Tangled Trees

1716 Burial record for Jeanne Chevalier of Riviere-Ouelle, Quebec

2012-02-11T15:56:00.000-05:00

Jeanne Chevalier was born c.1644 in Dieppe located in Normandy, France, the daughter of Jean Alexander Chevalier and Marguerite Scorban. Married three times, her parents are named differently in each record; so we also see her father listed as Jacques Chevalier and her mother as Marguerite Scoriman and later LeNormand.

Jeanne and her second husband, Robert Levesque, are our ancestors.
She died in Nov 1644 at the age of 72 and is buried in Riviere-Ouelle.
You can see written in the margin of her burial record a notation that states she was the 'widow of Robert Levesque'.

(click image to enlarge)

Monument for Robert Levesque & Jeanne Chevalier of Quebec

2012-02-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

While not a tombstone, this monument remembers ancestors

Robert & Jeanne (Chevalier) Levesque

(our 7th G-Grandparents).

The granite monument is about six feet tall and is located in the section of the Rivière-Ouelle cemetery reserved for ancestral families.

(Photo: Studio Photo Guy Duguay, La Pocatière, QC)

1892 Atlas of Cuyahoga County & Cleveland, Ohio

2012-02-06T11:16:00.001-05:00

This 1892 atlas includes official maps, records,and surveys, including 52 plates for theCity of Cleveland. It also containshistorical sketches, biographies and business references. Use the link below to view the atlas courtesyof the Cleveland Public Library Digital Gallery.

Atlas of Cuyahoga County and Cleveland, Ohio (1892)

Cleveland Public Library map collection
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Support access to Virginia's Vital Records

2012-02-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

As shared by the Fairfax Genealogical Society:

The current policy of the Virginia Department of Health restricts access of the public to vital records.

The proposed VA Senate legislation, SB 660, would require that these records be turned over to the Library of Virginia and thus to the public.

This legislation deserves our support. The letter below can serve as an excellent model to voice your support:

Dear Senators:

I urge you to support SB 660 to reform Virginia’s vital records system and join our neighbors in North Carolina and West Virginia in making public vital records more accessible to the public. Senator Blevins plans to offer a committee substitute which will make it clear that once vital records held by the Virginia Department of Health (“VDH”) are no longer

“closed” they must be turned over to the Library of Virginia (the Commonwealth’s archival agency) for access by researchers.

As an example of VDH’s position, the department said last year that it is still “studying” whether it should turn its 1853 – 1896 vital records over to the Library of Virginia. No other state agency refuses to turn over public records to the Library of Virginia for public access or tries to restrict copying of archival records. Virginia is a national leader in technology and online accessibility, but VDH has not yet received that message.

I am a long time resident of Virginia, a family history researcher, and a steadfast voter. I was born in Minnesota, but I am very proud of my ancestors’ roots in Virginia well before the Revolutionary War. Please support SB 660 to make these public records accessible for genealogical and historical research.

Please Support SB 660 Vital Records Reform

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Wordless Wednesday: Freshen up

2012-02-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

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Cemetery photo requests now accepted

2012-01-31T12:48:00.000-05:00

BillionGraves.com, the site that lets people add tombstone photos via iphone or droid apps, has added a new feature on its dashboard.

The Request Board is now up and running!

If there is a cemetery you would like to see photographed and included on BillionGraves, add a request. Check for requests for cemeteries in your area, accept a request, and start taking pictures. We can all help each other!

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$10 for one day at Godfrey.org

2012-01-26T11:04:00.000-05:00

Can you dedicate a whole day to genealogy research?
I know I can. :-)

You may want to take the Godrey Memorial Library up on its special offer of a $10 one-day pass to full access of their online repositories.

"See Newspaper Collections, Published Histories, Biographical Resources, Civil War Databases and our own Unique Resources (including Cemetery databases, church records, funeral/burial records and family bible collections); all these and more are here at Godfrey for you to discover!"

For more details visit: One Day Pass Information

Then let the family know you will be 'away' for the day and immerse yourself in research.

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The Revolutionary War Record for John Crouch

2012-01-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

Below is a report on the Revolutionary War activities for John Crouch (son of John Crouch & Sarah; b.1756 VA) as found in his Revolutionary War Pension Application file at the National Archives.

His brother, (our ancestor) Jesse Crouch, also submitted a request but but his application for a Revolutionary war pension (No. R2531) was rejected.

Source: NARA's Revolutionary War Pension & Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files

The 1872 Marriage record of Francois X. Turgeon to Celina Meunier

2012-01-22T08:36:00.000-05:00

Below is the marriage record dated 6 August 1872 for our 2nd G-grandparents Francois Xavier Turgeon and Celina Meunier that took place at St-Octave-de-Métis in Quebec.

(click to enlarge)

St-Octave-de-Métis

Source: Bibliotheque nationale du Quebec

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Marriage record for Larry Casteel & Marilyn Janssen of Ohio

2012-01-18T09:10:00.000-05:00

Below is the 1942 marriage license record for

Clayton Lawrence (Larry) Casteel,

son of Creed Casteel & Rose Welcheck,

to Marilyn Alice Janssen.

Although they were both from Ohio, Larry was stationed at Camp

Robinson, Arkansas, at the time so their marraige license is

recorded in Jefferson County, Arkansas.

(click image to enlarge)

Located in Arkansas County Marriages, 1837-1957

available on FamilySearch.org

Martin Luther King, Jr. - Just a Babe in the 1930 Census

2012-01-16T09:38:00.000-05:00

Born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King, Jr. is shown below in the 1930 U.S. Federal Census record with his parents, Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr and Alberta Williams King, and his older sister, Willie Christine King.

(click image to enlarge)

Image 38, District 63, Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia

(Ancestry.com)

1720 Marriage Record of Christian Casteel of Christ Church Philadelphia

2012-01-15T14:25:00.000-05:00

Seen on pg 43 of the publication is Christian Castill (sic), daughter of Edmund DuCastel and Christian Bom:

The complete alphabetized index to the Christ Church marriage records as published by the Pennsylvania Archives can be viewed on Google Books HERE

NARA'S Tools & Tips for Genealogists

2012-01-12T13:38:00.000-05:00

The National Archives (U.S.) has created a power point presentation on using the Archival Research Catalog (ARC) for genealogical research. The ARC is the online catalog of NARA's nationwide holdings in the Washington, DC area, Regional Archives and Presidential Libraries.
View here: http://www.archives.gov/research/arc/topics/genealogy/arc-demo.pdf

They also offer a second presentation with case studies showing online research on two people using ARC and AAD. The Access to Archival Databases (AAD) provides access to over 85 million historic electronic records created by more than 30 agencies of the U.S. federal government and from collections of donated historical materials. This collection is continually growing.
View here: http://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy/start-research/arc-aad-case-studies.pdf

Below are the direct links to the databases discussed in the above power point presentations:

Access to Archival Databases (AAD)
This also has a Getting Started Guide for using the AAD

Archival Research Catalog (ARC)

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Captured in a Ledger

2012-01-08T19:53:00.003-05:00

In "The American Historical Register" Charles Henry Browning created the Philadelphia Business Directory of 1703. Using the ledger entries of William Trent, he compiled a list of parties with whom Trent had opened accounts. Included below in the compilation is our ancestor, Edmund DuCasteel, who had three recorded transactions in Trent's ledger.

