Happy New Year 2010 Thursday'sTreasure Chest Gift

Happy New Year 2010, Thursday gift to the world. A Full MOON again in December, what a send off we are getting.

I am hearing firecrackers and maybe guns blown off out doors and it is not even 12 am yet.

Today my family heard from another relative in Pennsylvania regarding very early family.
That was our gift.

Two surnames we are researching are: Keim and Schmidt families & were Lutheran and from Itllingen.

Johann Henrich Schmidt 1726 md to Anna Margaretha Kelm 1731
potential brother is:Johann Schmidt who died Jan 30, 1810 and had a daughter Elisabeth
married to John Stahl 1741-1809.
Other interrelated names are SAYLOR SEYLOR ZELLOR,SEHLOR, JUNG,JUNG, PENTICOFF

My Resolutions, Enhancing my Research, Carnival Bound

Resolutions for the Carnival Bound


As a genealogist, I always have trouble deciding which item to pick, which topic to choose for the next year. One may wonder why that is but for me it becomes really apparent generally early on in the year.

I may pick a surname and area to dig deeper and learn more or I may choose to just lay back and let it happen. I have yet to figure which one is better.

Reason being is that I can choose JONES and NY and go to the library to do research and what greets me is SCOTT in IOWA or Kentucky or Virginia. I can gather my papers and bring the tools. But the ancestors do not always cooperate with the thoughts I was working on.

I am a firm believer in the concept that Hank JONES talks of often in his books. I have found more data helping others, than when trying to dig for myself. I take great joy in helping others. I am always learning something new and different. Sometimes it helps me to restructure my research or helps me to share with others.

So the one thing that I am a firm believer in is Review. January is Review month for me. It has not failed to help me each year I have done this. Our brain just can not remember all the data we have digested and stored to utilize down road if it fits and seems it will.

I believe in a Research Log,the Library, the book, the page, the date I did it. It helps me to remember which time I found what in which book. O yes, sometimes data leads me back to that book for more data on topic I was not aware of before hand.

As a member of the NEHGS group, I can readily say I believe in being a member of a society. One near yourself and at least one near where your currently doing research.

I at times rotate my membership if it is a new region and that data is needed. There are some great societies out there, with lots of helpful faces to meet.

I belong to 3 societies in my area, three in Pennsylvania and one in West Virginia.
I share also a membership in OGS with my sister in law. We have much data in that state to be garnered. I am going to be joining two more this year. One in New York state and another in Pennsylvania since that is the area of research we have chosen to
dig in this next year. Generally the cost of membership is a dinner out with a friend or lunch with two friends. I know it is very hard on limited income to join some societies and worse my heart cringes when I hear stories of joining a society and they do not assist the members or promote the data that they have. Alas, there are still some out there that way. My response to them is generally, go in and offer to do something they are not doing and see if they can become motivated.


So my hopes for the coming year are to review my past papers and data, maintain my
membership in the societies I can help or need for help, also I am planning on going to Burbank in June, and back to the Los Angeles Library really soon.

I am gathering my notes I have written over the years so I can start putting my
memories together for my younger brother whom ask that I share my early life prior to his birth and early years. He asked me some years back, so as I waited for Grandchildren to get out of school, I daily wrote more and more about our families past. I am almost up to the time he requested data on. I may actually get that completed this year but I am not going to make it a resolution.

What I do resolve is to try and be a good Citizen of this country, great Wife and Mother, doting Grandmother, Aunt, Great Aunt, a loving Sister in Law, and friend.

I hope I will be patient and kind and caring to all those whom I meet. In turn may
a kindness to another lead to the knowledge I need. May our Country be Blessed and we remain Free.

Wordless Wednesday SCOTT Family

Loss of Friend

Since this is Tombstone Tuesday. I just want to say. Thanks Friend for all you did for the genealogy community and we will miss you but always thank you for all that you did for us.

I know your not in pain and discomfort as you were before Sunday. What a great day to go see the Lord.

May you walk in peace and comfort now. We will think of you here until we are there.

Blessings on your passing Sunday.

Susi

Saturday, Sunday and NOW Monday.. Scott's

Yes the clock is ticking and the breeze is blowing.
Somewhere an old man is snoring.

Tick tock, tick tock of the mantle clock
The weather in many places is playing block block.

Here is sun and clouds and forcast for future rain
Do not believe it, it is a weather game.

Friday has come and gone Saturday has too,
Sunday was catch up and Monday is new.

Genealogy is awaiting in the wings
information to share and to win.

Hunting for the SCOTT, Ydna links
the: MURRY/MURRAY, LEWIS (VA Kin)

Kentucky added MORROW and TUTTLE
to the mix.
Great Grandfather Cornelius F Scott added WARDEN,
Grandma Inez SCOTT mar Grandad Cecil HOFFMAN.

The HOFFMAN was HUFFMAN and before was HOFFMAN again.
from Maryland, Virginia SW PA region.

SCOTT was Pittsylvania Co VA. 1750's? gone by 1770.
Family moved to Cumberland Co KY by 1800 to 1810.
Depending on family member.

SCOTT we learned matches with a SCOTT born in Canada
many years later. I wonder if the common link may not
be in United Kingdom and one line went to Canada and the
other to VA. Though I have learned they were also (Canadians) in
NY for a stay.

Thomas Scott whom was your parents? I wonder if you will share that knowledge this
coming year.

Cynthia I wonder who was the ancestor of your line, if the link is not at that
time. It would be maybe one back one line.

Christmas Day Hurray

Christmas has arrived, whizzed through the area and moved on.
The family came, yes all of them but MIchigan which came to visit in July.

That was a fabulous event for the year. 50 years and I still am having trouble
believing it. I am pleased to say the MYERS side of family let me know that a few of them have a 50+ track record going for them. WHOOPEEE.

We are hoping everyone had a good time. Waffles, bacon and sausage were shared with coffee, juice and cocoa. Of course. there was many styles and types of cookies to
munch on.

Some went to others homes, some went to the movies, others watched the football game. WHOPPEEE Chargers won. Dad and I stayed home and kept our bark and calm with some left overs and soup.

I think everyone got something that they wanted or needed. This was a year more of need.

Today, Sunday we are both feeling much better. I think the dog bark has left me now.

Happy New Year everyone.... May God bless you all with good will and peace during the new year.

Christmas Eve is almost here.

The year has flown and the time has spun

The advent of a New Year is about to come.

Blessed wishes to all our family and friends

We look forward to a new year of being on the mend.

Seems as we get older we are mending more than having fun

So we must enjoy what we have for it may be all that is done.

Pray all is well, recovering and fine.

Blessings and Prayers for a great Holiday and New Year.
The Pentico's , Fred, Susi, BJ and Zack >>>

Deceased Relatives at Christmas Time

I was not involved in this part of Christmas until I was in Catholic School and we would go to the Church and have prayers said for the deceased. Sometimes we would go with my Aunt whose husbands' family had deceased members that they would take flowers or a wreath to the grave. This did not happen until I was in upper grades of school.

Our families deceased members were in WYOming and IOWA, etc so we did not have any one to visit with at a cemetery. I am thankful that my Grandfather H.took me to the cemetery once in 1985 to show us the cemetery. He had many members already interred there. Wheatland, WYO. I have been to these grandparents cemetery when I was there in 1993.

Grandma H. never discussed her kin but a few of them. Dad's MOM's & Dad's families were in IOWA. I have yet to be to any of of their graves. I have not yet been to Grandad's(Jones) in Casper but have been to Grandma's in Cheyenne.

Advent Services We Participated In

Advent Services were attended when we had transportation and Dad was not milking cows.
We would go to the morning services if the milking was done. When I was older I would go with my Aunt and Mom while the men worked. Later we were allowed to go to the Midnight services with a neighbors family because then Dad was working from 5 at night to 1 or so in the morning. I remember sometimes he went to work at 4 and off at midnight which always meant one am.

One year he came home early and frightened us with worry that something bad had happened at work. No, the boss let them off early, we were all so thankful. He worked for a good company back then (Hunt and Behrens) a feed mill. Prior to that he milked cows at 1 am and ususally got in about 8am for breakfast and go out to finish, corrals or calves etc. They were back milking at 1 pm also. Changing milk hours caused a major drop in the cows delivery of milk as expected. The time change always created havoc when they started it. I remember Dad would say it would take three weeks for the milk production to be back to normal.

So Church was a given when available to attend and the Bible would be read and prayers were always said prior to us all eating together. So very very long ago, we have lost so much.

One must remember if you lived in the country and gas was rationed, the use of a vehicle very limited. Family talked about the Birth and the read the story to us.
We were at least 10 miles from town probably farther.

Advent and Shopping

Advent time is the time prior to Christmas that we people now take as a shopping frenzy time. It was a time for prayer and reflection early on. I much prefer the prayer and reflection. We are so blessed to have done to us what God did.

