Finding Your Roots, Digging Up The Dirt, by Myrna Goodwin
MYRNA GOODWIN presented a great talk on Land Records and why they are so important.
She kept saying they are not exciting to most people but she found them exciting and intriguing.
She gave references as to the reasons for the places to search, She listed what to look for and
commented on attitude during the research.
She outlined the items one needs to pay attention to and the quirks that can toss you off the trail.
She talked about mannerisms and behavior when your in another's element. We need to respect the space
of the workers we are asking our help from and be smiling and courteous, even when they may not be.
It reminded me that " you can capture more results with honey than vinegar" . I enjoyed her talk because I
have been there and done that. Everyone whom attended was very excited about tackling the Deeds, they
mentioned having an aversion too.
It also applies to "do your homework". Go prepared and know what your looking for, where you think you
may find it. Dress to be comfortable so you do not become a agitated guest.
She commented that William Dollarhide stated that prior to 1850, 90% of white males owned land.
Know your land language, Grantor, Grantee, Indenture, etc. Land records have been around for a very long time
even longer than most census's.
Deeds have details that other articles can not give. Who was the neighbor, is there a link to the neighbor?
Watch the names of the witnesses and the peoples names involved in the Deed for clues.
Be aware of the "DOWER Factor" and how it relates to the family and the land.
Be aware that some counties have more than one place to find your data. An example was an area of Mass.
that had three areas central, south and north.
Do not let buildings turn you off or scare you away. Do not let a unfriendly face deter you from your task.
Introduce yourself and compliment them on the work they do. Make them aware you appreciate the work they do.
Make sure you bring the key items you will need with you, paper, pencil, post a notes, coins for copying, magnifying
glass, high liters, and maybe a friend. Remember many Deed Books are very large and heavy.
To read old Deeds, you do not have to go to a court house you can use the Family History Center films that are
available.
Look at the Patent Files, Warrant Files and other land documents. Look at Maps, check the places on a map
to get your bearings on where the land laid. Who were their neighbor? Were they related to each other.
She gave great examples of this for people to see as she described the various topics.
The smallest land plot is the burial plot, They are bought and sold the same way. Check Findagrave.com for
help in locating data. Was the land donated or purchased? If donated who donated it to the family or the cemetery?
She posted a page of URL's and references for locating more information in her four page flyer.
She really dug up the dirt on tracking land records and recordings.
She can be reached at this address for further help. goodwinhawkins@cox.net
It was a great presentation with much emphasis on the key methods of doing research that really applies to
other documents as well. Great job, Myrna.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Pumpkin Fudge Bars Brownie
recipe Pumpkin Fudge Bars Brownie
9 x 13 pan 350 Degree oven
mix 4 eggs
1/2 cup Oil I use lite olive or veg
1 can pumpkin 16 oz.
1 1/3 cup sugar I prefer less.
2 C Bisquick
1/2 cocoa pwdr prefer dark cocoa but both works
2 tsp. cinnamon
dash of nutmeg (optional) but I use it
1/2 to 1 Cup Chocolate Chips to batter last.
I mix the ingredients in order of listing all in one container. Stir well or some times put first ingredients in blender to whip then add to dry ingredients pour in pan and bake.
Use toothpick to test for being done. About 20 to 30 mins depending on your oven.
9 x 13 pan 350 Degree oven
mix 4 eggs
1/2 cup Oil I use lite olive or veg
1 can pumpkin 16 oz.
1 1/3 cup sugar I prefer less.
2 C Bisquick
1/2 cocoa pwdr prefer dark cocoa but both works
2 tsp. cinnamon
dash of nutmeg (optional) but I use it
1/2 to 1 Cup Chocolate Chips to batter last.
I mix the ingredients in order of listing all in one container. Stir well or some times put first ingredients in blender to whip then add to dry ingredients pour in pan and bake.
Use toothpick to test for being done. About 20 to 30 mins depending on your oven.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Surprise for MOM's Birthday Need Your Help
Hi everyone since I am ordering supplies for the party I thought I would toss this idea out there for you all to see. I would love feed back if you would be willing to join in this surprise.
She will be 90 on the 29 of June. I would love to see if she could get at least 90 cards by her birthday as a memory of the event. That is asking you all to send her a card to remember her day.
My idea would be to do it for the month of June starting about the 15 or so.
She can read large print easily but a card that can be read to her would do just fine.
She was born and reared in Wyoming, all her children born in California but I. Dad has been gone for more than ten years. I just want to make this a very special day. This I think would fit the bill?
Do you think you could do this if I supplied the address to have you send the card?
It is a PO box so not a house address.
She will be 90 on the 29 of June. I would love to see if she could get at least 90 cards by her birthday as a memory of the event. That is asking you all to send her a card to remember her day.
My idea would be to do it for the month of June starting about the 15 or so.
She can read large print easily but a card that can be read to her would do just fine.
She was born and reared in Wyoming, all her children born in California but I. Dad has been gone for more than ten years. I just want to make this a very special day. This I think would fit the bill?
Do you think you could do this if I supplied the address to have you send the card?
It is a PO box so not a house address.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sentimental Journey Down Memory Lane
Sentimental Journey down memory lane. I was a member of our Public Speakers Group at Tomales High School, so long ago. Seems it was never a challenge to talk to people but sometimes a challenge to figure how to say it so they would understand my thoughts.
Writing came easy for me and I worked on the school newspaper and helped with the Annual in the background.
I have actually had a book published by the School District I worked in regarding terms for laypeople working with school employees. It was designated to help parents and para professionals to understand terms used by the school system. Mr. I. W. encouraged this to take place. I was in college at the time working towards a degree, working and being a full time parent with husband just retiring from the military.
A job offer arrived and I took a turn in my goal. I stayed semi involved with the school system and worked in an office downtown, then learning real estate terms and concepts. What a fun job that was. It was one of the most exciting, fun, terrifying
jobs I ever held. We start with minimal money and when I left the money was so high up the scale I feared any mistake of any kind. I saved an escrow company major grieve when I found an error in their files. The owner called and thanked me and sent me the largest bouquet of flowers I have ever seen outside a funeral home. My boss was very pleased.