Published in 1895, "The American Historical Register" can be read online at openlibrary.org

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Food Traditions for the New Year

2012-01-06T12:49:00.002-05:00

Many families have traditional foods that they prepare to bring luck for the New Year.
Epicurious has created a post that celebrates these traditions:

Lucky Foods for the New Year

It provides the history and country(s) of origin for these annual culinary customs. For our family, with Austrian & Hungarian roots, pork on New Year's Day has always been an annual requirement.

"The custom of eating pork on New Year's is based on the idea that pigs symbolize progress. The animal pushes forward, rooting itself in the ground before moving."

What should you avoid? According to the Epicurious article:

Lobster is a bad idea because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks. Chicken is also discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past. Another theory warns against eating any winged fowl because good luck could fly away.

Read More: http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/newyearsday/luckyfoods#ixzz1ihZB7pJS

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Read Original Civil War News Articles

2012-01-05T11:23:00.001-05:00

Read the original news articles on the Civil War as it unfolds on the pages of Harper's Weekly. A popular newspaper during the Civil War, itfeatures in depth articles with elaborate illustrations on all the important people and events of the war.

Harper's Weekly Original Civil War Newspaper

This wonderful site has allows you to read the original newspapers from 1861 to 1865 with hot links embedded in the script to make researching easier.

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Happy New Year! from Tangled Trees

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wishing you the best for 2012

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Another Year; Another Countdown

2011-12-31T08:58:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again for the annual

New Years Eve countdown Ball drop!

New Year’s Eve Ball, 1978; (The New York Times)

The TimesSquare Ball is dropped each year during the New Year’s Eve celebration inNew York City. The Ball was first lowered in1907, and has continued to do so every New Year’s Eve with the exceptions of 1942 and 1943, when theceremony was suspended due to the wartime “dimout” of lights in New York City.

So dust off those flute glasses have a New Year's Eve toast:

Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true. ~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Cheers!

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NARA is ready. Are you?

2011-12-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

It's coming....
The National Archives will release the 1940 Census on April 2, 2012, making it available for online searching - free of charge.
Are you prepared to dive in?

What you need to know in order to begin research in the 1940 census:

NARA's Preparing for the opening of the 1940 Census

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Merry Christmas from Tangled Trees

2011-12-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

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A Christmas Eve Sighting

2011-12-24T10:30:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all

and to all a Good Night!

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Behind Window #3: It's a Brand New Car!!

2011-12-21T09:39:00.000-05:00

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1675 Will extract of Cornelius Bom

2011-12-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

1675 Will extract of our 8th G-Grandfather Cornelius Bom of Rotterdam > Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine; vol 1, pg 86
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Have A Holly Jolly Christmas with this Tradional Eggnog

2011-12-16T09:25:00.000-05:00

A Classic 1936 Eggnog recipe from Four Roses distillery (not for the kiddies):

Four Roses Eggnog Recipe

1) Beat separately yolks and whites of 6 eggs.
2) Add 1/2 cup of sugar to yolks while beating.
3) Add 1/4 cup of sugar to whites after they have been beaten very stiff.
4) Mix egg whites with yolks.
5) Stir in 1 pint of cream and 1 pint of milk.
6) Add a pint of Four Roses Bourbon and 1 oz. Jamaican rum. Stir thoroughly and serve very cold.

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Make it a Hoover Christmas

2011-12-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

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1690 Death Record for Simon Chapacou

2011-12-13T10:04:00.000-05:00

Although I do not have a tombstone image for Simon, locating his death record is pretty exciting.

1690 Death Record from Saint-Antoine-de-Longueuil, Quebec,

of our ancestor, Simon Chapacou.

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This Date in History: "THIS IS NO DRILL"

2011-12-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

"AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR. THIS IS NO DRILL"

--Telegram from Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPAC) to all ships in Hawaiian area - December 7, 1941

(source: NARA)

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WWII Draft Registration Cards - Check both sides

2011-12-06T13:03:00.001-05:00

Tuesday's Tip: Remember to check the backside of the draft registration card.

Note that the reverse side of the registration card gives a decent physical description of the individual in addition to the date of filing.

U.S. World War II Draft Registration Card

for Andrew Kolbush dated 4/27/1942.

Andrew listed his younger brother, Joseph, as his contact. Joseph soon after enlisted on 23 Jun 1942 at the age of 41 yrs.
It is interesting to me that nowhere on this card is there an indication that Andrew served in WW1 and was disabled.

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Pearl Harbor survivors share stories of attack

2011-12-05T10:34:00.001-05:00

World War II Navy veteran Clarence Pfundheller

Many veterans did not talk too much about their experiences after World War II, but this week four Pearl Harbor survivors are visiting the historic site on this 70th anniversary to recall and record their memories of the event as part of an effort to ensure these stories will survive to be shared with future generations.

Read full story here: Pearl Harbor survivors share stories of attack

Holiday Shopping Saturday: Where else but Macy's

2011-12-03T11:51:00.001-05:00

In 1862, Macy established an in-store Santa at Christmas time. Soon after, he began decorating his large windows with themed, illuminated displays to attract the attention of passers-by and pull in customers.

The Macy's Star, which has been present since the very beginning, comes from a tattoo that Rowland H. Macy got as a teenager when he worked on a Nantucket whaling ship, the Emily Morgan.

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Family Recipe Friday: Plum Pudding

2011-12-02T12:59:00.001-05:00

This 1723 recipe by John Nott is one of the earliest recipes written down for Plum Pudding, later known as Christmas Pudding.

The cooks and confectioners dictionary; or, The accomplish'd housewife's companion; John Nott; 1723

Thrifty Thursday: 55¢ to $1 per Pair

2011-12-01T13:20:00.001-05:00

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Ditch Those Dangerous Candles

2011-11-30T22:57:00.001-05:00

6 Dec 1914; Plain Dealer

The 1722 Inventory of Andrew Job's Estate

2011-11-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

An Inventory of ye Goods & Chattels of
Andrew Job Lately Deceased
Being of ye Township of Notingham In ye County of Chester
To his wearing Apparell .......................09 16 00
To Sundry goods in ye Parlor ..............26 00 06
To Sundry goods in ye Closet.............. 03 11 00
To Sundry Utensils in ye Midle Room 04 09 00
To Sundry Goods up Staires................ 08 04 11
To Sundry Utensils in ye Cellar ...........02 17 00
To Sundry Moveables In ye Kitchen.... 05 12 00
To Sundrys In ye Shop .........................03 00 00
To Sundry Utensils About ye Plantation 09 10 08
To his Stock of Cattle, Horses & Hogs
Upon His Plantation............................ 62 03 00
To ye Corn growing Upon ye Ground 30 00 00
Sum Total 165 04 01
Notingham, ye 9th day
of ye 4th mo 1722
A True Appraisement By us
William Brown Senior
Samuel Little
John Churchman

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T10:10:00.000-05:00

Celebrated as the national holiday in the United States to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony in 1621 after a winter of great starvation and privation, this day was proclaimed as Thanksgiving Day in that year itself by the then Governor William Bradford, while the feast was shared by all the colonists and the neighboring Native Americans. Since then, the tradition of observing Thanksgiving Day has continued. People take part in the festivities with full joy and enthusiasm to celebrate the harvest and blessings granted upon them in the previous year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

from Tangled Trees

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They Knew That They Were Pilgrims

2011-11-23T10:57:00.001-05:00

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

Nathaniel Morton describes the departure of the first pilgrims:

"So they left that goodly and pleasant city [Leyden], which had been their resting-place for above eleven years, but they knew that they were pilgrims and strangers here below, and looked not much on these things, but lifted up their eyes to Heaven, their dearest country, where God hath prepared for them a city (Heb. XI, 16), and therein quieted their spirits. When they came to the place [Delft Haven] they found the ship and all things ready, and such of their friends as could not come with them followed after them, and sundry came from Amsterdam to see them shipt, and to take their leaves of them. One night was spent with little sleep with the most, but with friendly entertainment and Christian discourse, and other real expressions of true Christian love.

