Susi's Chatty Performances on Genealogy

Wordless Wednesday,

2012-02-15T13:20:00.001-08:00

Reunion Class was Great

2012-02-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Reunion class was great regarding Citing your Sources on this program. We covered lots of interesting features I was not sure what they were would do. Trying a couple of changes to my system.
Lots of features hidden in behind that are very resourceful. Each Tuesday at the San Diego Genealogical Society Library. 6 pm.

Needing to Know,

2012-02-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

Needing to Know

Needing to Know, is my chatting helping you. Do you find it interesting and worth reading?

Do I need to stop or do I need to change directions?

I keep one blog for mostly genealogical information and information for researchers, not this one. This one is a smattering of the various topics mentioned by Thomas M group and things of interest that I thought would be good for other family members, acquaintances and new friends. Some of it can be pulled to family history pages and others not.

Reason I am asking is at times I put a question to the blog reader regarding the blog and I find very few are answering the questions.

Interesting Thought Regarding Family Records Mystery Monday

2012-02-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

Interesting Thought Regarding Family Records

As I was filling in the blanks that do not show on my current genealogical program since I am unable to get the old PAF for Mac open, a thought flit through my mind.

One, I had three times as much on some lines on my PAF For Mac. Of course, I have much more on lines that I have broken Brick Walls on the newer program.

Some data was given first hand on the old program and they are now deceased. Since the topic of degree of generations you may have touched came up, I have really had to give this great thought.

I knew my Great Grandmother, she shared letters and data with myself and my Mother over the years.
That is all first hand source she did it and lived it and now is Dead. The same applies with both sets of my Grandparents, both paternal and maternal lines. Information also again applies since they are now gone.
Again, data shared by parents that lived and breathed the information shared are both now gone.

Now I am seriously considering creating another program and see if I like it. Alas, what does one do with first hand information of now deceased family members. No one said then they had to write a book of their life for us to use in our research. For me some of my documentation the US Government lost when we moved. Fortunately, they did not loose my written data regarding what was in all those letters and cards and pictures. Yes, I even lost letters my husband wrote to me the first years we were married. GRRRRR.

So I went to the current program I am using and was checking what sources I had put up and shared on Ancestry to a degree.

I was also amazed to see I have some blanks that should not be, alas need the PAF for MAC to open.

Secondly, the degree of separation with knowledge of the previous line is probably a weird topic for most.
It would apply to my Mother in Law because she was born after her Dad died. The link to the past on her Dad's side was broken but she knew, his siblings and parents so was it broken?

No she never knew the sound of his voice or the feel of his touch, but she learned of it from her Mother and her siblings. I as a daughter in law, learned of this man from the things she shared that they taught her.

Physically, the link is not broken due to genetics but the personable side can be tweaked, lost or destroyed by how the human handles, adoptions, deaths and all the encumbering events of life.

I think that is another reason I liked Dick Eastman's comments on family is family not in steps and stages but family.

Reading about early family life in the 1600's, 1700's gives complete different context to what we are thought of as family today. Even our explorer's commented on how much the same we and the Natives were alike in many family traditions. As we know we have all changed how we look at family, community and life.

A degree of separation then and the being able to reach back because even more complex than
previously stated.

Two Degrees of Separation

2012-02-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

I love this one. It should be lots of fun.

Thanks Dad for taking me to Wyoming often to see relatives.

I met my Maternal Grandmother Inez Scott Hoffman, her brother Walter Scott, her Sister Fern Scott m to Jasper Hampton, her brother Daniel Scott. We visited in all these peoples homes. I know many of the children down line from each line. Grandmother Inez and her brother Daniel Scott were married to Cecil Lee Hoffman and Grace Hoffman siblings. Uncle Harrison Scott, lived in Ft. Collins. Co. Grandma and her siblings knew her Grandparents John Scott ( b 1817 Ky d 1900 Harrison, MO) and Rebecca Morrow SCOTT (b 1821 Mercer Co.KY d Iowa m Iowa 1841). Inez father was Cornelius Scott b 1856 Moravia, IA died 4 Dec 1918 Lenox. IA. Her mother was Ella WARDEN b 1862 Polk Co. IA and died 1918 Moravia, IA.

On Dad's side I can do better: I met my Grandmother (Victoria Mae Foulk JONES NORRIS) in fact she lived with us for several months, I met and visited with several of her siblings and I knew her Mother. Last husband was Senator for Wyoming. Charles Norris. Yes, I even met him.

Great Grandmother Margaret Mae EASTMAN FOULK ARCHER 1874- 1958 died the spring of my graduation from High School. Mom always made us write our family since we were in California and the family was in Wyoming or Iowa. We went to Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico to visit with family every few years. Grandma Margaret Eastman Foulk Archer held me when small and saw me after I was older. They even had a trip to Ca. She married Mr. Archer when I was a teenager.
or just about teenager. Pictures in boxes here.

I really mean that Grandma JONES NORRIS lived with my husband and I and our children in this house for several months at different times. She stayed with us in the 60's in Coronado, also. I met all of my Paternal Grandmother's siblings but the one they buried when she was very young. I have a Great Aunt whom is still alive in Wyoming. I have one Uncle alive on Mom's side in Wyoming.

She was in her late 90's when she passed in Wyo. Her mother lived in Waterloo, Ia.

Our Grandson met and knew his Great Grandmother Pentico whom lived with us her last three years of her life. We had four generations in our home, more than once with various family lines.

Grandson born 1996 mother born 1970 Me born 1940, Mom Born 1920.

Grandson born 1996, mother born 1970, grandfather born 1935, great grandmother born 1911.

Myself 1940, Dad 1913, Victoria Mae (Ida) Foulk JONES NORRIS 1897-1988, Margaret Mae Eastman 1874-1958, whom knew her mother Lydia Trowbridge EASTMAN 1841-unknown). Etc

My Grandfather Cecil Lee Hoffman b 1891 Moravia IA was taken to Pennsylvania to meet his family by his father Franklin Hoffman b 1860 Greene Co, PA and son of Sanford Hoffman(Huffman)b 1834 Greene Co, PA, son of Henry Huffman(Hoffman)b 1803 Greene Co Pa.
He met his father's Uncles and Aunts that did not live in IOWA.

Grandma Ida JONES NORRIS lived with Mom and Dad when I was home with oldest son,
So again four generations under the same roof.

Heirlooms to go with the Blog

2012-02-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

Dad, and his siblings in green frame
Grandpa and Grandma HOFFMAN beside him
Henry Hoffman Huffman's Currier and Ives document.

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy- Heirlooms

2012-02-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy- Heirlooms

Heirlooms tell a story of their own. They can be from a small trinket, locket, clipping of hair to something as large as these huge poster type documents my Mother inherited from the Scott side of the family.
They are close to 26 across and 38 long. Very unique I think.
One that I photographed but forgot to take was the ones that Henry Huffman wrote out about his family and their births, marriages and deaths. Yes all in his hand. Then his son Sanford Hoffman did the same thing for us family. With pictures of their faces. As heirlooms they are very informative to me.

I also have photos, and mini family stories that various members wrote that either Grandad, Mom or someone else kept and finally past on to me. I even have a book that Grandad had when he was attending church when small. This probably because his Grandfather Sanford was a lay minister and he traveled also. Sanford also served in the Civil War with his brother. It appears all the boys did at one point.

What is my most favorite? I do not think I have one. The Apron Grandma crocheted me when I was in High School for a school event. Priceless. The pictures, quilt pieces, I think the things made by hand and the things written in hand to pass down probably carry the most weight.

Pictures of the faces of the people I have researched are probably my very most favorite of all the items.
It is nice to have a face that goes with a name.

I truly think the pictures come out on top with letters written in hand and hand made Items probably
are the tops.

I acquired them from my Mom's after her death and many of them prior to her death over the years as I
communicated with family.

Mom was a stickler for us to wrote to our Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents, Great Grandparents.
I am struggling to have my children even friend a cousin on Facebook. It is a sad thing in my
book that my children did not meet their cousins first hand like my Dad made sure I did.

Yes they met some but they just do not get the reason for the acquaintanceship at times.

I hope to put the quilt pieces together for each of our children to have something from their Great
Grand Parents.

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful that I was able to share time with a genealogy friend and help her with her research.
She volunteered to be at the library and assist at events and was a positive image for new members.
Rest in Peace Phyllis L

I am so thankful that I found Mom's cousin, my cousin as a neighbor to my husband's family in Iowa.
We shared many family stories and swapped pictures and worked on the family tree as a family.
I was looking forward to visiting her this summer and seeing my husband's family and sharing more of
families information. Rest in Peace Joan L.

Thankfully, my cousins journey is over and her pain is gone. I received an email this morning around
eleven implying that she had crossed to the other side and was no longer in pain. We lost her husband
a year ago in January. He was an awesome photographer and friend. He was my Myer's cousin on
my Dad's side. They came to California years ago and toured up the coast and back across the USA.

Their granddaughter came to Olympic Training Center for Training a few years back and Mary and I
shared her spare hours by showing her around the community. We had lots of fun times with the
granddaughter and talked to her Mom and her Grandmom often in that two week period.

Granddaughter came back in a major bike event at the Veladrome near Balboa Park and I took
pictures and supported her in her endeavors. She is a college graduate by now.

I just spoke to the daughters and they are holding up okay they say. I have walked the path
they walked and it is not an easy journey. My heart is sad for we won't be sharing family data
and crazy tidbits like before. But it is hoped the girls will keep in touch and share as their lives move
on. One is into rock work like my son and the other is the mother of the granddaughter.
She stopped to see my son once on her driving way home. They had lots of neat rocks near their
Mom's home in Connecticut. She lives amongst the rocks here west of the Rockies.
Rest in Peace Jan M.

God I am truly thankful to have known these people.

Also we are most thankful that our niece survived a roll over accident in Iowa with no major
damage but the loss of the car.

WEDNESDAY'S WISDOM

2012-02-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

Wednesday's Wisdom

Wednesday's Wisdom or maybe not. I have signed up to do the Family History Writing Challenge.
Being presented by Lynn Palermo at, The Armchair Genealogist site.

If you like to write or need to write down data you have been procrastinating about this may be what you need to get it on paper so it is not lost.

Remember we need to write down all them crazy and non crazy stories we heard growing up and our parents sharing with each other. Generally in each one you find a shred of truth.

I have done this before but it has been more than ten years so I am anxious to see how much more
can be added to the story with the additional research I have done. Or the additional Research that family members have done and shared.

As I stated weeks ago many of us start as Family Historians and later find they wish they had a degree in
Genealogy.

I just find the courses are prohibitive in cost at this time for me to continue what I started. It is my hope to complete two I started long ago next year.

So if you can afford a course to further your goals take one, if not at least consider doing the writing challenge to share with your kin.

Here I am going east to learn of family. Flying into the sun was marvelous picture scenes.

Tuesday's Tip------ Think Outside the Box

2012-02-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Tuesday's Tip------ Think Outside the Box

Thinking outside the box, you say, but we are creatures of habit. It is so hard to make the mind think
differently.

If you look at a Will and see the same thing each time, your rote, not thinking outside the box.

Have you looked at CW Pension Files and five years later suddenly see a clue you missed the first time
again your stuck in rote mode.

Being blessed at listening to some very good speakers in the 1990's and forward I was able to pick up
some really great tips that I am just now hearing more people talk about.

George Schweitzer, has been extremely influential in my genealogical career. How I wish I could have
taped some of his talks.

Today we hear about Cluster Genealogy, lumping groups together, we should do that from the beginning,
not wait until we are blocked for more information.

Agreeing with the concept you have to put yourself in their place to understand their doings, George S
would dress in period costume and speak in the language of the day. Wow, that was a real eye opener.

Helping someone who is really stuck in finding answers reminds me of all these manipulations that we
are going back and doing.

Do you copy the census page before and after your name, for collateral clues to married in family, for
when you run out of clues? G. S. said 20 names before and 20 names after, and yes that means either
previous page or next page to turn also. I use a full page either way, it saves time for researching.

Have you ever gone back to the first basic census to suddenly see the Henderson's, Stewart's, King's,
Neal's, Hickman's, & Gallentine's all as neighbors of the ancestor your seek?

Why yes, they are related. The children married into these neighboring families and extended the family
and added more names to search.

The same applies to land records, who were the neighbors? Did a daughter or son marry that
immediate neighbor. It is like you need to search the village to find the child.

As I go back sharing the things that many taught me I hope I help you in your endeavors.

Family Heirlooms #6 Week Abundant Genealogy

2012-02-06T16:39:00.000-08:00

Family Heirlooms #6 Week Abundant Genealogy

Interesting topic, since the loss of my Mother this last year our heirlooms have changed.

I say over all, Heirlooms that mean the most are: letters, pictures, bibles, ancient family charts, and then
embroidered quilts, and hanging prints with family data.

Secondarily, would be the dishes, or tools or tablecloths, that the family of the past had used and we were familiar with and brings back fond memories.

Ironically, the most memorable heirloom would be one's memories of the people of the past.

As Genealogists are we recording their lives or just their data. Does your research help you to learn
that Great Great Aunt Maggie had a major squabble with the school board? Her husband was stoned on the way home by someone above them on the hill. Two weeks later of intense screaming in pain the man finally died and left her a widow and 2 children to raise. I guess the man couldn't hit everyone on the way home so picked on Thomas.

What about your past as a youth or young parent? Have you recorded any of it? What about your
husband was he in Korea, or any of the more current skirmishes or wars? Have you recorded this information for your children and grandchildren?

FAMILY RECIPE FRIDAY

2012-02-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

FAMILY RECIPE FRIDAY

SOUTHERN CORNBREAD

1/2 cup of sugar
1 cup of flour
1 cup cornmeal
butter size of egg ( I found medium egg size best not large)
1 cup sweet Milk
1 egg
2 tsp baking powder
1 pinch of salt

mix dry and then semi melt butter add to milk and beaten egg.
mix together and pour into greased 8 x 8 pan

400* degrees until done I use a toothpick.

I have the names of the ladies whom submitted this information written in the book.

This is from the Ebell Society of Santa Ana Valley 1926

I picked this up at a garage sale in 1963 in National City. We tried the several cornbreads and husband liked this best. Years later in1970 we buy our home. Our neighbor's Mothers' best friend, was the original owner of this book. I met and shared lunches with her several times prior to her death. My neighbor took care of her after she lost her own mother. So we shared many hours. I finally one morning realized Blanche was the Blanche signed in the cookbook. I came home took it next door and she was so thrilled I had bought it, all those years before. This was about 1975-6.
She shared with me the recipes her family liked the best also. Some are individually marked in the book.

Thankful Thursday---- Mom's Relative Came to Visit

2012-02-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

Thankful Thursday---- Mom's Relatives Came to Visit

Yes, a Thankful Thursday day. A cousin and his wife dropped in to visit from out of state.
We shared a nice five hours or so chatting about family past, family present and family future.

Family is always good to see, we shared pictures as they left so we can have for remembering
down the road.

We are not the teenagers of yesterday, but not the oldest of old, of the future but it is coming.

We talked cars, residences, fun events of the past and even took a car ride across town in the
middle of it. The comment was: "wow,""the area has sure changed".

Yes, It seems nothing stays the same. If you live it daily you seldom notice the change but
slip away for awhile and then you can see the differences on your return.

S N G F- My Maternal Grandfather's Paternal Line

2012-01-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

Find a living male person in your database from your maternal grandfather's patrilineal line who could take a Y-DNA test. Answer these questions:
1) What was your mother's father's name?
Cecil Leroy HOFFMAN b 9 May 1891 Moravia, IA --- d 24 Oct 1962, Wheatland, Wyo.

2) What is your mother's father's patrilineal line? That is, his father's father's father's ... back to the most distant male ancestor in that line?
Franklin Cornelius HOFFMAN, b 26 June 1860 Greene Co. PA d June 1940 Wheatland, Wyo
Bricklayer, Owned Company, retired in moved to WYO with children.

Sanford Huffman HOFFMAN (name changed after CW when father changed name)
Civil War Vet. b 24 Nov 1834 Greene Co PA d 17 June 1903 Moravia, IA United Brethern(in PA)
was a lay minister, Farmer , traveling minister,

Henry Huffman b 29 Oct 1803 Greene Co. PA probably Morris Twnshp. d 15 Sept, 1879 Aleppo, Greene Co. PA
Farmer, Carpenter, major fruit orchard and sold fruit and sheep to region. Designed a spiral staircase never
before design still in use today. ( I have the newspaper clipping) Brethern

Henry Huffman born around 1740, Maryland ( according to tax reciept) d winter of 1811/1812. Will probated
January 1812. Rev War Vet., Ranger, and also served in unit in Va prior to moving to now southwest PA.
Married more than once, possibly more than twice, not proven yet. Have all boys names and most of girls names.

John HUFFMAN 1715- Will data not added since found. LLOYD ROUPE has
Many of the boys names some of the girls names, we since have located.

his father John HUFFMAN/HOFFMAN, bible and letter confirms. Many researchers help to find these clues. Hoffman in Germany changed to HUFFMAN probably due to brogue by . Henry b 1803 changed it back to Hoffman. Some of his children already grown kept Huffman. Sanford changed his.

Cecil Leroy Hoffman's son did the YDNA for me. My only living member of Mom's Generation.

