Reflecting on Genealogy

Wyatt Scrapbook - The Bible Defended

2012-02-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of the few items in the scrapbook that mentions Laurine Wyatt. In what I believe was a short play presented by the John L. Hill B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young Peoples Union), she was cast in the role of a shop girl. Perhaps because she was a shop girl at Tinsley’s department store? Several of the surnames in the program are familiar from THE FIDELIAN, the class paper of the Fidelis Bible class of the First Baptist Churc

“JOHN L. HILL B.Y.P.U

September 14, 1930

6:45 P.M.

THE BIBLE DEFENDED

in a

COURT OF JUSTICE

INTRODUCTION - Leola Schneider

COURT SCENE

DEFENDANT - Holy Bible

Angel - Ila Joyner

Magistrate - Frank H. Leavell

Prosecutor - Leola Schneider

The Spirit of Love - Bobbie Chambers

Witnesses

Education - Mrs. R. B. Brantley

Mother and Child - Mrs. W. O. Gray,

Mary Elizabeth Brantley

Business Man - C. E. Wood

Art - Elizabeth Denmark

Peasant Woman - Lucille Burgess

Science - R. B. Brantley

Shop Girl - Laurine Wyatt

A Passer-By - W. J. Issacs

Music - Mrs. Margaret Smith

An Industrial Worker - Vivian Leffler

Church - Mai Holt

Keeper of the Court - Frank Cummins”

Wyatt Scrapbook - The Fidelian - December 29, 1931

2012-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

I’m not sure why Laurine Wyatt saved this particular issue of THE FIDELIAN, class paper of the Fidelis Bible class of the First Baptist Church of Nashville, dated December 20, 1931. I did not find her name in it; perhaps it was for the list of names and numbers included on the last page.

The newsletter was printed in red ink so it is not easy to read. I have listed the names of individuals mentioned below the image of each page.

[page 1]

[page 2]

[page 3]

Individuals mentioned on the above page:

Miss Alia E. Landers, Mrs. M. F. Mortimer, Mrs. Harry G. Fisher (Jacksonville, Florida), Miss Margaret Lawrence (Lewisburg, Tennessee), Mr. Whittaker, Mr. Muensch, Miss Kathleen Ligon, Mrs. Baker, Miss Madge Dorider, Mrs. Margaret Rich Ackerman, Miss Christine Lamb, Mr. George Nevins, Ovid Collins, Miss Frank Hollowell, Ethel Jaques Bradley, Mrs. Jack Steele, Jr., Lois Thomason, Mrs. C. Hamlin

[page 4]

Individuals mentioned on the above page:

Mrs. Ida Baker, Mrs. Leslie B. Holmes, Mrs. Herbert P. Strack, Mattie Moore, Mrs. Ben A. Tanksley, Mrs. Willis P. Bearden, Mrs. E. H. Brown, Mrs. Elizabeth Denmark, Mrs. Robert Paull, W. Ovid Collins, John L. Hill, Miss Mai Hite, Mrs. W. P. Wooten, Miss Jennie Parham, Miss Jo Lena Bond, Miss Nina Pardue, Miss Anne Farrar, Miss Marie Stevens, Mrs. B. C. Moses, Miss Lena McAskill, Miss Libbie Tegarden, Miss Bessie Kirkland, Mrs. H. O. Kelly, Miss Irene Million, Mrs. Jas. C. Bartlett, Mrs. L. G. Haswell, Miss Sallie Gibbs, Mrs. H. P. McClurken, Miss Addie Tillou, Miss Addie Wise, Miss Golda Moorman, Mrs. Ella Johnson, Miss Eldridge McKay, Mrs. Evans Sprott, Miss Lois Thomason, Miss Bertha Dixon, Miss Lucille Burgess, Miss Mildred Dortch, Miss Della Rogers, Miss Lurla M. Rollins, Miss Nelle Chaffin, Mrs. F. G. Westenberger, Miss Georgia Herndon, Miss Mayver Moore, Miss Ida France, Miss Ruth Bonner, Miss Evelyn Butts, Mrs. H. B. Thurston, Miss Ruby Stover, Mrs. Maude Parkes, Miss Laura Ryan, Mrs. R. H. Bruce, Miss Elizabeth Neblette, Mrs. J. A. Whittaker, Miss Lottie Holman, Miss Ila Joyner, Miss Nina Smartt, Mrs. R. R. Arterburn, Miss Ruby Shemwell, Miss Emma Baldwin, Miss Ola Maddox.

Tuesday's Tip - Wisconsin Historical Society

2012-02-21T15:26:00.001-08:00

Sand Island Lighthouse in Bayfield County, Wisconsin.
By United States Coast Guard [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

If you researching ancestors in Wisconsin, you will want to check out the Wisconsin Historical Society website.

