114. CAPTAIN JOHN CLIBBON BRAIN (1840-1906) AGE 66
Rachel and Julia
1871 - Julia T. Brain - Daughter?
During my search for newspaper items about JCB, a small item was found in a D.C. newspaper that mentioned the widow of John C. Brain had died.
During my search for newspaper items about JCB, a small item was found in a D.C. newspaper that mentioned the widow of John C. Brain had died.
(Transcription from The Washington Post, Washington, District of Columbia, Wednesday, August 22, 1917, Page 3.)
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DIED.
BRAIN—On Monday, August 20, 1917, RACHEL, widow of John C. Brain.
Funeral from the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Julia B. Webb, 1120 Girard street northwest, Thursday, August 23, at 2 p.m. Members of the Rechabites and friends invited.
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NOTE: The above transcription was made from an online image of the original newspaper article at Newspapers.com. Errors were corrected minimally, and only to facilitate readability.
Transcribed by Jo Roth, January 12, 2017.
This raised a few questions. Was she the widow of John Clibbon Brain? If so, when did they marry? Was there another John C. Brain? What are Rechabites?
To start, according to Wikipedia: "Rechabites are a biblical clan, the descendants of Rechab through Jehonadab. They belonged to the Kenites, who accompanied the Israelites into the Holy Land and Dwelt among them." Again, from Wikipedia: "The Independent Order of Rechabites (IOR), also known as the Sons and Daughters of Rechab, is a friendly society founded in England in 1835 as part of the wider British temperance movement to promote total abstinence from alcoholic beverages. Always well connected in upper society and involved in financial matters, it gradually transformed into a financial institution which still exists, and still promotes abstinence. The Order has been active in Australia from 1843, promoting temperance and as a benefit society. A branch was established in the United States in 1842, which also flourished for a time."
Rachel Strother was born in 1845 in Missouri. She married Martin Smith Lyon 15 Oct 1867 in St Louis, Missouri. Martin had previously been married to Maria Dunlap and had several children with her in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. She died in 1855 and he went west, along with one of his sons.
To start, according to Wikipedia: "Rechabites are a biblical clan, the descendants of Rechab through Jehonadab. They belonged to the Kenites, who accompanied the Israelites into the Holy Land and Dwelt among them." Again, from Wikipedia: "The Independent Order of Rechabites (IOR), also known as the Sons and Daughters of Rechab, is a friendly society founded in England in 1835 as part of the wider British temperance movement to promote total abstinence from alcoholic beverages. Always well connected in upper society and involved in financial matters, it gradually transformed into a financial institution which still exists, and still promotes abstinence. The Order has been active in Australia from 1843, promoting temperance and as a benefit society. A branch was established in the United States in 1842, which also flourished for a time."
Rachel Strother was born in 1845 in Missouri. She married Martin Smith Lyon 15 Oct 1867 in St Louis, Missouri. Martin had previously been married to Maria Dunlap and had several children with her in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. She died in 1855 and he went west, along with one of his sons.
1870 - U.S. Federal Census
Martin and Rachel are found in the 1870 Census living together. They are enumerated 20 Jul 1870 in the area served by the Upper Alton Post Office, Township 5 Range 9 West, Madison County, Illinois, in Dwelling No. 63 as Family No. 62, starting on Line 37:
-Martin Lyon, age 50 years, male, white, Clerk, Value of Real Estate $2000, Value of Personal Estate $500, born in Pennsylvania, and is a Male Citizen of U.S. of 21 years of age and upwards
-Rachel Lyon, age 30 years, female, white, Housekeeper, born in Missouri
-Jesse Taylor, age 7 years, male, white, born in Missouri
The household immediately before theirs is Henry C. Lyon, son of Martin and his first wife.
