Friday, August 28, 2009

Carnival of Genealogy, 79th Edition-- Family Reunions

The first family reunion I remember going to when I was very young was a Poulsen reunion. I believe it was for the descendants of James Sirrine and Grace Price Poulsen (grandma Smedley's mom and dad).

I think my parents only took us to about 3 of them. For some reason The Smedley family members hardly ever went. I think that is why I always felt uncomfortable at them because I hardly knew anyone there. I believe they still have the Poulsen reunion to this day. If I was closer, I would definitely go every year.

Then there was the Piggott family reunion.

I really enjoyed this family reunion. We played softball and I just enjoyed spending time with all of my aunts and uncles and cousins. I actually knew everyone there ; - ) I think great aunt Rebecca and I are the only ones who brought genealogy books. Unfortunately this is the only one I was able to go to because I had to work.

In 2001 we started having the Smedley reunion. The Smedley family being mom and dad, me, my brother and sister, and our kids; keep in mind that my parents have been divorced since the mid eighties. We would have our reunion at dad's cabin in Warm River outside Ashton, Idaho every Labor Day weekend. We would go floating down the river on tubes and a rubber raft. It was a blast!


On Saturday mom would make her famous homemade barbecues and I would make my potato salad. Sunday morning we would always make biscuits and gravy.

The last family reunion we had was in 2003 because that is the year my husband and I moved to Florida and it was just getting harder to get everybody together because of work or finances. I miss these get-togethers more than I can even say. I don't only miss my family, but the beautiful mountains and canyons in Idaho.

I can only hope that someday we will start the reunions again.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Treasure Chest Thursday -- Jewelery from Grandma Smedley


These pieces are all from grandma Smedley. The two matching pins she gave to me for Christmas one year.

When we were kids on one of the numerous visits with grandma, she was sitting in the living room with her jewelry box. Of course my sister and I were pretty intrigued with what ever she was looking for.

She let each one of us pick out something from the box to keep. Sister got to pick first. There wasn't really anything left that I was excited about so I just picked the matching beads and earrings, even though I thought they were ugly
. I mean, I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, right? I don't remember what the beads that my sister picked looked like, I just know they were prettier than mine! I think that is why grandma also let me have the pretty green pin.


Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday -- John T. and Esther E. Barker


Last Memorial Day mom went to Bear Lake to visit all the graves. This is one of the photos she took while she was there. This is the St. Charles Cemetery in St. Charles, Bear Lake County, Idaho.

I never got to know great- grandma & grandpa Barker. Great-grandma died when I was only 5 months old.


Monday, August 24, 2009

Madness Monday -- genealogy software

My genealogy madness today is the wording in genealogy programs when it comes to women (or men) who had children without ever having been married at all. There has got to be a more tactful way than 'so and so had a relationship with someone and had so and so' when making a report. There has got to be a software out there somewhere that lets you manipulate the wording to fit the situation!
Hey -- maybe good ole Tom knows the answer to this (wink wink). ; - )

Friday, August 21, 2009

Thelma Cathcart - Missouri

These are the last two finds from the Flea Shack in Middleburg, Florida. Two photos of a beautiful girl named Thelma Cathcart.
The first photo has a faint stamp that says Morgan Springfield, MO. The second photo was taken in Stockton, California. I believe that it is a proof. That is why it is so hard to see.

Using detective reasoning I believe I have found a few facts about her. Thelma was born 23 Apr 1908 in Missouri to William and Maude Cathcart. The family was in California by 1927. She was married to Raymond Larimer.

Name: Thelma Cathcart
Age in 1910: 2
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1908
Birthplace: Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Father's Name: William G
Father's Birth Place: Illinois
Mother's Name: Maud
Mother's Birth Place: Missouri
Home in 1910: Franklin, Greene, Missouri
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Gender: Female

Household Members:
Name Age
William G Cathcart 31
Maud Cathcart 24
Lorenzo Cathcart 4
Thelma Cathcart 2

Source Citation: Year: 1910; Census Place: Franklin, Greene, Missouri; Roll T624_782; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 51; Image: 960.

