Page 13 - Raycliff Mary Harris - A Family Enigma

came across in an internet search was contained in a book published in 1847 en-
titled “The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction”. Contained in

the book was a chapter titled “Mysterious Proceeding” by Fanny E. Lacy. In her
short story she makes reference to Miss Cecilia Raycliff. She describes Miss Ray-
cliff as “a very charming girl, without doubt, Reginald; so I won’t detain you
from her, as whatever may be the mystery -----“. I also found a Disney character

named Raycliff but he was a male.

United States Federal Census’ of 1900, 1910, and 1920 provided some detail as
to Raycliff’s life with Clarence Clemson but also provided further mysteries as

to her age. The 1900 census for the city of Fitchburg where she and Clarence
were “lodgers” on Blossom Street give her date of birth as October 1874, age
25 and born in Maine. The 1910 census for the town of Winchester list her
name as Rayclift, age 37, born in Maine and her father born in Maine and her

mother born in Canada. The 1920 census for the town of Stoneham list their
residence as 128 Benton St., and her age as 45 born in Maine.

A California, Passenger and Crew List from January 16, 1926 show she travelled

from Honolulu to Los Angeles. It listed her date of birth as October 27, 1872
and her age as 53. It also listed her name as Rayclift. A Florida Passenger List
dated February 6, 1922 show she travelled from Havana, Cuba to Key West and
listed her age at 45, place of birth as Calais, Maine, born on October 27, 1876.

Her name was once more listed as Rayclift.

Raycliff died in St.Petersburg, FL, while vacationing. The cause of death was
Myocarditis and her age at time of death was shown as 59 years, 4 months, and

23 days. The date of death was March 23, 1930. This would place her date of
birth at around October 27, 1870. Her place of birth was listed as Calais, ME.
Her father was listed as Aaron Harris born in Calais, ME. Her mother was listed
as Elizabeth Sherwood born in Calais, ME. She was brought back to Stoneham

by her cousin Earle S. Collins and buried in her mother and fathers plot in Wild-
wood Cemetery, Winchester.

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