Ole Benjamin Pedersen

Ole Benjamin Pedersen was my great-great grandfather (my grandmother's grandfather). He was born on September 20, 1834 at the farm Ladingen in Stamnes, Alstahaug Norway. He was the son of Peder Ingebrigtsen Vestvog and Berit Olsdatter Laddingen. He was baptized October 12, 1834 at the Alstahaug church.
In rural Norway, a person’s name meant much more than a name. Ole’s whole name was: Ole Benjamin Pedersen Vestvaag. His official name was “Ole Benjamin”, which is the name he was baptized with. A patronymic name was usually added in day to day interactions, because there could be several persons named Ole Benjamin in a community. So he was called Ole Benjamin Pedersen, because he was Ole Benjamin, the son of Peder. Finally, because there could be several persons in a community with the name Ole Benjamin Pedersen, rural Norwegians would add the name of the farm where the person was living – not as a name, in the modern sense of the word, but as an address or identifier. So they would say of him, “There goes Ole Benjamin, the son of Peder, who lives on the Vestvaag farm.” The farm Ladingen where he was born seems to have been the farm that his mother and her parents lived on.
He spent his early life at fishing. His daughter described him in 1902 as “an old seafaring man, who didn’t feel any seasickness” as they traveled on the North Sea, even as the others who traveled were very seasick. He married Else Marie Johansdatter Sornaes at the Tjotta church on October 18, 1863, at the age of 29. Else was 24 years old at the time of their wedding. Ten children were born to this marriage; five died early in life, the others were two sons and three daughters. Their fourth daughter, Jorgine Emilie Pedersen, was my great-grandmother. Ole was “a faithful Christian man, and a member of the Lutheran Church all his life.” His daughter, Jorgine remembers that “Father read the Gospel every Sunday to his family.”
Else passed away in 1902, so Ole decided to emigrate to America, where two of his daughters had already settled. He arrived in Philadelphia on October 18, 1902, and proceeded directly to Mandan, North Dakota, where his daughters lived. Ole remained in Mandan until his death in 1922. At the time of his death, he had 41 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was remembered as being good with his hands, and was known for making baskets in his later years, square-shaped, out of natural wood. These he sold for 75 cents each. With the sales of these baskets, he saved up $38 to pay for his funeral! He was very well known in Mandan, and reputed to be the oldest resident of the community. He was a great reader, and had a lively memory. He kept up on history and current events up until days before his death.
Ole Pedersen suffered a paralytic stroke in June 1921, and spent most of his time in bed after this. He died in Mandan on April 22, 1922 of pneumonia, at the age of 87.

More Photos of Ole Pedersen

Here are a few more photos of Ole Pedersen. The first is a colorized photo of him outside of his house in Mandan, North Dakota (date unknown). The second is of him with his daughter, Jorgine (left), and her three children: Agnes (back, right [my grandmother]), Harold (right), and Elsie (next to Ole), taken around 1910. The third is of Ole with his many grandchildren. The fourth is of Ole in approximately 1920. He is in a typical pose, reading his newspaper.

Catharine (McLean) MacFadden

Catharine Amelia McLean was born on June 21, 1839 in Brockville, Canada. Very little is known of her life. She was the eldest of at least 7 children. Her parents were William McLean and Jane McNish. William was a farmer while Catharine was growing up, probably of wheat, and Catharine was raised on the farm. Harvesting grain was a large and important task for farmers in the 1850s. It involved the entire family because it was a major source of money for the family. Everyone helped in the fields in mid- to late- July when the grain was ready. Harvesting was done by hand, either with a sickle or a grain cradle to cut the grain. The McLean family moved to the city of St. Mary’s when Catharine was in her teens. She married James MacFadden on January 19, 1860 in St. Mary’s, with her younger brother, George, serving as a witness. She was 20 years old at the time of her marriage, and her new husband was 18 years older than she. She had 7 children during her marriage (4 girls and 3 boys). Her eldest daughter, Jennie, born when Catharine was 22, is my great-grandmother. Her youngest child, Kate, was born when Catharine was 43 years old.
Six years after their marriage, the young family moved to Stratford because of James’ new job. Stratford remained Catharine’s home until her death in 1894. Their last home was located on Huron Street in Stratford. She listed her religion as Presbyterian, which was the religion of her parents.
Catharine died on June 30, 1894, at the age of 55, of stomach cancer.