Name: Thelma J Cathcart
Home in 1920: Robberson, Greene, Missouri
Age: 11 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1909
Birthplace: Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Father's Name: William J
Father's Birth Place: Illinois
Mother's Name: Maud E
Mother's Birth Place: Missouri
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Sex: Female
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes

Household Members:
Name Age
William J Cathcart 40
Maud E Cathcart 33
I Lee Cathcart 13
Thelma J Cathcart 11
William L S Cathcart 73

Source Citation: Year: 1920;Census Place: Robberson, Greene, Missouri; Roll T625_916; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 69; Image: 77.


Name: Thelma Laramore
Home in 1930: Modesto, Stanislaus, California
View Map
Age: 21
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1909
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Spouse's Name: Raymond
Race: White

Household Members:
Name Age
Raymond Laramore 25
Thelma Laramore 21
Raymond Laramore 1

Source Citation: Year: 1930; Census Place: Modesto, Stanislaus, California; Roll 223; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 10; Image: 674.0.

Name: Thelma Irene Larimer
[Thelma Irene Cathcart]
Social Security #: 562268817
Sex: FEMALE
Birth Date: 23 Apr 1908
Birthplace: Missouri
Death Date: 18 Feb 1992
Death Place: Stanislaus
Mother's Maiden Name: Chrisman
Father's Surname: Cathcart

Source Citation: Place: Stanislaus; Date: 18 Feb 1992; Social Security: 562268817.
Source Information: Ancestry.com. California Death Index, 1940-1997

Hopefully we can reunite these photos with the Cathcart/Larimer family members.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Treasure Chest Thursday -- Mom's Jewelry

I am dedicating Thursdays to share some of my own family treasures. I would also like to invite you to do the same. Family treasures can include a range of things including photos, old letters and post cards, a family heirloom, or even a special memory. And let's not forget about the things we discover while doing research.

The next few Thursdays I am going to share pieces of jewelry that are special to me.



I guess you would call these pieces costume jewelry. When I was a child mom had this big green jewelry box that I always use to stir through. I loved to try everything on. My two favorites are the colorful beads and the very sparkly colorful rhinestones.

The small round wire piece is something that mom used to wear in her hair probably in the fifties. I wore it in my hair at my wedding, it was my something blue. I am sure it must have a name, does anyone know what this is called?

They don't make clasps like that anymore, that is part of why I like them. You could wear them today and no one would know that they were about 40 years old (unless they saw the clasps). Sooner or later everything comes back in style - lol!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hopi Indian Postcard

Today's lost family treasure is a beautiful 1956 Hopi Indian postcard.



I have been able to find a little information about the recipient, Mr. John Rybak, jr.

Name: John Riback
Home in 1920: Ware, Hampshire, Massachusetts
Age: 3 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1917
Birthplace: Massachusetts
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: John
Father's Birth Place: Australia
Mother's Name: Sophie
Mother's Birth Place: Australia
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Sex: Male

Household Members:
Name Age
John Riback 36
Sophie Riback 30
Veronica Riback 9
Mary Riback 8
Joseph Riback 7
Edward Riback 5
John Riback 3
Johanna Riback 8/12

Source Citation: Ancestry.com Year: 1920;Census Place: Ware, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll T625_705; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 189; Image: 406.

Name: John Rybak
Home in 1930: Ware, Hampshire, Massachusetts
Age: 15
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1915
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: John
Mother's Name: Sophie
Race: White

Household Members:
Name Age
John Rybak 56
Sophie Rybak 55
Joseph Rybak 21
John Rybak 15
Edward Rybak 18
Janna Rybak 11

Source Citation: Ancestry.com Year: 1930; Census Place: Ware, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll 913; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 51; Image: 423.0.

Since I found the postcard in Florida I am assuming that is where he died, but can't be positive it's the same John.

Name: John W Rybak
Death Date: 9 Nov 1994
County of Death: Charlotte
State of Death: Florida
Age at Death: 80
Race: White
Birth Date: 25 Sep 1914

Source Information:

Ancestry.com. Florida Death Index, 1877-1998 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2004. Original data: State of Florida. Florida Death Index, 1877-1998. Florida: Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, 1998.

Hopefully there is a Rybak family member who would appreciate this treasure.

Wordless Wednesday -- Piggott Brothers



Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday - Piggott Family

I just received these photos from my 4th cousin. We seem to be the only ones working on this Piggott line.


The photo above is the Piggott Family plot in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. It seems that my 2nd great grand aunt Abbie is the only one that has a headstone.