I tried to explain to a therapy assistant the reason they were so unhappy with the occasion. Or at least they sounded like it was just another day to wrap up stay warm and watch t v.

We have lost so much of our background of what the holiday events mean. Not just this event but almost all events.

The Sister's used to have us think about a different event each day and what the difference is with and without Jesus. We also used to have to show what it meant to us to have this event happen for us.

Today, children think Santa Claus is the reason. He is the affect not reason.
He was brought forward to reach all, of all nations and unite us in giving and caring for others. The same Message that Jesus asks us to do. Many countries have different names for Santa Claus but they have the same affect whether it is the 6 th of Dec or the 25 of December. Whether it was in England, Italy, Portugal, France, Russia, Ireland or South America or North America.

One may expect a lump of coal if not as good as one could be, or sticks and ashes in other cultures, some times the presents were in stockings or shoes or boots.

Stockings became the thing of our day. Sad to say the stockings of today are huge and out of context with the true meanings of Christmas.

So we shop for: material things, and we forgot the things of the soul, the very things we need so much to help us during this trying time. Surprisingly, many attend the church services in droves. So down deep they believe or accept that this is what we are to do. But o like the camel trying to pass through the eye of a needle we forget we are in the Season of Giving.

We should give, not so much of our funds but of ourselves to assist othere less forunate than us. IF one looks around there is always someone more in need than one's self.

Our children and grandchildren seldom understand the feeling that comes from helping someone more in need than ourselves.

That developed a duel list for shopping in our home.

A list of I NEED and I WANT, and to know the difference.
To always remember someone less fortunate than you so that you retain the true meaning of Christmas.

One Xmas our children all needed shoes at Xmas. That is a horrid expense at that time.
But each child got their shoes and one want item on the list. We were thankful for that. We had food on our table, a small tree in the family room and each other to share with. I will share that the want item was slippers and so the shoe store was the only place we shopped. Santa was able to bring a game for the family to share for everyone. We Christmas caroled with neighbors and had cookies and cocoa.
I still remember it as a more true Christmas we celebrated.

We tried to keep large financial items to Birthdays when we were only financially dealing with one or two birthdays.

I would love to see families forget the I wants and discuss the real I Needs and then set out to spend the other on the ones in truly need.

We were very impressed with the Parade Magazine article that 25 cents could water a
person for a year in another country that seldom had clean drinking water.
The power of one, I believe in. If we gave one dollar of ourselves to those less fortunate on a monthly basis think of how many we could help.

Can you imagine how many soda's you've bought or taco's or hamburgers you have eaten that would have helped others. I do not mean not to eat but give up one item at least once a month give that to a group that does true humanitarian work.

We forget how little it takes to help others while we keep reaching for more for ourselves.

Blessed Christmas to all and enjoy the shopping while you ponder the real meaning of the Season.

Advent props used in homes :>)

Since my brain went on vacation while the head was under fire, I will catch up today someway.

Christmas stockings we have always used. Our normal sock, our Dad's sock so it was bigger, that was the key when we were younger. The normal entry to the sock was a walnut or two, a candy cane and apple and orange.

Now years later the Xmas stocking means such a different thing. Our Christmas events put people seriously in debt and spoil our children more. Fruit in the late 40 or 50s was expensive in the winter it was generally shipped in from Florida or Arizona or southern CA. We had a winter pear tree which was awesome for us to share with others.

We sometimes got a roll of Lifesaver's in the sock if we had been good. I suspect it really had to do with the afford to purchase than our being good.

As our world commercialized Christmas more, people bought little things to toss in the stocking as surprise gifts; if you were to put a lump of coal or fruit and nuts in the stocking children would have no idea of what it implies. Today people put large expensive items in the socks. It does not make it a better Christmas just shows how things have changed.

As a parent I used to always put a new toothbrush in the sock each year. I also put walnuts, apples and oranges and a favorite candy.
Generally we made fudge and divinity and did not mess with boughten unless it was Ribbon Candy which my husband loves. We also made Peanut Brittle when all the children were older and it was okay for them to eat.

The children helped roll out cookies and decorate them. We exchanged cookies with neighbors and friends.

We did not use an Advent calender as such at home a neighbor from Germany had one and we shared what they said about it. The Church always kept us appraised of various events.

I used a Advent calender one year because husband was due home right after Xmas and it helped to keep the children focused on when he would arrive. Alas I think he was extended and still did not arrive until mid winter. We talked about it but it never sparked us to get overly into the calender. I guess marking our calender and coloring off the days until Xmas arrived was much the same thing.

Advent time at School when Young

All my schools had events at Christmas time. We either did the Nativity scene or we sang Carols and recited poems. I think it had more to do with age than anything. But no school would have been without an event for this time of year. Yup I remember we said a prayer every morning before school started and we saluted the flag also. I remember they would check for clean hands and ears and necks. I remember we were responsible for the cleaning of our room. To make sure our desks were clean, the chalk boards and erasers cleaned and the trash emptied out in the trash bin out side. The Janitor would mop and do major work but the basics were ours. When a play or school event happened it was our responsibility to show we wanted the event by our doing these deeds. It gave us strength and character and responsibility we learned to have you, need to give. I wish schools still did this today.
Fortunately many places still have Winter events so to speak but it has more to do with Christmas than any snowstorm that came about. I remember one year I even sang solo for Xmas.
I got to watch my grandaughter do this last week at her high school. So neat to see students envolved. Fa la la la, la la la

Chula Vista Genealogical Society Christmas Event

Today we held our last event of the year for our society. We had close to 40 people in attendance. Two sets of sisters, were there.

We had Honey Baked Ham and Turkey, and all the trimmings by the members, mashed potatoes and gravy, scalloped and sweet, Green Bean cassarole, fruit salads, jello salads, pickles, olives, bread rolls and butter, scalloped corn and cranberry and applesauce.
The desserts were out done this year. That chocolate cake was exotic to look at let alone attempt to eat. Red Velvet Cake like it should be also was shared with Apple pies, cherry pies and cookies. Starbucks coffee and punch as chasers.

We received a nice selection of gifts for the Salvation Army and food items were also gathered for them. Nancy thanks so much for taking the items to them.

Tonight I will represent our society for the last event of the year at the Lemon Grove Library with a small meeting and the setting of goals for the New Year.

I am serious about a 3 day trip to L A Library. So get in touch with me if interested.

To have on that large in our back yard sure beats trying to find money to go east right now.

Thanks to all whom came and shared and helped today it was deeply, truly appreciated very very much.

Advent Birthdays

Advent Birthdays in our House

Our Grandchildren have a father whose Birthday falls on Xmas. We gave him his first Birthday Party separate of Christmas shortly after the marriage. The marriage did not last but we still recognize him and the two events. They really are two events and no reason to short someone for the day given as a Birthday. Remembering that Christmas is a chosen day and not the real day of birth.

We have a grandson born in early January and we always activity so it is a true birthday with normal events, friends cake, ice cream and fun.

I have a nephew whose birthday floats in and out of Thanksgiving also. my first nephew. We have son and grandchildren that float in and out of Easter events also.

Blessed Birthday to all that celebrate it during this time.

Advent's Fruit Cake

Fruit Cake Fruit Cake FRUIT CAKE

The joys or groans of Fruit Cake. I have eaten Fruit Cake that tasted nothing
like that store bought Fruit Cake so crammed full of raisins and citrons one could hardly stand the odor let alone the taste. I have eaten Fruit Cake that has melted in the mouth and has no taste like many Fruit Cakes, One was a Texas style they called it another was Lousisana style.

I suspect it is a varied topic liked and disliked by region and ingredients.
A true Fruit Cake has Fruit in it, it also has nuts and some alcohol generally for mellowing the fruit and keeping the cake moist.

My Aunt shared a Fruit Cake made with Zuchini and apple and nuts and some pineapple and cherries. NO CITRON which leaves the bitter taste.

Now I like the Fruit Cake cookes made with the candied fruits that are mostly
citron but I add extra fruit candied. I add Coconut, chocalate chips some times,
banana another. It is mostly the citron and excessive raisons that create a wild taste.

I like a good Fruit Cake that has aged and mellowed and has not been unindated with citron the main ingredient. I think we got off on a bad foot when manufacturers took over making and did many short cuts to call it Fruit Cake.
The same applies to Mince Meat.. it is truly minced meat and fruit added. It was a way to preserve the meat.

So read old recipe books and talk to the elders and see what they can tell you about Fruit Cake for the area your in.

Advent Travel during Holidays

Traveling during the holidays was between families homes, when I was young in Marin and Sonoma Counties, CA. Our family lived on Red Hill Rd in Marin Co and we later moved from Uncle/Aunt's dairy down the road to another dairy. When I was 7 + years old we moved to Valley Ford in Sonoma County near the coast. So we traveled to Red Hill Road or they traveled to old School Rd, in Sonoma County. Sometimes we would meet at a dear family friends in between in Marin County. These three famiies were our total sum of family because we were transplanted from WYO.

