Our nation has had a contract which we support, defend and protect everyday. It's something we Americans have done for the last 226 years. Yep, today is the 226th anniversary of the signing of our Constitution.
While I don't have any ancestors who signed the Constitution, I do have on both my maternal and paternal bloodlines patriots who have fought and died for America since the Revolution. I was thinking of today being Constitution Day and it occurred to me that every generation of my family has served America since the founding of our great land.
What do you know about the Constitution? Have you read it or studied since you were in high school or college? I am still amazed that the 55 delegates from the newly formed 13 states were able to debate, argue, and compromise over that long, hot summer in Philadelphia so many years ago. What they penned and what the 39 delegates who signed the Constitution did is so incredible. We have the longest surviving Constitution and the shortest in the world. Amazing.
Since I can't claim any genealogy fame to any signer of the Constitution, I guess I'll just have to thank those men who did sign it. Perhaps, I'll shout "Happy Constitution Day" to all I see today and then sit down and see what military records I can find on my beloved and brave soldiers and sailors in my bloodline. Seems fitting.
Just in case you need a fun fact about the Constitution-- The original Constitution (without the 27 amendments added at later dates) had something like 4400 words. Only one word is misspelled. Can you guess it? The state it was penned in--- Pennsylvania.
Ahh, genealogy. Gotta love it while we support, defend and protect our nation- one generation at a time.
©AS Eldredge, 2013
Ahhh, genealogy. A glimpse of the past shows of what I am made.....
Showing posts with label american. Show all posts
Showing posts with label american. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
1788 Death of an American
Digging around in the state of New Jersey for American Revolution era documentation has been an adventure. Occasionally, the same names pop up again and again.
Yesterday, I found the July 1777 appearance of Daniel HENDRICKSON as he was called upon by the Council of Safety to testify on his beliefs and allegiance to the present government in New Jersey. HENDRICKSON had refused to renounce his "Protection from the Enemy" and pledge his allegiance to New Jersey. He was released on good behavior as he prepared for his next appearance with the Council.
To be fair to the man in question, I did not follow up to see the outcome of his visits to the Council. However, in researching this Council, I did learn the purpose of the Council was to protect the state from the enemy and provide the militia fighting material, whether it be supplies or money. It has been suggested that expressing your views in a negative fashion could have you brought up in front of this group of 12 men who had the power to dismiss the charge, have the person taken to prison, or remove the person to the enemy in New York.
Today, I have stumbled across the gentleman again while researching Revolutionary and Post Revolutionary Documents, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol VII, 1786-1790. Once again, the names I was researching were not to be found. HENDRICKSON was. Here is his entry.
1788, July 31. Hendrickson, Daniel, of Middletown, Monmouth Co.
Int. Adm'x — Cathrine Hendrickson, widow of said Daniel, and Hen-
drick Hendrickson, son of said Daniel; both of said place. Wit-
nes.ses — Garrit Hendrickson and Thomas Hendrickson.
Did he sign his Oath of Allegiance to New Jersey? I don't know, but he certainly died an American in a free from British rule country.
Ahhh, genealogy. The fun stuff I can find while stumbling around the neighborhood of old looking for that elusive evidence and enjoying thankful Thursday.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Yesterday, I found the July 1777 appearance of Daniel HENDRICKSON as he was called upon by the Council of Safety to testify on his beliefs and allegiance to the present government in New Jersey. HENDRICKSON had refused to renounce his "Protection from the Enemy" and pledge his allegiance to New Jersey. He was released on good behavior as he prepared for his next appearance with the Council.
To be fair to the man in question, I did not follow up to see the outcome of his visits to the Council. However, in researching this Council, I did learn the purpose of the Council was to protect the state from the enemy and provide the militia fighting material, whether it be supplies or money. It has been suggested that expressing your views in a negative fashion could have you brought up in front of this group of 12 men who had the power to dismiss the charge, have the person taken to prison, or remove the person to the enemy in New York.
Today, I have stumbled across the gentleman again while researching Revolutionary and Post Revolutionary Documents, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol VII, 1786-1790. Once again, the names I was researching were not to be found. HENDRICKSON was. Here is his entry.
1788, July 31. Hendrickson, Daniel, of Middletown, Monmouth Co.
Int. Adm'x — Cathrine Hendrickson, widow of said Daniel, and Hen-
drick Hendrickson, son of said Daniel; both of said place. Wit-
nes.ses — Garrit Hendrickson and Thomas Hendrickson.
Did he sign his Oath of Allegiance to New Jersey? I don't know, but he certainly died an American in a free from British rule country.
Ahhh, genealogy. The fun stuff I can find while stumbling around the neighborhood of old looking for that elusive evidence and enjoying thankful Thursday.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Homeland Security 1777 Style
Wednesday morning has arrived after a restless sleep last night. I am almost speechless as I try to understand the past. Almost a wordless Wednesday, but not quite.
Imagine the scene, if you will, of the events following our beloved country's 1776 Declaration of Independence from the super power across the pond. The early events in the blossoming war were not very successful for the Americans. In fact, in the fall of 1776, the British officers Richard Howe and William Howe issued a proclamation from New York City offering a pardon for treasonable acts to anyone who would take an oath of allegiance to the King.
The new states then issued a mandatory oath of allegiance to the new and present government in the spring and early summer of 1777. In looking at several states, it seems that all white men had to sign the oath of allegiance or be subject to imprisonment or forfeiture of their property or even being exspelled from the area of their residence. All allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Britain, had to be renounced. All those suspected of treason or conspiracies were to be made known to the government, as declared by Congress.
