Happy 5th Blogiversary to Gene Notes!

I can't believe it's been 5 years since I started this blog. And looking back I wonder why I started it right before Christmas.

This has been a crazy year for Gene Notes. After suffering an avulsion fracture to my right ankle (the one that's attached to the right knee replacement from two and a half years ago) I had issues sitting at a desk or anywhere for that matter with my foot on the floor. As a consequence, I've spent less time on my computer than any time since 1996. Ouch.

I did manage to find some time to explore a Polish web site and found DH's maternal great grandparents (his maternal grandmother's parents) marriage record.

The last few weeks have found me finishing Christmas shopping and working on Christmas projects that I think will take me down to the wire -- which is early Christmas eve -- when the kids are here! The last item I am working on wasn't intended as a Christmas gift, and may well end up being a New Year's gift. We shall see.

In the mean time, I hope y'all have a very Merry Christmas!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

What a Trip?

DH and I returned late last week from our only trip this year. We visited Memphis - Graceland - and did some shopping there for Christmas, then visited Paducah, Kentucky, Bardstown, Louisville and Lexington all before returning home. It was fun, it was tiring. Neither DH or I are particularly good travelers these days, so the trip to Memphis, the last half hour in pouring rain was kind of stressful. The rest of the trip was okay except for the lack of cell phone signal in Bardstown. Apparently even AT&T users had no cell signal there either. Blah. Therefore, we moved on to Louisville.

Our only foray into Louisville itself, rather than the eastern 'burbs was to Cave Hill Cemetery where I have a few people buried. That was an extremely frustrating time, since their app would time out before I could locate graves. Mostly it was helpful in determining that a lot of these people did not have markers on their graves.

The most interesting thing about Cave Hill, was their niches for cremains. Looking for friend Karen, I discovered an older building that had been converted. Her request was easily located but I found some1 that really were different. You see, you have the option to have your cremains put in a niche and then a stone marker on it. OR you can opt to leave it glassed in and having your cremains placed in a nice urn or a plain box with your photo in it. Unfortunately, they don't photograph well.



Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

A Little This, A Little That!

DH and I are still planning our vacation. We plan on going next month, but where is still up in the air. How exciting?

I am irritated lately by Charter's announcements of being all digital. Every time I turn on my TV it defaults to their announcement channel. Give me a break!

My cousin wrote a book about Vikings. Recently, I referred him to Blogger for his blog idea.  Hint: It's in regards to Vikings, mostly in regard to their pre-Columbus settlement in the New World. Which is what his book, Vikings of Vinland by John F. Meyer, is about. It's available on Amazon.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Moaning Monday

I am really ready for summer to be over. It does get hot here in Mid-TN and the weather here has been pretty hot, rainy followed by a couple days of slightly cooler weather - mid 80s as opposed to mid 90s. In fact, I expect it to start raining any minute.

Older daughter has had issues with rain keeping her from completely cutting her grass, which she seems to be enjoying. It's also kept her from completing some indoor projects. This week, however, she is taking a couple days off and we are going to see if we can accomplish a couple of tasks.

I am still working on my office. It is going slowly. Very slowly. Honestly, I'd rather search for info than file info. But I'm going to try. The pile on the right side of my desk is over three inches high. Some of that is filing, data entry and evaluation. the piles on the left side is stuff to put away. Or find places for. Shudder.

And I am still learning Legacy Family tree. I like it. But there are a couple things that bug me, one of which is the inability to get to the Name List without using the mouse. I still try Ctrl-F frequently, because that is how I accessed the name index from RootsMagic. Maybe someday LFT will get it together!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Holy Cow! Jump Starting the Old Genealogy MoJo!

I attended two webinars sponsored by Legacy Family Tree this week. The one I attended yesterday was Research Recharge by Lisa Alzo. Just what I needed to get my genealogy Mojo going.

One of the things that is helping with that is the Research Guidance function in Legacy Family Tree. I love it and I hate it. I hate it, because it is giving me a lot of stuff to look at for my Nathaniel Davidson brick wall. I love it for the same reason. Eight pages is kind of crazy though!

I even cleared one small portion of my desk! This actually involved shifting paper from one side to the next. I'm afraid to file anything without being sure that it was entered in my records, and it has been such a long time since I did anything with anything.

Or so I thought. Since March, I have added 31 people to my database. Deleted 8 to-do list items and added 34 items to that list. Eek!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Oh Man!

Recently, I received an email from Canon about my mobile printer not being compatible with Windows 8. Sigh. This is my little travel printer that goes on trips with me to print out to-do lists, maps, cemetery section maps, etc. Canon nicely offered a customer loyalty discount, but I think I can do better probably at Staples or Amazon.

One of the nice things about my old ip70 was the cradle kit for it which turned it into a cordless printer. I love it. It still has to be attached to the computer via USB, but that isn't an issue.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Who Do You Think You Are? WHAT?

I am catching up on WDYTYA and I am puzzled why someone from UC Irvine is involved in records at the Missouri State Archives. Just one more reason Ancestry puzzles me.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Has Your Brain Been Fried:

It has been a really weird summer here. It has been hot, rainy, cool, rainy, hot ... no wonder my brain feels like it has been fried. Barometric pressure is one of my migraine triggers, so, yes, I've had my share of the nasty headaches this summer.

Hubby and I are slowly getting some things accomplished, one of which was a remodel on our pantry. I hate wire shelving and now we don't have that anymore. It is so much more organized now.

We are still negotiating with each other for our fall vacation. We've not planned anything yet. If we do get around to it, I think I might have to work on to-do lists.



Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Long Overdue

It has most certainly been a long time since I blogged. Mostly, my blog ideas have been excuses why I am too busy to blog. Life around here has been ridiculously hot and busy.

Our wonderful cat, Mouse, is fascinated by lamps. So much so that she broke one of my table lamps. DH and I have been hunting for new ones that are not 3-ways, because 3-way lamps and bulbs are generally a pain in the bottom. We thought we were successful, but the ones we bought, one of the three ways did not work.

Then we got busy cleaning our deck and re-arranging the furniture. After the second family barbecue I convinced DH it was time we bought a bigger dining set for the deck. Our original one, which I really liked, was bought before our deck and family expansion. I can't wait for the new one to be delivered.

I hope things will quiet down a bit and I can take care of these piles on my desk.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Freaked Out Friday - What Did I Do With It?

I spent 2.5 hours at my desk yesterday - not including writing blogs. That is probably the longest time I've spent there in several months. I don't think I got all that much accomplished, but did add 4 baptismal records and one marriage record to the database and added the baptismal record images too! Sometimes I think I will never make this pile smaller. But I keep plugging at it!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Thomas Kruszka Follow-Up

 I did verify that the Thomas Kruszka I found on the 1900 Census and in the Cook County Illinois Catholic Church records was the same Thomas Kruszka who was a brother to my DH's great grandfather, Michael Kruszka. Fortunately, I was able to contact a friend, who, through my description of the record I found online was able to verify for me that the database was the one I thought it was. This would be the Poznan Marriage Record Project. It gives the year and the parental information, which is how I was able to ascertain the validity of my supposition

I contacted someone on Ancestry.com who has a private tree that includes Thomas. Everyone has the wrong birth information. He was born in 1851, not 1849. I have the birth record to prove it.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

What I Asked For?

I mentioned yesterday that I was having a hard time sitting down in my office and working. Well, be careful what you ask for, because I did sit down in the afternoon and think I found another of my DH's family - his direct paternal line - in Cook county, Illinois.

I would love to see his death certificate -- IF it has his parents' names. I did not find him after 1900, presumed he was dead and then found someone who might have been him dying in 1935. Same month and year of birth. So I went back to Ancestry and looked at the record. Frustration! The record lists Thomas Kruszka and Josephine Skibinska as the parents of Thomas. Wrong. His wife was Josephine Skibinska. I see this so often on death records that I could spit!

