Corn And Cotton: My Family's Story

Corn and Cotton has moved!

2012-01-22T14:27:00.002-05:00

My ancestors and I have moved! Please visit me at: Corn & Cotton: My Family's Story

http://www.cornandcotton.com

Wordless Wednesday: Cortez Bullington, 11th grade, 1941

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

Cortez Bullington, 1941 - 11th grade student
Bullington family farm, Rebecca, Georgia
photo in possession of author

Cortez Bullington, 11th Grade Report Card (1941-42)
Rebecca High School, Rebecca, Turner County, Georgia
Document in possession of author

Wordless Wednesday: Aunt Matt & Uncle Robert

2012-01-11T06:57:00.001-05:00

Aunt Matt & Uncle Robert Wilson
Bullington family farm, Rebecca, Georgia
Photo in possession of author

Corn & Cotton has a new website!

2012-01-08T14:01:00.002-05:00

My ancestors and I have moved! Please visit me at:

Corn & Cotton: My Family's Story http://www.cornandcotton.com

Wordless Wednesday: James Thomas Bullington

2012-01-04T10:53:00.000-05:00

James Thomas "JT" Bullington at the family farm c. 1940, Rebecca, Georgia
b. 27 October 1878 (Georgia)
Ida Leora Wilson m. 28 January 1906 (Georgia)
d. 28 April 1946 (Georgia)
Photo in possession of author

Tombstone Tuesday: Mary Ruth Mounts

2012-01-03T07:11:00.000-05:00

Grave of Mary Ruth Mounts

Mary Ruth Mounts

26 November 1907 - 9 November 2004

"Beloved Aunt, Benefactor and Educator"

Find-a-Grave Memorial # 82272769

Named Mary, known as Aunt Mamie, and called Mimi by my daughter.

She taught the masses.

She loved her family.

She had a voice that I distinctly remember and a flowered tree pin that my daughter still wears.

I inherited memories of her, pieces of her costume jewelry, and a legacy that kindness and knowledge are two things that we can pass to others.

She was my great-grandmother's half-sister and taught me that there are no "halves" to siblings. Because of this my sisters have forever been my whole sisters, and I adore them.

Clear Creek School (OH)
dated 1 March 1917 (age 9.5)
Aunt Mamie is 3rd from the LEFT on the second row - arms crossed, white shirt w vest

She lived next door to my great-grandmother, so as a child I never remember a visit to my grandmother's without one to Aunt Mamie as well.

I missed her funeral because my daughter, just 6 years old, was still traumatized by losing my cotton granny. We didn't think that she could handle another loss of someone she loved so dearly. I still remember her playing tea party with her dolls. Not only did she have "GG's baby" (for my grandmother) but she always had at least one guest named Mimi.

Mary Ruth "Mamie" Mounts knew 4 generations of children: her sister and brother's children, her great nieces and nephews, her great-great nieces and nephews, and her great-great-great nieces and nephews.

Motivation Monday: January 2012 Goals

2012-01-02T09:39:00.001-05:00

I can't believe that it's already 2012! Genealogy goals will be a big focus for me as I kick it up a notch and (hopefully) take it to the next level. I couldn't do it without the love and support of my family - both those that I'm related to and those who are my genea-buddies! A big part of this process will be working with my genea-buddy, Terri, of Finding Our Ancestors. We'll be working on our yearly goals together. Support within in genealogy community is vital.

And... this is where YOU come in! Several of us started sharing our goals together in December. We'll be highlighting our monthly goals on the first Monday of the month as part of the Motivation Meme that is highlighted each week on GeneaBloggers. Friday will be our update day - weekly or monthly, it's up to you! Link up your blog below if you would like to be a part of our group that supports and encourages each other through comments, tweets, and email. We'd love to have you!

And without further pomp and circumstance... my January Goals!

Previous Month in Review:

Yeah, let's not talk about it. I blogged my original December goals HERE. Unfortunately, the holidays got ahead of me. I didn't get my scanner moved as planned so I didn't get my photos scanned. I didn't get as much done on my courses as I would have liked. I decided instead to visit family and enjoy the holidays. What I did do, however, is talk to my relatives a ton about our ancestors! I'm counting that as a win!

One Small Goal: Writing

I'm really enjoying the new series that I started over at Examiner.com called Monday Memories. I hope to keep this going throughout the year as a way to not only inspire others but also help me in my quest of bringing out the family in my home. My small goal for January is to focus on writing this weekly series. I'd like to have one new Monday Memories article each week of January. This will tie into my writing goal for 2012.

One Bigger Goal: Website

Create a new website. This feels like a longer-term goal, but I'm determined to do it in January! While I love certain aspects of the blog I'm not terribly happy with others. My IT hubby has already set up my domain and now it's time to play with the look and content! (Edited: Earlier I listed the link. Oops - doesn't work yet! My bad.) My goal is to launch a new version of Corn And Cotton: My Family's Story by January 31. (Pray for me. lol)

One Long-Term Goal: Education

Courses must be finished. Prep work must be completed before starting ProGen. I have to get organized. I'm also starting one new course titled, "Grandmothers, Mothers, and Daughters - Tracing Women" through the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. I'm so excited about this class because one of my research goals for 2012 is to trace my great-grandmother Hattie's family She has several women that I'd like to learn more about, so this is going to be the perfect compliment to my research. Hopefully by moving forward on this course it will help me move forward on my larger research goal.

What are you goals for January? I'd love for you to join us! Need some motivation? Just reach out and read or contact one of the great people who have decided to join us this month. Just click on the "add link" button below!

Happy Ancestor Hunting!

Genealogy Goals for 2012

2011-12-30T14:37:00.000-05:00

One thing that I love about the genealogical community is the support that you find in those near and far.

Terri of Finding Our Ancestors and I met because of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. When I was researching the various programs available for those interested in training to become professional genealogists I emailed Terri out of the blue. She shared her knowledge and opinions of the courses that she had been taking which helped me greatly. When I joined Twitter, Terri was one of my first followers. She helped me get my cyber feet wet and introduced me to all of her favorite tweeps. And now, as we form our goals for 2012 she's become my genealogy buddy. Though we live in two different states, Terri has been and will be a great support to me in the coming year (and I hope that I will be to her as well!) I can't wait to see her this year at at least one event!

We decided to become genealogy buddies in our goals for 2012 based on the wonderful experience documented by Amy Coffin and her genea-buddy, The Family Curator. We've chosen to focus on four main goal areas: Research, Writing, Organization, and Education. Each month we'll break these into tasks and goals which will be shared through the Motivation Monday meme. (I'll be gathering various people together here at CornAndCotton if you'd like to link up and be part of a support team with us each month! It's not an original though, but we each can benefit from our shared goals. Join us!) You can read all about Terri's 2012 genealogy goals HERE.

Research:

"Corn and Cotton" was chosen as my blog name to that I could reflect the differences and the similarities in the branches of my family tree. I have what I lovingly call my North line, my South line, and my Bonus line. I'm choosing one surname from each to focus on during 2012 (partly because I need multiple irons in the fire to hold my concentration!) My goal is to truly create vignettes of the lives of our ancestors in these branches. I would like to create something using what I've learned that will be of interest to my family... those with the bug and those without. As much as I would like to say that I can document ten generations of each branch I would be more excited to say that I could full introduce my family to the lives of ten ancestors. I also will strive to submit an application to at least one lineage society using what I have learned. My original goal is to document at least one family for the Century Families of Ohio lineage society though it may change once I've researched each line more fully. I've chosen each line for specific reasons:

North: LADD, my paternal grandmother's paternal line

My aunt and great-aunt have been researching the LADD line and have hit a brick wall. I've researched this surname very briefly, and it appears that some of the problems that they are having will be very educational for me specifically in regards to locating parents and researching female ancestors. I'm looking forward to researching this line not only for the challenge but also for the time that I will get to spend with my grandmother while doing so.

South: MCMULLEN, my maternal grandfather's maternal line

I am so excited about this line! I don't know much about the McMullen's other than we've heard lore that the family was of Scottish decent. I only have a small start from a family Bible listing two additional MCMULLEN ancestors. My mother didn't grow up around the McMullen family and doesn't have any connections or leads, so it will be an interesting project to understand. I feel as though I'm starting from scratch with nothing but a name and a location. It's another challenge that excites me! I've also done very little research on my grandfather's family so this will provide me another connection with him.

Bonus: Byerly, my bonus mom's paternal line

I have to admit that there are three main reasons for choosing this line for 2012 research. Not only was I gifted a copy of an in-depth family history, and not only is my bonus mom interested in what I'm learning (and doing it with me) but it appears that this line will take me to Germany! I haven't performed any international research to this point so I am looking forward the challenge.

Writing:

My writing goals cover several areas: Blog, Articles, and Projects

Blog: Participating in NaBloPoMo during November, 2011 was so energizing for me! I gathered a rhythm to the practice of writing daily, and I loved it. December proved to be more difficult to maintain regular writing with the holidays. My blog goal for 2012 is to post at least four days per week.

Columbus Genealogy Examiner: Publish a minimum of three articles per week.

Projects: I enjoy writing so much! I would like to work on one additional writing project throughout 2012 that becomes a passion for me. I have several ideas including one for homeschoolers because it merges two areas of my life for which I care deeply. I'd like to make progress without making this project a chore or a checklist. For 2012, I would like to have at least one project outlined and at minimum beyond the first draft. I understand that I've taken on a lot during this year so I don't want to set myself up for failure. Passionate progress is what I'm looking for in this goal.

Organization:

This is going to be a very difficult area for me. I have a limited amount of space so this year I need to get creative. I want to organize my working area as well as my materials so that I can create clearly posted goals, logs, etc to help me not only make the most of my small space but hopefully eliminate any backtracking that is created by not having that clearly organized and defined workspace and plan. By also organizing other areas of my life (cough - craft area - cough) I will hopefully create a larger space in which to work.

Education:

I have to admit that I have some terribly lofty goals for my education in 2012. I'm breaking them into two main areas: courses and opportunities.

Terri and I, along with our friend, Laura, at The Last Leaf on this Branch, have signed up for the ProGen Study Group! I hope to finish, at minimum, the required courses for my certificate in American Records through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. These will be my main focus for structured learning throughout 2012.

Genealogists in this day and age have so many lovely opportunities to learn! I'm excited to take part in learning opportunities through both online webinars and organized events/conferences. I am hoping to participate in various webinars throughout each month. I will also be attending four genealogy events during 2012:

Family History Jamboree (Dayton, Ohio)

National Genealogical Society's 2012 Family History Conference (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Ohio Genealogical Society Conference (Cleveland, Ohio)

Midwestern Roots Family History and Genealogy Conference (Indianapolis, Indiana)

What are your goals for 2012? Do you have a buddy?

Wordless Wednesday: Farm Boys

2011-12-28T07:21:00.000-05:00

Field work on the Bullington Farm, Rebecca, Turner County, Georgia

Tech Tuesday: Wikipanion for iPad

2011-12-27T07:16:00.000-05:00

I'm still a girl on a mission to find a way to re-design my research trips into a sleeker, paperless version. During this search I've been able to play with some gems (and some duds!) among apps. My current favorite? Wikipanion!

I am horrendous at remembering locations of counties in my state. I have to look at maps constantly. I also immediately search on cities and villages that pop up in my research. At the first reference I like to see where it sits in the county and how it relates to other areas that may have shown up in this individual's history. Wikipanion is perfect for that! It brings Wikipedia along with you for quick searches and fast processing of information. For instance, in searching for family among obituaries I came across a small village called Sinking Spring, Ohio. After entering the location in Wikipanion I was able to not only locate it on a map but also pull up links to other villages in the area as well as articles and place names that may be related to Sinking Spring such as Serpent Mound and the Serpent Mound Crater (or Serpent Mound Disturbance.) One click of a button allowed me to pull up information on Paint Creek and other images of local geography. After you find images of the area in question you can save them in your photo album! Tweet it, search it on Google, or print information as you go. You can bookmark your finds or look through your history after you've forgotten the name of the town you read about yesterday. Just like Wikipedia, the pages are linked and include references if sourced correctly. As a lovely side note, you can add the FamilySearch wiki to it as well!

And, best yet: This little app is... wait for it... FREE. There is a paid version that allows you to store information for offline use more quickly, but I've please with the free version.

Disclaimer: Yes, I know that Wikipedia is a site that will split a room and pit genealogist against genealogist. Yes, I know that you have to be certain that you are verifying the information because there is a chance that it isn't correct. Still, at this price I'll take my chances. I know going in that it meets the initial needs that I may have for fast location of simple information.