Martin and Rachel are found in the 1870 Census living together. They are enumerated 20 Jul 1870 in the area served by the Upper Alton Post Office, Township 5 Range 9 West, Madison County, Illinois, in Dwelling No. 63 as Family No. 62, starting on Line 37:
-Martin Lyon, age 50 years, male, white, Clerk, Value of Real Estate $2000, Value of Personal Estate $500, born in Pennsylvania, and is a Male Citizen of U.S. of 21 years of age and upwards
-Rachel Lyon, age 30 years, female, white, Housekeeper, born in Missouri
-Jesse Taylor, age 7 years, male, white, born in Missouri
The household immediately before theirs is Henry C. Lyon, son of Martin and his first wife.
Martin Smith Lyon died 8 Jan 1880 at Alton, Madison County, Illinois. To paraphrase his obituary (the only one I located was a Correction to the original):
The Late Capt. Lyon
Capt. Martin S. Lyon, an old river man, who in connection with his brother, Capt. Thomas Lyon, built the steamer James Lyon for the James line of Steamers, the W. H. Denny and many other boats, but for the last 15 years has been engaged as discharging clerk at the St. Louis levee, died Jan. 8th, at Alton, Ill., aged about 63 years.
James Lyon was their father; the family home was at Beaver. Capt. Tom Lyon was a prominent dry-goods merchant on Market street, this city, forty-five years ago.
The Late Capt. Lyon
Capt. Martin S. Lyon, an old river man, who in connection with his brother, Capt. Thomas Lyon, built the steamer James Lyon for the James line of Steamers, the W. H. Denny and many other boats, but for the last 15 years has been engaged as discharging clerk at the St. Louis levee, died Jan. 8th, at Alton, Ill., aged about 63 years.
James Lyon was their father; the family home was at Beaver. Capt. Tom Lyon was a prominent dry-goods merchant on Market street, this city, forty-five years ago.
1880 - U.S. Federal Census
Rachel is enumerated in the 1880 Census on the 21st of June 1880 living in Upper Alton, Madison County, Illinois, in Dwelling No. 300 as Family No. 314, starting on Line 37:
-Rachel Lyon, white, female, age 40 years, widowed, Mail Agent, born in Missouri and both parents born in Missouri
-Julia Lyon, white, female, age 8, at school, born in Illinois, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Missouri
-Libby Lyon, white, female, age 25, born in Pennsylvania and both parents born in Pennsylvania
Rachel is enumerated in the 1880 Census on the 21st of June 1880 living in Upper Alton, Madison County, Illinois, in Dwelling No. 300 as Family No. 314, starting on Line 37:
-Rachel Lyon, white, female, age 40 years, widowed, Mail Agent, born in Missouri and both parents born in Missouri
-Julia Lyon, white, female, age 8, at school, born in Illinois, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Missouri
-Libby Lyon, white, female, age 25, born in Pennsylvania and both parents born in Pennsylvania
From this, it appears that Martin S. Lyon and Rachel Strother had a daughter, Julia Lyon, around 1871-1872.
1890 - Mobile, Alabama
The next time I locate Julia, she has the last name of Brain, is living in Mobile, and getting married.
The next time I locate Julia, she has the last name of Brain, is living in Mobile, and getting married.
(Transcription from The Times-Democrat, New Orleans, Louisiana, Sunday, September 14, 1890, Page 7.)
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MOBILE MATTERS.
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...
Mobile, Sept. 13.—Cards are out announcing the forthcoming marriage of Mr. Lucius Webb, of Calvert's Station, in this county, to the popular and accomplished Miss Julia Brain, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Brain. The interesting ceremony will take place at the Franklin Street Methodist Church at 12:30 o'clock on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
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NOTE: The above transcription was made from an online image of the original newspaper article at Newspapers.com. Errors were corrected minimally, and only to facilitate readability.
Transcribed by Jo Roth, January 13, 2017.
This raised even more questions. "Popular and accomplished Miss Julia Brain?" Hmmm... "Interesting ceremony?" That's a curious way to describe a wedding. Is Julia the daughter of John Clibbon Brain? Did JCB somehow father a child born in Illinois around 1871-1872? Is it possible that John Clibbon met and married Rachel, widow of Martin S. Lyon sometime after his death and before 1890? As he and Lillie went their separate ways eventually, it is definitely possible, but a record of that marriage has yet to be found.