3) Can you identify male sibling(s) of your mother's father, and any living male descendants from those male sibling(s)? If so, you have a candidate to do a Y-DNA test on that patrilineal line. If not, you may have to find male siblings, and their descendants, of the next generation back, or even further.

Due to family information and the closeness they kept we have much information on this family and we have shared for almost 30 years this information with others and in the early 1990's we, cousin and I put up a web page on the HUFFMAN HOFFMAN line that has expanded as the people shared there data. Originally, only my proven sources were on this site. What other cousins have added I can not vouch for. Most sourcing was moved to second site for it got to big for one site.

Huffman / Hoffman Link Page

4) Tell us about it in your own blog post, or in a comment on this post, or in a Facebook or Google Plus post.

Sorting, Surnames Saturday.

2012-01-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

Sorting, Surnames Saturday

Yes, I combined them together. Surnames are a big topic for bloggers right now and sorting them out family by family is part of the game.

This week I myself have received a manuscript on a part of my husband's ever elusive family, shared by a cousin just up the coast from here.

Yes, Ydna played a major roll in resolving some major answers for this lineage. Once put on the right track it was amazing the family we found so close and that fit into much of the family lore.

So I am going to be sorting the lineages from the manuscript and sharing with others over time.

On my parents family lineages I also have sorting to do of documents and photos. Dad went in 1995 and Mom went Jan of 2011. It has been a year, so it is time these things were addressed.

A blogging acquaintance in Rhode Island posted her surnames for several generations for others to see.
I am only going to post the ones I am currently looking at and working on, so I can be able to respond to
anyone that may have the same lineage.

Recent email regarding:

Mary Ann LEE b 1770 Leesley Valley VA d 1844 Windsor Twp, Lawrence Co. Oh
Her parents: John Lee b 1745? Francis Ward her husband Edmund Brammer

Susana /Lurana (Payne?) SCOTT, court records say Lurana court records of Lurana Scott vs Armisted
Watlington, May 18,1785 Halifax Co. VA. Wd of Thomas Scott b 1730? death 1767 Halifax Co.
VA. have his Will

Susan MADISON b 24 Mar 1818, Mass/VT d 13 Feb 1881 Chickasaw Co. IA area. have documents.
m around 1830 Mass/NY, Noyes JONES spouse.

Susannah JONES (married name) in Petersburg Court Records, Rensealaer Co. NY 1810 recording
birth of her son NOYES JONES 1809, father was Noel JONES. Was she a NOYES?

Abbey COOK, 1739-1784 daughter Hannah Wright b 11 Mar 1781 Lewiston, Androscoggin
Co. Maine, Husband was Jesse WRIGHT b 1730- 1784 from Mass.

Esther (THOMAS ?) EASTMAN b 1796 lived CT when son born,1834, died prob. Ill where husband
moved, when land purchased 1849. husband Abijah Stoddard EASTMAN b 1778- 10 Mar 1852

Question for you all." Are there any old GFS staffers as bloggers out there?"

2012-01-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

Question for you all." Are there any old GFS staffers as bloggers out there?"

Having had a delightful surprise in a chat room this morning it prompted this chatty topic.
I know we have a lot of bloggers out there and not many read my posts but I think it would be
fun to see how many are still searching away and active in various hangout events through out
the Genealogical Community.

What is a GFS'er you ask? Genealogy Forum Staff person, we hosted over 113 chats on a steady basis
in the old Golden Gate Forum of AOL. We were sponsored by George F. I met many of them at
the NGS in San Diego in 1995 and I met many at later events that SDGS hosted that we held a both at
for other people to find us online.

We all worked and shared our files and found that most of us had a connection to at least ten other
hosts via our lineages. We used to call "BINGO" when two people or more would match person of
ancestry.

This morning I popped into the GenealogyWise chat room and run head on into a cousin I had not
talked to in about a year or so. I know that others from the old Forum are in that chat area but they
and I never linked family yet.

We would have from 20 to 40 people in a chat room at a time learning information, sharing information
and swapping research stories. We were fortunate to have rooms of various sizes so we could
have large and small events. We even had a room to do very large community events.

I miss the sharing for it helped us almost have a Brick Wall Breaking Event at each chat, everyone
shared how they approached a problem and many times, several in the room would spend the week
working on the problem to get a person out of the hole.

We had people affiliated with the National Archives, Library of Congress, Pennsylvania main Library,
and the list could go on and on. With the broad amount of areas represented by attendees we could
learn where to look for information, sharing this with others whom were just starting.

George thanks for giving me the joy of doing those great days with those great people.

I hosted five chats each week and co hosted two more with cousins, we later learned.

Tuesday's Tip SW Pennsylvania, WVA, VA and Maryland information

2012-01-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

Tuesday's Tip

It seems an acquaintance of mine is thinking the same paths as mine. So I will veer to the left and do a different concept.

Since joining the Bloggers group, I have found a few more distant relatives. Of course, for me that was the major reason I wanted to blog, was to find more information and share more information.

Years ago a distant cousin and I developed a plan and created a web page or two, for sharing some of our common ancestral lines. She does the pages and we both find the data.

She is recovery from a major illness and back working on the web pages that got a bit tattered and torn.

Since it has a good share of my Mom's lines on the pages, I thought I would share it here as a Tuesday's Tip.

We got so large we moved the sources to the second site. We still have some links missing and pages and pictures to replace.

So if you are interested in some of my Mom's lines you may want to learn what is here.

If your interested in SW Pennyslvania, WVA, VA and Maryland there is many records from many sources here.
Mine accidents, church records, land deeds, links to collateral cousins site that shares a line with us also are here so take a look and enjoy.

Feed back appreciated and if related, do drop us a line. SusiCP@Cox.net or SusiCP@aol.com

Our Family Histories

Follow Friday- Cousin Tina' Site

2012-01-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

A site I like to follow or keep track of is cousin Tina's.

Forensic Genealogy Institute Announced - Genealogy

BellaOnline The Voice of Women. She is the Genealogy Editor.

She posted that there will be a class created and taught this fall about Forensic Genealogy.

I think this sounds really awesome.

You may want to check it out.

Those Places Thursday Fowlerville, Mi

2012-01-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

Church Basement in Fowlerville, Michigan where a Rotary meets. 4-H meeting was held here.

I was pleased to see this sign/flag they had on display.

SOPA COUNT DOWN

2012-01-17T20:42:00.001-08:00

SOPA COUNT DOWN

We are about to loose a lot more freedoms if we are not very careful.

I have changed this blog page because I felt I needed too.

Amanuensis Monday- George W. JONES son of Archibald Jones Jr

2012-01-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

George W. JONES
He is the 2nd son of Archibald Jones Jr.

These people are descendants of Silas JONES SR.

They are collateral to my Noel, Noyes and Calvin JONES.

Is Archibald brother to NOEL? We are looking into it. They lived near each other for many years in many same places.

Here is George W JONES Obituary sent by Stacy D. and other data on family.

BB 2(22), 1 (19 Dec 1889)

Consigned to the Tomb.

George W. Jones Passes Peacefully Away, and Is Laid t o R e s t .

On Saturday evening last, at the hour of 5:45, George W. Jones, after a long, painful illness, breathed his last, and a few minutes later the tolling of the village bell announced to the neighborhood that another soul had left earth for the realms beyond.

For many weeks his death has been expected daily, and almost hourly, but at this time it is no less sad to record. From the time that he moved to the village he was one of our leading citizens, and at the time of his demise was the Commander of the Grand Army post in this place. He was a zealous worker in county affairs, and no man in Benzonia took more interest in our section than he, always ready to help along a commendable project, equally quick to condemn a wrong. For years he was a member of the Congregational church and died, he asserted, in the Christian faith.

The funeral was held on Monday last, in the church of which he was a member. The pastors of both churches. Revs. O. B. Waters and W. H. Moore, occupied the pulpit, each speaking, briefly, words appropriate to the occasion. The G.A.R. and W.R.C. attended the services in a body, and he was buried with Grand Army honors.

From a history of Cook county, Illinois, published in 1884 (*), we copy a few sentences, giving a brief record of a busy life:

GEORGE W. JONES. Postmaster and Dealer in Groceries, Provisions, Coal, Etc.

The business was established in 1870, by Race & Co., whom Mr. Jones bought out in 1883.

Mr. Jones was born in St. Lawrence county. N. Y., in 1838. He began business life in Sandusky. Ohio, and after wards engaged in the lumber business in Sanilac county, Michigan. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E. Third (indistinct), and served until the close of the war.

[May have been Company E, Sixty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Army of the Potomac.]

He was postmaster of the cavalry department of the Army of the Cumberland with the pay of a lieutenant-colonel.

In 1865 he returned to Sandusky City, where he served on the staff of Sandusky Daily Register until 1868, when he removed to Chicago. In this city he engaged in dealing in grates and mantels, afterwards adding tin and galvanized iron manufactures. Selling out the former department in 1870. he continued in

the Iatter until 1878. From that time until 1883 he engaged in mining in Colorado and New Mexico.

Mr. Jones was married in Sandusky, Ohio, May 30, I866, to Miss Rose M. Dewey, of that city. They have three children. George C., Irving P., the first child born in Irving Park), and Rosa M. Mr. Jones is a member of the F. & A. M. and the G. A. R. of Colorado. He is still mayor of the town of Maysville. Colorado (*). He has been a delegate to both county and state conventions.

After leaving Irving Park, which he did in 1885, he went to Hot Springs. Arkansas. There he engaged in the hotel business for a year, and then came to Benzonia, continuing in the same occupation and serving the public faithfully to the time of his death.

[Note: George W. Jones did not leave Irving Park, IL, directly after the Great Chicago fire of Oct. 1871, but continued his business there until 1878, when he engaged in mining in Maysville, CO from 1883 to 1885, when he then went Hot Springs, AK for a year in the hotel business, and then came to Benzonia in 1886 (!) after his Father Archibald Jones, and other family members had attempted to build their canal.]

[There appears to be a period of time following the Tragedy of Crystal Lake in 1873 and the paddleboat fiasco in 1874, that Archibald Jones did not immediately leave Benzonia, but stayed around town to resolve his legal problems in 1875-7, before moving back to Marengo, IL (1880 U.S. Census). The house that Archibald Jones bought from Dr. Walker remained in the Jones family together with another house down the street that was later rented by George W. Jones. He managed the Park Place Hotel from about 1886 until his death on 14 Dec. 1889.] His father, Archibald Jones, returned from Ivy, Kansas to Benzonia, MI, in April of 1889 to visit his son George W. Jones, who had been ailing since early 1889.]

BB 1(18), 1 (22 Nov 1888)

Also 29 Nov 1888), 4 Dec 1888, 27 Dec 1888, 10 Jan 1889, 31 Jan 1889, 14 Feb 1889, 7 Mar 1889, 4 Apr 1889, 30 May 1889, etc. Advertisement.

Park Place Hotel

Very pleasantly located. First class in every respect. Good livery and Sale Stable.

GEO. W. JONES, Proprietor. (no picture or illustration)

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy- Free tools

2012-01-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy- Free tools

Free tools, my favorite, always my favorite: USGenWeb-Search.Us Home Page.

My next favorite which is a part of Ancestry.com now RootsWeb.com Home Page is queries and lists etc.
Brian and Karen I still thank you for doing this so long ago.

Why you ask? I tend to like free things, I think volunteers do a more thorough job than paid employees, they put more heart into it. Just more careful with transcriptions and information. Prime example is when Ancestry shopped out the census's. Mom's home county is still in the wrong state.

USGENWEB.ORG has the list of each state and then it breaks the states into counties and the basic data for most all counties is there. Alas some are not as well kept in the last few years but some are better than any I have ever seen.

Do not forget to go into their archives for older data not showing up front. Some of those sites are better than current sites.

You can get the basic information of the court house, documents, whom to contact, who will help with research, who has asked for help on surnames or places, many share data from their books if your willing to wait until they can answer your questions. These people are absolutely super people.

The lists and other data that is on Rootsweb.com can let you reach people's organizations to request information or to guide you were to get help. I have found hundreds of distant cousins using these lists. Yes, they may be collateral or distant but if you leave no stone unturned you ask them all as you find them someone is holding that jigsaw puzzle piece.

Think I am wrong, no, I listened to Dr. T Jones yesterday and he said it as eloquently as I have heard.
The days of only doing the direct line is long past. One has no idea who holds the missing piece of the puzzle.

Families of 15 shared those remnants of the parents lives and 100 years later and 3 generations farther down. You have to ask the distant kin whom used to have sibling relationships to the past generations.

One line alone of mine in 1850 had 14 children, 3 did not live to have children, but one did reach adult hood of these three. 11 had children I counted that there was near 150 grandchildren. Gee, we only have 10.

Following Friday Where to Explore Next?

2012-01-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

Following Friday Where to Explore Next?

Liking my change of thoughts on what I should be sharing on my blog, Deciding to pull things from the dark and bring unto the light. O yes, some may be in your light but others have not seen them so I wander around in various areas and have come up with some neat places to haunt for a while.

Having joined a writing group, a theme group(again), and wandering around looking for clues,
suspecting that someone else may enjoy these tidbits too.

There are many new start up social type groups, new blogs about content when you write, how to score a job and not even be looking and the list goes on.

Here is some of the haunts I found this week and last.

True Miracles with Genealogy

It is a newsletter format regarding genealogy and events affecting them. It comes from Utah.

The other one is:

WRITEtoDONE Updates

The Pros and Cons of Comparing Yourself to Other Writers

A guest post by K.M. Weiland of Wordplay: Helping Writers Become Authors

How would you encourage someone to read genealogy blogs?

2012-01-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

How would you encourage someone to read genealogy blogs?

Dear Mr. Bill,
Thanks for asking that question. Here is my reply. Showing them that this is what a blog can do for you.

1. blogs were created to be large queries that the new mega engines? could catch when surfing the web.
2. the old query message was to be short and concise and limited for internet space, new engines find it hard to catch.
3. a blog can give a better detailed synopsis of the problem
4. blogs for me are generally written in a larger type than the old query.
5. blogs are more educational over all about the topic.
6. blogs share, the history of area at times, the time line possibly, the collateral names maybe mentioned, collateral places or events shared.
7. it only takes a tidbit here and there to find the answer and the blog creates bigger tidbits to read and learn.
8. I had forgotten how much fun it was to read a full story instead of a brief: name, place, date, event.
9. As you know your one blog borders on an area that family was from so I am slowly learning more about that area of Iowa and I do not have to go to library or to state to see or learn.
10. Blog reading is mini stories and adventures and creates happiness, sadness, excitement and jumping for joy at times.

I have attempted to get every person I know to blog their query but have not had luck. But we first need to help them not be afraid of the computer and how to use the computer and that it is their friend. This we recently learned at our Research Meeting, led by Randy Seaver.

Our world is really not as far into the technical world as we would all love to think. I did a blog on this the other day. To many areas of the USA does not have access to utilize and or are cost prohibitive on a retired pay.

My hope is we do not speed forward and leave some of the best researchers behind due to technology and yes I still encourage people to use paper and pencil. Since books have been a round a few hundred years or more and the technical stuff changes on almost a daily basis.

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Paid Tools

2012-01-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Paid Tools

As we go through the 52 weeks of writing it will be interesting to see others responses.

My first thought was, "What tools do they mean?" My computer is a tool and I paid for it and I use it.
My camera is a tool and I paid for it and use it. My genealogical programs I have paid for and I use them.
I have membership in societies that are used as tools for information. I also have Ancestry and Fold3
and two more subscriptions about to run out until I have more time to use them.

Like using Geni.com for sharing with other researchers, it there by, is also a tool. I use Reunion mostly on the computer which of course is a Mac. So one is stored in the sky and one on computer.

The list could be really long but you get the idea now.

Genealogy and DNA Tidbit

2012-01-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Genealogy and DNA Tidbit

As we amble through various blogs and posts between Facebook, Google + and Bloggers, we
can gather many new acquaintances and thoughts and ideas.

I recently run across, oops found, do not think she wants run over, a new blog with today a
great chat about DNA.

The approaching method of discussing the DNA was enlightening and fun.

I want to share Judy G Russell with you and her post about DNA.

The title was, "DNA and paranoia."

http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/

Judy, Thanks for letting me share this. We had a chat on discussing DNA today and would have loved to have read this to the members round the table.

Wordless Wednesday - Margaret Fuller Warden- Ohio to Iowa

2012-01-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Thoughts on the Past Week

2012-01-08T21:04:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Thoughts on the Past Week

As we get older we get maybe Wiser, much has been fluttering by in the Genealogical World of late.
Some of it really is so not necessary and some only makes it flutter more. Attention it does give us,
whether it is good or bad. It is always best to iron our wrinkles before they split.

I truly do not believe that blogging by anyone makes them an expert no matter what they blog about.
But the blogging person can become or can be an expert in some particular area of the realm.

I truly believe the quality of a blog is the reflection of the person. I am not great and probably not good
but the knowledge I have, I love to share with those who do not have, to help them move along the way.

Wishing when younger I had been exposed to a mentor to teach me things I am now correcting.
Then many things weren't needed for you to do your genealogy. Primary was to record the family stories and save them for the future generations. No one said," O cite that source or we can't use it." The need of the information carried a greater weight than the now needed data. My Grandparents were alive and much of my work came from them first hand, they had lived it or remembered it and were involved in it.

When I helped to develop the CVGS way back in the 1980s with Geni Powell, and others I am grateful for they helped me learn more and I shared with them what I had learned as I moved along the path.

