Reflections From the Fence: September 2014

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

11th Annual Fall Rally for the MOC in Goshen Indiana

Man and I have been here this week, enjoying the gorgeous weather, fall days, maples turning colors, previously established friendships, newly formed friendships, campfires, too much food, the annual plant tour, seminars, classes, and then, we started all over! We are exhausted!

There are now two couples that have attended all the rallies here in Elkhart County, Man and I, along with Terrie and Ron.

Here is the annual photo:

Thanks to the Wagon Masters, the Assistant Wagon Masters, the coordinators, all those that helped, brewing coffee, providing great food, setting up and cleaning up tables for meals, teaching, taking photos, sharing stories, laughter, making sure there was electricity where it was needed, publishing the rally booklet, and so many more chores (So many to list!). Thanks for the friendships.

It was a super week!

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 39, Mary A. Kessler Holsinger

This is week 39 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.

Mary A. Kessler was born January 14, 1836 to William (or Wilhelm) Kessler and his wife Susan Miller Kessler. Mary was born in Rockingham County, Virginia. Both of her parents died between 1840 and 1850.

1850 census? I need to review that.

Mary Kesler, aged 26 years, domestic, is living with a Wampler's family in the 1860 census for Rockingham County, Virginia.

On or about January 16, 1866, Mary married Peter Preston Holsinger in Rockingham County, Virginia. Peter was a widower with one child at the time of their marriage. Peter and Mary's marriage was reported in the Rockingham Register and Advertiser, Rockingham County, Virginia, January 19, 1866 issue, page 3, column 2. They were married by the Rev. Benjamin Bowman.

Mary and Peter had 6 children:

Anna Susan Holsinger
Oscar Luther Holsinger
Ida Catherine Holsinger
Harper Daniel Holsinger
Samuel David Holsinger
Louella Virginia Holsinger.

Mary is found on the 1870 U. S. Census for the Plains Township, Rockingham County, Virginia: Peter, age 32, day laborer, born Virginia; Mary, age 32, keeping house, born Virginia; William, age 10, born Virginia; Susan, age 4, born Virginia; Oscar, age 1, born Virginia.

Mary is enumerated on the 1880 U. S. Census for Plains Township, Rockingham County, Virginia: Peter P. (looks like middle initial could be a "R"), age 42, farmer, born Virginia, both parents born Virginia; Mary A., wife age 44, keeping house, born Virginia, both parents born Virginia; William B., son, age 19, at home, born Virginia, both parents born Virginia; Anna S., daughter, age 13, daughter, born Virginia, both parents born Virginia; Oscar L., son, age 12, born Virginia; Ida C., daughter, age 8; Robert (?), Rolen (?), Harper (?) D., son, age 5; Samuel D, son, age 3.

Mary is found on the 1900 U.S. Census of Plains District, Rockingham County, Virginia: Peter P. Holsinger, born october 1837, age 62, married for 39 years, born Virginia, both parents born Virginia, farmer; Mary A., wife, born June 1836, age 64, married for 34 years, seven children six of whom survive, born Virginia, both parents born Virginia; Harper D., son, born January 1875, age 25, single, born Virginia, farm laborer; Samuel D., son, born March 1877, age 23, single, born Virginia.

Mary died February 16, 1910 and is buried at the Linville Brethren Church Cemetery, Broadway, Rockingham County, Virginia.

Wish list for Mary A. Kessler Holsinger. Review 1850 census. Photo of Mary. Obituary.

* 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.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Certification, Congrats to D-I-L, Y

Our # 1 Son has a remarkable wife. Son # 3 does as well. OK, buttons busting Mom has to say, that our married sons have chosen extremely well. Man and I love both for their loving and brilliant personalities (I told you we were button busting!)

D-I-L # 1 (cause she is married to Son # 1, eh??) Y, was honored last weekend. She owns/runs a German school in Ann Arbor. On Saturday the school was awarded the status of “Sprachdiplomschule” by the “Kultusministerkonferenz der Laender der Bundesrepublik Deutschland”.

Here is D-I-L Y receiving the certificate from the Consul General of Germany in Chicago, Mr. Quelle. Y tells us, "It is a great honor for a small school like ours to host a representative of the German government."

I had to giggle tho, when we arrived for the program, Y looked at me and said something like, "Oh, dear, you probably won't understand much of the program, as it will all be in German." She was right, Carol did not understand ONE word. But, Carol and Man, did not need to understand the words, we understand how hard Y has worked for this.

