Millbury/Grafton, MA Reardon's

[mfb1025]

I am looking for any additional information regarding 3 Reardon's who lived in Millbury/Grafton area from about 1837. The following is what I have to date.

1) Maurice Reardon, b. 1811,Ireland m. Mrs. Hannah French Feb 11, 1838. He is listed in the 1840 & 1850 Census as well as the non-population census of 1850. His death record states he died in California March 4,1852. I believe Maurice was returned to Grafton for burial. ?
A number of Grafton men are listed on the same page as having died in California. Does anyone know if a group from the area followed the gold rush.
Would love to find his parents names or connection to New Brunswick.

2. John 1815-? Ireland. m. Margaret Walsh 1841. In Millbury census 1850-1880. Children: William 1842-?,Maryann 1846-1864, Caroline 1850-?, she married Carl Stratton. Maurice 1856-?, Emma 1859-?
Would love to find his parents names or connection to New Brunswick.

3. Thomas Reardon 1820 Co.Cork,Ireland Immigrated to Sussex New Brunswick. Parents are Patrick and Johanna ? m. Frances Himes 1849 in West Boyston. Residence states he was living in Millbury at time of marriage. He is listed in the Grafton 1850 Census as well as the non-population census of 1850. His death record states he died in Grafton Sept 17, 1865. Children: Helen A 1851-? Helen becomes a teacher in Needham. Edwin T. 1853-1873,Marian 1856-?, Stephen 1860-1875, Johanna 1862-1865, Charles Maurice 1864-1865.


I believe these three are brothers and I'm looking for the piece that confirms or refutes it.

Thank you,
Maureen

[*Sandra*]

This link may help you, it has BMD Records for Massachusetts 1841 - 1910

http://www.rootschat.com/links/08f9/

[mfb1025]

Thank you for your reply. I do belong to NEHGS. Sadly, neither the marriage or death of John and Maurice list any parents. I have written to the Diocese in Worcester in hopes the church records may have a clue.

Thank you again, Maureen

[Erato]

Lots of ship lists to California during the gold rush years here:

http://www.sfgenealogy.com/californiabound/cbindex.htm

[JustJean]

Hi Maureen

I had a deeper look at this one trying to unravel your family.  I wonder if you've ever seen a copy of the will of Maurice?  According to the Worcester county probate registers there should be one for him in Grafton 1852.  Sticking to this same tack there is also apparently  something for Thos in 1865 Grafton and then his children are shown in the listing with Guardianship noted .

In looking at the family of John and Margaret I'm not certain where you got her maiden name from or the fact that you say his parents were not named on his DC.  If I'm looking at the correct individuals it's possible her maiden name was  Buttermore and she died in Millbury 13 Mar 1889, Vol 402, pg 528.  His death is apparently recorded in Paxton, MA in 1894, Vol 447, pg 675.  The parents stated on his DC are John and Annie (no maiden name).  Not the info you were hoping for at this point.  His Death entry clearly states he was buried in Millbury.  There is also more information about St. Bridget's cemetery in Millbury in this link to the Open Library website with the  Centennial History of Millbury, Mass.  http://www.archive.org/details/centennialhistor00millrich  It appears that their daughter Mary Ann who died from typhoid fever at age 19 was the very first interment there.  I would presume you would find other family members interred there as well.   

Perhaps some of these leads will give you more clues to work with.  I would also expect that the Catholic church records would also be of good value.  I hope you hear back from them soon. 

Best wishes
Jean

[mfb1025]

I do have a plan to go to Boston and get a look at Maurice's will, as well as Thomas' Admin. and the guardianship papers. I'm hoping they will hold clues.
There is a marriage record in MAVR to 1850 for John Reardon and Margaret Walsh in Millbury in 1841. I had seen the death record with the name Buttermore. Except for that name,  it looks like a good match. Perhaps if I get answers from the church there'll be an explanation for that.
I also saw the John Reardon who died in Paxton, if it turns out to be the same John, the names of parents would rule him out as a brother to Thomas and Maurice.
Thanks for that link, it's very interesting. And thanks for your input, it's appreciated.
Maureen