So, his widow is not a widow in 1910. Divorce? Separation? Sigh. Who knows.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Humid Brain

Whew! It was HOT & HUMID over the weekend. So much so, that I couldn't even think about dragging myself into my office to do anything. Yesterday afternoon, however, I received an email from the Missouri Archives Volunteer coordinator that announced that there were some stray 1962 death certificates waiting to be transcribed. I had a few minutes so I did some. Then I thought, 1962? We did those over a year ago. Maybe somewhere along the line someone will find the missing 1963 death certificate for Mary Louise Campbell Webb. According to Find-a-Grave she died in 1963. Maybe, maybe not. I'll keep an eye out in the meantime!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Checking Out the Kochs

Yesterday's Wedding post sent me on a search for more information on the Kochs and Kraemers. I've found a little, but not specifically what I was searching for. For instance, I was searching for a death notice for Caroline Schwartz Koch, and found her husband's death notice. There were two Caroline Kochs buried at the cemetery where Theodore, Caroline's husband is buried. One died in 1934 and the other in 1944. I've got Caroline on the 1930 census, but by 1940, her hubby is noted as widowed. I may have to go back and do a search of the newspaper by date to find her.

Likewise, while searching for her daughter, Gertrude Koch Kraemer, I found Gertrude's husband and one of her sisters. But no Gertrude and no idea when Gert died. I guess, I will just add these items to the to-do lists!


Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Koch and Kraemer

On May 27, 1915 in Lancaster, New York, Miss Mary Gertrude Koch married Mr. Joseph Kraemer. She was my second cousin once removed.

 

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Post Holiday Musings

The weather has been hot and humid here in mid-TN with lots of rain interspersed. Fortunately, Saturday evening was spectacular and we enjoyed dinner with younger daughter and her boys. Boys as in man and boy.

I didn't want to include the following into my Memorial Day tribute, but have to say that I am outraged with the way the Veteran's Administration is handling the lack of care being given to our veterans. This has been a long time problem, but the news lately is just so disgusting with the secret wait lists. If this is how we treat our veterans, those who put all on the line for us, what will happen to the rest of us? And how can those responsible live with themselves knowing that they could refer those patients to doctors in the private sector. Shame on them. There is just absolutely no excuse for this.

Rant over.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Memorial Day

 The above list are those who passed. I would also like to thanks all the living veterans of past wars, conflicts, and just those who served their country, especially Kevin and my nephews Patrick and Steven.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Wendy & Rob

Today is the 21st wedding anniversary of DH's cousin Rob and his wife Wendy! Wishing you many, many more!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Stella Mary Zalot

I can't believe it's been 21 years since my husband's beloved Tash died. She was his mother's sister and lived with his parents in the home where DH grew up. On the day she died, she was getting ready to go on a weekend trip. She'd been happier than she had been in years.

Both my daughters were close to their great aunt Stella Zalot. Younger daughter wrote what is included in today's post. Younger daughter was 10 at the time, and read it at Tash's funeral.

Aunt Tash.

The time has come to say goodbye to someone we all love. We'll treasure her forever, and never let her go.

The gentle way she took our hands, and said everything would be all right will sit in our hearts forever.

She always lent a helping hand, she always led the way. She's touched our hearts in so many ways, it's way too much to say.

My final words to her, wherever she is right now will never change, because, Aunt Tash, I love you!

On the day of her funeral, it took a few minutes to figure out what was wrong - her eternal smile was missing. No matter what was going on in her life, she always had a smile.

We miss you Tash!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

I Love Updates

Legacy Family Tree finally fixed one of the things that was really bugging me - the ability to tab from field to field in their source writer. Hooray! I've been waiting for this for a long time. Thanks Legacy Family Tree!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Too Much Paper

My husband sent me on a quest today for notes I had taken during a webinar hosted by Legacy Family Tree and given by Thomas MacEntee of Geneabloggers and speaker extraordinaire. The topic was 7 Habits of Highly Frugal Genealogists. After sifting through all the layers, I found said note and gave to DH.

Really, there was way too much paper to search through.  And right now there is so much going on in our lives, its hard to focus.

So tonight, what did I do? Nothing with the paper, that's for sure. Instead I saved some images of California marriages.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Percival & Snow

On May 14, 1765 in Harwich, Massachusetts, Capt. John Percival married Miss Mary Snow. He was my second cousin 7 times removed. They are notable for being the parents of  Mad Jack Percival, the only commander of the USS Constitution - that's Old Ironsides to you - to sail her around the world, wreaking havoc!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Engagement Tuesday - Mine!

DH and I got engaged 35 years ago today! At least that is what we think happened. His proposal was very round-about and I forgot to say yes!  

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Tangents

Yesterday's post was about the Eichinger-Schwartz marriage.  When I chose them, I noticed I did not have death dates for them. Neither appeared on the SSDI, but I finally found them on Find-a-Grave. That led to a death notice and obituary for him, but sadly not for her. Really, it mostly added paper to the pile.

I took care of those papers today. I also dispatched a couple of census records for a family in Kentucky. I also found two more census records for this family and they are about to be linked!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Schwartz & Eichinger

On May 7, 1902 in Lancaster, Erie, New York, Mr. Robert Eichinger and Miss Clara Katharina Schwartz were married. She was the daughter of August Schwartz and Mary Josephine Kibler, and was my second cousin, once removed.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

It Just Gets Worse

Oh my, I haven't worked on my family history this month at all. Well, maybe one sheet of paper. But the pile on my desk just gets worse and worse. I MUST sit down in here and really make a concerted effort to organize.

It gets worse when I read a tip somewhere and just have to try it out. Now I am working on a way to pull up all the divorced people in my database to make sure that their divorced status shows up on the screen. Hmmm. That may become a to-do list item.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Planning - Maybe

DH and I are in the process of planning a trip. Not sure where - we are still negotiating that - and not sure when. My idea of a trip is to Salt Lake City. DH doesn't like to fly. In fact, he is dead set against that. The thing is, I am not sure either of us is up to driving that far. So instead, we are tossing other ideas around. And of course, like a lot of men his age, he may change his mind. And maybe a shorter trip this year may lead to a longer road trip next year.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Freaked Out Friday - Those To-Do Lists

I am glad to say that DH and I have been chipping away at our to-do lists. Unfortunately, for me anyway, none of them are genealogy related. My attention span still is kind of short, so when I do get a chance to go in my office, I don't usually get much done. Yesterday, that included changing the calendar on my desk to May and doing some backups. I'm working on the pile-o-paper, one sheet at a time lately. I did manage to scan the photos that came with the Christmas cards and link them to the appropriate people in my database! That's progress!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Where Did I Leave It?

It's been such a long time since I worked on anything, I am staring at a piece of paper and wondering what the heck - why is it on my desk. This is bad. It makes me afraid to delve further into my piles-o-paper. I so need to get organized again. I really hate the disorganization that has been my life the last few months.

Please share tips for what you do when you've been so long away from your desk that you don't know where to start!  Thanks!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Follow-ups - The Ankle continued ...

Just returned from my ankle follow up. Turns out the technical term for my problem was an avulsion fracture. Usually the recommended treatment is surgery. So far, I've avoided that. It's as good as it's going to get and I only need to return when I get tired of the pain.

I haven't been overdoing it except during Easter prep. Yeah. But it does feel better. I looked on line for recovery for this type of injury/surgery. Nope. Going to try and make it through.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Life Takes Over Again

I thought once Easter was over things would quiet down a bit. Not so. DH and I have been doing a lot of running around lately. Seems like we are making up for all that time I had to sit on my butt with my ankle elevated. Feels good to get out though. And the weather has been so nice, I love it!

I really only hate one season, and that is of course, Winter. I hate the cold, the dreariness and everything turning grey or brown or yellow. That is one of the reasons we planted a lot of evergreens around our lot.

Hope you all are getting better weather!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wow! That Was a Busy Week!

Therapy ended none to soon, since last week I was busy with chores, shopping, baking and cooking. First of all, this was my first grocery shopping since February 16th, when I missed that step and broke my ankle. Then it was time to clean a house that hadn't really been cleaned in those 6+ weeks. Hubby and I have decided we have to really break it down into smaller chores, and that worked.

Thursday, I baked muffins - using my sour cream coffee cake recipe. OMG! They were good. Friday, I made stuffed cabbage. Saturday, I finished the rest of the cooking with Older Daughter's help, and we celebrated Easter dinner. Sunday morning, we had breakfast and an egg hunt with the six-year-old. I really had a lot of fun and so did he.

