Samuel Barclay was born in Scotland, most likely on November 5, 1758.  It is reported that he was born in a town called Naillien, Scotland, as stated on a DAR paper. It is uncertain where this town might be.  It is uncertain when Samuel came to the colonies or to which port, though it is likely he came directly to Phildaelphia.  He clearly arrives prior to January 1776.  It is not likely that he came alone to the Pennsylvania, in that he would be younger than 18.

Samuel Barclay enlisted as an infantry man on January 30, 1776 at the age of 17.  I am thinking that he might be the son of George Barclay, a grocer who lives nearby him in Philadelphia.  He doesn’t name any children after George, though.   He was a private in the City Militia, Battalion B.  at Mt. Independence on November 26, 1776, in Company No. I  (Samuel Hay, Captain) of Col. William Irwin’s Pennsylvania Regiment. Mt. Independence was a battlefield in the Battle at Fort Ticonderoga.  He is excused on appeal from service after this, likely to get married.

At the age of 18, he marries Grace Knowles at the Old Swedes Church.  The marriage is recorded to have taken place on February 27, 1777.  He is a resident of the South Ward of Philadelphia in 1779.  Samuel does not appear on the 1790 Census.  He does appear on 1791 Directory. After 1798, Samuel lives at 323 South Second Street until he dies in 1823.  This house, like many other in the area, is gone.  This house and some buildings on Cox’s Alley are all gone.

Samuel and Grace have nine children.  Four of them die young.

Samuel Barclay, Jr., also known as Captain Samuel Barclay was a sea captain, busily sailing from Philadelphia to the Caribbean, Nova Scotia and to India.  Samuel was born in 1781 in Philadelphia.  This Samuel marries on May 16, 1801, Elizabeth Dyer in Boston, Massachusetts.  John Snelling Popkin, minister of the Long Lane Presbyterian Church, later Federal Street Church, and by then, a Congregationalist church.  Elizabeth is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Dyer of Boston.  Not certain how Samuel met Elizabeth, other than that he stayed there during one of his voyages.

John Barclay, second child of Samuel and Grace, was born in 1782 in Philadelphia.  Little is known about him other than that he was one of the victims of the recurrent Yellow Fever epidemics that befell the residents of Philadelphia in the 1790s.  He died in 1798.

Nancy (Ann) Barclay was born in Philadelphia in 1784.  She was baptized by the famous minister of the 3^rd Presbyterian Church, George Duffield.  Duffield was the fiery and eloquent minister of this church from 1772 until his death in 1790.  He served as the third chaplain of the Continental Congress.  John Admas attended this church while in Philadelphia.  Duffield was a patriot and an “New Light” Presbyterian.  Ann was married at the Pine Street Presbyterian Church to Joseph Barker on May 29, 1802 by the famous New Light Presbyterian minister, Philip Milledoler.  She dies in Philadelphia in 1822.  It appears that Joseph pre-deceases her.

Rebecca Barclay was born February 23, 1787 in Philadelphia, also baptized at the 3^rd Presbyterian Church by George Duffield.  She marries Robert Morris on December 15, 1803.  She is also married by Philip Milledoler.

Mary Barclay was born on February 3, 1789 in Philadelphia, also baptized at 3^rd Presbyterian by George Duffield.  Mary married a man with the surname of Rolph.  Little is known about her.

Joseph Barclay was born in 1792 in Philadelphia.  He is a seaman.

Sarah Barclay is born in Philadelphia on July 7, 1796 in Philadelphia.  She married Gara J. Bishop, the famous minister and physician who moved from Philadelphia out west to Brookville, Pennsylvania where the couple lived and ministered to the citizens of Brookville until they both died, Sarah in 1852 and Gara in 1856.

Two of Samuel’s daughters were married at Old Pine Street Church by the famous minister, Phillip Milledoler.  During the time that Milledoler was the minister at the church, there was a continual state of revival.  Seems like Samuel and family were active in this church.  Need records of this church.

The last of Samuel and Grace’s children, John Ross Barclay was born in Philadelphia on October 18, 1798.  John lived in Philadelphia until moving to Trenton around the year 1841.  He lives in Trenton until he returns to Philadelphia in the 1870s, after several personal losses.  John married Jane Miles sometime before 1820.

