tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57876390592916733172024-03-13T13:38:50.105-05:00My Genealogy PonderingWelcome to my genealogy digs.This year I'm researching and reviewing the ancestors on my side of the family. I haven't decided who will be in the final publication but I love the research. I will be writing short stories as I go along. I'll be happy if you care to follow my progress. Thanks for stopping by.Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-7977267229322647592016-03-28T12:16:00.000-05:002016-03-28T12:16:20.530-05:00The Tomlinson Family As I Know ThemI've been working diligently on the Tomlinson line since my last post. At least, I've been doing as much as I can reseaching on-line. In my opinion, much progress has been made. I just put up a page on this blog titled My Tomlinson Line and More. If
you're interested, take a peek. The page is a descendants report for Lt.
James Tomlinson my fifth great-grandfather and includes source
citations.<br />
<br />
Of course, there is more to find but for now I'll move on to my next family.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sarah Ann Tomlinson, my second great-grandmother, married John Gans. I'll be working on the Gans family for a time and see where that brings me.<br />
<br />
~ BeckyBecky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-79786926278205664072016-03-21T13:53:00.000-05:002016-03-21T13:53:15.735-05:00My Tomlinson Family<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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My great-grandmother, Anna Maria Gans, who married Benjamin
A. Stewart, was the daughter of John Gans and Sarah Ann Tomlinson. I decided to
take a deeper look at the Tomlinson family and have found some interesting people.
My first task has been to use the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry
Tomlinson and his Descendants in America</i> written by Samuel Orcutt and
published by Price, Lee & Adkins Co., of Connecticut in 1891 and prove or
disprove his listings. My Henry Tomlinson line from this book is one of the “miscellaneous”
families not identified with the major Henry Tomlinson of the volume. Very
little documentation is included.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I began with “Lt. James Tomlinson, son of Henry of
Philadelphia, or thereabouts” and tried to find documentation for each person
in the line. I’m not finished yet but I must say there is more correct than not
in this book. Other than some minor discrepancies in dates and a few missing
children here and there, the author did an outstanding job! When one considers
how many more records I have access to than those researchers in 1891, they did
an awesome job.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most interesting thing about this family from my view
point is their social standing. I’m used to working with farmers but these
Tomlinsons for the most part were teachers, doctors, and ministers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll tell more later; now I need to get back to work!</div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-77412916793333452372016-03-11T11:18:00.002-06:002016-03-11T11:18:43.234-06:00Davey Book Finished At LastFinally, I have published the book about my mother-in-law and her ancestors, <b>Alice Mildred Davey Higgins 1914-2008; <i>Her Danish, Swedish, and Cornish Ancestry</i></b>. I know it took me much longer than it should have but I stumbled many times while writing Alice's story. I had so much information it was difficult to know what to include and what to leave out.<br />
<br />
I used Lulu.com for the printing and am quite happy with the results. I fear I ordered too many for distribution to family and donations to the various archives, libraries, historical societies,and such, so I have plenty of excess. However, in addition to what I have, anyone can order an on-demand copy at anytime. I priced it basically at cost because I'm not looking to profit in anyway. This was a labor of love!.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm back to researching for my next publication. As I haven't decided which direction to take, I'm simply going over previous research and working on finding all the documentation I can until inspiration strikes. In addition, I'll be writing short bios and family stories as I go so when inspiration does strike I"ll have a head start.<br />
<br />
~Becky~Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-36202994543865275192015-02-06T14:40:00.000-06:002015-02-06T14:40:48.948-06:00Where are Thomas and Elizabeth Stephens in 1870?<div class="MsoNormal">
This is my writing for today for the February writing
challenge. Frustration set in yesterday as I wrote about my husband’s 3<sup>rd</sup>
great-grandparents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Letcher Nankivel) Stephens. My focus
has been Elizabeth’s journey in America – her life as the wife of a lead
miner. Thomas came to the U.S. with his
father and brother in 1840 and they brought the rest of the family over in 1842.
Even though Elizabeth wasn’t accepted by Thomas’s family with open arms because
she was a widow with three boys, she followed along with the large family
group.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My frustration has set in because I can’t find the Thomas or
Elizabeth in the 1870 US census. They are in Grant County, Wisconsin in 1850,
Iowa County, Wisconsin in 1860 and Thomas is in Grant County again in 1880.
Elizabeth died abt. 1874. Thomas was a lead miner and I know he went off to
other regions to mine through the years – in 1865 he is in Michigan’s UP
working the Lake Superior mines. There are a couple of extant letters from
Elizabeth to him and from him to Elizabeth during that year. Elizabeth was
living in Platteville, Grant, Wisconsin at that time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve tried every variation of the spelling of Stephens I can
think of to no avail. I’ve now begun a page by page search of the 1870 census
for both Iowa and Grant counties in hopes at least finding Elizabeth. It
appears at least three of their children should still be with her – Jane,
Agnes, and Thomas. Not luck with them either. She isn’t living with her
daughter Elizabeth Ann Rose, Mary Louise Davey, Irene Persons, or her sons
Timothy or Henry Nankivel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know missing this census shouldn’t inhibit my writing
their story but, for some reason, it just ticked me off yesterday and today. I’ll
keep looking for them but will also move ahead tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-80262637528323061792015-01-30T15:10:00.000-06:002015-01-30T15:10:13.945-06:00Searching for Sarah Stephens<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been doing a little research in preparation for this
year’s February Writing Challenge. My focus will be on the Stephens family
which immigrated to Platteville, Grant, Wisconsin. The forerunners arrived in
1840 and most of the rest of the “colony”, as they became known, following in
1842.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working my way through the children of James and Mary
(Murrish) Stephens and trying to fill out their lives, I’ve run into a snag –
really one of many but this is today’s topic – with daughter, Sarah aka Sally.
Sarah went to Platteville from Perranzabuloe, Cornwall, England with her mother
in 1842. She married Warner C. Moore in 1847 and they lived together in Muscoda,
Grant, Wisconsin through 1880. Warner died before January 9, 1873 when Sarah
filed for a military pension as a widow since Warner had served in the Civil
War in the Wisconsin Infantry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I last find Sarah in the 1880 US Federal Census in Muscoda
as the head of the household with her sons, James, Frank and Alfred. To date I’ve
not uncovered death records or cemetery markers for either Warner or Sarah.
Logically, Warner would be buried in Grant County since he and Sarah are in
Muscoda before his death and Sarah and sons are there after his death. Sarah,
on the other hand, may have moved from there after 1880.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In an effort to find her on the 1900 census, I’ve been
tracing the paths of her children, thinking she may be living with one of them.
