Gypsies in the Miami Valley of Ohio Research Guide

Materials on Roma and the Stanley family in the Miami valley of Ohio Held by the Dayton Metro Library www.daytonmetrolibrary.org history@daytonmetrolibrary.org

Key Players: The Stanley clan arrived in America in 1856 from England and moved to Montgomery and Miami Counties, Ohio. They are described in older references as an English Gypsy (Gipsy) family and in newer references as a Romanichal family or Romany folk.

Owen Stanley (1794 – 21 February 1860) “King of the Gypsies” married Harriet Worden Stanley (1793 – 30 August 1857) “Queen of the Gypsies” They were parents of Owen (Jr.) and Levi and some others, possibly up to 15 children. Accounts vary about who their children were, versus their grandchildren. 1. Owen (Jr.) “Sugar” married Priscilla. Sugar was born about 25 September 1816, and died 18 March 1866, age 49y, 5m, 21d. 2. Levi Stanley (1818 - 3 December 1908) “King of the Gypsies” married Matilda Joles (1821 - 15 January 1878) “Queen of the Gypsies”. They were the parents of : Paul, Levi (Jr.) a.k.a.“Sugar”, = Sarah Missouri, Martha Louise, Lilly, Michael, Sofia, and Sarah (Trianna/Tritus).

	There may have been more children. 

3. Charlotte, 4. Loving, 5. Johanna, 6. Benjamin, 7. William, 8. Edward, 9. Elizabeth, 10. Gentillia, and 11. Algenny 12-15. Probably at least 4 more children

Variant Spelling: Stanly, Standley, Sanford

Variant Spelling: Gipsies, Gipsy

Allied Families: Boswell, Broadway, Bryer, Cooper, Harrison, Jeff/Jeffrey/Jeffry/Jeffrys/Jeffries/Geffrie, Joles, Lovell, Mitchell, Smith, Warden/Worden, Wells, Williamson, Young .

More information is available at www.werelate.org .

Books:

Brentlinger, Dora. Beside the Stillwater. Evansville, IN: Page Design Company. 1989. "The Gypsy Wedding...April, 1896". pages 186-188. Includes the story of Celesta Olmitch's wedding to an unnamed Prince Stanley and a general discussion of the family. Gen R 977.172 B839BAP.

Combination Atlas Map of Montgomery County, Ohio. 1875. Stanley, Harrison, and Jeffrey plots of land in Harrison and Wayne Townships. Some Smith land may or may not be Gypsies.

Drury, A. W. History of the City of Dayton and Montgomery County. Volume 1. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. 1909. pages 711-712. Gen R 977.173 D796. Mentions Owen, Harriet, Levi, and Matilda. Available on Google books.

Harrison, Eddie (Jr.). No Respecter of Persons: Personal Testimony of Eddie Harrison, Jr 1988, 1997 editions. Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Not held at DML. Not able to purchase or get through interlibrary loan. Held by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mid-American Baptist Theological Seminary, and University of Arkansas, Little Rock.

Morewood, Vernon S. Our Gipsies in City, Tent, and Van. Available from Google Books Original at Harvard University. Published by S. Low, 1885. Digitized Nov 30, 2005. Includes references to Matilda Stanley and Gannie Geffrie’s funerals at Woodland Cemetery, Dayton.

Musacchia, J. A. Italians of Stark County. Arcadia Publishing. 3 June 2013. Page 16 shows mourners at the funeral of Queen of the Gypsies Annie Mitchell in 1951 in Canton, Ohio. Gen R 977.162 M985I 2013.

On the Ridge: Recollections of Ebenezer/Northridge. Harrison township, OH: Northridge Schools. 1985. Local History 977.172 O582. Pages 43-44 recount the 1896 wedding of Clesta Olmitch to a Stanley. The children of the Stanley family of Harrison township, Montgomery County, Ohio attended Beardshear School.

Ronald. Bruce W. Dayton: The Gem City. Dayton, OH: Continental Heritage Press. 1981. Page 67. Hallowed Ground for Gypsies. Sester, Wanda. History of Wayne Township 1810-1976. Miamisburg, OH: Miamisburg News. 1976. pages 37, 74, 90-91. Includes article “History of the Dayton Gypsies in Wayne Township, Sulphur Grove, Six Mile Creek”. Gen R 977.172 S494H.

Smith, George. Gipsy Life: Being an Account of Our Gipsies and their Children. 1880. Available through Google Books, Original from Oxford University, Digitized Jul 4, 2006. Stanley, Harrison, and Cooper families in England are mentioned.

Wertsman, Vladimir. Romanians in the United States and Canada: Guide to Ancestry and Heritage Research. North Lake City, UT: HeritageQuest. 2002. pages 137 and 138. Gives advice on doing Gypsy genealogy research.

