Coming Soon: "Fort Custer in the World Wars" Hits Shelves July 15!

A Leap of Faith

I am a little over 40 days away from the publication of my book, Fort Custer in the World Wars! This has been a huge leap of faith for me. Although I have written my blog for 15 years, I never considered myself an author. Now, I can say that I am.

From Idea to Action

The book was conceived years ago while I was volunteering with my friend, Jan Gay, to organize the Fort Custer library. After organizing the library, we discovered boxes of photographs that needed attention. Initially, we weren’t going to organize the photograph room, but decided to at least sort the photos by time period, a challenge for us baby boomers! Once sorted, Jan retired, and I decided to digitize the photos. I ended up digitizing over 2,000 images! It seemed a shame not to share them with the public.

Pitching the Book

I presented the idea of creating an Images of America book on Fort Custer to the Fort Custer Historical Society board, and they were very supportive. With their blessing, I contacted Arcadia Publishing, the publisher of the series. I pitched my idea and they agreed. That was the beginning of countless hours selecting photographs, obtaining copyright permissions, organizing chapters, researching Fort Custer’s history, writing chapter introductions, and describing each image.

Photo Selection and Support

The book includes 200 historic photographs, the maximum allowed. Narrowing down the collection wasn’t easy. Some images, like those from Getty, were cost-prohibitive. Thankfully, my son-in-law, Chase Agnello-Dean, a professional photographer for the Chicago Blackhawks, helped me navigate copyright concerns. He patiently answered questions like when I asked if 'RTO' was a photographic company (it actually means 'Return to Owner').

Digging Deeper for Images

Many photographs were in the public domain, taken by government entities. I researched images at the Library of Congress and the National Archives. I even needed a few more photographs because some existing ones lacked the quality required for print. One such photo, which I really wanted to use, was solved when I found an 11x17 copy hanging in Fort Custer's museum. I had it professionally scanned and included it in the book.

Chapter Development

With hundreds of photos selected, I began organizing them into categories that later became the book’s chapters. Initially, the titles were basic, but I refined them as I wrote the chapter introductions. Here are the final chapter titles with explanation :

The Formation of Camp Custer (Establishment, Training, Divisions, Buildings)

Citizen Training Between the Wars (Civilian Conservation Corps, CMTC)

The Growth of Fort Custer (Divisions, Training, Buildings)

Everyday Life at Fort Custer (Barracks, Social, Off Duty, Recreation)

The German Prisoner of War Experience (at Fort Custer) (Daily Life, Recreation, Funerals)

Healing Heroes at Fort Custer Hospitals (Buildings, Personnel, Equipment)

Legacy and Preservation (Museum, Library, VA Hospital, National Cemetery)

Cover and Proofs

I selected ten photographs for cover consideration, but Arcadia makes the final decision. Seeing the first proof with my name on the cover was both humbling and exciting.

A Learning Experience

Organizing the chapters and writing the content taught me so much. I researched thoroughly to avoid errors. Five proofreaders with military backgrounds reviewed it, and my college roommate, an English major, helped with grammar and style. Their feedback was invaluable. The book contains over 17,000 words.

A Labor of Love

Seeing the book proof with chapter layouts and captions was thrilling. It meant I was close to publishing. I even had to consult the Chicago Manual of Style, which I had never used before. I learned how to properly reference military divisions and titles, among other things. Despite the occasional stress, I enjoyed the process. I love researching and, once started, enjoy writing too.

Publication and Purpose

Fort Custer in the World Wars will be available on July 15! It’s available for pre-sale at national retailers, but I hope you will support your local bookstores. I’ll be sharing more about the book and Fort Custer in upcoming posts. A launch party is being planned and I will post details once finalized.

Oh, and the most important part—all proceeds from the book go to the Fort Custer Historical Society. I volunteered to write the book for them. FCHS relies solely on donations and memberships for funding. I hope the book is a great success.

Remembering the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchards and My Family Connection to It

Image created by AI software, DALL-E. The visual was designed with author prompts to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience. 

At the intersection of U.S. 31 and M-22 in Manistee County today, you will find the Little River Casino Resort. But before the casino and modern development, that stretch of land was home to a thriving agricultural enterprise that was important to  the areas fruit farming industry. This was the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard Company, once one of the largest orchards in northern Lower Michigan.

