I Will Remember

Wordless Wednesday - Frank Joel and Anna Kinney Family

2010-09-29T10:35:00.000-04:00

Kinney Family 1884

This a photo of my husband's great-great grandparents and their family. It was taken in 1884, probably near Worcester, Massachusetts where this family lived.

Front Row: Henry, Frank Joel, Anna, Sarah, Lorenzo

Rear: Asa, Lillie (Herbert's wife), Herbert, Emma, Clarence

This photo includes all seven children of Frank Joel and Anna. Frank went on to have three more children by another wife after Anna died in 1890.

I took a picture of this photo some years ago when a cousin of my husband brought it to a family gathering.

Make sure you don't miss the cat under Lorenzo's chair! He clearly wanted to be known as a member of the family!

It's a good day,

Kathy

Tombstone Tuesday - Mary Robinson Wells

2010-09-14T21:42:00.000-04:00

First Hopkinton Cemetery

Hopkinton, Washington, Rhode Island

Mary Robinson Wells

b. November 14, 1762 Rhode Island

d. May 23, 1842 Hopkinton, Washington, Rhode Island

Mary, wife of Thomas Wells, is the daughter of John Robinson and Elizabeth Wells Robinson. She is my husband's 4th great-grandmother.

Surname Saturday - Robinson

2010-09-11T14:57:00.000-04:00

My husband has a line of Robinsons in his ancestry that is different than the one in my family. Today I present his Robinson line beginning with Edward.

Edward Robinson was born about 1616 in England. His will was recorded on 18 May 1686 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. He mentions both his sons by his wife Margaret Hall, Francis and Edward, in this document.

Francis Robinson was born after 1680 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. He married Elisabeth about 1712 in Westerly, Rhode Island.

John Robinson was born about 1713. He married Mary Irish on August 23, 1733 in Westerly, Rhode Island. They had sons John, Daniel and Rowland. John died about 1777 in Hopkinton, Washington, Rhode Island.

John Robinson was born after 1738 in Westerly. He married Elizabeth Wells about 1762 in Hopkinton, Rhode Island. He died after 1790.

Mary "Polly" Robinson was born 14 November 1762. She married Thomas Wells in February 1782. She died on May 22, 1842 and was buried at First Hopkinton Cemetery, Hopkinton, Washington, Rhode Island.

Another Treasure from FamilySearch.org

2010-09-09T20:08:00.001-04:00

I reported a week or two ago about finding some of my New Brunswick, Canada ancestor's on http://pilot.familysearch.org . There I found a collection of New Brunswick Death Certificates. Today I am sharing the death certificate of my great-grandmother Annie Scott Babington Robinson.

The story that my father and aunts have told about Annie is that my grandmother, Annie's daughter, had recently become a school teacher and was living away from her family teaching school. Her mother died unexpectedly and she left her teaching to go home and be with her family. This death certificate verifies most of this.

Annie died on January 15, 1921 after only one week of illness. The cause of her death is listed as acute encephalitis. I wonder how accurate that diagnose was given medical knowledge of that time period.

In January of 1921, my grandmother was not quite 21 years old, just about right to be a new teacher. Annie died at home in Cambridge, Queens, New Brunswick. This leads me to wonder just where my grandmother had gone to teach. I'll need to ask.

The death information was supplied by George Robinson, Annie's husband. Annie's parents were reported as expected, James and Susana (Coyle) Babington.

The last interesting fact was the undertaker's name, Arnold Dykeman. He was the son-in-law of George and Annie Robinson, married to their daughter Ethel Blanche. My parents both remembered that Arnold was an undertaker in Cambridge.

Annie Robinson died at 52 years old. Far too young for her and her family. I know her loss was always felt by my grandmother and no doubt her siblings as well.

Rest in peace, great-grandmother.

Surname Saturday - Welles/Wells

2010-09-04T08:28:00.000-04:00

My husband's family includes the surname Welles/Wells.

This line I can trace to Thomas Welles born about 1626 in Colchester, Essex, England. He came to this country with his parents about 1629. On February 22, 1655 he married Naomi Marshall in Boston, Massachusetts. They bought 180 acres in what is now Westerly, Rhode Island. Thomas and Naomi had children Thomas, Joseph, John, Nathaniel, Mary, Ruth and Sarah. He died February 12, 1700 in Westerly.

