29 February 2012

Recommendations for Genealogy Education And Assessing 2012 Goals

I do a goal check up at the end of each month, but had planned to blog quarterly about my progress.  I looked over what I had accomplished in January and February and thought I should share my progress with my loyal readers. 

I am loving the webinar explosion.  I have participated in eight webinars since the first week of January.  Plus, I will be viewing another one today.  I am amazed at how much information is available online in genealogy education.  Webinars coupled with Family Search Research Courses has provided me with more information than I can process sometimes.  I am loving it.  If you are looking for webinars check out Legacy, Jamboree Extension Series, and the calendar at Geneawebinars.

My 2012 Goals and the progress made are:

Research
  • Research, record, and source vital record information for my mother's 11 brothers and sisters.
    • Progress is being made on this.  I am about half done.
  • Research Vinera Eglantine Powers parentage.
    • Great progress has been made thanks to the research of a 'cousin'.  I want to explore the parentage a little more before I go 'live' with the information.
Education
  • View two webinars per month.
    • This has been the easiest one to complete. I averaged four a month.  I have viewed the following webinars:
      • Digital Books and Sites for Genealogists by James Tanner-A wonderful presentation of digital resources for genealogy.  I spend a lot of time with online researching and it always amazes me to find new sources.
      • 10 Ways to Jump Start Your Genealogy in 2012 by Thomas MacEntee-The title says it all!  10 Ways where the first letter of each way spells Genealogy. 
      • Discovering Your Massachusetts Ancestors by Marian Pierre Louis-I loved this webinar.  I especially appreciated the background information given on the history of Massachusetts.  Marion covered access to records: online, archives, and microfilm.  I learned about census records, including the Tax Valuation List of 1771 (new source for me), vital, land, probate, military and cemetery records.  This is one of the best webinars I have viewed. 
      • Google Reader Update by Dear Myrtle-As a long time user of google reader, I appreciated a review of it.
      • See the Patterns by Michael John Neill-Michael organizes his presentation in a way that is easy to follow.  He explained a four step process and techniques that will help one understand and organize genealogical information.  As someone who uses charts and tables, I enjoyed seeing his. 
      • Ten Brickwall Tips for Beginners by Marian Pierre-Louis- This webinar would be good for all levels of researchers.  Marian gave some good ideas on brickwall busting.  I don't always think to go back over and review my documentation, which is Marian's number one tip. 
      • Key to the Courthouse by Jan Sloan Broglin-I have limited experience with courthouse research so this webinar broadened my genealogical education.  The references given are ones I need to take a look at.
      • Digging Your Canadian Roots by Kathryn Lake Hogan-This webinar provided tips and techniques for researching your Canadian Ancestors, including websites to use for your research.  My great grandmother, Catharine McGee Watt, was born in Canada.  I am looking forward to using the information provided here to explore her roots in Canada.
  • Read research wiki's or courses twice a month.
    • This was my first experience with the Family Search Research Courses and I wasn't disappointed.  There is a wealth of information under the learn tab at familysearch.org.  If you haven't checked it out, I encourage you to do so.  I averaged three a month, plus a few five minute videos.  I viewed the following courses:
      • Inferential Genealogy by Dr. Tom Jones-I had the privilege of attending a class given by Dr. Jones at FGS 2011 in Springfield, Illinois and enjoyed it, so I chose him for my first research course and I wasn't disappointed.  This is an excellent course that every genealogist should take advantage of.  The best piece of advice Dr. Jones gave was, "Do not add someone to your family tree who should not be there."  Something everyone adding information online should remember.
      • Research Logs Part I and II-by G. David Dilts-I have a love/hate relationship with research logs.  I love the organizational benefits of them, but hate the time it takes to complete them.  I am trying to do a better job with them.  This course takes you through the mechanics of research logs and their importance.  One thing I liked was his advice on keeping everything on one log.  When I started I had research extracts, correspondence logs and research logs.  I created a new research log and look forward to using it.  He also stressed to start from this point forward and not worry about going back and creating research logs for past research.  Whew!  glad to hear that.
      • US Midwest Records Lesson 1, 2, and 3-I am fortunate that all eight of my great grandparents settled in Michigan.  A couple of them by way of Indiana, so I was curious to see what Midwest records would be covered in these lessons.  If you have Midwest ancestors this is a good introductory lesson.
      • 5 Minutes Genealogy-I was intrigued by this premise so I decided to check out the first video.  Well, 25 videos later, I was impressed.  Yes, I watched every one of them! (OCD maybe?)  Before you think I am crazy and have nothing else to do with my time, I watched them while I was sick, over a two week period.  My first thought was these would be great for kids.  They pack a lot of information in a short period of time.  I found myself chuckling a few times.  They would also be great for a beginning genealogist.  The videos cover everything from getting started, to finding records to how to get help.  I wouldn't say I learned anything, but if you have a budding genealogist in your family have them take a look.  They won't be disappointed.
Click on the titles of each course to be taken to the family search website and that course.