Wordless Wednesday: Bullington Kids

2011-12-21T07:18:00.004-05:00

Left to Right:
John Thomas "Tom" Bullington
twins Cora Bullington and Nora Bullington
My granny, Cortez Bullington

Wordless Wednesday: Farmer Tom

2011-12-14T07:02:00.004-05:00

My great-uncle John Thomas "Tom" Bullington on the family farm

My Elliott family of Highland County, Ohio

2011-12-12T23:27:00.000-05:00

Most of my research over past years has centered around my maternal - or cotton - lines. I've really been making my paternal lines a heavy focus in my research lately. I'm so lucky to now live back in my original home state of Ohio (though I still count Georgia as a home state as well!) I'm lucky to have both my paternal grandmother and grandfather's lines show heavy prominence in this state. This is making it fun and much easier to find ancestors! Lately, I've been looking at our Elliott line in Highland County, Ohio.

Dorothy Drew Elliott was born in 1898 to Davis H. Elliott and Agnes Mary Nickerson. She was my great-grandmother, and I loved her dearly! She had a wonderful drawer of treasures in table in the living room that we would raid regularly. My favorite was a little water-filled whistle in the shape of a bird. I still smile when I see them. I don't know much about my great-grandmother's parents. I'm looking forward to spending some time talking to my grandmother about them!

Davis H. Elliott, my 2nd great-grandfather, was the son of Rufus Elliott and Hannah Vance. I'm still finding documents to give structure to the life that I'm trying to discover. I know that Davis went on to marry Nettie Post and have several more children. I know that Davis was a farmer like his family. His father and grandfather farmed in the area for years. I'm left with many questions that I would love to have answered!

Rufus Elliott, my 3rd great-grandfather, was the son of Charles Elliott and Nancy Smith. Rufus seems like he will be a fun individual to research! Simple and quiet from written accounts, yet by all research so far he must have been a man who was respected in many ways. I was able to find a reference to Rufus in several county histories. One account can be found online here: Ohio Genealogy Express - Highland Co. Ohio - Biographies

Charles Elliott, my 4th great-grandfather, is my connection to Pennsylvania. I'm so excited to learn more about the state! I know very little and have never visited, so it is rising on the list of areas in our country that I would like to tour. I've yet to locate his parents, but I know that by the time of his marriage to Nancy in August of 1834 he was a resident of Highland County, Ohio. Charles is mentioned in detail in the above biography as well as in several other locations. One of my goals is to locate the family homestead in Highland County. I would love to see the landscape that he walked, although I know that it was a different sight then.

Though my relatives appear to have moved into Madison and Liberty townships for a brief period, most of them spent the largest chunks of time in Washington Township, Highland County, Ohio. After a visit today to the Columbus Metropolitan Library's genealogy collection I'm armed with information regarding military service, obituaries, and wills that reference additional members of my Elliott family. I may just be forming the branches on this tree, but I am so excited about climbing it.

Do you have ELLIOTT ancestors? Did any of your family live in Highland County, Ohio? If so, send me a note! I'd love to talk family with you!

Friday Follow: Eye Candy

2011-12-09T07:06:00.000-05:00

I had so much fun with last month's Friday Follow that I've decided that it would make an appearance at least once a month. There are just too many wonderful geneablogging ladies and gents that I have to be among those who share the Friday love.

Last time I talked about some special blogs that made me thankful. This month I'd like to highlight those bloggers who take so much time perfecting their posts and pouring their heart and soul into each bit of information that they share. It's definitely a labor of love, and we are the better for it. Some of these blogs are definitely among my all time favorites for content and presentation. Please check them out!

Susan's Genealogy Blog: Easy to read and worth every minute spent here! Sometimes you'll giggle, and sometimes you'll simply nod in agreement. (Or, like me, you'll utter the words, "Oh, I didn't know that!) You'll always see something worthwhile on Susan's blog. Read all of her posts, but make sure you read I Double Dog Dare You! Put Your Research to the GPS Test.

A Sense of Family: Shelley writes like you are having a genealogy conversation over tea. It's that familiar and that easy. Her graphics and photographs are just so nicely done as well. Take time to at least read Thank You to a Special WWII Veteran.

Raking Through the Leaves: I'm a big visual learner. My husband has to draw out things for me sometimes just so it clicks. Jenny's blog is so visual! It's like crack for a few of us who love graphics and photos. Read, drool... whatever. Make sure you check out Remembering Grandma. No, wait. Read Tombstone Tuesday - Brienz, West Switzerland. No, wait. Just start from the top.

Tangled Trees: I'm a junkie for interesting documentation and anything vintage. Tangled Trees is a new-to-me blog, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. From old photos to newspaper recipes and store ads you'll never be bored with any of her posts. This week my favorite post is Holiday Shopping Saturday: Where else but Macy's.

Share a little love yourself. What blog do you think that should I add to my google reader? Just like jello... there's always room for more! (Magical air fist-bump to anyone from my generation that remembers that classic Bill Cosby commercial line.)

Don't miss these articles!

2011-12-08T20:32:00.001-05:00

Have you visited my Columbus Genealogy Examiner page yet? Don't worry - it's not just about Ohio (though I will share some great Ohio tips and tricks as well!) You'll find great articles on topics such as:

Free genealogy resources: Have you used YouTube lately?
Educational opportunities: Webinars abound!
Local and national genealogy events: Two great conferences in Ohio in 2012 - NGS and OGS!

And, I've just started a new series called Monday Memories. Learn how to share your family history with your loved ones. Record your memories in fun and unique ways! You can find my most recent Monday Memories article here:

Monday Memories: Create a Heritage Cookbook

While you're there, take a minute to SUBSCRIBE to receive all of my Examiner.com articles by email! It's easy and free, and you won't miss a thing! You won't be bombarded by emails. Instead, you'll receive a simple email when a new article is available. That's it!

I'd love to hear what you think about my articles. And, if you have anything that you'd love to learn about Ohio genealogy just let me know. It might end up in an article!

Wordless Wednesday: A High School Graduate

2011-12-07T07:28:00.006-05:00

Cortez (Bullington) Flowers
Rebecca High School Graduation Day, 1942

Advent Calendar: Outside Decorations

2011-12-05T11:23:00.001-05:00

December 5, 2011

Dear Bub,

Outside decorations are one of the many things that your father and I struggled with when we were merging our dual-faith household. To decorate or not to decorate? That became the question heard over and over around the holidays. He was very uncomfortable with the idea that our home would be identified as one religion over another, so we settled on sharing the very basic things: white lights on a tree in the window and a sign that read, "Let it Snow" by the front walk. Over the years that changed, and thanks to your determination and his softening over the years we have added very simple decorations occasionally. (He still won't let me put lights on the outside of the house but that is purely because he's afraid that I'll fall off the ladder!)

One thing that we have all enjoyed together is driving to see the decorations of others. Unlike some of your friends, we've never picked a certain day to do this. We don't pile in the car on Christmas Eve to see the displays around town. It may happen on Christmas Eve, but for us it's been about enjoying as many as we can. You used to ask us to drive "the long way" no matter where we were coming from. This simply meant, "Go through more neighborhoods on the way home." Your dad always obliged! I think that he even quietly enjoys it on his own!

Another family favorite has been the display at Alum Creek State Park. Oh how you love this display! Whether it was the year that we all piled into Uncle Roy's truck or the time you and your friends bundled up in the back of ours, it has been a permanent fixture on our December calendar since you were a little girl. I do have to secretly admit that I am glad that we don't have to stop at the boat house to say hello to Santa any longer! Those days were fun, but staying in a warm car is far more appealing to me now.

I can't wait to enjoy the Christmas lights with you and your children one day!

Love, Mama

Motivation Monday: December's Goals

2011-12-05T07:22:00.004-05:00

In an effort to organize my life inside and outside of genealogy (see: Geneamommybloggers: My Version) I've determined that public ~~humiliation~~ accountability goes a long way with me. Enter Motivation Monday! My goal is to post a new list of goals on the first Monday of each month. I'll review my previous goals as well, and hopefully the list will have lots of completed tasks!

Previous Month in Review:

There's nothing to review as this is a new series. Does that count as a successful start?

One Small Goal:

I need to scan photos of my grandfather's family, my Flowers line from Georgia. There aren't many photos available to me, and I have a scanner available. This needs to be done! Guilt me... please?

One Bigger Goal:

Be on track (or ahead!) on my Family History Scrapbooking Project hosted by ScrappyGen of The Scrappy Genealogist. A great group has assembled to help support each other through this goal. We're having fun in a laid back manner while still making progress on our family history projects. I've been a touch behind, and I'd like to remedy that. My goal is to have a Scrapbooking Sunday post each week in December. You should join me!

One Long-term Goal:

I'm currently taking an important course through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies: Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program, Part 1. I'm currently on a waiting list for a ProGen study group, and it would thrill me to no end if I could have this course completed before that happens (or as close to it as humanly possible since I don't know when that may begin.) I'm knee-deep in reading several books about the Genealogical Proof Standard and many other nitty gritty bits and pieces of our craft with the goal of starting my assignments within the month of December. I would like to have at least 2 assignments completed and my first appointment with my mentor scheduled by the end of December. Will it happen? I'm like the genealogical engine that could.. I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... (now why did I pick a holiday month to do this??)

There's my genealogical "to-do" list. What are your goals for December? Is it research related, or are you taking time to focus on your skills and interests?

Advent Calendar: Christmas Cards

2011-12-04T07:10:00.002-05:00

December 4, 2011

My daughter,

Welcome to my holiday Kryptonite: Christmas Cards. I love them, yet I never seem to get them into the mail on time! You are blessed with two grandmothers, Noni & Grandma Edie, who love cards and are wildly gifted with the talent to make them. Apparently that gene skipped me and went straight to you! I love seeing the cards that they make.

Christmas cards were always a big part of our family's holiday tradition. Your great-grandmother and grandmother would love to attach them to the doors and refrigerator. Some years we had card holders on the wall to display them or mantles where they would perch during December. The blessing of a big family is lots of Christmas cards! Over the years as our family has gotten smaller the number has slowed, but they are always a joy to receive. And, tucked away in a box is a copy of many years' worth of cards. My mother and my grandmother always seemed to save just one. I remember looking at them when I was younger, and whether it was intentional or accidental it was fun to see them through the years.

Our family would make a point of having two types of cards: One very traditional and one very contemporary. Each would have a definite message pointing to the reason for the holiday and would most times include a Bible verse. However, one had the distinct difference in that it was more expensive! A little known secret of our household is that only family received the nicer of the two cards. With a family blessed with great-aunts, great-uncles, and cousins across the generations we had to save where we could!

Wishing you many years of cards in the mail!

Love, Mama

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun: Dear Genea-Santa

2011-12-03T22:26:00.001-05:00

Dear Genea-Santa,

I've been a very good girl this year! I've been watching my citations and have been respectful of my elders - even the dead ones! If you're not too busy, I'd like to chat with you about the upcoming holiday. I just have a few things on my list. Honest!

I really want some books for my library. I'd love a few county histories and some historical maps as well. I'm just building it, so anything that you think might be helpful would be wonderful!

I'd love My Memories Suite for scrapbooking my family stories. Jenna keeps talking about it, and it sounds like all the cool kids are using it. Plus, it just looks nice and simple!

My Android phone is getting a little flaky, so I'd really love an iPhone. I think it would be fun to use when I'm tromping through cemeteries, and it would be so easy to use along with my iPad 2 on my paperless research trips.

My most favorite (but small) gift of all would be a membership to all of the county genealogical societies where my family lives. I know, I know... I'm a society junkie. But, just think of how useful it would be when I get to those areas for research!

Oh - and I really, really want a cool new t-shirt with some sort of kooky genealogy phrase. You know the ones that I'm talking about! Something cute like, "Only a genealogist regards a step backwards as progress," or "Wanted: Great-Grandma so-and-so, age 175, last seen in the 1900 US Census." Almost anything seems funny after 2 hours on a microfilm reader.

I hope I haven't asked for too much. I have a few more things but I think I'll save them for my birthday list (though, if you want to bring me a registration for the NGS 2012 conference and a house for my friends and I to rent I would be very grateful. Jen and Terri and Laura and Shelley and Felicia have all been good. Well, maybe not Felicia... ;)

Yours truly,

Stephanie

ps: You can find more lists over at Randy's blog: Genea-Musings - Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - You're Dear GeneaSanta Letter

Advent Calendar: Holiday Foods

2011-12-02T22:50:00.000-05:00

December 2, 2011

My dear daughter,

Holiday foods make me think of your "cotton" line!