She and Warner had seven children, two girls and five boys. I’ve been able to
track down the girl’s married names but so far no luck finding Sarah. Maybe she
died before 1900 but I haven’t found a death record either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well, at least she’s not a direct ancestor to me
husband which means she’s not a deal breaker!</span>Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-48141976824735132702015-01-24T10:35:00.000-06:002015-01-24T10:35:35.727-06:00Family History Writing Challenge February 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
So here I go again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I passed on the writers’ challenge last
year which was probably a big mistake. Though I did get some work done on my
project, I probably would be much closer to the end had I taken advantage of
the support and accountability from the group. In fact, I’m still trying to
finish a project I started two years ago. Granted it is a large undertaking but
really?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve managed to complete the write-ups for Alice’s maternal
side and am currently working on her paternal side. What brought me to a halt
until recently was my attempt to write Alice’s story. My late mother-in-law
left me with plenty with which to work. I have her diary which she kept from
about 1929 until near her death – not a “this is how I feel” account, more of a
“this is what I did calendar”. In addition, she saved nearly everything from
receipts for her wedding to enough memorabilia to overflow her cedar chest. Add
to that the fact of our personal relationship. It’s just overwhelming! How do I
write her story within inserting my viewpoint?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For now, I’ve put that down and turned to her paternal Cornish
(both sides) ancestors for relief. On the one hand, I need lots of historical
background for filler; on the other hand, I’ve been wasting valuable time
researching distant cousins rather than writing the direct ancestors’ stories. My
hope is this February challenge will help me focus on the writing. Writing will
come first and only after my daily goal is fulfilled will I allow myself to
check on those collateral lines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-24630599599555303562014-02-13T12:46:00.000-06:002014-02-13T12:46:12.415-06:00A Gap in TimeMy husband's grandmother, Alice Augusta Christiansen Larson Davey, is giving me writer's block! I'm trying to write her story but am at a loss for filling in a few short but very important years. In the 1900 census, she is living in her "home" town of Ishpeming, Michigan, age 20, working as a live-in servant. In 1906 she married Fred Davey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; however, Fred was living in Chicago at the time and the couple resided there after the marriage.<br />
<br />
So, did Alice move from Ishpeming to Chicago? If so, why? How and where did a nice Swedish girl from Michigan meet a rakish Cornish boy from Dodgeville, Wisconsin? Fred was working as a barber so perhaps he had gone to Chicago to learn the trade.<br />
<br />
Why did they marry in Milwaukee? Was it a Gretna Green thing? They were both of age to marry so that wasn't a problem?<br />
<br />
I really hate lightly tripping over those years in the story but all I have at the moment is facts, no details. There is no one left in the family who would know the answer to the questions. What a shame! I'm sure there is a good story in those five years which may be lost forever.<br />
<br />
~ BeckyBecky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-62262452622155208102014-02-09T12:43:00.000-06:002014-02-09T12:43:56.448-06:00Amelia Ellstrom and Some Reporting Problems<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though it’s been awhile since my last post, it doesn’t
mean I haven’t been busy working on my project. Since my last post I’ve created
the outline for the book and a draft copy. A draft copy meaning I’ve set up the
various levels of headers and inserted the stories I’ve already completed. My
biggest problem in that part of the project is figuring out how to put reports
created in Family Tree Maker (saved as .rft) into my reports section. I did
manage to insert an ahnentafel with only minor items to be fixed (mostly under
Sources) but have yet to master the Family Group Sheet which will be greatly
needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, that is not the purpose of this post. I’ve just
finished a first draft of the story of Amelia Ellstrom, my husband’s
great-grandmother. I wanted to create something that showed her strong
character and family values. In some cases, I think I did; in others, I seemed
to fall into the old stating of vital records syndrome. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Actually her “story” is split, the early years are included
in “Ellstrom family” portion and her adult years are in the “Amelia Ellstrom
Chrisiansen Larson” part. The Ellstrom family story begins like this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>It must have seemed as
though Amelia’s father had been gone a very long time. The rest of the family -Amelia,
her mother, Christina, her older sister Augusta, and her younger brothers,
Alexander and Albert – had been waiting for word from her father, Frederick
Ellstrom. He had gone to America from their home in B</i><i>äckefors,
Sweden in search of work and a new beginning. Ten year old Amelia didn’t quite
understand why they had to leave their home but she did know the past year or
so money had been tight and food sparse. It was 1869 and crops didn’t look any
better this year than last. Mother and father said there was no choice but to start
over where work and food were plentiful and from what they had heard America
was the place to go. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>At last, Frederick
called for them to join him in Marquette, Michigan. He sent the money for their
trip and plans were made for the long journey. Amelia probably shed a few tears as she said
her goodbyes to her friends and neighbors. She knew in her heart she would most
likely never see any of them again and had no way of knowing what lay ahead for
her.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It continues on in a similar fashion until the family
reaches Marquette and the viewpoint moves from Amelia to the family in general.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amelia’s adult years begin like this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Amelia, the second child
of Frederick and Christina Ellstrom, arrived in America at the age of 10 in
1869. She had traveled with her mother and three siblings from B</i><i>äckefors, Sweden. It had been an
amazing adventure for a young girl. She and her family settled into the ways of
their new Country and enjoyed a comfortable home life. In the meantime, her
future husband was doing much the same.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This part of the story is where I really wanted to get into
Amelia’s head and see things from her perspective. She and her 1<sup>st</sup>
husband, Hans Christiansen, had 2 children before he died in 1883 just four
years after their marriage. I think it took great strength for her to continue
on in the house they shared in Ishpeming and not return to live with her parents
in Marquette. Exactly how she provided for the girls I don’t know. There seems
to have been a benevolent fund among the miners but that help probably wasn’t enough
to sustain for any length of time. My guess is she probably took in laundry,
turned to dress making, whatever it took to provide. She was also very involved
with the Swedish Baptist Church and would have received moral support, if
nothing else, from the congregation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She remarried, to Carl Larson another miner, four years
after the death of Hans. Four years was a long time for a “single” mother to be
on her own during the 1880s. Carl had arrived in Ishpeming in 1885 and so didn’t
know Hans. He was, however, drawn to Amelia even though she had two young girls
in tow. Carl and Amelia had five children of their own. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides the loss of her husband, Hans, I imagine the other
two greatest tragedies in her life were the death of her youngest son, Clifford
in 1923 and the discord between her husband Carl and her oldest child, Alice. I
don’t know what caused this break, but before she was twenty years old Alice
was already out of the household and working as a live-in servant. She was the
only child in the family to leave like that. Also, after the death of Carl it
is made clear that she was to be omitted from inheriting. I’m sure Amelia
suffered over such a disruption in the family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Amelia’s relationship with Carl appears to have
been a good one; so much so that after her death in 1930, he took his own life
just six months later. They had been together for over forty years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, I’m going to revisit what I’ve written to see if I
can <u>show</u> her feelings, rather than tell about them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m also going to continue to try to figure out my reports
problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Becky</div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-9316424565009624372013-11-10T14:48:00.000-06:002013-11-10T14:48:02.288-06:00One Hundred Years and Counting<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday was a great and fun day. Thanks to some friends Happy’s (my father-in-law) 100<sup>th</sup> birthday party came off
without a hitch. Don, Sharon, and Dean did an absolutely wonderful of
decorating, providing the delicious food, and serving in a gracious manner.
