Tombstone Tuesday: "Just Didn't Know When He Was Licked"

The boys of Company D 149th PA Volunteers were oft heard to say that Captain James Glenn "didn't know when he was licked."

Captain James Glenn (1824-1901) was almost "reckless in his bravery" as he served his country during the Civil War.  Hailing from the area of Pittsburgh known as Carnegie, Glenn had no difficulty in organizing men to form the company in 1862.  Mention of some of these meetings was even noted in the diary that we (myself and two cousins) transcribed and published some six years ago in the Quarterly Journal of the Western PA Genealogical Society.

One note about his service was his promotion to take command of his Regiment after the fight at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863.  His location during the battle was on Seminary Hill, which saw some of the most intense fighting. General Abner Doubleday mentioned James in his official report of the day stating  "When the troops at this point (Lutheran Seminary) were overpowered, Capt. Glenn of the 149th Pa. Vols, in command of my headquarter's guard, defended the building for fully 20 minutes against a whole brigade of the enemy (Perrin's), enabling the few remaining troops, ambulances,, etc. to retreat in comparative safety."

I thought it fitting today to remember all the troops, no matter whether they fought for the Grand Army or for the Confederacy. Some estimates of up to 50,000 American men lost their lives during this bloody battle. The anniversary of Gettysburg was just celebrated with a re-enactment of the three day battle in July 1863. 
I thought you might be interested in learning a bit more about the battle and of the re-enactment.

   
The Battle at Gettysburg
Harper's Weekly, July 25, 1863
http://www.civilwarliterature.com/2Battles/The14thAtGettysburg/The14thAtGettysburgHistory.htm 


The Gettysburg Civil War battle lives again
by Daniel Terdiman


-If you're a Civil War buff, or even an amateur historian, you no doubt know the history of the battle for Gettysburg. One of the most famous battles of the Civil War, it was also one of the bloodiest. Over three days of intense fighting, Federal troops led by Major General George Gordon Meade fought off Robert E. Lee's Confederate troops, and the battles in and around Gettysburg are often thought to be a turning point in the war.......http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-20009651-52.html?tag=rtcol;txt

Ahhh, genealogy.  How our hearts ache as we remember the pain of American brother against brother in the Civil War.  Oh- and yes, James Glenn was my cousin and is buried at the "family" cemetery known as the St. Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.

©2010 AS Eldredge

Rest Sweetly, World War I Veteran

I just ran across this story of an Irish immigrant who was just laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery--some 92 years after his death!  Read the story of the World War I warrior.


Yes, he may have been a small man, but the service he and his fellow troops provided to this country are tremendous.  Thank you Private Costello and all veterans who have fought for America's freedom.

WWI Soldier Laid to Rest at Arlington National Cemetery
Megan Smolenyak

Private Thomas D. Costello lost his life on September 16, 1918 in France and received full military honors today at Arlington National Cemetery. Hastily buried after a World War I battle in an area known as Bois de Bonvaux near Jaulny, he remained undiscovered for 88 years until......http://www.huffingtonpost.com/megan-smolenyak-smolenyak/wwi-soldier-laid-to-rest_b_643757.html

Ahh, genealogy. Sometimes, you just gotta sit still and hear the sound of taps in your heart for those truly amazing men and women who came to America to be free and were willing to sacrifice it all for that freedom.

©2010 AS Eldredge

Wisdom Wednesday: In the News Again?

Grandaddy's thoughts on being in the news:

"You should only be mentioned in the newspaper three times in your life:  when you are born, married and dead."

Guess he felt that way since his family kept showing up in the newspaper of the times--  allegedly as killing or being killed.  Way too much action going on in Berkeley Co, SC, during Prohibition and the making of "Berkeley Bourban."  Shootouts as the train passed, shootouts over who controlled the home style business of the time, shootouts on fence borders  ------ and on and on........

Now, if I could only find the recipe for the alleged family business!  Tis said that Al Capone liked "Berkeley Bourban" and had it shipped by train in barrels labeled "potatoes."

Ahhh, genealogy.  Gotta take the more flavorful elements along with the good.  Besides, they are more fun to talk about!

©2010 AS Eldredge

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Walter's 1889 Obit Found

I've been the coordinator for the old newspaper vitals project going on for Allegheny Co, PA, since the beginning of the "tired finger" band of volunteers started transcribing them in January of this year.  We've been going strong-- to the tune of over 40,000 death entries and almost 9000 marriages. 

For the last month,  one member of our group has concentrated on 1889.  This is so important as we genealogy buffs feel the pain of the missing 1890 federal census. 

Just last week, my sweet Walter's obituary was transcribed.  I thought it appropriate to feature sweet Walter today with his obituary and a photo I have of him.  I suspect he was around 10 or so when this photograph was taken.  That makes the date around 1880.

SIMMONS- On Tuesday, March 12, 1889, at 8:30pm, Walter Glenn, son of Addison and Hannah G Simmons, in the 18th year of his age.
Funeral from the parents’ residence, near Banksville, on Thursday, 1th at 2 pm. Carriages will leave T B Hersberger’s, undertaker, West End, at 10 am.  Friend of the family are respectfully invited to attend.
Pittsburgh Dispatch, Mar 13, 1889, page 5


Walter is buried in the Mt Lebanon Cemetery, Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA with his parents.  I look at this sweet face and wonder how he died just as his life was beginning.  Walter was one of three children in the family and the only son.  Only one sister of his survived to adulthood, married, and had children.  Oh, can you imagine the heartbreak of the family upon his death?  Can you imagine the heartbreak felt in so many families as so many young children didn't survive?  It's hard to believe that death of the young was so very common at that time.

Ahhh- genealogy.  Sometimes you just gotta sit quietly and reflect on the past.


©2010 AS Eldredge

First African American in Georgia to be Inducted into National Society Sons of the American Revolution

Last winter, some 200 Americans gathered for the first Sons of the American Revolution Grave Marking for a black man in Georgia.  Black men and women did provide service to the colonies during the time of the colonies' quest for freedom from England.  If I recall correctly, some 20,000 black men served during that time.  Some were slaves who served in the place of their owners.  Others were slaves who were promised their freedom if they fought.  Still, others were free black men who chose to fight. 

Click here to read more of the grave marking for Austin Dabney.

It is more of a task for the descendants of black patriots to prove the early lineage lines due to a lack of documentation.  Michael Henderson's patriot was a French National who had a relationship with a former slave in Louisiana.

Ahh, Creole genealogy.  Now there's a fun look into different bloodlines. 

The following article is from Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter and is copyright by Richard W. Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information about the newsletter is available at http://www.eogn.com. 

The following announcement was written by the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution:

Atlanta, GA (June 15, 2010) -- On Tuesday, June 29th at 11:30 a.m., history will be made as the first African American in the state of Georgia will be inducted into the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR). In a ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol, Lieutenant Commander Michael Nolden Henderson, a retired U.S. Naval Officer and graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, will be acknowledged by induction into the Button Gwinnett Chapter, the Georgia Society SAR for his efforts in tracing his Louisiana Creole ancestry to an American Revolutionary War patriot.

Michael N. Henderson, USN Retired

Henderson, a native of New Orleans, La. who currently lives in metro-Atlanta, discovered his unique lineage while researching his French ancestry. His fourth generation great-grandfather, Mathieu Devaux, a French National, served as a militiaman under the command of the Spanish Governor General Bernardo de Galvez, who led troops in several major battles in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. Devaux had a relationship with his former slave, Agnes Mathieu, in Spanish Colonial Louisiana. Henderson is descendent from one of their seven children, all of whom were born free prior to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Henderson first learned of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution in 2006 when Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Director of the W.E.B. DuBois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University, discovered his own ancestral link to the Revolutionary War and one year later was himself inducted into the national lineage organization.