One thing that I will always remember about Christmas is GG's walnut crescent cookies! Your great-grandmother would make these every year, and they are fantastic! They aren't a new cookie to you, but they are a very special memory for me. It wouldn't be Christmas without them. My job each year was to shake the warm cookies in the bag of powdered sugar. The stickier my fingers got the better! When I was younger they were always shaped like crescents, but like many things over time it was just easier (and quicker!) to roll them into little round balls. You don't remember this, but when you were little you had a year where you wouldn't touch a single dessert that contained nuts. What did your GG do? She made you walnut crescents without walnuts! You're the only little one that she would have done that for - you were HER girl. Just as she made them with me and Noni makes them with you, I hope to make them with your children one day!

With love and memories,

Mama

Advent Calendar: The Christmas Tree

2011-12-01T08:28:00.000-05:00

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!!

December 1, 2011

My sweet daughter,

Christmas is here! The snow has started (though it hasn't been sticking!) and it's nearly time to get the tree decorated. Your family has had many holiday traditions over the years, and one thing that is definitely center stage is the Christmas tree.

Your "corn" and your "cotton" traditions couldn't be more different, but both include their trees!

Our tree, 2006

Your "cotton" family has adopted an artificial tree over the years so that it can be in the house longer. Though we've strayed from it the last few years, I grew up with the same tradition as your Noni did... the tree was decorated on Thanksgiving night and stayed up until New Year's Day! Our ornaments tell the story of your family's experiences over the years. Each year a new ornament is added to show an interest, a new move, a love. They all vary greatly in style and in shape, but most can be identified without hesitation. There are paper ornaments from the year your great-grandparents spent Christmas in Mexico because of Papa's job, and there is a Cinderella dancing with her prince from the year that you wouldn't stop watching your favorite Disney movie no matter how hard we tried. Most years we added popcorn strings and candy canes just because you wanted to have them there.

Grandma-Great and Grandpa-Great's tree, 2010

Your "corn" family loves the scent of a real tree. Oh, the memories of that smell! We would hike through the Christmas tree farm much like we did a few years ago when you went with your cousin. After finding the perfect tree we would head to the center of town for fudge cake at the best little diner in town. I remember decorating the tree and having hot cocoa in Grandma-Great and Grandpa-Great's house with a fire going. There is still a great connection between the smell of a wood fire and a fir tree for me. It was an adventure each year to get our own tree. I still can't eat fudge cake without thinking of Grandpa.

Our tradition lies somewhere in the middle. An artificial tree to please Dad and white lights to please me. Ornaments are still important, especially those that we've made together as a family. If you remember nothing more of our trees I hope that you do one thing: giggle whenever you see twinkling colored lights and think, "Mom would have hated that."

With love and memories,

Mama

December: Holiday memories and family history in the making

2011-12-01T07:12:00.002-05:00

Have you joined the Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2011? Twenty-four days of holiday family history! This is my first holiday season as a geneablogger, and I'm thrilled to find out that Thomas MacEntee organizes such a fun event. I'm looking forward to sharing our traditions with everyone, but I'm mostly looking forward to the opportunity to share them with my daughter. I may not participate daily, but my hope is to remind us of a memory of two while doing it.

Whether you blog your traditions or simply enjoy reading about the traditions of others, I'm sure this series will be a blessing to you this December.

Wordless Wednesday: The Bullingtons

2011-11-30T07:03:00.002-05:00

James Thomas "JT" Bullington and wife, Ida Leora (Wilson) Bullington
Children (L-R): Ethel, Elmer, Lola, Allean (remaining children yet to be born)
c. 1920

Do Everything (the Best You Can)

2011-11-29T07:03:00.003-05:00

Recently I wrote a post sharing how I run my version of the race as a contribution to the Geneamommybloggers thread at The ScrappyGenealogist. As usual, my thoughts and words ran far longer than needed in one single post! I couldn’t shake the idea that we need to be more kind to ourselves in our goals.

There is currently a song playing on Christian radio called Do Everything by Steven Curtis Chapman. “Do everything that you do to the glory of the one who made you… “ (Non-religious friends, hang with me… there’s a point for everyone.) Whether or not the song’s point is how I interpret it, it shows me that everything we do matters and should be done with our best in mind for reasons outside ourselves. It isn’t for our own glory or pat on the back that we in this take on the rolls that we do so we need to stop worrying about what it says about us. In the case of family history and blogging, we research to remember others. We write to share with others. It isn't about us.

This also isn’t a challenge to make us feel like we’ve failed when we don’t do it correctly. Just like we tell our children as they are young, by trying to do our best we will never fail. We need to learn to lighten up on ourselves when we find that our best isn’t the same as her best or his best. If the goal is OUR best, we’re doing just fine. With this effort we can lay our heads down at night knowing that while our house might not be listed on the cover of a home and garden magazine it is filled with love and [insert your situation here: clean children, fed pets, happy families, etc.] What do you want to be remembered for: a clean house or a love passed down through generations of family? As a Christian I need the reminder that it’s not all about me. I want people to see my love for others not for myself in all I do. As a mother I need the reminder that it isn’t about the present but the future. I want my daughter to have a childhood full of memories of me (not me cleaning or working!) I want my family to have a legacy of love in which I played a part. What is the point of me remembering the lives of those before us if I am not present in the lives of those with me now?

Do your best. Do it for the glory of those around you – God or family. And do yourself a favor… take the time to enjoy it.

Geneamommybloggers: My Version

2011-11-28T06:49:00.001-05:00

Several weeks ago Jennifer over at The Scrappy Genealogist asked me how I do it all. My answer… poorly! That quip turned into a conversation, and that conversation turned into this contribution to the Geneamommybloggers (and one Geneadaddyblogger) movement. We are a group that supports one another, and I hope that this glimpse into my chaos will help you know that you are not alone in the trenches. We do the best we can each day, one step at a time.

I wear many hats: Wife, Mom, homeschool parent, Virtual Assistant/Office Manager, church volunteer, family historian, and genealogy student. This year has been filled with many changes and adjustments in the life of my family. I've been lucky to learn a few tips and tricks along the way that have begun to make things move more smoothly.

1. Get yourself a timer. Seriously. I have a very simple app on my phone (called KitchenTimer – Original, yes?) I set my timer and go. By doing this I know that I can stay on track without watching the clock. My little rooster alarm will let me know when it’s time to move on with another task in mind. My days go much more smoothly when I use this little gadget. Treat your blocks of time as sacred. If you are in a writing block, do not open up Tweetdeck and check in on the girls. If you are in a social media block, don’t feel guilty when you enjoy it. However, when the rooster crows it’s time to move on.

2. Eat your frog first thing in the morning. I love this saying. I just stumbled upon it after reading a post on SimpleMom, and it makes total sense. My “frog” happens to be housework. Clutter drives me nuts, but when I’m feeling overwhelmed it is the last thing that gets done. I do happen to subscribe to the idea that a messy home is the sign of happy children, but only in the case of, for example, my daughter’s art supplies being strewn across the kitchen table. This does not extend to dog hair on the bathroom floor. {shudder} I’ve learned to include my family by asking for help when I need it, and I’ve also learned to just eat that frog for an hour. Most days I give myself a bit of time on Twitter and then attack my household duties: dinner in the crockpot, laundry in the washer, yesterday’s load out of the dryer and into the closet, and then hit the kitchen and one other room. We don’t live in a show home, but we aren’t eating in a dirt pit either.

3. Put the big rocks in the jar first. I’m sure we’ve all seen the email that has made the rounds over the years. Putting your big rocks – priorities –into place first ensures that you get them done. It also means that you can avoid the guilt and frustration that comes with failing to meet your goals. We all have them. Whether we focus on them is the real story. I had a lot of frustration over my hectic schedule until I put things into a list of priorities. I really must stay focused on completing my coursework with the National Institute for Genealogical Studies if I want to reach my long-term goals. I must spend time homeschooling my daughter if I want to reach my long-term goal for her… to raise her to be an educated and well-rounded young lady. I must spend time with my husband if I want my marriage to be, well, long-term. Just because my husband and I both work from home it doesn’t mean that we get to see each other a lot. He’s self-employed in the IT field, and I’m a virtual employee who makes my own hours, homeschools our daughter, and pretends that I’m a freelance writer (help me pretend… subscribe to my Examiner feed!) This means one thing: we work too much. We make sure that we spend even the smallest bit of time alone each day which may mean that we drive together to the ATM or I ride along as he goes to fill up the gas tank. Priorities and “big rocks” don’t have to equal large blocks of time. They just mean that you are sure to include them as necessary. Homeschooling has become easier now that my daughter is in high school. The work load has increased, but she’s able to help me plan and manage her week like never before. I’m still trying to make it a habit to have a daily meeting with her each morning so that we are both starting the day focused and on track.

4. Don’t be afraid to say no. Sometimes it has to happen. I know what I am capable of doing and, unfortunately, what I am not capable of doing. A disconnect comes into play when I don’t admit to what I am not capable of doing. “No” isn’t a bad word. See it as freeing. I recently had to limit my hours for my paying job because my non-paying job, specifically, homeschooling my daughter, was suffering. I also had to limit what I am able to do with our church because of health issues, namely my arthritis kicking it up a notch in the winter. It’s ok to say no. We are not weaker because of those two little letters. We are, in fact, stronger because we know how to use them to our family’s advantage. I would much rather be known to others as the gal who says no than to my daughter as the mom who is never around.

5. Get yourself some good tools. Whether you are old-school and go with paper, pencil, and lists, or whether you are a techno-geek with apps and icons, find what works for you. I’m also hopelessly addicted to GoogleCalendar, and I have it color-coded as well. I keep track of my writing schedule, work schedule, and homeschooling schedule as well as any deadlines I may have with my American Records certificate coursework. I rely on reminders and the visual of seeing red, blue, and purple flash across my screen. And my big crutch is that I also happen to leave this up all day long. We’re lucky to have many options available to use for browsers and free services such as Google. Use these to your advantage.

6. Make sure you have a support system. I have been very lucky to have the support of my family behind me as I focus on my own education and skill building. I've also been blessed with friends, both far and near, who listen and help keep me afloat. One in particular helps by reminding me to get the rest that I need so dearly and to keep an eye on my physical and emotional health. Knowing that I have them in my corner is even more important when I need to take a minute to collect myself and breathe. Above all else a good cheerleader is worth their weight in vital records.

Does all of this mean that I am master of my domain? Not even close. There are areas that I would like to focus on more so I am trying to evaluate my goals on a regular basis. By keeping my eyes and ears open the situations around me and by keeping the conversation going with my family and friends I believe that I will continue to learn how to make the situations in our lives work for us.

New Discoveries: Surnames and a new state

2011-11-26T17:23:00.000-05:00

The holiday weekend has been a fantastic time for me. In addition to great food and relaxing days with my family, it has been filled with research! I've found a butcher and a grocer in the midst of my farming Ohio "corn" line, and a cabinet maker that I didn't know existed. This year, I'm especially thankful for the ability to research online. We are such a spoiled lot to have it at our fingertips, and I can't imagine how researchers of earlier generations would react to knowing that we now have the ability to sit down, turn on an electronic box, connect to something that cannot be seen, and find a marriage license or death certificate for a person far, far away.

George W. NICKERSON, my 3rd great-grandfather, was a butcher in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio at the turn of the last century. He and his wife, Eliza D. LINTON, had a houseful of children. From census records it appears that they were blessed with seven though only five would live to adulthood. George moved his family Hillsboro from West Bethlehem, Washington County, Pennsylvania sometime in the 1880s. His father, William NICKERSON, worked as a cabinet maker in West Bethlehem as well. I'm drawn to this line because I had a very special love for the only great-grandmother that I was blessed to know, Dorothy "Dorty" (Elliott) LADD. Dorothy happened to have been raised by her grandparents, George and Eliza. These names were found not in a traditional manner because of the family situation. I found the grandparents before the parents. It will be interesting to see how it progresses. I'm just beginning to research this family, but I'm excited to have found a jump into a new state as well as a connection to the people who helped to make my grandmother such a lovely lady.

