30 June 2012

Glover: Surname Saturday

The Glover surname is near and dear to my heart, as it is my surname.  When I first started blogging I chose Glover as my first Surname Saturday.  Since that Saturday, over two years ago, I have researched many Glovers. 

My Glover line comes from England to the United States in the early 1600's.  Researching this lineage has had its' challenges.  There are three Henry Glovers who migrated to the U.S. during this time.  I haven't been able to connect my lineage to the immigrant Henry Glover, yet.  I wrote about the three Henry Glover's previously.  I am confident that I descend from one of the Henry Glover's (unless there is a fourth, undiscovered one) as I have found his son listed as Henry Jr. in records and I am able to source his son as an ancestor quite well.

The Glover's in my family tree settled in the following areas:  Massachusetts (Dedham, Milton, and Conway), Connecticut (New London), New York (Phelps and Rochester), Michigan (Ypsilanti, Adrian, Jackson, Marquette and Royal Oak).

I descend from the following Glover's:


·         Henry II Glover (1642-6 April 1714)
+Hannah  (-20 September 1720)
·         Henry III Glover (20 August 1670-)
+Mary Crehore (27 July 1677-)
·         Thomas Glover (8 January 1719-1 October 1782)
+Joan Swift (4 December 1712-22 December 1800)
·         Alexander Glover (20 March 1756-27 January 1826)
+Sarah Salisbury (26 June 1763-28 February 1827)
·         Samuel Stillman Glover (11 September 1798-30 May 1870)
+Vinera Eglantine Powers (July 1802-14 February 1847)
·         Samuel Stillman Glover Jr (13 May 1836-12 April 1904)
+Adaline L. Dyer (6 March 1838-19 December 1917)
·         Frank H Glover (7 August 1863-7 October 1925)
+Hattie Lodema Fenn (6 June 1864-14 December 1951)
·         Harry Glover (6 May 1883-6 September 1950)
Sarah Lilla Watt (23 November 1884-31 March 1965)
·         My Dad
·         Myself

Do you have Glover ancestry from these areas?  Please leave a message, who knows we may be cousins.


27 June 2012

Images of America: Marquette

Downs, Gabriel N. and Downs, Michael C., Images of America Marquette, Arcadia Publishing, 1999.


I am fascinated by the Images of America book series.  Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing showcases towns and historical place in their books.  These books cover the history of towns, cities, counties and more across the United States.  Their books are filled with historical images that gives you a snapshot of what it was like in earlier days.

One of the first places I look when I go to a bookstore is at the Images of America section.  Our local Barnes and Noble has a nice selection of their books, but it doesn't go much beyond our county.  You might find one or two from Kalamazoo County.

My husband and I were in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a genealogy research trip and ended up at the Barnes and Noble in Woodlawn Mall.  Of course, I had to check out their Images of America selection.  Some of the local titles they had were:  Dutch Heritage in Kent and Ottawa County, Grand Rapids:  Furniture City, Grand Rapids in Vintage Postcards 1890-1940, Lowell, and others. 

They had others from around the state of Michigan, too.  I was excited to see Marquette and Manistee County.  Two areas that my ancestors were early settlers of.  I took a handful of books and found a comfy seat to look at them.  My hubby was off looking at his genre, probably science fiction.

DSS and A Depot, Marquette, Michigan

Eventually, I started looking at the Marquette book and boy was I excited.  My great grandfather, David Watt, was an engineer for the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic (DSS and A) railroad in Marquette.  I found a picture of the DSS and A depot, circa 1900, on page 60.  I imagine my great grandfather pulled up to that depot numerous times.

Engine No. 4 DSS and A, 1887, Marquette, Michigan

A picture of a DSS and A engine number 4 was found on page 106.   Could my great-grandfather be one of the people in the picture?  I looked hard but decided he wasn't.  I still found the picture interesting.  It added 'flesh to the bones' for me.


1880's picture of trestle works of DSS and A ore dock.