I am not sure I like the idea of whose blog is best, and who's counts the most. Sometimes I think it only adds fuel to the flutter. Maybe it should be which topic did you like the best and learn the most from, but then we all have our ideas on that too. Some may need information on New England some may need information on how to cite a gravestone information to the genealogical program, for each the field is varied so we must watch our fingers as they move across the keys and promote everyone to do their best of their ability.

Being a lover of mentoring and sharing, grabbing a partner to work with has helped me over the years.
It helped to develop what we today have as a Brick Wall Research group in our society, which many now do also use in some format.

I only wish with the start of this year that everyone can break at least one brick wall down and find a connecting link to more relatives and family of the past and present.

Words of Wisdom I hope we Heed

2012-01-04T22:17:00.000-08:00

Genealogy Moving and Moving Too Fast Maybe?

Recently I responded to the comments on," Blogging making one an Expert" and on "What is the meaning of a Genealogical Community".

These comments can be found here:Defining the Genealogy Community - Comments and Thoughts - Genealogy Wise

The feedback was interesting, but my thoughts differ a bit. I think the Genealogical Community is going to experience some growing pains but not for what was mentioned.

But here is my reply back to my original blog

I definitely do not think because one Blogs your an expert. Nor does it make one an expert of any thing but the ability to blog ie talk in writing format.

What has frightened me is the way the techie people have taken off and left the rest in the dust so to speak.

I wanted to learn how to do this feature but there are so many doing it, I think it would be a waste of my time now. I can not keep up with all the lessons,suggestions and ideas being put out by so many people.

So I have somewhat withdrawn myself back into more of a shell regarding these features. I brought these features to our society because I wanted them aware, then suddenly we are drowning with them.

I learned many areas of the USA are not up to this techie stuff yet so we are really sweeping them off the feet and running full steam ahead and away. Shucks some areas can hardly get internet or cell phone reception yet the USA acts like we are all living down town major city with all amenities.

This I know from personal experience in two different areas of this great country we are not all up and running on the internet or on cell phones due to lack of access. Since then I have learned of other areas that the cost is prohibitive to have Internet or Cell phones.

So Genealogists take heed. New ways are great but do not give up the old ways until this country catches up electronically. Maybe that is why I still prefer a book instead of Kindle.

Happy New Year-- 52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy

2012-01-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year-- 52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy

We are off and running and the new year is already making strides to move us genealogists forward.

Amy Coffin has set up a new series. The first topic is Blogs and why we are thankful for a blog, is it a new or old one and what is so special about it which really covers the last one that asks why should others read it.

I have been at this more than two years and I have read many interesting, informational, fun, sad and
quirky topic blogs. But as I kept searching some how I found a blog I can really relate to.

Top Posts on Writing, Ideas, & Making a Difference in 2011 | Goins, Writer

I believe is also listed in the top ten bloggers out there. I know he made the list.

Jeff Goins, writer, has the ability to share knowledge, easily understood and almost always his topics can apply to genealogy or any number of other topics. He has been writing for some time and I have followed him for about a year now. His tips and hints and comments are always helpful to me and I am sure they will be to many of you.

Since being Educational Chairperson means to help others more and share the word, even though I

majored in English and History in college, I felt I needed to brush up on my skills.

It is amazing how some Hawaiian, Tagalog, Spanish and other languages can creep into your thoughts and processing can change what you print and suddenly you say. DID I SAY THAT?

I love all the Genealogy Blogger blogs that I have read. Picking a favorite is really not a good way to start the new year and offend someone else. I have learned more from some and laughed or cried more with others.

I believe as a genealogist that blogs are critical for assistance in research. In days of old, a short quick

query was accepted and wanted for space. A blog is out there and in your face if you so wish to see it.

You can give more information and that helps to narrow down whom you are looking for.

Wanting to thank Thomas M for making all this happen.

Following Friday Who to Explore Next?

2011-12-30T21:53:00.000-08:00

Following Friday Who to Explore Next?

Who to explore next on Following Friday? Remembering that Thomas M brought up this topic briefly,
I am curious if everyone is getting the same data and trying to determine what we should keep up with and
what we should set aside for later.

It seems that suddenly there are many new places offering us sources and suggestions and willing to help.
Not to mention the new blogs I found this week.

O I am not complaining, I just do not know which one to work with for a while.

Who Were They?

Family History Show | Family History Interviews | Genealogy Interviews

MyTrees.com Genealogy, Family Tree, Ancestry and Family History Search

Now here is one we can really use.

Lutheran Genealogy -- Libraries and Archives

Got Genealogy? - HOME

Genealogy InTime Magazine

I have many more but just thought I would share these in case you have not seen them.

Happy New Year to you All.

Wisdom Wednesday - My thoughts- Surname Search

2011-12-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

Wisdom Wednesday - My thoughts - Surname Search

Sometimes my thoughts ramble and roam and are not sure where there is a home.

I just completed an interesting read on a message board. Having used message boards since the beginning of them I had almost forgotten how much information you can garner from gazing through the messages on surnames that may belong to you.

It is one thing to do a search for a specific name and it is another to set back and read the many comments made regarding a specific family or group of peoples. It reminded me of my love to read Will Books.

Long ago having learned that there is a full family history contained in Will Books if the family has stayed in one location any length of time. It takes longer to garner the history if they move about and you have to track down the Wills, Probates & Deeds.

I was looking for information on my husbands lineage. ended up reading about five generations of one of the lines just from the posts made by people responding.

Now that was not as I know yet his direct line but some of the names mentioned here in were mentioned in his line. So sent off queries to the people involved and hope to get a reply.

So do a search for a specific name but take the time to read the posts especially if within a region your kin may have been or tramped across moving. You may find Great Aunt Harriet and Dear Great Uncle Bob is mentioned in their posts and found entire new line of information.

Tombstone Tuesday - Thinking Back

2011-12-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

Tombstone Tuesday Thinking Back

Yes it's Tombstone story day. Having been in a few states across the country, I have found that
tombstones vary greatly from area to area.

Of course we know that wealth or lack of made a difference for many stones, but have you looked
at the making of the stones, shapes, ideas presented etc. Having read that religion and cause of death
can make the difference in stones I have also observed that they are differently done by areas.

Having traveled to South West Pennsylvania, Western Ohio, Southern Michigan, Upper and Lower Indiana, Iowa, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico. Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Nebraska,
Oregon, Washington, British Colombia, Baja Mexico and California from top to bottom, I have taken pictures in many of these states and tromped down a creek line in RickReal, Oregon when I was only 16.
The cemetery has slide down into the creek area on one side.

In Afton, Wyoming the small cemetery runs up the side of the mountain on the north side of town.
It has many interestingly unique stones and wooden crosses in a few spots. Of course this was some 12
years ago.

When you are out researching cemeteries, have you noticed how the area seems to have similar stone designs within each region? Of course, they maybe have a quarry around that has a specific type stone,
but that is not what I am talking about.

Hope to get some replies to this.

Christmas Day is Past- the Holiday Not Yet

2011-12-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day is Past- the Holiday Not Yet

The day of Christmas is past but the holiday is not yet over. Most Christians celebrate until 6 January.

Somehow all having to do with birth not when celebrated and pagan holidays intermixed.

This Christmas has been a hard one for me to wrap my mind around since it is now a year since I saw my mother alive last, at least I think that is why.

I always look forward to the joyous music and the attitude of most of the world.

It always seemed people were more careful with their words at this time of the year.

It is a beautiful season for the world to rejoice in.

The winter is beginning and so is the life for our souls. There are many parallels in the one and the other.

Looking out side we had a, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear", night.

Being graced with a book about Christmas Cards a few days ago I thought I would share
this little historical tidbit with you all.

Having wondered when cards first appeared to mark the celebrating of Christmas.

Someone found it on Google books and it is a free ebook.

Christmas cards & their chief desingers by Gleeson White

Christmas cards & their chief designers - Gleeson White - Google Books

Christmas is Here- 2011

2011-12-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas is Here - 2011

Christmas Eve brought us great joy with the sharing of a Great Grandchild and family.
Yes, family from all sides came to see the little boy. It was a day of great joy.

Late at night a grandson arrived at home. I then went to bed feeling they were all safe and off the road.

This morning we had breakfast for the family whom lives near. Everyone called and most all came by through out the day.

We served fresh fruit, ham, bacon, eggs, bagels with assorted cream cheese spreads. Lots of juices and cocoa and coffee or tea were available also to imbibe.

We missed our family in Michigan, whom we knew was missing us. They called us almost like on cue.

We shared about the beautiful gifts that Sara had given us for Christmas {knitted} and we then shared our crochet projects with the family also.

The temperature was in the low 70's and the sun shone all day long.

Grandpa B B Que'd for late afternoon and we shared a pleasant time with our grandsons that are from out of the area.

Keeping the tradition that started when they were younger the group of them all went out to the movies.

Missed being at the rest of families dinner. We only see these boys about ever 3 to 5 months any more. I am sure we missed an awesome plate and more great company.

Dan made it in from his Mom's in Escondido and Andrew called us, he spent day at his Mom's.

Hope that everyone, everywhere had a great day to remember. I even talked to my Great Aunt in Greybull, Wyoming. We spoke to Don and family also mid morning. Mary called last evening, as did Shirley the day before. Fred's siblings.

Avent Calendar for 2011 -- Christmas Eve Events

2011-12-24T19:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Events at the Jones House later at the Pentico's.

As a child we spent the time at my Uncle and Aunt's house with the toy train that was given to the boys the year before1944 and each year they got more engines and cars. I last saw this train running around the toy work room built for the boys when they were much older and working on the dairy. It ran around the side walls of the room. Probably 15 x 15 x 15 x15. It was more than one train before it left the house domain.

I remember the year Bob got a engine that spit fire and smoke and had light on the front. Don got a Caboose that lit up and flag man waved a lantern. It was an event looked forward to for many years as a young person. It was a winter event for being out of the rain and cold. Northern California and we did some times get snow on the ground and lots of ice. We if lucky, even got to run it if wet, nasty EASTER.

Later years we as a young family(Pentico) made popcorn and we all strung it for the tree. First it was just Dad and Mom and I. Then siblings and family did it for many years. At the Pentico house it was the biggest ornaments on the tree the first few years. Popcorn on the tree stopped some time in Lemoore Naval Station after the ants attacked the Pentico tree. 1963/4.

When we moved to San Diego we did popcorn again and only left it up a couple of days so it was always strung on last.

At the time, 1950's Mom had been given some neat lights by her Mom and she strung lights. Does anyone remember the Bubble Lights? Mom and I both loved the affects of the bubble lights. Maybe I will find and
string some on my tree next year.

Mom had also gotten some flower lights shared by her mother that were cut glass and individual petal wired. I think we had 8 on a strand to start with. I remember them being purple, last to die, red, yellow, and pink and the other colors I am not remembering.

When the children (Pentico) were small we went to Mass in the mornings and then when older we went to Midnight Mass and then came home and they could open one gift.

Mom and Dad and family went to morning Mass with Uncle Comillo and Aunt Etta & boys generally.
Even when we moved across town we met at St. Vincent's and went to Mass.

Somewhere along the line it changed but it was done for many years. Then we did Christmas Mass at Tomales, CA. instead of Petaluma, Ca.

Advent Calendar for 2011 Christmas Sweetheart Memories

2011-12-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011 Christmas Sweetheart Memories

Christmas Sweetheart memories is a bit amuck in my background. I am instead going to tell about a Sweetheart story that never got to finish.

Laton E Huffman ie Hoffman was born 20 November 1840. He lived in the country on a hillside that looked across a small valley and the area is gorgeous to look at in the fall. He and many of his siblings went off to War for the Union and they all made it home.

Afterwards he traveled about looking for a place to settle and he helped build the first hotel in a town in Kansas. I have in the his letter home to family this information. He enjoyed Christmas with his parents and a brother and some sisters that still lived at home on 25 Dec 1971. The father writes in a letter to his brother the rest of the tale. They partook of breakfast the next morning and he told them he was off to ask his intended if she was ready to marry him. His Dad obviously walked with him to the barn to saddle his horse and go to his intendeds house. As he was saddling the horse he had a heart attack and died.
I think I know whom the intended was but have no further information on her.

26 Dec 1871 was his death Aleppo Greene Co. PA

25 Dec No.

Soldier Name

Side

Function

Regiment Name

Huffman, Laton E.

Union

Infantry

6th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry

His brother my Great Great Grandfather Sanford Hoffman was living in Iowa at this time and his father wrote to tell him of his loss. They served in the same war unit during the war and were close. He was only 31 years of age.

Sanford was his closest in age brother a few years old being born 1834. He had sisters on both sides of him and the baby boys never made it past probably 5 years of age. I can find very little on them. Burial was Aleppo Cemetery, up on a beautiful hill that you can look south and see West Virginia and west and see Ohio and the rest of the terrain there is Pennsylvania country.

Served in CW under WVa with brother Laton E Huffman

No.

Soldier Name

Side

Function

Regiment Name

Huffman, Sanford

Union

Infantry

6th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry

This story broke my heart when I learned of the story behind it.

Advent Calendar of 2012. Honoring the Dead

2011-12-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar of 2012. Honoring the Dead

Well, I had to think on this one. We seem to bury a lot of family and friends this time of year.
We will be doing the same again this year. We just lost a friend and I just lost a cousin this week.

We lost our dear friends at this time several years back and I lost Mom this last January.

I just keep going to the phone and saying, "MOM, I am thinking of you". No sense picking it up or placing a call.

I am not sure we honor them more now than normal but they are thought of and talked of and their ideas and wishes and dreams are passed on to the living family members.

Generally, someone will say," Grandpa used to love to tease us about our chores being done and coal in our stockings." Or "Grandma made the best brownies you have ever eaten, to bad you did not get to try them," to the younger ones who do not remember that much about some of the elders.

Our family was lucky because the grandparents lived well up in the years giving the great grandchildren a good chance to get to know them a bit, especially the Grandmothers.

I am blessed with a Great Aunt still alive and 2 Aunts on my Dad's side and 1 Uncle on my Mom's.

Fred's older generations are gone, and many of his cousins and class mates are gone too. We both have all our siblings yet.

So basically chatting about the past and what the deceased likes and dislikes were is the biggest thing, since the deaths are rather recent yet it is easily brought up. Ten years from now will someone do that, I can not say. They may have to be talking about us then.

Advent Calendar for 2011 Christmas Music

2011-12-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011 Christmas Music

Christmas Music is a fun topic since the family has always been somewhat musical.
Guitar players, harmonica's, accordion, squeeze box, piano, trumpet, drums and a few
family bands in the back ground.

My Dad and Aunt could sing duo for many songs. My Uncle shared and so we had great singing feasts.

Christmas meant Bing Crosby and old Church Hymn's from the various church backgrounds of the family.
Dominately, Baptist and Catholic and others mixed in.

As children we were always singing in the chorale at school, having done solo's back then.

I remember when Rudolph the Red Nosed Raindeer song came out, seems it was near end or end of the war. Other songs " I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", Grandma got run over by a Raindeer, twisted but cute.

Favorite songs: Silent Night, White Christmas, O Come all ye Faithful, It came upon a Midnight Clear,
Away in the Manger, and the list goes on. I think we should listen to more Christmas music sooner in the fall. It changes peoples moods.

Our children used to gather with the neighbor's and carol on our block. We parents of course went with them. I do not think but maybe a couple of the Grandchildren have done that. But they have all sang in chorus's before. Some have been in plays and sang and they all have a decent voice to excellent voice.

Advent Calendar for 2011-- Religious Services

2011-12-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011-- Religious Services

Christmas with out religious services, now that is a thought to ponder.

I was raised Catholic, when small we went to morning Mass with other class mates, smaller I went with parents, Aunt and Uncle and their family.

We went to Mass when older either the evening before or Midnight.

We would come home and have hot cocoa, and cookies or a tamale and the children were allowed to open
one gift.

I prefer Midnight Mass. It ushers in the birth of Christ and the start of our true salvation.

There is something about the night time sky and air and people's attitudes at night, that makes it feel so
right.

Midnight Mass is still preferred by this house but our families are on their own and do their own time and
thing.

Advent Calendar for 2011-- Christmas Shopping

2011-12-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011-- Christmas Shopping

Christmas shopping was an adventure of it's own. Dad always waited until Christmas Eve to go to town and get what the bargains may be. We never spent much for Christmas but we shared friendship with our family near and far.
Mom made some gifts and we gave canned fruit or pies for gifts.

As stated in the previous chats, we shared with family and friends we did a lot of baking and cooking and
swapping.

I am sure if there was a special item gotten it was done ahead of time. I know in our home as a married
family we seldom did large items at Christmas there were gotten on Birthdays. That are spread out during
the year so funds were more available.

Surely the family remembers the year Dad was overseas and the older boys were in Jr. High and needed
not just shoes for school but Gym shoes. It was an ironic situation because I ended up buying 7 pairs of
shoes and the store sold me bedroom slippers at a massive discount. So that Christmas was shoes and slippers. We had dry feet and warm feet at night. Being teenagers their feet seemed to grow over night
some times.

It is hoped that the gifts gotten were enjoyed and appreciated and used for a long period of time. One year
Santa brought us a 19" black and white tv. The old one had died.

Suspecting children of today have no idea what a Christmas with out ten toys under the tree was like or meant. Surely our children learned the real meaning of Christmas with the giving and sharing and attending Church.