Samuel is a Master Hatter, living in a fairly upscale business area of Philadelphia.  Southwark was an unincorporated part of Philadelphia and an area directly tied to light manufacturing, trades and business.  His sons, Samuel and Joseph are busy seafaring people reaching out to the world and bringing it to the citizens of Philadelphia.  It is likely that Samuel’s success might be tied to the travels of his sons.  It is important to remember that during the early 1800s, the fledgling United States of America was once again fighting to maintain its independence from Great Britain.  Ships leaving the USA were under constant attack from England.  Samuel and his sons are mentioned on Seaman’s Certificates, a way to protect the seamen from attacks by the British and Barbary pirates.

Samuel is well known and trusted in the community.  The are no fewer than 10 wills written in Philadelphia (Southwark) on which Samuel is the witness of the will.

Samuel’s wife, Grace, dies in Philadelphia on May 30, 1816, at the age of 58.  Her gravestone, located in the 3^rd (Pine Street) Presbyterian churchyard, close to the church describes the love Samuel and his children had for Grace.  The inscription reads,

“A tender mother and a friend,

She did remain until her end.

She died and left the world in pain

And only died to live again.

My flesh shall slumber in the ground,

Till the trumpet’s joyfull sound

Then burst the chains with sweet surprise

And in my Savior’s image rise.”

As I have seen so many times in my walks through graveyards, inscriptions are more about the beliefs and feeling of the remaining than they are of the departed.  This inscription says that Samuel and Grace were close.  It says that the family was tightly connected.  It tells about the faith that the family had in the power of God in this life and in the next.

Also buried in this plot is the 17 year old son, John, who died of Yellow Fever in 1798.  So taken by the death of this dear child, Samuel and Grace named their next son, born in this same year, after him.  The little child, Grace, daughter of Samuel Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, and named after her grandmother, is also buried here.  She died at the age of 1 in 1807.  Samuel and Elizabeth’s son Daniel, aged 10, who died in 1802.

So then Samuel remains to take care of the family, likely assisted by his daughters.  He remains active in the community of Southwark, just north of Headhouse Square.  He is witness, as I mentioned earlier, to many wills written at this time.  His son, John Ross Barclay lives in several houses around him after marrying sometime before 1820.  Notably, he lived in the out buildings located behind his dwellings at 323 South Second Street, known then as Cox’s Alley, which ran from Second Street to Front, to the river.  His son was a shoemaker, a job he held all of his life, and from which he gave life and promise to my family there in Philadelphia and in Trenton.

His son and namesake, Samuel, known as Captain Samuel Barclay died of pneumonia in Philadelphia in 1821.  This must have been very difficult for this aging and sick man.  Seems like the once vibrant and busy household is slowing down.  Samuel is, at this time, sick himself.  He had written and rewritten his will a few times.  Oddly, in his will, he mentions that his wife is alive and is called Elizabeth.  I can only assume that he remarries after Grace dies in 1816.

An abstract of his will reads as follows:

“Samuel Barclay of Southwark, Co. of Philadelphia, Hatter –

To my wife, Elizabeth Barclay, my children Joseph Barclay, Sarah Bishop, Grace Jordan, and John Barclay, and to the children of my son Samuel, my deceased daughter, Nancy, and my daughter, Rebecca, to executors, in trust for daughter, Mary Rolph and her children.  Executors, son-in-law Garry Bishop and John Jordan, signed November 9, 1821 and proved September 21, 1823.  This is witnessed by Joseph Klapp, who is the doctor confirming the death of Samuel’s son in the same year.  It is also witnessed by Peter Williamson and James Thompson.  There is a codicil to this will, written on April 9, 1823 makes the changes: Appoints friend, Jesse Williamson, District of Southwark, as executor, in place of Garry Bishop.  Codicil witnessed by Richard Renshaw, Peter Williamson, and John Oakford.”

Samuel’s obituary, written in Poulson’s Advertiser, offers a glimpse into the type of man and the reputation he enjoyed.  Here is the text of the obituary, appearing in the newspaper on August 29, 1823:

“ DIED, on Wednesday evening, the 27^th instant, of a long illness, SAMUEL BARCLAY, aged 64 years, 9 months, and 22 days.

His friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral from his late dwelling, in Cox’s Alley, adjoining No. 323 South Second Street, this afternoon at 3 o’clock.

