BeNotForgot.com

1656 :: Birth of Charles Lee

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:52:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . it is said* that Charles Lee was born on the 21st day of May . . . in the year 1656 . . . at Cobbs Hall in Virginia . . . this Charles Lee is an 8th great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog . . . he is also a brother to Col. Richard Lee (1644-1714) . . . who is the 2nd great-grandpa of General Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) . . .

*The pages in the image are from . . . Google Books. Preview. The Lees of Virginia: Seven Generations of an American Family by Paul C. Nagel. Oxford University Press, Aug 16, 1990 - Biography & Autobiography - 364 pages

1667 :: Marriage of Elizabeth Frost and William Gowen

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:31:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 14th day of May . . . in the year 1667 . . . Elizabeth Frost marries William Gowen in Kittery, York County, Maine . . . this William Gowen (sometimes called Smith) is one of the Scottish prisoners captured in the Battle of Dunbar and exiled to America . . . and this Elizabeth and Williams are 9th great-grandparents of the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

1902 :: Bell County Killing

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Sun, 12 May 2013 16:03:00 +0000

On this date in our extended family history . . . the 12th day of May . . . in the year 1902 . . . the following news items were published in various Texas newspapers . . . the deceased, John H. Connell, is a 1st cousin four times removed to the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

Dallas Morning News, May 12, 1902. Bell County Killing. . . . Special to The News. Belton, Tex., May 11. -- John H. Connell, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of this city, died last night from the effects of a knife cut. The knife struck him in the left arm, severing an artery and passing on out almost to the hollow about the heart. His son, John Connell, was arrested, and is now in jail.

JOHN H. CONNELL DEAD
Of wounds Which Were Inflicted by His Son.

Belton, Texas, May 11. -- Mr. John H. Connell died from his wounds last night at 10 o'clock.

This is the most deplorable tragedy that ever occurred in this community. The facts leading to the sad affair as they can be gathered are that the father and son had gotten into a dispute over some trivial matter when the son gave his father the lie, whereupon he slapped him in the face. The son at once drew his knife and cut his father in the arm between the shoulder and elbow, severing the brachial artery which caused so much loss of blood before medical aid could be had that death was inevitable.

Mr. Connell served throughout the war as a Confederate soldier and was conspicuous for his daring and bravery. He leaves a wife, three sons, two daughters, and many relatives to mourn his death. He will be laid to rest at 4:30 o'clock this afternoon in the North Belton cemetery. Funeral services conducted by Dr. H.A. Bouslard.

The Houston Daily Post (Houston, Tex.), Vol. XVIIITH YEAR, No. 38, Ed. 1, Monday, May 12, 1902
Shiner Gazette. (Shiner, Tex.), Vol. 9, No. 49, Ed. 1, Wednesday, May 14, 1902

1721 :: Death of Rebekah Eams

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:36:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 8th day of May . . . in the year 1721 . . . Rebekah Eams nee Blake dies in Boxford, Massachusetts . . . and is laid to rest in the Mount Vernon Cemetery . . . In the witchcraft excitement of 1692 Mrs. Rebecca Eames was accused, tried and condemned to death, but after being imprisoned for 7 months in Salem jail she was released and lived some 20 years thereafter. . . . this Rebekah is a 9th great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

Note . . . the photo of Rebekah's headstone is courtesy of findagrave contributor, Bill Boyington . . .