The story of the orchard began in 1940 when two local businessmen, Jebavy and Sorenson, purchased the Manistee Orchard Company from the Graham family. At the time, the orchard covered 550 acres and was already known for its fertile location and productive yields. After the purchase, the name was changed to the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard Company. With new leadership and vision, the orchard began to expand and modernize.

The mid-20th century was a significant period for agriculture in Michigan. The state had become one of the nation's leaders in fruit production, especially apples and cherries. Technological advancements, improved cold storage methods, and the rise of large-scale processing allowed orchards like Jebavy-Sorenson to thrive. These developments helped meet the growing demand for both fresh and processed fruit throughout the country.

By 1979, just before it was sold, the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard had grown to 900 acres. Its facilities were impressive for the time. The orchard featured cold storage space for 150,000 bushels of apples and freezer capacity for 350 million pounds of fruit. A processing plant on site handled sweet and sour cherries, blueberries, applesauce, and both frozen and sliced apples. Gross sales exceeded $4 million annually, making the orchard not just a local business but a regional powerhouse in fruit production.

The photograph of the Walter and Lola (Fredricks) Brown home on Jebavy Road at the top of a hill overlooking the acres of fruit trees, date unknown.

Courtesy of Bertha Brown Asiala family photograph collection.

This orchard is a part of my family’s story. My uncle, Walter Brown, managed the operation for many years. He lived on Jebavy Road in a house that overlooked the orchard, giving him a front-row seat to the changing seasons, the labor of harvest time, and the steady growth of the business. 

Uncle Walter and Aunt Lola lived in the house within the orchard for many years, remaining there until his passing in 1977. Their son, Walter Jr., known as “Freddy,” also worked at the orchard for a time.

Uncle Walter in 1963 with some of his nieces and nephews on the Fredricks side. Can you spot me? I was 5 at the time. Photograph courtesy of my cousin, Katherine Fredricks, from her family collection.

My Uncle Walter really was the heart of the orchard. As manager, he kept things running day in and day out. He planned the growing seasons, watched over the trees, and knew just when it was time to harvest. He worked closely with the crew, many of whom returned year after year, and everyone respected him. I remember him as someone who didn’t say a lot, but he always knew what needed to be done and he did it without fuss.

Farming in the 1950s and 1960s was changing fast, and Uncle Walter kept up with it. He oversaw everything from the storage buildings to the processing of apples and cherries. He kept detailed notes, scheduled the spraying and pruning, and made sure the equipment was ready to go. I still picture him walking the orchard road in the early morning, checking on the trees with a quiet focus. It was hard work, but he loved it and it showed in how well the orchard thrived under his care.

Today, the land where the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard once thrived lies quiet and dormant. Now owned by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the orchard is no longer accessible to the public, with the road gated off. What remains is a bittersweet sight with rows of trees left untended, many of them lifeless, or cleared land, a remembrance of what was once a vibrant and bustling agricultural hub.

Although the orchard no longer exists in its former condition, the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard Company is remembered through the stories of those who worked there and the many who visited. Its roots run deep in Manistee County, Michigan. For those of us with family ties to the orchard, it holds a special place in our hearts,  including me. I still remember bringing home bushels of apples and lugs of cherries from our visits.

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at CPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. the AI was used for grammar and spelling editing.

ChatGPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.

The image used on this blog post was created by AI software, DALL-E at ChatGPT4o. The visual was designed using prompts written by the author. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

Lighting the Way: A Genealogist’s Guide to Lighthouse Keeper Records

Last month, I shared the story of my postmaster ancestor and offered tips for researching postmasters in federal records, focusing on resources available through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). This month, I’m continuing the theme of federal service by exploring the life of my ancestor, Frank H. Glover, who served as a lighthouse keeper at Point Betsie, Michigan. Researching lighthouse keepers presents unique challenges, but with the right approach to federal records, it’s possible to uncover details about their service. In this post, I’ll share helpful tips and resources for tracing lighthouse keepers through federal archives.

Glover, Hattie L. "Fenn", Frank H. Glover lighthouse keeper appointment. In The Holy Bible: with Revised New Testament. Chicago: GW Borland & Co., 1882. Original owned in April 2025 by Brenda Leyndyke, [address for private use], Kalamazoo, Michigan.

A Beacon of History: Early Lighthouse Service

Lighthouse keeping became a federal responsibility in 1789 when Congress transferred oversight to the Treasury Department. While early record-keeping was limited, appointments were often made by government officials and may appear in Treasury documents or even Congressional records. If your ancestor served before 1852, you may need to search regional archives or maritime museums.