Until last night, it had not dawned on me that the oath was a forced oath of allegiance to the Americans. Gee, I wonder how that went over. Can you imagine the revolt today if we had to go to court and sign an oath of allegiance to a new government? Yikes.
Anyway--
Last night's research sent me to the Minutes of the Council of Safety of the state of New Jersey 1777-1778. (Many thanks to the kind volunteer who found the book for me online.) In reading many of the entries, I was stunned to see how people turned in their neighbors for being suspicious, or dangerous to the present government, or how Quakers were brought in to testify.
Here is a portion of one man's plight which I thought interesting. Was he one of the men who had accepted Howe's pardon?
Daniel Hendrickson, who was summoned to appear as a Person suspected of being disaffected and dangerous to the present Government, did accordingly attend, and on Examination acknowledged that he had recd a Protection from the Enemy, which he refused to give up when demanded by the Board....
He refused to take the Oath of Allegiance but was dismissed on account of his good behavior as he prepared for his next appearance before the next Court. I didn't follow up on this gentleman, so I am unaware if he changed his mind or went to prison for supporting the Crown.
And another one which caught my eye.
The petition of Benjamin Morgan, now in confinement at Morristown, was read, setting forth, That he is desirous to take the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance agreeably to Law, and is willing to be circumscribed in his Boundaries & laid under such Penalties as the Board may think necessary; and praying that he may be permitted to return home.
The one I for whom I was searching was found to have appeared July 8, 1777, on a demand of the Council with the charge of being "suspected." William Honeywell appeared and requested time to think about it. The Council agreed. Honeywell returned the next morning and signed the Oath of Allegiance to New Jersey and the United States. That afternoon, his brother, John Honeywell also appeared and signed the oath.
What must these men have thought? Their family had been in the colonies since the early 1600s and had never even been to England. They were born under the Crown, but lived as Americans for generations. Did they wonder if the Americans would, or could, win the battle against the Crown? Did they really care? Were their daily lives affected by all the troops around? I don't know the answer, but I do know that two of William's children were contacted by the militia to serve. One of the sons served in place of the other, so only one of his sons has a revolutionary war pension. So, William did support the American cause.
Even though I have known of the Oaths of Allegiance for many years, it never dawned on me that it was a forced oath of allegiance. If a man didn't sign it, he stood to lose everything. Of course, if the British had won the war, he would have most likely lost everything.
Ahhh, genealogy. William's declaration of wanting to think about signing the oath reminds me of that immortal classic song by Meatloaf. I've been humming, "Do you love me? Will you love me forever?....Let me think on it, baby baby. Let me think on it. I'll give you an answer in the morning."
And just like the song, grandpa William Honeywell said yes.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Imagine the scene, if you will, of the events following our beloved country's 1776 Declaration of Independence from the super power across the pond. The early events in the blossoming war were not very successful for the Americans. In fact, in the fall of 1776, the British officers Richard Howe and William Howe issued a proclamation from New York City offering a pardon for treasonable acts to anyone who would take an oath of allegiance to the King.
The new states then issued a mandatory oath of allegiance to the new and present government in the spring and early summer of 1777. In looking at several states, it seems that all white men had to sign the oath of allegiance or be subject to imprisonment or forfeiture of their property or even being exspelled from the area of their residence. All allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Britain, had to be renounced. All those suspected of treason or conspiracies were to be made known to the government, as declared by Congress.
Until last night, it had not dawned on me that the oath was a forced oath of allegiance to the Americans. Gee, I wonder how that went over. Can you imagine the revolt today if we had to go to court and sign an oath of allegiance to a new government? Yikes.
Anyway--
Last night's research sent me to the Minutes of the Council of Safety of the state of New Jersey 1777-1778. (Many thanks to the kind volunteer who found the book for me online.) In reading many of the entries, I was stunned to see how people turned in their neighbors for being suspicious, or dangerous to the present government, or how Quakers were brought in to testify.
Here is a portion of one man's plight which I thought interesting. Was he one of the men who had accepted Howe's pardon?
Daniel Hendrickson, who was summoned to appear as a Person suspected of being disaffected and dangerous to the present Government, did accordingly attend, and on Examination acknowledged that he had recd a Protection from the Enemy, which he refused to give up when demanded by the Board....
He refused to take the Oath of Allegiance but was dismissed on account of his good behavior as he prepared for his next appearance before the next Court. I didn't follow up on this gentleman, so I am unaware if he changed his mind or went to prison for supporting the Crown.
And another one which caught my eye.
The petition of Benjamin Morgan, now in confinement at Morristown, was read, setting forth, That he is desirous to take the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance agreeably to Law, and is willing to be circumscribed in his Boundaries & laid under such Penalties as the Board may think necessary; and praying that he may be permitted to return home.
The one I for whom I was searching was found to have appeared July 8, 1777, on a demand of the Council with the charge of being "suspected." William Honeywell appeared and requested time to think about it. The Council agreed. Honeywell returned the next morning and signed the Oath of Allegiance to New Jersey and the United States. That afternoon, his brother, John Honeywell also appeared and signed the oath.
What must these men have thought? Their family had been in the colonies since the early 1600s and had never even been to England. They were born under the Crown, but lived as Americans for generations. Did they wonder if the Americans would, or could, win the battle against the Crown? Did they really care? Were their daily lives affected by all the troops around? I don't know the answer, but I do know that two of William's children were contacted by the militia to serve. One of the sons served in place of the other, so only one of his sons has a revolutionary war pension. So, William did support the American cause.