Advent Calendar for 2011-- Holiday Stockings

2011-12-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011-- Holiday Stockings

Holiday Stockings I do recall, there was one for me and Sis and Mom and Dad. Inside was a orange, 3 walnuts, my plastic trycycle. Sis and Mom and Dad all had the same only sis got a comb and brush set for little people. I am not sure what Mom and Dad had in theirs but it was probably a hair comb and barrette.

I must have been six years old or five. My mind said the war was still on so maybe 5, or just ended.

We were living at the Morretti Ranch, Dad milked cows for them. The stockings were our own. Not something from the store. Later years I remember we took craft paper at school cut out a stocking and strung ribbon through the holes to make a stocking to take home for Xmas. Often a toothbrush was the item in the stocking with fruit and nuts.

When many years past and we were older I recall we had stockings, I believe my Aunt Etta made them.
I was a teen by now. I wonder where they went because we never touched any of Mom's Christmas decorations when home but the very old tree I sent her almost 20 years ago. No idea where the ornaments went that we made or the articles that Dad and Mom had made. Mom was very artsy Crafty. She taught 4-H sewing and could design a dress from seeing it in a store window. She also did beautiful flower drawings from scratch some of the prettiest was Pansy's.

Our family{Pentico's} had a stocking for Ed and later we added for Don. When older we had a stocking for each family member. Mom, Dad, Ed, Don, Candy, Bj, and Al. Whom ever was visiting was honored with a stocking. Generally always a toothbrush, hair comb or brush, orange, nuts, peppermint stick and a toy of some type maybe a ball pen or pencil and eraser.

Christmas was to help fill in the blanks from school so we asked Santa for things we knew the children would need at school.

When they did the Christmas list it also was a need list first and 2 items of want only. Santa attempted to get one of each and sometimes both of need and the want if the year had been good.

If we went to Mom's we took the stockings with us.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Holiday Travel for the Pentico's

2011-12-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011- Holiday Travel for the Pentico's

On Dec 13, I wrote about my family and Holiday Travels. That family being the JONES Family.
Dad was a Jones, Mom was a HOFFMAN. Her Grandmother was a DUVALL and her mom was a SCOTT. Into the mix comes the PENTICO name. We married in 1959, in Sunnyvale, California.

Our first Christmas was apart. He flying in parts unknown and I in Sonoma Co. Calif. with my parents and family. Our 2nd Christmas he was home just before Christmas because first born was gravely ill. I was still at my parents since I had moved back home. I spent the day with the baby, mostly. He was winging his way back to Guam to come home for next tour of duty.

We then spent our first family Christmas together in Lemoore Naval Air Station, CA. The entire family chipped in for us to have a Christmas. Items from Aunts, Uncles, cousins, friends and our parents made the event happen.

I used the roasting pan Wednesday morning to cook the Society's turkey in. It is a baked enamel pan and has given us much use.

As time marched on we would go to Mom and Dad's up the road since his family was in Iowa much to far to travel in a few days and cold would be upon Iowa. We seldom missed a year at the folks sharing with all the other relatives mentioned above, We added a couple of neighbors that had become like family to the group and it was really jolly fun time but lots of cooking and cleaning. But lots of good conversations and games, the younger ones could play with their cousins. Eddie, Don, Wayne, Billy, Little Ray, Richard, Becky, Candy, Bj, Alan and other younger ones when a family was around.

One year the folks came to our home in Lemoore, with my sister still in high school and my brothers.
My Aunt Ruth and Uncle Fred would come bringing: Jerry, Linda and Ken. One year we all congregated at Aunt Ruth's in Sunnyvale area. Sometimes at Mom's we had double cousin Ken Foulk and his children at Valley Ford or Aunt Ruth's in the city.

The Foulk is Grandma Ida's maiden name before she married Grandad Jones. They had 2 boys and 1 girl. She was the first baby Fred ever held.

After our tour to Hawaii we settled in San Diego, CA and then family came to see us or we went to see them and we added my Uncle Gerald and Aunt Jennie and their children Lew and Jim.

For many years we shared Christmas Eve with close friends and then shared New Years Eve with them also. They have been gone many years. Diabetes is a bad disease. We lost her sister 2 days ago.

We share cookies and treats with our community and I always give to Boy's Town for Dad was most impressed with the work they did for youngsters, when he was young.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Christmas at School

2011-12-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011- Christmas at School

Christmas at school was a really big thing when I was young and when my children went to school also.
I was amazed when thinking about the past school pageants and songfests, we had such a joyful time and
our teachers always made sure everyone had a part and were involved.

Some how we have lost so much more than just the not mentioning of God at school but it has affected our entire attitude in life for many.

Having forgotten that at one time I was a solo for the evening. There were three of us picked to sing and the rest had chorale. They did more songs than we. We had cocoa and cookies afterwards with all the families and students of the school. Father Kielly was there and said we did a marvelous presentation.
I was an 9th grader then. I later moved on to band and played in many parades and school events.

My siblings were in Christmas plays also. Later our children were in plays, pageants and or did
singing. We were blessed we have grand children with voices and acting ability. One is even a Thespian.

Our 4-H group gathered canned goods to take to the Salvation Army via the 4-H office for the less fortunate. We even did cake sales and cookie sales to make funds for the school events to share.

It saddens my heart to know that schools are not allowed to do this any more. We gave our soul away somehow.

A grandson related to me very recently how he feels about religion and it was a very profound and interesting reveal of his thoughts. I think he has his head on very straight and if he can at least keep the thoughts he has now it should help to guide him in his future life.

Christmas is the Celebration of Christ being born and to say less is sad.
Yes there are other connotations added to it but it is the reason for the season.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Holiday Happenings

2011-12-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011- Holiday Happenings

Holiday Happenings, yes we have some of those. Jesus Murillo was given a birthday party for his birthday along with celebrating Christmas. We had birthday cake so long long ago.

Brother has birthday in December he just passed the celebrating date. Brother was not left out for birthday but interesting enough within the family some were very overlooked when family was younger. Never understood how family could celebrate ones birthday and not the other the next day. Was not our choice so we stayed away during the time of the ignored birthday.

Cousin's birthday is Jan 1. Now when he turned an adult he really had fun. An avid book reader and baseball lover both to play and enjoy.

When I was younger Everett Zimmerman's birthday fell 28 December and we always had fun celebrating with this family. Some times the adults pushed it over to New Years Eve so only on trip across town.
We lived about 35 miles apart. Everett was my Dad's dear friend as his wife was Mom's. They were killed in August of 1966 if I can remember right. Sad sad day. She was my other mother for many years.
We met before my family moved to California so she was, Aunt, friend and second Mom. I knew them for about 24 + years. They had a major influence over my life and my siblings. When younger brother went to work he milked cows for them, was in their employee when the died. We shared them in our family events as they did us in theirs. I met so many later to learn distant kin. They lived near my Aunt Etta and Uncle Comillo and those families seem to all intermingle over time. Even in the grave yard the names are interspersed.

Grandson's birthday is in January and after his birth we always left tree up until his birthday past. He loved the lights and balls. I do not think he decorated tree this year. Think he was at the other house.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Fruit Cake

2011-12-13T23:23:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011- Fruit Cake

A favorite topic of mine at this time of year. Cooking and baking and making surprises is a real treat.

Fruit cake, my Aunt used to make the most awesome fruit cake I have ever eaten. No, it did not taste like this stuff in the store today. It was true fruit cake.

Today's fruitcakes have so much citron in them that they are bitter and unpleasant to eat.
I think the only peel she used in hers was orange zest and not very much. Remembering walnuts, pecans, candied cherries, candied pineapple, dates, the white raisin's and never got the recipe from her.

She generally made them in September near Labor Day weekend and she changed the cloth over them weekly that had been saturated with some type of wine, bourbon, brandy or rum. A dark red wine was very tasty with one that was light in fruits and heavier on cake. So the wine was soaked into the cake base.

I recall at least two types each Christmas. O yes she used figs in hers sometimes, recall it was really her own recipe.

If you read old cook books and I mean old you will learn that marketers today give you lots of citron and very little candied fruit so the fruit cake tastes like orange and lemon peels.

I like a good fruit cake and I found that some southern regions have some that are very near to the flavor of her Fruit Cakes.

I much prefer now days to make drop cookies and add a small amount of candied fruits w citron to the
cookies. I do not use but maybe 3 pieces of citron per cookie and it does not overwhelm the flavor of the cookie, also soak the mix in bourbon or rum prior to using them generally.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Holiday Travel

2011-12-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011- Holiday Travel

Holiday Travel was always in the cards as a youngster. I was born in Greybull, Wyo and grandparents were in Wheatland, Wyo. . I was told my parents went to my Grandparents' in Wheatland. It was a two fold purpose because I was to be taken to Denver's Children Hospital, where later I had surgery. I so wanted those papers from Mom's. Did not happen.

Later we moved to Sonoma County, California and Dad worked on his brother in law's dairy. Those early Christmases I remember very well. The food, the family, the trains that ran on the tracks and hot cocoa and cookie at the end of the night.

Moving down the road to Moretti's we then went back to Aunt's and they came to our's. We shared Christmas with family and friends. Family was my Aunt Etta and her husband and boys. Everyone else was in Wyoming, Colorado and Iowa.

We then moved to a small town on the north west side of the county. A few years later, my Mom's cousin moved to Palo Alto and we expanded our Holiday events. They loved to come to the ranch away from the city. A few years later Mom's little sister moved in next door to us. Our gatherings were getting larger.
It was nothing to have 35 people over night and to feed for a couple of days.

Slowly other family members moved near enough to visit. Dad's brother got stationed in San Diego and they would come up ever so many Christmases.

We had a good time at Christmas but a lot of cooking and work to do also. Ranch work does not end when company comes in. Hurray most of the cousins loved to help. They could legally go muck around in the mud, if it rained and one year it even snowed.

Saving Fred and my family memories for another post.

Advent Calendar for 2011 Charity or Volunteerism

2011-12-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011 Charity or Volunteerism

Christmas has been taught in my home as a child as a time for sharing. It is for thinking about others and doing something special for others.

First we were to remember it was the birth of the Christ Child and we attended MASS. We went to morning Mass or Midnight Mass depending on many things in my parents busy life. If we were going to Aunt's for Christmas we generally went on way to their house. If we had company coming many times we did Midnight Mass so we were free for when relatives and friends arrived.

We volunteered at the school for setting up and taking down for the plays and potlucks.

As a young family my husband and I always gave to Navy Relief to help those less fortunate.
We seldom did Christmas as a big event.. Thanksgiving was our time for that.

I worked as an Omsbudsman for the Navy when my husband was away. That was volunteering
to care for other members of the Squadron. We helped to get trees and gifts for those who needed more than two hands to handle the holiday. We actually were the receiver as a family, by co workers the winter, our youngest went to the hospital for the major part of December.

Our children sang in the chorus and did Church work to show thanks for the Baby Jesus coming.

Our older boys were raised as Boy Scouts and did much volunteerism during the holidays for years.

Our girls sang in the choir and helped neighbors in need. Whether it was walk the dog. Set and spend time with someone home from the hospital or playing a game of cards so adult not all alone every day.

Our children adopted the older neighbors as Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles because we were so far from family except my Uncle in Lemon Grove. One daughter baked cookies for the neighbors from the time she was like 9 years old, Albert passed this year so no more cookies. But we have a new neighbor that we share with now.

Cookies are swapped and food sometimes too. If you truly want to receive one should give.
God keeps reminding us of that.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Other Traditions

2011-12-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011- Other Traditions

Other traditions were being involved in the schools play and sharing of food for the community.

A tradition we did at home for years was to string popcorn to put on the tree. It seems once the young ones were almost adults there was no longer an interest in doing this. But we bake and share with neighbors and friends.

We send Christmas cards and letters to preserve some family history. It was a smart person whom started those Christmas letters that replace the diaries family used to keep with family events of the year. No it is not as good as the old ledger but it is better than no information at all.

We also always shared our children's pictures with family and close friends. Do you know we learned some of our close friends were close relatives?

Advent Calendar for 2011- Christmas Gifts

2011-12-11T15:08:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011- Christmas Gifts

My early Christmas memories were filled with sharing with my Aunt Etta and Uncle Comillo and their boys.
The first big gift I remember was Dad made me a table from orange crates. It was during the War.
That table was on the porch in the fall of last year but no where to be found in January. It was always painted blue and yellow it seems.

A couple years later when Sis was small we got the folding chairs to go with it and we were living at Moretti's. My chair my grand niece is using. Sis has hers. Jesse that chair has to be nigh on to 66 years old.

The other memorial gifts were: the year we moved to Moretti's from Morelli's and Santa got myself and my sister a doll each. My relatives made clothes to fit them and we loved those dolls. I still have mine.
I think my Uncle made the small wardrobe that the clothes were in and Aunts and friends made the rest.
We had crocheted sweater for our dolls with bonnet. We had I believe 5 ensembles a piece.

The next one to remember was the year I got a bicycle so I could ride to my friends. Dad had sold my horse and I was not a happy camper. We were now living in Valley Ford. The horse came as a birthday gift at Moretti's. She was beautiful and she was named Old Crow. I was a teen now. Our area was rural and homes were several miles apart out side the main part of town. Dairy ranches and some sheep ranches in this community.

Other Christmas's came and went but I remember the year Mom said laughing she always wanted some Mink since her sister in law had all those lovely fur coats and jackets and stoles. Mom had home made coats she did herself and a raincoat Dad got her at one time. I was married at this point and in the Exchange they had a Mink Mouse and Mink Hat and Mink Muffs for sale. My husbands funds were not great so I bought my Mom the Mink Mouse pin, so she could have something Mink in her wardrobe.

It was a fun thing between us. She never wanted for very much but to live where she did and hope her family stayed close and in touch with out major arguments. Her Mink pin was in her drawer last December and we talked about it and I have it now. She said it could have been something beside a mouse but she wore it ever so often I noticed when I would go home. I raised mice when younger at my Aunt's and then later at the ranch of ours. Then I migrated to rabbits whom are awesome to be around and care for. But I also loved my pigs. They are a story book of their own.

We had great gifts through the years. Our first married Xmas together, all the family supplied all the Xmas and we got Eddie a chair.

One Christmas my husband bought me a beautiful pearl and ruby ring that matched events in our lives.
Many times we traveled to either his or my parents to share Xmas. Valley Ford or Riverside, Ca after his folks moved to California from Woodward, IA.

Last year was my Mom's last Christmas and I got her new gowns which she wore until her passing in January.

One year we got our son a car. I will share that in another post it was probably one of the most remembered family Christmas here in this house, for my husband and myself.

Husband spent many, many Christmas's away in service.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Unusual Surprises

2011-12-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011 Unusual Surprises

As we know this is the time of year that many things happen. Some fun some stressful, some joyful and jolly events we experience especially this time of year.

A distant family member may pop in and surprise you. I neighbor may bring over a treat to share with the family you were not expecting.

You then may decide to surprise someone else and go knock on their door and say Greetings.

It is only the 9th and already we have had two visitors not expected. Whooopeee. I love visitors and so does my husband. Neither stayed long but to see their face and chat awhile is a good thing.

Invited brother to Christmas yesterday and he said not to be surprised if I open door and he standing there. Isn't that a fun thought to think about. I do not expect him since he may be having surgery again soon but it is the thought that counts.

Of course he would bring his lovely wife along.

A gift we received already was my nephew came home from overseas in one piece after working his third tour. My sister's grandson came home also for a Thanksgiving visit to their family from over there also.

Unusual surprises can come in many ways. I special compliment by someone regarding how your are doing a project.

We grew up with some relatives, Uncles on each side of family that loved to just put family in the car and show up on our door for various holidays. They are both gone but we loved it and funny thing was MOM almost always could tell when her Sister was headed our way. Drove Uncle nuts that it was never a total surprise but once. Dad's brother would come from the other direction and some times we had them all together at the same time. They all went to school together when they were very young. So our family was one very large family.

How I miss that family connection.

Follow Friday--- Scot Research

2011-12-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

For all those doing research for Scotland here is a site I like to follow.
It reminds me of others that post information. Keeps it simple and yet very informative, for being able
to learn more without over load.

I really love to follow this blog.

Scottish Genealogy Tips Tricks & Tidbits: First Women's Football Team Was Formed in Scotland

Thanks Christine.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Christmas Cookies

2011-12-08T17:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cookies 2011 Advent Calendar

O yes, we are assured that there will be cookies somewhere in the realm of the holiday season.
I used to make cookies and let the children cut them out and decorate after they are baked.
It was fun and a mess but we shared the time and it was thought it was good family time.

We did sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies, blonde brownies and chocolate brownies, multi colored sugar cookies. Perfernuesse, drop cookies with M & M inserted. chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies.
Into the mix we would add various colors of flavors: Oatmeal cookie with raisins and cocoanut flakes,
Oatmeal cookies with nuts, Oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips. Thumb prints with various jellies were one of the children's favorites to make. Wonder if they still eat them. Not to forget the Rice Krispie treats colored and flavored to match the color. Grandsons have learned how to make them.

The sugar cookies we added color and flavor to the batches to mix up the taste.

I can say this came down the family because I understand my Mother's family made cookies and shared with the neighbors when funds were well enough. My siblings and I did this when we grew up and Mom even taught 4-H cooking.