The next day they went on board, and their friends with them, where truly doleful was the sight of that sad and mournful parting, to hear what sighs and sobs and prayers did sound amongst them; what tears did gush from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each other's heart, that sundry of the Dutch strangers that stood on the Key as spectators could not refrain from tears. But the tide (which stays for no man) calling them away, that were thus loath to depart, their Reverend Pastor, falling down on his knees, and they all with him, with watery cheeks commended them with the most fervent prayers unto the Lord and His blessing; and then with mutual embraces and many tears they took their leaves one of another, which proved to be the last leave to many of them.

Being now passed the vast ocean, and a sea of troubles before them in expectations, they had now no friends to welcome them, no inns to entertain or refresh them, no houses, or much less towns, to repair unto to seek for succour; and for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of the country know them to be sharp and violent, subject to cruel and fierce storms, dangerous to travel to known places, much more to search unknown coasts. Besides, what could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wilde beasts and wilde men? and what multitudes of them there were, they then knew not; for which way soever they turned their eyes (save upward to Heaven) they could have but little solace or content in respect of any outward object; for summer being ended, all things stand in appearance with a weatherbeaten face, and the whole country, full of woods and thickets, represented a wild and savage hew; if they looked behind them, there was a mighty ocean which they had passed, and was now as a main bar or gulph to separate them from all the civil parts of the world."

Source: New-England's memorial by Nathaniel Morton, William Bradford, Thomas Prince, Edward Winslow; 1669

No Tombstone for Edward Teach

2011-11-22T10:43:00.001-05:00

Died on the this date, 22 November 1718:

Blackbeard - pirate and captain of Queen Anne's Revenge (originally a French merchant ship which he captured & converted into a warship of forty guns)
Otherwise known as Edward Teach, also seen spelled as Thatch, Thach, Thache, Thack, Tack, Thatche and Theach.
Believed to have be born in Bristow, England, c.1680.

c.1724

Blackbeard, who engaged in active piracy 1716 to 1718, met his demise in Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, at the hands of Lieutenant Maynard with his attacking forces.
Teach's corpse was thrown into the inlet while his head was suspended from the bowsprit of Maynard's ship.

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FamilySearch - A Valuable Resource that keeps on Growing.

2011-11-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

FamilySearch.org just keeps getting better. They are constantly adding more and more records.
My hint for today: Bookmark the site and visit it often.
Oh - and the best part: it's free!

My find for today: the Death Record for our 2nd G-grandfather, John J. Busch.

Database: Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953
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Final Payment Voucher Card for Thomas King of TN

2011-11-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

Index Card reference to the Final Revolutionary War Pension

Payment Voucher for our 4th G-Grandfather, Thomas King:

(viewed on Fold3)

The Pension Ledger record for Thomas is shown in the previous post.

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Jonesboro, TN, Rev War Pension Ledger Record

2011-11-14T19:59:00.001-05:00

Below is the Pension Ledger Record recorded in Jonesboro, TN, for our ancestor Thomas King (1754-1847) who served in the Revolutionary War. Note that his date of death is recorded in the ledger on the far right.

(click image to enlarge)

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Tom Harrison receives war medals 66 years late

2011-11-13T14:26:00.000-05:00

(AP Photo/Brian Skoloff)

Tom Harrison, 93, displays his World War II medals at his home in Salt Lake City. Harrison spent several years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp after enduring the brutal Bataan Death March. He returned home to his family, and more than six decades later, just received six medals honoring his service, including the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star.

Read full article here: Utah man receives war medals 66 years late

Find Your National Treasure

2011-11-12T12:21:00.001-05:00

The Fairfax Genealogical Society's

Annual Spring Conference and Genealogy Expo

An all-day, in-depth presentation by nationally-recognized genealogists, designed to enhance your genealogical research skills. In recent years, we have adopted the highly successful conference format with lectures in several tracks. These tracks are designed to provide something of interest for every level of genealogist. In addition, there is always opportunity to visit with many vendors with genealogical resources and examine their products.

Save the Dates: Saturday-Saturday, March 23-24, 2011

Location: Marriott Fair Oaks
11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway
Fairfax, VA 22033

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Honoring Veterans Day

2011-11-11T15:48:00.001-05:00

Each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery a wreath is placed at the Tomb of the Unknowns. With this ceremony we honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

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Family Recipe Friday: Romanian Apple Cake

2011-11-11T12:53:00.001-05:00

Quick, easy, & yummy!

Romanian Apple Cake

Ingredients:

5 apples, peeled & cored
3 eggs
1 1/2 c white sugar
3/4 c vegetable oil
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 c chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease & flour a 9 x 13 pan. Cut apples into 1" wedges and set aside. (I do 1/2" wedges)

2. Ina large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until blended. Mix in thebaking soda, oil, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir in the flour, just untilincorporated. Fold in the apples (and walnuts).

3. Pourbatter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until atoothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Wednesday’s Child: Lula A., Dau of J.M & M.A. Casteel

2011-11-09T09:10:00.000-05:00

Lula A. Casteel

Daughter of Joseph M. & Minerva A. Casteel

Died 19 May 1873

Aged 5 months 7 days

Buried in Charity Cemetery, Macoupin Co. IL

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1820 Knox Co. TN, SCI FA: Madison vs Casteel / Greenlee

2011-11-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

4 July 1820 Knox County, Tennessee

County Court Minute Books

Civil SCI FA

PLTF John H Madison
vs
DEFT Abednego Casteel & Francis Greenlee. Secy of John Rice

In this cause the sheriff having returned two writs of scire facias against the Defendant "not to be found" on motion of the plaintiff by his Attorney it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the Defendants fifteen dollars forty one cents the sum in the scire facias as specified and also the costs of this scire facias -

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Obituary for Joseph Edward Rehor

2011-11-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

15 Nov. 1954 Cleveland Plain Dealer

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The Tennessee Genealogical Society

2011-11-04T11:21:00.001-04:00

Tennessee Genealogical Society, founded in 1952, is located near Memphis, TN, and has offices and a lecture room in the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center, which houses a 14,000 volume library.

The Tennessee Genealogical Society mission:

To acquire, preserve, and make available genealogical history and records.

To publish materials relevant to Tennessee genealogy and history.

The TGS website also provides access to their quarterly periodical, Ansearchin' News, which is keyword searchable and allows viewing of the full text of each issue.

Ansearchin' News Archives

John Paul Jones's 1777 USS Ranger

2011-11-02T12:57:00.001-04:00

Ship sloop (3m) L/B/D: 131.4 (berth deck) × 28 × 11 dph (40.1m × 8.5m × 3.4m) Tons: 697 bm Hull: wood Comp: 140 Arm: 18 × 6pdr Built: James K. Hackett, Portsmouth, N.H.; 1777.

