52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 11: Lucky

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This post as part of my participation in Amy Johnson Crow's 2018 version of the 52 Ancestors meme. This weeks prompt is, "Lucky".  The prompt reads:

Do you have an ancestor who was lucky at something? Lucky to be alive? Lucky at cards? Lucky in love? Maybe you have an ancestor with a name that reminds you of luck or fortune. There's always "luck of the Irish." Maybe you have a story of how luck played a role in finding an ancestor.

Luck surely plays an important part in family research. Actually, I believe it is more that the ancestors want to be found and are not in a mood to play you along and string out the search any longer.  Here are several such lucky days in my family research.

There is the ZZ Trumbo cemetery visit.  It was a week big on drama. And, how Man drove within 50 feet of the burial spot.  I would have parked out front and never pulled way back in to the spot he chose to park the truck.  If memory serves, I was not kind to him, asking him, why in the world he parked wayyyyyy back there. Who knew??  The lucky one, this time, Man.

Searching for Hezekiah provided a photo and a long lovely ride in the country side finding the cemetery.  As usual when Man and I parked the vehicle, we separated, he took one side of the cemetery, I took the other.  I believe this find was mine.  The story is here.

The search for Mariah and Joseph Remley and her sister Susie Blanton was similar.  Man and I first visited in the days of walkie talkies.  He took off in one direction, I in another.  I remember no-see-em bites and that he found the burial spot, alas, NO headstone for Mariah or Joseph.  We do have a photo from our first visit in 2002, and we revisited in April 2016.  I wrote about the 2016 visit here. 

Despite all that "luck" I still get shivers when I think of the search for Man's ancestor Charles Clifford and his new bride, Plutheria (Phoebe) Clifford Clifford.  Yep, as far as I know, she was born a Clifford and married a Clifford.

I was looking for the Cliffords in the 1851 Canadian census.  You can read all about it in my post, One Memory, My Best Genealogy Day, Well, One of the Best.  

Lucky me, the lucky researcher.  Lucky!

* #52ancestors

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 13: The Old Homestead

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This post as part of my participation in Amy Johnson Crow's 2018 version of the 52 Ancestors meme. This weeks prompt is, "The Old Homestead".  There's something about seeing where your ancestors lived — or revisiting where you once lived.  

There is also something about having a photo of a house found in your grandparents old photos stash, and not knowing for sure whose house it was.  Upon studying, editing, enhancing, enlarging, and studying more, you still wonder - - Was this the poultry farm Joseph Bowen owned? or rented?  You know this Joseph (your great grandfather) from the 1930 census enumeration?

Joseph E. was enumerated on the 1930 U.S. Census, Washington Township, Norfolk County, Virginia, ED 23, Page 1B: Joseph E. Bowen, owns home, property is a farm, age 60, married, age at first marriage 22, born Georgia, both parents born Georgia, farmer, poultry; Minnie , wife, age 54, married, age at first marriage was 16, born South Carolina, both parents born South Carolina.

And, here is that photo.  I see poultry houses in the rear on the right of the photo, don't you?

I don't know of anyone left alive to ask, is this Joseph's house/farm/poultry business?  Considering the looks of this house and property and the time frame he was in the poultry business, I feel it is.  SIGH, the proof escapes.

* Been busy and yes, I fell behind.  Maybe I can catch up on the missing weeks, of 11 and 12.  And, maybe I won't.  Cheers.

** #52ancestors

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks -Week 10: Strong Woman

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This post as part of my participation in Amy Johnson Crow's 2018 version of the 52 Ancestors meme. This weeks prompt is, "Strong Woman - - what female in your family tree has shown remarkable strength, either physical or emotional?"

Man and I have been suffering from colds for a couple of weeks.  Sapped my will to do anything other than sleep and play solitaire.  I know better than to think I will ever catch up, but, patching sometimes will slow down the floods, eh??  Therefore - - 

I have written so much about some of my strong women in my ancestry here on Reflections.  So, when this prompt came up, I went, oh, dear.  And, so, I am going to take the "easy" way out once more.

So for this prompt, I choose to highlight once again, Lorena.  My great-grandmother.  My dad's grandmother.  He told me on more than one occasion that maybe she "poisoned" her hubbies with mushrooms.  She had 5 and they all died or disappeared from our family history. Needless to say, 5 marriages, 2 children by her first marriage, 6 children by her second marriage, and the mystery surrounding the passing of several of her hubbies, well, can we say, post fodder?  Oh, yes we can.  I have written about Lorena and her extended family well over 30 times here on Reflections.

So, without further ado, here is a link to the search of Reflections for the keyword, LORENA.  

Here she is just months before her passing, with, yeppers, yours truly as a wee bit of a babe.  To the left, my father. Sitting on the right arm of the chair, his mother, Florence.  And, ya, I have written about those two a time or two here on Reflections as well.