I saw the way greed changes a person and it frightened me badly. I believe it was a greed not even thought of, so not deliberately done. That bible verse really hit me hard. You know the one about the eye of a needle and a camel etc. money being a real problem for mankind.
I left there and came home and did genealogy and gardening and helped to care for ill family members along the way. In 1989 I went to work at Denny's doing a different bend on life. Not my first time to waitress, nor my second but it was at that time a good company to work for. I also had friends that worked there, and children in college in need of funds.
Dad's health down the road spiraled and so did Mom's so after a trip across country with them and much quibbling amongst co worker's I called a spade a spade and left Denny's for the second time. I missed my customers but not the back room scenes
by employees.
Back to genealogy I came in full swing, and I cared for an Aunt and then an Uncle and in between a cousin and a dear, dear friend. By 1996 I had lost 3 of them, including my Dad.
I was still caring for a new Aunt and a awesome Uncle as was needed. I lost both of them by 2001 spring. I kept active in the local society and tried out in other societies also.
From some time in 1990 or so I worked for the Golden Gate Forum on AOL as a HOST for Genealogy. I did the Mid Atlantic Region. My best area of expertise. I did this for 9 years and then worked for another person when they started a new program when AOL's was retired. I have given hundred's of on line lectures and talks.
I was setting here trying to decide, is it easier to talk in front of people or on a keyboard. My fingers some times fumble on the keys, but my mind sometimes skips a bit when talking. I somehow do not think one is worse or better than the other. I enjoy doing both.
One of my biggest happiness events was putting on the first major online genealogy seminar and having many world known key note speakers in the chat rooms. What a awesome October that was so many years ago. To those who participated way back when, thanks for making it a reality.
So that is my story line.
Writing came easy for me and I worked on the school newspaper and helped with the Annual in the background.
I have actually had a book published by the School District I worked in regarding terms for laypeople working with school employees. It was designated to help parents and para professionals to understand terms used by the school system. Mr. I. W. encouraged this to take place. I was in college at the time working towards a degree, working and being a full time parent with husband just retiring from the military.
A job offer arrived and I took a turn in my goal. I stayed semi involved with the school system and worked in an office downtown, then learning real estate terms and concepts. What a fun job that was. It was one of the most exciting, fun, terrifying
jobs I ever held. We start with minimal money and when I left the money was so high up the scale I feared any mistake of any kind. I saved an escrow company major grieve when I found an error in their files. The owner called and thanked me and sent me the largest bouquet of flowers I have ever seen outside a funeral home. My boss was very pleased.
I saw the way greed changes a person and it frightened me badly. I believe it was a greed not even thought of, so not deliberately done. That bible verse really hit me hard. You know the one about the eye of a needle and a camel etc. money being a real problem for mankind.
I left there and came home and did genealogy and gardening and helped to care for ill family members along the way. In 1989 I went to work at Denny's doing a different bend on life. Not my first time to waitress, nor my second but it was at that time a good company to work for. I also had friends that worked there, and children in college in need of funds.
Dad's health down the road spiraled and so did Mom's so after a trip across country with them and much quibbling amongst co worker's I called a spade a spade and left Denny's for the second time. I missed my customers but not the back room scenes
by employees.
Back to genealogy I came in full swing, and I cared for an Aunt and then an Uncle and in between a cousin and a dear, dear friend. By 1996 I had lost 3 of them, including my Dad.
I was still caring for a new Aunt and a awesome Uncle as was needed. I lost both of them by 2001 spring. I kept active in the local society and tried out in other societies also.
From some time in 1990 or so I worked for the Golden Gate Forum on AOL as a HOST for Genealogy. I did the Mid Atlantic Region. My best area of expertise. I did this for 9 years and then worked for another person when they started a new program when AOL's was retired. I have given hundred's of on line lectures and talks.
I was setting here trying to decide, is it easier to talk in front of people or on a keyboard. My fingers some times fumble on the keys, but my mind sometimes skips a bit when talking. I somehow do not think one is worse or better than the other. I enjoy doing both.
One of my biggest happiness events was putting on the first major online genealogy seminar and having many world known key note speakers in the chat rooms. What a awesome October that was so many years ago. To those who participated way back when, thanks for making it a reality.
So that is my story line.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Laundry Basket Research, Genealogy the Easy Way
Genealogy the easy way was the theme of the talk I gave today at the mini Seminar we had. It could be one of the easiest ways to start your researching.
You grab your laundry basket and start looking for things around your home that are
items that were given you, acquired by you or inherited. Put those items in the basket.
You look at photo's, albums, cook books and the like for clues to find your missing kin. Again put them in the laundry basket. See how easy this can be.
You contact family members near and far and ask questions.
As you find the photo of Grandma and Grandpa you put them in your basket. (I wanted
to do that but the room was not conducive to the situation). The large items you can not pick up you write on a piece of paper. Maybe the beads from Aunt Helen or the
saw from Uncle Albert, should be mentioned. The anvil that was Grandad's or the leather awl for making shoes, repairing saddles, etc. Remember Grandad had a name make sure you write Grandad Cecil Hoffman verses Grandad. :>)
Clues can be found in a jewelry box, a fishing tackle box, a tool box, a dresser drawer or on a shelf.
Do you remember the time line that the picture was taken, what they did at that time? How was the family dynamics then? Families have been drifting for over a 140 years.
I did read this last week that people are beginning to shift back to family mode only recently which implies money when it is minimal, family comes to the forefront.
This you will learn more as you go further in your studies of how to do.
Families worked together to make things happen to survive in our past. It did not matter so much if you were male or female, it was family from the youngest to the oldest the family worked together in some form.
The clothing in pictures and the style of the photo makes a photo age identifiable.
There are books in the library to help you learn this as you go on your adventure.
The age of a car, if enough is seen can also help to identify the time of event.
My theory is you can do genealogy and not be at the library or a conference, but just wander through the house and pick up the objects that remind you of various
past events. It can be a photo or object, that triggers thoughts of a great time or a sad event. Grab those items and put in the basket.
The larger items you write on a piece of paper so that you can go back and catalog them as part of your history also. It is a form of Siting your Sources.