On this date in history John Paul Jones, master of the newly built ship USS Ranger, leaves Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with a crew of 140 men enroute to France, beginning its raids on British warships during the Revolutionary War.

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"Happy Halloween!" from Tangled Trees

2011-10-31T09:27:00.000-04:00

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Follow Friday: Feeling Lucky?

2011-10-28T11:40:00.003-04:00

If you feel today is your lucky day in genealogy you should visit SaveThePhotos.

This is a wonderful blog that posts 'rescued' photos along with any notes or research the author can share. As Sharon states regarding her published photos: [these photos are] "Residing in my box with other rescued photos now living again on the Internet, hoping to find their way back home to distant or close relatives."

The 1794 Massacre of William Casteel's family

2011-10-27T11:54:00.002-04:00

Knox County, TN, History; Published 1853

Amongst other acts of Indian hostility perpetrated in Knox county, was one which occurred on the 22nd April 1794. William Casteel lived south of French Broad, about nine miles above Knoxville, and two miles from the then residence of Doctor Cozby. The latter had been an old Indian fighter, from the first settlement of the country, he was, of course, held in deadly hatred by the Indians, and had often been selected as a victim of their vengeance. He had his house always prepared for defense, and never allowed himself to be taken by surprise.
At evening, of the 22nd, his domestic animals gave the usual tokens of the presence of Indians, when, observing from his house, he could discern, obscurely, the stealthy march, in Indian file, of twenty warriors passing across the end of a short lane and concealing themselves in the fence corners and the adjoining woods. The door was at once barricaded, the fire extinguished, two guns primed afresh, and with these he prepared to defend his castle and his family, consisting of his wife and several children, one of whom only could shoot.
A space of more than one hundred yards had been cleared around his building, and there was light enough to see the approach of an assailant within that distance. From the port-holes, in each angle of the house, a constant watch was kept, and orders were given by Cozby, in a loud voice, to the members of his family, as if commanding a platoon of soldiers. The stratagem succeeded. An hour before day the Indians withdrew, and went off in the direction of Casteel's cabin.
Early next morning Anthony Ragan came to Casteel's, and found him dead, from a lick received on his head from a war club; he was scalped, and lying near the fire, dressed, and with leggins on, having arose early for the purpose, as was supposed, of accompanying Reagan to a hunt, which had been agreed on the preceding day. Mrs. Casteel was found on the floor, scalped in two places - a proof that it required two warriors to conquer he - her night cap with several holes cut through it, a butcher knife stuck into her side, one arm broken, and a part of the hand of the other arm cut off. She seemed to have made resistance with an axe, found near her, stained with blood. One of the daughters received a stab, which, piercing through the body, went into the bed-clothes. She and two brothers were scalped. The youngest child, two years old, having the cranium entirely denuded of the scalp, was thrown into the chimney corner.
Elizabeth, the oldest daughter, ten years old, now Mrs. Dunlap, still living near the scene of the horrible massacre of her father's whole family, was found weltering in her blood, flowing from six wounds inflicted with a tomahawk. Besides these, she was also scalped. Reagan gave the alarm to the settlement; urgent pursuit was immediately made, but the savages escaped. While preparations were made for the interment of the massacred family, Elizabeth showed signs of life, moaning when an attempt was made, by Col. Ramsey, who was present, to close one of the gashes upon her head. She was taken to Mr. Shook's, who then owned Major Swan's mills, where Doctor Cozby dressed her wounds. She did not recover for two years. The rest of the family, six in number, were buried in one grave, under a black-oak tree, still standing.
Mr. Casteel was a soldier of the Revolution, from Green Brier county, VA, and had never received anything for his services. Of the heroic wife and mother, nothing more is known. An effort has been made to procure a pension for the surviving daughter. Thus far it has been fruitless.

(ANNALS OF TENNESSEE by J.G.M. Ramsey; pages 592-593; 1853)

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Tuesday's Tip: Scour the Local Gen. Society Publications

2011-10-25T10:18:00.001-04:00

It may take some time, especially if there is not an index available, but the local Genealogical Society publications contain a wealth of information - some of which may cause you to do a happy dance.

During our recent visit to the Allen County Public Library, we spent some time reading the regional genealogical publications in search of the tidbits that will help fill in some family puzzles. One collection was the Wilkes Genealogical Society Bulletin (Wilkes Co. NC). The society was established in 1967, and the twenty-eight page WGS Bulletin is published four times per year.

One of the publications contained the

WGS Bulletin Subject Index By Keyword.

It was in this index that I found:

From there I was able to pull the volume it referred to and view the actual land record of our ancestor, John Underwood, which is shown in the previous post.

The Wilkes Genealogical Society has indexes to its Bulletins available online at:
http://www.wilkesgensoc.org/Materials.htm

The local society publications contain gems of information that you may not easily find elsewhere and are definately worth the time to peruse. But a word of warning: like historical newspapers, they can be addicting to read.

1779 Wilkes N.Carolina Land Grant to John Underwood

2011-10-24T20:53:00.000-04:00

(Click image to enlarge)

John Underwood: received Grant #16 for 298 acres of land on the waters of Fisher Creek near Roaring Gap Creek adjoining Henry Kearby; based on Warrant/Entry No. 211 dated 22 Oct 1778. Grant is recorded in Book No. 39, p.16; William Underwood and Henry Kearby Chain Carriers.

Rosabell (Cassingham) St.John of New Bedford, MA

2011-10-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

Rosabell (Cassingham) St.John

Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA

(photo by D J Pimentel / findagrave.com)

b. 4 Dec 1878 in Providence, RI
daughter of Albert Odian (Frank) & Emma (Warburton) Cassingham
m. Alfred Adelard St.John on 13 June 1899 in New Bedford, MA

I am hoping for a random act of a genealogically kind person to clear the lichen off of Rosabell's stone.

1864 Burial Record for Michel Tetreau dit Ducharme

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

St. Pie, Quebec, burial record of ancestor, Michel Tetreau Ducharme, spouse of Marie Louise Letarte:

(click image for clearer view)

Translated by a wonderful genealogy friend, Pierre:
"to-day 11 July 1844, we undersigned priest have buried in the parish cemetery the body of Michel Tétreault dit Ducharme, died 2 days before, at the age of 63 years old. Were present Pierre Jubinville and François, Guillaume and Michel Tétreau his sons that were not able to sign"

Defense Saving Stamps

2011-10-12T12:15:00.000-04:00

c.1942

The Defense Postal Savings Stamp Albums were distributed by the U.S. Treasury, mostly through the Post Office Department. It was a way for the government to have the public help finance the war effort. War savings stamps were first issued in 1917, during World War I. In May, 1941, the America on Guard series appeared, consisting of 10, 25, 50 cents, $1 and $5 denominations. Use was encouraged as a way for the public to save money and at the same time contribute to the war effort.

