Ancestors of mine from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky & Beyond

Preparing for Cincinnati

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:36:00 +0000

Time has flown in the recent weeks as I have spent time either indexing or searching for ancestors in the 1940 Federal Census with some interesting results that I will compile in an upcoming post once the dust has settled more.

But today, I wanted to update the preparations occurring in my corner of the world as the calendar edges closer towards the National Genealogical Conference in Cincinnati, and my first opportunity to rub shoulders with so many of the bloggers, authors, and people I have grown to respect in this amazing field.

I thought it was ironic that our Sunday newspaper focused on Cincinnati in the travel section this past Sunday, and since I don't believe in coincidences, that coupled with the addition of Family Tree Magazine adding the city to its May/June 2012 issue only adds to the excitement. Although my mother and I are the genealogy fiends in our family, my father is coming with us, so I am currently exploring the social events that are being offered as well as reading up on what is available in the downtown area for him to explore while we are learning as much as we can (when we aren't spending money in the exhibition hall, trying to find people I have become acquainted with over these past few years, or seeing what trouble I can try to stay away from).

One thing I learned long ago is that going on any trip means much work before one leaves the driveway, so I am currently debating the cost of updating my current GPS vs. replacing it, making a list of the food and snacks we are packing (we have decided that the luncheons are most likely beyond our budget, but will finalize this decision this weekend), ensuring that spring clothing is in good shape and that I have comfortable shoes to survive those long days (I prefer going barefoot ).

The next phase is updating my database as much as I can before we go because we are hoping to do some research on a missing line that actually lived in Cincinnati and ran a saloon downtown in the early 1900s. Another decision: to take advantage of being so close to Frankfort, Kentucky and some of the courthouses in that part of Kentucky that we need to visit for some records while we are so close. I will write more on this next week.

As I am writing this I have learned that the NGS has a mobile app that can be downloaded on a variety of Windows, Android, & Blackberry devices to help us with the schedule of events (including making a personalized schedule), information on the exhibitors including how to find them, maps of the meeting rooms hotels & parking, and even a way to stay connected with each other throughout the convention. This is something I am going to have to add to my to-do list.

First National Conference- Come Along With Me

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:41:00 +0000

My bucket list is quite varied, covering everything from traveling spots to meeting favorite celebrities, and attaining goals with my beloved ancestors, and I have been quite blessed in actually checking off many of them, even the ones that seemed impossible years ago.

Last year I was more than a bit blue as The National Genealogical Society's Annual Conference was conducted in Charleston, South Carolina. I had wanted to go desperately, and was so disappointed when circumstances prevented the opportunity.

When I learned that the National Genealogical Society was holding the 2012 conference in Cincinnati, Ohio I knew that I would not be denied. I researched the three hotels that were originally recommended by the Society, and actually made our hotel reservations over six months ago to ensure that I was in the hotel I wanted, which is across the street from the Duke Energy Convention Center and attached by the downtown Cincinnati sky walk system.

I talked highly of this conference within my family, so my favorite sidekick in genealogy pursuits, my mother, decided to attend with me. As of this moment we are electing not to sign up for any of the luncheons, even though I am a member of a few of the organizations, but will seek some guidance on this one in the next few weeks. The conference blog states that any meal tickets must be purchased in advance.

We did decide to splurge for the Wednesday evening tour and dinner at the Cincinnati History Museum, especially since the Union Terminal is there and the railroad plays such a large role in our lives. I was happy to find out, that even though my father will not be part of the actual conference, I could register him for this event. We also plan on going to the evening at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center , as well as a bus tour they are doing when we first get into town. We decided to take advantage of these opportunities and enjoy them as much as we can while we are there.

Since I am a newcomer to attending a conference at this level, I thought I would start posting on our process as we prepare for this trip, what the experience is like once we arrive, and what we learn during and once we get home.

Next time I will let you know what some of our preparations are for this trip.

Motivation Monday- Weekly Update

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

(* I had this set in my scheduler to post early yesterday, but for some reason this did not occur, so I am publishing a day late. Staying focused is too important right now in my opinion).

Motivation comes in many forms: a regular paycheck, a boss threatening to replace your position, an unexpected hug from a teenager.....fill in the blank with whatever those motivation are for yourself.

In order to stay focused in my genealogy research, making a small set of weekly goals that I am publicly accountable to on here is one way to stay motivated. Last week I made a small list and will use that as the beginning of either a weekly or bi-monthly post to update on progress and make a set of new "motivating" steps to continue forward progress.

So, here is an update:

-Complete a Database of Tombstone Tuesday Entries Posted to this Blog (Completed)

- Review Military file of Lemuel Tucker (my oldest brick wall ) in order to return to posting about him (Currently reviewing in depth and will post an entry next week for Military Monday on Lemuel)

- Search the local 1940 city directory as one step to confirm addresses in preparation of release of 1940 census (Have discussed family addresses with my mother, and searched online for relative city directories, but the 1940 city directory I need to view is at the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library in their Indiana Room. I will be visiting on Tuesday morning.)

- Visit the Warrick County, Indiana courthouse to obtain records related to my German heritage (Visited last week for several hours and obtained many records on the family, some I will be sharing in upcoming weeks)

- Use Google Reader to catch up on all the blogs I have missed in recent months (much to do in this area; there are so many good blogs with good information to share that I may be catching up for awhile)

Now, in addition to what I am continuing from above, these are my additional motivations in the next week:

- Return to the Warrick County courthouse for other records

- Spend an evening scanning photographs and/or documents (I intend to make this a weekly event while watching some favorite television programs)

- Return to Familysearch.org indexing to polish up on my skills this week so that I will be prepared to assist in the indexing process when the 1940 census in released April 2nd.