More photos of Catharine (McLean) MacFadden

Here are three more photos of Catharine. The top left one is a very interesting colorized portrait, as a young woman, probably from around the time of her marriage. There is no date on the actual portrait. The upper right photo is of Catharine as a young mother in 1863, with her two eldest daughters on her lap: Jennie (my great-grandmother) the oldest, and Minnie. The last photo is of the whole MacFadden family in 1888 in front of their home in Stratford. Catharine is wearing the stripped dress.

Old Signatures

Here are copies of the signatures of some of my relatives that I have written about:

James MacFadden from the 1860s. The W.M. below his signature stands for "Worthy Master." He was a Master in the Masons.

Andrew Jeffrey from a letter he wrote in 1831 to his father-in-law, James Hall



Agnes Moscrip Jeffrey from the 1870s, signed in her daughter Jessie's date book

Jennie E. Jeffrey, signed at the end of the first letter she wrote to her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Agnes Morck, written a month and a half before their wedding in 1925

Henry Jeffrey's signature at the end of his "Last Will and Testament", signed March 15, 1945, 9 months after the death of his wife, Jennie

James Leonard Jeffrey, signed at the end of his Will, dated October 3, 1944.

James MacFadden

James Mac Fadden was my great-great grandfather. He was born on April 25, 1821 in what is now the township of Nissouri, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada, about six miles from London. He was educated at the grammar school in London, and received a common English education. He was 16 years old when the Rebellion of 1837 broke out, and he enlisted in the company of volunteers that his father captained. This company of soldiers was stationed at Windsor throughout the rebellion, and did not fight any battles. But it was said that he always looked back at his experience as a soldier with considerable pleasure.
Shortly thereafter, at the age of 17, James relocated to the United States, and became a citizen of the U.S. on September 4, 1844 in Henry County, Ohio, where he had resided the previous year. After staying in the United States until 1850, James returned to London in Canada, and commenced the study of law in the office of James Daniel. He passed the solicitors’ examination as an attorney-at-law in 1854, and moved to St. Mary’s to practice law there in 1855. He remained in St. Mary’s for 12 years, a portion of which time he was in partnership with Mr. John E. Harding, Q.C.
On January 19, 1860, James married Catherine A. McLean, daughter of William McLean and Jane McNish of St. Mary’s. By this union, there were 7 children, Jane (Jennie) – my great-grandmother, Minnie, William, James A., Jessie, George, and Kate. Jennie eventually married Henry Jeffrey.
James showed a keen interest in educational and other public affairs, and held the office of school trustee and was councillor in St. Mary’s for 1863 and 1864.
In 1866, one year prior to Canadian Confederation, James received the appointment of Local Registrar, Clerk of the County Court and Surrogate Registrar of the County of Perth, which necessitated his move to Stratford. He was appointed to this position by Sir John MacDonald, at that time Premier of Upper Canada, and held this position up to a week before his death in 1899.
James was probably one of the very oldest Masons in Stratford at the time of his death, as he was initiated in St. John’s Lodge, No. 209A, of London on October 1, 1842. He was an honorary and charter member of Stratford Lodge, No. 332 A.F. and A.M. and of Tecumseh Chapter No. 24, besides being Past Master of St. James Lodge, No. 61, of St. Mary’s.
He did not entertain any strong religious views, but in Stratford was an adherent of Know (Presbyterian) Church.
He died on Friday, August 4, 1899, at the age of 78, at his residence on Huron Street in Stratford, after suffering a paralytic stroke a week previously.

More Photos of James MacFadden

Here are three more photos of James Macfadden. The top one is generally thought to have been taken around the time of his marriage in 1860, at the age of 38. The next photo is thought to have been taken in the 1880s in Stratford. The last one is of James with his youngest daughter, Kate, taken in the mid- to late- 1890s. James was 61 years old when Kate was born.

Agnes Moscrip Jeffrey

Agnes Moscrip Jeffrey was my great-great grandmother. I have not been able to gather much information about her, compared with her husband, Andrew Jeffrey. She had a very intriguing life, though, and as more is known, I will update this post.
Agnes Moscrip was born on January 19, 1819 in Upper Canada (location unknown). Her parents were Robert and Jane Moscrip. She had at least one brother, Robert.
Little is known of Agnes’ childhood. As a young woman (20 or so years old), she married a John McLenhan, and they had 4 children – Robert, John, Andrew, and Agnes. In September 1847, tragedy struck with both Robert and John dying within 2 days of each other, at 6 years and 4 years of age. It is unknown the cause of their death. Agnes’ husband, John, also died close to the death of his two sons (date and cause unknown). Agnes wrote down her thoughts following this time, and excerpts have been preserved. What follows is an excerpt:

