocean County, New Jersey. Doris married, 6 April 1946 in Orange, Essex County, New Jersey,
Robert Bush Gazlay (born 14 April 1922 in Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey, the son of
Leo Cornwall Gazlay and
Maude Gertrude Bush;
2 Robert died 13 September 2006 in Toms River, New Jersey
2). Doris and Robert are buried in Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, Burlington County, New Jersey.
Doris attended Drake secretarial school.
| 4 | i. | Edward S. Gazlay, born 22 May 1947 in Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey; died 22 May 1947 in Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey.3 |
+ | 5 | ii. | Doris Jo ‘Jodee’ Gazlay, born 30 July 1948 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey; died 7 July 2015 in Manahawkin, Ocean County, New Jersey. Married (1) George William ‘Bill’ Medley (born Gottschling) Married (2) Brian Joseph McWalters. |
| 6 | iii. | Birrell Lee Gazlay, born 2 May 1951 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey;4 died 7 May 1951. |
+ | 7 | iv. | Robert Lee Gazlay, born 21 May 1952 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey. Married (1) Charlotte Anne Henderson (née Constant) Married (2) Peggy Jean Palmisano (née Krupowski) . |
+ | 8 | v. | Kent William Gazlay, born 15 February 1959 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey. Married (1) Adele Ruth Stagg Married (2) Rosemary ‘Rose’ Pagliaroni Married (3) Nancy Dale Elliott. |
3.
Ruth Birrill McGregor2 (
William1), born ca. November 1926;
5, 6 died 4 May 2021.
7 Ruth married, 1945,
Verlon Edward Hamilton10 (born 20 August 1923 in Arkansas, the son of
Henry Allen Hamilton and
Mamie Mable Clair;
8, 9 Verlon died 14 September 1990 in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey
8, 9). Ruth and Verlon are buried in Crest Haven Memorial Park, Clifton, Passaic County, New Jersey.
7, 8
- Birth Certificate, New Jersey, Doris Margaret McGregor. Copy in possession of Robert Lee Gazlay
- Obituary, Asbury Park Press, New Jersey, Robert B. Gazlay, 15 September 2006.
- Cemetery Record, No. 36668, Rosedale Cemetery, New Jersey, Edward S. Gazlay (infant), interred on 24 May 1947 in Single Section 8-5-19
- Birth Certificate, New Jersey, Birrell Lee Gazlay. Copy in possession of Robert Lee Gazlay.
- U.S. Federal Census, 1930, New Jersey, Hudson County, East Newark, Enumeration District 9-238, Sheet 10A, family of Harry Hodgeboom with daughter Alice McGregor and her daughter Ruth.
- U.S. Federal Census, 1940, New Jersey, Hudson County, Kearny, E.D. 9-176, Sheet No. 8B, Burtis Greenfield, 52, patrolman, minnie. pd; wife Alice Greenfield, 34, New Jersey; daughter Ruth [surname crossed out], 13, New Jersey.
- Obituary, Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home (website: armitagewiggins.com), Ruth B. Hamilton (nee McGregor), died: 4 May 2021. The article provides vital and biographical details and the names of her husband and two children, and indicates she had 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Burial at Crest Haven Memorial Park, Clifton.
- Find a Grave (website). Crest Haven Memorial Park, Clifton, Passaic County, New Jersey, Verlon Edward Hamilton, born: 20 August 1923; died: 14 September 1990 (from record, which provides the names and links for his parents and two siblings).
- Social Security Death Index (SSDI), Rootsweb (website). Verlon Hamilton, no. 432-22-7691
- New Jersey Marriage Index, by Reclaim the Records (available at: archives.org), Verlon E. Hamilton and Ruth McGregor, married in 1945.
Third Generation
5.
Doris Jo ‘Jodee’ Gazlay3 (
Doris,2 William1), born 30 July 1948 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey; died 7 July 2015 in Manahawkin, Ocean County, New Jersey.
1 Jodee married, first, 16 August 1969,
George William ‘Bill’ Medley (born Gottschling) (born 3 May 1948 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, the son of
George Gottschling and
Harriet Jane Truland;
2 Bill died 30 October 2018 in Maryland
3). Their marriage ended in divorce. Jodee married, second, 15 February 1975,
Brian Joseph McWalters (born 13 June 1952, parents not determined). Their marriage ended in divorce.
7.
