Balbina (I) Beck nee Kowalewski married William G. Beck 19 Jul 1859 in Mobile, Alabama. After the death of his wife (on or after 24 Oct 1866) widower William Beck married Fannie Oats 12 Jan 1868. The daughter of Balbina Kowalewski and William G. Beck, Balbina (II), her younger brother Frank, and older stepbrother John lived with their father and stepmother, Fannie, in 1870. Balbina (II) V. Beck married Alexander F. McCarty 4 Jun 1878. From the 1880 and 1900 McCarty household census entries, the couple had five children: Leska/Luka, Catherine, Lewis Brock, Susiedelle/Susadale, and Edwina and lived with Aleck's widowed mother Adele in Demopolis, Marengo, AL.
Widow Balbina (II) V. McCarty nee Beck married widower Fredrick G. Stickney (her daughter's father-in-law?) in 1906. Widowed again, Balbina (II) lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Atlanta, GA, in 1920. Balbina (II) V. McCarty Stickney nee Beck died in Atlanta, GA, in 1928, at the age of 67.
Mrs. McCarty-Stickney nee Beck honored her brother, mother, and grandmother with grave markers in Magnolia Cemetery interments. Their burials are listed:
?, Richard G., d. 9-6-1859, in his 16th yr.
Beck, Dr. F. K., my brother.
Beck, Balbina K., my mother.
Poetz, M. Kowelski [sic], my grandmother.
(Mobile County, Alabama - Cemeteries Page- Magnolia Cemetery - Mobile, Alabama
http://www.trackingyourroots.com/data/mobilecem3.htm)
(entries: approx. one inch from bottom)
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Coming from a family rich in musical talent and heritage, Mrs. McCarty-Stickney’s grandmother, Madame Kowalewski, Mariah/Maria Henrietta nee Dillon, was a musician in her own right as organist of Christ Church, Mobile, AL, for fifty-two years. Daughter of W. (Billy) Dillon and Maria Dillon nee Gaudry, her father died in June of 1829:
"W. Dillon, well known as "Billy Dillon," a most talented and popular writer for Saunders' Newsletter, died this month [June]. He was married to a sister of Gaudry, composer of many celebrated glees, amongst which, " Descend Celestial Queen of Song," stills holds ground. Gaudry was also composer of the charming song, " Art Thou, too, gone?" Gaudry was Mr. John O'Rorke's uncle." (Contributor: Dorota Jarosz.)
Annals of the Theatre Royale, Dublin, p.22:
http://archive.org/stream/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala_djvu.txt
and
full text, page 22:
https://archive.org/details/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala
The Gaudry, Richard Otto Gaudry (1800-1825), referred to above and uncle to Madame, was musically inclined; note image copied and sourced to right:
"Richard Otto Gaudry, a young musician of much promise, was born in Dublin in 1800, and died there in 1825. He was a chorister in the Castle Chapel, and afterwards became organist of S. Anne’s Church, Dawson Street. He will be long remembered at the Cathedrals by an anthem, “O Lord, Thou art my God,” which he arranged partly from Haydn, and which has since been edited and published by Mr. John O’Rorke, one of the Vicars-Choral of S. Patrick’s. It is an exceedingly skilful adaptation, and far above the average of such productions." (Contributor: Dorota Jarosz.)
The Musical Standard: A Newspaper for Musicians, Professional and Amateur, p. 207 Oct 3, 1885:
https://books.google.com/books?
-------
Madame’s mother, M. Dillon nee Gaudrie, born circa 1804, immigrated to America and lived with her daughter 1850 through 1870, in Mobile, Alabama. Madame’s sister, Louise Dillon, married James B. Post, 26 December 1855. After Louise’s death in 1856, her daughter, Odyle Gaudrie Post, lived with Madame in 1860 Mobile, AL.
Madame's niece: Odyle Gaudrie (Post) Gage, Find A Grave Memorial# 135856202
-----
Prior to her lengthy residency in Mobile, Alabama, Madame Kowalewski taught in Pensacola, Florida. At her funeral, held at Christ Church, many came to pay their respect. Among the congregation were a number of colored people who held Madame Kowalewski in high esteem. Regrettably, her few relatives could not attend due to quarantine restrictions. The organ was appropriately draped with mourning and burial was in Magnolia Cemetery. (FUNERAL OF MADAME KOWALEWSKI, Mobile Register, 23 October 1897) (Courtesy of Mobile Public Library; copy in possession of Jane Denny.) Dates, plus given and surname spellings vary by source.
An 1840 article and Madame Kowalewski’s obituary follow:
SINGING SCHOOL.
MRS K. KOVALESKI and Miss DILLON intend forming a class on Wilhem’s new Vocal System, by which pupils will be enabled to sing at sight without the assistance of an instrument. This method, as adopted by the most eminent teachers of Europe, has been found to surpass anything hitherto used.
Lessons twice a week - -Terms Five Dollars per Quarter.
May 6, 1843-6 (Pensacola Gazette, 6 May 1843, p 3) (Copy in possession of Jane Denny and courtesy of Lynn H.)
MADAME KOWALEWSKI DEAD.
DISTINGUISHED MUSICIAN CLOSES A LONG AND HONORABLE CAREER.
Yesterday died Mariah Kowalewski, organist of Christ Church, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. She leaves a grandchild, wife of A. F. McCarty, of Demopolis, Ala., and a devoted niece whom she considered as a daughter, Mrs. Odeyle Gage, of Concord, Mass.
Madame Kowalewski was a descendent from a Hugenot family on her mother’s side and from a distinguished Irish family on her father’s side. If all the facts connected with her ancestry and early life were known, they would make an interesting biography. Her sensitive nature kept in obscurity the date of her birth and all of her career anterior to her coming to Mobile, but enough was gleaned from her to learn, with a degree of certainty that he was born sometime between 1813 and 1815. Her mother’s maiden name was Guadrie [sometimes Gaudry], from whom she inherited her musical talent. The family was gifted. The Guadries left France after the revocation of the edict of Nantes and settled in England. A maternal uncle was a noted composer and it is said is name was not unfamiliar to English and Irish musicians who used to rendezvous in Novello’s music store in Fleet street in London, away back in the thirties and forties. Sometime about the year 1812 her mother was married to an Irish gentleman, a native of Dublin by the name of Dillon. Their honeymoon was spent in travelling and a few weeks in London, after which they went to Dublin, where they settled and where their child, Mariah, the subject of this sketch, was born.