*  #52ancestors

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 9: "Where There's a Will"

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This week's post as part of my participation in Amy Johnson Crow's 2018 version of the 52 Ancestors meme.  Week 9: "Where There's a Will".  Amy points out this could be a probate case, a strong willed ancestor or a ancestor named Will.  For me, it will always be the probate case of Abraham Oakley.  Every time I think of the prompt Abraham comes up.  Probably because I had searched for SOOOO long for a link between Abraham and his daughter, Laura.  Over 20 years, closer to 25 years.

A while back Man and I did some of that DNA testing.  Ya, that stuff.  Now, I have not had the time or energy to really figure it all out.  But, when I first had our results I was snooping around on Ancestry dot com and somehow stumbled into a family tree that had this document linked to it.  A one page document!  Here is a clip of the full document:

Rather than repeat myself, I direct you to this post, which I wrote at the time.

And The Heir Is - - 

One piece of paper and 25 years of research, snooping, tracing lines sideways, backwards and forwards.  It just took ONE piece of paper.

I wasn't too happy!  

* #52ancestors

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 8: "Heirloom"

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This week's post as part of my participation in Amy Johnson Crow's 2018 version of the 52 Ancestors meme.  Week 8. "Heirloom".

The prompt for week 8 is:  Is there a special item that's been passed down in your family?

My favorite heirloom probably is the Whitmer Family Cradle.  Since I have blogged about it a few times, I'll just drop this link here, and you can go see for yourself.

So, for this week's prompt, I decided to focus on another favorite, the pot belly stove from the David Halterman farm.  I recovered it from the "chicken coop" wayyyy  up the hill at the farm.  Then, I discovered I have also written about that once, here.  

SOOOO, here are photos, first the stove:

And, the cradle (yes, that is Moi as a small person):

These "personal care items" belonged to Ida and David Halterman, and you can tell, these were NOT for show.  (wink, wink) .   And, the prior link, again, here on Reflections.

This bottle collection came from Minnie Halterman Trumbo, and I was told the bottles were from her own collection and from bottles from her parents, Ida and David Halterman, another one of my special heirlooms.  Yep, blogged these before as well. 

I have been blessed by having been granted the care of many of the family heirlooms.  I have written about them many times here on Reflections, and will continue to do so, I want my descendants to know about all this "old" stuff I own.

Even tho my favs have already been discussed here on Reflections a few times, I have enjoyed revisiting the posts and sharing with you, my readers, once again.

#52ancestors

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 7: "Valentine"

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This week's post as part of my participation in Amy Johnson Crow's 2018 version of the 52 Ancestors meme.  Week 7. "Valentine".

The prompt for week 7 is Valentine, and continues:
Is there a love story in your family tree? Maybe a couple was married on Valentine's Day or you have a valentine that one ancestor gave to another. Maybe you have an ancestor named Valentine.

Why yes, I have a few "Valentine"s in my data base.  Not all are "ancestors", at least not all direct ancestors, but, that's a small unimportant detail on Valentine's Day, eh?? In fact, I have 7, all but one of those happen to be males.  Here is a short review of my 7 Valentines.

Valentin Wettlaufer. whose bride was Catherine (any spelling will be accepted). Their son, Jacob (born 1860, died 1917, Canada) married into Man's Ruthig clan, one Louisa Ruthig (born 1861 Canada).

Valentine Daub, born 1862, died 1944. Canada. Married into another one of Man's families, the Gerths.  Valentine's bride was Barbara Gerth, who was born 1986, died 1929.  Canada.  My data base shows them as the parents by 10 children.  Research continues.

Valentine Ruthig/Rudig, born 1821 in Schoenenberg, Bayern, Germany, died 1883 Perth County, Ontario, Canada.  Married Margret (Marguarita) Zinkann in 1847 in Upper Canada.   She was born in 1831 in Germany and died in 1889 in Canada.  Valentine and Margret had 12 children that are recorded.

Valentine Schafer whose bride was Mary Grub. Their son Charles (born ca 1883) married another Ruthig bride, one Emma, who was born 1886 in Canada.

Valentine Wagner, born ca 1699 in Bavaria Pfalz, Germany.  He is son (MAYBE) of Peter Wagner and his wife, Anna Margaretha Mozen.  My notes field is filled with warnings that Valentine may NOT be their child.  Further research is truly indicated.  (One - Moi - needs TIME)

Valentine Peter Ruthig, born 1902 in Michigan. Died 1946 in Michigan.  Married Esther K. Brooks, she was born 1908 in Indiana, died 1994 in Florida.  They had 2 children.

Valentine Virginia "Jack" Stokesbury, born 1916 Pennsylvania.  Died 1945 California.  Married John Joseph "Joe" Marchant. Joe was born 1915 in Virginia and died in 1973 in California.  They had 3 children that I am aware of.

Happy Valentine's Day from Man, Sir W, Moi and our "Valentine" kin.




* #52ancestors

** Any and all corrections/hints/help, always appreciated.  Note:  Yes, I have research done and not posted to the data base, that is why the over one year long consolidation project, the ongoing consolidation project.

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 6: "Favorite Name"

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This week's post as part of my participation in Amy Johnson Crow's 2018 version of the 52 Ancestors meme.  Week 6. "Favorite Name".

