Memories and Thoughts

At my age, it takes longer to dig way back in my memory bank and extract information that I either experienced or were told.  And that information is foggy with time thus making it difficult to convert to writing so they can be shared with you.  I dedicate this effort to all of you who read it and gain insight into family heritage if you are part of this family.  Please pass this on to your children.  They, like you and I, came into this world and all who preceded them are part of the deal.  We can only change the present not the past.  
Stories, anecdotes and the like are not necessarily in any chronological order and are recorded in the manner of the  bits and pieces scattered here and about in my mind.

Albino Foley

My Grandfather

My grandfather is an elusive individual. He is reported to have migrated to the United States sometime in 1878. His tombstone says he was born in 1857 but no specific calendar date. I can find no information on him anywhere at all in the US until his marriage certificate to my grandmother in 1889. I have scoured ships records to no avail. My father's birth certificate contains information that he was born in "Palmer", Italy. Of course no such place exists by that name. Close is Palmyra, Sicily and Parma. Much evidence points to the latter including my DNA ethnicity currently is 29% Northern Italy.
Regardless, he ended up in Newcomb, Tennessee. Where did he settle on arrival, how he got to Newcomb and why (probably coal) remain a mystery. We do know that he became a respected citizen of the area. He was a coal miner, which is no surprise in that was the major industry in that area after discovery of coal there.
As can be seen by the photo, he dressed well although I do not know the year this photo was taken. 

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Mary E. Rigney Foley

My Grandmother

My grandmother was born to Elijah Rigney and Margaret Elizabeth Shupe in 1872. I found Elijah and Margaret recorded in the 1880 Montgomery County, Virginia census. This would be the first census that Mary might appear. That said, there is no entry for a Mary E. Three children listed are Malinda age 12, William age age 5 and Admonia M. age 7. It is highly probable that Admonia is my grandmother's real name. The 1880 census is the last census in which I find Elijah. I found Margaret Elizabeth in the 1900 census in Tazewell County, Virginia but no children attached to her.
Again a mystery with my grandmother. Why did she move to Newcomb, Tennessee or the area. When did she move and how did she get there.

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Their Children

Anna Clementa
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Georgia C.
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Lewis Albino
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 Lawrence Doneano
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Marchella Delida
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Rafael Vencint 
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