Let's see how this process goes and let's all "stay motivated"!

Sentimental Sunday-Gifting To Those We Love

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:15:00 +0000

Photographs of ancestral homes, tombstones, and walking the land that once was farmed by generations are all aspects that are beyond description for me, and are the areas that I am beginning to focus on more when I explain our family history to living relatives now. I have discovered that doing so is what gets them excited and more willing to answer questions, find a photograph, look for a record, etc.

In fact, I am even realizing that I need to temper these revelations a bit. If I share too much then by the time I leave a family dinner I have a to do list from my siblings that is long enough to last for months, but I am thrilled with the investment. The younger generations that get turned off by pedigree charts are actually staying around the dinner table to listen to stories of inspiration, tribulation, courage, and humor and that delights me to no end.

Christmas has always been an opportunity to share a few historical gifts. Years ago I gave my parents and each sibling my very first family album that consisted of a few charts, copies of original records for our immediate grandparents and great-grandparents, and several photographs. Over the years I have given them additional info they could add to that binder. My mother has added to the tradition by giving each of us copies of their high school yearbooks and other delights over the years.

This year was no exception, and one of the most sentimental in years. I had located my 2nd great-grandfather, William Eckardt, his wife Fridolina and 2 sons Richard and Conrad in Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York in the 1880 census with William working as a tailor. Several Onondaga city directories are available online, and I used those to locate the addresses of employment for William in Syracuse during the time the family lived there.

Google Maps and Ebay are such a benefit to our worlds as genealogists, and they are part of my online Research Toolbox. I searched Google Maps for the current day location of his employment as well as where they lived, and discovered that one of those places at the time was along the Canal in Syracuse and that the building is still there.

I often purchase postcards off Ebay that play a part in my family, but this time I discovered a greater treasure:an actual photograph of the building with the Canal, just as it would be as my ancestors would be at the time. I gave this to my mother as a Christmas gift with a copy of the census to frame. Both are below, with the picture partially covered out of respect.

1880 Syracuse, Onondaga, New York (image taken by KE)

Next week I will share the Sentimental gift my mother in turn gave to each of us.

Tombstone Tuesday- Cemetery Kits Helpful

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:50:00 +0000

Visiting cemeteries is one of my favorite aspects of genealogical research, which often leads to some interesting facial expressions on those around me before I get the opportunity to explain my thoughts behind the statement.

A cemetery to me is a sacred location, but it is not an untouchable or hands off place to be. Even in college when I was away from home and there was no time for genealogy, I would frequently take walks in a nearby cemetery from the campus that was beautiful and peaceful.

Today when I visit the cemetery of my ancestors to take the photographs that are so precious to me I cannot help but stand there and go back in time to the day those people were buried. I imagine the friends and relatives walking the land I am standing on as they grieve for the person they knew so well and now are losing, and the emotional sentimental fool that I am I always get a little emotional in the process. Genealogy to me is more than adding names to my database, and I am sure that is more pertinent because I knew so little about my family when I first began.

Last fall my parents and I were able to return to Ohio County, Kentucky for a couple days of research at the courthouse and to visit some local cemeteries. Ohio County is a key location to my maternal side of the family, and I was determined to visit one cemetery in particular that held several ancestors.

The cemetery is at what is called Old Salem Church. The day we went I was a bit discouraged to find that part of the cemetery had been mowed and the part I needed to get to was under 3 feet of grass and weeds. What did I do? Turned to my trusty cemetery kit. My cemetery kit is actually a large tote bag that includes what I consider to be the necessities for anyone intending to make it a habit to visit their ancestral relatives in unknown locations. (Sorry, but despite my best efforts I could not find my photo for this post, but will put one up next week).

Contents of my bag: Cloth diapers (for cleaning), water bottle for spraying onto unreadable text, kneeling pad used by gardeners, metal probe for finding parts of headstones under ground, clippers to assist in weed removal (I actually have a couple varieties), nylon brush and piece of styroform to gently remove lichen, hoe, garden gloves, trash bag and paper towels to clean up behind myself, piece of foam board covered with aluminum foil to assist with sun, tripod for my camera, first aid kit, bug spray, notebook paper, cemetery forms and clipboard. I know this is a lot and I don't always use it all, but the clippers, and bug spray came in handy this day.

My parents thought I was nuts, but I knew that there were few opportunities to visit this cemetery and I didn't want to miss my chance, so out came the spray, I left all but the tools and the clipboard and my camera in the car, and off I went into the middle of the weeds and any unseen creatures.

Salem Cemetery, Ohio County, KY (property of ke)

I was delighted when I was rewarded, after trimming and pulling some weeds and grass, as well as spraying some water onto the stone to see it better, the long awaited location of my 3rd great-grandfather, John Raley.

John Raley
Born Oct 8 1806
Died Aug 11 1884
Aged 77 Y., 10 M., 3 D.
Salem Cemetery, Ohio County, KY (taken by ke)

Motivation Monday- Gears Moving

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:56:00 +0000

When one has been away from a task for a period of time, even one they truly enjoy, moving from the "wanting" to the "doing" can be be measured in inches or miles, depending upon the level of motivation.

For example, in my household where youth resides- money, a new cell phone, gas money, or even movie tickets can magically clean any dirty dishes, empty a laundry hamper, take out the trash, or run a vacuum. Finding the dangling Popsicle for an adult who has been doing genealogy for years can be a bit more daunting. Thankfully being that I have been the designated benefactor in my household for the past several months, I relish the opportunity to get reacquainted with the men and women I hold in my heart whose voices I have never heard.

