Person Page - 3

     Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney was born on 11 January 1881 at High Broomelton, Hamilton, Lanark, Scotland. She was a domestic servant. At age 24, Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney married Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie, son of William McBirnie and Catherine McGovern, on 26 January 1905 at St. Mary's Church, Larkhall, Lanark, Scotland;

     January 26, 1905
     married in the District of Larkhall, County of Lanark
          Groom: Alexander McBirnie
               age 27 (sic)
               Bachelor
               Railway Brakesman
               residing at 40-1/2 Kirk Street, Motherwell.
               Father: William McBirnie
               Father's occupation: Coal Miner
               Mother: Catherine McBirnie
               Maiden Surname: McGovern
          Bride: Mary Haughney
               age 23 (sic)
               domestic servant
               Spinster
               residing a 7 Croft, Larkhall
               Bride's father: Thomas Haughney (sic)
               Father's occupation: Coal Miner
               Bride's mother: Mary Haughney
               Maiden Surname: Tennant
          Marriage at St. Mary's Church, Larkhall
               According to the forms of the Roman Catholic
          Witnesses: William McBirnie, Jane Haughney.¹

After their marriage, Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney and Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie lived at 48 Kirk Street, Motherwell, Lanark, Scotland. As of 26 January 1905,her married name was McBirnie. (an unknown value.) Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at age 26 and Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie immigrated on 14 January 1907 to Ellis Island, New York, NY, from Liverpool, England on the RMS Carmania accompanied by their four and a half month old daughter, Mary. They were joined on the trip by their mother-in-law, Mary (Tennant) Haughney and her husband, Tom and their children, Tom, Jr., Jane, Ann and Elizabeth.

I found the family on a Passenger List of the S.S. Carmania which left Liverpool on 5 Jan 1907 and arrived at Ellis Island and the Port of New York on 13 Jan 1907.

     Name in Full: McBirnie, Alex
          Age: 28
          Sex: M
          Married or Single: M
          Calling or Occupation: Brakesman
          Able to Read: (checked)
          Able to Write: (checked)
          Nationality (Country of which citizen or subject: England
          Race or People: Scotch
          Last Permanent Residence (Country - City or Town): Scotland Motherwell
          Final Destination: Beaver Falls, Pa.
          Whether having a ticket to such final destination: check
          By Whom Passage Paid: (blank)
          Whether in possession or $50 and, if less, how much: $71 (for the family of three)
          Whether going to join a relative or friend, and if so, what relative or friend, his name and complete address: Hugh Tennant, Cinderhurst Col.
          Ever in prison, almshouse, institution for care of the insane or supported by charity? If so which?: check (no written at top of column)
          Whether a Polygamist: check (no written at top of column)
          Whether an Anarchist: check (no written at top of column)
          Whether coming with offer, promise, or agreement of labor: check (no written at top of column)
          Condition of Health: check (good written at top of column)
          Deformed of Crippled: check (no written at top of column)
          Height Feet/Inches: (can't read)
          Complexion: Fresh
          Color of Hair: Brown
          Color of Eyes: Gray
          Marks of Identification: Anchor Cross & Heart on right forearm
          Place of Birth Country/City (or town): Coatbridge

According to Arnold Kludas on p. 112 of Great Passenger Ships of the World Volume I: 1858-1912 the S.S. Carmania was the Cunard Line's first turbine-steamer. She was built at Clydebank Yard 366 and launched on 21 Feb 1905. She was completed on 16 Nov 1905 and her maiden voyage was 2 Dec 1905 from Liverpool, England to New York, New York. On 14 Aug 1914 the S.S. Carmania was converted to an auxiliary cruiser for World War I and on 15 Sep 1914:

     The Carmania surprised the German auxiliary cruiser Cap Trafalgar while the latter was bunkering off the Brazilian island of Trinidad. After two hours of fighting the German ship sank, the survivors being taken aboard the Eleonore Woermann. The badly damaged Carmania, which had lost nine men in the action, turned away on fire.

The damage was repaired and in May 1916, the S.S. Carmania began service as a troop transport. On 21 Dec 1918, she returned to passenger service, sailing from Liverpool to New York. In 1923, she was refitted as an oil-firing vessel and in 1924 ran a Liverpool to Montreal service and in 1926 ran a London to New York service. Finally, in 1931, the S.S. Carmania was "laid up" at Sheerness and in March 1932 was "sold for breaking-up" to Hughes, Bolckow & Co., Blyth.

According to the "Record of Aliens Held for Special Inquiry," it appears that, because of his health, Tom Haughney was held for a few days on Ellis Island until a bond could be posted showing that he would not be a burden on society. It appears that Tom Haughney was released on 18 Jan 1907. The other family members appear to have been released from Ellis Island on 14 Jan 1907.

According to Loretto Dennis Szucs on p. 3 of Ellis Island Gateway to America "During the peak years of immigration, from about 1900 to 1914, as many as five thousand people a day were processed at Ellis Island." Mary (Tennant) Haughney's father, Daniel Tennant, had immigrated more than 20 years before the McBirnie family.

According to the "List or Manifest of Alien Passengers for the U.S. Immigration Officer at Port of Arrival" of the S.S. Carmania, the McBirnie and Haughney families were supposed to go first to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania and then on to join Hugh Tennant, at Cinderhurst, Colorado (place not found in USGS Geographic Names database). Hugh F. Tennant was noted in Pictou/Maitland in the 1900 U.S. Census and this is where Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney was next noted. She and Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie appeared on the census of 15 April 1910 at Maitland, Huerfano Co., CO;

     Precinct No. 23, Maitland, Huerfano County, Colorado,
     Supervisor's District No. 3, Enumeration District No. 86,
     sheet 1 A, p. 128
     (Series: T624, Roll: 120, Book: 2, Page: 128A) (image 1 of 8)
          dwelling visited 8
          family visited 8
          McBirnie, Alex
               head
               male
               white
               age 34
               married once for 5 years
               born in Scotland
               English mother tongue
               parents born Scotland
               English mother tongue
               immigrated to the United States in 1907
               an alien
               speaks English
               miner in a coal mine
               wage worker not out of work
               able to read and write
               renting a house;
          McBirnie, Mary
               wife
               female
               white
               age 29
               married once for 5 years
               had 2 children both still living
               born in Scotland
               English mother tongue
               parents born Scotland
               English mother tongue
               immigrated to the United States in 1907
               speaks English
               no occupation
               able to read and write;
          McBirnie, Mary
               daughter
               female
               white
               age 3
               single
               born in Colorado (sic)
               parents born Scotland
               English mother tongue
               no occupation

Although Uncle Bill was born 18 Dec 1908 in Colorado, he was not listed in this census. The other odd thing is that Aunt Mary was listed as having been born in Colorado. Since Uncle Bill has not been noted elsewhere in the census, it is possible that the census taker conflated Aunt Mary's and Uncle Bill's information into one record.²

Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney and Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie lived circa 1915 at Oakview, Huerfano Co., CO. Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney and Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie lived circa July 1918 at Walsenburg, Huerfano Co., CO.

According to his Sep 1920 petition for Naturalization, between 1919 and 1921, Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney and Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie lived at Berwind, Las Animas Co., CO. According to an obituary, he worked for Colorado Fuel & Iron Company there and had taken part in a mine safety contest in Pittsburgh. Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney and Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie appeared on the census of 1 January 1920 at Berwind Coal Camp, Las Animas Co., CO; This was the census record shortly before the family became U.S. citizens. Note the name is MacBirnie. Tom McBirnie, Sr., recalled that his father taught him to spell the family name with an underscore under the c which means it was an abbreviated way to write MacBirnie.

