Wednesday's Child-Baby Boy Klingelsmith

My great uncle and aunt, Harry and Maggie (Graf) Klingelsmith, suffered the death of their only son in 1923. A death record can be found on Family Search for their child.  No name was given to the infant male that was born 30 May 1923 and died the same day in Dickson, Manistee, Michigan, United States.  Dickson is Dickson Township, which the community of Brethren is a part of.

Harry and Maggie Klingelsmith lived in Brethren, Michigan most of their lives.  Harry and Maggie are buried in Brethren Cemetery, in Brethren.  I do not know where Baby Boy Klingelsmith is buried.  The information for Baby Boy Klingelsmith is from an index.  My next research step is to find the actual death certificate.

Below is the information found on Family Search:

Name:
Event Type:	Death
Event Date:	30 May 1923
Event Place:	Dickson, Manistee, Michigan, United States
Gender:	Male
Age:	0
Marital Status:
Birth Date:	30 May 1923
Birthplace:	Dickson
Birth Year (Estimated):	1923
Father's Name:	Harry Leroy Klingensmith
Mother's Name:	Maggie Graf
GS Film number:	1972862
Digital Folder Number:	005237827
Image Number:	00333

Source:  "Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KFQQ-7ZS : accessed 07 Aug 2013), Harry Leroy Klingensmith in entry for , 1923.

School Days 1925 in Brethren Michigan

This picture was taken during the 1925/1926 School Year at Dickson School in Brethren, Michigan.  Two of my aunts are in the picture.  Lola Mae Fredricks is in the top row, second from the left and Kathryn Louise Fredricks is in the front row, second from the right.  Both daughters of Otto and Daisy (Graf) Fredricks.  Aunt Lola was in Kindergarten and Aunt Kate was in second grade at the time.  The teacher on the left was Miss Anderson, Aunt Lola's kindergarten teacher.  Another relative, Lloyd Tritten, can be found in the middle row, sixth from the left.  Lloyd Tritten is the son of William and Mary Ann (Graf) Tritten.  My grandmother, Daisy Graf Fredricks and Mary Ann Graf Tritten were sisters.

Dickson School is located at the corner of High Bridge Road and Coates Highway.  It is the school that my mother attended.  Sadly, it is in need of repair.  A group of alumni are trying to raise money to make the building a cultural center.  One of the Dickson School alumni is James Earl Jones, the actor and voice of Darth Vader.  He has helped to raise money for the school.

Dickson School in 2010.

The class picture was taken outside of the school.  You can see the basement windows and brick, much as it was in 1925.

Packing for the FGS 2013 "Journey Through Generations" Conference

Clip Art Courtesy of Microsoft Office Images

It is August 1st already!  You know what that means don't you?  It is the month of the FGS 2013 Journey Through Generations Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  I have less than three weeks to get my act together and get organized for the six days that I will be in Fort Wayne.

One of the ways, for me, to be organized is to start thinking about packing now. Here are the items, besides personal ones, I need to have a successful conference experience:

• Light sweater or jacket-the room temperature varies in the conference hall and I like to have something for the cold rooms.  Dressing in layers works, too.
• Comfortable shoes-I hate when my feet get tired!  I may not be the most fashion forward of the bunch, but my shoes have to be comfortable.  
• Tote bag-I don't bring my purse to the conference hall, I like to carry a tote bag and tuck my ID and other essentials in the bag.  I use the tote bag to carry my syllabus and schedule.  If I make a quick trip to the exhibit hall, it is wonderful to have it to store my goodies in.  I have a thicker canvas tote bag with straps that fits comfortably on my shoulder. It has room for my light sweater,too.
• Water bottle-I don't know about you, but I like to have water throughout the day.  I start the day with a full water bottle and refill it as needed. 
• Snack-you know the Snickers commercial?  My husband has mentioned that I resemble that sometimes!  So, I like to carry a snack of some sort to have if I find myself getting a little ornery-not that I ever do, mind you.  My go to snack is almonds.
• Printed copy of my schedule and syllabi-I organize my day's schedule and syllabi into individual folders, prepared before I leave home.  That way I can just grab the day's folder and be out the door. I select my sessions before I leave and print the syllabi.  I keep my schedule electronically on my phone, but in Springfield in 2011 my phone's battery would drain so fast, that I want to make sure I have a paper copy of it.  I put my entire schedule on my calendar and print two copies.  One for my folder, and one I keep in the hotel room.
• Notebook-I take a spiral notebook to my conference sessions with me.  I usually take notes on the syllabus, but sometimes I like to have paper available for notes.  I am still a paper and pencil type gal.  I don't want to have to worry about the power of my electronic gadgets dying, as very rarely is a power source available in the conference rooms.
• Address Labels-I have tons of free address labels lying around my house and I throw a few in my bag.  Many exhibitors hold free drawings and an address label can be used in place of writing the information out numerous times.  This is a tip I learned from my daughter when she went to a bridal show.  It works wonders.
• Business Cards-Even though I do not have a genealogy business, I take business cards.  You never know when you might meet someone that you would like to exchange information with.   I have my name, contact information, blog information and surnames I am researching on my card.  I bought inexpensive ones at vistaprint.com  If I receive a business card from someone at the conference, I write FGS 2013 on it, so I don't forget how I met the person.