Robert Lee Gazlay3 (
Doris,2 William1), born 21 May 1952 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey.
4 Robert married, first, 8 July 1978 in Accord, Town of Rochester, Ulster County, New York,
Charlotte Anne Henderson (née Constant) 5 (born 1 December 1952 in Kingston, Ulster County, New York, the daughter of
LeRoy Andrew Constant and
Sarah Elizabeth ‘Alberta’ Fleming). Their marriage ended in divorce on 21 May 2002.
5 Robert married, second, 23 November 2002 in Middleburg, Virginia,
Peggy Jean Palmisano (née Krupowski) (born 18 April 1952 in New London, New London County, Connecticut, the daughter of
Alexander Anthony Krupowski and
Jean Victoria Tefft).
8.
Kent William Gazlay3 (
Doris,2 William1), born 15 February 1959 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey. Kent married, first, 22 April 1979 in West Orange, Essex County, New Jersey,
Adele Ruth Stagg (born 8 July 1959 in Pennsylvania, the daughter of
Kenneth Stagg and
Diane Young). Their marriage ended in divorce. Kent married, second, 9 September 1982 in Town of Rochester, Ulster County, New York,
Rosemary ‘Rose’ Pagliaroni (born 23 June 1962 in Ellenville, Ulster County, New York, the daughter of
Elvio Walter Pagliaroni and
Anna Francis Tinney). Their marriage ended in divorce. Kent married, third, 1 July 1995 in Accord, Town of Rochester, Ulster County, New York,
Nancy Dale Elliott (born 19 October 1963, the daughter of
Elvin Francis Elliott and
May Jo Ahlberg).
9.
Gail L. Hamilton3 (
Ruth,2 William1), born 20 May 1946.
6 Gail married, September 1967 in Belleville, Essex County, New Jersey,
Robert Kenneth Siverson8 (born 16 June 1945 in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey, parents not determined;
7 Robert died 11 February 2022 in Toms River, New Jersey
7).
10.
Robert A. ‘Bob’ Hamilton3 (
Ruth,2 William1), born 1 September 1949.
6 Bob married, first, June 1970 in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey,
Rose Mary Gaydos9 (born 2 November 1951, parents not determined
6). Bob married, second, October 1981,
Judith ‘Judy’ Martorano10 (born 30 September 1955, parents not determined
6).
- Obituary, Atlantic City Press, Atlantic City, NJ, McWalters Doris ‘Jo’ (nee Gazlay), died 7 July 2015, age 66, of Manahawkin. The article provides brief biographical details and the names of her two sons, their wives, two brothers, and three grandchildren.
- U.S. Federal Census, 1950, New Jersey, Essex County, Verona, E.D. 7-352, Sheet No. 5, George Gottschling, 29, New Jersey, salesman, auto parts, sales and service, retail automobile; wife Harriet J. Gottschling, 27, New Jersey; daughter Anne K. Gottschling, 2, New Jersey; son George W. Gottschling, 1, New Jersey; father Albert Gottschling, 76, Germany, Sep[erated], painter-paper hanger, interior decorator.
- Ancestry.com (website), Truland Family Tree, George William / Billy / Gotschling Medley, born: 3 May 1948 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey; died: 30 October 2018 in Maryland; spouse: Doris Jo / Jodee / Gazlay.
- Birth Certificate, New Jersey, Robert Lee Gazlay. Copy in possession of Robert Lee Gazlay
- Ancestors and Descendants of The Reverend Silas Constant, by Robert Lee Gazlay. 14th Edition, 8 June 2010, 91 pages. This family history includes the families of over 230 descendants of Reverend Constant to present day, with biographical sketches for numerous descendants. Extensive source citations; fully indexed. Available as a .pdf download at Gazlay Family History (website), under Sources.
- This is publicly viewable information found in various public information repositories, people finding websites, and/or social media.
- Obituary, echovita (website: echovita.com), Robert Kenneth Siverson, died: 11 February 2022 in Toms River, NJ; born: 16 June 1945 in Kearny, NJ. The article provides vital and biographical details and the names of his brothers, wife, children, step-children, and one great-grandchild.
- New Jersey Marriage Index, by Reclaim the Records (available at: archives.org), Robert J. Siverson and Gail L. Hamilton, married September 1967 at location 0704 [Belleville, Essex County, New Jersey].
- New Jersey Marriage Index, by Reclaim the Records (available at: archives.org), Robert A. Hamilton and Rose M. Gaydos, married June 1970 in location 0935 [Kearny, NJ].