Zumwald, Teresa. For the Love of Dayton: Life in the Miami Valley 1796 – 2001. Dayton, OH: Dayton Daily News. 2001. pages 49, 51, and 69. References in years 1856, 1860, and 1878. 1856: Arrival of Owen and Harriet Stanley 1860: More than 60 members of the Stanley clan are buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Dayton 1878: Matilda's funeral, where over 45,000 attended.

History of Montgomery County. Chicago: Beers 1882. Book 2, pages 530-534. Gen R 977.172 H673. Section entitled "Gypsies" has genealogical information, in particular, about burials and Woodland Cemetery. Search the full text of this book at www.heritagepursuit.com

 Newspapers 

Dayton Herald 30 Jan 1899, page 4, column 4. Lengthy article reprinted from the New York Sun.“Gypsies. An Interesting Talk with Plato Buckland”. Mentions the death of Queen Matilda Stanley of Dayton. Calls her Matilda Stanley II. Allied families are: Smalls, Penfolds, Coopers (Vardo-mescro), and Stanleys (Stan or Stone). Other Romany families mentioned: Lees (Purrums or Leeks), Hernes, Lovels (Caumloes), Grays (Grys), Smiths (Pentulengros), Whartons, Caulfields, Costellos, Baileys, Bosvilles (Chumonishtos), Broadways, Burtons, Chapmans, Hares, Ingrahams, and Wellses. 2 April 1902, page 10, column 2. Joint obituary for Mrs. Emma Jeffries and Mrs. Lottie Harrison. 13 December 1902, page 16, column 5. Postcard from Christopher O’Neal of Dayton was sent to Mr. Jeffries of Troy. 4 April 1906, page 7, column 4. Gypsy Queens Are Laid to Rest in Woodland. Mrs. Sofia Jeffrey and Mrs. Mellie Harrison. 18 December 1908, page 27, column 3, article. “Gypsies Are Sent Back to Britain”. Thomas Jeffries family. 1 February 1910, page 5, column 6. “Sister of Gypsy King Passes Away”. Mrs. Matilda Stanley Jeffries, age 52, sister of Richard “Sugar” Stanley.

Dayton Journal 30 March 1860, page 1, column 2, article. "Burial of the King of the Gipseys" on the death of King Owen Stanley, husband of Maud. Son, Levi, becomes the chief of the clan. 19 April 1866, Thursday, page 1, column 3. Letter to the editor mentioning Mrs. Owen Stanly's death and the funeral pyre that consumed her possessions. DML microfilm damaged, use print instead. 14 May 1873, Wednesday, page 4, column 3. Article. “On! Stanley! On!”. The gypsies have returned again this spring. This article mentions Woodland Cemetery, and the farm north of Dayton. 11 September 1878. page 1. obituary. Matilda Stanley. "Died." Mention of the death of Matilda Stanley. 14 September 1878. page 1. article. Queen Matilda Stanley’s death. "A Gypsy Funeral." Burial of Matilda Stanley at Woodlawn Cemetery. 16 September 1878. page 4. lengthy article. Queen Matilda Stanley’s funeral. "The Gypsy Funeral." The origins of the Gypsies, An Immense Crowd at Woodlawn Cemetery, and the Scene at the Grave are topics discussed. 1 August 1879, page 4. obituary. Aunt Mary Smith. "A venerable gypsy... Death of old gypsy woman One hundred and twelve years old." 13 December 1882, page 4. article. George Williamson’s murder. "Murder most foul... The story of Williamson's brutal assassanation at Courtland." An account of gypsy George Williamson's grusome murder in Alabama. 24 February 1883. page 4, column 4. obituary. “Death in the Stanley Tribe”. Israel Gray, member of the Sugar Stanley tribe dies in Natchez, Mississippi, body taken to Woodland. 28 January 1884. page 4, column 4. “Dayton Gypsies”. Death of Mr. & Mrs. McMillan of the Stanley tribe. 10 January 1887. page 3. obituary. Mrs. Mart Jeffrys. "Gypsy death." Description of the death of Mrs. Mart Jeffrys. 15 March 1887. page 4. obituary. Henry Stanley. "Burial of a Young Gypsy Chief." Burial of Paul Stanley's son. 6 April 1887. page 1 & 4. obituaries. Lutie/Jentie Jeffry Harrison. Not able to locate. 7 January 1889. page 1, column 6. obituary. Anna Louisa Stanley, daughter of Levi and Sarah, age sixteen. 10 November 1896, page 8, column 2. City summary column mentions that an aged gypsy woman died. 11 June 1897. page 8. obituary. Queen Mary Stanley. Not able to locate. 26 June 1897. page 4. obituary. Queen Mary Stanley. Not able to locate.

23 May 1898.  page 1 & 2.  Story of Gypsy life as told by the Rev. Dr. D. Berger who officiated at weddings and funerals.  Extensive story of their customs, habits, and superstitions.  Transcription is in the Clippings Folder “Gypsies” number 2913. 