Little sappy I know, but it's a Monday. Apparently my zeal is greater than realized, because I have taken breaks from writing this post to go into my home office to pull every single family binder, reference publication, and research file off my library shelves and desk, and placed them on the floor in order to reorganize them into a more efficient work flow. Finding my desk and starting to work in there regularly is the top item on my weekly "to do list" in addition to the following:

- Complete a database noting which entries have been posted for Tombstone Tuesday to prepare for future posts

- Review file of Lemuel Tucker (my oldest and most stubborn brickwall ancestor) so I can return to posting what is known in hopes of finding ancestral connections with others also awaiting the same information

- Search the local 1940 city directory to confirm addresses as one step in preparation for release of upcoming 1940 census

- Visit the Warrick County Courthouse to obtain records relative to my German heritage to increase clues in their history

We'll see how well I do on these goals this week, and on posting information here. I will also be spending some time in the evening with my Google Reader as I read all those posts I have missed in recent months.

Thank you.

Refreshed and Eager to Walk Among My Ancestors

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:01:00 +0000

One of the best aspects of genealogy (and the worst in honesty) is the fact that the bends in the road always lead one to continue trying to peek around the bushes to see what may be on the horizon.

I have stood in awe in a courthouse as I held the original document from 1826 that cemented the marriage of my 3rd great-grandparents, been thrilled when after years to find the German city of birth of another direct ancestor so we can "cross the pond", and never get tired of the increased beat of my heart whenever I see a photograph of anyone I am related to, because looking into their eyes leads somewhere that is far beyond a line on a census page.

I began my genealogy quest at the age of 13 formally, before television shows enlightened us on the hobby. I actually developed my own version of a family group sheet on an old fashioned typewriter before I had ever seen one (still have those early versions) from organizations, doing this because all of my grandparents were deceased and no one could answer any of my questions.

In those years there was little interest among other family members beyond an occasional, "That's interesting", and I can clearly remember the day when a close family member told me they had no interest at all in any of this "stuff" or the heirlooms and looked forward to when we could get rid of it all. (By the way, that person now collects antiques).

There have been some years when I needed to sit my ancestral quests off to the side (attending college away from home, the early years of my parenting and career building, when my health crisis hit and I actually had to relearn how to read was a big one), but my heart always kept my ancestors nearby. What has helped in recent times is that now I have the assistance of my mother who joins me on all courthouse visits, and is currently learning how to use the computer and databases as well. Additionally, other family members are assisting in various ways and I appreciate their zeal.

My last entry (aside from a brief one at Christmas), was last fall when I discussed my impending plans to travel to Ohio County, Kentucky for a few days at the courthouse for record retrieval. After that I fell off the radar, and I apologize to those who read this blog. I missed being here, and I missed reading your blogs as well.

Sometimes when genealogy has been in your veins since the age of 13 a break is needed, and in my case that came with little warning or planning. My living ancestors needed my attention, and now with refreshed vigor all my ancestors are calling my name.

I am registered for the National Genealogical Conference in Cincinnati in May- my very first national conference, and I am very excited. Research goals await me, and writing for this blog does as well, so I hope you will have me again. It sure feels good to be back.

Christmas Ornaments- Advent Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 08:43:00 +0000

One of the greatest traditions throughout my lifetime in my family has involved the ornaments that decorate the trees of each member of my immediate family.

Of course as a child, they consisted of those wonderful large bulbs that we would unscrew from the plug in order to put a reflector behind it for added shine. A year or so ago as my mother cleaned out part of her attic she mentioned that she still had those light strands and reflectors and I asked if I could have a small box with some of them. I haven't yet decided how I will reuse them, but when my creativity allows and the spirits speak, I will know.

A Favorite From My Grandmother

A few years ago I wrote about a series of wooden ornaments (one pictured here) that belonged to my maternal grandmother. I so looked forward to these being revealed each year from the crumpled newspaper that protected them that I would just sit by the box or follow my mother around until she would finally give in and stop all other household chores so the tree decorating could commence. These had to be placed on the tree by me so that I could watch them when I laid on the couch in the dark watching the lights dance. To this day I could not explain their interest to me, but I would not trade anything for them today, and yes..... they now grace my tree.

Another tradition that has carried on through the years....... The Christmas Pickle.

By firepileRobin Zebrowski on Flickr- some rights reserved- must attribute

There are many versions of the story of The Christmas Pickle online and I would encourage you to spend a few minutes reading them, especially if you have any German ancestry, but the irony for me is that despite a strong German ancestry, I knew none of this until recent years. I just knew that in our family there was usually a pickle hidden in the tree with a hidden meaning behind each year. One year for us my mother had the girls in the family search for it. The first one of us ladies that succeeded in finding the pickle received a special jewelry gift. (Of course, we all in the end got some jewelry, but the fun was in the hunting). Another time she had something for the grandchildren. As each of us grew up and began families of our own, my mother gifted each of us with a pickle to carry on the tradition.

A couple of years ago, long after my daughter was basking in her gifts at our house, I mentioned that there was something hidden in the tree that was the key to one last gift. I laughed as I watched this intense hunt throughout the branches, all the better of course if the pickle is partially camouflaged. Once the glass pickle ornament was handed to me, I pointed to the den and two wrapped presents which were really her big presents that year.

We have one more ornament tradition..............Hallmark. These days if you go to any of our homes in December our trees truly carry the story of our lives. I think I will save that for later this month.