"I'm the first in my family to pursue membership in the NSSAR, so the process was especially detailed for me," says Henderson, who had to compile birth, marriage and death certificates, as well as other documents from the 1700s and 1800s to prove his connection to Devaux. "It was truly a labor of love and it's an honor to have my family tied to an American Revolutionary War patriot. I'm proud to be an example to others that they too can be a part of the narrative of America's history."

The story of Henderson's fourth generation great-grandparents and their connection to General Galvez is the subject of an upcoming segment on the PBS series "The History Detectives."

Sweden Family History Soon to be Part of Ancestry.com

The following press release caught my attention.  Since I spend so much time searching in Sweden, I find this of immense interest.  Perhaps, you will as well.

Ancestry.com to Acquire Sweden's Genline.se

Leading Swedish Family History website

26 million pages of family history records, 16th-20th century


Ancestry.com Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOM), the world’s largest online family history resource, today announced that it has agreed to acquire the leading Swedish family history website Genline.se.
Total consideration for Genline is approximately US $6.7 million, to be paid in cash at closing. The offer has been accepted by Genline’s Board of Directors but remains subject to approval of Genline Holding AB’s public shareholders and other ordinary course closing conditions.

Genline expects to provide proxy materials to shareholders immediately and hold a Special Meeting of Stockholders shortly to vote on the transaction. Genline trades on the Stockholm exchange AktiTorget under the ticker symbol GENL.

Upon completion of the transaction, Genline will join Ancestry.com’s family of nine web properties globally, which together serve more than 1.2 million subscribers and host over five billion historical records and 17 million family trees containing 1.7 billion profiles.

Genline currently has more than 17,000 paying members with access to 26 million pages of digitized Swedish church records spanning more than 400 years from the 16th to the 20th century.

Josh Hanna, SVP and General Manager, International, Ancestry.com Inc., comments: “The Genline.se transaction, our first international acquisition, represents an exciting opportunity for Ancestry.com to access Sweden’s avid family history community and to provide Ancestry.com subscribers of Swedish heritage in the U.S. and other markets with access to important historical content.

"For Genline members, the millions of US and Canadian records with Swedish relevance will provide many new opportunities to discover North American ancestors."

Mikko Ollinen, Genline AB Managing Director, comments: "We are delighted that Ancestry.com sees the potential of Genline. Together we look forward to continuing to grow our business in Sweden and to making new and exciting historical records, both local and international, available to our members."

Ancestry.com expects to acquire all shares of Genline AB for approximately 53 million Swedish kronor with an adjustment for net working capital. Based on a June 11, 2010 exchange rate of SEK7.94 to US$1.00, the net purchase amount approximates US$6.7 million
Genline’s 2009 reported revenue was $2.4 million. Ancestry.com does not expect the acquisition to have a material impact on its financial guidance as issued in connection with its first quarter earnings release on April 29, 2010.

Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "appears," "may," "designed," "expect," "intend," "focus," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "should," or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements include statements describing our subscriber base, our activities to enhance subscribers' experience and our business outlook. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond our control and that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.
Factors that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and our ability to execute on our business strategy include those listed under the caption "Risk Factors" of the Ancestry.com Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

NARA Provides Life to the Dead

Last month, I finally got around to ordering the pension file for one of my Civil War gramps.  It seems like I would have done this years ago since I am so deep into learning of the past and my family's role in the history of our land.  Well, don't judge me quite so fast on this one.

It wasn't until this year that I stumbled on the little fact that 2g granddpa George was even in the Civil War.  He was born in 1834 in Pennsylvania, and was married with a growing family by 1860.  For whatever reason, it just didn't occur to me that he would have been in the Civil War.  I guess I thought he was too old and settled to go off and fight for the Union.

Guess I was wrong!  I really hadn't been looking for him lately as I thought I had found most of what I could locate.  On a whim, I decided to go back and check one of the paid sites just to see if there was anything new on several members of the family. While checking on Uncle Addison and a veteran census, I saw the name George W CALDWELL blaring off the page.  What?

So, I let my fingers do some walking and found where he had been in a Home for Veterans in Dayton, Ohio.  Ohio?

I just had to contact NARA and see what they had.  That's a big jump for me as they had nothing on my grandfather from World War I.

Just this week, the small envelope arrived with a CD.  In to the computer it went.  For the next several days I poured over each and every word.  Then, I had to go and research more.

Grandpa George was a volunteer in the PA 102nd Infantry Co. E.  Of added interest was the fact his brother-in-law, Ben F HUNNEWELL, was also in the same unit.  Anyway, he was down at Fair Oaks when he was discharged with a surgeon's certificate.

First question---  what was Fair Oaks?  The Battle of Fair Oaks took place May 31 and June 1, 1862, in Henrico Co, VA.  It seems like both sides claimed victory for that battle although they both sustained fairly equal casualties.  General Johnston was wounded in this battle.  General McClellan is reported to have written to his wife that he was getting tired of all death and suffering of the troops on the battlefield.

Second question--  Was Grandpa George wounded in the battle?  Alas, the answer to this one is no.  He was moving some heavy rations, and fell on a box which caused some type of internal damage to his kidney.  He was in the hospital for three weeks, and then he was discharged.

Grandpa George returned home where he spent the next 40 years or so disabled.  He apparently suffered a great deal from that fall and lost the majority of his hearing during the war.

The best part of the pension papers came with the date of his marriage to his lovely bride, Mary Jane HUNNEWELL.  Yes!  She has always been somewhat of a mystery to me.  I knew her name.  Her birthdate came from a Bible in the HUNNEWELL family.  Her death date is unknown.  She disappears after the 1870 census.  I suspect she died after the birth of a child.  The big confusion with her is I have a letter from my great grandmother in which she writes to the daughter of George and Mary Jane and mentions she had just seen "your" mama.  The letter is from the 1890s. Hmmm......

But wait---- there's more to be found in the pension.  Grandpa George states that they had 5 children.  What?  I only knew of 4.  More life to be found!  And Grandpa George tells where a son of his has moved!  And---  all of his children married.

Previously, I only knew of two of the children marrying.  So, life continues in the family!

The other "aha" moment in the pension file is the naming of the preacher who married him.  By coincidence, it is the same name as the man who his half sister married.  Gee, I didn't know he was a preacher.  I only knew he was older and died before they had any kids.  The lovely widow goes on to marry again-  this time a widower who lived across the street from other family members.

Ahh, genealogy.  Sometimes the dead can come to life when we explore deeply enough into their lives.

©2010 AS Eldredge

Tombstone Tuesday: Gone but Not Forgotten

Back in 2004, descendants of John Henry (1750-1838), an Irishman who came to the colonies and later fought for the colonies, gathered for a party in the St. Clair Cemetery in Allegheny Co, PA.  We gathered for the dedication of two new headstones for our grandpas John Henry and James Glenn (1750-1813).  Even though both of these men have been dead for many a generation, their faith still speaks to the descendants today. 

Recently, my buddy, Margaret Jackson of the Historical Society of Mt Lebanon contacted me to let me know the original headstone of John Henry was located.  In addition,  a fieldstone with the initials J G has also been located.  

So very cool. 

Ahh, genealogy.  It's greatly satisfying when the gone and not forgotten do something to make us think of them and their contributions to this great nation of ours.  And the blood goes on and on........

©2010 AS Eldredge

Old Pittsburgh Newspaper Index Just Grows and Grows

As you know (or at least you do now,) I spearheaded a project to index old Pittsburgh newspapers vital statistics in January.  I trust that this project will be appreciated over time by those genealogy buffs who are searching for their Pittsburgh area roots.

Update as of Thursday, May 19:
36065 death entries
3865 couples announce wedded bliss
446 couples are not so happy  (divorce)
386 photo entries

If you are new to genealogy, then please realize that there is an immense amount of time and effort given to the cause by the volunteers.  We do the best we can.  Yes, sometimes errors and typos happen.  We do correct them when they are brought to my attention.