This holiday, OD hosted her younger sister, her man and son and puppy at her house. I can't tell you how grateful I was for that. Besides, it gave the "sissers" time to visit.

I hope you all had a good weekend!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Progress of a Sort

Things are more or less getting back to normal. I've been in cleaning mode for the last few days getting ready for Easter. Not much got done while I was "resting" the ankle, so its a mad dash. Add in doctor and dentist appointments, it makes for a busy week.

Today is older daughter's birthday!  Happy birthday to her!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Zimmeths

Happy 38th anniversary to my cousins (3rd) Mary & Jerry Zimmeth over in Minnesota!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

One Thing Leads to Another-The Domino Effect

My cousin and his wife went to Minster, Ohio back when it was really cold, just a couple weeks ago. They took pictures of the headstone they found of his grandfather's but couldn't locate his grandmother's. And the flat stones that said 'Mother' and 'Father' the parents of the grandparents were missing. They were there when I visited in the 1990's sometime. I have pictures of them.

My intent when cousin's wife sent me a photo of the headstone cousin took and a plot locator guide, was to scan them and link them. Unfortunately, that didn't get done before my multifunction gave up the ghost on Saturday.

However, with the new printer/scanner/copier installed, that task has been dealt with and now stands completed!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday RIP Canon MX860

Saturday I tried to print a pension record for my g-g-g-g grandfather John Parker. Right in the middle of printing it suffered a hardware error. It died.  It was over 4 years old and I only paid $100 for it. It didn't seem worth it to send it for repairs.

Today, DH and I went to Staples and replaced it with an Epson Workforce 7520, which is a larger format printer. It will print on paper up to 13 x 44 inches. Be still my heart. Due to a sale, a $50 trade-in on the old printer I saved $120 on the new printer and am very happy with the setup and operation of it - since I had to replace my old multifunction with this, it also scans and copies and faxes.

RIP Canon, long live Epson.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Freaked Out Friday - Released

I hit a milestone yesterday. I finished physical therapy for the broken ankle. And, honestly,  yesterday it felt better than it has in weeks. It is still sub-par, but I can see the improvement every day. I can't tell you what a relief it is.

Today, DH and I are emptying the hot tub, scrubbing it clean and refilling it. It's a little late, due to the weather and my ankle. I am sure we'll be ready to relax in it tonight and tomorrow we can start Easter preparations!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Still Working on Normal

I wish I could say, now that I am in my 8th week of ankle recovery that things were back to normal. Alas, they aren't. Tuesday I had a doctor's appointment, and waiting around for an hour to see the doctor (not the orthopedic guy) didn't help. Then DH and I made a visit to Hobby Lobby. That was fun, but basically my ankle hurt for the rest of the day. And night. Gawd, I miss normalcy. And Easter is fast approaching and the house needs a good cleaning. I can't dump all that on DH. Soon, please, I want my ankle back to normal.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Percival & Goble

On April 9, 1829 in Boone County, Kentucky, Mr. Aaron Goble wed Miss Martha Percival. It is believed by this researcher that Martha was the daughter of Timothy Percival, Jr. and Louisa Shattuck. If this is true, then she was my first cousin five times removed.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Johann Carl Christian Klevsaat - aka John Klesert

There are many variations of the Kleesaat or Kleesart surname, and this man, my second cousin, three times removed used Klesert.

John was born in Rosenaw, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany on March 19, 1840. He was the son of Frederick Christoph Ernst Klevsaat and Christiana Sophia Louise Brahst. The family emigrated to the United States in 1857. He married Sophia Stube on December 6, 1865 in Sturgis, Michigan. He passed away on April 5, 1927 in Sturgis.

Klesert Rites Held

Funeral services were held a 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon for John Klesert, pioneer resident of Sturgis and St. Joseph County, who died Tuesday afternoon. Dr. J. W. Will officiated at the services.  L. A. Stevenson and Milo Zook sang.  Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery. Casket bearers were George and Guerney Klesert, Clarence and Charles Storms, Fred Zabel and Charles Schweder.  Out-of-town relatives who attended were Mrs. John Brast, Colon; Miss Wanda Miller, Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Watters, Battle Creek/ Clarence Burg, Albion; and Mrs. Zoe Keen of Fort Wayne.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Freaked Out Friday - Storms

I've been up since 5:30 a.m. thanks to thunderstorms, tornado watches and warnings rolling through the area. I'm not sure what woke me up, the thunder or Miss Mouse trying to get to me through a closed door. Fortunately, we made it through without any damag and no flooding.

I hate getting up that early when it isn't necessary. I have no appointments and no therapy scheduled, so the natural thing to do is sleep in. Oh well. Miss Mouse, who usually hangs out on my lap in the morning is still a little agitated and curious. She doesn't know whether to hide or look outside and see what is going on.  Maybe I will sneak into my office and do a little work.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Free at Last!

I am finally starting to feel like my old self sans boot.  Wednesday I probably overdid it, but I enjoyed Webinar Wednesday for Legacy Family Tree which was "7 Habits of Frugal Genealogists" by Thomas MacEntee.  Learned some great stuff and thoroughly enjoyed it.  This was followed by some shopping, dinner with older daughter and what I thought would be some time in the hot tub. Alas, lightning chased us out after five minutes.

Therapy was harder today, and so I am really tired.  Just a few things to take care of tomorrow and then I am promising myself some time in my office. It's time to take care of those piles.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Tutt & Hensley

On April 2, 1920 in Kansas City, Missouri, Miss Leslie Vivian Tutt married Mr. William Oren Hensley. She was the daughter of Jane Webb and William Presley Tutt, and my second cousin once removed.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Liberated!

Doctor appointment went well today. I am now out of the boot and into shoes! I can drive again. Actually, driving feels better than walking, so all is good. Just in time since it means I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn and go to dentist with hubby for his 8 am appointment AND my 9 am appointment.

I can continue with therapy, which is helping. I will say the right shoe is a little snug, as I still have swelling and discoloration. It just feels so good not to be dragging the boot around any more. 

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - - Robert W. Kirtley

Robert W. Kirtley was born May 17, 1837 and died March 29, 1890 in Boone county, Kentucky. He was buried in the Bullittsburg Baptist Church Cemetery in Bullittsburg. He was my 3rd cousin 4 times removed.

You can visit his Find a Grave Memorial here.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Freaked Out Friday - Miscellanea

I noted last night that there was some stuff I didn't understand about the to-do items in Legacy 8.0. A quick email to and from Legacy's great help people gave me food for thought. If I can concentrate for longer than 3 minutes I'll go take a look and see.

I am counting down the days until my boot comes off. It's four, I hope. Tuesday I see my doctor and I hope he says I can wear shoes again. It will make therapy easier. Yesterday, I had my first standing session, with a couple walks around the gym. I was told to walk slow. What? I don't walk slow. But I did pretty well. It feels good. 

This week the Tennessee legislature defeated by one vote the proposal to bring daylight savings time permanently to Tennessee. I am so glad. It is confusing enough with Tennessee in two time zones as it is -- East Tennessee is in the Eastern time zone. This was one of the dumber bills I have seen. Personally, I like daylight savings time, but it doesn't matter once winter comes. It still gets dark too early!

Not sure what this weekend will bring, but I hope the weather stays warm. I really hate the cold. Have a good weekend, all.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Family Trees

I had a nice chat with one of DH's cousins the other day, in which she wanted to verify a source for a marriage record. It seems she was browsing an Ancestry family tree and the tree she saw had some bad information on it. Not that I'm perfect, but cousin's relative was not born in Wisconsin, but in Buffalo, New York and I did have the parent correct.

Please, please, please be careful with those family trees. You don't know where the info came from, and more often than not, the only source for a family tree is a reference to someone else's tree.

Take the time, verify, even if it means duplicating someone else's work. After all, you do want the documentation that proves the relationship, event, etc.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

No Wedding Today!