School children would fill an "album" with $18.75 of low denomination stamps, 10-cents or 25-cents, and hand it in to the post office in exchange for a War Savings Bond, which would mature in 10 years to $25.00. Adults could buy larger denomination stamps, place them in correspondingly higher value "albums" and trade them in upon completion for $50.00, $100.00 or higher denomination War Savings Bonds. The program continued after the Second World War, ending in June 1970. (source: National Postal Museum)

Historical Maps of Pennsylvania

2011-10-10T21:06:00.000-04:00

Historical Maps of Pennsylvania is a wonderful site that contains over a thousand map images organized chronologically beginning with the 16th century and continuing though the 21st century. It also gives direction to where additional maps can be found.

1715 - MAP OF THE DOMINIONS OF THE KING OF GREAT BRITAIN ON YE CONTINENT OF NORTH AMERICA CONTAINING NEWFOUNDLAND, NEW SCOTLAND, NEW ENGLAND, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENSILVANIA, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, AND CAROLINA.

Fairy Soap

2011-10-05T10:40:00.003-04:00

The N.K. Fairbank Co. in Chicago manufactured soap as well as animal and baking products in northern Illinois. The company had several factories and two international offices. An original Fairbank creation, Fairy Soap, was purchased by Proctor & Gamble and remains one of the best-known European household brands.

This Date in History: The Battle of Germantown

2011-10-04T12:41:00.003-04:00

The Battle of Germantown, a battle in the American Revolutionary War was fought on October 4, 1777, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, located just north of Philadelphia. As part of the Campaign for Philadelphia, George Washington decided to attack the British garrison in Germantown in hopes of surprising the British and Hessian armies. If Washington's plan had been successful, it might have brought the war to a quick end. But, instead, the British victory in this battle ensured that Philadelphia would remain in British hands throughout the winter of 1777–1778.

Artist's rendition of the Battle of Germantown (October 1777)

(Oil, date unknown, by Xavier D. Gratta, Valley Forge (Pa.) Historical Society.)

British Regiments :
Light Dragoons ( 16th or 17th)
Two Composite battalions of grenadiers
Two Composite battalions of light infantry
Two Composite battalions of Foot Guards (1st, 2nd & 3rd Guards)
5th Foot later Northumberland Fusiliers and now the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
25th, (King’s Own Scottish Borderers)
27th Foot (Inniskilling Fusiliers and now the Royal Irish Regiment)
40th Foot (South Lancashire Regiment and now the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment)
55th Foot (Border Regiment and now the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment)

American Units:
Wayne’s Pennsylvania Brigade
Weeden’s Virginia Brigade
Muhlenburg’s Virginia Brigade
Maxwell’s Light Infantry
Colonel Bland’s 1st Dragoons
Stephen’s Division
Stirling’s Division
Pennsylvania Militia
Maryland Militia
New Jersey Militia

(click image for larger view)

The 1833 Marriage of Jean Baptiste Brouillet & Marie Josephte (Louise) Denis Laporte

2011-09-28T13:06:00.002-04:00

On May 13, 1833, after 3 bans made during the "prones' of the parrish mass, between Jean-Baptiste Brouillette, living in this parrish, son of age of Jean-Baptiste Brouillette, farmer, and of Françoise Larrivée, his father and mother from this parrish, on one side, and Marie-Josephte Denys, daughter under age of Jean-Baptiste Denys, also farmer, and of Marie-Josephte Bachand, her father and mother, from this parrish, on the other side, no impediment being found, with the agreement of the parents, I undersigned priest received their mutual marriage consent and gave them the nuptial blessing, in front of Sieur Joseph Porlier, undersigned, Moyse Blanchet, friend of the spouse, of Jacques Daigle and Élie Smith, friends of the bride, and many others who could not sign.

Preserve access to Virginia's Vital Records!

2011-09-27T09:43:00.001-04:00

MEMORANDUM TO THE GENEALOGICAL COMMUNITY

FROM: Peter E. Broadbent, Jr.

DATE: September 20, 2011

RE: Potential Changes in Virginia’s Vital Records Laws –

Public Comment Deadline, October 6, 2011

The Virginia legislature is considering changes toVirginia’s laws on access to vital records which could either expand – or severely limit –research access to birth, marriage, and death records.

It is critical for all members of the genealogical communityto file comments by October 6 with the Virginia legislative commissionconsidering this issue.

Currently, birth records held by the Virginia Department ofHealth are closed for 100 years, with marriage and death records closed for 50 years.After these time periods, the records are supposed to be turned over to the Library of Virginia(LVA), though VDH has tried to delay this. The copies of marriage and death records at theVirginia county or city level are not closed, but are public records (if they can be found).

VDH has limited access to its statewide “closed” records to“immediate family members,” excluding even grandchildren.

Senator Harry Blevins of Chesapeake put in a bill in the2011 Virginia General Assembly to modestly improve access to records, which was referred tothe Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) for study. When the Virginia GenealogicalSociety (VGS) became aware of this study, it offered comments urging i) that deathcertificates held by VDH become open records immediately, since there were no legitimate privacyor identity theft reasons for keeping death certificates closed, and ii) that the range of familymembers who can access closed vital records be significantly liberalized.

VGS and LVA worked with JCHC staff educating staff aboutgenealogists’ need for these records, the Surgeon General’s emphasis on familymedical histories, and supplying information from physicians about the importance of deathcertificates in compiling family medical histories.

We were therefore very disappointed when a JCHC staff studywas released on September 19 which is confusing at best, and proposesrestrictions, not liberalizing, access. Indeed, staff testimony made it clear that they supportedclosing all records (including the open county and city marriage and death records) and lengtheningthe closed VDH period to 125 years for births and 75 years for marriages and deaths.

While the staff report suggests allowing an Ancestry-typeindexing system of the VDH database to allow close relatives access, the staff made itclear that VDH, not LVA (which has the genealogical experience) should do this, potentiallytaking vital records away from LVA.

Please email comments referencing SB 865 (with your name andaddress) to sreid@jchc.virginia.gov, or fax them to 804-786-5538, ormail to: Joint Commission on Health Care, P.O. Box 1322, Richmond, VA 23218, to arrive by closeof business on Thursday, October 6, 2011.

If you are out of state, you might explain that you doresearch in Virginia, and that closing records will discourage travel to Virginia for research.

If you have examples where your current research has beenblocked by VDH, include this.

Unless extensive public comments are received by October 6,Virginia’s vital records may become closed, threatening genealogical and familymedical history research, and blocking new members for lineage societies.

Please send in your comments now!

Respectfully,

Peter E. Broadbent, Jr.
Former President, VGS

Fairfax VA Genealogical Society Fall Fair

2011-09-23T09:50:00.000-04:00

This October, the Fairfax Genealogical Society invites you to participate in the

8th Annual Fall Fair:

Military Records with Craig R. Scott, CG

	Saturday, October 29, 2011 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
	Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department 2148 Gallows Road Dunn Loring, VA 22027

Featured Speaker: Craig R. Scott, CG

Craig Scott was the co-editor of Northern Virginia Genealogy (1996-1997) and the editor
of the Scott Genealogical Quarterly (1987-1995).
He is the author of The 'Lost Pensions': Settled Accounts of the Act of 6 April 1838
and Records of the Accounting Officers of the Department of the Treasury, Inventory 14
(Revised). He has co-authored several books relating to records in Northern Virginia.
He is President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc., a genealogical publishing firm with
over 2,800 titles in print.