The treasure chest of genealogy love going into this project will help you in your quest to learn more.  Just remember, this is not a substitute for going and digging around in the archives or libraries in the area.  While I enjoy gleaning more family tidbits from the comfort of my home, I love going to Pittsburgh and honoring my family while I tend to their graves, visit with cousins or just walk the land that my ancestors walked.

In case you want to check it out to see if you have roots in "Da Burgh," here is the link:  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/death-index.htm


©2010 AS Eldredge

Treasure Chest Thursday: Wonderful Glimpse of History Through Letters

Just this morning, a cousin of mine suggested I look at the Letter Repository.  The Letter Repository has "lots" of old letters which have been transcribed.  There are letters from Americans, English, Irish and Scotsmen.

While it is not searchable by name and thus of limited use to genealogists, it still is interesting to take a glimpse into the past and see what folks were writing about.  The letters cover a range from the 1700s up to, and including, the American Civil War, World War I and and World War II.

The site has been live for about one year and is focusing efforts on letters written in English.  According to the site, they are hosted by an Irish company and are Irish owned.

So, grab a cup of Joe and relive some of the past through the words of those who were living it.  Jump on in:  http://letter.ie/

Guess I'll be digging out my old family letters today and reliving the past of my family.

Ahh- genealogy.  Gotta love it!

HT to Susan for the suggestion!



©2010 AS Eldredge

Treasure Chest Thursday: One Stitch in Time

Can you imagine what it was like for our female ancestors when all sewing was done one stitch at a time?  Can you imagine the glee when sewing machines were invented?  Seems that owning one of these miracle machines could really make a difference in the lives of women.  I wonder if my seamstress kin enjoyed having the new contraption or were they forced to continue to sew by hand.

I thought that today would be just perfect for sewing, and then I thought, that, maybe, just maybe, I would rethink that thought.  After all, looking at my old family machine might be more fun.  And by my family machine, I mean family.

I do have an old Eldredge sewing machine built by the company of Barnabus Eldredge (1843-1911).  This company, which also got into the business of bicycles and automobiles, was only in business under the Eldredge name from 1869-1890.  In 1890, he changed the name of the company to the National Sewing Machine Company.

Of interest to me is that Barnabus's grandfather is also the 3g grandfather of my spouse. Barnabus's earlier family came over on the Mayflower voyage, although the Eldredge line itself were actually latecomers--  arriving in 1635.  The Mayflower Connection even has one of his grandpas as the 17th signer of the Mayflower Compact and arriving in 1620. 

I also have a card on the Eldredge Sewing Machine.  My machine is a different model as mine is a rotary machine. But the overall case and design of the metal work is essentially the same. (Note the pic depicting the name change on the pedal.) 

It's neat to think that ole Barnabus was of the opinion that a job with him was a job for life.  He didn't fire people when they got old.  He just left them on the payroll.  I bet that made for some loyal employees especially during the Great Depression!

Click here to read more about the business itself.

Guess I'll have to find some more of these old machines so each of my kids can take a tangible, metal piece of family history with them. 

Ah, genealogy.  Just a stitch in time.


©2010 AS Eldredge

Wordless Wednesday: Gee, An Award?

A couple of weeks ago, I received an unusual email regarding the GeniTales Blog.  It seems as if MyHeritage was trying to contact me about an award.  I was suspicious, but here is the essence--  my ramblings on genealogy were liked and noticed.

It's cool to have the roles of my family in history read about today. I just hope that those of you readers who are my cousins  enjoy reading about our family as much as I enjoy researching them.  For you "others," I hope my tales have inspired you to learn more about your own roots. 

Thanks!  Ahh-  genealogy.  It's a hoot!

On a sidenote, my death indexing project from old Pittsburgh papers is still growing strong!  At the last update, we had:

32382 death entries
3387 marriage entries
350 couples divorced
312 old photos

In case you want to check it out to see if you have roots in "Da Burgh," here is the link:  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/death-index.htm

©2010 AS Eldredge

When the World is Covered in Gray

My dear sweet cousin who shares my addiction to searching our past in genealogy to try and catch glimpses of ourselves wrote this  poem and I just love it!  So, with John's gracious permission-----

 When the World is Covered in Gray


In a thousand years from hence,  
there may be no more trees.
Will concrete cover the world of sense
and obscure the seven seas?

Do!  Environmentalists criticize the type
and thickness of the stuff,
which caused this great unworldly hype!
We thought you a bit more tough!

Is the mathematical limit of our quest
to find the Truth, the Light---
Or a barren earth with no more zest,
for FREEDOM, no more fight?

Will love then disappear
from minds and hearts in spring---
Or will the grayness of it all,
teach us, at last, to Sing!

Leaders!  Trust your faith to find the way,
to seek the One Who saves.
He's at the end of time, they say.
At the end there are no graves.................

J A Williams
©2010 J A Williams









----


©2010 AS Eldredge

Treasure Chest Thursday: What's Your Heirloom?

Earlier this week, I attended a lineage society meeting at which heirlooms were brought, displayed, and lovingly discussed by the attendees.  I saw pictures of great grandpa's bed, grandparent wedding gifts, grandma's teaching certificate, old photographs, etc.

What is a heirloom?  Is it valuable?

Today, the use of the word "heirloom" designates personal property, sometimes antique, that is passed down through the generations.  It provides a glimpse either into the personality, the travels or the economic status of the beloved ancestor.

In old England, and according to old law, a heirloom had to be given either to a family member or left in the estate to the family.  It would not have been sold out of the family.

The treasures we have most likely have little or no monetary value.  Instead, seeing the treasure invokes loving memories or traditions passed down from one generation to another.

Just recently, I showed my children the Kiddy Pop box.  The lollipop or Kiddy Pop box was one my mother kept hanging in the kitchen and it was always full of lollipops.  Of course, these lollipops were given out only when a good deed  was done.  I always looked forward to being rewarded with a lollipop from the wooden box. My children also know the joy of being told to "go get a lollipop" for a deed well done.

Is this valuable?  If I took it to a shop, they would most likely tell me "no."  However, for me, everytime I look at the lollipop box which hangs in my kitchen, I think of my mama.  Not only do I think of mama, I can hear her voice and I remember so many little things about her.  Tis valuable, I'd say.

So, while you genealogy buffs are scrambling around digging up the old family tree, be sure to include some great memories of the loved ones who are gone.  You just might be creating a super heirloom for your kids and grandkids.

©2010 AS Eldredge

Tombstone Tuesday: Happy Birthday, Cuz Pres

"There is nothing stable but Heaven and the Constitution." - James Buchanan

 April 23rd is the 219th birthday of James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States, and my cousin.  While Buchanan served his country during a most difficult time in American history as the War of Northern Agression, (or the War Between the States as some are wont to refer to it), he supported the Constitution completely. Buchanan is reported to have believed slavery was morally wrong, but thought the Constitution prohibited the federal government from interfering in a matter he thought to be states' rights.

James apparently never got over the loss of his fiance after her death, thus he remained single.  He was gracious to his family and cared for the orphan children of his siblings.  A nephew of his (his sister's child) was his Personal Secretary while Buchanan was in the White House.

I am fortunate to have contact with descendants of his nephew as they are all my blood cousins.  Early sources found in PA for the Reverand Robert Henry (1801-1838) and Harriet E Buchanan (1802-1840) tell us that James was a frequent guest in the home of the family and was quick to raise their young son after they passed.

Buchanan is buried at Woodward Hill Cemetery near his country home in Lancaster Co, PA.

I wonder what the family thought about James becoming President?  So far, I have not seen anything that could provide any clues as to this puzzle.

Ahh, genealogy.  Tis so much fun to find interesting facts about the family.  I guess that and a dollar might buy a cup of coffee!