A Percival relative contacted me over the weekend pointing out something that has always puzzled me ... the fact that my ancestress, Mary Bassett nee Rainsford's first husband died in May of 1670. Not much of a big deal until you look at the birth of James Percival, Jr, the son of James Percival and Mary Rainsford born purportedly January 18, 1671, while his parents weren't married until June of 1671. However, in the transcribed records of  Sandwich, Massachusetts, the date is 1678 or 1675 with the last digit marked over with a 1. My Percival relative pointed out the possibility that either James, Jr was really a Bassett or not James, Sr's son. I pointed out the possibility that the record actually says he is James' son, maybe not Mary's. Personally, I am hoping the date is wrong. I hate to think I've been researching the wrong surname all these years. I guess the only definitive test would be for a Bassett descendant and a Percival descendant (from James junior) to have their DNA tested.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Ancestry.com Survey - You Really Want my Opinion?

Went to Ancestry.com last night and the survey request popped up. Yeah, I'm going to take it and no, I don't expect Ancestry.com to listen. After all they haven't listened to me since I bought a membership way back in the early 1990s. But they are going to get my two cents worth two different ways. Whether they want it or not. 

I really hate the fact that I can't sort the stupid results alphabetically any more. I don't want their idea that I want to search all that European crap when I am searching in Missouri, California or Texas, for crying out loud.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Monday Moanin' - Week 6 and a Little Genealogy

Can't believe it's been 5 weeks (yesterday) since I broke my ankle. Now into week 6, I can't wait to get out of this boot. Therapy is slow, but I have a lot less pain, for which I am really grateful.

Last night I sat down in my office and actually did a little data entry. What a joy. Then I got frustrated working with Ancestry.com's new search. I. Hate. It. Seriously, they think it is helpful?  It gave me a headache!

I got so enthused with data entry that I printed out a few death certs from which to enter data and did a bit more!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Harvey L. Carter

On March 22, 1966 in Knoxville, Iowa, Harvey Carter, son of Edwin Carter and Martha Bridges. He was born September 19, 1893 in Missouri and was my first cousin 3 times removed. He was buried in Keokuk National Cemetery.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Freaked Out Friday - More Boot Talk

Yesterday at PT, I was told about a product called EVENUP that is made for someone in a boot to wear on the non-boot shoe that raises you up to the same level. Oh what a joy that is! My back is starting to feel so much better. I can walk a little better and don't feel like ever step is going to throw me on the floor!

Today, I am being brave and going for a pedicure. My last one was 9 weeks ago. Ugh. At least my foot and ankle are looking better! 

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Ancestry.com Crap Revisited

 On Tuesday, I complained about Ancestry. You can see I am supposed to be searching the United States Collection in an exact search. So why the heck am I getting crap for England? This has always been an issue with Ancestry.com. So why do they keep rolling out new searches when none of them work?

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Bowman and Stanhope

On March 20, 1850 in Lexington, Kentucky, Miss Nancy C. Bowman to William F. Stanhope. This was William's second marriage. His first wife was Sarah Bowman, Nancy's older sister, who died in 1847. Both women were my 1st cousin 4 times removed, being the daughters of Joseph Bowman and Elizabeth Bowman who were first cousins.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

While You Were Sleeping ... Ancestry.com Screwed Up!

I have not done much if anything with my genealogy while I've been recuperating from the broken ankle. I knew Ancestry.com was making changes to their "search" but I really wasn't prepared for the crap they have come up with. Even my cousin, who used the previous "new" search hates it.

They certainly have not fixed the problem when doing an exact search of all the extra crap that comes up. For instance, if I am searching the US collection, I don't want to see results from Europe. It makes absolutely no sense. Blah. So, now that I can spend a limited amount of time searching, I don't want to.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Monday Moanin' - Week Five - Das Boot Woes

I can't believe that it was four weeks ago yesterday that I fell and broke my ankle and sprained all the soft and muscular tissue in my right foot and ankle. While I am doing well in therapy and am rapidly regaining range of motion, the toll on my left hip is awful. Anyone who has spent any time in a cast or "boot"  will understand how awful it is until you find a shoe to wear on that side that is close to putting both legs on an even keel. It had gotten so bad that I can hardly walk around the house and the cane doesn't help much. Finally, dug through all my shoes and found an older Sketcher tennis shoe that helps. Not only was it affecting the left hip, but the left knee and right knee were starting to act up. Saturday night it made it difficult to sleep, so I woke up a bit cranky yesterday.

With the improvement of the ankle, I had hoped to spend a little more time in the office working, but I just couldn't get comfy. Today, it isn't quite so bad, so maybe things are looking up.

I have cousins who were supposed to be heading up to Minster, Ohio on Sunday so that they could haunt the historical museum there. When I looked at Sunday's weather map, I wondered whether they got off okay or not. Nasty weather through Kentucky on the map.

I am counting down the days until I see the orthopedic surgeon - 15. The boot stays on until then.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Legacy Family Tree

I worked in Legacy Family  Tree a bit the other day,  trying to go over some of the shortcuts I had printed from the help file back in December.  Some of them did not work as I expected.  I sent in a bug report and was basically told I was wrong.  When I bought the new version I also bought the book,  since I was basically new to the program.  I am a little irritated that changes have been made from what was printed.

I have yet to go back into the program and reprint the shortcut pages.  Seems silly that I have to relearn some of the stuff I already learned and the new version is only a few months old.

After that,  I have to figure what went wrong with the Families app import of my updated database onto my nook.  I have to admit I am feeling a bit frustrated.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Bodley & Pearce

On March 12, 1835 in Louisville, Kentucky, William S. Bodley married Ellen Pearce. He was my 2nd cousin four times removed and was the son of General Thomas and Catherine Harris Schiell Bodley.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Slow Progress

Monday was a busy day for me.  I spent a couple hours in my office trying to accomplish a couple of tasks,  both with just a modicum of success.  Then it was back to the couch to put my foot up for a while.

DH and I celebrated the 35th anniversary of our first date on Monday,  so we ate dinner out.  It was the first time I've eaten out since my fall.  Later it was back home to ice my foot.  I have some confidence that I will gradually build up time in my office.  The craft room is something else altogether since the chair in there is a drafting chair.  I have enough trouble getting up on it without the handicap of this boot.

I still am bored frequently,  but hopefully that won't last too much longer.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Monday Moanin' Week Four

Still not much improvement in range of motion,  but the swelling is down quite a bit.  My foot and ankle are still going through the rainbow of color.  Mostly browns now.  Therapy was started,  and hopefully I will start to see some improvement.  Only 2-3 weeks left of the boot I hope.

Friday I was fortunate to be able to sit in on the Legacy sources and citations webinar. And now I am champing at the bit to get back to my research.

On a more interesting note,  today is the 35th anniversary of our first date.  And I still feel way too young to have been with him that long!  Love my DH like crazy!  Happy anniversary.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday : Eleven Years

I can't believe that it has been almost 11 years since my dad died.  Both of my kids were in their early twenties.  We were still living in Michigan.  Now we all live in Tennessee and my mom,  too,  has passed.

Miss you,  dad.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Weather, DST, et al

We're starting to have an upswing on the weather. Yay. At least for about the next week. It can't come too soon, since it has been very cold and icy this winter. And this weekend starts Daylight Savings Time, which I always look forward too. That heralds the start of grilling season, since it will stay light enough at dinner time to grill. I keep looking for signs of Spring. Mouse the cat has seen her signs, since most days she can be found parked in front of the dining room windows chirping like a bird.

The ankle is slowly healing. Looks like the boot and I will be together for 3-4 more weeks. Ugh.  This will probably keep me from attending the annual Home and Garden show in town this weekend. Bummer. Old Daughter will be attending it for the first time. We've looked forward to it since she moved into her house in January. Part of the issue is that the venue is not handicap friendly. Why they built it without any kind of elevator is nuts. It's in a pavilion which is used for livestock shows and to get to the main floor of the exhibit area requires steps. Also, this place has a dirt floor. I just can't imagine trying to walk with a cane around this place since the boot has me so off balance. And, I start P-T tomorrow. As I recall, I will be uncomfortable afterwards.


Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Chinn and Johnson

On March 5, 1817 in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, Thomas Withers Chinn married Elizabeth Johnson. Legacy tells me that Thomas is my half third cousin four times removed, since he descends through my ancestor Rawleigh Chinn and his legal wife, Esther Ball.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Tuesday Ankle Update

I hate when you're told the awful burning sensation you're feeling in your injured appendage is normal. As I was told today, the "break" is healing nicely, but the sprains of all the other stuff needs time and rehab. So the boot is here to stay for another 3-4 weeks.

The good thing, I was able to get up and down the stairs today relatively easy. Which is good, since Friday I start physical therapy for my poor little ankle. Well, not so little since I am still experiencing the awful burning sensation and it is still pretty swollen.

I still can't sit for any length of time in a normal feet on the floor position, but am assure that keeping my foot elevated is good for the swelling anyway. It will be really nice for the weather to warm a bit so I can get some fresh air again. I never did deal with cabin fever well!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Monday Moanin' - Now We're Cooking!

DH learned how to make a meal in the crock pot the other day. He made a pot roast which turned out oh-so-good!

He's talking spaghetti next. One issue. We have a new stove, an induction model. I only had a chance to use it a couple times and had planned on making spaghetti the day I fell and broke my ankle. Since I can't instruct him on its use, I told him that was on hold. I think I'll have to come up with some ideas for other crock pot meals.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Margaret Archbald Oliphant

On March 1, 1808 in Kelso, Roxburghshire, Scotland, Margaret Archbald (or Archibald) Oliphant, wife of  Ralph Oliphant, died. She was born about 1782 in Marlefield, Roxburghshire. She was my great-great-great-great grandmother.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Freaked Out Friday: Lap Desk Revisited.

OMG. I love the new lap desk, but maybe a lap desk isn't the right choice when you have bad knees. It tends to make both of them go to sleep. And then there is the velcro factor. The boot on my right leg extends almost to my knee and sometimes I catch the bottom of the lap desk on the velcro. And the sound of velcro attracts Mouse the cat. She already thinks my boot is just another scratch post! As it was, yesterday, I just couldn't muster up enough interest to do any research. Too bad, since I had most of the day to myself, with Mouse the cat only spending half the day on my lap!

Tomorrow is another day.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday: Lapdesk change

I love my tablet. I really do. But for typing posts, it is laborious. Today, DH bought me a new lap desk that accommodates my larger laptop AND my mouse. Wow, I feel almost human. Also, I managed to graduate to a cane today. It's so much easier to get around. I even transcribed an obituary today. I miss my office though. A lot. I look forward each day for the possibility of the foot feeling well enough to be in a normal unelevated position!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Zimmeth & Schmalz

Joseph Zimmeth, who was my great-grandfather's brother, married Magdalena Schmalz on February 26, 1878 in Mankato, Minnesota. Joseph was born in 1834 in Roeschwoog, Alsace, France. Magdalena was born in 1859 in New York.

Joseph is listed in deeds in Michigan in the 1860s and 1870s. How he ended up in Minnesota, I do not know. He died one week after their 20th wedding anniversary.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Monday Moaning - Week Two

Wow! I can't believe I missed the best weather we've had in ages. This darn foot of mine is really making me nuts. And I miss my office and my craft room. I certainly have enough to do in both rooms and I am getting impatient. I'll be glad when I can rest my foot on the floor without shooting pains.

Yesterday, I spent most of the day napping,  reading  or playing games. Unfortunately,  I can't concentrate on anything for very long. And Miss Mouse routinely sits on my lap till my legs go to sleep.

So you can see that life has been less than thrilling over the last week.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Your Blogger

Sorry, but my regular theme is unavailable for a number of reasons, most immediate being my broken ankle. The boot supports dig into my still swollen limb making walking -even with the aid of a walker extremely painful. Yes, I have a laptop, but the downside of having a larger laptop is that there's no room for the mouse and the touchpad and I do not get along. I am hoping that the swelling and pain recede a little more over the weekend. I have totally missed the great weather  this past week. Too much hassle getting up and down the steps.

On the upside I haven't done any research this week so my pile-o-paper hasn't grown.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Freaked Out Friday : Testing My Patience

Good news is that I got half my blood testing supplies.  Bad news is that I got half my blood test strips.  And my doctor  reordered the wrong allergy medication.

And this boot is really uncomfortable. It's trying my patience.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - What Missed This Week

This was a typical busy week for me, at least it was scheduled that way until I missed the bottom step of the deck. On Monday, I missed my haircut. And sorry, folks, but have been unable to shower yet. Not that I haven't done the daily sponge bath! Ugh. Tuesday I got to visit the orthopedist. That was fun .. not. I came home with this boot that is totally uncomfortable.  Wednesday was spent trying to be comfortable when I walked in said boot with the aid of my old faithful walker. Today? I am missing my pedicure and trying to figure when I can get up and down the steps again to get my haircut! 

And I am hoping in a couple weeks to feel well enough and stable enough to go see "Duck Hunter Shoots Angel" at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center! We shall see.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Demoss & Webb

On February 19, 1889 in Grand Pass, Saline county, Missouri, Mr. John P. Demoss and Miss Katie Webb. He was the son of  John P. Demoss and Mary E. Davidson and was my 1st cousin 3 times removed and as yet I haven't connected to his wife's family. John died in 1936 and Katie died in 1969 at the age of 102.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Tuesday Update

I was informed that the fracture of my right ankle was a best case scenario. I am now wearing a boot on it, but getting around is still cumbersome.  In view of the  circumstances posting may be a little haphazard.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Monday Moaning -For Real

For many years it always seemed someone would get sick around my birthday.  We went through it all, flu,  colds or whatever was being passed around school or work.  Well this year it is my turn.  Yesterday I missed a step on the deck and landed on my right ankle, breaking it. Somehow I think that I am missing dinner out tomorrow.  And grocery shopping. The first one I am really sorry about, the latter not so much.

I still have my walker from my knee replacement surgery in 2012, and I am getting around slowly while hopping because it is non-weight-bearing.

Happy Birthday to me!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Charles Downman Chinn

Charles Downman Chinn was the son of Rawleigh Chinn and Margaret Downman (nee Ball.)  Rawleigh and Margaret were never married. Rawleigh was married and probably divorced from Esther Ball by whom he had legitimate children. In his will, Rawleigh refers to his three sons by Margaret as his "godchildren." She, in her will, refers to them as Chinns.

Charles was born October 18, 1723 in Fauquier, Virginia and died there on February 15, 1788. He was my great-great-great-great-great grandfather!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Beyond Frustrated

In my six week diabetic blood test strips supplier saga,  I got word after four weeks that Medtronic could not supply my strips. Really?  It takes that long for verification?  Hopefully the most recent company I contacted will live up to their promise of verification by Monday.

 In the meantime, I am going to enjoy Valentines day with my DH.


Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - My Dirty Little Secret

I bet that got your attention, eh? It really isn't a secret, but I am addicted to the Winter Olympics.

I used to only watch figure skating. Never ice-dancing. Downhill and slalom. Then there came the Super G. Now there is slope style, half-pipe and snowboardcross. I am so addicted to watching them it is funny.

And who can resist luge, skeleton and bobsled? Or ski jumpers. This year women are competing in the ski jump.

The really surprising part? This year, I've gotten interested in the ice dancers. Mainly because they attend University of Michigan and practice in Canton, Michigan, just a mile or so from where DH and I lived in our first house. Awesome.

And I will admit, I got pissed at Bob Costas calling Putin a peacemaker. Such BS! You think the "Pink-eye" is an accident? And I also forgot to not watch the evening news and had Tuesday's events spoiled for me.

Another week or so, and the 2014 Sochi Olympics will be over, and life and research can get back to normal!

 {Olympic rings graphic courtesy of Photobucket.}

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Maitland & Ballinger

On February 12, 1902 in Richmond, Missouri, Miss Anne Maitland, daughter of Alexander Maitland and Mary Grieves Oliphant and Mr. William Roten Ballinger were married at her parent's home.

Anne was one of my great grandmother's - Helen Maitland Percival - sisters.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

My Favorite Project - Missouri Death Certificates

Last week I got a notice from the Missouri Archives Volunteer group that the 1963 death certificates were ready for indexing. Wahoo! I will admit I forgot about them for a couple days. Then the little hamster in my head reminded me, and I signed in and did some. I indexed 400 records in a couple of days, maybe 3 hours or so actual work. It took a lot longer this year for the records to be indexed, because last year it was done in three days. I got the project complete notice this morning!