1572 :: Burial of John Pyne

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Mon, 06 May 2013 04:29:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 5th day of May . . . in the year 1572 . . . John Pine / Pyne is laid to rest at East Downe in the Barnstaple district of Devon, England . . . he is about 38 years of age . . . and he is the 13th great-grandpa of the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

1928 :: Mrs. J.W. Snyder Buried at Georgetown

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:30:00 +0000

Mrs. J. W. Snyder Buried at Georgetown. Georgetown, April 18. -- Funeral services were held here Tuesday for Mrs. Catherine Jane Coffee Snyder, 84, pioneer resident of this city, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Chas. A. Wilcox, in Austin. She is survived by three sons, C.T. Snyder of Douglas, Wyo.; T.A. Snyder of Harrison, Neb.; D.F. Snyder of Port Arthur; three daughters, Mrs. C.A. Wilcox of Austin; Mrs. D.T. Simons of Fort Worth and Mrs. Dalley Whitcomb of Corsicana. The Bartlett Tribune and News, April 20, 1928

The above mentioned Catherine . . . aka Kate . . . became the bride of John Wesley Snyder on the 7th day of April 1867 . . . Capt. Snyder, with his brothers, Dudley and Tom Snyder, was in the live stock business in Texas many years, accumulating a large fortune . . . the former site of the J.W. Snyder home is now occupied by Southwestern University's fine-arts building in Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas.

This Kate is the daughter of Col. John T. Coffee and his 2nd wife, Catherine Grace Hunt (1827-1844) . . . following the deaths of his first three wives, Col. Coffee married my widowed 1st cousin (four times removed), Eunice Margaret Amelia Vontress nee Allen . . . she had one surviving child (out of three) from her first marriage . . . and he had a total of seven children from his previous marriages . . . and then John and Eunice had (at least) five more children together.

1864 :: Death of Henry Hobbs

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:26:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 18th day of February . . . in the year 1864 . . . Henry Hobbs dies in Harrison Village, Cumberland County, Maine . . . this Henry is a 4th great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

Early Settlers of Harrison, Maine
With an Historical Sketch of the Settlement,
Progress and Present Condition of the Town
By Gideon Tibbetts Ridlon:
""

Wordless Wednesday :: 1684 Birth of John Farnum

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:07:00 +0000

1700 :: Birth of Sarah Emery

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:41:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 4th day of February . . . in the year 1700 . . . it is said that Sarah Emery was born in Kittery (Berwick) in Maine . . . this Sarah is a 7th great-grandma of the Keeper of this family history blog . . . and this info is as recorded in the Brackett Genealogy by H.I. Brackett . . .

1906 :: Birth of Ima

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:41:00 +0000

Blog Caroling :: Star of the East

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:03:00 +0000

Let's go blog-caroling with fM!

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:9-12

Once upon a time . . . back in the 20th century . . . the words printed above were read by a school-age narrator during the annual Christmas pageant in Rockdale, Texas . . . this was a pageant traditionally held in the auditorium at Rockdale High School . . . I was an 8th grader (final year of Junior High) when the following write-up ran in the local newspaper . . . the Beverly and Joe mentioned below were my classmates . . .

The Rockdale Reporter, Rockdale, Texas, December 1965. The Christmas Story will be told at 7:30 p.m. Friday by more than 200 junior-high school students when they stage their Christmas pageant in the high school auditorium. A highlight of the Christmas season in Rockdale in past years, the pageant will this year involve 211 students, according to Ernie Laurence, junior-high principal. The pageant will tell the story of the birth of Christ. Beverly and Joe will portray Mary and Joseph . . . The Rev. Frank Cady, pastor of St. John's Methodist Church and president of the Rockdale Ministerial Alliance, will give the benediction.

In previous years of participating in this pageant, I had portrayed an angel in the stable, kneeling at the manger . . . in 1965, I was a candlebearer . . . we wore white choir robes and were carrying lighted candles as we entered from the back of the auditorium . . . and we were singing Star of the East as we walked down the double aisles to the front of the stage . . .

Star of the East, Oh Bethlehem's star, Guiding us on to Heaven afar!
Sorrow and grief are lull'd by the light. Thou hope of each mortal, in death's lonely night!
Fearless and tranquil, we look up to thee! Knowing thou beam'st thro' eternity!
Help us to follow where Thou still dost guide, Pilgrims of earth so wide.