A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than twenty years, he
specializes in the records of the National Archives, especially those that relate to the
military. He is the current president of the Association of One-name Studies and was
the Clan Scott Genealogist (1985-2000). He is a member of the Library Board of
Virginia, and on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists,
and the Maryland Genealogical Society. He is also on the Editorial Board of the
National Genealogical Society, and the Coordinator for the Military Courses at the
Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University.

Lectures:

RESEARCHING YOUR COLONIAL OR FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR ANCESTOR
This session will delve into how to properly research your ancestor during the wars
and after. It will include a look at the militia for Colonial and British forces, records
of service, bounty land records, manuscript collections, and other records.
Pre-Revolutionary War records are at the British or colonial/local/state level, and the
nature of colonial service is local.

RESEARCHING YOUR WAR OF 1812 ANCESTOR
Military records for the War of 1812 and later wars changed a great deal from those
for conflicts before the Revolutionary War. Except for State militia units, the nature
of service is national, and there are consolidated service records, pension records
and bounty land records located at NARA. Come find out how to research your
ancestors who fought in the War of 1812.

REASONS FOR NOT SERVING IN THE CIVIL WAR
This session will show how to research provost marshal records, recruits, draft records,
substitutes, and medical records. It will include a look at conscription in the South and
the North.

Registration:

or fill out the registration form and mail it along with your check to the address shown
on the form.

WHEN:

WHERE:

TO REGISTER:

Locating Online Newspaper Archives

2011-09-22T13:58:00.001-04:00

Wikipedia - a go to place for general infomation has a

List of Online Newspaper Archives

This list includes free and pay sites of digital online newspaper archives organized by locations.

Below a is sample showing the listings for New Jersey:

The Star-Ledger; Jersey Journal; The Times (Trenton); Gloucester County Times; The Express-Times; Bridgeton News; and Today's Sunbeam are archived jointly at NJ.com where it appears that there is only a two week archive, and older articles are purged from the website.
Bordentown area newspapers (1845-2002) Free
various Burlington County newspapers (1810-1980s) Free
Cranbury Press; Cranbury, New Jersey; (1886-1926) in image Free
Cranford Chronicle & Cranford Citizen (Cranford, NJ) 1894-2005 Free
New Jersey Mirror (Burlington, NJ) (October 14, 1818 (vol. 1, no. 5) to March 5, 1947) Free
Red Bank Register (Red Bank, NJ) 1878-1964 Free
Daily Register (Red Bank, NJ) 1964-1991 Free
South Amboy Citizen 1910-2000 Free
various historical New Jersey papers Free

Atlantic County Record, 1908-1917
Atlantic Democrat and Cape May County Register, 1864-1865
Atlantic Democrat and Cumberland County Patriot, 1866
Atlantic Democrat, 1866-1868
Atlantic Journal, 1860
Hammonton Farmer, 1863 and 1866
Hammonton Item, 1872-1877
Mays Landing Record, 1877-1906
South Jersey Republican, 1863-1923
South Jersey Star, 1917-1923

Have fun!

Old Dominion Steamship Company

2011-09-21T10:54:00.001-04:00

1903 advertisment

Jacob Grimm - d. 20 September 1863

2011-09-20T12:54:00.002-04:00

Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm, one of the Brothers Grimm and editor of Grimm's Fairy Tales, was born on 4 January 1785 in Hesse-Kassel, the son of Philipp Wilhelm Grimm (a lawyer and court official) and Dorothea Grimm, née Zimmer.
Jacob died at the age of 78 on 20 September 1863 in Berlin, Prussia.

(Photos from find-a-grave)

The children of Philipp Wilhelm Grimm and Dorothea Grimm:

Friedrich Hermann Georg Grimm (1783-1784)

Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm (1785-1863)

Wilhelm Carl Grimm (1786-1859)

Carl Friedrich Grimm (1787-1852)

Ferdinand Philipp Grimm (1788-1844)

Ludwig Emil Grimm (1790-1863)

Friedrich Grimm (1791-1792)

Charlotte (Lotte) Amalie Hassenpflug, neé Grimm (1793-1833)

Georg Eduard Grimm (1794-1795)

Carignan-Salieres Regiment of New France

2011-09-19T11:02:00.000-04:00

The Carignan-Salieres Regiment was the first regular military unit to serve in New France (now Canada). Most people with French Canadian ancestry will have one or more ancestors who served in the Carignan-Salières Regiment.

Shown below is our ancestor, Mathurin Gregoire's burial record as seen on PRDH noting under "Occupation" that he was a soldier in the Carignan Regiment.

In 1665, King Louis XVI ordered the Carignan-Salieres Regiment to New France to help protect the Royal Colony. Between June and September 1665, some twenty-four companies of 1200 soldiers and their officers of the Carignan-Salières Regiment arrived in Quebec. King Louis XIV's plan included the permanent settlement of New France and over 400 soldiers decided to remain in the colony and marry newly arrived 'filles du roi'.

List of soldiers of the Régiment de Carignan-Salières

The uniform of the régiment de Carignan-Salières, stationed in New France between 1665 and 1668, was brown with a gray lining that was visible in the upturned sleeves, forming a decorative facing. Buff-coloured and black ribbons decorated the hat and right shoulder, in accordance with the style of the time. The soldiers of the régiment de Carignan-Salières all wore swords and most were armed with matchlock and flintlock muskets. Some had a light flintlock musket known as a fusil.

Knox County TN Genealogy Resources

2011-09-16T10:10:00.000-04:00

Are you researching in East Tennessee?
Then be sure to check out these resources:

http://knoxcotn.org/ has a collection of transcribed data, biographies, photos, maps, and other items that have been transcribed and donated by volunteers and fellow researchers. They also have links to related genealogy & history sites relevent to East Tennessee.

~ ~ ~

http://cmdc.knoxlib.org/ is a searchable online archive of compelling digital images and artifacts from East Tennessee's rich history.

~ ~ ~

http://www.knoxvilletennessee.com/cemeteries.html has numerous links for cemetery research in Knoxville, TN

~ ~ ~

http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/Collections.htm

This site has numerous resources including an Index to Tennessee Death Records 1908-1912

Happy Hunting!

Hôtel Dieu of Quebec

2011-09-14T10:10:00.000-04:00

Hôtel-Dieu de Québec

Hotel Dieu & Cemetery

L'Hôtel Dieu, founded by three Augustinian nuns in 1639, was the first hospital in Canada and is the oldest hospital in North America outside of Mexico.It continued to be administered by the Augustinian order until 1962.

L'Hôtel Dieu 1877

Today the Hotel-Dieu of Québec continues to operate as part of a network of three teaching hospitals and several specialized institutions.

(Photo credits: Hôtel-Dieu de Québec & Library and Archives Canada)

Blogger for Android App

2011-09-12T10:49:00.000-04:00

Have you tried the Blogger Android App?

Using your Android phone or tablet this app allows you to write up a quick blog post on the go. Are you visiting an ancestor's cemetery? Or the old homestead or ancestral church? Easily compose a post, attach a photo that you just took with your phone, and either save it as a draft or immediately publish it to your blog. This Android app is available for download at no cost from the Android Market.
For more information visit: Blogger Buzz

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Patriot Day - September 11th

2011-09-11T10:42:00.001-04:00

Patriot Day, signed into law on December 18, 2001, is observed on September 11th.

It is a day to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and to reflect upon the compassion of people who stepped forward to help those they have never met.

Americans should fly their flags at half-staff and observe a moment of silence.