A third picture, on page 124, showed some of the trestle works of the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic near the ore docks in Marquette.  Did my great grandfather travel on this?  By this time I had decided I was going to buy the book.  It had too many great pictures in it not to.

But, this wasn't the most exciting part of the book.  It was when I got to page 94, that I am sure, had the customers at Barnes and Noble wondering who the crazy lady was on the second floor.  I got so excited by one of the pictures on that page, I couldn't help smiling.  There may have been a whoop or two, I'm not sure.  This was the picture:


It was in Chapter 9:  People and Pastimes.  There in the front row, first person on the left, is my grandmother, Sarah Lilla Watt.  I am still smiling about this.  I had seen this picture in a Marquette High School Yearbook, but to see it in the Marquette book was a pleasant surprise.

I purchased the book and am still enjoying looking at the pictures that brings to life the people and places of Marquette.  Pictures that are entwined in my family history.  It doesn't get much better than that.

25 June 2012

Smashbook for Genealogy: Genea-gifts

I think my adult children have embraced my love of genealogy as I have noticed an uptick in genea-gifts.  My daughter, Kirsten, is a crafty one.  She even has her own etsy shop:  Quirk Crafts



One of the recent genea-gifts I received was a Smashbook for Genealogy.  What is a Smashbook?  It is a pretty notebook/pre-made scrapbook to paste things in and write notes or to use for journaling.  It is a place to store ideas, clippings, cards, and more.  Smash is an actual trademark product, but you can make your own smashbook quite easily, or so my daughter says.

I love my genealogy smashbook.  It is personalized just for me, even to the point of the binding being on the right side to make my left-handed writing so much easier.  It came with a smash stick, which is a pen and glue stick all in one.  It can't get any easier than that.


There are about 22 pages in my book.  Pages are beautifully decorated with pockets and envelopes, copies of family pictures and memento's which were taken from this blog, vintage looking pictures and maps, pages for writing and so much more. 


I am using my smashbook for the things I pick up on my genealogy research trips.  I love it.  Do you need to clean out your genealogy junk drawer?  You can have your own genealogy smashbook, here.

How would you use a genealogy smashbook?  Please share in the comment section.

20 June 2012

Fort Mackinac Today

Fort Mackinac (Mack-i-naw) was the sight of the first major land battle in the War of 1812.  It was occupied by the British throughout most of the war.  Today, Fort Mackinac is a Michigan State Park on the beautiful Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island, and the fort in part, played an important role in the early economy of the territory.  In the 1820's it was a huge fur trading post.  The 1830's brought about commercial fishing.  The Fort was pretty much abandoned during the civil war because the soldiers were used to fight for the Union.  After the Civil War, Mackinac Island became a spot for relaxing and vacationing.  In 1875, Mackinac Island became a national park.  The only other national park at the time was Yellowstone.  The soldiers were used to help keep the park up; and the commanding officer was the park superintendent.   The cost of upkeep was such that in 1895 the park was closed.  Eventually, the park was transferred to the state of Michigan and it became Michigan's first state park.  It was in the 1930's that the restoration began and continues even now.


Map of Fort Mackinac in 1991

A visit to Fort Mackinac, today, will allow one to see it like it was in 1895 when the soldiers left the fort and island.  You start your trip with a short ferry ride from Mackinac City (on the south side of the bridge) or St. Ignace (on the north side of the bridge) to Mackinac Island.  The Fort is a national historic landmark.  It recreated life as it was in 1895.  There is a parade ground, firearm and music demonstrations, period buildings, and more.


My husband and I took our children to Fort Mackinac for a summer vacation in 1991. 
We walked through the Fort's buildings, which includes 14 original ones. 




We watched an audio-visual presentation on "Heritage of Michigan". 
We saw music and firearm presentations. 


Kirsten and Travis played in the schoolhouse and dressed up as soldiers. They had a great time.

Kirsten sat on a cannon overlooking the straits of Mackinac.