Their expertise and generous gift of time and talent removed great stress from
the family and allowed all of us to enjoy the day greeting and meeting with
friends and relatives. We, especially Millie (my sister-in-law), were able to
stay near Happy, giving him the emotional support he needed. What a blessing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Here’s a four-generation photo:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaxsYha_dsCx1WUaKNP9er_2oMRsdA8UUX5b_6baZBA66hyphenhyphenEVT_km6KTIOB-N2ZXq3m3D48i9H1SiSia3wtPLHTRv7DfilzCnuyzgOhk6kjbR4Xc7KoQ0v4CsalXXOU4ZJFUbVHQJCufC/s1600/party7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaxsYha_dsCx1WUaKNP9er_2oMRsdA8UUX5b_6baZBA66hyphenhyphenEVT_km6KTIOB-N2ZXq3m3D48i9H1SiSia3wtPLHTRv7DfilzCnuyzgOhk6kjbR4Xc7KoQ0v4CsalXXOU4ZJFUbVHQJCufC/s320/party7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Seated Francis Joseph "Happy" Higgins</div>
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Front row: Granddaughters Tammy & Samantha</div>
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Next row: Great-Grandsons Stewart & Kristian and Son Jim (my husband)</div>
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Back row: Great-Grandson Derek</div>
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<br /></div>
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Great-Granddaughter Randi was unable to attend because she is in school in Texas.</div>
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I can't close without showing the wonderful spread provided by our friends:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFupc2pJSEiTTwIEK_LT43rt0Ntbk7qh0YJeYyZWqpdoJ6dS74hJGYvC2MbjEgIwsdtDOpZzJJJ7P7LuygNlAiRqH5JQJhv4Z4XRR_YnkoJxldih5PXv_BK33KqEUrje5egtzSydl-Hbw/s1600/party8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFupc2pJSEiTTwIEK_LT43rt0Ntbk7qh0YJeYyZWqpdoJ6dS74hJGYvC2MbjEgIwsdtDOpZzJJJ7P7LuygNlAiRqH5JQJhv4Z4XRR_YnkoJxldih5PXv_BK33KqEUrje5egtzSydl-Hbw/s320/party8.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-52012566880030167842013-10-29T12:22:00.000-05:002013-10-29T12:22:20.987-05:00Happy's 100th Birthday Project<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-77edb7ba-0531-669e-8b85-762851dc170d" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm still working on my new and short term project. Getting ready for my father-in-law's 100th birthday.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have gathered a little over 100 pictures (I wanted an even 100 but my sister-in-law had other ideas), digitized the ones that needed it, and renamed them so they will play in the proper sequence on the slide show. Pretty much that part is ready to go. Yay!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We also are putting together a binder highlighting major and some minor events in his life. His birth certificates, baptism certificates (born Catholic, converted to Baptist before his marriage), marriage, work awards, a copy of every census in which he is found, etc. Since I'm the one who has collected the records for the family history, I'm the one assigned this task. Actually it's a very good exercise because I have to review all my documents and sources for him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I created a collage for the front of his binder:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vjkUH6bH6N3jyaj0g4OUi7M3TeHY1M7ZG2TPGF_pGMJ7r4xF2xUCX3EIXAtVJkJEkTv1YjiJZPB2U6aGw5BNgGF2xveMgqeAd9KaEkHuvN3ck-b8oNt7FT5LUiyR53vyqOwAo88vCAPy/s1600/Happy+Pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vjkUH6bH6N3jyaj0g4OUi7M3TeHY1M7ZG2TPGF_pGMJ7r4xF2xUCX3EIXAtVJkJEkTv1YjiJZPB2U6aGw5BNgGF2xveMgqeAd9KaEkHuvN3ck-b8oNt7FT5LUiyR53vyqOwAo88vCAPy/s320/Happy+Pics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This project has also caused us to clear off the old cedar chest holding the goodies my in-laws saved over the years. I know I'll find more items for his binder in there but there are also many gems for my writing project for next year. That goal is to publish a book about my late mother-in-law and her ancestors.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now it's time to get back to the task at hand.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~ Becky</span></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-11470119648388936652013-10-16T14:21:00.000-05:002013-10-16T14:21:06.863-05:00Wordless Wednesday - Larson Kids<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUy2x-YIysLEwJvIEiWOEqXBSlwOBDUwgZgCFEVdqCaIi43i10fYVHTQQGfE_c6Z2OcKlOgA70OGcOj7hpIMgqKdvJgvU8PVmxk22Yu4yMSlg35rXMrBJGwSDE0LWJ3_5Fx_yHFtO48P5/s1600/Larsen+Children+ca+1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUy2x-YIysLEwJvIEiWOEqXBSlwOBDUwgZgCFEVdqCaIi43i10fYVHTQQGfE_c6Z2OcKlOgA70OGcOj7hpIMgqKdvJgvU8PVmxk22Yu4yMSlg35rXMrBJGwSDE0LWJ3_5Fx_yHFtO48P5/s400/Larsen+Children+ca+1896.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alma, Lida, Clarence, Ethel Larson - abt 1897<br />in Ishpeming, Michigan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-23057298037425198462013-09-30T14:23:00.000-05:002013-10-10T12:00:13.208-05:00Ishpeming/Marquette Trip Recap & Summary<div class="tr_bq">
I've been back from Michigan for a few days now, well, really just the weekend. There were a number of personal things that needed doing once we got home - like cleaning house, doing laundry, just stuff. There was another reason I didn't post before now though; I wanted to give my "little grey cells' time to work in the background and gel things together. Now it is time to summarize the trip.</div>
<br />
First of all, I learned that all the planning I did prior to actually getting in the car and going was well worth the time and effort. I had created two primary lists - a research item list and a daily schedule. The lists were printed and posted on Evernote. I must admit, however, I used the printed lists more than the digital. When we were driving around or sitting in a restaurant it was easy to pull out the printed copy; I didn't need to access the internet, boot up a computer or device, or worry about wireless connections. That's not to say I never used the digital versions but it was nice to have the hard copies available. My husband also had his copies.<br />
<br />
The Research List was created first and was the most detailed. I spent many hours on the internet looking for places which might be helpful to my research. I split the list into three locations: Ishpeming, Marquette, and Negaunee. Each listing contained the name of the location (library, archive, museum), address, phone number, hours. Under each listing I identified what I hoped to find there including names and dates when appropriate. For example, in the Marquette section was listed:<br />
<blockquote>
<strong style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Central Upper Peninsula and NMU Archives</strong><strong style="line-height: 1.428571em;"> </strong>- <span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">126 Learning Resource Center,</span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, </span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Marquette, MI 49855. 906-227-1225; </span>Mon. - Fri. - 8-5, closed for lunch 12-1 - Marcus Robyns, archivist<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Pencils only - can use laptop.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><input class="en-todo" disabled="true" type="checkbox" />Marquette County Tax Rolls:</span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Amelia Christiansen - Vol 335 Assessment Roll Ishpeming 1885 and Vol 344 1884</span><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Larson or Christiansen - Vol 337 Assessment Roll Ishpeming 1887</span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><input class="en-todo" disabled="true" type="checkbox" />The Iron Agitator microfilm Jan 7 1882-Dec 1884. Hans Christiansen death.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<input class="en-todo" disabled="true" type="checkbox" /><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Look for naturalization papers for Carl August Larsson/Larson between 1885 and 1900</span></blockquote>
Once I had everything I thought I needed, I called the various locations to verify the days and hours they would be open and asked about any special rules. For instances the "pencils only - can use laptop" as listed above. This is a very important step. When making my contacts I learned the Ishpeming Historical Museum was closing the week before I would be there but, because of the previous contact, they made arrangements for me while I was in town.<br />
<br />
With the Research List Complete, I was able to review the logistics and timing for each location and set a schedule for each day. Of course, the schedule was tentative and subject to change. As it happens, I made changes only between Wednesday and Thursday in order to meet up a second time with the genealogist from the Ishpeming Historical Museum, Karen Kasper.<br />
<br />
One other thing I did before I left home was to create an Excel worksheet showing the individuals in the families I was researching and whether or not I had found each on everything census in which they should appear. In doing so, I had time to find any I was missing before the trip and verify who was still in the area and who and when others had moved-on.<br />
<br />
This trip was very satisfying. I found some new, very important information as well as finding new sources confirming previously known facts. All was done with very little stress because I knew what to do and what to do next. This time "the best laid plans" worked out.<br />
<br />
I will soon need to start writing the stories of these two families but, as life would have it, I have another project that must take precedent. My husband's father will turn 100 on November 9 and I have lots of pictures to scan and enhance (some) for a slideshow.<br />
<br />
~ Becky<br />
<br />
<br />Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-84702312725187149352013-09-26T16:56:00.001-05:002013-09-26T16:56:58.503-05:00Ishpeming/Marquette Last Day<div class="MsoNormal">
Day Four<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Wow, how time flies! It seems we’ve only just arrived but
will be heading home tomorrow morning. I had anticipated a quieter day today
but, with the exception of a brief break after lunch, we filled each minute.