Photo Source: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=143&PIpi=76078, Photo by Stew Thornley, 2001.

Nation's Death Rate on the Rise Reports Census Bureau

While searching some old newspapers from 1944 in Pittsburgh, I came across this article.  Fascinating!  I wonder how that death rate compares to today- especially now that we have better health care.  If you will take note, health care insurance was not a factor in the 1918 or 1944 dates mentioned in the article.

Nation's Death Rate Still Climbing Sharply

171 out of every 10,000 Population Die During Christmas Week

"The fourth consecutive week of a sharply mounting death rate claimed an average of 171 lives for every 10,000 persons in the country during Christmas week.

The Census Bureau reported the figures today-52 more deaths than normal for each 10,000 population......"

The article goes on to report the flu epidemic was mild.  With some other statistics comes the final one- "One week of the 1918 epidemic had a death rate of 380 percent above normal."

To read the entire article found in the January 1, 1944 Pittsburgh Post Gazette, click here and enter page 4 in the box. 

Ahh, genealogy, it's such a fun read!

Wordless Wednesday: Marking a Patriot's Grave in Fayetteville, GA

Gathering to celebrate the life and patriotic service of James Waldrop, a private in the American Revolution.

Waldrop settled in Fayette County, Georgia, and is buried at the Bottoms Family Cemetery.

Sons of the American Revolution provided Honor Guard.

Members of the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Follow Friday: Parrall Mine Men Rescued February 10, 1906

With the horrendous news this week of another mine disaster in West Virginia, the thoughts and prayers of the country are with the families as they struggle to wait patiently for news of their loved ones.

Sometimes, there can be encouraging news in mine disasters.  A case in point is the Parrall Mine, near Oak Hill, Fayette County, WV.  There was an explosion in February 1906, and it was believed there were 31 men trapped in the mine.

The following names are taken from the February 10, 1906, Pittsburgh Press newspaper article.

Rescued:
F Z FITZGOULD
Robert PRATT
Ervin RIGGS
Rodman OPINEKI
F P ZARK
Robert GILL
Donald BELL
Jule NEAL, colored
Charles MATTHEWS, colored
Herbert CALLOWAY, colored

Bodies Recovered:
George MORRIS
Ike SPEARS
Hans COVIA
Joseph HUNTER
one unidentified

The article indicates the recovery of the other missing bodies is still in progress.

When you've got some time, be sure to read old newspapers.  They are a great source for genealogy and for history.  Google has been a great job of getting them online for us all to enjoy.


©2010 AS Eldredge

Treasure Chest Thursday: Two Beautiful Girls Photograph in New York abt 1885

Recently, I was intrigued by the photo album shown here.  What is its origin?  How old is it?  To whom did it first belong?

Inside the photo album were two pictures.  The first I could identify as my husband who was at the Seattle World Fair wearing a mis-buttoned sweater and a cowboy hat.

The treasure was a photograph of two beautiful girls.  Who are they?  I took a digital photo and have now made an educated guess on the possible identity of the girls.

How did I do this?  I first investigated the name and location of the photographer, F T Talbert.  Mr. Talbert, b. 1841 was a photographer in W Winfield, Herkimer Co, NY, around the turn of the century (20th, that is.)  Herkimer County is near Albany NY.  Guess what!  My husband's family were residents of the general area at that time, although they were residents of Sharon Springs in Schoharie Co.

Who were the young girls in the family at that time?  There were five of them with the birth years ranging from 1868 to 1873.

What ages are the girls in the picture?  Can their clothing assist us?  Can someone who knows old photos and clothing help me in this quest?

What a great find this was in my never ending journey of feeding my genealogy addiction!


©2010 AS Eldredge

Georgia's Virtual Library Just Keeps Growing

Have you visited the Digital Library of Georgia recently?  This worthy ongoing project has resulted in adding numerous old items of genealogy and historical value to readers everywhere.  There is no cost to use the service, although a plug in (free) may be required to view some of the collections.  It's been about a year since I spent time on the DGL and now I think I waited about 11 months too long to go back! 

Recently added are old Atlanta newspapers which span the War of Northern Aggression time period.  For those who are not familiar with the Recent Unpleasantness, the history books refer to it as the War Between the States.


Here is Dick Eastman's tidbit on the Atlanta collection.


The following article is from Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter and is copyright by Richard W. Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information about the newsletter is available at http://www.eogn.com. 

Historic Atlanta Newspapers Online

A new digital database providing online access to 14 newspaper titles published in Atlanta from 1847 to 1922 is now available through the Digital Library of Georgia, housed at The University of Georgia Libraries. The Atlanta Historic Newspapers Archive (http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/atlnewspapers) contains more than 67,000 newspaper pages and provides historical images that are both full-text searchable and can be browsed by date.

The archive includes the following Atlanta newspaper titles: Atlanta Daily Examiner (1857), Atlanta Daily Herald (1873-1876), Atlanta Georgian (1906-1911), Atlanta Intelligencer (1851, 1854-1871), Atlantian (1911-1922), Daily/Georgia Weekly Opinion (1867-1868), Gate-City Guardian (1861), Georgia Literary and Temperance Crusader (1860-1861), New Era (1869-1872), Southern Confederacy (1861-1864), Southern Miscellany, and Upper Georgia Whig (1847), Southern World (1882-1885), Sunny South (1875-1907), Weekly Constitution (1869-1882).
You will note that the above list includes a lot of Civil War newspapers. They should provide valuable information to historians, genealogists, reenactors, and many others.

The Atlanta Historic Newspapers Archive is a project of the Digital Library of Georgia as part of the Georgia HomePLACE initiative. The project is supported with federal LSTA funds administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Georgia Public Library Service, a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

Other newspaper archives available through the Digital Library of Georgia include the Macon Telegraph Archive (1826-1908), the Columbus Enquirer Archive (1828-1890), the Milledgeville Historic Newspaper Archive (1808-1920), the Southern Israelite Archive (1929-1958, 1984-1986), and the Red and Black Archive (1893-2006). These archives can be accessed at: http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/MediaTypes/Newspapers.html

My thanks to Jean Cleveland for letting me know about this valuable new resource.

Wordless Wednesday: TNT Chemical Blast in Aetna and an Old Headstone Found

"Probing Fatal Blast at Aetna Chemical Plant" is declared in bold print on the front page of the December 6, 1917, Pittsburgh Press.

The article hints of German or Austrian agents "doping" the tanks of the TNT.  The Secret Service was suspicious of the blast.  The world was at war and now, a huge explosion in Heidelberg, Allegheny Co, PA, struck fear and despair into the local residents.

The plant manager thinks it was only an accident.  What caused it?  I don't know, but the list of the dead includes an extended family member.

The dead listed in the article include:

SPROULS, E age 28
MENTE, Andrew age 25
MENTE, Steve
unidentified white man, abt 25
LEA, Ellis  age 28
PORTONA, Tony age 28
PETER, Steve, age 36
MONTAGUE, Chester, age 20
KALE, J B
four unidentified men

I became interested in the LEA family while looking deep in early Allegheny Co, PA.  We were friends.  We were neighbors.  We attended church together.  We married.

I have an old picture from 1871 on which the name of the young man is written. Also written is to whom the picture was given.  This was my first clue over a decade ago as I searched for more genealogy finds.

The picture was Cassius Monroe LEA and he gave the picture to his mother-in-law, Margaret Henry SIMMONS.  The young bride of Cassius died in late 1872 as a result of childbirth complications.  Her obit is interesting as it details she died of a "broken heart" after the death of her newborn daughter.  Click here to read more on Maggie's story.

The young Ellis LEA who died in the TNT blast was the son of Cassius LEA and his second wife, Mary HICKEY.  Cassius is buried at St. Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA, with both his wives and his infant daughter.