The family members that are missing headstones are as follows:

Salt Lake City Cemetery
Internment Book Information
Transcribed by Cindy A. Born-Mylo
July 28, 2009

Plat E, Block 15, Lot 7, South ½, East Tier
George and Catherine Piggott Family

Name: Augusta Wellman (George and Catherine Piggott’s daughter)
Internment # 25,291
Internment Book # 24,851 – 30,000
Grave 3W
Permit # 10426
Death Certificate # 10426
Date of Death Not recorded
Date of Internment July 29, 1903
Date of Birth 1834
Place of Birth Not recorded
Sex Female
Age 69
Place of Death 10 Lake St
Cause of Death General Dropsy
Name of undertaker J. E. Taylor
Owner of lot G. W. Pigott D Deed #70eed #70

Name: Augusta Sperrel (Augusta Wellman’s daughter. Noted as “Spannel” on some cemetery records.)
Internment # 1992
Internment Book # 1 – 5,200
Grave 4E
Permit # Not recorded
Death Certificate # Not recorded
Date of Death Not recorded
Date of Internment April 18, 1864
Date of Birth February 7, 1864
Place of Birth Salt Lake City
Sex Female
Age Not recorded
Place of Death Dr. Anderson
Cause of Death Not recorded
Name of undertaker Not recorded
Owner of lot G W Pigott De Deed #70ed #70

Name: Abbie Piggott (George and Catherine Piggott’s daughter)
Internment # 47,844
Internment Book # 44,526 – 50,000
Grave 1W
Permit # 1428
Death Certificate # Not recorded
Date of Death Not recorded
Date of Internment Sept. 16, 1928
Date of Birth 1837
Place of Birth Not recorded
Sex Female
Age 91
Place of Death County Hospital
Cause of Death Not recorded
Name of undertaker Deseret
Owner of lot G W Pigott Deed #70

Name: Catherine A. Piggott
Internment # 13,603
Internment Book # 10,001 – 14,775
Grave 2E
Permit # Not recorded
Death Certificate # Not recorded
Date of Death Not recorded
Date of Internment Not recorded
Date of Birth Not recorded
Sex Female
Age Not recorded
Place of Death Not recorded
Cause of Death General Disability
Name of undertaker Widow of George W
Owner of lot G W Pigott Deed #70

Name: George W. Piggott
Internment # 10,810
Internment Book # 10,001 – 14,775
Grave 1E
Permit # Not recorded
Death Certificate # Not recorded
Date of Death February 19, 1882
Date of Internment Not recorded
Date of Birth Not recorded
Place of Birth Not recorded
Sex Not recorded
Age Not recorded
Place of Death Not recorded
Cause of Death Old Age
Name of undertaker Son of George & Sarah Hull
Owner of lot G W Pigott Deed #70

Announcement

I wanted to let everyone know that I created the Blogging For Ancestors blogring. I invite all who blog about genealogy and family history, including tips and tools and how-to-dos, to join this ring of people like me who enjoy and have a thirst for knowledge and sharing of our roots and family stories. See you there!


Monday, August 17, 2009

Stella Thompson Photo

These photos are a little faded and there is not enough information to really identify this cute little girl and her family.



From what I can read on the back this is J.C., Walter, Granny, and Stella Thompson.



Little Stella Thompson


I found these photos at the Flea Shack in Middleburg, Florida. If you can identify this Thompson family, please let me know.


Friday, August 14, 2009

1935 Birthday Postcard to Norman Schroth

Another item found in "the interesting stuff" box at Ribbons of Pink Antiques -- this adorable birthday wish for little Norman:





The first thing I found about Norman was his obituary:

Norman Daniel Schroth
DECATUR - Norman Daniel Schroth, 78, of Winter Haven,FL passed away Sunday January 21, 2007. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 27, 2007, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Decatur, IL, with visitation 5 to 8 P.M., Friday, January 26, 2007, at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. Burial will be in Mt. Pulaski Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Mt. Pulaski American Legion Post 447. Norman was born November 29th, 1928 in Lincoln, IL, married and raised his family in Decatur, IL then moved to Winter Haven, FL in 1977. He is survived by his children Daniel N. Schroth, Portland, OR, Norman A. Schroth, Orlando, FL, Christopher J. Schroth, Decatur, IL, Tamara E. Bennington, Pensacola, FL, Timothy A. Schroth, Winter Haven, FL. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife and loving mother, Geraldine Schroth. He served in the Korean War as chief staff photographer. Prior to that he served 6 years in the Naval Reserve. He was a true entrepreneur nationally and internationally. He owned and operated Norm's Camera Shops in Decatur, IL as well as designed, manufactured and marketed Photographic Accessories throughout the US. His later endeavors included the formation of Color World Film Corporation in Lakeland, FL which offered professional and amateur photographers unique film processing services. In 1998 he formed Space Graphics and established relations with NASA to obtain photographs of the various Shuttle Missions to publish as art. He was a dedicated father and was always with his grandchildren when possible. We will greatly miss his enthusiasm for life and his skillful drive for success. Obituary written by family members.
Online guest book at www.legacy.com/heraldreview/Obituaries.asp