The break was nice, though. We’d lunched at Doncker’s in downtown Marquette. It’s
the same little restaurant/soda bar/candy store President Obama lunched at in
February of 2011. (Why he would want to go to the UP in February is beyond me.)I
had the best tuna melt ever! Because the NMU archives shuts down for lunch
between 12 and 1, we had about an hour and a half to ourselves. We used that
time to drive up the Lake Superior coast line and enjoy some time in Presque
Isle Park.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Our morning had been spent at the Marquette County Court
House where I struck out at the Clerk’s office and the Deeds office but had
much better luck at the Probate office. Though I didn’t get probate records for
everyone on my list, I did get some of the most important. Fortunately, I had a
relatively short list because the person at the desk was only going to work a
half-day and didn’t have a lot of time to give to genealogy requests. She was,
however, gracious enough to look up my people and make the copies I requested.
My thanks to her and I hope she has a great long weekend!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then after our lunch and sightseeing, we went to the Central
Upper Penisula and NMU Archives. Karen, whom we had met at the Ishpeming
Historical Society, was volunteering there today so we had a chance to talk a
bit more genealogy with her. Again, the items I’d hoped against hope to find
there didn’t pan out. Sometimes we just have to accept a negative as an answer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We’re now back at the motel where I’ll spend some time
renaming photos and such. Then we’ll watch some TV – Big Bang premieres
tonight. Morning will come soon enough and we’ll be on our way home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We’ve had a great trip. The weather has been terrific; the
colors get more beautiful every day; but I’m ready to get home and get started
with the writing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Becky<o:p></o:p></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-4587288426589201292013-09-25T16:41:00.000-05:002013-09-25T16:41:42.872-05:00Ishpeming/Marquette Day Three<div class="MsoNormal">
I often find it strange how easily we adapt to our
surroundings. We’ve only been in the Ishpeming/Marquette area since Sunday but
now, mid-week everything feels familiar. We can usually find our way around
Ishpeming, Marquette, and Negaunee without the help of the map. With Ishpeming
being short on restaurants, we’ve come to recognize the servers at the Country
Grill where we’ve been taking our breakfasts and dinners, and they us. Our room
at the Best Western is comfortable and is beginning to feel like a home away
from home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We woke this morning to very heavy fog which was predicted
to burn off by mid-morning. Based on the prediction, we decided to stick to our
predetermined schedule. Our first stop was the Peter White Public Library in
Marquette; our only Marquette locations for the day. I had two primary goals at
this library – (1) finding the specific item on the microfilm for <i>The Iron Agitator</i> newspaper and (2)
finding a book <i>The Early History of a
Mining Town: Ishpeming, Michigan, 1852-1920</i> by Robert D. Dobson. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had tried to get this book through interlibrary loan last
month but was told the few libraries will to lend it would charge for $10 to
$30. Since I knew we were making this trip and since <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/">WorldCat</a> showed two copies
at the Peter White, I decided to wait. It turned out to be a gold mine of
information and background material. I’m so glad I found it because its
material will be so helpful when I write the Christiansen/Larsen stories. I
also found a very nice “picture” book on Marquette.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now for the big frustration of the day. I have
transcriptions listed in <i>Incidents of
Mortality In the Marquette Range Iron Mines</i> compiled by Kenneth D.
LaFayette from The Iron Agitator of 15 Sep 1883 that states “The engineer Hans
Christiansen, of whom we spoke in our last issue as being struck by a fly-wheel
at No 2 engine house…”; the key being “in our last issue”. There was no listing
for anything form the 08 Sep 1883 issue. Peter White was said to have the
microfilm from the <i>Agitator</i> in that
time period. The good news is they do have the issue in question; the bad news
is the page on which Hans’ accident would have been reported is missing from
the microfilm. The issue is there; pages 1,2,3,5,6,7,and 8 are there but the
news from Ishpeming always reported on page 4 is not there. (Note, the pages
for this issue, and as far as I can see only this issue, are also out of
numerical order.) Well, at least, we have an explanation as to why LaFayette
didn’t list it in his compilation as I was told he used newspaper microfilm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On our way back to Ishpeming from Marquette we stopped for
lunch at the Midtown Café and Bakery. Not only did I enjoy are nice salad
there, when I checked in on Foursquare I became the Mayor and as the new Mayor
we got a 20% discount! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next, we went to the Cliff Shaft Mine museum which was very
interesting. Their exhibits include items from many of the mines in the area.
The Cliff Shaft Mine was shut down in 1967 and the day they shut down they
simply walked away leaving everything in place. The tour with a very knowledgeable
docent was quite an experience. If you ever go there, be sure to leave plenty
of time to take in everything available.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our last stop for the day was the Ishpeming Carnegie
Library. This is the only Carnegie Library building in the Country still being
used for its original purpose. I had two goals there as well but, alas, came up
empty this time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now it’s time for me to work on getting the camera and
Flip-Pal photos into the computer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Becky</div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-90616169948559403032013-09-24T17:10:00.001-05:002013-09-24T17:10:55.015-05:00Ishpeming/Marquette Day Two<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning started not unlike yesterday morning. Our first
stop was a cemetery but this time it was the Marquette City Park Cemetery. I
had previously emailed the Sexton, Paul Albert, and he had emailed back with a
map of the cemetery with the Ellstrom and Upperstrom grave locations marked.