28 May 1901. page 2, column 5. “Aged Gypsy Queen Dead: After More than a Century of Wandering Anna Stankonic Passes Away”. In Cleveland, this is a Hungarian gypsy and not related to the Stanley clan. 3 April 1905. page10, column 3. Phillis Jeffries is to be buried. 4 April 1905. page 10, column 3. Phillis Jeffries’s burial is today. 5 April 1905, page 6, column 5. Phillis Jeffries was buried. 6 April 1905, page 8, column 2. Phillis Jeffries name is on a list of those who died this week. (Although she actually died 3 October 1904 in Arkansas City, Arkansas). 12 September 1905. page 5. obituary Anna Stanley. "Weird Gypsy Rites are Administered." Anna Stanley, of French descent and relative of Famous Sugar Stanley, is buried at Calvary -- Services witnessed by number of gypsies from several states. 1 Mar 1906. Mrs. Little Byrkett, young gypsy woman dies. Piqua. 5 Apr 1906. page 8, column 3. Weird Services at Woodland. Funeral of Mrs. Sophies Jeffries, wife of William. 29Aug 1907. Page 7, column 7. Died, Sarah K. Jefferies, of Bellbrook. Death notice. Not enough information to determine if she belongs on this list or not. 14 July 1908, page 2, column 2. “Doing Homage to Gypsy Queen, Sarah Stanley”. Sarah was the wife of Levi Stanley. She died in Montgomery County, Alabama and was buried at Woodland Cemetery. 14 July 1908, page 2, column 2. “Gypsy Camp Clan Battle Scene”. The Bartley Gorman clan fought with the Cincinnati band, lead by Harry and Billy Harrison, after the funeral. 7 Dec 1908, page 7, columns 3 and 4. Levi Stanley’s death. 2 February 1910, page 9, column 6. Obituary of Mrs. Matilda Stanley Jeffries. 20 February 1911, page 14, column 7. “Gypsy Bands Move: Sure Spring Sign”. Two families of Stanleys have left for their annual wanderings. Article. 24 Nov 1912, page 1. “Gypsies Bring Body Here for Interment”. Mrs. Stoyker Ely’s body is brought to Dayton for burial. She was the mother of Frank Ely. Ukrainian, not English. 7 Mar 1916, page 8, column 2. “Gypsy Chief Dies”. Levi Stanley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. 6 May 1917. Page 4, column 1. “Noted Gypsies Once Thrived in Dayton, Now Their Burial Ground”. Article and photographs. 29 July 1918. page 2, column 3. “Gypsies Visit City”. Police tell them to get jobs or move on. 6 November 1918, page 13. Gypsy Smith speaks in Dayton. (No mention of local gypsies). 9 October 1921. page news 7. obituary. Devil Killer. Not able to locate. 19 April 1929 page 2, column 6. Obituary. "Leader of Gypsy Group Succumbs in New York City." Death of Frank Stanley, the 40 year old leader of the Gypsy band (1889-1929). Many of the members live in separate homes and do not travel together as a tribe. 16 May 1929, page 3, column 2. Article. "Gypsy Colony Bedecked for Marriage of Prince Today." Accounts of Gypsy Marriage of Louis Mitchell to Nora Rose Evans. 2 May 1932, page 10, column 5. Mrs. Birdie Geisel Dies in Hospital. Obituary for a member of the Stanley tribe of gypsies. 19 July 1932, page 2, column 2. “Commoner Is King”. King Steve Stanley. 24 April 1937, page 5, column 5. Article. “Roosevelt Band Leads Gypsy’s Funeral March”. Pete Ely, 44 year old gypsy, was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery. This many seems to be of Ukrainian heritage, not English, so not related to the English Stanleys. To add to the confusion, his brothers sometimes went by the names Frank Stanley and Kirka Stanley. Again, it appears that these Stanley/Elys are of Northeastern European heritage, not English. 25 April 1937, page Main 14, column 4. Article/Obituary. "Royal Family of Gypsies Rests in Woodland Grave." Queen Matilda. History of the gypsies at Woodland Cemetery and photograph of monument. 27 July 1943, Tuesday, page 8, column 1. Obituary. Death of Richard Stanley, Sr. Died in Louisville, Kentucky, he was transported to Woodland Cemetery in Dayton. He was the son of the Gypsy King, Levi Stanley. 8 October 1943, Friday, page 4. Article. “Many Good Deeds”. Mrs. Nathan Myer Stanley. No mention of Gypsies. NOT of the gypsy clan. 12 November 1952. page 23. obituary. Alex Szegedi, leader of the Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra and Hungarian Inn owner dies at age 70. He is survived by his wife and other relatives. Not related to the Stanleys or other English Gypsies.

