Descendant Report of Jesse R. Clair

Descendants of Jesse R. Clair

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First Generation

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1. Jesse R. Clair was born about 1838 in Pennsylvania 1 and died in December 1912 in Philadephia, PA, about age 74 1.

General Notes: According to the January 26, 1867 issue of the Jeffersonian, Jesse R. Clair of Schuylkill township, Chester County was married to Miss Priscilla McDermond, of Limerick township, Montgomery County on Jan. 17th, at Pottstown, PA by Rev. S. Siegfried.

Funeral notice for Jesse R. CLAIR, died December, 1912
In Morris Cemetery, Phoenixville, to-day, the body of Jesse R. , husband of Priscilla D. Clair, was laid to rest. He formerly lived in Phoenixville, where he held a position with the Phoenix Iron Company, but died in Philadelphia at the age of 74 years. He is survived by his wife and three daughters, vis.: Mrs. John SHUPE, of Harveyville; Mrs. Edwin STOTT, of Philadelphia; and Mrs. Harry GRUBB, of Philadelphia; the last being his youngest daughter, with whom he made his home.
[Source: Daily Local News, December 26, 1912; obtained through the Chester County, PA Historical Society Library clipping files, capitalization of surnames by compiler VC]

Jesse married Priscilla D. McDermont, on January 17, 1867 in Pottstown, PA 2. Priscilla was born in Pennsylvania 3 and died on an unknown date.


Children from this marriage were:

+ 2 F    i. Mary Ann Clair was born on September 5, 1867 in Pennsylvania 3 died on June 5, 1923 in Wilmer, PA, Of Pneumonia, at age 55 4, and was buried on an unknown date in Morris Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA.

Mary married John William Shupe (b. November 26, 1860, d. 1924) on September 5, 1892 in Phoenxiville, PA 5.

+ 3 F    ii. ? Clair 4 died on an unknown date.

? married Edward\Edwin Stott 4 (d. Unknown).

+ 4 F    iii. Emma Clair 4 died on an unknown date.

Emma married Harry Grubb 1 (d. Unknown).


Second Generation (Children)


2. Mary Ann Clair (Jesse R.1) was born on September 5, 1867 in Pennsylvania 3 died on June 5, 1923 in Wilmer, PA, Of Pneumonia, at age 55 4, and was buried on an unknown date in Morris Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA.

General Notes: Obituary for Mary Ann SHUPE, died June 5, 1923
Mary Ann, wife of John W. Shupe, died at her home in Wilmen [sic] (Harveyville) on Tuesday, of pneumonia, after an illness of five days, in her 50th year. The deceased was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of that place. She is survived by her son, George, a daughter, Mrs. Emma Rhodes, and by two sisters, Mrs. Edward Stott and Mrs. Emma Grubb.
[Source: Daily Local News, June 7, 1923; obtained through the Chester County, PA, Historical Society Library clipping files]

According to her Marriage License to John W. Shupe, her birthdate is given as Sept. 5, 1867, and that she resided in Phoenixville, 1892. The above obituary suggests her birth year is approximately 1873, six years later than the date given on her Marriage License. This obituary may either be for some other Mary Ann married to a John W. Shupe or her age was incorrectly estimated.

Mary Ann Shupe's certificate of death lists her birth date as September 5, 1867. Her cause of death is listed as Acute Pulmonary Tuberculosis (Phthisis Florida) with Acute Plastic Pleurisy a contributing factor.

Mary married John William Shupe, son of Joseph Shupe and Mary, on September 5, 1892 in Phoenxiville, PA 5. John was born on November 26, 1860 in Montgomery County, PA 5, died in 1924, at age 64, and was buried on an unknown date in Morris Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA 6.