Thinking this information would be sufficient we began our search. The
directions were quite clear but after we had walked the area and beyond more
than once, we were stumped. To the office we went; luckily, we found Paul
working there thought he hadn’t planned to be there long. In the end, it was a
good thing we could find because he pulled out additional records which we were
able to photograph. Then, Paul took us out and the plots. Turns the Ellstroms
had only one headstone and it was flat, nearly overgrow, and almost illegible. At
least, we have a photo of the area where they lay. Carl & Augusta, nee
Ellstrom, Upperstrom are the same story – no stones but pictures of the grassy
area where they lay. All this thanks to Paul who was so friendly and patient
with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having taken more time than expected at the cemetery, we had
a quick lunch and then made our way to the Marquette County History Center. It
really paid off having made previous contact with the archivist, Rosemary,
because they were certainly ready for us when we got there. They had pulled
cards for the various names I had given and all I had to do was go through to
determine if they were my people or not. Some of the information I already have
but some new and interesting items were found as well. The most important from
a source I would not have found elsewhere – a listing for the digging of the
grave for Christina Elstrom on Feb 8, 1894. That date is the closest I’ve
gotten to her death; before that all I knew is she died between 1880 and 1900.
Now, when I got to the courthouse I should be able to get her death
certificate!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After leaving the History Center, we had just enough time to
reach Jim’s cousin’s house in Ishpeming for our 2 o’clock appointment. What an
enjoyable afternoon. Not only had he pulled out the old photo albums and family
items for us but we thoroughly enjoyed our time with Jim and Rosemary. They are
still living in the Family home and have many artifacts that have been there
from nearly the beginning. I was able to retake some pictures from the ones
taken in 1997 and we found additional new items of interest as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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Now, I need to do some records updating and bring pictures
onto the computer for renaming before I forget what and where they are from.
Tomorrow will be another busy day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Becky</div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-48537324195891903332013-09-23T17:11:00.002-05:002013-09-23T17:11:43.434-05:00Ishpeming/Marquette Day One<div class="MsoNormal">
Day One – September 23, 2013, Ishpeming/Marquette<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Looking at my schedule for today I thought there would be
plenty of down time. I only had three items: the Ishpeming Cemetery where I
already knew most of the grave site locations, the Ishpeming Historical Museum
which I didn’t expect to need to spend too much time, and the Michigan Iron
Industry Museum which would take maybe an hour or so. Well, even starting out
early we just got back to the motel around 5:00 pm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Since our meeting with the Historical Museum wasn’t
scheduled until about 10:30, we went to the Cemetery first. I had an item or
two to resolve with the office which only took a few minutes and, as it turned
out, was somewhat disappointing. When I was there back in 1997, the “old”
register books were in the office and I was shown the page and line for Hans
Christiansen. (I was new to genealogy and didn’t have enough sense to get a
copy or photo.) Now there is a computer printout of the registers which “has
all the records” but Hans isn’t on the listing. I’m on a mission is see if I
can find out where that old book is. After the office, we went to the grave
sites for the Larson family and took pictures of the stones; some of these I
already have but not all and we have a better camera now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We were still a little early for our meeting, so we stopped
at McDonald’s for a soda and a sit-down. Finally, about 10:45 we met up with
the wonderful volunteers at the Historical Society. Sue gave us some great
information about the history of Ishpeming using artifacts to embellish the
stories. Karen had done some research on the family lines we’re delving into
and shared information on where we may find more. We purchased their
publications, <i>A Visit to the Past</i>,
Volumes 1 and 2, which I can’t wait to sink my teeth into later tonight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We had a delightful lunch at the Midtown Café and Bakery in
Negaunee recommended by Karen. Believe me, we never would have found it with
asking Karen for suggestions. (A travel tip: Always ask the locals where to
eat!) After lunch, we found our way to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in
Negaunee where we spent the rest of the afternoon. The presentation at this
museum is terrific; it even includes a 20 some minute movie. The displays,
which walk one through the industry from its beginning to the present, are
professionally done. There are even display boards outside along a walk which
describes the geology of the area. There is also a small research room and with
the help of Troy, the young man in charge today, I was about to find an important
source citation I’d lost along the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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This was a day well spent and I’m looking forward to
tomorrow. For now I’m going to study my new Ishpeming books and get some rest.<o:p></o:p></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-25030489534720164822013-09-21T13:37:00.000-05:002013-09-21T13:37:15.277-05:00Ishpeming and Marquette Michigan Here I Come<div class="MsoNormal">
I think I’m ready for this research trip!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have my binders
for the Ellstrom/Christiansen/Larson families reviewed and organized.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I have my
list of places – libraries, archives, museums, cemeteries – created, printed,
and in Evernote.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a tentative schedule prepared for each day we’ll be
there, both in Marquette and Ishpeming.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve made contact with the
various places to make sure they’ll be open. I’ve made phone contact and
scheduled appointments with certain archivists giving them more specific
information so they can be prepared for my visit.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve schedule a time to meet
with the relatives still living in the original house in Ishpeming. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband
has done his due diligence with Google Maps so we know not only our route up to
Ishpeming but also how to get to all the places on my list.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve backed-up my
laptop to my external hard drive and synced my tree with Ancestry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve checked
over my “office supply” bag and have it packed with the binders and my
flip-pal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, yes, I’ve also packed some clothes, toiletries, and
such. I’m not so concerned about those items because there will be a good ole’
Walmart nearby. I can always pick up anything I need in the personal vein but
not necessarily in the genealogy vein.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t think I’ve ever been so prepared for a genealogy trip
before. In the past, I’ve completed some or all the above tasks but I don’t
think I’ve done them to such a degree. Here’s hoping all this preparation pays
off in the end. My biggest concern at the moment is no having sufficient time
to get to every place on my list. Yes, I’ve slotted them all in but will I have
to cut one location out in order to have enough time at another? - - Only time will
tell.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t wait to get this show on the road. Tomorrow can’t
come soon enough!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Becky</div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-89991733775581239492013-09-07T14:30:00.002-05:002013-09-07T14:30:34.827-05:00Preparing for a Research TripWell, I'm two weeks away from heading to the Upper Peninsula Michigan, specifically Ishpeming and Marquette. I was there in my genealogy infancy and was fortunate to get as much information as I did but there is much more to be done.<br />
<br />
One of the best things to come out of that trip was meeting some of the relatives still living in the area. My mother-in-law, Alice, and her brother, Clifford, spent many summers at the home in Ishpeming still resided in by Larson relatives. We will, of course, spend some time with them again. They have some family scrapbooks and albums I need to review again and now that I have my flip-pal I'll be able to get much better pictures than I got in 1995. Back then I was never able to take a shot without some glare in the picture.<br />
<br />
In preparation for the trip, I'm creating a To-Do List on Evernote and this is what I have so far:<br />
<br />
Ishpeming:<br />
Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library<br />
Ishpeming Area Historical Society<br />
Cliff Shaft Mine Museum<br />
Ishpeming Cemetery<br />
<i>The Mining Journal</i> office<br />
<br />
Marquette:<br />
Marquette County Clerk and Court House<br />
Park Cemetery<br />
Marquette County History Center<br />
Central Upper Peninsula and NMU Archives<br />
Peter White Public Library<br />
<br />
Negaunee:<br />
Negaunee Historical Museum<br />
Michigan Iron Industry Museum<br />
<br />
Of course, I have specific items for research under each of these locations.<br />
<br />
Next week I will begin calling the libraries, museums, and libraries to make sure each will be open. I'll also ask if there are any restrictions on what I can bring with me to research. In some cases, I'll be able to give more information to an archivist or librarian and they may have some things ready for me when I get there.<br />
<br />
Now that the date is getting close, I'm getting very excited. I want to be ready and be able to research effectively because I probably won't be going back before I write Alice and her ancestors' story.<br />
<br />
~ Becky<br />
<br />Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-43025212633688100682013-05-25T13:17:00.000-05:002013-05-25T13:17:30.947-05:00Help with Howich Drugs, Please<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Help! I’m looking for a photo of Howich Drug Store in
Chicago. In the 1920s and 30s it was located at 1860 W Madison on the northeast
corner of Wolcott and Madison. Apparently, it was THE place to go for sodas and