In addition to discovering the names of Grandma Dorty's grandparents, I've also found the marriage certificate for her parents, Agnes Mary NICKERSON and Davis H. ELLIOTT. They were married in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio on 23 December 1896. This lovely surprise led me to a second marriage certificate for Davis as well as a link to his parents, Rufus ELLIOTT and Hannah VANCE. Apparently Dorty's parents were divorced by the time she was the young age of two years. I've heard very little about Davis through my family, so the fact that I found him so easily this weekend feels as though I hit the jackpot. As a child of divorce I'm drawn to the idea of "why," and though I won't be able to answer that question any time soon I am thankful to have identified the "who" in this family history. My search will continue as I attempt to track down additional information on when their marriage dissolved.

I have a lot of documents to search and many hours still needed, but I feel like I've had a successful weekend so far. I've given names to generations and extended my branches in directions unknown. I look forward to adding Pennsylvania to my growing family map.

If Georgia is my "cotton" line and Ohio is my "corn," what would Pennsylvania be? I can't wait to find out!

Friday Follow: Bloggy friends make all the difference...

2011-11-25T06:52:00.001-05:00

Because of the holiday I'm feeling pretty thankful, and once again that feeling extends to the genealogy/blogging community. I thought that I'd pass the love and participate in this week's Friday Follow. It's not on my normal calendar here (but I do love mentioning people on Twitter!) However, it just might need to be added. I love, well, sharing the love!

Makes me think - Deb @ Adventures in Genealogy

I love Deb's posts. They make me think, and I love reading something that makes me think. I never pass a post of Deb's without an impact, be it a challenge to consider why I do what I do or a memory of my own that her writing brings about. A great example of her posts can be found in Sentimental Sunday: Are We?

Makes me sigh (in a good way!) - Amy @ Gravestoned

I can't begin to tell you how much I love the photos on Amy's blog! If you have a heart for the dearly departed and an eye for their headstones you'll want to check out her blog. It's like crack for gravers, if there was such a thing. I sigh each time I see a photo of a lovely headstone or an old cemetery. The details and research that Amy adds is just icing on the cake. A great example of her photography can be found in Epitaph: Beyond this veil of tears.

Makes me better - Caroline @ For Your Family Story

You'll love Caroline's writing style and her sense of humor, but what makes you better is her technique. It's like guerrilla genealogy education... it sneaks up and slaps you while she has you distracted with a bit of humor. Before you know it you've learned something. I rarely read a post at her blog without making a mental note that I need to tweak or add (or steal) something into my routine, my apps, or my research. It's good. Real good. A great example of her techy-goodness is That's an App Thursday: An App with 'Tude.

Makes me amazed - Laura @ The Last Leaf on This Branch

Breathtaking. There is no more fitting word for Laura's blog. With her archivist's touch and her artist's eye she brings us the words and images of the past. She shares her thoughts and her heart. She shares her family's treasures and their dreams. See? Breathtaking. A great example of Laura's simple blog beauty is Sunday's Obituary: Henry Wersel.

Makes me challenge myself - Marian @ Marian's Roots and Rambles

I honestly don't know where to start with describing Marian's blog. Yes, it is a heavy dose of methodology and research strategies. Yes, it's a heavy does of support and encouragement. It's like a nice, big, genealogy workshop/society meeting in a digital form. Or, so I think! I enjoy every post from the light to the heavy, and her blog is a permanent fixture on my Flipboard. A great example of her expertise can be found in Nathan Brown: Using Secondary Sources.

These are but a few of the blogs that I love. I didn't intend on beginning the "follow" theme as there are so many more capable out there who excel at sharing these great finds. That said, I just love showing my appreciation so I have a feeling that I'll be doing this more often!

What are some of your favorite blogs to read? Who encourages you the most? I'd love to hear about it!

Holiday Memories: Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:26:00.003-05:00

Like many American families our Thanksgiving holiday was arranged around food and family. Many of the same dishes were served every year:

Turkey (which I ate slathered in mayo)
Green Bean Casserole
Dressing (not stuffing - there is a difference!)
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Corn (or corn casserole!)
Cranberry Sauce (two kinds - canned jelly and freshly made)
Crescent Rolls
Million Dollar Pie

This, however, was just the basis for the meal. We had two or three times the amount of food needed just so that we could have the left-overs!

I can still smell the house on Thanksgiving day. My granny would get up early to start the turkey. My grandfather and uncles would be watching football. I'd get to help with whatever dessert would be added to the pies. I've still to this day never made the Million Dollar pies as it was my granny's job which passed to my mother. The story goes that my great-aunt Ethel created the recipe but someone else submitted it to a contest under their own name. It's been a family secret held tight by the ladies before me because of this. I'd love to know the truth behind the story. I've yet to have the recipe passed to me officially, though I know where my mom keeps it! We always had two versions... one with coconut and one without for those picky eaters among us. It's sweet and cool, and it remains one of my favorite sweets to this day. I'm thankful for the memories of my childhood... and Million Dollar Pie.

Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you many happy memories with your family on this day!

Wednesday's Child: Martha Ladd

2011-11-23T06:58:00.002-05:00


Ladd family plot Hardin's Creek Cemetery Hillsboro, Highland, Ohio

Martha C. Ladd

b. 18 November 1920

d. 16 July 1929

8 years, 7 months, 28 days old

Martha was my great-aunt that I never knew. She was born after the 1920 census and had passed before the 1930 census so I don't have many pieces of paper laying around with her name on them. She must have been terribly sick because she passed away at University Hospital in Columbus, Ohio - approximately 70 miles away from her home. By 1929 standards this had to seem like quite a distance to travel. Martha's mom, my Grandma Dorty, was one of my favorite people. Seeing her named as informant on Martha's death certificate just breaks my heart. Martha's birth year was recorded incorrectly on the certificate. Whether it was the stress of the time for my great-grandmother or it was an error on the part of the doctor isn't known. Either theory would seem plausible to me in light of the situation. The cause of death is listed as tonsillitis and otitis media (ear infection) as primary with meningitis as secondary. How afraid she must have been...

Martha's death certificate was the first vital record that my daughter, age 14, found on her own in our local archives. From index to microfilm to printing, she handled the retrieval all on her own, and it sparked an interest in researching our family history further. I'll thank my Aunt Martha for that. And, by complete luck and lack of planning, it happened to occur on what would have been Martha's 91st birthday.

Tech Tuesday: My Paperless Quest

2011-11-22T07:18:00.002-05:00

There have been many discussions about paperless research popping up on various blogs and across the twitter-sphere. Each time someone shares their ways and methods I learn a little something more about how to successfully complete a paperless research trip. During my research trip to the Ohio Historical Society Archives/Library last week I was able to nearly meet my goal of walking in with only my cell phone and i-pad. I did, however, walk out with several pieces of paper. As part of their rules and procedures personal scanners are not allowed which doesn't bother me because I have yet to have the FlipPal fairy drop one off at my house. (Dear FP Fairy: directions can be through on GoogleMaps if you're reading this.) I use their printing services to grab copies of several death certificates as well as an obituary for my great-great-grandmother. I have to admit that my current approach uses my new handy-dandy ipad more than my phone though once I get an iphone.... (another nod to the Apple Fairy...) My first paperless run was purposefully built around a very short list of items.

On the Android Phone:

On my phone I have a timer app to help keep me focused. It's a simple freebie app called KitchenTimer. FYI - the default timer sound is a rooster. While this makes me giggle like a school girl each time I hear it at home you really will want to make sure that your phone is set to vibrate so that you don't disturb the others in the library!

Apps installed but not used on this trip: BillionGraves, RestingSpot, Dropbox, Evernote.

On the iPad 2:

This is where my fun begins. Because I am too nervous to leave my laptop sitting out while I bop around the archives I'm clinging to my iPad. It's easy enough to take with me when I move around the space, and yet I can still access most of what I would like to access on a short trip.

Evernote and Dropbox were installed, loaded, synced, mashed, filed, copied, notated, labeled, and anything else that I could think to do with it "just in case." I set up a note in Evernote with the information on three death certificates that I had hoped to find. This was my short research list. It worked perfectly for this trip. Next time I may tweak my note a tad but this is more organizational in nature than something that would cause a problem with a paperless trip.

Penultimate is a handy little notebook app that allows me to jot notes with my stylus rather than through the touch keyboard on the iPad. I LOVE it. I was able to grab a clean sheet of paper for my source notations which were then stored in a notebook labeled by location and date. It made it so simple to create little notes quickly when I spoke to a librarian. And, I could email or print it if needed. This handy little app is worth the small fee. I also have a tendency to use mind mapping and various diagrams when I research or brainstorm through a problem. I think this app will become very handy as my research trips increase.

Originally I had decided to upload a private tree to Ancestry.com for use with their app, but after reading a few opinions against it I decided to go with a separate app for this as well. GedView stepped in brilliantly. I like that I can have multiple gedcom files accessible, and it was a breeze to easily and quickly search through the program looking for a specific name. As much as I would like to be one of those genealogists who can remember every little minute detail about their ancestors I need my cheat sheet. This worked perfectly.

For my very short trip aimed at death certificates and newspaper research these apps were sufficient. However, I'm glad that I added 1000memories Shoebox app because I was able to take a peek at a few documents that I had scanned into my account. One of the documents that I scanned in lists the ships on which my grandfather served in the US Navy in World War II. I can see that this would be wonderful to access if I were doing research in various rosters and histories. I didn't need it this time, but I'm glad that it is there for more than just adding materials to the site.

Several of my other apps that I haven't used but have installed for future situations include: Google Earth, Google Books, and eBook Search. I'm also a fan of keeping copies of my pdf research guides and checklists accessible through my iBooks in case I want to reference them. I do think that having access to my gmail account as well as research/genealogy blogs, Twitter, and Facebook will come in handy when I need to throw out a call for help or inspiration. While I wouldn't consider them necessary for a trip, I definitely consider them necessary for sanity!

I'm still working through my system. Look for more posts over the winter as I tweak the apps that I use in search of a good paperless set up in time for the National Genealogical Society conference in spring of 2012.

What apps do you think I should check out? Share your ideas with me! I'm always willing to learn from others!

Maritime Monday: Liberty Ships

2011-11-21T18:48:00.000-05:00

I've written several times about my grandfather, Lee Roy Flowers, and his service in the US Navy during World War II. I was looking through some of his papers and realized that I didn't know much about the ships on which he served: SS Mary E. Kinney and SS Cornelius Vanderbilt. These two ships were Liberty Ships - vessels that were constructed quick, fast, and with the goal of getting them out to sea before the other guy. As I was researching Liberty Ships I came across a few very interesting facts:

Liberty Ships could be named by any group that raised $2M in war bonds. My grandfather served on two named for the following people:

Mary E. Kinney, Oregon State Legislature (1921-1925) and suffragette
Cornelius Vanderbilt, promoter of the steam ship and the railroad.

Liberty Ships were made quickly, and in most cases by people who had never worked in manufacturing much less on ships. Rosie the Riveter? Yep... she made these.

Between 1941 and 1945, 2710 Liberty Ships were produced in the US.

Liberty Ships were bombed, sunk, attacked, and they didn't have much man power behind them but they fought hard and well. They transported goods and soldiers, and they were a large part of the Pacific Campaign.

The Mary E. Kinney is said to have been responsible for downing 5 Japanese planes. The Cornelius Vanderbilt saw action off the coast of Okinawa, and my grandfather was there. By his stories I know that he was afraid that he wouldn't make it back from that battle. I long to know more about my grandfather's adventures. Unfortunately, I waited too long to become interested. He told me several stories while mainly focusing on the adventures such as trading bedsheets for shells on a Pacific island or pretending that they had more guns on board than they did so that any planes flying over might think them more prepared. He laughed and smiled about his shipmates, though I know that he had a great deal of fear during different moments in the war. Like the rest of the great generation, he pushed through.


Lee Roy Flowers on board either the SS Mary E. Kinney (more likely) OR SS Cornelius Vanderbilt (less likely)

In searching through websites I was lucky enough to come across two photos including my grandfather that we've never seen. I think that I'm going to try to contact the webmaster to offer scans of some of my grandfather's photos for his collection. I'm luck enough to have his Brownie camera with FLO painted on the bottom (because FLOWERS wouldn't fit!) as well as his photo album of many faces that he sailed with between 1943 and 1946. The crew of the SS Cornelius Vanderbilt is shown in the last photo on this page, and my grandfather, Lee Roy Flowers, is 5th from the left on the back row.

My grandfather enlisted as soon as he turned 18, and he went to sea. The son of a blacksmith he learned how to sail. He was willing to give his life for his country.

