Rusgrove - USA

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Rusgrove USA - Family Tree

This document covers the Rusgroves in the USA from about 1880 to the present.

Early origins in America

Most of the Rusgroves in the USA are descendants of the children of Joseph Rusgrove (b.1828) and Mary who in 1881 were living in Smethwick,  near Birmingham, England. Joseph was a Blacksmith and Mary was running a shop. In about 1881 or 1882 their son Thomas emigrated to the USA and settled on the East coast in South Connecticut in the Shelton, Derby and Ansonia area about 50 miles from New York. Some of the other children followed him a few years later. Joseph and Mary then joined their children in the USA in about 1890. An 1888 directory for Ansonia shows three of the brothers Edmund, John and Joseph living and working in the area.

By 1892 John and his wife Mary Cornforth had moved to Waterbury (a few miles further North) and it is from their children that most of the USA Rusgroves are descended. There have been Rusgroves in Connecticut ever since.

Joseph Rushgrove and Mary c.1830

Joseph Rusgrove (b.1828). The son of Joseph and Hannah. The second son with this name. He was baptised on the 11th May 1828, at Waterloo Row  Kington. At the 1841 census he was working as a Nailer at the age of 13. At age 19 he married Mary in the March quarter 1848 at Ludlow. At the 1851 census, age 22, they were living at 104 Frog Lane, Ludlow. Joseph was described as a Bolt maker on his son Thomas' marriage certificate in 1869.

At the 1881 census Joseph and Mary were living at 53 James Turner Street along with younger sons Edwin, John and Charles. Their daughter Frances and her husband Charles Cox were also living at the same address but apparently as a separate household. Joseph was described as a blacksmith.

Mary (Mary A) was born in Steventon, Herefordshire in 1829. She appears in Kelly's directory of 1880 as: Mrs Mary Rushgrove, shopkeeper, James Turner St, Foundry Road, Winson Green.

Joseph emigrated to Connecticut, USA in 1890 and Mary followed him a year later. They were following their sons and daughter who had emigrated a few years earlier around 1886/87 to the Shelton, Derby and Ansonia area of New Haven county in Connecticut (about 50 miles from New York).

They appear on the 1900 USA census living with their son Edmund and his wife Alice in Wallingford, New Haven. Joseph was described as born in May 1928, aged 72, married 52 years. He had been in the USA 10 years and was not a Naturalised US citizen.

Mary was described, as born in July 1829, age 69,  the mother of 13 children with 5 still living. She had been in the USA 9 years. We have only found eight of the children so far but there are several infant deaths of Rusgroves in the register of Births, Marriages and Deaths which we have not accounted for.

The 1910 census is not clear but it seems that Mary, aged 79, was widowed and living with her grandson Charles Cox and his family in Ansonia, Connecticut. She was described as the mother of 13 children with 3 now living.

At the 1920 census she was living with another grandson Walter (the census says son but this must be wrong), aged 91?; in Shelton, Connecticut. Mary is described as a naturalised US citizen and a Widow.

Children of Joseph and Mary c.1850

Joseph and Mary had 13 children but we have found only eight of them so far. It is likely that several died as infants in the UK

Jane Rusgrove (1849-1864).  The daughter of Joseph and Mary. She was christened in Ludlow on the 24th April 1849. At the 1851 census, age 1, she was living with her parents at 104 Frog Lane, Ludlow. She died in Birmingham, registered in the December quarter 1864.

Thomas Rushgrove (b.1851). The son of Joseph and Mary. He was born and christened in Ludlow on the 1st November 1851. He married Rachel Maria Hart on the 27th September 1869 at St Martin's, Birmingham. He was living in Bradford Street Birmingham and was described as a Bolt Maker. At the 1881 census, age 29, he was described as a Bolt Forger and was living at Cranford Terrace, Harbourne, Birmingham with Rachel, aged 32, and their daughter Emily, aged 11, described as a Scholar. Also living with them were his brother Joseph and his wife Harriet with their two children Walter, aged 3, and Emily aged 4 months.

Rachel was born in 1849 in Gloucester. She was described as a spinster and a minor on her marriage certificate in 1869 and was living in Edgbaston Street, Birmingham before her marriage. Her father was Robert Hart a Railway officer. The witnesses to her marriage were John Collins and Matilda Sophie Hart. At the 1881 census she was described as a Bolt Screwer. Rachel died, aged 34, in King's Norton, Birmingham, registered in the December quarter 1883. A Rachel Maria Rusgrove is also registered as a Patient of William Grant at King's Norton on the 1881 census. This is possibly Rachel staying in hospital and she was enumerated twice.