Cobourg Mar 31
I have been thinking of the events of 1847. It is nearly 2 years since my deare husband’s death and all this time has been praising his Savior with fullness of joy while we have still been occupied with the fleeting things of time. Has this affliction ever given me an abiding sense of the instability of earthly joys and made me long more for that purer delight which is found in seeing the Lord face to face. It has made me walk more circumspectly and devote myself more completely to my God. It has made me feel the value of the blood, which has washed away sin and taken the sting from death.
Cobourg Apr 5
I know that you will not give place to any angry feelings, but only pray for your enemies and look on all as coming direct from the hand of God.
Cobourg Apr 9
O my soul! When will thou live consistently? When shall I walk steadily with God? When shall I hold heaven constantly in view? How time glides away. How is death approaching. How soon must I give up my account.
Cobourg Apr 11
I certainly have to lament, yet how little in truth do I feel it that religion is at a very low ebb with me at present.

Within 3 – 4 years of these entries, Agnes married Andrew Jeffrey, himself a widower, on May 4, 1853 in Cobourg. She was 34 years old at her marriage, very nearly 19 years younger than Andrew. Their marriage lasted only 10 years. She immediately became the mother of at least 4 of Andrew’s children from his previous marriage, who were still living at home. She had 4 more children by Andrew – Donald, Jessie, Henry (my great-grandfather), and Alexander. Andrew died 8 months after the birth of Alexander, Agnes being 44 years old at the time.
She lived as a widow for 12 more years, and died on January 9, 1876 in Cobourg. Her obituary reads: “It is with sincere regret we record the death of Mrs. Jeffrey, widow of the late Hon. Andrew Jeffrey, of this town. Mrs. Jeffrey had been ill for some weeks, of fever; and this terminated fatally about midnight on Sunday last. The deceased lady was well known in Cobourg, and universally beloved; and the news of her death will be received with regret on all hands.”

Another Photo of Agnes Jeffrey

This is the only other photo of Agnes McLenhan Jeffrey I am aware of. It is most likely from the 1860s. It was preserved by her daughter, Jessie, along with similar sized photos of her mother, Jane Moscrip, her husband, Andrew, and step-daughter, Bella.