Congratulations Y. We could not be more proud of you. Love and many hugs.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Gallagher, The Feisty One, at the Rainbow Bridge

This morning our dear little Mr. G, aka Gallagher passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

He was 15.5 years old, had pre-heart and pre-renal conditions, diagnosed almost 5 years ago. They gave him 12 to 18 months. He surprised everyone, even the vets.

Gallagher was a spirited yorkie soul. He fought and had a zest for life. We had "spells" for the last 5 years, when we thought his time had come. But, we were able to nurse him back to health and he kept on tickin, just like that Everready bunny.

Mr. G never met a human he did not like. He would greet them at the door and greet them again and again. Even when the humans thought the greeting time was over, he did not think so. He would greet, wagging his tail at warp speeds, for 30 minutes, 45 minutes, longer. He gave visitors no peace.

The last 2 years have been difficult as he went blind and suffered from curvature of the spine (due, I believe to his old age). Yet, he could find the water bowl, and his bed with little trouble. His love of food never waned until the last few days. As long as he attacked the food bowl with vigor all was well.

He joins his half-sister Tilly (Chantilly) at the bridge. Benjamin, Sebastian and Abby (Abigail), the yorkies, will be there to play with. So will Thor, the collie, Toto, the yorkie-poo, and a number of fur kitties, Bimbo, Cali, Mrs. T, to name just three.

Mom and Dad will miss your waggin tail Mr. G. Now, go romp with the fur friends.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 38, Sarah Anne Dews Taylor Odom

This is week 38 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.

Sarah Anne Dews was born July 6, 1893 in Kempsville, Princess Anne County, Virginia to William Henry Dews and his second wife, Lorena Estelle Eley Norsworthy Dews.

On March 31, 1909, she married Robert Lee Taylor, in the "bride's home". This would have been in the general area of Norfolk Virginia.

Sarah and Robert had 4 children:

Lillian Mae Taylor
Pearl Edith Taylor (just celebrated her 102nd birthday)
Robert Lee Taylor II
Ruby Estelle Taylor

Sarah is enumerated on the 1910 U.S. Census, Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia (immediately following Bessie A. Norsworthy Forbes, her half-sister): Robert L. Taylor, age 21, married 1 year, born North Carolina, both parents born North Carolina, laborer in box factory; Sarah A., wife, age 16, married one year, no children, born Virginia, both parents born Virginia. Also in the household is Robert's brother, Kenneth, age 16, who is also working in the box factory as a machine operator.

Sarah was found on the 1920 U.S. Census, South Norfolk Town, Norfolk County, Virginia: Robert L. Taylor, rents home, age 31, married, born North Carolina, both parents born North Carolina, carpenter at ship yard; Sadie A., wife, age 26, born Virginia, both parents born Virginia; Lillian M., daughter, age 9, born Virginia; E. Pearl, daughter, age 7, born Virginia; Robert L., son, age 6, born Virginia; Rubie, daughter, age 2 years 6 months. There are several borders in the home, names are very hard to read.

Sarah was located on the 1930 U.S. Census of South Norfolk City, Norfolk County, Virginia: Robert L. Taylor, owns home valued at $2,000, age 41, married, age at time of first marriage was 20, born North Carolina, both parents born North Carolina, peddler, fish and oysters; Sarah A., wife, age 36, age at time of first marriage was 15, born Virginia, both parents born Virginia, finisher in cotton mill; Ruby E., daughter, age 12, born Virginia.

In 1948 Robert, Sarah's husband died.

At some time Sarah, Sadie to many of her family, moved to Arlington Virginia, this photo taken around 1961, was taken there. Photo courtesy of her daughter Pearl.

At some later date Sarah married James McRoy Odom. James died in 1979.

Sadie died 2 years later on June 6, 1981 at Chesapeake Virginia.

Sarah's obituary appeared in the June 7, 1981 issue of the Virginian-Pilot as follows:
"Sarah D. Odom, 87, Retired Owner of Drapery Shop
Chesapeake Mrs. Sarah Dews Taylor Odom, 87, of 444 Villanova Ave., the retired owner and operator of Taylor Drapery Shop, died Saturday in a hospital. A native of Princess Anne County, she was the widow of James McRoy Odom.
Mrs. Odom, who operated the shop for 20 years, was a member of South Norfolk Congregational Christian Church and Oakdale Rebekah Lodge 17 of Chesapeake.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Lillian T. Hoggard and Mrs. Pearl T. Robinson of Chesapeake; two sisters, Mrs. Rena Nunnally of Norfolk and Mrs. Florence Bowen of Kitty Hawk, N. C.; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
A funeral will be held Monday at 3 p.m. in Graham Funeral Home, South Norfolk Chapel, by the rev. Willis E. Joiner. Burial will be in Riverside Memorial Park. The family will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robinson, 444 Villanova ave., Chesapeake."