Published in the Decatur Herald & Review from 1/24/2007 - 1/25/2007.
http://www.mtpulaskiil.com/mtpulaskiilWEBsite/Obituaries/2007/Schroth/Norman.htm


I wonder how this post card strayed from the Schroth family. I hope to find someone in the Schroth family who will cherish this.

* I am happy to report that this postcard has been found and is on it's way to a rightful owner!

Treasure Chest Thursday -- Crochet Hooks

I know it's Friday, but I didn't have a chance to turn on the computer yesterday and since Treasure Chest Thursday was my idea I figured better late than never.


Today I wanted to share grandma's crochet hooks.




After my maternal grandmother died all of her crochet materials were given to me because I am the only one of her grandchildren that crocheted. Among them were these five hooks. Actually I believe these were originally great-grandma's. The smallest one is so small that I can't even see the hook. I believe the one with a lid, and the handle on the other one is made of ivory, not positive though.

Since I don't use them I need to find a way to display them. Any ideas?

When I stayed with grandma Dunn as a teenager we sat and crocheted together. She showed me a couple of patterns that I had never seen before and still to this day have never seen these two patterns in anyone else's work but my own.




She made a baby blanket for every great-grandchild. I make them for my grandchildren and nieces and nephews. I also crochet afghans for graduation gifts for them all. I have to make three for this year, plus I have another grandchild on the way. ( I am going to be busy!)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Louis H. Knapp Hotel Coupon Book

Among the treasures I found at the Ribbons Of Pink Antiques this was in a box labeled 'interesting stuff'.



This is a little booklet that was once full of hotel coupons; there is one left. It was issued to a Louis H. Knapp. There isn't enough information in this booklet to determine which Louis H. Knapp stayed in the hotel in Norway. I haven't been able to find any other information connecting Norway to this fellow.










Hopefully there is a Knapp descendant who can solve the mystery of which Louis H. Knapp this keepsake belonged to.

Wordless Wednesday -- Pioneer Day Parade 1971?





Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Anton Newmann

This sharp dressed gentleman is Anton Newmann. He was born about 1873 in Germany according to the information that I have been able to find.

The inscription on the back says:

Anton Newmann
1905 year
August Newman brother

I found this photo at the Ribbons of Pink Antiques store in Jacksonville.

This is all the information that I was able to find about him and his family:


Name: Anton Newmann
Census Date: 1 Mar 1895
Residence County: Geary
Residence State: Kansas
Locality: Smoky Hill
Birth Location: Germany
Family Number: 5
Gender: Male
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1876
Race: White
Line: 15
Roll: v115_52

Household Member(s):
Name Age
Anton Newmann 19
Valintine Newmann 22
August Newmann 17
Gertrude Karuse 60

Source Information: Ancestry.com.. Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2009.

Name: Anton Newmann
Home in 1900: Smoky Hill, Geary, Kansas
Age: 26
Birth Date: Oct 1873
Birthplace: Germany
Race: White
Ethnicity: American
Gender: Male
Relationship to Head of House: Son
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Name: Gertrude
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Marital Status: Single
Residence : Smokey Hill Township (Excl. Ft. Riley), Geary, Kansas
Occupation: Farmer

Household Members:
Name Age
Gertrude Newmann 64 head
Anton Newmann 26 son
Augest Newmann 24 son


Source Citation: Year: 1900; Census Place: Smoky Hill, Geary, Kansas; Roll T623_481 Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 51.