Mariah Dillon was a bright and intelligent child, and in early life developed a talent for music, which her uncle, Guadrie, was quick to perceive. As soon as she was old enough, she was sent to one of the musical institutions of the place known as Logiere College. It is said that she played in one of the churches I Dubin when only twelve years old. There were not vested choirs in those days, and the organ and choir were in the gallery in one of the transepts of the church. Her playing of the magnificent service of the English church delighted every one. Her progress in Logiere College was rapid. At fifteen years, she was familiar with and played in public, the compositions of Beethoven, Heyden, Mozart and others. She was contemporaneous with Mendelssohn, knew him well and played his music with an artistic skill. At sixteen she composed a set of waltzes, which became so popular that they were arranged for orchestra and played at the concerts in Dublin. It was about this time or perhaps a few years later that she was chosen organist of St. James’ Church, one of the fashionable churches of Dublin, and it was during her incumbency in this church that she was unexpectedly called on at a choir rehearsal to transpose a Te Deum into a higher key from the one in which it was written. It was a feat of sight transposing, which he accomplished successfully.
Mariah Dillon was as pretty and attractive as she was accomplished and had her share of admirers, among them a young physician, a Pole, by the name of Kowalewski. Dr. Kowalewski was a bundle of eccentricities. He had winning manners and a pleasing personality and soon won the hand and heart of the pretty and talented Mariah Dillon. They were married before she was twenty. A child was born unto them and it was not long after this that Dr. Kowalewski suddenly conceived the idea of going to America. With scarcely any warning he departed for New Orleans in a sailing vessel. Not long after this, a few months, the wife and mother followed her husband, embarking in a sailing vessel at Liverpool and arriving at New Orleans after a long and weary voyage. This was in the fall of 1836 or 1837. For some reason, they did not stay long in New Orleans. It was in the winter of 1838 and 1839 that they moved to Pensacola, where a second child, a boy, was born. The dreadful yellow fever epidemic which prevailed in the summer of 1839 visited Pensacola, but Dr. Kowalewski and his family survived this. The family came to Mobile some time between 1842 and 1845. It is known to a certainty that it was before 1845, for in 1846 she was playing the organ in Christ Church. Her husband left Mobile shortly after arrival here, never to return.
Her abilities were soon known and appreciated here and it was not long before she had as many scholars as she could attend to.
About the year 1859 the Madame was married to a foreign gentleman by the name of Portz. This marital union did not last long. Mr. Portz went away during the war and never returned. The madame discarded the name and resumed that of her first husband, Kowalewski.
As a musician she was thoroughly appreciated throughout her whole career. She was faithful in the discharge of her duties. She loved music, because it was a part of her nature. Her life and work here are a part of the history of Mobile. She played the organ in Christ Church almost continuously for fifty-two years. It is doubtful if another organist in this country has such a record or if, in the musical history of this country, a like record can be produced.
The lady was the architect of her own fortunes. She was full of energy, bright of disposition and scrupulous in the performance of duties. Her long career was marked by its uniform success, by the devotion of her friends and by her liberality of heart and purse. She was not alone the teacher of her pupils, but their guide and mentor a well. She took the liveliest personal interest in the formation of their characters and rejoiced to see them become the honored matrons of Mobile society. Many is the eye that will become dim when the many lovable traits of this worthy woman are recalled to mind.
The funeral will take place Friday morning in the church where she served so long and well (Mobile Register, 21 October 1897; courtesy of Mobile Public Library; copy in possession of Jane Denny).
-------
Alabama, Select Marriages, 1816-1957
Name: W. G. Beck
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 12 Jan 1868
Marriage Place: Wilcox, Alabama
Spouse: Fannie Oats
FHL Film Number: 1290215
1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Balbena Beck
Event Place: , Kemper, Mississippi
Gender: Female
Age: 20
Race: White
Race (Original): White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1840
Birthplace: Ireland
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Wm G Beck M 28 Alabama
Balbena Beck F 20 Ireland
John W Beck M 8 Mississippi
Henry Jackson M 20 Mississippi
1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Bellena Beck
Age in 1870: 8
Birth Year: abt 1862
Birthplace: Alabama
Home in 1870: Bethel, Wilcox, Alabama
Post Office: Bethel
Wm G Beck 37
Fannie S Beck 21
John Beck 17
Bellena Beck 8
Frank Beck 6
Alabama, Select Marriages, 1816-1957
Name: Balbenie K. Beck
Marriage Date: 4 Jun 1878
Marriage Place: Mobile,Alabama
Spouse: Alexander F. McCarty
FHL Film Number:
1294428 V. 27-28
1880 Census - Alexander Mc Carty in household of Adele Mc Carty
Event Place: Demopolis, Marengo, Alabama, United States
Race: White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1857
Father's Birthplace: Alabama, United States
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Adele Mc Carty Self F 52 Alabama
Edward Mc Carty Son M 20 Alabama
Louize Mc Carty Daughter F 10 Alabama
Alexander Mc Carty Son M 23 Alabama
Leska Mc Carty Granddaughter F 1 Alabama
Joseph Mc Carty Son M 14 Alabama
John Mc Carty Son M 17 Alabama
Balbina Mc Carty Daughter-in-law F 19 Alabama
Citing this Record:
"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4VM-L35 : citing enumeration district 90, sheet 465C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0022; FHL microfilm 1,254,022.
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Benie V Mccarty
Age: 34
Birth Date: Jun 1861
Birthplace: Mississippi
Home in 1900: Demopolis, Marengo, Alabama
Marital Status:Married
Marriage Year: 1878
Years Married: 22
Father's Birthplace: Alabama
Mother's Birthplace: Ireland
Mother: number of living children: 5
Mother: How many children: 5
Benie V Mccarty 34
Luka Mccarty 21 [Leska: born March 1879]
Katie Mccarty 19 [born January 1881]
Brock Mccarty 16 {Lewis Brock: born Sept. 1883]
Susiedelle Mccarty 15 [Susadale born May 1885; married Steele]
Edwina Mccarty 13 [born April 1887]
Frederic Stickney 46 [boarder]
Ward Stickney 27 [boarder]
Fred Stickney 16 [boarder]
S Grooms - Marengo Co, AL Marriage Records 1818-1936:
STICKNEY, Fredrick G. and MCCARTY, Balbina V. Apr 18, 1906
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Balbina V Stickney Age: 57
Birth Year: abt 1863
Birthplace: Alabama
Home in 1920: Atlanta Ward 8, Fulton, Georgia
Street: Cypress Street
Relation to Head of House: Mother-in-law
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace: North Carolina
James W Stickney 40 [civil engineer]
Katherine C Stickney 37
James W Stickney 16
Balbina Stickney 10
Mary E Stickney 7 [7 6/12]
Franklin K B Stickney 3 [3 6/12]
Balbina V Stickney 57
Susadelle Steele 34
John W Crenshaw 33
Archibald D Crenshaw 22
Georgia, Deaths [viewed at FamilySearch]
Name: Bolbina Stickney [burial: West View, Atlanta]
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 05 Jul 1928
Event Place: Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States
Gender: Female
Age: 67
Marital Status: Widowed
Birth Date: 06 Jan 1861
Birthplace: Mississippi
Father's Name: William Beck
Mother's Name: Valam Knoeleski
Certificate Number: 13846
Digital Folder Number: 004335378 , Image Number: 00323
--------
brother: Dr. Frank Kowaleski Beck, Find A Grave Memorial #69290809 (born 24 October 1866, died 7 December 1895 in Mobile, Alabama, after a stroke 12 days earlier)
Widow Balbina (II) V. McCarty nee Beck married widower Fredrick G. Stickney (her daughter's father-in-law?) in 1906. Widowed again, Balbina (II) lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Atlanta, GA, in 1920. Balbina (II) V. McCarty Stickney nee Beck died in Atlanta, GA, in 1928, at the age of 67.