1920 U.S. Census Las Animas Co., Colorado, T 31 R 65 Precinct 24 (Berwind Coal Camp crossed out from incorporated place) Supervisor's Dist. No. 3 Enumeration Dist. No. 126 sheet 12 A (177 stamped) (image 12 of 14 in Berwind)

     house number 261
     dwelling visited 223
     family visited 244
          MacBirnie, Alexander head renting male white age 48 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue English parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English fireboss in a coal mine wage worker;
          MacBirnie, Mary wife female white age 34 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Mary daughter female white age 13 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, William son male white age 11 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Thomas son male white age 8 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Alexander son male white age 6 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Agnes daughter female white age 3 years ? months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Catherine daughter female white age 1 year 7 months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          Haughney, Mary mother-in-law female white age 58 widowed immigrated 1907 ? able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch mother born in Ireland mother tongue Irish able to speak English no occupation;
          Haughney, Thomas brother-in-law male white age 33 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English miner in a coal mine wage worker;
          boarders:
               David Roberts
               David Stewart
               James Kelley
               Aim? Richards.³ Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney was listed as Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie's spouse at the time of Alexander 'Alex''s naturalization on 17 March 1921 at Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO; A Certificate of Naturalization was issued which also listed the children as citizens (#1510586, Vol. 3, Number 576, Court of Las Animas County, Trinidad, CO). Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney was described as 40 years old, 5 ft. 8 inches tall, white with medium complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. In fact, he would have been 44 years old. The family was residing in Berwind, Colorado.⁴

Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney and Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie lived circa 1922 at Delagua, Las Animas Co., CO.

Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney appeared on the census of 1 April 1930 at Precinct 48, Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO.⁵ She lived circa 1938 at El Paso, El Paso Co., TX.

Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney, 59, appeared as Head of Household on the census of 8 April 1940 at 910 N Mesa Avenue, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX.⁶ She lived circa 1941 at 3711 Bliss Street, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX. She died on 4 May 1942 at 3711 Bliss Street, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX, at age 61. Tom McBirnie, Jr. noted in "The Children of William and Catherine (McGovern) McBirnie" 13 Dec 2003 that the primary cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage with hemiplegia. A contributory cause was cancer of the cervix.⁷ She was buried on 8 May 1942 at St. Mary’s South Cemetery, Walsenburg, Huerfano Co., CO.⁸

On the "List or Manifest of Alien Passengers for the U.S. Immigration Officer at Port of Arrival" of the S.S. Carmania, Mary Haughney was listed as being 5 foot 7 inches tall with a sandy complexion, brown hair and blue eyes. According to immigration papers, all of the Haughney's had brown eyes except for Mary, who had blue eyes. Dad remembered her commenting on the color of her eyes, saying that it was odd that her parents and all of her brothers and sisters had a different eye color than she had. It was a mystery. As it turns out, the birth of Mary Haughney was a mystery as well. On her death certificate, William McBirnie, her son (Uncle Bill), gave the date and place of her birth as February 1, 1879 in Scotland. He listed her parents as Mary Tennant and Thomas Haughney. With this information, I wrote to the General Register Office of Scotland and asked for a birth certificate for Mary Haughney. They were unable to find a record which matched. The closest record they could find was for a Mary Haughey born June 10, 1883 in Glasgow to Thomas Haughey, an Enginesmith's Labourer and Sarah Law. No part of the record made sense, not the spelling of the last name, not the father's occupation, not the mother's maiden name or the date and place of birth. In Scotland, from 1855 on, there was a mandatory record of births, but there was no record of Mary Haughney's birth. Eventually, I went to Salt Lake City to look at the Scottish birth records that the LDS Church had microfilmed. Mary Haughney gave her age as 23 on her marriage certificate in 1905 which would indicate a birth year of 1882. I worked my way through the birth indexes from 1876 to 1890 and could not find a record for a Mary Haughney. I gave up.

Since a Jane Haughney had been a witness at the wedding of Mary Haughney and Alexander McBirnie, I decided to see if I could find out her relationship to Mary Haughney. In the indexes, I found a Jane Haughney who was born in 1883. Her birth record showed that indeed her mother was Mary Tennant and her father was Thomas Haughney. She appeared to be a sister of Mary Haughney. The birth record also showed that Mary Tennant and Thomas Haughney were not married until a couple of weeks before Jane was born.

This made me take another look at the birth of Mary Haughney. Since she was "of age" when she married, it seemed unlikely that she would try to make herself appear older in the marriage record than what she really was. This would mean that she was probably born at least one to two years before Thomas Haughney and Mary Tennent were married. I was able to find the Tennent family in the 1881 census of Hamilton. Mary Tennant was listed as unmarried and there was an unmarried boarder named Thomas Haughney, occupation coal miner, who was also in the house. Unfortunately, his age had been checked through and was difficult to read but it appeared to be 52. Based on the date of birth given on Thomas Haughney's death certificate and the age given in his marriage record, I estimated that the Thomas Haughney who eventually married Mary Tennent would have been 22 to 26 years old in 1881. According to the marriage record, Thomas Haughney's father was also named Thomas. Possibly this was a record of the senior Haughney even though he was listed as unmarried. At least this was a proven connection between the two families before the 1883 marriage.

In addition to a Thomas Haughney, there was a second Mary Tennant listed in the Tennant household in 1881, a two month old infant, born in Hamilton, who was listed as a "Grand Daughter" of Daniel Tennant. Another grand daughter was also listed, a five year old named Catherine. Since both children were listed under the name Tennant, it was possible that both girls were daughters of one of the Tennant sons. Andrew Tennant, Daniel's son, was listed as widower in the Tennant household in 1881.

In order to find out if the two month old Mary was the daughter of Andrew, I checked the birth indexes for a Mary Tennant who had been born in Hamilton early in 1881 (before the census was taken on April 4, 1881). The only Mary Tennant that I could find that was born in Hamilton in 1881 was a Mary Richmond Tennant born January 11, 1881 in High Broomelton, Parish of Hamilton. High Broomelton, Hamilton was the same place of birth that was given for Jane Haughney in 1883. Mary Tennent herself, had been born in Broomelton, Hamilton in 1860. The mother of Mary Richmond Tennant was listed as Mary Tennant, a Domestic Servant, and the father was listed as John M. Richmond, no occupation. They were not married. This was not the father I had expected and the birth date was 11 January and not the 1 February which appeared on the death certificate. But if the census was accurate about the birth place of the two month old Mary Tennant, this appeared to be the birth record of that child. Were Mary Richmond Tennant and Mary Haughney the same person? Was John M. Richmond just a name that was used to cover the fact that Thomas Haughney was the real father?

Unfortunately, John Richmond was a common name in Scotland, but I did find a John M. Richmond who was born in Hamilton in 1861. His father, Andrew Richmond was a cotton weaver. John M. Richmond would have been 18 or 19 in 1880 but I was not able to find his family in Hamilton in the 1881 census. The family was in Govan Parish, Glasgow, Scotland in the 1871 census and the last child of this family that I have been able to trace was born in Govan. Mary Tennant would have been 19 or 20 in 1880. The Mary Tennant, listed as the mother in the 1881 birth record had an occupation of domestic servant. This was the same occupation which Mary Haughney listed when she married Alexander McBirnie in 1906. Could Mary Tennant have been working as a domestic servant for the Richmond's? Could she have been working in Govan? I could picture John M. Richmond as a son in the house in which Mary Tennant worked. Or perhaps he was in the neighborhood where she worked and they got together because they both had been born in Hamilton.

Was there any indication that Mary Haughney was not Thomas Haughney's child? The first girl born after the marriage of Thomas Haughney and Mary Tennant was named Jane. Jane was name of Thomas Haughney's mother and, if Scottish naming conventions were being followed, this would suggest that she was indeed the first daughter of Thomas Haughney.

Mary Haughney was different. She appears to have been named after her mother or her maternal grandmother. I keep thinking about the family tradition that Mary Tennent and Thomas Haughney had different colored eyes than Mary Haughney. I wonder what color John M. Richmond's eyes were?

