Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 10

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 10.

Later in upper forties and fifties, Linden Wenger served as pastor, living in the community.

In the 60's Harley Good was the pastor. (The upstairs was remodelled for class rooms, oil furnace (beaded - - word crossed out) was)

{{In her sister Minnie's handwriting - - not sure she may got confused}}

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 9

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 9.

there was not adequate space for the classes in the main church -

There were indoor rest rooms, so for the purpose of sanitation it was necessary to have indoor rest rooms for (word for lined through) and more space for class rooms. It seemed desirable to sell this property and relocate (below the word relocate are the words build elsewhere, both lined through) elsewhere.

Land was purchased 4 miles north of the W Va State line along route 259 and work wa begun in early 1973 on the new church under the director of Pastor Good.

On Sunday AM April 15 (or 16, the number is written over and hard to read), 1973, the last meeting were held at Mt. (Mornin - - lied out) Hernan, and from then on services were held at the new Mathis Menn. Ch.

The congregation is a merger of two churches, Buchhorn and Mt. Herman.  The new church was dedicated on Sun. Sept. 16, 1973.

This new stone building includes a sanctuary, that seats 300, a downstairs assembly room - - s. school rooms, kitchen, nursery, and pastor's study.

The new church was built at a cost of 47,459.17.  There was 5000 man hrs. donation.  The stove and labor were donated from the local community

On the debt of the church on Sept. 16, 1973 was $13000.  The offerings that day were $818.  Labor and funds were from the two congregations & David Auysburge spoke at the dedicatory services.

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 8

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 8.

all varnished, and large windows on either side, when looking to the east, the North Mt. rose to mind with its beautiful oaks arrayed in colors of henna and brown.  On the right was the vale below with Ball Knob coming to view, ranges of the (Branch, word lined out) Shenandoah Mts.

No more school house with their oily floors and unpainted walls. What a change.

At this dedication, unlike other dedications there was no call for money.  Rev. Showalter announced there was no indebtedness - - everything was paid off.

Meetings now were held each Sunday in this school -  with Rev. Lewis Showalter as the pastor - - later followed in 50 or 60's by Linden Wenger who lived in the community, then  later by Harly Good. As the Sunday school grew, (The following words were all lined through:  Sund School rooms were made upstairs) the upstairs for remodelled for class room, and an oil furnace was (added to the - all lined out) installed in the church but with the expansion of the Sunday School.

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 7

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 7.

after it was sold to my father David Halterman by the Rockingham School Bd. Then (words lined out) about this time schools were being consolidated and the one room schools in VA were being discontinued.

There was a slight decrease in addendence about 1928-1930 - when some of the members like Shipes and Herters moved to Gaithersburg, Md. and about the same time some of the people who attended these meetings moved to Martinsburg W. Va. After the school houses were being sold out due to consolidation, the need for a church became more urgent. Now the services in the school houses were being discontinued where the people knelt in prayer and sang prayers to God.

Around about 1956 - the Showalters saw where they could buy a lot from Moses Halterman for a church.  In the spring of 1937 under the direction of Rev. Lewis Showalter with the financial help of his brother, Mark, work was begun on a new church, called Mt. Herman, about 1 1/2 mile of W. V. along route 259.  A lot of free labor was donated and well as materials.

The church was completed by Nov. 1937.  On that beautiful balmy sunny Sunday of the 15 Nov. 1937, the church was dedicated. How beautiful and grand to walk into a new church all newly painted, hard floors and pews

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 6

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 6.

young people became converted to the Mennonite faith.

At this time there was talk of having a Sunday school in the school houses at (XXX)  near the state line, then Beny Moved to Broadway and it was not until about 1920 or 1921, Timothy Showalter with the help of his family, Paul, Mark, and Lewis started the first S. School beginning in April and continuing until October.  Some of the classes were held by the children sitting on the zig zag rails under the many spreading walnut trees.  Then one class was held on the front porch of a residence across the highway.

This was the hey day of the Model T Ford - - then the Sunday School teacher travelled by car although the road was bad in places.  Not until 1934 was the (good - - lined out) road under construction completed.