About the end of the war, Mom's cousin whom worked for United moved to Palo Alto and we added them to the group of four. I miss these cousins greatly now, they are all gone but two children(adults) or the children's children.

In 1957 (?) my Mom's little sister moved next door to us and then to Santa Clara County so we had more family to share with. They generally came to our home because we were in the country and could use tents and spread out more. Those who lived close would go home to milk and then maybe we would rotate to their house for dessert the next day if it was the right holiday time, regarding how the weekend fell.
Aunt Ruth family could stay, no animals to care for same for cousins family from city.

I have to say some of my fondest Xmas memories when I was small at Uncle Comillo's was
he would hook up the massive train set and we could sit and watch it move through the long house for about an hour or so then have cookies, cocoa and go home to bed. We lived next to them on the dairy ranch then. Ollimac Dairy

Later years marrying a Navy man we traveled back from Lemoore or San Diego to visit with family at Xmas time. We tried to get home for either Thanksgiving or Christmas every year. Luckily with children in year round school we could go home for 2+ weeks and enjoy everyone.

With my Grandparents so far away in Wyoming I wanted our children to know their grandparents and see what kind of life I lived before I moved away and married and raised a family. The older boys loved the ranch and working with the animals.
The younger ones just never got the hang of it but their Dad had retired by then
and so we only went home for shorter periods due to different school routine and work.

Grandad told me about going to relatives homes by sleigh and horse and MOM did also when in Wyoming. Snow would make car travel near impossible and not practical.
I have always wanted to go on a snow sleigh ride and I have always wanted to learn to ski.

My Aunt Etta made the best Divinity I have eaten besides Mom's and Aunt Ruth made awesome Fudge. That is what they sent us on our first Xmas away from home in candy tray's I still have. These people are all gone but my MOM.

Hubby's family lived in IOWA and they came to visit us once in 1963 ?. Years later after their retiring, they moved here to California, when the children were young teens & smaller, we could split holidays with them, also. One Holiday we were all at Dad and Mom's together. So all the grandchildren had both the grandparents and much of both families together. Hubby's sister spends Thanksgiving with us and back for New Years Eve.
Hubby still has a brother and a sister and 5 nephews and 2 nieces plus lots of cousins & 1 Aunt over 100 in IOWA.

Christmas Tradition Some May Follow

Christmas always brings to mind the Boys Town in Nebraska. My Dad knew the Priests and helped them hunt each year to bring meat home to the boys that were in Boys Town.
I have always sent them funds except the year we had none.

Dad's life was not perfect as a child and many days they went hungry, so he was well
aware of the need to assist the priests when they went hunting.

I suspect Dad was more hungry and in need of clothes than some of those that
were at Boys Town when small. His family was finally assisted and they were split so everyone would have a good home. Neighbors, to day we know some were relatives who took some of them in. Some were just neighbors doing the right thing.

Dad was about 11/13? years old when he went to live with neighbors and his brother went to live with another neighbor. His sisters stayed with the parent and neighbors
helped them to cope. The girls found awesome husband's when they were very young.

Yes, they were great husbands and super Uncle's. I knew each of them and one really well. My Uncle's are all gone now but not all my Aunt's.

My Dad and his brother kept in touch with their supportive families until they died.
I was able to meet Dad's and I helped my Uncle to write to his when ever he was ill.
Some remarkable stories came out of those events.

To teach younger children the true meaning of Xmas it would be nice if everyone chose a program (Charity) and had their children help pick out something to help another family. Another words instead of getting for yourself your learning to give of yourself.

Some people work soup kitchens or are kettle ringers or phone callers to contact elderly, offer rides to those who can not drive, there are so many things one can do to
make Christmas a real meaningful time.

I am very pleased our Genealogical Society helps the Salvation Army with toys, and food to give to families in our community. I am also pleased at the way Starbucks
works to help the families in their communities at Xmas time. We are happy to be a part of those events.

Smile for the Camera

50th Anniversary, only one in family so far found for generations.

Advent's Christmas Gifts

I remember the doll and clothes my Aunt made and Santa brought. I still have her.
I recall as a sophmore my Great Uncle gave me a beautiful Rhinestone necklace set and I still us it and share it with others. The greatest thing we are given is our parents love and respect. The same goes for the love and respect we give our family. There can be no greater gift than giving. Over the years I collected earrings for presents from around the world because of family members in the military. I have kept them even though they were not costly it was the thought and the place they came from. Who knows maybe some are more valuable than I imagine.

I remember the year I graduated my Dad bought me what he said was my last doll. YES, I have her also. He brought my sister the same doll different colored hair. I have always loved dolls and could have collected them but they took up space for military traveling so I did not. Remember the dolls that came in polka dotted boxes from many countries I have 3 or 4 of them. Scotland, Ireland, can not remember the other ones.

I bought my parents a record album DAD wanted one year and MOM still has it. I think I have it copied to my reel to reel. My husband and my Dad enjoyed music sharing.

Wordless Wednesday for sure.

Wednesday was wordless computer was very ill. It has been repaired and I hope to not be so wordless any more. But I advise all to reach me at SusiCP@cox.net

Help Pennsylvania Researchers please

> A Pennsylvania Genealogical Cause

Hello Susan



Here is the link to the website about the grassroots effort to have Pennsylvania make its older state death certificates much more accessible and also available online similar to how they have started to do in other states: http://users.rcn.com/timarg/PaHR-Access.htm. We hope you will join in on this effort and if you would pass this information onto anyone you know who is into Pennsylvania genealogy and history including out of state residents. Every letter, phone call or email helps.



This effort will only succeed with your help. Otherwise we could be stuck with the same old existing archaic system forever. There are millions and millions of people who are into genealogy but unless we speak up we are allowing those who don't care about genealogy decide what records we may or may not have access to.



By the way four more states have recently made their older state death certificates available online making it a total of twelve that do: North Carolina, South Carolina, Massachusetts and Michigan. Six other states have extracted data available online: Washington State, Alabama, Louisiana, New Mexico, Idaho and Florida. The links to the various states can be found on the Death Certificates for Other States, Etc section of our website.



Our apology if you have already received this email. We would appreciate it if you would let us know the state or country you are from when you email us.



Thank you for your help.



Tim Gruber &

Roger Schuler

Christmas Cookies A Family Affair

Christmas Cookies were a family affair when I was home and very young. I made cookie making a family affair for our own. It is what I call a bounding time.

Everyone got to take turns cutting out cookies, tasting the raw dough, decorating them and sharing with their friends.

I recall as Cub Scout Leader the group made cookies one year. Some of those boys had never been in a kitchen. All my children were taught to sew, cook and fend for themselves for fear they would move away and not afford help.

A favorite Christmas cookie would be the rolled out SUGAR COOKIE that they could decorate. The second favorite cookie which we eat year round in spurts is the CHOCOLATE
OATMEAL DROP COOKIE.. We made them with or without raisins or nuts or coconut.

It was fun to watch a child master the rolling pin then they could go on to make pie crusts. Sometimes the cookies were thick other times wafer thin and would burn real easy.

We used the Sugar Cookie recipe out of the Betty Crocker cook book.

It will be more fun to tell you about the Xmas the boys Ed and Don helped to make Taffy. OOOHH oooh OOOH.

Christmas Party during holiday

I never thought of our get together as a Christmas party it was a family gathering on either Christmas eve or Christmas day. Sometimes due to weather and when the day fell we had it on another day. We lived on a major dairy farm and weather and animals had priority for events of any kind. When we had our own home we still were at the mercy of the animals and weather because the invited would be the same relatives and we had our own animals to care for.
We left the bulk of our family in Wyoming when we came to California for MOm's health and Dad to help his new brother in law on dairy since the workers kept getting sent to War. Dad was color blind and they wouldn't take him yet at that level.

My uncle was Swiss Italian and we were exposed to many other dishes besides the normal ones. Turkey and stuffing but they liked oysters (argh) in stuffing Aunt changed it to two stuffings and put chestnuts in the ones for us children. We also learned to eat goose, duck and other side dishes that were of uncle's culture.

We had awesome mincemeat pie the real stuff not this in jar fruit stuff. It was venison and apples and fruits and suet etc. If you have eaten Canadian French Pork Pie it is very similiar. That is a NYE tradition in Canada. Pumpkin pie and plum pudding were also on the table.

We called it our family Get Together. Everyone's life was so busy that was time to stop and chat and share and plan the next event for everyone.

I have only been to Christmas Parties since I joined clubs and other organizations.
We never had that term applied to our Get Together's ie for Christmas, Easter and
normally 4th of July.