Dayton Journal Herald 1 October 1939, page 24. Article. “May We Present N. M. Stanley, Creative Citizen”. Not of the Gypsy family. Nathan Myer Stanley is a native of Exeter, England. 24 December 1939, page Society 10, column 4, Sunday. Article. "He Builds Rare Cimbalon to Revived Native Music." John Farkas of Middletown builds a Cimbalon, when he found none, former member of a Dayton gypsy band. 1 August 1943, Sunday, page Main 9, column 3. Stanley clan (not Gypsies) Still Bury Dead in Dayton. Photograph of Richard Stanley, Jr.'s funeral and article on family. 6 December 1947, Sunday, Spotlight, page 1. Article. “Christmas Comes Early to Makers of Greeting Cards”. This features the Stanley Manufacturing Company. No mention of Gypsies. This is a different Stanley family. 17 February 1962, Saturday, page 19. Article. "Through Centuries Gypsies Have Wondered." Accounts of gypsy happenings, includes information on Matilda and Owen, photographs. 31 March 1962, Saturday, page 17, column 3. Article. "They Enjoy Talking About Gypsies." Stanleys go back to Berkshire, England where King Owen was born. Leadership went to King Levi and Queen Matilda. 30 July 1975, page 34. Article. Sugar Stanley. History of house at 2021 Gypsy Drive. The structure is believed to be 180 years old and is regarded as the Gypsy King's (Sugar Stanley) "palace." 10 February 1983. page 31. obituary. Stanley, Madge Dillon. No indication that she is a Gypsy. Buried in Calvary (Catholic) Cemetery. 31 May 1985. page 9. Article. “Police Seek ‘Gypsy’ Thieves Who Robbed Sampan Restaurant”.