Son Thomas Welles was born December 4, 1661 in Ipswich, Essex, Massachusetts. He married Sarah Rogers in 1691 in Hopkinton, Washington, Rhode Island. They had children Thomas, Edward and Sarah. Thomas died June 10, 1716 in Westerly, Washington, Rhode Island.

My husband descends from both Thomas and Edward. First I will trace Thomas.

Thomas Wells was born about 1692 in Westerly, Washington, Rhode Island. He married Phebe Greene on September 22, 1717 in Stonington, Connecticut. They had children Thomas, Phebe, Lois, Benjamin, Caleb, Joshua and Nathan. Thomas died about 1770 in Westerly, Rhode Island.

Thomas Wells was born April 5, 1723 in Hopkinton, Rhode Island. He married Sarah Thompson on April 3, 1745 in Westerly. Thomas served in the Revolutionary War as a Captain in Col. Richmond's Regiment, 4th Company. He also served in the State Assembly and State Senate. He was a member of the Council of War and Justice of the State Supreme Court. He died August 31, 1796 in Hopkinton.

Thomas Wells was born April 22, 1755 in Hopkinton. He married Mary "Polly" Robinson on February 21, 1782. He was a lawyer like his father. He died April 20, 1829 in Hopkinton.

Thomas Robinson Wells was born about 1784. He was a banker. He married first Maria Potter on March 15, 1808 in South Kingstown, Washington, Rhode Island. They had children Thomas, John, Mary, Hannah, Sarah and Elizabeth. He married 2nd Emma Palmer. Thomas died August 21, 1853 in South Kingstown.

Thomas Potter Wells was born April 28, 1809 in South Kingstown, Washington, Rhode Island. He married first Sarah Clarke and had children Thomas and Frances. He married 2nd Clarissa Sherman and had children George and Theodore. He married 3rd Julia Esther Johnson and had children Helen and Herbert. He died August 21, 1884 in South Kingstown.

Daughter Helen May Wells is my husband's great-grandmother.

Back to Thomas Welles and Sarah Rogers Welles. My husband also descends from son Edward Wells. Edward Wells was born about 1694 in Westerly, Rhode Island. He married Elizabeth Randall on January 12, 1726 in Westerly, Rhode Island. He died December 1765 in Hopkinton.

Elizabeth Wells was born October 13, 1733 in Westerly, Rhode Island. She married John Robinson on November 12, 1762 in Hopkinton. She died June 12, 1819. Elizabeth and John's daughter Mary "Polly" Robinson is the same woman who married Thomas Wells, see above.

Wordless Wednesday - First Day of School Remembered

2010-09-01T18:06:00.000-04:00

First Day of School

September 1995

The kids and their school teacher dad!

Tomstone Tuesday - Thomas Wells

2010-08-31T19:11:00.001-04:00

First Hopkinton Cemetery

Hopkinton, Washington, Rhode Island

Thomas Wells

b. April 22, 1755 Rhode Island

d. April 20, 1829 Hopkinton, Washington, Rhode Island

Thomas Wells was the son of Thomas Wells and Sarah Thompson Wells. He was married to Mary "Polly" Robinson. Thomas is my husband's 4th great-grandfather.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Otters

2010-08-26T19:47:00.000-04:00

My treasure for today is a pair of otters. My grandfather, Ross Hannon, was an avid outdoorsman. He made his living outside - farming, hunting, fishing. He owned the ceramic otter shown below (on left) and sometimes carried it in his pocket. I was lucky enough to receive it when he died. My daughter created me the one on the right one day when she was about about 12. She knew I cherished my otter and wanted him to have company in the display cabinet.

Now I am lucky enough to have two otters to cherish!

It's a good day.

Tombstone Tuesday - Salvatore and Congetta Nocito

2010-08-24T21:46:00.002-04:00

Saint Francis Cemetery

Wakefield, Rhode Island

Salvatore "Sam" J. Nocito

b. November 24, 1912

d. October 25, 1975

Congetta "Connie" T. Faella

b. July 6, 1915

d. July 20, 1980

Uncle Sam and Aunt Connie were my husband's paternal aunt and uncle. Congetta was one of the twelve children of Gaetano and Pasqualina Faella. Salvatore served in the Army during WWII.

Rest in Peace.

Family Search Gold!

2010-08-23T20:54:00.001-04:00

Inspired by somebody's blog post about the number of records that have been indexed on the Family Search website (unlike most of you, I was not organized enough to remember who posted the article), I went surfing on over the other day. From the Pilot Family Search home, I clicked on Search or Browse our record collection. From there I chose North America to see what databases were available. One that caught my eye, marked by a red star indicating that it was New or updated, was the New Brunswick, Canada, Death Certificates.