Master Hatters in general are invited.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord”

Mr. Barclay’s long residence in the neighborhood where he terminated his mortality, gives full demonstration of an untarnished life, heightened with all the honours due to his years.  During his illness, which has been long and severe, his uniform submission and patience do credit to his Christian and manly fortitude, but his death adds lustre to the whole, leaving a manifest evidence of his perfect resignation to the will of his Father in Heaven.  Without a struggle or a groan, he has fallen asleep in Jesus, and we rejoice to believe that he is one of those blessed dead who die in the Lord.”

This obituary was written by the family who surrounded Samuel at his time of death. It says to me that there was a group of people in his home and that the people there witnessed the peaceful passing of their father, grandfather, father law and friend.  I would imagine that this obituary, written in such high style, was likely written by his son-in-law, likely Gara Bishop.

I would imagine many people showing up to his house off the square at Second Street.  I would imagine in excess of 25 Master Hatters, meeting at the house and standing outside talking about Samuel, remembering good and bad times.  I would imagine the friends coming and going, the children playing outside, still dressed in their funeral clothes.  After a quiet evening, following the funeral, Samuel’s body is taken from his long-time dwelling and carried down to Pine Street and over two blocks to Fourth Street.  He is laid to rest next to his wife, Grace, without remarks on the already full tombstone.  He is in plot 12-71.

Remaining behind are five of his children, Rebecca, Mary, Joseph, Sara, and John.

As to the parentage of Samuel Sr., I am proposing that George Barclay, listed as a grocer on the Philadelphia Directories.  George lived at 168 South Second Street from 1798 through to his death in 1819.  This address is adjacent to the City Tavern, the hub of colonial history at the time.  I do not believe that Samuel Sr. would have come from Scotland to Philadelphia at the age of 16, though it is a possibility.  Even if George is not his father, I would suppose that he could be his uncle.  There are other, few other, Barclays in Philadelphia at this time.  The businessman and banker, John Barclay lives just north of where Samuel lives.  He and his family are mentioned frequently in the newspapers.  Another Barclay living in the area of Southwark is Thomas Barclay.  This Thomas Barclay built and operated a brewery in this area.  He later became a Consul to the Barbaries, and, together with Robert Morris, became a part of the financial backing of the revolutionary movement.  This Thomas later buys Summerseat, located in Morrisville.  While a resident there, in 1776, Thomas hosted George Washington, who used the position on a high hill in Morrisville, across from Trenton, to make final plans for his invasion of Trenton not long after.  I have not been able to make specific connections to these Barclays, but image some interconnections.

I continue this story with my gg grandfather, John Ross Barclay, Samuel’s youngest son and child, born the very year their other son John died as a result of yellow fever.  By the time that John is born, Samuel is well-established in the community.  Life was likely busy and full in that area of Philadelphia.  John would have seen sailing ships coming and going from his house that had direct access to the Delaware River.  I imagine he was in and around the ships, going with his brother Samuel, 17 years older than him.  He would have attended school, but likely very early became an Apprentice Shoemaker.  By the time he is married, sometime before 1820, he was a practicing shoemaker.

John and his wife Jane move quite a bit during time that they are establishing a family.  This is a reflection of the likelihood that John had not established himself in his business.  He lives on such streets as Cox’ Alley, Little Water, Beck Court, Sutherland, and Federal.  He never leaves the area, but his movement to me indicates a struggling family who is renting houses and who is struggling financially.

Thomas Elliott Crawford Barclay was born on 21 Jun 19xx in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He is the son of Carl Freeman Barclay and Virginia Marie Crawford. He married Kathy Joan Matlack on 11 Apr 1981 in Ewing, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.
Kathy Joan Matlack, was born 30 Sep 19xx in Rahway, Union, New Jersey, USA. She is the daughter of Philip Randolph Matlack and Joan Martig Allcroft.

