52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Longevity

I have in my family several Marriages that lasted into 60+ years.  I also have some relatives who lived 90+ years.

Most of my relatives who died in their 90’s are from my Grandparents generation.  My Grandmother, Isabella Tierney Moore died at age 90.  Her sister Frances Tierney Miller died at age 92 and her other sister, May Tierney Newman died at 98.

My Grandfather, John Nelson Moore, husband of Isabella, died at 91 and his sister Mary Moore Cosgrove died at 97.

Unfortunately, none of the next generation lived into the 90’s.

On my husband’s side of the family his mother’s generation had 3 sisters who made it into their 90’s.  Florence Wipf died at age 98.  Another sister Valentine Zito died at age 96 and the other sister Anna Galligan died at age 93.

My husband and I will celebrate our 60th anniversary next February so we will join the longevity club of marriages in our family.

 52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Tradesman

My Great Grandfather, William John Mathers, was a boot maker by trade.

William John Mathers 1839-1902

(Only photo and best copy of William John Mathers)

William Mathers came from County Tyrone, Ireland in 1868. I have not found a ship’s passenger list indicating a particular date but his first son, James, was born in New York, 31 July 1868.

Every census from 1870 to his death in 1902 has him listed as a boot maker or shoe maker.  The New York City Directory lists him being a shoe maker.  The family lived on W. 28th Street in New York City for many years. In 1902 when William died he lived on E 28th Street in New York City. Relatives have said they lived either behind the shop or above the shop. He and his wife, Mary McCrudden Mathers, had nine children living in the small apartment by the shop. 

I once watched a movie called Hobson’s Choice made in 1954 with Charles Laughton  playing the shoemaker.  It was a wonderful look at the workings of a shoemaker and his shop back in the late Victorian era in England (1875-1901).

I believe that my grandfather’s shop was probably pretty much like that shown in the movie.  The shoes that were popular during his time were like boots.  Attached are some samples of the boots and shoes of that era.

Women’s Shoes c. 1880

Men’s Shoes c. 1880