17 Aug 1900, Mary Haughney was given a prayer book by M. Barmick. At that time Mary Haughney was working as a domestic servant (apprentice cook) for the priests in St. Anthony's Rectory in Govan, Glasgow. In 1904, Mary signed as a witness for Rose McBirnie when Rose married John Kelly so Mary might have met Alexander McBirnie through his sister, Rose.

Mary Veronica (Richmond Tennant) Haughney married Alexander McBirnie 26 Jan 1905 in the District of Larkhall, County of Lanark.

     Groom:
          Alexander McBirnie
               age 27,
               railway brakesman,
               residing at
                    40-1/2 Kirk Street,
                    Motherwell.
               Father's occupation: coal miner.

     Bride:
          Mary Haughney,
               age 23,
               domestic servant,
               spinster,
               residing at
                    7 Croft,
                    Larkhall.
          Bride's father,
               Thomas Haughney,
               coal miner.
          Bride's mother,
               Mary (Tennant) Haughney.

     Marriage at
          St. Mary's Church,
          Larkhall.

     Witnesses:
          William McBirnie,
          Jane Haughney.

After her husband's death, Mary (Richmond Tennant/Haughney) McBirnie was noted in the 1930 census with her children:

1930 U.S. Census of Colorado Las Animas County Precinct 48 Trinidad city Third pt, Enumeration District No. 36-50, Supervisor's District No. 10th, Sheet No. 4B (Roll: T626 245, Image: 0817):

     Park St. House No. 621 Visitation No. 74, Family No. 122,
          McBirnie, Mary,
               head,
               home owned and valued at $5,000,
               family has a radio and does not live on a farm,
               female,
               white,
               age 49,
               widowed,
               age 23 when first married,
               has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Scotland,
               father born in Ireland,
               mother born in Scotland,
               spoke English in the home before coming to the United States,
               year of immigration=un [crossed out then a 2 in a circle written in], naturalized citizen or alien=un [?],
               able to speak English,
               no occupation.

     Also shown:
          McBirnie, Willie,
               son,
               male,
               white,
               age 21,
               single,
               has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Colorado,
               father born in Scotland,
               mother born in Scotland,
               able to speak English,
               occupation:
                    oiler for a railroad,
                    class of worker=w [?],
                    actually at work,
               not a veteran.

          McBirnie, Thomas,
               son,
               male,
               white,
               age 19,
               single,
               has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Colorado,
               father born in Scotland,
               mother born in Scotland,
               able to speak English,
               occupation:
                    baggage man for a railroad,
                    class of worker=w [?],
                    not at work [unemployed?],
               not a veteran.

          McBirnie, Alex,
               son,
               male,
               white,
               age 16,
               single,
               has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Colorado,
               father born in Scotland,
               mother born in Scotland,
               able to speak English,
               occupation:
                    clerk for a railroad,
                    class of worker=w [?],
                    not at work [unemployed?],
               not a veteran.

          McBirnie, Agnes,
               daughter,
               female,
               white,
               age 13,
               single,
               has attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Colorado,
               father born in Scotland,
               mother born in Scotland,
               able to speak English,
               no occupation.

          McBirnie, Catherine,
               daughter,
               female,
               white,
               age 11,
               single,
               has attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Colorado,
               father born in Scotland,
               mother born in Scotland,
               able to speak English,
               no occupation.

          McGowan, James,
               nephew,
               male,
               white,
               age 25,
               single,
               has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Colorado,
               father born in Scotland,
               mother born in Scotland,
               able to speak English,
               occupation:
                    clerk for a bean company,
                    class of worker=w [?],
                    actually at work,
               not a veteran.

          Haughney, Mary,
               mother,
               female,
               white,
               age 69,
               widowed,
               age 19 when first married,
               has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Scotland,
               father born in Ireland,
               mother born in Ireland,
               spoke English in the home before coming to the United States,
               year of immigration=un [?] ,
               naturalized citizen or alien=un [?],
               able to speak English,
               no occupation.

          Kelly, James,
               head,
               home owned or rented=un,
               value of home or monthly rent=un,
               male,
               white,
               age 46,
               single,
               has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Scotland,
               father born in Scotland,
               mother born in England,
               spoke English in the home before coming to the United States,
               year of immigration=un,
               naturalized citizen or alien=un,
               able to speak English,
               occupation:
                    miner,
                    class of worker=w [?],
                    not at work [unemployed?],
               a veteran of World War I.

          Tennant, John, uncle,
               male,
               white,
               age 74,
               single,
               has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Scotland,
               father born in Scotland,
               mother born in Ireland,
               spoke English in the home before coming to the United States,
               year of immigration=un,
               naturalized citizen or alien=un,
               able to speak English,
               occupation:
                    miner,
                    class of worker=w [?],
                    not at work [unemployed?],
               not a veteran.

The McBirnie family except for Aunt Mary had left Trinidad, CO by 1938. This might have been in an effort to get Mrs. McBirnie closer to doctors.

This is a letter from Mary (Richmond Tennant/Haughney) McBirnie mailed July 7, 1938 from 302 S. Maple Albuquerque, New Mexico to Miss Mary McBirnie (Aunt Mary) 621 Park St. Trinidad, Colorado (spelling from the original). Note that Ruth McBirnie is 1 month old and her mother, Ruth, is anxious to see Uncle Alec:

     Dear Mary & all
     I received the medican tuesday and Agnes letter to day I am so glad to heer you are all so well and happy I am just dying to see the house since it has been fixed up when I sit down I just close my eyes and amagine I think it looks grand any way I could have went home with 3 diferent people but maybe I will get a chance to go home and see you all I would like that then I would be like Mrs. [Unsinkable Molly] Brown Bless her heart it makes her so happy it would make me hapy to but Berenece was heer so I could not leve she went home Tuesday I guess Mrs Smith will be back from Galop soon since Catherine will not be off for 3 weeks I guess she will hafto take the buss or train home she told me she would hafto be back in Trinidad by the 20th of the month to get her pencion I am so glad she gets it And was I ever happy to heer about McGregors brother being lucky I bet the shock frely neer kild him at the time and then he was so happy he had to pass on the good news to McGregor so he could regoice to that was the spirit I just know McGregor will be lucky some day to it is bound to come to him well I have my little Granddaughter once in a while she will be a month old Tomory the 8 and she can look you over already she is beginning to know me she is so good when I take care of her Tom thinks she likes to lye in my bed Tom has a tirebel cold he has been going to the carapracter and Dr both he has got so thin it is so hot and he is in the blasing sun all day he is in Vagus to day I hope he is feeling better than when he left Ruth other sister is heer that is the one nerst to Ruth she shure is a sweet girl not very strong I guess that is what makes her so mild and she has so may little kind ways about her I shure like her poor Ruth is so nice and she is looking well and she is just dying for Alex to see the baby I do not no why she chuckles and laughs when she talks about him if he gets to come down I hope he will be able to buy it a little present well I have no more news is Alex going to get a Vacation and when I shure would like to have him down heer so I will just wait and long for catherine to get her vacation and when you come do not forget to bring all the hats with the big brim the sun is so hot how is Jean when is she going to get her Vacation I wish she could get some thing to do out beside Tom and then I could send Catherine out and then I would go out and then Agnes and Alex and I know Mary could do just as well out there well(?) still nerves about the good jobs the girls have out there I will close with all my love write me when ever you get this letter I am so lonesome to heer from / Mother

The McBirnie family was noted in the 1940 U.S. Federal Census in El Paso, TX, sans Dad, who was in New Mexico, and Aunt Mary, who was in Colorado:

     Name: Mary McBirnie
          Age: 58
          Gender: Female
          Race: White
          Birthplace: Scotland
          Marital Status: Widowed
          Relation to Head of House: Head
          Home in 1940: El Paso, El Paso, Texas
               Street: 910 N Mesa
          Residence in 1935: Trinidad, Colorado
          Citizenship: Naturalized
     Sheet Number: 12A
     Number of Household in Order of Visitation: 250
          House Owned or Rented: Rented
          Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: 18
          Weeks Worked in 1939: 0
          Income: 0
          Engaged in housework
          Income Other Sources: No
     Household Members:      
          Bill McBirnie son 29 M W S not attending school completed 8th grade born CO 1935 residence: Trinidad, Colorado was at work last week worked 48 hours last week Truck Driver for a Wholesale Creamery private worker worked 52 weeks in 1939 1939 income $2,080
          Alec McBirnie son 26 M W S not attending school completed High School-4 years born CO 1935 residence: Trinidad, Colorado was at work last week worked 44 hours last week helper Trucking freight private worker worked 26 weeks in 1939 1939 income $598
          Agnes McBirnie daughter 23 F W S not attending school completed C-1 [1 year of college] born CO 1935 residence: Trinidad, Colorado NOT at work last week engaged in housework NO occupation NO income in 1939
          Cathrine McBirnie daughter 21 F W S not attending school completed High School-4 years born CO 1935 residence: Trinidad, Colorado was at work last week worked 48 hours last week Telephone Operator for Telephone Co. [Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph] private worker worked 50 weeks in 1939 1939 income $600

13 Dec 2003, Tom McBirnie noted in "The Children of William and Catherine (McGovern) McBirnie"

     May 4, 1942, Mary (Haughney) McBirnie, widow, died in El Paso, Texas. Born February 1, 1879. Father, Thomas Haughney, mother, Mary Tennant [Haughney]. Primary cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage with hemiplegia. A contributory cause was cancer of the cervix. Place of burial was [St. Mary?s Cemetery South,] Walsenburg, Colorado.

"Mrs. Mary McBirnie, for Many Years Resident of this City, Passed Away." The Morning Light (Trinidad, CO), 6 May 1942, p. 1:

     Mrs. Mary McBirnie, for many years a resident of Trinidad, and for the past three years living in El Paso, passed away in that city Monday evening followed an extended illiness. Mrs. McBirnie was about 61 years of age.

     Born in Scotland, Mrs. McBirnie came to Colorado in 1907, and for more than 20 years resided in Trinidad, making her home in Park Street, until ill health resulted in her moving to El Paso. Her husband, Alec McBirnie, passed away here 19 years ago.

     Mrs. McBirnie is survived by three sons and three daughters, all of whom were with her when she passed away. Daughters are Mary of Trinidad and Agnes and Catherine of El Paso. Sons are Bill and Alec of El Paso and Tom of Tucson. One grandchild also survives. An aunt is Mrs. Anna Twaddell of Tonopah, Nev., and an uncle is Emile Tennant of Westcliff, Colo., both of whom are here for funeral services. A cousin is Mrs. Charles Lee of Trinidad.

     Time of funeral services, which will be held in Walsenburg will be announced later.

"Mrs. Mary McBirnie, Former Resident, Passes Away." Huerfano County News (Walsenburg, CO) May 8, 1942:

     Mrs. Mary McBirnie, 63, passed away at her home in El Paso, Tex., Monday, and the body arrived here yesterday afternoon for interment. She was born in Scotland, and up until a few years ago lived in this community.

     She is survived by three daughters, Mary, Agnes and Kathryn, all of El Paso; three sons, Thomas of Phoenix, Ariz., William and Alex of El Paso; one brother, Thomas Haughney of Louisville, Colo., and one grandchild.

     Funeral services will be held this morning from the Furphy Brothers Mortuary and at 10 a.m. at St. Mary church.

     William Aloysius 'Bill' McBirnie was born on 18 December 1908 at Walsenburg, Huerfano Co., CO. The location is based on St. Mary's Church records in Walsenburg, CO.¹ He appeared on the census of 1 January 1920 in the household of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at Berwind Coal Camp, Las Animas Co., CO; This was the census record shortly before the family became U.S. citizens. Note the name is MacBirnie. Tom McBirnie, Sr., recalled that his father taught him to spell the family name with an underscore under the c which means it was an abbreviated way to write MacBirnie.

1920 U.S. Census Las Animas Co., Colorado, T 31 R 65 Precinct 24 (Berwind Coal Camp crossed out from incorporated place) Supervisor's Dist. No. 3 Enumeration Dist. No. 126 sheet 12 A (177 stamped) (image 12 of 14 in Berwind)

     house number 261
     dwelling visited 223
     family visited 244
          MacBirnie, Alexander head renting male white age 48 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue English parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English fireboss in a coal mine wage worker;
          MacBirnie, Mary wife female white age 34 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Mary daughter female white age 13 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, William son male white age 11 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Thomas son male white age 8 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Alexander son male white age 6 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Agnes daughter female white age 3 years ? months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Catherine daughter female white age 1 year 7 months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          Haughney, Mary mother-in-law female white age 58 widowed immigrated 1907 ? able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch mother born in Ireland mother tongue Irish able to speak English no occupation;
          Haughney, Thomas brother-in-law male white age 33 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English miner in a coal mine wage worker;
          boarders:
               David Roberts
               David Stewart
               James Kelley
               Aim? Richards.²

At the naturalization of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney on 17 March 1921 at Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO, William Aloysius 'Bill' McBirnie was listed as a child; A Certificate of Naturalization was issued which also listed the children as citizens (#1510586, Vol. 3, Number 576, Court of Las Animas County, Trinidad, CO). Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie was described as 40 years old, 5 ft. 8 inches tall, white with medium complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. In fact, he would have been 44 years old. The family was residing in Berwind, Colorado.³

William Aloysius 'Bill' McBirnie appeared on the census of 1 April 1930 in the household of Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at Precinct 48, Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO.⁴ William Aloysius 'Bill' McBirnie appeared on the census of 8 April 1940 in the household of Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at 910 N Mesa Avenue, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX.⁵

William Aloysius 'Bill' McBirnie married Fawn Ellen Sanders.

William Aloysius 'Bill' McBirnie enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 19 April 1943. He was a Baker 3rd Class. He ended military service on 10 October 1945.

William Aloysius 'Bill' McBirnie died on 23 April 1979 at El Paso, El Paso Co., TX, at age 70. He was buried on 25 April 1979 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso Co., TX.⁶

Uncle Bill, like Dad was born at home in the little coal mining town of Maitland, Huerfano Co., CO northwest of Walsenburg, CO. The location is based on the 1920 petition for naturalization of his father, Alexander McBirnie. Maitland was a Post Office in Huerfano Co., CO from 1898-1935. Uncle Bill was the first McBirnie child born in the United States. Following the Scottish naming conventions, he was named William, after his father's father.

For some reason, he was not noted in the 1910 U.S. Census of Maitland, CO. He was noted in the 1920 U.S. Census Las Animas Co., Colorado, T 31 R 65 Precinct 24 (Berwind Coal Camp crossed out from incorporated place) Supervisor's Dist. No. 3 Enumeration Dist. No. 126 sheet 12 A (177 stamped) (image 12 of 14 in Berwind):

     MacBirnie, William son male white age 11 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation

Uncle Bill was noted with his parents and siblings when his father, mother and Aunt Mary became naturalized citizens on 17 Mar 1921.

Uncle Bill would have been 15 years old when his father was killed in a mining accident. He had completed Eighth Grade according to the 1940 census, but he apparently did not complete high school. He began work to help support the family. He and Dad were very close and Dad appeared to try and follow Uncle Bill's lead.

Uncle Bill was noted living with his widowed mother in the 1930 U.S. Census of Colorado Las Animas County Precinct 48 Trinidad city Third pt, Enumeration District No. 36-50, Supervisor's District No. 10th, Sheet No. 4B (Roll: T626 245, Image: 0817) at 621 Park Street:

     McBirnie, Willie,
          son,
          male,
          white,
          age 21,
          single,
          has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
          able to read and write,
          born in Colorado,
          father born in Scotland,
          mother born in Scotland,
          able to speak English,
          occupation: oiler for a railroad,
          class of worker=w [?],
          actually at work,
          not a veteran.