Mrs. McCarty-Stickney nee Beck honored her brother, mother, and grandmother with grave markers in Magnolia Cemetery interments. Their burials are listed:
?, Richard G., d. 9-6-1859, in his 16th yr.
Beck, Dr. F. K., my brother.
Beck, Balbina K., my mother.
Poetz, M. Kowelski [sic], my grandmother.
(Mobile County, Alabama - Cemeteries Page- Magnolia Cemetery - Mobile, Alabama
http://www.trackingyourroots.com/data/mobilecem3.htm)
(entries: approx. one inch from bottom)
--------
Coming from a family rich in musical talent and heritage, Mrs. McCarty-Stickney’s grandmother, Madame Kowalewski, Mariah/Maria Henrietta nee Dillon, was a musician in her own right as organist of Christ Church, Mobile, AL, for fifty-two years. Daughter of W. (Billy) Dillon and Maria Dillon nee Gaudry, her father died in June of 1829:
"W. Dillon, well known as "Billy Dillon," a most talented and popular writer for Saunders' Newsletter, died this month [June]. He was married to a sister of Gaudry, composer of many celebrated glees, amongst which, " Descend Celestial Queen of Song," stills holds ground. Gaudry was also composer of the charming song, " Art Thou, too, gone?" Gaudry was Mr. John O'Rorke's uncle." (Contributor: Dorota Jarosz.)
Annals of the Theatre Royale, Dublin, p.22:
http://archive.org/stream/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala_djvu.txt
and
full text, page 22:
https://archive.org/details/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala
The Gaudry, Richard Otto Gaudry (1800-1825), referred to above and uncle to Madame, was musically inclined; note image copied and sourced to right:
"Richard Otto Gaudry, a young musician of much promise, was born in Dublin in 1800, and died there in 1825. He was a chorister in the Castle Chapel, and afterwards became organist of S. Anne’s Church, Dawson Street. He will be long remembered at the Cathedrals by an anthem, “O Lord, Thou art my God,” which he arranged partly from Haydn, and which has since been edited and published by Mr. John O’Rorke, one of the Vicars-Choral of S. Patrick’s. It is an exceedingly skilful adaptation, and far above the average of such productions." (Contributor: Dorota Jarosz.)
The Musical Standard: A Newspaper for Musicians, Professional and Amateur, p. 207 Oct 3, 1885:
https://books.google.com/books?
-------
Madame’s mother, M. Dillon nee Gaudrie, born circa 1804, immigrated to America and lived with her daughter 1850 through 1870, in Mobile, Alabama. Madame’s sister, Louise Dillon, married James B. Post, 26 December 1855. After Louise’s death in 1856, her daughter, Odyle Gaudrie Post, lived with Madame in 1860 Mobile, AL.
Madame's niece: Odyle Gaudrie (Post) Gage, Find A Grave Memorial# 135856202
-----
Prior to her lengthy residency in Mobile, Alabama, Madame Kowalewski taught in Pensacola, Florida. At her funeral, held at Christ Church, many came to pay their respect. Among the congregation were a number of colored people who held Madame Kowalewski in high esteem. Regrettably, her few relatives could not attend due to quarantine restrictions. The organ was appropriately draped with mourning and burial was in Magnolia Cemetery. (FUNERAL OF MADAME KOWALEWSKI, Mobile Register, 23 October 1897) (Courtesy of Mobile Public Library; copy in possession of Jane Denny.) Dates, plus given and surname spellings vary by source.
An 1840 article and Madame Kowalewski’s obituary follow:
SINGING SCHOOL.
MRS K. KOVALESKI and Miss DILLON intend forming a class on Wilhem’s new Vocal System, by which pupils will be enabled to sing at sight without the assistance of an instrument. This method, as adopted by the most eminent teachers of Europe, has been found to surpass anything hitherto used.
Lessons twice a week - -Terms Five Dollars per Quarter.
May 6, 1843-6 (Pensacola Gazette, 6 May 1843, p 3) (Copy in possession of Jane Denny and courtesy of Lynn H.)
MADAME KOWALEWSKI DEAD.
DISTINGUISHED MUSICIAN CLOSES A LONG AND HONORABLE CAREER.
Yesterday died Mariah Kowalewski, organist of Christ Church, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. She leaves a grandchild, wife of A. F. McCarty, of Demopolis, Ala., and a devoted niece whom she considered as a daughter, Mrs. Odeyle Gage, of Concord, Mass.
Madame Kowalewski was a descendent from a Hugenot family on her mother’s side and from a distinguished Irish family on her father’s side. If all the facts connected with her ancestry and early life were known, they would make an interesting biography. Her sensitive nature kept in obscurity the date of her birth and all of her career anterior to her coming to Mobile, but enough was gleaned from her to learn, with a degree of certainty that he was born sometime between 1813 and 1815. Her mother’s maiden name was Guadrie [sometimes Gaudry], from whom she inherited her musical talent. The family was gifted. The Guadries left France after the revocation of the edict of Nantes and settled in England. A maternal uncle was a noted composer and it is said is name was not unfamiliar to English and Irish musicians who used to rendezvous in Novello’s music store in Fleet street in London, away back in the thirties and forties. Sometime about the year 1812 her mother was married to an Irish gentleman, a native of Dublin by the name of Dillon. Their honeymoon was spent in travelling and a few weeks in London, after which they went to Dublin, where they settled and where their child, Mariah, the subject of this sketch, was born.
Mariah Dillon was a bright and intelligent child, and in early life developed a talent for music, which her uncle, Guadrie, was quick to perceive. As soon as she was old enough, she was sent to one of the musical institutions of the place known as Logiere College. It is said that she played in one of the churches I Dubin when only twelve years old. There were not vested choirs in those days, and the organ and choir were in the gallery in one of the transepts of the church. Her playing of the magnificent service of the English church delighted every one. Her progress in Logiere College was rapid. At fifteen years, she was familiar with and played in public, the compositions of Beethoven, Heyden, Mozart and others. She was contemporaneous with Mendelssohn, knew him well and played his music with an artistic skill. At sixteen she composed a set of waltzes, which became so popular that they were arranged for orchestra and played at the concerts in Dublin. It was about this time or perhaps a few years later that she was chosen organist of St. James’ Church, one of the fashionable churches of Dublin, and it was during her incumbency in this church that she was unexpectedly called on at a choir rehearsal to transpose a Te Deum into a higher key from the one in which it was written. It was a feat of sight transposing, which he accomplished successfully.