Click on genealogy in the navigation bar to go to some of the amazing resources they have available:

Pre-1907 vital records (literally millions of birth, death and marriage records!)
More than 150,000 obituaries and biographical sketches published before 1999
Memoirs and other material written by early Wisconsin residents
Civil War rosters and research images
Historic images

Historical materials include diaries (including one written by a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition), a map and atlas collection, county histories and much more!

Mystery Monday – “disapointment not married”

2012-02-20T05:00:00.001-08:00

While researching another family, I came across this image for a marriage license issued to Pelatiah Safford and Frances Ferris on 20 March 1861 in Union County, Ohio:

Source: "Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950", Union County marriages,
FHL film number 573777, digital folder 4701456, image 162, Safford-Ferris, 1861;
index and images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 18 Feb 2012).

How sad! What happened? Who was disappointed? My curiosity led to me to see if I could find out a little more about Pelatiah and Frances.

A Fanni Ferris (age 48, born in New York) along with 6-year old Frances Ferris is enumerated in the household of wagonmaker Rowland Lee in Paris Township, Union County, Ohio.[1] There is no woman named Frances or Fanni Ferris in the 1850 census for Union County.

In 1860, P. Safford (age 59 born in Vermont) was enumerated in the household of H. Danforth in Union County, Ohio; Safford was listed as being a farmer with real estate valued at $2,200. An Adaline Safford (age 44, also born in Vermont) was also in the household. [2]

In 1850, Pelatiah was in Union County, Ohio, enumerated with what appears to be his wife Arinbaha(?) and seven apparent children ranging in age from 0 to 19 years.[3]

A quick check of burials in Union County reveals a memorial for Azubah Austin Safford, wife of Pelatiah, died 11 April 1860, buried in Raymond Cemetery. [4] She died just two months before the 1860 census enumeration! Pelatiah died 15 July 1886 and is buried in the same cemetery.[5]

When Pelatiah applied for the license to marry Frances, he had been a widower for a year. Since they were not enumerated with him, his young children may have been living with other family members or others in the community. Did he hope that Frances would help him raise his children?

It appears that Frances “Fanni” Ferris was a widow with a young daughter to raise. Was she looking for someone to provide support for her so she could raise her child?

Who disappointed who?

Pelatiah certainly was not deterred by this turn of events. He married twice in the following ten years: first to Cynthia A. Finch on 4 March 1862 in Delaware County, Ohio,[6] and then to Martha A. Bartlow on 3 June 1871 in Union County, Ohio.[7]

[1] 1860 U.S. census, Union County, Ohio, population schedule, Paris Township, page 184, dwelling 1412, family 1402, Fanni Ferris; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 February 2012), citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M653, roll 1044.

[2] 1860 U.S. census, Union County, Ohio, population schedule, Taylor Township, pages 123-124, dwelling 931, family 916, H. Danforth; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 February 2012), citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M653, roll 1044.

[3] 1850 U.S. census, Union County, Ohio, population schedule, Taylor Township, pages 80B-81A, dwelling 1083, family 1100, Pelatiah Safford, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 February 2012), citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M432, roll 736.

[4] FindAGrave Memorial #27977242, Azubah Austin Safford, created by judy price on 2 July 2008, Findagrave, (www.findagrave.com : accessed 19 February 2012).

[5] FindAGrave Memorial #39763956, Pelatiah R. Safford, created by Rose Marie on 22 July 2009, Findagrave, (www.findagrave.com : accessed 19 February 2012).

[6] "Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950", Delaware County marriages, FHL film number 391396, digital folder 4016691, image 13, Safford-Finch, 1862; index and images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 19 Feb 2012).

[7] "Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950", Union County marriages, FHL film number 573776, digital folder 4701456, image 595, Safford-Bartlow, 1871; index and images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 19 Feb 2012).

Wyatt Scrapbook - Fidelis Class 9th Annual Banquet

2012-02-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

It appears that Laurine Wyatt was a member of the very popular Fidelis Bible class for women at the First Baptist Church in Nashville.

“Fidelis Class Meets

--Staff Photo.

These 376 members of the Fidelis Class of the First Baptist Church met for the ninth annual banquet of the class Monday night at the Hotel Andrew Jackson. When the class was first organized, there were only 12 members.”

Notes: Although the name of the newspaper and date of publication of this clipping are unknown, I estimate its publication circa 1930-32.

Wyatt Scrapbook - Go to Church Tomorrow

2012-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Laurine Wyatt carefully trimmed this article by Dr. John L. Hill before pasting it in her scrapbook. It is clearly evident that she felt his words merited preservation. I’ve not transcribed the article, but have included a biographical sketch about Dr. Hill at the end of this post.