I gave this a lot of thought.  With well over 18,000 individuals in my data base, it was difficult.  Seriously, I don't think I have a favorite.  So, I, once more, went a bit of a different route.  Headed over to the data base and looked at the file statistics.  It really is a fascinating little report, well, maybe not so little.

However, anything that catches my attention and makes me review and or giggle at myself, that's all good stuff.

Here are my most popular surnames and given names.  First the surnames.  Only surprise, and probably should not be is that Smith is number 4.  

Here are the most popular given names in my data base.  Look at number 1.  Really?  I think I have some explaining to do, to me!  HOW did that happen?  I think I know.  I think I need to review and see if I can change a few of those Mr. first names to, you know, oh, maybe, John?

Have you ever checked your data base for statistics??  You might be surprised.

** #52ancestors

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 5: "Census"

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

Back in July of 2009, as a newbie blogger I wrote a piece I called "Citizenship vs love".  I decided to revisit that post as part of my participation in Amy Johnson Crow's 2018 version of the 52 Ancestors meme, week 5. "Census".  One of the questions asked was, "What intriguing find have you made in a census?"  I have to say, all these years later, that the story of Eula Lashbrook and her citizenship still intrigues me.  What follows is in part, the original post, and in part some new insights on the whole story.  As always, review, review, review, plays a HUGE part of my research these days.  And so:

Would you give up your citizenship for love?? There was a time when a lady would lose her American citizenship if she married an "Alien".

This is a snippet of the 1920 U.S. Census, Black Hawk County, Iowa.


This is Eula Lashbrook Jensen and her second husband Carl Jensen. Carl claims to have come to the US in 1904, as you can see from column 13.  (I have never really found any documentation to support the 1904 year of immigration column for Carl.  The search continues.) He states he has filed his papers for Naturalization as you can see from column 14. However, what really interested me is column 14, and you will see Eula is shown to be an "Alien".

Eula's grandparents were born in England and in New York. So, by my count she was a second generation natural born citizen (via her paternal lines), but she was an alien in 1920.  Her direct paternal lineage goes like so:  Eula, born 1890 in Iowa.  Father, George Lashbrook, who was born 1860 in Wisconsin.  Her grandfather, William N. Lashbrook, who was born 1824 in England.  Her great-grandfather was Richard Lashbrook, who was born in England around 1793.  Richard and his wife, Ann, with a pack of kids, left England about 1830, traveling first to the Quebec Canada area, and a year later moved into the Clinton County New York area.  In 1840 Richard filed a Declaration in Clinton County New York.

However, Eula became an Alien, when she married Carl in 1919, even though she was born in Iowa, and her father was born in Wisconsin. Naturalization processes and requirements have changed many times since 1790.  For researchers this means we find ourselves searching the rules that were in effect when our ancestors lived. I ended up here, during one such search. Now, please note, this site will not be sufficient for the legal eagles, but, does help the novices, like Moi.  I believe the law change of 1907 is what applies to Eula's situation:

"Act of March 2, 1907 
1. An American woman – even born in the US – lost her citizenship when she married an alien and takes on his nationality. She could obtain it back if her husband naturalized. 
Total residency in US: 5 years; 1 year in state; 2 years between declaration & petition."

When we pay close attention to those small columns on the census reports we discover really interesting historical lessons and a few oddities as well. 

Paying attention to those small columns brings me to the 1940 US Census enumeration of Carl and Eula. (I did not have the 1940 census when I first wrote about Carl and Eula in 2009.) Here is a partial screen shot, showing Carl C. (indexed by the way at one genie site as Tensen) Jensen.

 
As I studied this, my eye was drawn to that "4".  Here is another screen shot of the same thing, different view.  I have drawn a sad looking arrow to the "4".

I noted this was in column 16 of the census, but, I had no idea what column 16 was supposed to record, so, off I went again and I ended up here.  I note this is considered an "Abridged" version of the instructions.  After you have fun and learn something by reading along, head over to the bottom of page 8 and the top of page 9.  Yes, here are two screen captures that address column 16 specifically:

 

I have looked at these paragraphs, and frankly, I just do not see anything about a number.  As a follow up, when I noted that these pages came from an "abridged" version of instructions, I went looking again and found the full deal here.  I see nothing about numbers. Just "Na", "Pa", "Al" and "Am Cit".

So, what does that number "4" mean?? If I had a hunch, I would say the enumerator for some reason recorded how long Carl had been a naturalized citizen.  The search will continue, of course.

And, that is about as far as I have been able to get with this (remembering life and such has a way of getting in the way of research, dang it!).

So, what did these two census enumerations tell me? Well, that I need to do more research, lots more.  And, that naturalization laws have changed many times.  And that review is ALWAYS a good thing.  That even after all these years as a researcher, there is more to learn.  Keep an open mind, watch those thin little columns. Don't be afraid to set aside a search and come back later, even years later.