Mariah Dillon was as pretty and attractive as she was accomplished and had her share of admirers, among them a young physician, a Pole, by the name of Kowalewski. Dr. Kowalewski was a bundle of eccentricities. He had winning manners and a pleasing personality and soon won the hand and heart of the pretty and talented Mariah Dillon. They were married before she was twenty. A child was born unto them and it was not long after this that Dr. Kowalewski suddenly conceived the idea of going to America. With scarcely any warning he departed for New Orleans in a sailing vessel. Not long after this, a few months, the wife and mother followed her husband, embarking in a sailing vessel at Liverpool and arriving at New Orleans after a long and weary voyage. This was in the fall of 1836 or 1837. For some reason, they did not stay long in New Orleans. It was in the winter of 1838 and 1839 that they moved to Pensacola, where a second child, a boy, was born. The dreadful yellow fever epidemic which prevailed in the summer of 1839 visited Pensacola, but Dr. Kowalewski and his family survived this. The family came to Mobile some time between 1842 and 1845. It is known to a certainty that it was before 1845, for in 1846 she was playing the organ in Christ Church. Her husband left Mobile shortly after arrival here, never to return.
Her abilities were soon known and appreciated here and it was not long before she had as many scholars as she could attend to.
About the year 1859 the Madame was married to a foreign gentleman by the name of Portz. This marital union did not last long. Mr. Portz went away during the war and never returned. The madame discarded the name and resumed that of her first husband, Kowalewski.
As a musician she was thoroughly appreciated throughout her whole career. She was faithful in the discharge of her duties. She loved music, because it was a part of her nature. Her life and work here are a part of the history of Mobile. She played the organ in Christ Church almost continuously for fifty-two years. It is doubtful if another organist in this country has such a record or if, in the musical history of this country, a like record can be produced.
The lady was the architect of her own fortunes. She was full of energy, bright of disposition and scrupulous in the performance of duties. Her long career was marked by its uniform success, by the devotion of her friends and by her liberality of heart and purse. She was not alone the teacher of her pupils, but their guide and mentor a well. She took the liveliest personal interest in the formation of their characters and rejoiced to see them become the honored matrons of Mobile society. Many is the eye that will become dim when the many lovable traits of this worthy woman are recalled to mind.
The funeral will take place Friday morning in the church where she served so long and well (Mobile Register, 21 October 1897; courtesy of Mobile Public Library; copy in possession of Jane Denny).
-------
Alabama, Select Marriages, 1816-1957
Name: W. G. Beck
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 12 Jan 1868
Marriage Place: Wilcox, Alabama
Spouse: Fannie Oats
FHL Film Number: 1290215
1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Balbena Beck
Event Place: , Kemper, Mississippi
Gender: Female
Age: 20
Race: White
Race (Original): White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1840
Birthplace: Ireland
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Wm G Beck M 28 Alabama
Balbena Beck F 20 Ireland
John W Beck M 8 Mississippi
Henry Jackson M 20 Mississippi
1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Bellena Beck
Age in 1870: 8
Birth Year: abt 1862
Birthplace: Alabama
Home in 1870: Bethel, Wilcox, Alabama
Post Office: Bethel
Wm G Beck 37
Fannie S Beck 21
John Beck 17
Bellena Beck 8
Frank Beck 6
Alabama, Select Marriages, 1816-1957
Name: Balbenie K. Beck
Marriage Date: 4 Jun 1878
Marriage Place: Mobile,Alabama
Spouse: Alexander F. McCarty
FHL Film Number:
1294428 V. 27-28
1880 Census - Alexander Mc Carty in household of Adele Mc Carty
Event Place: Demopolis, Marengo, Alabama, United States
Race: White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1857
Father's Birthplace: Alabama, United States
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Adele Mc Carty Self F 52 Alabama
Edward Mc Carty Son M 20 Alabama
Louize Mc Carty Daughter F 10 Alabama
Alexander Mc Carty Son M 23 Alabama
Leska Mc Carty Granddaughter F 1 Alabama
Joseph Mc Carty Son M 14 Alabama
John Mc Carty Son M 17 Alabama
Balbina Mc Carty Daughter-in-law F 19 Alabama
Citing this Record:
"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4VM-L35 : citing enumeration district 90, sheet 465C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0022; FHL microfilm 1,254,022.
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Benie V Mccarty
Age: 34
Birth Date: Jun 1861
Birthplace: Mississippi
Home in 1900: Demopolis, Marengo, Alabama
Marital Status:Married
Marriage Year: 1878
Years Married: 22
Father's Birthplace: Alabama
Mother's Birthplace: Ireland
Mother: number of living children: 5
Mother: How many children: 5
Benie V Mccarty 34
Luka Mccarty 21 [Leska: born March 1879]
Katie Mccarty 19 [born January 1881]
Brock Mccarty 16 {Lewis Brock: born Sept. 1883]
Susiedelle Mccarty 15 [Susadale born May 1885; married Steele]
Edwina Mccarty 13 [born April 1887]
Frederic Stickney 46 [boarder]
Ward Stickney 27 [boarder]
Fred Stickney 16 [boarder]
S Grooms - Marengo Co, AL Marriage Records 1818-1936:
STICKNEY, Fredrick G. and MCCARTY, Balbina V. Apr 18, 1906
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Balbina V Stickney Age: 57
Birth Year: abt 1863
Birthplace: Alabama
Home in 1920: Atlanta Ward 8, Fulton, Georgia
Street: Cypress Street
Relation to Head of House: Mother-in-law
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace: North Carolina
James W Stickney 40 [civil engineer]
Katherine C Stickney 37
James W Stickney 16
Balbina Stickney 10
Mary E Stickney 7 [7 6/12]
Franklin K B Stickney 3 [3 6/12]
Balbina V Stickney 57
Susadelle Steele 34
John W Crenshaw 33
Archibald D Crenshaw 22
Georgia, Deaths [viewed at FamilySearch]
Name: Bolbina Stickney [burial: West View, Atlanta]
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 05 Jul 1928
Event Place: Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States
Gender: Female
Age: 67
Marital Status: Widowed
Birth Date: 06 Jan 1861
Birthplace: Mississippi
Father's Name: William Beck
Mother's Name: Valam Knoeleski
Certificate Number: 13846
Digital Folder Number: 004335378 , Image Number: 00323
--------
brother: Dr. Frank Kowaleski Beck, Find A Grave Memorial #69290809 (born 24 October 1866, died 7 December 1895 in Mobile, Alabama, after a stroke 12 days earlier)
Balbina (I) Beck nee Kowalewski married William G. Beck 19 Jul 1859 in Mobile, Alabama. After the death of his wife (on or after 24 Oct 1866) widower William Beck married Fannie Oats 12 Jan 1868. The daughter of Balbina Kowalewski and William G. Beck, Balbina (II), her younger brother Frank, and older stepbrother John lived with their father and stepmother, Fannie, in 1870. Balbina (II) V. Beck married Alexander F. McCarty 4 Jun 1878. From the 1880 and 1900 McCarty household census entries, the couple had five children: Leska/Luka, Catherine, Lewis Brock, Susiedelle/Susadale, and Edwina and lived with Aleck's widowed mother Adele in Demopolis, Marengo, AL.
