CHESNUTS FROM IRELAND IN PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A.

[Happy Jackie]

Rose Ann Chesnut Ballentine was born Aug 1864 in Pennsylvania. Her father, Benjamin Chesnut is living with Rose and her husband, Gerald Ballentine in the 1900 census. He says he immigrated to the U.S.A. from Ireland in 1834 and yet I cannot find any earlier census records for him or his family. Her husband Gerald is deceased by the 1930 census (he actually died in 1911) and her brother, Ansley is living with them. He is 75 years old or born about 1855 in Pennsylvania yet I cannot find him on an earlier census either. There are a lot of Chesnuts in the area but none that I believe belong to my family. Any help would be appreciated.

[olliecat]

Rose Ann Chesnut Ballentine was born Aug 1864 in Pennsylvania. Her father, Benjamin Chesnut

Is this birth date correct? On the 1881 census her age is 28, thus born abt 1852 and on the 1900 census it has age 45, born 1854 (although it does look a bit like 1864.) Anyway, she could be tweaking her age a bit...

1850 United States Census
Kensington, ward 5, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Benjamin Chesnut 26
Mary Chesnut 26
Rosanna Chesnut 2
Samuel Chesnut 25

1870 United States Census
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Benj. Chestnut 46 (b. 1825)
Mary Chestnut 47
Rosanna Chestnut 20 (b. 1850)
Ainslee Chestnut 18
Mary Chestnut 17
John Chestnut 14
(You can view the image and further details on Family Search)

1880 United States Census
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Benj. Chestnut, 56, carpet weaver, born Ireland
Mary Ann Chestnut 62, wife, born Ireland
Ansley S. Chestnut 28, son, carpet weaver, born Pennsylvania
Mary E. Chestnut 26, dau, born Pennsylvania
John W. Chestnut 24, son, plumber, born Pennsylvania

[Mona]

Have you looked at this one in the 1881 census? in Philadelphia
Benj. CHESTNUT, age 56, born Ireland, occ. Carpet Weaver; wife Mary Ann, age 62,
children Ansley S. age 28, born PA, Mary E. age 26, John W. age 24. No Rose Ann !?

Snap... olliecat !!

[Happy Jackie]

Thanks. In the 1900 census, although the name is then "Vallentine" instead of Ballentine, she gives her birthdate as Aug. 1864. Since Gerald gives his year of birth as 1851, I can see why she doesn't want to show her age as 1848 although to me, this is the same person! You must have the magic touch, Family Search didn't find any of this information for me. Thanks again.