JOHN and CATHERINE McELRAVY
In making photocopies of the pages from the Family Bible, I was amazed to find that although it did not show on the original document, my 3X great grandmother's fingerprints are clearly defined on the corners of the pages of the copies.I found this strangely comforting as it is a real part of her from long ago.Below are the events documented in the pages I have on my 3X great grandmother, Catharine (Shannah) McElravy, from her Family Bible.
John McElravy, born 17 April 1800Catharine McElravy, born 13 October 1803John and Catharine married 5 April 1823
CHILDREN:
Alexander (6 August 1825)Benjamin (26 July 1827)David (6 October 1829)Rosanna (15 March 1832)Sarah Jane (15 October 1834)Cornelius (31 August 1837)John Charleton (16 August 1840)Mary (15 January 1843)William Henry (8 February 1847)
DEATHS:exact wording in Catharine's handwriting:
William Henry McElravy departed this life 4th February 1849(It is known that this child died 4 days before his 2nd birthday during an influenza epidemic)
John Charleton McElravy departed this life July 27th 1858Aged 17 years 11 months and 11 days.
Cornelius McElravy departed this life Nov 26 AD 1864Aged 26 years 3 months and 25 days
On a separate page are the dates for John and Catharine
John McElravy departed this life Nov 20th AD 1856 Aged 56 years and 8 monthsEnd of Catharine's handwriting. **** Cathrine McElravy departed this life Feb the 8, 1881 Aged 77 years 4 months. (misspelled her name) This last entry probably written by Catharine's daughter-in-law, Anne, married to son David.The handwriting is definitely female.
As "head of household" during the 1880 Census, David McElravy must have "guesstimated" his mother's age and was incorrect in his report to the census taker.Catharine McElravy had previously documented her birthdate in the Family Bible and would have been 78 years old on October 13, 1880.Her age was incorrectly documented as 70 years old in the 1880 census.
Family Truth states that Catharine (Shannah) McElravy came from a fairly well-to-do family for these times and all of her children were well-written and well-read.
It is reported that Catharine was a very strong and proper woman and her relationship with her husband, John McElravy was based solidly on mutual love and respect.John McElravy died at age 56.Catharine did not remarry.
Her third eldest son, David, amassed quite a line of property and they were want for very little.In later years, Catharine lived with David and his family until her death on February 8, 1881.
Limited information available for Catharine (Shannah) McElravy, mother of David, except that she was a part of David and Ann McElravy's household during the 1880 census for Duncansville, PA in Madison Twp. and her age was listed as 70 years old.All listings for this household during the 1880 Census Report are as follows:
1880 Census
Pages 41 and 42Duncansville, PA P.O.-Madison Twp.
NAME:AGE:OCCUPATION
David McElravy50Farmer
Ann McElravy49Wife
Catharine McElravy70Mother (Parents born in PA)
Alice McElravy25
John McElravy17
Ann McElravy*****15 my great grandmother, Anne Elizabeth McElravy Davis
Ida McElravy13
I hope this information helps to link a few family members.