More on Santa and Xmas

I remember a Santa and a coke ad that came out one year and that created quite a buzz.
I remember when I was 8 and the war was over my uncles had returned home to hospitals and family care. I remember money was very thin then. This year we got a larger doll each and my aunt had been told about it and so helped Santa by making some clothes to fit the dolls. I remember this Christmas very well. I had a stocking with an apple and orange and two walnuts in the sack with a peppermint candy cane. I still have that doll.
I am not sure if any clothing survived.
Yes Santa exists in the hearts and minds of many, God is very good to us.
We need to be a more thankful nation. I was blown away to read in the Parade magazine that 25 cents a year would give some country villages water all year.

IT is truly a time for real giving not wanting.

Visting Santa Claus

Now this is a topic I can prattle on for some time but will try not to.
First, yes there is a Santa Claus. From that it will depend on how your brain thinks.
The idea of giving and sharing has been around us for a long time.

The fact that Santa out comments Christmas and Nativity is a sad thing.
For Christians God gave his only SON to us to help us move forward. That is one huge
gift.
Santa attempts to touch the hearts of all young children and those in dire need.
Many countries celebrate this on varies days December. Santa has many names in many lands.

I remember an early trip to visit Santa with my little sister in Petaluma, CA.
We had heard he was coming from Thanksgiving time until we went to see him about a week
before Xmas. Santa's name was not mentioned until about 2 weeks before Xmas. Newspapers did not have big adds or displays until after the 1st part of December and stores that advertised (?) to early were somewhat ignored for being to fast to jump the gun.
My parents and Aunt and Uncle had a huge discussion about this when they thought I was asleep. I had pretty well figured out the situation already but I found their thoughts very long lasting.

I remember standing in line holding my sisters hand and my MOM near us talking to neighbors whom had brought their children to see Santa also.

When it was my turn he asked me to set on his knee and asked me what I wanted for
Christmas. A doll was my answer. He was very pleasant and friendly. I do not think
I had ever seen Santa before that Christmas in person. I was about 6 years old.
We had lived in the country in Wyo and Christmas was not commercialized back then.

Santa gave me a candy cane and then I got down and my sister he lifted up on his knee.
She was excited also and wanted a doll and carriage. I remember we both recieved a doll that year.

I only went back the next year to help my sister with her visit. more to come on this topic.

Christmas Wreath's

A Christmas Wreath was always hung for Holidays. We grew up with homemade from bottom branches of the tree. Then one year gf worked at tree farm and we got a boughten wreath.
Not much difference but bow bigger on wreath.
I have hung old and new wreaths, homemade and store bought. Some years I light them up others I leave with out lights.

We just always have a wreath on door.

Since we bought our home we have hung lights outside on rim of roof along front of house. We have moving lights, stationary lights, blinking ones,& rotating colored ones.

I liked the one year we had music and lights from the system 12 different settings.

Not many lights out there this year watching from bus from Los Angeles to San Diego tonight.
Even Chula Vista where they had parade tonight the town is much darker than normal.

Christmas Cards for Advent

MOM has some of the most delicate lacy intricate designed cards from the 1940s and on. She even has I think three from her MOMs from the 20s when she was a girl.

They do not know how to make a card today. Or they would be $5 a piece I am sure.

The colors are clear and clean and bright almost 80 years later. The paper is delicate but sturdy.

I used to save all my cards each year but it finally got to much and we moved and I had to watch weight for shipping household goods. I finally kept cards grandparents gave me and great grands and my dcd gfd's. Now I save only the one from hubby and my much older relatives that may be cherished by the younger group some day.

Maybe next time home can take pictures of some of them.

Season's blessings on all.

Pumpkin Fudge Brownies

Pumpkin Fudge Brownies 9 x 13 pan 350@ oven

4 eggs
1/2 C Oil (I use Lite Olive or veg Oil)
1 16 oz can pumpkin
1 1/3 C sugar (I have made with less/more sugar)
2 C Bisquick
1/2 C cocoa pwdr ( we prefer the dark cocoa pdr but hard to find Hershey's)
2 Tsp Cinnamon
dash of nutmeg Optional
1/2 to 1 C Choc Chips to batter last.

combine in group order given. I beat the egg and oil and add pumpkin and work my way to bottom of recipe. pour in pan
time varies but about 30 minutes start checking after 25 due to different oven temps.
I use toothpick.
Depends on how much chocalate flavor you want or don't or how sweet you want or don't.

It has been a huge hit at many places. Enjoy it with a pumpkin mocha latte from
Starbuck's. Susi Pentico

Christmas Ornaments for Advent

data here.. Our son's first Christmas and the ornaments.
http://www.genealogywise.com/blog/lists?users-15f4r01kc1k6m

Thursday's Treasuers :>)

Lady is now 103 years young Husbands'
Aunt.

Wordless Wednesday Well, maybe

Wordless Wednesday my friends may say, wordless ?, not Susi she always has something to say.

We had 10 members at the Lemon Grove Research Group tonight and we all shared map marking.

It was a eventful evening with maps, pens and markers and our genealogy to guide us where to make a mark.

This brought to light the topic of boundaries and changes and not moving and some actually moving :>).

Let's do a map, lets mark the families in different colors, see where they intersect so you can see where they maybe met and or married. I think it would be fun string art.

Wordless no not today.

Tuesday Tombstone

No, It is not the computer for some reason it has been responded in part since threatened with termination.

We talked about Tombstones and where they are lost and forgotten today. One on a lone hill, another in a gully, one in a maybe cemetery of old, Tombstones are around. Some are very young and some are very old.

So we do not have a tombstone of a computer in our yard this day.

Monday's Madness is my Blog

Madness, Frustration, confusion and mayhem, yup that is how I feel my day went. Since I have had computer worked on upgraded and changed not much is normal for me.
Can you tell I am not much for change especially major ones during busy times?

We upgraded to Leopard and we upgraded so many programs and so many of them are still saying need more upgrding. Thanksgiving my son spent his entire time checking and reseting another upgrade. Strange when we upgraded it said done never thought the next day would start such an adventure.

Hurray for the day, Mary got an email from a cousin in Utah looking for Tatum's with us.

Bright spot in day was the upteenth time I put in my name and my address and code and it finally gave me back to my blog page of origins. Not the one I accidentally created two days ago. Yes I have a cheat sheet with codes and passwords laminated by my desk.

So now I have a blog to be at each email address. I will think on this a bit before I go farther. I suspect the one address in time will go away but hanging on as long as I can because so much family and data out on web with that name and address I am sure I could never remember where all I posted since 1989.

Bill West I understand the frustration because I finally switched to higher up grade than dial up. ALas it is faster but along comes many other scourges with it.

I have upgraded about three years ago. We combined the computer, the tv, and the phone in a bundle. The bad thing is when one goes all goes. I only dropped my A T & T line in September this year because service has been iffy for all the family in the area.

I also think each time they add a new customer we are all booted for a period of time.
This fall has been really bad. So there is no perfect or near perfect world.

I rely on my cell phone probably more than I should because now I am finding messages being delivered days and weeks later. Calls going to Mexico when no one called them etc.

So as of right now I am back on my Blog page. How soon I will be able to get back on it again remains to be seen.

This is the start of a joyous season for most citizens and I sure hope that it remains that way. I may sound like it was a gripe but I am grateful for the ability to reach my family on line, my friends on line and share pictures and information so quickly when it is working.

The meeting of new friends and sharing of places is so awesome. Even when MOM was here she would ask daily, whom did we hear from today. Since our family other than immediate immediate is in the midwest and east it is something she would love to have in her home. She would need Speak and Say due to eyesight but will work on that after we see about hearing aids they are going to set us back a penny.

She loved that we could make the type large and enlarge pictures and get answers generally rather quickly. I do to. So thanks for listening and have a
JOYOUS, HAPPY, SAFE, BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND LIFE.

BE very careful on the road and walking on sidewalks. Seems to be the new freeway in our area.

To my Jewish friends I wish you also the best of your and my holiday season. Jesus was a Jewish boy and practiced that religion, ( man I dislike that word Religion) I believe in Faith.

Maybe if I do not get back on I will make this computer the Tombstone Tuesday event.

Bury it. BLessings all..

Fridays Blog to see

http://blog.genealogybank.com/2009/11/fred-q-bowman-1916-2009-genealogist.html

I was scanning some of my favorite blogs as I rest my brain and feet and I found something Thomas Kemp posted that has me excited.

I have a deceased relative that I have been attempting to track down any possible living kin and the name popped up in his blog post.

I like Thomas Kemp's blog and postings. They are as interesting to me as someone else named Thomas has.

Thank you dear sir for the tidbit.

Thursday'sTreasure

Grandma Inez Scott HOFFMAN and son Raymond

Wordless Wyoming WEdnesday

Saturday's Blog Surname Saturday

http://www.genealogywise.com/profiles/blog/list?user=15f4r0lkclk6m

You will find my Saturday blog here.