Rachel had a brother Thomas Alexander Hart who married Elizabeth Cornforth in Birmingham in about 1870. This Elizabeth may be a sister or other relative of Mary Hannah Cornforth who married Thomas' brother John in Birmingham in 1885.

After Rachel died Thomas re-married in about 1884 and emigrated to the USA to the Shelton, Derby and Ansonia area of Connecticut. On the 1900 USA census he was described as: Head of household, born in England in October 1851, aged 49. 19 years in the USA. Renting a boarding house at 4b? Liberty Street, Ansonia, New Haven. Also with him were Harriet E Rusgrove, wife, born in England, aged 40. 19 years in the USA. The mother of 10 children with 3 now living.  Two children were living at home. Florence Rusgrove, daughter, born in Connecticut in October 1892, aged 7. Alice Rusgrove, daughter, born in England in September? 1885, aged 15, single. There was 1 servant and 10 boarders also in the boarding house.

Thomas like his brother John seems to have moved between the England and USA several times before finally settling since the census suggests he emigrated originally in 1881/2 but daughter Alice was born in England.

Thomas was listed in a Derby directory of 1890 as: 'Thomas Rusgrove, Boltmaker, 30 Hull  W A Ansonia, Birmingham, Derby and Shelton, CT, 1890, 1891.  His brothers Edmund, John and Joseph were also living in Ansonia at that time.

Two Ellis Island records of 1902 and 1904 show Harriet arriving in New York from the UK presumably after trips back home to Smethwick

Harriet Rusgrove, arrived on the 24th April 1902, aged 39, married. A US citizen. Travelled on the Oceanic from Liverpool. Previous residence: Smethwick.

Harriet Elizabeth Rusgrove, age 42 years 2 months, arrived in New York on 30th March 1904 again in the Oceanic departing from Liverpool. She is described as married and heading for Ansonia. She had more than $30 and had been in the USA before. Her home was East Derby Avenue and she was joining a relative

Joseph Rusgrove (b.1854). Joseph Henry. The son of Joseph and Mary. He was born in Ludlow in 1854. He married Harriet Maria Watts, born 1856, in Birmingham in the September quarter 1877. At the 1881 census, age 27, he was living at Cranford Terrace, Harbourne, Birmingham with his brother Thomas' family. With him are his wife Harriet age 25 and their children Walter aged 3 and Emily aged 4 months. He is described as a Bolt Forger and Harriet as a Bolt screwer.

Joseph and Harriet emigrated to America in about 1886/1887 and settled in the Shelton, Derby and Ansonia area of Connecticut probably joining brother Thomas who was already settled there. Joseph is listed in a Derby trade directory for 1889/90 and 1890/91

Joseph H Rusgrove, Boltmaker, 137 Sugar, B Ansonia, Birmingham, Derby and Shelton, CT, 1889,1890

Joseph H Rusgrove, Boltmaker, 137 Sugar, B Ansonia, Birmingham, Derby and Shelton, CT, 1890,1891

In the 1906 Derby directory he is listed as an employee of the New Haven company and is a householder living at 62 Oak. Also boarding there are Joseph Rusgrove employee of the Ansonia company and Walter Rusgrove a labourer (probably his sons).

In 1913, 1915 and in the 1918 directory, when Joseph would be about 64, he is described as a farmer and householder living at Huntingdon Rd off Reservoir. The 1916 directory is the most detailed:

Joseph H Rusgrove, farmer. Home Huntington road off Reservoir

Thomas J Rusgrove, farmer, boarding at Huntington Road, off reservoir

Walter H Rusgrove, farmer, boarding at Huntington Road off reservoir

The following entries might also be two of Joseph's sons.

Joseph Rusgrove employee of the G K Tool Holder Co. Home at 570 Howe Avenue

Luke Rusgrove, employee at R N Bassett Co. Home at 570 Howe Avenue

Frances Rusgrove (b.1856). Frances Fanny. The daughter of Joseph and Mary. She was born in Ludlow and christened on the 1st April 1856. She married Charles H Cox on the 14th February 1874 at St Mary's, Birmingham. At the 1881 census they were living at 53 James Turner Street in Birmingham. Charles, aged 26, is described as a Machine Fitter; Fanny's age is given as 25. There are no children living with them in 1881.