Remember to use acid free pens or pencils to mark the names of those you know on your pictures. Never write on the back of a picture across where the face is on the front. Even Acid free does some damage to the photo's over time.
Look for crocheted, knitted, loomed items you have. Embroidered samplers, quilts and table clothes. Pillow Cases you, received used to have crochet work and embroidery on them. Did you do them or some one give them to you? Family Bibles if your lucky to have them, are a great source if they were filled in by people's of our past.
Do you have a woodworking ancestor and Uncle and cousin, maybe you do woodworking also your self. The predisposition for various careers are genetically handed down in some format. Another reason why it is so interesting to do genealogy.
Medically the ancestors gave us many predisposition conditions of the body.
If we log what we learn we can help our children and grandchildren and some times even ourselves to not be as ill.
There are so many great reasons why we should all do a bit of genealogy to make us a better people.
I mentioned my favorite working tools and showed the reason for using maps.
I believe everyone should use a blank USA map and track the families across the states on their migration trail.It was something that George Schweitzer taught us long ago. Each family a different color and you can see where families met and joined.
You also learn the trail they took so you can find the missing puzzle piece by using
Bill Dollarhide's, Map Guide to American Migration Routes, 1735-1815.
I use George Schweitzer's books on states for information on states. They are excellently written and data clear to comprehend.
I use Bill Dollarhide's (what I call companion book) British Origins of the American Colonists, 1629-1775. I carry an atlas with for locating places when in doubt.
Remember the internet is the last place to look for data. Only 10% of the data you will use over the years will come from the internet. The bulk will come from homes,
books, family data and libraries. If you do not own a computer head to the library to look at these free sites. I did genealogy for 30 years without a computer and it's been done for over 200 years + with out a computer.
My favorite sites to start a search are:
usgenweb.org for the states, and worldgenweb.org for the world.
I then use Rootsweb, maybe because it was the other free site when I started and I found so much there. Rootsweb is still free even if affiliated now with Ancestry.com.
Genealogy.com is good for P C users. It loves to down load data right to your program.
I am a Mac users so it does not help me in that way but I can read what is available
to see.
Url's or links to use. Remember you can always go to google.com and find data and links also.
Sites to Search
1. http://usgenweb.org covers United States and counties my #1 site
2. http://worldgenweb.org covers world sites
3. genealogy.com from Barbara I great site especially I you use FTM.
4. www.genealogywise.com/.webloc
blogging, societies on this site, chat rooms for learning more about genealogy.
5. http://www.wvculture.org/ West Virginia Division of Culture and History
6. http://www.germanroots.com/ Germanic information
7. http://aomol.net/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000018/html/am18--109.html Maryland archives
8. www.lva.lib.va.us/sitein#718003 Library of Virginia
9. www.GenealogyStorybooks.#6EA21C Books
10. http://rsl.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/rslsql.cgi Rootsweb data
11 http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#start
12. http-//padutchancestry.h#7027AF
13. GenealogyandFamilyHistor#702615
14. FamilyLink.com.webloc
15. Library of Michigan - Mi#6DA5A2
16. SAMPUBCO.webloc another of my favorites. Wills, Probates etc.
17. www.accessgenealogy.com/.webloc new site to help
18. friendsofallencounty.org/#25336 Allen County Library
19. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com#2535C The Lost Colony Genealogy and DNA Research Group
20. www.nationalarchives.gov.#2535A United Kingdom's Archives
more are:
http://www.cyndislist.com/
http://www.findagrave.com/
www.deadfred.com/
google.com
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~genealogylookup/chatroom.html
I am here on Thursday nights. 9 eastern, need to acquire password to attend. Free help
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/ CVGS site
Seminar contact people: Gary@brocksystems.com President, baribai@cox.net, Barbara, Irishdoll@cox.net, Virginia, SusiCP@cox.net - Ruth Himan@yahoo.com
Remember you can google any of your questions. :>)
Remember you can contact any of us for help at these above addresses.
Data is copywritten and created by Susi Pentico for help in genealogical research.
SusiCP 619 623-5250 by phone
You grab your laundry basket and start looking for things around your home that are
items that were given you, acquired by you or inherited. Put those items in the basket.
You look at photo's, albums, cook books and the like for clues to find your missing kin. Again put them in the laundry basket. See how easy this can be.
You contact family members near and far and ask questions.
As you find the photo of Grandma and Grandpa you put them in your basket. (I wanted
to do that but the room was not conducive to the situation). The large items you can not pick up you write on a piece of paper. Maybe the beads from Aunt Helen or the
saw from Uncle Albert, should be mentioned. The anvil that was Grandad's or the leather awl for making shoes, repairing saddles, etc. Remember Grandad had a name make sure you write Grandad Cecil Hoffman verses Grandad. :>)
Clues can be found in a jewelry box, a fishing tackle box, a tool box, a dresser drawer or on a shelf.
Do you remember the time line that the picture was taken, what they did at that time? How was the family dynamics then? Families have been drifting for over a 140 years.
I did read this last week that people are beginning to shift back to family mode only recently which implies money when it is minimal, family comes to the forefront.
This you will learn more as you go further in your studies of how to do.
Families worked together to make things happen to survive in our past. It did not matter so much if you were male or female, it was family from the youngest to the oldest the family worked together in some form.
The clothing in pictures and the style of the photo makes a photo age identifiable.
There are books in the library to help you learn this as you go on your adventure.
The age of a car, if enough is seen can also help to identify the time of event.
My theory is you can do genealogy and not be at the library or a conference, but just wander through the house and pick up the objects that remind you of various
past events. It can be a photo or object, that triggers thoughts of a great time or a sad event. Grab those items and put in the basket.
The larger items you write on a piece of paper so that you can go back and catalog them as part of your history also. It is a form of Siting your Sources.
Remember to use acid free pens or pencils to mark the names of those you know on your pictures. Never write on the back of a picture across where the face is on the front. Even Acid free does some damage to the photo's over time.