sundaes in the neighborhood and my mother-in-law’s diary mentions it all the
time. As I’m working on her (and her lineage) story now, I’d love to be able to
have a visual of the place</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it happens, that address is currently in the middle of
United Center. There are no buildings left in the area. I’m left to find
someone somewhere who may have an historical picture. I’ve found a few ads in
the <i>Chicago Garfieldian</i> newspaper but
no images of the building were used. They did, however, mention “our famous
Howich chocolate Sodas and Sundaes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The drug store later moved to 4160 W Madison but my
father-in-law says they only went to that one a few times. It was further away
making to more difficult to get to. I was able to find a photo (current day) of
that building on Google maps but it’s not really significant to Alice’s story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’ve tried
both Google and Bing images to no avail. At the moment I’m hoping some
wonderful Chicagoan family historian from “the old neighborhood” will have a
photo to share.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If nothing else, wish me luck!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Becky<o:p></o:p></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-62738711674676968342013-05-04T10:25:00.003-05:002013-05-04T10:25:45.503-05:00Creation and Use of a Census Report<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been looking through my binders and database for the
Davey and Stephens surnames. I have plenty of information on these lines but
some questions still need answering. Now isn’t that a surprise<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>. Anyway, I see the
need to determine if I have each person on all the census records in which they
should be recorded. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNJhbvoNuBAsciIkxopcDI3y9QA05X70h5gJlrsNYHQ8DZjcCgfaIeWTlZRPg6LJ4ynf2E4iHHL6PxBKtuQSfeHp2FPkRVn8kduwaK6Uhd5fu5wu1-HnVzw9bubwGEXGMUUovtEpmz0ZK/s1600/check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNJhbvoNuBAsciIkxopcDI3y9QA05X70h5gJlrsNYHQ8DZjcCgfaIeWTlZRPg6LJ4ynf2E4iHHL6PxBKtuQSfeHp2FPkRVn8kduwaK6Uhd5fu5wu1-HnVzw9bubwGEXGMUUovtEpmz0ZK/s1600/check.jpg" /></a>One concept I’m hoping to at least find evidence for is
which of the Stephens, and related families, clan left Cornwall for Wisconsin as
a group in or about 1842. They should all be recorded in the 1841 census taken
in England; then it is a question of finding who is recorded in the 1850 US
census in Wisconsin. According to the <i>History
of Grant County, Wisconsin</i> written by Castello N. Holford, published in
1900, the group, locally known as <i>The
Stephens Colony, </i>emigrated to Platteville in 1842. They received that
designation because there were 50 or more family members included in the
cluster. My plan is to identify those family members and see how many names I
actually collect.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ll use the same process for the Davey family. Fortunately,
this line is much smaller and should be easily traced. Of course, one never
knows until one actually gets into the investigation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have already cited many of these census records but my
plan is to create a census report for each person. In the past I’ve used Word
to create such reports. I think this time I’ll use an Excel worksheet because
the ease of sorting data will help me in the end. The plan is to record as much
information as possible from each census including date, location, relationship
– to whom, property info, occupation, etc. Once I have everything posted, I’ll
be able to sort the information in various ways to see how many were living
where in a given census year; who stayed in the area and who moved away; who
farmed and who mined and so on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Even though I think I have most of the records I need for
this project, I’m sure I’m missing a few and will need to find someone/s I’m
missing in a given census year. I’m so thankful for having access to census
records online. Sometimes it can be frustrating when I can’t find someone in
the index under any spelling I can think of and sometimes I’ve looked page by
page through a given township but I’ve done that sitting in my office with a
cup of coffee at hand. In the old days, not so long ago, I’d have had to order
the microfilm, wait for it to come in, drive to the library or family history
center to use the microfilm readers, and hope I found what I needed in the time
I had so I didn’t have to come back another day. Gotta’ love the internet!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If I come across a problem with a particular individual, I
may take that information into <i>Evidentia </i>to
assist in the analysis of the data. In that case, I’ll also add all the other
documents I’ve accumulated for that person. I can, then, easily determine if I
have sufficient evidence to make a determination. I should also be able to see
what further research, if any, is needed to satisfy the Genealogy Proof
Standard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, it’s time to brew another cup of coffee and get to
work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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~ Becky</div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-45404710825649335922013-05-03T10:00:00.000-05:002013-05-03T10:00:26.340-05:00Cultural & Heritage GeneralitiesI’m aware it’s not correct to place generalized cultural or
heritage characteristics on an individual. Each person has his/her own
personality. Each person develops differences from the next even within the
same family based on events, environment, and even familial placement. That
said though since we are a culmination of all those who make up our heritage,
doesn’t it make sense that, at least, some of our characteristics are
inherited? If so, then some generalizations surely hit the mark.<br />
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I bring this up because I’m trying to work through how to
make some ancestors come to life in my writing. Obviously, the people I have
actually known are not a problem. Over the years I’ve seen how they acted under
many circumstances; I’ve talked with them and know their sense of humor.
They’ve related stories to me about themselves and others which revealed their
priorities, their beliefs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The problem comes with those I’ve never met. In some cases,
I have the stories relayed about them by those I’ve known. I, then, can see
these unknowns through the eyes of the known. That, of course, could be a
biased view; however, it’s more than I know about many others. For the people
truly unknown to me, I really have nothing more than a picture of them through
historical and cultural events and locations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtN6SvpdBTbR1QnnvmEyrr7OZfGvpGpxENDQKbwNhIj-RpmzdNAl1s0da-C0xOGX8OHD5Nq_LXcpwkHWkV4tV6Qb77YcJOyLXYhDgcZAvmc5YsA1ztISrLdRBvFfKQmLFCBq4csVD3tyrs/s1600/questions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtN6SvpdBTbR1QnnvmEyrr7OZfGvpGpxENDQKbwNhIj-RpmzdNAl1s0da-C0xOGX8OHD5Nq_LXcpwkHWkV4tV6Qb77YcJOyLXYhDgcZAvmc5YsA1ztISrLdRBvFfKQmLFCBq4csVD3tyrs/s200/questions.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
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Historical timelines are certainly helpful in determining
significant events in a given location at a given time. Reading specific
histories about how developed or under-developed a place may have been can aid
in a setting. Having as many documents as possible to define a personal history
is essential. Finding a journal or diaries from someone else during the same
time and location is a true benefit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All these things help a writer understand the times in which
a person lived and even some personal events they encountered. For the most
part, what they don’t do is show how that person viewed what was going on
around him/her. Without a document like
a divorce or court record (they can provide a picture of at least one of the
petitioner, although it’s important to remember the purpose of the testimony)
or like a letter or two that give a peek into the writer’s feelings, one is
left with conjecture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What is that conjecture? We’re back to cultural and heritage
characteristics. How did other people feel and act during a given time? Are the
people of that time and place generally described are stoic or passionate? Did
they live in a close-knit community? Would fear have played a role in the
general population? Was there an expectation of bravery during their time and
place in history?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes conjecture is all we have left. Sometimes in order
to give a person life on a page we need to use that conjecture to give them a
personality. Look at your friends and family. Is it the events in their lives
that make them who they are or is it how they deal with and feel about those
events? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not talking about the writing of a genealogy reports
recording the facts of a person or family. We need those to identify the facts and show our sources. I’m talking about actually writing
their story. Is it right or wrong to use some generalities to describe an
individual?<o:p></o:p></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-80861472713414290912013-05-01T10:31:00.001-05:002013-05-01T10:31:43.055-05:00Pondering the Alice Davey Book<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAj0BCfwbdyofm7vzjo9iWsXYteMQhf2pIbgVfNlILZPK7gfm7W4AhXHE86ONOsm7DeONPc7eTktR24CtYVmOnu2Z6Ne7VFwSIgI3L5Iel362CEdBozo-Saq2tXlo0wZTsQCghtjiCJt7P/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAj0BCfwbdyofm7vzjo9iWsXYteMQhf2pIbgVfNlILZPK7gfm7W4AhXHE86ONOsm7DeONPc7eTktR24CtYVmOnu2Z6Ne7VFwSIgI3L5Iel362CEdBozo-Saq2tXlo0wZTsQCghtjiCJt7P/s200/books.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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I seem to be floundering a bit in my approach to this
publication. I’m trying to work out the best way to organize. I’m thinking I’d
really like to record the story of how her four grandparents found each other
and what their lives and their children’s lives were like; this process culminating in Alice’s life and times. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My dilemma centers around where to begin. Do I start with
Alice and move back? Do I create separate sections for each grandparent’s
surname? Do I simply create biographies (as best I can) for each grandparent
and parent?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’d really like to write the “story” as if it were a novel.