* Previously I had discovered this and only this about Carl's attempt to become an American citizen:

        According to "Black Hawk County, Iowa Petition for Naturalization Book 1", compiled by Black Hawk County Genealogical Society, 1988, we find:

Jensen: Carl Christian
Dist. Ct. B.H. Co. Ia Occupation: Farmer & Road Superintendent. b. 3 Apr 1884, Tollose, Den. Emigrated: ca 11 Oct. 1902 from Liverpool Eng. to New York on vessel Locania arr. 18 Oct. 1922 (??) Intention 5 Mar 1910 Waterloo, Ia. Not married. Denied. Dated: 18 Dec. 1915 B.H. Co., Ia. Nat. # 206.

Of course, this is confusing and does not match the 1920 census enumeration that states he arrived in 1904.  Contacting the court directly for a copy might explain away my confusion.  This source quote states he filed an intention in 1910, but, arrived in 1902 or 1922??  (I may have a photo copy of the above at home in my hard copy files, yes, I could have typed it wrong, of course!)

Slugging around in the mud, I am!  LOL

**  #52ancestors
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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 4: "Invite to Dinner"

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

2018, and I am giving a shot at Amy Johnson Crow's "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks" project. Due to time and internet connectivity issues, I am keeping my responses rather short.  Now, if you think this looks long, well, it's a cheat short.  LOL I am simply updating a prior post.

I did a challenge meme for the Book of Me, Written by You, back in January of 2014. When I saw this weeks meme, I went right back to that post. First to review what I wrote. Second to see if ANY of those peeps would still be on the invite list. Yea, they still are, ALL of them. So, I am going to use that list again and will make any additional comments/changes/discoveries/further frustrations in red.

For a family dinner, I would invite:

1. Archibald Norman Lashbrook, aka Arthur Norman Stevens, Sr. My favorite research dude, and oh, I have questions for him! Like, what is this second marriage to Dorothy Davis? She is a mystery lady. And, that FBI report I got with so much marked out with large black marker. What is THAT all about? Oh, and that uniform photo, IS that Civil Defense or not? I have some other pointed questions for you my dear, we have a lot of chatting to do.

2. Edna May Fenton Stevens. Wife of Arthur Normal Stevens, Sr. Ok, Edna, where WERE you between 1901 and 1918? Hmmmm? Did you marry someone, like I suspect, but, cannot prove? We will be having a very long chat too.  I have recently discovered that Edna did in fact marry in Nova Scotia, read all about it here.  

3. Charles Gratton Trumbo. WHO is your daddy? And, by the way, where and exactly when DID you marry?? And, why is it that neither your birth or your marriage are recorded ANYWHERE???? We do have this tidbit about your marriage, derived from two of your daughter's delayed birth certificates.  In case you cannot read it, it says, date and place of marriage was 1/16/1895 at the home of John F. Driver.

4. Anna Susan Holsinger Trumbo, wife of Charles Gratton Trumbo. How many family Bibles did you have? Truth now. Those dates recorded in what was represented as your family Bible, I am not buying all that. Why didn't you record the births of some your children with the civil authorities? And, that reported twin, that all the family says you had, the twin that died at birth. You did not record anything about that in your Bible. Why not?

5. Joseph Eugene Bowen. SOOO, you have lots to tell me, and I am ready to listen. And, ohhh, Joseph, did you EVER have a photo taken of yourself? You did not die until 1948, there just HAS to be at least one photo somewhere. So, where is it? I think I have figured out why you died in Savannah Georgia and not near Norfolk Virginia where you lived the later years of your life, but, wow, what a chase you led me on.

6. Richard Lashbrook. Your story is another of my favorites. Born in England, died in McHenry County Illinois at the age of 88. Now, I know that there must have been a photo of you as well. You did not leave this side of the gates until 1882. You seemed to have done pretty well for yourself once you reached Illinois, I believe there was enough coin laying around for a visit to the local photographer.

7.) Ann Newcombe Lashbrook, wife of Richard. How many children DID you bear? And, where were the last several that family tradition names, but, for which I find NO records, no church, no civil, no nothing! I would love to give Jacob and Elizabeth some substance in my data base. And, mmm, same question for you, where is your photo?

8.) William N. Lashbrook, son of Richard and Ann. Wanna let loose with the name that goes with that middle initial "N"? And, I know this is hard for you to tell me, but, mmm, where are you buried? No headstone, eh??  I do have the following obituary for William, and until something further comes up, I am going with he is buried at the Willow Lawn Cemetery, Plainfield, Bremer County, Iowa.  

     From the Waverly Democrat, Waverly, Bremer County, Iowa, published May 21, 1891, page 4, column 4:

          "Wm. Lashbrook, brother of Thomas Lashbrook, of this city, died at his home in Plainfield, Iowa, on Sunday night.  Deceased was born in Devonshire, England, March 27, 1826, his age being 65 years 1 month and 20 days.  He moved to America with his parents when a small boy and settled in Clinton county, New York.  From there he moved to Illinois, and afterward to Madison, Wisconsin, coming to Iowa and settling in Bremer county in 1858.  His death was caused by la grippe.  He leaves a wife and two children, two boys and two girls, to mourn his loss.  The funeral services were held at his residence in Plainfield, on Tuesday, May 20th, the Rev. Mr. Sanford officiating.  The remains were interred in Plainfield cemetery."  [Note:  this is the only reference to the place William's remains were interred that I have found.]