The Sunday School progressed and grew under the direction of the members of the George Showalter family assisted by many others, like John Algers, Dewey Emswiler and some from Park View.  There was talk all the while of a church, especially by Rev. Lewis Showalter who preached frequently in these school house.  Seemingly it was difficult to decide on a location.  For awhile Lewis Showalter had in mind enlarging the Capon Run School House

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 5

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 5.

effective that it had a great drawing power.  In all there were about 72 converts, some (many lined out) of whom were baptized by Bishop Lewis Shank (pouring) in the nearby Capon Run   {{In the handwriting of Geneva's sister, Minnie:  my father was convert at Berkeys revival) }}

A few days after these meetings closed, the head lines in a July 1914 flashed the new in large bold letter that a powder key had exploded in Europe, the worse war of mankind and the many leading nations would become involved.  Austria - and Germany united against France, England, Russia, and other nations.  It looked as though the U.S. would become involved and in several years they were.  Several young who sat under Rev. Berkeys sounding voice previously were called into military training to be later sent over seas.  One of these three was killed on the battle front in France (All lined out:  This  These youngmen) Their attendance at Rev. Berkey's meetings was the first they had had the word of God preached to them.  Oh!  what a grand and glorious revival this was as it touched the hearts of so many - was just like the pouring out of the Holy Spirit - - That young men may see visions, and old men may dream dreams -

In the summer of 1916 Rev. Gurber, I believe from the Waynesboro area held one week's meet at the Capon Run School and one at the school house in the Upper Cove.  Several

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 4

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 4.

different, especially during floods and heavy summer rains.

By 1930 the road was completed to the Bergon cut off - two miles south of the West Va. line - In Nov. 1933 work was begun for its completion and by March 1934 - with bulldozers and steam shovels the (work - - lined out) road was completed to the W. Va. line - there it connected with W. Va., route 259.

The Capon Run Bridge was built and the new road was greatly widened. -

Now going back to the church activities. In July 1914, the Rev. E. J. Berkey from Fauquier Co. Va. came 2 hold a week's revival at the Capon Run School just south of the W Va. state line. This house since (below is written to-day which is lined out) has been converted into a dwelling. He stayed in the community at night, usually in my parent's home, the David Haltermans.

Instead of preaching 1 week he preached 3 weeks. He was a very fluent speaker, and people came for miles to hear him speak. Never had they heard anyone preach so ably - and eloquently as he. They came from the by-ways, hollows, Hunters Gap, Crab Run, Criders, the Upper Cove. Benches were (built - - lined out) placed around the sides and through the middle aisle - Then the school house was crowded to overflowing with many standing outside at door and windows. Never had they heard the word of God so well proclaimed. His teaching was

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 3

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 3.

there was preaching at the Capon Run School house, on Sunday morning at the Old Moyer School House, and then on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 P.M. preaching at the Capon Run School House. Reverends Hop Turner, Joseph Genl (?), Persy Shank, Joseph Shank, and George Showalter, each would take turns, one one month, and so on. In the winter when the weather was extremely bad, the Rev. George Showalter would come without fail. No matter how bad the weather, there was always meetings at these school houses without fail. Rev. Showalter always braved the hail, sleet, and snow. Often the streams of water would overflow. Since he rode horse back he managed to go through the swollen streams. The ministers spent Saturday night and ate Sunday dinner with friends and members of the community as this was horse and buggy days.

In 1905 the pike was begun under the Supervision of Adam Turner at Broadway coming toward the W. Va. line. with pick and shovel, the work advanced slowly often only 1/2 mile per year. It was very winding often following the old dirt road to economize farm land. In places the old narrow dirt road was almost impassable, especially in the early spring. There were big ruts near the ooze factory now on the Harley Good Farm. The main travel was wagons. Several 4 (or 6? written over) horse mule teams drawn each by 6 mules hauled Hyd (lined out) hides from Broadway to Lost City. At the ooze factory - - chemicals were extracted for use for tanning leather.

Near (lined out) the state line, the Capon Run spread over the narrow dirt road, and this made travel very

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 2

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 2.

church under Abram Shank. From 1899 to 1909 my mother was the only Mennonite member in this community. In 1909, her sister, Minnie Whitmer Mathias from Mathias W. Va. moved to adjoining farm of my mother. Then she was the second Mennonite Member in this community until 1910, About time Benj. Moyers, a travelling salesman, then, often spent the night with Bishop Lewis Shank at Broadway, and he became converted to the Mennonite Faith. In 1910 - 11 the Capon Run School House was built on his property.

