Gazlay Family History
 

Family HistoryFamily History - Christian John Bonats


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 Christian John Bonats and 13 of his descendants down to the sixth generation.


First Generation
1. Christian John Bonats,1 born ____ in Frankfurt, Germany (parents not determined).1 Christian married Hannah Fralick (born ____, parents not determined).

Child of Christian John Bonats and Hannah Fralick:

+2i. Christian Bonats, Jr., born 14 August 1781 in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Married Elizabeth Adare.

  1. Spafford Mortuary Records with Genealogical Notes of the Town of Spafford, Onondaga County, New York, by Captain George Knapp Collins, Published by Onondaga Historical Association, Dehler Press, 1917. Page 27, genealogical notes for Christian Bennett and his descendants, including Lydia Maria Bennett who married Isaac Hollenbeck.
Second Generation
2. Christian Bonats, Jr.2 (Christian1), born 14 August 1781 in Germantown, Pennsylvania.1 Christian married, 8 January 1812, Elizabeth Adare1 (born ____, parents not determined).

Child of Christian Bonats, Jr. and Elizabeth Adare:

+3i. Lydia M. Bennett, born 22 February 1817 in Tully, New York; died 12 March 1912. Married Isaac Hollenbeck.

  1. Spafford Mortuary Records with Genealogical Notes of the Town of Spafford, Onondaga County, New York, by Captain George Knapp Collins, Published by Onondaga Historical Association, Dehler Press, 1917. Page 27, genealogical notes for Christian Bennett and his descendants, including Lydia Maria Bennett who married Isaac Hollenbeck.
Third Generation
3. Lydia M. Bennett3 (Christian,2 Christian1), born 22 February 1817 in Tully, New York;1, 2, 3 died 12 March 1912.4 Lydia married, 1839, Isaac Hollenbeck1 (born ca. 1815 in Cortland County, New York, parents not determined;2, 3, 5 Isaac died 9 October 18746). Lydia and Isaac are buried in Tully Cemetery, Tully, Onondaga County, New York.4, 6

Children of Lydia M. Bennett and Isaac Hollenbeck:

 4i. Sarepta Hollenbeck, born ca. 1841 in Onondaga County, New York.2, 3, 5
 5ii. Sullivan D. Hollenbeck, born ca. 1844 in Onondaga County, New York.2, 3, 5
+6iii. Alexander Hamlin Hollenbeck, born 8 August 1846 in Tully, New York; died 28 March 1927 in Page County, Iowa. Married Mary Celestia Gazlay.
 7iv. I. Merit Hollenbeck, born ca. 1849 in Onondaga County, New York.2, 3, 5
 8v. Frances M. Hollenbeck, born ca. 1852 in Onondaga County, New York.2, 3
 9vi. Seward Hollenbeck, born ca. 1854 in Onondaga County, New York.2, 3
 10vii. Bonett Hollenbeck, born ca. 1856 in New York.3