Organization
  • Finish the Glover surname file labels, using Family Roots Organizer System.
    • Zero, Zilch, Nada completed on this.  I guess I was too busy viewing 5 Minute Genealogy videos.
  • Add information received from a Glover researcher to my Roots Magic software.
    • This is completed.  I double checked her references and added the information to my family tree.  I am looking forward to collaborating further with her.  It is probably a good thing she lives in another state, or we would get nothing else done.
All in all it has been an excellent two months.  I think the cold weather and my being sick contributed to the success toward my goals.  I will have to remember this when the lazy days of summer beckon me to the beach.
 
All of the above webinars and research courses were free.   You can't beat that.  Do you have a webinar or research course recommendation?  Please share it in the comment section.

28 February 2012

Otto Robert Fredricks and Faye Nelson Fredricks-Tombstone Tuesday

Gravestone of Otto R. Fredricks, 1923-1997 and Faye L. Fredricks, 1923-1982, Brethren Cemetery, Brethren, Michigan. (Corner of N. High Bridge Rd and Coates Highway).
Photo and transcription by Brenda Leyndyke on July 2010 visit.

FREDRICKS
FAYE L.          OTTO R.
1923-1982         1923-1997

Otto Robert Fredricks is the son of Otto August Fredrick and Daisy Ellen (Graf) Fredrick.  He was born 23 June 1923 at home, near Brethren, Michigan.  He died 18 January 1997 in Kaleva, Manistee, Michigan.  He married Faye Lorraine(Nelson) Kolk 9 June 1945.  Faye Lorraine Nelson was born 29 August 1923.  She died 25 June 1982 in Palm Beach, Florida.

24 February 2012

Kathryn Louise Tritten Pihl-Funeral Card Friday

This funeral card is for my aunt and godmother, Kathryn Louise (Fredrick) Tritten Puryear Pihl.  Aunt Kate as we called her was the oldest daughter of Otto August Fredrick and Daisy Ellen (Graf) Fredrick.  She was married three times.  First, to Carl Tritten.  Next, to Russell Puryear. Last, to Weiko Pihl.  They all preceded her in death.

Kathryn Pihl died 2 January 2012 in Manistee, Manistee, Michigan.  Her funeral service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Onekema, Michigan.  Trinity in Onekema has been the place for a lot of family baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals.  My mother was confirmed here.  My parents were married here, and I was baptised at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Aunt Kate's grandson, Rev. Eric Tritten officiated at the funeral.  He gave a wonderful sermon that celebrated the life of his grandmother.  I even learned a few genealogical facts, as he shared where she was baptised and confirmed.  She was baptised at the Church of the Brethren in Brethren, Michigan and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Onekema, Michigan. 

Rest in Peace, Aunt Kate.

22 February 2012

Where in the World is Harry Glover?

One of the first places genealogists look for information on their ancestors is in census records.  The first United States Federal Census was taken in 1790, and every ten years after.  United States Census records can be found through Family Search and Heritage Quest for free.  Heritage Quest is available through many local libraries.  
The excitement about the 1940 Census being released on 2 April 2012 prompted me to take a look at my census records and see if I was missing any census data for my ancestors.  I decided to blog about my ancestor's census whereabouts to help me find any gaps in my information.  I am starting with my paternal grandfather, Harry Glover, who was recorded as Frank Jr., Frank H. and Harry in the census.

HARRY GLOVER CENSUS DATA

FACT
DATE
PLACE OF RESIDENCE
ENUMERATION DISTRICT/PAGE ID./DWELLING
Birth
6 May 1883
Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, United States

Census
1900
Crystal Lake Township, Benzie, Michigan, United States
ED 5/ 19A/397
Census
1910
Marquette, Marquette, Michigan, United States
ED 191/4A/71
Census
1920
Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, United States
ED 69/ 4A/38
Census
1930
Royal Oak, Oakland, Michigan, United States
ED 122/16B/381

20 February 2012

Harry Glover aka Frank Henry Glover Jr.- Military Monday

Source:  "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," [database on-line], Ancestry.com,
 Entry for Frank Henry Glover, Jr.