Name: Augest Newman
Census Date: 1 Mar 1905
Residence County: Geary
Residence State: Kansas
Locality: Smoky Hill
Birth Location: Germany
Family Number: 91
Gender: Male
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1877
Race: White
Line: 1
Roll: ks1905_57

Household Member(s):
Name Age
Augest Newman 28
Gertrude Newman 70
Ed Laster 38
Lizzie Laster 37
Lenard Laster 11
Ona Laster 3m

Source Information: Ancestry.com.. Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2009.

Name: Anton Newman
Age in 1910: 35
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1875
Birthplace: Germany
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Germany
Mother's Birth Place: Germany
Spouse's Name:
Home in 1910: Justice Precinct 4, Zavala, Texas
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Gender: Male
Year of Immigration: 1890

Household Members:
Name Age
Anton Newman 35 head
Gertrude Newman 75 mother

Source Citation: Year: 1910; Census Place: Justice Precinct 4, Zavala, Texas; Roll T624_1596; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 167; Image: 533.

Name: Anton R. Newman
Death Date: 15 Jan 1929
Death County: Bexar
Certificate: 490

Name: Gertrude Newman
Death Date: 5 May 1927
Death County: Harris
Certificate: 16494

Source Information: Ancestry.com. Texas Death Index, 1903-2000 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2006.


It looks as though Anton didn't have any children so hopefully there is Newmann family descendant that would enjoy this photo.

Monday, August 10, 2009

A. Barbara Kob -- Pennsylvania

Last Friday I decided to go to the Ribbons Of Pink Antiques store in Jacksonville. I found several bits of family treasures to keep me posting for a while. Today it's about Barbara Kob.



This photo was taken by D. C. Moll of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania in the Spring of 1898. I was able to find a Barbara A. Kob in the 1880 and 1900 census of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's BirthplaceMother's Birthplace
Jacob KOB Self M Male W 35 PA Farmer PA PA
Charlotte KOB Wife M Female W 32 PA Keeping House PA PA
Barbara KOB Dau S Female W 6 PA
PA PA
John Fritchie KOB Son S Male W 4 PA
PA PA
Samuel Clarence KOB Son S Male W 3 PA
PA PA
Leo KOB Son S Male W 2 PA
PA PA
Mary KOB Dau S Female W 2M PA
PA PA
Alice BOYER Other S Female W 18 PA Servant PA PA

Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Conoy, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Roll T9_1141; Family History Film: 1255141; Page: 357.3000; Enumeration District: 139; Image: 0721.

Name Age
Jacob R Kob 54
Charlotte A Kob 51
Barbara A Kob 26
Samuel C Kob 23
Leo Kob 21
Mary A Kob 20
Jacob Kob 18
Alice E Kob 15
Isaac N S Kob 13

Source Citation:
Year: 1900; Census Place: Conestoga, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Roll T623_1423 Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 16.

According to the 1900 Census Barbara was a teacher. This suggests to me that the photo above may have been taken at the school she taught at. It may have been a school picture. I haven't been able to find any more information on her.

I did find D. C. Moll listed as a photographer in the 1910 Bedford West Ward, Bedford, Pennsylvania Census.

Hopefully there is a relative out there that would appreciate this wonderful photo.







































































Monday Madness - Who's Your Daddy?

Female ancestors who were never married --- the madness of it all (genealogically speaking of course)!

My husband's 3rd great-grandmother Minerva Jane Mullins never married and had six children, one of which was James Calvin Calaway "Cad" Mullins born March 1854 in Tennessee.
James C. Mullins is somewhat of a mystery to me. Friends and family members knew him as "Cad", "Cade", or "Caid", depending on who is spelling it. He is listed as Chad in his marriage certificate with Annis. He is listed in the 1900 & 1910 census as James C. He is listed as J. C. in the 1920 census. He witnessed his daughter, Eva's marriage as Calvin Mullens. In the 1860 Hancock Co, TN census he is listed as Calaway, and the 1870 Hawkins Co, TN census, he is listed as Caloway. He is listed as Caid on Eva's social security application.

I am looking at the possiblity that the Thomas E. Brown that James Calaway is living with in 1870 could be his father. I haven't been able to find any other relationship between them.
1870 Hawkins Co, TN Census, Dist 2, Lee Valley, p 18a.
"18A 43 43 Brown, Thomas E. 48 farmer
18A " James 21 working on farm
18A Lawson, Orlena 19 house keeper
18A Frazier, Sallie 45
18A Mullins, Caloway 16 working on farm


I ordered a copy of Thomas E. Brown's will hoping that would clarify something, but it didn't really.