Even though I have known of the Oaths of Allegiance for many years, it never dawned on me that it was a forced oath of allegiance. If a man didn't sign it, he stood to lose everything. Of course, if the British had won the war, he would have most likely lost everything.
Ahhh, genealogy. William's declaration of wanting to think about signing the oath reminds me of that immortal classic song by Meatloaf. I've been humming, "Do you love me? Will you love me forever?....Let me think on it, baby baby. Let me think on it. I'll give you an answer in the morning."
And just like the song, grandpa William Honeywell said yes.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Thankful Thursday: DAR-ing to Dig Up the Proof
Genealogy buffs and searchers of family history generally love to dig in the past. Looking for the absolute definitive proof to prove a theory can be frustrating. Finding the proof is thrilling.
Many thanks will go the ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution as their new project on proving the past takes root. The DAR has undertaken the task of reviewing the patriots whose either service,location or lineage has been questioned over the years.
These questions arose when an applicant tried to join the DAR using faulty information. The end result was the denial of the applicant or the patriot's line would be closed to future applicants. Those of us who have run across some of these old closed lines have pulled our hair out in vain. And, of course, there were those instances in the past when applicants were accepted in the DAR using bad information. Now, those are the cases that can really get under the skin of dedicated, diligent family history researchers.
I applaud the DAR for changing how applications were reviewed some 40 years ago. They have worked hard to identify problems with the information being sent to them by unsuspecting applicants.
Today, I applaud the DAR for their new project they call the Cold Closed Cases Project. Volunteers within the ranks of the DAR will be going back to take a look at these "questionable" patriot lines. Analysis of the old records will be used to try and determine what caused these patriots' lines to be closed.
Then, the fun begins. These wonderful women volunteers will spend countless hours researching these old patriots using the technology of today to dig up the definitive proof of the service or lineage. Hopefully, a new number of old patriot lines will be reopened for applicants. To date, some two dozen patriots of the American Revolution can once again have their daughters enter the DAR.
Ahh, genealogy. Ain't volunteers grand?
©2013 AS Eldredge
Many thanks will go the ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution as their new project on proving the past takes root. The DAR has undertaken the task of reviewing the patriots whose either service,location or lineage has been questioned over the years.
These questions arose when an applicant tried to join the DAR using faulty information. The end result was the denial of the applicant or the patriot's line would be closed to future applicants. Those of us who have run across some of these old closed lines have pulled our hair out in vain. And, of course, there were those instances in the past when applicants were accepted in the DAR using bad information. Now, those are the cases that can really get under the skin of dedicated, diligent family history researchers.
I applaud the DAR for changing how applications were reviewed some 40 years ago. They have worked hard to identify problems with the information being sent to them by unsuspecting applicants.
Today, I applaud the DAR for their new project they call the Cold Closed Cases Project. Volunteers within the ranks of the DAR will be going back to take a look at these "questionable" patriot lines. Analysis of the old records will be used to try and determine what caused these patriots' lines to be closed.
Then, the fun begins. These wonderful women volunteers will spend countless hours researching these old patriots using the technology of today to dig up the definitive proof of the service or lineage. Hopefully, a new number of old patriot lines will be reopened for applicants. To date, some two dozen patriots of the American Revolution can once again have their daughters enter the DAR.
Ahh, genealogy. Ain't volunteers grand?
©2013 AS Eldredge
Monday, May 07, 2012
Facing Court Martial Twice and Still a Great Believer
How many military personnel have faced a court martial over the years? While I don't know the answer, I do find it interesting that my 4g-grandpa was under the command of a soldier who lived it, not once, but twice.
In searching for more information on the duties of one of my American Revolution patriot grandpas, I stumbled across an interesting story on his commander.
Just to set the scene, let's go back to the year 1779 and the Second Pennsylvania Regiment. My 4g-grandpa was a private in this company during the Revolution and is mentioned as being present at Valley Forge.
As history has taught us, while there were no battles at Valley Forge, the winter of 1777-78 was a time of hardship for the American patriots. My grandpa is just one of the many who was sick (according to the muster rolls) during his stay there. Much has been written on Valley Forge, and it is fascinating to read the stories.
The Captain of my grandpa's regiment was one Jacob ASHMEAD(1742-1814) who was from Germantown, PA. When he assumed command of the 2nd PA Regiment, he was charged with recruiting soldiers and forming a light infantry company.
During the attack on Stoney Point, the men of the Light Infantry Brigade were to maintain silence. ASHMEAD apparently felt his adrenaline go high, and shouted. For this he faced a court martial and was found guilty of disobeying an order. One of the other leaders on the fateful night at Stoney Point was "Mad" Wayne ANTHONY, who received a medal for the victory of that battle.
ASHMEAD was also later arrested and faced a second court martial for disobeying an order, of which he was acquitted. Interesting in itself as both charges originated with the same man.
In reading the entry which was in the Orderly Book, I find it interesting to note that another officer tried to "excite" the soldiers under ASHMEAD's command and have them not obey the orders. I wonder what reaction my grandpa had. Did he fall in to the trap set by the other officer or did he believe in ASHMEAD and his patriotic zeal for America? While I don't know the answer, and never will, I do know that my grandpa fought under his command. Can I imagine the scene? Sure.
Part of being a family history seeker is to learn all there is about the time and place where ancestors lived. Learning a bit more about my grandpa's commander makes my grandpa come more alive as I imagine his struggles with wondering which was the right course to take with the Continental Army's commanders. Did he stand up and shout support for his commander? I like to think so.
Learn more about Captain Jacob ASHMEAD and his involvement in the Continental Army at the NWTA, the Northwest Territory Alliance. There is a wonderful 2008 article in the NWTA Courier which provides the details of the court martials.