I know that it has been a very, very, very long time since I was last on here. I will spare any explanations. Sometimes our today lives prevent focusing on our past lives, and that is that. Glad to be back.

Hope all is well with each of you as the hustle and bustle of the season surrounds you.

Serendipity Sunday- Geneabloggers Leads Me to New "Cousin"

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:41:00 +0000

Serendipity Sunday is one of my new inventions toward a more effective blog.. This idea came out of the realignment of my goals for this blog a few months ago (Changes, they are a coming). and I decided that if I gave it a name and a day of the week I will be more inclined to continue writing the entries I want to share with others.

Thomas MacEntee of Geneabloggers has a weekly salute to new blogs every Saturday. He lists them, their location, and some information about the blog. I look forward to this each week and read them without fail. I often add them to my reading list in support. After all, not too long ago I had the honor of being placed on that list and the support from others was (and still is) amazing.

Last week one of the blogs listed was My Family Orchard, an individual family blog designed to "keep you updated on latest findings, brick walls, and mistakes among other topics. I always make it a point to read a bloggers Profile and any other special headers they have that describe their ancestral locations, purpose of the blog, and surnames important to them, as well as the type of writings and entries they choose to publish.

Lo and behold, I found what Ken calls a "shirt-tail cousin" in his wife. I don't know about you, but I'll take a cousin of any level when it comes to a common ancestor that was born in 1772. I was delighted when reading his blog and discovered that he had listed the surnames WILSON and LEE from Ohio County, Kentucky. I sat up straight, read this again, and before I a chance to say "Shazaaam!" out loud I was already finishing my first email post to the author of this blog (Ken).

Since that first contact, Ken and I have sent several emails back and forth about the family line and are already discussing plans to meet one another in the future.

I don't believe these events happen by accident. You see Samuel WILSON and his wife Winnie LEE are at the top of my research lists and are 1/2 of the reason I am planning another trip back to the Ohio County, Kentucky courthouse within the next two weeks. Having someone else within our blogging community to share information, ideas, etc., with is wonderful.

Next Sunday I'll share another event that is related to the last time I went to Ohio County.

Tombstone Tuesday- 20 September 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:55:00 +0000

Gilbert McDonald and wife Edna Fitzgerald, my Great Grand Aunt & Uncle
Gilbert born 16 Nov 1881 and passed away 4 Nov 1965
Edna born 8 April 1893 and she passed away 8 Feb 1983

They are buried in White County, Illinois

More Information on Lemuel for Military Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Now that I have regained use of the computer and scanner I can return to the goals for this blog, one of those being to use the records I am acquiring on Lemuel Tucker to discuss, share, and analyze as I work to see if I can't break through this long lasting brick wall on his ancestry.

Today I am going to show a timeline I assembled from his Muster Rolls while serving. I find putting them into list form helps me visualize the information more clearly.

Lemuel's Muster In Date was 21 Dec 1863 in Carmi, Illinois as a Private in Company E 13 Regiment Illinois Calvary. Bounty paid was $60.
Muster Rolls for 13 Cav. Ill. state the folllowing:
21 Dec 1863 to Feb 29 1864- Present
Mar & April 1864- Present
May & June 1864- Present
July & Aug 1864- Present
Sept. & Oct. 1864- Absent month in Gen'l Hospl
Nov & Dec 1864- Absent month in Gen Hospt, Bounty due, $2 premium
Jan & Feb 1865- Absent North Gen Hospt, Bounty due $2 premium
Mch & Apl 1865- Absent North in Gen. Hospl, bounty due
May & June 1865- Discharged May 3/65 for disability injuries rec'd in line of duty; *M. Roll of Mound City Hosp. for Nov & Dec 64 reports him "absent without leave." list of casualities for Nov. 1864 (same Hosp) reports "Furlough expired Nov. 24/64 reported deserted Nov. 30/64. Casualities for Dec 1864 report him "Readmitted from desertion Dec. 18/64".

The Hospital Muster Rolls from Mound City, Illinois and Jefferson Barracks, Missouri do not further describe either the cause of Lemuel's long standing illness that led to such a long stay or the circumstances surrounding his "absence without leave." However, that information is included in his discharge papers.

Here is part of his Certificate of Disability for Discharge from service that explains the reason for his disability discharge.

Portion of Lemuel's Disability Discharge signed by Surgeon

Next time we will delve into the pensioner records that contain much more information about Lemuel and his family. Maybe some clues will begin to surface.

Stories From The Road- Childhood Home & House Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:59:00 +0000

As stated in an earlier post of mine (Changes they a coming), one of my new regular features is going to be "Stories From the Road." This is going to cover ancestral homes and businesses, as well as places that played a role in the social history fabric of my family. Stories From The Road is also meant to cover some of our adventures while traveling in the pursuit of further exploration of the family.

Today this road leads to the front door of my childhood home. I couldn't really imagine starting any other place, since due to that home and all the memories that came with it, so began my earliest forays into the exploration of our family history. Ironically, at the time I had not dug enough into all the crooks and crannies of this home to find the treasure of a 1911 history of part of the family written by my great-grandfather nor the earliest example of a scrapbook that my grandmother had done as a gift for her daughter to show the family history in photos. Those great finds came a few years later.

My childhood had had the distinction of being the family home on my maternal side of the family for three generations of the family for over 40 years! My maternal grandparents purchased the home newly built on a double lot in what was a growing part of Evansville at the time and actually now is only a few miles from the Ohio River in many would consider to be part of the near Downtown area of Evansville. My mother grew up in this home, and with the exception of a few months in the beginning of their marriage, this was the home that my parents raised their children in, surrounded by our grandmother, and for my siblings for several years, an elder pair of great aunts of my grandmother.