Quite a few members of my father's family were originally immigrants to the US but were loyalists to the British Crown during the Revolutionary War and consequently moved on to Canada when the war ended. I have found the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick to be quite helpful for searching out these ancestors. However, in the Family Search collection were actual copies of the death certificates for two time periods, 1920-1934 and 1935-1938. No index is yet available but I was unable to resist just searching the whole database.

I was lucky in that for the 1920-1934 time frame, for Queens County, there were only 1,086 records to peruse. In no time at all (well it did take some time, but it flew by!), I had located three ancestors death records. One that I found quite exciting was for my great-grandfather George Byron McKiel.

Byron, as he was known, was born on March 31, 1868 to Eliza Eva McKiel. He died on November 25, 1925 in Wickham, Queens, New Brunswick, Canada. The death certificate told me that he had been sick for only 3 days when he died from Lobar Pneumonia. (Lobar meaning of, or pertaining to, one or more of the lobes of the lungs)

Although at least three of his children were still alive and living in the area, the informant for the death certificate information was a non-relative. Why does this matter? Byron was born to Eliza, along with another son, while she was still single. She later married Jacob Van Wart and went on to have more children. However, Byron and his brother Melvin, retained the McKiel surname. One of my aunts who had done lots of genealogy work and visited and talked with many of our canadian ancestors, has not been able to determine who Byron's father was. Although she believes that some of the older relatives know the answer, no one has been willing to tell. The death certificate lists the father as John McKiel. Could this be the one? Eliza did have a brother John who was 7 or 8 years older than she. Could he have been the father?

It would be a shame if those who know the answer to this question, however shameful they feel the information to be, were to let the answer stay hidden now when Eliza, Bryon and Melvin have all died. I hope that by writing about it here, someone, somewhere, who knows the truth will be inspired to tell.

In any case, I found Byron's death certificate. It was a good day!!

I have indexed records for the Family Search project for quite some time. Now I am inspired to continue and hope that some of you may be as well. Just go to the FamilySearch Indexing home page to learn how.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Flying the Coop!

2010-08-19T20:35:00.001-04:00

Our daughter Katie is off to graduate school in Charleston, South Carolina. She is also recently engaged. So this move might just signal the end of her years of living at home with us. It is rather sad, but also what we hope for with our children - that they find their way in the world and start to build their own lives. So it is with sadness and thanksgiving that I say good luck to my first child, my treasure, Katie.


First day of kindergarten

Katie off to South Carolina with Hershey her dog

Be happy, be safe, have fun!

Love,

Mom

Wordless Wednesday - Boy Scout Camping

2010-08-11T20:08:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of summertime, I share this photo of the family picking up my brother, the scout on the left, after a week at Boy Scout Camp Yawgoog in Rockville, Rhode Island.

Tombstone Tuesday - Lucy Maria Turner Hannan

2010-08-10T18:11:00.000-04:00

Hannan Cemetery

Palermo, Waldo, Maine

Lucy Maria Turner Hannan

b. June 19, 1824 Liberty, Waldo, Maine

d. April 13, 1915 Liberty, Waldo, Maine

Maria was the wife of Richard Hannan. She was the daughter of Daniel and Sardine (Jackson) Turner. She was the mother of Daniel, George, Newell, Charles, Bertha, Rozilla and Ulmer.

Maria is my great-great-grandmother.

Rest in Peace.

Lucy Maria Turner Hannan on findagrave.com

Wordless Wednesday - Endless Summer Enjoyment

2010-08-04T12:52:00.002-04:00

Me with my bike in front of my childhood home

Summers lasted forever when we were kids! I never remember them being too hot or too rainy. I was lucky to grow up in a neighborhood full of kids, on a dead end street where we could ride our bikes in the road, or play kickball, or tag without fear of being runover. We built forts, we played marbles, we had games of all kinds with very little help from the grown-ups. We were outside from morning till night. It was a great time in my life! I wish more kids today had the freedom and opportunity to experience summer like I did.

Here's hoping you can remember some fun summer days from your childhood!

Wordless Wednesday - Hannan Family Campout

2010-07-28T20:26:00.000-04:00

The Hannan Family camping out at Green Valley Campground in Vassalboro, Maine.