Rachael, Tom, Laura, Kathy, Daniel Barclay at Cornerstone Church 1994

Children of Thomas Elliott Crawford Barclay and Kathy Joan Matlack are:

1. Rachael Leah Johanna Barclay was born in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.

2. Laura Virginia Rebecca Barclay was born in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA

3. Daniel Thomas Aaron Barclay was born in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA

Carl Freeman Barclay was born on 04 Feb 1924 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He was the son of Carlton Freeman Barclay and Jessie Elizabeth Dennis. He died on 07 Feb 2008 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Virginia Marie Crawford on 21 Jun 1947 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.
Carl was delivered by a midwife at home. N.E.Nawatkowski)

Ginny and Carl ca. 1948

Carl enlisted in the Army on April 3, 1943 in Newark, having traveled to Newark with his cousin and some buddies. He was honorably discharged from the Army, Battery B, 870 FA BN, having served as a Turret Lathe Operator, a Machine Gunner, and Carb Exp. He reached the rank of Corporal. After the Army, Carl returned home to Trenton. He met Virginia at Shirley Updike’s house on February 19, 1946. He was engaged August, 1, 1946 (Virginia’s 18th birthday) and married at St. Mary’s Cathedral Rectory by William Campbell, Asst. Pastor. The witnesses were William Heffelfinger and Joan Crawford

Carl Freeman Barclay – Carl “Doc” Freeman Barclay, 84, decided to go home on Thursday (February 7, 2008) from St. Francis Medical Center to be with his beloved wife Virginia and son Carl “Barkie” Barclay. Born in Trenton, he was a lifelong resident. Carl was from a family of working people of the great city of Trenton, who helped to make it what it once was. After a short stay in Ohio in his later years, Carl returned to the Trenton area to where his family first came in the 1680s. He worked on the railroad for 36 years in Trenton and in Morrisville, PA inspecting the rail cars for the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Penn Central Railroad, Con Rail and New Jersey Transit. He witnessed the transformation of trains from large, impressive diesel trains to the sleek, fast moving and quiet electric trains. If he had a vote, he would have chosen the diesels. Carl remained in touch with many of his “railroad buddies” who were responsible for calling him “Doc”, and with whom he liked to reminisce about the good old days when things were done by hand, personally. Carl was also a veteran of World War II, having served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943 until the end of the war. Carl enjoyed bowling, golf and watching sports on the television. Most certainly, however, he enjoyed his family, who miss him very much, but who are content that he is once again with those who have preceded him. He was the son of the late Carlton Freeman and Jessie Elizabeth Dennis Barclay, husband of the late Virginia Marie Crawford Barclay, father of the late Carl S. (Barkie) Barclay, and grandfather of the late Karyn Barclay. He is survived by his guardian angel and daughter, Geraldine Barclay of Ewing; his daughters Alice Barclay of Hamilton and Dolores Henry of Erlanger, KY; son Thomas E.C. Barclay of Ewing; and his nine grandchildren, Barbara Ann Yaede, Kelly Ann Yaede, Megan German, Ryan Barclay, constant friend and grandson Mark Potent, Brian Barclay, Rachael Barclay, Laura Barclay and Daniel Barclay, mostly of this area. He adored babies and thoroughly enjoyed his four great-grandchildren, Brianna, Kevin, Dylan and Erin. Funeral services will be held 10 am Tuesday at the M. William Murphy Funeral Home, 1863 Hamilton Ave. in Hamilton Township. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery where he will join Virginia and Barkie.

Virginia Marie Crawford was born 01 Aug 1928 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She died 27 Nov 1977 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She was the daughter of James Walton Crawford and Alice Beck.

Gerry, Dolores, Barkie, Alice, Tom in Living Room at 1790 Prospect Street, Ewing Twp.

Children of Carl Freeman Barclay and Virginia Marie Crawford are:

1. Alice Virginia Barclay was born 21 Aug 19xx in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She married Frederick Charles Yaede on 26 Aug 1966 in Ewing, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She was in a relationship with George Yaede for many years.

2. Dolores Ann Barclay was born 02 Aug 19xx in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She married Clifford Charles Potent on 19 Jun 1971 in Hamilton, Mercer, New Jersey. She married David Brown 1975 in Ewing, Mercer, New Jersey. She was in a relationship with Ronald Rosen beginning in 1980. She married Ernest E. Lindlar in 1993 in Hamilton, Mercer, New Jersey. She then married Richard Keith Henry on 31 May 2003 in Hamilton County, Ohio.

3. Carl Stephen Barclay was born 17 Sep 1952 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA and died 07 Jan 2002 in Montgomery, Hamilton, Ohio, USA.

