Born 1780-1781 in Ireland. Living in New York before 1810. Farmer. Died before 1850 in New York.
BIRTH
Death certificate of oldest son states that George S Queal was born in Ireland. Age ranges in various census records indicate George might have been born about 1780-1781.
MARRIAGE #1
George S Queal is assumed to have married Jane Balb, as they are listed as parents on death certificate of oldest son.
Death certificate of John Queal in 1896 lists his parents as George Quail born in Ireland and Jane Balb born in England.
Death certificate for John Quail from Registrar of Vital Statistics, County of Tompkins, Ithaca, New York.
Source: Copy of original document held by heirs of John Quail.
CHILDREN OF MARRIAGE #1
Children of George S Queal and Jane Balb (Queal):
John Queal born 28 May 1801 (based on death date information)
William B Queal born 24 June 1803 (based on tombstone information)
CENSUS 1810 AND DEATH OF WIFE #1
As George S Queal appears alone in 1810 census with his two young sons, it is assumed that first wife died prior to 1810.
US Federal Census of 1810 in Worcester, Otsego, NY
G P Quail (written version shows really G S Quail) 8 lines from top of the page
1 male 26-44 (George S Queal)
2 males under 10 (John b 1801 and William b 1803)
No females
1810 US Census: US; New York; Otsego; Worcester
8th line from the top of page: G P Quail
male 26-44 1; males under 10 2; no females
Source: 1810 US Federal Census; New York, Otsego, Worcester; Roll: 34; Page: 251;
Image: 00137; FHL Film 0181388 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com
INSOLVENT DEBTOR
In 1811 George S Queal is listed in a newspaper as insolvent debtor…
“Notice is hereby given to all the credits of George S. Queal, of the town of Worcester, in the county of Otsego, an insolvent debtor, to appear before the said commissioner at his office in the town and county of Otsego, on the second day of August next, at ten o’clock in the forenoon of that day to show cause, if any they have, why the prayer of the petition of the said George, for the benefit of the act entitled an act for the benefit of the insolvent debtors and their creditors, should not be granted, and he be relieved from his debts. George S. Queal, insolvent. dated May 20th, 1811.”
Notice appeared in multiple issues of the Otsego Herald, including dates Sat, June 8, 1811 and Sat, June 29, 1811.
Source: Otsego Herald (Cooperstown, NY) Vol XVII Issue 845 page 3 and
Otsego Herald (Cooperstown, NY) Vol XVII Issue 848 page 4; GenealogyBank
MARRIAGE #2
Two daughters born to George S Queal between 1810 and 1820 indicate there was probably a marriage between 1810 census and birth of first child in 1813. This wife #2 may have been Mahalie Mitchell McIntyre (Queal).
A family letter written in preparation for a 1938 reunion includes information on the Queal branch of the family. At top of page presented below it states that Phebe’s mother is Mahalie McIntyre (Queal). [Important to know that documenting the data in this letter has revealed that some of the data is accurate and some is not.]
Letter from Ella J Myers (Pinchin) of Jackson, Michigan
to Olive Rogers (Calvert) of Highland Park, Michigan postmarked 11 April 1938.
Source: Original of 1938 family letter was inherited by Suzan Verry Walter.
CHILDREN FROM MARRIAGE #2
The two daughters born between 1810 and 1820 to George S Queal and wife #2:
Phoebe Queal born 11 March 1813 (based on date on tombstone)
Sylvia Queal born May 1815 (based on 1880 Census)
DEATH OF WIFE #2
Based on future census information, the wife of George S Queal in US Federal Census for 1820 is the Matilda (unknown surname) born in 1800. As Matilta would have been 13 at the time of birth of Phebe in 1813, she would appear to be too young to be Phebe’s mother. Therefore, wife #2 must have died prior to 1820 and Matilda is wife #3.
Note no burial location has been determined for wife #2, who must have died between 1815 (after birth of Sylvia) and 1820 census.
MARRIAGE #3 AND CENSUS 1820
As of the 1820 census, it appears that George S Queal has a new wife, Matilda, who was born in 1800.
US Federal Census of 1820 in Summit, Schoharie, NY
1 male 45+ (George S Queal)
2 males 16-25 (John b 1801 19 yrs and William b 1803 17 yrs)
1 male (under 10)
1 female 16-25 (probably wife #3 Matilda b 1800 so 20 yrs)
2 females under 10 (Phebe b 1813 7 yrs and Sylvia b 1815 5 yrs)
1820 US Census: US; New York; Schoharie; Summit
5th line from the top of page: George S Quail
male 45+ 1; males 16-25 2; male under 10 1; females under 10 2; female 16-25 1
Source: 1820 US Federal Census; New York, Schoharie, Summit; NARA Roll:
M33; Page: 233; Image: 242 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com
PURCHASED PROPERTY IN SUMMIT
In 1821 George S Queal purchased property in Summit, Schoharie, NY
LOCAL POLITICS
In newspaper article – Albany, NY Argus 1822 0340
Schoharie County
Republican Convention
At a meeting of Republican delegates, elected to attend the Convention of the county of Schoharie,c onvened in pursuance of public notice, at Keyser’s hotel, in the town of Schoharie, on the 18th day of October, 1822, hon. Henry Shafer, of the town of Cobleskill, was called to the chair, and Samuel Boxtle, of the town of Broome, appointed secretary.