You can learn more about Liberty Ships on the following websites:

Liberty Ship Nomenclature
Project Liberty Ship (even includes a virtual tour!)
Vessel Type EC2 - The Liberty Ship
The Pacific - tells of the battles waged in this campaign, one of note was the Mary E. Kinney

Scrapbook Sunday: Family History Album wk 3

2011-11-20T21:07:00.001-05:00

It's that time again! We're continuing to work through our JessicaSprague.com course along with The Scrappy Genealogist. However, it's also the first official Sunday for the new meme! It's great fun, and we'd love to have you join. It's easy - scrap it (digital or traditional), blog it, and tag it! That's all there is to it!

This week's assignment was to begin our individual couple pages. As usual, I'm working on it on the day it's due. ;) That said, I'm looking forward to working through this portion. I'm going to take advantage of a quiet holiday week to work ahead - hopefully - and have fun with the process.

I'm still feeling a touch shaky with digi-scrapping. I'll learn something new with each lesson and then promptly forget it before the next project. I'm hoping that it will begin to click with me because I just love this type of crafting. I can work on it with my family in the room doing whatever it is that they want to do, and it doesn't take me forever to clean up after it! This week was a little faster. I have in my mind how I want to work through two more pages - one for each of my grandparents. I'm also thinking about changing the journaling... might have my mom do it. :)

Don't forget to check out the other beautiful entries in our virtual scrapping circle:

Jackie Baker of Jackie's Genealogical Journey
Jennifer Alford of Jen-Gen's Family History
Jennifer Shoer of The Scrappy Genealogist
Valerie Elkins of Family Cherished
Jenna of Desperately Seeking Surnames

Always the Genealogy Student...

2011-11-19T18:32:00.000-05:00

Warning - this post isn't about surnames, research, or the documents that I've been digging into lately. (Those would be census records by the way.) It is, however, about genealogy... specifically genealogy education.

I've been thinking a lot about goals this week. I know where I want to be (a certified, working, professional genealogist) and when (by 2014.) I've had to move things around and shift my focus onto those main projects that I'm really determined to complete. In doing this I decided that I need to cement my educational plan. For me, committing comes in the form of writing it down and making it public. Whether it is the act of putting it into words or the need for public accountability it somehow makes it more real to me to have it in writing. I'm planning on making a goal board, and these things will be front and center.

My plan includes the follow...

Formal Training:

Certificate in Genealogical Studies - American Records (National Institute for Genealogical Studies)

Attend at least one chat session per week.

Long-Term Continuing Education:

ProGen Study Group

Monthly Continuing Education:

View at least four webinars on various topics through sources such as Legacy Family Tree, FamilySearch, NEHGS, etc.

Weekly Continuing Education:

Case File Clues newsletter

At least four hours per week on my own research including citations, analysis, and reporting.

Annual:

Attend the Ohio Genealogical Society conference

Attend the National Genealogical Society Family History Conference

Status:

I've completed my basic level courses towards my certificate through NIGS, and I've started my intermediate level courses this month. (Ok, so I am still working on ONE basic level course, but it's a very long mentoring course so I'm counting it as a win to have completed everything else.) I'm hoping to finish as many courses as I can before starting the ProGen Study Group once one has been formed. I think that I'll have several more completed in November and December. So far so good!

I've just started receiving the Case File Clues newsletter, and I love it! My goal is to read through each edition twice in an effort to improve my analysis skills.

I have to admit that I'm in a bit of a cemetery cycle. I've been taking in any webinar or article that I can while working through my Cemetery and Mortuary Records course with NIGS. I think that I might continue with a few more this month!

What about you? Do you have an educational plan that you're working on? I'd love to hear about it!

Stephen's Story: Update #1

2011-11-18T07:05:00.002-05:00

Here's the short of it -

Our Mission: To find Stephen and either bring his remains to our family cemetery (unlikely) or be able to know that we tried (likely.)

My Deadline: Because of our winters, we are unable to add markers to our plot until the weather breaks in the spring. We're past our deadline for 2011. I'd love to have a touch of a resolution by the time we are able to add his name to our plot.

Research Notes:

1. My first step was to order a death certificate. It's taken me a bit to have the proper time to research, but my mother as next of kin placed the order for a death certificate with cause.

2. I have a hand-written note in my grandmother's Bible giving the name of the funeral home as Seashore. In digging through old RootsWeb message archives from 2001 I found reference to a Seashole Funeral Parlor in Jacksonville, Duval, Florida. Part of me hopes that this will be the correct name because I can't find a single reference to SeashoRe. SeashoLe Funeral Parlor is listed in 1944's Polk Jacksonville City Directory. Here's hoping that in 10 to 14 business days I will receive confirmation that this is the funeral home.

3. It appears that Seashole Funeral Parlor is no longer in business. A message board post and archived comment both indicate that the business was dissolved rather than having been sold which would mean that the records will probably not be accessible. Not the best news of the day! Until I know that it is the correct name I'm not going to spend much time researching the history and demise of Seashole Funeral Parlor.

And, now we wait. In my sweet and hopeful dreams we will receive a death certificate in the mail during the first part of December telling us the cemetery in which Stephen was buried. I'm almost afraid to get hopeful because the records are so old and so forgotten by so many. I find it kind of fitting that his birthday would have been 13 December had he lived. Perfect timing. My uncle Stephen would have been 60. Hopefully we will be able to put him on the map in time to remember him.

You can read more about Stephen in the following post: Missing Family

Those Places Thursday: Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

2011-11-17T07:29:00.002-05:00

Down a country road in Rebecca, Georgia sits a modest white church called Pleasant Hill. It was established in 1876, and I believe that my family had ancestors within the church membership nearly all of its existence.

As a child I played in the cemetery as my grandmother straightened up graves on our annual visits "down home." It holds many generations of my family on several sides. Lots of WILSON, some ASHLEY and MINSHEW, and even one GORDAY relative are buried there.

As an adult I thanked many people through email as they verified names and spellings on graves for me from far away. If only I had known to take photos when I was younger and visiting more regularly.

Just beyond the treeline that surrounds the churchyard and cemetery is a creek where my granny and her siblings were baptized. I'm sure that many others were baptized here as well, but I always thought of it as my family's church and my family's creek even though I never actually attended a service there. By the time I was born my granny's brother, my great-uncle Elmer, had pastored another church. We would go to Bethel Baptist on visits instead of Pleasant Hill.

Thomas Ray Bullington

In 1877, my great-great-grandfather Thomas Ray "T.R." Bullington was the first minister to be ordained in the church. He was a circuit-rider who preached to many without calling a specific building home. I've always had a fascination with this type of preaching because of his experiences.

James Thomas Bullington

His son, my great-grandfather, James Thomas "J.T." Bullington would also be ordained in the church 53 years later in 1930 when my granny was six years old. He was a farmer so he couldn't preach weekly but did so during revivals and various other occasions. Only a few short years later in approximately 1933 or 1934 my great-grandfather J.T. was preaching at Pleasant Hill when, while in the middle of prayer, he fell to the ground. The men of the church carried him to a nearby home and called the doctor. J.T. had come ill with a stroke. My granny remembered seeing him fall into the arms of the deacons. Though he was bedridden for a while, he did recover to live more than another decade. However, I don't believe that he preached at Pleasant Hill again.

You can read a short history of the church here: History of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

My earlier post, Cemeteries: An Unsuspected Path, was written about Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery.

You can also find additional photos and information on JT and TR Bullington by searching on the Bullington name in the labels section of this blog.

Wednesday's Child: Joyce Flowers

2011-11-16T06:53:00.001-05:00

Joyce Flowers, 1928 - 1930

My cotton grandfather came from a large family as did his wife, my Granny. Both had siblings pass at the young age of two. My grandfather was five years old when his younger brother, Joyce, died. I am still searching for records of his death but we were told that it was an illness that took him quickly. My grandfather didn't talk about Joyce, though he had to remember him. Five is a young age, but not so young that you can't recall your siblings. I'm sure that they had to have been playmates even with a difference of three years between them. It's amazing the questions that I think of after I lose the chance to ask.

My great-uncle Joyce is buried next to his father, mother, and older sister. After his sister passed in 1978 my grandfather added nicer headstones and slabs to all of the graves. Leaving a permanent marker for a loved one is extremely important in my family. Unmarked graves cause sadness even for those that we never knew. It must have started with my grandfather because I have heard stories that he was very bothered by the small, temporary markers that were on the graves. When Joyce died there wasn't the ability to erect a mighty stone. They were a small town family, and my great-grandfather was a small town blacksmith. When my grandfather was able he rectified the situation.

After my grandfather's death my mother shared the following photos with me. It seems that he kept them all these years. Joyce's grave is the smallest to the right. We need to always remember the littlest ancestors.

Photo by Lee Roy Flowers
Flowers family plot, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Moultrie, Colquitt County, Georgia

Photo by Don Atwell
Find A Grave Memorial# 53391843

Cemeteries: An unsuspected path

2011-11-15T17:43:00.000-05:00

As part of my current course load through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies I'm taking a course in Cemetery and Mortuary Records. It's amazing how I've fallen in love with cemeteries. What once held an eerie or unsettling feeling for me now takes on something of a caring nature. These places are the last to hold the bodies of our loved ones. They are the places where we mourn. They are the places where we remember.

My most memorable trip to a cemetery occurred when I was a young child. Each summer we would visit my grandmother’s family in south Georgia. We would spend an afternoon going through the family cemetery where generations upon generations of my family was buried. We would take note of names and dates, share stories, and check to make sure that the graves had been kept up well enough to my grandmother’s liking. My grandparents, mother, uncles, and I had plots in the family section as well. It was in the yard of the church my great-great-grandfather helped start, and family history surrounded us. Headstones and slabs covering graves seemed so large, and being a very conservative Baptist church many were very plain without much decoration. It was interesting to see how many families were connected through relatives or business. It still holds a the importance in my family much as a homestead would. From what I understand the graves have always been cared for by the older women in the congregation. (Some years my granny agreed. Others....) Our family plot was outlined by corner stones with the initial of the surname. As a child it was always odd to me to know that I would be buried there. Now that I am grown and live 800 miles away it is odd to know that I won’t be buried there after all. Instead, I visit a new cemetery to make sure that my grandmother’s grave is being kept up well enough to my own liking. Some times it is. Others....

I've taken an interest in cleaning off the graves of some of the "neighbors" to our family plot when we go. It's interesting to see my mother and daughter both start to pick up the habit. I have conversations with our "neighbors" and hope that someone will ensure that my grave is cared for should my daughter not be able to do it when the time comes. It isn't morbid to me, but instead it is a symbol of respect. My faith tells me that these people aren't held in these graves, but their memories and names are associated with them. They deserve the utmost respect one can give.

I'm finding myself drawn more and more to the idea of cemetery care or restoration projects. Unfortunately, winter in Ohio doesn't hold many opportunities to participate. However, I'm interested in using this time to see what projects might be on the horizon for spring. Until then, I'm seriously considering a membership in The Association for Gravestone Studies or becoming involved in blogging with and joining The Association of Graveyard Rabbits. This is not a path that I ever would have dreamed my interested in genealogy would have taken me down.

So, tell me, do you participate in a group or belong to a society that focuses on cemetery or headstone art or preservation? I'd love to hear about it.

What surprise interest or obsession has genealogy introduced into your life?

Skeletons in the Closet

2011-11-14T23:16:00.001-05:00

This week I've been reading Annie's Ghosts: A Journey into a Family Secret by Steve Luxenberg. There has been a lot of talk about this book over the months especially after the Genealogy Gems podcast where Mr. Luxenberg appeared as a guest. It's started me thinking about skeletons hidden in the closet. At first I wondered why anyone would hide such a thing. Then, I started thinking about our family. We didn't have any secrets.

Or did we?

About a year ago I was on what I call a record binge. (I go on those occasionally. If you've had one you know exactly what I'm talking about!) I loved newspaper archives, and I searched them for everyone in my family. I spent hours reading about who lunched with who or which local team scored a touchdown. I found it all fascinated. That is, until I landed on an article about an ancestor that wasn't pleasant. There was a quick discussion between me and another family member, and what did we do? We decided not to tell. We kept the secret. How could I have forgotten that? I never did chase the story to find out what the truth held. It seemed too hurtful at the time to another family member for me to dig too deeply. Maybe I will take it up again this winter but hold the truth to myself.

I'm still not sure how I feel about secrets. Do you have any secrets? Would you keep them quiet, or do you think that should they be freed?