We knew where the plot was thanks to an old map, but had not located any headstone.  We knew Cassius was there thanks to a really old cemetery census published by a genealogy society.


Two events happened yesterday to render me speechless, or rather, wordless.

1- I stumbled across the marriage of the Ellis's widow, Beatrice H, to Cloud BRYAN.  A quick look at ancestry has now led me to send an email to a descendant of his.

2- Another email arrived yesterday asking if I was sitting down.  And it was from the Historical Society of Mount Lebanon's Margaret Jackson. I became friends with Margaret when I assisted her in writing a booklet on the cemetery and its inhabitants back in 2004.  You can see this great booklet  now at www.stclaircemetery.com.

They uncovered the headstone for Cassius and his second wife, Mary!  And it was exactly where I had said it should be!!!!  So cool!!  

I am guessing this was found as they are preparing for some new gravestones for Civil War vets to be installed.  And yes, Cassius is getting a new veteran headstone, along with my Uncle Henry.  Wonder where they will place it now?

I am just so thrilled to see his gravestone!  Will they find one for Maggie and their infant daughter right next to it?  Can't wait to hear!

Update 10 Aug 2010:  The middle name for Cassius has now been confirmed as "Monroe" by an article in the Sept 24, 1905 "Leader" and was sent to me by the g-granddaughter of Mansfield B Lea (brother of Cassius.)


©2010 AS Eldredge

Tombstone Tuesday: Finding a Brahm in Pittsburgh

This is such a cool picture taken by my cousin, Jennifer Gardner,  that I thought it worth sharing today. 

The subject is the Brahm family plot in Uniondale Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA.

While this is not my direct line, it is the direct line of a cousin of mine.  One of the BRAHM sons married into my YOUNG family.

Roy M BRAHM (1898-1974) married Mildred M YOUNG (1899-1971).  Roy and Mildred are both buried at the St Clair Cemetery(aka lovingly as my family cemetery) in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA.

I don't know why Roy and Mildred are buried at St Clair rather than with his family at Uniondale.  The plot in which Roy and Mildred are buried was purchased by her grandfather, Edward J YOUNG (1835-1905), and is the plot where Mildred's mom is resting.  I am making an educated guess that Mildred's dad, George Fleming YOUNG (1850-1912) is probably also buried in the plot although there is no headstone.  EJ is also buried at St Clair but he is further down the line in another plot he owned.  This other plot was between his two aunts.

Ah- grave shots can be so beautiful.  Not only do they bring back precious sweet memories, they also can be such an art form for genealogy buffs.

©2010 AS Eldredge

Madness Monday: Marianna Mine Disaster in Washington Co, PA

Nothing could be more frightening than news of a mine disaster.  These happened quite often in the past in the coal mine country.  In addition, we all watch the news holding our breath and praying for the safety of the workers when a mine collapses even today.

Here is a list of some of the dead in the Marianna Mine Disaster in Washington Co, Pennsylvania, on November 28, 1908,  The writing is hard to read in the old newspaper, but perhaps, this could be of value to genealogy buffs as they search for old coal mine deaths.

It was reported in newspapers at the time that there were 288 feared dead.

Joseph Holmes
Joseph Gresinger
Robert Locket
Charles L Scelrob(?)
William Hall
Henry Belty(?)
Peter Donlin
Clarence Williams from Monongahela City
Alfred Mackin
Samuel Lipton(?)
Frederick Jenkins, mine foreman
Charles Welrah(?)
Patrick Donnellin
Senior Lee of West Monongahela
Edward Maranult of West Monongahela
George Acker

Injured:
Russell Michener
S W Vance

Brought out alive:
Frank Ellinger

Thought dead:
nephew of John H Jones, President of the Pittsubrgh-Buffalo Company

Brought out and died:
Henry Thompson, mine foreman

At the scene, two women, one a wife and one a mother, apparently went "insane" and tried to commit suicide.

The madness of it all was the state mine inspector had just left the mine.  The mine was thought to be a "model" mine.

More can be found in the November 28, 1908 Pittsburgh Gazette Times.

©2010 AS Eldredge

Happy Genealogy Day!

Who knew?  Who knew that today, March 13, is National Genealogy Day?  It's certainly not listed on my calendar.  But then, everyday is genealogy day for me.

I spent countless hours trying to feed my addiction, er, hobby.  It's funny.  My spouse approved of it when I started back in 1995.  You see, the ever supportive spouse thought it would be a cheap hobby which would fill some time left void by my becoming unemployed (by choice.)

Oops.  Now 15 years later and countless dollars and hours gone, what can I say?

I love it and I truly feel like I discover a bit of my inner soul every time I uncover a tidbit.  Along the way, I've also uncovered cousins and have many new friends as a result of our shared blood.

So, Happy Genealogy Day!

Follow Friday: Some Leisure Reading for Genealogy Addicts

Those of us who are addicted to genealogy and who are always in the quest for new family treasure finds in books seem to spend a great deal of time reading.  Sometimes, it is even in another language as we struggle to read the mountain of information sometimes found in the "ole Country."

In the event you develop eye strain from trying to read old newspapers, wills, faded pages of old, or another language, just relax.  Take a break and enjoy the old issues of Ancestry Magazine.  The complete old issues from January 1994- October 2009 can now be found online.

Want to discover tips which may help you in your personal quest?  Want to read?  Click http://books.google.com/books/serial/ISSN:1075475X?rview=1  to see the covers of the issues.

I've always looked forward to receiving issues of the magazine.  Now I can easily locate the ones I missed or misplaced.  Happy reading!

Treasure Chest Thursday: c. 1881 Letter From an Upset Mama

One of the treasures found in the family Bible was a letter my great-great grandmother had written to my great grandfather after he left home. He is listed living with his parents in the 1880 census in Allegheny Co, PA. The year of the letter has faded but we do know it was written in Nov of either 1880 or 1881. She writes "Pleasant Hill" as the location of the letter. Does this correspond with the Banksville area in which she was born, raised, married and died?

How can I deduce the year the letter was written? Apparently, the six page letter is full of admonishments and worry from an aging mama to her youngest child who has now left home. She is concerned he has yet to marry at the ripe old age of 22 and fears he has resigned himself to being an old bachelor. The young man has fled to his older brother's home in Washington County.

The letter tells us he has only written home three times in the three months he has been gone. His mama really wants to see him and see him married soon. She describes the menu she will have if he comes home for Thanksgiving dinner. How she longs to see him settled!

Did her letter work? We don't know if he came home for a grand turkey dinner, but he married in June 1882 and lived to celebrate over 50 years of wedded bliss.

Ah- genealogy. What great treasures there are to find tucked away.

Follow Friday: Following "Da Burgh" Roots

Being a genealogy fiend, I find it useful to belong to local historical and genealogy societies in the areas where I spend my valuable research time. Since air fare and time can be prohibitive, I really enjoy societies who have taken the time to really provide a great service and look into the past.

I've been a card carrying member of the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society for a number of years. I've gone through the process to be a certified (documented) member of the First Families of Western PA as well as sending a Civil War Era Diary of my great great aunt Hannah. For those who are interested, Hannah's diary was first published in 2006 in the WPGS Quarterly. My cousins and I thought that the Quarterly would be a great fit for the diary as Hannah was born, reared, and died in Allegheny Co, PA.

The WPGS website has gone through some fantastic renovations over the years. Now they offer early issues online for their members. So, if you've got some roots in Da Burgh, I would heartily recommend joining the society. It's a great value and I've met some friends through it over the years-- even though I live hundreds of miles away.

If you're looking for me over the next few days, just remember I'm busy looking at old journals in addition to the all volunteer group of folks indexing deaths and marriages from Pittsburgh newspapers. As an update, our little project now has over 13000 entries in less than a month! And it's all free and online!!