Look for crocheted, knitted, loomed items you have. Embroidered samplers, quilts and table clothes. Pillow Cases you, received used to have crochet work and embroidery on them. Did you do them or some one give them to you? Family Bibles if your lucky to have them, are a great source if they were filled in by people's of our past.
Do you have a woodworking ancestor and Uncle and cousin, maybe you do woodworking also your self. The predisposition for various careers are genetically handed down in some format. Another reason why it is so interesting to do genealogy.
Medically the ancestors gave us many predisposition conditions of the body.
If we log what we learn we can help our children and grandchildren and some times even ourselves to not be as ill.
There are so many great reasons why we should all do a bit of genealogy to make us a better people.
I mentioned my favorite working tools and showed the reason for using maps.
I believe everyone should use a blank USA map and track the families across the states on their migration trail.It was something that George Schweitzer taught us long ago. Each family a different color and you can see where families met and joined.
You also learn the trail they took so you can find the missing puzzle piece by using
Bill Dollarhide's, Map Guide to American Migration Routes, 1735-1815.
I use George Schweitzer's books on states for information on states. They are excellently written and data clear to comprehend.
I use Bill Dollarhide's (what I call companion book) British Origins of the American Colonists, 1629-1775. I carry an atlas with for locating places when in doubt.
Remember the internet is the last place to look for data. Only 10% of the data you will use over the years will come from the internet. The bulk will come from homes,
books, family data and libraries. If you do not own a computer head to the library to look at these free sites. I did genealogy for 30 years without a computer and it's been done for over 200 years + with out a computer.
My favorite sites to start a search are:
usgenweb.org for the states, and worldgenweb.org for the world.
I then use Rootsweb, maybe because it was the other free site when I started and I found so much there. Rootsweb is still free even if affiliated now with Ancestry.com.
Genealogy.com is good for P C users. It loves to down load data right to your program.
I am a Mac users so it does not help me in that way but I can read what is available
to see.
Url's or links to use. Remember you can always go to google.com and find data and links also.
Sites to Search
1. http://usgenweb.org covers United States and counties my #1 site
2. http://worldgenweb.org covers world sites
3. genealogy.com from Barbara I great site especially I you use FTM.
4. www.genealogywise.com/.webloc
blogging, societies on this site, chat rooms for learning more about genealogy.
5. http://www.wvculture.org/ West Virginia Division of Culture and History
6. http://www.germanroots.com/ Germanic information
7. http://aomol.net/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000018/html/am18--109.html Maryland archives
8. www.lva.lib.va.us/sitein#718003 Library of Virginia
9. www.GenealogyStorybooks.#6EA21C Books
10. http://rsl.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/rslsql.cgi Rootsweb data
11 http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#start
12. http-//padutchancestry.h#7027AF
13. GenealogyandFamilyHistor#702615
14. FamilyLink.com.webloc
15. Library of Michigan - Mi#6DA5A2
16. SAMPUBCO.webloc another of my favorites. Wills, Probates etc.
17. www.accessgenealogy.com/.webloc new site to help
18. friendsofallencounty.org/#25336 Allen County Library
19. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com#2535C The Lost Colony Genealogy and DNA Research Group
20. www.nationalarchives.gov.#2535A United Kingdom's Archives
more are:
http://www.cyndislist.com/
http://www.findagrave.com/
www.deadfred.com/
google.com
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~genealogylookup/chatroom.html
I am here on Thursday nights. 9 eastern, need to acquire password to attend. Free help
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/ CVGS site
Seminar contact people: Gary@brocksystems.com President, baribai@cox.net, Barbara, Irishdoll@cox.net, Virginia, SusiCP@cox.net - Ruth Himan@yahoo.com
Remember you can google any of your questions. :>)
Remember you can contact any of us for help at these above addresses.
Data is copywritten and created by Susi Pentico for help in genealogical research.
SusiCP 619 623-5250 by phone
Friday, April 23, 2010
Our next super major adventure 1910 Celebration
This appears to be the start of our next super major event. Wow we are really going to busy the rest of this year. SEMINAR April 24 1:30 to 4 pm South Branch Library Chula Vista, Orange and 4th Ave.(corner). Learning Whom You Are.
This will be a fun adventure for anyone who attends. Come learn some amazing simple ways to start doing research. Try to refresh the method your using now, it just might help you to move forward in a different light.
We are hoping it will help people who "are on the fence", and worried about costs and fees, and expenses when doing genealogy. That does not need to be a problem.
A computer is not needed either. That is right a computer is an asset but not a necessity for researchers.
Many fabulous books and research sources were complied with out a computer.
So come down and enjoy the fun, for fun I think it will be.
Next we will be having mini talks about various topics needed for knowledge in doing your personal discoveries. This will take place from May until end of the year.
We are starting with Randy S doing a Beginners Class series.
We then move towards the finished planning of the OCTOBER Family History Month Seminar.
It will pull together all the little pieces you have been learning along the way.
We are hoping for mini workshops, a major guest speaker and other speakers to round out the full day. This event will take place from mid morning to late afternoon on this great day October 2, 2010. This will take place at the Senior Center in Chula Vista just up the street from Civic Center Library.
We have some cool events planned for each month from now until the end of the year.
That brings our Christmas Party that helps us support the Salvation Army.
Topics, we will learn about are varied and informative and can be very interesting.
More on our events on the next blog. We hope to see some of you at the Library tomorrow.
Oh, if you wonder why we are moving our meetings about it is because budget cuts have curtailed the Library hours and we also at times need larger spaces.
So when I blogged about the libraries needing supported I was not jesting in word. It is a serious problem almost everywhere. I firmly believe I would pay $10 a year for access and use to the library facilities. I do not care if it is Chula Vista or Los Angeles, or Washington, D.C. . Just think Chula Vista's citizenry is over 100,000.
people times $10 and what do you get I bet it is enough to get the libraries back on track and open to the communities. I am not even a Chula Vista resident though I claim it as my home. Since I shop there, work there, dine there, play there, they are getting my dollars already. I even attend church there. I find many of my neighbors in the same situation.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Invisible Tombstone
The Invisible Tombstone
That is what it must be, for it, I can not see.
Where is the stone, that tells me of his home,
What a treasure that stone must be.