The Lighthouse Board and Improved Record-Keeping

The formation of the U.S. Lighthouse Board in 1852 marked a turning point in record-keeping. Lighthouse districts were organized, and annual reports detailed personnel changes, repairs, and supply deliveries. Most of these records, including employment logs and correspondence, are now housed in Record Group 26 (U.S. Coast Guard) at NARA.

Frank H. Glover: Second Assistant Lighthouse Keeper

I first learned of Frank’s lighthouse service from a newspaper clipping tucked inside his wife’s Hattie Fenn’s Bible. It stated that he had been appointed second assistant lighthouse keeper. Knowing that lighthouse keepers were federal employees I knew I needed to look at NARA Record Group 26 for records. Frank’s appointment aligned with the Lighthouse Service era (1910–1939), when records became more standardized and often include details such as salary, dates of service, and transfers.

After 1939: The Coast Guard Takes Over

In 1939, the Lighthouse Service was merged with the U.S. Coast Guard. If your ancestor served beyond this date, the Coast Guard Historian’s Office or NARA may have service records. Veterans' records, if applicable, can also provide insight into their time at the lighthouse.

Tips for Finding Lighthouse Keepers in Federal Records

·       Start with what you know: family Bibles, newspaper clippings, oral histories.

·       Search NARA’s Record Group 26 for personnel files, annual reports, and logbooks.

·       Look for regional Lighthouse District records (Point Betsie was part of the 11th District).

·       Use Civil Service employment records for appointments after 1883.

·       Don’t forget census records, city directories, and maritime museum collections.

          While federal records are essential, local sources can also offer leads. Maritime museums, local newspapers, and historical societies often hold photos, journals, or visitor logs. Check to see if the lighthouse in question has any records or information.  These can help fill in the daily life details that government forms overlook.

National Archives Record Groups

Researching lighthouse keepers involves exploring a variety of federal records, many held at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. These resources can provide appointment details, job descriptions, logs, and correspondence related to keepers from the early 19th century onward.

1. Registers of Keepers (1848–1912) – Microfilm M1373 holds registers of lighthouse keepers, indexed by station and last name.
2. Keepers’ Logbooks (from 1872) – These logs document daily or monthly activity, including personnel changes. Logs vary in detail and are found in RG 26 Entries 80, 330, P-65, and 159.
3. 1928 Job Descriptions – Keepers completed two-page forms detailing their duties and dates of service during a salary reclassification (RG 26 Entry 111).
4. Field Records and Letters – Letters from keepers about routine station issues may be found in district office volumes (RG 26 Entries 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9).
5. Retirement Cards – Nine boxes of USCG retirement cards summarize employee service (RG 26 Entry 7).
6. Nominations and Appointments – Indexed correspondence and databases track lighthouse appointments and personnel changes (RG 26 Entries 16, 17I, 24, 32, 82, 85, and 259).
7. Pre-1848 Appointments – Letters sent by lighthouse administrators to local customs collectors document early appointments (RG 26 Entries 17C and 18).
8. Federal Registers of Employees – Listings of keepers, inspectors, and officials under the Treasury Department, often located at Archives II, College Park.
9. Letters to the Secretary of the Treasury – Appointment confirmations sent to the Secretary from 1852 to 1908 (RG 26 Entry 31).
10. Oaths of Office – Keepers signed oaths found in RG 217 Entry 282, covering 1865–1894.
11. Personnel Files – Civil Service files for keepers post-1896 are held at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.

 Some portions of Record Group 26 (RG 26) have been digitized and are available online through the National Archives Catalog and partner sites. However, most records remain available only onsite at National Archives locations.            

 1. National Archives Catalog – Limited RG 26 records such as photographs, lighthouse plans, and some logbooks are digitized. Search "Record Group 26 lighthouse" and filter results by "Available Online": https://catalog.archives.gov
2. Registers of Lighthouse Keepers (Microfilm M1373) – These records are not digitized on the NARA website but may be available via:

·        FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org)

·       Some libraries with NARA microfilm collections

·       Occasionally through the Internet Archive

·       For the most comprehensive research, in-person visits to NARA (particularly Washington, D.C.) or contacting maritime archivists may be necessary.

 Conclusion

Tracing Frank H. Glover’s service at Point Betsie gave me great appreciation for the dedication lighthouse keepers showed in protecting mariners. The path through federal records isn't always easy, but persistence helps. Have you discovered a lighthouse keeper in your family tree? I’d love to hear your story!