(Transcription from The Times-Democrat, New Orleans, Louisiana, Thursday, September 25, 1890, Page 4.)
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MOBILE MATTERS.
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Webb-Brain—Personal Notes.
Special to The Times-Democrat.
Mobile, Sept. 24.—At the Franklin Street Methodist Church at 12:30 o'clock to-day Mr. Lucius C. Webb, a merchant of Calvert's Station, in this county, was happily united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Julia Brain, one of Mobile's fairest and most accomplished daughters. The altar of the church was a bank of beautiful ferns and rare plants. The ceremony was performed by Rev. A. J. Lamar. The bride wore a tailor-made suit of gray ladies' cloth. They were attended by Messrs. H. Woodie Martin, Harry Voorhees, Frank Ross and John Stanard. Mr. and Mrs. Webb departed for a visit to St. Louis on a wedding tour.
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NOTE: The above transcription was made from an online image of the original newspaper article at Newspapers.com. Errors were corrected minimally, and only to facilitate readability.
Transcribed by Jo Roth, January 13, 2017.
I have not been able to find Julia or Rachel in the 1900 Census yet, but from Rachel's Death Notice, know they ended up in Washington, D.C.
1910 - U.S. Federal Census
Julia is enumerated in the 1910 Census 23 Apr 1910 at 1364 Girard Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia, in Dwelling No. 213 as Family No. 258, starting on Line 42:
-Julia B. Webb, head of household, female, white, age 38 years, widowed, has had 1 child and 1 is living, born in Illinois, father born in Alabama, mother born in Illinois, speaks English, Stenographer for the Government, is an employee, was not out of work on April 15, 1910, was out of work for 0 weeks in 1909, is able to read and write, did not attend school since September 1, 1909, rents her home, and it is a house
-Winifred Webb, daughter, female, white, age 16, single, born in Alabama, father born in Alabama, mother born in Illinois, speaks English, Stenographer for a Law Office, is an employee, was not out of work on April 15, 1910, was out of work for 0 weeks in 1909, able to read and write, and attended school for 52 weeks since September 1, 1909
Notable is that her husband has apparently died and she now states her father was born in Alabama, as compared to Pennsylvania in the 1880 Census which would be correct for Martin S. Lyon (the information for that was probably provided by her mother).
Julia is enumerated in the 1910 Census 23 Apr 1910 at 1364 Girard Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia, in Dwelling No. 213 as Family No. 258, starting on Line 42:
-Julia B. Webb, head of household, female, white, age 38 years, widowed, has had 1 child and 1 is living, born in Illinois, father born in Alabama, mother born in Illinois, speaks English, Stenographer for the Government, is an employee, was not out of work on April 15, 1910, was out of work for 0 weeks in 1909, is able to read and write, did not attend school since September 1, 1909, rents her home, and it is a house
-Winifred Webb, daughter, female, white, age 16, single, born in Alabama, father born in Alabama, mother born in Illinois, speaks English, Stenographer for a Law Office, is an employee, was not out of work on April 15, 1910, was out of work for 0 weeks in 1909, able to read and write, and attended school for 52 weeks since September 1, 1909
Notable is that her husband has apparently died and she now states her father was born in Alabama, as compared to Pennsylvania in the 1880 Census which would be correct for Martin S. Lyon (the information for that was probably provided by her mother).
Rachel is also living in the District of Columbia and is enumerated the same day living at 617 6 Street Northwest, but is calling herself "Blanche" now (Line 90):
-Blanche (Rach) Brain, Head of household, female, white, widowed, has had 1 child and 1 is living, born in Missouri, and both parents were born in Missouri, speaks English, is living off her Own Income, is able to read and write, rents her home and it is a house
-Blanche (Rach) Brain, Head of household, female, white, widowed, has had 1 child and 1 is living, born in Missouri, and both parents were born in Missouri, speaks English, is living off her Own Income, is able to read and write, rents her home and it is a house
Further searching revealed an interesting item from a Philadelphia newspaper.
