A Toast to Family (and Star Trek) on Ancestor’s Eve

On April 22nd  a special celebration was created–

“an evening of reflection in honor of those who had come before.” Neelix, a Talaxian born on Rinax established “Ancestor’s Eve” in the year 2375. Is this story not ringing a bell with you?

This reference to a futuristic celebration of genealogy probably won’t seem vaguely familiar unless you are a fan of Star Trek Voyager: Season 5. Neelix is a character who served as morale officer, ambassador, navigator and “chief-cook and bottle washer” aboard the USS Voyager.

The particular episode when Ancestors Eve was first mentioned, aired on 5 May 1999 and was called “11:59.” It focused on the story of Captain Janeway’s 21st century ancestor, and how the tales of her life influenced the captain’s career and life. Following some research, it turned out that her ancestor’s real life story differed greatly from the family legend passed down through the generations.

The important theme for Captain Janeway (played by actress Kate Mulgrew) was that her ancestor’s story captured her imagination, and influenced her life. To her the actual historical details were irrelevant.  As we research our genealogy, we too have to deal with the disappointment of documents that sometimes contradict the family stories.

So, why don’t we celebrate an “Ancestors Eve”?

Genealogy Days are held on various days and months throughout the year. Pueblo Colorado celebrates in January, Pennsylvania in September, and others in March.  Since 2003 the Surgeon General has promoted a National Family History Day that coincides with Thanksgiving.

Up until now there has not been a day (or eve) where we can specifically celebrate the lives and influences of one, or of our collective, ancestors. And so on this April 22nd, I will remember the many who have gone before us… the hearty souls who continue to inspire  us to follow our dreams. And I, like those actors in the Star Trek Voyager episode, raise my glass in a toast, “To Family.”

Janice

–Happy Ancestors Eve — April 22nd–

-ALT-GENEALOGY Archives from 1999-

–The Mulgrew Family Name (archived version)–

–Kate Mulgrew Trivia–
(Kathryn Janeway’s character was based on a feminist writer Elizabeth Janeway)

–Capt. Kathryn Janeway–

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**FAMILY TREE OF KATE MULGREW (aka Capt. Kathryn Janeway)**
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Thomas Mulgrew, b abt 1810-1819 in Ireland and d. –. He m. Ellen –. She b. abt 1830 in Ireland. By 1860 living in Dubuque, Iowa, a day laborer, and miner. Possibly he was the Thomas Mulgrew who was naturalized in 1849 in Dubuque, Iowa.
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U.S. Census > 1860 United States Federal Census > Iowa > Dubuque > Dubuque
Thomas Mulgrew 41 M Day Laborer 1500 Ireland
Ellen Mulgrew 30 F Ireland
John Mulgrew 13 M Iowa
Mary J. Mulgrew 11 F Iowa
Margaret Mulgrew 7 F Iowa
Julia Mulgrew 7 F Iowa
Cecelia Mulgrew 3 F Iowa
Celina M. Mulgrew 6/12 F Iowa
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Children of Thomas & Ellen (?) Mulgrew:
1. +John Mulgrew, b. abt 1845 Dubuque, Iowa
2. Mary J. Mulgrew, b. abt 1849 Dubuque, Iowa
3. Margaret Mulgrew, b. abt 1853 Dubuque, Iowa
4. Julia Mulgrew, b. abt 1853 Dubuque, Iowa
5. Cecelia Mulgrew, b abt 1857 Dubuque, Iowa
6. Celina M. Mulgrew, b. abt 1860 Dubuque, Iowa