I don't know the year. That is me in the middle with the glasses and my grandfather's arm around me.

I think we did this only one time but we had a grand time!

Tombstone Tuesday - Harry & Elsie McKiel

2010-07-27T17:07:00.002-04:00

Maple Grove Cemetery

Albion, Kennebec, Maine

Harry Redvers McKiel

b. July 30, 1900 New Brunswick, Canada

d. October 22, 1962 Waterville, Maine

Elsie Marie Robinson McKiel

b. April 4, 1900 New Brunswick, Canada

d. October 11, 1993 Norway, Maine

Elsie and Harry McKiel were my paternal grandparents.

Sentimental Sunday - Camping

2010-07-25T21:10:00.000-04:00

To carry on a little with my post of last Wednesday "We Did That Too! Plus Cookies and Mosquitoes", I will be telling about the camping I did as a child with my family.

Along with some shorter trips, my parents took us on two quite lengthy camping trips when I was young. The first was in the summer of 1969 when we travelled from our home in Rhode Island to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Why Saskatoon you might ask? My father had some meetings there for his job. So in early July, we packed up our tent trailer, plus grammie McKiel, my father's mom, and headed out. Grammie was going with us as far as Niagara Falls where her brother Gordon lived. Here we are, ready to go, with Grammie already safely in the back seat.

I don't believe that grammie had ever camped before but she was always game and with a great sense of humor and lots of stories, she kept amused for much of the trip. Here she is, enjoying a meal at our campsite.

Two summers later, we were off to California for 6 weeks. More meetings for my father and lots of scenery for us all. I remember more about this trip including stops at Universal Studios, driving through the California Redwoods Forest, a stop at the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and much more.

In front of the Grand Canyon

As with the 1969 trip, we stayed every night in our camper. We probably ate no more than two or three meals that were not prepared by my mom, unless we were visiting friends or relatives. In fact, one thing I remember very well is stopping at rest stops for lunch and my parents pulling out the cooler and my mom making sandwiches.

We saw many of the beautiful sights of the US. We had lots of family time. We had lots of laughs. We were hot, we were cold. We argued and played. We got rained on, we saw snow (in July). I think as kids it was mostly a great time. We didn't have to worry about driving or cooking. We were very lucky to see all that we did. Thanks Mom and Dad.

Treasure Chest Thursday - A Blog Book

2010-07-22T11:44:00.000-04:00

Just yesterday I received a book with most of my blog postings for the first six months of this blog. I made it using the software from blurb.com and the "download from your blog" option. Basically, the blurb software downloads all the posts from your blog and loads them into some default book page templates. You can then edit to your hearts content - adding and removing pages, pictures and text.

After a few days of editing, I used my 20% off coupon (always got to have a coupon!) and sent the book off for publishing. A little over a week later my book arrived. It is a 7" x 7" format, softcover with premium paper. All 108 pages for only $18.36 plus $6.99 shipping. I couldn't be happier!

Go to www.blurb.com for more information, ideas and pricing. Kathy

FYI, I have no affiliation with blurb.com

We Did That Too! Plus Cookies and Mosquitoes!

2010-07-21T13:17:00.001-04:00

This past weekend, July 16-18th, 2010, President Obama and his family took a vacation to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine. We got to see them climbing up Cadillac Mountain and taking in all the beautiful scenery!

Back in the summer of 1995, we took a trip to Acadia for our summer vacation. We didn't stay in a nice hotel or have the secret service clear the way for us. However, we have very fond memories of our time there.

We visited Acadia in late June 1995. We setup our tent as the biggest mosquitoes I have ever seen swarmed at us from all directions. The kids, 6 and 8, don't remember that part. They remember telling us they were hungry, and me handing them a bag of Chip's Ahoy cookies. When they asked how many could they have (usually the limit was two apiece), I said "As many as you want! Now go play while we set up this tent!" Only years later did I learn that they took that permission to heart and each had 6 or 8 cookies!

Like the Obamas, we went to the top of Cadillac Mountain

We enjoyed a few hours at wonderful Sand Beach

We sat around a good camp-fire

where it wasn't too cold for marshmallows. However, even the smoke couldn't keep the mosquitoes away!

Mosquitoes were the bane of the trip! Either you were warm by the fire with mosquitoes or cold in the screen room without. That left us going to bed at about 8 pm. We coped for a couple of days, saw all the main views and packed up for home earlier than we had planned. We braved a few more tent camping trips before my husband declared that renting a house or a condo for the week would be more to his liking. Since then that has been our way! Beds, sofas, TVs, showers, rugs, kitchens and SCREENS have been part of our motto! But as always, the trials of life seem to bring the most vivid memories.