Links

https://www.archives.gov/research/lighthouses

https://www.archives.gov/research/military/coast-guard/lighthouse-service

https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/index-numeric/001-to-100.html

https://www.archives.gov/research/military/logbooks/lighthouses.html

https://uslhs.org/resources/finding_information/libraries_archives/national-archives

https://uslhs.org/gr/inventory/light_station_states.php?notify=Y

https://library.doc.gov/digital-exhibits/lighting-americas-beacons

https://lighthousehistory.wordpress.com/research/uslhs/

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at ChatGPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. AI was used for headings, grammar, and spelling editing.

ChatGPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.

The Gift of an Autobiography: From “I Do” to Detroit Tigers and a New Job

One of the things I enjoy most about sharing my dad’s autobiography is seeing how everyday moments like weddings, road trips, and ball games come to life in his words. Today, I get to share one of my favorite parts: the story of my parents’ wedding day and their first summer together.

On May 31, 1952, Bruce and Audrey said “I do” at Trinity Lutheran Church in Onekama, Michigan. Surrounded by family, friends, and a whole lot of love, followed by a farm dinner, a polka band, and a wedding cake made to order.

Their honeymoon may have been short, but their summer together was full of little adventures including attending baseball games at Briggs Stadium, figuring out married life in Hazel Park, and waiting for the next teaching job to come through. It was a season of new beginnings, shared laughter, and figuring things out together.

Here’s a look at that special day and the summer that started it all—in my dad’s own words.

The wedding of Bruce David Glover and Audrey Jane Fredricks 

photograph in the family collection of the author.

OUR WEDDING SATURDAY MAY 31, 1952

     Our wedding which took place at 3:00 PM on Saturday afternoon was held in the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Onekama, with the Rev. O. N. Behringer officiating.  Rev. Kenneth Snow of the Brethren Methodist Church was soloist singing “I Love You Truly” and “Always”.  Maid of Honor was Jeannie, sister of the bride and Mickey, sister-in-law of the bride, was bridesmaid.  Best man was Hank Glover, half-brother of the groom and groomsman was Richard Fredericks, brother of the bride. Ushers were John and Norman Fredricks, brothers of the bride.  Out of town guests in attendance from the groom’s side were his mother, Mrs. Harry Glover; Sister-in-law and Nephew Mabel and Stuart Glover; and Uncle and Aunt, Burt and Frances Watt and daughter Jean. In addition to Otto and Daisy Fredricks, parents of the bride, out of town attendees from the bride’s side included Frank and Fay Graf, uncle and aunt of the bride. In addition, the church was near full of relatives and friends of the bride and groom, too numerous to mention.

Bruce's family: Front row L-R: Bruce, Audrey, Bruce's mother-Sarah Lilla Glover, 

Bruce's nephew Stuart Glover. Back row L-R: Bruce's brother Hank Glover,

 and Hank's wife Mabel Glover. Photograph in the family collection of the author.

        

A dinner on the farm followed the ceremony, at 6 PM, for the wedding party and guests of the bride and groom and the reception was held at the Wellston Township hall, at 8 PM, with a Polka Band and plenty of refreshments including a huge wedding cake.  At the stroke of 12 the newlyweds retired to a cabin they rented in Bear Lake.

Audrey Glover driving in front of Zehnder's Restaurant 

in Frankenmuth, Michigan June 2, 1952. 

Photograph in the family collection of the author

The next day, Sunday, after lunch at the farm, Bruce and Audrey loaded up their car and departed on an abbreviated honeymoon. Sunday evening, they stopped at a motel in Clare and spent Tuesday and Tuesday evening in Frankenmuth. Wednesday morning, they headed for their summer home, my mother’s residence in Hazel Park. Mom had gone with Uncle Burt and Aunt Fran, after the wedding, to spend 2 months in Marquette and thus the newlyweds had the place to themselves to get used to the married routine if there is such a thing.

     That summer I spent working as a replacement for factory workers on vacation in Detroit (a job which made me glad I didn’t have that to look forward to the rest of my life). Audrey settled in as a housewife of which she has no peer. In addition to socializing with Hank and Mabel, including a jaunt to Caseville in the Thumb where they parked their camper, the highlight of the summer was several evening trips to Briggs Stadium in Detroit to watch the Tigers.  We sat in the bleachers for 50-75 cents and saw Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle among others perform. A feature of these ballpark jaunts was trying to see how far we could get without hitting a stoplight. 2nd avenue was one way northbound and 3^rd Avenue was one way southbound.  If you kept a steady 40 mph it was possible to go a long way without stopping.  I think we made it once all the way and several times stopping only once or twice.

