Carroll township is located north of the center part of Cambria County, which is about 80 miles east of Pittsburgh. In 1880 the township had a population of 1,295. The main town in the township is Carrollton, and when the Reger family lived in the area it was surrounded by many prosperous farms. There were also saw mills, horse breeders, a couple of flour mills, a blacksmith who also manufactured buggies and wagons, and many livestock operations.
When Joseph was about 2 years old, his family moved to Norfolk Township, Renville County, Minnesota. By the 1880 census, 18-year-old Joseph was working on the farm of Michael Nell in Elk River Township, Sherburne County, Minnesota. This was about 120 miles from where his dad farmed, which makes one wonder why he left the area. As the oldest son, it would seem his father would need his help on the family farm.
While I have not located a marriage record for Joseph, the 1900 census indicates he married Catherine Duffy in 1885. The Duffy family also farmed in Renville County, but in neighboring Birch Cooley Township. Joseph and Catherine had the following children: Mary Francis born 1886; James Patrick born 1890; Alfred Clement born 1891; John Edward born 1893; Christina Agnes born 1895; Catherine Regina born 1897; Joseph Lawrence born 1898; Gertrude Helen born 1900; and William Francis born 1902.
By the 1930 census, Joseph, Catherine and Gertrude owned a home at 3005 Queen Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Joseph was employed as a watchman at a garbage plant. Looking at Google maps, it appears that their house as well as a couple of others, was torn down to make way for new houses. By 1940, only Joseph and Gertrude were living in a home owned by Joseph at 3009 Queen Avenue. He indicated that they had lived there in 1935 as well. This house has also been torn down.
Catherine died 15 June 1934 in Minneapolis. She was 72 years old. Joseph was 91 when he passed on 27 May 1955 in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
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