It isn't clear which railroad he was working for. Possibly it was for the Colorado and Southern Railway (C & S Ry) which was a narrow gage 3 ft (914 mm) railway that his younger brother, Tom, was working for. Or he might have been working for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (AT&SF) which he was noted working for in the 1931, the Trinidad Colorado City Directory:

     McBernie [sic] Wm lab[orer] AT&SFRy r[enting] 621 Park

At some point, both Dad and Uncle Bill got jobs with the Trinidad Creamery selling butter from trucks for a commission.

In 1935, the Trinidad Colorado City Directory noted:

     McBirnie Thos J emp Trinidad Creamery Co r[enting] 621 Park
     McBirnie Wm emp Trinidad Creamery Co r[enting] 621 Park

The McBirnie family except for Dad and Aunt Mary moved from Trinidad, CO to El Paso, TX sometime around 1938. This might have been an effort to get Mrs. McBirnie closer to doctors. Uncle Bill was noted in the 1940 United States Federal Census 910 N Mesa El Paso, El Paso Co., TX:

     Bill McBirnie son 29 M[ale] W[hite] S[ingle]
     not attending school
     completed 8th grade
     born CO
     1935 residence: Trinidad, Colorado
     was at work last week
     worked 48 hours last week
     Truck Driver for a Wholesale Creamery [Trinidad Creamery]
     private worker
     worked 52 weeks in 1939
     income $2,080

Uncle Bill was noted in the 1942 El Paso Texas City Directory:

     McBirnie Wm A slsmn [salesman] Kraft Cheese Co h[ome] 3711 Bliss

Uncle Bill married Fawn Sanders and they were noted in the 1943 El Paso Texas City Directory:

     McBirnie Wm (Fawn) slsmn [salesman] Trinidad Creamery Co h[ome] 16, 329 W Missouri

Uncle Bill joined the U.S. Navy and was sent to the Pacific during World War II. He hurt his back there and it bothered him continuously when he got out. He finally had his back fused and he always moved very stiffly. He said that if he had to do it over again he wouldn't have had his back fused. He had a Rank of BKR1C which is Baker, First Class.

After the War, Uncle Bill and his growing family lived first in El Paso, TX and then in Colorado.

He and Fawn were noted in the 1948 Phoenix City Directory:

     McBirnie Wm A (Fawn) slsmn [salesman] h[ome] 712 Oak St

Uncle Bill moved his family back to El Paso, TX where he died 23 Apr 1979. He is buried with his wife at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, TX.

     Agnes Catherine McBirnie was born on 30 July 1916 at Oakview, Huerfano Co., CO. The location is based on the 1920 petition for naturalization of Alexander McBirnie. Oakview was located west of Walsenburg. It was a Post Office in Huerfano Co., CO from 1907-1930.¹ She appeared on the census of 1 January 1920 in the household of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at Berwind Coal Camp, Las Animas Co., CO; This was the census record shortly before the family became U.S. citizens. Note the name is MacBirnie. Tom McBirnie, Sr., recalled that his father taught him to spell the family name with an underscore under the c which means it was an abbreviated way to write MacBirnie.

1920 U.S. Census Las Animas Co., Colorado, T 31 R 65 Precinct 24 (Berwind Coal Camp crossed out from incorporated place) Supervisor's Dist. No. 3 Enumeration Dist. No. 126 sheet 12 A (177 stamped) (image 12 of 14 in Berwind)

     house number 261
     dwelling visited 223
     family visited 244
          MacBirnie, Alexander head renting male white age 48 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue English parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English fireboss in a coal mine wage worker;
          MacBirnie, Mary wife female white age 34 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Mary daughter female white age 13 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, William son male white age 11 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Thomas son male white age 8 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Alexander son male white age 6 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Agnes daughter female white age 3 years ? months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Catherine daughter female white age 1 year 7 months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          Haughney, Mary mother-in-law female white age 58 widowed immigrated 1907 ? able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch mother born in Ireland mother tongue Irish able to speak English no occupation;
          Haughney, Thomas brother-in-law male white age 33 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English miner in a coal mine wage worker;
          boarders:
               David Roberts
               David Stewart
               James Kelley
               Aim? Richards.²

At the naturalization of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney on 17 March 1921 at Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO, Agnes Catherine McBirnie was listed as a child; A Certificate of Naturalization was issued which also listed the children as citizens (#1510586, Vol. 3, Number 576, Court of Las Animas County, Trinidad, CO). Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie was described as 40 years old, 5 ft. 8 inches tall, white with medium complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. In fact, he would have been 44 years old. The family was residing in Berwind, Colorado.³

Agnes Catherine McBirnie appeared on the census of 1 April 1930 in the household of Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at Precinct 48, Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO.⁴ Agnes Catherine McBirnie appeared on the census of 8 April 1940 in the household of Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at 910 N Mesa Avenue, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX.⁵

Agnes Catherine McBirnie married James T. Baker Jr after 5 October 1942. Her married name was Baker.

Agnes Catherine McBirnie died on 13 May 1983 at El Paso, El Paso Co., TX, at age 66.^1,6 She was buried on 17 May 1983 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso Co., TX.^7,8

Agnes was born at Oakview, Huerfano Co., CO.

The only place I could find in the USGS Geographic Names database was an "Oak View" cemetery. I found this on a kmitch.com website by the Oakview "Town Coordinator" Shalane Sheley-Cruz:

     Oakview History
     NOTE: All historical facts in this section are from Nancy C. Christofferson's book, Coal Was King: Huerfano County's Mining History.

     Oakview as a community, followed the establishment of the Oakdale coal mine in 1906 and a post office in 1907. By 1908, ten homes had been built to house the fifty men who worked in the mine. 1908 was bustling as by the year's end Oakview had forty-one houses for the workers with "two to eight rooms" each, a home for the store manager, a five-room house for the superintendent, three boardinghouses (with a total of thirty-three rooms) and additional dwellings to "house the floating population." And don't forget the saloon. A new company store was opened by the end of the year.

     The mine was productive and by 1909, the Oakdale Coal Company employed 140 men full time in one capacity or another "and all the dwellings and boardinghouses were fully occuped." Oakdale No. 2 mine was opened, requiring even more workers. Evidently the local population couldn't fulfill the demands of the mine as the company brought in nine Japanese workers late in 1909, housing them in a separate boardinghouse.

     The Oakview coal camp community and Oakdale Coal company continued to grow together and in 1910, the homes were provided with running water (housewives no longer having to haul water from the spring), the stable expanded to twenty-eight mules and some draft horses (needed for the record producing mines), and a new school built. But 1910 also brought about some other changes when the mine was sold to "some New York stockholders for over $300,000." It was a good bargain for the investors as the following year, the mine shipped thirty-four carloads of coal in one day, when it had been averaging thirty-five cars per week.

     According to Christofferson,

          The nature of the camp was now more international. In the beginning, miners were more or less "local" men. Anglos lived on one side of the camp, Spanish Americans on the other. The Japanese moved to the north end after their arrival. After 1910, more Italians and Eastern Europeans were hired.... There was also a sizeable Welsh community in camp.

     Night classes were held for the foreign residents to learn English, and another boardinghouse was built, bringing the total to four.
The growth of the community was evident in January 1913 when a second school teacher had to be hired for over seventy students. But the school was closed that March when three students died of scarlet fever. Modernization arrived with a moving picture show and a phone line. But 1913 also brought other changes - strikes as "Oakview was a hotbed of trouble. It was at this time [September] the four stone turrets were built to protect the camp from intruders and strikers."