Wish list for Sadie: Place of marriage to Robert Taylor, 1940 Census (which I may have, but have not posted), marriage data for marriage to James McRoy Odom (have not searched for a long time, there may be an index online).

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Give Me Bridges of Wood and Trees and - - Concrete??

Back in the 1930's a local man of some means was building his home. He hired two artisans from Mexico to build 17 unique bridges over a small running stream that cut through the property. The artisans built him 17 different styled bridges, all from concrete, but that look as if they are wooden, trees, ropes, natural. Some local residents claim 15 bridges and 2 dams.

The structures have been refurbished, by other Mexican artisans, beginning in about 2001. They did a marvelous job, bringing the bridges back from a sorry state.

NOT logs, concrete.

Ropes, concrete.

Graceful. Whimsical.

Believe this is the only "stone work" in the park. Bricks overgrown by the tree. Oh, ya, all concrete.

Possibly my favorite structure, the inside of the roof is "thatch". This photo does NOT do justice.

The water is amazingly clear. You can see every pebble on the bottom.

* You can read more about McCourtie Park at Roadside America.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 37, Elizabeth Isabella Chronic Lashbrook Leone Needs Parents!

This is week 37 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.

Elizabeth Isabella Chronic was born, we believe, Jun 4, 1885 in Fort Scott Kansas (per her headstone), or maybe Missouri, to parents UNKNOWN. If you look at her death certificate, it says she was born June 4, 1890. (Yes, indeed, we are already in trouble, aren't we?)

Here is what we do know, or have found. This is not in chronological order, but, in order of my research mind processing the "finds". A bit different approach.

On Jul 2, 1899 at Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas Isabell Chronic, age 15, married Ernest Lashbrook, age 19. This marriage record date was a recent index find, and a copy of the full record is needed. Maybe the names of the parents are included.

Isabell and Ernest had six children:

James Russell Lashbrook

John Ernest Lashbrook

Ralph E. Lashbrook

Nellie M. Lashbrook

George H. Lashbrook

Clarence Edward Lashbrook.

Isabell is enumerated on the 1910 US Census, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri in her husband's household as follows: Ernest, age 31, born Kansas, married 10 years, teamster; Isabel, 24, born Kansas, married 10 years, 5 children, 4 survive; James R., son, age 8, born Missouri; Ralph E., son age 4 (? hard to read?), born Missouri; Nellie M., daughter, could not read age, born Missouri; George H., son, age 1, born Missouri.

In 1918 Ernest died, his obituary lists his widow as Mrs. Belle Lashbrook.

Around 1920 (marriage record NOT found, YET), Isabell marries Stefano Leone. They have one child, Giacomo "Jack" Leone.

Belle was found on the 1920 U.S. Census of Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri as follows: Stefano Leone, rents home, age 33, married, came to the US in 1907, (cannot read status of naturalization), born Italy, both parents born Italy, laborer; Bell, wife, age 33, born Kansas, father born in United States, mother born Kansas; Carlo, son, age 7, born Missouri, father born Italy, mother born Kansas. Note: Carlo is actually Belle's son, Clarence Lashbrook.

The family has not been located on the 1930 census reports.

Bell Leone was found enumerated on the 1940 of Ward 1, Kansas City, Kaw Township, Jackson, Missouri, United States as follows: Steve Leone, age 52, born Italy, proprietor of fruit, wholesale liquor store; Bell, wife, age 60, born Missouri, clerk fruit, wholesale liquor store; and son, Jack, age 16, born in Iowa. In the same "house" but, listed as a second household, we find Clarence Lashbrook (see listing of Belle's children above) and his wife Lola and their children, Clarence Jr. and Joe Rita.

The search for her parents has been sporadic, time consuming and frustrating. For some time I have felt that this family * from the 1900 census was Belle and her parents. The age is close, but, if we believe she married in July of 1899, what is she doing here with her parents, showing as a unmarried young lady? It is interesting to note that I have not been able to locate her first husband, to whom she is presumably married, on the 1900 census.