Our home was 3 stories when you consider that we had a full basement that contained a fruit cellar, a converted laundry room that once was full of the coal that heated our home, and a large area for parties with a bar that I once converted into a paying haunted house for the neighborhood, but was used much more by my older siblings for their parties (which I enjoyed sneaking down and watching from the steps).

The upstairs held 3 bedrooms, a bathroom and 2 attics. My brother's room was in the middle in the hallway and I always thought the upstairs was spooky. Tthere was more than once that I took off in a dead run down that hallway to get to my parents, convinced a monster would grab me from my brother's doorway as I ran back. During the war years when there was so much building of war materials in Evansville (another story), my grandmother rented out the upstairs to boarders and also part of the main floor, which I've been told has been rearranged more times than my living room ever will.Getting to the main floor could only be done for me by sliding down the stairs as though they were my own playground.

Once I arrived downstairs my first focus was usually to the kitchen that ran across the back of the house, and to this day the memories and smells from my grandmothers special Christmas cookies and other recipes come flooding right back. From there I could either walk back towards the stairs and go into what was my playroom as a child and down the hall towards the front of the home, passing a sewing room and a small office/kitchen on the way to what ended up being my grandmother's bedroom once all the boarders and others had moved on. The other doorway took me into the family living room where we watched tv, and I can vividly remember where every one was sitting when we watched the first moon landing as well as the resignation of Nixon a few years later. The front room was the "formal living room" (you know, the one with the furniture we children weren't allowed to sit on except for Christmas Day, and even then I actually wound up on the floor.

We moved from this home as I was getting close to entering high school, and at the time I was full of anger and feelings too strong to be able to handle in all the right ways because it meant a new school and all the changes that came with it. My father knew what I didn't understand- that the neighborhood was changing and we needed to move while we could get the best prices for our home, but we sure made it hard for him.

I have recently reconnected with many of those friends and am grateful for that. A few months after we left I decided to draw a very detailed house plan for myself of the home because I was afraid I would forget all the little parts as time went on- wise beyond my years for that one. I am actually in the process of having my parents help me draw some house plans (not like an architect) of a few homes that have played such important roles in their lives. This includes the home in Maunie my father spent every summer at, the place by railroad he lived in as a child, and the first home his father ever bought for the family.

Why not do the same for yourself? Use some graph paper, place some photos on the table with you if you have any, and start with a very rough block the first time. Scale is not what is important. Turn on a recorder if you are doing this with others (or even on your on) because memories may come up that you don't want to miss, and these may also assist with further development of the plans as time goes on.

For our childhood home, my sister commissioned an artist she knew to paint the house twice- once as it looked during her childhood, and then again for my parents as it looked at the time we moved, and gave it to them for Christmas that year. What a treasure!

Tombstone Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:01:00 +0000

copyright KE for this blog only

Karl Martens
1824- 1888

My 2nd great-grandfather
Buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Warrick County, Indiana

The 99+ Genealogy Meme- Come Aboard!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:35:00 +0000

Becky at kinexxions developed a list of 99+ genealogy things you might have done, or may do in the future with the assistance of several others in the blogging community. This list was posted originally two years ago, and then Becky decided to revisit the list a couple days ago, which I am glad she did since I never saw the original.

Instructions are listed below. be sure to post a link on Kinexxions when you are finished.

The list is annotated in the following manner:
Things you’ve already done: bold face type
Things you’d like to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t care to: plain type