The 1910 USA census shows Mary A Rusgrove (Frances' mother), aged 79, living with a Charles and Jennie? Cox in Ansonia. The data is rather confused but this looks like Frances' son. Also with them are their children Charles A Cox, age 10, born in Connecticut, and Gertrude M Cox, aged 7, born in Connecticut.

Edmund Rusgove (b.1861). Edmund G. The son of Joseph and Mary. He was born in May 1861. Edmund emigrated to America in 1888 and settled with his brothers in the Shelton, Derby and Ansonia area of Connecticut. He appears in the early directories of 1888/89 and 1890/91 for Derby and was employed at the Osbourne and Cheesman Company (brass engineering). He was living at 243 Sugar. His brother John was also living at the same address.

Edmund Rusgrove, Osbourne & Cheesman Co, Emp, 243 Sugar, B Ansonia, Birmingham, Derby and Shetlonn CT 1889, 1890.

Edmund Rusgrove, Ansonia, Birmingham, Derby and Shetlon CT 1890, 1891

By 1890 he seems to have left Osbourne and Cheesman's. In 1901 he appears on a list for the Connecticut Militia as Edmund G Rusgrove, Sharpshooter.

He is listed on the 1900 USA census as living at Wallingford, New Haven, Connecticut; at 391 South Main Street. He was described as born in England in May 1861, age 39, married 7 years. He emigrated in 1888 and had spent 12 years in the USA. He was not a naturalised US citizen and was working as a Foreman in a Brass Foundry. The house was rented. Living with him were Alice Rusgrove his wife, born in England in September 1876, age 23, married 7 years,  mother of 2 children, 1 now living. Emigrated in 1879 and has lived in the USA for 20 years.  Also listed was their daughter Hazel Rusgrove born in Connecticut in September 1897, aged 2. Edmund's parents were also living with them; Joseph aged 72 and Mary aged 69.

Edwin Rusgrove (b.1864). Edwin G. The son of Joseph and Mary. At the 1881 census, age 16, he was living at home in James Turner Street and working as a Tube Drawer. An Edmund G was born in Birmingham in the June quarter 1864 and was married in Birmingham in the December quarter 1884 - this might be Edwin.

John Rusgrove (1867-1942). John Edward. The son of Joseph and Mary. He was born in Smethwick (near Birmingham) in 1867. His exact date of birth is uncertain as the USA information says 5th August 1865 but the UK census records him as 14 in 1881 and in 1896 his age is given as 28.

At the 1881 census, age 14, he was living at home in James Turner Street and working as an Axel-tree Turner. An axel tree turner or maker was someone who made axels for coaches or wagons. He married Mary Hannah Cornforth on the 1st November 1885 at St. Cuthbert's Church Birmingham in the Winson Green / Smethwick area. Mary was born in Birmingham on the 16th January 1867.

They moved to the USA in 1887 and their second son Lewis was born in Connecticut in 1888. John appears in a Derby Business directory for 1889/90 and in 1890/91. He was employed by Osborne & Cheesman a local brass engineering company and was living at 243 Sugar, B Ansonia.

John E. Rusgrove Osborne & Cheesman Co. emp   243 Sugar, B Ansonia, Birmingham, Derby and Shelton CT 1889, 1890.

John E. Rusgrove, Ansonia, Birmingham, Derby and Shelton CT 1890, 1891 

They moved back to England for son Robert William to be born as Mary wanted another child born in England. An Ellis Island record shows John returning to the USA in 1896 (apparently without Mary). He arrived on the 28th November 1896, age 28, departing from Liverpool, England on the steamship Germanic. His occupation was given as a 'Fitter' and his intended destination was Wallingford Connecticut. He was not a US Citizen at that stage and gave the reason for his travel as a 'Protracted soujourn'. On ship he shared Steerage No.4 with a Mr John R Roberts.

John appears on the 1900 USA census at Waterbury City, New Haven County, Connecticut and living at 12 Jeffrey? Avenue. He was born in England in August 1867, age 33, married 15 years. He emigrated in 1893 and had been in the USA 7 years. He was a Machinist. The house was rented. Also living with him were his wife Mary Rusgrove, born in England in January 1868, aged 32 and married 15 years. Born. The mother of 7 children with 5 still living. Mary emigrated in 1893 and had been in the USA for 7 years.