Dayton Daily News 4 Nov 1900. Page 7 column 2. “Grief Stricken Gypsy Queen”. Levy Youvall Stanley, age 6, dies in Chicago. 3 April 1901. page 8. “The Gypsy Prince Was Not Christened Today as Had Been Planned, King Sugar Stanley Dwells in Arkansas, Queen Adar Will Attend the Ceremonies”. Unnamed Harrison boy. 8 February 1902. Supplement page 3. Dona Stanley sketch. A suitor woos the 18 year old. 8 July 1908, page 4. Mrs. Elizabeth Jeffryes dies. 10 Jul 1908, page 7, column 2. Miss Elizabeth Josephine Jeffreys/Jeffries. 7 December 1908, page 2. Levi Stanley dies in Texas. Obituary. "Body of Gypsy King Placed in Vault." Body brought to Dayton from Marshall, Texas. From modest beginnings, here a half century ago, the Stanley family grew in generations and wealth. 13 April 1909, page 1, column 2. "Laid Away Just Like an Ordinary Mortal." Description of Levi Stanley's funeral. A Scripture Lesson, a Brief Address, and a Prayer Constituting the Simple Service in Woodland Cemetery Tuesday Afternoon. 29 October 1909, page 2, column 2. “Gypsy Queen’s Estate Divided”. Sarah Stanley leaves estate to widower, Levi Stanley, Junior. 19 November 1909, editorial 4, column 1. “The Gypsies”. Origin of gypsies. 9 December 1910, page 22, column 1. Nicholas Jeffrey “a member of the Stanley tribe of gypsies” obituary. 28 April 1913, page 10, column 1. “Same Old Compton”. This article and a number of others in the 1910-1920 time period speaks of the Stanley Gypsy baseball teams and Joe Stanley. 18 Mar 1915, page 1, column 6. Once Wealthy Leader of Gypsy Tribe Needs Aid. Sugar Stanley. 7 Mar 1916, page 7, column 5. Levi Sugar Stanley buried. 23 April 1916, page 11, column 4. Maggy Anna Stanley laid to rest in Woodland with others of gypsy tribe. 28 Jan 1917, section 2, page 2. “Stanley Tribe of Gypsies after 60 Years Is Only a Memory”. 22 January 1917, page 1, column 5. All a Fraud. Mrs. May Stanley. 6 November 1917, page 1, column 5. “Another Stanley Gypsy Leader Dies”. Joshua Stanley, 80, of Boston died 5 November 1917. 14 January 1918, page 7, columns 6 and 7. Death of John Pierce, member of a Gypsy colony, article. 3 February 1918, page society 1, column 1. “Of Interest in the Social World”. Mrs. N. M. Stanley. She is NOT a gypsy. 19 March 1918, page 1, column 6. Trio of Gypsies Taken on Charge of Draft Evasion. Riley, Nelson, and Mecham Jeffrey of Columbus were arrested in Alexandersville for not registering for the draft. 17 July 1918, page 5, column 6. Advertisement for N. M. Stanley optical. No tie in with gypsies. 23 June 1919, page 22, column 5. Gypsy Smith to Deliver Address. Article. Franklin, Ohio. He will be at the Miami Valley Chautauqua during the week of 4 August. 4 January 1920, magazine page 7, column 1. “Once Upon a Time” by Howard Burba. The Stanley Gypsies are buried at Woodland Cemetery. 3 May 1920, page 1, column 3. Dayton trip lure in swindle. Peter Yunko wanted for crime. 12 May 1921, page 1, column 7. Death of Powonia Mitchell Miller, daughter of King of All American Gypsies, Louis Mitchell of St. Louis. She appears to have been a Russian gypsy. 17 May 1921, page 2, column 5. “’Gypsy City’ Band Ordered Out of Sidney; Fines Paid”. No names mentioned. 4 Dec 1921, section 2, page 2, column 2. “Gypsy Romance”. The way of life of the Stanley tribe is disappearing. 4 Mar 1922, page 1, column 4. Gypsy Troubles. Fortune tellers. 10 May 1931, Sunday, magazine section, page 3, entire page Howard Burba article. "When Dayton Was Home of the Gypsies." Short history of the gypsies in Dayton. 12 May 1935, Sunday, magazine section, page 3, Howard Burba article. “Abduction of Little Lillie Bowers”. Missing from Sandusky, Ohio in 1866. Levi Stanley was one suspect. 18 March 1942. Obituary. “Funeral for N. M. Stanley to Be Friday”. Nathan Myer Stanley, founder of the Stanley Manufacturing Company. Not a Gypsy. 26 July 1943, Monday, page 3, column 7. "Son of Gypsy King is Dead." Richard Stanley, Sr. Son of "Sugar Stanley." Obituary. 28 July 1943. Wednesday, page 18, column 2. "Rites Wednesday for Gypsy King's Son." Richard Stanley, Sr. Obituary. 3 May 1952. page 8, column 5. obituary. “Gypsy Queen Annie Michaell dies in Willard, Ohio”. 29 May 1959, page 28, column 3. article. “Public Warned of Gypsy Pitch: Williamson Clan Now Meeting in Cincinnati”. Scotch-Irish Gypsy “hoodwinkers” NOT English. Affiliated with the Greggs, McDonald, McMillan, and Johnson clans. Immigrated about 50 years ago. 5 October 1959, page 1, column 2. article. “City Readies Law: Fortune Tellers May Be Licensed”. Mentions gypsies, but does not name names. 18 July 1960. Article. “Stanley Greetings Sold to N. Y. Firm”. No Gypsy connection. 14 April 1961. Article. “Stanley Greetings Shifts Some Operations to N. Y”. Founded by George Stanley, Sr. No mention of Gypsies. 3 January 1962, page 1, column 2. Article. “Stanley Greeting Cards Moving to New York” written by Doc Fisher. This article is not about Gypsies. The company was purchased by Oz Greeting Cards, a division of the Oz Publishing Corporation. 14 August 1966. “Complaints Pour in: Gypsies Hold Convention, Enon Caught by Surprise”. The Millers, Mitchells, Demetros, and Frank families, 125 people, gathered at Ark’s Campground in Enon, Ohio. 27 Nov 1974, page 26, column 8. Obituary. Mary E. Rolph Stanley, wife of Alvie. It is not stated if she and/or her husband were gypsies or not. Some relatives in Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario, Canada are listed. 30 July 1975. page 34. Obituary. Richard Stanley, Sr. Article. Repeat of the Dayton Journal-Herald article. Gypsy King's "Palace" 18 Feb 1976. page 4 North, article. "Two Wayne Twp. Women Write a History of the Area". Brief mention of gypsies. 11 January 1977. Tueday, page 3, column 3, article. "Gypsies Feud over Tot." Accusation of taking baby by Jimmy Mitchell. Alex Mitchell said that the baby was with his son, Geno Samuel Mitchell. 16 February 1977. Wednesday, page 41, column 1, article. "Case Involving Feud Over Baby Dismissed." Dismissed charge of kidnapping by Jimmy Mitchell. 2 June 1978, page 28. article. The Williamson family. "Keep on Lookout for 'The Terrible Williamsons.' " Negative report of the family who number about 300. 27 April 1980, page A15. Article. “Med Student Balances Studies, Family”. Sherry Stanley, medical student, wife of Steve. No mention of Gypsies. May or may not be the same Stanley family. 9 October 1983. page F5. obituary. Bobby Stanley, age 31. No mention of Gypsies. 14 May 1989. page B1, continuing to B3. article. “Police Issue Warnings on Gypsies; Prof: Calling Entire Group of People ‘Thieves’ Is Racist”. Pro and con from two professors and the Oakwood Police. 21 March 1995, page C1. article. Matilda Stanley, Queen of the Gypsies, is one of the Miami Valley's remarkable women. 4 March 1996, page B4. Obituary. Margaret Louise Stanley Gartner. No mention of Gypsies, but her mother was a Gray (Marianna) and her father was a Stanley (Jesse). 4 January 1997. page Opinion/Editorial, A9, Roz Young article. "Stanley tribe of gypsies settled in Miami Valley." Good account of the Stanley's in Dayton, starting with emigration from England to the settlement in the Dayton area. (First of a series). 18 January 1997. Page Opinion/Editorial, A9, Roz Young article. "45,000 Came to Dayton for gypsy burial." Discussion of the burial of Queen Maltilda Stanley in September 15, 1878. (Second of a series.) 25 January 1997. Page Opinion/Editorial, A9, Roz Young article. "No expense spared in gypsy funerals... Queen's death left band heartbroken." Inscription on Queen Matilda's grave. (Last of a Series.) 15 Mar 1997. Roz Young article. A19. “Readers Share Tales of Gypsies”. Phil, Arthur, Tom, Pete, Harry, Barbara, Levi, Mary, Dr. Sherry, William and C. Stanley are mentioned. 5 April 1997. page Opinion/Editorial, A13, Roz Young article. "Gypsy tribes fascinated while evoking suspicion". On the "Terrible Williamsons" (First of a two- part series). 12 April 1997. page Opinion/Editorial A13, Roz Young article. "Young man, red convertible create stir in Sulphur Grove". On the "Terrible Williamsons" (Second of a two-part series). 4 July 1997 Page Go! 4. "King cons despite logic lapses, 'Traveller' offers a good ride". Film review. The Terrible Williamsons of Ohio are mentioned. 6 March 2001, page B5, Obituary of Thelma K. Stanley. No mention of Gypsies in the obituary. 14 April 2003. Page B5. Obituary of Richard Stanley. Son of Walter and Mary Stanley. No mention of Gypsies in the obituary. 13 October 2003. page B1. article. "Burials' living history... Woodland Cemetery a well-kept 200 acre chronicle of Dayton." Short discussion of historical accounts at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton. 1 June 2006. page Neighborhood 1. Article. "Storied Gypsy House for Sale." Named Stanley Gypsy House, also listed as Jacob H. W. Mumma House. Due to scandal, the 50 acre property was lost. "Test Your Knowledge of Gypsy Lore" is also included. 1 June 2006. page Neighborhood 2. article. "Dayton: City of Mystery and Scandal? Stanley Family of Gypsies." The gypsies would winter in Dayton and "roam" in the summer months. 21 December 2010. Page A9. Death notice for Sandra Stanley of Englewood. Too brief to determine any connection or lack of connection.