Star of the East, thou hope of the soul, While round us here the dark billows roll,
Lead us from sin to glory afar, Thou star of the East, thou sweet Bethlehem's star.
Oh star that leads to God above! Whose rays are Peace and Joy and Love!
Watch o'er us still till life hath ceased, Beam on, bright star, sweet Bethlehem star!

Star of the East, undim'd by each cloud What tho' the storms of grief gather loud?
Faithful and pure thy rays beam to save, Still bright o'er the cradle, and bright o'er the grave!
Smiles of a Saviour are mirror'd in thee! Glimpses of Heav'n in thy light we see!
Guide us still onward to that blessed shore, After earth's toil is o'er!

The Star Of The East 1918
Music by: Amanda Kennedy
Lyrics by: George Cooper
Website: parlorsongs.com

I had no luck in 2011 (when this was originally posted) finding a decent version of someone singing this song, but was able to locate a nice fiddle version, which has since been removed by the original contributor . . . so in 2012 I went searching again . . . and was delighted to find the following recordings . . . one is of Judy Garland (1922-1969) singing this classic . . . and the other is Slim Whitman . . .

This song was originally published in 1883 as a piano solo reverie titled the Star Of The Sea. Almost 40 years later, Kennedy dusted the work off and reissued it with this new title with lyrics by George Cooper. Musically this song is identical to the 1883 work. All that is different is the addition of these lyrics and some repeats.

Merry Christmas, Y'all . . .
and Happy Caroling!

1748 :: Asa Barker

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:37:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 10th day of December . . . in the year 1748 . . . a baby boy is born in the household of Timothy Barker (1720-1752) and Mehitable Kimball (1720-1777) . . . he is given the name of Asa . . . and he is a 5th great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog . . . this birth is recorded in the Vital Records of Andover, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849 (Google eBook) as published by the Topsfield Historical Society in the year 1912 . . .

1692 :: Letter from Salem prison

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 04:56:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 5th day of December . . . in the year 1692 . . . Rebecca EAMES petitions Governor Phips as follows . . .

That wheras your Poor and humble petitioner having been here closely confined in Salem Prison neare four monthes and likewise Condemned to die for the crime of witchcraft w'ch the Lord above he knowes I am altogether innocent and ignorant off as will appeare att the great day of Judgment having had no Evidences against me but the Spectre Evidences any my owne confession w'ch the Lord above knowes was altogether false and untrue I being hurried out of my Senses by the Afflicted persons. Abigaill Hobbs and Mary Lacye who both of them cryed out against me charging me with witchcraft the space of four dayes mocking of me and spitting in my face saving they knew me to be an old witch and If I would not confesse it I should very Spedily be hanged for there was some such as my selfe gone before and it would not be long before I should follow them w'ch was the Occasion with my owne wicked heart of my saying what I did say: and the reason of my standing to my confession att my tryall was : That I know not one word w't I said when I was upon my Tryall att what the honoured Majestr'ts said to me but only the Name of Queen Mary: But may it please your Excellencye: when Mr Matther and Mr Brattle were here in Salem they disowned w't they before had said against me and doe still owne and say w't they has sayd against me was Nothing but the Divells delusions and they knew nothing in the least measure of any witchcraft by me: your poor and humble petition'r doe begg and Implore of yo'r Excellencye to Take it into yo'r Pious and Judicious consideration To Graunt me A Pardon of my life Not deserving death by man for wichcraft or any other Sin That my Innocent blood may not be shed and your poor and humble petitioner shall for ever pray as she is bound in duty for yo'r health and happiness in this life and eternal felicity in the world to come So prays.

Your poor and humble petition'r
Rebecca Eames
from Salem prison
Decem the 5th: 1692

This Rebecca is a 9th great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

1872 :: Great Boston Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:00:00 +0000

On this date in our extended family history . . . the 9th day of November . . . in the year 1872 . . . our distant cousin, Oliver Rice Chase, had a business building destroyed by the flames of the Great Boston Fire . . . unfortunately, it was just one year earlier (in October of 1871) when Oliver's brother, Daniel, lost his business due to the Great Chicago Fire . . . my common ancestors with this particular branch of the Chase family are Aquila Chase and his wife, Anne Wheeler . . .