4. Geraldine Barclay, born 06 Feb 19xx in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.

5. Thomas Elliott Crawford Barclay was born 21 Jun 19xx in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Kathy Joan Matlack on 11 Apr 1981 in Ewing, Mercer, New Jersey, USA

Carlton Freeman Barclay was born on 04 Sep 1896 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He was the son of Samuel Miles Barclay and Cora Marion Hardy. He died on 10 Aug 1969 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Jessie Elizabeth Dennis on 17 May 1919 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. Carlton’s wife, Jessie Elizabeth Dennis was born 18 Sep 1900 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA on Kensington/Frankford Section on Orchard Street, and died 21 May 1939 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA married 17 May 1919 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. The marriage ceremony was performed at 5:45 pm by L. Carroll, I believe who was then the Mayor of Trenton. The witnesses were Margaret Beach and Enoch Dennis. She was the daughter of William Henry Dennis and Johanna M. Knapinski.

Carlton enlisted in the Army on May 1, 1917 and reached the rank of Sergeant, of CO. A, 18th Regiment and was honorably discharged April 25, 1919 Camp Greenleaf Georgia Sargent

Carlton and 2nd wife, Pauline

Children of Carlton Freeman Barclay and Jessie Elizabeth Dennis are:

1. Carlton Barclay Jr. was born 08 Jan 1920 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA, and died Jan 1920 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.

2. Marion Edna Barclaywas born 09 Aug 1920 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA, and died 09 Aug 1920 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.

3. Dorothy M. Barclay was born Abt. 1922 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA, and died Mar 1943 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.

4. Carl Freeman Barclay was born 04 Feb 1924 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA, and died 07 Feb 2008 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Virginia Marie Crawford 21 Jun 1947 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.
5. Gladys Frances Barclay, born 21 Jul 1926 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA, died 21 Jul 1926 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.

Samuel Barclay on porch, likely at house on Walnut Avenue, Trenton, circa 1910

Samuel Miles Barclay was born on 17 Jan 1855 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He was the son of John M. Barclay and Catherine A. Noble. He died on 12 Aug 1940 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Cora Marion Hardy on 18 Sep 1893 in New Brunswick, Middlesex, New Jersey, USA. Cora was Samuel’s second wife. His first wife, Catherine Ann Robbins, died shortly after the birth of a stillbirth. She was 30 years old. Samuel and Catherine (Kate) had one daughter, Emma, who survived into adulthood.

Samuel joined the Salvation Army on 3/2/1893. He was a potter all of his life. The 1880 census indicates that he cannot read or write. According to the Death Certificate, Samuel died of heart failure. He had chronic issues with Kidney Stones. (Sounds familiar?)

Cora Marion Hardy was born Sep 1876 in Perth Amboy, Middlesex, New Jersey, USA. She died 18 Mar 1954 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She was the daughter of James Hardy and Lavinia Freeman. Cora was also known as Caroline and was a member of Trinity ME Church. She was lame in one foot, according to daughter.

Children of Samuel Miles Barclay and Cora Marion Hardy are:

1. James Hardy Barclay was born 17 Sep 1894 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He died 15 Sep 1956 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Helen Cook 29 Aug 1914 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. James was Recording Secretary of English-speaking Baker’s Union.

2. Carlton Freeman Barclay was born 04 Sep 1896 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He died 10 Aug 1969 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Jessie Elizabeth Dennis 17 May 1919 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. Jessie died young and Carlton married Pauline Rogers 1944. Carlton, like his brother, was a baker all of his life.

3. Ruthalia Marion Barclay was born 03 Apr 1910 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She died 02 Mar 2004 in Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona, at the age of 94. Ruth married Leroy Bertram Updike 29 Jun 1927 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. Ruth was in a beauty contest in 1926, and won a “Best Legs” contest. In 1932, Ruth accuses Leroy of abandoning her and three children. He was arrested and bail was set at $300. They were divorced in 1946.

Children of Samuel Miles Barclay and Catherine Ann Robbins are:

1. Emma D. Barclay was born 27 May 1880 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She married Charles Smith 09 Jul 1898 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She was delivered by Catherine A. Kenney (Mother of Samuel) who was a well-known midwife in the South Trenton area.

