Family of John and Sarah McDade Greathouse

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Malinda Greathouse Connolly 1831 - 1909

Two daughters, Malinda and Matilda are often confused because they were born only two years apart, their names are quite similar and they married brothers who had similar names and were born less than two years apart.

It is believed that Malinda was born 11 January 1831 and that she died 21 March 1909 and is buried in Ayers Cemetery in Smithville, Ritchie County, West Virginia, near the junction of Routes 16 and 47. This information is from “Ritchie County, West Virginia Cemeteries – Through 1993” edited by David M Scott and published by the Ritchie County Historical Society in 1995. Her stone shows: “Malinda Connolly Jan. 11, 1831 – March 21, 1909. Wife of Eli Connolly”. Her husband Eli is also buried in this cemetery and his stone reads “Eli Connolly Jan. 5, 1826 – Jan 8, 1897”

Although her place of birth is showing as Roane County on a son’s death certificate, because of the date, it is assumed she was born in Jackson County, VA. The 1880 census reports that she, her husband, and both of her parents were born in Virginia.

It is believed that she married Eli Connolly 05 January 1853, but I have no documentation of this information. If this date is correct I believe the marriage location may have been in Wirt County, VA where her parents lived. Malinda is showing in the 1850 US census, Virginia, Wirt County, District 70, age 18 and still in the household of John and Sarah Greathouse. There is a Malinda Conley/Connolly age 29 showing in their household in the 1860 Census of Roane County. 

Malinda and Eli’s first born son was Elias Connolly, probably named after Eli’s brother who was husband of Malinda’s sister, Matilda. Son Elias was born 11 July 1854 in what is now Roane County, WV. He died 5 February 1923 in Iris, Murphy District, Ritchie County, WV. He is buried at Ayers Cemetery as are his parents. His death certificate is on record and can be view through the WV archives on line. Elias is showing as a household member in the 1880 census Murphy District, Ritchie County, WV and is listed as a son. 

There is an infant daughter born 5 March 1860 and died 15 March 1860 who is also buried in the Ayers Cemetery. “Connolly March 15, 1860; 10 days, Daughter of Eli and Malinda.” 

The next child is son Brooks Connolly whose date of birth and death are recorded on his stone in the Ayers Cemetery. He is listed in the 1880 census as a son, age 23 He was born 31 October 1860 and died 5 August 1925. His death was in Martinsburg, Berkeley Co, WV, with death certificate in WV archive files. My notes also show that he married first to Elizabeth Leeson, 09 Jan 1888, daughter of Mary A and John Leeson, information recorded on a death certificate in West Virginia archives. The Calhoun Chronicle Feb 22, 1898 Court news reports Brooks Connolly versus Elizabeth Connolly, decree for divorce. Next marriage showing for him in my files is 26 Aug 1915 to Rebecca Martin.

Next child is Alvador Connolly, listed as son age 16 in 1880 census, making his birth around 1854. His death is recorded also in the Ayers Cemetery. “Alvadore Connolly Feb 13 1887; 22 Y, 10 M.”

A Theodore Connolly in my notes, but perhaps he died young or is confused by the next child Commodore. Theodore does not show in the 1880 census, and there is no record of him in the Ayers Cemetery.

Commodore Connolly was born 16 January 1867 in Ritchie County, WV and died 16 March 1940 in Wood County WV of a coronary occlusion. He is buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parkersburg, Wood County, WV. Information about birth and death from WV archives death certificate. He is showing in 1880 census as age 13. He married Cordelia Hickman in Calhoun County 26 May 1901. She was the daughter of George B and Malissa J Starcher Hickman. She is buried in the same cemetery as her husband.

Calhoun Chronicle dated 24 Feb 1921 

Dr. Commodore Connolly, of Richardson, one of the county's best known physicians and best liked men, underwent an operation in St. Joseph's hospital last week in which his right leg was amputated at the knee. 

It will be remembered that Dr. Connolly was stricken with rheumatism several months ago and his condition soon became serious. He suffered greatly with the disease, his right leg being terribly drawn out of shape. For some time he has been in the hospital above mentioned and it was hoped that the injured member could be saved. This was found impossible and the operation was performed. The doctor is getting along very well now and will be able to return home in due time. His many friends in all sections of the county will regret to hear of his misfortune, but will be thankful that his life is spared.

9 Jun 1921 Calhoun Chronicle:

Dr. C. Connolly, of Richardson was here Friday of last week attending to business affairs. This was the doctor's first visit since his long and severe illness with rheumatism which resulted in the loss of one of his legs, and he was given a warm welcome by his many friends.


Elizabeth Connolly, daughter of Eli and Melinda shows in the 1880 census, but I have no further information.