Noel Jones, b 1785 ie near Albany
New York you see,
The reason for the invisibility,
1810 census you are found
Ever more not around.
That is what it must be, for it, I can not see.
Where is the stone, that tells me of his home,
What a treasure that stone must be.
Noel Jones, b 1785 ie near Albany
New York you see,
The reason for the invisibility,
1810 census you are found
Ever more not around.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday's Surname Pentico/Penticoff/Benninghoff
Here we go again. Right back where we started from, Wee this is so much fun.
Hoping relatives will kick in for Ydna tests to confirm my suspicions.
Dear John,
Where did you leave your parents? Why is it that no one I have spoken to seems tp
have clue as to whom they are.
We have proven the story in the book about coming from Holland as false. Well, let's
put that a different way, John, you did not come from Holland since you was born in
Pennsylvania.
After a good 45 years of research and 50 of off on hunting, I suspect your father
was a Benninghoff that lived down the road from you in Jersey Shores, PA.
Since you started life as a Penticoff in records and changed it after you got
to Iowa to Pentico, there must have been a big story to share.
I found many Benninghoff/Penticoff from that line living near you and family in
Iowa and surrounding areas.
We found your wife also wasn't on that ship, she was born over near Montgomery
County PA and her father the same born in PA. So suspect your line goes
back a ways also.
Are you related to the Tobacco Broker of Philadelphia? Since the Young's were
there early also.
If we could just find a brother or sister that would claim you we could be so
excited. I did see in the 1800 census two Benninghoff's that had children
of your age not named in their trees? Surely you must be one of these.
Dear John if you see this maybe you could send us an answer so we could learn
more about your family tree.
Blessings
A married in relative..
Hoping relatives will kick in for Ydna tests to confirm my suspicions.
Dear John,
Where did you leave your parents? Why is it that no one I have spoken to seems tp
have clue as to whom they are.
We have proven the story in the book about coming from Holland as false. Well, let's
put that a different way, John, you did not come from Holland since you was born in
Pennsylvania.
After a good 45 years of research and 50 of off on hunting, I suspect your father
was a Benninghoff that lived down the road from you in Jersey Shores, PA.
Since you started life as a Penticoff in records and changed it after you got
to Iowa to Pentico, there must have been a big story to share.
I found many Benninghoff/Penticoff from that line living near you and family in
Iowa and surrounding areas.
We found your wife also wasn't on that ship, she was born over near Montgomery
County PA and her father the same born in PA. So suspect your line goes
back a ways also.
Are you related to the Tobacco Broker of Philadelphia? Since the Young's were
there early also.
If we could just find a brother or sister that would claim you we could be so
excited. I did see in the 1800 census two Benninghoff's that had children
of your age not named in their trees? Surely you must be one of these.
Dear John if you see this maybe you could send us an answer so we could learn
more about your family tree.
Blessings
A married in relative..
Friday, April 16, 2010
Folllow Fridays Blog
http://blog.genoom.com/2010/02/23/what-does-it-take-to-be-a-successful-genealogist/
I love the advise that floats through this site. Susi
I love the advise that floats through this site. Susi
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Treasures of Today
A bit different but wow it has been different of late. My Treasure is my computer home, up and running almost afraid to say it for fear it stop again.
I thank those that had the power to have it fixed correctly. Brian actually listened to what I said and tried it and by golly it did not work for him either.
With a talk to be presented in a week, I sure did not need it to be so ill.
It reminded me of the Science Fiction stories where the computer takes over the world.
It turned it self off and on almost at whim. It then would not turn back on until for lack of better term it felt like it. :>)
I am so happy to have my Computer back responding like a computer. So that is my Treasure of the day.
I thank those that had the power to have it fixed correctly. Brian actually listened to what I said and tried it and by golly it did not work for him either.
With a talk to be presented in a week, I sure did not need it to be so ill.
It reminded me of the Science Fiction stories where the computer takes over the world.
It turned it self off and on almost at whim. It then would not turn back on until for lack of better term it felt like it. :>)
I am so happy to have my Computer back responding like a computer. So that is my Treasure of the day.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Genealogy of Today
Genealogy of today is varied and interesting in ways it has not presented it self so much in the past. At least it seems to me that there is a greater awareness of
genealogy in the community.
Sure we can say the programs on Television has helped to create this but I still think it has more to do with the events that Genealogists and Societies are doing.
I am a firm believer that the blogging concept created by whom ever, has a much larger impact on genealogy than many people thought would happen. I read an article that blogging is becoming blasse'. Maybe for the youth and business world but I do not think so for the genealogical community.
I agree that writing a blog story on your ancestor if you reiterate your information in a concise manner, better helps the search engines to pick up the data.
I think the more we blog properly and the more we encourage blogging the more
information we are going to garner.
Barbara Renick made a good point about cousin connections and family groupings.
I doubt if there is a blogger on line unless new that has not had some degree success with their blog since it's conception.
Hank Jones mentioned the being aware of the other than normal methods of locating kin. Sometimes our kin come hunting for us in a subtle way.
Randy Seaver this morning wrote about a blogger on the east coast in NY. I read this man's blog and somehow I knew what was coming and the thrill of his discovery by
accident, is a lot of how my genealogy develops.
I have a talk I presented a couple times about what I call my backwards genealogy.
There are times when we have to step outside the box to get into the box. At the many events I have recently attended it was interesting how many speakers, quietly eluded to the concept. I have found more information chatting to people than digging on the computer, I have located more kin with information I was so anxiously seeking right up the road and down the street so to speak than in a library.
Now this does not apply every day but I have learned the co mingling of genealogists can promote your genealogy ever bit as much if not more than going to
a library or meeting and then immediately leaving with out the community interaction that takss place by many.
I remember joining, many years ago a Genealogy Society in the San Diego area that did awesome presentations and great bits of information. But the person setting next to me had no idea who was searching for what name where in the society and they
had neglected themselves for information. I remember it clearly because one
presenter got up and gave a talk about his ancestor and I kept shaking my head. I had not heard that story from anyone but family all the years of my research. I asked him afterwards if his story true and he said, "yes" and I said then we share kin because that man was also my ancestor.