     As the summer progressed, I was still without a job, but holding out for the Kingsley job which finally came through much to Audrey’s and my relief.  I signed for $3300 as Social Science teacher, Varsity and JV Basketball Coach, Varsity Baseball and Track Coach.

     In August of 1952, we packed up our gear and headed north stopping first in Brethren; picking up several our wedding gifts we left at Kate’s for safe keeping and headed to Kingsley.

Connecting Family History and Textile Traditions in Methil, Fife, Scotland

When I was studying for my home economics degree at Western Michigan University, I pursued coursework in clothing and textiles as part of the curriculum. I still remember pouring over swatches of wool, linen, and synthetic blends, learning how fibers were spun, fabrics were woven, and garments were made, having to make a couple myself. Back then, it never occurred to me that my interest in textiles might be more than academic. It turns out, it’s personal.

Years later, while researching my family history, I discovered that my ancestor, John Watt, worked as a flax dresser in Methil, Fife, Scotland, a skilled laborer in the linen industry. Even more surprising, he was a foreman in a hemp mill, overseeing operations in a bustling dockside environment.

This blog post explores the work he did, the tools he used, and how these two related but distinct occupations shaped life in 19th-century Scotland. It's a reminder that the threads of family history often tie back to places, and professions, you never expected.

The Role of a Flax Dresser

Flax dressing was a respected trade, especially in Fife where linen production had been part of the local economy for generations. After flax was harvested and retted, it had to be broken, scutched, and hackled to extract the soft fibers used to spin linen thread. This work was physically demanding and required careful attention to avoid wasting any usable fiber.

The job was often dusty and repetitive, typically done by hand or with basic tools. Despite the challenges, it produced one of the most valuable textile fibers of the time. Linen was widely used for clothing, household goods, and even fine lace. As a flax dresser, John Watt played a role in a proud and practical tradition of skilled labor.

The Role of a Hemp Mill Foreman

While flax was used to produce finer textiles, hemp was processed into more rugged materials such as rope, canvas, and sacking. These products were essential to Methil’s maritime economy. A hemp mill foreman held a leadership position and was responsible for managing workers, monitoring machinery, and overseeing daily operations.

Foremen were typically promoted from within after years of hands-on experience. They supervised the various processing stages, ensured the final products met quality standards, and communicated with mill owners. At a time when industrial production was becoming more mechanized, the foreman played a vital role in maintaining order and productivity on the mill floor.

Connecting Past and Present

Learning about these occupations has changed how I see my own textile education. I studied fibers in a classroom and later taught clothing and textiles to high school students, while my ancestor worked directly with these materials every day. His work was carried out under harsh, labor-intensive conditions. He experienced the very processes I once studied in textbooks and later explained in my lesson plans.

Genealogy and Work Lives

Genealogy often gives us names, dates, and locations, but understanding the work our ancestors did brings those details to life. It shows us what their daily lives looked like, what skills they developed, and how they contributed to their communities. Learning about John Watt's occupations helped me see my family's past in a new light and gave me a greater appreciation for my own professional journey.

Conclusion

Finding out that my ancestor worked in Scotland’s textile industry has enriched my understanding of both my academic interests and my family roots. These hidden connections, formed through the processing of flax and hemp, have linked my present to a piece of the past I never knew existed. If you are researching your family history, take time to learn how your ancestors earned a living. You might be surprised by the stories woven into your own family fabric.

Sources and References

1. Turnbull, Grace. The Scottish Linen Industry in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries.
   – An in-depth look at both flax and hemp processing, mill labor structures, and industrial development in eastern Scotland.
   – Covers worker hierarchies, including roles like foremen, and the shift from handcraft to factory production.

2. Whatley, Christopher A. The Industrial Revolution in Scotland. Cambridge University Press, 1997.
   – Explains the evolution of Scotland’s textile industries, including the use of steam power and the rise of foremen as industrial supervisors.

3. Leneman, Leah. Fit for Heroines: Women’s Work in Victorian Scotland. Polygon, 1993.
   – While focused on female labor, this book also describes the management structures in mills and factories, highlighting the foreman’s supervisory role.