Then about this time the Rev. Joseph Gent, who lived several South of Broadway held one week's revival meeting, at the old Moyers School House about 3 miles north of the State line. This was an unpainted school house with wide plank flooring, home made benches, probably was built in the 1880's and served as a school house until 1914, when a new two room painted building was built and school was held there until 1953 -

In these series of meetings the Rev. J. Gent visited some elderly people (DeLawders) in the Delawder Hollow. As a result of that week's meetings in all 8 people were converted to the Mennonite faith. Two were too elderly to attend the night meetings.

Now in 1911 there were in all 11 persons in this community of Mennonite faith.

At this time there was monthly meetings at these school houses. On Saturday evening

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Aunt Geneva Writes, Page 1

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As genealogists go, I have been a pretty lucky one.  I have had great helpers, genie angels, and my great-aunt Geneva Halterman was interested in this sport and contributed our lines to several family books.  I am also lucky enough to have copies of 10 pages of history she wrote.  In a series of 10 posts, I will share them.  Images and my attempts at transcription of them.  Here is page 1.

The First Mennonites in the area at West. Va.,Va. state lines along or near Route 259

My Grandfather, Daniel Halterman who was born at the state lines on the Hardy County side, worked in the valley for Abram and Samuel Shank, Mennonite Ministers. They owned large farms south of Broadway and immediately after the Civil War, a lot of the work in the hay fields and harvest fields was done by hand. Then my grandfather while working in the hay fields for these brethren became converted to the Mennonite faith. In 1871 grandfather was married to Barbara DeLawder of the Upper Cove. They lived in Hardy County one mile east of the state line and continued to live there until about 1898. Revs. Abram & Samuel Shank would go to the Upper Cove several times a year to visit my grandmother, Sarah Basye from Shenandoah County who married Sellesteen Whitmer in May 1866. She then came to the Cove to live. She was a member of the Mennonite Church in Shenandoah Co. before marriage. Enroute to the Upper Cove these ministers would spend the night at grandfather Haltermans and then on Sunday morning proceed to the Upper Cover thru Hunkerson's Gap about 6 miles. Along with them my grandfather Halterman and grandmother would go with them, on horseback to the Cove where they had preaching for grandmother Whitmer and some of her relatives.

In 1898 grandfather Halterman moved to Criders, Va. about 8 miles distant. My father remained on the farm near the state line and was married to Ida Whitmer in August 1899. Then my mother was a member of the Mennonite Church having joined that

If you see errors in my transcriptions, please notify me.  Thanks to all my helpers and the family researchers that came before me.

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Where is Lizzie Catherine May Buried??

Copyright 2017, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

The clean up project always brings more questions.  Deal with one document, visit multiple web sites, ask many questions, sometimes there are no answers found.

Such is the case for Lizzie Catherine May.

Her death certificate from the Commonwealth of Virginia, states she was buried at Timberville Cemetery, Rockingham County, Virginia.

The Find A Grave listing for the Timberville Cemetery does not list Lizzie.

The  Harrisonburg - Rockingham Historical Society maintains a wonderful cemetery inventory as well.  She is not included in their list of burials.

So, Lizzie, where ARE you buried?

*  My interest in Lizzie, is of course, her mother Mattie L. Fawley, who is the half-sister of Charles Gratton Trumbo, my great-grandfather.

** I strongly suspect she has no headstone.  Lizzie's father had passed in 1898 and her mother in 1911.  She was not married.  I will need to research the informant on her death certificate, James May, as I am uncertain who he is.

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Yes, Tana, You Can Drive Lynchburg and Still Have an Intact Roof

Copyright 2016, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

As some of you know, Man has a very sore back.  We did have a schedule to keep this time, rare, but, we did.  He cannot lift his right foot to brake, etc.  So, that left yours truly doing the driving.  And, the electrical, plumbing, water, satellite plus all the normal inside packemup.  It’s not a problem, till it comes to strength issues.  I remember years ago with the Ford van and the Layton travel trailer I had to use a leveling board to wack open the sewer connections.  SIGH So, long story short, we managed, but those front landing legs are an issue.  I cannot pull the pin AND lift them at the same time.  So, Man pulled the pin and I lifted.  We got er done.