9. Richard Lashbrook son of Richard and Ann, brother to William N. When did you die? Where did you die? Where are you buried? And, which plats of land were yours in McHenry County? Real difficult to determine with land grants and such. A "Junior" would have been VERY helpful, eh? Did you make the move to Iowa with your brothers and sister?

10. Catherine "Kate" Dove Fawley. We need to have a bit of a chat too. Just WHERE did you die and why is there no record of it that I have been able to discover? And, while we are at it, where are you buried? I have a few other questions about your relationship with the father of Charles Gratton Trumbo, yep, I wanna scoop the, well, mmmm, dirt.  We have been able to more or less figure out you died sometime in 1889, thanks in part to some genie angels providing a transcript of "Church Proceeding Singers Glen Circuit UB Church for Conference year of 1889."  The transcript in part reads (only part because I am not sure of copyright issues):

     "Broadway Feb. 11th 1890.  Called to order by Pastor J.D.D.  ... the roll was called and all members passed favor with the following references, name No. 10 Sister Kate Fawley had died in the year.  So far as evidence could be gathered She died in Peace and hope of Salvation through Jesus Christ."

11. William Kessler. AKA, Wilhelm Kessler, and possibly AKA William Henry or Henry. WHERE did you go? The land records dry up, I never did find you on the 1840 census as a head of household. Ditto for the 1850 census, no William anywhere. No death records, no burial records, no newspaper notices, nothing. No guardianship records have been found concerning your two daughters. WHERE are you?

12. Susan Miller Kessler, wife of William. You go missing as well. And, just WHO is YOUR daddy? And, of course, since I am asking, who is your momma? What happened to you Susan? What is your story?

So, as you can see, I did make a few chips in the walls.  Chip, chip.  Review, review.  Chip, chip.

I was not going to chat about what to serve, but, on reading my piece from 2014, I have to say, YEA!! THIS!! SO:

So, what shall we serve? Well, how bout we do not serve bull. I have had all the bull I want to eat for some time. SOOO, I think this dinner shall become a cocktail party, with lots of finger foods. You can talk around finger foods better than a heavy full 7 course meal. I shall offer many choices of drink, but, since I want a bit of "loose lips sinks ships" attitude, I sure hope you all like a good strong whiskey. Just saying, it is time we talk and I am not shy about taking whatever steps may seem necessary to get to the truth!

#52ancestors

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 3: "Longevity"

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

2018, and I am giving a shot at Amy Johnson Crow's "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks" project. 

So, the third challenge is "Longevity".

Here is my take on longevity.  From my data base software, a Statistics Report produces the following information and LOTS more.  These sections concern longevity.

After looking at these numbers, I am going to have to go review those "longest" male and female lifespan peeps.  I do have a few that I am fairly sure died when over 102 years of age.  But, seriously, 104 and 106?  OHHH, review time!

#52ancestors
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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 2: "Favorite Photo"

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

2018, and I have expressed interest in Amy Johnson Crow's "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks project.  Then, I thought, Oh, my! WHY??  Well, partly because it's a great project.  Partly because I really am interested in keeping this blog alive, instead of gasping for breath.  At this point, due to the ongoing consolidation project and other stuff (like horrible and slow internet connectivity), the posts may be "short and sweet".  Well, short, anyway.

So, the second challenge is "Favorite Photo",

So, I have lots of favorite photos, but, I will restrain myself.

This photo may be my all time fav.  Until I find another.  LOL

Above, Monument Valley, my office view, taken out of the window at my desk in Tana.  I seriously, could have stayed right there, in that campsite at that window, oohing and ahhing at this view for months.  

However, since this is supposed to be a genie type challenge, I shall nominate this photo.  It is not an ancestor, but, my descendants, the grand twins.  They are sitting in the "ancestor" part of the story.  

Above, the Whitmer cradle.  Crafted around 1900 by Sellestine Whitmer.  He made it for his daughter, Ida Matilda Whitmer Halterman. Ida was expecting her first child. It is solid walnut.  

Five generations have slept in this cradle.  I have photographic proof of three, Moi, at least 2 of my sons and my grandtwins, as seen above.  I have blogged about it several times in the past. If you are interested, I direct you to the search box (top left of this blog) and type in Whitmer Cradle.

#52ancestors

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 1: "Start"

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

2018, and I have expressed interest in Amy Johnson Crow's "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks project.  Then, I thought, Oh, my! WHY??  Well, partly because it's a great project.  Partly because I really am interested in keeping this blog alive, instead of gasping for breath.  At this point, due to the ongoing consolidation project and other stuff (like horrible and slow internet connectivity), the posts may be "short and sweet".  Well, short, anyway.

So, the first challenge is "Start", I choose to remember how I began this genie journey back about 1991.