Marriage Notes: Text of the Marriage License Application

(side 1)

State of Pennsylvania
Chester County, ss.
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said county John W. Shupe who hereby requests the Clerk of Orphans' Court, for the said County, to issue a License for the Marriage of Himself to Mary A. Clair and who, being duly Affirmed according to law, doth depose and say that he was born in Montgomery Co., Pa, on the 26' day of Nov" A.D. 1860, that he resides at Schuylkill Twp. Pa, that he is by occupation Brick Maker, that he is not related by blood or marriage to the person whom he desires to marry that he has not been married before, that Mary A. Clair whome he is about to marry was born in Chester County, Pa, on the 5' day of Sep't A.D. 1867, that she resides at Phoenixville, that she has not been married before, that he knows no reason why said marriage may not be lawfully made.

Affirmed and subscribed before me this 8' day of August A.D. 1892 C. H. Howell, J.P. John Wm Shupe

(side 2)

Marriage Doc. No. 7 Page 601
No. 3301
John W. Shupe
--and--
Mary A. Clair

Affidavit

Applicant for Marriage
Aug. 9" 1892.


Text of the Marriage Certificate, attached to Marriage License document:

No. 3301,
I, J. Madison Hare hereby certify, that on the 5 day of the Sept, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-two at Phoenixville Pa John W. Shupe and Mary A. Clair were by me united in marriage, in accordance with the license by the Clerk of the Orphans' Court of Chester County, Pennsylvania, numbered 3301.
ss// J. Madison Hare
Minister of the Gospel


Children from this marriage were:

+ 5 M    i. George Clair Shupe was born on March 19, 1896 in Wilmer, Schuykill Township, PA died on January 9, 1961 in Phoenixville, PA Of A Heart Attack, at age 64, and was buried on an unknown date in Honey Brook Methodist Cemetery, PA (Cremated).

George married Bena Marie Kennedy (b. December 1, 1902, d. October 12, 1969).

+ 6 F    ii. Emma Shupe was born on April 26, 1898 in Phoenixville, Chester County, PA and died in June 1984 in West Chester, PA, at age 86.

Emma married Charles "Charlie" Fraley (d. Unknown).

Emma next married Daniel Defrancisco (d. Unknown).

Emma next married ? Rhodes 7 (d. Unknown).

   7 F    iii. Jessie K. Shupe was born in 1900 died in 1918, at age 18, and was buried on an unknown date in Morris Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA 6.
3. ? Clair 4 (Jesse R.1) died on an unknown date.

? married Edward\Edwin Stott 4. Edward\Edwin Stott died on an unknown date.

4. Emma Clair 4 (Jesse R.1) died on an unknown date.

Emma married Harry Grubb 1. Harry Grubb died on an unknown date.


Third Generation (Grandchildren)


5. George Clair Shupe (Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1) was born on March 19, 1896 in Wilmer, Schuykill Township, PA died on January 9, 1961 in Phoenixville, PA Of A Heart Attack, at age 64, and was buried on an unknown date in Honey Brook Methodist Cemetery, PA (Cremated).

General Notes: According to his discharge paper, he enlisted in WW I on 7/24/1917 in Phoenixville, PA. Served as Private, Field Artillery, 28th Division, 197 Regiment, Company C. Stationed in LeMans, France, 4/13/1919. Arrived in England, 5/31/1918 and in France, 6/4/1918. Fought in the following battles: (1) Fismes-Vesle Sector, 13 Aug-18 Aug, 1918; (2) Oise-Aisne Offensive, 18 Aug-8 Sept, 1918; (3) Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 26 Sept-10 Oct, 1918; and (4) Ypres-Lys Offensive, 30 Oct-11 Nov, 1918.

Also served in the Pennsylvania National Guard, 10 Jan 1920-10 Jan 1921, as Private Specialist 4th Class (Ch. Mech.) Battery "C" First Field Artillery. According to his discharge paper, "When enlisted he was 24 years of age and by occupation a mechanic. He had blue eyes, dark hair, fair complexion, and was 5 feet 10 1/2 inches in height." Additional notes indicate prior service "BTRY. "C" 1ST F.A. P.N.G. 7/17/17 TO 5/21/19. REENL. BTRY. "C" 1ST F.A. P.N.G. 1/10/20. DISCH. 1/20/21;" that he was a good horseman, in good physical condition, single, and of excellent character.