Maybe that’s the key, a narrative. I’d, of course, include a section of reports
with citations for genealogists – pedigree, outline descendants, family group
sheets, and such. However, the main part of the book would be Alice’s life and
how her progenitors affected that life written as if it were a novel. To do
that I’ll need to decide on a plot to drive the story. I’ll need to get a
handle of the personalities of each major “character” in the story. I’ll still need to determine where and how to
begin. Since Alice is the main character everything begins and ends with her.
Do I begin at the beginning or at the end? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Each of her grandparents immigrated to the US. Did the “old
country” heritage impact the life of a child born in Chicago? Which line had
the most influence on her life – the Cornish and the Swedish? Did her parents
keep up family traditions or did they prefer to blend into the American ways?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did Alice’s tumultuous childhood define her viewpoints? How
could it not? In what ways did the many moves within the city take its toll? Is
that why she clung so tightly to childhood friends throughout her lifetime? What parts of her upbringing did she transfer
to her own parenting?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thanks to a collaboration of research between me, Shirlee
Eddy, and Nancy Poquette I have a great start with the Davey and Stephens
families, Alice’s Cornish side. As for Hans Christiansen, Alice’s Danish
grandfather, he died when Alice’s mother was only three years old. He will, of
course, be an important part of the story but a short part. Thanks to Jim’s
cousin, the late Kay Davey, I have the records for his family in Denmark which
may come into play a little. As for the Swedish side, I’m accumulating more and
more information but, as of yet, have no “cousins” helping with the Ellstrom
line. There do seem to be a number of researchers working on our Larson (half
cousins) line.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So much more needs to be done but I’m kind of liking the
idea of the “novel.” In my previous publications, I wrote biographies for the
direct ancestors that worked out okay, I think. However, I felt there was often
an overlap of information because of the separation. With an inclusive story
plan, I can keep everyone in context, include the events that bring Alice’s story along, and create a more
complete package.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think the reports section should satisfy the genealogists’
requirement for evidence and proof. What do you think? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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~Becky</div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-6167337755732787862013-04-28T14:55:00.000-05:002013-04-28T14:55:40.298-05:00Evidence Gleaned From One Obituary<i>The Ishpeming Record</i>,
Ishpeming, Michigan, Friday, 9 May 1930, page 5, columns 2 & 3; obituary
for Mrs. Charles Larson.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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To shorten things up a bit, let’s assume I already have
sufficient evidence to state that Mrs. Charles Larson is the same person as
Amelia (Ellstrom) Christiansen Larson. I could go into greater detail on this
but the purpose of this writing is to determine what information can come from
her obituary. So here goes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>MRS. CHARLES LARSON PASSES</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><i>“Mrs. Charles Larson, who was 71
years of age…”</i> places Amelia’s birth in about 1859. Other records put her birth
on 24 Nov 1858. She was actually 71 years, 5 months, 6 days old at death.<br /></li>
<li><i>“…and a resident here for over 50
years”</i>, she had lived in Ishpeming, Michigan half a century.<br /></li>
<li><i>“…passed from life Wednesday
night,”</i> – date of death 7 May 1930. The obituary was published on Friday the 9<sup>th</sup>
of May, 1930. We’ll want to be careful with this one as we’ll find later in
this same article that this death date is impossible.<br /></li>
<li><i>“…at the family home on East
Empire Street.”</i> She lived on Empire Street, Ishpeming, Michigan on and before
her death.<br /></li>
<li><i>“The deceased had been ill the
past several months and death was not unexpected”.</i> This is a clue to follow-up
for health history. Will the death certificate give more details?<br /></li>
<li><i>“The deceased was a native of
Sweden locating in Marquette with her parents 61 years ago, later living in
Ishpeming p to the time of her death.”</i> Family and personal information will be
found in Swedish records; immigrated in about 1869; original U. S. residence
was Marquette. Lots of clues here.<br /></li>
<li><i>“Surviving are her husband and the
following children: Mrs. Fred Davey Chicago; Miss Teckla, Miss Lida Larson and
Clarence Larson, all residents of Ishpeming; Mrs. Albert E Porter, Sault Ste.