With these two!!

Son # 1 and Man's mother. One summer while on break from University of Michigan (go Blue), Son # 1 and his grandmother started recording their family lines.  When he returned to college, he handed the project to me, with a, "well, do something or not with this, here it is, for what it is worth".

And, an addict was born.

The "Start".




#52ancestors

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Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week #52, Charles Henry Darden, The Lost Son

Copyright 2014, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This is week 52 of my participation Amy Johnson Crow's, once a week challenge to blog about one ancestor a week, tell their story, biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on that one ancestor. More about the challenge can be found at her Blog, No Story Too Small.

This is my last week of participation in this meme.  For this post, I choose, one of the Darden clan.  I have written about them several times here on Reflections.  William A. Darden, was week # 24 of this meme, a gift of research done by a Find A Grave volunteer.  If you use the search facility at the top left of Reflections you will find a number of other Darden clan members I have written about.

Charles Henry Darden was born April 8, 1845, most likely in Isle of Wight County, Virginia to Charles Henry Darden and his first wife Nancy Seeds.  This birth is recorded in a Bible Record, as far as I know the Bible is currently owned by the Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society.  Below is a digitally edited, transcribed and typed representation of some of the entries.  I have removed data that did not relate to Charles Henry Darden born 1845.  I did include some data on deaths of two Charles Henry Dardens.  See more discussion on those little issues, below - -

It is my guess this was Charles' (the father) Bible and that both his wives made entries into it.  I have never seen the original, so, that is speculation at best.  Some of that speculation takes into account the spellings of names of the children from both marriages.  The names of the children born to Nancy Seeds are, in part, spelled phonetically.  The names of the children born to Martha Stephenson are spelled in a manner we would consider today to be "correct".  It is my guess that Nancy had little schooling, Martha was much more educated.

Anyway, back to Charles Henry born 1845, per that Bible record.

Charles is not found on census records in Virginia, not even on the 1850 census when he would have been about 5 years old.   He could have been visiting relatives, possibly some grandparents?  Or it is possible he simply was not listed, just missed in the census enumeration?

Note that in the typed Bible transcription there are death dates for two men named Charles Henry Darden.  One in 1878 and one in 1877.  I did a number of searches of the 1878 death records in Isle of Wight records and could not locate a death record.  The Darden bible record states one of these Darden men died in 1878, but I cannot substantiate that date.

Charles the father died in 1877.  I have his death record (which neglects to name parents, but does state "consort" Martha A. Darden, who is his second wife) and I have this photo of his headstone.  You will note the headstone is inscribed as 1878, seems even his son could not get the dates right.   You can refer to the Virginia Death Index at Family Search, where it shows the 1877 date.  And, nope, the day of death on the death records and on the headstone do not agree either.

Even with all the errors surrounding the death date of Charles the father, at least there IS a death record.  I have searched for Charles the son dying in 1878 in Isle of Wight time and time again.  No record has been found.  Now, it is entirely possible that Charles the son was not living in Isle of Wight at the time of his death.  One other brother, Osceola (Oceolia\Oceola) had left Virginia by this time.  Osceola was married in Hinds County Mississippi in 1872.

In fact, Charles the father, had a brother, Alfred T. Darden that had moved to Hinds County Mississippi by 1850. Yes, I have researched Hinds County.  Now, Alfred seems to have gone off to war and died.  Mary, his wife is a widow by the 1870 census.  That Alfred story is quite something, yes, I have posted it, the final post is here, with links to other posts.

So, in my looking around in Hinds County and researching Alfred, I find some interesting tidbits.

H. C. Darden, age 15, born Virginia, is found on the 1860 U. S. Census of Edwards Station Post Office, Hinds County, Mississippi, living in the household of A. T. Darden.  This A. T. is Alfred T. Darden, and is Charles Henry Darden's (born 1845) uncle.  (Question, is H.C. really Charles Henry?  Age is appropriate to match that given in the Bible record. Birthplace matches well.)

John H. Darden, age 24, born Virginia is found on the 1870 U. S. Census of Boton Post Office, Hinds County, Mississippi in the household of Mary S. Darden, age 44, born Virginia.  Mary is listed as head of household, with the following:  Charles E. Darden, age 19, born Mississippi; William M., age 15, born Mississippi; George S., age 12, born Mississippi; Henry A., age 10, born Mississippi.   (I have no explanation for John H., it sure seems there is some kind of name change here.  Or, am I grasping at straws?)

In the 1880 U. S. Census, Boltons Depot, Hinds County, Mississippi, John Darden is in the household of Mary S. Darden.  John is now 35 years of age, shows birthplace of Virginia, and is listed as nephew of Mary S. Darden, she is the head of household.  (This is the census that made my little researching heart go pitter patter.  This John, whom seems to be the same John as is enumerated in the 1870 census, is named as nephew in this the 1880 census.  Sadly, it seems John does not survive to the 1900 census.)