When he applied for his Social Security card in 1936 at age 40, he was employed at the Alan Wood Steel Co., Conshohocken, PA, and lived at 307 Griffin Street, Phoenixville. Place of birth is listed as Phoenixville, Chester County, PA. Later, he was a machinist at Westinghouse. Known as "Pop Pop" by his grandchildren. It is reported that he was a lover of animals and enjoyed raising carrier pigeons and chickens.

Obituary for George C. Shupe, died January 9, 1961
George C. Shupe died suddenly last evening at his home, 516 S. Gay St. He was 64 years old. Born in Wilmer, he was the son of the late John W. and Mary Ann Clair Shupe. He was a life-long resident of this vicinity and was a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ, the Loyal Order of Moose 1273, Ettinger-Powers-Campbell Post 1564, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the West End Fire Co. No. 3. Mr. Shupe was a veteran of World War 1, served overseas with Battery C 107 Field Artillery. He was a machinist by trade and had been employed for the past 20 years by the Westinghouse Electric Corp at Lester, Pa. Previous to that he was employed for a number of years at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Surviving are his widow, Bena M. Kennedy Shupe, who served for many years as Democratic leader of Phoenixville; three sons, Walter C., of Alexandria, Va.; George C. Shupe, Jr., Royersford; and John W. Shupe, Phoenixville. There are four grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. Emma DiFrancesco Fraley, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., also survives. Private services will be held at the F. B. Neiman and Son Funeral Home, 241-243 First Ave., Thursday, Jan. 12, at 1 p. m. Burial [of his cremains] will be in the Methodist Cemetery, Honey Brook. Friends may call at th [sic] funeral home Wednesday evening, 7 to 9.
[Source: Daily Republican, January 10, 1961; obtained through the Chester County, PA Historical Society Library clipping files]

Funeral notice for GEORGE C. SHUPE
Funeral services for George C. Shupe, 516 Gay St., were held yesterday afternoon at 1 at the F. B. Neiman and Son Funeral Home, 241-243 First Ave. The Rev. Thomas M. Burns, pastor of the St. John's United Church of Christ, officiated. Pallbearers were Lewis W. Ullman, William C. Wright, Sr., Samuel K. Barkley, Theodore E. Fitzcharles, Russell M. Schlotterer, and Andrew Sabadosh. Burial was in Honey Brook Methodist Cemetery. On Wednesday evening, ritual services were held by Post 1564 Veterans of Foreign Wars, conducted by Andrew R. Hrivnak, Commander; and the Loyal Order of Moose 1273, in charge of John J. Fenlon, Governor. Military honors were paid Mr. Shupe by members of Hdq. Co., Second Battle group, 111thInfantry, Pennsylvania National Guard. The firing squad in charge of First Sgt. William H. Markley, was comprised of Pvts. Joseph Shepsko, Richard Wallence, Edward Susko, Guy Druckenmiller and David Barniak. Taps were sounded by Denton Stoudt of Kimberton, a member of the Phoenixville Area High School Band.
[Source: Daily Republican, January ?, 1961]

George married Bena Marie Kennedy, daughter of William Sloan Kennedy and Mary Ann Gries. Bena was born on December 1, 1902 in Reading, PA, died on October 12, 1969 in Phoenixville, PA, at age 66, and was buried on an unknown date in Honey Brook Methodist Cemetery, PA (In Vault).

General Notes: Bena was very active in local politics and ran for PA State House on the Democratic ticket, but was not elected. She chaired the women's democratic party and was very active in the March of Dimes adn a member of the "Order of the Eastern Star." Lived at 516 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA since June, 1944 and owned 207-209 Main Street, Royersford, PA. Bena was 53 when she applied for her Social Security card on April 18, 1955, working at the Pennhurst State School in Spring City, PA.

