James McKelvey, Sr.

GEDCOM Note

This JAMES MCKELVEY: IS NOT THE SAME PERSON AS JAMES MCKILLIP. James McKelvey middle name is not McKillip. James McKelvey was not adopted. There aren't any McKillip's related to this McKelvey family.

BIOGRAPHY The dates for James and Nancy were taken from their badly weathered tombstones which were located side by side in the upper left part of Laings Cemetery. The name on James tombstone is spelled McKalvey. Jame's stone reads "James McKalvey died April 23,1862, aged 67yrs.,2mos.,11days".

Robert McKelvey's family immigrated to the United States in the 1817-1852 time period. Son James was the 1st to immagrate to the USA in 1817. Son Robert followed in 1825. Daughter Elizabeth in1826. Mother Anne Nancy Boyd came sometime After Roberts death, Anne came to the USA with four of her sons. New York Passenger List 1820-1957 shows Mother Anne McKelvey immagrated to the USA with 4 of her sons. Passenger list shows Thomas, George, Joseph, and Weir Aboard the ship Great Britian. To New York comming from Londonerry, Ireland. Arrived 29 May 1834 Son David came in 1835. Son Samuel came in 1840. Daughter Margret was the last to come to the USA in 1852 William did not immagrate to the USA.

James and his brother, Robert filed for citizenship in Belmont County, Ohio on June 14, 1828, page 379 of Journal E, Common Pleas Court.

James bought and sold land in Belmont and Monroe Counties. On one deed, for lot #20 in Shepherdstown, throughout the deed James's wife is referred to as Nancy, and yet she signed the deed as Ann (X her mark) McKelvey. It appears Nancy could not write.

James married a second time. In the common Pleas Court Law Record Book Volume 12, Pages 200-207 is the record for the divorce of James from second wife Margaret. Seems they sued each other, both claiming that the other had given them Syphilis. A divorce was granted. The names of the children of James and Nancy were taken from the family Bible. All children were born in Belmont County, Ohio.