Also of interest is that there is a definite tie between an ASHMEAD family of Germantown from that era and Dr. Benjamin RUSH, who signed the Declaration of Independence. I haven't taken the time to determine how Jacob ties in to Benjamin.
For more reading on Jacob ASHMEAD, go to the Historical Society of PA and look at their collections.
Ahh, genealogy. Those early believers in freedom just make me warm and fuzzy all over.
Sources:
FindaGrave http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20768108
Moran, Donald, The Storming of Stony Point, Sons of Liberty Chapter, NSSAR, http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/stonypoint.html
VandePolder, Brian, Captain Jacob Ashmead has a Very Bad Year 1779, NWTA Courier, Sept/Oct 2008, pg 6-7
PA Archives
Orderly Book of Captain Robert Gamble, 1779 http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/gamble1.htm
©2012 AS Eldredge
In searching for more information on the duties of one of my American Revolution patriot grandpas, I stumbled across an interesting story on his commander.
Just to set the scene, let's go back to the year 1779 and the Second Pennsylvania Regiment. My 4g-grandpa was a private in this company during the Revolution and is mentioned as being present at Valley Forge.
As history has taught us, while there were no battles at Valley Forge, the winter of 1777-78 was a time of hardship for the American patriots. My grandpa is just one of the many who was sick (according to the muster rolls) during his stay there. Much has been written on Valley Forge, and it is fascinating to read the stories.
The Captain of my grandpa's regiment was one Jacob ASHMEAD(1742-1814) who was from Germantown, PA. When he assumed command of the 2nd PA Regiment, he was charged with recruiting soldiers and forming a light infantry company.
During the attack on Stoney Point, the men of the Light Infantry Brigade were to maintain silence. ASHMEAD apparently felt his adrenaline go high, and shouted. For this he faced a court martial and was found guilty of disobeying an order. One of the other leaders on the fateful night at Stoney Point was "Mad" Wayne ANTHONY, who received a medal for the victory of that battle.
ASHMEAD was also later arrested and faced a second court martial for disobeying an order, of which he was acquitted. Interesting in itself as both charges originated with the same man.
In reading the entry which was in the Orderly Book, I find it interesting to note that another officer tried to "excite" the soldiers under ASHMEAD's command and have them not obey the orders. I wonder what reaction my grandpa had. Did he fall in to the trap set by the other officer or did he believe in ASHMEAD and his patriotic zeal for America? While I don't know the answer, and never will, I do know that my grandpa fought under his command. Can I imagine the scene? Sure.
Part of being a family history seeker is to learn all there is about the time and place where ancestors lived. Learning a bit more about my grandpa's commander makes my grandpa come more alive as I imagine his struggles with wondering which was the right course to take with the Continental Army's commanders. Did he stand up and shout support for his commander? I like to think so.
Learn more about Captain Jacob ASHMEAD and his involvement in the Continental Army at the NWTA, the Northwest Territory Alliance. There is a wonderful 2008 article in the NWTA Courier which provides the details of the court martials.
Also of interest is that there is a definite tie between an ASHMEAD family of Germantown from that era and Dr. Benjamin RUSH, who signed the Declaration of Independence. I haven't taken the time to determine how Jacob ties in to Benjamin.
For more reading on Jacob ASHMEAD, go to the Historical Society of PA and look at their collections.
Ahh, genealogy. Those early believers in freedom just make me warm and fuzzy all over.
Sources:
FindaGrave http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20768108
Moran, Donald, The Storming of Stony Point, Sons of Liberty Chapter, NSSAR, http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/stonypoint.html
VandePolder, Brian, Captain Jacob Ashmead has a Very Bad Year 1779, NWTA Courier, Sept/Oct 2008, pg 6-7
PA Archives
Orderly Book of Captain Robert Gamble, 1779 http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/gamble1.htm
©2012 AS Eldredge
Friday, March 18, 2011
Searching for Ancestors with Revolutionary Online Databases
The Daughters of the American Revolution have been collecting genealogy data since its 1890 beginnings. Women who have proven blood descent of American Revolution patriots have been working nonstop to digitize many of their records.
The general public can easily search DAR databases to locate names of known patriots, descendants, and documentation of over 20,000 typescript records, which have been donated by DAR members.
Begun in 1913, the collection of genealogical records consists of Bible, cemetery, county histories, and other types of genealogical records. By entering a name and state, titles of reports are displayed online. The details are available for a small fee.
In addition, volunteers are busily engaged in transcribing all DAR applications. The Analytical Card and Revolutionary War Pension indices have been digitized, thus providing a valuable resource not found elsewhere.
Growing daily with volunteer efforts, these databases can provide patriot names, descendants, land records, or other genealogical documentation useful to researchers.
The DAR is a great source to augment your genealogy research and record copies are available for purchase. Go to www.Dar.org. Click on genealogy to begin your search in their records. Who knows? You just may find revolutionary news of your own.
Ahh, genealogy. Did you know that over 2 million women have served in the defense of America since the times of the American Revolution? Do you have one in your line? I do. Perhaps it's time to honor her story.
2011 AS Eldredge
The general public can easily search DAR databases to locate names of known patriots, descendants, and documentation of over 20,000 typescript records, which have been donated by DAR members.
Begun in 1913, the collection of genealogical records consists of Bible, cemetery, county histories, and other types of genealogical records. By entering a name and state, titles of reports are displayed online. The details are available for a small fee.
In addition, volunteers are busily engaged in transcribing all DAR applications. The Analytical Card and Revolutionary War Pension indices have been digitized, thus providing a valuable resource not found elsewhere.