In 1899 we find a will recorded in Hinds County, Mississippi for a John Henry Darden, Will Book 2, page 470 (Mississippi Archives film # 9786).  It reads:

     "I, John Henry Darden of Hinds County, Mississippi, of sound mind and memory make this my last will.  I give devise and bequeath all my estate and property , real and personal as follows:  Mary S. Darden, her life, John E. Darden, Alleymay Darden, John B. Darden, Bessie T. Darden, India Buffington One Dollar Isabella Cheers One Dollar.  I appoint as the executor of this my will G. T. Darden of Hinds County, Mississippi, without Bond.

     In witness whereof I have signed published and declared this instrument as my will in said county this February of 21st 1899.

     [I note, some of this is very hard to read, and may have been transcribed in error.]

     J. H. Darden

State of Mississippi, County of Hinds

The said John Henry Darden in the County of Hinds, Mississippi on the day of Feb. 21st, 1899 signed the foregoing instrument and published and declared the same in his presense and in the presense of each other on said date have hereunder written our names as subscribing witnesses thereof.

     W. W. Farr

     W. T. Carsley

     N. Henry

This will was proven on November 16, 1899 in Hinds County, Mississippi.

I have not discovered where this John Henry Darden was buried.  I have not discovered if there is any obituary or death notice published for this John Henry Darden.

Last night in a research binge I found this index at FamilySearch.org with the images of the compiled record at Fold3:

H C Darden

Mississippi, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers

Name: H C Darden

Event Type: Military Service

Event Year: 1861

Age (Original): 20

Military Unit Note: Eighth Infantry, Co-F

Affiliate Publication Title: Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Mississippi , Affiliate Publication Number: M269 , Affiliate Film Number: 169

I originally copied only page page of the 24, which happens to be the last page.

It seems this H. C Darden enrolled and mustered between June 1 and 8th of 1861 at Raleigh, Mississippi. He was shown as a Private, it was recorded he was 20 years old. In reviewing the compiled cards today while writing this post, I discovered at least one of the compiled service cards stated he traveled 56 miles to enroll.  I downloaded that card as well.  See, 56 miles.  Another card in the set indicated he had subsistence furnished by himself for 3 days.  

(I'll have to fess up, I don't remember ever seeing a reference to miles traveled before in complied service cards. Stopped me short and sent me off on another research tangent.)

The Alfred T. Darden family, lived near Bolton Mississippi.  I mapped it.  From Bolton to Raleigh Mississippi is 66 miles.

Yes, the thought that maybe I want it too much has crossed my mind.

Want list for Charles Henry Darden, the lost son:  1850 census enumeration.  Connect or disprove any connection between Charles Henry and the H.C. Darden found on the 1860 census in Hinds County Mississippi and in this compiled service record.  Something to prove or disprove that John H./ John Henry Darden is the same as H. C. Darden, or Charles Henry Darden.  (Yes, I know, it stretches the logical researching mind.) Obituary and burial place for the John Henry that died about 1899 and left a will.

I have a muddled theory about why Osceola left Virginia and moved to Mississippi, having to do with his step mother.  From all the research I have done on this clan it seems there were some issues between Charles' first family/children with Nancy Seeds and his second family/children with Martha Stephenson.  Why a small child as young as Charles born in 1845 would have been involved in a move to Mississippi boggles my mind, it confuses me, but, something tells me or wants me to believe that Charles born 1845 did indeed go to Mississippi with his uncle Alfred T and his brother Osceola.

Yes, maybe I want it just way too much.  Maybe I just need a few hours of time travel.

The 52 Ancestors Week meme has indeed been interesting.  Thank you to  Amy Johnson Crow.  She is sponsoring, 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: 2015 Edition, if you happen to be interested.  My participation in the 2015 version is being contemplated, I am "Reflecting" about it, while sitting on the "Fence".

* Additional source data can be obtained by contacting me, see the right hand column for a yahoo email address.

** 52 Ancestors Weeks Button courtesy of Amy Johnson Crow.

*** I use many resources to research, FamilySearch.org is a free site.  Ancestry.com is a pay site for which I pay, no discounts, etc.  Fold3, is another site I subscribe to and pay for. None of these sites have asked me to review them, or use them.  See my Disclaimers page for further details.

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Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week #51, Ann nee Lashbrook Stowe

Copyright 2014, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This is week 51 of my participation Amy Johnson Crow's, once a week challenge to blog about one ancestor a week, tell their story, biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on that one ancestor. More about the challenge can be found at her Blog, No Story Too Small.

Ann Lashbrook was born Apr 8, 1832 somewhere in New York, possibly in Clinton County where her parents, Richard Lashbrook and his bride Ann Newcombe Lashbrook probably were living in 1832.

By the mid 1840's Ann had moved with her family to McHenry County Illinois.  On October 30, 1852 she married Roswell William Stowe (also known as William Roswell Stowe) in McHenry County Illinois.