When I received the notice, there was a brief note also alerting us to the fact that the images were slow to load. They were. Maybe that's why it took twice as long? It is done, however, and the images should be up after President's day. Yay! I already have a short list of names to look for in the index.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Monday - This Is How I Like to Start a Week

Last Saturday's "Sympathy Saturday - Joseph Oliver" made me take another look at the children living with Joe and Eliza (Percival) Oliver in 1850. Joe was born in 1812 and died in 1868; Eliza (my great-great-great aunt) was born in 1823 and died in 1884. They were married in 1844 in Boone county, Kentucky.

From family letters, I found several children mentioned: Dryden, Nimmy, Oliver, Lilburn and Meddie. In 1850, Oliver, Lilburn and Madeline Foster were living with Joe and Eliza in Meade county, Kentucky.

Periodically, I will check for records online at Ancestry.com and this time, I found out that J. Oliver, Lilburn Boggs and Martha Madeline Foster were the children of Asa and Patsy Boggs Oliver Foster. I am now working on the premise that Patsy and Joe Oliver were siblings, and Joe and Eliza Oliver took the children in on Patsy's death in 1849.

That still doesn't explain who Dryden and Nimmy were. Were they Joe's children from a previous marriage? I do not find them on the census. In later years, Eliza would bemoan that she had no children of her own, and was grateful to Meddie for giving her a home. I still find that Meddie supposedly died in Kentucky in 1924. Unfortunately, I've never found a death certificate for her. At the time of her death she was married to John B. Parr who followed her in 1927. And guess what? No death certificate for him in Kentucky either.

Someday, I may find out who Joe's parents were, who Dryden and Nimmy were. In the meantime, I'll keep looking.



Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Joseph Oliver

Joseph Oliver was born September 29, 1812 in Indiana. On June 11, 1844 he married Eliza Percival, the sister of my great-great grandfather, John Stearns Percival. Joe Oliver died on February 8, 1868 in Kentucky and was buried February 10, 1868 in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville. 

We visited Cave Hill many years ago, in August. It was hot and buggy. I did get this photo, though!
The photo is in black and white because my first scanner was a black and white hand held one. Time to dig out the original and re-scan!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

And the Hits Keep on Coming!

I'm having so much fun! Yesterday I went hunting -- for obits. And, better yet, I found them! On Ancestry.com on an external link Web: Oakland County, Michigan, Historical Resources Obituary Index, 1970-2009. Very exciting. 

I was again prompted by my cousin's wife and my own curiosity, since neither one of us knew who any of the children were. So now I have thirteen second cousins I've never met. 

What has this done besides fill out my knowledge on the Meyer family? Well, it's added more to my pile-o-paper, of course. With the cold, nasty weather we've been having I should accomplish something, right?

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Off Track and Challenged

My cousin's wife challenges me every so often. I will get an email from her asking what I have on members of her husband's family. What you have to know was that most of my original information on his line came from her.

One of the relatives we were fixating on was Andrew Meyer, my mom's favorite uncle. He was the older brother of my mother's mother, and made an effort to come and visit my mom when she lived with her Aunt Rose and Uncle John Ochsenfeld. I remember her talking fondly of him.

Andy was married twice. His first wife was Blanche Henry who died in 1946. He then married Grace. Still not sure when, but his obit ran all the children together and we became confused as to daughter Mildred. After much research which did not relate in any way to what I was already working on, I discovered Mildred's parentage (Albert Mayford Burkhart and Alma Grace Chenoweth.) I eventually found Grace's headstone on Find-a-Grave, but I am still no closer to her marriage record to Uncle Andy. It's out there, I just have to find it.

Part of the problem was that my mother didn't really keep in touch with Andy's children. Andy died in 1954, and Grace much later in 1980. My cousin's mother didn't keep in touch with them either. I had one letter from one of Andy's sons, Robert, who has since passed.

This is one of my lines that I pull out every so often and work on. In 24 hours I was able to pull a lot of information together. I will keep prodding at it. Some day, it will all fall into place!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Percival and Mastin

On February 5, 1871 in Perry county, Indiana, Orran (Orrin) Percival and Helen Mastin were married. She was his second wife.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Last Month Was Better Than I Thought!

While the weather was hugely disappointing in January, all the stop-and-go work on my pile-o-paper produced some good numbers in my genealogy program stats. I added 82 people and 70 images, 9 new sources and 7 to-do items. The to-do item list is a little misleading because it usually involves some give and take.

Now, if the weather would just warm up a little and stay consistent for a bit!


Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Great Weekend.

Yesterday, we attended a Super Bowl party at older daughter's house. We had a great time during a boring game.

Saturday, I received the gift of a transfer of cemetery management where my great-great-great grandparents and great-great grandparents are buried in Missouri. This would be the Webb family on my dad's side. 

Thanks Bill!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Elizabeth Carter Webb

This is my great- great grandmother Elizabeth Carter. I have her name as Elizabeth Custis Carter, but think possibly it should be Curtis (her grandfather's first name.)

From the Higginsville Advance ,  Higginsville, Missouri, obituary; 14 February 1908; p1 c6. 
In Memoriam - Died - at her home in Higginsville, Mo., Tuesday, February 11, 1908 at 9:50 o'clock P.M., after a short illness, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Webb, aged 73 years, 11 months and 14 days.

The death of this gentle, loving woman came as a thunder clap from a clear, cloudless sky. She had been ill with grippe ten days or more, but at no time was there the least apprehension of a fatal termination. Tuesday she was greatly improved, and the sons and daughters of this hospitable home were happy and buoyant. About nine o'clock that night she retired and for a time was talking with her daughter, Mrs. Frank Bowman, who had been with her during her illness.  About 10 o'clock the daughter heard the mother cough and called to her. Receiving no response, she went at once to her bedside, only to find that the silent messenger had entered and that the idolized mother, friend, neighbor had laid down life's cares to taste of heaven's joys.

Mrs. Webb was Virginian by birth, being the daughter of the late Edwin Carter, and had been a resident of this county since childhood, and in 1855 was united in marriage to Jno. G. Webb who passed to his reward some 13 years ago, a truer and nobler man than whom never lived, the fruits of this union being ten children, six of whom survive, now grown to be gentle loving daughters and manly, dutiful sons, and they rise up and pronounce the memory of their parents, father and mother, blessed.

They are Mrs. M. J. Chinn of Kansas City, Mrs. Frank Bowman of Lexington, Maurice O. Webb of Dallas county, Jock G. Webb, J. Ed. Webb and Dr. Wm. C. Webb, of Higginsville. Mrs. Webb made her home with her sons, Jock and Edward, mother being their first and constant thought, bestowing every love, care and attention without show or stint.  How these two especially, will miss her, words are lack to express.

She was a woman of refinement of great force of character, enjoying her life in a quiet unostentatious manner, her one thought being the comfort of daughters and sons, ever finding her greatest happiness in ministering to their wants and in making her home by her gentle presence a haven of rest, where all who entered felt better for her sweet influence.

Since the death of her loved companion in 1895 she has been only waiting, waiting, for the master's call to a happy, joyous reunion in the "Home Over There," and the summons, though sudden, came to her as a sweet relief, finding her ready and prepared, she having early in life confessed the Christ, ever living a consecrated Christian life.

Her death, though sad, was a beautiful one and in keeping with her life of gentleness, modesty and quietude, even the day she was laid to rest being in attune therewith - one of brightness and sunshine.

Thursday morning services were held at the family residence in Higginsville, Rev. N. H. McCain, assisted by Rev. J. N. Crutcher, officiating, the immense concourse gathered, both at the home and family cemetery testifying to the love in which she was held and to 

And from a following page:

Died at her home in Higginsville, Mo., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1908 at 10 o'clock P.M., Mrs. Elizabeth C. Webb, after a short illness, aged 74 years.  She was the mother of ten children, six of whom are living, as follows:  Mrs. Man. J. Chinn of Kansas City; Mrs. Frank Bowman of Lexington and Messrs. Maurice O. of Dallas county, Jno. G., J. Ed and Dr. W. C. Webb, of Higginsville.  Funeral services held Thursday morning conducted by Rev. N. McCain, assisted by Rev. J. N. Crutcher. Interment in the family burying grounds on the old Webb home place, near Dover.

