From Catholic Cemetery Association records
John Webb Closey died on May 26, 1851 in Pittsburgh. He was a steamboat officer throughout the 1840s and was still doing so when he died. In 1846 he was the head clerk of the steamboat "Marengo" and was courting a Miss Matthews of New Orleans during stops in the "Crescent City." The following entry in William Allen's journal tells of John's death and a little about the man.
Tuesday, May 27, 1851 [William Allen Journal, Hillman Library, Special Collections, in the Hervey Allen Collection, University of Pittsburgh]
Called around at the Monongahela house to see a friend—on my way encountered Press Roberts—who said [James] May was looking for me—Oh said he wants you to be pall bearer for John Closey who died last night"—In that case I will go and proffer my services direct—and did so—did not see Mrs Closey nor indeed any of the females of the family only Mr Barnett who said hearing I was sick that had rustled some one else but were obliged to me for my kindness—Poor John lay in the room, but so changed and deformed by his complaint the dropsy that I did not lift the shroud that covered his face—His troubles here are over—he was a "fast liver"—a man I never liked as there was not a thing in common between us but our avocation [Steamboat head clerks]—but I used to like some portions of the family—and George [Allen, a brother] had at one time a "penchant" for Emma [Closey, a sister]—which John took advantage of to borrow money which he never intended and never did repay [$35]—and when I reflected back how when a boy I used to envy his tact and success as young clerk—years, years ago—as much as 16 and thought during all this time he had been on the waters in far country—whenever a river ran seawardly it was affecting to think—that this was the end of all and he who had seemed to my boyish imagination to one on the topmost round of success—should thus be brought up so suddenly leaving not a mark wherein he had travelled—dying and making no sign—He lived more than any man I know—as if death to him was a far off thing and old age a vague myth—were George [Allen] alive—John Closey's death would arrest him—Poor John! I am told for the last few years he was more sedate in his ideas—began to think—had his youngest sister at school sent money and groceries home—of all that clique who used to be so notorious in N Orleans as "fast men" within whose circle all verdant ones were not admitted how few remain—Tom Robinson—married and earning a subsistence as second clerk at 40$ a month who used to spend 150—John Closey dead! Charley Beares in California—and all the rest scattered—nothing would have impressed George had he lived—than the changes in Closey's family
Met Press Roberts there who explained to me as we walked home—that he happened to be on the boat that John was when he was coming home—though running in the same trade around in Alabama he had met him often in a business capacity—arranged to go together to the funeral in afternoon and afterward to go riding—home—eat a hearty dinner—felt well while walking as if it had done me good—but soon as I rested felt on rising weak and faint—laid down—woke up half an hour before the time and felt so bad had I not promised I would not have gone—did go however
Closey Family
Parents married in 1812 in Pittsburg: Webb Closey (1791-Dec 1848) & Rosanna McCall Closey (1796-1875)
Their children:
1. Charles B. Closey (?-Sep 16, 1844 in New Orleans of Yellow fever)
2. John Webb Closey (?- May 26, 1851)
3. Anna M. Closey (1817-?)
4. Rosina Closey Soulard (Nov 7, 1819-Jul 17, 1896) married Nov 29, 1838 in St. Louis to Benjamin Auguste Soulard (1817-1884)
5. Emma Amelia Closey Virden (1825-1899)
6. Mary Closey Shiras (1828-)
7. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Closey (1832-?)
8. Henrietta F. Closey (1835-?)
Also living with the Closeys at least since 1845:
Ann Barnett (1819-?)
Hamilton Barnett (1813-?)
Rose J Barnett (1843-?)
Eliza Barnett (1848-?)
Thursday, January 4, 1849 [William Allen]
I heard old Webb Closey was dead—I thought to myself how sorry George will be to hear that—forgetting he too was gone—almost a notion to write Emma [Closey]—
[A Web Closey was born 30 May 1788 in Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia, PA"Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950", database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HF2J-FR6Z : 27 January 2020), Webb Closey, 1788.
Webb Closey fought in the War of 1812 at the Battle of New Orleans. He appeared in the 1820 Census living in the West Ward, Pittsburgh with four males and 5 females in the household. An 1828 newspaper identified him as a brick maker. The 1830 Census placed him in Pittsburgh's North Ward with 2 males age5 to 10, 2 males age 15-20, 1 male age 40-50, 1 female under age 5, 3 females age 5-10, 1 female age 15-20, and 1 female age30-40. 1840 Census simply listed him in Pittsburg with 2 males age 10-15, 1 male age 40-50, 2 females age 5-10, 1 female age15-20, 1 female age 40-50. According to Allen's journal entry he likely died in December 1848.]