Dayton Democrat 3 August 1878, page 4, columns 2 - 5. Article. "Good Queen Matilda." Very lengthy account of the gypsies in Dayton, including Queen Matilda's funeral.

New York Times

Many historical New York Times articles are available for free from www.nytimes.com. For those which are citation only, our library has microfilm.

7 August 1878, page 3. Obituary. "Burial of Gypsy Queen." Burial of Queen Matilda, wife of Levi Stanley. 16 September 1878, page 1. Obituary. "Burial of Gypsy Queen." Death of Matilda Stanley. 1 August 1881. Article. “A Romantic Gypsy Marriage”. Dinah Wharton and Henry Lee. 22 April 1882, page 5. Article/Obituary. Burial of the Stanley family including, Bushy Stanley, 3 month old son of Levi Stanley and Charlotte Stanley. 16 April 1884. article. “A Gypsy Queen’s Funeral”. Gannie Jeffers, Queen of the Gypsies, buried in Woodland Cemetery. 26 June 1895. article. “Stanley Stole His Rival’s Daughter: A Gypsy Elopement from Rye – Old Wells Pursues His Child”. Arthur Stanley and Miss A. Wells, daughter of William. 23 February 1896. article. “English Gypsies”. Joshua, Esau, and Gus Gray are mentioned. 19 June 1898. article. “Gypsy Prisoner Escapes”. Toda Stanley, child bride of George, was a prisoner of the Gypsies. 12 April 1904 page 2. article. “Funeral of Gypsy Queen”. Mother Sibbie Riley, Queen of the Harrison-Cooper-Stanley tribe. 28 December 1907. article. “Robbed Gypsy Queen Expects $8,000 Back”. Feuding clans. Bud and Dick Stanley are mentioned. 29 December 1907. article. “Stole Gypsy Wedding Gifts”. Seven members of the Stanley clan stand accused of grand larceny. Prince John and Princess Ethel’s betrothal is off. 1 June 1908. article. “Gypsies’ Victim to Testify”. Leonard Allen was kidnapped by gypsies. Gypsy Stanley and wife are arrested. 25 April 1910. article. “Gypsy Princess Back Home”. Elopement of Liberia/Siberia Wells and William Stanley. 28 May 1910. article. “Minister at Gypsy Funeral”. Queen ? Stanley Kelly. 14 November 1910. article. “Gypsy Queen is Dead”. Jessie Habersham Michele, died in Cincinnati. 17 January 1911. article. “Bar from America Wife Bought Abroad: Gypsy King Can’t Bring in His New Stout Queen for Whom He Paid $60 in Bosnia”. Bosnian Gypsies pretend to be Stanleys and Mitchells to get into the country. 28 April 1929. page main 16. article. “Gypsy Wedding Off, Louisville Puzzled”. Prince Hendrik John will not wed Rosetta Stanley. 26 December 1932. page business 37. “King of Gypsies Going Abroad to Talk to Officials There”. Steve Stanley. 7 February 1933. page lost and found 20. “Gypsy ‘King’ Seized after a Long Search”. King Bimbo accused of theft. 7 October 1948. page amusements 33. “Gypsy Queen Is Buried”. Anna Yonko buried in Linden, New Jersey. Clan not mentioned. 24 March 1973. page 37. “Gypsies Go to Linden To Bury Their Queen; Followers Walk Behind”. Mary Mitchell, age 70, was the Gypsy Queen. New Jersey. Birmingham Mail (United Kingdom) 24 Mar 2015. Gypsies. Photo Gallery. http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/gallery/gypsies-8909415 Black Patch Recreation Ground. Surnames: Smith, Loveridge, Badger, Clayton, Scarret, Owen, Davies, & Doona, plus historian/author Ted Rudge