This World War I draft registration card is for my grandfather, Harry Glover, but for some unknown reason he went by Frank Henry Glover, Jr. too.  His birth certificate lists Harry Glover.  Even though his name is different and for some reason his birth date too, it is his.  His birth date was 6 May 1883, not the 5 May 1883.

How do I know it is the right record?  There are a couple of facts that confirm it.  He lists his relative as Frank H. Glover, Marquette, Michigan, which is his father.  Also, it states that he has an artificial right foot.  My grandfather lost his right foot running to catch a train at the age of 18.  His occupation is listed as a toolmaker.  My grandfather was a tool engineer for many years with the Chrysler Corporation.  Although, the name and birth date are wrong, the card is indeed my grandfather's Harry Glover aka Frank Henry Glover, Jr.



17 February 2012

Happy Birthday, Dad

Today is my dad's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Dad!  I remember him talking about his favorite cake as a child.  It was from Sander's in Detroit, Michigan.  It was a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and white butter cream.  When I was doing my student teaching in Bay City, Michigan the local Kroger's carried Sander's cakes.  I remember taking one home to him for his birthday.  I will never be able to re-create a Sander's cake, but our local German bakery comes close.  The cake above is a chocolate cake with a custard filling from Continental Pastries in Battle Creek, Michigan, my favorite bakery.

My dad celebrating his birthday last year at our home. 

16 February 2012

6th Floor Harvey Hall at Western Michigan University-Those Places Thursday


On the way to Goldsworth Valley 2, the four halls that are part of it,
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan


Intersection of E. Pond Dr. and Goldsworth Dr.

 The hill going up to Goldsworth Valley 2 dorms at
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Harvey Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

I moved into Harvey Hall in the Fall of 1975.  My dad and I drove the 220 miles and he helped me unload the car.  I remember being excited, nervous, and a little anxious at what awaited me.  I knew my roommate, we were high school friends, so I didn't have to worry about that.

My room assignment was on the sixth floor.  It was great except for the numerous fire drills we had in the middle of the night, the first week we were there.  They caught the person who was pulling the fire alarm and kicked him out of college.  My roommate and I used the stairs as exercise for awhile.  I even lost weight my freshman year.
I lived on the sixth floor of Harvey Hall for my Freshman and Sophomore years at Western.  When you entered the room there was a closet on the right and the bathroom on the left.  The bathroom was shared by two rooms.  They called it a suite.  Two females were assigned to each room.  The floor I was on was all girls.   The dorm itself was co-ed by floors.  The dorm room itself was one room with a desk unit, for two, attached to the wall.  Two twin beds and a dresser made up the furniture.  I thought it was great.  I was happy to be on my own.  I enjoyed college life. 

Harvey Hall holds a lot of memories for me.  A few I won't be sharing!

14 February 2012

Happy Valentine's Day-Hattie's Bible

Happy Valentine's Day


This perfectly cut-out picture reminds me of a Valentine.  I don't know if it was used as one or not.  I found this in Hattie's Bible.  Whoever cut it out did an excellent job.  I wish I knew more about it, as it must have meant something to my great grandmother for her to save it in her Bible.  There is nothing on the back of it.  The paper reminds me of the old manila drawing paper we use to have in grade school.

I hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day.


12 February 2012

Samuel Stillman Glover Death Notice-Sunday's Obituary


The above clipping was sent to me by a cousin and it is hard to read.  I found a transcription of another clippping online.  The information is pretty close to what I imagine the above is saying.

GLOVER - in this city, May 30th, 1870, Samuel S. Glover, in his 73d years. Funeral will be attended from his son's residence rear of No. 38 Stillson Street, on Wednesday afternoon, at 2 o'clock.

Source:   Rochester Daily Democrat, (Rochester, New York), , p 4, 31 May 1870; Rootsweb.com, http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nymonnws/1870/MAY.html.


Samuel Stillman Glover was born 11 September 1798 in Conway, Franklin, Massachusetts.  He died 30 May 1870 in Rochester, Monroe, New York, at the age of 71, not 73.


08 February 2012

No One Believes Me-Leonia Fredrick was Real

Have you found an ancestor that no one in the family believes existed?  I was researching my Fredrick side of the family at the Manistee Historical Museum in Manistee, Michigan and found one.  I was looking in their card file for the Fredrick surname and came across a Leonia Frederick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Fredrick, my great grandparents.