4. The Statistical Accounts of Scotland (Old and New Series), particularly entries for Wemyss Parish and Methil.
   – Local parish descriptions from the 1790s and 1830s–1840s that often include details on local industries, such as hemp and flax processing, and their organization.
   – Available online

5. Scrimgeour, Alexander. The Dundee Hemp and Flax Industry. Dundee City Archives.
   – Dundee, just across the Tay from Fife, was the center of hemp and jute processing and its practices extended into Fife.
   – Describes both working conditions and managerial roles like foremen.

6. Gordon, Eleanor. Women and the Labour Movement in Scotland, 1850–1914. Oxford University Press, 1991.
   – Gives a broader labor history perspective, including the power dynamics between workers, foremen, and factory owners.

AI Disclosures 

ChatGPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.

The images used on this blog post were created by AI software, DALL-E. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at ChatCPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. the AI was used for headings, grammar, and spelling editing.

Jane Wilson Watt: Insights from a 1907 Scottish Death Record

 

Source: Scotland. Statutory Register of Deaths, 1907, entry 459/2 14, Jane Watt; Crown Copyright, National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh. Digital image, Scotland’s People (https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk : accessed 25 June 2022).

My second great-grandmother, Jane Wilson Watt, spent most of her life in Methil, Fife, Scotland. She was the daughter of John Wilson and Elizabeth Baird. I have located a few census records for Jane, but not much else. The record shown above is her death certificate; a transcription of the information it contains is provided below.

Death Record: Jane Wilson Watt

·       Name of Deceased: Jane Watt, widow of John Watt, Flax dresser

·       Date of Death: January 18, 1907 at 11:45 P.M.

·       Address of Death: 25 Dock Place, Methil, Wemys

·       Place of Death: District of Buckhaven in the County of Fife, Scotland

·       Age: 69 years

·       Gender: Female

·       Marital Status: Widow

·       Name of Father: John Wilson

·       Occupation: Spirit Merchant, deceased

·       Name of Mother: Elizabeth  Wilson nee Baird, decease

·       Cause of Death: Influenza Bronchitis

·       Certified by James Caskie MD

·       Informant: George Watt, son, Present

·       When Registered: January 19, 1907

·       Where Registered: Buckhaven

Jane Wilson Watt’s death record provided a small but valuable glimpse into her life in Scotland. From it, I learned her mother’s maiden name and the occupations of both her husband and father. These details led me to explore those occupations further and offered insight into what life might have been like in Scotland in 1907.

Kellan vs. Kellan: When Family Disputes Turn Legal

Family legal disputes can lead to fascinating court records, especially for genealogists. They often reveal not just family connections, but personal relationships, and financial circumstances in a family's story. In 1913, the family of Arthur Kellan, my paternal great-uncle, was involved in a case that made its way to the Illinois Supreme Court. It was a contested will with questions of mental capacity, family loyalty, and inheritance. For anyone researching their ancestors, records like this give a unique look at family relationships and how the courts helped settle disagreements.

The summary below was created with ChatGPT4o using an actual copy of the court case cited.

Summary of Kellan v. Kellan, 258 Ill. 256 (1913):

This 1913 Illinois Supreme Court case involved a will contest between Edward L. Kellan (appellant) and several other relatives over the estate of Mary E. Newport, who died in July 1909 in Chicago.

Background:

• Mary Newport left two wills:

  • May 31, 1909: Divided most of her estate equally among children of her siblings. Edward Kellan and others received $200 each.

  • June 28, 1909: Gave nearly all her estate to a smaller group of relatives, cutting Edward and others to just one dollar each.

• Edward Kellan contested the second will, claiming mental incapacity and undue influence, particularly by Louis Kellan and others.

Trial Outcome:

• Two jury trials were held. The first jury ruled in favor of the second will, but the decision was set aside. The second jury upheld the will again, and the court entered a decree accordingly.

Key Issues and Court Ruling:

1. Mental Capacity: The court found sufficient evidence that Mary Newport was of sound mind when she signed the second will. Testimony from doctors, nurses, and friends supported her lucidity, especially after a successful goiter operation.

2. Undue Influence: Although there was a suggestion that Louis Kellan tried to influence Mary, the jury found no conclusive evidence of undue influence. The court agreed.

3. Excluded Evidence: The court properly excluded certain hearsay and speculative testimony, including a postal card allegedly showing manipulation. The justices noted such evidence had little bearing given the strong evidence supporting Mary’s testamentary capacity.