Andrew Jeffrey

Andrew Jeffrey was my great-great grandfather. He was born in Foulden Parish, Scotland on February 17, 1800. Foulden is located in Berwickshire, a county very close to the border of England. His parents were William Jeffrey and Mary Lyall. Andrew was the eldest of of 5 children, the younger being 4 sisters. The population of Foulden 7 years before Andrew’s birth was 344, only 20% of these living in Foulden village. The rest lived in the surrounding country. Andrew’s father is thought to have been a blacksmith in Foulden. Andrew was baptized in the local church a month after being born, on March 16, 1800. Little is known about his childhood in Foulden. Foulden had a parochial school, and education was thought to be required of all children, so he probably attended this school. The subjects taught included reading, writing, arithmetic, Latin and Greek. A description of life in Foulden published 30 years after Andrew’s birth described what meals were like in the typical Foulden family: “At the morning and evening meals of the peasantry, their staple is oatmeal porridge and milk; their dinner consists of bread made from pease (split peas) and barley, and of potatoes, seasoned with fat pork. Each family feeds at least two pigs a year.”
Family tradition says that William Jeffrey came to Canada alone when Andrew was in his teens. Mary and the rest of the family followed him, probably in 1819. Many of the men of Scotland found the going hard through the unemployment following the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815. This is probably why the Jeffrey family emigrated. Andrew settled first in Kingston, and in 1820 made his way to Cobourg, where he lived until his death in 1863. Both of these communities were located in Ontario, or as it was then known, Upper Canada. Upper Canada was the most British of the Canadian colonies.
He married Janet Hall on February 18, 1828 in Cobourg. She bore him 9 children before her death in 1851.
In 1924 there were approximately 350 people living in Cobourg. There was no organized group of Presbyterian Christians in the community. On occasion, ministers from an organized congregation would visit neighboring settlements bring services there. In 1927, a Reverend J. Jenkins visited Port Hope, a settlement a few miles east of Cobourg. He ordained five men as elders, one of them being Andrew Jeffrey. The first four men joined a congregation in Port Hope, while Andrew associated himself with the Presbyterians in Cobourg. He and another existing elder in Cobourg formed the nucleus of the leadership of the “Kirk of Scotland” in Cobourg. In 1833, Andrew and three other men became the first Trustees of this local church, and shortly thereafter, he and six other men were appointed to be a Building Committee for this Presbyterian Church, responsible for erecting a suitable building for the growing church in Cobourg. Andrew continued as an elder in “St. Andrews Presbyterian Church” until his death in 1863. Among their many responsibilities, the elders in the church were very diligent in the spiritual oversight of this congregation. They dealt with many issues that have had to be dealt with down through the centuries, as well as those peculiar to their time. These included dealing with: “The great sin of marriage to a deceased wife’s sister, being nothing less than incest” (1836); failure of a church member to “contribute to the support of the gospel” (1836); “giving birth to a child out of wedlock” (1838); “the great evil committed in drinking of spirituous liquor till she was intoxicated” (1840); “the sin of ante nuptial fornication” (1850); “acts of intemperance in being intoxicated” (1856), etc. Andrew and his fellow elders didn’t shirk from their spiritual responsibilities in addressing these issues, but were faithful in showing mercy as soon as the sinning member expressed contrition.
Andrew’s vocation was described in 1832 as a “saddler.” In 1833, he was described as a “harness maker.” In 1837, Cobourg was incorporated as a village, and a Board of Police managed its municipal affairs for the following 13 years. Andrew Jeffrey was elected to this Board in 1837. In 1850, Cobourg was incorporated as a town, and a mayor and a Board of Councilmen now managed its municipal affairs. Andrew was elected a councilman in 1851, and in 1852 he was elected Mayor of Cobourg. In the same year (1852) he was elected President of the Board of Trustees of the Northumberland and Durham Saving’s Bank, which office he held till his death in 1863. He kept a private school for boys at the corner of King and D’Arcy Streets in Cobourg, and apparently served as headmaster. Throughout these years, Andrew operated the Cobourg Foundry. A foundry is an establishment where metal is melted and poured into molds. This foundry manufactured steam engines, boilers, agricultural equipment, axes and other items. Andrew also established a hardware business, which gradually became large and prosperous.
On May 4, 1853. Andrew married for the second time, to Agnes Moscrip McLenhan, a widow with 2 children, who was nearly 19 years younger than Andrew. She bore him 4 children, one of who is my great-grandfather, Henry. Andrew was just shy of 60 years old when Henry was born. In 1859, Andrew was appointed one of the five Commissioners of the Town Trust, and speedily became its chairman. In 1860, he was elected to represent the Newcastle District in the Legislative Council, which was the upper house of legislation for the Province of Canada, and consisted of 24 members. Members were elected every 4 years. Andrew died after a protracted illness on July 27, 1863. His funeral was on July 29 at 12:00 noon. The places of business in Cobourg were closed from noon to 2:00PM in token of respect for Andrew.
Andrew Jeffrey seems to have been a man of tremendous character. His obituary uses these words: “He remained one of Cobourg’s most upright and respectable citizens.” “He filled his office with honour, performing all its responsible labors with characteristic assiduity (constant or close application or attention, particularly to some business or enterprise; diligence) and integrity.” “His industry, enterprise and perserverance, together with his marked honesty of character, enabled him to be successful in business.” “Endowed by nature with a fine mind – with a large, warm and generous heart, and with great energy of character, he has won for himself the reputation of a just and good man.” “He was a man of considerable information, calm judgement, and strict integrity.”
He was also a dearly beloved father. Two letters from Andrew to his daughter, Jessie, have survived, both written from Quebec, where he lived while he served on the Legislative Council. One was written to her when she was 5 years old, the other when she was 6. Reading his letters to her display the qualities that endeared him to his family. I will close this post by copying one of these letters, written a little over a year before his death.
Quebec 29 March 1862
My Dear Jessie,
I got your letter, and it makes me very glad. You are a good girl for saying your lessons every day, and I am much pleased to hear you say that Donald is now saying his lessons better than he did (Donald was 7 years old).
You know that I have often told you that good children are always willing to learn – and by so doing they get to know a great deal, and are far more useful than children that cannot read nor write. Now what a nice thing it is that, although I am many hundred miles away from you, by learning to read and write you can send me a letter and tell me all you want to say just as well as if we were sitting in the room together.
Now I hope to hear both Donald and you will learn to read and write fast so that you can, both of you, send me a long letter by and by.
Be good children, be willing to do whatever you are bid, do not go to bed before you say your prayers, and Pa will also pray God bless and keep you. Give Harry a kiss (Henry was 2 years old) and tell him it is from Pa.
Your Father,
A Jeffrey

Andrew Jeffrey's House in Cobourg

This is a photo if the house Andrew Jeffrey lived in when his son, Henry was born in 1862. It is located on King Street in Cobourg. The photo was taken almost 70 years later, in 1931. In the 1861 census, the house was described as a 2 story brick home situated on 1 1/4 acres. He had one horse, two cows, and two carriages.

