Newfound Athol Branch

In reading more thoroughly the Mann Memorial today, I discovered there was another branch of Manns in Athol, but they were distantly related. To recap, the branches that have been the focus of this blog are descendants of Ensign Mann II (& Alice Whitney.) His lineage is: Richard, Thomas, Ensign Sr., Ensign II.

This new branch descends from Rev. Cyrus Mann, 1785-1859. His lineage is: Richard, Richard, Nathaniel, John, John. Reverend Cyrus had a brother Joel*, also a Reverend. They were born in Orford, NH and attended Dartmouth.

Cyrus had 3 children--Cyrus S., Ann Maria, and Adelia Porter. They were all born in Westminister, but the girls ended up living in Athol. I don't see any record of Cyrus living there. Ann Maria (1823-?) married Rev. John F. Norton who was "the successful and beloved pastor of the Congregational church at Athol, MA." They had a son, Lewis Mills Norton, born in Athol who married the daughter of a Reverend. He studied in Germany and taught at MIT.

Second daughter Adelia Porter Mann (1826-?) married in Athol John Q.A. Johnson of Charlestown. Their son, John Norton Johnson, was born in Boston and graduated from Harvard.

*Rev. Joel Mann compiled the book "Genealogy of the Mann Family." Unfortunately, his information about Richard Man of Plymouth Colony is filled with error. But, you can probably trust the info. about his branch.

Genealogy Stories

Last month, for the first time, my husband learned something about his biological parents. His adoptive Dad let it slip that Nelson's father was a professional tennis player and was never told of his existence. Nelson is a great tennis player, and plays in local leagues. As a genealogy buff, I was about to crawl out of my skin!!! I want to know everything! Is it right that his biological father doesn't know about him?...if he's still alive. I'll give a shoutout to any professional tennis player who was possibly in Georgia in early 1962. You have a son that you don't know about, born in Savannah!

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DOPPELGANGERS

Have you seen the story of Max Galuppo? www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/14/max-galuppo-temple-university-twin_n_2130291.html



Basically, Max ran into a 16th century Italian painting in a Philadelphia art museum, and the subject appears to be his identical twin. The Nobleman in the portrait was from the same region that the Galuppo ancestors are from. They are looking deeply at the family tree now. I love this stuff!

The Pilgrim Project

I'm excited about this project and have started a secure Facebook page. Families to be included will be contacted. This project is mostly centered on the branch of Hannah Mann and descendents after the 19th century move to Michigan. You may contact me at contact@michellefontaine.com.