Scrapbook Sunday: Family History Album wk 2

2011-11-13T19:07:00.000-05:00

Another week... another page! I have to say that this is one of my favorite "to-do" items! I really enjoy learning a new craft. This week's assignment was to complete our pedigree chart and family tree. Unlike the charts that we are normally accustomed to creating this one is fairly general. No birth dates or death dates appear nor do any locations. This family tree is meant to be a general introduction to our ancestors rather than an in-depth study. Details will be provided later throughout the album. Surprisingly, what bothered me wasn't the lack of dates but instead it was the use of married names rather than maiden names in the examples in the course materials. I've become quite fond of making sure that a lady gets her full due rather than ignoring her connection to her parents. Perhaps this is why I've started using my maiden name more in addition to my married name. It's a connection to my parents.

I've altered my family tree to include the names by which my relatives were known, but I did choose to include maiden names for the ladies! Some photos are missing unfortunately. I didn't have copies scanned like I thought! I'm hoping that my mother will have several that I need. If not, I'll use the generic profile shapes supplied with the course materials as place holders. Additionally, because I'm starting with my mother I've chosen to distort her photo and name in the copies shared on this blog.

I love the quote on this page!
It is used on a photo of my grandparents that hangs in our living room.

I'm thrilled to have photos for all four of my great-grandparents on my Granny's side!

There's still time to join us if you'd like to work on your own family history album! Find more information here: The Scrappy Genealogist - Family History Scrapbooking

Visit our other scrappy circle friends to see their take on this week's assignment:

Jackie Baker of Jackie's Genealogical Journey
Jennifer Alford of Jen-Gen's Family History
Jennifer Shoer of The Scrappy Genealogist
Valerie Elkins of Family Cherished
Jenna of Desperately Seeking Surnames

Genealogy + Kids = Education

2011-11-12T21:14:00.000-05:00

I love genealogy. I've been chasing dead relatives for nearly 15 years. I love it so much that I've decided to dedicate a significant amount of my time learning more, practicing more, and living it more.

I also love learning for learning's sake. We've been a homeschooling family for nearly 12 years. Teach me, and I'll be your friend. Teach my child, and I'll be your friend forever. I love it when my daughter asks to learn, and I will gladly indulge her in any way.

So, when you have a high school student who loves history and is interested in genealogy, what do you do? You can't possibly turn that into a high school class for credit! Or, can you?

We attended a wonderful workshop today the Ohio Historical Society. Three presenters taught us about resources in the archives that are available to assist us in our research of veterans of the War of 1812 and the United States Civil War as well as how those soldiers living during war time. The fourth presenter? He taught us how he uses these records to teach high school students. It was amazing! By involving his students in the process they have begun a local outreach of sorts that has reached national attention. They've helped locate remains, added headstones to unmarked graves of US Colored Troop veterans, and published a history of a local cemetery. Their school calls it Research History. I call it amazing. It shows that military record research is important and relevant. It shows that genealogy impacts the lives of those in the community. And, it shows us additional ways to get young people involved.

Hearing the story of the Washington High School students led me to think of additional ways to involve my daughter. How interesting would it be to study the lives of the women in our family who chose to follow their husbands around from battle to battle during war? We have at least one in our family that I know of so far. I'd personally love to spend some time learning about it. The options are really quite endless. It has the wheels of my mind turning, and I may just have to write about it again one day.

If you'd like to learn more about the students that I mentioned above check out the following links:

Washington High School - Wikipedia

Research History at Washington Senior High School - class website

Remembering Veterans Day

2011-11-11T22:59:00.000-05:00

My post isn't fancy. It isn't eloquently written. But, it is filled with love and respect. While both of my grandfather's have served in the military only one has passed so I don't feel comfortable sharing information on both. I'm very proud of both of them. I am very thankful that they both made it home.

My "corn" grandpa was in the US Army. He was in Europe. He received a Purple Heart. He's never spoken of the war to me.

My "cotton" papa was in the US Navy. He was in the Pacific. He received medals that numerous others received, but to him they were worth gold. He spoke of his Navy days often and with pride.

I am immensely proud of the sacrifices that two young men from two very different areas of the country willingly made to protect the country that they both loved so dearly.

My flag will fly for my grandfathers and yours. It not only represents freedom, but to me it represents sacrifice. It is a reminder that we should still stand when the National Anthem is played. We should still remove our hats and quiet our mouths when the music starts. We should remember the days when our heroes fought knowing that it could be the very last day or the very last hour.

We will remember.

My way of remembering today was to spend the evening adding photos of my cotton grandfather to 1000memories.com. You can see more of my Papa through several other posts on this blog.

My papa, Lee Roy, on the left. Unknown fellow seaman on the right.

Thankful Thursday: The Genealogy Community

2011-11-10T10:03:00.000-05:00

As family historians, whether professionally or simply through a hobby, we have much to be thankful for within our community. I've been part of several different communities throughout my life. Whether it was business or personal, academic or religious, it always seemed that there were rules or requirements that showed your position or value. Within the homeschooling community the method in which you homeschool can be inclusive or exclusive. (Let's not talk about how educational choices split the academic community as a whole!) Within religious communities you see dividing lines based on denomination quite often. I'm currently studying Religions Records through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, and it is interesting how denomination played a part in every part of daily life. Whether you were a member of this or that church or denomination determined so many things. Professional communities seem to have their own dividing lines based on education, experience, or even success.

Here's what I've learned about the genealogy community:

Professional or hobbyist, we all gather together and share our passions.
Those with more experience willingly help those who are growing their skills.
People don't place requirements when help is offered. It isn't about what you can do to help me, but rather what I can do to help you.
Economic, political, or religious beliefs don't matter when we need help reading a birth record. We are one in the same in this club.
People everywhere laugh and cry through our triumphs and trials as if they were their own. We want to know your great uncle or lost cousin. We appreciate and value their stories.
The genealogy community is valued by each member just as their family is valued. There is no separate. We are one unit, and we like it that way.
Online connections and "real-life" connections are just as valued. The miles are bridged by technology. And - unlike football - your home state is only important when determining whether or not we might have resources or surnames in common!

Here are just a few fellow community members that I am thankful for today. Who are you thankful for? I'd love to get to know them as well!

Jen at The Scrappy Genealogist
Terri at Finding Our Ancestors
Laura at The Last Leaf On This Branch
Caroline at For Your Family Story
Jen at Generations
...and so many more. Check out who I follow on Twitter to find some great community members!

Wordless Wednesday: A Groom and His Bride

2011-11-09T08:26:00.000-05:00

Thomas Ray "TR" Bullington and his bride, Hester Reynolds

Last week's Wordless Wednesday post about T.R. can be find HERE.

Missing family...

2011-11-08T08:58:00.000-05:00

Long ago, when my grandparents were young, they lost a little boy. He was my granny's first child, and he was stillborn at approximately 6.5 months in the winter of 1951 in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida according to my granny's Bible. The doctor advised my grandfather to take care of the situation before my grandmother had recovered from the delivery. He also advised him to tell my grandmother that she wasn't able to see him. From what I understand this type of advice was typical of the times. He was still her child, and though we didn't talk about it regularly - or really much at all - I knew that he was missed.

We also share a very similar name. His name is Stephen. My name is Stephanie. Our middle names are also very, very similar. It wasn't a conscious decision of my parents, and my mother would say that she didn't realize it until I connected the pieces. I've always felt a bond to this missing uncle because of this, and in part because I have always been so very close to my other two uncles. I know that I would have been close with Stephen as well.

I'm not sure if it was procedure at the time, but in Stephen's case the funeral home told my grandfather that they would take care of his ashes. They weren't returned to the family. My grandparents, both young and trusting, were advised not to take other action such as a burial or a funeral. They wouldn't speak of this later, but I know that it had to affect them. It certainly has affected us. It feels like he is missing or that we've somehow let him down because he was never claimed. My daughter has asked that we memorialize him somehow at our family plot with my grandparents and uncle so that he is included with the family that loved him. But first, I'd like to see if we can find out information from the funeral home that preformed the cremation. So far it doesn't seem to be in existence any longer, but I'm still looking for a connection with an existing funeral home. I know this is probably a long-shot. I'm reaching. I'm being hopeful. I admit it. Still, I'd like to try to find record of him beyond the death certificate that was filed upon his death.

Interestingly enough, just before my daughter asked this I had signed up for my next round of classes with the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Among them? U.S. Cemetery and Mortuary Records. It looks like it came just in the nick of time.

Stay tuned for updates on Stephen.

Civil War Research: Workshop makes me think...

2011-11-07T07:33:00.002-05:00

This weekend I was able to attend a genealogy workshop which focused on Civil War research. In attendance were genealogists of all ages, including three generations of my own family. We all had varying abilities and interests, and it was wonderful to hear the questions, perspectives, and suggestions from each and every one. I loved hearing that so many wanted to look for the same thing... people. It isn't simply about the statistics of one's life. Birth, marriage, and death dates are fantastic. Some people are perfectly happy relying on those as the structure of their family tree. For me, it's the people. I want to know what the wives did as their husbands were at war. I want to know how many children were at home, and what did they have to adjust to when dad was gone. Did they have to take over running the farm? Did they have to deal with battles in their neighboring fields? Or, like my great-great-grandmother did they travel following the regiments?

I walked out of the workshop pondering a question that I never dreamed I would consider. Who am I proud of when I have family on both sides? And, does it really matter?

I was raised among my family of the South. I grew up among Confederate monuments and knowing that many of my ancestors fought on this side of the war. Yes, slavery was wrong. I'm not debating it. But, am I not to be proud that they were willing to give their lives for a cause that affected their lives and existence? In some cases they were giving up a future with their families to do so. I remember lying on the lawn at Stone Mountain Park thinking about the men who passed through hoping to go home. I couldn't drive past a brown historical marker without wondering what happened to the families during that event. The Civil War is something not so distant when you live in an area that seeps its history. I'm sure families in other areas of the country agree.

Match this against my family of the North. I'm still starting my research so admittedly I haven't quite gotten back to the years of the Civil War. I really should ask my aunt and grandmother about our family's involvement. That said, I see a long thread of military service and patriotism throughout my family tree. I can only imagine that we also had many who gladly went to serve their country as well as protect their families. They were fighting for the Union as well as the abolition of slavery. They were brave, valiant men. What about their sacrifice? Shouldn't I be proud?

We're not here to debate causes of the war. I'm simply talking about perceptions of North and South. It isn't usually considered correct up in my neck of the woods to be proud of your Confederate ancestors. I also have the interesting situation of knowing that no matter which ancestor I uncover I am researching someone who potentially could have tried to kill another of my ancestors. Part of me is a touch nervous that I will find ancestors in units that went against each other in battle. It isn't enough for me to simply know that my great-great-grandfather fought in Co. I of the Ga 18th. I want to know what battles he fought in, where he traveled, and how he was captured. Now, suppose that I find out that I had an ancestor in the company that did the capturing. Talk about being conflicted!

I suppose that many would read this and think that it shouldn't matter. Aren't these just people that I don't know? How could I connect with them? However, my genealogy friends know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't you? These are the questions that make us think and wonder.

What questions make you wonder?

You can read my article about this workshop and more upcoming genealogical events which focus on the Civil War on Examiner.com:

Ohio and the US Civil War: Finding your ancestors

Beginning a new obsession - Family History Scrapbooking Sunday

2011-11-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

Oh, I do believe that I have now found a long-lost love. I just didn't realize how much I would love it! When Jennifer of The Scrappy Genealogist called for those interested to join a virtual scrapping circle based on family history I jumped at the chance. I've been collecting free kits and embellishments here and there over the years because of that magical time, "ONE DAY." One day I would be able to digiscrap. One day I would be able to understand how to digiscrap. One day my albums would all be finished.

I actually feel like that day has come!

First, I have to say that the instructions and kit that comes with Jessica Sprague's Family History class are just wonderful. Thankfully, Jennifer also shared a video for those of us who need a little more help. (Don't judge me. lol) After reading instructions - again - and watching the video - twice - it finally clicked. I am now in love! I can see this being a craft that I take up permanently. In fact, I'm already thinking of the different versions of a family history album I would like to make. This will be a great way to share it with those that want to know the fun bits of information without actually being involved in genealogy. I'm always looking for ways to bring interest in genealogy to those not normally drawn to it as well as ways to involve my teenage daughter. This might just be the ticket!