More Photos of Andrew Jeffrey

Here are three more photos of Andrew Jeffrey. The top is an oil painting that was passed down through the family, and is currently in possession of Nancy Jeffrey of Ontario, California. The next photo is one that has been reproduced in two books, Cobourg 1798-1948, by Edwin C. Guillet, and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church - A History, edited by Christine E. Gardiner. The final photo is one that has again been passed down through the Jeffrey family, and is just labeled on the back, "Father."

Correction: Jorgine Morck's Diary

Sorry. The link to Jorgine Morck's Diary doesn't seem to work. This one should work. Click on this link: http://groups.google.com/group/my-trip-to-america. It will direct you to the Google Group that has the PDF of her account. When there, click on the file: "My Journey to America.PDF." It is a large file, so it may take a little time to show up.

Jorgine Morck's Diary: My Journey to America

I've created a link to Jorgine Morck's account of her emigration to America in 1902. Click on this, and you'll see the 15-page type-written story: http://my-trip-to-america.googlegroups.com/web/My+Journey+to+America.PDF.

Also, here's some more updated information: Jorgine and her father and children sailed from Trondheim, Norway to Hull, England on the steamer, "Salmo", pictured above (lower picture). Also, the picture I posted previously of the SS Belgenland, the ship that she traveled on from Liverpool to Philadelphia was in error. That picture was of the SS Belgenland that was not built until 1914. They actually journeyed on the old Red Star Line steamship, built back in 1878, also called the S/S Belgenland. This old ship was at the end of its career as a transatlantic passenger steamer in 1902, and was taken out of service only a few moths after Jørgine and her family traveled on her. The Belgenland was quite a small ship compared to the the newer ships used on the Liverpool - Philadelphia run, as she was only 3,656 gross tons, while the S/S Haverford which arrived to Philadelphia October 19th 1902 was almost 3 times her tonnage with 11,635 gross tons. This older S/S Belgenland is pictured above (upper picture).

This valuable is courtesy of Børge Solem, who is the host of a great website: http://www.norwayheritage.com/, about Norwegian emigration to North America. Check it out!