…..
Resolved, That the following persons constitute a general committee in each town, to promote the election of the above named candidates, viz:
…..
Summit, George S. Queal, Zelotus Bruce and Edmund Northrup
George S Queal on committee to help promote Republican election candidates in Summit.
Source: Argus newspaper article, Albany, NY; fultonhistory.com
CONSTABLE
Found excerpt from a Google book Schoharie County Historical Society 1951 that says… “Constables: George S Quail, …”
Assume this means that at some point George held position of constable in community of Summit.
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CENSUS 1830
US Federal Census 1830 in Summit, Schoharie, NY
1 male 50-59 (George S Queal)
2 males 10-14
1 male 5-10
1 female 30-39 (Matilda b 1800)
1 female 15-19 (Phebe would be 17 & Sylvia 15. Which is it? Where is the other?)
2 females under 5
1830 US Census: US; New York; Schoharie; Summit
18th line from the top of page/ 10th from bottom: George I Quail (George S Quail)
male 50-59 1; males 10-14 2; male 5-10 1; female 30-30 1; female 15-19 1; females under 5 2
Source: 1830 US Federal Census; New York, Schoharie, Summit; Series: M19; Roll: 116;
Page: 171; FHL Film 0017176 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com
SOLD PROPERTY
2 April 1833 George S Queal and wife Matilda sold property in Summit, Schoharie, NY. Signed with their marks “X”
Click here for link to online deed information
Recorded in the clerks office of the County of Schoharie the 2nd day of April 1833 at 12 o’clock M in book P of deeds, pages 432, 433 & 434
MOVED FROM SCHOHARIE TO CORTLAND COUNTY
In 1833 George S Queal family moved to Cortland County per reference in 1855 state census related to Matilda being there 22 years.
Did Phebe Queal (dau of George S Queal) not move to Cortland County, as she married neighbor David Terpenning (son of Moses Terpenning) of Summit, Schoharie, NY? Date of marriage not known, but their 2nd child was born 1838. Report that first child, Mahalie, died as infant.
Did Sylvia Queal (dau of George S Queal) not move to Cortland County with family?
Newspaper notice that 1 Oct 1835 Sylvia Queal married Nathan Burgess Barnum in Harpersfield, Delaware, NY. Sylvia would have been about 20 years old. Harpersfield in Delaware County is just over the border from Schoharie County.
Notice in 21 October 1825 issue of Delaware Gazette about
marriage of Sylvia Quail and Nathan B. Barnum in Harpersfield, Delaware, NY
Source: Marriages and Deaths in the Delaware Gazette, 1819-1836
extracted by John Raitt, former Delaware County Historian
CENSUS 1835
State of New York 1835 Census in Virgil, Cortland, NY
George S Quail
3 males in family (2 born during past year; 1 died during past year)
4 females in family (1 born during past year; 1 died during past year)
0 males subject to militia duty
1 male can vote
0 males aliens not naturalized
0 paupers
0 persons of colour not taxed
0 persons of colour taxed
0 persons of colour taxed & can vote
1 married female under 45 (Matilda b 1800 so 35 yrs)
0 unmarried female 16-45
3 unmarried female under 16
1 The number of marriages occurring in the same family, where the female married resided during the year preceding. (Sylvia married in October 1835, so need date of 1835 census to know if for her or if this was perhaps for Phebe and she married in 1834. But were either of the girls in Cortland County 1834-1835?)