Widow Balbina (II) V. McCarty nee Beck married widower Fredrick G. Stickney (her daughter's father-in-law?) in 1906. Widowed again, Balbina (II) lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Atlanta, GA, in 1920. Balbina (II) V. McCarty Stickney nee Beck died in Atlanta, GA, in 1928, at the age of 67.
Mrs. McCarty-Stickney nee Beck honored her brother, mother, and grandmother with grave markers in Magnolia Cemetery interments. Their burials are listed:
?, Richard G., d. 9-6-1859, in his 16th yr.
Beck, Dr. F. K., my brother.
Beck, Balbina K., my mother.
Poetz, M. Kowelski [sic], my grandmother.
(Mobile County, Alabama - Cemeteries Page- Magnolia Cemetery - Mobile, Alabama
http://www.trackingyourroots.com/data/mobilecem3.htm)
(entries: approx. one inch from bottom)
--------
Coming from a family rich in musical talent and heritage, Mrs. McCarty-Stickney’s grandmother, Madame Kowalewski, Mariah/Maria Henrietta nee Dillon, was a musician in her own right as organist of Christ Church, Mobile, AL, for fifty-two years. Daughter of W. (Billy) Dillon and Maria Dillon nee Gaudry, her father died in June of 1829:
"W. Dillon, well known as "Billy Dillon," a most talented and popular writer for Saunders' Newsletter, died this month [June]. He was married to a sister of Gaudry, composer of many celebrated glees, amongst which, " Descend Celestial Queen of Song," stills holds ground. Gaudry was also composer of the charming song, " Art Thou, too, gone?" Gaudry was Mr. John O'Rorke's uncle." (Contributor: Dorota Jarosz.)
Annals of the Theatre Royale, Dublin, p.22:
http://archive.org/stream/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala_djvu.txt
and
full text, page 22:
https://archive.org/details/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala
The Gaudry, Richard Otto Gaudry (1800-1825), referred to above and uncle to Madame, was musically inclined; note image copied and sourced to right:
"Richard Otto Gaudry, a young musician of much promise, was born in Dublin in 1800, and died there in 1825. He was a chorister in the Castle Chapel, and afterwards became organist of S. Anne’s Church, Dawson Street. He will be long remembered at the Cathedrals by an anthem, “O Lord, Thou art my God,” which he arranged partly from Haydn, and which has since been edited and published by Mr. John O’Rorke, one of the Vicars-Choral of S. Patrick’s. It is an exceedingly skilful adaptation, and far above the average of such productions." (Contributor: Dorota Jarosz.)
The Musical Standard: A Newspaper for Musicians, Professional and Amateur, p. 207 Oct 3, 1885:
https://books.google.com/books?
-------
Madame’s mother, M. Dillon nee Gaudrie, born circa 1804, immigrated to America and lived with her daughter 1850 through 1870, in Mobile, Alabama. Madame’s sister, Louise Dillon, married James B. Post, 26 December 1855. After Louise’s death in 1856, her daughter, Odyle Gaudrie Post, lived with Madame in 1860 Mobile, AL.
Madame's niece: Odyle Gaudrie (Post) Gage, Find A Grave Memorial# 135856202
-----
Prior to her lengthy residency in Mobile, Alabama, Madame Kowalewski taught in Pensacola, Florida. At her funeral, held at Christ Church, many came to pay their respect. Among the congregation were a number of colored people who held Madame Kowalewski in high esteem. Regrettably, her few relatives could not attend due to quarantine restrictions. The organ was appropriately draped with mourning and burial was in Magnolia Cemetery. (FUNERAL OF MADAME KOWALEWSKI, Mobile Register, 23 October 1897) (Courtesy of Mobile Public Library; copy in possession of Jane Denny.) Dates, plus given and surname spellings vary by source.
An 1840 article and Madame Kowalewski’s obituary follow:
SINGING SCHOOL.
MRS K. KOVALESKI and Miss DILLON intend forming a class on Wilhem’s new Vocal System, by which pupils will be enabled to sing at sight without the assistance of an instrument. This method, as adopted by the most eminent teachers of Europe, has been found to surpass anything hitherto used.
Lessons twice a week - -Terms Five Dollars per Quarter.
May 6, 1843-6 (Pensacola Gazette, 6 May 1843, p 3) (Copy in possession of Jane Denny and courtesy of Lynn H.)
MADAME KOWALEWSKI DEAD.
DISTINGUISHED MUSICIAN CLOSES A LONG AND HONORABLE CAREER.
Yesterday died Mariah Kowalewski, organist of Christ Church, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. She leaves a grandchild, wife of A. F. McCarty, of Demopolis, Ala., and a devoted niece whom she considered as a daughter, Mrs. Odeyle Gage, of Concord, Mass.
Madame Kowalewski was a descendent from a Hugenot family on her mother’s side and from a distinguished Irish family on her father’s side. If all the facts connected with her ancestry and early life were known, they would make an interesting biography. Her sensitive nature kept in obscurity the date of her birth and all of her career anterior to her coming to Mobile, but enough was gleaned from her to learn, with a degree of certainty that he was born sometime between 1813 and 1815. Her mother’s maiden name was Guadrie [sometimes Gaudry], from whom she inherited her musical talent. The family was gifted. The Guadries left France after the revocation of the edict of Nantes and settled in England. A maternal uncle was a noted composer and it is said is name was not unfamiliar to English and Irish musicians who used to rendezvous in Novello’s music store in Fleet street in London, away back in the thirties and forties. Sometime about the year 1812 her mother was married to an Irish gentleman, a native of Dublin by the name of Dillon. Their honeymoon was spent in travelling and a few weeks in London, after which they went to Dublin, where they settled and where their child, Mariah, the subject of this sketch, was born.