We had a busy day and Hannah's 15th birthday today also. Fred said the seminar for Retired Miitary was excellent. Play starts next Thursday so must finish this sewing so the students have costumes to wear.

Have a blessed weekend.

Follow Friday

I have several places I like to follow and one I recommend to everyone.

http://www.geneabloggers.com/

This man is knowledged, witty and gifted with humor. He is easy to listen to and
easy to understand.

I learn something new almost daily from his blogging or twitters.

Sometimes I learn many things and I always pass them on to others, never waste
great information, just make sure to give credit where credit is due.


Thomas your a delight to be acquainted with thank you.

Wordless Wednesday

Tombstones on Tuesday

Hurray another day about Tombstones. Do we want an oblisk, or oval or rectangle or 8 sided monument?

Will we put an angel or a heart or a flame or another design on the stone?

Do we know what those objects represent? Do we know what groups use some designs more than others?

Do we know what religion based group has no tombstones at all, At least at one time were not allowed?

Will we have headers and footers, or the area surrounding marking the territorial space?

If in a National Cemetery they do the setting and you accept the design. If I recall right Punch Bowl has only white crosses and I think Rosecran's is sorta mixed. Seems it depends on time frame for Rosecrans.

Now that is true of many modern cemeteries also. The old section is totally different in design than the new. The Catholic part of the cemetery in Petaluma Ca has an old (anceint) section. then down a ways there is a more modern area, pre-zoned off for each family plot. It is one of the few I have been in and about since I was small.

Tombstones in the 1870's and forward are generally a personal statement of the family and it's standings in the community.

Piomeers on the trail seldom had a marker at all unless it was a pile of rocks or brush to keep the varmits away. Sometimes some wood would be erected and rough initials carved in a branch used as a sign.

I walked the cemetery in AFTON, WYO and was like a trip back in time reading the born and died and where data on them. About two thirds the way through the cemetery I found some long lost collateral kin. I sure would not have ever looked there for them.

One never knows what one will find in a cemetery, whether you think kin is there or not. Some are so well versed you can almost put together the history of the town.

I have hopes to have a stone whether my body is in the ground at a research facility or ashed. I am hoping for a marker to mark my passing or having been here.

Since my alternate hobby is rock hounding and collecting rocks I have lots of ideas for a tombstone marker.

Susan C Jones Pentico
b Greybull, WYO. when it was my turn
m 1959 CA in Catholic Church
d when God ready for me

Mom fell down stairs and I was born almost 2 months early. I have been playing catch up ever since. Blessings to all and to all a blessed night.

More Monday's Madness

Ah another Monday, it is always such a fun day.

The Moon is full and the sign is a ring.

Now is not that a funny thing.

My computer is hiccuping badly,

Five hours of care it still works sadly.

The on off button is miscueing

which leaves me boohooing.

No way to research or to chat

Since it would not complete it's task.

May the week be blessed

and goblins be past.

Blessed be the harvest and our fast.

Sunday's Fun, Backup, Install Leopard and Enjoy Friends

Wow what a day this has been. I was unable to get on to FACEBOOK yesterday and post or read mail. I could not access but two of my blog sites.

Mom wants to learn Broomstick lace before she heads up north to home. So friend went to breakfast with us and when home another friend came over and worked on computer and we all shared time.

We already work together in a craft class with sewing at school. So I am attempting to master the lace project and cousin tried to find out why computer was not responding as should. After much was removed we decided to install Leopard in hopes it would run better. Only time with tell on that one.

I think the loom is feasible for learning the lace item is complex hand, finger movements, not sure how that is going to go over.

Leopard so far seems okay except that constant back up system that pops up constantly. Yes, Thomas I am well backed up now.
I use my Disc for back up ever couple days anyway. Long ago I lost so much I do not do much with out back up.

I have yet to see if can write at Facebook or respond to notices printed there but that is next on agenda.

Curious if anyone has read the blog page for the genealogy people at Lemon Grove yet for they need help with their lost kin.

One person and I have worked for 7 years trying to resolve her elusive one, but think we overlooking something somehow.

Some are still getting into the hang of writing a story for a query but I truly believe a story query is the way to go.

Last meeting we discussed surnames and where they from and what they mean and how names migrated across Europe and

the continent.

Thomas Scott' of Pittsyvlania Co VA

Mom's visit is getting shorter and it is time we went over some new developments before she goes home. I brought out the Ancestral Binder of Thomas SCOTT's family of Pittsylvania Co. VA. A son John SCOTT mar to Sophira )Sophia MURRY moved to Cumberland Co. KY. (Old Indian Territory). John's boys heads north. One son went two years before our line did. Also some stayed in Pittsylvania and went to the Carolina's across the border. This is all data Mother never knew about. For 35 years I could not get past her ancestor JOHN SCOTT and REBECCA MORROW SCOTT. I learned much on Rebecca's mothers line but the Scott's stayed elusive.

Shadrack's brother went to Illinois and then two years later Shadrack followed him.
They lived together in ILL. for several years. Then as the families expanded Shadrack moved west to IOWA with his family. Shadrack died in Henry Co IA. He is buried there.

His son John marries Rebecca Morrow dau of John Morrow and Patience Tuttle in Henry Co., IA. John born in Cumberland area of KY and Rebecca is born Mercer Co KY from records I have recieved.

They had several children one being Franklin Corneilus or Cornelius Franklin, papers have it both ways several times. He marries a Warden and they have my Grandmother
Inez Mae Scott and her siblings.

But the fun was in learning John's parentage and grandparentage. We even recieved a picture of Shadrack's wife Harriet LEWIS. WE have her picture and MOM's site was good enough she could see the face. Harriet and my grandmother could pass as relatives, they look so much a like so we know where Grandma Inez got her looks (from a LEWIS)
:>). Family resemblances are evident throughout the book.

Now to find a picture of Shadrack which I fear will not happen. YDNA of this line has been done and we found a link but no idea through whom. My research is back to the 1740's and theirs only proven to about 1800. WE either tie after arrival in America or before or at time we came.

Their line appears to be in MASS and then to Canada, and only recently back to MIchigan.

I am wondering if our SCOTT may be of THE LOST COLONY Scott line, Only time will tell. Mom stopped doing genealogy about ten years or so and was pleased to see we had learned more information on her MOM's lineage. Mom is now legally blind and as the Dr said 89 years young. Much of Mom's family is in IOWA, Missouri and WYO area.
They are also scattered all over the United States for just recent lines from Grandmother down.

Talking about a Blogger's site try this one. New York

Recently while hunting more clues on my JONES/MADISON/MATTISON line, Bill Zimmerman from the Stephentown Historical Society, NY shared this site with me.

http://www.stephentowngenealogy.com/

It is well filled out with much data, and even though it is a private site done for everyone she has done a remarkable job of collecting data, displaying data and asking for others to share data to help more people. I spent an hour and was not through looking at all the information that is here.

There are family information sections, Wills, bibles, cemetery, census records referenced to and the best way is for you to check it out yourselves. Many pictures, genealogies, tombstones, Diary's, Church records, and items I have not seen on other sites before.

Remembering that this area is next to Mass. and Vermont it may help many researchers in more than New York.

I hope those who have not found this site will learn as much as I have from it. A great site to browse through and enjoy.

Thursday's Treasure

Thursday's Treasure is our Family and Ancestors. Without Ancestors we would not be. O, yes we can have material items, and
trinkets to behold. Yes, we can treasure them.

But they do not make us whom we are. They do not mold the mind and body to the fibers of our past. The material remind us of the past event or time but does not mold and make us be.

Reading census and then family data makes us aware that not all is as it seems. Many hundreds of times you will see in early census the comment farmer, laborer and the like. But do you really know what they labored over or with? Was farmer the normal so that there was food on the table and stored for the winter, or was it his passion to do ?

I have learned an ancestor Henry Huffman b 1803 Greene Co PA was labeled a farmer (by himself or census taker) on the files, but that is not what this man was, He fit the mold more of a Contractor and wood worker. He designed and build a staircase, new for all to see. He created bridges where others did not want to try. He build churches and schools for the community to use.

AH, you say so did his neighbors, Yes they did, it was community effort but he did the much of the designing and two of his sons at least were always helping him to do this along with a neighbor or two whom would benefit. In this time period generally all the local neighbors would benefit from a bridge, school or church.

I remember researching the Gallentine family looking for a missing GG Uncle Jacob Gallentine. (Martha Huffman's husband, Henry's daughter) It was interesting to read the history of the Gallentine family. They lived in Fayette and Greene Co's Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.

One Gallentine had become a legislature and a man from France came to see him. When told where to find him he could not understand why the man was out plowing his fields or working. But this Gallentine's main objective was farming. He became a great political person for the area. But when asked by the French man, why he was in the fields, he said that farming was what he liked to do and was relaxed doing it. He did government work in thanks for all his country had done for him.