  1. Spafford Mortuary Records with Genealogical Notes of the Town of Spafford, Onondaga County, New York, by Captain George Knapp Collins, Published by Onondaga Historical Association, Dehler Press, 1917. Page 27, genealogical notes for Christian Bennett and his descendants, including Lydia Maria Bennett who married Isaac Hollenbeck.
  2. New York State Census, 1855, Onandaga County, Tully, family of Isaac Holenbeck (39, Cortland [County], farmer); wife Lydia M. Holenbeck (37 Onan[daga County]); child Serepta M. Holenbeck (13, Onan); child Sullivan D. Holenbeck (10, Onan); child A. Hamlin Holenbeck (8, Onan); child I. Merit Holenbeck (6, Onan); child Frances M. Holenbeck (3, Onan); Seward Holenbeck (1, Onan).
  3. U.S. Federal Census, 1860, New York, Onondaga County, Tully, Page No. 5, family of Isaac Halenbeck (44, NY, farmer); Lydia M. Halenbeck (43, NY); Sareptha Halenbeck (18, NY); Sulivan Halenbeck (15, NY, farm laborer); Hamlin Halenbeck (13, NY); Merit Halenbeck (11, NY); Frances Halenbeck (8, NY); Sewert Halenbeck (6, NY); Bonett Halenbeck (4, NY).
  4. Find a Grave (website). Tully Cemetery, Tully, Onondaga County, New York, Lydia M. Hollenbeck, born: unknown; died: 12 March 1912 [from record]. Her gravestone, shared by her husband Isaac, shows her age in years, months, and days, but is unreadable.
  5. U.S. Federal Census, 1850, New York, Onondaga County, Tully, Page 338, family of Isaac Hollenbeck (35, New York); Lydia M. Hollenbeck (33, New York); daughter Sarepta Hollenbeck (9, New York); Sullivan D. Hollenbeck (6, New York); Alexander H. Hollenbeck (4, New York); infant Hollenbeck (1, New York, male).
  6. Find a Grave (website). Tully Cemetery, Tully, Onondaga County, New York, Isaac Hollenbeck, born: unknown; died: 9 October 1874 [from record]. His gravestone, shared by his wife Lydia, shows his age in years, months, and days, but is unreadable.
Fourth Generation
6. Alexander Hamlin Hollenbeck4 (Lydia,3 Christian,2 Christian1), born 8 August 1846 in Tully, New York;1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 died 28 March 1927 in Page County, Iowa.10 Alexander married, 31 December 1873 in Cortlandville, New York, Mary Celestia Gazlay6, 7, 9, 17 (born 10 January 1846 in Onondaga County, New York, the daughter of Dr. Henry Champion Gazlay and Sabra Elvira Cornwall;5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 Mary died 14 January 1919 in Creston, Union County, Iowa15, 16). Alexander and Mary are buried in Graceland Cemetery, Creston, Union County, Iowa.10, 15, 16

Mary’s obituary provides an interesting summary of her life:16


Death of Mrs. Hollenbeck

Mother of Miss A. M. Gazlay of Homer Has Passed Away

Mrs. Mary Celestia Gazlay Hollenbeck, wife of A. H. Hollenbeck who died at her home in Creston, Ia., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and who was a former resident of Cortland county, was born in Fabius, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1846, and was the daughter of Henry Champion Gazlay and Sabra E. Cornwall. The family later moved to Truxton and afterwards to Homer, N. Y. Here she was graduated from the Cortland academy. Later still she moved with the family to Cortland, N. Y., and on Dec. 31, 1873, she was married to A. H. Hollenbeck of Belvidere, Ill.

After graduating at Homer and before her marriage, Mrs. Hollenbeck taught for two years. She was a proficient French scholar, a lover of all literature and kept in touch with the progress of the world.

Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck resided at Belvidere until 1892 when they moved to Creston, Ia., which has since been their home. Her illness began two years ago and from the first has tested the skill of the best physicians, and the tender care of her family was availing and on Tuesday morning, Jan. 14, 1919, her freed spirit passed into the “beautiful beyond.”

The funeral services were held at her home Thursday afternoon, Jan. 16, Rev. C. C. Harris of the Congregational church officiating. There was no formal discourse, but comforting passages of Scripture were read, followed by earnest remarks and a sincere prayer. Tenderly they carried out the casket covered with the flowers she had always loved so much and now she sleeps in the painless, aimless sleep that knows no waking in a quiet spot in Graceland. The bearers were Messrs. Scott Armstrong, James Gautt, H. L. Royce, J. M. Miller, J. W. Stratton and George Ide. Mrs. Hollenbeck is survived by her husband, one daughter Mrs. W. P. Tracy of St. Joseph, Mo., one sister, Miss Achsa M. Gazlay of Homer, one brother, W. H. Gazlay of Dayton, Texas, and one grandson, Walter C. Tracy. One son, a promising young man of 21 years preceded the mother’s death sixteen years ago. Neither the brother nor the sister were able to be present at the funeral, but the son-in-law, W. A. Tracey, and the grandson, W. C. Tracey, were there in St. Joseph.

Mrs. Hollenbeck was a woman of rare culture and beautiful character. She became a Christian early in life and when she removed to Creston she aligned with the Congregational church and was a constant and faithful attendant until her fatal illness began.


