More great-greats

These are the headstones of my great-great-great-great-grandparents, William & Isabella Boag, and their son - my great-great-great-grandfather James Boag. William & Isabella are buried near the Smiths (see previous post) in the Selby Burying Ground, and James is buried with his son and grandchildren down the road in Queensville cemetery. James' wife Anne is buried in Selby but I did not get a photo of the headstone. WILLIAM BOAG Headstone reads: "In Memory of William Boag who died Jan'y 1, 1860 aged 75 years Native of Northumberland, England.

A may the great become to ... .... peace and rest When I shall gladly rise And mingle with the blest." (Illegible portions are indicated by ellipses "...")

NOTE: I believe the text above is a version of a Scottish Psalter: O may the grave become to me the bed of peaceful rest, Whence I shall gladly rise at length, and mingle with the blest!

Source: http://www.hymnary.org/hymn/SP/R8

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ISABELLA BOAG Headstone reads: "In Memory of Isabella beloved wife ofWilliam BOAG who died Dec 18 1870 aged 85 years native of Northumberland, England The time of my departure comes, I heard His voice that calls me home, At last, Oh Lord, let trouble cease, And let thy servant die in peace."

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JAMES BOAG (Front and back of headstone)

The back of the headstone lists James' son and more as noted. James Boag & Annie Boag had a daughter named Annie Boag who married George Smith, the son of John & Isabel Fenton Smith (see previous post). George & Annie lived in Toronto and when George died in 1905, Annie moved to Chicago to live with her daughter Julia Isabell (Smith) Barker, who was married to James Barker of England. Also living with them was their son, Jay C. Barker. When Annie died, her body was shipped back to Toronto for burial next to her husband George. Jay C. Barker married Gertrude Mordecai (see previous, previous post) and they were my greatgrandparents.

My great-great-great-great-greatgrandparents - John & Isabella Smith

This is the photo of the headstones of my great-great-great-great-grandfather John Smith, and his wife, my gggg-grandmother Isabella Fenton Smith. They are buried in the Selby Burying Ground in East Gwillimbury, Ontario.

Mordecai Reunion

We had a great time out at Matt & Jan Hayles' for our first Mordecai reunion! Here is a pic from cousin Nancy in Florida who brought us all together!

(From left to right) Linda Hanson, Janice Hayles, Suzy Cole, Nancy McConnell, Danny Mordecai, Janet Evans, and Ed Shannon.
Sheryl Marabotti and her husband are in this second photo - they had to leave before the group shot.

Linda, Janice, Suzy, Nancy and Danny are all siblings, and grandchildren of Ben Mordecai.  Ed is the grandson of Hazel Mordecai.  Sheryl is the greatgranddaughter of Frank Mordecai.   Janet is the greatgranddaughter of Gertrude Mordecai. 

Ben Mordecai, Hazel Mordecai, Frank Mordecai and Gertrude Moredecai were all children of Ben & Tillie Mordecai.  

We all spent time reviewing the family tree and sharing info and stories. Ed told me he remembers his Aunt Gertie from his father's funeral when he was a small boy.  Linda said she remembers visiting Gertie in the city when she was young. 

Here we are sitting around the table reviewing our large family tree!

It was great to meet everyone and share info and I can't wait for the next reunion!  I have to believe that all our grandparents and greatgrandparents and so on were looking down on us, amazed that so many Mordecai descendants found each other!  Chief Whitecloud himself should be proud! :) 

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Mordecai Family Reunion

I was recently contacted by a Mordecai descendant in Florida - Nancy - and we are planning a Mordecai Family Reunion next month in Chicago! So far we have people from 4 different branches of the family coming together for the reunion! Stay tuned for more info as we make plans! Click here for info on our common ancestor, Chief Whitecloud (AKA Benjamin Moses Mordecai)