So when our children were old enough to stir the flour and egg and make cut outs they made cookies.
Over the years they learned different cookies and shared their ideas with their siblings. One does not like coconut but their Dad does. Some love butterscotch and carmel, more than chocolate. For a period of time we could not have chocolate in the house so we used carob. Just not the same but served it's purpose.
One refuses to eat a cookie that may have nuts in it, does not like the crunch or crunchy peanut butter.

Over the years as they become adults we find that the siblings swap cookies at Christmas time. So we added a larger selection to the mix.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Holiday Parties

2011-12-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011 - Holiday Parties

Holiday gatherings were done yearly, not really sure I would call them parties. During the war
we met at my Aunt's house and after Christmas, Uncle Comillo would have set the train set up and we would go down to his house, and watch the trains move throughout the house and blow smoke, whistle and chug along the tracks.

This home was large and had a hall that had to be 40 feet long, if not longer. The track wound around the
kitchen and dining room through the setting room into the formal living room, then down the hall past all
the bedrooms and baths and office turning around in one of the end rooms and coming back up to complete the trip in the large open kitchen.

I recall that we did not have track that went so far the first few years. I think it just went around kitchen, dining and living rooms.

Each year the boys received more track and train cars and requested pieces. I know it was a time we really looked forward to. Generally the track was up for about a week. Part of it was disassembled during the day and the boys and I had to carefully put it together to see the trains run.

I recall the one year Don got his special caboose and Bob got another transformer and a cross tracking splice. So the trains went faster and they actually then climbed up mini hills and came down etc.
Don's Caboose had a light feature in it and it would come on when we were ending or starting a run, much like what a conductor did in real life.

Many years later my Uncle built a Train House room for the boys as a work shop and the trains run around the walls of the shop and could still be enjoyed.

We always seemed to have Hot chocolate and marshmellow's and a sugar cookie at the end of the night.
Of course our parents would enjoy this along with the children.

As an adult with children we used to share Christmas Eve either at my parents or with my Uncle Gerald's family. We would gather the children, gifts and food and drive 12 hours to Mom and Dad's for a few days. I did this even when husband was overseas.

Once stationed in San Diego we always shared holiday time with Dad's brother and his family and friends.

Advent Calendar for 2011- Santa Claus

2011-12-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011 Santa Claus

I recently re read an interesting story that someone did many years ago to explain the existence of
Santa Claus to a growing child.

It is still one of the best articles to explain to a growing child the warmth and depth of Santa Claus and
how he spreads the joy that the Christ Child came to bring.

I have to say, I think we see way to many of these jolly fellows around and about. We used to get to see him on two Saturdays before Christmas and he was not on every street corner and he was not
promoting the things many do today. Alas.

If it was harder to get to see him and he was more secluded maybe more of the true meaning of Christmas would still exist.

The story that explains his usefulness was basically this. Does Santa still exist? Yes, in each and everyone of us that carries on his tradition of caring about someone else and doing for others as we so wish to have done to us.

Grandma took the young man to the store and gave him money and said," now buy a gift for someone that you know". The young man thought, thought and thought, as he processed his family and friends he suddenly remembered the picked on boy with out a coat in school. He picked out a coat and went to the clerk. Handed her $10 and said it was for a boy who had no coat in school. She rang the sale up and they left the store.

Grandma took him to the boy's home with the coat wrapped and he sneaked up to porch and put it on the doorstep and rang the bell. Quickly scurried out of sight and watched the results.

Some one answered the door. The little boy got a Coat. Grandma then turned to the little boy and said you are forever now Santa's helper.

Also in the end, years later he learns going through Grandma's receipts that the clerk covered the rest of the cost of the coat for it was more than $10.

This is the reason for the Season. God gave His only Son. We are to emulate his actions by giving and doing for others, all the days of our lives not just Christmas. So yes, somehow God let Santa become a
part of spreading the news of Jesus birth and His giving of Himself for us all.

Advent Calendar for 2011 Out door Ornaments

2011-12-05T17:48:00.000-08:00

Out Door Ornaments

We lived in the country a bit away from the road. I can only recall Mom and Dad hanging lights around the entry way to the house door and along the porch some years if not to windy in Valley Ford.

We almost always had a wreath or bough of greens on the door. We decorated the tree to be seen from the window on the road, if the fog not to thick.

Mom and Dad strung lights along the porch by the door and some times around it varying each year a bit.

We being military were in many places for Christmas.

At Lemoore NAS, we decorated the tree in the living room to be seen between patio fence on the outside some times. I always hung lights around the dining room window where others passing by could see them.

A couple of times we had a bough on the door.

In Coronado I hung lights in the dining room windows and the living room windows. We decorated the tree so it could be seen sometimes by the neighbors. We even had mini tree on the enclosed patio for fun. The boys were very young then. They had plastic ornaments and items made at school to use.

In Hawaii, we celebrated it very different Tree in window for lights to be seen outside. Lights all around the Lanai for the neighbors to see, share and enjoy. We spent much time on the Lanai.

Back to California and San Diego , lights were hung around the garage door and the front window and front door. We had a large snow man that we blew and lit up at the front door. We still have him.

Since 1970 we have hung different kinds of lights, some blinked, played music and some were straight line and one out all out. I like how he strung the lights in a different pattern this year around the garage area.

Seriously thinking of dragging out the snow man to see if he still works.

Advent Calendar for 2011 by Susi Christmas Cards

2011-12-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cards

Christmas Cards used to be just that. A homemade or store bought card sent to family that was not near.
we have inherited a couple of early cards that Mom was given in her early years.

I love to see how they have changed. Even when Santa Claus was not the main character of Christmas he was on early cards. Each Country has a different theme picked for their cards. Kris Kringle, St. Lucia, and the list goes on. It is a celebration from 6 December until 6 January depending on country.

The writing of the cards generally falls to me. We send cards and do up a Christmas letter capturing the essence of the year. That is my big event for today besides finishing make the dog bed covers.

I fear that the writing of family memories and sharing with family is going to go away because many rely on the computer to send a note and save a stamp. This is another form of family memories for future families to learn how we lived today. It is as near to a journal as many ever write anymore.

It amazes me how the children will take cards sent from Aunt's, Uncle's, Grandparents and toss them away.
That is a signature of some one now gone. It is the essence of the person of the past.

As we learned by a handwriting analyst that, that name can tell you something about the person who is no longer here to share the information.

Hoping people take heed and do not stop this very special way of keeping in touch with the people of the past in the future of tomorrow.

Advent Calendar for 2011 by Susi Ornaments

2011-12-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

Holiday Ornaments

I remember my first home made ornament was stringing popcorn with my parents to hang on the tree.
We did this for several years even after we had lights on the tree.

Mom had some beautiful electric lights when they finally could afford them and they were like flowers with individual petals that lit up. I have one but it no longer works. Did not work when Mom gave to me.

As a youth we made ornaments in school to take home and hang on the tree. We did paper cut outs of stars. We made a plaster paris hand print as a gift to put on tree also.

Our children made paper cut outs and then lightbulbs decorated that no longer worked. I actually still have one or two of those.

As a married couple, my family supplied the ingredients for our first Xmas on our own. My Aunt Ruth supplied a colored wheel light and a aluminium tree. The wheel was colored blue and the ornaments that went with it where a pretty bluish turquoise. My parents supplied more ornaments. My Aunt Etta supplied garland and a candy dish.

Of course there was her great Divinity in the dish.

Advent Calendar for 2011 by Susi #2 Holiday Foods

2011-12-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

Holiday Foods

There was always twice a year events that I loved the holiday foods. Christmas was one.
Of course much of what we had at Thanksgiving was repeated at Christmas except, yes there is that
word, desserts.

My Aunt Etta would make Divinity and put nuts or dried fruit or cherries in the different batches.
Mom made fudge, good creamy yummy flavored fudge. Margaret Zimmerman would make mincemeat pies, (the real kind not those of today), Aunt Ruth would do pumpkin pies, other relatives and friends that gathered also brought their specialties. I miss the relative on Uncle Comillo's side that made the Fruit Cake.
I think it was Bob's Aunt. Again a real fruit cake not this today stuff, unless you order from the south or northeastern part of USA.

We seldom varied from the turkey but there was times we would have goose and we did duck a couple of times. Goose for cooking is a difficult bird not to get it so greasy that one can stand eating it.
I helped Mom one year about 1956 to do a goose. My Great Uncle living with us wanted goose.
We pulled grease off like I could not believe. We seasoned the goose, put herbs on the inside and rubbed the outside with more dry rub. The flavor was good on the upper part of the bird but we could not keep the grease off the bottom half of bird. I almost think a pan needs created to let the grease & broth drip off as it cooks so it does not stand in it. Yes we had it on a stand in the pan. I also wonder if it was because it was store bought not home raised that it could have been more lean. They like you to pay for the extra pounds of fat that you must toss away. I have never attempted goose again.

Turkey is the course today with a ham along side due to family allergies. We have done standing rib roasts when Dad raised the meat but it was a very special occasion to have that.

A normal Christmas fair is: Ham, turkey, dressing, fresh cranberry relish made by Nate, yams or sweet potatoes with marshmellows. fresh green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, dinner rolls and pumpkin and pecan pie. We serve olives variety of, celery sticks, carrot sticks for munching before meals. As a youth we varied the stuffing and some times would have three types on the table. We were also feeding 30 plus people.

My other favorite meal was 4th of July.

Advent Calendar for 2011 by Susi

2011-12-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

Advent Calendar for 2011

This year is a new year for our family for celebrating Christmas. As parents of five children, we
are now the oldest of the clan. We no longer have an elder member to look up to or look out for.
Yes, I am blessed with an Uncle and Great Aunt yet in Wyoming but husband has no one in the
earlier generation still with him.

I spent last Christmas holiday with my Mom. She passed 10 Jan of this year.

Everything I start to do, brings back sharp memories of the traditions she attempted to pass on to
her children.
Mom was lucid until the end. Even if some did not think she was. She just had to think a few minutes to
get her thoughts in order to respond to questions. If one did not have patience with waiting for a
reply some would make up an answer instead of wait. I am grateful I waited for her response.

Many years past, I saw my Grandmother in much the same situation, but I patiently waited until she

could finish her comments to me. My Elder had walked away and did not get to hear what she said.

Those words were never spoken again so have patience. Mom attempted to teach us all
patience with each other and ourselves. Patience was something she thought was very important this
time of year and always.

We as children got to put the tree up the day before Christmas and we did not take it down until
early January.

I have broken from that theme and went up mid December and down on first weekend of January.
I have further changed to up the day after Thanksgiving and down again around 6 January.
Earlier years we left it up for grandson's birthday and then it came down.
Needless to say we are now into artificial trees. For us it was a good thing due to allergies, but I miss
the smell of an evergreen tree.

It is a beautiful season and I think it should be truly recognized as such. It is a season of spreading
good cheer and caring through out the world. We can truly use more of that.

Blessed Thanksgiving One and All

2011-11-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

Tis the time to remember Thanksgiving.

Some of my relatives and friends have started a posting of what they are thankful for each day.
That sure is a positive way to start one's day.

We need to remind ourselves, sure things may not be great but we are in so much better place than
most of the world. We have for the most part, food, clothing and a place to sleep.

We should be thankful for the ability to exchange dialogue with one another without recrimination.
We need to be thankful for the type of government we have had and we can have again.
It truly is We the People. Never meant to be We the Government, somewhere, some lost the way.

So family and friends and acquaintances, and people I have yet to meet, do have a joyous, sharing, caring
day with your family and friends. Reach out to a Veteran or serviceman who could use a meal and share.

Be so thankful for what we are about to receive. We will be missing some of our family but we are
thankful for those families. Our prayers to our kin overseas. Prayers for our world that a time will come
and we will have peace and harmony.

Enjoy the day. We could all be more Thankful.

Tuesday's Trivia - Photo's and Tidbits

2011-11-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite shots in Michigan.

It reminds me of when I was a youngster and we could go play at the Relatives Dam and in the cattails and and watch the fish jump and the frogs we caught and ate. I have not had a frog leg since my Aunt passed away.
Several species of plants that are both native in Michigan and Northern California. It makes me think of family and the fun we had so very long ago.

Matrilineal Monday - Inez Mae Scott

2011-11-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

My Grandmother Inez Mae Scott was born in Taylor Township, Iowa on 6 Oct 1892. She married our Grandfather on 29 March 1912 in Moravia, IA. Grandad went to Wyoming to try the climate there due to breathing troubles. So for a few years she was raising children alone.
Climate was better for Cecil Lee Hoffman so they moved to the area near Wheatland, Wyo.

Her mother was Ella Warden, she was born June 1862 in Iowa. Her name was Ellen on many documents and census references. She was the mother of many children. She married Cornelius Franklin Scott.
She had a rough life raising her children and there was some unhappiness there.

Ella's mother was Mary J Langdon. 25 Feb 1852 in Guernsey Co. OH she married Daniel Warden. She was born in 1835 in Ohio and her death was 20 Dec 1868 in Iowa. Her life was short and he remarried but had no more children. WE think J stands for Jane. She had several children close together.

Artaminta Brammer was Mary J's mother. She was born in Virginia around 1797. She dies in Marshall, KS .She marries Joseph Langdon of Montgomery Co. Va, 13 Mar 1823 OHIO,

Source for marriage, marriage Index Books 1-3 H-M April 1817 July 1843 Lawrence Co OH

Langdon, Joseph Brammer, Artametta pg 54

Joseph dies in St. Joseph, MO 24 Mar 1863. I have five children shown.

Mary Ann LEE is her mother she is born in Leesley Valley VA 1770 appr. Her death was 1844 Windsor Township, Lawrence Co.

Ohio. I have records of two children but I am sure they are more. She marries Edmund BRAMMER of Buckingham Co. VA b 1767 death 12 Sept. 1822 Union Township, Lawrence Co. OH.

Francis WARD is Mary Ann Lee's mother. Francis Ward m John Lee 4 Dec 1769.

Online there are many with a farther back lineage of this Lee line but I have not verified it yet at this time.

So Surnames you run through are: SCOTT originating in Halifax Co. VA, WARDEN from Pennsylvania, LANGDON which was from Virginia, BRAMMER from Virginia, LEE from Virginia (not proven which family), & WARD in Virginia.

SURNAMES from myself to Grandma: JONES mine and HOFFMAN mother's.
HOFFMAN/HUFFMAN is interchanged in family for many years.

Surname Saturday Folk/Foulk Cousin Visited.

2011-11-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

Folk Relatives

Foulk Relatives

Yes, and their are other variants of this surname. We basically follow these two lines but have some variants even within our lines.

John Folk dcd 1793 Greenwich, Berks Co. PA
I have his Will.

It has been recently stated ?? Peter FOLK was his father, There was much sourcing but I have not done it myself yet.

American Genealogical-Biographical Index (AGBI)
about John Folk

Name:

John Folk

Birth Date:

1740

Birthplace:

Pennsylvania

Volume:

Page Number:

Reference:

Ten "Series" of "Pennsylvnia Archives" have been so far published in from 5 to 31v. Ea. Philadelphia and Harrisburg. 1852- ( We have indexed Series 2, v.2 and v.8 ( early Pa. marriage recds.) And all the v. of SeriesV. Which contain nearly complete Pa. Rev. War recds.)s.2, v.2:90

Name:

John Folk

Death Date:

Apr 1793

City:

Greenwich

County:

Berks

State:

Country:

USA

Peter ? AGBI b 1770 PA

Margaret AGBI 1770

Ancestry.com - 1790 United States Federal Census

name:

Jno Folk

[Jns Folk]

Township:

Greenwich

County:

Berks

State:

Pennsylvania

Number of Free White Males 16 and Over:

Number of Free White Females:

Number of Household Members:

According to records he served in the Revolutionary War from Bucks Co. PA.

His widow went to live near her brother after his death. Cumberland County region

Children were many, when I started this line I did not record all children in my program.

I do have their names in the Will.

Peter FOLK b 29 June 1773 Lancaster PA ? died 4 April 1823 Rye Township, Perry Co., PA Have picture of tombstones and cemetery behind church. Jean shared with me.

Peter Foulk Sr same person, Cumberland Co PA. Land records, Will Book pg 97 Vol A Perry Co. PA., census and Land Warrant and other data.

Peter's mother was Mary Magdeline Strock Armstrong. so she was previously married we believe. Have Wedding Information also.

Peter's wife was Catherine probably Ohlinger and she is known to be Indian. b 12 July 1774 Bucks Co. PA d 7 June 1844 Rye Township, Perry Co. PA

Now the fun begins:

We descend from two of his children one male one female. Peter and Sarah Elizabeth (jane). and there were 9 more siblings.

Peter JR. was born 25 Jan 1803 Perry Co., PA d 13 Aug 1885 Blackhawk Co. IA marries Susanah (Susan Martin Showalter.

have more data

Sarah Jane ( ELizabeth) FOULK b 28 July 1813 Perry Co PA died 21 March 1860

Peter and Susanah(Susan Foulk JR son {William Henry Foulk} b Somerset Co PA 22 Feb 1846, d 4 Jan Cedar Twp Blackhawk Co. IA

Sarah Elizabeth (Jane) Foulk Myers and John Myers had{ Katherine Myers} b 30 May 1845 Perry Co. PA d 7 June 1922 Cedar Township, Blackhawk Co. IA .