PA-Roots Resource

2011-09-09T14:30:00.000-04:00

PA-Roots provides free genealogy research resources available on the internet for Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region.
PA-Roots is a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation consisting of a volunteers who are dedicated to providing free genealogical and historical data on-line.

What was I able to locate on this site?
Under Statewide Data > Abstracts of General Loan Office Mortgages

The record dated June 5, 1723, shows a reference to our ancestor Edmund duCasteel's property in Philadelphia. It indicates that the senior Edmund DuChastel /Du Casteel whose will was proved Mar. 25, 1713/14 did indeed pass his property onto his son Edmund Casteel II.

Sad Deaths by Fire

2011-09-08T13:47:00.001-04:00

While researching on AmericanAncestors.org I came across this 1829 Casteel death record abstract:

(click image to enlarge)

Source File: Rhode Island Vital Records, 1636–1850

a series of vital records books for the towns of Rhode Island that include church records and newspaper records, filling twenty-one volumes with information.

These volumes are also available for viewing at the NEHGS Research Library, call number F78.A75.

Castle Garden, NYC

2011-09-07T11:06:00.000-04:00

Drawing of the Castle Garden complex in 1890

Click images to enlarge.

Immigrants & workers exiting Castle Garden.

Visit: http://www.castlegarden.org/

(images from National Park Service)

Labor Day - 1882

2011-09-05T12:03:00.000-04:00

Labor Day Parade, Union Square, New York, 1882
~ ~ ~

Two Resources in Macoupin County, Illinois

2011-09-02T13:05:00.000-04:00

Macoupin County Historical Society
Dedicated to the study of the area's history and the preservation of Macoupin County memorabilia, the Macoupin County Historical Society is located in the Anderson Mansion in the northwest quadrant of Carlinville. The two-story Victorian home is filled with antiques and collectibles of Macoupin County's past, with memories and a Library of Literature of our ancestors. Several outer buildings, including an authentic Schoolhouse and newly constructed and equipped Print Shop, are also on display.

Macoupin County Genealogical Society

The Macoupin County Genealogical Society maintains a collection that includes Staunton newspapers on microfilm, census records, county histories, cemetery records, family histories, genealogical books, family data , church records, etc.. Their materials are housed in the George and Santina Sawyer Genealogy Room at the Staunton Public Library in Staunton, IL.

Not by way of Ellis Island

2011-08-31T11:40:00.002-04:00

Michigan Passenger List Record

for our Grandmother Anna Stosz, age 19

(click image to enlarge)

Troops Photograph Arlington Graves

2011-08-30T07:08:00.000-04:00

ARLINGTON, Va. - Night after night this summer, troops from the Army's historic Old Guard have left their immaculately pressed dress blues, white gloves and shiny black boots at home to slip into Arlington National Cemetery in T-shirts and flip-flops to photograph each and every grave with an iPhone.
Read entire article here: Troops photograph every Arlington grave

~ ~ ~

Ships of our Ancestors: SS Kroonland

2011-08-29T13:02:00.001-04:00

SS Kroonland

The 12,241 gross ton passenger steamship was built at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Completed in 1902, she was operated commercially for the next fifteen years, mainly between New York and Antwerp, Belgium. In 1916 she began service between the United States and Great Britain. On 20 May 1917, Kroonland was damaged by a German submarine's torpedo while en route to Liverpool. Following repairs, the ship returned to service and was formally taken over by the U.S. Army then later the Navy. After the Armistice, Kroonland began bringing veterans home until September 1919. after which she was decommissioned in October 1919 and returned to commercial operations in 1920. Kroonland was scrapped in 1927.

~ ~ ~

Our ancestors, Ignatz & Maria Kollain, arrived in New York aboard this ship in October of 1909.

(click image to enlarge)

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Death Record of Catherine Brouillet Ducharme d.1884

2011-08-23T07:12:00.000-04:00

1884 Death record of our 4th G-Grandmother Catherine Brouillet

born c. 1816 daughter of Jean-Baptist Brouillet & Louise Denis Laporte

Married Francois Tetreau Ducharme 19 Oct 1830 in Quebec

Buried in Sainte-Cécile de Milton cemetery, Quebec.

~ ~ ~

Indexing 'Declarations of Intention's in Cook Co., IL

2011-08-12T13:44:00.008-04:00

The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Archives is home to more than 400,000 records of Declarations of Intention, which were usually the first papers to be filed by those who wished to become U.S. citizens. This searchable database was created thanks to a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), a division of the National Archives, and a group of dedicated volunteers.

A search of just my ancestor's last name of Stosz gave me the results I had hoped for (shown below). From this I can now complete the Record Search Request Form (CCG 0026A) and (along with a check for $17.42) request a copy of my Great Grandfathers record.

Done! I look forward to getting a copy of Anton Stosz's Declaration of Intention in the mail.

Hometowns of our Ancestors: Haarlem, Holland

2011-08-11T12:10:00.001-04:00

"The Great Market in Haarlem" (1696)

Gerrit Adriaensz. Berckheyde (1638-1698).

Haarlem's history dates back to pre-medieval times. Still a vibrant city in the Netherlands, it is the capital of the Province of North Holland. Located on the river Spaarne west of Amsterdam, Haarlem has been a major trading centre for tulips since the 1630's thus giving it the nickname 'Bloemenstad' meaning 'flower city'.

Grote Markt in 2007

(Image source: wikipedia)

This is the hometown of our ancestor Christian Bom, daughter of Cornelius & Agnes (Moij) Bom, who arrived in Philadelphia with her parents and brothers Cornelius and Abraham in 1683.

This date in History: The Battle of Amiens leads to the End of WW1

2011-08-08T11:28:00.003-04:00

The Battle ofAmiens began on 8 August 1918, and was the opening phase of the Allied offensivelater known as the Hundred Days Offensive which ultimately led to the end of theFirst World War.

By the end of August 8, Erich Ludendorff,the German commander in chief, dubbed this day as "the black day of theGerman army" . The Allies hadpenetrated the German lines around the Somme with a gap 15 miles long. Of the27, 000 German casualties on August 8, an unprecedented proportion—12,000—hadsurrendered to the enemy. Though the Allies at Amiens failed to continue theirsuccess in the days following August 8, the damage had been done. "We havereached the limits of our capacity," Kaiser Wilhelm II told Ludendorff onthat "black day." "The war must be ended”.

List of forces involved in the Battle of Amiens

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Florence (Krukowsky) Stachowski

2011-08-07T15:45:00.006-04:00

,
FLORENCE STACHOWSKI, 87, SOUTH RIVER, NEW JERSEY

Florence Krukowski Stachowski, 87, of South River passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2008, at her home.

Born in Jamesburg, she has resided in South River since 1941. Mrs. Stachowski was a communicant of St. Stephen's Protomartyr R.C. Church in South River where she was a member of the Rosary Society. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward Stachowski, in 1982; her grandson, Robert Sova, in 1982; and her brother, Francis S. Krukowski, in 1983.

Surviving are her son, Glenn Stachowski of Spotswood; her daughter, Alice Rawluk of Jamesburg; her grandchildren, Katherine DeMartino and her husband, John, John Rawluk III, Michael, John and Nicholas Stachowski, and her great-grandchildren, Samantha, Nicholas and Tyler. Also survived by her sister, Sophie Migut of South River.