- New Jersey Marriage Index, by Reclaim the Records (available at: archives.org), Robert Hamilton and Judith Martorano, married in October 1981 at location 0935 [Kearny, Hudson County, NJ].
- Obituary, legacy.com; Erica Hamilton, died: 31 October 2015, age 31. The article provides vital and biographical details and the names of her parents, siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews, and burial place.
Fourth and Fifth Generations
11.
Timothy Craig Medley4 (
Doris ‘Jodee’,3 Doris,2 William1), born 24 November 1972 in Orange, Essex County, New Jersey. Timothy married, 25 April 1996 in Shelby, North Carolina,
Jori Dionne Pearson (born 20 December 1973 in Shelby, North Carolina, the daughter of
Gary Curtis Pearson and
Bonnie Faye Morrow).
13.
Jason Edward McWalters4 (
Doris ‘Jodee’,3 Doris,2 William1), born 25 April 1978. Jason married, 11 May 2013,
Renee A. Furrer (born 25 August 1981, parents not determined
1).
14.
Benjamin Constant Gazlay4 (
Robert,3 Doris,2 William1), born 25 May 1984 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Benjamin married, 28 June 2015,
Andrea Lauren Hollowell (born 23 June 1982, parents not determined
1).
15.
Elizabeth Grace Gazlay4 (
Robert,3 Doris,2 William1), born 10 May 1992 in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth married, first, 28 July 2014 in Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia,
Joshua Keith Niswonger (born 17 December 1990, the son of
James Keith Niswonger and
Sharon Ann Bell). Elizabeth married, second, 18 March 2021 in Ohio,
Joseph Ray Batts (born 26 January 1977, parents not determined
1).
16.
Christopher Joseph Gazlay (born Pagliaroni)4 (
Kent,3 Doris,2 William1), born 11 March 1979 in Kingston, Ulster County, New York. Christopher married, first,
Leslie Nicole Grove (born 22 March 1981 in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, parents not determined
2). Christopher married, second, 21 December 2002,
Meredith Charlene Williams3 (born 21 March 1978, the daughter of
_____ Williams and
Vickie _____3). Christopher married, third,
Crystal Kay Glass (born 31 August 1967, parents not determined
4). Christopher was adopted by
Kent William Gazlay.
17.
Steven Paul Gazlay4 (
Kent,3 Doris,2 William1), born 28 January 1984 in Kingston, Ulster County, New York. Steven married, 13 October 2018,
Lacey N. Lancaster5, 6 (born 11 August 1987, parents not determined
1).
19.
Tara Lynn Siverson4 (
Gail,3 Ruth,2 William1), born 23 June 1971.
1 Tara married, 4 December 1999 in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey,
Marek C. ‘Mark’ Szwagulinski7, 8 (born 15 January 1969, parents not determined
1).
21.
Kerry Anne Hamilton4 (
Robert ‘Bob’,3 Ruth,2 William1), born 3 August 1973.
1 Kerry married
Thomas Joh Cruz (born 11 June 1973, parents not determined
1).
22.
Jennifer Rose Hamilton4 (
Robert ‘Bob’,3 Ruth,2 William1), born 5 August 1976.
1 Jennifer married, 9 November 2001 in Lakewood Township, Ocean County, New Jersey,
John Joseph Meehan9 (born ____, parents not determined).
- This is publicly viewable information found in various public information repositories, people finding websites, and/or social media.
- North Carolina, Department of Archives and History, Index to Vital Records, 1800-2000, Leslie Nicole Grove, born: 22 March 1981 in sfld [sic, Smithfield] Township, Johnston County, North Carolina; parent: Debbie Carol.
- facebook.com (website), personal page of Meredith Gazlay
- voteref.com.
- Information provided from personal knowledge
- The Knot (website: theknot.com), Katie & George [Katie Chaney and George Scheffer]. The entry provides biographical details and their place of their marriage.
- New Jersey Marriage Index, by Reclaim the Records (available at: archives.org), Marek Szwagulinski and Tara Lynn Siverson, married on 4 December 1999 in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey.
- Marriage is implied by information found at various people finding websites
- New Jersey Marriage Index, by Reclaim the Records (available at: archives.org), John Joseph Meehan and Jennifer Rose Hamilton, married on 9 November 2001 in Lakewood Township, Ocean County, New Jersey.