The following biographical sketch is from the finding aid to the John L. Hill Collection at the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives in Nashville (http://www.sbhla.org/downloads/100.pdf : accessed 9 February 2012):

“John Leonard Hill was born September 15, 1878 at Smither's Bottom, Owen County, Kentucky. He spent his childhood days in Kentucky, completing high school in Williamtown, Grant County, in 1894. He received his A.M. degree from Georgetown College in 1899 and another A.M. degree in 1912 from Columbia University.
“Hill taught at Kentucky high schools from 1900 to 1909, was professor of history and political science at Georgetown from 1909 to 1922 and professor in religious education at George Peabody College for Teachers from 1923 to 1934. Dr. Hill served as book editor from 1923 to 1950. For the next three years he was director of promotion for Ridgecrest and Glorieta Baptist Assemblies.
“Hill, a long time member of First Baptist Church in Nashville, was noted for his Sunday School lessons broadcast on WSM radio for more than 25 years. He became teacher of the Fidelis Bible class for women on October 7, 1923 and was still considered teacher of the class at the time of his death.
“He served as president of the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, president of the board of trustees of Tennessee Baptist Orphanage and Tennessee College for Woman and vice-president of the American Bible Society. He authored numerous articles and books published by the Sunday School Board.
“He died on November 15, 1964 in Nashville.”

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 7 - Historical Documents

2012-02-16T18:52:00.000-08:00

I have hundreds of digital images that document various aspects of my ancestors’ lives—deeds reflecting land purchased and sold, wills specifying their wishes regarding distribution of their possessions, marriage certificates, military service records and applications for pensions. Most of these were scanned from microfilms available through the Family History Library or downloaded from digital content providers such as Ancestry; some were digitized from paper copies made at courthouses or received by mail from governmental agencies. I am grateful for all of these documents as they have helped me to know my ancestors as real people who lived in a real place and time.

But perhaps the document I am most happy to have is an original letter written by my grandfather, Jasper Jackson Spurlock, to his sister, Sarah Elizabeth (Spurlock) Conville, in October 1929. A transcription of the letter and digital images of the letter and its envelope can be found here.

I acquired this letter from Bettye Lou (Conville) Gleason (daughter of Sarah and my first cousin once removed) in 1999. It was given to me on the occasion of my first visit to newly-found cousins in Louisiana, and I was delighted that Bettye Lou had this letter and gave it to me along with a few other artifacts.

The letter does not reveal any particularly significant family information. But, for me, it represents a link to a grandfather I never knew.

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy by Amy Coffin is a series of weekly blogging prompts (one for each week of 2012) that invite genealogists and others to discuss resources in the genealogy community including websites, applications, libraries, archives, genealogical societies and more. You do not have to be a blogger to participate. If you do not have a genealogy blog, write down your thoughts on your computer, or simply record them on paper and keep them with your files.

Wyatt Scrapbook - To Our Pastor

2012-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

In a previous post, I mentioned that I did not think Laurine was a member of the Belmont Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Her scrapbook includes several pieces of ephemera related to the First Baptist Church, located at Seventh and Broadway, Nashville. I believe this is the church to which Laurine belonged.

This first piece is a church bulletin dated Sunday, December 29, 1929. I have transcribed only the opening parenthetical statement and the closing to allow search engines to find the names of individuals.

“(A memorandum of appreciation of Dr. W. F. Powell, our pastor since June 1, 1921, upon his recent decision to remain with us after being urged to return to two of his former pastorates with their congenial fellowship, wide opportunity, less strenuous labor, and larger remuneration.)

The Congregation, by Dr. Hight C. Moore.”

Notes:

Dr. W. F. Powell was pastor of the First Baptist Church from 1921-1955. A short history of the church can be found on their website.
On the 1930 U.S. census, William F. Powell, age 53, born in North Carolina, Baptist minister, is found living at 2906 Ashland, Nashville, Tennessee. His family included his wife Winnie E. (age 52, born in North Carolina), daughter Margaret C. (age 18, born in Virginia), and daughter Francis P. (age 14, born in Tennessee). [Source: 1930 U.S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, Nashville, Enumeration District (ED) 19-191, Sheet 19-A, dwelling 206, family 249, William F. Powell; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T626, roll 2242.]
Hight C. Moore could not be located on the 1930 census. On the 1920 census, he is enumerated in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, as a denominational secretary, age 48, born in North Carolina. He is enumerated with his wife Laura M. (age 47, born in North Carolina) and son Joseph P. (age 25, also born in North Carolina). [Source: 1920 U.S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, Nashville, Enumeration District (ED) 35, sheet 3b, dwelling 47, family 76, Hight C. Moore; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T625, roll 1734.]

Wyatt Scrapbook - Easter at Belmont Methodist Episcopal Church

2012-02-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

From the evidence provided by other items in her scrapbook, I don’t believe that Laurine Wyatt was a member of the Belmont Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Perhaps she knew the pastor of the church or a member of the choir.