It amazes me how some stories are carried down with nary a beat being missed and others get all tangled and disorientated over a period of time. Stories are a vital
part of genealogy. If you have a memory or a story write it down. You can always go back and add tidbits as the brain recalls them. You do not need to share them but
I suspect over time you will. But it saves the story from being lost and the information that is garnered from the story there in is not lost forever.
Indians and Blacks( I don't like that word) but they carried their family history down only by stories for many generations. As the ancestors are tracking today they are finding the data to be most accurate in their research.
Maybe we should also start a story night once a week to share family events for the younger generations to remember. I look at blogging as a way of story telling and it is growing so we are doing it non oral but electronically verbal.
genealogy in the community.
Sure we can say the programs on Television has helped to create this but I still think it has more to do with the events that Genealogists and Societies are doing.
I am a firm believer that the blogging concept created by whom ever, has a much larger impact on genealogy than many people thought would happen. I read an article that blogging is becoming blasse'. Maybe for the youth and business world but I do not think so for the genealogical community.
I agree that writing a blog story on your ancestor if you reiterate your information in a concise manner, better helps the search engines to pick up the data.
I think the more we blog properly and the more we encourage blogging the more
information we are going to garner.
Barbara Renick made a good point about cousin connections and family groupings.
I doubt if there is a blogger on line unless new that has not had some degree success with their blog since it's conception.
Hank Jones mentioned the being aware of the other than normal methods of locating kin. Sometimes our kin come hunting for us in a subtle way.
Randy Seaver this morning wrote about a blogger on the east coast in NY. I read this man's blog and somehow I knew what was coming and the thrill of his discovery by
accident, is a lot of how my genealogy develops.
I have a talk I presented a couple times about what I call my backwards genealogy.
There are times when we have to step outside the box to get into the box. At the many events I have recently attended it was interesting how many speakers, quietly eluded to the concept. I have found more information chatting to people than digging on the computer, I have located more kin with information I was so anxiously seeking right up the road and down the street so to speak than in a library.
Now this does not apply every day but I have learned the co mingling of genealogists can promote your genealogy ever bit as much if not more than going to
a library or meeting and then immediately leaving with out the community interaction that takss place by many.
I remember joining, many years ago a Genealogy Society in the San Diego area that did awesome presentations and great bits of information. But the person setting next to me had no idea who was searching for what name where in the society and they
had neglected themselves for information. I remember it clearly because one
presenter got up and gave a talk about his ancestor and I kept shaking my head. I had not heard that story from anyone but family all the years of my research. I asked him afterwards if his story true and he said, "yes" and I said then we share kin because that man was also my ancestor.
It amazes me how some stories are carried down with nary a beat being missed and others get all tangled and disorientated over a period of time. Stories are a vital
part of genealogy. If you have a memory or a story write it down. You can always go back and add tidbits as the brain recalls them. You do not need to share them but
I suspect over time you will. But it saves the story from being lost and the information that is garnered from the story there in is not lost forever.
Indians and Blacks( I don't like that word) but they carried their family history down only by stories for many generations. As the ancestors are tracking today they are finding the data to be most accurate in their research.
Maybe we should also start a story night once a week to share family events for the younger generations to remember. I look at blogging as a way of story telling and it is growing so we are doing it non oral but electronically verbal.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Library Resources for Genealogists
Library Resources for Genealogists
1. Magazines, Newspapers
2. CD's, Video's, DVD's
3. Resource Area, Encylcopedia's, Who's Who's, Maps, and Gazeteers, Phone Books, etc
4. History Section History of USA, Other Region's of the World
5. Genealogy Check Out normally near the History Section
6. Children's Section Interesting information to be used here
7. Genealogy Section Non Check out normally in or near the Reference Area
8. Computer access for usgenweb.org and rootsweb.com sites, plus other free sites.
At our library we have large non check out section that our society donates books to all year long. We set funds aside for new books to be purchased for this library every year. One year we bought the Library of Congress, Index set, very expensive. Members and Non Members donate books to our society which we in turn
give to the library for the communities and our needs. We also have periodicals, newsletters, and quarterlies from various societies through out the USA.
These are all there to assist the local community in their research. We
have a librarian team that comes in and works the shelves and accesses our books.
We have a person that if contacted with a need for a book will attempt to add this book to the library collection when and if it can be purchased.
We have genealogy members that come in to assist the library staff with helping
genealogy researchers with their needs. We have done this many years on Monday's every week for two hours. We have in the past had members there in the evenings for two hours and on weekends to assist people doing research so the staff can attend other needs.
We recently have gone back to being in the library and more visible to help the community with their research.
Our hours are 11 a m to 1 p m on Monday's in the corner by the window to help
researchers. We do talk but try to keep it low and encourage the patrons to come back
and enjoy the library more often.
Our hours on Wednesday's are 5:30 to 7:30 p m and in the same area.
We are attempting to set up some steady hours for Sunday's since our library is not open on Saturday's due to budget cuts. Library staff indicated they get a lot
of requests on Sunday's.
If our members would consider 1 hour every two weeks we could more than cover
the other hours so that people are there to help when needed. This is a great way to
meet other researchers, potentially meet new relatives of distance and work your
genealogy needs without interruptions like what happens at home.
Our Society is at 90 strong at this point of near it. So come on members give John F a call and sign up to learn how to share the library with potential future
genealogists. Signing off on behalf of being an active member of the Chula Vista Genealogy Society.
We invest a sizable sum into this community with our efforts and donations.
Come visit us or visit your library and learn the things that will help your
research that you have not used before.
1. Magazines, Newspapers
2. CD's, Video's, DVD's
3. Resource Area, Encylcopedia's, Who's Who's, Maps, and Gazeteers, Phone Books, etc
4. History Section History of USA, Other Region's of the World
5. Genealogy Check Out normally near the History Section
6. Children's Section Interesting information to be used here
7. Genealogy Section Non Check out normally in or near the Reference Area
8. Computer access for usgenweb.org and rootsweb.com sites, plus other free sites.
At our library we have large non check out section that our society donates books to all year long. We set funds aside for new books to be purchased for this library every year. One year we bought the Library of Congress, Index set, very expensive. Members and Non Members donate books to our society which we in turn
give to the library for the communities and our needs. We also have periodicals, newsletters, and quarterlies from various societies through out the USA.