Jorgine Emilie Morck was born on April 12, 1878 in Vestvaag, Norway. Her father was Ole Benjamin Pedersen Vestvaag, and her mother was Else Marie Johansdatter. She was one of at least nine children, four sisters, and four brothers. Her father was a farmer on the Vestvaagan farm. She was baptized in Tjotta Church on June 9, 1878. She led a typical Norwegian childhood in the late 1800s. She had recollections of riding on homemade toboggans down the hill a few yards from their home. Years later, as an adult in America, Jorgine was asked to write down her memories of Christmas in Norway. A copy of her reply has been preserved, and is a rich picture of Norwegian life: Holiday food (lefse, sylte, fattigmann), carols sung (“Glade Jul, Hellige Jul”), Christmas Day worship (done at home – church was so far away), the 2nd Day of Christmas (visits from and to family, friends and acquaintances), etc.
When Jorgine was 20 years old, she married Hans Eldor Morck in Tjotta. Her first child was born when she was 21 years old, on February 23, 1900, Agnes Hansine. Her second child, Harald, was born a year later. In September 1902, Jorgine, her two children, and her father, Ole, left Norway to come to America. Her husband had already settled in North Dakota. They departed Liverpool October 1, 1902, and arrived in Philadelphia, PA on October 14. Jorgine was pregnant with her third child on this journey. She kept a detailed diary of the trip, and it has been passed town to her descendants. It is a treasured family record. Her two children contacted the measles on the voyage, and were deathly sick, along with Jorgine, when they arrived in Philadelphia. They were all hospitalized. Harald eventually died of complications at the age of 1 ½ years.
Two months after settling in North Dakota, Jorgine gave birth to her third child, whom they also named Harold. Jorgine believed that God had sent her 2nd son to take the place of her departed one. In June 1904, Elsie, their last child was born.
Just before arriving in Mandan, North Dakota, Jorgine’s eldest sister, Anna Bergetta died, and another older sister, Annette Marie, moved to the west coast of the United States. Jorgine and Hans eventually followed Annette and her family when they moved to Seattle, Washington in 1919.
Jorgine was accomplished in knitting, and many of her works are still around. She knitted an outfit for my sister’s, Janet’s, doll when she was a child. She was extremely close to her sisters and their families, with over 35 nieces and nephews. She was also very musical, and was a good guitar player in her younger years.
Her life in America revolved around her extended family and her local church. Jorgine was remembered as being very devoted to Christ. Her account of her emigration to America is full of prayers for God’s will to be done, His watchful eye on her family, and her confidence in his purposes for her life. She and Hans were convinced that Sundays were for rest, and that some “worldly activities” should be put aside on that day. Many years later, when her grandson, Jim (my father) married his wife, Nancy, Jorgine accused Agnes Jeffrey (her daughter, and Jim’s mother) of being a bad influence. When asked why, Jorgine replied that she had observed Nancy sewing on a Sunday, and Agnes should’ve mentioned something to Nancy about this.
Jorgine was also remembered as being the “matriarch” of the family. She very much was the strict and serious one of the family. However this didn’t prevent her loved ones from enjoying her. A story is told about one of her grandsons, Bill, who, as a young boy, played a joke on her. He took her bifocal eyeglasses from her nightstand while she was still sleeping, and painted a thin layer of glue on the lower part of the bifocals. She refused to get of bed that day, because she was convinced she had had a stroke! She, too, enjoyed joking with her loved ones. Nancy, her grand-daughter-in-law, remembers taking her baby, Janet, for a stroll in the buggy. Jorgine came along for the walk, too, and started expressing her disappointment with Nancy, in Nancy’s housekeeping, mothering, etc. Nancy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. As the walk came to a close, she was near tears, and couldn’t understand what she had done wrong. When she expressed her disagreement with Jorgine, Jorgine just smiled and said, “You don’t have any hiccoughs anymore, do you?” Nancy had been hiccoughing quite a bit before the walk.
Jorgine was widowed in 1942, and lived the remainder of her years with her youngest daughter, Elsie. She died on November 19, 1961, at the age of 83, in Seattle, of complications due to ovarian cancer. She is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Seattle.

SS Belgenland - Liverpool to Philadelphia 1902

This is a photo of the ship that Jorgine and her young children traveled on to America, the SS Belgenland. It left Liverpool on October 1, 1902, and arrived in Philadelphia on October 14, 1902. She describes this trip in detail many years in her recollection, "My Journey to America."

More Photos of Jorgine Morck

Here are a few more photos of Jorgine. The first is the earliest known photo of Jorgine, at the age of 15 (1893), taken in Norway. The next is of her young family in Mandan, North Dakota in approximately 1905: Jorgine, Hans, Elsie, Harold, and Agnes (l - r). The third photo is a portrait at the age of 29. The fourth is taken outside her home in Mandan. The last is a photo taken in Seattle, Washington in the 1940s.