Sometime after the 1872 fire, another distant cousin, Abner W. Harmon, penned the words to a poem memorializing that conflagration . . . our common ancestors with Abner are John Harmon and his wife, Sarah Roberts . . .

Here is cousin Abner's poem . . .

The Great Fire in Boston.
Composed by A. W. Harmon.

On the ninth of November, in eighteen seventy-two,
All nature and old Boston looked gay with splendid hue;
The sky was clear and beautiful, the stars were sparkling bright,
And Boston looked most lovely, for it was Saturday night.

The evening meal was finished, from care and labor riven,
When suddenly and loudly, the alarm of fire was given,
And in a single moment the fire bells rang aloud,
The cry of fire was echoed, and faster flew the crown.

The Firemen came out quickly, brave hearted men and true,
but little were they thinking, of the great work to do;
Fast flew the fire, consuming wealth, honor, fame and pride,
And the bravest of the Firemen, it instantly defied.

And by the City authorities every effort was made,
To stop the progress of the fire; while hundreds lent their aid,
The Firemen worked like heroes, as on the flames they played;
Engines from various places, with speed come to their aid.

On Summer Street and Kingston, on Otis, Milk and High,
On Federal, Pearl and Congress, swift did the Fire-Fiend fly,
On Deveonshire and Washington, State, Franklin Street and Arch,
Destroying all before it, as eastward it did march.

And what was but yesterday a beautiful prosperous place,
Is now a scene of desolation, its beauties all erased,
Saving only a wilderness in this part of the town,
Of chimney stacks and broken walls, that had not tumbled down.

The merchant and the pauper, alike they looked aghast,
Through iron, steel and marble, the great destroyer pas'd,
Thousands of costly buildings, in vengeance down it felled,
And O, what sad destruction, the Sabbath morn beheld.

Merchants their goods were packing, ere their store walls fell down,
And loaded teams were hurrying in all directions round;
The smoke so high ascended, the villagers did say,
'Twas seen to rise from Boston, a hundred miles away.

One fourth of that fine City in ashes now is laid,
And a great change in business it certainly had made;
The merchant and mechanic, the toilor son and sire,
All, all are now lamenting with grief, that terrible fire.

Hundreds of once rich merchants, are by the fire made poor,
Thousands of people feel it, the toiler's heart is sore;
But enterprise smiles bravely, the merchants are awake,
They rise for their own benefit, and for humanity's sake.

The wealth it took the people for many years to gain,
The wealth it took the labor, and the brains to obtain;
The Fire-Fiend with derision, looked on with hateful scorn,
And grasped the best and costliest part, between sunset and morn.

When the city of Chicago had felt the Fire-Fiend's power,
Had seen its flames ascending, in a dark and dismal hour,
Boston arose with sympathy, the helping hand to lend,
Provision, money and clothing, for her relief did send.

But little was Boston thinking, so soon it would require,
Sympathy and assistance, for its great loss by fire;
Towns, villages and cities, has felt its power and wrath,
And thousands of our merchants have laid low in its path.

Behold the noble Firemen, so gallant and so brave,
See how they toil and labor, buildings and wealth to save;
They risk their lives for others, do all the good they can,
Toil for their neighbor's comfort, for woman, child and man.

Clicking on the thumbnail to the left will allow you to view a vintage image of the 1872 poem by A.W. Harmon . . . courtesy of the Brown University Library . . . and, FYI, as mentioned in the very first paragraph of this blogpost . . . Oliver R. Chase did lose his place of doing business in this fire . . . but all youth, and those who are young at heart, can be grateful that the fire losses experienced by the Chase brothers did not put a halt to their enterprising natures . . . 'cause 'twas their 19th century endeavors that provided the very beginnings of the New England Confectionery Company . . . which still gives us Necco Wafers . . . as well as the Sweetheart candies that have become a fixture for Valentine's Day . . .