Click here for WPGS and here to go to the Allegheny Co Death Index.

Treasure Chest Thursday: Another Family Pic- But Who?

This dag style picture was found among the papers of one of my dear cousins. We suspect the gent to be his great grandfather and the brother of my great grandfather.

But is this him? Perhaps someone who knows the insignia on the hat and the chest could be of assistance in this quest of firmly identifying the photo?

What a great genealogy treasure this is if it is indeed Uncle Addison as he served during the Civil War in the Pennsylvania 5th Heavy Artillery. I also have a diary he kept during his time serving the Union.

Sure would be cool to put a face on the diary's author.

Update: I have not uncovered a pic of my uncle in later life although I do have a pic of his son and of his daughter. The pic of my great grandfather in the same time period does not indicate the heaviness of the eyebrows.

The Boy King Tells His Story

Fascinating results are in on the DNA testing of the Boy King, King Tut. Malaria? Too much inbreeding? Read the full story here as told by the National Geographic....

King Tut may be seen as the golden boy of ancient Egypt today, but during his reign, Tutankhamun wasn't exactly a strapping sun god.

Instead, a new DNA study says, King Tut was a frail pharaoh,...http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100216-king-tut-malaria-bones-inbred-tutankhamun/

Wordless Wednesday: Fianlly, A Face for the Name

I've been fascinated with the gent in this picture for quite some time. Austin McClain Brendel (1878-1935) was the first cousin of my grandmother.

Why the fascination? I first heard the name when I was looking at the old cemetery records at Southside Cemetery in Allegheny Co, PA back in the late 1980s. Who was this man buried in our family plot? A cousin of my dad's told me it was some cousin who didn't have any place to be buried when he died. So the search began.

It took some years for the life of Austin to be told in bits and pieces. You can read more of Austin at http://genitalesga.blogspot.com/search/label/brendel.

Now, a picture of Austin has made its way to me just this week. When was it taken? Perhaps in the early 1900s? Do I see a family resemblance? I think not, so perhaps he took on the looks of his father's family?

Ah, genealogy. What great cousins I have who take the time to keep me in the loop with their new finds.

Thanks, Frank. I just went speechless with your kind genealogy gift.

What Were They Thinking in 1899?

I came across some interesting remedies that gave me pause. Perhaps you will enjoy them as well...

Cure for Baby's Fits

From the London Lancet.
At the annual collective examination held in Natal in a paper on health and temperature the question occurred: "Write out some simple directions to be followed in cases of convulsions i infants." One answer ran thus:
Put the infant quickly into a bath of boiling water up to the neck. Put ice on its head. Then give him a mild epidemic followed by a teaspoonful of castor oil.
--
Why Rats Should be Eaten

From the Lahore Tribune.
A Chinaman advocates the use of rats thus. "What a carrot is to a horse's coat a rat is to the human hair. Neither fact can be explained, but every horseman knows that a regimen of carrots will make his stud smooth and lustrous as velvet, and the Chinese, especially the women, know that rats used as food stop the falling out of hair and make the locks soft, silky and beautiful. I have seen it tried many times."

The Pittsburgh Press
Feb, 8, 1899

Ah, genealogy. It's a kick, although this time, I think I'll pass.

A Good Reputation

I recently came across the obituary for Robert S PEARSON, son of Nathaniel Plummer PEARSON of St Clair Township, Allegheny Co, PA. While the obit does not detail where young PEARSON would rest, I believe he is in my "family" cemetery, otherwise known as the St Clair Cemetery in Mount Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

Young Robert is not listed as being in the cemetery, but let's look at the circumstantial evidence to support my theory.
1- His grandparents were part of the early Associate Reformed Church of Saw Mill Run which is now known as the Mt Lebanon United Presbyterian Church.
2- His parents were also members there.
3-His grandparents and parents are both buried at the St Clair Cemetery.
4-By tradition, young Robert would have been buried in the family plot.

I have no doubt that many of my blood line kin were there as they, too, were neighbors and members of the same church. I have no doubt that young Robert was mourned. I also am of the belief that the closeness of the two families, in proximity in the neighborhood (and census records) and in the same church, would have young Robert as the probable best friend of William, my 2g grandfather, and perhaps a suitor for the hand of one of William's sisters. After all, they were the proverbial girls next door.

We remember you, young Robert.

Here is his obit along with a poem that was published with his obit. I don't know who the author was but I like to think it was someone special to the family.

Died on Friday evening, the 19th instant, of a pulmonary complaint, Mr Robert S PEARSON, of St Clair Township, son of Nathaniel P Pearson, in the 19th year of his age. This young man sustained a good reputation, and was highly esteemed by those who knew him. His illness, which continued for six weeks, he bore with fortitude and Christian patience. For the last two weeks of his life appeared ebbing out, and the vital spark dimmer; still for some days before his death, he appeared deeply concerned about his salvation. That he obtained peace with God is believed, from that calmness of mind he maintained from the hopes of better life, which sustained him, and from the declarations he made to his friends of his willingness to submit to the Divine will. But he is gone, and has left a long train of mourners to lament the sad bereavement.

Hark, a voice it cries from Heaven,
Happy in the Lord who die,
Happy are they to whom "tis given
From a world of grief to fly;
They indeed are truly blest,
From their labors then they rest.

All their toils and conflicts over,
Lo they dwell with Christ above;
Oh what glories they discover
In the Saviour whom they love.
Now they see him face to face.
Him who saved them by his grace.

"Tis enough, enough for ever,
"Tis his people's bright reward;
They are blest, indeed, who never
Shall be absent from the Lord,
Oh that we may die like those
Who in Jesus then repose.

Source: The Daily Pittsburgh Gazette, Feb 25, 1836

Got to love digging up those genealogy roots of times past!

"Ancestry": A Poem Published Almost 100 Years Ago

While continuing on my journey in to the past with old Pittsburgh newspapers, my attention was directed to the following poem. Enjoy.

Ancestry
Author Unknown

I was proud of the distinguished ancestry;
Of lineage I made a fad-
Of course, I only read of them,
Knew not even good or bad.
I thought of how William the Conqueror
Brought the head of my house from France:
Ormonde, the duke, whose name I bear,
Who came to Ireland by chance.

What joy if I could discover
That some forbear of mine
Had bravely fought the Caracen
On the fields of Palestine:
But this is a practical age,
And my children, with look intent,
Say, "Pa, you had better forget it-
It'll never bring you a cent."

Just below the poem is the following which is sure to bring a smile to your face:

She Keeps Tab All Right

"I wonder if your sister realizes, Johnny, that during the last three months I have spent many dollars in sweets on her?"
"I'm sure she does Mr Sweetly; that's why she's not letting on she's engaged to Mr. Bigger."- New York Mail

Source: The Pittsburgh Press, Apr 29, 1912

Old newspapers are such a kick- for a smile, genealogy or even just a glimpse into a long ago way of life.

Treasure Chest Thursday: Why Fear Death?

I've been busy compiling a death index for Pittsburgh. Naturally, there are a number of us working on this project. In the last two weeks, we've been able to index and post something like 5600 deaths. Kinda cool. Click here if you would like to go hunting for your kin.

What is even more cool is reading the old newspapers. I found this little treasure today and thought I'd share it.

Kaiser Wilhelm (20 years ago) writes a letter to his sister, the Queen of Greece: "Our offensive is progressing successfully on all fronts. On the eastern front the Russians have lost since the beginning of the war, 700,000 men, including 70,000 officers. On the western front, the French have had a few local successes, but so great are their losses that it will suit us admirably if they continue to have a great number of similar successes. Our final victory is certain. Woe to those who still dare to draw the sword against us.".... Charles Frohman's last words as he went down on the Lusitania: "Why fear death? It is the most beautiful adventure in life.
Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette, May 13, 1935

Interesting that the 20 years before would have been in 1915 right at the beginning of the World War I era. Guess we know what happened!