Remembering this was in a time when they did it with out pay. We got real government work by real people.

So treasure your ancestors and remember they were many things more than they appeared to be.
Just as we are many more things than what we realize, depending on whom is looking at you and how they perceive you.

As for myself, I was my Great grandparents child and grandparents child and then I was a child, all at the same time.
At the same time in space I was class mate, girlfriend and helper to our neighbors. I was a sister to a sister and two brothers,
I was a and am a niece to aunts and uncles I am still a cousin to many and niece to two Aunt's and one Uncle. I am a grand niece to one Great Aunt.

I am also a Mother, Wife, Grandmother, Great Great Aunt, Great Aunt and Aunt to many.

So treasure your Ancestors for they are whom you have taken fiber from to become whom you are.

In this may you find a clue to help solve a mystery or two for as humans we are more than we appear to be.

Followup regarding Wordless Wednesday

I wrote a follow up on Wordless Wednesday on this site. I think it bears valid information for most to see.

http://www.genealogywise.com/profiles/blog/list?user=15f4r0lkclk6m

As genealogists are we reaching out to the youth whom are our future, as we are our grandparents future.
So we are living in the present, the past and the future all at one time. Depending on whom is reading the dialogue.

Have fun with that.

Still looking for NOEL JONES b 1785 ish in NY. Also looking for his wife whom I suspect was a NOYES since first born son was named NOYES JONES b 1809 in Rensselaer Co. NY., raised in JONES HOLLOW on JONES RD by ???? Abel, Ruscom, Noel, ?????
Since NOEL is not to be found in census again.. Wonder what they may have on tax records? NO town historian has suggested tax records. What research was done not found a land record either and I think there should be one.
Now since Petersburg was part of Stephentown until 1791, records can be any where??

At least that clue is going to send me to look in other files. Any help appreciated also if you have a lowly Susan Madison/ Mattison b about 1818 probably had a brother George and she married the above NOYES JONES b 1809.

Wednesday is WORDLESS

Tombstone or no Tombstone

Ah, I see that this day has arrived again. Much has happened in the last 48 hours that has me rethinking life a bit.

My DAD does not have a Tombstone so MOM does not want one.

DAD did not want a tombstone because his baby sister in Wheatland, WYO has no tombstone.

He told me if Marie had a tombstone he would have one. So I guess I am to set out to get a tombstone for
Marie JONES in Wheatland, WYO that died as new born infant. I believe she lived about 24 hours of so.

I have prepicked out a stone for parents if this ever comes about. I would not mind it for myself and husband either.

So now I guess I should think about what about myself and family? Have you thought about yours? Are you ready for the situation if it was to happen suddenly and take family by surprise.

What about a WILL or Living Trust? One thing about it being Tombstone Tuesday every week, it does stare you in the face on a steady basis for you to start getting life in order for death.

Please give this serious thought and some action because I am seeing clearer today than yesterday and sure can see
hazards in the road.

When the parent says we talked about it but we just never did it. Then get upset because of changes I wonder whom is to blame.

DAD'S TOMBSTONE SHOULD READ;

RAY DEE JONES SR
B 19 MAY 1913
WATERLOO, IA
D 12 APRIL 1995
SANTA ROSA, CA


Wish I could add more but not sure it good. Maybe Beloved Son of Carl and Ida Foulk JONES

Monday's Madness -- Harvey Edward Foulk

To see my blog on Harvey Edward Foulk.

See the write up at

http://www.genealogywise.com/profiles/blog/list?user=15f4r0lkclk6m

Surnames to share, From everywhere.

(Sis) Mary and I are looking for JUNG( in PA from Germanic region), JIPP( Iowa and Schelswig Holstien),, NANKE (Poland and USA), NEUMAN (PRUSSIA), CASPER(Germany to OH, IA), BROWN (USA VA to TENN TO IA etc) , TATUM (VA to Tenn to IA etc.),

I am looking for MADISON ie MATTISON in MASS, VT, NY and moved to IA. around 1812 to current. 1812 to 1818 for birth

Mary and I are researching PENTICO and variants in USA and else where.

We know that Jung changed to YOUNG and married Penticoff 1820's that changed to Pentico.

We know that MR. Brown marries Miss Tatum in Tenn. elusive yes 1820's also

CASPER is Antonio and he left wife and children in Germany near Rhine and came to USA, a bad boy married another young lady and had three boys before she found he was not divorced from first wife in Europe. She divcd him in Cinncinati OH according to papers but we can not find. Her boys disappear more than appear in records. Samuel is our line. He had Sarah Isabelle .

Dvd about 1855. Ohio.

New Blog for all to See

The Lemon Grove Research Group has been meeting for about 8 years and we have put together a blog to post our most Elusive Ancestors on.
We are hoping this will help to break the ice or unbound the roots or open the door to finding the missing pieces to complete the puzzle.
We started with four members coming steady and and then two more were added. Then death took some away from attending the meetings.

We have 24 names of people that attend at different times and we have 14 active full time of late which is awesome.

As leader of the pack, I determined we needed a night to talk genealogy of each person and a night to learn new information.
This was discussed and liked by all so it has helped us to focus on the tasks at hand and help each other to move forward.

We try to do a sharing time at the beginning until everyone arrives, then we go into the topics of the night.

We share books, pamphlets and articles that we receive during the time we do not meet.

We all have a common area or two for research. Though some are distant places for the Elusive
Ancestor. We cover all ethnicities and enjoy the learning of others backgrounds.

The blog came about after I had attended the Conference in Burbank in June 2009. I went to the Blogger meeting and
felt this was the direction that we genealogists needed to go and to support each other. As a past member of George Ferguson's Golden Gate Forum and experiencing the close working relationship with other genealogists through out the
United States and England it was a natural to step into this realm.

So I hope that the genealogy community will step forward and extend to these people the same courtesy and learning experience I received when starting on the internet, way back in 1990.

We have experienced computer workers and those we are teaching as we go to help them, but reminding everyone that the bulk of our information we are lacking is setting somewhere in a library, courthouse, cemetery, mortuary, old newspaper,
family histories, etc.

Our members are from young to more advanced in age. I remember the night the 16 year old youth came in and shared his
family story with us and I was so thrilled his family had taught him so much about his background and family. The genealogists attending that night felt that the family had the young man on the right track of life.

http://ancestorseekersbytherootbound.blogspot.com/2009/10/ancestor-seekers-by-root-bound.html


Please pass this url to other genealogists and groups to share. Thank you all. SusiCP

Treasures in Genealogy

Today being the Treasures department for genealogy I thought it would a good way to break the ice on a new blog to go up regarding the 14 members that attend the Lemon Grove Library Research Group.

We collectively agreed to try a blog posting of our Elusive Ancestors being Root Bound and to get all the way back to Adam and Eve. Now we know that is not possible but it was a good chuckle around the table.

Since many are only back two generations with much research and a wee more with others, it was a great ice breaker. We were deciding on a name for the group. By the way, the group is open to all whom can attend.

Some of our group has been attending for at least five years or more They can for the most part go back at least 4 and sometimes as much as 10 generations on some lines.

We all have brick walls or bound roots, or dead ends. So we decided to name ourselves the

Ancestor Seekers by the Root Bound. We will see how it goes and add as we go along. Almost all have given a name to be used on the blog. We will soon have many names to use because our next meeting will be SURNAME EXCHANGE DAY.

That event will take place 4 November 2009, Lemon Grove Library. 6 to 8 p m .

It may be that it will take up the entire month of November if enough people come and share.

So look for a new blog here called "Ancestor Seekers by the Root Bound" from the Lemon Grove Research Group.

Wordless Wednesday

TOMBSTONES Graveyards and Cemeteries

Tombstones tell of a death of a departed family member, a friend, a neighbor or just a stranger.

Tombstones tell us much of the person depending on the items included on the tombstones.

Tombstones are an art of their own.

They tell us of children, parents, widows, widowers, Warriors and many other things if you can read the signs on the tombstones.

Graveyards say much also, neglected, kept up, manicured or just mown. There are many types and styles. Some are separated by religion beliefs some are separated by age. The old section and the new. Old stones generally tell us more than new stones.

Seems families saved money for a tombstone for it was the last thing to speak for them after they are gone. Today that seems to have gone by with spend now and not worry about stone later.

Cemeteries, now to me it means a huge, emmense space with buried remains of the people of the past. In other ways it is the same as a graveyard. They can say volumes or say little.

Arlington is a Cemetery. Fort Roscran's is a Cemetery.

Halloween around the corner have fun.....

Monday Madness post MADISON/ MATTISON/ JONES

I have reposted about Susan Madison ie Mattison?

b 1812? 1816? 1818 on tombstone in IOWA.

Where : MASS, NY, VT

Marr: NOYES JONES b 1809 Petersburg, (JONES HOLLOW area) NY

His parents NOEL JONES b abt 1785 NY wife Susanna abt 1785 also documented.