This blogpost was researched and prepared specifically for cousin Bill's Fourth Annual Great Genealogy Poetry Challenge.

1711 :: Reversal of Attainder for Rebecca Eames

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:56:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 17th day of October . . . in the year 1711 . . . there was passed an act to reverse the attainders of a number of person previously accused of witchcraft . . . among those accused was one Rebecka Eames nee Blake . . . who is a 9th great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog . . . the following is from The Salem Witchcraft Papers . . .

Province of the Massachusets Bay: Anno Regni Anna Reginae Decimo.

An Act to reverse the attainders of George Burroughs and others for Witchcraft

Forasmuch as in the year of our Lord one Thousand six hundred ninety two several Towns within this Province were Infested with a horrible Witchcraft or possession of devils; And at a Special Court of Oyer and Terminer holden at Salem in the County of Essex in the same year 1692. George Burroughs of Wells, John Procter , George Jacobs , John Willard , Giles Core , and [] his wife, Rebecca Nurse and Sarah Good all of Salem aforesaid Elizabeth How of Ipswich, Mary eastey , Sarah Wild and Abigail Hobbs all of Topsfield, Samuel Wardell , Mary Parker* ; Martha Carrier , Abigail Falkner : Anne Foster , Rebecca Eames , Mary Post and Mary Lacey all of Andover, Mary Bradbury , of Salisbury, and Dorcas Hoar of Beverley Were severally Indicted convicted and attainted of Witchcraft and some of them put to death, others lying still under the like sentance of the said Court, and liable to have the same Executed upon them.

The Influence and Energy of the Evil Spirits so great at that time acting in and upon those who were the principal accusers and Witnesses proceeding so far as to cause a Prosecution to be had of persons of known and good reputation, which caused a great disatisfaction and a stop to be put thereunto until theire Majesty's pleasure should be known therein: And upon a Representation thereof accordingly made her late Majesty Queen Mary the second of blessed memory by Her Royal Letter given at her Court at Whitehall the fifteenth of April 1693. was Graciously pleased to approve the care and Circumspection therein; and to Will and require that in all proceedings ag't persons accused for Witchcraft, or being possessed by the devil, the greatest Moderation and all due Circumspection be used, so far as the same may be without Impediment to the Ordinary course of Justice.

And some of the principal Accusers and Witnesses in those dark and severe prosecutions have since discovered themselves to be persons of profligate and vicious conversation.

Upon the humble Petition and suit of several of the s'd persons and of the children of others of them whose Parents were Executed. Be it Declared and Enacted by his Excellency the Governor Council and Representatives in General Court assembled and by the authority of the same That the several convictions Judgments and Attainders against the said George Borroughs , John Procter , George Jacob , John Willard , Giles Core and [] Core , Rebecca Nurse , Sarah Good , Elizabeth How , Mary Easty , Sarah W[ild] Abigail Hobbs , Samuel Wardell , Mary Parker* , Martha Carrier , Abigail Falkner , Anne Foster , Rebecca Eame[s], Mary Post , Mary Lacey , Mary Bradbury , and Dorcas [Hoar] , and every of them Be and hereby are reversed made and d[eclared] to be null and void to all Intents, Constructions and purposes wh[atso] ever, as if no such convictions, Judgments or Attainders had ever [been] had or given. And that no penalties or forfeitures of Goods or Chattels be by the said Judgments and attainders or either of them had or Incurrd.

Any Law Usage or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding. And that no Sheriffe, Constable, Goaler or other officer shall be Liable to any prosecution in the Law for anything they then Legally did in the Execution of their respective offices.

Made and Pass'd by the Great and General Court or Assembly of her Majestys Province of the Massachusets: Bay: in New England held at Boston the 17th day of october. 1711.