Obituary [with photo] for Bena Marie Kennedy SHUPE, died October 12, 1969
Mrs. Bena M. Kennedy Shupe, 67, widow of George C. Shupe, 516 Gay St., died yesterday in the Phoenixville Hospital where she had been admitted on Sept. 28. A native of Reading, she was the daughter of the late William G. and Marie Grisse Kennedy. She was noted throughout the county for her interest and leadership in the March of Dimes, organizing the movement in this area and serving for 23 years. Upon her retirement this past year, she was given a testimonial for her outstanding work as chairman in this community project. Active in politics, she was a former chairman of the Phoenixville Democratic Party. Also a member of the Chester County executive board of the Women's Democratic Club.
HELD HIGH OFFICE. Fraternally, she held high office in the Women of the Phoenixville Loyal Order of Moose, being in the College of Regents. Also, the Academy of Friendship. In the Regents, she held a senior rank. Mrs. Shupe was also a member of Sherman Herd 2, Ladies Independent Order of Reindeer; Manavon Chapter 496, Order of the Eastern Star, and St. John's United Church of Christ, Gay St. Surviving are three sons, John W., Sixth Ave.; George C. Jr., 207 Main St., Royersford, and Walter C., Springfield, Va. Also eight grandchildren and the following brothers and sister: William G. Kennedy, 516 Gay St.; Winfield S. Kennedy, Norristown; Wayne C. Kennedy, Norristown; and Dorothy, wife of Ambrose Gausch, Broomall. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11 in the White Memorial Home, Parker Ford, with burial in Honey Brook United Methodist Church Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, contributes, if desired, may be sent to the National Foundation March of Dimes, Chester County chapter, 301 Gay St., Phoenixville 19460.
[Source: Daily Republican, October 13, 1969; obtained through the Chester County, PA Historical Society Library clipping files]

Mrs. Shupe Eulogized
Alexander C. Kovach, chairman of the Phoenixville Democratic Committee, today expressed deep sorrow over the death of former committee chairman Mrs. Bena Shupe. "The local Democratic organization owes a debt to Mrs. Shupe which can never be repaid. It was through her efforts, intelligence and perserverance [sic] that the committee has grown over the years to a place of prominence in Chester County," said Kovach. "Through her community spirit, Mrs. Shupe has left a living memorial in the form of this Democratic committee and the March of Dimes cause in which we joined with her," continued Kovach. Concluding Kovach said, "To her survivors, I offer this small consolation. There is a link that death can not sever, love and remembrance last forever. We will never forget Mrs. Shupe."
[Source: Daily Republican, October 14, 1969]


Children from this marriage were:

+ 8 M    i. Walter Clair Shupe was born on March 25, 1925 in Phoenixville, PA died on July 28, 1982 in Woodbridge, VA, at age 57, and was buried on an unknown date in National Memorial Garden Cemetery, Falls Church, VA 8.

Walter married Living

+ 9 M    ii. George Clair "Pete" Shupe Jr. was born on October 25, 1930 in Phoenixville, PA 9 died on June 30, 1975 in Phoenixville, PA, at age 44 6, and was buried on an unknown date in Honey Brook Methodist Cemetery, PA.

George married Living

+ 10 M    iii. Living

Living married Living

6. Emma Shupe (Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1) was born on April 26, 1898 in Phoenixville, Chester County, PA and died in June 1984 in West Chester, PA, at age 86.

General Notes: According to her Social Security application, Emma Shupe DiFrancesco applied in October, 1943 at age 45 and was employed by Landsdowne Pastry, 11 E. Landsdowne Ave., Landsdowne, PA. Her residence was listed as 400 Darby Road, but the Pennsylvania city or town is not decipherable. Place of birth is listed as Phoenixville, Chester County, PA. Her mother, Mary Ann Clair Shupe's, obituary lists her name as Emma Rhodes. It would appear that she married a Rhodes before she met and married Daniel DiFrancisco, which either left her widowed or divorced. Daniel DiFrancisco is reported to have died in a boat explosion.