6 Jun 2017. Birmingham’s Gypsy Surnames – Is Yours on the List? http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/nostalgia/birmingham-gypsy-surnames-is-yours-8918038 Surnames mentioned: Boswell, Loveridge, Doe, Lee, Cooper, Smith, Young, and Hero. Includes photograph of Jessie Loveridge of Smethwick. Florida Democrat 15 September 2013. Obituary for Sandra D. Mitchell Stanley. No mention of gypsy connection, but she and some family are from the Dayton area and she was born a Mitchell. Obituary and photograph available on www.legacy.com . Fort Worth Daily Gazette

14 January 1887, page 4, column 5. article. “A Gypsie Queen: Miss Lucy Stanley Appointed Queen of all the Bands”. Mentions her trip to Dayton, Ohio. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ Available in full text and PDF scan from the Library of Congress.

Hartford Courant

8 June 1904, page 6, columns 1 and 2. Article. “Gypsy King Stanley Is Here.” Henry Stanley (born in England) and family are currently in East Hartford. They travel to Philadelphia and South Carolina. Father of Missouri. Emma is mentioned. This may be Henry’s wife. Available on newspapers.com.

Los Angeles Times 27 April 1929, page 3. article. “Gypsies Trek to Gambol: Hundreds Journey to Louisville for Wedding of Chief’s Son and Attendant Feasting”. Gypsy tribes from Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Philadelphia and other points moved toward Louisville today to attend one of the most elaborate wedding ceremonies ever presented by gypsies in this country.

New Burnswick ? [New Jersey newspaper] ? March 1973. “The Queen Is Dead: Gypsy Leader is Laid to Rest”. Mary Mitchell. Clipping held at Rosedale Cemetery.

[New Jersey or New York newspaper?] ? February or March 1973. “Queen Doomed by Cancer; Gypsies Gather at Bedside”. Clipping held at Rosedale Cemetery.

New York Tribune 24 April 1904 . page 2. article. “The Strange Nomadic Race of Gypsies”. Condescending article about stereotypical thieving Gypsies. It does mention the Harrison-Cooper Stanley tribe and Mother Sibbie Riley, but the author seems to think they are Hungarian, not English. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ Available in full text and PDF scan from the Library of Congress.

News Journal (Mansfield, Ohio) 1 September 1900. Page 1. “Gypsy Elopement”. Betsy Pearce, of near Dayton, deserted her husband, Levi Pearce, and eloped with Nelson Wells.

Sharon Herald 21 October 2007. article. Royalty among Us: Gypsy Queen Lies in Unassuming Grave at Oakwood Generations Still Share Story of Lavish 1921 Funeral. Author: Courtney Anderson. http://sharonherald.com/community/x1208345415/Royalty-among-us-Gypsy-queen-lies-in-unassuming-grave-at-Oakwood

Springfield Daily Republic (Springfield, Clark, Ohio) 28 April 1888. Article. “Gypsy Wedding - High Contracting Parties”. A Stanley man and a Jeffries woman will wed in Xenia. “Queen” Phillis Jeffries is mentioned.

Sunday Star-Ledger 25 March 1973. “Gypsies Mourn Queen’s Passing”. Mary Mitchell, 70, mother of Steven and Frank (Jr.).

Willard Times (Willard, Huron, Ohio) 8 May 1952. Funeral of Enney John Mitchell (1904-1952), wife of Alex, daughter-in-law of Annie, at Bedford Cemetery.

Winchester Star (Virginia) 18 Feb 1992. Page 2. Obituary for Joseph Stanley (1919-1992) of Bunker Hill, West Virginia. Available through the Handley Regional Library, Winchester, Virginia.

Xenia Daily Gazette (Ohio) 10 Oct 1891. Page 1. Article. “Gypsy Queen but Her Earthly Reign Is Over”. Death of Rhoda Boswell. No known relationship to the Dayton Harrisons, Stanleys, and Jeffries.

Magazines

Mumma, Douglas M. "1995 Mumma Genealogy Trip, December 24, 1995: Trip Retracing the Footsteps of my Mumma and Yeager Ancestors", Montgomery County Chapter Ohio Genealogical Society. Family Tree. volume 16, issue 3, March 1996. Article on the Mumma family includes reference to Owen Stanley. Gen R 977.172 F198.