Growing daily with volunteer efforts, these databases can provide patriot names, descendants, land records, or other genealogical documentation useful to researchers.
The DAR is a great source to augment your genealogy research and record copies are available for purchase. Go to www.Dar.org. Click on genealogy to begin your search in their records. Who knows? You just may find revolutionary news of your own.
Ahh, genealogy. Did you know that over 2 million women have served in the defense of America since the times of the American Revolution? Do you have one in your line? I do. Perhaps it's time to honor her story.
2011 AS Eldredge
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Southern American Revolution Patriots Pension Online Transcriptions
While reading the daily EOGN which is delivered to my inbox every day, I stumbled across a post on Revolutionary War Southern Campaign Pension Application Transcriptions Online. How cool is this?
After reading the posted American Revolution pension application for one Dan Alexander, I thought I'd wander over to the site, http://southerncampaign.org/pen/ , and see if I could locate a pension file from my maternal side.
Bingo! There it was! And, I'm excited to report this one pension contains the death date and the marriage date! So here 'tis just in case you share my maternal blood.
Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of John Poston W26923 Rebecca fn30NC
Transcribed by Will Graves 9/17/09
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the database. Also, the handwriting of the original scribes often lends itself to varying interpretations. Users of this database are urged to view the original and to make their own decision as to how to decipher what the original scribe actually wrote. Blanks appearing in the transcripts reflect blanks in the original. Folks are free to make non-commercial use this transcript in any manner they may see fit, but please extend the courtesy of acknowledging the transcriber—besides, if it turns out the transcript contains mistakes, the resulting embarrassment will fall on the transcriber.]
[fn p. 3 family record]
Peggy was Born the 9th day of February in the year 1782
Rebekah was born the 31st day May in the year 1783
Jenny was born the 17th day of October in the year 1785
Elizabeth was born the 30th day of January in the year 1786
Salley was born the 15 day of January in the year 1888 [sic]
Robert Postion [sic] was born the 28th of December in the year 1889 [sic]
Polley was born the 30th day of August in the year 1890 [sic]
Jno A. B. Poston was born the 7th day of November in the year 1894 [sic]
Nancy Poston was born the 9th day of April in the year 1897 [sic]
Send the Poston was born the 6th day of March in the year 1801
John Poston Senior departed this life August 22nd Day 1819
William Poston was born in the year of our Lord August 14th Day 1809
[fn p. 8] State of North Carolina Buncombe County
On this 4th day of July 1845 Personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid Rebecca Poston a Resident of North Carolina in the County of Buncombe aged seventy-nine years, Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows -- That she is the widow of John Poston who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution And who entered the service of the United States as a Drafted Soldier sometime in the year 1779 or 80 in the County of Roan [sic, Rowan], North Carolina and served out 13 months tour: soon after which he again volunteered or was drafted & entered the service of the United States in which he remained as she has often heard him say, until after the surrender of Cornwallis at which time he was present and saw Cornwallis surrender his sword to (she thinks) General Lincoln, the names of the Captains under which he mustered she does not Recollect: She however recollects to have heard him say that he was commanded by Generals McDowell and Davidson. She further Recollects that he was in the Battle at the Cowpens. She further declares that she was married to the said John Poston on the 25th day of April in the year 1782. That her said Husband the aforesaid John Poston Died on the 22nd day of August 1819, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 (viz.) at the time above stated.
She further states that she has no Record proof of her said marriage, but that she has a Record of the ages of her children and of the Death of her Husband the aforesaid John Poston. That she was married to him the said John Poston at the time aforesaid in the County of Lincoln in the State of North Carolina. That she never has since been Death of her said husband again married. But that she still remains the widow of the said John Poston -- the Record of the ages of her children & of the death of her said Husband are here with remitted.
S/ Rebecca Poston, X her mark Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court on the day and date above written.
S/ N. Harrison, Clerk of the Buncombe County Court
[fn p. 11: On December 30, 1851 in Buncombe County North Carolina, Charles McFee, the administrator of the estate of Rebecca Poston filed a claim for pension due her as the widow of John Poston; in this application the affiant states that John Poston served in a company commanded by Captain John Work; that John Poston married Rebecca Balldridge in Iredell County, date unknown but prior to January one, 1794; that John Poston died August 22nd, 1819 survived by Rebecca Poston, his widow and the following children now living: Mary Davis, Jane Bryson, Rebeco [Rebecca] Bryson, Nancy Nicholas, Lusindia [Lucinda] Stines, Ruthy Smith & Robert Poston.]
[fn p.15: bond taken out by John Poston, Junior and John Poston, Senior, of Rowan County North Carolina dated April 24, 1782 to secure the marriage of John Poston to Rebecca Baldridge of Lincoln County.]
[fn p. 20: certificate dated September 30th 1851 issued by the North Carolina Comptroller's Office showing payments made to John Poston for services in the revolution including service under Captain John Work in January 1776 for 32 days in an expedition to Moore's Creek.]
My mom used to tell me that her kin had fought under General Francis Marion, and I've been itching to document that tidbit.
I looked around at some of the other surnames from my maternal side and checked them out as well. While it is possible a couple of them could be related somehow, there are others I could immediately rule out. Guess I'll keep searching for the name Marion used in conjunction with my blood kin who had migrated to that little area of South Carolina.
Ahh, genealogy. Another day, another unexpected find.
©2011 AS Eldredge
After reading the posted American Revolution pension application for one Dan Alexander, I thought I'd wander over to the site, http://southerncampaign.org/pen/ , and see if I could locate a pension file from my maternal side.