Emma married Charles "Charlie" Fraley. Charles "Charlie" Fraley died on an unknown date.

Emma next married Daniel Defrancisco. Daniel Defrancisco died on an unknown date in Boat Explosion.


Children from this marriage were:

+ 11 F    i. Florence Defrancisco died on January 25, 2000 6.

Florence married Living

+ 12 F    ii. Living

Living married Living

Emma next married ? Rhodes 7. ? Rhodes died on an unknown date.


Fourth Generation (Great Grandchildren)


8. Walter Clair Shupe (George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1) was born on March 25, 1925 in Phoenixville, PA died on July 28, 1982 in Woodbridge, VA, at age 57, and was buried on an unknown date in National Memorial Garden Cemetery, Falls Church, VA 8.

General Notes: Walter initially enlisted in the Army Air Corps, but was not eligible because of a depth perception problem. He was inducted in the Army in June 2, 1943 in New Cumberland, PA and was honorably discharged January 31, 1946. Boot camp and training in Camp Bowie, TX and Shreveport, LA. He served in the 287th Observation Battalion, Battery B, and earned a number of medals and citations. He was known as "Sonny" to his family. Later, he was Deputy Comptroller at Naval Electronics Systems Command, Washington, DC until his retirement in 1982; had worked as Veterans Administration graphics artist. He is buried at the National Memorial Garden Cemetery, Falls Church, VA.

Obituary for Walter C. Shupe, died July 28, 1982
Walter C. Shupe, 57, a former Phoenixville resident, husband of Frances Lucille Shupe of Dumfries, Va., died Wednesday in Potomac Hospital, Woodbridge, Va. Born in Phoenixville, he was a son of the late George C. and Bena M. Kennedy Shupe. A graduate of the Class of 1942 at Phoenixville High School, he served in the U.S. Navy [sic--Army] in the South Pacific during World War II. Following his discharge in 1945, Mr. Shupe moved to Washington, D.C., were he was a civilian employee of the Navy until last February. He was a [Master Mason] member of Phoenix Lodge No. 75, F&AM, and the Loyal Order of Moose, Phoenixville. Surviving are his wife, Frances Lucille Shupe, four sons, W. Jeffrey, Gregory A., Bradley J. and Brian W. Shupe, all of Virginia; a brother John W. Shupe of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Demaine Springfield-Annadale [sic] Chapel, Springfield, Va. Burial will be in National Memorial Park Cemetery, Falls Church, Va.
[Source: unknown; probably a Phoenixville area publication; from the collections of F. Lucille Shupe; notes in brackets added by VC]

Walter married Living


Children from this marriage were:

+ 13 M    i. Living

Living married Living

+ 14 M    ii. Living

Living married Living

Living next married Living

+ 15 M    iii. Living

Living married Living

+ 16 M    iv. Living

Living married Living

9. George Clair "Pete" Shupe Jr. (George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1) was born on October 25, 1930 in Phoenixville, PA 9 died on June 30, 1975 in Phoenixville, PA, at age 44 6, and was buried on an unknown date in Honey Brook Methodist Cemetery, PA.

General Notes: He was 13 years old and working at the Phoenixville Publishing Co. on Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA, and living at 516 Gay Street, Phoenixville, when he applied for a Social Security card on June 25, 1944. He was known as "Junior" and "Junie" and loved animals of all kinds.

