12 Years of Blogging

 

Happy Anniversary to me or should I say to my Journey to the Past blog. Thank you to all my readers for sticking with me the past twelve years.

Twelve years ago, today, I decided I wanted to share my family history via a blog. I started out doing very well and even won an award or two, but then as often happens life gets in the way and my blogging suffered. Hopefully, I am back to regular blogging.

I looked at my top ten posts and find it interesting that in the number one spot is my ancestor biography of Daniel C. Fenn. If you are viewing this as a relative of Daniel, please email me. I would love to make new cousin connections.

I am happy to see people are looking at my Pure Michigan Genealogy posts. I updated all ten of the posts in January, 2022. I like to use my blog to promote Michigan records and repositories.

The only surprise is number 7, Do You Have Summer Genealogy Plans? I didn't share anything newsworthy. I just shared five goals I had hoped to accomplish.

These are the top ten all time viewed posts.

1. Ancestor Biography: Daniel C. Fenn
2. Historic Adventist Village, Battle Creek, MI
3. Pure Michigan Genealogy: Records
4. Michigan's Role in the War of 1812
5. Ancestor Biography: Otto August Fredrick
6. Tech Tuesday: Social Media for Genealogy Analysis
7. Do You Have Summer Genealogy Plans?
8. Was Your German Ancestor Recruited to Come to Michigan?
9. Surname Saturday: Livengood
10. Pure Michigan Genealogy: Migration and Immigration

Obituary of John Zobel

I have John Zobel to thank for helping me discover more about my Fredrich family. It was the 1862 marriage of Johan Zobel and Henriette Fredrich, that I found on Poznan Project, that provided me with the name of her father, Christoph Fredrich. Henriette Fredrich is the sister of my great grandfather, Johan August Fredrick (h).

Johan John Zobel was born 23 November 1834 and died 31 October 1921. His obituary was found on the front page of the Manistee Daily Advocate.

Transcription: JOHN ZOBEL, 87, HERE 51 YEARS, TAKEN BY DEATH

PASSES AWAY AT 8:30 THIS MORNING AT HOME, 182 LINCOLN STREET

OPENED CLOTHING BUSINESS IN 1889

WORKED IN WOODS WHEN HE FIRST CAME TO MANISTEE-RETIRED 13 YEARS AGO-WAS MARRIED 60 YEARS

In the death at 8:30 this morning of John Zobel, 182 Lincoln St., Manistee lost another pioneer. He had lived in Manistee 51 years and was 87 years old.

Death was due to general debility. About a year ago Mr. Zobel fell critically ill with pneumonia, but recovered. Later he began ailing and for the last five weeks had been in bed. He was able, however to be up for a short time Saturday.

In business 20 years 

Mr. Zobel 32 years ago opened the clothing and shoe store which is now operated by Charles Zobel & Sons. He retired from business 13 years ago.

Mr. Zobel was born in Guhringen, West Prussia, Nov. 23, 1834. He came to the United States in August, 1870, and a month later moved to Manistee. For a year he worked in the lumber woods, when he suffered an accident.

He was in the woods during the big Manistee fire. His trunk and belongings were buried in a pit by his boarding house landlord, at the mouth of the river. When he came down from the woods he found the trunk but the contents were gone. The trunk was still in his possession.

                                            Joined by family 

A year and a half after he came to Manistee his family which had been left at New York, joined him. He went into the clothing business in 1889, with his son Charles, in a building at Poplar and River streets, on the site now occupied by the Manistee County Savings Bank building.

Later the business was removed into the place which is now the Woman's Shop, which building he owned until his death. In 1894 the business was moved into the Cameron block. Although he retired from the business, he retained an interest in the building.

Mr. Zobel was married 60 years ago last May. Besides his widow he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. William Walter and Miss Ottilie Zobel, and three sons, Charles, Henry and Julius Zobel. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive him.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.

 

Source: Manistee News Advocate-Manistee Daily Advocate, 31 October 1921, Front page, column one, newspaper owned by Manistee County Historical Museum, Manistee, MI. 

Canadian Attestation Record of Victor Tyson

Source: "Canada, Soldiers of the First World War, 1914-1918," database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 June 2014), entry for Victor Tyson; Number 2378593; Original data: Canada. "Soldiers of the First World War (1914-1918)." Record Group 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 4930 - 35. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa. Now at ancestry.com under Canada, World War I CEF Attestation Papers, 1914-1918. 

My great aunt, Adeline Glover, married Victor Tyson one hundred years ago, on 25 Feb 1922, in Marquette, Michigan.

Victor was born in Gosforth, England. During the First World War he served overseas with the 44th Canadian machine gun battalion and was wounded in action.