The above items are what I carry to the conference rooms with me.  In addition, I have a few must have items for the hotel:

• Chargers-I bring my phone, computer, camera, etc.  chargers with me.  I don't want to be disappointed when something isn't charged so I bring them all.
•  Laptop-I don't want to carry my laptop to the conference, but I like to have access to it at the hotel.  I don't have a tablet (hint, hint, honey) so I bring my laptop.  I haven't figured out if I had a tablet if I would take it to the conference rooms or not.  
• Fort Wayne Visitors Information-A few weeks ago I sent for the Visit Fort Wayne Indiana Guide.  I will tuck that in my suitcase.  My husband is traveling with me, but not attending the conference.  The guide will come in handy for him.

Lastly, with the conference being held in Fort Wayne, Indiana I will be bringing my research plans and list of resources to check at the Allen County Public Library.  I am fortunate enough to live with driving distance of Fort Wayne and can visit the library at other times.  I keep a running list of resources to check on my computer throughout the year.  I will be bringing that list with me.  IF, I get time to research I will have everything I need with me.

Are you going to FGS Conference in Fort Wayne?  What is your must have item for conferencing?

Tombstone Tuesday: William G. Dyer

Photo Credit:  David Clark

WM G. DYER

1814-1875

My third great grandfather, William G. Dyer is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Adrian, Michigan. 

William was born on 8 February 1814 in New York City, New York, to yet to be identified parents.  He married Mary Ann Swallow about 1837.  They were the parents of five children:  Adaline, George, Sarah, Mary and William B.  William G. died 8 May 1875 in Adrian, Lenawee, Michigan.

I would love to connect with Dyer family members.  Please leave a comment if you are related to this family.

Harold Clifton Fredricks Would Have Been 100 Years Old Today

My mother's brother, Harold Clifton Fredricks, was born 26 July 1913, in Manistee County, Michigan-100 years ago today.  He was the son of Daisy Ellen Graf.  He lived to be 71 years old, dying in San Diego, California.

Uncle Harold was a very nice and kind uncle.  Although, I didn't see him much, I do remember the times he visited us in Harbor Beach or came to the family reunion.  He shared stories of growing up.  I wished I had asked a few more questions.

In honor of what would have been his 100th birthday, a photo tribute is below.

 Brethren High School Basketball Team-Harold is in the front row, third from left.

 Harold on his Grandpa's, Valentine Graf, farm with a baby deer and unknown farm worker.

 Harold Fredricks and Margaret Forror on their wedding day, 24 November 1938

L-R:  Margaret Forror Fredricks, Harold Fredricks, Ray Fredricks, Marie Fredricks Kurth with Nancy Fredricks in front.  Ray and Marie were Harold's brother and sister.  Nancy is Harold and Margaret's daughter.  Photo taken in California.

 L-R:  Nancy Fredricks, Wally Kurth, Ray Fredricks, Larry Fredricks, Margaret Fredricks, and Harold Fredricks

Front Row:  Margaret Fredricks, Nancy Fredricks

Back Row:  Harold Fredricks and Larry Fredricks 

L-R:  Larry, Margaret, Harold, and Nancy Fredricks 

Harold and Margaret Fredricks

Glover Twins Born in 1873

My second great grandparents, Samuel Stillman Glover, Jr. and Adaline L. Glover, nee Dyer became the parents of twins on 24 July 1873, 140 years ago today.

Source:  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [LDS], "FamilySearch," database, Michigan Births 1867-1902 (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11882-40941-68?cc=1459684&wc=10520008 : accessed 10 July 2013), Manistee County Birth for Emma Glover and ____ Glover; date 24 July 1873; record number 1307.  