Please visit her Find-a-Grave memorial here.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

It's Friday

I feel like I did when I was working. I'm glad the week is almost over. And I can't really say why. Maybe I am just glad January is finally over!

I look at my desk and don't actually see that any progress has been made. The truth will follow later when I check my stats. In that respect I think I will be pleasantly surprised.

Today is backup day for me so I better get busy.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Webinar Hilarity!

Yes! I was able to log into yesterday's webinar on "Ten Reasons Your Ancestor Was in Canada" by Kathryn Lake Hogan. And I also got to say hi to her before hand - glad I had my headset on! And I made her laugh commenting on why I was watching. You see, I do have ancestors who lived in Canada, including my great-great grandfather who was born there in 1839.

Therein lies my problem. My ancestors emigrated to Ontario from Scotland - The Maitlands in 1828 and the Skirvings in 1833. Both had extremely difficult times. How Alexander Maitland and Helen Skirving met, I do not know. I do know they married in Toronto on November 8, 1836.

The first 6 of their 9 children were born in Canada, and starting with daughter Christina, born in 1850, the rest were born in Missouri. The youngest child, William, was born in 1857 and died then. Perhaps he was stillborn. I only have family information to go on that.

This is a transcription of a portion of The History of Ray County, Missouri, p.770-771.

Alexander Maitland - Was born in Toronto, now Ontario, Canada, June 13, 1839. He is of Scotch extraction, both of his parents being natives of Scotland. His father, Alexander, sen., came first to the United States in the year 1835, but remaining only two years, returned to Canada. Here he was married to Miss Helen Skirving, about the year 1836. Our subject was the second child and oldest son of this union. He received his education in the excellent schools of Canada, finishing at Knox College, Toronto, with the exception of a short time he attended school at St. Louis, after coming to Missouri. In 1852, Mr. Maitland accompanied his father to the United States, and made his home for about a year in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. The next year his father moved to Ray County, and was employed for a year as business manager by Colonel William Moore. Colonel Moore died in 1854, and Mr. Maitland and J. Lightner, of Lexington, Missouri, rented his property and continued the business for another year.  He then rented a farm in the Ray county bottom, upon which he resided with his family until the year 1860. In that year, Alexander, Jr., left home and began life for himself. Going to the mountains of Colorado, he engaged in gold mining for about six months, but not meeting with encouraging "luck," he left off mining and returned to Ray County. Not having been naturalized, he was yet a British subject, and in consequence, did not suffer molestation from any source during the stormy times after his return, until 1865.

As you can see, they moved back and forth a lot for the times. I do have a census for Alexander Maitland Jr in June of 1860 in Ray county, Missouri. I also have one dated October 1860 in Colorado.

Other than their marriage record in Canada, I have no other records of Alexander Maitland, Sr., and Helen Skirving. At any rate, they died in Lexington, Missouri and are buried there.

Although some of my ancestors arrived in Canada 186 years ago, find records on them is difficult. Very few passenger lists survived from before 1865. For all I know, my mother's Alsatian ancestors arrived in New York state via Canada. I may never know.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Boegler and Lacher

On January 29, 1787, Christian Boegler and Anastasia Lacher were married in Roeschwoog, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France. They were my great-great-great grandparents and the parents of Marie Catherine Boegler who married Josef Francis Zimmeth.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Frigid Weather

I remember bitter cold weather. We lived in Michigan at the time. I never dreamed we would have below-freezing weather here in mid-TN as often as we have this winter. The kids are rapidly running through their "snow" days. To be fair, ice is more of a problem, especially on school bus routes.

When my kids were in school, there had to be 8 inches of snow before they got a snow day. Maybe they would have one or two a year - except in 98-99. We had horrible snow that year.

When I was a kid I remember 1 snow day. I actually got sent to school in about a foot of snow -- I walked four blocks. Took forever, but got there, and school was cancelled. Now, my dad worked there, couldn't he have called and said "There's no school today!" I waited around a while and warmed up before heading back home. By that time there were drifts up past my knees.

You would think that weather like this would be conducive to working on my genealogy. Um. No. Instead I am working on a wrapping paper project in my craft room. Just waiting for DH to cut the wood for me. Then I can get moving on it. He said it is 50 degrees in the garage. Sure is a lot warmer than the 14 degrees outside that feels like 4 degrees!

Tomorrow, I have a webinar at 1 p.m. I hope to remember this time and get signed on in time. Last time I got locked out. 

In the meantime, working hard on my desk. One side is really neat and the other side leaves a lot to be desired! Problem is the left side holds the appointments and stuff that I need to find a place for. Guess I should work on that in the meantime.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

No Closer to Her Maiden Name ...

Friday, I stared at a piece of paper for about an hour. It was from the Michigan Death index, 1971-1996 on Ancestry.com. It was for Victoria Kruszka. It took me a few minutes to remember to whom she was married. And I am not even sure married is the correct term.

Victoria Maiden-name-unknown was married first to Wladislaw Babinski, probably in Pennsylvania. They had one daughter, Helen, born in Pennsylvania and the rest were born in Michigan. Those would be Bernice, Anthonia or Anita, Stanley and Edward. 

According to my late father-in-law, Adam Kruszka never married. And yet, they appear in 1940 in Detroit with daughter Dolores, and Victoria's children from her previous marriage, which ended in divorce before 1930. I will note that Victoria is the one who gave the information to the census taker.

I really didn't stare at the paper so much as write all over it to document the info on the children. I searched today for obituaries for the children and for Victoria, but sadly nothing found. At least none that I can say, yes, that is her or him!

This might explain why my pile-o-paper reduces ever-so-slowly!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Ovid Roy McCarty

Ovid McCarty was born October 21, 1906 in Lancaster, Virginia to Benjamin Franklin and Louisa Anna (Spencer) McCarty.  He was married May 26, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Myrtle Mary Whiteside, daughter of Sam and Mary "May" Zimmeth Whiteside.

Ovid died on January 25, 1969 in Lancaster, Virginia.

Ovid was my second-cousin-once-removed, Karen's grandfather. The McCarty family actually marries into one of my Chinn lines (through the Downmans) wayyyyy back. The Downmans are my dad's line, the Whiteside/Zimmeth line is my mom's. 'Nuff said.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Of Genealogy and Dialing Down

First, I got through some of my pile of paper this week. Yay, me! There is really nothing like actually entering your information in a genealogy program to learn it. I am still frustrated by the necessity of using the mouse to move around the keyboard, but have to admit that I am actually becoming accustomed to my mouse.

I am working on my Kettler/Knost/Meyer lines in Auglaize county, Ohio. Some of the work I did on this family, I did many, many years ago. I have been wading through my file system, and wondering how the heck I read these German records all those years ago. It is heartening to know that when I pick up a short stack of paper, I am seeing to-do lists and cemetery book from our trip to Lexington, Kentucky last fall! Woo hoo. The cemetery book that I keep is about a third of this pile. It's slow but progress is being made.

The Tennessee Valley Authority, which in effect supplies or controls the supply of power throughout Tennessee has asked us all to dial back our thermostats in yet another cold snap. It's 5 degrees with a real feel of -2 here. I wish this cold would head back north, I've had enough of it. 

I read somewhere that keeping the temperature cooler, helps burn fat. Hmmm. Of course they recommend you keep your heat at 63 degrees. Sorry, that is too cold when it is 5 degrees outside.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - Getting Behind Again

I am so far behind on what I want to accomplish this year, and we're only three weeks into it! It boggles my mind. I've been spending so much time doing other things that the dust bunnies are multiplying under my couch! You know, I don't mind being busy, but I'd rather be busy doing things that are fun, like research, data input and cemetery stomping.

Alas, the weather here is not cooperating much. It snows, it turns arctic  - below freezing here in mid-Tennessee is not that rare, but below zero is, and we've had more than our share of it. I think the kids have been back in school maybe a week?