Ann and William had the following children:

Lucy Cornelia Ann Stowe
John R. W. Stowe
Edward Warrington Stowe
Marietta R. Stowe
Rosetta L. Stowe

Ann is located on the 1860 U.S. census for Richland Township, Chickasaw County, Iowa:  Roswell W.,  age 32, farmer, value of real estate $500., value of personal property $200., born New York; Ann, age 27, born New York; Cornelia, age 7, born Iowa; Adolphus, age 5, born Iowa; Warrington, age 1, born Iowa.

Ann is enumerated in the 1870 US census for Butler Center, Albion Township, Butler County, Iowa as follows: R. W.  (Or R.A.) Stow, age 46, farmer, value of real estate $1700., value of personal property $500, born New York; Ann, age 37, keeping house, born New York; Cornelia, age 16, at home, born Iowa; Rudolph -?-, age 14, at home, born Iowa; Washington, age 11, at home, born Iowa; Maretta, age 6, at home, born Iowa; Lorena (Rosetta L. ??) Age 2, at home, born Iowa.

Ann is enumerated with her husband R.W. in the 1880 US census in Albion Township, Butler County, Iowa as follows: R.W., age 57, farmer, born New York, parents born New York; Ann, age 48, occupation--cannot read, born New York, parents born England; Meretta, age 16 (although this age looks much like 11), daughter, works at housework, born Iowa; Rosetta, age 12, daughter, at school, born Iowa.

In 1883 when her father's estate was settled Ann lived in Parkersburg, Butler County, Iowa.  Ann cared for her mother after Richard, her father, died.

Ann appears on the 1885 census of Albion, Butler County, Iowa: R. W. Stowe, age 63, farmer, born New York; Ann, age 53, born New York; Warington (? Washington ?), age 24, born Iowa (county name is hard to read, but ends with "saw"); Roseta Stowe, age 17, born Iowa (county name hard to read, looks like Butler); and William H. Stowe, age 3, born Iowa (Butler County??)

In 1893, when her brother John's estate was being settled, Ann is listed as deceased.  Butler County death records were checked for every entry between 1883 and 1894, and no record of the death could be found.  In 1893 only one of her children is listed as living in Butler County, that being Rosetta.  Two of her children lived in Sioux County Iowa in 1893. Two of her children were living in Faribault County, Minnesota in 1893.  In May of 2011 I again checked the death records for Butler County, Iowa for the year 1888 and again, no record was found.

Ann died on May 17, 1888 in Butler County, Iowa.  She and William are buried at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg, Butler County, Iowa.  I maintain their Find A Grave memorials.  Hers.  His.

Wish list for Ann:  Death record and a photo.  I have a photo of her husband William but, none of Ann.  I'll just bet the family member that has photos of her parents has a photo of Ann too.

* Additional source data can be obtained by contacting me, see the right hand column for a yahoo email address.

** 52 Ancestors Weeks Button courtesy of Amy Johnson Crow.

*** I use many resources to research, FamilySearch.org is a free site.  Ancestry.com is a pay site for which I pay, no discounts, etc.  Fold3, is another site I subscribe to and pay for. None of these sites have asked me to review them, or use them.  See my Disclaimers page for further details.

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Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week #50, Susan (nee) Miller Kessler, Quite the Mystery Mom

Copyright 2014, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

This is week 50 of my participation Amy Johnson Crow's, once a week challenge to blog about one ancestor a week, tell their story, biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on that one ancestor. More about the challenge can be found at her Blog, No Story Too Small.

Most of Susan Miller's life is a mystery.

Her birth:  If she were 21 at the time of her marriage, she would have been born about 1813.  There is a Susanna Miller, born August 14, 1812 and baptized September 27, 1812, parents John Miller and his wife Catharine Pence Miller shown in the Peaked Mountain Church records. Further research may prove or disprove this couple as Susan's parents.

On Jan 13, 1834 Susan Miller married William Kessler in Rockingham County, Virginia.  On the marriage bond it identifies her father as John Miller.

A deed is recorded in the Rockingham County Virginia Burnt Deed Book 11, Pages 555 and 556 which is signed by William and his wife Susanna in 1835.  This deed was issued to clear title to land once held by William's grandfather.

No record of William and/or Susan has been found in the 1840 or 1850 census of Rockingham County Virginia.

Susan and William had two daughters:

Mary A. Kessler, born about 1836
Elizabeth Kesler (or Kessler), born about 1838

William disappears from the Personal Property tax rolls in Rockingham County, Virginia after 1841.  No record of Susan/Susanna in these personal property tax rolls has been found, did she pre-decease William??

No death or burial information has been found for Susan.  No marriage of Susan Kessler to another man has been found.

Wish list for Susan:  EVERYTHING!  Birth information, parents.  Death information, burial information.

WHERE DID SUSAN GO??

* Additional source data can be obtained by contacting me, see the right hand column for a yahoo email address.

** 52 Ancestors Weeks Button courtesy of Amy Johnson Crow.

*** I use many resources to research, FamilySearch.org is a free site.  Ancestry.com is a pay site for which I pay, no discounts, etc.  Fold3, is another site I subscribe to and pay for. None of these sites have asked me to review them, or use them.  See my Disclaimers page for further details.

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