“THE BRILLIANT CANTATA, "The Seven Last Words," will feature the Easter service tonight at 7:30 o'clock at the Belmont Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This is the second Easter season that it has been given in Nashville. The chorus choir of the church is shown above. The Rev. B. B. Pennington is pastor of the church.

—Banner Staff Photo.”

Notes:

The 1930 U.S. census shows a Beecher Pennington, age 43, a Methodist minister born in Tennessee, enumerated in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. Enumerated with him are his wife Mary (age 41, born in Tennessee), son Charles (age 15, born in Kansas), and daughter Clara Louise (age 11, born in Missouri). [Source: 1930 U.S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, Nashville, Enumeration District (ED) 19-53, Sheet 1-A, dwelling 9, family 12, Beecher Pennington; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T626, roll 2241.]
This photograph likely appeared in the Nashville Banner, but the date of publication is unknown.

Friend of Friends Friday – Bill of Sale to Jasper Gibbs, Bienville Parish, Louisiana

2012-02-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

This 1857 bill of sale conveys ownership of Harriet, a girl of about seven years, from Samuel Sprawls to Jasper Gibbs and is recorded in the deed books of Bienville Parish, Louisiana. The document discloses that Harriet has a medical condition called “Ozeana.”

MedlinePlus defines ozena as a “disease of the nose in which the bony ridges and mucous membranes of the nose waste away.”[1]

In 1850, Jasper Gibbs was enumerated in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, as a 40-year-old physician, born in South Carolina, with real estate valued at $22,000.[2] The slave schedules for that year list him as the owner of 46 slaves.[3] The Bienville Parish census schedules for 1860 no longer exist.

Samuel Sprawls was not found on the 1850 census for Bienville Parish.

The transcription and images follow. Because of the poor quality of the microfilm images, the document had to be scanned in sections to allow for adjustments for readability.

“Bienville Parish )

State of Louisiana )

Received of Jasper Gibbs Four Hundred and fifty Dollars also six dollar Doctors Bill payment in full for a negro girl named Harriett black complexion and about seven years of age. The Title of said girl Harriet I do hereby guarantee unto the said Gibbs his heirs or assigns as also. the ownership of said Girl in mind and body. It is however[?] understood that said girl Harriet has, in her nose, what is called "Ozaena" against which the Vendor Samuel Sprawls does not guarantee the said Gibbs agreeing to take her with the risque and all damage which may be sustained by said "Ozaena." The said Saml. Sprawls hereby binding his heirs and assigns This 24th day of March Eighteen Hundred and fifty seven March 24^th 1857.

Martin Canfield ) (signed) Samuel Sprawls

John G. Noles Recorder ) I accept (signed) J. Gibbs

I certify that the parties Samuel Sprawls & J. Gibbs signed executed and delivered the above bill sale in my presence and in presence of Martin Canfield and in presence of Each other on the day and date therein written. In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office March 24^th AD. 1857 (signed) John G. Noles, Recorder

I hereby certify that the above & foregoing is a true record of the original as filed & Recorded March 24^th 1857.

John G. Noles Recorder”

Bienville Parish, Louisiana, Conveyance Records, 1848-1900, E: 115-116,
Bill of Sale, Samuel Sprawls to Jasper Gibbs, 24 March 1857; FHL microfilm 266,008.

[1] U.S. National Library of Health and National Insitute of Health, MedlinePlus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001627.htm : accessed 10 February 2012).

[2] 1850 U.S. census, Bienville Parish, Louisiana, population schedule, Western District, page 261-B, dwelling 206, family 206, Jasper Gibbs; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M432, roll 230.

[3] 1850 U.S. census, Bienville Parish, Louisiana, slave schedule, page 699 (penned), line 26, Jasper Gibbs, owner; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M432.

Wyatt Scrapbook - To Pallas Athene

2012-02-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Why did Laurine paste this newspaper clipping of a poem in her scrapbook? Did she know the author or just like her poetry?

“TO PALLAS ATHENE

Pallas, thou art avenged!

The shattering legions have long since been dust

Who bruised thy city's face with iron heel,

Their glory faded and their borrowed culture stript

Of all its hollow trappings, leaving none

To worship them who once had ruled a world.

Rome vulgar in her riches, gorged with power,

Lies now in sullen sleep, forever dead;

While but this day I saw thee smile again

In pristine beauty as a risen sun.

Goddess of Poets, Whose vivid words

Limned in undying marble sing of thee,

Thyself, alone, can pierce the stifling dust

That chokes the roofless halls of hoary time!

Strange centuries, and races yet unborn

Shall rise to preen themselves and flutter down,

Like feeble moths aspiring to the flame,

Lost in a moment's flare, and swift to pass

Before thy timeless face.