John Mulgrew, son of John & Ellen (?) Mulgrew, b 1845-46 in Dubuque, Iowa, and died in 1926. He married 2 July 1866 in Grant County, Wisconsin to Louisa Boxleiter. She b. abt 1847 in Iowa. [see their gravestones]
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U.S. Census > 1870 United States Federal Census > Iowa > Dubuque > Dubuque Ward 4
Mulgrew, John 25 M W Miner 100 Iowa
Mulgrew Louise 23 F W Keeping House Ohio
Mulgrew Thomas 4 W M Iowa
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U.S. Census > 1880 United States Federal Census > Iowa > Dubuque > Dubuque > District 176
Mulgrew, John W M 37 Iowa
Mulgrew, Lou W F 30 wife keeps house Iowa
Mulgrew, Thomas W M 13 son school Iowa
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Child of John & Louisa (Boxleiter) Mulgrew:
1. Thomas J. Mulgrew, b. 8 May 1869 in Dubuque, Iowa

Thomas J. Mulgrew, son of John & Louisa (Boxleiter) Mulgrew, b. 8 May 1869 in Dubuque Iowa, and died in 1954. He married about 1892 to Mary C. Cosley, daughter of Amab and Caroline Cosley. She b. Dec 1871 in  Dubuque, Iowa, and d. in 1954. Both are buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
[Thomas grave marker] [Mary’s grave marker]
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History of Dubuque County, Iowa; Weston A. Goodspeed, ed. by F. T. Oldt and P. J. Quigley; Chicago: Goodspeed Hist. Assoc. 1911
Thomas J. Mulgrew, a native of the city of Dubuque and a member of one of its oldest and best known families, was born May 8, 1867, a son of John and Louisa (Boxleiter) Mulgrew. Originally the family resided in Germany but the direct ancestors of the subject of this sketch moved to County Cavan, Ireland, and from there emigrated to America. Members of this family have achieved distinction in the various walks of life. The grandfather of Thomas J. was a soldier in the War of 1812 and lost his life at the battle of Black River Bridge. John Mulgrew came from New York City to Dubuque in 1850, and as was usual with many of the pioneers, engaged in mining, operating his own plant. He is yet well remembered by the old settlers as a man of strong character and unblemished integrity. Thomas J. Mulgrew passed his youthful days attending the public schools, and began his business career as a bell boy in the Julien Hotel, succeeding which for a time he was employed in several other capacities, eventually becoming connected with the Hansen & Lincoln Company as manager of their coal business. For eight years he was thus associated, then embarked in that line of business for himself. This, under the management of Mr. Mulgrew, gradually increased in importance in the commercial world of Dubuque until it is now recognized as one of its most stable and prosperous institutions. The concern is now incorporated as the Mulgrew-Boys Company, of which Mr. Mulgrew is the president and treasurer. He is also the treasurer and a director of the Dubuque Art Manufacturing Company, is a director of the Dubuque National Bank, the Dubuque Industrial Association, the Dubuque Board of Education and is the owner of a cotton plantation in Bolivar county, Mississippi. Mr. Mulgrew started out in life for himself a poor boy and by his own unaided efforts has accumulated a competency and an honored name among his fellowmen. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, being a member of St. Anthony’s parish, is a Knight of Columbus, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in politics is a Democrat. September 9, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Cosley, daughter of Amab and Caroline Cosley, who were among the early pioneers of Dubuque county, and to their union four children have been born as follows: Myrtle V., Russel J., Carl George and Kathleen. The Mulgrews are among the best people of Dubuque.
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U.S. Census > 1900 United States Federal Census > Iowa > Dubuque > Julien > District 102
Mulgrew, Thomas J. Head W M May 1867 33 married 9 yrs Dubuque IA, Abir, Dubuque Coal & Wood Store
Mulgrew, Mary M. Wife W F Dec 1871 28 married 9 yrs 3 ch 3 living Dub Dub Dub House wife
Mulgrew, Myrtle V. dau W F Aug 1892 7 single Dub Dub Dub at School
Mulgrew, Russell J. son W M March 1894 6 single Dub Dub Dub at school
Mulgrew, Carl G. son W M July 1896 3 single Dub Dub Dub
Mulgrew, Louise C. mother W F Oct 1846 53 — (marriage status crossed out) 1 ch 1 living Ohio Germany Germany staying with son
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U.S. Census > 1930 United States Federal Census > Iowa > Dubuque > Julien > District 26 [living on Mount Pleasant Street]
Mulgrew, Russell S. Head 9500 M W 36 married at age 25 Iowa, Iowa Iowa, Vice President Coal & Ice Company
Mulgrew, Jean M. Wife F W 34 married at age 23 Wisconsin, Luxemburg, Wisconsin
Mulgrew, Thomas J. Son M W 9 single Iowa Iowa Wisconsin
Mulgrew, Jane, daughter F W 8 single Iowa Iowa Wisconsin
Mulgrew, Robert son M W 6 single Iowa Iowa Wisconsin
Richard, Gladys maid F W 22 single Wisc Wisc Wisc servant
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1909 Dubuqe Iowa Directory
MULGREW, Thomas J. wife Mary, pres. Thos. J. Mugrew Co. Mulgrew-Boyce Co. and Board of Education, r 180 Nevada tel Ia 2355
MULGREW, THOMAS J. CO. T.J. Mulgrew pres. J.L. Meyer v-pres. G.L. Hein sec and treas, J.J. Lenehan mngr. coal, wood, ice, lime, cement, fire brick, sewer pipe, roofing material, building paper and roofing contractors Jones and Iowa, both phones 386.
MULGREW, Russell, student, r. 180 Nevada
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Children of Thomas J. & Mary M. (?) Mulgrew:
1. Myrtle V. Mulgrew, b. Aug 1892 Dubuque Iowa
2. +Russell John Mulgrew, b. March 1894 Dubuque Iowa
3. Carl G. Mulgrew, b. July 1896, Dubuque Iowa; m. Marie Trenkle
4. Kathleen Mulgrew, b. aft 1896, Dubuque Iowa