These are all there to assist the local community in their research. We
have a librarian team that comes in and works the shelves and accesses our books.
We have a person that if contacted with a need for a book will attempt to add this book to the library collection when and if it can be purchased.
We have genealogy members that come in to assist the library staff with helping
genealogy researchers with their needs. We have done this many years on Monday's every week for two hours. We have in the past had members there in the evenings for two hours and on weekends to assist people doing research so the staff can attend other needs.
We recently have gone back to being in the library and more visible to help the community with their research.
Our hours are 11 a m to 1 p m on Monday's in the corner by the window to help
researchers. We do talk but try to keep it low and encourage the patrons to come back
and enjoy the library more often.
Our hours on Wednesday's are 5:30 to 7:30 p m and in the same area.
We are attempting to set up some steady hours for Sunday's since our library is not open on Saturday's due to budget cuts. Library staff indicated they get a lot
of requests on Sunday's.
If our members would consider 1 hour every two weeks we could more than cover
the other hours so that people are there to help when needed. This is a great way to
meet other researchers, potentially meet new relatives of distance and work your
genealogy needs without interruptions like what happens at home.
Our Society is at 90 strong at this point of near it. So come on members give John F a call and sign up to learn how to share the library with potential future
genealogists. Signing off on behalf of being an active member of the Chula Vista Genealogy Society.
We invest a sizable sum into this community with our efforts and donations.
Come visit us or visit your library and learn the things that will help your
research that you have not used before.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sentimental Sunday Just Quaking
Sunday was sentimentally interesting. We shook, we rattled and we rolled then we did it all over again and again. About 3:50 in the afternoon, this happened. EASTER at that, yes it did.
I recall being in the commissary in the 60's when the freezer walked all the way over and pinned me with the grocery buggy to the cereal shelf. The cereal was falling every where. I had my children with me and I got them into the buggy for protection.
Some people were injured that day. I am not sure if the boys remember it or not.
They were probably 4 1/2 and 6 years of age.
Then in the 70's Alan cut his eye at school I had to leave hi rise in down town to come home pick him up take him to Coronado to DR at the base. As we were driving down the Silver Strand to come home around 2 something in the afternoon if I remember right. He suddenly says to me, " Mom what are those cars doing?" Well an earthquake was shaking, rattling and rolling. As I said to him it was an earthquake we zipped across the ground that was making a z pattern on the highway and also we moved from inside lane to out side lane and back to inside lane and I never moved the steering wheel. That was the day they (downtown) thought the two hi rises were going to collide on the top. My boss said he looked out his window, pinned against it with desk and was looking down on the sidewalk on the other side of the street on passenger side of the car. I have never overly liked a hi rise for that reason. It is an awful long way up to have to come down.
I have lived through many at my MOM's and in Sunnyvale and others here but those all stand out in my mind. Yes the shaking was longer than a minute I watch that type of thing. The sharp crack at 4:14 this am was a different type of quake it was a sharp shifting jolt, almost head snapping in nature. Yesterday we rolled and rolled and intensely rolled and the ceiling rolled and the air felt magnetic.
I recall being in the commissary in the 60's when the freezer walked all the way over and pinned me with the grocery buggy to the cereal shelf. The cereal was falling every where. I had my children with me and I got them into the buggy for protection.
Some people were injured that day. I am not sure if the boys remember it or not.
They were probably 4 1/2 and 6 years of age.
Then in the 70's Alan cut his eye at school I had to leave hi rise in down town to come home pick him up take him to Coronado to DR at the base. As we were driving down the Silver Strand to come home around 2 something in the afternoon if I remember right. He suddenly says to me, " Mom what are those cars doing?" Well an earthquake was shaking, rattling and rolling. As I said to him it was an earthquake we zipped across the ground that was making a z pattern on the highway and also we moved from inside lane to out side lane and back to inside lane and I never moved the steering wheel. That was the day they (downtown) thought the two hi rises were going to collide on the top. My boss said he looked out his window, pinned against it with desk and was looking down on the sidewalk on the other side of the street on passenger side of the car. I have never overly liked a hi rise for that reason. It is an awful long way up to have to come down.
I have lived through many at my MOM's and in Sunnyvale and others here but those all stand out in my mind. Yes the shaking was longer than a minute I watch that type of thing. The sharp crack at 4:14 this am was a different type of quake it was a sharp shifting jolt, almost head snapping in nature. Yesterday we rolled and rolled and intensely rolled and the ceiling rolled and the air felt magnetic.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Genealogy Ancestor Award
I wish to say Thank You to Jean Hibben's of CircleMending for this award.
As a recipient of this award I’m supposed to list ten things I have learned about any of my ancestors that has surprised, humbled, or enlightened me and pass along the award to ten other bloggers whom I feel are doing their ancestors proud.
1. Henry Huffman who fought so hard and worked diligently to keep his family safe when settling the Virginia and sw Pennsylvania area.b Maryland b abt 1740 Dcd Dec 1810-Jan 811 WILL Probated. Rev War Vet from VA and a Sw PA Frontier Ranger. I could write a book about this man's adventures and courage. Yes he humbled me with his actions.
2. Henry Huffman ie HOFFMAN, son of above who worked hard, helped build the community with a church or two, some bridges, homes, a unique spiral stair case and raised his
children with integrity b 1803 d 1879 Greene Co. PA. He lost his father at a young age
and succeeded to raise excellent children with a great wife. He was definitely an architect more than a farmer though he excelled in both. Which amazed and thrilled me.
3. Sanford HOFFMAN son who served in CW, with a brother as a HUFFMAN/HOFFMAN and was a lay chaplain to assist his comrades after the war also a farmer who raised several children and made the move from PA to IOWA by wagon train after the War when son
Franklin was about 11 years old. He raised trees and his wife is a story unto herself.