Source:  Manistee Daily News, (Manistee, Manistee, Michigan), 18 October 1899, newspaper transcription; Manistee County Historical Museum, Manistee, Michigan.
Information transcribed and found in museum's card file.

"Leonia Frederick, 2 year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. August Frederick of 35 Filer St. died yesterday from measles.  Interment in Oak Grove.  Manistee Daily News Oct 18, 1899"

Upon seeing this I had to find more information.  I found the death certificate for Leonia Fredrick.

Source:  State of Michigan, "Death Records 1897-1920," database, State of Michigan, Seeking Michigan (http://seekingmichigan.org/discover-collection?collection=p129401coll7: accessed 11 July 2010), Leonia Fredrick Death Certificate No. 161 Manistee County, Michigan; citing Michigan Department of State, Lansing, Vital Statistics Division.

From the death certificate I learn that Leonia Fredrick was 1 year, 11 months, 2 days old.  If this information is correct, her birth date would be November, 1897.  She had a brother, Leonard, born in November, 1897.  Twins?  Leonard's son, Bill, is still living and we have shared a lot of information, but he had never heard of Leonia.  He was very interested though.  He said his dad never talked about his family, which is the case in many families.

Leonia Fredrick was real.  Unfortunately, she died at an early age of measles.  How sad that she wasn't remembered by the family.  (Or was she?  Her brother, Otto August Fredrick, named one of his daughters, Leona.)  I will remember her and she has a permanent place in my family tree, whether the family believes it or not.




06 February 2012

Affidavit of Widow's Poorness-Military Monday


Source: Glover, Samuel Stillman; Pension File No. 28715, Civil War Pension File,
  (Washington, D.C.: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration), . 
State of Michigan
County of Manistee
     In the Matter Of Claim for Pension of Adda L. Widow of Samuel S. Glover Jr. personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid,
Adda L. Glover aged 66 years, and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to said claim that She or her late Husband did not own any real estate whatever and that they did not own any Personal but Two Horses and a Cow which was Sold to Pay the Funeral and Doctors Expenses for the burial and Sickness of my late Husband and that I have no income from any Source aside from my labor further that my late Husband Samuel S. Glover Jr had No life insurance and further there is no Person leagally bound to Support me and that I have not remarried since the death of my late Husband  He further declares that he has no interest in said claim and is not interested in its prosecution and her Post Office address is Bear Leake Michigan
                            Signature Adda L. Glover
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 26th day of May  1904 and I certify that the reputation for truth and veracity of the above name affiant is Good
                            Official Signature, L.D. Shir?liff
                            Official Character, Notary Public

 My second great grandfather, Samuel Stillman Glover, Jr. died 12 April 1914.  Just six weeks later, his widow, Adaline 'Adda'  L. (Dyer) Glover filed the above affidavit attesting that she did not own real estate or personal property.  She states that she had to sell two horses and a cow to pay for the funeral, burial, and doctor's expenses of her husband.  She had no income and no one responsible for her.  She goes on to state that her husband did not have life insurance.  She states she has not remarried.

Adda was 66 years old and the reason for filing these affidavits was so she could receive a widow's pension from her husband's civil war service.  What did she get for her widow's pension? $8 per month, or $96 a year.  Can you imagine living on $96 a year?  The average American worker made between $200 and $400 a year in 1904.

Adda lived for another 13 1/2 years.  She lived with her daughter, Sadie (Sarah), for a time in Wisconsin and with her son, Louis, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  She spent the last part of her life in the Wisconsin Veteran's Home, dying there on 19 Dec 1917.

She continued receiving monthly widow's benefits up to her death in the amount of :


  • 9 May 1904 $8




  • 23 July 1904 $10




  • 26 September 1916 $12




  • September 1916 $20 (by act of Congress to increase widow's pensions)




  • 4 December 1917 $25




  • Thankfully, Adda had a widow's pension and survived by living with her children, but what a hard few years she had bouncing from home to home.

    02 February 2012

    Ancestor Biography: Adaline L. Dyer

    Adaline L. Dyer
    6 March 1838-19 December 1917
    (Picture found in daughter-in-law's, Hattie Fenn Glover, Family Bible)

    My second great grandmother, Adaline L. Dyer, was born 6 March 1838, in New York City.  She was the oldest of five children born to William G. Dyer and Mary Ann (Swallow) Dyer.  Her brothers and sisters were George, Sarah, Mary and William B. Dyer.