For where men gather, in whatever shrine,

To worship Beauty as a living thing—

There must Athene's temple rise again

A Symphony in Stone.

—MARGARET NORMAN BRYANT,

2515 West Linden Avenue,

Nashville, Tenn.”

Notes:

Margaret Bryant, the author of the poem, is enumerated in the 1930 U.S. federal census at the address above in Davidson County, Tennessee; the enumerator recorded that she was 34 years old and born in Tennessee. She is enumerated with her husband, Lawrence (age 42, born in Kentucky, an accountant at a tobacco company), and two sons, Norman (age 14) and Lawrence, Jr. (age 10), both born in Tennessee. [Source: 1930 U.S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, Nashville, Enumeration District (ED) 19-195, Sheet 15-A, dwelling 224, family 241, household of Lawrence Bryant; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : access 8 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T626, roll 2242.]
The newspaper in which published and date of publication are unknown.
The relationship of Laurine Wyatt to Margaret Norman Bryant and her family is unknown.

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 6 - Family Heirlooms

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

My family doesn’t have much in the way of family heirlooms. There may have been more, but my family moved often and I’m sure that things were lost. I treasure everything I have that belonged to one of my ancestors.

Perhaps the most meaningful item I have is a skirt made by my grandmother Myrtle Arminta (Snider) Yawman for my half-sister Gloria Jane (Spurlock) Chaney in about 1953. It is a blue and white cotton, three-tiered skirt, entirely hand sewn. My sister wore it as a teenager and her daughters wore it to “50s” parties when they were growing up; she gave it to me in 2005. It is an heirloom that showcases my grandmother’s abilities as a seamstress. Since I don’t remember my grandmother, it is something that helps me feel connected to her.

Wyatt Scrapbook – Tinsley’s Department Store, Nashville

2012-02-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

In her scrapbook, Laurine Wyatt pasted three items related to Tinsley’s Department Store in Nashville: a newspaper photograph, an advertisement, and the masthead from a piece of the store’s stationery. Did she work there? My guess is she probably did.

One of the names on the stationery is represented in another scrapbook item: J. D. Partlow.

According to the headline of a brief history written by George Zepp found at TheTennesseean.com, “Tinsley’s catered to the city’s fashionable, frugal.”

"Beautiful new first floor of Tinsley's, Seventh Avenue and Church Street, which has been modernized in an attractive manner. This floor is devoted to lingerie, gloves, bags, cosmetics, jewelry, and other accessories.

—Banner Staff Photo"

“O. D. KIRK, President

F. B. STROUD, Vice-President

J. D. PARTLOW, Sec'y-Treas.

LON GWALTNEY, Asst. Sec'y-Treas.

TINSLEY MILLINERY CO.

INCORPORATED

IMPORTERS, MANUFACTURERS AND WHOLESALERS

ALL FORMS OF MILLINERY GOODS

CHURCH STREET—AT—SEVENTH AVENUE

NASHVILLE, TENN.

TELEPHONE

6-5176”

Motivation Monday – January’s Report

2012-02-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

I know—it’s Wednesday. But I still need to take stock of how I am progressing on meeting my genealogy goals for 2012. So here is a report for January!

Personal Research and Organization:

I have written three posts, using the Surname Saturday blogging prompt, in my effort to assure that I research ALL my family lines and have correct source citations in my genealogy database. Using my ahnentafel (ancestor) chart, I started with ancestor #4, my paternal grandfather, and am working my way through the list.
Instead of reducing the number of digital files to be transcribed and organized, I increased the number of scanned pages by 217 in January! But I did have a wonderful time researching at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

Writing:

I have written a post for each of the weekly prompts in Amy Coffin’s 52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy. I posted last week’s yesterday, but have this week’s post scheduled for publication on Thursday.
Posting on my blogs was challenging in January because I spent the last part of the month at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. I did write and schedule some posts ahead of time, but now I have to write furiously to get back on track!
I was approved as the Lomita Genealogy Examiner with my articles appearing in the Los Angeles edition. I’ve written three articles so far.

Speaking:

I presented a new presentation—Using Dropbox for Genealogy—at the January meeting of the Computer Genealogy Society of San Diego. It went well and I’m scheduled to present this topic again in July at the Orange CountyCalifornia Genealogical Society.

Education:

I didn’t finish any lessons for the NGS home study course this month, but stayed on track with ProGen12, submitting my assignment prior to going to SLIG.
My BIG event for the month was participation at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy! I attended Paula Stuart-Warren’s track on American Records and learned about some lesser-known research resources that are available. Tracks for SLIG 2013 are already listed on the Utah Genealogical Association website; registration will be open later in the year.
I read The Family Tree Problem Solver: Tried-and-True Tactics for Researching Your Elusive Ancestors by Marsha Hoffman Rising but have not written a review yet. It contained lots of useful tips for breaking down brick walls and was timely in that we were doing evidence analysis in ProGen.