I found Victor's attestation record where he agrees to serve the Canadian Over-seas Expeditionary Force, at Ancestry. He was living in Superior, Wisconsin and his paper was stamped U.S. Recruit.

These attestation papers provide a lot of information about Victor. Birth date, birthplace, residence, occupation, and father's name are listed. If you have United States ancestors it is worth your time to check the World War I CEF Attestation Papers for your ancestor, especially if they live in a state that borders the United States. 

 

World War I Draft Registration of William Tritten

 Source: "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," [database on-line], Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 November 2014), entry for William August Tritten; United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.

My great aunt, Mary Graf Tritten, married William August Tritten in 1913. William registered for the World War I draft registration in 1917 and listed wife and children as the reason for not serving.

The above draft registration shows William was born 16 June 1888, in Onekama, Michigan or at least I think that is what it says. What do you think?

He was employed as a carpenter with E. M. Power Co. at Junction Dam, which is now Tippy Dam. 

William and Mary Tritten had eight children: Ruby, Evelyn, Fred, Lloyd, Helen, Lester, Verna, and Jack.

Book Review: Michigan Genealogy Sources & Resources by Carol McGinnis

Anyone who has roots in Michigan should have a copy of Carol McGinnis's "Michigan Genealogy Sources and Resources." I have had the second edition of Carol's book for quite a few years now. 

McGinnis's book is a fine example of a professionally written state specific guidebook. Although dated, a copyright of 2005, it still has information relevant to Michigan genealogists today. Chapters one and two provides the reader with historical information. Chapter one covers Michigan History. Chapter two covers why settlers came to Michigan.

Chapter One, "the earthly paradise" begins pre-statehood with the early exploration of the state by the French. The history continues with the changes after the French and Indian War. The history of Michigan during the Northwest Territory days up to statehood is included. This chapter provides a concise history of the early days of what is now Michigan. A historical highlights timeline is included at the end of the chapter.

Chapter Two, 'The Settlement of Michigan" tells the tale of how and why people settled in Michigan. Factors influencing settlement starts with the fur trade, the opening of the Erie Canal, and the emergence of new industry for lumber, copper and iron ore mining.

McGinnis tells of recruitment efforts and the establishment of an official emigrant agency which sought to encourage emigration from European areas, especially Germany.

Other pull factors such as religion, lumbering, mining, and manufacturing are written about in detail. Records that give clues about immigration and migration completes the chapter.

I know you are thinking a book that is seventeen years old can't be of value when there is so much on the internet today. I disagree. Michigan Genealogy is a well-researched, well written book on Michigan genealogy resources. I have turned to it a number of times in my research and writing.

The next four chapters, three through six, covers the records themselves. Chapters on vital records, alternative sources for vital records, census records and their substitutes, and land and court records are written specifically for Michigan researchers. Text and charts are included in these chapters.

Chapter Seven, "Digging Deeper", gives the reader an idea of what other types of Michigan records are available and where to look for them. These include manuscript collections, business records, institutional records, criminal records, coroners' files, orphans and orphanages, organizational records, territorial records, depression era records, disasters, life in Michigan and records in Canada. Each section of this chapter tells what is available for Michigan.

Michigan has a rich cultural heritage. From the Native Americans to the French to African Americans to European and Middle Eastern settlers, Michigan is one of the most diverse states. Chapter Eight, "The People of Michigan" shows the diversity that is within our state. Ethnic group's resources are included.

Chapter Nine, "Michigan Online", is the one chapter that would need to check the resources on your own. Using a search engine of your choice makes it easy. Many of the URLs have changed but inputting the title of the resource into a search engine will provide you with the current website. 

"Counties and Their Records" is the subject of chapter ten. Michigan has eighty-three counties, and each county has historical and contact information included. The contact information should be verified before using it.

The chapters conclude with genealogical collections and historical and genealogical societies. The collections available in the libraries, archives, and county repositories completes the resources available for Michigan research.

The book concludes with notes, sources, and an index. Overall, the book is an excellent resource. I have seen McGinnis's book on many genealogy syllabi when it comes to Michigan research topics.

The wealth of information in "Michigan Genealogy Sources & Resources" will get you started with your Michigan research and be helpful the further you dig for your Michigan Roots.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Michigan Genealogy, go to Michigan Genealogy at genealogical.com and use coupon code mcmi for 20% off the hard copy or .pdf copy. The coupon code is good through March 7th.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any form for writing this review. I purchased my own book many years ago. I was asked by Joe, Marketing Director at Genealogical.com if I would be interested in writing a review on my blog and I said, yes!

 

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)