Emma Dora and Emerson Glover were born in Manistee, Michigan.  It was news of the day in the Manistee newspapers.  The Manistee Standard for 26 July 1873 reported, "Mrs. S. S. Glover has recently presented the "Squire" with a pair of twins."  The meaning of the word "squire" for this article is a judge or other local dignitary.  Samuel S. Glover was the Manistee City Justice or Justice of the Peace at the time of the twins birth.  

The record above states Adaline's maiden name, Dyer, which is accurate.  I found it odd that no first name was recorded for the male twin, who was named Emerson. Emma and Emerson were the eighth and ninth children of ten, who were born to Samuel and Adaline.

Unfortunately, Emma and Emerson both died at a young age.  Emerson died three months later in October, 1874 of inflammation of bowels and Emma died at the age of six and a half months in February, 1874 of cholera. 

Military Monday: William Dyer Affidavit for Samuel S. Glover Jr.'s Civil War Pension File

 Glover, Samuel Stillman; Pension File No. 28715, Civil War Pension File, (Washington, D.C.: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration), p17 .

Glover, Samuel Stillman; Pension File No. 28715, Civil War Pension File, (Washington, D.C.: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration), p18 .

My second great grandfather, Samuel Stillman Glover, Jr.'s civil war pension file has been a treasure trove of information.  In addition to chronicling his service and injury, there are affidavits from friends, neighbors, and family members.

The two page affidavit above was given by William B. Dyer.  William B. Dyer is the brother of Samuel's wife, Adda or Adaline L. Glover.  William personally appeared before the notary public and stated that "he has known Adda L. Glover Since She was 15 years of age and Samuel S Glover, Junior since He was about 21 years of age and know that neither of them was ever married until they were married to each other and have known them ever since they were married and know that they have lived together as man and wife and know that they were never Divorced from each other and that neither of them were ever married to any one else and that Adda L Glover has not remarried since the Death of her late Husband."  William B. Dyer signed it 4th of June 1904 and gives his address as R.D. No. 3, Adrian, Michigan.

How does this information help me in my research?   The affidavit at first glance may not seem like much, but when it is put together with other information in the pension file and other research I have done, it corroborates a few things. It tells me that Samuel Stillman Glover Jr. only married one woman, so I don't have to look for other marriages.  It tells me that as of 1904, Adda Glover had not remarried.  Although, the affidavit doesn't state a relationship between Adda and William B., I know from other research that Adda had a brother, William B.  William B. Dyer was 14 years younger than Adda.  I am guessing the he chose knowing her since she was 15 years old, because he wouldn't really have known her as an infant.  He has known Samuel S. Glover since Samuel was 21, since about 1857, which other research showed that was the year Samuel and Adda were married.  It puts William B. Dyer in Adrian, Michigan on 4th of June, 1904.  It gives me a place to look for further Dyer research.  

William B. and Adda L. Dyer's parents, William G. and Mary Ann Dyer need further research and Adrian is one place to start looking.

My Independent Study of Mastering Genealogical Proof

Two months ago, I bought Thomas W. Jones book, Mastering Genealogical Proof and decided to do an independent study of it. I wanted to join one of the groups that was studying it, but I couldn't commit to attending every session due to other commitments.

I completed the first six of eight chapters the first two weeks I had the book.  I committed myself to studying it.  I didn't blog or research.  Then, life got in the way.  Summer came and the gardens beckoned, house projects needed to be done, and then family vacation time came.

I miss not studying it.  I am enjoying the study of this book.  I even graded my assignments.  My lowest score was 88% and my highest was 96%.  (It is the teacher in me).  What I like best about the book is the challenge it has presented me.  There were a couple of times I had to lay the book aside and come back to it later because I needed a break.  It is an intense study of the Genealogical Proof Standard.

The concepts taught in Dr. Jones' book will enable me to become a better genealogist.  I look at my research with a new eye now.  I find I analyze records and sources more deeply.  I cite my sources better.  I enjoyed Chapter 4, the one on sources citations.  Even though I use Roots Magic software and don't have to create my own sources unless I want to, it helped to write my own and learn the parts that are relevant to an accurate and complete citation.  I plan to go back through my software and take a second look at my sources.

I have two more chapters to go and then I plan to re-read the whole book.  I would like to complete this by the end of July.  If you haven't read this, I highly recommend it.  It is one of the best genealogy resources I have found to date.  Have you read Mastering Genealogical Proof?  What do you think?  Are you as impressed as I am?