Feel my pain; I can't substantiate any of this!
The result is a large gap -- from 1860 when we find the Nolan's in the Census to 1880 when we find them in White Plains.
Here is where we stand - -HELP me!
We have some bread crumbs:
- Whitelaw Reid
- Ophir Farm (the Reid estate in White Plains)
- the boys drowning
Whitelaw Reid
In 1870, we find Whitelaw Reid (32) in NYC -- living in the 18th Ward with what appears to be a collection of other professionals; the notation on the side of this entry says "East 18, SW, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
In 1880, Whitelaw (42) is living in NYC -- listed as the Editor of the Tribune and a widower. Living with him is Ella Reid, his niece (22 years old) - they are at 45 Lexington Avenue.
In 1990, Whitelaw (62) and his wife, Elizabeth Mills Reid are in Manhattan - on Madison Avenue, with their children, Ogden (18) and Jean (15)
Clearly, Whitelaw had more than one home - and Ophir Farm in Purchase, New York, was one of his properties -- purchased by him and his wife in 1888 (18 years after Nan estimated the Nolan's moved to White Plains and 8 years after John died.) While working at the estate remains a possibility, being in the employ of the Reids, in White Plains, before 1888 is not likely.
The Reid's family papers are held by the Library of Congress; Mrs. Reid's papers, including documents about the management of their home are found there, (date range 1872 - 1947) as is a collection of materials labeled "Residences and Land, 1885-1970." I will seek some more clues in that collection, as time permits.
Ophir Farm: learn more
One interpretation of the family story (which is tremendously accurate) suggests that the Nolan's worked at Ophir Farm, which was owned eventually by Mr. Reid. Previous owners included:
Ben Holladay, otherwise known as the StageCoach King and John Roach. Could either of these men have employed the Nolans?
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