Notes:
The following research was done by Pamela Mumma July 2002. Please contact her @ mumma6@yahoo.com if you desire to transfer it to your files or gedcom, please. Still valid email March 2004
Birth date August 16, 1842 This was the date on web before July 2002. It was changed to 1842 - 1846 after the following was researched. Although the birth date is so specific it seems as if this should be, I have no source for it and have found other conflicting dates. PMumma, mumma6@yahoo.com July 2002
Source for 1842: ?
Obituary indicates that she was 80 years old when she died making her birth year, ABT 1846.
Census of 1860 has Mary's age 16 born in PA making her birth year ABT 1844.
Census of 1870 has Mary's age 23 born in PA making her birth year ABT 1847.
Census of 1880 has Mary's age 37 born in PA making her birth year ABT 1843.
Doug Mumma found her living with her son Chester in the 1900 census. The birth date is very specific and fits within the range.
Census of 1900 Mary, age 55, b. Aug 1844, b. PA making her birth Aug 1844
Mary's husband James was in the civil war. His pension records can be found at the National Archives. The following is information contained within them.
The pension records indicate that Mary is James' only wife. It notes their marriage date and place. In filing for widow's pension Mary lists the names and birth dates of the three youngest children who are still living at home when James died. (Until children reach the age of 16 they are considered dependents and receive extra pension funds from the government.) According to the pension file, James died on December 6, 1893. Apparently James had sold their property before his death with the consideration that Mary buy it back for $300. When she could not do this she lost her home. There are affidavits in defense of Mary's application for widow pension from the following people indicating the following information:
From Mary herself: "I was not able to meet requirements of purchase and never got a deed for same. My personal property consists of household goods worth less than one hundred dollars. I have no income outside my own labor and no one legally bound to support me and my children Nicholas, Chester, and Lulu who are all living and under 16 years of age who I have to care for and support. Marked with an X. Witnessed by Myrtle Mumma (assume daughter-in-law) and A.C. Mathias.
Jacob W. Miller age 66 of Burnt Cabin written 17 Jan 1894. "known James for 28 years. ... knew husband James Mumma from a child. I lives next door."
A.J. Fore, Jr. age 27, "known Mary 20 years..."
A.J. Fore, Sr. age 76, Knobbsville, Fulton County, PA "known 30 years"
Mary McKelsy ( or McKeley or McKelery) written May 5, 1894, 63 yrs old of Fort Loudon of Franklin Co., PA "present at the marriage of Mary and James"
Sarah Miller, 47, of Fort Littleton, Fulton Co., PA "present at birth of Chester, Oct 16, 1888."
Catherine Myers, 74 yrs old resident of Knobbsville mother of Mary, claimed she was "present at the birth of Lulu Mumma, daughter of above claimant Feb 16 1883." signed with her mark of three plus signs in a row +++.
Mrs. Katie Miller, daughter, age 24 of Burnt Cabins, Fulton Co., PA declared she was taking care of her mother after the births of these children and claimed the birth years of these individuals. U.S. Miller was a witness to her signature.
All the affidavits that mention the children's birth dates indicate that Nicholas was born June 27, 1880, Lulu was born February 16, 1883, and Chester was born October 16, 1888.
Also included in this pension file is a letter from Mary's daughter Mrs. Amos Koon of 1638 Grand Ave., New Castle, Ind indicating that Mary had died October 15, 1926.
Mary's obituary reads:
MUMMA
Mrs. Mary Mumma was born in Germany in 1846, and came to Pennsylvania in 1850. Her parents lived at Knobsville. She was united in marriage to James Mumma and to this union were born eight children, namely, George of Colorado; Alice, wife of Benj. Wiles of Iowa; John, deceased; Kate, Mrs. Enlie Miller, and Lulu, Mrs. Koons, both of New Castle, Ind.; Bert and Nicholas of Pittsburgh; and Chester of Detroit, Mich. She is survived by 34 grandchildren and one brother, Mr. George Myers, of Knobsville.
Mrs. Mumma was a woman of lovely christian character, always ready to lend a helping hand in times of sickness, and many were the calls on her. To know her was to love her. Early in life she joined the M. E. church and kept the faith.
Of late years she had made her home with her daughter, Lulu, Mrs. Koons of New Castle, Indiana, where she died, Thursday, October 14, and was laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery at that place. The Fulton County News, Oct 28, 1926.
I am aware of the conflict in birth place noted between the census reports and the obituary. I believe that the birth place of PA is true based on the fact that Catherine and Joseph, the parents, in the 1860 census clearly indicate that only Catherine is foreign born. PMumma mumma6@yahoo.com July 2002, March 2004