And now for the good stuff... Jennifer asked that we share a bit about our experiences this week. And, I'd love to! I'm unapologetically borrowing her prompts for this entry. ;)

My first layout: Title Page

I love the colors and the papers. I may keep it throughout, or I might just stick with the same basic colors. Only time will tell. I love it as the title page/cover . I just don't know if I love it enough to appear on each and every page. We shall see what next Sunday brings!

Which family will you be scrapbooking?

I'll be starting with my maternal grandparents and going through their ancestors. Fortunately we have a good number of photos (meaning more than one) of each on one side. I may have to edit this page/idea as I get farther into the project.

Why are you scrapbooking this family?

Simple: It will be a nice gift for my mother, she can be involved in choosing photos, and we already have quite a lot of the photos needed scanned and edited. Plus, the majority of the research that I have is on the Bullington family. I thought that it would be easier to begin this way.

Challenges you faced to get this project started:

Time! My days have been akin to a three-ring circus (and the elephant has escaped!) There were a few bumps in the road caused by my inexperience with digital scrapbooking, but they were easily passed. By far, the challenge was my time. It's so hard to allow ourselves the downtime that we need for something relaxing when we have a to-do list a mile long. This is a reminder that I need to stop to make time for something just like this!

Solutions to your challenges:

I simply made time. I was able to carve out a few hours here or there to organize photos that I had, but the main thing was to just focus on the materials, focus on the resources, and focus on the project. It really is a good reminder that we need to just do the next thing (as my boss says!)

Are you interested in seeing how the other members of our virtual scrapping circle are doing with their projects? Or, would you like to join along? Read Jennifer's blog for more links and details!

The Scrappy Genealogist - Family History Scrapbooking Sundays

Family Makes it Better

2011-11-04T23:30:00.000-04:00

Tonight I'm eeking in a post for NaBloPoMo just in the nick of time! The time slipped up on me. I was focused on my record finds of the week.

Yesterday:
My great-grandfather's Ohio State University yearbook from 1915.

Tonight:
My same great-grandfather's marriage license, certificate, and register from 1923.

It was a good records week. That said, what made the day even better was that my sister was excited about it, too! We emailed, sent texts, chatted on the phone, and decided to plan a fun family history day with the rest of the family. Genealogy is a hobby of the heart. At it's heart is family. It was nice to share the records of our ancestors with my baby sister. That was better than any record that I could find!

(Now, time will tell if she reads my blog! <wink>)

Here's a peek at those records!

Research, my way

2011-11-03T20:38:00.000-04:00

Recently I’ve been able to glimpse into the research methods of other genealogists through blog posts and articles. I’m also ready to begin another methodology course in my studies at the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, so it is on my mind at the moment. Because I suffer from a wandering mind and an addiction to rabbit trails I have decided that I need to focus on order and routine more than anything else. Organizational techniques are good, but if you keep jumping from family line to family line like I do it doesn’t do you much good! Though I use – and love – RootsMagic, I depend on old-school paper form research notebooks. For now, this is my plan of attack:

Research Checklist
I like to begin my file on an ancestor with a research checklist. Not only will it identify what I already know, but I can set my eyes on a determined path in front of me. The order may change based on the project goal, but I’ll still want to collect the same basic information for each of my ancestors. Instead of transcribing data on this sheet I use it to provide a date and location of the document that I searched. It replaces a traditional blank research log for me. (Blank space leads me to researcher’s block!) So far my favorite has been the Research Checklist from the Midwest Genealogy Center. You can find it at their website for free along with other worksheets.
Family Worksheet
This is common to many, and there are many versions out there. I’ve yet to find a favorite mainly because I need a lot of writing space. If only my handwriting was better!
Individual Worksheet
I like having a worksheet for basic information at quick glance. Yes, I can access my software when I research at home, but again I enjoy spreading papers across the kitchen table so that I can see everything at once. My favorite, again, comes from the Midwest Genealogy Center. It provides me plenty of room, includes the main information that I need at my fingertips when researching, and also reminds me to look for things such as schooling, military service, religion, and occupation.
Census Timeline
This, by far, was one of the best habits that I learned in my course on U.S. Census Records through NIGS! I love having a group of records written out including my notes so that I can glance at it whenever necessary. It also allows me to practice piecing information together to form a plan of attack… do I need to look at maps to check town borders, or perhaps look at changes in occupation to see how they fit with the economy at the time? Granted, I’m partial (no, addicted) to census records, and it definitely shows here.
Research Notes
I’m hopelessly and unapologetically addicted to composition notebooks. Yes, the old kind that you’ve used in science classes of old. I actually prefer composition notebooks filled with grid paper if you can believe it! I’m a doodler, and this allows me the space to do so. The brokenness of the lines gives me the freedom to draw lines and arrows across my research. Perhaps I’ll share a few pages one day! Because of my fascination with altered books as well as cemeteries I can see my research journals taking on a very artistic flair later on. Again, this is why I need the structure of my worksheets in my research notebooks!
Transcriptions
Yes, I print copies of documents that I find online, so I have to have a section in my notebook to house them. I love to pdf them to save on my computer for later use when I can. I love purchasing copies of birth certificates and death certificates. I request paper documents when necessary or when price isn’t an issue. However, I rely on notes, so I tend to transcribe when possible. It may only be notes for me, but they could just as likely show up on another blank worksheet or form that I found online. Because of this, I need to become more disciplined about making notes in RootsMagic or in my notebook showing the location. Is it digital or physical? Where is it located? This is a habit that I really need to work on.
Research Goals
This is another process that I have decided needs to happen within my research. Rabbit trails are okay. However, I need to be aware that I do have long-term goals that require planning. My traditional goals such as proving relationships are noted on my research worksheets and checklists. What I need to focus on are more date-specific goals. For instance, with the research opportunities that will surround the upcoming OGS and NGS conventions of 2012 I have a goal to dig as deep as I can into my Ohio lines. I want to direct my research based on the types of records that I may be able to access on these trips. For many years I’ve focused on my Georgia lines because I knew more and because I started my hobby all those years ago when I lived in Georgia. That said, I live in Ohio now and have a wealth of opportunities available to me that would directly affect my own research. I need to refocus. I need to identify goals. I need my deadlines.

And, there you have it – the nitty of my gritty notebooks. Perhaps my notes on my research will give other new genealogists an idea or two, or it may have brought a tried-and-true suggestion to mind from those of you with a wealth of experience. I’d love to hear about it. Leave me a comment! Share with me your favorite source or an idea that might tame my distracted research mind. I’ll even say thank you!

Wordless Wednesday: A Civil War Connection

2011-11-02T16:34:00.001-04:00

Perhaps I should title this, "Nearly Wordless Wednesday."

I've been thinking a lot about my family's U.S. Civil War connections after posting an article on Examiner.com: Ohio and the U.S. Civil War: Finding your family's connections.

Here is one of my connections from my cotton line, great-great-grandfather Thomas Ray Bullington.

Thomas Ray Bullington, Confederate Soldier
Company I, 18th GA Infantry
c. 1861

Ghost Towns and Forgotten Memories

2011-11-01T23:03:00.000-04:00

Photos save memories. Photos record times past. After mentioning the Vanishing South Georgia photo site yesterday I began thinking about other towns that are a part of my family's story. Some of these towns have played a part in my memories while others are just dots on a map that I'd like to visit "someday."

How do you use photos to tell your family's story? Do you simply use your own shoebox full of images, or do you explore the photos of others? I love to find photos of buildings and streets in a town where my family either worked or resided. It gives me insight into what they have have seen in a normal day. It creates for me a connection with them. I really believe that sites such as 1000memories.com will energize the hunt for photos. So, share with me! Where do you like to search?

Here are some of my favorite resources to hunt for photographs and memories:

Vanishing South Georgia
Irwinville Farms
The Digital Library of Georgia
Georgia's Virtual Vault
Dead Fred
Ancestorville

Matrilineal Monday: Remembering My Grandmother

2011-10-31T16:27:00.000-04:00

My granny showing a free spirit on vacation in Mexico

Cortez Bullington Flowers, or Granny to me, was from my cotton line. She was my cotton line. Literally. She picked cotton on her parents' farm - among other things - while she was growing up in the deep south. She was born the daughter of a man part Southern Baptist preacher-part farmer in Rebecca, Turner County, Georgia. You can see wonderful photos of today's vanishing version of Rebecca on Vanishing South Georgia. I highly recommend it for anyone researching the state.

Mr. & Mrs. Lee Roy Flowers, m.1946

She married a my grandfather, Lee Roy, and traveled the country with him. His job would transfer them, and she'd relocate. She was a whiz at packing (and making friends in new locations!) I never would have made it through our moves during my childhood without her advice.

My granny with my mom and uncles on Easter Sunday, c. 1958

She raised three children, and lost one during pregnancy. She enjoyed her siblings and missed her parents. She always called Georgia home no matter where we lived. She was an amazing cook, and added "r" to the ends of words. She withstood trials that I may not have handled so gracefully.

Granny (second woman from the L) with my Papa and most of her siblings
with their spouses, c.1948

Her family - and her Lord - were her life. I miss my Granny.

Shh... don't tell my mother that I only have a "before" photo.
We did clean her marker the other day!

We lost her seven years ago today. I miss her like it was yesterday.

She was from a line of women that I long to know more about:

Cortez Editha Bullington
daughter of Ida Leora Wilson and James Thomas "J.T." Bullington
Ida Leora Wilson
daughter of Jane Elizabeth Gorday/Gordy and John Elliot Wilson.
Jane Elizabeth Gordy
daughter of Sarah Jane Chandler and Henry Andrew Jackson Gorday/Gordy
Sarah Jane Chandler
daughter of Aaron Chandler and his lovely wife who I will name someday soon.

Thankful Thursday: Remembering My Grandfather on Navy Day

2011-10-27T10:46:00.000-04:00

Navy Day. Many won't remember. Honestly, I nearly didn't. It wasn't until the Geneabloggers Blogging Beat mentioned it that I remembered. My grandfather wouldn't have forgotten. Today, I remember him.

Lee Roy Flowers, US Navy

The Navy affected my grandfather in many ways. He was proud to say that he was in the US Navy. If you knew him, you knew this fact. His days on a ship were cut short due to responsibilities back home, but the Navy remained in his heart forever. I knew to be proud of the service of sailors.

I'm proud of him.

Back row, fourth from the left. I'd love to identify his mates!

Leroy Flowers was born in a small little town in South Georgia. Like many, he was going to help the US win World War II. This fresh-faced young man enlisted as soon as he could.

Fresh-faced and excited.

Deciding that he didn't want to be known as "Leroy 'No Middle Initial' Flowers" he split his name. Forever we knew him as "Lee Roy" but the world believed that he was Lee from that point on. As a mouthy granddaughter I tried to correct everyone who may have introduced him as such (including the nursing home workers who would forget his preference for both names.) It might still be my mission to make sure that genealogical forums remember that he wasn't called Lee. Silly, but it's his memory to me.

Full of life and adventure.

Papa served on two liberty ships in the Pacific: The USS Mary E. Kinney and the USS Cornelius Vanderbilt. I know little about these ships, though I want to learn more. I've heard his stories. Stories of battle, and stories of trading shells for sheets in islands far away.

One of his favorite photos from the war.

My grandfather spent time in the reserves during the Korean War. He always had a wistful look in his eyes when he would tell me about the Navy. I always wondered if a part of him wished that he had remained a sailor. Funny enough, though he loved to fish he never talked about the water. I'm not sure if it was the sailing or the camaraderie that he enjoyed most.

Papa's birthday, 2009

My grandfather passed nearly one year ago. I've just recorded his information in Findagrave.com and RestingSpot.com. It feels fitting to me that I'm continuing this week with memories of him in uniform.

Sunset Cemetery, Galloway, Franklin County, Ohio

Thank you to all who have served among our armed forces of any branch. Today may not be an official holiday, but it is one that I choose to remember.

God bless the US Navy!

My 99 Things: My first genealogy meme

2011-10-26T21:48:00.000-04:00

I've been enjoying my time in the cyber-genealogical social circles lately! I'm having an amazing time reading through new (to me) blogs, getting to know other NIGS students, and spending some quality twitter time with some great personalities. (Geek-squee! My new favorite saying, but I digress...) What I have not been doing is blogging. Because I don't have many photos scanned for Wordless Wednesday I decided to go in the exact opposite direction with a very wordy post.

Thanks to one of my new favorites, FamiyCherished. I'm enjoying the back posts!