Soldiers standing guard at the Fort.  
 

Looking up at Fort Mackinac from ground level.  Steps to the Fort or on the right is a cement incline. 


A view of Fort Mackinac with Lake Huron in background.


Ferry ride home with a bag of souvenirs.  A soldier hat for Travis and paper dolls for Kirsten.

The pictures don't show the beauty of Mackinac Island and the Fort.  The Island should be a must see in your lifetime.  It takes you back in time.  No motor vehicles are allowed on the island.  You can rent bicycles or take a horse and carriage ride.  It is a a relaxing and beautiful way to spend time with your family.

18 June 2012

Michigan's Role in the War of 1812


200 years ago today, President James Madison signed a Declaration of War, which became known as the War of 1812.  Michigan was just a territory at the time.  It was sparsely populated.  Native American groups were a big part of the population.  Some of those groups included Ottawa, Chippewa, Potawatomi and Wyandot Native Americans.

There were only five areas of the territory settled at this time:  Detroit, River Raisin, Mackinac, St. Clair River, and Sault Ste. Marie.  All of these areas would be embroiled in the conflict.

Michigan Territory's location and access to the Great Lakes would factor into their involvement in the war.  From June 1812 until July 1815, Michigan was the front line of the war.  At least 7 land and 4 naval battles were fought within the territory.  The British forces occupied all or part of the territory during this time.


The first major land event happened in Michigan with the capture of Fort Mackinac on July 17, 1812.  Fort Mackinac is on Mackinac Island, on the western end of Lake Huron.  The British planned a surprise attack and captured the fort.  Control of Fort Mackinac stayed in British hands until the end of the war.  Other major battles were held in Detroit, with Detroit changing hands twice during the war and the Battle of Frenchtown and River Raisin Massacre. 

The residents of the Michigan territory suffered physical and economic hardships during this time.  Fur trade and agriculture made up the economy at the time.  Fur trading became more difficult during the war. 

December of 1814 brought the war to an end with the signing of The Treaty of Ghent.  This treaty defined Michigan boundaries with Canada.  British controlled places were returned to Michigan leading to a westward expansion.  Large scale migration occurred for the next 30 years.  Michigan became a state in 1837.

Today, we reflect and remember the role that the War of 1812 played in Michigan history and development.

15 June 2012

6 Research Gems in Michigan-Follow Friday


I have said before how lucky I am to live in the same state that my eight great grandparents settled in-Michigan.  My Michigan research has been relatively easy (most of it) because I am in close proximity to some pretty good resources.  Here are six genealogical research gems in Michigan:

  1. Library of Michigan-The Library of Michigan is a wonderful place to do research.  It is easy to get to, has plenty of parking, and the resources are wonderful.  The library holdings focus on the Great Lakes region and East of the Mississippi River.  The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec are included in this.  There is so much here that I can't do it justice, but here are a few of my favorite research items:  county and local histories, vital records, city directories (1860-1935), Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, Newspapers (my all time favorite) from the early 1800's from most Michigan cities and more.  Be sure to check out their website and online card catalog (answer) for more information.  The library can be found at 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, Michigan 48909  517 373-1300.
  2. Archives of Michigan-You can make a day or two of it by visiting the Archives of Michigan and Library of Michigan, they are just steps from each other.  They are both in the Michigan Historical Center.  Be sure to check before you go to see what days and times they are open.  The archives and library have different hours.  My experience here was great.  I found Michigan naturalization's and a will for a friend.  Other resources here include circuit court records, military records, correctional facilities, historic photographs and more.  Be sure to take a photo ID or you won't be allowed to use the archives.
  3. Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library-The Detroit Public Library and Burton Historical Collection can be found at 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48202 313 833-1480.  I have barely touched the surface of this collection.  Some of the records here include family histories, cemetery transcriptions, church records including the Archdiocese of Detroit records, probate records, map collection, manuscript collection, and the Wayne County Death Index.
  4. Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan-I haven't personally visited this library, although it is on my to-do list.  It is at 1130 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 734-764-3482.  Some of the collections here relate to the University of Michigan and resources for Washtenaw county, which Ann Arbor is in.  Other materials found here include city directories, plat books, and newspapers.  Genealogy resources can be found on their website.
  5. Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University -Fire Up, Chips! [for my son and hubby who are alumnus.]  The Clarke Historical Library can be found at 250 Preston, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859. 989 774-3352.  If you can abide by the library's rules then this is a good source for information.  Unfortunately, the stacks are closed, so everything has to be brought to you by a staff member.  If you need a lot of references, this could take some time.  Some of the resources you will find here are resources for the Mid-Michigan area, obituary index for Mount Pleasant newspaper, Native American information (the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is in Mt. Pleasant), Central Michigan University and Michigan newspapers.
  6. Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections-1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931.  906 487-2505.  A review of Michigan resources has to include one from the U.P. (Upper Peninsula).  I haven't visited this archive, but if you have ancestors who settled in the Upper Peninsula or worked in the copper mines there, this will be of interest to you.  Their collection focuses on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, especially Keweenaw Peninsula, which has Keweenaw, Houghton, Baraga and Ontonagon counties in it.  Resources include mining company records, area towns and cities records and histories, regional newspapers, local history books, tract books and more.  Check this nine page pdf. out for more genealogical records housed here. 
I hope you find the resources above beneficial in researching your Michigan roots.  Click on the blue letters to be taken to the website for that resource.  Have fun!

14 June 2012

Grandma's Planter: Treasure Chest Thursday

This planter belonged to my grandmother, Daisy (Graf) Fredrick.  I don't know a lot about it.  My sister had it and then gave it to my mother, who I got it from.  I have used it for annuals, pink and yellow flowers look really nice in it.  I was wondering if it was a strawberry planter, but it looks a little shallow for that.  I haven't used it the last couple of years for fear of breaking it.  I have it stored to keep it safe.  Anyone have a guess as to it's use or age?  Please leave a comment.

13 June 2012

Harry Glover and the Detroit Masonic Lodge

The Daily Tribune of Royal Oak, Michigan published Harry Glover's obituary on the 6 September 1950.  Harry's obituary stated that he was a member of University Lodge 482, F and AM(Free and Accepted Masons), Detroit, Michigan.  I decided to research this a little further.

First, I went through my pictures of my grandfather, Harry, to see if he had a ring or any other identifying symbol of his mason membership.  I did not find anything. 

Detroit Masonic Lodge
 
Next, I researched the University Lodge 482 and found out that they held their meetings at the Detroit Masonic Temple, 500 Temple Ave., Detroit, Michigan.  Temple Avenue was originally named Bagg Street.  The Detroit Masonic Temple is a wonderful example of Gothic Revival architecture.  It has 12 million cubic feet of space, is 14 stories high and has 1037 rooms.  It has theaters, ballrooms, cathedrals, chapels, and more.  It is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is across from Cass Park, in Detroit.  Interior pictures can be found here.

My grandparent's lived on 484 Cass Avenue (which is 3000 Cass Avenue, today).  It is between Charlotte and Temple Streets.  They use to tell of going to Cass Park to sleep on hot, summer nights.  They figured that wasn't a good place to raise a family and moved to Royal Oak, Michigan around the time my father was born.  I imagine my grandfather taking a short walk to his meetings.  He would have been able to see the lodge from his house.

 Red Star depicts where the Masonic Lodge is-it is between Cass Avenue and 2nd Avenue on Temple Street.  Cass Park is across from it.  Blue Star shows where my grandparents lived on Cass Avenue between Charlotte and Temple Streets.
I am not finished with my grandfather's mason membership.  I plan to do further research by contacting the Grand Lodge of Michigan to see what type of archives and genealogical information they have.  Do you have ancestors who were Masons?  What type of information were you able to find?