John Webb Closey died on May 26, 1851 in Pittsburgh. He was a steamboat officer throughout the 1840s and was still doing so when he died. In 1846 he was the head clerk of the steamboat "Marengo" and was courting a Miss Matthews of New Orleans during stops in the "Crescent City." The following entry in William Allen's journal tells of John's death and a little about the man.
Tuesday, May 27, 1851 [William Allen Journal, Hillman Library, Special Collections, in the Hervey Allen Collection, University of Pittsburgh]
Called around at the Monongahela house to see a friend—on my way encountered Press Roberts—who said [James] May was looking for me—Oh said he wants you to be pall bearer for John Closey who died last night"—In that case I will go and proffer my services direct—and did so—did not see Mrs Closey nor indeed any of the females of the family only Mr Barnett who said hearing I was sick that had rustled some one else but were obliged to me for my kindness—Poor John lay in the room, but so changed and deformed by his complaint the dropsy that I did not lift the shroud that covered his face—His troubles here are over—he was a "fast liver"—a man I never liked as there was not a thing in common between us but our avocation [Steamboat head clerks]—but I used to like some portions of the family—and George [Allen, a brother] had at one time a "penchant" for Emma [Closey, a sister]—which John took advantage of to borrow money which he never intended and never did repay [$35]—and when I reflected back how when a boy I used to envy his tact and success as young clerk—years, years ago—as much as 16 and thought during all this time he had been on the waters in far country—whenever a river ran seawardly it was affecting to think—that this was the end of all and he who had seemed to my boyish imagination to one on the topmost round of success—should thus be brought up so suddenly leaving not a mark wherein he had travelled—dying and making no sign—He lived more than any man I know—as if death to him was a far off thing and old age a vague myth—were George [Allen] alive—John Closey's death would arrest him—Poor John! I am told for the last few years he was more sedate in his ideas—began to think—had his youngest sister at school sent money and groceries home—of all that clique who used to be so notorious in N Orleans as "fast men" within whose circle all verdant ones were not admitted how few remain—Tom Robinson—married and earning a subsistence as second clerk at 40$ a month who used to spend 150—John Closey dead! Charley Beares in California—and all the rest scattered—nothing would have impressed George had he lived—than the changes in Closey's family
Met Press Roberts there who explained to me as we walked home—that he happened to be on the boat that John was when he was coming home—though running in the same trade around in Alabama he had met him often in a business capacity—arranged to go together to the funeral in afternoon and afterward to go riding—home—eat a hearty dinner—felt well while walking as if it had done me good—but soon as I rested felt on rising weak and faint—laid down—woke up half an hour before the time and felt so bad had I not promised I would not have gone—did go however
Closey Family
Parents married in 1812 in Pittsburg: Webb Closey (1791-Dec 1848) & Rosanna McCall Closey (1796-1875)
Their children:
1. Charles B. Closey (?-Sep 16, 1844 in New Orleans of Yellow fever)
2. John Webb Closey (?- May 26, 1851)
3. Anna M. Closey (1817-?)
4. Rosina Closey Soulard (Nov 7, 1819-Jul 17, 1896) married Nov 29, 1838 in St. Louis to Benjamin Auguste Soulard (1817-1884)
5. Emma Amelia Closey Virden (1825-1899)
6. Mary Closey Shiras (1828-)
7. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Closey (1832-?)
8. Henrietta F. Closey (1835-?)
Also living with the Closeys at least since 1845:
Ann Barnett (1819-?)
Hamilton Barnett (1813-?)
Rose J Barnett (1843-?)
Eliza Barnett (1848-?)
Thursday, January 4, 1849 [William Allen]
I heard old Webb Closey was dead—I thought to myself how sorry George will be to hear that—forgetting he too was gone—almost a notion to write Emma [Closey]—
[A Web Closey was born 30 May 1788 in Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia, PA"Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950", database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HF2J-FR6Z : 27 January 2020), Webb Closey, 1788.
Webb Closey fought in the War of 1812 at the Battle of New Orleans. He appeared in the 1820 Census living in the West Ward, Pittsburgh with four males and 5 females in the household. An 1828 newspaper identified him as a brick maker. The 1830 Census placed him in Pittsburgh's North Ward with 2 males age5 to 10, 2 males age 15-20, 1 male age 40-50, 1 female under age 5, 3 females age 5-10, 1 female age 15-20, and 1 female age30-40. 1840 Census simply listed him in Pittsburg with 2 males age 10-15, 1 male age 40-50, 2 females age 5-10, 1 female age15-20, 1 female age 40-50. According to Allen's journal entry he likely died in December 1848.]