4. Instructions to Jury: The trial judge’s instructions were upheld as fair and legally sound. An attempt to shift the burden of proof to the will's proponents was rightly rejected.

Conclusion:

The Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's ruling, validating the June 28, 1909 will. The verdict was not against the weight of the evidence, and Mary Newport was deemed mentally competent and not under undue influence when she executed it.

Family Connections:

• Arthur Kellan is my paternal great uncle.

• Henrietta Kellan, his mother, was the sister of Mary E. Newport.

• Edward Kellan is Arthur’s brother and one of the main contestants in the will case.

• Dora Clark is Arthur's sister.

• Louis and Henry Oest were Mary and Henrietta’s brothers, making them Arthur’s uncles.

• Children of Louis and Henry Oest were also beneficiaries of Mary’s original will.

• In the second will, Mary left most of her estate to a smaller group including Arthur and cut Edward down to a token $1.

Why Only $1?

The case provides several insights into why Edward Kellan was left only one dollar in Mary E. Newport's second will.

According to the testimony:

1. Mary disliked Edward Kellan: She reportedly formed a negative opinion of him. Witnesses testified that she believed he had used money wrongfully that had been left to him.

2. Mary’s own words: After regaining consciousness from surgery, she reacted strongly upon hearing Edward’s name mentioned in the first will. She threw up her hands and said:

   “He is the last man on earth I would want to get the children’s money; he won’t have the pleasure of going through mine.”

3. Postcard from Louis Kellan: A postcard from Louis Kellan to his sister hinted at intentional disinheritance. It said, “Had aunt fix things. Cut Ed and Ellen off for one dollar.” This suggests Edward's exclusion was planned and discussed by other relatives.

Court cases often provide valuable information that most genealogists are lucky to find. I imagine this particular case caused hard feelings among Arthur and his siblings. Family wounds like these can run deep.

Was Hopkins Rowley a Patriot or a Vigilante? The Answer Lies in Vermont’s Records

Green Mountain Boy with Musket and Document" image created using DALL·E by OpenAI, generated via ChatGPT, May 2025

While researching Vermont’s early days, I came across a fascinating article on JSTOR by Michael A. Bellesiles called “The Establishment of Legal Structures on the Frontier: The Case of Revolutionary Vermont.” It tells how Vermont’s early settlers didn’t wait for distant governments to create order; they built a legal system that worked for them, right in the middle of a revolution.

Why Vermont Took Justice Into Its Own Hands

The land we now call Vermont was caught between New York and New Hampshire. New York tried to control the region by setting up courts in counties like Cumberland and Gloucester. But those courts were a mess. They were slow, corrupt, and run by land speculators who didn’t even live there. Most cases dragged on or went nowhere.

The settlers had enough. They wanted justice that worked for real people, not just the rich or powerful. So they created their own system, one that prioritized fairness and speed over technicalities.

Community-Driven Justice

Vermont’s new courts were different. They were led by regular people who were not trained lawyers and they focused on solving problems quickly. Lawyers were often distrusted, and strict legal rules took a back seat to common sense.

The courts also played a huge role in the local economy. On the frontier, cash was scarce, so debt disputes were common. Vermont’s courts helped people settle these issues fairly, keeping communities stable and functioning.

Ethan Allen: Lawmaker with a Musket

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys weren’t just freedom fighters; they also helped enforce Vermont’s laws. In 1779, Allen even had several New York officials arrested in Vermont to stop them from interfering. But instead of acting like tyrants, the Vermont leaders offered peace to anyone willing to support the new government.

A Legal System That Worked

Some people claimed Vermont used force to control its people, but the court records tell another story. Locals used the new legal system often and effectively. It wasn’t perfect, but it was fast, practical, and respected.

In fact, Vermont’s homegrown courts were ahead of their time. They were more democratic and responsive than many other systems in early America. What others saw as rough or unsophisticated was actually just well adapted to life on the frontier.

The Real Revolution

The article’s author, Bellesiles, argues that Vermont’s real revolution wasn’t just about independence from Britain or New York. It was about creating a system of justice that met the needs of the people. And that’s what made Vermont truly stand out in those early years.

My Family Connection

My fourth great grandfather, Hopkins Rowley, lived on the Vermont frontier during the Revolution and served as a Green Mountain Boy, walked the line between patriot and vigilante, but context matters.