Funeral services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at Maliszewski Funeral Home, 218 Whitehead Ave., South River, followed by a 9 a.m. Mass at St Stephen's Protomartyr R.C. Church in South River, with burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Brunswick. Calling hours at the funeral home will be 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

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Asbury Park Press - (Jun/24/2008)

Finding Land Records on the Maryland State Archives Website

2011-08-06T08:54:00.000-04:00

Using the Digital Image Reference System for Land Survey, Subdivision, and Condominium Plats located online at the Maryland State Archives

From the MSA Home Page click the Family Historians tab.
Then select the Plats.net link located by Find Specific Records
Choose the County you wish to research.

I am researching Prince Georges County:

Prince George's County Land Survey, Subdivision, and Condominium Plats

Clicking on Advanced Search gives a Description field
Here I entered a surname as the search keyword.

Below are the search results:

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Remnants of an African-American Village in NYC

2011-08-05T08:35:00.014-04:00

Hidden SenecaVillage Excavated In Central Park:

Archeologists find remnants of 19th Century African-American village located in New York City's Central Park.

Seneca Village in 1856
Illustrated in a Topographical Survey
for the Grounds of Central Park by Egbert Viele.

Learn more about the excavation: Hidden Village in Central Park

Cemetery Symbolism

2011-08-02T09:34:00.001-04:00

(click image to enlarge announcement)

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Big Bear Lake - c.1960 Ad

2011-07-28T09:43:00.002-04:00

Town and County Lodge at Big Bear Lake, Southern California

c.1960 (click images to enlarge)

Okay - Now check out these rates!

Sullivan Ballou of Rhode Island

2011-07-26T09:37:00.001-04:00

Sullivan Ballou

Mortally wounded at the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run)

Died 21 July 1861

Remembered for his last letter to his wife, Sarah,

and whose sentiments were given life in Ken Burns' "Civil War" documentary.

~ ~ ~

(photos from findagrave)

Buried in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, RI

~ ~ ~

A Moving Letter from Sullivan Ballou

2011-07-25T10:11:00.002-04:00

Sullivan Ballou
(March 28, 1829 – July 28, 1861)

July the 14th, 1861

Washington D.C.

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the brightest day and in the darkest night—amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours—always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

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' Unknown' of Steubenville, Ohio

2011-07-23T13:03:00.001-04:00

Person Unknown

I found this photo mixed in with some genealogy related emails & letters I had stored away when moving. I have no idea who this person is, there is no identification written on it. The only clue is the name & location of the studio.

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Loudoun Co. VA Index to Deeds & Wills

2011-07-22T14:17:00.001-04:00

Loudoun County Archives: Online Deed & Will Indexes

Loudoun Co., Virgina, offers Online Indexesto Deeds dated 1757-1812 & Wills from 1757 to 1946. The general indexes are arrainged semi - alphabetically so are easy to search.

Will Index Header:

Here I was able to find references to some of our Wright ancestors:

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War Dogs

2011-07-20T09:53:00.002-04:00

"U.S. Marine `Raiders' and their dogs, which are used for scouting and running messages, starting off for the jungle front lines on Bougainville." T.Sgt. J. Sarno, ca. November/December 1943. 127-GR-84-68407; National Archives.

For more information click here:

Study on the history of War Dog training and utilization during and after World War II

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The Queen Elizabeth Brings Home Family

2011-07-18T08:31:00.001-04:00

Frank E. Filock comes home to Jamesburg, NJ.

Date: 1945-09-19;

Paper: Trenton Evening Times

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Alexander Hamilton - Died 12 July 1804

2011-07-12T10:37:00.007-04:00

The tomb of Alexander Hamilton,

son of James A. Hamilton & Rachel Faucett Lavien.

Died on this date in 1804 following a duel with Aaron Burr.

Trinity Churchyard Cemetery, Manhattan, NY

In 1790, Alexander Hamilton, then Secretary of the Treasury, developed a "System of Cutters" forming the Revenue Cutter Service, an armed maritime law enforcement service which later combined with other government entities to form the United States Coast Guard.

Coast Guard vessels today are still referred to as "Cutters".

John Warburton - A Particular Baptist

2011-07-10T15:47:00.016-04:00

Zion Strict or Particular Baptist Chapel, Union Street, Trowbridge, originated in 1813 with the secession of 41 worshippers from the Back Street congregation in consequence of their disapproval of the doctrines preached by its newly appointed minister. The original premises on Wicker Hill, near the Town Bridge, was rented from Thomas Timbrell, and the congregation worshiped in the upper room. Our ancestor, John Warburton, was the first settled pastor of this church being appointed in 1815. His popular preaching overfilled the premises so that in 1816 the congregation was obliged to purchase a site in Union Street, and there erected a chapel capable of seating 700.
Zion Chapel graveyard was closed in 1856, but Zion Baptist Church still welcomes members today.

Zion Baptist Church, Trowbridge c.1910

Zion Baptist Church, Trowbridge c.2002

Source: 'Parishes: Trowbridge', A History of the County of Wiltshire: Volume 7 (1953), pp. 125-171. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=115466 .

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Fairfax Co. History - Gooding Tavern Marker

2011-07-08T09:22:00.005-04:00

GOODING TAVERN HISTORICAL MARKER

DEDICATION

Unveiling of the Marker at Little River Turnpike

by Benjamin Martell (Gooding family descendant)
took place on Sunday, July 10, 2011.

Gooding's Tavern

The Gooding Tavern served Little River Turnpike travelersand stagecoach passengers from 1807 –1879 and was famous for “the best fried chicken” and“peaches and honey.” For the community,the tavern served as asocial and commercial gathering place. The Goodings alsooperated a blacksmith shop and stable. Several Civil War skirmishes occurred around the tavern. On 24 August 1863, Confederate Partisan Ranger Maj. John S. Mosby was severelywounded by the Union 2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry. Two of his officers were killed andthree men wounded. Union losses included: two killed, three wounded and nine prisonerstaken. The tavern burned down in 1879.

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Thanks to thefollowing who made donations for the funding of the historical marker:

Bull Run Civil WarRound Table

Fairfax CountyHistory Commission

Chris and MaryLipsey

See: A Historic Family Rediscovered

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Also: Gooding-Seton Family Cemetery

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Is Your Corn Knee High?

2011-07-06T10:22:00.006-04:00

"Uncle Sam says: Garden to cut food costs. Ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., for a free bulletin on gardening - It's food for thought ".

This poster, created by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1917, was part of a World War 1 conservation project encouraging citizens to grow their own food, freeing up the commercial food for use in the war effort.

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Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T10:58:00.001-04:00

Fourth of July Greetings

from Tangled Trees

Immigrant children on "roof garden" playground at Ellis Island, with "Uncle Sam" cart (Photograph by Augustus Sherman)
Date:	Circa 1910
Source:	National Park Service, Statue of Liberty National Monument, Pub Dom, Sher 24.5-7

Warburton Marriage at St. James Church, Trowbridge, Wiltshire

2011-06-29T10:02:00.005-04:00

Ancestor James Warburton (1800-1874),

son of John and Lydia (Sandiford) Warburton,

married Martha Edwards

on 28 MAR 1819 in the

Parish Church of St. James, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England

Church of St. James, Trowbridge

c.1870

The parish registers dating from 1539 are held in the Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office.

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