Hans Eldor Morck

Hans Eldor Mork was born on January 24, 1875 in Tjotta, Helgeland, Norway. His father was Anders Olai Mork Qvalnes, who was assumed to be a man of the sea, because he is referred to as “skipper” on the birth record of Hans, and in the record of his marriage to Hansine Tanke Hansdatter. He was 45 years old when Hans was born, and his mother was 30 years old at that time. Hans appears to have been the second of 4 children in his family, along with brothers Kristian and Nels, and sister Kristina. Norwegian tradition is that the second son is named after his maternal grandfather, and Han’s grandfather on his mother’s side is Hans Chr. Nilsen. Some six months after his birth, Hans was baptized in Leirfjord Church.
Little is known of Hans’ early life. Hans apparently served in the Norwegian Navy in the 1890s. A letter to his future wife, Jorgine, has been preserved from this time. This letter describes life in the military as very difficult and dreary. In later years, Hans recalled “accepting the Lord as his Savior” at the age of 20 (? 1895).
He married Jorgine Emilie Pedersen on October 12, 1898. In May 1902, at the age of 27, Hans journeyed from Helgeland to England, and traveled on the steamship RMS Lake Champlain from Liverpool to Quebec, Canada, in hopes of starting a new life with his family. He then went by train to a Norwegian community in North Dakota, in Mandan, where his three sisters-in-law had already settled. He arrived with a total of $5 to his name. After being convinced that they could make a go of this new life, he sent for his wife and their two children, who arrived later that year. During Jorgine’s voyage, their youngest son, Harold, died. Hans and his family lived in North Dakota for some 17 years. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States on May 21, 1912. By that time he had changed the spelling of his last name to Morck, the reason unknown. He was a carpenter by trade. In 1918, he listed his occupation as a hedge carpenter. Nowadays, a hedge carpenter is considered to be a person who uses wood that is reclaimed or sourced from environments such as a botanical garden or coppiced woodland. They make handcrafted mirrors, wands, staves and rustic furniture. They usually have minimal training and apprenticeship experience. It is unknown why he described his carpentry profession in this way in 1918. In 1919, he and his family moved to Seattle, Washington, where some of Jorgine’s relatives lived.
While in Seattle, Hans continued his carpentry work, and began working as a contractor in the construction of buildings. He was an accomplished woodworker. One of his woodworking gifts, a soap holder, is still in the possession of Nancy Jeffrey, his grand-daughter-in-law. He was very active in his home church in Seattle, the Salem Evangelical Free Church.
Hans is remembered as a quiet, godly, hard-working man. His daughter, Agnes, remembers often hearing him in prayer as he spent time with his God in the basement in his house. He passed away from a heart attack on August 23, 1942 in Seattle, at the age of 67, and is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery. His newspaper obituary contained these words:
“Hans Morck accepted the Lord as his Savior at the age of 20, and remained steadfast in his faith in the Savior ever afterwards. He had a clear ringing testimony to the reality of salvation and the blessedness of the Christian life. His life and example was a source of encouragement to others. Blessed be his memory!”

RMS Lake Champlain (Liverpool to Quebec)

This is an old postcard of the steamship RMS Lake Champlain. This is the boat that Hans traveled on when he came to America in 1902. The ship sailed from Liverpool, England to Quebec, Canada, arriving in June 1902.

More Photos of Hans Morck

Here are a few more photos of Hans: (Left) As a soldier in the Norwegian navy in the 1890s. (Right) At the age of 36 in 1911 in Mandan, North Dakota.

(Left) The Morck family: Harold, Hans, Agnes, Jorgine, and Elsie.
(Right) Hans in the 1940s in Seattle.

Jenny (MacFadden) Jeffrey

Jenny (MacFadden) Jeffrey was born on August 25, 1861 in St. Mary’s, in what is now called Ontario, Canada. St. Mary’s is situated on the Thames River, which, in Jenny’s childhood, cascaded over a series of limestone ledges, providing the power to run the first pioneer mills and giving the community an early nickname: Little Falls. Jenny’s parents were James MacFadden and Catherine McLean. Jenny had 3 sisters and 3 brothers.
When Jenny was 5 years old her family moved to Stratford, Ontario, Canada, which remained her home until she was married in 1887. Little is known about her childhood and young years in Stratford. She met Henry Jeffrey and was married on Wednesday, October 26, 1887, at the age of 26. Henry was 27 on their wedding date. A newspaper announcement (“The Daily Enquirer”) of their wedding reads: “A select party of invited guests assembled at the residence of Mr. James MacFadden, local registrar of the High Court of Justice, Huron Street, this afternoon to witness the marriage of his daughter, Jennie, to Mr. Harry Jeffrey, hardware merchant, St. Catherines, son of the late Hon. Andrew Jeffrey. The wedding took place at 3 o’clock. Rev Thomas McPherson was the officiating clergyman. Miss G. Mothersil was bridesmaid, and Mr. James A. MacFadden, brother of the bride, supported the groom. The bride was attired in seal brown silk. The bride was presented with numerous valuable and useful presents, showing the high esteem in which she was held in this city. The bridal pair left on the 4:10 train for their home in St. Catherines, amid the blessings and good wishes of a host of friends who accompanied them to the station to bid them adieu.” St. Catherines is located very close to the U.S. border with Canada, near Niagara Falls.
Jenny and Henry immigrated to the United States in 1890, and settled in Tonawanda, New York, 20 miles from St. Catherines. Tonawanda is situated on the Niagara River, 6 miles above Niagara Falls. Jenny had her first child, Keith McLean, on September 8, 1890, and her second son, James Leonard, was born August 8, 1895.
They moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1909 or 1910, where Henry continued working in the hardware business, and his son, Keith, worked alongside him. Keith was to have taken charge of the Pratt & Cady Hardware business in Cleveland, when he had a severe attack of appendicitis, and died shortly thereafter at the age of 21. So Jenny was left with one son, 16 year old James. Five years later, after the outbreak of World War I, James enlisted in the army, and left for France, where he served 2 years in the medical detachment. Jenny volunteered to help in the war effort, and received a commendation from the Detroit chapter of the American Red Cross after the war for “recognition of service faithfully performed in behalf of the nation and her men at arms.”
Jenny and Henry were very active in the Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church in Detroit. It was a church located in a very wealthy neighborhood, built by the Dodge family, of automobile renown. Jenny participated in many of the social functions associated with the church, and was remembered as being a very outgoing and friendly woman. She and Henry eventually left Detroit, primarily to be closer to their only son, and his growing family. They finally settled in Santa Monica, CA, arriving in 1934, and living for years at 943 Ocean Avenue. She died of a very severe intestinal cancer on June 25, 1944.
Jenny’s name at birth was Jane. Her name throughout life was Jenny, and was spelled both “Jenny” and “Jennie”, and she seems to have used both spellings interchangeably. Her death certificate is in the name Jennie Jeffrey, but the last letter she wrote to her husband, Henry, is signed “Lovingly, Jenny”.
Jenny was barely 5 ft. tall, but was remembered by many as being very energetic and full of life.