(Detroit, Michigan renumbering system began on 1 January 1921.  The 1920/21 Polk City Directory shows both the old number and the new number.  Steve Morse has a transcription of the old and new numbers as they appeared in the directory.  Burton Historical Library has Detroit City Directories in their collection.)

09 June 2012

Seeing Emma Fredrick Chalmers Through Her Granddaughter's Eyes

Second cousins meeting for the first time, Brenda (left) and Mari (right), May 2012


Recently, I connected with a second cousin, Mari, and her husband, Ernie, and to my delight I got to meet them.  I knew that we would want lots of time to talk, so I invited them to my house for dinner.  Mari came bearing pictures, lots of pictures.  She had actual photographs and even more on a flash drive.  She had a binder of information that her mother had researched and written.  A genealogists dream come true!  I put my flip pal scanner to good use that night.

There is never enough time when you meet a cousin for the first time to hear all about the family, but I really appreciated her sharing her family with me.  Mari's grandmother, Emma Fredrick Chalmers, and my grandfather, Otto August Fredrick, were brother and sisters.  They were the children of Johann August Fredrick and Louise Zastrow Fredrick.

I plan to share more about Emma in the weeks to come, but I want to share a few pictures of Emma and her husband, James B. Chalmers.  Emma Fredrick and James B. Chalmers were married 6 June 1905 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  They were the parents of eight children:  Catherine, Lottie, Robert, Mary, Oral, Margaret, Audrey, and Richard.  Their spent their married life in Acton, Ontario, Canada.

The pictures show the love these two had for each other.  Mari said she knew her grandparents quite well.  They were very loving people.  Thank you Mari for visiting and sharing Emma's family with me.  I am still giddy from it!

  James B. and Emma Chalmers

Emma and James B. Chalmers 31 July 1944 


Emma and James B. Chalmers

05 June 2012

Glover Family Anniversary Weekend

Surprise!

My parent's 60th wedding anniversary was 31 May 2012.  My family, my brother's family, and my two sister's families planned a surprise anniversary weekend for them.  We were successful in pulling it off.  I had told my parent's that my husband and I were going to take them to Fieldstone Grill in Portage Michigan for their 60th anniversary.  What they didn't know was that other family members would be there waiting.  Everyone but my niece and her husband weren't there.  He serves in the military and she is expecting her first child in October.  Our family is spread throughout the United States:  Texas, Washington, Florida, Illinois, Arkansas, Montana, Virginia, and Michigan. 

The Celebrated Couple-Bruce and Audrey Glover


My parent's have provided a loving example of what marriage means.  My dad has shown me how a wife should be treated.  He is a very loving father and husband.  My mother is tough on the outside but a heart of gold on the inside.  I am very blessed to still have them in my life.

The Glover Family, South Haven, Michigan
L-R Going Up Stairs:  Nancy, Colton, Scott, Bruce, Audrey, Linda, Jeff, Ryan, Jessica, David, Baby Nico.   L-R On Porch:  Chase, Kirsten, Alayna, Travis, Brenda, Kirk, Neil, Cutie Pie, and Amanda

The dinner wasn't the only surprise for them.  We had rented a house in South Haven, Michigan to spend a long weekend together.  My parents; their four children and spouses; two grandchildren and their spouses; one grandchild and his girlfriend; three other grandchildren and one great grandchild for a total of 20 shared the house.  It had eight bedrooms and five bathrooms.  The home was gorgeous.  99.9% of the time we got along fine, we were a normal family, I guess.  Time was spent getting reacquainted with each other, watching softball, going out to places in South Haven, watching the sun set over Lake Michigan, and visiting Saugatuck, Michigan.  My son-in-law was the official photographer for family photo time.

Cutie Pie and Me


There were a lot of special moments, but this is one of my favorite moments.  I got to see Cutie Pie!  She is my two year old niece from Texas.  My parents truly enjoyed seeing their whole (almost) family together at once.  It was the first time we were ever together like this.