Day 1 of the run to the Shenandoah Valley was about 215 miles and fairly routine.  Not a lot of excitement.  I like that.

Day 2, however, was not quite as peaceful.  It should be noted, that Man is usually driving, I am usually the navigator.  Man does not use the apps, and, ok, I am gonna say it, his navigating skills are lacking experience.  You can make of that what you wish.  (Wink, wink)

It started out with a fuel stop.  Man does not want to put bio-diesel in Jolly the mean bad towing machine.  Dodge says no more than 5%.  Many truck stops run 20%.  It is an ongoing issue.  We deal the best we can.  So, I am driving towards Greenville North Carolina and he is trying to find fuel with all the apps.  The first exit resulted in a U-turn in a Family Dollar.  Nice parking lot, HUGE and two entry paths.  In, out, easy as can be. Go down the road. Second exit was a small station, with a direct pull in entry to the pump.  He pumped.  I got out and looked at the situation and did not like the straight pull out situation, mentioned same.  He found that I could back the rig up about 25 feet and then, note, straight back.  Then go directly cross the street into another and much larger parking lot for a U-turn.  Only when we got over there, there was no U-turn as the route was blocked by a fire department training trailer.  Now, my back up skills are seriously lacking, when it involves turns.  I stink at backing up and turning. Seriously, stink. I can do straight back, as I had proved cross the street.  We tried a back up.  Failed.  I then note that the paved drive seems to go around toward another road.  I get out and walk it. Yep, I can drive around on pavement and out another entrance.  Works.  All I can say, is I am really glad that the busses were not arriving for school pick up, cause I drove the wrong way in the busses only drive.  But, I got er out and we are off.

While Man was fueling, I took it upon myself to set the GPS to take us to Lynchburg. Then, promptly forgot I did so. HUGE tactical error. HUGE. Remember, Man is less experienced than I with following the apps and where we are. Intersections tend to sneak up on him and I found the new brakes work exceptionally wonderfully.  (Wink, wink). Anywhoooo, we missed the by pass stuff around Lynchburg and I blindly followed the GPS.

And, yep, next thing I knew, when I realized my HUGE tactical error, I was in downtown Lynchburg.  I mean, DOWNTOWN.  One way streets, the whole shebang.  My blood pressure was rising and my temper too.  And, then, I knew I messed up big time.  HUGE. Did I say, I really messed up??  Yep.

Now, if you look at this map.  I was supposed to be on 29, heading east, then, northeast, in this image, down towards the bottom, etc.  Instead I was on the 29 (business?) in the middle of the image.  I ended up off of that, and somewhere around the word, "Lynchburg".  I know we went over towards Madison Heights and then, somehow, onward to 29 and northeast towards Charlottesvile.

Man quickly redid the route, to Charlottesville, I kept heading Jolly and Tana in what my internal GPS said was the correct direction until he did the input and got us a route.  And, I did not encounter any low bridges, or anything. Tana, Jolly, Man, Sir Winston and I made it all the way though Lynchburg with nary a boo boo, cept my nerves were rather wacked.

Onward - - lunch - - very small Pilot truck stop found - - parking is parallel, thought I was in a moving lane of traffic - - nope - - oh, well, we are parked - - by default.  After lunch we had to drive through the scales to get out of this place.  Back on the hard road - - wagons ho - - 

Man looks at the maps and decides to go all the way to Charlottesville is a bit out of our way, so, he decides he would like to take a more scenic and direct route.  Now, remember, my nerves are already a bit shaky.  (Wink, wink.)

So, off we go on our “tour”.  I will say, that the redbuds up by Afton were stunning.  I will say, that this gearing thing on Jolly works out quite well, I think I have mastered it enough to get by, or get up and down the hills.  (Wink, wink.)  I probably slowed down the local traffic on the 2 lane roads, but, well, I’m sorry.  SIGHH.  

Now, his next “turn” decision did not turn out so well. It did result in another U-turn.  He said, let’s try 6, yes, there are a few semi-hair pin turns, but, it will be gorgeous, he said.