Marie, and Mrs. H. F. St. Helen of Portland, Ore. The following brothers and
sister: Alex Ellstrom, Pueblo, Colo,; Albert Ellstrom, Detroit; Mrs. Charles
Seagren, St. Paul, Minn.; Mrs. Axel Peterson, Marquette, and Miss Alice
Ellstrom, Saginaw…“ </i>Wow, where to start with this paragraph. First, it tells us
Amelia’s husband, Charles, is still living; second, we get a listing of her
living children which includes not just her daughters’ married names but the
full names of her daughters’ husbands, third we’re told where her children are
living on 9 May 1930. We get the same information regarding her surviving
siblings.<br /></li>
<li><i>“Funeral took place Sunday
afternoon at 2 o’clock from the family home…”</i> Here’s where the date calculated
in item number 3 proves incorrect. Since the paper was issued on Friday, the 9<sup>th</sup>
of May and the funeral had already taken place on Sunday, her death could not
have been on Wednesday the 7<sup>th</sup>. She died 30 Apr 1930 from evidence
found here and from other evidence such as Family Bible records and a telegram
from Clarence Larson to Mrs. Fred Davey.<br /></li>
<li><i>“…from the Swedish Baptist
church…”</i> Amelia was probably a member of this church and more records may be
available there.<br /></li>
<li><i>“The pall bearers were : Mr. John
Asplund of Marquette; William Anderson, August Olson, John Swanson, Charles
Benson and Emil Olson.”</i> Pall bearers are often but not always family members. They
deserve some research to determine their relationship to the deceased and/or
family.</li>
</ol>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The older obituaries and those from smaller communities tend
to provide the most information. Often
in the larger cities there is only a death notice giving only the briefest
information. Today, due to the cost, printed obituaries seem to be getting
smaller; however, with many funeral homes providing memorial type pages on
their website the obituary is seeing a come back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Granted, you can’t take what’s written in an obituary as
absolute truth but, wow, what an abundance of clues they can provide!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-8267170762456338152013-04-27T10:29:00.000-05:002013-04-27T10:29:39.023-05:00Surname Saturday - Mary Ann (Harper) Davey<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvNn7VRSznUYCVu5dosvdc0d769yY_6ORWPsDfG9lCYtlJ1Po8jd0N0UvxgVv4iDwORRhqY99LkVsOHrczpjoGJdLONUkIib5Aev2WMoUPJ5CIkCgjpc3LCcWWYkVuaoRGMtvQFn9YtT5/s1600/MADavey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvNn7VRSznUYCVu5dosvdc0d769yY_6ORWPsDfG9lCYtlJ1Po8jd0N0UvxgVv4iDwORRhqY99LkVsOHrczpjoGJdLONUkIib5Aev2WMoUPJ5CIkCgjpc3LCcWWYkVuaoRGMtvQFn9YtT5/s400/MADavey.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the time Mary Ann (Harper) Davey died on 08 Feb 1897 she
had buried her husband and all but one of her children. Yes, her life had
spanned nearly eighty years and all the children had lived to adulthood but
each loss surely left a hollowness within her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her first great loss occurred on 17 May 1882 when her
namesake daughter, Mary Ann, died leaving four children between the ages of
eighteen and twelve. How difficult it is to lose a child. Even adult children
as expected to outlive their parents. Possibly concern for her grandchildren
helped Mary Ann through the trying time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Less than a year later, on 14 Mar 1883, her husband of 49
years left this world before her. Together they had created a family in
Lanlivery, Cornwall, England. Together they had journeyed to Canada in 1848 settling
there for a mere 10 months. Together they brought their family to Dodgeville,
Wisconsin where they remained. Initially, John took up farming but eventually
he worked as a miner like so many of the Cornish men in the area. Like many of
the miners, John most likely spent a good deal of time away from the family
travelling to find the best work or the richest mines. However, with age
creeping up, John had probably been home more in these later years increasing
the bond between husband and wife. Losing John, with all her children married
and on their own meant Mary Ann knew life alone for the first time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next few years saw the deaths of Mary Ann’s oldest
child, John, in 1884 and her youngest child, Joseph, in 1889. Fortunately, many
of her grandchildren still lived in and around Dodgeville because with her only
surviving child, Elizabeth, residing in Kearsage, Michigan, some 400 miles
away, Mary Ann found herself essentially childless. The grandchildren and the
community saw to her needs as required.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary Ann had joined the Primitive Methodist Church in 1861 where
she volunteered for numerous activities throughout her life. In later years,
the community, holding her in high regard, addressed her as “Grandma.” Her
optimistic and gentle attitude towards others created a family far wider than
the biological relations</div>
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.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elizabeth having come to visit just a week before Christmas
of 1896 must have seen the decline in her mother’s health. Rather than
returning home to Kearsage she stayed on to help in any way she could. It would
have been a long few months; it’s never easy to care to the ill and elderly. In
addition to the difficulty however, there were most likely times of remembrance
and times of laughter. Mary Ann probably had much she wanted to pass on to this
her last living child and the last one to hold the memories of a shared family
past.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elizabeth carried the family’s past with her until her death
on 29 Jul 1929. Did she write any of the stories down? Did she pass along oral
tales about this particular family’s life? If so, who is left to share them? If
not, are they lost forever?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787639059291673317.post-84326992366861645612013-04-24T12:33:00.000-05:002013-04-24T12:33:20.463-05:00What To Do About Alice?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I may not have to deal with this problem today but the time
will come as my current project progresses that I’ll have to deal with Alice
(Davey) Higgins. Her biography will be the culmination of all those ancestors’
stories leading up to her life and will probably be the most important of the
publication. Now you may think I’m concerned about this because I can’t find
enough information to write an interesting piece. Oh, Contraire. I’m concerned
because I’m overwhelmed with information and data.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all, I’ve known of Alice since I was ten years old;
she went to the same Church as my family when we moved to Chicago. Of course I
wasn’t overly cognizant of her at the time because she was just the mother of
two children near my age. As time went on Alice and “Happy”, her husband, drew
more of my attention when I dated and later married their son. So, as you see,
Alice, my mother-in-law and the grandmother of my children, made up a large
part of my life until her death in 2008. Knowing her should make writing her
story a breeze, right? In some ways, yes; in others, no. I will need to detach
myself somewhat to find an unbiased point of view. I’ll need to see her as a
whole person and not just as my husband’s mother.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Second and most important, Alice saved EVERYTHING and most
of it is in my house. Not only do I have her diaries/calendars from 1929 until
the late 1990’s when she stopped filling them, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7IlCdVS46WsAywAqDV2_IKHbBJsZ3QjfMSL0Y_NzvIeqg5pFcGhaL4hb76Jn0-4l1zTncAzQcpG8xFrc3WrosT9PCpYNXKz35POULLIwYePUI7fA5wRZ8FCAneYrjsBHhXZFYstgM1xd/s1600/cedar+chest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7IlCdVS46WsAywAqDV2_IKHbBJsZ3QjfMSL0Y_NzvIeqg5pFcGhaL4hb76Jn0-4l1zTncAzQcpG8xFrc3WrosT9PCpYNXKz35POULLIwYePUI7fA5wRZ8FCAneYrjsBHhXZFYstgM1xd/s320/cedar+chest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
but I have a cedar chest full of
letters, cards, receipts, you name it. I have the receipts from all the
purchases made for her wedding. I have a set of boxed pillow cases, unopened,
she received as a wedding gift. (They were “too good to use.”) I have items she
saved from her parents. I could go on and on. In fact, in order to get down to
the cedar chest I’ll have to work my way through the items we kept when we
broke down the apartment she and “Happy” shared in the last days of her life.<br />
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<br /></div>
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I know you may be saying you wished you had all these
keepsakes from your mother, father, grandparents, etc. I can feel your disdain for my complaining about having so much but, really, this feels like it will
take forever to do justice to all this information. I’ll have to be discerning
about what to use and what not to use; honestly, I can’t use everything. I just
can’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I know it’s hard to know what to keep and what not to keep.
I have that problem myself. For me, though, my most treasured items are
rarities for those people who left little behind. For instance, I have an
inexpensive, well-used, bowl that belonged to my Dad’s mother. It was given to
me by my Dad’s cousin and I cherish it, not because it is worth anything but
because it is the only thing I have that belonged to her</div>
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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don’t misunderstand me. I’m sure in the end this collection
from Alice will provide an insight into her life and will help me write her
story. Right now, though, I’m feeling dazed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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~Becky <o:p></o:p></div>
Becky Higginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.com0