WILLIAM HENRY FOULK AND KATHERINE MYERS wed and had 11 children, Harvey Edward b 18 Oct 1867 wed 19 Oct 1892 Blackhawk Co. IA whom mar Margaret Mae EASTMAN whom had my Grandmother. Victoria Mae (IDA) FOULK

Back in this family is a link to Nancy Meiring's FOLK lineage. I met Nancy and her husband with my son in Ohio

2 November 2011.

WE shared much information. It was a joy and pleasure to meet this lady who has put out Hugs and Mugs for many years and worked as a cohost with me on AOL many years ago in the Golden Gate Forum.

FAMILY RECIPE FRIDAY

2011-11-18T20:46:00.000-08:00

FAMILY RECIPE FRIDAY

O what a great topic. Recipes that family has made, does make and does share.

How many have kept the recipes that their Grandmother or Grandfather shared with them?

Who has the old recipe books printed in the early 1900's?

Do you measure by look or a utensils?

Who has read the old Recipes ie reciepts that families shared?

Butter the size of an egg, flour to measure the same as four eggs,

I have a HOFFMAN Family History book that has mid 1800 recipes.

Snake Bite cure, Headache Cure.

The irony is that some of the recipes are now being considered good for us medically.

Grandma's Chicken Soup, Vinegar and honey, honey for burns, etc.

I could write about many recipes that were used in days of old that are now hot recipes for today.

Thanks for the thought. IF you want an older recipe let me know I can send you some.

Wordless Wednesday-NOT, JONES Will's of Allegany Co. NY

2011-11-16T18:05:00.000-08:00

JONES, CATHARINE                  ALMOND                       NY-2-5-165
JONES, CHESTER D.                 WIRT                         NY-2-7-104
JONES, DANIEL                     ALFRED                       NY-2-6-456
JONES, EMMA                       WELLSVILLE                   NY-2-14-73
JONES, GEMILA N.                  WELLSVILLE                   NY-2-15-430
JONES, GEORGE S.                  AMITY                        NY-2-10-204
JONES, HENRY L.                   WELLSVILLE                   NY-2-15-82
JONES, HIRAM L.                   WELLSVILLE                   NY-2-14-207
JONES, IRA W.                     ALFRED                       NY-2-16-858
JONES, JAMES T.                   BURNS                        NY-2-5-45
JONES, JOHN L.                    CENTERVILLE                  NY-2-10-54
JONES, LEWIS                      WELLSVILLE                   NY-2-8-44
JONES, NOEL                       INDEPENDENCE                 NY-2-4-195
JONES, ZENAS H.                   WELLSVILLE                   NY-2-10-491
JORDAN, ANDREW J.                 WIRT                         NY-2-9-389

Does Anyone out there have a copy of any of these Wills?

I have a copy of NOEL JONES  of Independence

Trying to determine whom was Noel JONES parent and other relationships in area.

I have already found at least four other collateral families that relate to the

JONES line.

Amanuensis Monday -- JONES Reunion Picture about 1930 NY

2011-11-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

1/3 more of picture on another page, sent by Judy Rowe, Sand Lake NY

Friday 11-11-11 Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

In honor of all those who have served, living or dead.

Including our son and my husband and my Uncles, and ancestors.

More Thankful Thursday--- Silas JONES Sr family in NY from RI

2011-11-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Jones Hollow Cemetery recorded by Lorraine Esh sent to Stacy Daniels sent to me.

Jones Hollow Cemetery, Petersburg, NY
Somewhere I have another list given by another researcher.

Jones, Abel d. July, 1835 in his 93^rd yr.

Ruth, wife of Abel d. March 20, 1800 in her 47^th yr

Jones, Allie L. d. 1861 age 1 yr 3 mo. Child or Hannah and Burton

Jones, Arthur H. d. 1882, age 9 yrs, son of Hiram and Hannah Hewitt Jones

Jones, Clover d. Jan 23, 1913

Ella L. d. 1827, wife of Clover A.

Jones, Daniel S, d. 1897 age 67 yr

Jones, Hiram S. d. Mar 13,1883 age 47 yrs

Jones, Thomas A. d. Sept 20,1883 age 58

Hakes, Electa L. d. 1876, age 41 wife of Thomas A. Jones

Jones, Jessie Bell d. age 12 days, dau of T.A. and E. L. Jones

Jones, Timothy d. Oct 4, 1850 age 70

Jones, Walter C. d. 1878 age 3 months son of Arthur C. and Ella Jones

The following markers, not Jones

Doty, Walter J. d Mar 12, 1835 age 35 yrs

Doty, Lucinda, d. Aug 17,1887 wife of E.E. Doty

Hendrick, Alirussed d. 1858 age 26 yrs.

[I also have a listing of other Jones interred in the same cemetery fromhttp://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nyrensse/cemetery.htm SLD] Thanks Stacy

Thankful Thursday,-----Jones Information Found

2011-11-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

Reports of cases in law and equity in the Supreme court of the state of New York, Volume 2.

[It appears that several of the Jones became in arrears for $96.13 for "the yearly rent of [so many] bushels of good clean merchantable winter wheat" to the Van Rensselaers. SLD] Thanks Stacy.

http://books.google.com/books?id=5N5GAQAAIAAJ&dq=abel+jones+rensselaer&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Pages 643-671.
Washington General Term, May, 1848. Hurlbut, Willard, and Hand, Justices.
Van Rensselaer v. Jones. (May 2, 1848)

Page 644.
This was a motion, by the defendant, to set aside the report of a referee. The referee reported that the sum of $96,13 was due to the plaintiff, from the defendant. The facts in the case, and the grounds of the motion, are stated in the opinion of the court, and in the arguments of the counsel.

Page 651.
By the Court, Willard, J. The plaintiff, as devisee of his father, the late Stephen Van Rensselaer, who died in 1839, brought an action of covenant against the defendant, as assignee of the lessees of the said Stephen Van Rensselaer, to recover arrearages of rent which accrued since the death of the said Stephen. The leases, three in number, purported to be executed by the late Stephen Van Rensselaer,of the first part, and one of them by Benjamin Jones. Silas Jones, and Norman Jones of the second part; another by Abel Jones of the second part; and the third by Anna West of the second part. They all bore date in 1793, and were witnessed by two subscribing witnesses, Robert Dunbar, jr. and Thomas L. Witheck. They conveyed certain premises therein mentioned, situate in the county ofRensselaer, in perpetuity, to the respective lessees, "yielding and paying therefor, yearly and every year during the continuance of the grant, unto the said Stephen Van Rens selaer, his heirs and assigns, the yearly rent of [so many] bushels of good clean merchantable winter wheat, to be delivered at the now mansion house of the said Stephen Van Rensselaer, in the town of Watervliet, unless specially directed by the said Stephen Van Rensselaer, his heirs, executors, adninistrators or assigns, to be delivered at some other place. not more than one mile distant from the said mansion house, or the spot where it is now erected, in and upon the first day of January in each year." The number of acres of land and the quantity of wheat are expressed in each lease; and each Iease contains a covenant on the part of the lessee, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, to pay the said rent. Ths declaration contains two counts on each of said leases; the first count charging the defendant to be the assignee of the whole estate of the original lessee in one lease; and the second count charging him to be the assignee of a designated proportional part. The third and fourth counts are of a similar character, upon the second lease; and the fifth and sixth counts are of the like character upon the third lease.

The breach in the several counts is for the non-payment of the rent which fell due in wheat after the death of the said Stephen Van Rensselaer, and after the estate of the lessee became vested in the said defendant by assignment. The plea is first, non est factum as to the said original lessees, in all the said leases; and second, denying that all the estate of the lessees vested in the defendant by assignment; and to the counts charging that a proportional part of the estate, specifying it, vested in the defendant by assignment, the pleas in like manner deny it; also a plea of set off; on all which issues were taken.

"Some brief information on Silas, Abel, Norman, Benjamin JONES and Anna West." SP

Tombstone Tuesday, with regret. Fowlerville MI

2011-11-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

I found a massive well kept cemetery in Fowlerville, MI. I had hoped to wander the grounds and see what I could find.

Alas, there has not been enough time. I know there are many small towns around that are very old and may be holding clues for others.

I do want to say that they have a Livingston County Genealogical Society that meets in Howell on Thurday evening. LDS Church facility. I was thrilled to learn that for the budding genealogist and accomplished both.

The recent post in the Fowlerville News & Notes Oct 23 states that it's next meeting is 3 Nov. They have a theme for that night " Genealogy of a Home". The speaker is from the Library of Michigan and begins at 7 pm. It is open to all whom wish to attend.

Meeting place is Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1041 Grand River in Howell, MI.
A phone to reach someone is: 810- 227-7745.

Here is hoping this is some help for those looking for information with in this local area.

Michigan Monday & Halloween

2011-10-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Michigan Monday and Halloween

Today I read that Bill Smith asked this question regarding how we preceive events so differently yet we all experienced the same event.

First it, depends on one's perspective of the event. Did they go expecting certain things or not expecting any gains?

Second, did they go with high hopes of resolving something and were they met with resistance?

Third, Goes back to the first. We all see an apple tree with apples. One says it has lots of apples, one says it has been partially picked and not many apples, and another may say, I do not see but a few apples.

How we look at the event, situation is what helps us shape how we look at that situation.

A cup is half full and a cup is half empty. Ironic, it is still the same cup.

So Halloween in Michigan is a day of cool beginnings and some sun and some breeze which almost always picks up in the afternoon. The day will end with darkness falling and probably not any trick or treaters since we live in farm country.

It was called Beggar's Night by my Dad and we were not allowed to beg. We could attend parties and functions but not go door to door. I also learn here that the town sets the hours when people can go out to ply their wares.

I just hope that everyone has a good evening and no one is hurt or injured or damaged by those of scrupulous thoughts.

Happy Halloween or Blessed Holy Evening, for it is the night be for All Saint's Day. A mixed holiday of both pagan and christian beliefs.

Friday, Following- Cousin's Found/Shared Information on Silas JONES Kin

2011-10-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Jones, of old Albany, today, Saratoga, Rensealaer Co area of New York.

Suspecting that due to large families there is more than many realize linked to Silas JONES Sr of old
Greenwich, Rhode Island to then Albany, New York. The area is then split into more counties and I suspect kin in at least three if not more counties early. Some day maybe get to play with the other names.

A cousin of distance sent information that was found and shared. Land comes from Van Rensaelaer Patent?
It confirms when we purchased and can establish residency for this area. I have data but it is not all filled in.
Blanks here and there and names sometimes are missing, that is first names are missing for a father and last names, for a couple of mothers.

There are many names mentioned in the papers she copied and sent. Many I am familiar with and have done some research on. A couple of new names that are now confirmed into the family also.

When I have access to mail again I will share the names. I am hoping those whom are looking for kin of Silas JONES Sr family will contact me, regarding any of his siblings or his children.

The Sand Lake Historian was sending papers, Some were helpful some led off to another line of family not mine. They were like the German's they liked to reuse the names over and over and almost every sibling then had a (favorite?) sibling/child named for them.

I understand the JONES CEMETERY has been relocated and there are a few non JONES in Cemetery.
Why not they did marry into other families, of course.

Noel JONES,b abt 1785 NY what was your wife's last name? You had to know it. Was it NOYES?

Susan MADISON JONES b abt1818 who were your parents? I am sure George was a brother or cousin but suspect brother.

Silas JONES Sr how I wish you had, been able to fill out a paper with all your grandchildren listed on it for the family to retain. At least up until the point of your death in 1803?

So bloggers do you have a list of the names of all your grandchildren on it? Since we can not print living people how are the future generations going to know whom was family if you do not have this data somewhere shared and stored. What about married in last names of spouses since they are also living?

The list should go to a library, and each down line child of yours for safe keeping. Families in this day and age scatter as badly as 150 years ago.

Jones kin would you kindly share your, not known where they fit in, information so maybe more of the puzzle pieces can come together.

Wordless Wednesday -- O How I Wish - ALEXANDER OF N.C to Georgia and Arkansas and Texas

2011-10-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

Alexander at this point starts for family in North Carolina. With the use of census we have tracked the direct line back this far and some collateral have helped us learn the mother's first name.

So we start with Mr. ALEXANDER married to a Martha whom is the mother of James Alexander and Grandmother of Charles Alexander.
With these clues we share, The line we are digging is James brother "George Baron DeKalb Alexander".
George was born around 1820 in Georgia, both his parents were born in North Carolina.

George marries 15 Sept 1853 Phillips Co. Ark. to Susan E. Owen. Documented.
George and Susan are in Ark for 1860, Phillips Co. Independence Twp 1860.. p 135 Slave schedule,
1860 Federal Census, lists George ,Susan, Mary 3 and Edward 1, also a William Mason, Carpenter b VA.
Side bar Robinson family just below him and last name of Allen, Allin before him.

1870 Federal Census Hampton, Monroe, Arkansas lists George, Susan and 2 girls 4 & 2 and children from Powel. . Fanny Powell 11, Garland 4 and Ayn 15
Sidebar Owen below

1880 Federal Census Florence, Williamson, TX age 60
Susan middle intial on this census E.
Zula E 14, Annie 12, Sue G 9, Birdie P 5, Charles E. 3 and Charles D 29 (nephew)
occupation is Physician

1900 Federal Census under D G , Justice Precinct,4, Williamson, Texas . Susan E. marr 47 years

1910 Federal Census George Alexander, aged 90 , b GA, father born North Carolina
. mother b North Carolina
Spouse Susan E age 73 lived Snyder Scurry, Texas

Bertie Alexander 31
Z E Coates 42 and Oma Coates 25

George Barron DeKalb Alexander died 5 July 1912 Snyder Texas, Allopath ( Doctor)

By tracking Charles D the nephew to his father we also found George's mothers name to be Martha.

Further Research implies???? Martha was a Robinson and her husband may have been Amzi Alexander
b 1788 Mecklinburg Co. N C Martha Robinson b 1790 Mechlinburg Co. N C.

Looking for anyone researching Amzi Alexander and Martha or anyone researching his parents
Moses Alexander. This last tidbit found on the Alexanders of Georgia site by William Alexander.

Looking for proof that George and James were children of Martha Alexander as census implies.

Amzi Alexander just does not show up any where but story implied that her husband died not an old man.
I found many Martha Alexanders' and no Amzi Alexander on censuses.

Seminar Up Date 24 Sept Event

2011-10-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Seminar Up- Date 24 Sept 2011 Event

Due to my being away. I am referring everyone over to Shirley Becker's Blog page for a report on this seminar we held.

Donna and Anne sounds like you really hit the spot with the attendees. Thanks so much.

http://anowandagain.blogspot.com/2011/09/seminar-news.html

Read and enjoy everyone. You missed a very informative event.

Monday in Michigan 2011 Sept 26

2011-09-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Monday, Michigan 2011 Sept 26

Hello, world, are you still out there? If your are over whelmed and need a break come to Michigan.
The winds blow, the leaves speak, the grass is green. The ponds are low with a need for water.

Have you ever heard the leaves when they speak in Michigan? I recieved two emails today from family members previously not known. Not one, two can you believe. One on the Hoffman/Patton line which I was not aware of but should have been and the other on the Folk, Foulk, Eastman line.

I have asked for help on Uncle Roy Hoffman's family for months and someone finally responds. WHOOPEEE.
I have been blogging a bit about the Foulk /Eastman line once in a while also.

See "Blogging" pays off.

Now, I will share I also found a misplaced niece via her finding my blog. A lost along the way cousin also
got back in touch with me.

Our worlds move so fast, I have changed some things I do when I meet new potential kin.

I give them my name, address and home phone number because so many move and change emails and
phone numbers, the good old address is generally though not always stable. Especially if your looking for
specific information and some one has come forward with some clues and news.

I am enjoying today. I have been here a week. With the help of health better, item from store, the computer that when power stays on I can access some of my mail and files. Google plus HangOut just does not want to work but I can access Google plus and write on my blog a bit.

Someone is sleeping now and that is surely needed. Pictures are next on the agenda.

I took some awesome shots flying into Chicago last week.
Did you know clouds look different on the top verses on the bottom?

Follow Friday also on Saturday

2011-09-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

Having met many new genealogists around the world. I want to share with you about
Ebruce Klemm from Australia. He has finished a book on some of his family also.

Klemms across Australia

Let Ebruce know you found out about him from my Blog, so we know Google + is working.
Thanks enjoy this everyone.

Shopping Saturday -- Found in the Mail JONES

2011-09-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Shopping Saturday----Found in the Mail JONES

I opened up my mail and what to my wondering eyes did appear?
A letter from a query posted quite some time ago regarding my DAD's JONES Family.

As I collect all the cousins and the uncles and the aunts, here is hoping the unknown JONES
in my file will have a name. We have it narrowed down to two names but due to close in births,
and not enough data found we are not sure which was the father.

Letter tells us Silas JONES Sr was the Grandfather but not whom was the father.

You know, You start a letter Dear son, way back then, Dear Don is how I write today.
But then we also learn the letters were shared with other family members in the community at the
time and they would have to guess who was original reciever. tee hee

So by timeline and letter and other family bits and pieces, court records, land records, yes, cattle brand and
other information we are down to 2 sons of Silas Jones Sr.

The real upside of this message was they moved to Michigan and created history of their own.
Archibald JONES, Benzie County, MI, "The Man Who Pulled the Plug at Crystal Lake".

This is in Frankfort Co. so the map says. Almost directly north of my son in Fowlerville.

So this makes me wonder,"Do you have letters that were addressed, "Dear Son" or"Dear Daughter" instead of the real name? I even saw in Mom's letters one that said Dear Niece to my MOM.