    Source:  1850 U.S. Census, , population schedule, Cazenovia, Madison, New York, p76 Image 154, dwelling 1072, Wm G. Dyer; digital images, ancestry.com ( accessed 22 October 2009);
    

    Adaline spent her early years living among the hustle and bustle of New York City.  Sometime before 1850, the Dyer family moved to Cazenovia, Madison, New York.  They can be found in the 1850 United States Federal Census here.


    Source:  Glover, Samuel Stillman; Pension File No. 28715, Civil War Pension File, (Washington, D.C.: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration).

    Additional Marriage Source:   Dibean Jack and Marianne, "Dibean Michigan Marriage Index," [online index], Michigan Family History, The Dibean Michigan Marrage Index (http://www.mifamilyhistory.org/dibeanindex/default.asp: accessed 15 November 2009),
    Samuel Stillman Glover and Adda Dyer Marriage.

    
    Another move was in Adaline's future and sometime in the mid 1850's her family moved to Adrian, Lenawee, Michigan.  It is here that she meets her future husband, Samuel Stillman Glover, Jr.  Ada L. Dyer, age 19, and Stillman S. Glover, age 21, were married at Adrian, Lenawee, Michigan by Rev. W.H. Perraie on 2 August 1857.  Later, Adaline's siblings, Mary and George, would attest to the fact that Samuel Stillman Glover, Jr was the same person as Stillman S. Glover.  This attestation is found in Samuel S. Glover Jr.'s civil war pension file.  They say for a reason unknown to them he went by Stillman.  I believe he went by Stillman to avoid confusion with his father, Samuel Stillman and brother, Samuel Worcester. 

    Adaline was the mother of two young children under the age of three, Charles and William, when her husband left to serve in the Civil War.  She didn't know for months what had happened to Samuel, the family gave up hope, thinking he had died in war.  Samuel arrived home in 1863 having been injured by a gunshot to the knee.

    Adaline and Samuel Glover were the parents of ten children, all of them born in Michigan:
    1. Charles W.
    2. William E.
    3. Frank H.  (my great grandfather)
    4. Mary J.
    5. Louis B.
    6. Laura J.
    7. Sarah W.
    8. Emma D. (twin)
    9. Emerson (twin)
    10. Walter S.
    Moving seemed to be Adaline's lot in life, from 1860 to 1917, she moved at least eight times.  The family can be found in the 1860 Census living in Lenawee County, Michigan.  By 1870, Samuel, Adaline and six of their children moved over 250 miles northwest to Manistee, Michigan.  It is here where she gave birth to four more children, two of them being twins.  Adeline experienced the joy of giving birth to twins in July of 1873, but also the heartache of losing them, as Emma and Emerson died in the first year of their life. 


    
    Source:  1870 U.S. Census, population schedule, Manistee Ward 2, Manistee, Michigan, Roll M593_689; Page 200; Image 67, dwelling 25, Adaline Glover; digital images,
    ancestry.com (accessed 25 October 2007);

    In 1877, Samuel, Adaline and family moved to Hart, Oceana, Michigan.  By 1880, they are found in the census for Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan.  A move to Milwaukee, Wisconsin took place before 1889, and a move back to Michigan occurred before 1900.

    Adaline's husband, Samuel, died in Pleasanton Township, Michigan in 1904.  Adaline, age 66, had to sell two horses and one cow for $175 to pay for the doctor's bill and funeral expenses for Samuel.  She had no income or real estate at this time.

    1905 finds Adaline living with her daughter, Sadie (Sarah) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  1910 finds her living in Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan with her son, Louis, and his three young children.

    Source: Glover, Samuel Stillman; Pension File No. 28715, Civil War Pension File,
    (Washington, D.C.: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration).



    Source:  Find-a-Grave, digital images (http://www.findagrave.com/index.html :
    accessed 10 May 2011), Plot: Section 2 Row 80S, Site 76
    Adeline L. Glover Mar 6 1835-Dec 19 1917; gravestone picture.
    (Picture used by permission)

    
    At the end of Adaline's life she ends up in the Wisconsin Veteran's Home, King, Wisconsin, dying there 19 December 1917, at the age of 79. Adaline is buried at Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, King, Waupaca, Wisconsin.
     
    I can't imagine that Adaline's life was easy with worrying about a husband off to fight in the civil war, to the death of twins, to being poor at the end of her life.  I only hope that the love of family sustained her throughout her life.