Till I turned and see the big ole sign - - NO TRACTOR TRAILERS!

ARGGGG!

Now, we need to turn around and get off of 6.  About 1/4 of a mile down the road, I find a larger drive and we discover it is the drive to a storage lot, full of RV’s and such.  Wooohooo, they can get them in, we can get Jolly and Tana in and out, there is room to turn around somehow.  SOOO, in we go.  Man gets out and walks the storage area, discovers a way around, and off we go.  Some tight turns, but, out of there, back on 6, and back on the original route.  

Sometimes you really should believe the GPS. Sometimes not.

The rest of the drive was basically routine.  We got to the valley, found a new campground, much easier to get into the one we used to use, also much cheaper.  It is close to the I-81 and yes, we can hear the traffic rolling.  But, all in all, we are pleased with this new campground, and they have red buds blooming.

And, let me tell you, after setting up the electrical, plumbing, cable (WAHHOOO) and most of the inside, I poured an adult beverage, watched DWTS and crashed and burned.  I discovered this morning, I never hooked up the computer.  Yep, I was that tired.

And, today, we enjoy the Shenandoah Valley.  We are here for a while, at least a week, more likely 2 - - or - - 

And, Tana still has a roof, intact and no booboos.  It’s all in the day of the life of a RVer.

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A Reflective Day for Reflections

Copyright 2012, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

Man and I are in Rockingham County Virginia, home of my families for generations.  I can trace my lines back to at least 1800 (even a bit before).  I spent many summers here as a child, visited here many times as a young married gal with babies of her own.  Rockingham has always had an emotional hold on me.

We arrived yesterday, tired, and decided to just sit in the campground, rest, and rest some more.

Today it rained, all day, no deluges, just a steady rain.  Early afternoon, we headed out.  The mist and the rain suited our pensive moods.

Rockingham is truly beautiful, rolling hills, farms, old homes and new.  It is even beautiful in the rain, you can see a rain drop on Jolly's windshield, or maybe that is a tear - -

My daddy always said, nothing stays the same.  He was so right.  The Broadway Diner is closed.  They even closed a section of road, permanently, near where a number of my clan are buried and where my great-grandfather, Charles Trumbo, grew up.  Babies are born, our elders pass.  One of the reasons Man and I are so pensive and reflective is because this is our first visit back after cousin Nancy Trumbo Bodkin died, unexpectedly and much to soon.  Nancy was a spit fire, a wild woman, a giving woman, a great cook, a dear dear friend. Nancy was my partner in crime during the search for the ole Charles Trumbo house.  I wrote about it here and here.  Seriously, if you have not read those posts, you should.  Yea, Nancy was always getting me in trouble.

So, today in the rain Man and I drove to the cemetery to say "Hi" to Nancy and tell her how much we miss her.  The rain helped cover our tears.  Rockingham will never be the same.

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Birthday Observances, John Lehman

Copyright 2011, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

John Lehman was born March 13, 1763 in Frederick County Maryland to Ludwig Lehman Sr and his wife, Elizabeth (much controversy surrounds her possible maiden name, another story, another day).

John Lehman, is of German heritage, old German.  Those of you who have done some of that old German research realize that he was probably baptised as Johannes, or as I have his given name in my data base, Johanes.  Future work on this line should involve some review of documents I may still have buried in the file cabinets at the stick built or hunting down any baptismal records available for the family.

It should also be pointed out that the surname has been recorded as Lehman, Lehmann, Lemon, Lemmon, Lamon, and Laehmoen.  Nothing shocking here, this spelling thing is so so common with our early ancestors, German or otherwise.

John is my 5th great grandfather.  I have very little recorded about him in my data base, again, review of the paper files may pop up some info that I have, but have never recorded.  (Bad, bad Carol.)  There is however a note of a survey recorded in Rockingham County, Virginia in Book O-I, page 269.

On 23 Jan 1787 John married in Frederick County Maryland, his bride was Elizabeth Enhald.  Her parents names are not recorded in my data base.  In fact, in my notes I express some concern that what little information I do have recorded on her, is, in fact, shaky (questionable proofs).  More research is called for, no doubt about it.