Giving Back:

Haven’t done much in this area—this month I need to focus on organizing Genealogy World for the SCGS Jamboree coming up in June.

That’s it for January—time to get back to work!

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 5 - Life Experiences

2012-02-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

I am certain that Ransom Spurlock (1807-1896), my earliest known Spurlock ancestor, was dropped off in Georgia by visiting aliens. Seriously, trying to break through the brick wall to discover Ransom’s parents is giving me the opportunity to learn about research in the Southern states, particularly in burned counties.

Ransom was reportedly born in Washington County, Georgia, where courthouse fires in 1855 and 1864 destroyed many records. I have been unable to locate his 1836 marriage record in Barbour County, Alabama. He moved on to Hinds County, Mississippi, and later to Bienville and Claiborne parishes in Louisiana. Other than census records and a couple of tax lists, I have not been able to find much before he arrived in Louisiana.

I am beginning to piece together information about possible relatives and learning to evaluate the evidence I have so that someday I may be able to come to some conclusion regarding his parentage.

Thank you, Ransom, for making me become a better researcher!

Wyatt Scrapbook - A Service of Worship – Nashville YWCA - c1930

2012-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.

Whether she was an employee or a resident there, the Nashville YWCA was evidently an important part of Laurine Wyatt’s life. The worship program shown in the images below was saved intact in her scrapbook. The last image—a page entitled “Your Y.W.C.A. Statistics for 1929”—was inserted in the program. Individuals named in the program include Miss Anna Louise Mills, President of the Y.W.C.A. Leaders Council, and Miss Helen A. Davis.

Wyatt Scrapbook - Nashville YWCA "House" Song

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Apparently, the young women who lived at the Nashville YWCA had a “house” song; Laurine had pasted the lyrics in the scrapbook. The song was set to the tune of “Juanita,” and at the end of the post, I’ve linked to a YouTube video featuring Jim Reeves, a country singer also known as "Gentleman Jim," singing the song.

“TUNE: Juanita

Soft over Nashville, gently falls the twilight deep,

Lights from our "Y" home, Now begin to creep

From the nearby tower, Chimes ring out their evening song,

To the "Y" we hasten, evenings are not long.

Y - Y - Y W C A, May our praise of thee be true,

For friendships, memories tender,

Thanks to thee are due.

Chorus:

Oft in our wanderings, Far or near tho we may roam,

Still we remember, Thee our Nashville home.

Here we've laughed together, Sung and danced, made friendships too

Here's our toast to thee then, And the white and blue.”

Wyatt Scrapbook - YWCA International Dinner Menu and Program

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

A pretty fan-shaped menu and program for the Y.W.C.A. International Dinner! The front cover was hand-colored and the three pieces fastened together with a loop of heavy thread. The menu and program are transcribed below the images.

DISHES FROM MANY LANDS

Prepared and served by the Y.W.C.A. Cafeteria

------------

India Curried Chicken

Chinese Rice

Hawaiian Pineapple Syrian Date Salad

English Tea Biscuit

Brazillian Coffee

Cuban Sugar

Estonian Shortbread

Around-the-world Ice Cream

Y.W.C.A. INTERNATIONAL DINNER

Sponsored by

THE LEADERS' COUNCIL

Miss Evelyn Stark, President

Miss Rowena Ferguson, Chairman of Dinner

PROGRAM

Invocation — Mrs. John Aust

Argentine Gypsy Dance — Miss Nan Smith

Special Music — Arranged by Miss Ada Swan

Dance De Mexico — Miss Lillian Russell

WITH GIRLS IN SOUTH AMERICA — Miss Mary Brobst

Blest Be the Tie That Binds — All

Wyatt Scrapbook - Facts for Friends of the Nashville YWCA

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

It appears that this multi-page booklet—“FACTS for Friends of The Nashville Y. W. C. A.”—was given to Laurine Wyatt on Sunday, October 13, 1929. There is nothing to indicate whether she was coming to the organization as a volunteer or as a resident. I have enlarged the inner pages so they are readable online; only minimal information (primarily names of individuals) has been transcribed and is included following all the images.