Although they originally came to the USA in 1887 they clearly did not finally decide to settle until 1896 and they may have been back to the UK at least twice; after their son John was born in 1892 and again before son Robert was born in 1895. Later in 1920 John says that they emigrated in 1887 which seems to be his first visit.

Their five children are all on the census in 1900. Edith M, born in June 1890, age 10, at school. John E, born February 1892, age 8, at school. Robert, born February 1895, age 5. Blanche, born April 1897, aged 3, and Gladys, born in August 1899, age 1.

At the 1910 census the family were living in Bristol Town, Hartford County, Connecticut, at 16 Green? Street. John was described as: age 43, married 24 years, born in England, emigrated in 1888. He was machinist in a Bell Shop. Mary is described as his wife, age 43; the mother of 11 children with 9 still living.

The children are listed as:

Edith M, daughter, age 20, single, born in Connecticut, Inspector in a Spring Shop

John E, son, age 18, single, born in Connecticut, Gold plater in a Gold plating shop

Robert W, son, age 15, single, born in England, emigrated in 1897, Inspector in a Bell shop

Blance V, daughter, age 12, single, born in Connecticut

Gladys E, daughter, age 10, single, born in Connecticut

Mary S, daughter, age 8, single, born in Connecticut

Lewis, age 6, single, born in Connecticut

Clarence V, son, age 3, single, born in Connecticut

James C, son, age 6 months, born in Connecticut

The family also appears on the 1920 census still living in Bristol, Hartford. John was described as a widower, aged 51, and a Machinist in a machine shop. He emigrated in 1887 Also living at the same address were his sons Lewis aged 15, Clarence aged 11?, James aged 10, William J Coleman his son in law, aged 23, and Gladys Coleman his daughter aged 20.

John died in September 1942.

Charles Rusgrove (b.1869). Charles Arthur. The son of Joseph and Mary. He was born in Smethwick. At the 1881 census, age 12, he was living at home and was referred to as a 'scholar'. He married Susannah Bagley in the June quarter, 1888 in Birmingham. At the 1891 census they were living at 92 Mather? Street, Harbourne, Smethwick. Charles was described as, aged 23, married, a machinist, born in Smethwick. Susannah, aged 23, wife, born in Smethwick and Maybel? their daughter, aged 1.

An Ellis Island record shows Charles arriving in New York on 6th July 1895, aged 27, married. He departed from Liverpool on the Lucania. Traveling on the same ship were Charles Rusgrove, age 2, and Alice Rusgrove, age 5;  who are probably Charles' children.

Whether this was just a visit or a more permanent stay is not clear - we have not found any other mention of Charles or Susannah in the USA records.

Children of Abraham and Martha c.1855

Abraham, born about 1830, was Joseph's (b.1828) brother. Abraham married Martha in about 1854 and they had six children and one son Henry emigrated to the USA in 1907.

Henry William Rusgrove (b.1867). The son of Abraham and Martha. He emigrated to the USA following in the footsteps of his cousins. He was born in Gloucester in 1867. At the 1881 census he was living at home at Parkside, Bromsgrove and working as a Horse nail maker. He married Hannah Bertha Bowen in King's Norton in the June quarter 1886. At the 1901 census   they were living at 56 Poplar Street, Handsworth. Henry is described as an Engine Fitter. Also living with them were nieces Lilian Summer, single, age 15 a clerk and Ellen Lowe, single, age 8. Hannah (Fanny) was born in 1867 in Coalbrookdale, Staffordshire.

Hannah Bowen may be related to Elizabeth Bowen (b.1836) who married Henry's uncle John Rushgrove in 1856 in England. Hannah's mother was Emma Bowen.

Henry and Hannah emigrated to the USA in 1907. They appear on the 1910, 1920 and 1930 censuses living in Everett, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

On the 1910 census they are registered in Everett City, Middlesex County, Massachussetts, at 63 Fremont Street. Henry was described as William H Rusgrove, aged 44, married 24 years. Born in England. Emigrated in 1900 and not a naturalised US citizen. A Wood worker? Living with him was his wife Hannah, described as Bertha H B Rusgrove, aged 41, married 24 years with no children. Not a naturalised US citizen, emigrated in 1901. Boarding with them were William Oaks, aged 37, Mary Oaks, aged 39, and Ceilia Oaks aged 12.