See also . . . Salem Witch Trials Aftermath 1711 where you can view images of this document from the Library of Congress . . .

*P.S. . . . this Mary Parker is also a 9th great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog . . . she was hanged as a witch on the 22nd day of September in the year 1692 . . .

Sentimental Sunday :: Memories of New England

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:32:00 +0000

One year ago, in October of 2011, my youngest sister and I loaded up our about-to-be-80-year-old Mom and made a road trip from central Texas to the coast of Maine for an extended stay in a beach house at Old Orchard Beach . . . and afternoons spent gathering seaglass on Peaks Island . . . and mornings spent walking the paths of the Victorian garden cemetery overlooking the Saco River where Mom's young mother was laid to rest in 1932 . . . some of the photographic memories of those days have been preserved on the pages of a book created via MyCanvas at ancestry.com . . . the following slideshow from a Picasa album highlights the pages of that leather-bound book, which was presented to Mom for her 80th birthday earlier in 2012 . . .

Memories of New England

Our adorable Mom was born near Boston, Massachusetts . . . but spent most of her growing-up years with her paternal grandparents in central Texas . . . her Father had left the dry dusty farmfields of West Texas in 1927 to join the Navy . . . and wound up spending time along the coast of Maine with one of his shipmates . . . where both of them met their future wives . . .

Mom's parents, Robert and Elizabeth (aka Bob and Betty), were married in July of 1929 . . . their first child (a boy) was born in May of 1930 in Lynn, Massachusetts . . . followed by Mom in January of 1932 . . . and then 19-year old Elizabeth died three days later . . .

Mom never visited her Mother's grave until October of 1977 . . . which was the first time we made the trek to New England from Texas . . . we went back again in 1981 . . . and then in 1998 . . . 2011 was our fourth trip . . . and we are already making plans for trip #5! . . . in the meantime . . .

Mom was talking just this morning about wanting to print copies of her photos of that trip, and share them with family members . . . she doesn't know it yet, but with this post, I am doing the sharing for her (sorry, Mom!) . . . remember that ALL of the photos in the following albums were taken by Mom with her digital camera . . .

TO MAINE AND BACK THRU MOM'S EYES . . . this album contains images captured by Mom along the road . . .

MAINE

Dunstan Cemetery . . . at Scarborough in Cumberland County, Maine . . . Mom's maternal 2nd great-grandparents, William Thurston Merrill (1816-1898) and Olive Jane (Goodwin) Merrill (1821-1895), are buried here . . . along with numerous other kinfolk . . .
Eastern Cemetery . . . at Gorham in Cumberland County, Maine . . . Mom's maternal great-grandma, Phoebe Ann (Merrill) Morse Tripp (1848-1927), is buried here . . .
Greenwood Cemetery . . . at Biddeford in York County, Maine . . . Mom's maternal great-grandparents, Atwood Frank Smith (1837-1907) and Jerusha Marilla (Barker) Smith (1841-1899), are buried here . . .
Hills Beach . . . at Biddeford Pool in York County, Maine . . . Mom's maternal grandparents, Thomas Warren Alonzo Smith (1866-1920) and Eva May (Brackett) Smith (1874-1936), owned and operated a florist business in Biddeford in the early part of the 20th century . . . as part of that business, T.W.A. Smith did landscaping at Biddeford Pool . . .
Laurel Hill Cemetery . . . at Saco in York County, Maine . . . Mom's maternal grandparents, Thomas Warren Alonzo Smith and Eva May (Brackett) Smith are buried here, along with their children, including Mom's Mother . . .
Nubble Lighthouse . . . near the entrance to the York River in York County, Maine . . . aka Cape Neddick Light Station . . .
Old Orchard Beach . . . in York County, Maine . . .
Peaks Island . . . in Casco Bay near Portland, Maine . . . we have photos of Mom's maternal family members at events on this Island from the early part of the 20th century . . . and Mom's 9th great-grandpa, Michael Mitton, once owned Peaks Island . . .