More Jenny (MacFadden) Jeffrey Photos

Here are some more photos of Jenny. The top one is of Jenny in her teens (1870s). The bottom left photo is of her family in Stratford (from left): George, mother Catherine, unknown, James Andrew, father James, Minnie, Jessie, Jenny, and Kate. The photo on the left is from the 1930s.

Henry Jeffrey

Henry Jeffrey (my great-grandfather) was born January 12, 1860 in Cobourg, in what is now called Ontario, Canada. At the time of his birth, Cobourg was a city in “Upper Canada.” It is situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario. His parents were Andrew Jeffrey and Agnes (Moscrip) Jeffrey, Andrew’s second wife. Henry had 12 brothers and sisters, 9 children from Andrew’s first marriage, and 3 more from his marriage to Agnes. When Henry was 3 years old, his father died, and his mother passed away when Henry was 16.
Henry was also known as “Harry” throughout his life. After the death of his mother, Henry left Cobourg in 1876 to live with his oldest brother William, in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, who was 45 years old at the time. He became involved in his brother’s hardware business in Stratford, as well as later running a pleasure steamboat enterprise on the River Avon. He also was a staff sergeant in the Stratford Drill Association.
After Henry’s marriage in 1887 to Jenny Mac Fadden, they immigrated to New York in the United States, and along with working in the hardware business, Henry worked at the Pan-American Exposition in 1901. This fair featured the latest technologies, including electricity, and attracted nearly 8 million people. The Electric Tower was illuminated nightly by thousands of colored bulbs and floodlights. On September 6, President William McKinley was shot outside the Temple of Music at the Exposition. He died eight days later. Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated President after McKinley’s death. Henry Jeffrey became an American citizen in 1904.
Henry and Jenny had two children, Keith McLean and James Leonard (My grandfather). They moved to Detroit, Michigan in approximately 1909-1910, where Henry worked as the manager of the Pratt & Cady Hardware Co. Henry and Jenny were active in the Presbyterian Church, whose members also included the Henry Fords and the Dodges, famous automobile families in Detroit. In 1929 or 1930, Henry and Jenny moved to Seattle, Washington, and a few years later to southern California, to be close to their grandchildren through their son James. They settled in Santa Monica, CA, and lived for many years close to the Pacific Ocean. They were active in the Hollywood Presbyterian Church while they lived in Santa Monica.
Henry is remembered as a kind, sweet-hearted man. He loved the ocean. My father, James Warren Jeffrey, remembers spending summers with his grandfather, and they spent much time at the beach. Henry was also an avid baseball fan. It is a tradition that he became so while following the Detroit Tigers and their famous outfielder, Ty Cobb. My father remembers, while spending summers with his grandfather, that nightly after dinner, Henry would retire to the living room, and listen to the Los Angeles Angels (Pacific Coast minor league team) on the radio.
Henry died June 26, 1952 in Pasadena, CA of prostate cancer.

Other Photos of Henry Jeffrey

Here are a few other photos of Henry Jeffrey. The top photo was taken in Cobourg in the middle 1860s. The middle one is from the late 1870s in Stratford. The bottom one is of the Jeffrey family (Jenny, Keith, Henry and James) in the late 1890s.