At the 1920 census they were still in Everett City. Henry was described as a house owner (a farm) with a mortgage at 63 Fremont Street. He was not a US citizen and was a Dairy Farmer. Also living with him were Hannah, his wife, aged 54 and Hannah's mother Emma Bowen, aged 84, who had come to the USA in 1899.

At the 1930 census they were still living in Everett City. Henry was described as, aged 64, born in England. Hannah, his wife, aged 64. The house was worth $3,000 and they had lived there for 30 years.

Children of John and Mary c.1890

John and Mary had eleven children and most of the Rusgroves in the USA today are descended from these children.

Thomas Rusgrove (bd.1886). Thomas Joseph. The son of John and Mary. He was born on the 29th March 1886 in Birmingham. Sadly he died as an infant. There is a death recorded of a Thomas Joseph Rusgrove who died in Birmingham in the December quarter 1886, aged 0, so perhaps he died in England but there is some family evidence that he died as an infant in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Lewis Rusgrove (bd.1888). Lewis Arthur. The son of John and Mary. He was born in Connecticut on the 30th January 1888 and died as an infant in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Edith Rusgrove (1890-1963). Edith May. The daughter of John and Mary. She was born in Shelton, Connecticut on 7th January 1890. She was at school in Waterbury at the 1900 census, aged 10, and was still at home at the 1910 census, aged 20, single, and was working as an inspector in a Spring shop. She was married in 1911 to William Clayton but they divorced in 1924. They had two children James Herbert Clayton (b.1914) and Clarence Kenneth Clayton (b.1924). Edith married a second time on the 18th August 1927? to George Curtis Scribner (b.1891). They had one child George Curtis Scribner (b.1927).

George and Edith appear on the 1930 USA census living at 40 Maine Street, Bristol, Hartford, Connecticut where they are renting a house at $22 per month. George was born in Vermont and aged 39 at the time of the census. Edith was aged 40. Living with them are Clarence, aged 5 (Edith's son by her first marriage) and George Junior, aged 3.

Edith died on the 4th June 1963.

John Rusgrove (1892-1980). John Edmund. The son of John and Mary. He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on the 22nd February 1892. At the 1900 census, aged 8, he was at school in Waterbury and at the 1910 census aged 18 he was still at home, single, and working as a gold plater in a gold plating shop. He married Mary Parsons (born 22 Sept. 1895) in Hartford Connecticut in about 1918/19.

They appear on the 1930 census at Plymouth and were living at 136 Maine Street, renting a house at $25 per month.. John was described as a Machinist in a factory. He says that his father (John b.1867) was born in Wales but the 1881 census says that he was born in Smethwick. Mary's age at marriage is given as 21. Mary's father was born in Ireland. There was no-one else living with them so perhaps they did not have any children. They later lived at Terryville, Litchfield, Connecticut.

John died at Bristol, Connecticut on the 23rd November 1980, aged 88. His last residence is given Bristol. Mary died at Bristol, Connecticut on the 2nd March 1980. Her last residence is given as Plymouth, Connecticut.

Robert Rusgrove (1895-1962). Robert William. The son of John and Mary. He was born in Birmingham, England on the 14th February 1895.  On the 1900 USA census he is listed a child aged 5 living at home in Waterbury. He appears on the 1910 census, aged 15, living at home in Waterbury, single and working as an inspector in a Bell Shop. On the 1910 census it says that he emigrated in 1897.

He married Ethel Antoinette Williams (born 17th July 1898) in about 1916 and they had three children; Lloyd, Vera and Richard. The family are listed on the 1930 USA census, living in Bristol, Hartford, Connecticut.

Robert W Rusgrove, aged 35, born in England

Ethel A Rusgrove, wife, aged 31

Lloyd R Rugrove, son, aged 12

Vera M Rusgrove, daughter, aged 11

Robert died in Bristol, Connecticut on the 29th September 1962, aged 67 years. His last residence was given as Bristol, Hartford, Connecticut. Ethel later lived at Simsbury, Hartford, Connecticut. Ethel died on the 23rd March 1993.

The descendants of Robert and Ethel are:-

Lloyd Rusgrove (1917-1991). Lloyd Robert. The son of Robert and Ethel. He was born on the 10th August 1917. They moved to Athens, Georgia in 1967. He married Athela (Aletha?) Webb in 1938 and later Doris Prior on the 25th November 1948; Lloyd had 10 sons and 1 daughter. Lloyd died in Athens on the 2nd June 1991.