Ah, genealogy. Aint' it illuminating?

History Made in Georgia with Revolutionary Grave Marking for a Black Patriot

The morning had the feel of another winter morning in Pike County, Georgia. The thermometer was hovering right at the freezing point, and there was a light mist in the air. People began to congregate and soon over 200 citizens were deep in the woods at a site just off of the old Mitchell Plantation in Zebulon. They were all there for a cause. They were all there to honor a true American Patriot from the American Revolution.

Austin Dabney (abt 1760-1830) was a slave. Austin Dabney was a great American, even though he didn't know it.

Dabney entered the Georgia Militia in the late 1770s as a substitute for his master. Dabney fought under Elijah Clarke and was wounded at the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779. The Battle of Kettle Creek was one of the most significant battles (and wins) during colonists' fight for freedom in Georgia. The anniversary of Kettle Creek is February 14 and is celebrated each year by the Sons of the American Revolution.

Dabney, who is believed to be the only black man in the battle, was deeply wounded and taken home by a white militiaman by the name of Giles Harris. Harris and his family cared for Dabney during his recuperation and a bond was formed. A bond so strong that it would last for the rest of their lives. They became friends and Harris would later name children after Dabney.

Dabney remained close to the Harris family and eventually relocated with them to what is now Pike County, GA.

Dabney was honored on January 30, 2010, by the crowd assembled deep in the woods. While the grave dedication was sponsored primarily by the Sons of the American Revolution, the crowd consisted of Americans, black, white, Army, Navy, and history lovers, who came to learn more of this particular patriot.

Dabney was granted his freedom by the state of Georgia, received land for his service to America and received a federal pension. At his death, Dabney left his land and property to the Harris family. At the death of William Harris, he requested to be buried with his friend and mentor, Dabney Harris.

At the ceremony, a young black child was looking at the grave site, which is piled high with stones, and asked, "Where is he buried? Why is this such a big deal?" Well, my young friend, Austin Dabney is buried below those stones with his best friend. The marking of a true American Patriot's final resting spot is history. This marking and honoring of Austin Dabney is the first marking of a black Revolutionary Patriot in Georgia and one of only a handful in the Nation. This man knew the meaning of liberty and fought for it, alongside his American brothers. We thank Austin Dabney and all the patriots for believing in the American Cause and for the making of this country.

Dabney left no known blood descendants. Well, Americans, then and now, are proud he's part of American history and his story will continue to be told.

Did you know that it is estimated that close to 20,000 black men were part of the American forces in the Revolution?

Genealogy. It can bring the past to life. And what a phenomenal life Austin Dabney had. Wouldn't it be grand to spend time hearing of his life in his words?

All in the "Spin" of Things, Eh?

Guess it depends on the "spin", er, the twist, of words! This story is a great one, even though the ties to Reid are not real. This story is one that illustrates how stories can change over time. It is easy to imagine the "history revised" version being told by descendants who might be ashamed of the illustrious past of their ancestors. Just remember that the next time someone tells you they are related to royalty or they had 10 horsethieves in the family. Genealogy. The family stories can be amusing, but it's best done with the facts.

Go on and read this lore and just-- smile with the twist on the words.

Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California, was doing some personal work on her own family tree.

She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.

The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory:

On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription:
'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885,
escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times.
Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'

So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle.

Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:

"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory .
His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable
equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad.
Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government
service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad.
In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the
renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency.
In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function
held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing
collapsed."


NOW THAT's how it's done, Folks!

Volunteer to Help the Grim Reaper

Busy volunteers have been keeping me busy as we attempt to assist the Grim Reaper. No, we are not in the business of making death. Yes, we are in the business of genealogy finds.

A few days ago I suggested to one of the Rootsweb groups to which I belong that it would be cool if we could have a death index of old online newspapers for Allegheny County. Click here to read more on my moment of madness.

I've been so busy typing all the names that have come in that now my family is starting to make noises like they're hungry or something. Arrggghhh!

The index is being hosted on the USGenWeb Archives in Pennsylvania. Click here for the fastest way to check out to see if your family is there yet. It's a work in progress and is being very well received by genealogy and history buffs.

Today, my volunteer time has paid off. One of the group who has been busy reading the old newspapers sent in her death stuff and, viola, there is a cousin of mine.

This death notice was really cool. Ok, maybe just interesting to others.

Elizabeth STURGEON who died in 1916 died of heart failure. No big deal there.

What was the "aha" moment was when and where---

She died while sitting at the bedside of her husband who had been in the hospital for several weeks for stomach trouble. She was there at the hospital to take him home.

Guess the Grim Reaper took her home instead.

The take home message is volunteer to help others. You just never know how helping the news of the Grim Reaper can make you stop and smile.

Bitten Again

Now, I've done it. I've been bitten again by the volunteer genealogy bug.

One of the groups that I lurk and contribute to had recently alerted everyone of some new newspaper archives to search online. After many hours of looking, which were accompanied by massive eye strain and few nuggets of gold, I realized that I couldn't be the only family searcher who had invested in massive quantities of Visine. Those old newspapers sure can be hard on the eyes!

I wondered aloud to the list to see if anyone was interested in taking the names of the dead found on the pages they had searched and making an index. I even volunteered to compile the list if the information was sent to me.

This thought has caught on like wild fire. Now, my box is full of lists of different dates and loads of names. I've made a spreadsheet and now, I just type and type.

Me and my big idea. It could be of value to seekers of the past and I hope I find some nuggets too. Sigh.

Volunteer Shots in Hopewell Cemetery

Deciding to brave the cold freezing temperatures this morning, I ventured out to do a bit of genealogy volunteer work. After checking the email which had come in during the bitter cold (as opposed to just freezing cold) for a volunteer to go to Hopewell Cemetery in Tyrone, GA, for a photo, I bundled up and thought, "Hey, why not? It's downright balmy here at 25 degrees today."

Have I done everything?
Found the map to the cemetery. Check.
Looked online for a way to contact the cemetery- no such luck. No problem as it is a sunny day.

I easily found the cemetery next to the government building for the town of Tyrone. Since the way into the cemetery was through the official town driveway, I thought that this would be easy. I assumed the cemetery belonged to the town. As it was a weekday, I strolled in and asked about the cemetery records and a plot map.

Well, it seems the cemetery is not owned by the city. It's owned by the Hopewell UM Church which is several miles away. Huh? Ok. They used to be here. Makes sense.

I got the number to the church and called. Cemetery records? Hmmm. Why, they think the town of Tyrone has them. It was suggested I call back on Monday morning when the church secretary is in. Ok, will do.

As long as I am here, I might as well look around. Crunching around on the morning frost, the cemetery appears peaceful. There are even numerous graves of Confederate Soldiers to see. You just have to admire about those young men who were willing to fight for their way of life so long ago.

While strolling around and waiting for the sun to start to warm me up, I found it. Yes, the family plot for which I was searching. There looks to be three people buried here- a man, a woman and a child. The man and woman have their headstone, but the child's is blank.

Who was this child?

After coming home and grabbing some hot coccoa, I started looking online. The GA Death Index holds the clue.

The child appears to be Thomas A GOSNELL who died at the age of 2 months on January 6, 1942, in Fayette County.

There also appears to be some spots in the plot which have no markers at all.

Perhaps I'll have more to share soon. In the meantime, giving someone else a genealogy gift is quite satisfying on a cold day-- or any day.

Treasure Chest Thursday: Dancing in Celebration of 62 Years

Picture the scene. It's early in the morning in Charleston, SC. A light fog is evident at Middleton Place Gardens. Look closely and see two men fishing in one of the ponds.

One man is older and the other looks like a nervous young man. What did they discuss? How long did they sit there on that bank and just get to know one another?