MASSACHUSETTS . . . this album contains images of the house where Mom was born . . . and the beach where she played as a child . . .
NEW HAMPSHIRE . . . Mom's parents honeymooned at Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire . . . where her Mother also spent time as a child . . .

God Bless America

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:30:00 +0000

1574 :: Death of Nicholas Pyne

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:19:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 31st day of August . . . in the year 1574 . . . Nicholas Pyne / Pine dies in England . . . this Nicholas is a 14th great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

1720 :: Marriage of Samuel and Sarah

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 02:31:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 11th day of August . . . in the year 1720 or 1723 . . . Sarah Emery becomes the bride of Samuel Brackett . . . this Sarah and Samuel are 7th great-grandparents of the Keeper of this family history blog . . . in his Brackett Genealogy, H.I. Brackett stated that they were married in 1720 . . . but records recently made available online from the city of Berwick in York County, Maine indicate that they were married in 1723 . . .

1808 :: Marriage of Grant and Nancy

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 20:58:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 14th day of July . . . in the year 1808 . . . Nancy Tate Anthony becomes the bride of Grant Davis . . . the ceremony is performed in Wilkes County, Georgia by the Rev. Jesse Mercer (pictured to the right) . . . this Nancy and Grant are 4th great-grandparents of the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

1706 :: Baptism of Edward Milliken

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:19:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 6th day of July . . . in the year 1706 . . . Edward Milliken is baptized in the Brattle Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts . . . this Edward is a 7th great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog . . .

History of New Bedford, Volume 1 (Google eBook)
The Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1918

Representative Men and Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts:
Containing Historical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens
and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families (Google eBook)
J.H. Beers & Company, 1912

Genealogical and Personal Memoirs
Relating to the Families of the State of Massachusetts
Volume 3 (Google eBook)
William Richard Cutter, William Frederick Adams
Lewis historical publishing Company, 1910

Saco Valley settlements and families:
historical, biographical, genealogical, traditional, and legendary,
Volume 2 (Google eBook)
Gideon Tibbetts Ridlon
The Author, 1895

1859 :: The Starksville Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Our Mollie is six years of age in 1859 when a 4th of July celebration is held in her hometown in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi . . . both of her parents are still alive at this time . . . as well as both of her grandfathers . . . Grandpa West is enumerated in Starkville on the 1860 census . . . while Grandpa Carter is in Pontotoc County, Mississippi . . . Aunt Matilda (West) and Uncle Britton Valentine are in Oktibbeha County . . . as well as Aunt Mary (Carter) and Uncle Bill Valentine (Britton and Bill are brothers) . . . a decade down the road, Mollie is a 16-year-old orphan on a wagon train headed for Texas . . . she would later pass on many of her memories of the years of the war between the states . . . wonder if any of these family members participated in the large assemblage described in the following newspaper clipping from 1859 . . . or if they had an inkling of just how much the world they lived in was about to change . . .

SOUTHERN BROAD-AXE [WEST POINT, MS], July 6, 1859, p. 2, c. 2-3

The Starksville Celebration

It was our good fortune to be present at the Celebration at Starkville yesterday. There was a large assemblage of the citizens of Oktibbeha, and neighboring counties there and although the most of them were strangers to us, it required but half an eye to see that every countenance was lighted up with enthusiasm -- and every eye sparkled with the fire of patriotism which warms the American heart at the return of our Independence Jubilee. A band of skillful performers enliven the spirits of the vast concourse of chivalry and beauty with lively, stirring strains of music -- and the old Star Spangled Banner, so dear to the eye and the soul of the freeman, spread out its proud folds on the morning breeze.