Athlea Webb was born in Waterbury on the 17th August 1917. Her parents were Henry Webb and Ada Zeiner. She later married Alvin D Woodin Senior. She worked as a book keeper and her main hobby was Crochet. She died in West Plains on 28th February 2000. A memorial service was held at South Britain Congregational Church, Southbury.

The descendants of Lloyd and Athela are:-

Charles Lloyd Rusgrove born on the 13th December 1938

Alfred Henry Rusgrove born on the 9th March 1940. 

Edwin Robert Rusgrove born on the 7th September 1942.

Robert William Rusgrove born on 6th April 1944.

Floyd Joseph Rusgrove born on the 6th April 1944. Robert and Floyd were twins.

Everett Wells Rusgrove born on the 16th April 1945.

Arthur Clarence Rusgrove born on the 16th June 1946.

The descendants of Lloyd and Doris are:-

Armand Crosby Rusgrove born on 30th June 1948.

Thurlow Otis Rusgrove born on the 14th February 1950.

Ethel Jane Rusgrove born on the 7th April 1951.

Lewis Fulton Rusgrove born the 17th December 1955.

Vera Rusgrove (b.1919) born on the 17th March 1919. She married Gene Humphrey Oakenquest on the 19th November 1944 and they have three children; Lois, Robert and Eric Oakenquest.

Richard Raoul Rusgrove (1938) born on the 16th April 1938. He married Lois Ruth Lagasse (possibly born in Meriden, Connecticut) on the 20th September 1958. Lois' mother was Esther I Holznagel (1904-1998) and her father was John Lagasse. Richard and Lois have six children.

The descendants of Richard and Lois are:-

Jeffrey Paul Rusgrove born the 5th January 1962

Susan Elaine Rusgrove born on the 18th December 1963

Daniel Scott Rusgrove born on the 28th June 1965

Matthew David Rusgrove born on the 3rd November 1972

Andrew Peter Rusgrove born on the 20th December 1978

Thomas Ethan Rusgrove born on the 29th September 1981

Blanche Rusgrove (1897-1960). Blanche Violet. The daughter of John and Mary. She was born in Waterbury Connecticut on the 21st April 1897. She is listed on the 1900 census, aged 3, living at home in Waterbury. At the 1910 census she list listed as at school in Waterbury,   aged 12.

She married Frank Burger in 1916 and they had seven children. Blanche (b.1916), Frank Edward Jr. (b.1919), Francis (b.1921) - sadly Frank and Francis died when they were small children - Norma May (b.1923), Florence Jeanette (b.1925), James Frank (b.1928), Grace Emily (b.1929). Blanche died in Bristol, Connecticut on the 25th or 26th August 1960.

Gladys Rusgrove (1899-1973). Gladys Emily. The daughter of John and Mary. She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on the 4th June 1899. She appears at home in Waterbury on the 1900 census, aged 1 and on the 1910 census, aged 10.  She married John (William J) Coleman on the 30th January 1917. At the 1920 census they were living in Waterbury with her parents. He is described as aged 23, born in Connecticut, an electrician working in an electrical shop. They had three children Mary Cornforth (b.1921) who married a William Floyd Eschenbrenner in 1941; Helen Rusgrove (b.1926) who married an Edward James Moore in 1945 and has subsequently divorced and re-married; William Joseph (b.1929) who married June Gervais in 1948. Gladys died at Ann Arbor, Michigan on the 21st May 1973.

Mary Rusgrove (1901-1969). Mary Sophia. The daughter of John and Mary. She was born on the 18th October 1901. At the 1910 census she is living at home in Waterbury, aged 8. She married George Dewey Coleman on the 26th March 1919 and they had one child Gladys Mary (b.1920) who married John Walter McLelland (b.1916) on the 4th July 1942 and they had four children and there are several great grandchildren of Mary. Mary died in Athens, Georgia on the 1st or 3rd January 1969.

Perhaps George Coleman was related to John William Coleman, Mary's brother in law.

Lewis Rusgrove (b.1904). Lewis Lincoln. The son of John and Mary. He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on the 12th February 1904. He is listed on the 1910 census as living at home in Waterbury, age 6. On the 1920 census he is still living at home, single, age 15.