From Catholic Cemetery Association records
John Webb Closey died on May 26, 1851 in Pittsburgh. He was a steamboat officer throughout the 1840s and was still doing so when he died. In 1846 he was the head clerk of the steamboat "Marengo" and was courting a Miss Matthews of New Orleans during stops in the "Crescent City." The following entry in William Allen's journal tells of John's death and a little about the man.
Tuesday, May 27, 1851 [William Allen Journal, Hillman Library, Special Collections, in the Hervey Allen Collection, University of Pittsburgh]
Called around at the Monongahela house to see a friend—on my way encountered Press Roberts—who said [James] May was looking for me—Oh said he wants you to be pall bearer for John Closey who died last night"—In that case I will go and proffer my services direct—and did so—did not see Mrs Closey nor indeed any of the females of the family only Mr Barnett who said hearing I was sick that had rustled some one else but were obliged to me for my kindness—Poor John lay in the room, but so changed and deformed by his complaint the dropsy that I did not lift the shroud that covered his face—His troubles here are over—he was a "fast liver"—a man I never liked as there was not a thing in common between us but our avocation [Steamboat head clerks]—but I used to like some portions of the family—and George [Allen, a brother] had at one time a "penchant" for Emma [Closey, a sister]—which John took advantage of to borrow money which he never intended and never did repay [$35]—and when I reflected back how when a boy I used to envy his tact and success as young clerk—years, years ago—as much as 16 and thought during all this time he had been on the waters in far country—whenever a river ran seawardly it was affecting to think—that this was the end of all and he who had seemed to my boyish imagination to one on the topmost round of success—should thus be brought up so suddenly leaving not a mark wherein he had travelled—dying and making no sign—He lived more than any man I know—as if death to him was a far off thing and old age a vague myth—were George [Allen] alive—John Closey's death would arrest him—Poor John! I am told for the last few years he was more sedate in his ideas—began to think—had his youngest sister at school sent money and groceries home—of all that clique who used to be so notorious in N Orleans as "fast men" within whose circle all verdant ones were not admitted how few remain—Tom Robinson—married and earning a subsistence as second clerk at 40$ a month who used to spend 150—John Closey dead! Charley Beares in California—and all the rest scattered—nothing would have impressed George had he lived—than the changes in Closey's family
Met Press Roberts there who explained to me as we walked home—that he happened to be on the boat that John was when he was coming home—though running in the same trade around in Alabama he had met him often in a business capacity—arranged to go together to the funeral in afternoon and afterward to go riding—home—eat a hearty dinner—felt well while walking as if it had done me good—but soon as I rested felt on rising weak and faint—laid down—woke up half an hour before the time and felt so bad had I not promised I would not have gone—did go however
Closey Family
Parents married in 1812 in Pittsburg: Webb Closey (1791-Dec 1848) & Rosanna McCall Closey (1796-1875)
Their children:
1. Charles B. Closey (?-Sep 16, 1844 in New Orleans of Yellow fever)
2. John Webb Closey (?- May 26, 1851)
3. Anna M. Closey (1817-?)
4. Rosina Closey Soulard (Nov 7, 1819-Jul 17, 1896) married Nov 29, 1838 in St. Louis to Benjamin Auguste Soulard (1817-1884)
5. Emma Amelia Closey Virden (1825-1899)
6. Mary Closey Shiras (1828-)
7. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Closey (1832-?)
8. Henrietta F. Closey (1835-?)
Also living with the Closeys at least since 1845:
Ann Barnett (1819-?)
Hamilton Barnett (1813-?)
Rose J Barnett (1843-?)
Eliza Barnett (1848-?)
Thursday, January 4, 1849 [William Allen]
I heard old Webb Closey was dead—I thought to myself how sorry George will be to hear that—forgetting he too was gone—almost a notion to write Emma [Closey]—
[A Web Closey was born 30 May 1788 in Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia, PA"Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950", database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HF2J-FR6Z : 27 January 2020), Webb Closey, 1788.
Webb Closey fought in the War of 1812 at the Battle of New Orleans. He appeared in the 1820 Census living in the West Ward, Pittsburgh with four males and 5 females in the household. An 1828 newspaper identified him as a brick maker. The 1830 Census placed him in Pittsburgh's North Ward with 2 males age5 to 10, 2 males age 15-20, 1 male age 40-50, 1 female under age 5, 3 females age 5-10, 1 female age 15-20, and 1 female age30-40. 1840 Census simply listed him in Pittsburg with 2 males age 10-15, 1 male age 40-50, 2 females age 5-10, 1 female age15-20, 1 female age 40-50. According to Allen's journal entry he likely died in December 1848.]