At 11 A. M. the Exercises began with reading of the Declaration of Independence by Mr. Wm. Lockhart. Mr. L. first paid a beautiful tribute to the band in attendance after which he read the Declaration in a clear distinct voice audible to the whole crowd, and took his seat amid rounds of applause. After a thrilling performance by the band the young orator of the Day -- H. L. Muldrow Esq., was introduced and entertained us for perhaps an hour with an elaborate discussion of the topics so naturally presented to one occupying his responsible position. We know not which to most admire in the oration -- the Feast of Reason -- the flow of soul -- the seasoning of happy expression or the bouquet of elevated thought and beautiful language so appropriately addressed to the Ladies, which came in as a welcome dessert and was highly appreciated, and loudly applauded as the speaker resumed his seat.

Some gentleman then read to the audience the patriotic Appeal to Mississippians in behalf of the Mount Vernon Association from the gifted pen of Mrs. Col. I. N. Davis. There is a noble sentiment of lofty public spirit in every line of that truly beautiful poem which does honor to Mrs. D. as a friend of patriotism, as a devoter of chaste poetic literature, and in the sublime capacity of an American woman.

A procession was then formed and we all marched to the table in a neighboring grove, where a sumptuous dinner was prepared for all. The Agricultural Society was addressed at the Court House, by Col. I. N. Davis in the evening, and the whole crowd stayed to hear him. His remarks were to Southern farmers -- they were forcible and to the point -- made up of happy conceptions and appropriate delivery. His reasoning was so clear and logical that any mind comprehending 2 and 2 make 4, must aknowledge [sic] the justness of his conclusions. The people of the South must see the truth of Col. D.'s position on questions of vital importance to her interests now, or regret in later years that they were so short-sighted.

1646 :: Birth of Sarah Merrill nee Clough

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:49:00 +0000

On this date in our family history . . . the 28th day of June . . . in the year 1646 . . . a baby girl is born to John and Jane Clough in Massachusetts . . . this baby girl is given the name of Sarah . . . and would grow up to marry Daniel Merrill . . . this Sarah is a 9th great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog . . . FYI . . . clicking on the above image will take you to the full page in the book, The Genealogy of the descendants of John Clough of Salisbury, Massachusetts . . . where that entire book can be read online . . . or downloaded to your preferred reading device . . .

1860 :: Barker Boarding House

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:36:00 +0000

One hundred fifty two years ago today . . . on the 18th day of June . . . in the year 1860 . . . Timothy Barker is enumerated at the Keeper of a Boarding House in Biddeford, York County, Maine . . . this Timothy is a 3rd great-grandpa of the Keeper of this family history blog . . . also in the same household is his wife, Jerusha (my 3rd great-grandma) . . . and their married daughter, Jerusha, and her husband Atwood Frank Smith (my 2nd great-grandparents) . . . LUV the handwriting of the enumerator, Jere E. Lord, on this census page . . . possibly aka Jeremiah E. Lord who died in 1864 in Biddeford . . .

1851 :: Sterne visits the Halls

noreply@blogger.com (Vickie Everhart) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:00:00 +0000

161 years ago today . . . on the 18th day of June . . . in the year 1851 . . . Nicholas Adolphus Sterne (1801-1852) spends the night in the J.J. Hall household in Houston County, Texas . . . the Mrs. Hall, aka Mahala Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts (1838-1885), is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this blog . . . and she was married to Joshua James Hall (ca. 1790 - ca. 1871) on the 12th day of February in 1851 in San Augustine County, Texas. Sterne wrote about this 18th day of June as follows . . .

Wednesday the 18th [of June 1851] left early, arrived at Crockett at noon, dined at my opponent's-- Col Long's, left after dinner in company with Judge Randolph a Candidate for the lower House for this, Trinity and Anderson Counties, went to Cook's mills where we parted, I went to Col J.J. Hall lately married to Mrs Sharp, lately, she was Miss Mahela Roberts whom I knew as a little girl-- stopped all night, and was treated, as a man generally is, treated at a true gentleman's House.