Russell John Mulgrew, son of Thomas J. & Mary M. (Cosley) Mulgrew was b. 8 March 1894 in Dubuque Iowa. He died 21 Nov 1944 He married abt 1919 to Genevieve “Jean” M. –. She b. 3 Jan 1896 in Iowa, and d. 5 Feb 1994 in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1930 Vice President of Thomas J. Mulgrew Co., a coal and wood supplier. Filed WWI Draft Registration card. He served in the Infantry during WWI, rank of lieutenant. [grave marker]
Children of Russell & Jean M. (?) Mulgrew:
1. +Thomas James Mulgrew, b. 20 Nov 1920 in Dubuque Iowa
2. Jane Mulgrew, b. abt 1921 Dubuque Iowa
3. Robert J. Mulgrew, b. 28 Dec 1923 in Dubuque Iowa; died 5 October 2001

Thomas James “TJ” Mulgrew II, son of Russell J. & Genevieve “Jean” M. (?) Mulgrew, b. 20 Nov 1920; d. 18 Jan 2004 Dubuque, Dubuque Co., Iowa; married in 1953 to Joan Virginia Kiernan., daughter of Frank & Florence (Saunders) Kiernan.  She was b. abt 1928 in NJ and d. 27 July 2006, age 78 in Dubuque, Iowa. He was a businessman and she was a renowned artist. Thomas attended Loras College (aka Columbia College), served as a Lieut. in the Air Force, moved to Chicago and worked for the Foote Cone and Belding Advertising Agency. After their marriage, the couple moved to Dubuque Iowa where they raised their family. With his brother Robert he established Mulgrew Blacktop.  [TJ’s obituary]
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OBITUARY –Friday, July 28, 2006–Joan V. Mulgrew
Joan Virginia (Kiernan) Mulgrew, 78, a renowned artist and wife of the late Thomas J. “T.J.” Mulgrew II, of Dubuque, died Thursday, July 27, 2006.
The family will have a private ceremony. Friends are invited to a reception from noon to 3 p.m. today at Sweeney’s Supper Club, 11777 Highway 52 N., Sageville, Iowa. The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road, is in charge of arrangements. Her casket was provided by Trappist Caskets, Peosta, Iowa.
Mrs. Mulgrew was born on Oct. 21, 1927, in Montclair, N.J., the middle child of Florence (Saunders) and Frank Kiernan. She attended Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts, and St. Mary’s College, Kansas, where she earned a degree in philosophy. While attending Sacred Heart Boarding School for Girls, Pennsylvania, she met her life-long friend, Jean Kennedy, sister of John and Robert. Mrs. Mulgrew spent many summers at Hyannis Port with the Kennedy clan who fondly named her Jiki. After serving as John Kennedy’s private assistant during his run for Congress, Mrs. Mulgrew moved to Chicago, where she worked as an art director for an advertising agency. It was here she met Thomas. J. “T.J.” Mulgrew. They married in 1952, and moved to Dubuque. She had eight children in 10 years. Two daughters did not survive: Margaret Anne and Therese Louise.An adored wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mrs. Mulgrew was perhaps best known for her artistic talents and generous contributions to the local art community.Under the