Genealogy Forum UK

I am trying to find details of Samuel ROWLEY, born 1865 in Stourbridge, Worcs., son of Richard ROWLEY & Mary (KIMBER).

According to descendants of several branches of the family Samuel became well known in Stourbridge for his habits of drinking and gambling. His family (who were all prominent businesmen in the area) decided that they would all make a contribution to his fare and purchased a "one way" ticket to Philadelphia, U.S.A.

He was never heard from again - any ideas on tracking him down. The only clue I have is that his father died in 1904, and so he probably went before then. He was presumably an adult, but this still gives a 20 year period to search.

Steve

He arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the 22 Feb 1905.

His last residence was Stourbridge and he left from Liverpool.

He has a friend called Harry Christy with him.

The ship was called Haverford.

He doesn't appear on any US electorial roles unless he lied about his place of origin..

If he was born on the 19 May 1865 then his death is 25 Aug 1930 and he was buried at Grand Valley Cemetery.

Doesn't appear he ever got American citizenship.

His death is State File Number 1930003474 in the County of Grand in Utah or Colorado.....wherever that cemetery is...

Nope, that is not him dead in 1930.

That is a Samuel Morries Rowley who just happend to be born in 1865, but in Millard County Utah.

So....we can see when he arrived in the USA but he probably changed details and will not be so easy to find.

Wow Mark!!

didn't expect such a quick reply!

Can anyone find him in the US Census?

Steve

He is not anywhere with the name Samuel Rowley.

Are you sure he stayed in the USA?

The passenger list says he has visited Phila 1884 and 1897(possibly).
That section 16 is, "Whether going to join a relative or friend and if so what relative or friend and his name and complete address."
Thats where it says,
Relative Harry Christy, Contractor and Builder I think the next bit would be address but I cant read it.

Was his occupation a clerk?

Jo

can we track Harry Christy find his age on census in this country then poss in the states might of stopped together or near each other after landing there ?

There is a tree on Ancestry showing Samuel Rowley and saying the same thing as you by Andrewrowley22.
That doesnt have the 1871 census, not sure if you do?
1871 Census
transcribed as Reeham G Rowley on Ancestry
Church Street, Kingswinford
Richard G Rowley, head, 30, Land Surveyor, Brierly Hill
Mary, wife, Leicestershire
Samuel, son,Old Swinford
George, son, Birmingham.

Also possible for Samuel returning to England if that is him on the other passenger list.
15th Jul 1897, Ship name, Pennland, adeparting Philadelphia, arrival Liverpool
Samuel Rowley, 32, Salesman
Jo
This may be worth moving to the Black Country section for help to run on it if your short of info? May be even add to the BCC site?

by peterd » Tue Sep 08, 2009 6:32 pm

can we track Harry Christy find his age on census in this country then poss in the states might of stopped together or near each other after landing there ?

I have seen a possible one for him Peter, but my daughter has just arrived, will add in a little while if knowone else does before.
Jo

Have you checked the US census for 1900?

Possibles for Henry Christy
1910 Census
North 40th Street, Philadelphia,
Harry S Christy, head, 56, place of birth for himself and parents, Philadelphia, Carpenter, Contractor
Catherine S, wife, 50, Born New York, both parents born England

1900 Census
Budd(?) Street, Philadelphia
Harry Christy, head, born march 1853, 47, Himself and Parents born Pennsylvania, Contractor,
Catherine, wife, born Oct 1859, 45, New York, Father born England, Mother France
Jeannie, daur, May 1879, 21, born Delaware, Cashier
Florence Fox, daur, born June 1881, 19, Born Delaware, Musician
Jeam? C Foz, Grand son, born Jan 1898, 2, born Pennsalvania,
Harry jr, son, June 1883, 16, Delaware, Machinist
John, son, May 1885, 15, Delaware
Stausbury(?), son Nov 1886, 13, Delaware

1880 Census
Walnut Street, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware
Harry S Christy, head, 27, Carpenter, himself and parents born Pennsalvania
Kate S, wife, 21, Keeping house, born New York, father and mother England Father
Jennie E, 1,
William Aiken, 56, Father in law, Painter, born England, Father Ireland, Mother Wales

Thank you all for this interesting information.

I have the 1871 & 1881 Census entries for Richard Ghent Rowley & family (and earlier ones).

Not sure who Harry Christy is/ was - never come across him before.

As far as I know no-one in the family heard from Samuel after he was 'sent' to the USA - so don't know if he stayed there, or what became of him.

Steve

Have just added Samuel to bcc