Bingo! There it was! And, I'm excited to report this one pension contains the death date and the marriage date! So here 'tis just in case you share my maternal blood.
Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of John Poston W26923 Rebecca fn30NC
Transcribed by Will Graves 9/17/09
[Methodology: Spelling, punctuation and/or grammar have been corrected in some instances for ease of reading and to facilitate searches of the database. Also, the handwriting of the original scribes often lends itself to varying interpretations. Users of this database are urged to view the original and to make their own decision as to how to decipher what the original scribe actually wrote. Blanks appearing in the transcripts reflect blanks in the original. Folks are free to make non-commercial use this transcript in any manner they may see fit, but please extend the courtesy of acknowledging the transcriber—besides, if it turns out the transcript contains mistakes, the resulting embarrassment will fall on the transcriber.]
[fn p. 3 family record]
Peggy was Born the 9th day of February in the year 1782
Rebekah was born the 31st day May in the year 1783
Jenny was born the 17th day of October in the year 1785
Elizabeth was born the 30th day of January in the year 1786
Salley was born the 15 day of January in the year 1888 [sic]
Robert Postion [sic] was born the 28th of December in the year 1889 [sic]
Polley was born the 30th day of August in the year 1890 [sic]
Jno A. B. Poston was born the 7th day of November in the year 1894 [sic]
Nancy Poston was born the 9th day of April in the year 1897 [sic]
Send the Poston was born the 6th day of March in the year 1801
John Poston Senior departed this life August 22nd Day 1819
William Poston was born in the year of our Lord August 14th Day 1809
[fn p. 8] State of North Carolina Buncombe County
On this 4th day of July 1845 Personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid Rebecca Poston a Resident of North Carolina in the County of Buncombe aged seventy-nine years, Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows -- That she is the widow of John Poston who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution And who entered the service of the United States as a Drafted Soldier sometime in the year 1779 or 80 in the County of Roan [sic, Rowan], North Carolina and served out 13 months tour: soon after which he again volunteered or was drafted & entered the service of the United States in which he remained as she has often heard him say, until after the surrender of Cornwallis at which time he was present and saw Cornwallis surrender his sword to (she thinks) General Lincoln, the names of the Captains under which he mustered she does not Recollect: She however recollects to have heard him say that he was commanded by Generals McDowell and Davidson. She further Recollects that he was in the Battle at the Cowpens. She further declares that she was married to the said John Poston on the 25th day of April in the year 1782. That her said Husband the aforesaid John Poston Died on the 22nd day of August 1819, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 (viz.) at the time above stated.
She further states that she has no Record proof of her said marriage, but that she has a Record of the ages of her children and of the Death of her Husband the aforesaid John Poston. That she was married to him the said John Poston at the time aforesaid in the County of Lincoln in the State of North Carolina. That she never has since been Death of her said husband again married. But that she still remains the widow of the said John Poston -- the Record of the ages of her children & of the death of her said Husband are here with remitted.
S/ Rebecca Poston, X her mark Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court on the day and date above written.
S/ N. Harrison, Clerk of the Buncombe County Court
[fn p. 11: On December 30, 1851 in Buncombe County North Carolina, Charles McFee, the administrator of the estate of Rebecca Poston filed a claim for pension due her as the widow of John Poston; in this application the affiant states that John Poston served in a company commanded by Captain John Work; that John Poston married Rebecca Balldridge in Iredell County, date unknown but prior to January one, 1794; that John Poston died August 22nd, 1819 survived by Rebecca Poston, his widow and the following children now living: Mary Davis, Jane Bryson, Rebeco [Rebecca] Bryson, Nancy Nicholas, Lusindia [Lucinda] Stines, Ruthy Smith & Robert Poston.]
[fn p.15: bond taken out by John Poston, Junior and John Poston, Senior, of Rowan County North Carolina dated April 24, 1782 to secure the marriage of John Poston to Rebecca Baldridge of Lincoln County.]
[fn p. 20: certificate dated September 30th 1851 issued by the North Carolina Comptroller's Office showing payments made to John Poston for services in the revolution including service under Captain John Work in January 1776 for 32 days in an expedition to Moore's Creek.]
My mom used to tell me that her kin had fought under General Francis Marion, and I've been itching to document that tidbit.
I looked around at some of the other surnames from my maternal side and checked them out as well. While it is possible a couple of them could be related somehow, there are others I could immediately rule out. Guess I'll keep searching for the name Marion used in conjunction with my blood kin who had migrated to that little area of South Carolina.
Ahh, genealogy. Another day, another unexpected find.
©2011 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Emory Libraries to Preserve Rare African American Scrapbooks
How many hours have we sat down to chronicle our lives and the lives of our children? Scrapbooking has become so popular today, but it was also a very important part of our nation's history. Thought you'd enjoy seeing some of the preservation efforts.
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Rare African American scrapbooks at Emory’s Manuscript, Archives and Rare Books Library (MARBL) can be saved from the perils of disintegration thanks to a $170,000 three-year matching Save America’s Treasures grant.
The grant will be used to conserve African American scrapbooks and create digital surrogates to enhance access to the historical materials – the scrapbooks of artists, writers, students, vaudeville performers, preachers and former slaves. The Emory Libraries will provide the matching amount. Thirty-four scrapbooks have been selected, with dates ranging from 1883 to 1975. They include the scrapbooks of author Alice Walker, vaudeville performers “Jolly” John Larkin and Johnny Hudgins, entertainer and playwright Flourney Miller, Spelman College graduate Virginia Hannon, and former slave and author W.S. Scarborough, who became a professor of classics at Wilberforce University, and eventually its president.