3.a Rachel Plants HOFFMAN, his wife, she was a gardener, a hat maker, a dress maker, she loved canaries and was well respected by family. She was a task master but had a warm heart and helped until she was near death. She did not allow Sanford to work on Sunday's she felt he needed that day to rest. She didn't allow anyone to work on Sunday other than daily need chores. I have many awesome stories written by family members about this remarkable woman. She rode a wagon and walked beside it moving from Greene Co, PA to IOWA. She left her first born deceased child in the grave in Pennsylvania. The baby is buried next to Sanford's parents at Aleppo's Windy Gap Cemetery and we have a picture of her in album.
4. Alexander Duvall 11 for his courage and fortitude to make a better place for his
family, for his service to his country in the Rev War and raising children that were
respected in the community. Maryland, and Pennsylvania, Fayette and Washington Counties, children many came to IOWA.
5, John Scott for serving in the Rev War in more than one unit and moving west to Kentucky from VA and having support for his family members over the years after
his fathers death in 1767 in VA. b 1761 - d 1843
6. John FOLK for serving in Rev War from Bucks Co PA and later moving to Greenwich Berks Co where resided at death. PA ARchives data. His character amazed me.
7. Calvin Fay JONES Civil War veteran and father of 6 children, raised horses and
had a strong moral value. He was rescued from the trenches in Murphysboro Tenn
when given up for dead and walked (after nursed back to health by a black family )to ILL. Alas given pension and rejoined service and 3 months later declared unfit for duty and fought for 25 years to regain back his pension. He finally received it.
Family said he seldom complained of his losses and had a deep respect for human kind.
He left his brother there dead and he is buried in cemetery in Tenn. I was told he was soft spoken and a very loved human being. I wish I had gotten to know him but the children all shared some poignant thoughts on this man and his CW packet was full of information about him.
8. Katherine Myers, was a remarkable woman who helped the family in many wonderful ways. She taught her Grandaughter (Grandma) the ways of the Indian family she descended from and she in turn passed many of them down to me, her Grandaughter.
9. Cecil Lee Hoffman, my grandfather whom I adored and loved very much. He shared stories of his grandfather and Great Grandfather's with me and my two cousins. He gave my Mom the picture book that had been given to him for the family to remember those great people before him. He had several children and lost two, one infant and one about age 15 from a fall off couch at age 3. Family was important to him and keeping contact and remembering was a key to our future he felt. I may do a book on him one day if God gives me the time. It seems the Hoffman HUFFMAN line has so many awesome stories to share. I find that the stories only get better as I meet more Hoffman / Huffman kin. Yes Grandad, you do descend from Pocahantus. Who would have believed it?
10. Ray Dee Jones Sr, my father who was a bronco rider, cattle man, who gave up
what he loved living in Wyoming to care for my MOM when her health went bad at a young age and moved from Wyoming to California for a chance for MOM to be able to walk and live longer. He loved her with a passion that could be felt if you were in the room with them. He was a very sensitive man even if he tried not to show it.
She had Scarlet Fever at a young age that affected her body for all time. When they moved to California she had trouble moving due to the arthritic condition the disease
caused her. He worked at his sister's husband's ranch and raised four children in California. He managed to put away enough money to acquire a mini ranch of his own.
He always said he was a rancher not a farmer. We always had cattle and animals, of
course we plowed and planted but it was for our use, not to sell.
He helped to raise his brother and sisters when his family fell apart when he was about 10 years old. He told of killing jackrabbits bringing them home to clean and fix for food. They ate lots of beans. He was raised on bean broth because he could not have milk. Milk almost did him in as infant. Grandma's Indian related Grandmother
told her to use bean both and mashed beans and it worked.
Amazing it was bean broth that saved his first grandson from the same fate and all the male boys of my family line could not use milk, nor could other male members of his family including his brother. Dad also felt Family was a very strong key to our past and future.
All of these people were amazing people in their own right. Some did things no one knew of until I started meeting cousins and learning facts. Alas it comes from moving away from kin and being in a different place to grow up. I think what I have learned the most interesting is that though we moved away from PA to ILL, IA to WYO then for DAD and MOM to come to California. We retained more stories and facts about the family than many of those in PA had lived and forgotten. So be aware write down the
stories of your adventures now before they get lost in the vapors of time and confused in our elders minds.
Jean again thanks, this makes one really think about ones family.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Harriet LEWIS wife of Shadrack SCOTT
Harriet LEWIS b 1 May 1798 Virginia m 1815 in KY to Shadrack SCOTT b 22 Feb 1790 Pittsylvania Co. VA and died 11 Nov 1850 Henry Co. IA.
I suspect marriage in Cumberland Co KY, I also think she was from Pittsylvania Co VA as he was.
Thanks cousin for sharing.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday's Following of Dr. Bill's site
Another of my favorite place sites is this one.
http://drbilltellsancestorstories.blogspot.com/
Come here and enjoy a great blog.
http://drbilltellsancestorstories.blogspot.com/
Come here and enjoy a great blog.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Treasures for Thursday Margaret Mae EASTMAN
Thursday's treasure is a single found photo of my Great Grandmother and her last husband. I am blessed her daughter had one in her album of her Mom.
Does anyone else have EASTMAN in IOWA near Cedar Rapids, Washburn, Waterloo, IA area.?
I know she had a brother I believe his name was Roderick? Last year as I was traveling a cousin called me from Fresno area saying he was down line from Roderick.
But he was on my cell phone, it died and when they transferred data I lost his phone number.
I have Margaret back to Roger EASTMAN and beyond but have not dug for her siblings etc.
The lady with a interesting past, and a husband that disappeared.
I even found a EASTMAN bought some of the JONES land at one point up in Chickasaw area.
Does anyone else have EASTMAN in IOWA near Cedar Rapids, Washburn, Waterloo, IA area.?
I know she had a brother I believe his name was Roderick? Last year as I was traveling a cousin called me from Fresno area saying he was down line from Roderick.
But he was on my cell phone, it died and when they transferred data I lost his phone number.
I have Margaret back to Roger EASTMAN and beyond but have not dug for her siblings etc.
The lady with a interesting past, and a husband that disappeared.
I even found a EASTMAN bought some of the JONES land at one point up in Chickasaw area.
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