Belong to a genealogical society.
Researched records onsite at a court house.
Transcribed records.
Uploaded tombstone pictures to Find-A-Grave.
Documented ancestors for four generations (self, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents)
Joined Facebook.
Cleaned up a run-down cemetery.
Joined the Genea-Bloggers Group.
Attended a genealogy conference.
Lectured at a genealogy conference.
Spoke on a genealogy topic at a local genealogy society.
Been the editor of a genealogy society newsletter.
Contributed to a genealogy society publication.
Served on the board or as an officer of a genealogy society.
Got lost on the way to a cemetery.
Talked to dead ancestors.
Researched outside the state in which I live.
Knocked on the door of an ancestral home and visited with the current occupants.
Cold called a distant relative.
Posted messages on a surname message board.
Uploaded a gedcom file to the internet.
Googled my name.
Performed a random act of genealogical kindness.
Researched a non-related family, just for the fun of it.
Have been paid to do genealogical research.
Earn a living (majority of income) from genealogical research.
Wrote a letter (or email) to a previously unknown relative.
Contributed to one of the genealogy carnivals.
Responded to messages on a message board.
Was injured while on a genealogy excursion.
Participated in a genealogy meme.
Created family history gift items (calendars, cookbooks, etc.).
Performed a record lookup.
Took a genealogy seminar cruise.
Am convinced that a relative must have arrived here from outer space.
Found a disturbing family secret.
Told others about a disturbing family secret.
Combined genealogy with crafts (family picture quilt, scrapbooking).
Think genealogy is a passion not a hobby.
Assisted finding next of kin for a deceased person (Unclaimed Persons).
Taught someone else how to find their roots.
Lost valuable genealogy data due to a computer crash or hard drive failure.
Been overwhelmed by available genealogy technology.
Know a cousin of the 4th degree or higher.
Disproved a family myth through research.
Got a family member to let you copy photos.
Used a digital camera to “copy” photos or records.
Translated a record from a foreign language.
Found an immigrant ancestor’s passenger arrival record.
Looked at census records on microfilm, not on the computer.
Used microfiche.
Visited the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.
Visited more than one LDS Family History Center.
Visited a church or place of worship of one of your ancestors.
Taught a class in genealogy.
Traced ancestors back to the 18th Century.
Traced ancestors back to the 17th Century.
Traced ancestors back to the 16th Century.
Can name all of your great-great-grandparents.
Found an ancestor’s Social Security application.
Know how to determine a soundex code without the help of a computer.
Used Steve Morse’s One-Step searches.
Own a copy of Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills.
Helped someone find an ancestor using records you had never used for your own research.
Visited the main National Archives building in Washington, DC.
Visited the Library of Congress.
Have an ancestor who came over on the Mayflower.
Have an ancestor who fought in the Civil War.
Taken a photograph of an ancestor’s tombstone.
Became a member of the Association of Graveyard Rabbits.
Can read a church record in Latin.
Have an ancestor who changed their name.
Joined a Rootsweb mailing list.
Created a family website.
Have more than one "genealogy" blog.
Was overwhelmed by the amount of family information received from someone.
Have broken through at least one brick wall.
Visited the DAR Library in Washington D.C.
Borrowed microfilm from the Family History Library through a local Family History Center.
Have done indexing for Family Search Indexing or another genealogy project.
Visited the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Had an amazing serendipitous find of the "Psychic Roots" variety.
Have an ancestor who was a Patriot in the American Revolutionary War.
Have an ancestor who was a Loyalist in the American Revolutionary War.
Have both Patriot & Loyalist ancestors.
Have used Border Crossing records to locate an ancestor.
Use maps in my genealogy research.
Have a convict ancestor who was transported from the UK.
Found a bigamist amongst the ancestors.
Visited the National Archives in Kew.
Visited St. Catherine's House in London to find family records.
Found a cousin in Australia (or other foreign country).
Consistently cite my sources.
Visited a foreign country (i.e. one I don't live in) in search of ancestors.
Can locate any document in my research files within a few minutes.
Have an ancestor who was married four times (or more).
Made a rubbing of an ancestors gravestone.
Organized a family reunion.
Published a family history book (on one of my families).
Learned of the death of a fairly close relative through research.
Have done the genealogy happy dance.
Sustained an injury doing the genealogy happy dance.
Offended a family member with my research.
Reunited someone with precious family photos or artifacts.

What would your list like? I'd love to know.

September the 11th

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:18:00 +0000

September the 11th.

When one hears that phrase there is no need to add any explanation, much as June the 6th, or Hitler, or even some of the other words and phrases that exist in our vocabulary now that didn't exist then, such as Facebook or Google.

But this carries so much more to the people of today who only understand the earlier ones in history books or old movies being remade. I write this as I watch the tributes on television this morning and wipe the tears off my face, remembering just as vividly the feelings I felt that beautiful breezy morning ten years ago. I had sent my beautiful daughter off to school and was at home recuperating from a recent accident that was interfering from work duties, and had decided to turn on the television to catch up on the daily news. Like many, the view was of the first tower on fire and all the confusion as the newscasters were trying to determine what had caused this incident, and was staring at the screen when I clearly saw the second plane crash into the other tower. I immediately called my father to make sure he was watching the news and then can't remember the next time I left the television over the coming hours.

My daughter tells me that she learned of the terrorist attacks because her class was walking by the principal's open door of her office as several teachers and the principal were glued to the television in her office and expressing their own fear, which led to her own. As a mother (and a clinical social worker), of course my anger with the school was very high when I learned that they handled that so poorly with the children, but my job was to be a calm, reassuring mother when she came home that evening. I can remember that CNN actually had a professional on in the midst of the crisis of the day who told us parents that one of the worst things we could do was to keep the television flooded with the images of the plane crashes day and night. So, when she got home that night I asked her what she knew, and what she wanted to know. We knelt in our living room floor and prayed for everyone, later watched President Bush speak to the country, and then I made it my mission to make my daughter feel as safe as she could in a world that had just turned upside down.

My father began wearing a flag button on his shirt within a couple days of September the 11th.

He still wears it every day.

I Wish I Could........

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 02:47:00 +0000

I wish I could......

publish my post about a typical meal around the table as a child

describe my childhood home as the first "Stories From The Road" entry as I had described earlier this month

scan in my next entry regarding the Civil War service of Lemuel Tucker as I work to fill in his life and search for ways to break through that wall

be part of tonight's "Saturday Night Fun" and explain how ironic it was that it led to further records in my tree

But alas, the technology gremlins have entered my household and stolen my abilities to enter photos onto my blog, disrupted the scanner to such an level that the poor girl refuses to work even though the rest of her all-in-one parts are cooperating, and even Microsoft Word has decided to enter into the party just for fun.

As I write this I am waiting for my laptop to return from an amazing technology marvel who blessedly enough is actually a "cousin" that holds my genealogy world (yes, it is backed up on external drives I can't use right now), and am using a newer desktop that is doing all the fighting I am referring to above that now is about to be worked on remotely by same blessed man.

All of this at the same time that I am trying to prepare for a courthouse trip for a couple days.

Thank God that I am one who still believes in keeping some of my work in paper form or I would really be up a creek.

I'd put a picture of that on here right now, but, well, ............ you get the idea.

Soon the moon and the stars will align again in my universe.

Eckardt- Tombstone Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Florence and Ervin ECKARDT taken by KE

Florence was born in 1913 and died in 2003.

Ervin was born in 1904 and died in 1953.