[page 1]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers

Mrs. John R. Aust President

Mrs. L. G.. Durr Vice President

Mrs. T. Graham Hall Vice President

Mrs. George Blackie Treasurer

Miss Jennie Sparks Secretary

Mrs. J. S. McHenry Corresponding Secretary

Miss Ina Sherrebeck General Secretary

Committees

Mrs. W. C. Bilbro Chm. Health Education

Mrs. Brown Buford Chm. Tea Room

Miss Bertha Childs Chm. Business Girls

Mrs. A. J. Dyer Chm. Finance

Mrs. Weaver Harris Chm. Recreation

Mrs. W. F. Powell Chm. Membership

Miss Susie McWhirter Chm. Industrial

Mrs. J. H. McClure Chm. Building

Miss Rebecca Porter Chm. Decorations

Mrs. H. C. Tolman Chm. Rooms Registry

Miss Louise Young Chm. Colored Work

Mrs. V. M. Lewis Girl Reserve Committee

Miss Anna Louise Mills Business Girls Committee

Mrs. W. C. Kerrigan Employment Committee

Mrs. Clarence Boyd Mrs. Chas. Eastman

Mrs. W. G. Ewing Mrs. Kirk Rankin

Mrs. E. B. Stahlman Mrs. J. R. Wheeler

Miss Mary Pleasants Jones Finance Secretary

Miss Grace England Office Secretary

[page 2]

FOR BUSINESS GIRLS

Secretary Miss Katherine Morris

[page 3]

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Secretary Miss Ruth Abell

EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT

Secretary Miss Leola Schneider

[page 4]

FOOD SERVICE DEPARTMENTS

CAFETERIA

Director Miss Martha Heiner

Assistant Miss Bessie Hobbs

TEA ROOM

Director Mrs. Lura Hawkins

Assistant Miss Amanda Durham

[page 5]

GIRL RESERVES

Secretary Miss Frances Beasley

Assistant Miss Thelma Richmann

Assistant Mrs. Travis Martin

[page 6]

HEALTH EDUCATION

Director Miss Dessa Ainlay

Swimming Instructor Miss Mildred Parker

[page 7]

INDUSTRIAL GIRLS DEPARTMENT

Secretary Miss Genevieve Morrow

Officers for 1929-30

President Daisie Harris

Washington Mfg. Co.

Vice President Erma Osborne

Jarman Shoe Co.

Secretary Maynie Tanksley

Marshall-Bruce Co.

Treasurer Inez Atkerson

Rock City Paper Box Co.

[page 8]

INFORMATION SERVICE

Day Secretary Miss Edna Porter

Night Secretary Mrs. E. A. Orr

RESIDENCE

Secretary Mrs. Frances Roberts

Building Manager Mrs. Carrie Gardner

Wyatt Scrapbook - Program from an Entertainment

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.

Laurine Wyatt likely saved the following program because the messages were meaningful to her and were delivered by influential men of the day. There is no indication in the scrapbook when or where the program was held.

“P R O G R A M

+ + + +

Invocation

Music by Orchestra

"The South Carolina Buzz Saw"

Ed Baldwin

Group Singing

Tenor Solo:

"A Call to the Colors"-------Reis

Mr. John E. Carter

Address:

"GEORGE WASHINGTON THE STATESMAN"

Judge A. W. Chambliss

Baritone Solo:

"Father of the Land We Love"---Cohan

Address:

GEORGE WASHINGTON THE CHRISTIAN"

Dr. Carter Helm Jones

Announcements

Benediction

o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Music by Inglewood Jolly Juniors Orchestra

Dr. Ullin Leavell Presiding”

Notes:

In 1930, several men by the name of Ed or Edward Baldwin were enumerated in Tennessee; without additional information it is not possible to identify the one who participated in this program.
Likewise, without more information, it is not possible to identify the John E. Carter on the program.
In 1930, Supreme Court justice Alex W. Chambliss, age 65 born in South Carolina, was enumerated in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. [Source: 1930 U.S. census, Hamilton County, Tennessee, population schedule, Chattanooga, Enumeration District (ED) 1, page 4B, dwelling 44, family 128, Alex W. Chambliss; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 25 January 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 2250.]
Carter Helm Jones was a Baptist clergyman who held pastorates in several states, including Kentucky. “Nationally known as a scholar, orator and churchman,” Jones died on May 7, 1946. [Source: “Retired Minister Dies in Virginia,” Times Picayune, 8 May 1946, page 3, column 3; online images, GenealogyBank (www.genealogybank.com : accessed 25 January 2012.]
In 1930, Ullin W. Leavell, age 36, a college teacher, is enumerated in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. [Source: 1930 U. S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, Nashville, Enumeration District 190, page 9B, dwelling 109B, family 240B, Ullin W. Leavell; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 25 January 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 2242.]
No information was found about the Inglewood Jolly Juniors Orchestra.

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 4 - Free Offline Genealogy Tools

2012-01-26T05:42:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt, I am most grateful for public libraries. Like probably everyone else who attended elementary school in the United States, I was introduced to the library as a child. These wonderful institutions have come on hard times recently with budget cuts, but there are treasures to be had there and many benefits to being a card-carrying library user.

I am fortunate to be able to access the Los Angeles Public Library fairly easily, and it has a wealth of genealogy resources. From books to periodicals to fire insurance maps and city directories, I can find them all at the LAPL.