* In the 1900 United States Federal Census of Kansas City Ward 11, Jackson, Missouri we find this family listing:
John P Chronie 44
Jane Chronie 40
William Chronie 17
Belle Chronie 15

* Look at the image, the last name is not Chronie, but, Chronic. Well, that's what I see, anyway.

In a great twist of fate/research, this William, aged 17, in the 1900 census, will marry the daughter of a Eliza A Lashbrook. Eliza is the sister of Ernest Lashbrook. Yes, the husband of Elizabeth Isabelle Chronic.

I prepared the following chart to try to graphically display the relationships or possible relationships. There is no question about the William Chronic marriage to Minnie Charlston (Charleston) or his parentage.

Alas, I have yet to find one document other than this 1900 census enumeration that I can use to tie Belle to this John and Jane Chronic. So far, I have not felt this one census enumeration is strong enough proof to enter John and Jane as her parents on my data base.

Elizabeth Leone died in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri on December 17, 1952. She is buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri with her husband Stefano, who died in 1960.

Elizabeth's Find a Grave memorial, which I manage, is here. There is a lovely photo of her gravestone on the memorial.

Wish list for Elizabeth Isabelle Chronic Lashbrook Leone: Photo. Copy of marriage to Ernest Lashbrook. Marriage data for marriage to Stefano Leone. Names of parents with substantial proof of same.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Sunday's Stories, 52 Ancestor Weeks, Week # 36, Letta Amelia (nee Clifford) Lashbrook

This is week 36 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.

Letta Amelia Clifford was born on Oct 27, 1856 (maybe, see further notes further into this biography) near Toronto, York County, Ontario, Canada (possibly in Whitby, Ontario County, Ontario), no birth record has been found. Her parents were Charles E Clifford and his wife Plutheria (Phoebe\Phebe) L. Clifford (yes, Plutheria's surname as given on her marriage record is Clifford, so, she was born a Clifford or was married to one prior to her married to Charles).

Letta is found on the 1861 census for Oshawa, Ontario County, Ontario, Canada in the home of her parents: Charles Clifford (bottom of page 28), finisher, born UC (Upper Canada), Christian, age 32, living in a frame home. On page 29, at the top, is the rest of his family: Phebe, born US, age 30, Christian; Ada, born US, age 6; Charles born UC, age 4; Letta, born UC, age 2; and Flora, born UC, age 1.

Between the 1861 census and 1870 this family seems to have been traveling about and in a great deal of personal turmoil, as I next find Letta on the 1870 U.S. Census living in Floyd Township, Floyd County, Iowa with one John Wesley Webster and his wife Lorinda H. Bemis. Family tradition and this census seem to support the story that Letta was "adopted" by John Wesley Webster. Also living in the house hold was "Georguit" age 7, David Webster age 69, Chas. F. & Amanda & Charles Bemus.

It is interesting to note that Lettie's maiden name is given as Webster on the death certificate of her daughter, Elizabeth Mae Stringer. On the death certificate of her daughter Etta A. Jensen, Lettie's name is given as Lettie Clifford. Lettie's name is given as Lettie A. Webster on the birth certificate of her daughter, Linnie Ruth, and as Lettie Clifford Webster on the death certificate of her daughter, Linnie Ruth.

Adoption records of Floyd County, Iowa are sealed so no additional data can be obtained from there. However, a record in the probate files has been located. In Book B, page 212 of Probate files, in Floyd County, Iowa the following entry is found:
"In the matter of the application of Phebe L. Cliford for Gaurdianship of her Children Charles N. Cliford, Ada L. Cliford and Lettie N. Cliford.
And now on this day to wit the first day March 1869 Phebe L. Cliford appeared in open court and the Defendant Charles Cliford not appearing but made Default and Phebe L. Cliford and John Webster being Sworn in the Cause and the testimony being Considered by the Court Whereupon it is Considered by the Court that the Said Phebe L. Cliford ought to be appointed Gaurdien of her said Children. It is thierfor adjudged by the Court that the Said Phebe L. Cliford be appointed Gaurdien of the Said Charles N. Cliford and Ada L. Cliford upon giving bond in the penal Sum of one hundred Dollars and that Letters issue the Cause as to Letta N. Cliford be dissmissed."
See the other records, as found in Book B, Page 205 and subsequent which states that Letta A. Clifford was 10 years old, in 1869, making her year of birth 1859, not 1856 as her death record would indicate. Note, according to the 1900, 1910, and 1920 US census, she was born in 1859.