They are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Military Monday- Lemuel Tucker

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:42:00 +0000

Lemuel Tucker is my 3rd Grandfather, and one of my tallest brick walls. There is much known of my 3rd Grandmother, Martha Ann Cozart and her line back to the Huguenots, but he is doing his best to be elusive. Some prefer to do that, and on my crazy days I would swear they do so just for the heck of it. Sometimes I find myself imagining them sharing conversations much as the ghosts in the paintings in the halls at Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter movies.

The truth is I probably wouldn't want it any other way. After all, how much fun would family history be if I was just handed a 100% completed manual that contained every single record, connection, and story all the way back to Adam and Eve?

So when it comes to Lemuel I am assembling all the known data I can in the process of building his life, and his Civil War records at The National Archives are one of those sources. I plan on sharing parts of those records over the coming weeks. Martha Ann Cozart had a brother, David, who served in the military at the same time. The difference in files in information and size is interesting, and I will later share parts of his as well to show how much they can vary.

Lemuel Tucker Volunteer Enlistment (provided by KE)

What I did learn from the Volunteer Enlistment of Lemuel Tucker on 21 Dec 1863:

He was born in White County, Illinois, was 21 years of age when he enlisted in the 13th Regiment Illinois Calvary, had gray eyes, dark hair, dark complexion, was 5 feet 11 inches tall, and left his mark instead of a signature.

Changes, they are a coming

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:46:00 +0000

I wrote a couple weeks ago that I was reevaluating my use of this blog and how I wanted to make the space more productive for myself and for others who read the contents. After giving myself some time to think through the possibilities, as well as my to-do lists, I am prepared to discuss them now.

When I first began this blog, I stated that I wanted to use the space to "display information about my ancestors and their life, as well as to use it as a forum for discussing other ancestors from the Tri-State of Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky." I also wanted to use this blog to discuss brick walls I needed help with.

Over time illness had prevented consistent use of this blog and the blogging community I love and respect, and I have also failed to stay the course with many of the goals I initially planned for this space. Now with thought and planning, I have established the parameters for the next few months of this blog. One of the first things I did was to revamp my "Surnames and Locations" page to place the surnames more specifically into the states and counties that are relevant to my research. I will be adding my "Research Toolbox" within the next week, as well as defining my stand more clearly on copyright and links to these pages.

Content coming in upcoming weeks will include the following:

Military Monday
Civil War Papers of Lemuel Tucker and David Cozart
Information regarding ancestors in World War II

Local Events in History in Newspapers and Other Media
Discuss events in history that affected the Tri-State area, such as the 1937 flood, 1925 tornado, and the Civil War

Serendipity Stories & Breaking Brick Walls
Times when the heavens parted and all fell in place as well as the stories of recent brick wall discoveries AND the walls I still need help climbing

Courthouse Conquests
My catchy theme for courthouse finds

Stories From The Road
Ancestral Homes, Businesses, Places important to my family directly and by means of living in the area, social history related information

Character Sketches
This idea comes straight from a recent webinar conducted by Lisa Alzo of The Accidental Genealogist . I would like to add these once or twice a month. This will force (make me- smile) to write the narratives I need to on my ancestors and add the sources correctly.

The Writings of Those Before
It has been sometime since I quoted the entries from the 1911 journal of my great-grandfather, John James Raley. I would like to get back to those. In addition, there were some other members of my family who have written journals, books, etc. and I would like to add those writings at times to share.

Research Strategies & Tips
The title is self-explaining

Of course there are other entries to continue with, including Tombstone Tuesday, Surname Saturday, Treasure Chest Thursday, and all the other themes that are described on Geneabloggers and suggested by fellow bloggers. I am excited about the possibilities for this blog, and expanding the options to not only include specifics about my family, but to also add more information about the Tri- State area and also the other areas relative to my ancestors.

Surname Saturday- Darling/Utley

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 00:24:00 +0000

It has been some time since I have added an entry to this category, so now is time to correct that. I prefer to protect the generations closest to myself for various reasons, so I will begin further up the branches,

1. Myself
2. My Father
3. My Mother
4. My Paternal Grandfather
5. My Paternal Grandmother
6. My Maternal Grandmother
7. My Maternal Grandmother

46. John Darling was born about 1830 in Massachusetts. It is possible that his middle name is Nathan.
47. Parthenia Utley was born about 1823 in Virgina to Wilson Utley and Rhoda Ann Moore.

John Darling and Parthenia Utley married on 19 Oct 1851 in Gibson County, Indiana. They had the following children:

i. John W. Darling , born about 1853 in Indiana

+ 23 ii. Rhoda Jane Darling , born 4 Oct 1855 in Gibson County, Indiana. She married John McDonald 18 Oct 1874 in Gibson County, Indiana and died 22 May 1931 in White County, Illinois where she is buried.

iii. Benjamin Darling, born about 1856 in Gibson County, Indiana. He married Anna Couch on 26 Dec 1892 in Gibson County, Indiana, and died 28 Mar 1902 in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

iv. Nathan Darling, born in 1860 in Indiana. Nathan married Ellen P. Deweese 3 Jul 1889 in Gibson County, Indiana.

v. Susan Anna Darling, born 20 Dec 1864 in Gibson County, Indiana. Susan married Henry Wilhite 19 Mar 1881 in Gibson County, Indiana. Susan died 13 Aug 1948 in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, and is interred at Locust Hill cemetery. According to her obituary listed at www.browningpeople.com, at the time of her death Susan left behind 5 daughters, 3 sons, 30 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, 3 great- great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

94. Wilson Utley, born 20 Dec 1777 in Goochland, Goochland, Virginia. He died 16 Sep 1869 in Gibson County, Indiana.

95. Rhoda Ann Moore, born about 1795 in Virginia. She died about 1870 in Gibson County, Indiana.

Wilson Utley and Rhoda Ann Moore were married about 1816 in Greenbriar, Doddridge, West Virginia. They had the following children:

i. Montraville Washington Utley, born 24 Jul 1817 in Goochland, Goochland, Virginia. He married Eliza Jane Wheeler on 21 Feb 1839 in Gibson County, Indiana and died on 17 May 1872 in Albion, Edwards, Illlinois.

ii. John Utley, born about 1822.

