The Family of #3 James Short

1. John Short, 1800-1872, was a silk dyer. He and his wife, Elizabeth, 1800-1873, emigrated at least by the 1830 census of New York City (Manhattan) where he can be found in the 11th Ward. At this time his business was at 229 Grand. During the 1840's his residence was at 152 Hester.
The 1850 census for New York City (Manhattan) 11th Ward reveals:
John Short, 50, dyer, born in Ireland
Elizabeth, 50, born in Ireland
Elizabeth, 15, born in NY, daughter

Also in the household were:

Elizabeth Watson, 18, born in NY
Samuel Watson, 20, a clerk, born in PA
James Cooper, dyer, born in England
Alexander Shaw, 15, a dyer, born in Ireland
Ann Williams, 30, born in Ireland

During the mid 1850s, John Short moved his business to 245 Grand and later his residence was 52 Chrystie.
The 1860 census for New York City (Manhattan) 10th Ward reveals:
John Short, 60, dyer, born in Ireland
Elizabeth, 60, born in Ireland
Elizabeth Watson, 26, born in NY
Anne Williams, 50, servant, born in Ireland

In this 1860 census the previous family was:

Willliam Williams, 25, labourer, born in Ireland
Margaret, 24, born in Ireland
Sarah, 5, born in NY
John, 11/12, born in NY

Since #1 Thomas Short was married to Jane/Jean Williams speculation is that John Short's wife may have been a Williams particularly since Ann Williams appears to be with John's family throughout the census.

Eventually two of John Short's nephews, John Montgomery and his brother Alex Montgomery, sons of Anne Short Montgomery emigrated to New York City to work for John Short in the dyeing business.

The Will of John Short

On the 12 Dec 1872, Elizabeth Short, wife of John Short, deceased, leaving assets in the County of New York, late of Milford, Connecticut, appeared at the Surrogate Court in New York County to submit John Short's Will for probate. On the 11 Feb 1873 the Will was sent to Probate. Between the 11 Feb 1873 and 6 Oct 1873 John Short's wife Elizabeth, executrix of the Will, died and John Montgomery, nephew of John Short, was appointed to administer the following Will.

I, John Short of the City of Brooklin do make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other and former Wills by me at any time heretofore made after payment of all my just debts and liabilities I dispose of my property and estate as follows.

First I give devise and bequeath unto Elizabeth Watson, niece of my wife, the sum of Two thousand dollars to her and her heirs forever.

Second I give devise and bequeath unto my executrix hereinafter named the sum of one thousand dollars in trust during her life to apply the income thereof and so much of the principal as may be necessary in her opinion to the support of my Nephew James, son of my brother James Short and after her death I give the said principal or so much as shall remain thereof to my said Nephew James and his heirs forever.

Third I give and devise and bequeath all the undivided half of all the rest residue and remainder of my estate both real and personal to my wife Elizabeth to her and her heirs forever.

Fourth I give devise and bequeath the other undivided half part of my estate to my said wife during her life the same to be converted unto personally during her life and after her death I give the said one half to the children of my brother James, share and share alike and to their heirs forever.

Lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my Wife Elizabeth Executrix and my friend S ? H William/Williams Executor of this my last Will and Testament giving and granting to these full power and authority to sell and convey all or part of my real estate to make deed or deeds therefore to the purchasers thereof. In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-seventh day of February 1867       John Short (LS)

Witnesses: George C. Close, No. 106 Fulton Street Brooklyn
                Samuel McIntyre, No. 70 Cranberry St.
                Alfred Dickinson, No. 77 Codar? St. New York


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