Schlipf, Patricia A. “Montgomery County Gypsies”. Miami Valley Genealogical Society. Genealogical Aids Bulletin. volume 3, issue 3, January 1974, page 60. History of names of the Montgomery County Gypsies descended from Owen Stanley and Harriet Warden. Gen R 977.17G326.

Federal Censuses 1860 Harrison, Jeff, Grey, and Stanley families are all in Troy, Miami County, Ohio. 1870 Thomas Jeffrey family and Mary Smith are in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. 1880 Richard and Levi Stanley families are in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. 1900 William and Isac Stanley families are in Troy, Miami County, Ohio. 1910 William Stanley Troy, Miami County, Ohio. Isac Stanley family is in Piqua, Miami County, Ohio. Levi and Richard Stanley families are in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. 1920 The Josh Warton, Bertie Harrison, Valley Harrison, and William Jeffrey families are listed together in Marks, Quitman County, Ohio. 1930 Josh Warton family is in Magnolia, Columbia, Arkansas. Johnnie Jeffrey, Jack Harrison, Harry Harrison, and Birdie Harrison families, are in Lake, Chicot, Arkansas. Files

Local History File – "Gypsies" includes letter from the Smithsonian Museum referencing, "When Dayton was Home to the Gypies," article by Howard Burba and a large number of newspaper clippings. Genealogy Correspondence File – "Stanley" includes family tree information provided by Leighlani Hammerling and other genealogical information.

Local History Room Newspaper Clippings File - "Gypsies". Information the same as Local History File.

Websites

Akron Summit County Library http://www.summitmemory.org/ Special Collections – Akron Memory – Artwork of Joseph Jesenky. He has a number of drawings of Roma/Gypsy people he observed in Bedford, Cuyahoga County, Ohio in 1928 and 1929. This includes drawings of (only first names are listed): Old Sybella, Vanita, Mudro, and the camp.

http://www.ancestry.com New York City, New York, United States. Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, 1820-97. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M237). This database shows a number of Stanleys, Jeffreys, and Bryers as well as James Lovell arriving in New York City, November 1856 on the vessel “Osprey”.

Family Search https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XZBZ-8G8 Link for the image of the marriage certificate for Matilda Stanley and William Jeffrey. Family Search. Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994. 23 Sep 1881. Montgomery County, Ohio. William Shuey, Minister of the Gospel. https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/NQQG-1H7 Link for information on Mollie Jeffrie Cooper’s death on 6 July 1941.

Findagrave.com – Look for Cooper family members in Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee including obituary for Bessie Jeffrey Cooper (Find A Grave Memorial# 97099130).

Google Books. http://books.google.com – full text of The Book of Modern Songs, 1858, includes the song “The Gipsy Girl” (Charlotte Stanley) by Charles Jeffreys. Note: This was on Google books in 2008, but I don’t find it in 2009.

Montgomery County Chapter Ohio Genealogical Society http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohmontgs/woodland.htm#s Partial List of Re-interments to Woodland Cemetery from Other Grave Sites shows a number of Stanley names.

Romany Genes http://romanygenes2.webeden.co.uk/# – focuses on the United Kingdom and United States. Boswells, Stanleys, Grays, Smiths and more.

Smithsonian. http://smithsonianeducation.org/migrations/gyp/nichel.html Gypsies in the United States

We Relate. www.werelate.org. Wiki. Search for Owen Stanley or other names for family tree information added by Shawna Woodard of the Dayton Metro Library and other researchers.

Wikipedia - www.wikipedia.org – entry under Levi and Matilda Stanley. May 2007. Short family tree.

Woodland Cemetery - http://www.woodlandcemetery.org Discussion of burial place of Levi and Matilda Stanley, King and Queen of the Gypsies.

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/user/bobbydotube See the video “Behind the Veil of a Gypsy Wedding” for a modern wedding observing a number of Gypsy traditions. A number of slide shows of old gypsy photographs are also on youtube.

http://gemcitycirclewalks.wetpaint.com/?t=anon . Leon Bey, librarian and historian, offers a lecture on the Gypsies of the area. – “Dayton's Rich Gypsy History”, alternately named “Dayton – Home of the King and Queen of the Gypsies”. SITE NOW DEFUNCT. LEON BEY HAS DIED.

Television

www.tlc.com

My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding on the TLC station

Gypsy Sisters on the TLC station. Lottie May Stanley is the mother of Mellie Stanley and sister Nettie Stanley. Married couple Kayla and Richard ---have a daughter, Danielle and a son Gus, and daughter-in-law, Laura ---. Set in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

I try to have all of these saved as PDF, JPG, or Word files, except where files were missing or mislabeled. I can email specific files or mail a CD of all files or use Dropbox or Google Docs to send all files upon request. Shawna Woodard Genealogy Librarian Dayton Metro Library 215 E. Third St. Dayton, OH 45402 937-496-8653 swoodard@daytonmetrolibrary.org history@daytonmetrolibrary.org

slw/lr Sep 2021