Patriot:
Hopkins Rowley, as a Green Mountain Boy, fought to protect the New Hampshire land grants against British rule and New York’s competing claims. That makes him a patriot in the eyes of most Americans. He supported local control, defended settlers’ rights, and resisted outside interference.

Vigilante:
However, to New York authorities and Loyalists, Rowley and his comrades were vigilantes, unofficial enforcers who disrupted courts, arrested officials, and even used intimidation to defend their land and beliefs. The Green Mountain Boys often acted outside formal law, especially before Vermont declared independence.

As a Green Mountain Boy and early settler, Hopkins Rowley directly benefited from Vermont’s homegrown legal system. Unlike the corrupt and distant courts of New York, Vermont’s courts protected settlers like him in key ways:

• His Land Was Safe: Rowley held land through a New Hampshire grant. Vermont’s courts honored those titles, protecting him from losing his land to outside claims.

• His Actions Were Defensible: As someone who may have resisted Loyalists or New York officials, Vermont’s courts shielded him from prosecution and treated his actions as patriotic.

• His Disputes Were Settled Locally: Whether it was a boundary disagreement or an unpaid debt, Rowley could count on fast, fair, and local resolutions.

• His Voice Mattered: With local citizens serving as judges and jurors, Rowley was part of the legal process, not just subject to it.

Hopkins Rowley was a patriot, a man shaped by a place where formal justice failed and local communities took charge. Vermont’s homegrown legal system didn’t just protect men like him, it was made for them.

 How Vermont’s Legal Chaos Became a Genealogist’s Dream

If you’ve ever groaned over “legal gobbledygook” in your research or this blog post, you’re not alone. Colonial courts, rival land claims, and Revolutionary chaos can make your eyes glaze over. But here's the secret genealogists know: all that legal confusion leads to records, glorious records! Their efforts to build a local justice system gave us something truly priceless: a paper trail.

Why Legal Disputes Equal Genealogy Gold

As Vermont settlers like Hopkins Rowley pushed back against outside authority, they weren’t just waving flags, they were building a whole new legal system from the ground up. They needed courts to settle debt, confirm land ownership, and keep order in a raw, cash-poor society. And every disagreement, every deed, and every decision left behind documents.

These records hold the keys to unlocking our ancestors’ lives:

Military Records

Search for:

• Revolutionary War service files

• Militia rosters of the Green Mountain Boys

• Pension applications (even if your ancestor didn’t apply, a widow or child might have)

Try:

• Fold 3

• Vermont State Archives

• National Archives

• Vermont Historical Society’s collections

Land Records

Search for:

• New Hampshire land grants

• Vermont confirmations and town charters

• Deeds and property transfers

Try:

• FamilySearch → Vermont Land Records Collection

• Local Vermont town clerk offices (like Shoreham or Addison County)

• Vermont State Archives

Court Records

Explore:

• Early county court proceedings

• Civil and criminal cases

• Justice of the peace records

Try:

• Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA)

• New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS)

Town and Vital Records

Search:

• Births, marriages, and deaths

• Town meeting minutes (especially if your ancestor served in a civic role)

• Early church and burial records

Try:

• FamilySearch Vermont Town Records

• Local historical societies and libraries

• Town offices in Hebron, Shoreham, or wherever your ancestor lived

Published Sources and Local Histories

Don’t overlook:

• County and town histories

• Published rosters of Vermont soldiers

• Biographies and Revolutionary War studies

Try:

• Vermont in the Revolution by John E. Goodrich

• The Green Mountain Boys by Allen French

• JSTOR articles for scholarly background and sources

Why This Matters

You don’t need to be a lawyer to appreciate these sources. Each one tells a story of a land purchase, a debt settled, a jury called, a pension granted. Vermont’s homemade legal system may have been rough around the edges, but it preserved the lives of ordinary people like Hopkins Rowley in ink and parchment.

So, the next time someone says, “Ugh, early American legal history is so confusing,” just smile and say: “Yes! and it leads to records. Glorious records.”

Sources

Michael A. Bellesiles, “The Establishment of Legal Structures on the Frontier: The Case of Revolutionary Vermont,” The Journal of American History, March 1987.

Gillies, Paul S. The Law of the Hills: A Judicial History of Vermont. Vermont Historical Society, 2019.

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at ChatGPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. the AI was used for headings, grammar, and spelling editing.

ChatGPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.

Image created using DALL·E by OpenAI, generated via ChatGPT