Maria Catherine (Emmett) McMechen (abt. 1827 - 1914)

Born about 11 May 1827 in Stephens City, Virginia

Ancestors

Died 16 Mar 1914 at about age 86 in Philadelphia

Biography

Her mother gave her name as Maria Catherine, but in most other records she is called Catherine or Kate. Her date of birth is difficult to determine. She was listed as age 23 in the 1850 census, and 27 in 1860 and 35 in 1870. Her birthdate is listed as September 1828 in the 1900 census but her daughter gave her age as 78 and birthdate as May 11 when arranging her funeral. She was younger than her husband and so apparently gave a younger age to census takers and over the years may have become somewhat confused herself about her age. Her age as listed in the 1850 census, is supported by the 1830 and 1840 censuses and comes close to being the most accurate.

Sources

• United States Census, 1850, Virginia, Frederick County, Stephensburg, family #1918, p. 334B,
• United States Census, 1860, Virginia, Marshall County (now WV), Moundsville, family #1934, p. 387.
• United States Census, 1870, West Virginia, Marshall County, Union Township, family #506, p. 247B.
• United States Census, 1880, West Virginia, Ohio County, Wheeling, family #221, p. 461.
• United States Census, 1900, Pennsylvania, Philadephia County, Philadelphia, Ward 24, family #189, p. 11.
• Records of Oliver Bair, Funeral Director, "Pennsylvania and New Jersey Church and Town Records, 1669-2013, at Ancestry.com.
• Tombstone inscription, West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. Find-A-Grave memorial #91395742.