A wee bit 'o Irish

As a child I knew very little about my Irish roots. In fact, that I was Irish at all. If my sister & I spent St. Patrick's Day with our father he would make the comment that we were the only Irish in the house. One year he was challenged by my step-sister Dawn, " how are they Irish? ". I listened that time.

Eventually I knew the facts. My maternal grandmother was 1/2 Irish from her mother. Technically that made me 1/8th. In middle school I met a friend that was full Irish. Really. Her grandparents were fresh off the boats. I went to the Westside Irish American club. I ate Irish food. I went to the St. Patrick's Day parade, etc. All with the family of this friend. It was more than my family had ever taught me about my "Irishness".

I'd venture to say I'm closest to my Irish line for the simple reason that it's my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). mtDNA is passed down the female line. Although males receive a copy from their mother's, they do not pass it on. It also has a much slower mutation rate.

My maternal grandmother was an accident and was 20 years younger than her eldest sibling. Her mother's name was Mary Logan Evans and she died when my grandmother was 11 years old due to kidney failure. She died in August 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio and was only 53 years old. Since she died when my grandmother was so young, little was known of Mary.

This is what I know of Mary from oral history and my own research:

Mary was born to John Logan & Agnes Quinn in County Cork Ireland; however, conflicting records also show her born near Downpatrick Northern Ireland in October 1878 or 1879.

Her father, John, first left Ireland for the US. Her mother Agnes set sail at a later date, departing from England, arriving with Mary and two brothers (Patrick & John) in 1883. Mary was 5 years old and as a result, could recall very little of her time in Ireland.

Once in the US she raised Belgian Malinois for Cleveland PD. No known photos or personal stories about her exist. She was interred at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.

d#: 0093040
Name: Evans, Mary
Date: Aug 1 1933
Source: Source unknown;  Cleveland Necrology File, Reel #023.
Notes: Evans: Mary, beloved wife of Isaac Evans, mother of Mrs. James Sullivan, Williams, Albert, John and Margaret Evans, sister of Patrick Logan, Mrs. X. F. Pasdersky and Mrs. Stewart Herbison, at her residence, 9321 Cassius Ave. Funeral Saturday, Aug. 19. Services at Holy Name Church at 9 a. m.

The Kind Soul of Uncle John

John Evans was my mother’s Uncle.

As a child he fell ill and the Pazderski’s nursed him to back to life. He was reportedly never the same or “right” in the head.

Chauffeur's License (he looks rather Johnny Cash in the first photo!)

Photo Booth Uncle John

Death & Birth Certificates 

Uncle John lived with the family his entire adult life at the house on Cassisus. He worked a variety of jobs and helped contribute to the family. One job included working as a chauffeur. According to cousin Jim, he bought the first color TV. The first one on the street!

My mom says Uncle John was a kind man, he always took care of the family even though he was independent (although still living with them). 

Friends and family  - share with me your best Uncle John stories in the comments! 

The Paz's

This entry is to be about an entire family - one that we simply call "The Paz's".

On my maternal side, my great-grandmother was Mary Logan. Mary's sister Catherine married Xavier F. Pazderski who was the "first Paz".

Paz was known as a big burly Polish man that worked as a firefighter. The couple had two son's and my family has maintained the closest bond with his son, John Pazderski's family. Two of John's children are still living and one, known as Cousin Dick passed away several years ago.

Xavier & John Pazderski

When I was younger, John's daughter Carol (along with her husband) lived with us in Arizona for a bit. Carol shared family recipes, photos, and I have very fond memories of my time with her. After living in Arizona for a short while, they returned to Michigan where they reside today. Carol is my 2nd cousin, 1x removed and I love corresponding with her. We call each other "big cuz" and "little cuz".

John and Richard (Dick) Pazderski

Of note, Carol's Dad John was responsible for saving my mother's Uncle John Evans. John Pazderski & John Evans were first cousins about the same age. The family story goes that Uncle John contracted sun stroke (or some other illness) and it was John Paz that nursed Uncle John back to health. Although Uncle John was never "right" in the head, he outlived all of his siblings.

We might be becoming distant cousins but we still share a strong bond with this special family!

Uncle Al

Uncle Al was my grandmother's brother. This week I asked my mom to write her memories of Uncle Al to share with you!

Uncle Al Evans was my mother’s older brother.  My mom was a “change of life” baby and her siblings were all older than her.  Mom was raised by her brothers-which probably accounted for her love of sports.  All of mom’s brothers always looked out for mom.

Uncle Al lived just up the street from our house on Cassius Ave.  We would stop by often and visit.  Uncle Al had remarried and lived with his 2nd wife-Aunt Peg.  I always remember my Uncle Al being there when mom needed anything.  If it snowed, Uncle Al might come down and plow the driveway.  With lots of medical bills with our family, I had always heard Uncle Al would help when he could with medical expenses.  Uncle Al was known for being a dedicated Republican.  Mom and my sister would often work the polling booths on Election Day for the Republican Party. It was Uncle Al who helped me get my first job with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.

He will always be remembered by me as a caring, loving uncle and someone who would do anything for family.  Rest in peace Uncle Al.  I love you.

Al & Peg Evans circa 1945 Cleveland, Ohio.