(Transcription from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Thursday, May 5, 1910, Main Edition, Page 2.)
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Weds Widow of Same Name
A curious coincidence of names occurred yesterday when William H. Webb, aged 40 years, a machinist, and Mrs. Julia B. Webb, 39 years old, of Washington, D.C., were united in marriage by Rev. S. W. Smith, pastor of the Eighteenth Street Methodist Church. The ceremony, which was performed in the church parsonage, at 1247 South Fifteenth street, was witnessed by William O. Jacobs, of Chester, a friend of the bride and groom. The first husband of Mr. Webb died in Mobile, Alabama, ten years ago. Dr. Smith said last night that he did not know the couple. Mr. and Mrs. Webb were not related.
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NOTE: The above transcription was made from an online image of the original newspaper article at Newspapers.com. Errors were corrected minimally, and only to facilitate readability.
Transcribed by Jo Roth, January 13, 2017.
And even further searching also showed that Lucius Calhoun Webb was not dead. He did not die until 24 Feb 1930 at the age of 79y 10m 3d in Calvert, Washington County, Alabama, and his Death Record lists "Jewel" Braine as his wife.
Times were different then, and Julia getting her Driver's Permit was newsworthy.
(Transcription from The Washington Herald, District of Columbia, Sunday, June 19, 1910, First Edition, Page 11.)
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Permits for operating automobiles were issue last week as follows:
6850—Mrs. Julia B. Webb, apartment 3, the Royal, 1364 Girard street, Ford touring car.
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NOTE: The above transcription was made from an online image of the original newspaper article at Newspapers.com. Errors were corrected minimally, and only to facilitate readability.
Transcribed by Jo Roth, January 13, 2017.
Julia's daughter Winifred died 7 Sep 1912 at the age of 21 years. She is buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Research for more information about this is ongoing.
Back to where we started this story, Rachel died 20 Aug 1917 and is buried in the Congressional Cemetery beside her granddaughter.
Trying to find more about Julia was complicated by the fact that there were TWO women with the name Julia B. Webb living in the District of Columbia.
Trying to find more about Julia was complicated by the fact that there were TWO women with the name Julia B. Webb living in the District of Columbia.
1920 - U.S. Federal Census
The 1920 Census shows William H. and Julia still living in the District of Columbia, now at 1120 Girard Street in Dwelling No. 25, Family No. 26, starting on Line 42:
-W. H. Webb, head of household, owns his house and it has a mortgage, male, white, age 49 years, married, able to read and write, born in the District of Columbia, both parents born in the United States, speaks English, works as a Machinist for the Navy Yard, and is an Employee
Julia B. Webb, wife, female, white, age 47 years, married, able to read and write, born in Alabama, both parents born in the United States, speaks English works as a Doctor of Chiropractic on her Own Account
-Morris A. Stewart, lodger, male, white, age 38 years, single, able to read and write, born in New Hampshire, both parents born in Maine, speaks English, works as a Patent Lawyer (?) for the Government, and is an employee
Julia is a Doctor? And not just a Doctor, but a Chiropractor?
The 1920 Census shows William H. and Julia still living in the District of Columbia, now at 1120 Girard Street in Dwelling No. 25, Family No. 26, starting on Line 42:
-W. H. Webb, head of household, owns his house and it has a mortgage, male, white, age 49 years, married, able to read and write, born in the District of Columbia, both parents born in the United States, speaks English, works as a Machinist for the Navy Yard, and is an Employee
Julia B. Webb, wife, female, white, age 47 years, married, able to read and write, born in Alabama, both parents born in the United States, speaks English works as a Doctor of Chiropractic on her Own Account
-Morris A. Stewart, lodger, male, white, age 38 years, single, able to read and write, born in New Hampshire, both parents born in Maine, speaks English, works as a Patent Lawyer (?) for the Government, and is an employee
Julia is a Doctor? And not just a Doctor, but a Chiropractor?