John and Elizabeth eventually moved to Rockingham County Virginia.  They had 6 known children (to me), the first three were Maria Elizabeth, Johann Jacob, and Anna Maria, all three reported to have been born in Frederick County Maryland.  The last 3 were Magdelene, Catherine and Adam, they are believed to have been born in Rockingham County, Virginia.  My ancestress is Maria Elizabeth.

John died on 25 Apr 1836 in Rockingham County, Virginia.  His wife, Elizabeth had died about 5 years prior.  They are both buried at the Old Bethel United Brethren Church Cemetery, Mountain Valley Area, Rockingham County, Virginia.  As you can see I found his headstone, which is barely legible, I figured out parts of the inscription via "rub the finger on the engraving" method.  Birth and death dates I have recited here came from the headstone.

A number of years ago while I was visiting Rockingham County other descendants of John told me of  the location of the home he built tucked up in the shadows of Massanutten Mountains of the Shenandoah Valley.  I was given directions, which I followed to the best of my ability.  If you have ever driven around in the coves and hollars of any mountainous region, you will know, it is pretty easy to get a.)  turned around, and confused or b.)  totally lost.  I found what I thought was the John Lehman home, sure looks like it could have been built a few years ago, eh??

My line to John is as follows:

My mother
My grandfather, Leonard Homan Trumbo
My great grandmother, Anna Susan Holsinger Trumbo
My great, great grandfather, Peter Preston Holsinger
My g-g-g grandfather, John Holsinger
My g-g-g-g-grandmother, Maria Elizabeth Lehmann/Lemon Holsinger
My g-g-g-g-g-grandfather, this John Lehman.

They Worked Hard for the Family, Trumbo style

New to blogging, I have just learned about "Carnivals". The best I can determine, an assignment is advertised, you write a blog about the assignment, then you register your contribution and the reading begins.

The assignment read, in part, "The professions of our ancestors are almost as interesting as the people themselves. Some of our ancestors worked very hard; they took in laundry, worked the land, raised many children, or went to school and became professionals. Photographs of them working are called occupational photographs and are rather hard to find."

I was immediately interested because I have a copy of this really great photo of my grandfather Trumbo working in his foundry.

However, it was determined that there was a bit of a problem with this photo, COPYRIGHT!!

I originally found the photo in the work, "Rockingham County", a part of the Images of America series, Authors: Scott Hamilton Suter and Cheryl Lyon, Published by Arcadia, Charleston SC, 2004. I was thumbing through the book at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne Indiana, and just about jumped out of my seat when I saw it.

I next found it at the Library of Congress, it was part of the Office of War Information collection. I discovered it was taken by John Vachon. (I spent the next hour or so surfing the net, learning about John Vachon, great reading, ya sure learn interesting stuff in this sport.)

I decided to see if John's heirs would grant permission for me to use this photo and 4 more that John Vachon took of my grandfather's business, and they graciously have granted me that permission.

Here is the photo, with much appreciation. It was taken in May of 1941.


My grandfather, Leonard Homan Trumbo, is the man on the left. This is the Foundry in Broadway, Rockingham County, Virginia. We do not know who the other man is. This foundry was being run by Leonard's father, Charles, by 1920. My grandfather worked in the building, which was later called Broadway Garage, until his death in 1961. My mother has a lot of memories of the foundry and garage. Even I remember spending time in there as a child when we would visit.

There is much that can be told about this foundry, but for today, here is just a bit of what my mother told me about it:

"Back behind the stove and close to the window are boxes which were forms to use for making stove parts or whatever they were making at the time. The entire floor was dirt based and then covered with molding sand which was a dark grey color and very fine."

In recent years the foundry building and land was purchased from my grandmother by the city and has been used as some sort of workshop.

It may not look like much of a photo to many, but to me, just looking at it evokes strong memories, it is almost like stepping back through time and being there again, I can almost smell the oil from the garage.

*Before receiving permission to use this photo by the heirs of John Vachon, I prepared another post for the Carnival, They Worked Hard for the Family. I will post it tomorrow. Have no idea if they will take two entries, I shall find out.

**This blog became as much about obtaining permission to use the photo as the photo and its story, I would like to thank the organizers of the Carnival, it was the stimuli to my getting that permission, and I sure learned some interesting stuff along the way.
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