+ 47 iii. Parthenia Utley, born about 1823 in Virginia. She married John Darling on 19 Oct 1851 in Gibson County, Indiana, and died about 1905 in Illinois.

iv. James Utley was born about 1824.

v. Mary Utley was born about 1825.

vi. William Utley was born about 1826.

William Utley and his wife Rhoda Ann Moore are the only branch of the Utley family that moved from the Virgina area.

Please feel free to contact me if anyone listed above is connected to you in any way. I would love to share further information, discover connections, or meet cousins. The welcome mat is always open!!!

Tombstone Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Arthur & Nettie DOWNEN

Dec 17, 1876 Jan 26, 1882

Jan 19, 1923 Feb 7, 1950

Buried in White County, Illinois

Tombstone Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:46:00 +0000

Eslie M White
son of
E. L. & S. A.
White
born
July 9, 1877
Died
July 25, 1878
Deepest child thou hast
left us, And thy loss we
deeply feel, Tis the lord
that has bereft us, Of
one we loved so deeply

Cannon Cemetery, Ohio County, Kentucky

Proud To Be An American

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:21:00 +0000

I am the product of sentiment. I don't think I ever stood a chance. Tears rise and fall in situations that are as varied as witnessing my child in a sports contest, finding the answer at the conclusion of a long novel, or holding in my hands the actual marriage bond signed by an ancestor from 1814. I still fight tears even as my hands roll the drums whenever I hear the song made famous by Lee Greenwood years ago.

I come from good stock,or at least that's what I tell my daughter in pride when something funny happens that reminds one of us of one of the mannerisms that is so like one of her grandparents. Today is the ultimate day to honor those brave souls who went through all manners of conflict and success as they chose this country over all sorts of sacrifice.

So today, ancestors of mine, know that you are not forgotten.

- those who fled persecution in far lands because of your religious beliefs
- those who continued to face some of the same religious persecution once arriving
- the immigrants who arrived with no understanding of the language but refused to be deterred
- the brave souls who fought in every manner of conflict these lands have encountered since the beginning
- the women who ran the households, raised the children, worked the farms, or assumed the jobs of their husbands when they were lost to war, disease, or scandal

Independence Day is the reward for all these sacrifices.

Liberty Bell & Independence Hall copyright Kim Eisman

"Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof" Leviticus 25:10
(inscription on the Liberty Bell)

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:11:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that an anniversary has arrived upon this humble little blog today. Last year I neglected the fact for some time and I didn't want to make that mistake today or to let it appear that I am unaware of the blessings and lessons that have come from having this blog.

Some neglect has come upon this site in recent weeks and those that have been with me over time know that there are times when this occurs due to some severe health issues. Despite my best efforts and one A+ medical team the struggle for stability remains out of our reach for me right now, but we're not throwing in the towel. This year has resulted in several breaks in the infamous brick wall and exciting discoveries are right on the Golden Tree for the picking. I recently shared in general terms some of this information, and intend to expand on that in the future.

Birthdays are often times of celebration of the current, reflection on what passed, and redirecting energies onto those items that matter in the "bucket list.,or at least they are for me. Blog anniversaries follow this path as well. This space and those that take a moment to drop by deserve a thoughtful evaluation on my part, and so I hope that in coming weeks you will notice the fruits of my assessment.

Thanks so very much to those of you who take the time to stop by and read my antics, leave a comment, and have encouraged me over these past couple of years. What a fantastic community we have!

Much I have learned with your support. Much remains to learn.

Thank you!

Surname Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Kim) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 04:45:00 +0000

This is one area I have neglected here and decided that it's time I start entering this data. I never know, but maybe I'll find another cousin along the way. I am using the example that Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings uses at this time.

This weekend I am following part of my paternal's line back to John Rankin Tucker and his family

I Me
II. My Father
III. My Mother
IV My paternal grandfather

VI John Rankin Tucker is my paternal great-grandfather.. John was born abt 19 Oct 1867 in White County, Illinois to Lemuel Tucker and Martha Jane Cozart.

John married Rilda/Rildy/or Rilda E Cooper 21 Mar 1892 in White County, Illinois. John and Rilda had one child, a son Clarence Lemuel Tucker (No. IV) born 19 Nov 1896. This marriage ended within a few years, but the reason is unknown up to now. (I still need to find a death record for Rilda or divorce proceedings).

John married for the second time to Virginia Kingery (born 4 Feb 1886 in Illinois)

Children born to this union were:

Adrian Tucker (born 15 Oct 1902 in White County, Illinois and died 26 Feb 1965) Adrian married Florence Allison and they had one daughter, Hazel Marie.

Snowdie Alice Tucker was born 19 Mar 1914 in White County, Illinois and died 26 Oct 1930 in White County. She was too young to marry at the time of her death.

Nothing makes me happier than to meet others who are researching the same families that I am. If any of these people are familiar to you and you would like to share or discuss information, please feel free to contact me. The welcome mat is always open.