Children of Alexander Hamlin Hollenbeck and Mary Celestia Gazlay:

 11i. Eva May Hollenbeck, born 11 February 1876;9 died 28 July 1876.9
 12ii. Ralph Gazlay Hollenbeck, born 14 June 1879 in Delavan, Illinois;5, 6, 9, 18 died 9 February 1901 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.18, 19 Ralph was born in Delavan, Illinois, June 14, 1879, came to Adams County, Illinois, in 1881, and in 1892 moved to Creston, Iowa, where he attended high school. In 1899 he entered the Art Conservatory at Chicago, where he was attending when he was stricken with and underwent an operation for appendicitis. He died shortly after the operation. He was buried in Graceland Cemetery, Creston, Iowa.18 Ralph is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Creston, Union County, Iowa.19
+13iii. Grace Mae Hollenbeck, born 29 July 1880 in Illinois; died before March 1948. Married Walter P. Tracy.

  1. U.S. Federal Census, 1850, New York, Onondaga County, Tully, Page 338, family of Isaac Hollenbeck (35, New York); Lydia M. Hollenbeck (33, New York); daughter Sarepta Hollenbeck (9, New York); Sullivan D. Hollenbeck (6, New York); Alexander H. Hollenbeck (4, New York); infant Hollenbeck (1, New York, male).
  2. New York State Census, 1855, Onandaga County, Tully, family of Isaac Holenbeck (39, Cortland [County], farmer); wife Lydia M. Holenbeck (37 Onan[daga County]); child Serepta M. Holenbeck (13, Onan); child Sullivan D. Holenbeck (10, Onan); child A. Hamlin Holenbeck (8, Onan); child I. Merit Holenbeck (6, Onan); child Frances M. Holenbeck (3, Onan); Seward Holenbeck (1, Onan).
  3. U.S. Federal Census, 1860, New York, Onondaga County, Tully, Page No. 5, family of Isaac Halenbeck (44, NY, farmer); Lydia M. Halenbeck (43, NY); Sareptha Halenbeck (18, NY); Sulivan Halenbeck (15, NY, farm laborer); Hamlin Halenbeck (13, NY); Merit Halenbeck (11, NY); Frances Halenbeck (8, NY); Sewert Halenbeck (6, NY); Bonett Halenbeck (4, NY).
  4. U.S. Federal Census, 1870, New York, Chenango County, Smyrna, Page No. 42, A. H. Hollenbeck (22, New York, dry goods clerk) [living in the household of Horace Nearing].
  5. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, Illinois, Tazewell County, Delavan Village, Enumeration District 245, Page No. 7, family of A. H. Hollenbeck (33, New York, retired merchant); wife Mary C. Hollenbeck (32, New York); son Ralph G. Hollenbeck (11/12, Illinois, Jan.).
  6. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, Iowa, Union County, Creston, Enumeration District 131, Sheet No. 15A, family of Alexander Holenbeck (53, New York, Aug 1846, grain dealer); wife of 26 years Mary Holenbeck (53, New York, Jan 1847, 2 children, 2 living); son Ralph Holenbeck (20, Illinois, June 1879, artist); daughter Grace Holenbeck (19, Illinois, July 1880).
  7. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, Iowa, Union County, Creston City, Enumeration District 144, Sheet No. 15B, family of Alexander H. Hollenbeck (63, New York, merchant); wife of 36 years Mary C. Hollenbeck (63, New York, 3 children, 1 living).
