The Anniversary of Bruce Glover's Birth 96 Years Old

 Today, celebrates the birthday of my father, Bruce Glover. He would have been 96 years old. There are days when I want to call him and tell him something he would enjoy hearing about.

The 2022 Super Bowl between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals would have pleased him immensely. My dad was a Detroit Lions fan in all kinds of weather. Matthew Stafford was a former Detroit Lions quarterback. He took the Rams to the Super Bowl in his first year on the team. My dad always felt that Stafford was a great quarterback, he just needed a better team to lead. 

My dad passed away in September 2018. He is missed by myself and my family. Here are a few pictures of him through the years. Happy Birthday, Dad.

Bruce Glover, Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame

Bruce Glover, 1940's

Bruce, Audrey, Brenda, Linda Glover 

in Ferndale MI, at his brothers Hank home, circa 1960

Bruce and Brenda Glover, 1958

                    Bruce Glover, 1930's                        Bruce Glover, 1926

Grave of Former Mayor of Ypsilanti Henry P. S. Glover

HENRY P.S.

GLOVER

1837-1912

Ypsilanti Mayor, Henry P.S. Glover, is buried in Highland Cemetery, Ypsilanti, Michigan in Block 100, Lot 20, Grave No. 6.

One article of particular interest is a short biography of Henry P.S. Glover.  Henry Pierce Strong Glover was born to Charles Williamson Glover and Mary Ann (Powers) Glover in Webster County, New York on 3 March 1837.  He married Nancy Jane Kishler, 17 Apr 1860.  Mayor Glover died 21 Feb 1912, in Ypsilanti.  The article tells when he came to the Ypsilanti area, where he lived, and businesses he owned.  Mayor Glover was described by the Ypsilanti Gleanings as, "Surely one of Ypsilanti's most distinguished citizens." I would agree.

Henry P.S. Glover is the son of my third great grand uncle, Charles Williamson Glover.

Obituary of John Leonard Fredricks

John Leonard Fredricks

John Leonard Fredricks, age 90, husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend, of Blanchard, Michigan passed away on October 13, 2019 at McLaren Central Michigan, Mount Pleasant. A funeral service will be held Friday, October 18 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Remus, Michigan at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jonathan Voss officiating. Burial will follow at Decker Cemetery, Blanchard. Visitation will be held at the church Thursday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Friday from 1:00 pm to time of service.

John was born January 10, 1929 the son of Otto and Daisy (Graf) Fredricks. John was the eighth of twelve children and was raised on a farm in Brethren, Michigan. A member of Heavy Mortar Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. John served as a Sergeant in the Korean War from 1949 to 1952, where he earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Louise Guenthardt on April 7, 1956 at The Trinity Luther Church of Onekama, and the two grew their family to include six children.

John began his career as a hardworking electrical journeyman lineman around the state and eventually landed in Blanchard working for TriCounty Electric Company as a strong leader for 34 years.

John was a faithful fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and University of Michigan Wolverines, where he was honored as Veteran of the Game in 2017.

John enjoyed spending time outdoors and was a passionate hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed many hours in the blind, boat, or on the ice with his brothers, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. John's other pastimes included gardening, particularly picking that first ripe tomato, tractor pulling, and bowling until the age of 88. John enjoyed life and was always ready for the next adventure.

As an active member of the American Legion Guy Stanton Post 240 in Blanchard, John marched in the Memorial Day parade through the age of 89. John was honored by his community as a member of the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2017. His patriotism has been a consistent model for his six children and their families. He was dearly loved by his community.

John's faith played a significant role in his life. He was an active member of St Paul's Lutheran Church in Remus where he served over the years in many roles.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Louise; children, Cheryl (Steve) Gaudard, Brian, Jeff (Jacki), Dan (Mickie) Mary (Bruce) Eldred; special nephew, Mike (Des) Wood and sons Austin, Andrew, and Carson; grandchildren Amy (Chris) Weber, Matt (Taylor) Gaudard, Carrie (Derek) Castellon, Darcy Doerr, Beth (Chad) Fletcher, John (Sara) Fredricks, Tyler (Shelby) Fredricks, Sarah Fredricks (Preston Taylor), BJ (Amanda) Simon, Andy Fredricks (Josie Licari), Cody (Kayla) Woolworth, Connor Woolworth, Danielle (Trent) Karcher, Emily Eldred, Breanna Eldred; great grandchildren, Ethan, Carter, Brock, Saylor, Meadow, Aiden, Callie, Chloe, Paityn, Presley, Dylan, Wyatt, Colton, Baby Gaudard; brother, Richard (Mickie) Fredricks; sisters, Audrey Glover, Jeannie (Les) Kaskinen; sister-in-laws Alyce Fredricks, Nancy McIntyre; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his son Greg; siblings, Harold, Kathryn Pihl, Marie Kurth, Lola Brown, Robert, Leona Wagoner, Ray, Norman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 240 or St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.

https://www.janowiczfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/John-Fredricks-37532/ (Accessed 20 Jan 2022)

Using Maps in Genealogy-Gorsin, Posen, Prussia

Source "Germany, Lutheran Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1567-1945," database, Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 11 March 2018), entry for Johann August Fredrich; Mikrofilm Sammlung. Familysearch.org; Lutherische Kirchenbücher, 1567-1945. 

