Contagious Genealogy: A Pandemic

As I piece together the family tree, it's interesting to think about my 3rd great grandfather, Alban Francis Dimond, who worked as a blacksmith in the mid 1800s and pieced together components of wagons.  Unknown photographer, T. W. Magelssen and dairy wagon, circa 1880s. Only in recent years did I discover Alban could not have been the biological father of my 2nd great grandmother, Emma Virginia Diamond. In fact, I'm fairly certain she was unaware of this misattributed parentage also, but it doesn't mean he wasn't her dad. The Dimond/Diamond surname will always remain a part of my ancestry. What else will always remain are the patents filed by Alban in the 1870s with the United States Patent Office. He left behind a legacy of achievement in technology for his time. Initially, I only knew of two of his applications for patents via newspaper announcements: The Pittsburgh Daily Commercial , "List of Patents," 16 Jan 1875. The Tribune , "List of Patents,...

  AUGUST 15, 2021 In the early 1800s, my 4th great grandfather, George Huey/Hoey, made the courageous trip overseas from Ireland to Pennsylvania. It’s unknown when he met his life-long mate, Mary Jane McMullin, but the two lived out their lives in the city of Pittsburgh. Week 32: In the City Life in a bustling town was probably never dull, but I doubt my ancestor was a fan of all the chaos that could ensue living in such close quarters to others. As an example, the Pittsburgh Gazette reported on a massive blaze that ripped through several buildings, destroying much in its path in July of 1862. It’s not known for certain, but the Mr. Huey mentioned in the article is likely Mr. Thomas Huey who was a driver living at 206 Third Avenue. I don’t know if he knew George or was related, but it’s always possible, considering their neighborhoods were quite close, George residing in the 19th ward on Ross Street. George made a steady and honest living as a shoemaker throughout his years in Pitt...