tutelage of her dear friend, the late Francesco Licciardi, she found the courage and confidence to pursue art as a career. She studied all over the world and became quite a successful artist, exhibiting her works throughout the United States and Europe.A final retrospective of her paintings was displayed at a sold-out show at Dubuque’s Plane Art Design gallery in 2002. It was a profound testament to the woman as a fine artist and beloved friend.Mrs. Mulgrew was very much a Renaissance woman. Her curiosity and passion for life was boundless. She loved to travel, cook, read, sew, play the piano and entertain guests in her home. She had a special place in her heart for the Trappestine nuns at Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, the bright lights of New York City and a good burger at one of her favorite haunts, the Dubuque Mining Company. Married for 50 years, Mrs. Mulgrew (affectionately referred to as Beanie) and her husband (T.J.), lived in a pre-Civil War house outside of the city called Derby Grange. The 40-acre estate was a magical oasis for all who lived there or visited. While T.J. offered wit, wisdom and wine; Joan shared intellect, inspiration and ideas, often prompting exciting conversations. They were a dynamic duo; funny, clever, eccentric and lovable. Mrs. Mulgrew’s view on life was simple: follow your bliss and never resist a good impulse. Surviving are her six children, Tom Mulgrew, of Nashville, Tenn., Kate Mulgrew and Jenny Mulgrew, both of New York, N.Y., Joe Mulgrew, of Dubuque, Laura Mulgrew, of Center Point, Iowa, and Sam Mulgrew, of Monmouth, Iowa; 15 grandchildren, Annie Mulgrew, Thomas Mulgrew IV, Ian Egan, Alec Egan, Rory Mulgrew, Madde Mulgrew, Ryan Mulgrew, Sarah Buelow, Gregory Buelow, Anthony Buelow, Joe Buelow, Therese Mulgrew, Josephine Mulgrew, Isabel Beck and Michaela Beck; and two great-grandsons, Jackson Mulgrew and Devon Buelow.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association of Dubuque, 5900 Saratoga Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, and Hospice of Dubuque, 2255 Kennedy Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002. The family also would like to give special mention to Joan’s long-time caregivers, Lucy Ledezma and Felipe Torres.
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Children of Thomas J. & Joan (Kiernan) Mulgrew [not in order of birth]:
1. Thomas Mulgrew, res. Nashville TN
2. +Katherine Kiernan Mulgrew, b. 29 April 1955 in Dubuque, Iowa. She m1) in 1982 to Robert H. Eagan, divorced. She m2) 1999 to Tim Hagan. Has two children, Ian Thomas (b 1983) and Alexander James (b 1984). She was the 2nd oldest of eight siblings. Kate, is probably most famous for her role on Star Trek Voyager.
3. Joseph “Joe” Mulgrew; res. Dubuque, Iowa
4. Jenny Mulgrew; m. — Beck; res. New York City
5. Laura Mulgrew; res. Center Point, IA
6. Sam Mulgrew; res. Monmouth Iowa
7. Margaret Anne Mulgrew, died young
8. Therese Louise Mulgrew, died young