Ah but I know whom that was.

Follow Friday Romania Genealogy

2011-09-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Following Friday Tracking Genealogists around the World.

Romanian Genealogy, They are really working on their genealogy history. Met a
man from Romania last night whom shared all kinds of good news. Glad to hear other countries are
working on Genealogy.

Iceland thanks to a family we met from there we learned about how Iceland is helping their
people research and track down their family.

Netherlands are working on their genealogy also.

Ireland some can go back 10 generations on the female side. Now that is a feat. Struggling I hear on the male lineage.

Some countries are far more active in research activities than I ever dreamt.

Hurray for the peoples of the world who care whom they are and what their ancestral
lines are that made them who they are.

Side bar is today sorting many books we found one that had lots of data on
a famous Indian lady and it seems the other person with me is also related very potentially to this
famous Indian lady. Woooeeeeee maybe three in our society. On the other side of the country too.

Can not understand why people aren't leaping all over the seminar to learn more Indian knowledge because their dead end or brick wall may be related to the Indians or to the Scot or to the Irish people whom came to this country early.

Of course the Indians came way before the others.

Wordless Wednesday=NOT but an Observation GOOGLE +

2011-09-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday==== Not but an Observation Genealogists Become Heads Up

As Google+ expands and contracts and shifts and splinters, I have been able to observe humans in the
most interesting of forms. I have met young and old and old and young. Many people of many professions are within these hallowed halls. Remember this area is in Beta Testing. Some days the Longest Hang Out is up to snuff and others you can not stay in the room or chat or share. Funny things are still happening there. But the people you meet are worth the time spent there.

Photography is breathtaking, advise shared and freely given. Bloggers and their ideas and thoughts are
expounded on. The news from around the world takes on a new dimension. ( I think for the better).

The technical powered peoples here that share their knowledge freely and explained so this lay person can grasp or almost grasp it all. Even technical people are learning from technical people. The interaction between the humans is so refreshing. There is hope for this human race.

We have talked of good and bad foods, diets, and well being methods to be come healthier. Some really great talks happen on this topic with some very interesting people giving their knowledge and exposure to what the changes have brought for them. Talk about a quiet advertising campaign.

The biggest thing I have seen and found is: people from all over the world walk through these doors, from Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, France, Sweden, Germany, UK, Scotland, Ireland, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Bahama's, Puerto Rico, Iceland, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Nigeria, Zambia, Israel, Palestine, NewFoundland, Russia, China, Bahrain, India, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, Columbia, Peru, several islands in the Bahamas, Trinidad, and the list goes on.

What is amazing is the ability to share and communicate via English, broken or British, or google translate.

The man from Russia who shared knowledge about a family name I had given up hope of every learning anything about. The lady in southern Germany who gave a synopsis of the surname I am tracking in my husbands line. She was of a linguist background.

The neat GOOGLE+ Longest Hang Out, friend Moritz who found my husband's name in his
local phone book and shared with me.

Those of us who started early like day one have become like a family with in the system. Helping those
who ask and sharing with others and hoping expanding the horizons of humanity to discover we
really are one peoples.

If the HangOut ever changes I hope it is moved to the title of International Welcome Room. For everyone to learn to about each other and share. Daily life, recipes, education, work and the fun of learning about each other.

Sentimental Sunday==== 9/11 Rebound

2011-09-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

Randy Seaver said in his Saturday Night Fun Game that we should tell what we remember and were doing on 9-11.

Well, I was just getting to the computer to start my east coast 9 am chat. The members in the room
said "Susi, is your tv on?" I said,"no" and they said," I must turn it on fast. "

I must say I a stood in horror at what I was seeing. I could tell what was going to happen and had
no way to stop it. Just like watching an accident about to and happen.

Then my mind kicked in as to who was where. Then I heard a plane was out there and headed to
WDC. My heart went wild, for family was there. Then they later said the plane was out there headed
west and was turning around to come back on the capitol.

The plane hit the Pentagon, I had a adopted son there and my daughter in law had a sister there.
I had cousins there. God blessed us we had no deaths. We did have much heart ache.

My daughter called to say her boss's children were in the Twin Towers. Agonizing we waited to
to learn they were late for work, 2 checking in and one still on the way. We still have them.

I knew my son was headed there that day. I called my daughter in law he was on way to airport and
she got in touch with him and he was headed back home since the airports then were being closed down.

My son had many business events in these buildings. Thankfully for forgetting a tool, being late and
being in the right place at that time for what God had in store, we survived.

Our family still felt the brunt of the horror of the event. I know have family members whom do not
want to fly. I think it is safer now than ever been.

I also think it is really not our decision when it is our turn. Can we postpone and put off this
death, I am not sure. We all say," don't jay walk", "don't drink and drive". They all make sense but
this really says," Walk on the Right side", and "be prepared" for we know not when we will not be here.

May all the people affected whether a helper, a neighbor, fireman, police officer or general John Q Public be blessed to recover from what is not recoverable.

Surname Saturday -- more on Pentico variant to Benninghove /Bennighoff

2011-09-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

Well as I wait for family to get well, I will chat a bit about some more recent news we received.

Long ago and far away, gee, you ever hear that before, yes way over there in Pennsylvania
around 1800, plus or minus a year a birth happened.

That was enough to start a major journey across the state and into the mid west region by many.
Some are known relatives, and many were unknown relations.

After 50 plus years of research and back to basic bare bones research, Mary and I started over.
We started with what we could prove. Not what we were told or heard but the bare fact of a census.
Yesk a census, the ever not to be trusted document, but it was closer to the truth than the family story.

The 1830 census shows John Pentico in residence with wife and children. JerseyShores, Lycoming
County, Pennsylvania.
http://service.ancestry.com/image/image.aspx?f=ex&t=dBSIAaXewpNxpW2yBr-jceINGR8O4ZJKS Williams

1830 census Lycoming Jersey Shore, PA

2 1- -- 1 ------------1

Jacob Young beneath John Pentico His wife was a Young

jacob Plantz beneath him Ironic but kin on my side.

Census has name same rather Ironic, papers do not. Land and other records indicate name variant of Penticoff.

Alas, he has moved in 1840 and in same region in 1850. Then Scott Co. IA in 1857.

1840 Burnside Clearfield Co PA

1850 Burnside Clearfield Co PA

Name:

John Pentico

Age:

Estimated Birth Year:

abt 1801

Birth Place:

Pennsylvania

Gender:

Male

Home in 1850 (City,County,State):

Burnside, Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Family Number:

1542

Household Members:

Name	Age
John Pentico	49
Catherine Pentico	44
John Pentico	20
Henney Pentico	18
Simon Pentico	15
Peter Pentico	13
Susannah Pentico	12
Matthew Pentico	10
Catherine Pentico	6

Now next to him is the NEFF's, YINGLINGS and potential other kin.

The page before has much more family listed for interlinkings. YOUNG, Rorabaugh, McQuillin etc.

1857 Pleasant Valley, Scott Co IA death

Tracking name variants in other papers and family stories did not help much but we did learn his name was probably

Penticoff type spelling. So who were his parents? Did he wander far from home? We did not think so, no idea why just didn't seem to fit the mold his data gave us.

So we did a search for any name in region of Lycoming Co that would sound like PENTICOFF PENTICUFF PENTICOPE.

WE found about 20 miles away the Benninghoff family and they also have all these variants in their lineages.

They also have a few holes that needed filled. So YDNA was in order. YDNA gave us answers.

Watch for follow up.

Follow Friday-

2011-09-09T14:52:00.001-07:00

A great site for Scottish Information

Post a new tidbit daily.

Genealogy Tips Tricks & Tidbits

Enjoy

Wordless WEdnesday=== It was Not

2011-09-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday it was Not.
Probably better had it been.

Wordless Wednesday come again
Round the table words did spin

Wordless Wednesday it is done
Putting words to bed and having fun.

Tombstone Tuesday - Pentico

2011-09-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Mystery Monday--Census Reports and History Books

2011-09-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Mystery Monday--- Census Reports and History Books

As I was chatting with a friend, I heard another say," the History book says that he was a farmer and a lay pastor, the census says a Farmer. What am I to believe?"

I will share a story told me by a distant kin of mine in Greene Co PA whom is related to these story people, mentioned here in.

It seems we had a Mr. Gallentin, who was a farmer, he was also a statesmen, and a certain dignitary from Europe had come to see him. Mr. Gallentin, Gallentine was out in the field plowing to prepare to start another crop to grow. The European was flabbergasted, is what the written dialogue says in an antique scrap book.

I also thought when I first started research that the Census records were accurate, after all they were
government records. But as I wrote to family (distant) and read history books and talked with more and more collateral kin I learned that the data put on the census page just may not truly reflect what a person
did in the 1790, 1800, 1820,1830, 1840, & 1850's. It may not reflect what we do today either.

Then the Census changed more information was written more names were shared and many times you could fine the linking families next door following the full families names and occupations.

With inheriting 17 letters written in 1850's to 1880's, I was able to learn even more about some of
my ancestors.

Henry( b1803)Huffman later changed to HOFFMAN was a man of much character. He built bridges, barns, homes, churches, covered bridges and a freestanding spiral staircase.

This man hired the neighbor to come care for his crops and set out to walk to Waynesburg for a court hearing in the early light of a morning. Reaching Waynesburg and learning the court case was canceled, he ate his packed lunch and headed back home getting there about the time the neighbor started to feed the animals for him. This was a man of major character. He lived in the WindyGap, Aleppo area.

This man also had a huge orchard and grew many different fruits but mostly, varieties of apples.
The growing of apples fascinated him and was the reason he had so many types.
These were sold at market to help cover expenses during the winter months, in his notes.

I was blessed with a copy of the write up in the paper about the staircase in a relatives home.

So when I am asked who was Henry Huffman later Hoffman I do not answer what the census said.
Yes, he was a farmer, but farming was necessary to have food and survive, but to build the freestanding
staircase and to build the other buildings he was really an architect of some dimensions.

When family talks about someone, listen to what is being said. As I slowly work through files and
I find more and more relatives were farmers by need and business people, tradesmen and lay ministers
and not mentioned as such in the census.

Society Saturday-- Chula Vista Genealogical Society

2011-09-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

Society Saturday is Today

We are meeting at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library, Bonita, CA 1-3 p m

Pennsylvania Research is the name of the game.

Here is a list of urls for Pennsylvania Researchers to share.

http://www.pagenweb.org/

http://www.pagenweb.org/map/index.html

http://www.mdgenweb.org/

http://www.ctgenweb.org/

http://www.ctgenweb.org/county/conewlondon/research.html

http://vagenweb.org/

http://www.wvgenweb.org/

http://www.pacivilwar.com/

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~xander/pennsylvania-genealogy.htm

http://www.paspanishamericanwar.com/

http://www.pa-roots.com/

The Pennsylvania State Archives:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_archives/2887

Pennsylvania County Maps and Atlaseshttp://

www.pennsylvania.n2genealogy.com/pa-maps.html

Pennsylvania Sessions Laws: http://www.palrb.us/

http://www.fold3.com/ Formerly Footenote.

relativefinder.com/.webloc enjoy this one.

http://networkedblogs.com/l7cXU

http://www.deadfred.com/

Interment.net.webloc

http-//www.lib.virginia.#2644A7

http://stevemorse.org/

http://www.ohio.n2genealogy.com/oh-maps.html

http://www.doi.gov/tribes/tre-ancestry.cfm

www.greatmigration.org.webloc

http://politicalgraveyard.com/

Familysearch.org

Gen Soc of PA- Pennsylva#255E04

http://www.mapsofworld.com/germany/germany-political-map.html

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/

http://www.google.com/maps?q=pennsylvania&layer=c&ll=39.949181,-75.149953&cbll=39.949181,-75.149953&photoid=po-5599572&z=5&ei=YjhiTrGTHafFsQKwlfyLCg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=photo-link&cd=1&resnum=4&ved=0CE4Q8wEoADAD

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCwQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPennsylvania&ei=YjhiTrGTHafFsQKwlfyLCg&usg=AFQjCNHuxkiTPdv8vvqja3XhQnd6iv8zFw

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDkQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpa.gov%2F&ei=YjhiTrGTHafFsQKwlfyLCg&usg=AFQjCNH1NeM3NlW_IpJVCUq2r0JeCuJkFg

Pennsylvania Dutch Country in Lancaster County PA | Amish ...

www.padutchcountry.com/ - Cached

Official site. Includes attractions, activities and calendar of events with information on lodging, restaurants, Amish culture, and shopping. Free visitors guide ...

http://www.pennsylvania-mountains-of-attractions.com/pennsylvania-facts.html

Pennsylvania

www.deathindexes.com/pennsylvania/index.html - Cached

30+ items – A directory of online Pennsylvania death records indexes listed ...

◦ • Beaver County: Beaver Cemetery Burials

◦ • Bedford County Historical Society: Pioneer Library Obituary Index

◦ • Cambria County: Grandview Cemetery Burials (Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Joe Beine shared this

www.ushistory.org/pennsylvania/ - Cached

Tracing the Tribe: The Jewish Genealogy Blog:Pennsylvania: Jewish ...

tracingthetribe.blogspot.com/2008/.../pennsylvania-jewish-history.ht..

http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_history/4276

Pennsylvania: History, Geography, Population, and State Facts ...

www.infoplease.com › United States › States - Cached

Information on Pennsylvania — economy, government, culture, state map and flag, major cities, points of interest, famous residents, state motto, symbols, ...

Thankful Thursday, FamilyTreeYdna.com Pentico-Pentycofe-Benninghoff

2011-09-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am so thankful for this agency and the work they do. Also we are thankful that distant family
shared YDNA with us regarding our potential relationship.

The results are in, after 50 + years of research, we have a real clue to the origin of my children's
lineage from their fathers side.

I did the paper trail and again was missing a generation. Common Sense finally kicked in and I
realized that I was looking at a clue and not seeing it.

Gee, you ever look at data and not see the information? I am sure we all have. We see something
we expect but we do not see what is so in front of our face, ie eyes.

Taking the family story and printing it, credit goes to a distant cousin from Missouri. Not accepting the
left papers at her death my error.

She had a small group of papers where their data sent in did not match everyone else story.

How I wish I had, had the foresight to ask for those 28 letters that did not fit the 100+ others.
It would probably have resolved this issue in the 1970's.

If relatives read this I hope they still have them in storage somewhere. I know these people are long
since gone. The letters were written in the 1920's & 1930s. Yes, I know there is kin still alive from these
peoples.

She did the book with the data from the 100+ and I suspect the 28 had the facts straight or closer.
No offense meant or implied, just what recent research has brought to the front.

Yes John was born in Pennsylvania and we suspect and can about lay to rest that his father was only
about 20 miles down the road, which fits into the normal. But the name was a variant that we did
not have in our group. We knew it was changed and we knew John also changed it again coming to
Iowa.

What brought this about was the information supplied by the Family Tree Ydna we had done. Also
what another distant cousin in Missouri had done then a potential distant cousin in Pennsylvania
contributed. I am sure that Bryon's ancestor and ours share the same father. If not it would only be one
more generation back. I will bump the tests up to the Missouri level but do not think we need it.

Paper trail also indicates we slide into a empty hole in their lineage for the Benninghoff family.
Our family has just grown, better yet Google + has given me the ability to locate kin in Germany
with the help of Germany's Google+ Moritz Tolxdorff. Also to the lady who gave me the linguistic
data about this family name. Lost her name on my desk top.

Tech Tuesday---- Google + Longest HangOut- Genealogy

2011-08-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

Google+ and the Longest Hangout has been an exciting place to visit for the last several weeks.
Why you ask? Because of the knowledge the other guests have and that they share freely and willingly.

I might add also very patiently with me. You think it's my white and grey hair? No, I told them I can
talk Car Repair and lots of things but what I know about computers is basically self taught.

You can imagine my delight when I was able to share about the Flip Pal Mobile Scanner. I watched this product in use at a Seminar in Hemet in February. It is on my MUST HAVE, list.

I have found other products on the market that have most of these features but not the stitch for doing
really large documents.

I have a 1798 Land Deed that is approximately 2' x 2' 1/2. To share this with others I would need the
stitch feature.

They in turn shared with me about a Cloud for saving your information off your computer safely.
One was to be seen here and it is a La Cie product which pleases me because I have one back up
system from them and have used them in the past.

WualaTV's Channel - YouTube
This explains it far better than I can.

There are many great photographers that will share information and knowledge about camera's and
settings, and absolutely fascinating is that a cell phone can create pictures as beautiful and clear
as what has been shared with us. Mortiz those pictures were just excellent and now I am thinking
of maybe that is the type of cell phone I want instead of what I was thinking about.

I carry a camera with me everywhere. I have witnessed accidents, and seen beautiful scenes that
with camera on the shelf at home I would have missed.

These Google + people have shared about: Archeology, Astronomy, Photography, Storage
Implementations, Family Histories, time for around the world(We really need that when globally
Communicating), (worldtimeserver.com), Weathermen, News reporting ( Eric Chilton), Concert
Creators(Michael Nast), and of course I must mention Johnathan, the best friend of Andy Olsen
the Google+ HangOut has. Yes, there are other moderators and all are equally as important taking
turns keeping things running smoothly around the clock. Pete, Wesley, Dan, Ashley, Mark, Phillip,
Matt, Russ and others that are there when I am not visiting and sharing.