Mariah Dillon was a bright and intelligent child, and in early life developed a talent for music, which her uncle, Guadrie, was quick to perceive. As soon as she was old enough, she was sent to one of the musical institutions of the place known as Logiere College. It is said that she played in one of the churches I Dubin when only twelve years old. There were not vested choirs in those days, and the organ and choir were in the gallery in one of the transepts of the church. Her playing of the magnificent service of the English church delighted every one. Her progress in Logiere College was rapid. At fifteen years, she was familiar with and played in public, the compositions of Beethoven, Heyden, Mozart and others. She was contemporaneous with Mendelssohn, knew him well and played his music with an artistic skill. At sixteen she composed a set of waltzes, which became so popular that they were arranged for orchestra and played at the concerts in Dublin. It was about this time or perhaps a few years later that she was chosen organist of St. James’ Church, one of the fashionable churches of Dublin, and it was during her incumbency in this church that she was unexpectedly called on at a choir rehearsal to transpose a Te Deum into a higher key from the one in which it was written. It was a feat of sight transposing, which he accomplished successfully.
Mariah Dillon was as pretty and attractive as she was accomplished and had her share of admirers, among them a young physician, a Pole, by the name of Kowalewski. Dr. Kowalewski was a bundle of eccentricities. He had winning manners and a pleasing personality and soon won the hand and heart of the pretty and talented Mariah Dillon. They were married before she was twenty. A child was born unto them and it was not long after this that Dr. Kowalewski suddenly conceived the idea of going to America. With scarcely any warning he departed for New Orleans in a sailing vessel. Not long after this, a few months, the wife and mother followed her husband, embarking in a sailing vessel at Liverpool and arriving at New Orleans after a long and weary voyage. This was in the fall of 1836 or 1837. For some reason, they did not stay long in New Orleans. It was in the winter of 1838 and 1839 that they moved to Pensacola, where a second child, a boy, was born. The dreadful yellow fever epidemic which prevailed in the summer of 1839 visited Pensacola, but Dr. Kowalewski and his family survived this. The family came to Mobile some time between 1842 and 1845. It is known to a certainty that it was before 1845, for in 1846 she was playing the organ in Christ Church. Her husband left Mobile shortly after arrival here, never to return.
Her abilities were soon known and appreciated here and it was not long before she had as many scholars as she could attend to.
About the year 1859 the Madame was married to a foreign gentleman by the name of Portz. This marital union did not last long. Mr. Portz went away during the war and never returned. The madame discarded the name and resumed that of her first husband, Kowalewski.
As a musician she was thoroughly appreciated throughout her whole career. She was faithful in the discharge of her duties. She loved music, because it was a part of her nature. Her life and work here are a part of the history of Mobile. She played the organ in Christ Church almost continuously for fifty-two years. It is doubtful if another organist in this country has such a record or if, in the musical history of this country, a like record can be produced.
The lady was the architect of her own fortunes. She was full of energy, bright of disposition and scrupulous in the performance of duties. Her long career was marked by its uniform success, by the devotion of her friends and by her liberality of heart and purse. She was not alone the teacher of her pupils, but their guide and mentor a well. She took the liveliest personal interest in the formation of their characters and rejoiced to see them become the honored matrons of Mobile society. Many is the eye that will become dim when the many lovable traits of this worthy woman are recalled to mind.
The funeral will take place Friday morning in the church where she served so long and well (Mobile Register, 21 October 1897; courtesy of Mobile Public Library; copy in possession of Jane Denny).
-------
Alabama, Select Marriages, 1816-1957
Name: W. G. Beck
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 12 Jan 1868
Marriage Place: Wilcox, Alabama
Spouse: Fannie Oats
FHL Film Number: 1290215
1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Balbena Beck
Event Place: , Kemper, Mississippi
Gender: Female
Age: 20
Race: White
Race (Original): White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1840
Birthplace: Ireland
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Wm G Beck M 28 Alabama
Balbena Beck F 20 Ireland
John W Beck M 8 Mississippi
Henry Jackson M 20 Mississippi
1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Bellena Beck
Age in 1870: 8
Birth Year: abt 1862
Birthplace: Alabama
Home in 1870: Bethel, Wilcox, Alabama
Post Office: Bethel
Wm G Beck 37
Fannie S Beck 21
John Beck 17
Bellena Beck 8
Frank Beck 6
Alabama, Select Marriages, 1816-1957
Name: Balbenie K. Beck
Marriage Date: 4 Jun 1878
Marriage Place: Mobile,Alabama
Spouse: Alexander F. McCarty
FHL Film Number:
1294428 V. 27-28
1880 Census - Alexander Mc Carty in household of Adele Mc Carty
Event Place: Demopolis, Marengo, Alabama, United States
Race: White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1857
Father's Birthplace: Alabama, United States
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Adele Mc Carty Self F 52 Alabama
Edward Mc Carty Son M 20 Alabama
Louize Mc Carty Daughter F 10 Alabama
Alexander Mc Carty Son M 23 Alabama
Leska Mc Carty Granddaughter F 1 Alabama
Joseph Mc Carty Son M 14 Alabama
John Mc Carty Son M 17 Alabama
Balbina Mc Carty Daughter-in-law F 19 Alabama
Citing this Record:
"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4VM-L35 : citing enumeration district 90, sheet 465C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0022; FHL microfilm 1,254,022.
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Benie V Mccarty
Age: 34
Birth Date: Jun 1861
Birthplace: Mississippi
Home in 1900: Demopolis, Marengo, Alabama
Marital Status:Married
Marriage Year: 1878
Years Married: 22
Father's Birthplace: Alabama
Mother's Birthplace: Ireland
Mother: number of living children: 5
Mother: How many children: 5
Benie V Mccarty 34
Luka Mccarty 21 [Leska: born March 1879]
Katie Mccarty 19 [born January 1881]
Brock Mccarty 16 {Lewis Brock: born Sept. 1883]
Susiedelle Mccarty 15 [Susadale born May 1885; married Steele]
Edwina Mccarty 13 [born April 1887]
Frederic Stickney 46 [boarder]
Ward Stickney 27 [boarder]
Fred Stickney 16 [boarder]
S Grooms - Marengo Co, AL Marriage Records 1818-1936:
STICKNEY, Fredrick G. and MCCARTY, Balbina V. Apr 18, 1906
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Balbina V Stickney Age: 57
Birth Year: abt 1863
Birthplace: Alabama
Home in 1920: Atlanta Ward 8, Fulton, Georgia
Street: Cypress Street
Relation to Head of House: Mother-in-law
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace: North Carolina
James W Stickney 40 [civil engineer]
Katherine C Stickney 37
James W Stickney 16
Balbina Stickney 10
Mary E Stickney 7 [7 6/12]
Franklin K B Stickney 3 [3 6/12]
Balbina V Stickney 57
Susadelle Steele 34
John W Crenshaw 33
Archibald D Crenshaw 22
Georgia, Deaths [viewed at FamilySearch]
Name: Bolbina Stickney [burial: West View, Atlanta]
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 05 Jul 1928
Event Place: Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States
Gender: Female
Age: 67
Marital Status: Widowed
Birth Date: 06 Jan 1861
Birthplace: Mississippi
Father's Name: William Beck
Mother's Name: Valam Knoeleski
Certificate Number: 13846
Digital Folder Number: 004335378 , Image Number: 00323
--------
brother: Dr. Frank Kowaleski Beck, Find A Grave Memorial #69290809 (born 24 October 1866, died 7 December 1895 in Mobile, Alabama, after a stroke 12 days earlier)
Widow Balbina (II) V. McCarty nee Beck married widower Fredrick G. Stickney (her daughter's father-in-law?) in 1906. Widowed again, Balbina (II) lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Atlanta, GA, in 1920. Balbina (II) V. McCarty Stickney nee Beck died in Atlanta, GA, in 1928, at the age of 67.