They show on 1810 census mother, father and son. Never to show as family again. :<( second documentation.

Marriage was around 1830-32 in Mass HOLYOKE<>

I may have found NOYES with ABEL JONES in 1830 census. A person of his age in Abel's house.

I am suspecting Abel as NOEL JONES parent, need to find Abel JONES kin to discuss his life.

I found a PHILLIP MATTISON in MASS next door in 1790 census. HE then goes away.

I think he is same as 1810 one in NY. Philip is of the age to be Susan 's grandfather.

Would appreciate contact with MADISON, MATTISON kin of this region. OR any JONES kin of this Silas JONES SR family.

YDNA shows link and lineage does and letter family has written to NOYES long ago. Held by family in IOWA. WE are missing NOEL's parents maybe Abel and we are missing all of Susan Madison's family.

O yes a George MADISON was in IOWA next to her in 1870, suspect as brother.

SusiCP@cox.net

Favorite Genealogical Society's Winning Praise

HI everyone, seems that Randy S asked this question a while back. What is my favorite genealogical society? Well, I have several that are favorites and for various reasons, some quite obvious in fact.

Some are near and I can go share and banter with them. Some are far but have much resources that I desperately ( or so I feel ) need. I share with them also. Sharing is one of the greatest advantages of belonging to a Society.

Sharing is what makes the societies so special. One seldom to ever, fails to find a new relative or friend. I think that belonging to a Genealogical group would be awesome for most people including those whom have lost family or moved and are struggling to get through the day. In 40 + years of research I have met only one genealogist that was did not fit that mold and they were at a Library. There is something about talking about a common name, a common place, a same situation event that breaks people out of the mold and their personality comes forward and shines.

Societies carry data that a normal library does not have. Societies understand the nature of one's desire for certain information. They can even lead you in new directions to find more information about family and meet relatives if your desiring to meet more family.

I love one society for their awesome stepping to the plate when they learned of my visit. They had pulled 25 books with data waiting for me to scour through once I arrived. I had worked with this library for about four years. So I was not a stranger totally. Down the road when they wanted to go online I helped them to purchase a computer to do just that. I have been affiliated with them for many, many years. One should never expect the society to do things totally for free. They do many things already that are free.

I love our society's here in our town also. I belong to four of them. They all serve a different need and sharing of information. Which makes belonging to them worth the time and effort to

get to their events. I love to participate and help. I have held various offices for the various society's. The giving back is a major reward in itself.

You meet so many wonderful caring people. Alas this last year I was slowed down by a

run in with a set of stairs and body damage so I was not as active as I like to be. I look forward to being more active in the future again.

So yes, join a society, even one (who I hear from many say) they have nothing and they just set there and talk among themselves and ignore us. You may be the one to make the difference for them to wake up and share like I am sure they could. Start a society, you can even do that by having mini group meetings at a Library or a home to start. Down the road when large enough you may want to be a real Society and others will be their to help you. Today help is only an email or Twitter away.

I know of of a society that started that way, I was in on early planning for Chula Vista Genealogy Society and then later came back and joined when my work stopped. I missed some years in the early stages but never lost touch with the people. Remembering, my biggest

excitement of retiring was to come back and help this group of people.

So I can not say all the reasons to join they are so many if you give it a try you will learn this.

Yes, at times I commute more than 50 miles to attend a meeting. Not as much since our world has changed but I try to do it often.

O do not forget to belong to the: VGS, NGS or NEHGS for they are very large and really help carry power when we need them to fight for laws to not destroy cemeteries and various, common sense things when some politicians and developers seem to think the money is more important.

I am looking forward to when we can do mini meetings of certain topics on line to share with our members like I did on the old Golden Gate Forum. I host a chat now but it's site is secluded and permission has to be given to attend.

I do this now but I think we could do lots more of it LISA where are you??

Blessings to you all, Susi C Pentico

Wordless Wednesday in Michigan

Pennsylvania Research Trip" 1993"

OO YES I DID do research in Pennyslvania. I have done some in Maryland and Virginia also.

I did hands on in Pennsylvania meeting cousins, that my Grandfather told me were there.

Alas the one lady whom remembered Grandfather going to Greene Co PA to visit Aleppo and other areas to see kin called me the day I got home. They had played marbles together on the floor so very long ago. I met many whom knew that my Grandad had come as a boy with his father to Pennsylvania to see family. Great Grandpa Frank was about 12 years old when they left Greene Co and went to Iowa to live. This was after the Civil War and his Dad was home to stay.

His Father Sanford had been in WYO in service and seen much of Nebraska, IOWA and other places west of Pennsylvania. His brother Hague had gone west to Californian and Alaska at the same time and then coming back to Iowa where he purchased land he started to learn medicine. His mentor sent him to OHIO to school and then he went back to Moravia, IA and opened practice. Sanford and his Sister Phebe and her husband went to IOWA.

Grandpa Frank was in charge of the cattle and animals on the drive west.

He walked behind the wagon with the dog,( name I do not have at hand) once in a while he was able to ride the wagon and his siblings would work the animals but that was seldom.

The dust that blew up at times was horrid and very hard for him to breathe.

Great Grandpa Frank wanted to go back to Pennsylvania so he could see some of his old acquaintance and cousins, Aunts and Uncles. Grandad was about 5 years old but he told me

and Rich and Hartley (cousins) stories of the trip while we sat on the old hay baler in the back forty of his land out behind the barn and silo.

When I was 17 and saw him last he asked if I ever got a chance for me to go to Pennsylvania and meet the family that was left behind. It took many years for me to finally be able to visit that beautiful section of Pennsylvania. I hope to go back again some day.

I walked cemeteries, visited churches, City Hall, the Court House, many distant cousins homes and the Historical Society in it's building and the Genealogy Library in the Waynesburg Library.

Some of the cousins I had talked and shared letters with for many years. It was a real treat to see them. One family was almost duplicate in family resemblance. Jacob looked like my Uncle Dick, Violet looked like my Aunt Mae, Jacob's sister looked just like my Aunt Ruth.

Amazing genes and yes we had the funky fingers and the different toes. It was a really fun time.

HUFFMAN, HOFFMAN, HIGGINS, HENDERSON, PLANTS, DUVALL, DURBIN, PATTERSON, RITCHIE, and so many more

My Accomplishments with Genealogy

Exactly what does one call an accomplishment. Is it the finding the answers to the puzzle pieces? Is it the locating the families of long ago connections? Is it the keeping of the data current and correctly posted and shared with others?

An Accomplishment is really in the eye of the beholder.

For my accomplishments with satisfaction so far they are all interconnected. The finding of distant kin long forgotten and the locating of pictures and people and documents to verify the family story left to me by my Grandfather's Cecil Lee HOFFMAN and Carl F JONES.

Grandfather Cecil's information was interesting and exciting. By accident I found the link we were told of that we did not believe was real. ( HAAAY Grandpa.)

Grandfather Jones was also as interesting by what he did and did not share. ( I found IT Grandfather .)Most of my accomplishments would not have happened if it had not been for these two gentlemen. Of course, there was much work to be in finding the answers but the foundation was laid by them.

The web page ( we built) with my cousin Helen Durbin's assistance is to share with others to help them, all move forward in finding answers. Helen researched in Pennsylvania and I did mine from the west coast of California and some in WYO, NE and IOWA.

What is the most satisfying of all that I have done I would say is the accumulation of all the above. The meeting more kin, the sharing with others, the learning of our background, they all

file in the top; of course being married 50 years, raising five children and helping with ten grandchildren all fill in the mix. Helping them to understand the legacy that was left them to carry forward was and is my ultimate goal.

Friday's Rememberances, here CA, Michigan and Illinois

Thursday's Treasure

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Tombstone nah no Tombstone

Well, tombstones do not sound so good this evening. Incident happened today that made me decide not Tombstone tonite. It happened this evening.

WE had three funerals on our block last week so I m sorta TOMBSTONED out. I think Wordless Wednesday will be spent in prayers of thanksgiving.

Did you know HE HE HE HE that Halloween is coming right around the corner? It deals with Lost Souls and TOMBSTONES, and Witches and Graveyards too.

Today I set out my dancing owls from Hallmark which I love. MUNSTER THEMED and then set up electric pumpkin and other critters for cheering the spirits. Even weirder I am reading a book by Linda Leal MILLER that is about Vampires and WarLocks and humans.

Some weird comments are in the book that are not so far out of reach rather scary in thought.

HEA HEA HEA Halloween is coming.... ARE YOU READY????????????

Genealogists everywhere be AWARE :>) :>)

Monday's Black Sheep Lost Ancestoress

Susan MADISON/MATTISON b between 1812 to 1818 depending on what data used.

Born in MASS, VT, NY, and one son even put CT. She used MASS when her and husband alone.