Public libraries have different rules about who can obtain a library card, but anyone who lives in California can obtain a Los Angeles Public Library card. Click here for information about how you can get one!

By Marvin Rand, HABS photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Wyatt Scrapbook - Confused Clock Runs Backward

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

I suspect this newspaper clipping must have amused Laurine and that is why she saved it.

“CONFUSED CLOCK RUNS BACKWARDS--Wringing its hands with confusion, the clock in the office of the State Railroad and Public Utilities Commission registered the doubts of many Nashvillians over the change to Daylight Saving Time by turning tail and running--backwards. Miss Katherine Smith (above), secretary to Commissioner W. D. Hudson, who arrived early at the office this morning to be sure she was right about her own watch, discovered the clock's dilemma. It was 8:45 o'clock when the picture was made. The clock, however, insisted it was 7:26, almost 7:25 o'clock, but declined to say whether a. m. or p. m., Daylight Saving or Standard Time.”

Notes:

There were several Katherine Smiths enumerated in Davidson County, Tennessee, during the 1930 U.S. census, but I was unable to identify which one might be pictured here.
Without a first name, I could not identify W. D. Hudson on the 1930 census.
The name of the newspaper in which these photographs appeared and the dates of publication are unknown.
The relationship, if any, of Laurine Wyatt to either Katherine Smith or W. D. Hudson is unknown.

Wyatt Scrapbook – Clyde Partlow of Franklin, Tennessee

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Wyatt scrapbook contains two newspaper clippings featuring a young woman named Clyde Partlow.

“Above—Miss Clyde Parthow on "Many Mac," and, below, Miss Elsie Caldwell, on "Me Too." Both girls appear in the Junior Horse Show at the state pavilion this week.” [The picture of Elsie Caldwell was not in the scrapbook.]

“MISS CLYDE PARTLOW, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Partlow, of Franklin, Tenn., on "So Charming." Miss Partlow is a member of the Junior Riding club sponsoring the Spring Horse show, May 8 and 9.—Photo by Bligh.”

Notes:

On the 1930 U.S. federal census, Clyde Partlow (age 15, born in Tennessee) is enumerated in Williamson County, Tennessee, with her parents Joseph D. Partlow (age 51, born in Tennessee, a farmer) and Elizabeth Partlow (age 47, born in Tennessee). Also residing in the household was Lou Critlow (servant, age 60, born in Tennessee). [Source: 1930 U.S. census, Williamson County, Tennessee, population schedule, District 9, Enumeration District (ED) 14, page 11-B, dwelling 257, family 275, Joseph D. Partlow; Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 2285.]
The name of the newspaper in which these photographs appeared and the dates of publication are unknown.
The relationship, if any, of Laurine Wyatt to Clyde Partlow or her family is unknown.

Wyatt Scrapbook - Mrs. Thomas H. Malone, Jr.

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

“Chairman of Music for Mardi Gras

MRS. THOMAS H. MALONE, JR.

Mrs. Malone serves as chairman of music for the Children's Mardi Gras, to be presented Shrove Tuesday, at the Belmont Theater, under the auspices of the Rector's Aid Society of Christ Episcopal Church. An artistic program will be presented by the Colonial Trio composed of Alline Fentress, violinist; Vivienne Olsen, cellist, and Margaret Pittman Bowers, pianist. Funds derived from the entertainment are used for the support of St. Luke's Community House.”

Notes:

St. Luke’s Community House is a nonprofit organization in Nashville that was founded in 1913. [Source: Facebook, St. Luke’s Community House (http://www.facebook.com/StLukesCommunityHouse?sk=info : accessed 10 January 2012).]
There are several men named Thomas H. Malone enumerated in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. Based on my estimation of the age of the woman in this photo, I suspect that the correct family is that of Thom. H. Malone, lawyer, age 55, born in Tennessee. Others in the household are wife Mary C. (age 35, born in Tennessee), son Thom. H., Jr. (age 13, born in Tennessee), and mother-in-law Leta Robson (age 63, born in Tennessee). [Source: 1930 U. S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, District 7, Enumeration District (ED) 221, page 19B, dwelling 422, family 433, Thom. H.. Malone; Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 January 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 2243.]
The name of the newspaper in which this photograph appeared and the actual date of publication are unknown.
The relationship, if any, of Laurine Wyatt to the Thomas Malone family is unknown.

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 3 - Free Online Genealogy Tools

2012-01-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

The free online genealogy tool that I am most thankful for is the U.S. GenWeb Project. When I first started researching my family, this was my go-to site! I found so much information on the pages for the various counties where my ancestors lived.

I don’t use it as often now, but I still check back from time to time to see if anything new has been posted. And if I am starting research in a new state, I definitely check the pages for those counties in which I am beginning to search.

I am so thankful for the hard work done by these wonderful volunteers! Their contributions to online genealogy research are invaluable.