2. Male Baby Barclay, born 10 May 1891, died before 1892

John M. Barclay was born in 1830 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He was the son of John Ross Barclay and Jane Myers (Miles). He died on 24 Sep 1869 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Catherine A. Noble on 29 Jul 1851 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.
John enlisted 5/21/1861in response to the call to arms by Abraham Lincoln. He served for three years, and was discharged June 23, 1864. His invalid pension146.933 lets me know that John had a fair complexion, light hair, hazel eyes. and that he was 5′ 8.25″

John was wounded in action at Coal Harbor, Virginia on June 1, 1864 on his left shoulder. His regimental history indicates that he fought at:

• Battle at Benson’s Tavern, Virginia on 15 October 1861
• Battle at Miner House, Arlington, Virginia on 15 October 1861
•  Battle at Gaines Farm, Virginia on 27 June 1862
•  Battle at Charles City Cross Roads, Virginia on 30 June 1862
• Battle at 2nd Bull Run, Virginia on 27 August 1862
• Battle at Crampton’s Gap, Maryland on 14 September 18
• Battle at Fredericksburg, Virginia on 03 May 1863
• Battle at Salem Heights, Virginia on 03 May 1863
• Battle at Williamsport, Maryland on 06 July 1863
• Battle at Wilderness, Virginia on 05 May 1864
• Battle at Wilderness, Virginia on 06 May 1864
•  Battle at Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia on 08 May 1864
• Battle at Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia on 09 May 1864
• Battle at Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia on 12 May 1864
• Battle at Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia on 14 May 1864
• Battle at Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia on 15 May 1864
• Battle at Cold Harbor, Virginia on 01 June 1864
• Battle at Cold Harbor, Virginia on 03 June 1864
• Battle at Snicker’s Ford, Virginia on 18 July 1864
• Battle at Winchester, Virginia on 17 August 1864
• Battle at Winchester, Virginia on 19 September 1864
• Battle at Cedar Creek, Virginia on 19 October 1864
• Battle at Middletown, Virginia on 19 October 1864
• Battle at Petersburg, Virginia on 02 April 1865

John returned from the Civil War essentially unable to work. All four of his children were born just prior to John’s service to his country. After the war, he found it difficult to work at his carpentry work, and unable to support his family. Four years later, he died from the lingering impact of the shoulder wound and the effect of exposure to the elements during the Battle of Spotsylvania. John is buried in the Mercer Cemetery, together with his mother, Jane and a few infant children, including John and Catherine’s. There is no marker for John, which is a shame, considering that he served his country well and left his wife and children behind when he was just 39 years old. I wish I could rectify this.

Catherine A. Noble was born Jan 1837 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA and died 15 Jun 1914 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She married 29 Jul 1851 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She was the daughter of John Noble and Hannah Beatty. They were married by Bailey West, the Justice of the Peace in Trenton.

After John died, Catherine made a living as a mid-wife, earning $10 – $15 per month. Her widow’s pension was $12 per month. She is poor. She signed with a mark. Catherine lived at 140 Second Street. She was apparently well-known in the community of South Trenton. She was a member of the Liberty Bell Temple #3 of O of UA, and Evening Star Lodge # 3 of the United Order of Shepherds. She did remarry to a Richard Kenney.

Children of John M. Barclay and Catherine A. Noble are:
Catherine J. Barclay was born 03 Jun 1852 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA, and died 05 Jun 1903 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She married William Ent bef 1880.
1. Samuel Miles Barclay was born 17 Jan 1855 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA and died 12 Aug 1940 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Catherine Ann Robbins on 22 Mar 1880 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. Catherine is buried in the Riverview Cemetery, along with many of the related family. After her death, Samuel married Cora Marion Hardy 18 Sep 1893 in New Brunswick, Middlesex, New Jersey, USA

2. John N. Barclay, born 28 Jun 1858 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.

3. William Barclay, born 27 Jun 1860 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.

John Ross Barclay was born on 13 May 1798 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He died on 13 Sep 1891 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. John was born in Pennsylvania. It is always reported that way on census documents. On his death certificate, it states that he is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On the 1880 census, John is living with his daughter, Rebecca Mendham. On this form, he records that his parents were both born in England. This would likely mean that his parents would have arrived any time from 1798, when he was born to probably not earlier than 1750’s. Need to check immigration records and church records in that area around 2nd Street. I do not know of his religion.  His father was Samuel Barclay, born in Scotland and died in Philadelphia.
1820 John R. Barclay enumerated on 1820 Census, living in the Southwark section of the City of Philadelphia. In the same household there are 1 male between 15-25. There are three females, one younger than 10, one younger than 16 and one younger than 26. Thus, it is presumed that John and Jane have two daughters, or, at least one and a relative living with them. These older children do not show up on any future census.