My 99 Genealogy Things

Things you have already done or found – bold type
Things you would like to do or find – italics and highlighted (plans in parenthesis)
Things you have not done or found – underlined

Belong to a genealogical society (two, NIGS and OGS)
Joined a group on Genealogy Wise. (I just need to become active!)
Transcribed records.
Uploaded headstone pictures to Find-A-Grave or a similar site
Documented ancestors for four generations (self, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents)
Joined Facebook.
Cleaned up a run-down cemetery. (My Veteran's Day plans include cleaning up graves around my grandfather's as he was a WW2 US Navy Vet.)
Joined the Genea-Bloggers Group.
Attended a genealogy conference. (OHS '12 and NGS '12 - who's joining me?)
Lectured at a genealogy conference.
Spoke on a genealogy topic at a local genealogy society/local library’s family history group. (I would love to!)
Joined the National Genealogical Society.
Contributed to a genealogy society publication. (I hope to one day!)
Served on the board or as an officer of a genealogy society. (I'm a worker-bee. I'd love it!)
Got lost on the way to a cemetery. ("And in the cemetery too!" Ditto. Twice.)
Talked to dead ancestors. (I tend to talk in frustration at lost records!)
Researched outside the state in which I live.
Knocked on the door of an ancestral home and visited with the current occupants.
Cold called a distant relative.
Posted messages on a surname message board.
Uploaded a gedcom file to the internet.
Googled my name (and my surnames!)
Performed a random act of genealogical kindness.
Researched a non-related family, just for the fun of it.
Have been paid to do genealogical research. (Hopefully I will be one day!)
Earn a living (majority of income) from genealogical research.(See answer above!)
Wrote a letter (or email) to a previously unknown relative.
Contributed to one of the genealogy carnivals.
Responded to messages on a message board.
Was injured while on a genealogy excursion.(Do papercuts and splinters count?)
Participated in a genealogy meme. Done! ;)
Created family history gift items
Performed a record lookup.
Took a genealogy seminar cruise. (Me + Water for long periods... uh.... )
Am convinced that a relative must have arrived here from outer space.
Found a disturbing family secret. Suspected but unproven at the moment.
Told others about a disturbing family secret (but not all of the secrets). See above!
Combined genealogy with crafts (family picture quilt, scrapbooking)
Think genealogy is a passion obsession not a hobby. (Hobbies can be dropped. This is addiction!)
Assisted finding next of kin for a deceased person. (Unclaimed Persons)
Taught someone else how to find their roots.
Lost valuable genealogy data due to a computer crash or hard drive failure. (My husband is IT. He'd skin me if I did because I know better!)
Been overwhelmed by available genealogy technology. (Yes.)
Know a cousin of the 4th degree or higher.
Disproved a family myth through research.
Got a family member to let you copy photos.
Used a digital camera to “copy” photos or records.
Translated a record from a foreign language. (I need to learn a second language beyond the high school level!)
Found an immigrant ancestor’s passenger arrival record.
Looked at census records on microfilm, not on the computer.
Used microfiche.
Visited the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.
Used Google+ for genealogy
Visited a church or place of worship of one of your ancestors.
Taught a class in genealogy.
Traced ancestors back to the 18th Century.
Traced ancestors back to the 17th Century.
Traced ancestors back to the 16th Century.
Can name all of your great-great-grandparents.(Only missing TWO.)
Know how to determine a soundex code without the help of a computer (I like RootsMagic's way better!)
Have found many relevant and unexpected articles on internet to “put flesh on the bones”.
Own a copy of Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills.(On my wish list for Christmas!)
Helped someone find an ancestor using records you had never used for your own research.
Visited the main National Archives building in Washington, DC (It's in the educational plan.)
Have an ancestor who came to America as an indentured servant.
Have an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 or Civil War. (Yeppers!)
Taken a photograph of an ancestor’s tombstone. (Who hasn't?)
Can “read” a church record in Latin. (Sigh. No.)
Have an ancestor who changed his/her name, just enough to be confusing.(My husband's line is Jewish. Don't get me started on the surname changes or we'll be here awhile.)
Joined a Rootsweb mailing list.
Created a family website.(Yes. Then it went quietly into that good night. Soon, again.)
Have a genealogy blog. (Uh, yeah, you're reading it.)
Was overwhelmed by the amount of family information received from someone.
Have broken through at least one brick wall. (They are like rabbits...)
Done genealogy research at a court house.
Borrowed microfilm from the Family History Library through a local Family History Center(s)
Found an ancestor in an online newspaper archive
Have visited a NARA branch.(Another goal!)
Have an ancestor who served in WWI or WWII. (Several!)
Use maps in my genealogy research (Love maps. Love. Them.)
Have a blacksheep ancestor. (Have... are... splitting hairs...)
Found a bigamist amongst my ancestors.
Attended a genealogical institute. (Another on the educational plan!)
Taken online genealogy (and local history) courses. (Working on my certificate through NIGS!)
Consistently document and cite my sources. (I didn't, and boy did I learn my lesson!)
Visited a foreign country (i.e. one I don’t live in) in search of ancestors. (I wish!)
Can locate any document in my research files within a few minutes
Have an ancestor who was married four times.
Made a rubbing of an ancestor’s gravestone.
Followed genealogists on Twitter. (Follow me @cornandcotton!)
Published a family history book.
Learned of a death of a fairly close family relative through research.(Not me, but my cousin has.)
Offended a family member with my research. (Telling someone they are wrong isn't always fun.)
Reunited someone with precious family photos or artifacts.
Have a paid subscription to a genealogy database. (With a wishlist of more that I want!)
Submitted articles for FamilySearch Wiki.
Organized a family reunion
Used Archives in countries where my ancestors originated.
Converted someone new to the love of all things genealogy.(Yes! Best feeling ever!)

Wow that was fun! I hope that it gave you some insights to my experiences as well as my hopes and dreams. In the spirit of one who loves to learn about others... Tag you're it!

Flowers: My maternal line from the South

2011-10-22T09:28:00.004-04:00

My goal for this weekend is to share some basic information for both my cotton and my corn lines. In addition to my Pitcher surname I've added details to a page above for the surname Flowers. Yes, we're a flower-pitcher of a family. <wink> Several other surnames are listed including their wives. States are also listed, though they are limited to the Flowers home state of Georgia as well as Ohio where my two lines converged during my adult life.

Again, more information will come as this platform grows and evolves. Today, you'll find the following surnames:

Flowers
McMullen/McMullin
Norman
Tucker
Altman
Robertson
Gay

If you are researching any of the names above and would like to chat please contact me at the email listed in my profile!

Pitcher: My paternal line from the North

2011-10-21T21:41:00.001-04:00

Slowly but surely I'm adding information that will hopefully allow me to connect with more of you researching the same lines. I've added details to a page above for the surname Pitcher. Several other surnames are listed to include their wives. States are also listed, and for now, are limited to Ohio, Michigan, Connecticut, and Vermont. I will be adding more details as I discover the best way to present this information. For now, you'll find the following names:

Pitcher
Chapman
Taylor
Williams
Brown
Barber

If you are researching any of the names above and would like to chat please contact me at the email listed in my profile!

Dreams of Corn And Cotton

2011-10-21T17:52:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned in my last post, it's the beginning that I find difficult. I tossed around ideas for my second post. What would I like to say? Is there an ancestor or a record that I would like to share? I'm blown away by the reception and support that I've received from the genealogy and geneablogging community in just one short week, but I'm sure that those of you reading it have already experienced this. Instead I've decided to start at the beginning.

My goals for the Corn And Cotton genealogy blog are:

to share information with friends and family
to encourage any new researcher to jump into genealogy with all of their heart (because this is a "heart" hobby!)
to create a record of my memories, missteps, and successes in my journey - both educationally and personally
and to connect to new friends and relatives not yet known.

I love that we live in a time where this is so accessible. So available. So real.

Thank you to all who have helped encourage me along the way.

Could we be searching for the same surname? Are you researching Ohio or Georgia? Do you have have a "split genealogical personality" such as me? Drop me a comment! I'd love to hear from you.

Until we meet again.... Stephanie

New beginnings...

2011-10-19T22:47:00.003-04:00

"One step must start each journey." Author unknown

The beginnings are the hardest for me. Perhaps it is because my mind races to the middle of the story. Or, maybe, it is because I have clear ideas of where I would like to be. I see my goal but don't quite know how to begin.

This is my "one step."

I come from good stock. Corn and Cotton. One line grew up among the cornfields of Ohio and roaming through the beautiful lands of New England. Another is deeply rooted in the cotton fields growing in red Georgia clay and proud of it. I've been blessed to spend half my life in each, and I'm finally starting to feel as though both are home.

My "cotton lines" know third cousins and great aunts and uncles for many generations in each direction. We eat big meals in noisy kitchens and remember the smell of our grandmother's home. My younger years were surrounded by my cotton line. Family reunions and vacations. Summer nights and football Saturdays.

My "corn lines" are proud of our family. We hold our head high and know that our family is strong. We might have varied opinions but we respect each and every one. My adult life is reconnected with my corn lines. Holidays and babies. Fall hikes and summer cookouts. The laughter of the next generation.

The common ground in both is that once you step foot into the house you are home. I feel the same way when I search the genealogical records of each. They may have been on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixon and the Civil War, but they are both mine. And, I'm proud.

My journey into family history started when I was looking for an activity to do with my cotton Granny. Little did I know that she was in the beginning stages of dementia. The project that started as a time killer grew into one that created memories that I would soon cherish. It saved names and places that we may have lost with her a few years later. Unfortunately, I didn't do a very good job recording my sources! And, I made the biggest (and probably most common) newbie mistake.... if it's on Ancestry.com it must be correct! I've since become more and more enamored with genealogy and have decided that this is something that I want to dedicate more time towards. I'm nearly finished with my basic coursework towards a certificate in American Records through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. I'm looking forward to becoming involved in local and state genealogical societies. I can't wait for next year's various conventions!

I'm also starting at the beginning with fresh eyes and correct source citations. I've learned my lesson!

My Corn Line:

Pitcher
Ladd
Chapman
Dodds

My Cotton Line:

Flowers
Bullington
McMullen
Wilson

And, so we begin. Until we meet again!

Corn And Cotton: My Family's Story

Corn and Cotton has moved!

Wordless Wednesday: Cortez Bullington, 11th grade, 1941

Wordless Wednesday: Aunt Matt & Uncle Robert

Corn & Cotton has a new website!

Wordless Wednesday: James Thomas Bullington

Tombstone Tuesday: Mary Ruth Mounts

Motivation Monday: January 2012 Goals

Genealogy Goals for 2012

Top posts of the (short) 2011 blogging year

Wordless Wednesday: Farm Boys

Tech Tuesday: Wikipanion for iPad

Wordless Wednesday: Bullington Kids

Wordless Wednesday: Farmer Tom

My Elliott family of Highland County, Ohio

Friday Follow: Eye Candy

Don't miss these articles!

Wordless Wednesday: A High School Graduate

Advent Calendar: Outside Decorations

Motivation Monday: December's Goals

Advent Calendar: Christmas Cards

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun: Dear Genea-Santa

Advent Calendar: Holiday Foods

Advent Calendar: The Christmas Tree

December: Holiday memories and family history in the making

Wordless Wednesday: The Bullingtons

Do Everything (the Best You Can)

Geneamommybloggers: My Version

New Discoveries: Surnames and a new state

Friday Follow: Bloggy friends make all the difference...

Holiday Memories: Thanksgiving

Wednesday's Child: Martha Ladd

Tech Tuesday: My Paperless Quest

Maritime Monday: Liberty Ships

Scrapbook Sunday: Family History Album wk 3

Always the Genealogy Student...

Stephen's Story: Update #1

Those Places Thursday: Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

Wednesday's Child: Joyce Flowers

Cemeteries: An unsuspected path

Skeletons in the Closet

Scrapbook Sunday: Family History Album wk 2

Genealogy + Kids = Education

Remembering Veterans Day

Thankful Thursday: The Genealogy Community

Wordless Wednesday: A Groom and His Bride

Missing family...

Civil War Research: Workshop makes me think...

Beginning a new obsession - Family History Scrapbooking Sunday

Family Makes it Better

Research, my way

Wordless Wednesday: A Civil War Connection

Ghost Towns and Forgotten Memories

Matrilineal Monday: Remembering My Grandmother

Thankful Thursday: Remembering My Grandfather on Navy Day

My 99 Things: My first genealogy meme

Flowers: My maternal line from the South

Pitcher: My paternal line from the North

Dreams of Corn And Cotton

New beginnings...