He married Edith E Bjorklund (b. 27 Sep 1907 in Connecticut) on April 20th 1927 and they had one child Dorothy Rusgrove (b. 17th July 1933) who married Joseph Albert Landry (married 25th November 1954) and they have a daughter Sharon Landry born in 1961. At the 1930 census Lewis and Edith were living in Bristol, Hartford, Connecticut. Lewis aged 26 and Edith 22.

Lewis died at New Britain, Hartford, Connecticut on the 1st May 1991, aged 87. His last residence was 99 Rowe Place, Hartford. His occupation was described as Machinist at the P & W company. Edith died on the 18th July 1986 at Bristol, Connecticut, aged 78. Her last residence was 99 Rowe Place, Bristol, Connecticut and her occupation was described as 'Welder for the Humason Manufacturing Company'.

Clarence Rugrove (1906-1996). Clarence Vernon. The son of John and Mary. He was born in Forestville, Connecticut on 29th November 1906. At the 1910 census he was living at home in Waterbury, aged 3. At the 1920 census, aged 11, he was living at home. He lived in Bristol, Hartford, Connecticut and was an accountant. He married Claudia Weed in about 1930 and they had two children..

Clarence later married Florence Louise Burnham (b. 27 Sep 1920) in about 1950 and they also had two children. Robin Vernon born on the 20th September 1951 and Jay born on 20th June 195?.

Clarence died at Bristol, Hartford, Connecticut on the 15th October 1996, aged 89. There is an obituary notice in the 'Hartford Courant'. His residence was given as 80 Boy Street, Bristol and his occupation was described as 'Accountant for the New Departure-Hyatt company'. Florence died at Torrington, Litchfield, Connecticut on the 5th June 2001, aged 80. Her last residence was at 80 Boy Street, Bristol, and her occupation was given as 'Homemaker'.

The descendants of Clarence Rusgrove and Claudia are:-

Clarence Dean Rusgrove known as Tommy, who was born on the 27th January 1930.

Gail Evelyn Rusgrove born on the 16th December 1950

Karen Dean Rusgrove born on the 19th December 1952.

 Unknown child

The descendants of Clarence Rusgrove and Louise are:-

Robin Vernon Rusgrove born on the 20th September 1951.

Jay Vernon Rusgrove born on the 20th June 1952.

James Rusgrove (1909-1995). James Cornstock. The son of John and Mary. He was born in Bristol, Connecticut on the 18th October 1909. At the 1920 census he is living at home in Waterbury, aged 10. He married Dorothy Crowley (b. 24th July 1909) in about 1930 and they had a son James (known as Jimmy) and a daughter Geraldine. James died at Bristol, Hartford, Connecticut on the 14th Novemeber 1995, aged 86. His last residence was 131 Garfield Street, Bristol and his occupation was described as a 'Retired tool room machinist for the New Departure company'. Dorothy died at Hartford, Connecticut on the 30th April 1980, aged 70. Her last residence is given as Bristol, Connecticut.

The descendants of James and Dorothy are:-

Geraldine Rusgrove born on the 7th November  1931.

James Crowley Rusgrove born on the 21st September 1935.

Children of Thomas, Rachel and Harriet c.1870

We do not have much information about Thomas's children

Emily Rusgrove (b.1870). The daughter of Thomas and Rachel. At the 1881 census, age 11, she was living at home at Cranford Terrace.

Alice Rusgrove (b.1885). The daughter of Thomas and Harriet. At the 1900 US census she was described as; single, aged 15. Alice married Hugh Baxter and they had a son Edward Baxter born about 1929.

Florence Rusgrove (b.1892). The daughter of Thomas and Harriet. At the 1900 US census she was described as born in Connecticut in October 1892, aged 7. Florence also appears on Ellis Island records in 1902 arriving in New York from Liverpool, on the Oceanic on the 24th April 1902, aged 8. Her previous residence was given as Smethwick and she was a US Citizen. She was traveling with her mother Harriet.

Children of Joseph and Harriet c.1878

We have less information about Joseph and Harriet's children but they seem to have had a large family and there are descendants in the USA today

Walter Rushgrove (b.1878).  Walter H. The son of Joseph and Harriet. He was born in England in 1878 and appears on the UK census for 1881 with his parents living at Cranford Terrace, Harbourne, Birmingham; he would have been about 11 when he came to the USA with his parents in 1889. A Walter H Rusgrove appears in the directory for Derby and Shelton in 1906. Walter is described as a labourer and is boarding, at home, at 62 Oak. He also appears in the Derby directory of 1916: Walter H Rusgrove, farmer, boarding at Huntington Road off reservoir

Walter's wife was Gertrude born on the 6th May 1884. She died at Danbury, Fairfield, Connecticut, aged 81, on the 9th March 1966. Her last residence is given as Danbury, Fairfield.