2 Whole number of male births in the same family during the year preceding.
1 Whole number of female births in the same family during the year preceding.
1 Whole number of male deaths in the same family, during the year preceding.
1 Whole number of female deaths in the same family, during the year preceding.
CENSUS 1840
US Federal 1840 Census 1840 in Cortland County, NY
1 male 50-59 (George S Queal)
1 male 15-19
1 female 40-50 (Matilda) b 1800
1 female 10-15 (assume daughter Clarinda b est 1831)
2 females 5-10
1 female under 5
1840 US Census: US; New York; Cortland; (city not stated)
20th line from the top of page/ 12th from bottom: George S Quail
male 50-59 1; male 15-19 1; female 40-50 1; female 10-15 1; females 5-10 2; female under 5 1
Source: 1840 US Federal Census; New York, Cortland; Roll: 275;
Page: 13; Image: 30; FHL Film 0017184 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com
NEXT DOOR TO GEORGE S QUEAL
married son from first marriage
1 male 40-50 (John Queal b 1801)
1 female 20-30
3 females 5-10
1 female under 5
married son from first marriage
1 male 30-40 (William B Queal (b 1803)
2 males 10-15
1 male under 5
1 female 30-40
1 female 5-9
2 females under 5
CENSUS 1850 – No George
US Federal 1850 Census in Lapeer, Cortland, NY
Matilda Quaile 50 b 1800 [also on agricultural census] value $800
Clarinda Quaile 19 b 1831 [assume daughter]
Aaron Fenton 30 b 1820 Farmer (hired hand)
No George S Queal found with his family, so assume deceased
1850 US Census: US; New York; Cortland; Lapeer
10th line from the top of page: Matilda Quaile
Matilda Quaile (50); Clarinda Quaile (19); Aaron Fenton (30)
Source: 1850 US Federal Census; New York, Cortland, Lapeer; Roll: M432_493;
Page: 416B; Image: 587; FHL from The National Archives; Ancestry.com
married son from first marriage near by Matilda in Lapeer, Cortland, NY
William Quaile 47 b 1803
& family
married son from first marriage now in Hartford, Cortland, NY
John Quaile 44 b 1806 (wrong)
& family
DEATH OF GEORGE S QUEAL
As George S Queal is not with his wife in the 1850 census or any after that, it is assumed that he died prior to 1850.
Family story is that is was a shady character and someone did him in and put his body in a wall. As no burial location has been found, who knows.
CENSUS 1855 – CONFIRMS GEORGE DECEASED
Information in State of New York 1855 Census give valuable clues:
- Matilda still owns the farm
- Matilda is identified as a widow
- Matilda has lived in Cortland County for 22 years, which calculates that she and George move from Schoharie County to Cortland in 1833
- Aaron Fenton continues as hired hand running the farm
- Aaron Fenton is 33 years old and has lived his entire life in Cortland County
State of NY 1855 Census in Lapeer, Cortland, NY
Matild Quail Head 55 b 1800 Albany Farmer; owns land; widowed; 22 years in cty
Aron Fenton Domestic 33 b 1822 Cortland Farmer 33 years in cty
CENSUS 1860
CENSUS 1865 – MATILDA REMARRIED
Information in State of New York 1865 Census gives valuable clues:
- Matilda has married the hired hand, Aaron Fenton, a man about 20 years younger then herself
- This is second marriage for Matilda and first marriage for Aaron
- Matilda has had 12 children
- Matilda and Aaron have moved from Cortland County to Chautauqua County.
- Matilda was born in Albany County and Aaron was born in Cortland County
State of New York 1865 Census in Pomfret, Chautauqua, NY
Aaron Fenton Husband 47 b 1818 Cortland Farmer 1 times married; now married
Matilda Fenton Wife 59 b 1806 Albany 12 children; 2 times married; now married
CENSUS 1870
Notice that Matilda and Aaron no longer seem to own farm land. Their ages seem to have been switched.
US Federal 1870 Census in Pomfret, Chautauqua, NY
Matilda Fenton 52 Keeping House (b 1801)
Aaron Fenton 69 Wood Chopper (b 1818) ages switched?
1870 US Census: US; New York; Chautauqua; Pomfret
22nd line from the top of page: 16th from bottom of page
Matilda Fenton (52); Aaron Fenton (69)
Source: 1870 US Federal Census; New York, Chautauqua; Pomfret; Roll: M593_913;
Page: 578A; Image: 359; FHL Film 552412 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com
CENSUS 1875
State of New York 1875 Census in Pomfret, Chautauqua, NY
Aaron Fenton Husband 56 b 1819 Cortland now married
Matilda Fenton Wife 75 b 1800 Albany now married
CENSUS 1880
US Federal 1880 Census in Pomfret, Chautauqua, NY
Aron Fenton 61 Husband Farmer b NY; father b Germany; mother b Germany
P.M. Fenton 81 Wife At home b NY; father b CT; mother b CT
1880 US Census: US; New York; Chautauqua; Pomfret
17th line from the top of page
P.M. Fenton (81); Aron Fenton (61)
Source: 1880 US Federal Census; New York, Chautauqua; Pomfret; Enumeration District: 067;
Roll: 816; Page: 551B; Image: 0326; FHL Film 1254816 from The National Archives; Ancestry.com
BURIAL OF WIFE #3
Matilda Fenton died 20 May 1884 and was buried in Chautauqua County Poor House Cemetery in Dewittville, Chautauqua, NY.
Source: FindAGrave
Tracking the life of Matilda _____ (Queal) (Fenton) is in case it does turn out that she is Phebe’s mother.
ADDRESSES
ONGOING RESEARCH
Please share with us any stories, photos, documents, etc. that could add to the stories of any of these ancestors. Send to suzan@genealogynirvana.com