Every genealogist wants to find the place of birth for their immigrant ancestors. I know I was doing a happy dance when I found where my maternal great grandfather was born. Johann August Fredrich was born 14 January 1845 in Gorsin, Bromberg, Posen, Prussia. I found this information in a baptismal record. The information from the church record allowed me to look for more information on Gorsin. 

The first place I looked for information was meyersgaz.org The entry for Gorsin can be found here. You can see a historical map at Meyers Gaz, too. The red placemarker is where Gorsin is. I zoomed out on the Meyers Gazetteer map in order to see where Nakel was. Nakel is on the left side of the map. The church in Nakel is where Johann August was baptized. 

Another tab on Meyers Gazetteer is Ecclesiastical. Information about area churches is included on this page. The Protestant church in Nakel is 5 miles from Gorsin.

Today Gorsin is Gorzen, Poland and Nakel is Naklo nad Notecia, Poland.

The Marriage of Carl Henry Tritten and Katherine Louise Fredrick

 Carl Henry Tritten and Katherine Louise Fredrick 

on their wedding day, 8 May 1938

Carl Henry Tritten, born 3 February 1909, son of Charles Tritten and Augusta Rosenow married Katherine "Kate" Louise Fredrick(s), born 6 September 1918, daughter of Otto August Fredrick(s) and Daisy Ellen Graf on 8 May 1938.

Carl and Kate were married at Trinity Lutheran Church, Onekama, Onekama, Michigan by Pastor E.A. Storm. Trinity Lutheran Church was, and still is, the site of many Fredrick Family occasions. Attendants were Lorence Grabowski, friend of the groom, and Lola Fredrick(s), sister of the bride. 

Source: "Michigan, Marriage Records, 1867-1952," database on-line, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 30 January 2022), Citing the marriage of Carl Tritten and Katherine Fredericks, 8 May 1938; Michigan, Marriage Records, 1867–1952. Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics.

My mother, Kate's younger sister, Audrey remembers her sister was going to go to nursing school in Muskegon. She chose to get married instead. Audrey and Kate's father was not happy that Kate didn't go to nursing school. Eventually, Kate received her R.N, but it was many years later. 

Carl and Kate Tritten home circa 1983. The front inset door 

was the entrance to the store at one time. 

Carl was a store proprietor in Brethren, Michigan. The store was at the front of their home. Once the store closed Carl and Kate turned it into a family room. I remember staying with them as a child and I thought the room was huge. The home stayed in the family for many years. The last time I visited Brethren, Michigan the home was a pizza place. 

A note about the surname Fredrick: I have found Fredrick, Fredricks, and Fredericks in records pertaining to the family. For years I have used the Fredrick name because that is what is on my mom's birth certificate. My cousins say their dad's birth certificate has Fredricks. One brother has Fredericks. I search for all variations when looking for records.

Genealogist's Handbook for New England Research 6th Edition Book Review

The Genealogist's Handbook for New England Research, 5th Edition, edited by Michael J. LeClerc is one of my most used books. I received it as a belated Christmas gift from my parents, in 2012. It's hard to believe it is ten years ago. I have ancestors that settled and/or lived in four of the six states in the book, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The other two states are Maine and Rhode Island.

I saw that a sixth edition was being published, but I didn't know if I wanted to get it or not. I decided since I use the fifth edition a lot, I better get the sixth and stay up to date on New England Research. I am glad I did. The book is a must have one for those with New England ancestry.

Browsing through the latest edition shows more color making it easier to find the information needed. The Preface of the book states that the resources, repositories, and organizations for each state were updated because a great deal has changed since 2012, especially as more resources become digitally available. An expert from each state reviewed the chapter pertaining to their state to make sure the information was factual.

Other updates included making the book user-friendly with color coding and tabs. State maps showing county boundaries is at the beginning of each state section, which I like. A table of contents was added at the beginning of the state sections showing page numbers where each record group can be found. This will help me because I had a lot of sticky notes in the previous version. The book updates the regional and statewide collections of major repositories for each state giving you the latest information. The preface says county maps show town boundaries and towns in bordering counties, but I don't see a difference from the last edition. The county information box was updated to include probate district and deeds. All these updates make for a very user-friendly book. 