On March 6, 1878, Letta married Wallace Henry Lashbrook in Charles City, Floyd County, Iowa. We have no idea how they met.

The announcement of Lettie and Wallace's marriage was found in the March 7, 1878 issue of the Charles City Intelligencer, Charles City, Floyd County, Iowa:

"MARRIED

LASHBROOK - - CLIFFORD - - At the Park Hotel in this city, Wednesday, March 6th by the Rev. J. Wadhams, Mr. W. H. Lashbrook and Miss Lettie Clifford, all of Floyd.

A number of friends of the young couple from Osage and Floyd were present. They left on the evening train for the north for their bridal tour."

(I have written about this marriage before, the post includes an image of the marriage record.)

Letta and Wallace had 5 children:

Archibald Norman Lashbrook, who would later be known as Arthur Norman Stevens, Sr.

(Many articles about "Archie" have shown up here on Reflections.)

Lillian L. Lashbrook, an infant, who was reportedly born in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, whose birth record has not been found, but who was located in the death records of Jackson County, Michigan.

Elizabeth Mae Lashbrook

Henrietta Amelia Lashbrook

and, Linnie Ruth Lashbrook.

By 1880, we find Letta in the U.S. Census of Whalen, Fillmore County, Minnesota with her husband and her young son: Wallace aged 25, miller, born Illinois, parents both born England; wife Lettie aged 21 born Canada, parents both born Canada; and son Archibald, aged 1 year, born Minnesota. (This census was found early on in my research and was the beginning of a 20 plus year affliction called "researching the Lashbrook clan!)

During the mid to late 1880's we find Letta and Wallace living in Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan. The discovery of their residency in Jackson sent me into overtime research mania and field trip, as that is less than 45 minutes from where Man and I currently reside.

Letta is found on the following state and federal census enumerations:

1895 Minnesota State Census, Minneapolis, Hennepin County

1900 U.S. Census of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota

1905 Minnesota State census, Minneapolis, Hennepin County

1910 U.S. Census, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota

1920 U.S. Census, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota

1930 U.S. Census, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota

Lettie's obituary appeared in the Minneapolis Tribune on July 1, 1930 as follows:

"LASHBROOK, Lettie A., age 74 years, Res. at 3118 Morgan av N. passed away Sunday, June 29th, 1930. Survived by three daughters, Mrs. C. Brown, Mrs. Etta Barr and Mrs. W.A. Stringer; also 8 grandchildren. Funeral services Wed. July 2nd. 1930, 2:30 p.m., from the residence. Interment Crystal Lake cemetery."

Another version of Lettie's obituary, with photo, was provided by Ruth Stringer Beck, publication data unknown:

"Funeral Wednesday

For Mrs. Lashbrook

Funeral services for Mrs. Lettie Lashbrook, who died late yesterday, will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the family home, 3118 Morgan avenue N. Mrs. Lashbrook had been ill for about 4 months. She was 74 years old, and had been a resident of Minneapolis for 50 years. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. E. Barr and Mrs. W. A. Stringer of Minneapolis, and Mrs. C. Brown of St. Paul, and five grandchildren."

Lettie's Will had this interesting stipulation, the second item: After payment of such funeral expenses and debts, I do hereby give, devise and bequeath unto my son, Archie N. Lashbrook, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, in cash, to be paid to him, only, in the event that he is found or appears at the time of my death and the probating of my Will, and in the event that he is not found, or does not appear, at the time of my death or the probating of my Will, it is my wish and will that said sum of Five Hundred Dollars is to be returned back into my estate, to be divided pro rata among the beneficiaries hereinafter named.

The third item of Lettie's Will read: In the event my son, Archie N. Lashbrook does not appear and cannot be found, at the time of my death, or the probating of this my Last Will and Testament, it is then my wish and I do hereby give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved granddaughter, Lettie Lashbrook, the sum of Three Hundred Dollars.

The Decree of Distribution of Lettie's estate, dated May 4, 1931, states: That Archie N. Lashbrook had not been found at the time of the death of the deceased.

Letta and Wallace are buried in the Crystal Lake Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Man and I visited there to pay our respects in 2005.

I manage Letta's Find A Grave memorial.

Wish list for Letta: Additional photos of her during her life. Related, I would love to find out what happened to her father, Charles E.

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