  8. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, Iowa, Union County, Creston City, Enumeration District 156, Sheet 19B, Alexander Hollenbeck (83, New York, widow, wire).
  9. Genealogy, The Champion Genealogy: A History of the Descendants of Henry Champion, by Francis Bacon Trowbridge, New Haven, 1891. Library of Congress Local History and Genealogy Reading Room.
  10. Find a Grave (website). Graceland Cemetery, Creston, Union County, Iowa, A H Hollenbeck, born: unknown; died: March 1927 [from record].
  11. U.S. Federal Census, 1850, New York, Cortland County, Truxton, Page Nos. 131, 132, family of Elihu Cornwell (60, Conn., farmer); Lydia Cornwell (53, Conn.); H. C. Gazley (31, NY, b. physician); Sabury [sic] Gazley (29, NY); Ann Cornwell (13, NY); Achsey [sic] Gazley (6, NY); Mary Gazley (4, NY); Sarah Gazlay (1, NY).
  12. U.S. Federal Census, 1860, New York, Cortland County, Homer, Page 26, Henry C. Gazlay, 41, New York, physician, drug[gist]; Catherine M. Gazlay, 31, Connecticut; Achsah Gazlay, 16, New York; Mary C. Gazlay, 14, New York; Henry W. Gazlay, 5, New York.
  13. New York State Census, 1865, Cortland County, Cortlandville, E.D. No. 1, Page 9, father Henry C. Gazlay, 46, Otsego [County], married twice, physician; mother Catherine M. Gazlay, 36, Conn[ecticut], married once, 2 children; Achsah M. Gazlay, 21, Cortland [County], teacher; Mary C. Gazlay, 19, Onondaga [County]; Henry W. Gazlay, 10, Cortland [County].
  14. U.S. Federal Census, 1870, New York, Chenango County, Smyrna, Page 39, H. C. Gazlay, 51, New York, druggist & phy.; Catherine Gazlay, 41, Conn., keeping house; Mary Gazlay, 24, New York; Henry Gazlay, 15, New York; Elizabeth Bishop, 65, Conn.
  15. Find a Grave (website). Graceland Cemetery, Creston, Union County, Iowa, Mrs. A H Hollenbeck, born: unknown; died: January 1919 [from record].
  16. Obituary, Cortland Standard, Cortland, New York, available at www.fultonhistory.com, 22 January 1919, Death of Mrs. Hollenbeck, Mary Celestia Gazlay Hollenbeck. The article provides vital and lengthy biographical details and the names of her parents, husband, daughter, siblings, and a grandson.
  17. Wedding announcement card, A. H. Hollenbeck and Mary C. Gazlay, Wednesday 31 December 1873 in Cortlandville, New York. Original in possession of Lee Gazlay.
  18. Obituary, Adams County Free Press, Corning, Iowa; Access Newspaper Archive (website), 21 February 1901.
  19. Find a Grave (website). Graceland Cemetery, Creston, Union County, Iowa, Ralph Hollenbeck, born: unknown; died: February 1901 [from record].
Fifth Generation
13. Grace Mae Hollenbeck5 (Alexander,4 Lydia,3 Christian,2 Christian1), born 29 July 1880 in Illinois;1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 died before March 1948.7 Grace married, 12 September 1905 in Creston, Union County, Iowa, Walter P. Tracy2, 8 (born June 1866 in Wathena, Doniphan, Kansas, the son of Andrew M. Tracy and Mary E. Mccrary;2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 Walter died 3 March 1948 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio7).