The "Using This Book" pages x-xii are great. Pictures of the pages are now included. Explanations of each part of the state chapters are helpful for getting the feel of the book. The uniformity in layout from one state to the other makes it easy to find information no matter what state you turn to in the book.

Having the latest edition with up-to-date resources helps those who have New England Research. This is a must have resource for anyone researching the New England area.

 

Searching the Michigan State Census Records

Census records are some of the first records genealogists look for when starting their research. State census records can be used in addition to Federal Census records when researching. 

Michigan has state census records but are not complete for all counties. The first couple of times I used the state census records I was frustrated because I couldn't find any of my relatives in the Michigan Census.  Eventually, I got around to reading about the State Census collections and discovered why I couldn't find my ancestors in it: the county they lived in wasn't online. Duh!  Tip: Check what is available in the collection before searching.

What Michigan Census Records are Available?

The Counties and Years Available for the Michigan State Census Records, 1827-1874 are:

• Branch (1857, 1874)
• Clinton (1864)
• Eaton (1845, 1854, 1864, 1874)
• Houghton (1864, 1874)
• Lenawee (1845)
• Kalamazoo (1874)
• St. Joseph (1845)
• Sanilac (1864)
• Washtenaw (1827, 1845, 1854)

The Counties and Years Available for the Michigan State Census Records, 1884-1894 are:

• Baraga (1884)
• Barry (1884, 1894)
• Bay (1884, 1894)
• Benzie (1884)
• Gratiot (1894)
• Hillsdale (1884, 1894)
• Ingham (1884, 1894)
• Iosco (1894)
• Jackson (1884, 1894)
• Kalamazoo (1884, 1894)
• Kent (1884, 1894)
• Keweenaw (1884)
• Lake (1884)
• Lapeer (1884, 1894)
• Lenawee (1884, 1894)
• Livingston (1894)
• Menominee (1884, 1894)
• Midland (1894)
• Montcalm (1884, 1894)
• Muskegon (1884, 1894)
• Newaygo (1884, 1894)
• Ottawa (1884, 1894)
• Roscommon (1884)
• Sanilac (1884, 1894)
• St. Clair (1884, 1894)
• St. Joseph (1884, 1894)
• Washtenaw (1884, 1894)
• Wayne (1884, excluding Detroit)

Where Do I Find Michigan State Census Records?

The places to check for links to the Michigan State Census are 

• Family Search wiki on Michigan State Census Records. Scroll down to Online State Census. 
• Michiganology has state census records on their website.

The Gift of an Autobiography

 

LIFE AS I’VE KNOWN IT

One of the best gifts my dad, Bruce Glover, gave me was a copy of his autobiography, Life As I've Known It.

My father was a humble man who didn't speak about his accomplishments much. In fact, after his death one of his student's told me, "I didn't know your dad was in the Battle of the Bulge" My dad taught history and didn't share his military story. That is who my dad was.

The senior living place where my parents lived, Story Point-Portage, has a wall of veterans. My dad is included. He never felt he deserved any veteran recognition because he didn't 'do' anything in the war. I told him numerous times, you did! Anyone who was hunkered down on the front-line in the Ardennes forest during World War II deserves recognition.

My dad died in 2018 and I plan to share some of his story with my readers. I hope you enjoy getting to know this wonderful man, who I am proud to say was my father. 

Below, in his own words, my dad talks about elementary school.

Elementary School

    "I do not have many recollections of my early childhood prior to Kindergarten. I guess I was a highly active, little, tot and judging by pictures from that era my favorite outfit was knickers and must have had an early affliction for sports as I was usually holding a ball of some kind in my hands.  I entered Kindergarten, in fall of 1930, and only remember that when rest of kids at recess were playing tag or in the sandbox, I was out watching the older kids play softball, chasing their foul balls, and hoping they might ask me to play, which they never did. Where I acquired my love of sports, I do not know. My dad, who had an artificial leg because of chasing to catch a train, fell under the wheel, and his leg was severed just below the knee at 18 years of age.

     

Dad was not a sportsman at all except for fishing which he enjoyed doing on our vacations in the UP.  He could sit out in a rowboat all day smoking cigars and fishing. As a 4–5-year-old, nothing was more boring to me, and I guess that’s why I never enjoyed fishing. Mom played basketball in high school, so I guess that’s the genes I inherited for sports. She attended most of my home games in Junior High and High School, while Dad never saw me play. Whether it was his leg or just using it as an excuse I don’t know, but Dad would drive us anywhere but never participate himself. My brother’s only sporting interest was golf, which I previously mentioned..."

In these two paragraphs I learned a lot.

• he wore knickers
• his love of sports started early
• his dad had an artifical leg from a train accident
• he didn't like fishing 
• his mother, my grandmother, played sports in high school 

This is just a small portion of my dad's autobiography, Check back for more stories from my dad.