Her children just didn't know or the boundaries were a moving. Which in this area they were moving often.

The closest I found was a PHILLIP MATTISON in 1790 census in MASS on border next to Rensselaer Co NY. I later find what may be him in 1810 in Renselaer Co. NY. He is to old ? to be her father but could be a grandfather.???

Susan according to family lore was born in MASS and they married near HOLYOKE

around 1830 1832. I never found a marriage record. 10 years ago I scoured what was available at that time. I talked to some MATTISON researchers and they felt they knew what line she was from but I can not determine any more information.

Her second son NOEL JONES b 1835 in MASS, first born in NY. He later disappears and family says he dies around 1855 and did not make it to ILL and or IA. It was an accident.

I find no data on his demise either. I would have thought if accident a paper article would be written. Knowing that they were Baptist was hoping there were records, NOpe not found so far.

Her last child was born in NY in 1850. I actually know almost as much about this child as my ancestor I gather they were close. His name was Charles he married a BARTLETT that was also from NY. So that family came west with them or followed them.

Susan marries NOYES JONES b 1809 Petersburg Jones Hollow, Rensselaer Co NY.

They married where?? I have not found a record yet.

Any help suggestions appreciated.

Saturday Evening Memories

Memories of long ago or just yesterday. Time flits by so quickly we can not say, if it is today or it was yesterday. Memories of our youth. Memories of our young adult lives. Memories of our marriage and our children and grandchildren.. MMMMMM where does one begin.

One of my never forgotten memories was after I had scrubbed the kitchen dining room floor and waxed it, my sister fell off the tire swing and split her lip on a brick that was near by.

She and her brother come screaming to the house blood going everywhere. Lips bleed folks yup they do.

I grabbed a towel and put on her mouth to slow it down and asked my brother to help hold it there while I called our neighbor a retired nurse to come check it out since the Folks were in town doing the weekly shopping and I being the oldest was left in charge of chores and watching the younger ones after their work was done.

Gladly the people we called Grandma and Grandpa Cunningham came and she washed my

sis up and pulled the lip together with a butterfly type badging of tape. Then we did a major ice pack to cut the swelling and not pull the tape off that was holding the area together.

All was well by the time MOM and DAD got home but I had not gotten the blood off the back porch floor yet and area re mopped in kitchen. Grandma Margaret was reading a story to them while I was cleaning up the rest of the blood off of the cabinet and floor etc.

Only other time I saw that much blood was when that brother split his head open and we again had to call Grandma Margaret Cunningham to assist. This time we iced and then Dad and MOM took him to town it was a very jagged nasty gash. He was always falling down and

hurting himself. Mom said she was that way as a child also. He even was playing with friend at the other house we lived in before we moved and his buddy beaned him with a hoe and they had to rush him to hospital with stitches. It seems they were fencing and were using the wrong end and it hit his head. We then lived much closer to town and I was not in charge of that time event. Mom, Dad and their friends were all standing at the garden gate talking about the garden when it happened.

Memories o the memories. Grandpa and Grandma Cunningham were awesome neighbors and my class mates grandparents. When she moved away and they moved I was very sad.

Time frame early 1950's

Family Treasures

Thursday is Family Treasures day, but what is a family Treasure. It can be an item or it can be an event. It can mean many different things to many different people.

I have a treasure, a MOM whom is 89 years young Dr said. She is stable and has her faculties in order. Sure she forgets but that is something we all do. Since she doesn't punch a clock knowing the day of the week is a non necessary thing. She calls many things we do "clutters for the mind."

Her prospective is interesting and her thoughts are intriguing. Since the Dr's in 1981 said she would not live for more than five years I call her a treasure.

I imagine that is the feelings of many whom have elder family members.

Many teenagers I am around at school have no parents or grandparents let alone a Great Grandparent. It was because of that I became known as Grandma on the high school campus.

They (Students) wanted a grandparent and a hug or a word of caution to guide them on their way. They do not always think parents say the right thing but when a grandparent echos or comments an opinion it helps them to know the direction they need to consider.

I have held a Senior boy in tears and I have held a Freshman girl in tears, what ever it take to help them get through. Many parents are so wrapped up in life that they miss some of their most precious time with their children.

So some of our best Treasures are our Elders. So MOM is my Golden Treasure for always.

Tombstone Tuesday IOWA WARDEN

Notice Flag and Veteran marker

Monday Madness Harvey Edward FOULK

The lineage of Harvey Edward FOULK

John Folk fought in Rev War died 1793 Berks Co.,PA have WILL

wife Mary Madgeline STROCK m Philadelphia if I found correct marriage

Peter Foulk Sr b June 1773 possibley Bucks or Berks Co PA. I found John in both areas Rev War.

wife Catherine {Ohlinger (?) }she is of Indian heritage b 12 July 1774 Bucks Co PA

Peter Sr died 4 April 1823 Rye Township Perry Co PA she died 7 June 1855 Rye Township, Perry Co PA Peter will p 97 Vol A Perry Co PA

son Peter Foulk Jr 25 Jan 1803 Perry Co. PA d 13 Aug 1885 Blackhawk Co IA.

Wife Susannah Martin SHOWALTER b 9 Dec 1805-6 Martindale, Lancaster Co PA d 3 May 1886 Waterloo, Blackhawk Co. IA

Now the fun begins: read carefully to be able to follow the duel relationship:

Sarah Elizabeth (Jane) FOULK b 28 July 1813 Perry Co PA d 21 Mar 1860 sister of

Peter Foulk Jr.

She marries John MYERS b (?) Dauphin Co PA between 1793 and 1809. I think church records are accurate and data written in bible was guess when they filled in book. I have much more on MYERS. (to follow below)

Sarah Elizabeth Foulk Myers has Katherine Myers b 30 May 1845 Perry Co PA d 7 June 1922 Cedar Township Blackhawk Co IA.

Katherine MYERS marries William Henry Foulk son of Peter FOULK JR and Susan SHOWALTER FOULK. cousins

William Henry Foulk and Katherine Myers has Harvey Edward FOULK.

Valentine Myers (MOYER) b 27 May 1731 Oberhochstadt (Today Germany wasn't then.)

wife Maria Christena had Phillip He did supply wagon for Continental Army Valley Forge

Phillip b abt 1737 died 1811 m Maria Catherina UNRUH dau of Valentine Unruh

Phillip did service with his father and with Capt George Miller Co of Berks Co Militia

Philip and Maria Catherina Unruh MYERS had Valentine Myers b 1762 died 1823 Dauphin Co PA. marries Catherine JONES

They have John Myers whom marries Sarah Elizabeth (Jane) FOULK. Her home was across the street from JOHN MYERS MILL. Family has been there and FOULK people were still living in the old homestead in the late 50-s 60s when kin went on research trips.

A note also Phillip b abt 1737 was the only child I found alive for Maria Christena m to Valentine MOYER/ MYERS. Valentine remarries and has other children in USA and maybe some in Europe.

Phillip served in Rev War more than once . First helping father with supply wagons then as private and later buried (?) as LT. Philip Meyer 6th Battl PA Militia, Rev War found at Zion Lutheran and Reformed Church Cemetery, #89

Capt George Millers Co of Berks Co Militia being on duty at South Amboy 5 Sept 1776 mustered out Dec1780. Stationed at the mouth of the RARITON River while the battle of Long Island took place.He was at Trenton Xmas night, Valley Forge etc. German Regiment of Continental Troops member

held 2 commissions the other one 1st LTin 1777 for Militia,8th Co.6th Battalion.

1799 built house near Womelsdorf Canal it burnt, rebuilt#17

furnished stones for original Zion Union Church of Womelsdorf

Harvey came from good stock. I know his personal family life was rife with major stress and a

not so discreet situation. This from his daughter, my grandmother. Family has verified this situation also. WHERE IS Harvey Edward FOULK buried and did he have more children?

Did he go to Australia, Russia or is the one I found in California census with lady from same town as his home, him?

Regarding Genealogy of the future retake

Regarding Genealogy of the future

Since the url messed up here is a retake of the url..

The girl who silenced the world for 5 minutes | Support the Power of Dignity | Causes

it is on utube but it sure should make us think.

BlackSheep Sunday Harvey Edward Foulk

Black SHEEP o o the poor black sheep they are getting blamed. I wonder why not the brown sheep or the almost white sheep.

Black Sheep family member is My Great Grandfather FOULK. Who disappeared at the time he sold a load of wheat to Russia in the I believe 1930's. Born and raised in IOWA family still in the home of residence then today. I have written of him before. Prior to this he had moved to Wheatland, Wyo and did not like it and moved back to IOWA. Many stories going around about this mans disappearance and I suspect I may have found him in southern Ca in census with another woman from the same area of IOWA.. Gee does that story sound familiar. A million novels and mysteries have used that ploy I wonder which one he read to do this if it's really him.

Susi