Archibald Christy was born in 1760, in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom as the son of Martin Christy and Sara. He married Mary (Maryland) Roudabush in 1781. They were the parents to Francis Xavier (1795-1873), Peter (1800-1870), Martin Callixtus (1802-1865), Augustine Ambrose (1809-1881), Mary Jane (1811-1885), Amelia Theresa (1811-1885), John Thomas (1814-), Sylvester Lucas (1816-), Julianna Jane (1819-1907).

The Christy family lived in Conewego, Adams County, Pa. At the time of the American Revolution, Archibald enlisted in Captain Matthew McCoy’s Militia in Cumberland County, Pa., as a private in the fifth class on December 1, 1780.

The Pennsylvania Septennial Census (1793) lists Archibald living in Rye Township, Cumberland County, Pa. with other members of his unit. After the war, the 1820 U.S. Census shows that Archibald relocated his family to Allegheny Township, Cambria County, mostly likely in the town of Loretto. The borough of Loretto was not incorporated until 1845.

In 1790, the Constitution of Pennsylvania provided that all students in the commonwealth be educated for free. In 1802, legislation required that boroughs and townships ascertain the names of children who should be educated. Eventually, boroughs and townships billed the county for costs associated with educating children. The schools became known as “pauper schools.” In 1827, Archibald Christy, submitted a bill to the county for services rendered teaching three of John Comminsky’s poor children, Sarahann, Bridget, and Cicely for a total of $3.12 (Davis, 1893)

Catalogue of the Walnut School Library with sketches

Archibald died on 21 October 1838, in Loretto at the age of 78, and was buried in Saint Michael Cemetery, Loretto at the rear of the chapel. The stone that marks his grave was placed by his descendants.

Sources:

Adams, Edmund, et. al (1988). Catholic Trails West: The founding of Catholic families of Pennsylvania. Vol. 2. pg. 666. Genealogical Publishing Company. Baltimore, Md.

Daughters of the American Revolution

Davis, Roger (1893) Catalogue of the Walnut School Library with sketches. Johnstown, Pa.

Family Search – https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/KG9M-KXT/archibald-christy-1760-1838

Ledoux, Rev. Albert H. (1993). Catholilc Vital Records of Central Pennsylvania. Volume 1. 1793-1839. pgs 169-170. Altoona, Pa.

Portrait – https://www.moodyhowellfamilyhistory.com/photos/moody/archibald_christy.html

 

Souvenir of the Diamond Jubilee and history of St. Augustine’s Church, Dysart Post Office, Cambria County, Pa. (1922). New Guide Publishing Co.

 

 

Souvenir of Loretto Centenary, 1799-1899. 10 October 1899.

Veterans Office. Veterans Grave Registration Record. Vol 1, pg 173, block 10. Ebensburg, Pa.
[Note: The record reads, “Capt. Matthew McCoy’s Co., Cumberland, Md.” This is incorrect. It should be Cumberland County, Pa.]