Walter is also listed on the 1920 US census. Aged 47, living at New Huntington? Street, Shelton in a rented house; is divorced and a worker at the Derby Glass company. He was not a US citizen.  Living at the same address are Mary Hawks (his sister), aged 34, who is also divorced. Mary A Rusgrove his grandmother, aged 91, and Joseph Rusgrove a nephew, aged 14, at school who was born in Connecticut in about 1906.

Emily Rushgrove (b.1881). The daughter of Joseph and Harriet. At the 1881 census, age 1, she was living with her parents at Cranford Terrace, Harbourne, Birmingham, England and would have been about 6 when they emigrated to the USA.

Mary Ann Rushgrove (1886-1963). Mary Ann. The daughter of Joseph and Harriet. She was born in Birmingham in 1885/6 just before they emigrated to the USA. She married Lester R Hawks in Connecticut in 1905. They had one child Lester H.

She and Lester were divorced probably before 1916 and she appears as a divorcee on the 1920 census, when she is living in Shelton with her brother Walter.  She is described as aged 34 and a naturalised US citizen.

Lester Richard Hawks, known as Dick, (1883-1960) had a younger sister (b. 1916). He died in 1960 and is buried with his parents in New York. Mary died in 1963.

Luke Rusgrove. Possibly the son of Joseph and Harriet. He is listed in a Shelton directory of 1913:

Luke Rusgrove, employee at W Bassett Co. Boarding at Huntington Road of Reservoir and also in 1916:

Luke Rusgrove, employee at R N Bassett Co. Home at 570 Howe Avenue

He married Clara who was born on the 21st November 1904. She died on the 15th December 1974 and her last residence was given as Shelton, Connecticut.

Joseph Rusgrove. Possibly the son of Joseph and Harriet. He is listed in Shelton directory of  1913.

Joseph Rusgrove, labourer, home Huntington Road off Reservoir

His wife was possibly Grace Brown who was born on the 28th October 1893 in Canada. She died at Waterbury, Connecticut on the 26th November 1985. Her last residence is given as 154 Maple Street, Seymour, Connecticut. She worked for the H C Cook company.

Thomas J Rusgrove. Possibly the son of Joseph and Harriet. He is listed in Shelton directory of 1916. Thomas J Rusgrove, farmer, boarding at Huntington Road, off reservoir

John J Rusgrove (b.1889). Possibly the son of Joseph and Harriet. If so he was just a baby when they emigrated in about 1888/89. He is listed in a Derby directory for 1918: John Rosgrove in United States Army, residence at 116 Chatfield.

In the 1920/21 Directory for Derby he is listed as: John Rugsrove, clerk at 57 Elizabeth. Home at 116 Chatfield.

At the 1920 census he appears as follows:- John J Rusgrove, Renting a house, age 32, emigrated in 1888. Born in England. Salesman for a Furniture company. Also with him are his wife Annie (or Anna) A, age 29, born in New York. No occupation and their children: Harriet, daughter, age 6 months, born in Connecticut;  John, son, age 6 months, born in Connecticut

The are also listed in the 1930 census at Shelton, Fairfield County, Connecticut. Living at Jefferson Street. By this time they owned their home and it was worth about $5,000. John is aged 41, first married at 29, and is a naturalised US citizen. He was born in England and emigrated in 1889. He is a repair man in an electrical store

With him are his wife Anna, aged 39, first married at 27, born in the Irish Free State, and emigrated in 1908? A naturalised US citize. Also their children, Harriet, at School, born in Connecticut, and John aged 11, at School, born in Connecticut.

John and Harriet Rusgrove were twins born on the 2nd March 1919 in Derby, Connecticut. Harriet died, aged 71, on the 24th January 1991 in Waterbury. Her last residence was at 68 Jefferson Street Shelton, and her occupation was given as 'retired from production department of B F Goodrich Company'. 

John was married to Kay. He died at West Haven, New Haven, Connecticut on the 27th November 1996, aged 77 years. His last residence was at 68 Jefferson, Shelton and his occupation was described as 'retired from the Sikorsky company'.