“Scrapbooks have often been treated as the unwanted children or the neglected orphans of the archives. They are difficult to handle, they are often in fragile physical condition, and they are a mix of memorabilia of every description and taste,” says Randall K. Burkett, MARBL’s curator of African American collections.
“These scrapbooks give us a glimpse into how these artists and students and former slaves thought about themselves, their families, their work. The funding for this project will allow us to preserve these important memory books.”
'The scrapbooks are deteriorating rapidly'
MARBL and the Emory Libraries’ preservation department and Digital Curation Center will collaborate on the project, says Laura Carroll, manuscript archivist and principal investigator for the grant.
The scrapbooks contain items that disintegrate quickly or are easily damaged, such as folded newspaper clippings, pressed flowers and single-use paper items such as ticket stubs, napkins and telegram paper. The objects usually were attached with adhesives such as cheap tape, pastes or cement glue, also harmful to the archival materials.
The project is urgent because the scrapbooks are deteriorating rapidly, Carroll says. “We’re losing original information. People annotate their photographs.” Walker, for example, wrote original poems in her scrapbook. “The clock is ticking.”
Once the project begins, the scrapbooks first will be sent to preservation to be stabilized to prevent further damage. Digital surrogates will be created, which will be used in classrooms and MARBL’s reading room, unless researchers request the originals.
“The originals will still be available,” Carroll says. “Nothing replaces the original.” The work is expected to begin when funds arrive mid-year and will take place over the next three years.
The Save America’s Treasures grant is awarded through the Department of Interior and the National Park Service, in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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Ahh, genealogy. Reading this article has me in the mood to pull out some old scrapbooks of my own.
©2011 AS Eldredge
---
Rare African American scrapbooks at Emory’s Manuscript, Archives and Rare Books Library (MARBL) can be saved from the perils of disintegration thanks to a $170,000 three-year matching Save America’s Treasures grant.
The grant will be used to conserve African American scrapbooks and create digital surrogates to enhance access to the historical materials – the scrapbooks of artists, writers, students, vaudeville performers, preachers and former slaves. The Emory Libraries will provide the matching amount. Thirty-four scrapbooks have been selected, with dates ranging from 1883 to 1975. They include the scrapbooks of author Alice Walker, vaudeville performers “Jolly” John Larkin and Johnny Hudgins, entertainer and playwright Flourney Miller, Spelman College graduate Virginia Hannon, and former slave and author W.S. Scarborough, who became a professor of classics at Wilberforce University, and eventually its president.
“Scrapbooks have often been treated as the unwanted children or the neglected orphans of the archives. They are difficult to handle, they are often in fragile physical condition, and they are a mix of memorabilia of every description and taste,” says Randall K. Burkett, MARBL’s curator of African American collections.
“These scrapbooks give us a glimpse into how these artists and students and former slaves thought about themselves, their families, their work. The funding for this project will allow us to preserve these important memory books.”
'The scrapbooks are deteriorating rapidly'
MARBL and the Emory Libraries’ preservation department and Digital Curation Center will collaborate on the project, says Laura Carroll, manuscript archivist and principal investigator for the grant.
The scrapbooks contain items that disintegrate quickly or are easily damaged, such as folded newspaper clippings, pressed flowers and single-use paper items such as ticket stubs, napkins and telegram paper. The objects usually were attached with adhesives such as cheap tape, pastes or cement glue, also harmful to the archival materials.
The project is urgent because the scrapbooks are deteriorating rapidly, Carroll says. “We’re losing original information. People annotate their photographs.” Walker, for example, wrote original poems in her scrapbook. “The clock is ticking.”
Once the project begins, the scrapbooks first will be sent to preservation to be stabilized to prevent further damage. Digital surrogates will be created, which will be used in classrooms and MARBL’s reading room, unless researchers request the originals.
“The originals will still be available,” Carroll says. “Nothing replaces the original.” The work is expected to begin when funds arrive mid-year and will take place over the next three years.
The Save America’s Treasures grant is awarded through the Department of Interior and the National Park Service, in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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Ahh, genealogy. Reading this article has me in the mood to pull out some old scrapbooks of my own.
©2011 AS Eldredge
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
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
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
Sunday, January 31, 2010
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?
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?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Memories of Jim in a Letter From 1942
December 15 is the birthday of a cousin of mine. A cousin I never met. But live he did, and so I wish him a happy restful 96th birthday as Jim, the father, the patriot, rests in peace.
However, I do know his daughter and with her permission, I am placing a very special letter written by Jim to his darling wife and baby girl while he was off fighting for America during World War II.
It's a great letter and serves to kinda put everything in perspective as we near Christmas and time of birth of our Savior.
By the way, the dig at the Marines is actually a joke meant for his brother in law who served in the Marines during WWII.
Without further ado----
Somewhere in England
25 December 1942
Dear Babs, Dear Ellen and all,
Christmas morning. This year I have really made my Christmas Day like any other day in the year. I’ve found that it is home and family, not time of year that makes that lovely, friendly, human atmosphere of the days before Christmas. I saw the English equivalent of it there in a town I visited several Saturdays ago. I wish I could tell you what town it was—it was about as charming a spot as I’ve ever seen. Anyhow, as I was saying, on Saturday afternoon the streets were crowded like under Kaufmann’s Clock with pedestrians overflowing off the sidewalks and practically meeting in the middle of the street. The hustle was almost like home, but the percentage of khaki was almost 60%, which is higher than I’ve ever seen in a street scene at home.