     In her book, Christofferson gives a great story about the strike that year, including the murder of four guards who were escorting a "scab" (who had went into Walsenburg to see a dentist because of a toothache) back into Oakview. The state militia was called in, and by the next May (1914), and the U.S. Cavalry was also called in (because of the Ludlow massacre and other strike-related battles). The strike persisted until December when it was called off.

     Things were back to normal in 1915 for the mine and the community. Electricity came in November when the Oakdale Coal Company built an electric plant, and a club house in 1916.

     In 1919 brought a major tragedy when a gas explosion killed 18 men out of the 150 men who were working in the mine at the time. It was said that many Japanese were also killed but their names were not released because of discrimination. Deaths in the coal mines were not uncommon.

     Christofferson also tells of an interesting story about U.S. mail hold-up in 1922. By 1924 - eighteen years after it first opened - the mine closed. It was re-opened part-time in 1926, the same year that another coal company working just north of Oakview filed a million dollar suit against "Oakdale Coal company for mining the coal under the Ojo mine." No mention was made of the outcome of the suit, but the "mine did indeed undermine Ojo, and Ojo's waters filled the Oakdale's tunnels," after Oakdale closed.

     The coal was gone by 1927, but a new vein was found in 1928 and the mine re-opened, but it was never the same. The company store and post office closed in 1930. By 1931 there was no mining to speak of, except for "a few miners taking out coal for local use." The mine closed permanently in 1932, the machinery sold and houses moved, mostly to La Veta. The once vibrant community of at least 800 at its peak, was "slowly dismantled by vandals who carted off doors, windows and later, everything not removed." ...

"By 1933 most of the houses were gone... [and] the town reverted to a cattle pasture," which is what it remains to this day.

There were a few attempts at mining in the area up to 1939, but they, too failed. The Oakdale mine had coughed up 3.3 million tons of coal during its day and made a few men rich. But the majority of the people were the ordinary backbone of America.

Since there was running water in the houses in Oakview by 1910, this probably wasn't where the McBirnie's were living in 1914 at the time of the Ludlow Massacre.

Agnes was noted with her parents and siblings in the 1920 U.S. Census Las Animas Co., Colorado, T 31 R 65 Precinct 24 (Berwind Coal Camp crossed out from incorporated place) Supervisor's Dist. No. 3 Enumeration Dist. No. 126 sheet 12 A (177 stamped) (image 12 of 14 in Berwind):

     MacBirnie, Agnes daughter female white age 3 years ? months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation

In 1923, the family was in Trinidad, CO where they remained until at least 1935.

In 1935, Agnes was the Trinidad Roundup Queen.

Aunt Agnes and Aunt Kate moved with their widowed mother to El Paso, TX and they are noted there in the 1940 U.S. census with Uncle Bill and Uncle Alec at 910 N. Mesa.

In 1942, Agnes married James T. Baker, Jr.

She died in El Paso, TX in 1983 and is buried with her husband at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso.

     The following obituary is from the El Paso Times, Monday, May 16, 1983:

     AGNES CATHERINE BAKER, 66, 509 Barcelona passed away Friday. She had been a resident of El Paso 50 yrs and was a member of the Catholic Church. Survivors: Husband, James T. Baker El Paso, Sisters: Mary Turner, Phoenix, Ariz. Katherine Bassett, PA and several neices and nephews. Arrangements pending with Harding Orr & McDaniel Pershing Dr. 3707 Pershing Drive 566-2911.

     Catherine Elizabeth 'Kate' McBirnie was born on 13 May 1918 at Oakview, Huerfano Co., CO; the location is based on the 1920 petition for naturalization of Alexander McBirnie although Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO was listed in the obituary. Oakview was located west of Walsenburg. It was a Post Office in Huerfano Co., CO from 1907-1930. She appeared on the census of 1 January 1920 in the household of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at Berwind Coal Camp, Las Animas Co., CO; This was the census record shortly before the family became U.S. citizens. Note the name is MacBirnie. Tom McBirnie, Sr., recalled that his father taught him to spell the family name with an underscore under the c which means it was an abbreviated way to write MacBirnie.

1920 U.S. Census Las Animas Co., Colorado, T 31 R 65 Precinct 24 (Berwind Coal Camp crossed out from incorporated place) Supervisor's Dist. No. 3 Enumeration Dist. No. 126 sheet 12 A (177 stamped) (image 12 of 14 in Berwind)

     house number 261
     dwelling visited 223
     family visited 244
          MacBirnie, Alexander head renting male white age 48 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue English parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English fireboss in a coal mine wage worker;
          MacBirnie, Mary wife female white age 34 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Mary daughter female white age 13 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, William son male white age 11 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Thomas son male white age 8 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Alexander son male white age 6 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Agnes daughter female white age 3 years ? months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Catherine daughter female white age 1 year 7 months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          Haughney, Mary mother-in-law female white age 58 widowed immigrated 1907 ? able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch mother born in Ireland mother tongue Irish able to speak English no occupation;
          Haughney, Thomas brother-in-law male white age 33 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English miner in a coal mine wage worker;
          boarders:
               David Roberts
               David Stewart
               James Kelley
               Aim? Richards.¹

At the naturalization of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney on 17 March 1921 at Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO, Catherine Elizabeth 'Kate' McBirnie was listed as a child; A Certificate of Naturalization was issued which also listed the children as citizens (#1510586, Vol. 3, Number 576, Court of Las Animas County, Trinidad, CO). Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie was described as 40 years old, 5 ft. 8 inches tall, white with medium complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. In fact, he would have been 44 years old. The family was residing in Berwind, Colorado.²

Catherine Elizabeth 'Kate' McBirnie appeared on the census of 1 April 1930 in the household of Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at Precinct 48, Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO.³

Catherine Elizabeth 'Kate' McBirnie was employed as a telephone operator by Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX. She appeared on the census of 8 April 1940 in the household of Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at 910 N Mesa Avenue, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX.⁴

Catherine Elizabeth 'Kate' McBirnie married Commander Charles Albert Bassett on 23 February 1943 at Albuquerque, Bernalillo Co., NM. Her married name was Bassett.

Catherine Elizabeth 'Kate' McBirnie died on 9 December 2000 at Durham, Durham Co., NC, at age 82.⁵ She was buried at Saint Matthews Catholic Church Cemetery, Durham Co., NC.⁶

Kate was born in Oakview, Huerfano, CO. This appears to be a town to the west of Walsenburg, CO. Catherine McBirnie was noted with her parents and siblings in the 1920 U.S. Census shortly before the family became U.S. citizens. Note the name is MacBirnie. Alexander McBirnie wrote his name with an underscore c which is an abbreviated form or MacBirnie:

1920 U.S. Census Las Animas Co., Colorado, T 31 R 65 Precinct 24 (Berwind Coal Camp crossed out from incorporated place) Supervisor's Dist. No. 3 Enumeration Dist. No. 126 sheet 12 A (177 stamped) (image 12 of 14 in Berwind)

     house number 261
     dwelling visited 223
     family visited 244
          MacBirnie, Catherine daughter female white age 1 year 7 months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;

Catherine was noted with her widowed mother and siblings in the 1930 U.S. Census of Colorado Las Animas County Precinct 48 Trinidad city Third pt, Enumeration District No. 36-50, Supervisor's District No. 10th, Sheet No. 4B (Roll: T626 245, Image: 0817):

     Park St. House No. 621 Visitation No. 74, Family No. 122,
          McBirnie, Catherine,
               daughter,
               female,
               white,
               age 11,
               single,
               has attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929,
               able to read and write,
               born in Colorado,
               father born in Scotland,
               mother born in Scotland,
               able to speak English,
               no occupation.