Julia matriculated 27 Nov 1897 to enter the class starting 1898-1899 as Student No. 348 at National University Medical Department. (National would later become Columbian University and that would then become part of George Washington University.) She previously attended and graduated from the Barton Academy in Mobile, Alabama.
(Transcription from the Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, Thursday, June 6, 1901, First Edition, Page 16.)
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SIXTEEN GRADUATES.
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Diplomas to Be Awarded by National University.
Sixteen diplomas will be awarded Friday night at the National Theater by the medical and dental departments of the National University, eleven to graduate in medicine and five to graduate in dentistry. The exercises will consist of an invocation by Rev. Lucien Clark, D.D.; address to graduates, by Prof. Watson J. Newton, LL.D.; presentation of diplomas, by Prof. Thomas Wilson, LL.D.; valedictory address, by Thomas Andrew Myers, D.D.S., and awarding of prizes, by Prof. J. T. Winter, M.D., LL.D. These features will be interspersed with music by Haley's Band. Those who will graduate are:
Medicine—Howard Wilson Barker, District of Columbia; Elias Georges, Mesopotamia; Charles I. Lozano, LL.M., Alabama; William Edward Philes, New York; Rose Mildred Purman, Wisconsin; Josephine Riley, Ohio; Allace B. Seaver, District of Columbia; George Franklin Simpson, D.D.S., Virginia; Melville Gibbs Skinner, District of Columbia; Julia B. Webb, Alabama; Newton Elisha Webb, Maryland.
Dentistry—J. Hepburn P. Benson, District of Columbia; Elias Georges, Mesopotamia; Edward Berchmans Horen, Ohio; Thomas Andrew Myers, Ohio; Leon S. Wolfe, Kentucky.
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NOTE: The above transcription was made from an online image of the original newspaper article at Newspapers.com. Errors were corrected minimally, and only to facilitate readability.
Transcribed by Jo Roth, January 13, 2017.
William H. and Julia would remain in the District of Columbia for most of the rest of their lives. They had no children, and small mentions in the newspapers indicated they lived fairly normal lives for the time. Julia ended up working as a Stenographer for the Interior Department, although it appears she never completely gave up her career as a Doctor. William H. continued his career for the Navy Yard and later worked with Veterans.
(Transcription from the Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, Friday, August 21, 1953, Page 8.)
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WEBB, WILLIAM H. On Sunday, August 9, 1953, in St. Petersburg, Fla., WILLIAM H. WEBB, beloved husband of Julia B. Webb and lifelong resident of Washington, D.C. Services and interment at Congressional Cemetery on Monday, August 24, at 2 p.m. 22
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NOTE: The above transcription was made from an online image of the original newspaper article at GenealogyBank.com. Errors were corrected minimally, and only to facilitate readability.
Transcribed by Jo Roth, January 13, 2017.
(Transcription from the Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, Friday, June 11, 1954, Page 14.)
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WEBB, JULIA B. Died on Wednesday, Jun 9, 1954, at St. Petersburg, Fla., JULIA B. WEBB, aged 82, former resident of Washington, D.C., widow of the late William H. Webb. Services and interment at St. Petersburg, Fla., on Friday, June 11.
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NOTE: The above transcription was made from an online image of the original newspaper article at GenealogyBank.com. Errors were corrected minimally, and only to facilitate readability.
Transcribed by Jo Roth, January 13, 2017.
Julia's Death Certificate indicates she died of Advanced Arteriosclerosis. She was born 9 Oct 1871 in Alton, (Madison County), Illinois, the daughter of John C. Brain and Rachel Strother. Her body was cremated. But how, oh how, did she sign her own Death Certificate?
Logic would dictate that Julia was the daughter of Martin Smith Lyon and Rachel Strother. Her mother may have later married John C. Brain. But if Julia was the step-daughter of John C. Brain, why would he be listed as her father on her Death Certificate? It is not outside the realm of possibility that JCB connected with Rachel, even though she was married, and fathered a child. Perhaps this is not even our John C. Brain. But I have yet to discover another man with the same name who could be a good candidate here.