Holly is an important part of the Christmas spirit over here. I think I’ve told you how much holly there is over here. In hedges and trees, both green and green with white edges on the leaves. And such a plethora of berries that if you saw it for sale at home, you’d swear that they were tied on. Well, every person I’ve seen for weeks (or so it seems) has had an arm full of holly, and every hedge or tree has had scars and wounds here and there.
Last evening was rather hard to get through. I kept thinking of the candle light ceremony in your room last year; wondering if it was repeated this year and if so, if it was done without tears as it should have been. Every time I’d think, “Now Babs is doing this or that,” I’d remember the five hour difference in time and console myself that this was only a rehearsal over here. The real Christmas Eve, my Christmas Eve, would not come for five hours yet. Did you have the big pink candle burning? I hope so because I kept seeing you in its glow. But if you decided to save it, that’s all right too, because then I’ll see you oftener in its light when I get home.
I tried to get them to fire a 21 gun salute on Wednesday when it was 5 o’clock over there to celebrate Young Stuff’s anniversary, but it seems that she hasn’t received her “federal recognition” yet, and so rates no salutes with the army.
We had a rapid succession of services of various faiths last night. The somewhat involved prayer offered by one chaplain asked blessing for:
(1) All soldiers both here and elsewhere,
(2) All sailors,
(3) All marines,
(4) All allies
(5) Our enemies.
At the end of the prayer I said, quote, “I don’t mind praying for our enemies but let’s leave the marines out of this,” unquote. John will want to settle that when we meet again.
Did the flowers arrive in time or at all? After I spent about 3 quid to send them (the native who sent them through said “whew” when he looked up the price) I heard that all cables were being held up so I don’t know if you got them or not.
Goodbye for now,
Love Jim
However, I do know his daughter and with her permission, I am placing a very special letter written by Jim to his darling wife and baby girl while he was off fighting for America during World War II.
It's a great letter and serves to kinda put everything in perspective as we near Christmas and time of birth of our Savior.
By the way, the dig at the Marines is actually a joke meant for his brother in law who served in the Marines during WWII.
Without further ado----
Somewhere in England
25 December 1942
Dear Babs, Dear Ellen and all,
Christmas morning. This year I have really made my Christmas Day like any other day in the year. I’ve found that it is home and family, not time of year that makes that lovely, friendly, human atmosphere of the days before Christmas. I saw the English equivalent of it there in a town I visited several Saturdays ago. I wish I could tell you what town it was—it was about as charming a spot as I’ve ever seen. Anyhow, as I was saying, on Saturday afternoon the streets were crowded like under Kaufmann’s Clock with pedestrians overflowing off the sidewalks and practically meeting in the middle of the street. The hustle was almost like home, but the percentage of khaki was almost 60%, which is higher than I’ve ever seen in a street scene at home.
Holly is an important part of the Christmas spirit over here. I think I’ve told you how much holly there is over here. In hedges and trees, both green and green with white edges on the leaves. And such a plethora of berries that if you saw it for sale at home, you’d swear that they were tied on. Well, every person I’ve seen for weeks (or so it seems) has had an arm full of holly, and every hedge or tree has had scars and wounds here and there.
Last evening was rather hard to get through. I kept thinking of the candle light ceremony in your room last year; wondering if it was repeated this year and if so, if it was done without tears as it should have been. Every time I’d think, “Now Babs is doing this or that,” I’d remember the five hour difference in time and console myself that this was only a rehearsal over here. The real Christmas Eve, my Christmas Eve, would not come for five hours yet. Did you have the big pink candle burning? I hope so because I kept seeing you in its glow. But if you decided to save it, that’s all right too, because then I’ll see you oftener in its light when I get home.
I tried to get them to fire a 21 gun salute on Wednesday when it was 5 o’clock over there to celebrate Young Stuff’s anniversary, but it seems that she hasn’t received her “federal recognition” yet, and so rates no salutes with the army.
We had a rapid succession of services of various faiths last night. The somewhat involved prayer offered by one chaplain asked blessing for:
(1) All soldiers both here and elsewhere,
(2) All sailors,
(3) All marines,
(4) All allies
(5) Our enemies.
At the end of the prayer I said, quote, “I don’t mind praying for our enemies but let’s leave the marines out of this,” unquote. John will want to settle that when we meet again.
Did the flowers arrive in time or at all? After I spent about 3 quid to send them (the native who sent them through said “whew” when he looked up the price) I heard that all cables were being held up so I don’t know if you got them or not.
Goodbye for now,
Love Jim
Friday, October 30, 2009
Have You Asked Congress to Preserve Our American History Yet?
Time is slipping past quickly. Have you contacted your Congressman to ask if he supports HR2256, the Preserving the American Historical Record Act? The PAHR will help Americans archive our precious records through grants to each state.
With all the recent weather events, it stands to reason we are losing our historical records. Too frightening to mourn them, we should all be asking Congress to move forward with the bill so American History is maintained for future generations.
Have you noticed how libraries and archives have reduced their hours for genealogy buffs? Let's work together and save our history!
Read the bill: http://www.archivists.org/pahr/PAHR_bill_HR2256-05052009.pdf
Check to see if your Congressman has signed on to support the bill: http://www.archivists.org/pahr/#spons
With all the recent weather events, it stands to reason we are losing our historical records. Too frightening to mourn them, we should all be asking Congress to move forward with the bill so American History is maintained for future generations.
Have you noticed how libraries and archives have reduced their hours for genealogy buffs? Let's work together and save our history!
Read the bill: http://www.archivists.org/pahr/PAHR_bill_HR2256-05052009.pdf
Check to see if your Congressman has signed on to support the bill: http://www.archivists.org/pahr/#spons
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