WILL:
Thomas E. Brown
Know all men by these presence that I Thos. E. Brown, sr, of the County of Hawkins & State of Tennessee, viewing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death do make this my last will and testament, at my death I wish all my just debts and funeral expenses paid out of my estate.
I further will that my beloved wife, Mary M. Brown, shall have the use of the homestid houses her life time, also to have one horse & one cow and beds and furniture, and my will is that my son, Samuel M. Brown, shall have the one hundred acres tract of land I bought of Abiga Martain.
I further wish to divide my mountain farm I bouth of C. M. Starnes between my two sons, Sam'l M. Brown & Thomas Jesse Brown, beginning in the road where the road that they travel from Uncle Mat Cope's intersex the mountain Road, thence with said road toward Clinch mountain to a pair of draw bars called the meadow drawbars, thence towards Clinch mountain with fence that divides the meadow and what is called Born field to the uper end of meadow, thence with pathway of Mat Martain's passing near his chimney to the branch, thence up said branch and with said hollow to top of said mountain Martin Gap.
My wish is that my son, Thomas Jesse Brown shall have alll the East side of mountain farm not sold to Tip Jones and Calaway Cope and I wish Sam'l M. Brown, my son, to have the South side of farm as I have divided, and I wish my son Samuel M. Brown to live with his mother and take care of her while she lives and If Samuel M. Brown, my son, should fail to take care of his mother and support her she is to have her support of home stid or dowry; and should I have at my death cash on hands after my debts and funeral expenses is paid, I wish it Equally divided between my two sons, Thomas Jesse Brown and Sam'l M. Brown and daghter Alice Pearson and my wife Mary M. Brown, This is my last will and testament, revoking all other wills made by me through life, in witness of the above I hereunto set my hand and seal, the Aug 8th 1899.
Thos. E. Brown (Seal)
Witnesses:
James M. Brown
Robt. K. Cope Probated Aug 6th 1900


Then there is my x-husband's 5th great-grandmother Mary Jane Martin who was married to Alexander McCullough abt 1854 Douglas County, Missouri. Mary Jane was pregnant with her third child, James when she found her husband, Alexander dead on a brush pile.

She had five more children after Alexander's death including Thomas Monroe McCullough. She never remarried.

I haven't been able to find any clues as to who their daddys were!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Treasure Chest Thursday -- Bookends

The treasure I want to share today are these unusual bookends:



I got these from grandma's house the day I went through it. These were always sitting on the dresser in the upstairs bedroom where I always stayed as a child. It seems that I always got stuck in the 'scary' room when there was a whole bunch of us visiting.

Why was it scary, you ask? Well there was an opening on the outside of the old chimney right next to the window
. When you were trying to sleep the bats would fly in there and make noise. And if that wasn't enough, there was the closet with a curtain for a door and it didn't cover the shelf above. There was this old hatbox that sat up there. I just knew that when the lights went out and I was there by myself that my ancestors were going to come out of that closet and scare me to death! That would be a treat if it happened now ;)

Anyway, it took me a few years to realize that these neat decorations were bookends because they never held books. I am not sure if they were actually grandma's or if they belonged to one of my aunts. They were made in England and dad thinks that they could have been great-grandma's. I wish I knew more about them.

When I look at these bookends I feel comfort in reliving visits with grandma and the times I stayed there in my beloved Bear Lake County.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Trentham Boy Photo



I found this photo of a cute little boy inside the Flea Shack in Middleburg, Florida. It was taken by C. L. Sweet in Springfield, Missouri. I think the boy's name is Willard Trentham. I am wondering if Mr. Sweet is the one who wrote on the back so he knew that Mrs. Wesley Trentham was to pick up the photo.

I was not able to find anything definitive on the Trenthams, but I did find C. L. Sweet, photographer in Springfield, Missouri in the 1910 Census.


Name: C L Sweet
Age in 1910: 52
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1858
Birthplace: Iowa
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Iowa
Mother's Birth Place: Iowa
Spouse's Name: Lalie
Home in 1910: Springfield Ward 6, Greene, Missouri
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male

Source Citation:
Year: 1910; Census Place: Springfield Ward 6, Greene, Missouri; Roll T624_782; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 39; Image: 570.



Hopefully someone knows this little boy.
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