Child of Grace Mae Hollenbeck and Walter P. Tracy:

+14i. Walter C. Tracy, born 6 October 1907 in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri; died 28 May 1959 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio. Married Dorothy L. Curdt.

  1. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, Iowa, Union County, Creston, Enumeration District 131, Sheet No. 15A, family of Alexander Holenbeck (53, New York, Aug 1846, grain dealer); wife of 26 years Mary Holenbeck (53, New York, Jan 1847, 2 children, 2 living); son Ralph Holenbeck (20, Illinois, June 1879, artist); daughter Grace Holenbeck (19, Illinois, July 1880).
  2. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, Missouri, Buchanan County, St Joseph City, Enumeration District 69, Sheet No. 11A-B, family of Walter P. Tracy (39, Kansas, printing and publishing); wife of 4 years Grace H. Tracy (29, Illinois); son Walter C. Tracy (24/12, Missouri).
  3. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, Missouri, Buchanan County, St. Joseph City, Enumeration District 84, Sheet No. 2B, family of Walter P. Tracy (52, Kansas, house salesman, printing co.); wife Grace H. Tracy (39, Illinois); son Walter R. [sic] Tracy (12, Missouri).
  4. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, Missouri, St. Louis City, Enumeration District 96-241, Sheet No. 6B, family of Walter P. Tracy (60, Kansas, painter, city, first married age 39); wife Grace H. Tracy (49, Illinois, first married age 25); son Walter C. Tracy (22, Missouri, salesman, radio).
  5. U.S. Federal Census, 1940, Missouri, St. Louis, Enumeration District 96-670, Sheet No. 11A, family of Walter P. Tracy (73, Kansas, writer, private business); wife Grace H. Tracy (59, Illinois); son Walter C. Tracy (32, Missouri, city salesman, radio distributors).
  6. Genealogy, The Champion Genealogy: A History of the Descendants of Henry Champion, by Francis Bacon Trowbridge, New Haven, 1891. Library of Congress Local History and Genealogy Reading Room.
  7. Obituary, Creston News Advertiser, Creston, Iowa, 8 March 1948, Walter P. Tracy, died 3 March 1948 in Marietta, Ohio. The article mentions his wife, Grace Hollenbeck, and that he moved to Marietta to live with his son Walter C. Tracy after his wife died.
  8. Iowa Marriages, 1809-1992, Grace Mae Hollenbeck, age 23, born in NY; father: A. H. Hollenbeck; and Walter P. Tracy, born in Wathena, KS, father: Andrew P. Tracy; mother: Nan Mccrary; married on 12 September 1905 in Creston, Union [County], Iowa.
  9. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, Missouri, Buchanan County, Washington Township, St. Joseph, Enumeration District 56, Sheet No. 3A, family of Andrew M. Tracy (72, Kentucky, Oct 1827, cabinet maker); wife of 45 years Mary E. Tracy (69, Missouri, Apr 1831, 8 children, 6 living); son Walter P. Tracy (33, Kansas, Jun 1866, printer); daughter Catherine E. Tracy (25, Kansas, Mar 1875).
Sixth Generation
14. Walter C. Tracy6 (Grace,5 Alexander,4 Lydia,3 Christian,2 Christian1), born 6 October 1907 in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri;1, 2, 3, 4, 5 died 28 May 1959 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio.6 Walter married, 6 July 1942 in Meigs County, Ohio, Dorothy L. Curdt1 (born ca. 1916, the daughter of August W. Curdt and Mathilda Schulte1).

  1. Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1997, Meigs County, Walter C. Tracy, age 34, born 6 October 1907 in St. Joseph, Mo., father: Walter P. Tracy; mother: Grace Hollenbeck; and Dorothy L. Curdt, age 26, father: August W. Curdt; mother: Mathilda Schulte; married on 6 July 1942 in Meigs County, Ohio.
  2. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, Missouri, Buchanan County, St Joseph City, Enumeration District 69, Sheet No. 11A-B, family of Walter P. Tracy (39, Kansas, printing and publishing); wife of 4 years Grace H. Tracy (29, Illinois); son Walter C. Tracy (24/12, Missouri).
  3. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, Missouri, Buchanan County, St. Joseph City, Enumeration District 84, Sheet No. 2B, family of Walter P. Tracy (52, Kansas, house salesman, printing co.); wife Grace H. Tracy (39, Illinois); son Walter R. [sic] Tracy (12, Missouri).
  4. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, Missouri, St. Louis City, Enumeration District 96-241, Sheet No. 6B, family of Walter P. Tracy (60, Kansas, painter, city, first married age 39); wife Grace H. Tracy (49, Illinois, first married age 25); son Walter C. Tracy (22, Missouri, salesman, radio).
  5. U.S. Federal Census, 1940, Missouri, St. Louis, Enumeration District 96-670, Sheet No. 11A, family of Walter P. Tracy (73, Kansas, writer, private business); wife Grace H. Tracy (59, Illinois); son Walter C. Tracy (32, Missouri, city salesman, radio distributors).
  6. Ohio Deaths, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, and 1958-2007, available at Ancestry.com and familysearch.org, Walter C. Tracy, died 28 May 1959 in Marietta, Washington [County], Ohio, age 51.