1820 John shows up for the first time as a Cordwainer, living at Cox’s Alley. Cox’s Alley runs from 323 South 2nd to Front Street. A Samuel Barclay lives at 323 South 2nd. I think this is John’s father.

1823 John living at 18 Little Water Street, near South Street, working as shoemaker. He is 23 years old.

1825 John (Sr.) is living at 551 S. Second Street in Phila. and is working as a shoe maker. He lives there until at least 1841. (Philadelphia City Directory)

1830 John is living at 531 S 2nd and is working as a boot and shoemaker. There is a John Barkley listed on the 1830 Census, living in the “Pine Ward,” but no males listed match his age.

John is living at 4 Elmslies Alley

John is living at Beck Court, just to the south of South Street and closer to the river. He is working as a shoemaker.

John is living at Front and Christian Street and working as a Shoemaker

John is living at 262 S 6th Street and is working as a shoemaker. This is near Spruce and 6th, in Queen’s Village section

1839 John is living at Sutherland, n. Queen. Not certain as to where Sutherland was. It does not show on modern maps. Queen Street runs from 6th Street to the river.

1841 John is living on Federal, below M Road. Federal Street runs from Gray’s Ferry Road to the River. John’s son, William J. is born in Trenton, New Jersey, according to the death certificate.

1842 John is listed as living on 5 East Second Street, in Trenton, New Jersey and is working as a shoemaker. Also listed in Philadelphia at Laws’ Court

1854 John is listed as living at 37 Warren Street, near Front Street in Trenton, NJ.

1859 John Sr. is living on Lamberton Street and John Jr. on Spring St. in Trenton

1860 Census, Andrew and William are living with John and Jane in Trenton.

1865 Jane Barclay dies in Philadelphia, likely at the home of her daughter, Rebecca.

1868 John is listed as a Constable, Samuel M. as a Bow maker both at 95 S. Warren. There is also a Mrs. Barclay (widow) living at 29 Allen.

1869 Andrew J. Barclay, bow bender, is living on Washington St.(Lafayette). Samuel is a bow maker, John (M) a carpenter, and John a constable are all living at 95 S Warren (Warren and Market). John M is married, Samuel M is married and both had children. Must have been a crowded house!

1869 24 September, John M. Barclay dies of complications from war injuries. He is buried in Trenton, near to Jane.

1870 John R. SR is living in Trenton with Samuel, though Samuel M. is listed as John.

1870 Catherine Barclay (widow) is living with Catherine G. and Samuel at Calhoun, N of Quarry.

After this point, only Samuel Miles Barclay (John M’s son) shows up in the directories, on 5 Margerum’s Row (Broad), 19 Dillon’s Alley, 468 Centre, 99 New Rose Street all in Trenton

1880 Census – John R. Barclay (Sr.) is living with daughter, Rebecca and her husband, William Mendham at 513 Brooklyn Street, Philadelphia. On this same census, John is listed as having been born in Pennsylvania, but both his mother and father are listed as having been born in England.

1889 Samuel M. Barclay potter, is living at 348 St. Joseph av. in Millham, Trenton. Living with him is John R., plumber,(his nephew). I happen to know that John’s wife and children are born here.

1890 John R. Barclay, shoemaker living at 4243 Lancaster Ave. in Philadelphia, with his son, Samuel

1891 13 September, John dies of old age. He was still living at 4243 Lancaster Avenue.

What made John and Jane move from Philadelphia to Trenton during the time period after 1841, when William was born, and 1850, when they appear on the 1850 Census? One possible reason is that in the early 1840’s, there were riots in Philadelphia, Catholic vs. Protestant. In 1837, there was a typhus epidemic in Philadelphia. Why move to Trenton at all? The family, minus Samuel moved back to Philadelphia after much death in the family. They remained in Philadelphia, though I cannot identify any current Philadelphia Barclays.