When several of the McBirnie children moved from Trinidad, CO to El Paso, TX sometime around 1938, possibly in an effort to get Mrs. McBirnie closer to doctors, Kate moved with them. She was noted in the 1940 United States Federal Census:

          Cathrine [sic] McBirnie daughter 21 F W S not attending school completed High School-4 years born CO 1935 residence: Trinidad, Colorado was at work last week worked 48 hours last week Telephone Operator for Telephone Co. [Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph] private worker worked 50 weeks in 1939 1939 income $600

According to Tom McBirnie, Jr.'s NOTES ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2004, TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH CHARLIE BASSETT

     "He said that he and Kate were married in a church in Albuquerque, NM on February 23, 1943."

Bernalillo County, NM recorder's office:

     Charles Albert Bassett and Catherine E. Mcbirnie license 19868 was issued 2/20/1943 and it was recorded 4/28/1943 Book 35

The following is the death record:

North Carolina, Death Indexes, 1908-2004:

     Name: Catherine E Bassett
     [Catherine E McBimie]
     Gender: Female
     Race: White
     Hispanic Origin: Non-Hispanic
     Marital Status: Married
     Social Security Number: 522108293
     Father's Last Name: McBimie
     Age: 82 Years
     Date of Birth: 13 May 1918
     Residence City: Chapel Hill
     Residence County: Durham
     Residence State: North Carolina
     Residence Zip Code: 27514
     Education: 12th grade
     Date of Death: 9 Dec 2000
     Death City: Other
     Death County: Durham
     Death State: North Carolina
     Autopsy: Autopsy Not Performed
     Autopsy Findings: Autopsy findings were not considered in determining cause of death
     Institution: Nursing Home
     Attendant: Physician
     Burial Location: Cremation in-state
     Recorded Date: 14 Dec 2000
     Source Vendor: North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics

This obituary is from
Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC)
December 13, 2000:

     BASSETT

     Catherine Bassett died Saturday, December 9, 2000. She was 82. Born in Trinidad, Colorado, she married Charles A. Bassett in 1943. They moved to Durham in 1997. She was a homemaker.

     Survivors include her husband, Charles A. Bassett, son, Charles R. Bassett and five grandchildren, Crista Lantz, Sarah Phillips, Laura Bassett, Andrew Bassett, and Carey Bassett.

     A mass of the Resurrection will be offered at Holy Infant Catholic Church on Thursday December 14, 2000 at 9 a.m. A reception will follow at Alterra/Assisted Care Facility in Chapel Hill.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Triangle Hospice, 1804 Martin Luther King Parkway, Durham, North Carolina 27707.

     Alexander Patrick 'Alec' McBirnie was born on 12 June 1913 at Maitland, Huerfano Co., CO.¹ He appeared on the census of 1 January 1920 in the household of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at Berwind Coal Camp, Las Animas Co., CO; This was the census record shortly before the family became U.S. citizens. Note the name is MacBirnie. Tom McBirnie, Sr., recalled that his father taught him to spell the family name with an underscore under the c which means it was an abbreviated way to write MacBirnie.

1920 U.S. Census Las Animas Co., Colorado, T 31 R 65 Precinct 24 (Berwind Coal Camp crossed out from incorporated place) Supervisor's Dist. No. 3 Enumeration Dist. No. 126 sheet 12 A (177 stamped) (image 12 of 14 in Berwind)

     house number 261
     dwelling visited 223
     family visited 244
          MacBirnie, Alexander head renting male white age 48 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue English parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English fireboss in a coal mine wage worker;
          MacBirnie, Mary wife female white age 34 married immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Mary daughter female white age 13 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, William son male white age 11 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 able to read and write born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Thomas son male white age 8 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Alexander son male white age 6 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Agnes daughter female white age 3 years ? months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          MacBirnie, Catherine daughter female white age 1 year 7 months single born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation;
          Haughney, Mary mother-in-law female white age 58 widowed immigrated 1907 ? able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch mother born in Ireland mother tongue Irish able to speak English no occupation;
          Haughney, Thomas brother-in-law male white age 33 single immigrated 1907 Pennsylvania able to read and write born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch father born in Ireland mother tongue Irish mother born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch able to speak English miner in a coal mine wage worker;
          boarders:
               David Roberts
               David Stewart
               James Kelley
               Aim? Richards.²

At the naturalization of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney on 17 March 1921 at Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO, Alexander Patrick 'Alec' McBirnie was listed as a child; A Certificate of Naturalization was issued which also listed the children as citizens (#1510586, Vol. 3, Number 576, Court of Las Animas County, Trinidad, CO). Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie was described as 40 years old, 5 ft. 8 inches tall, white with medium complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. In fact, he would have been 44 years old. The family was residing in Berwind, Colorado.³

Alexander Patrick 'Alec' McBirnie appeared on the census of 1 April 1930 in the household of Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at Precinct 48, Trinidad, Las Animas Co., CO.⁴ Alexander Patrick 'Alec' McBirnie appeared on the census of 8 April 1940 in the household of Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney at 910 N Mesa Avenue, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX.⁵

Alexander Patrick 'Alec' McBirnie began military service on 7 October 1942 at U.S. Army, Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ. He ended military service on 23 November 1945.

According to the 1947 Phoenix City Directory, Alexander Patrick 'Alec' McBirnie lived between 1946 and 1947 at 1740 E. Roosevelt, Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ. In 1947, Alexander Patrick 'Alec' McBirnie was a driver for G F D lines.

Alexander Patrick 'Alec' McBirnie lived at 380 N. 6th Ave., Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ.

Alexander Patrick 'Alec' McBirnie died on 12 July 1963 at Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ, at age 50.⁶ He was buried on 16 July 1963 at 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ.

Alexander Patrick McBirnie was born in Maitland, CO, a little mining town northwest of Walsenburg, CO. As the third son, according to Scottish naming conventions, he was named after his father.

Uncle Alec was noted with his parents and siblings in the 1920 U.S. Census Las Animas Co., Colorado, T 31 R 65 Precinct 24 (Berwind Coal Camp crossed out from incorporated place) Supervisor's Dist. No. 3 Enumeration Dist. No. 126 sheet 12 A (177 stamped) (image 12 of 14 in Berwind):

     MacBirnie, Alexander son male white age 6 single attended school since Sept. 1, 1919 born in Colorado parents born in Scotland mother tongue Scotch no occupation

Uncle Alec witnessed his parents and older sister, Mary, becoming naturalized citizens on 17 Mar 1921.

He would have been 11 years old when his father died on 5 Aug 1924. This would have put him in the seventh or eighth grade.

According to Uncle Alec's U.S. Army separation papers, the highest grade he completed was the 10th at Trinidad High School in Trinidad, CO.

He was noted with his widowed mother and siblings in the 1930 U.S. Census of Colorado Las Animas County Precinct 48 Trinidad city Third pt, Enumeration District No. 36-50, Supervisor's District No. 10th, Sheet No. 4B (Roll: T626 245, Image: 0817) at 621 Park Street:

     McBirnie, Alex, son, male, white, age 16, single, has not attended school or college since Sept. 1, 1929, able to read and write, born in Colorado, father born in Scotland, mother born in Scotland, able to speak English, occupation: clerk for a railroad, class of worker=w [?], not at work [unemployed?], not a veteran.

Alec was not noted as being employed in the 1935 Trinidad, Colorado City Directory.

Alec moved with his mother and several siblings from Trinidad, CO to El Paso, TX sometime around 1938. This might have been an effort to get Mrs. McBirnie closer to doctors. This is where Uncle Alec was noted in the 1940 United States Federal Census living at 910 N Mesa, El Paso, El Paso Co., TX. It is interesting to note that, according to the census, he had completed four years of high school:

     Alec McBirnie, son, age 26, M[ale], W[hite], S[ingle], not attending school, completed High School-4 years, born CO, 1935 residence: Trinidad, Colorado, was at work last week, worked 44 hours last week, helper Trucking freight, private worker, worked 26 weeks in 1939, 1939 income $598

When World War II broke out, Uncle Alec went into the Army. He was 29 years old. According to the National Archives and Records Administration. U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, at some poing, Alec moved to Phoenix:

     Name: Alex P McBirnie
     Birth Year: 1913
     Race: White, citizen
     Nativity State or Country: Colorado
     State: Arizona
     County or City: Maricopa
     Enlistment Date: 7 Oct 1942
     Enlistment State: Arizona
     Enlistment City: Phoenix
     Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
     Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
     Grade: Private
     Grade Code: Private
     Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
     Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
     Source: Civil Life
     Education: 2 years of high school
     Marital Status: Single, without dependents
     Height: 67
     Weight: 144.