Mrs. McCarty-Stickney nee Beck honored her brother, mother, and grandmother with grave markers in Magnolia Cemetery interments. Their burials are listed:
?, Richard G., d. 9-6-1859, in his 16th yr.
Beck, Dr. F. K., my brother.
Beck, Balbina K., my mother.
Poetz, M. Kowelski [sic], my grandmother.
(Mobile County, Alabama - Cemeteries Page- Magnolia Cemetery - Mobile, Alabama
http://www.trackingyourroots.com/data/mobilecem3.htm)
(entries: approx. one inch from bottom)
--------
Coming from a family rich in musical talent and heritage, Mrs. McCarty-Stickney’s grandmother, Madame Kowalewski, Mariah/Maria Henrietta nee Dillon, was a musician in her own right as organist of Christ Church, Mobile, AL, for fifty-two years. Daughter of W. (Billy) Dillon and Maria Dillon nee Gaudry, her father died in June of 1829:
"W. Dillon, well known as "Billy Dillon," a most talented and popular writer for Saunders' Newsletter, died this month [June]. He was married to a sister of Gaudry, composer of many celebrated glees, amongst which, " Descend Celestial Queen of Song," stills holds ground. Gaudry was also composer of the charming song, " Art Thou, too, gone?" Gaudry was Mr. John O'Rorke's uncle." (Contributor: Dorota Jarosz.)
Annals of the Theatre Royale, Dublin, p.22:
http://archive.org/stream/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala_djvu.txt
and
full text, page 22:
https://archive.org/details/annalsoftheatrer00leveiala
The Gaudry, Richard Otto Gaudry (1800-1825), referred to above and uncle to Madame, was musically inclined; note image copied and sourced to right:
"Richard Otto Gaudry, a young musician of much promise, was born in Dublin in 1800, and died there in 1825. He was a chorister in the Castle Chapel, and afterwards became organist of S. Anne’s Church, Dawson Street. He will be long remembered at the Cathedrals by an anthem, “O Lord, Thou art my God,” which he arranged partly from Haydn, and which has since been edited and published by Mr. John O’Rorke, one of the Vicars-Choral of S. Patrick’s. It is an exceedingly skilful adaptation, and far above the average of such productions." (Contributor: Dorota Jarosz.)
The Musical Standard: A Newspaper for Musicians, Professional and Amateur, p. 207 Oct 3, 1885:
https://books.google.com/books?
-------
Madame’s mother, M. Dillon nee Gaudrie, born circa 1804, immigrated to America and lived with her daughter 1850 through 1870, in Mobile, Alabama. Madame’s sister, Louise Dillon, married James B. Post, 26 December 1855. After Louise’s death in 1856, her daughter, Odyle Gaudrie Post, lived with Madame in 1860 Mobile, AL.
Madame's niece: Odyle Gaudrie (Post) Gage, Find A Grave Memorial# 135856202
-----
Prior to her lengthy residency in Mobile, Alabama, Madame Kowalewski taught in Pensacola, Florida. At her funeral, held at Christ Church, many came to pay their respect. Among the congregation were a number of colored people who held Madame Kowalewski in high esteem. Regrettably, her few relatives could not attend due to quarantine restrictions. The organ was appropriately draped with mourning and burial was in Magnolia Cemetery. (FUNERAL OF MADAME KOWALEWSKI, Mobile Register, 23 October 1897) (Courtesy of Mobile Public Library; copy in possession of Jane Denny.) Dates, plus given and surname spellings vary by source.
An 1840 article and Madame Kowalewski’s obituary follow:
SINGING SCHOOL.
MRS K. KOVALESKI and Miss DILLON intend forming a class on Wilhem’s new Vocal System, by which pupils will be enabled to sing at sight without the assistance of an instrument. This method, as adopted by the most eminent teachers of Europe, has been found to surpass anything hitherto used.
Lessons twice a week - -Terms Five Dollars per Quarter.
May 6, 1843-6 (Pensacola Gazette, 6 May 1843, p 3) (Copy in possession of Jane Denny and courtesy of Lynn H.)
MADAME KOWALEWSKI DEAD.
DISTINGUISHED MUSICIAN CLOSES A LONG AND HONORABLE CAREER.
Yesterday died Mariah Kowalewski, organist of Christ Church, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. She leaves a grandchild, wife of A. F. McCarty, of Demopolis, Ala., and a devoted niece whom she considered as a daughter, Mrs. Odeyle Gage, of Concord, Mass.
Madame Kowalewski was a descendent from a Hugenot family on her mother’s side and from a distinguished Irish family on her father’s side. If all the facts connected with her ancestry and early life were known, they would make an interesting biography. Her sensitive nature kept in obscurity the date of her birth and all of her career anterior to her coming to Mobile, but enough was gleaned from her to learn, with a degree of certainty that he was born sometime between 1813 and 1815. Her mother’s maiden name was Guadrie [sometimes Gaudry], from whom she inherited her musical talent. The family was gifted. The Guadries left France after the revocation of the edict of Nantes and settled in England. A maternal uncle was a noted composer and it is said is name was not unfamiliar to English and Irish musicians who used to rendezvous in Novello’s music store in Fleet street in London, away back in the thirties and forties. Sometime about the year 1812 her mother was married to an Irish gentleman, a native of Dublin by the name of Dillon. Their honeymoon was spent in travelling and a few weeks in London, after which they went to Dublin, where they settled and where their child, Mariah, the subject of this sketch, was born.
Mariah Dillon was a bright and intelligent child, and in early life developed a talent for music, which her uncle, Guadrie, was quick to perceive. As soon as she was old enough, she was sent to one of the musical institutions of the place known as Logiere College. It is said that she played in one of the churches I Dubin when only twelve years old. There were not vested choirs in those days, and the organ and choir were in the gallery in one of the transepts of the church. Her playing of the magnificent service of the English church delighted every one. Her progress in Logiere College was rapid. At fifteen years, she was familiar with and played in public, the compositions of Beethoven, Heyden, Mozart and others. She was contemporaneous with Mendelssohn, knew him well and played his music with an artistic skill. At sixteen she composed a set of waltzes, which became so popular that they were arranged for orchestra and played at the concerts in Dublin. It was about this time or perhaps a few years later that she was chosen organist of St. James’ Church, one of the fashionable churches of Dublin, and it was during her incumbency in this church that she was unexpectedly called on at a choir rehearsal to transpose a Te Deum into a higher key from the one in which it was written. It was a feat of sight transposing, which he accomplished successfully.