Jane Myers (Miles), born 16 Sep 1797 in Lewes, Sussex, Delaware, USA. She died 05 Aug 1865 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She was the daughter of John Myers (Miles) and Elizabeth. Jane died in Philadelphia, most likely while visiting her daughter, Rebecca. She is buried in Mercer Cemetery. Death certificate confirms birth in Lewiston, Delaware.
Children of John Ross Barclay and Jane Myers (Miles) are:

1. Andrew Jackson Barclay was born Feb 1827 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He died 27 Jun 1897 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He is living in Trenton for the 1870 Census. In 1880, he is living at 1261 N. 52nd with Martha A. 39 (New Jersey) (ENG) (Delaware), John K. Barclay 17 (New Jersey) (New Jersey) (Pennsylvania), Florence R. Barclay 15 (New Jersey) (New Jersey) (Pennsylvania) Andrew was a storekeeper here. He no doubt did very nicely there. My sense is that the people who lived in west Philadelphia worked and shopped in that area. In the 1890 Directory, he is at 1313 N. 52nd as grocer.

2. John M. Barclay was born 1830 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He died 24 Sep 1869 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He married Catherine A. Noble 29 Jul 1851 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA.

3. Samuel M. Barclay was born July 1835 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He died 25 Sep 1910 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He married Mary Ellen Murphy 29 Jun 1856 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. Mary Ellen dies in Trenton and Samuel marries Mary Pendergrast 26 Apr 1860 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. She also dies in Trenton and Samuel marries Sarah G 1871. On the 1880 Census, Samuel is listed as living in Philadelphia on Lismore Avenue. This street is in a very industrial section of West Philadelphia, not very far from the UP, and close to Woodlands Cemetery. He is not, however, buried in Woodlands. 1223 N. 52nd. He is living with: Sarah G. 45, Annie E. Johnson, Step Daughter 23, Edward Johnson, Son-in-Law 32, John R. Barclay Son 23, Louisa M. Barclay Daughter 15, and a boarder. Edward is suffering from paralysis. In 1900, Samuel is still living with Edward Johnson (Printer), this time not as head of house. Also lining there is Edward’s family. Samuel and his wife, Sarah are living there, they have been married 29 years. Samuel is listed as a machinist, and Sarah is a music teacher. In a visit to the area around which the family moved back to in Philadelphia (N 52nd St) on 6/28/95, I found true urban squalor. There was no Church or Marker at the corner of 53rd and Wayulusing (Blockley Baptist). Living in 1890 at 4243 Lancaster Avenue. Living in 1910 with Martha (Andrew’s wife) and Florence.

4. Rebecca G. Barclay was born 04 Jun 1837 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She died 30 Jan 1923 in Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio. She married William Mendham 21 Feb 1855 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. Living in Dayton, Ohio in 1910. She had moved there with her children after William died in Philadelphia. Had 10 children, 4 living in 1910.

5. William James Barclay born 1841 in Trenton, Mercer, New Jersey, USA. He died 25 Jul 1886 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. William shows up in Philadelphia in 1870 and is married to Mary J Bloomer. Always listed as a plumber. Living at 802 West Norris Street, Philadelphia,

Samuel Barclay was born on 05 Nov 1758 in Naillien, Scotland. He died on 27 Aug 1823 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He married Elizabeth, who was born in England
Samuel does not appear on the 1790 Census.  Does appear on 1791 Directory in PhiladelphiaElizabeth and Samuel Barclay had the following children:

1. Samuel Barclay, son of Samuel Barclay and Elizabeth was born about 1780 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died in 1816 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2. Joseph Barclay, son of Samuel Barclay and Elizabeth was born in 1792 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
3. John Ross Barclay, son of Samuel Barclay and Elizabeth was born on 13 May 1798 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He died on 13 Sep 1891 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He married Jane Miles. She was born on 16 Sep 1797 in Lewes, Sussex, Delaware, USA. She died on 05 Aug 1865 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
4. Sarah Barclay, daughter of Samuel Barclay and Elizabeth was born on 07 Jul 1796 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She married Garry Bishop on 30 Sep 1811 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born on 18 Oct 1789. He died on 17 Oct 1852.
5. Mary Barclay.  She married Unknown Rolph.
6. Grace Barclay. She married John Jordan on 27 Jan 1819 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
7. Rebecca Barclay.  She married Unknown Garrison.
8. Nancy Barclay.