I was researching in the new Halstead’s Mortuary database at familysearch.org tonight. I never pass up a new database for San Francisco since records are few and far between.
In an hour, I found exactly one family member. Matthew A. Kelly. What I found didn’t add anything to what I already had.
I decided to search with no specific purpose. I put in the name John Jones, which I figured would be the dumbest search I’d ever committed to computer screen. A handful of results came up.
There was a John C. Jones born in Australia who looked interesting. I clicked on the entry and began reading the obituary. Not much stood out.
Then I glanced up to the remarks. John Jones and Jane Heywoods from Wales. What…? I reread the obituary. John C. Jones had a brother, T.H. Jones. John was a blacksmith.
I don’t have a T.H. Jones but I have a T.A. Jones–Thomas Augustine–a blacksmith, born in Australia. My Thomas was the son of John Jones and Jane Haywards…Haywards…Heywood…
Holy Cow! I think this is Thomas’ brother! As far as I knew, Thomas didn’t have any siblings. But, my information comes from the 1870 census. By that time, Thomas is 20. This guy, John C., was 7 years older than Thomas. I found him in the 1870, 1880, and 1900 censuses with his wife, Margaret, and children.
So, what do you think? Did my Great Great Grandfather have a brother? I’m places my bets on yes! I’ll need further proof, but this is awfully coincidental.
What a great little discovery and I wasn’t even looking for anyone in particular.
Now to find proof…I’m coming to get you, John C. Jones!