Mariah Dillon was as pretty and attractive as she was accomplished and had her share of admirers, among them a young physician, a Pole, by the name of Kowalewski. Dr. Kowalewski was a bundle of eccentricities. He had winning manners and a pleasing personality and soon won the hand and heart of the pretty and talented Mariah Dillon. They were married before she was twenty. A child was born unto them and it was not long after this that Dr. Kowalewski suddenly conceived the idea of going to America. With scarcely any warning he departed for New Orleans in a sailing vessel. Not long after this, a few months, the wife and mother followed her husband, embarking in a sailing vessel at Liverpool and arriving at New Orleans after a long and weary voyage. This was in the fall of 1836 or 1837. For some reason, they did not stay long in New Orleans. It was in the winter of 1838 and 1839 that they moved to Pensacola, where a second child, a boy, was born. The dreadful yellow fever epidemic which prevailed in the summer of 1839 visited Pensacola, but Dr. Kowalewski and his family survived this. The family came to Mobile some time between 1842 and 1845. It is known to a certainty that it was before 1845, for in 1846 she was playing the organ in Christ Church. Her husband left Mobile shortly after arrival here, never to return.
Her abilities were soon known and appreciated here and it was not long before she had as many scholars as she could attend to.
About the year 1859 the Madame was married to a foreign gentleman by the name of Portz. This marital union did not last long. Mr. Portz went away during the war and never returned. The madame discarded the name and resumed that of her first husband, Kowalewski.
As a musician she was thoroughly appreciated throughout her whole career. She was faithful in the discharge of her duties. She loved music, because it was a part of her nature. Her life and work here are a part of the history of Mobile. She played the organ in Christ Church almost continuously for fifty-two years. It is doubtful if another organist in this country has such a record or if, in the musical history of this country, a like record can be produced.
The lady was the architect of her own fortunes. She was full of energy, bright of disposition and scrupulous in the performance of duties. Her long career was marked by its uniform success, by the devotion of her friends and by her liberality of heart and purse. She was not alone the teacher of her pupils, but their guide and mentor a well. She took the liveliest personal interest in the formation of their characters and rejoiced to see them become the honored matrons of Mobile society. Many is the eye that will become dim when the many lovable traits of this worthy woman are recalled to mind.
The funeral will take place Friday morning in the church where she served so long and well (Mobile Register, 21 October 1897; courtesy of Mobile Public Library; copy in possession of Jane Denny).
-------
Alabama, Select Marriages, 1816-1957
Name: W. G. Beck
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 12 Jan 1868
Marriage Place: Wilcox, Alabama
Spouse: Fannie Oats
FHL Film Number: 1290215
1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Balbena Beck
Event Place: , Kemper, Mississippi
Gender: Female
Age: 20
Race: White
Race (Original): White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1840
Birthplace: Ireland
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Wm G Beck M 28 Alabama
Balbena Beck F 20 Ireland
John W Beck M 8 Mississippi
Henry Jackson M 20 Mississippi
1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Bellena Beck
Age in 1870: 8
Birth Year: abt 1862
Birthplace: Alabama
Home in 1870: Bethel, Wilcox, Alabama
Post Office: Bethel
Wm G Beck 37
Fannie S Beck 21
John Beck 17
Bellena Beck 8
Frank Beck 6
Alabama, Select Marriages, 1816-1957
Name: Balbenie K. Beck
Marriage Date: 4 Jun 1878
Marriage Place: Mobile,Alabama
Spouse: Alexander F. McCarty
FHL Film Number:
1294428 V. 27-28
1880 Census - Alexander Mc Carty in household of Adele Mc Carty
Event Place: Demopolis, Marengo, Alabama, United States
Race: White
Birth Year (Estimated): 1857
Father's Birthplace: Alabama, United States
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Adele Mc Carty Self F 52 Alabama
Edward Mc Carty Son M 20 Alabama
Louize Mc Carty Daughter F 10 Alabama
Alexander Mc Carty Son M 23 Alabama
Leska Mc Carty Granddaughter F 1 Alabama
Joseph Mc Carty Son M 14 Alabama
John Mc Carty Son M 17 Alabama
Balbina Mc Carty Daughter-in-law F 19 Alabama
Citing this Record:
"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4VM-L35 : citing enumeration district 90, sheet 465C, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0022; FHL microfilm 1,254,022.
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Benie V Mccarty
Age: 34
Birth Date: Jun 1861
Birthplace: Mississippi
Home in 1900: Demopolis, Marengo, Alabama
Marital Status:Married
Marriage Year: 1878
Years Married: 22
Father's Birthplace: Alabama
Mother's Birthplace: Ireland
Mother: number of living children: 5
Mother: How many children: 5
Benie V Mccarty 34
Luka Mccarty 21 [Leska: born March 1879]
Katie Mccarty 19 [born January 1881]
Brock Mccarty 16 {Lewis Brock: born Sept. 1883]
Susiedelle Mccarty 15 [Susadale born May 1885; married Steele]
Edwina Mccarty 13 [born April 1887]
Frederic Stickney 46 [boarder]
Ward Stickney 27 [boarder]
Fred Stickney 16 [boarder]
S Grooms - Marengo Co, AL Marriage Records 1818-1936:
STICKNEY, Fredrick G. and MCCARTY, Balbina V. Apr 18, 1906
1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Balbina V Stickney Age: 57
Birth Year: abt 1863
Birthplace: Alabama
Home in 1920: Atlanta Ward 8, Fulton, Georgia
Street: Cypress Street
Relation to Head of House: Mother-in-law
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: North Carolina
Mother's Birthplace: North Carolina
James W Stickney 40 [civil engineer]
Katherine C Stickney 37
James W Stickney 16
Balbina Stickney 10
Mary E Stickney 7 [7 6/12]
Franklin K B Stickney 3 [3 6/12]
Balbina V Stickney 57
Susadelle Steele 34
John W Crenshaw 33
Archibald D Crenshaw 22
Georgia, Deaths [viewed at FamilySearch]
Name: Bolbina Stickney [burial: West View, Atlanta]
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 05 Jul 1928
Event Place: Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, United States
Gender: Female
Age: 67
Marital Status: Widowed
Birth Date: 06 Jan 1861
Birthplace: Mississippi
Father's Name: William Beck
Mother's Name: Valam Knoeleski
Certificate Number: 13846
Digital Folder Number: 004335378 , Image Number: 00323
--------
brother: Dr. Frank Kowaleski Beck, Find A Grave Memorial #69290809 (born 24 October 1866, died 7 December 1895 in Mobile, Alabama, after a stroke 12 days earlier)
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