I try to buckle down, but get distracted easily. And there is nothing like cuddling with the DH and the cat while watching Big Bang Theory which we got hooked on thanks to my cousins.

For now, it is back to work slowly working through the paper pile. 

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Watkins and Woodson x 2

On January 22, 1914 in Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, Miss Henrietta Watkins (daughter of Edward T. and Martha Maitland Watkins) married Mr. Harrie Philip Woodson, Jr.

If that isn't enough, Mary Edward Watkins, Henrietta's sister married Harrie's brother James Robert Woodson on the same day.

Henrietta and Mary were my first cousins, twice removed.  By 1920 both couples were living in Texas.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Playing Catch-Up! So What Else Isn't New?

Playing catch-up on several different things. First of all is the blog. As you can see. Secondly is the pile-o-paper. I think in the last week, I've added about 100 sheets to the pile. Yes, I am trying to reduce the paper, what I print is on scrap paper and is just a reference with sources, such as Find-a-Grave entries, Ancestry.com entries and FamilySearch stuff. Some are newspaper articles I've copied or scan. Generally for those I use Transcript (search my blog for references to this gem.)

I am getting to know Legacy pretty well at this point. There are still things I think are buggy and I hope they get fixed soon. Latest build 8.0.0.385 was downloaded by me last night. Hey, Legacy, it would be nice if you told us what you were fixing in the updates. Just saying!

Back to work for me.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Monday Moanin' - I Hate These Distractions - Maybe!

Lately, I've been distracted by our health insurance. Our "company" changed prescription services yet again. And it took them a week to get us into their system so I could reorder my meds. Well, they cancelled one and almost two weeks later, I am waiting for the important one.

To top it off, the company where I used to get my blood testing supplies doesn't participate. I used to be able to get my diabetic supplies locally. Not any more. So I spent the day trying to find a mail order place. I think I found one, but they need to get the script from my doctor and then it will take two weeks to process; who knows how long to receive the strips. The downside of this is I will run out of strips in the meantime. Oh and my insurance company cut my benefit, so they will only pay for what they call a 100 day supply. Sure if I only tested once a day. So I have to call my doctor's office and get yet another script from them. Which I am sure I will have to pay for out of pocket. Blah. I didn't think stress was good for diabetics. My blood sugar has been really weird lately. Gee, I wonder why.

The good distractions are seeing daughters. Older daughter and I are having fun doing things at her house. Her cats are getting used to seeing us.Well, Tonks is. Luna is still a little shy.

Our own cat, Mouse, has taken to plopping herself on my lap whenever I take a break from something. She at least is a calming influence.

Saturday night, I finally took some time and started working on my obit & death notice, and marriage files, transcribing and linking them. In doing so, of course, I ended up adding a dozen sheets to the pile-o-paper. This is progress?

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - Edwin Parker Bowman

How I love family names. They do make it so much easier to find death records.

Edwin Parker Bowman, son of Edwin Forest Bowman and Alice Victoria Robinson, was born January 2, 1889 in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Mabel Tucker about 1912, and died in Houston, Texas on January 18, 1978.  His father and my great grandfather, Frank G. Bowman were brothers, making him my first cousin twice removed.

The family names? Edwin for his father, Parker for the Parkers of Lexington, Kentucky - his paternal grandfather being John Parker Bowman - and obviously Bowman.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Friday Report

Two death notices this week entered into Legacy 8 along with several headstones and info from Find-a-Grave. Not my usual fast paced stuff, but happy to get anything done at this point. Spent part of the day yesterday at older daughter's house and part of the day trying to straighten out health insurance. They certainly don't make it easy to get blood testing supplies or meds.

And then I spent part of the day at the salon getting my pedicure. OMG! I love it. You can't do anything but relax.

Today will be better is my mantra.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Too-Too Thursday - BLOGGER GRRRRRR

And here I thought I was to blame for posts being posted early or not being posted at all. Nuh-uh. I am blaming it on Blogger. I was trying to schedule a post and it saved it as a draft AND scheduled it. I have enough issues getting my posts written and in order without issues from Blogger.

I don't like change - yes, I am getting to be one of those people. I have enough issues with my stupid health insurance company changing my benefits - but let's not inform the patient. Same with with diabetic testing supplies company. Why inform the patient. 

With all that is going on around here, I don't need more change. Maybe later I will consider a change. Probably not.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Wedding Wednesday - Zalot & Synos

On January 15, 1912 in Montague, Massachusetts, Andrzej (Andrew) Zalot and Wiktorya (Victoria) Synos were married. Both immigrated in 1907 from Poland, Andrzej from Tryncza and Wiktorya from Nowy Borek. I do believe her father, Michael, was actually Maciej Synos.  Andrzej and Wiktorya are DH's grandparents.

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

A Dozen Pieces of Paper Later ...

Oh yeah, it's going, but very slowly. And it is all I can do to not add to my pile-o-paper!  Right now, I am working on death records I found on Family Search for New York state. Then I stop to see if I can find an obit. Or I find the record for the wife, but can't find the husband's. And the name is hopelessly Polish and I have heard they switched back and forth between "American" names and their real last name. Fact or fiction, the husband eludes me. But I did find his wife and that is a victory of sorts. Now if I could just find them on Find-a-Grave!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Monday, Monday - Am I Where I Should Be?

After an extremely hectic week, I am glad to say that I typed in a death notice into Legacy last night. And I linked the image to the person in question. Hot diggity! Maybe at this rate, I will get this pile done by December 31, 2014!

Lately, I have been wondering about myself and my subscriptions. I have been so busy, I've hardly peeked at Ancestry or Family Search in ages. Or Newspapers.com or Genealogy Bank.  However, I know that will not be the case for long. I'll go on a research spree and hopefully uncover something wonderful soon.

I hope!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Sympathy Saturday - John Atwood Bowman

From the Lexington Herald (Lexington, Kentucky) 12 January 1905; p3 c2

CUT HOLE IN THE ICE

Prominent Trimble County Man then Crawled Into River.

 Milton, Ky., Jan. 11 - J. Atwood Bowman, one of the best known and most reputable farmers of Trimble county, living in Hunter's Bottom, near here, committed suicide this morning in an unusual manner. Bowman attended the lodge meeting of the Knights of Pythias here last night, and was one of the most interested and active members present. He was in a jolly, good humor, and to several of his friends detailed plans for the future. After the lodge meeting he decided the weather was too severe to make the trip home, and the night was spent at the hotel here.

Early this morning, after a hearty breakfast, Mr. Bowman mounted his horse and started for Hunter's Bottom, three miles distant. About a mile out of town, it seems, he dismounted, and led his horse down to the bank of the river. Sticking his umbrella into the crusted snow, he pulled of his overcoat and placed it on the umbrella, with his hat on top of the coat.

Going out on the ice, Mr. Bowman, with a large stone, broke a hole and crawled into the water, drowning himself.

The horse proceeded, riderless, to the Bowman home, and was first seen at the kitchen door, something never known before. Mr. Bowman's family began a search, and followed the horse's hoof prints in the snow down to the very edge of the river, where the suicide had taken place. The body was found under the ice close to the opening and was taken to the Bowman home.

Mr. Bowman was about fifty-four years of age and active in Pythian and church work. He married a daughter of Dr. Owens in Louisville. No possible cause is assigned for the suicide.

[John Atwood Bowman was my second cousin 3 times removed. He was a son of Abram Hite Bowman and Mary Atwood Tomlinson.]

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes

Freaked Out Friday - No Rest for the Weary!

Older daughter emailed me that one of her crazy cats, Luna, already broke one of the childproof locks on the kitchen cabinets. She got trapped in one yesterday while I was installing them. I swear I checked, but she is an ace at hiding. So today, while DH and handyman are working on installing new locks, I will replace/repair. I guess I better get toolbox ready.

Tomorrow, we are going to Nashville to see younger daughter and her man & boy. This is the first time we will see them this year. I am looking forward to seeing them. 

I need to find time to use the Beginner's video for Legacy. Again. Some of it is so basic, but I am moving from RootsMagic to Legacy and some of Legacy's routines are just not coming easy to me. So, we will see. Maybe I might find time for that!

Copyright 2010-2014, ACK for Gene Notes