I don't know the answers to those questions, but I do know the significance of the day and that time together.

The younger man was about to be married that afternoon, January 14, 1948, to his beloved. The older man was her father. Together they sat for hours. Time passed quickly. It has been reported that the time passed so quickly that the two men had to hurry back to town to get dressed in order to make it to the church on time. It has been reported they were in such a hurry that the young man had to borrow a tie from the older man to wear.

Ah, young love. The love between the two who were married that day lasted. It lasted through years of separation thanks to Uncle Sam, through the loss of a child, through the agony and despair of cancer, and through death.

The two young lovers have been gone for many a year now. They were taken much too soon, but their legacy in their children still lives. And it lives strong.

The motto of the two? God, Family and Country.

Their love? My treasure.

I saw them both dancing in heaven on the night my youngest child was born. It was such a comfort to be for them both to beam happily as they danced for the grandchild who would never meet them. Tears? You bet, but it provides my desire to learn more of my family's genealogy and to pass it on to my children.

If you are blessed to have older family members still dancing, be sure to get to really know them. Their love may become your treasure as well.

And the Photo Nominee is.......

Yesterday, I showcased a very old photo of which a copy had been mailed to me about seven years ago. The photo was found in the scrapbook of the Andrew FIFE (1790-1878) family. The scrapbook had been started by one of the descendants of Sara FIFE (1817- abt 1855) and Andrew YOUNG (abt 1815-aft 1862) of Chartiers, Allegheny, PA.

Read the post here. Who is the subject listed only as Mrs. Nana Henry?

I also asked the question on the mail list for those who research in Allegheny County, PA about the photographer who was listed on the photo. As a reminder, it was Purviance with an address of Fifth and Wood Sts.

After consulting the census records, I determined the photographer was William T Purviance who had a studio in Pittsburgh from about 1857-1867. A kind soul on the mail list further defined Purviance for me. He traced the addresses of his studios by checking the old directories which are posted online (Thanks Rich!). By comparing the addresses to the one on the photo, the date of the photo placed it as being taken in 1865 or 1866.

Ahh. Now it was time to revisit the vitals on my genealogy program. It just can't be who I wanted it to be due to death dates before 1865.

The most likely candidate for Mrs. Nana HENRY (and most probable) is.......

Zebiah MIDDLESWARTH (1797-1872), daughter of Moses MIDDLESWARTH (1757-1842) and Elizabeth CLARK (1764-1852.)

Zebiah married William HENRY (1789-1848) on January 1, 1824 in Allegheny Co.

William was the son of John HENRY (1750-1838) of Lower St Clair, Allegheny, PA.

William and Zebiah are both buried in the Bethany Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Bridgeville, Allegheny, PA, with the MIDDLESWARTH family.

So, Nana- we suspect we know who you are and we remember you.

Genealogy- what a kick!

Wordless Wednesday: Early Photo of Mrs. Nana Henry

Mrs. "Nana" Henry. Who was she and when was this taken?

This photo was sent to me by a descendant of Andrew FIFE (1790-1878) who married Sara HENRY d. 1817, daughter of John HENRY (1750-1838) and Margaret McMILLAN (1762-1849). My cousin who sent it thought it to be Margaret, but I don't think so.

The hands certainly don't look like hands of an 80 year old woman who survived in early Pittsburgh. While the outfit certainly suggests a really old Mrs. Henry, I have to learn more to decide who the suspects really are.

Would love any suggestions from those who know old photos!

Update: Found a William T Purviance b. 1831 who was a photographer in Pittsburgh in 1860. Don't know how long he was there---

Update 2: Wm Purviance is listed as an AMBROTYPIST in the late 1850s. By 1862, he is listed as a photographer in tax records in Pittsburgh. He has moved on to Philadelphia before 1870. The last legal mention him in Pittsburgh is in the 1865 Tax Records. So the time frame to identify Mrs. Nana Henry has been narrowed to between 1859-1865. Hmmm. I think there are only a couple of great genealogy candidates for this!

Tuesday Tip: Remember to Give Credit

I've been chatting with a distant (aren't they all?) cousin over the last few days. It's really gotten me energized to dig more into the family. From time to time, we must all go back and review the data and look around to see if anything new has been posted.

Imagine my surprise this morning when I found my hard long research from several years ago, along with photos that I think I'm the only one to have, copied word for word on Find a Grave.

Think, fellow genealogy researchers, of others' research when posting their information online. Be sure to give them the credit for their words and pictures!

I quickly emailed the contributor of the information taken from my site and asked her to correct the entry. I just want the credit, and of course, the way for other cousins to find me.

The contributor quickly emailed back and profusely apologized. I figured they just didn't think when they copied and pasted the information and pictures.

Use it. Just use it properly by giving credit where the credit is due. Or better yet-- contact the owner of the site to see how the work should be credited, or if you should just use one line with a link to the site of the original information.

Oh - the contributor was kind enough to go back and edit the entries showing the source of the information posted. One chore down for this really cold day!

And the Gift Keeps On Coming

I sort of fell into genealogy about 15 years ago and admittedly have a strong addiction. Just ask my family- close or distant blood!

I've been working with a gent for about four years now on my blood. He's been a real gem in my quest to learn, and to learn more about my blood. Click here to read a previous post on my buddy.

Well, today, he offered another gift. Oops, I should back up a few months.

My buddy and I have been searching for the proof that his blood runs in my veins. Finally, we found a living breathing male with the correct surname in both our families who were willing to take the DNA test. This would tell the tale.

The tale, or rather fact, of the matter is to our knowledge we share not one itty bitty drop of blood.

He has finally decided he didn't need to run the online tree of the family, so today, he offered it to me. I accepted. In a day or so, the newly owned tree will be available on ancestry for all to see. Of course, it's been there the whole time. It's just now going to be updated by a common gene seeker.

As for my buddy? He's gained a place in my heart and I will continue to refer to him as my "kinda cousin." After all, he's the one who was able to lead me in the right direction in my personal quest of Wall Street John.

Thanks, Bill, for the gifts of knowledge, time, and friendship. I look forward to continuing our "kinda cousin" relationship.

Start the New Year on Fire!

Tis the new year and time to revisit some old stumbling blocks to see what new information has been placed online.

Since the beginning of the new year, I've been deep into genealogy.

On one of the groups on which I lurk and comment, the big news right before Christmas was the addition of some more old newspapers from Pittsburgh. So, I've been searching the Pittsburgh Press through Google Archives just to see what I can find.

Every now and then, shouts of glee have bubbled right out of my mouth. So far, I have been able to view some new (or rather, old) obits of my family. I found my great grandma's obit. The obit itself wasn't new as a copy of it had been placed in the family Bible. What was new was the newspaper it came from and the date it was published. I also found the obit of some cousins and of my great grandma's sister.

Feeling like I'm on fire on this extremely cold winter day, I even found a fire. The fire was at the James RITCHIE Lumber Yard in Mt. Washington, Allegheny, PA on April 17, 1909. The fire was reported to be" one of the most spectacular ever seen in Pittsburg" with flames almost 20 feet high. Although an engine (fire) house was adjacent to the property, lack of water pressure made it impossible to fight. The home of James RITCHIE was also adjacent to the property. It was badly scorched and smoking.

By the way, James (1840-1922) was married to a cousin of mine, Anna Elizabeth NEELY (1842-1912) and both are buried in my "family cemetery" known as the St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, PA. James was born in Ireland but spent most of his life in Allegheny Co, PA. After marrying Anna in 1861, he mustered into the Union Army and served in Co. K of the 49th Regiment, PA Volunteers.

It was cool to see both his obit and the article of the fire. I also have sent them on to his great grandson. I suspect I'll hear from him soon. After all, it's been some time since we were to talk all day in the cold. Click here to read more of our last visit.

Guess I'll stop looking for fires and just use some hand warmers.