I must not forget the great Google Translator tool.
Tools - Google Translate

I want to say a big thanks to Jason Gabriel for assisting all of us when we were tracking Hurricane
Irene north through the states with the great urls he was able to share and we could keep posted
on the happenings.

Robert K. thanks also for the explaining how to use some of the information. Maybe this next
week we can work more on genealogy. Wanda it is great to have another genealogist in sharing
in the chat.

Having shared many a link with newbies and old timers alike. Some having success and being
excited to find information they did not know was there. familysearch.org, usgenweb.org, &
rootsweb.com( which changes to ancestry but is the free rootsweb area).

Myself, was able to talk to a lady in lower Germany and she put a family name in a program she
had and could tell me what areas I needed to search in Germany to track that name.

Yes, she shared the link with me.

Come join us on Google+HangOut and maybe we can help you get started whether it be
Genealogy, Technology help, WebPage work, and I bet they have the knowledge to help
give you clues to start your own business, in many computer related fields.

More Mobile Monday--- Genealogists may Love this.

2011-08-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

.

WualaTV's Channel - YouTube

This may be the total answer for cloud storage and file sorting. I also note it is a LaCie producted.

Was very impressed by the presentation given last night It also encrypts the information so others can not utilize or steal it.

Do check it out in case it may help with another method of cloud storage.

Mobile Monday===Technical Stuff for Genealogists I found

2011-08-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was so excited to learn some new programs for storage and separation of documents.

I am going to have to set and really work on this because it sounds like a genealogists dream for use.

It was shared by a business professional yesterday for us to try.

Zotero | Home

I shared the information about Flip-Pal, they had not heard of this which surprised me.

Attempted to utilize this one and not successful yet.

http-//www.mikogo.com/

So today is a working on Mobile Monday.

Surname Saturday---- Found blogger's & Genealogists via Google+

2011-08-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

As I am working on the Longest Hang Out on Google+, I have met more than 150 genealogists from around the world.

Some of these people are American's in other places. Many are peoples of other lands that speak English,
and share their knowledge with me. Some do not speak English but we use Google Translator to communicate.

It has been an exciting adventure and a major learning experience for me.

I am wanting to tell you what Iceland is doing for their country and their genealogists families.

I want to share with you the delving in Mexico and in France, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland,
the Netherlands, Ghana, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Russia, Poland, Cambodia, China( albeit a different name), Ireland, Scotland, England, Portugal, Palestine, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the list goes on.

Some are just starting, some have already written books and want to know about publishing. I think they are in the right place to learn about publishers. We have shared the types of programs we use whether we are P C or MaC users.

It is amazing the little countries that I have heard from doing research, Kenya and Ghana, and a couple more small countries in Africa. I can not even remember all the names.

I will share our Icelandic friends are so lucky. I will do a separate blog on what I learned about them.

Many in England and border regions of those countries, have awesome tales to tell. They share freely and
willingly.

I look forward to when we may have a room for genealogists to hang out in and chat from around the
world.

With this being the LONGEST HANGOUT on Google+ we have been on around the clock for
38 days 21 hours and 28 minutes and 54 seconds right now. There by we are meeting and greeting
people from around the world. We catch them going to bed and we catch them getting up.

I am swapping recipes with a family in Brazil. Hoping to master my Spanish pronouciation better with Sane from Mexico. Sharing lots of data with Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, England, Finland, and the list goes on.

More to come..

Follow Friday 2 New blogs to follow

2011-08-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

Interview with Jon Acuff: How to Be a Quitter

This person writes some interesting stuff that we can apply to our genealogy research.

We want to Network with you!

This is another one with great short posts that are full of information.

Those Places Thursday Waynesburg, PA

2011-08-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

A Trip of a Lifetime

A trip of a lifetime it so far, has become. I was planning five year spaces in between visits.
Now I would have to come for six months to make up the difference and so many great cousins
have gone across the divide.

It was a whirlwind 2+ weeks and shared amongst genealogists, newly met friends, and found distant
cousins.

Some of these people I had talked to for years on the phone, corresponded by mail with and started doing computer talk with.

Mildred Russell, and her two sisters were most gracious and interesting. I only met Kate in real life.
Mildred and I talked for hours some times about family. She died before I could arrive at her home.

Eva Patterson, Jacob Huffman and Kate, married to Ray Santee, were fun to share stories with and time.
We wandered through photographs and memory lane, several different days. A great side story came
from one of our evening visits.

I had to make a choice talk to the living information access or dig in more terrific books in their Library.
It was not even a choice. Ruth you and your husband were an absolutely joy to share time with. I see you sharing and caring at the Library. I am sorry that Howard is not with us any more.

Between the hospitality of cousin Helen Durbin and Eva Patterson I was able to stay long enough to really get to understand their ways of life and how the past had been.

The funny thing was, they kept saying I must have been there before because my language and manners
matched theirs. My Grandfather spoke the same way as did my Mom. Some things I guess are a bit
ingrained. We laughed at how 100 years did not break the chain. Grandad had been brought here
when he was five with his father Franklin Hoffman. His father was Sanford.

We shared cocoa and cookies and banana bread, home made of course, until 4:30 a m one morning.

We swapped many stories that ran along the same veins even if not in the same state.

My were they amazed I knew what bread and milk dessert was. Mom did not let us children put coffee in it but I still have a cup at night once in a long while.

The foods were the same and most recipes were constant. Pretty amazing I think that the family kept a grasp on their lineage enough to not alter recipes and change stories to make more glamourous or less.

Another side bar was a cousin in San Diego came into the library on one of those days there and
we did not even know of each other before then.

Vicki Porter Adams, Thanks for all the encouraging words to go see this country and meet kin. You were a true friend and an awesome cousin. I miss our late night adventures.

I got to meet LLoyd Roupe and many other relatives that were related to me. I can not say enough for the genealogist that helped me to gain access to the great documents and data that I as able to retrieve.

That is also another story. Will share more names and places and faces soon.

Monday Madness, Tuesday Scramble and Wednesday not Wordless

2011-08-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

Monday Madness was the receiving of some awesome news on the HUFFMAN -HOFFMAN lineage.
I think they have found John 's Will, the father of John, George, Henry, Margaret, Mary and others.

Now to stay calm until it arrives that is the madness part.

Tuesday's news was just as enticing, more information on my HOFFMAN-HUFFMAN lineage.

I listen to the young ones who say they can not wait, they want instant gratification and I remember
writing a letter, sending in the mail with stamps and envelope for reply and waiting and waiting.

The computer can spoil one. But obviously more data has surfaced on this family. I also have
learned to look deeper and trust intuitiveness when doing research. I used to toss it out as rubbish.

I did an evaluation of the ways I have successfully gotten information. Ironically, hard work always pays
off in some form sooner or later. But checking my files says that intuitiveness has given me more
results than average probably.

It is like when the hairs on my arms stand up, I know something is up. When I go researching at the
libraries, I have a goal in mind and try to stick to it. But sometimes an aisle calls or a book says "Check
Me." It is interesting that I always come up with something not expected.

Do you think my ancestors are speaking to me? I absolutely do believe that. Hank JonesI need to send
you more stories.

Wordless Wednesday it is not because today, I found some of the older generation of family and
even had someone that offered to copy and send me some Wills. I told her I owe her a steak dinner.
She did not want payment.

Wondering if my blogging on them woke them up to help me.??????

Surname Saturday-----Sanford Hoffman born Huffman

2011-08-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sanford HOFFMAN was born 24 Nov 1834. Greene Co., Pennsylvania. We are know he lived in the Aleppo area. Parents: Henry HUFFMAN/HOFFMAN and Elizabeth HIGGINS HOFFMAN.

He served in the Civil War, a West Virginia unit with is brother. He worked as a lay minister during the war according to family letters. He did the same when he moved to IOWA.

He married Rachel Plants, daughter of George Plants b1803 -1887 & Catherine Stollar Plants. (Plantz)
Rachel was born 25 October 1836 in Greene Co., PA.

Their first child Priscilla b 1858 d 1862, is buried at Windy Gap Cemetery, Aleppo, PA near her Grandparents, two Aunts and 1 Uncle, and several cousins. This cemetery has much of the family in it. Though I have not been able to connect all the names to this family. I have pictures of most of this Cemetery. I run out of film on the last 12 stones.

He was of the United Brethern Faith in Pennsylvania and worked as farmer and lay minister.

According to his letters he was in Ft. Laramie, Wyo for part of the war. That is how he knew he wanted to move to Iowa after the war. He had to pass through it on the way there and back ( noted in a letter by him).

My direct line Franklin Cornelius Hoffman walked behind the wagon herding the cows and with a dog when they came to Iowa.

Rachel Plants HOFFMAN. Sanford's wife. His cousin married her sister, and ties us to the HECK's that are my husband's life long friend and childhood, neighbor. See how small the world becomes.

Follow Friday -----More Huffman/Hoffman Report

2011-08-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

More Huffman/ Hoffman Report

Having left in the middle of the story some non identified people I thought I should add them here.

Henry Huffman dcd winter 1811 probate 1812 Jan had marriage to Mary Prather/Provator, she had a child.
A female. Many think she is first husband's child but there is mini data out there that she is Henry's daughter. They even had a major situation over land when she was an adult. Which was before he died.

After the parting of the ways between Henry and Mary he went to the Berkeley VA area and found a new woman to start a family with. ( that topic is a story of it's own.)

Catherine (Catrouch) Fry became his consort and these children were born in VA: Nancy whom mar a Stewart, Phillip 1784 VA, female, Jacob 1797,
born in Pennsylvania Joseph b 1801( Helen's line), m Sarah Hunt
Henry b1803 (my line) m Elizabeth HIggins da of Joseph Higgins and Mary Henderson(?)Higgins
female, Reason m to Mary Jewell1805. We believe we are missing at least one more daughter.( another story)

Abraham Fry is Catrouch father. Family implies her mother was Indian and there for no marriage record to be found. ( I have not delved into this matter yet).

So we know he had two families proven. Rumor implied he had earlier family before Mary P.Total conjecture at this point in my files. But his age implies it was very possible.

Also the area was originally known as Westmoreland Co when the first records of them being in area surface. This was later changed to Washington Co when it was created. Again at the creation of Greene
County the family is now in another area. Yes they moved around with in these earlier areas.

I have a land Deed with JOHN HOFFMAN on it in my possession. This being as near as my studies tell me would have to be the father, not the son John. It is a very large document, very old, very brittle almost.

Henry's brother George died a few years later and they both owned land in Ohio at the time of their deaths.
It is believed that the brother Jacob had land in Ohio and was already living there. not proven.

Nancy, Philip, Jacob(?) all had moved to Ohio by the 1820's. Remembering this land was now in full possession of the Pennsylvanians and they did not want to live in PA and were true Virginians.

Many of their cousins had already moved into Ohio and some into Kentucky.

If you think you may be related via: HUFFMAN, HOFFMAN, STEWART, HENDERSON,
HUNT, HIGGINS, JEWELL, & FRY/FRYE.

PLEASE DO CONTACT ME. Our Family Histories SusiCP@cox.net

Those Places Thursday Hoffman-Huffman VA MD PA

2011-08-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

Those Places Thursday

Hoffman a form of Huffman, Houghman/Hufmen etc. This name obviously came from Germanic Region of the world. Our's came fairly early by some standards.

First thing to remember is the spelling HUFFMAN did not exist in Germanic region of the world until after the 1800's. Much later really than early 1800's.

Henry whose picture you seen in the post before wrote, he learned via his son ( via school) that the spelling Huffman did not exist in Germany the spelling was HOFFMAN. Some areas the spelling was HOFFMANN.

For my part of this great name I have not found a related HOFFMANN yet but spelling is not everything in doing research.

Ironically, having down a YDNA of this marvelous name we have not found other Hoffman - Huffman researches that have had their YDNA done that match.

Many years ago Germanna Colony contacted me thinking we were their missing link. I often wondered if that was the case but was unable to follow up at that time.

Now to fire up the old computer and look at all the files, 100's of files on Huffman/Hoffman. It is really probably thousands of files. I have books written by various down line collateral cousins on my shelf. I have a couple of CD's also.

What I do know is Those Places have created an adventure of travel on line, by book, by phone, by car, by plane to find the answers.

I found doing my research on the west coast, brought up discrepancies on the east coast already believed accurate linages. Much published in many books as fact, and later learned by Wills, Deeds, Probates, Bibles and Cemetery Data to be a little shy of total truth. Family stories over time tend to get wrinkles in them at times.

I believe when you hear a family story you should immediately write it down. Listen to see if others promote the same and then set out to prove or disprove. For when I started( I did not have those stories by being raised on the west coast) away from the home stomping grounds for many generations.

By learning land laws I could prove Henry Huffman was not of the age many implied. Must be 18 to own land in Virginia. George was his brother not his father. Both men left this area of where land transaction took place and moved to other regions of the land. Henry sold that land in 1805 as a resident of Greene Co Pa.

This Henry HUFFMAN was my Henry Huffman (changed to Hoffman)'s father. I wish I had a picture of the senior Henry, but so grateful to have two pictures of Henry b 1803 one younger one older both

also have had Elizabeth's picture taken also

Sr Henry Huffman died winter of 1811. Probate records were Jan 1812, Greene Co PA. A tax receipt says he was born in Maryland. I have found nothing more to clarify that except that there was a

major Huffman estate that straddled the Potomoc River, which olde timers referred to as homestead.

He lived in Morris township for a period of time and suspect he is buried there because his wife married

what was his neighbor Frederick Loughman about 1815-1818. Still looking for marriage records.

This Henry Huffman I have not found one yet.

He was first married to Mary Pravotor (PRATHER) though we think married to someone in Va before the marriage here in PA. conjecture still. 1 child a daughter,

Much dispute over her parentage. Calendars help to settle some of the dispute.

Henry had brother's John, George, Jacob and we believe Peter. John Loos wife Margaret is probably one of his sisters or she was an Aunt.

I have found that Rudolph is probably a cousin if not a brother. I hope a YDNA test is done because they carry the same genetic traits we do in our lines proven back to 1712.

Henry was in Greene Co as a Frontier Ranger in the 1770's and 17780's, possibly before then. He served in the Rev War under two different units. At the time of Mildred's Russell's death she had in her possession his musket, his Rev War Hat and a bible. When things were auctioned off with out the Will being found and I was not notified of her death to tell them where to find it. Much of this was lost. I did not get a call until her sister took sick and needed help.

The musket, hat and bible disappeared. The bible was to go to me. She had many bibles of various family members and they sat and tore pages out of the Bibles because the aucioneer was going to auction them off. I won't talk about that person. It broke my heart. I wonder if the Musket still where she had put it. This is first hand information I received when I arrived in Greene Co in the early 1990's.

A cousin found a letter in his Great Aunt's trunk in Ohio that stated John was these boys father and his father's name was also John. I have read that letter and can put you in touch with the holder there of.

I believe it was dated about 1832 or 1838.

So this family has been in many places in the Mid Atlantic region and my family migrated to Iowa then Wyo and then west over a period of time.

But not all Huffman's did. :>)

Wordless Wednesday-(not)-----Henry HOFFMAN- Elizabeth H.

2011-08-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

This is an early picture of Henry and Elizabeth Higgins HOFFMAN. Henry was born and went to school using the name Huffman as the family had done for several years. But many years later, a child of his came home from school with information that HUFFMAN did not exist in Germany and the correct spelling was HOFFMAN. He immediately changed his spelling to be able to get just his mail, not his cousins, nephews and other relatives using same name in his area. I have copy of letter in my files.

Henry was born 29 October 1803 in Greene Co. Pennsylvania, his father was Henry HUFFMAN mother Catrouch FRY(Catherine).
Elizabeth Higgins was born 16 May 1809 supposedly Greene Co. PA her father Joseph HIGGINS
mother probably was Mary HENDERSON. partial proven would love more data.

Henry and Elizabeth moved around a bit within the county. Henry was raised in the northern area near Washington Co. and they was in Aleppo area the last years.

Her father was near West Virginia border, sorta flexing back and forth.

Henry died 15 Sept 1879 Aleppo, Greene Co. PA He designed a spiral staircase never used before that stood until 1992. I have the newspaper clipping. It was a freestanding staircase. He lists himself a farmer on the census, But if you read his letters, he build barns, bridges, churches, houses and this unique
staircase.

She is a descendant of Richard Higgins from England and a descendant of Pocahantus through the Stout line married into the Higgins line.

Married 9 April 1826 Greene Co. Pennsylvania

The parents of 14 living (known) children. 2 died very young. I descend from the son Sanford

Mondays Mix --Tuesday Fix

2011-08-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Monday's Mix, Hopefully it will be a Tuesday Fix.

I posted a dilemma on the FOLK FOULK etc lineage. A cousin quickly responded with data to clear up some of the confusion now if the other researchers work with us maybe we can get the rest of the links straightened out. I have some data to share with others also.

I did most of the data search in the days before computers. Lots of actual paper files: Land, Will, Church, family letters etc.

So my day of Mix slowly becomes a Tuesday Fix. Nance I think your line is in book Betsey sent me.
I have to take time to sort and realign that data with our data to verify. It will take some time.

So today seems fine.

Also attended the CVGS Picnic at the Bonita Library. Highland Games were played and Linda Seaver won. Then I visited Virginia and she is doing well, Rehab is working.

Came home to a great BBQ Steak dinner and worked more on this Folk-Foulk- Fulk- Faulk
files.