Periodically, generations of Americans left behind what they as individuals wanted or planned to do in order to pull together to meet a larger challenge. That was the situation that faced Uncle Alex. He was 28 years old when Pearl Harbor was bombed and the United States entered World War II.

     The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his.
          General George S. Patton, Jr.
          "Old Blood and Guts"

Alex was inducted into the U.S. Army on 7 October 1942 and he spent three months in basic training. He then served as a cannoneer in Co. A, 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion and he had additional training at Camp Rucker, AL with infantry divisions that were being sent overseas. The 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion was eventually sent overseas to the European Theater of Operations.

For most of the War, the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion, was attached to the 35th Infantry Division under the command of Maj. Gen. Paul W. Baade. The 35th was mostly made up of National Guard units from Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. Since the Division had trained for World War I near the old Santa Fe Trail, it was known as the "Santa Fe" and its insignia of a white cross within a white wagon wheel on a blue field represented the Santa Fe Cross.

After the Battle of the Bulge, General Eisenhower intended to secure the west of the Rhine River before turning on Berlin. 23 February 1945 through 6 March 1945, the U.S. Ninth Army, in Operation Grenade, attacked across Roer River. The 35th "Santa Fe" Division helped drive the Germans from positions along the Roer River and, after pursuing them for 50 miles, forced the Germans to withdraw across the Rhine River.

24 March 1945, the U.S. Ninth Army attacked across Rhine in the Dinslaken area. 25 March 1945, the "Santa Fe" Division, as part of Task Force Miltonberger, crossed the Rhine River. 1 April 1945, the U.S. Ninth and First Armies met at Lippstadt, isolating the Ruhr area. 2 April 1945, the Central Europe Campaign began. 12 April 1945, the "Santa Fe" Division had captured 3,770 prisoners since it had crossed the Rhine and the U.S. Ninth Army established a bridgehead on east bank of Elbe River. 13 April 1945, the "Santa Fe" Division had traveled 295 miles from Herne, in the Ruhr area to the Elbe and the U.S. Ninth Army seized a second Elbe bridgehead.

9 May 1945, European hostilities officially ended at 12:01 a.m.

14 August 1945, Japan surrendered.

Alex returned to the United States 1 November 1945. According to his discharge papers, Alex took part in five campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes (the Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central Europe. Alex was wounded 4 January 1945 in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge and received a Purple Heart.

The following information is from the Army of the United States Separation Qualification Record for Alexander P. McBirnie which was issued to him when he left the Army at Fort Bliss, TX on November 23, 1945. It indicates that Uncle Alex enlisted in the Army on October 22, 1942 and spent three months as a Private in Basic Training. He then spent two years: as a Cannoneer with the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion in the European Theater of Operations. Loaded, aimed and fired 3 in. Anti-tank guns to destroy or damage enemy tanks. Kept weapons cleaned and oiled to prevent rust and corosion. Also operated 90 MM anti-aircraft artillery pieces.

He spent six months as a Corporal as a "Gunner, Anti-aircraft Artillery" and 3 months as a Corporal as an "Armorer."

After the war, Alec stayed with his brother, Tom and slept on the couch and, whenever he heard a loud noise or when he heard a plane, he would roll to the floor.

This is from the 1947 Phoenix City Directory:

     McBirnie Alex drvr [driver] G F D Lines h[ome] 1740 E. Roosevelt

Alec died 12 Jul 1963 in Phoenix and the clan gathered to bury him. The following is an obituary notice which appeared in the Phoenix, AZ paper:

Alexander McBirnie

     Alexander Patrick McBirnie, 50, a truck driver, died Friday in a Phoenix hospital. Mr. McBirnie, a native of Colorado, lived at 380 N. Sixth Ave. He came here in 1942 from El Paso, Tex. He was a World War II veteran. Survivors include two brothers, Thomas and William, and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Turner, Mrs. Agnes Baker and Mrs. Catherine Bassett. Rosary will be recited at 6:45 p.m. today in the Whitney and Murphy Chapel, 330 N. Second Ave. Requiem High Mass will be sung at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow in St. Agnes Church, 1954 N. 24th St. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery.

     Charlie Bryan Turner was born on 1 April 1900 at Rocky Fork township near Hallsville, Boone Co., MO.^1,2,3

On 12 September 1918 at Columbia, Boone Co., MO, Charlie Bryan Turner registered for the WWI draft:

(image 212 of 261)
Serial Number: 1085
Order Number: A-2802
Name: Charlie Bryan Turner
Address: 708 Fay
City: Columbia
County: Boone
State: Missouri
Age: 18
Birth Date: April 1, 1900
Race: White
U. S. Citizen: Native Born
Occupation: Student
Employer's Name: Columbia High School
Place of Employment or Business: Columbia BOone, Co., Missouri
Nearest Relative Name: Margaret Silver
Nearest Relative Address: 708 Fay Columbia Boone Co., Missouri
Stamped Number at top: 24-5-4 C
Height: Medium
Build: Slender
Color of Eyes: Green
Color of Hair: Brown
Is person obviously physically disqualified: No
Date of Registration: Sept. 12 1918
Roll: 1683152
DraftBoard: 0.

Charlie Bryan Turner was a pharmacist. He married Mary Magdalene McBirnie, daughter of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney, on 27 November 1942 at Cheyenne, Laramie Co., WY.⁴

Charlie Bryan Turner lived between 1957 and 1965 at Tulsa, Tulsa Co., OK.

Charlie Bryan Turner died on 15 June 1965 at Tulsa, Tulsa Co., OK, at age 65; the following obituary is from an unknown Tulsa newspaper:

TURNER -- Charles B., 65, 2519 N. Boston Pl. Born in Hallsville, Mo., Tulsan since '57. Pharmacist for Crown Drug Stores. Survived by wife, Mary of the home; daughter, Mrs. Harold Brashear, Laurel, Miss; sister, Miss Kathleen Turner, Columbia, Mo. Services were held 2:30 p.m. Thurdsay, Fitzgerald's Ivy Chapel. Interment Phoenix, Mo. [sic] Services by Fitzgerald.

Charlie Bryan Turner was buried on 19 June 1965 at 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ.

     Fawn Ellen Sanders was born on 22 November 1912 at AZ; the births of Fawn and her twin sister, Fern, do not appear in the database of Arizona births and deaths. Holy Trinity, Trinidad, CO records show a POB of Concha, AZ, not found in the Geographic Names database. Her Social Security application listed her place of birth as Concha Conin, also not found.^1,2 She married William Aloysius 'Bill' McBirnie, son of Alexander 'Alex' McBirnie and Mary Veronica Richmond Tennant/Haughney. Her married name was McBirnie. Fawn Ellen Sanders died on 24 July 2004 at El Paso, El Paso Co., TX, at age 91; Tom McBirnie's e-mail message from 19 Oct 2004 included an obituary for Fawn McBirnie from the 27 Jul 2004, El Paso Times:

McBIRNIE, FAWN E., 91, Funeral Mass: 9 a.m. Today at St. Patrick Cathedral. Burial: Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Survived by son David W. McBirnie, daughters Lynne Connolly, Mari McBirnie Munro, & Sara Fernandez, brothers Eric George, & Elmo Sanders. Arrangements by Kaster-Maxon & Futrell Funeral Home.¹

Fawn Ellen Sanders was buried on 27 July 2004 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso Co., TX.³