Staveleys of Ontario County, NY

Ontario County, NY

Much of what is known about the Staveleys of Ontario county, New York, is based upon an excerpt from Beer's Gazeteer in 1890, and the Federal US Census records. The Staveleys of Ontario county appear to have originated from Hull, in East Yorkshire. Bethell Staveley married Ann CLAYTON in 1837 at Holy Trinity, Hull. Bethel and Ann had a total of four children: Eliza Jane, Sarah Ann, Jonathan E., and Henry Charles. Their first child, Eliza Jane, was christened on June 9, 1839 in Wetwang, approximately 7 miles west of Driffield, and she died, at the age of 10 years, in 1849. No record has been located regarding the birth of Sarah. Son Jonathan was apparently born March 1, 1843, but unfortunately his birth certificate has not been located.

In 1856 Bethell relocated the family to Ontario County, New York. The impetus for this move is not known. The family is believed to have arrived in New York sailing aboard the ship Jeremiah Thompson from Liverpool on December 22, 1856. The only children listed on board this vessel for Bethell were Jonathan and Henry. Little is known about this family for the first few years after their arrival. In 1860 it appears that Jonathan is working as a domestic for a Thomas Vanaken in Phelps, Ontario, New York. Bethel is listed as a Farm Laborer in the residence of the Howe family in Phelps and his total estate is valued at $300. Neither Ann, nor Henry have been located in the 1860 census.

In 1870 we find Bethel in Phelps, but it seems his wife Ann must be deceased, as Bethel now has a wife Sarah who was born in New York, not England.

1870: Phelps, Ontario, New York

Bethel STAVLY	Head	M	Male	55	England	Farmer
Sarah STAVLY	Wife	M	Female	47	New York

In 1880 we find Bethel living alone:

1880: Phelps, Ontario, New York

Bethel STAVERLY

Head

Male

England

Gardener

Beers Gazeteer and Biographical Record of Genesee Co., N.Y.1788-1890 Vose & Co., Pub., 1890:

Bethel STAVELY was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1817, and in early life married Ann CLAYTON, of the same place. They had four children, namely: Eliza J., Sarah A., Jonathan, and Henry C. In November, 1856, they came to the United States, and located near Geneva, Ontario County.