Obituary for George Shupe, Jr., died June 30, 1975
George Shupe Jr., 44, husband of Lillian Sabadosh Shupe, of 516 Gay St., was dead on arrival at Phoenixville Hospital Monday night. He was taken to the hospital by West End Ambulance following a heart attack at his home. Born in Phoenixville, he was the son of the late George C. and Bena M. Kennedy Shupe. He had lived at the Gay St. address for five years after moving from Royersford. A veteran, Mr. Shupe served in the Korean conflict. He was employed as a machine operator for Cann & Saul Steel Co. For 19 years. Mr. Shupe was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, the Walter T. Caffrey Post American Legion, Spring City, and Phoenix Lodge 75, F & AM. Surviving are his wife, two children, Linda and George 3d, both at home; two brothers, Walter C., of Springfield, Va., and John W., of St. Petersburg, Fla. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the White Memorial Home, Parker Ford, with the Rev. Francis A. Leiby, pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in the Honeybrook Methodist Church Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday between 7 and 9 p.m.
[Source: Daily Republican, July ?, 1975]

Funeral notice for George Shupe, Jr., died June 30, 1975
Funeral Services for George C. Shupe Jr., 44, husband of Lillian (Sabadosh) Shupe, 516 Gay St., were on Thursday, July 3, from the White Memorial Funeral Home, Parker Ford. Officiating at the ceremony was the Rev. Francis A. Leiby, pastor of St. John's Church of Christ. Burial was in Honey Brook Methodist Cemetery. Pallbearers were Gregory and Jeffrey Shupe, Robert Stec, Anthony Etzel, John Kern, and John Walters.
[Source: Daily Republican, July ?, 1975]

George married Living


Children from this marriage were:

+ 17 F    i. Living

Living married Living

+ 18 M    ii. Living

Living married Living

10. Living (George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living


Children from this marriage were:

+ 19 M    i. Living

Living married Living

+ 20 M    ii. Living

Living married Living

11. Florence Defrancisco (Emma Shupe6, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1) died on January 25, 2000 6.

Florence married Living


Children from this marriage were:

   21 M    i. Living
12. Living (Emma Shupe6, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living


Fifth Generation (Great Great Grandchildren)


13. Living (Walter Clair Shupe8, George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living


Children from this marriage were:

   22 F    i. Living
14. Living (Walter Clair Shupe8, George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living


Children from this marriage were:

   23 M    i. Jeremy Alan Shupe was born on September 9, 1976 in Fairfax, VA died on December 14, 1989 in Manassas, VA, at age 13, and was buried on an unknown date in National Memorial Garden Cemetery, Falls Church, VA.

General Notes: Is buried at the National Memorial Garden Cemetery, Falls Church, VA.

   24 M    ii. Living
   25 M    iii. Living

Living next married Living


Children from this marriage were:

   26 F    i. Living
15. Living (Walter Clair Shupe8, George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living

16. Living (Walter Clair Shupe8, George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living

17. Living (George Clair "Pete" Shupe Jr.9, George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living


Children from this marriage were:

   27 F    i. Living
   28 F    ii. Living
18. Living (George Clair "Pete" Shupe Jr.9, George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living


Children from this marriage were:

   29 M    i. Living
   30 M    ii. Living
19. Living (Living, George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living


Children from this marriage were:

   31 M    i. Living
   32 F    ii. Living
20. Living (Living, George Clair Shupe5, Mary Ann Clair2, Jesse R.1)

Living married Living



Sources


1. Funeral Notice, Jesse R. Clair, Daily Local News, Chester County, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1912.

2. Wedding announcement, Jeffersonian, (Pennsylvania) January 26, 1867.

3. Certificate of Death, Mary Ann Shupe, Chester County, PA, June, 1923.

4. Obituary, Mary Ann Shupe, Daily Local News, June 7, 1923.

5. Marriage License #3301, John W. Shupe and Mary A. Clair, August 9, 1892, Chester County, PA.

6. Notes from Gail Diane (Griffith) Shupe, 10/12/01, which includes information from Lillie Kennedy's Family Bible (from Lizzie Trego Kennedy).

7. Obituary, Mary Shupe, Local Daily News, February 11, 1919.

8. Obituary, Walter C. Shupe, no date, no source.

9. Social Security application form for George C. Shupe, 6/25/44.



Posted December 18, 2002