John Webb Closey died on May 26, 1851 in Pittsburgh. He was a steamboat officer throughout the 1840s and was still doing so when he died. In 1846 he was the head clerk of the steamboat "Marengo" and was courting a Miss Matthews of New Orleans during stops in the "Crescent City." The following entry in William Allen's journal tells of John's death and a little about the man.
Tuesday, May 27, 1851 [William Allen Journal, Hillman Library, Special Collections, in the Hervey Allen Collection, University of Pittsburgh]
Called around at the Monongahela house to see a friend—on my way encountered Press Roberts—who said [James] May was looking for me—Oh said he wants you to be pall bearer for John Closey who died last night"—In that case I will go and proffer my services direct—and did so—did not see Mrs Closey nor indeed any of the females of the family only Mr Barnett who said hearing I was sick that had rustled some one else but were obliged to me for my kindness—Poor John lay in the room, but so changed and deformed by his complaint the dropsy that I did not lift the shroud that covered his face—His troubles here are over—he was a "fast liver"—a man I never liked as there was not a thing in common between us but our avocation [Steamboat head clerks]—but I used to like some portions of the family—and George [Allen, a brother] had at one time a "penchant" for Emma [Closey, a sister]—which John took advantage of to borrow money which he never intended and never did repay [$35]—and when I reflected back how when a boy I used to envy his tact and success as young clerk—years, years ago—as much as 16 and thought during all this time he had been on the waters in far country—whenever a river ran seawardly it was affecting to think—that this was the end of all and he who had seemed to my boyish imagination to one on the topmost round of success—should thus be brought up so suddenly leaving not a mark wherein he had travelled—dying and making no sign—He lived more than any man I know—as if death to him was a far off thing and old age a vague myth—were George [Allen] alive—John Closey's death would arrest him—Poor John! I am told for the last few years he was more sedate in his ideas—began to think—had his youngest sister at school sent money and groceries home—of all that clique who used to be so notorious in N Orleans as "fast men" within whose circle all verdant ones were not admitted how few remain—Tom Robinson—married and earning a subsistence as second clerk at 40$ a month who used to spend 150—John Closey dead! Charley Beares in California—and all the rest scattered—nothing would have impressed George had he lived—than the changes in Closey's family
Met Press Roberts there who explained to me as we walked home—that he happened to be on the boat that John was when he was coming home—though running in the same trade around in Alabama he had met him often in a business capacity—arranged to go together to the funeral in afternoon and afterward to go riding—home—eat a hearty dinner—felt well while walking as if it had done me good—but soon as I rested felt on rising weak and faint—laid down—woke up half an hour before the time and felt so bad had I not promised I would not have gone—did go however
Closey Family
Parents married in 1812 in Pittsburg: Webb Closey (1791-Dec 1848) & Rosanna McCall Closey (1796-1875)
Their children:
1. Charles B. Closey (?-Sep 16, 1844 in New Orleans of Yellow fever)
2. John Webb Closey (?- May 26, 1851)
3. Anna M. Closey (1817-?)
4. Rosina Closey Soulard (Nov 7, 1819-Jul 17, 1896) married Nov 29, 1838 in St. Louis to Benjamin Auguste Soulard (1817-1884)
5. Emma Amelia Closey Virden (1825-1899)
6. Mary Closey Shiras (1828-)
7. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Closey (1832-?)
8. Henrietta F. Closey (1835-?)
Also living with the Closeys at least since 1845:
Ann Barnett (1819-?)
Hamilton Barnett (1813-?)
Rose J Barnett (1843-?)
Eliza Barnett (1848-?)
Thursday, January 4, 1849 [William Allen]
I heard old Webb Closey was dead—I thought to myself how sorry George will be to hear that—forgetting he too was gone—almost a notion to write Emma [Closey]—
[A Web Closey was born 30 May 1788 in Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia, PA"Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950", database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HF2J-FR6Z : 27 January 2020), Webb Closey, 1788.
Webb Closey fought in the War of 1812 at the Battle of New Orleans. He appeared in the 1820 Census living in the West Ward, Pittsburgh with four males and 5 females in the household. An 1828 newspaper identified him as a brick maker. The 1830 Census placed him in Pittsburgh's North Ward with 2 males age5 to 10, 2 males age 15-20, 1 male age 40-50, 1 female under age 5, 3 females age 5-10, 1 female age 15-20, and 1 female age30-40. 1840 Census simply listed him in Pittsburg with 2 males age 10-15, 1 male age 40-50, 2 females age 5-10, 1 female age15-20, 1 female age 40-50. According to Allen's journal entry he likely died in December 1848.]
Family Members
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