I hope the Obamas enjoyed themselves. I hear they stayed in a hotel (with screens no doubt)! Acadia National Park is a wonderful place where mountains meet islands and the sea. Cadillac Mountain is the tallest peak on America's North Atlantic seaboard at 1532 feet. The view is magnificent. There are also many hiking paths, lakes and other vistas to enjoy. One caveat, the water is cold! It rarely gets above 55 degrees, even in the summer.

All and all, I have buzzing great memories of my stay there!

Tombstone Tuesday - Maria Campbell Megginson

2010-07-20T11:55:00.001-04:00

Hollywood Cemetery

Richmond City, Virginia

Maria Campbell Hening Megginson

b. April 30, 1846 Jefferson, Powhatan, Virginia

d. June 12, 1922 Virginia

Maria is my husband's great-great grandmother. She was the 2nd wife of Benjamin Cabell Megginson.

Treasure Chest Thursday - All Grown Up

2010-07-15T20:24:00.000-04:00

Today my youngest, my son John, is 21 years old! If he isn't a treasure I don't know what one is!!

I could hardly decide which picture to include here. What fun to look through at all the fun times we have had!

Happy Birthday John!

Tombstone Tuesday - Thomas Miner

2010-07-13T20:32:00.002-04:00

Wequetequock Burial Ground

Stonington, New London, Connecticut

Thomas Miner

b. April 23, 1608 Chew-Magna, Somerset, England

d. October 23 1690 Quiambaug, Stonington, New London, Connecticut

Thomas is my husband's 9th great-grandfather. He was one of the founding members of the town of Quiambaug, now Stonington, Connecticut.

Update to Wedding Cake Toppers!

2010-06-29T18:03:00.000-04:00

I don't know how I forgot this! My nephew was married last year in China to his Chinese Bride. The kewpie doll wedding cake topper was taken to China. In China, wedding cakes are not usually part of the tradition. My niece managed to make a cake, in a toaster oven because ovens are not even that usual, and the kewpie dolls made their appearance. Hooray to the tradition going strong in its 3rd generation!

Sentimental Sunday - Wedding Cake Toppers

2010-06-27T16:18:00.002-04:00

My husband is one of seven children, six of them married. When the first of his siblings were being wed, his parents found the wedding cake topper that they had used on their wedding cake almost 25 years earlier. J&F decided to use it on their cake. Thus was born a wonderful tradition. Next S&N were married and they too used the same topper for their cake. My husband and I were married next, on June 14, 1980 - yes, 30 years ago this year! Here we are!

Now this picture doesn't really show the kewpie doll wedding topper so here is a close-up. (Not the best picture I have - I will try to find a better one and post it here).

Well, a few years later H&J were married and used the same topper followed by T&J. Five family weddings with the same wedding cake topper! And the same one that my husband's parents had used. A grand tradition we all enjoyed.

One day while watching some old slides from my husband's grandparents collection, the following picture popped onto the screen and the entire crew began laughing at once!

It is my in-laws, at their wedding on November 22, 1952. It doesn't take much to see that the wedding cake topper is not the kewpie dolls. Who had they originally belonged to? Well, that question was never answered, but we all agreed that we still loved our kewpie doll topper tradition. To include my in-laws, on their 50th wedding anniversary, where it was a PIE-anniversary, the kewpie dolls topped the anniversary pie.

Although the tradition began by accident, it is one that I am happy to be a part of. All the marriages are going strong, including my in-laws who have now been married 57 years! Soon the next generation of this family will be getting married. I will encourage all I can to take part in this wonderful celebration of family!

Ain't families grand!

Foster Family Photo

2010-06-25T10:20:00.000-04:00

The Children of Asa & Sarah (Morrill) Foster

Asa and Sarah (Morrill) Foster had 12 children, all born in Canterbury, New Hampshire. This picture is of ten of them! (See my post on Sarah's efforts to receive Asa's pension after he died here).

Seated (l-r):       Asa Foster b. September 2, 1795
                         Lucy Foster      b. January 30, 1797
                        Adams Foster b. February 22, 1800
                  Mehitable Foster    b. October 21, 1803
Standing (l-r):    Caroline Foster      b. January 13, 1816
                         Newel Foster        b. February 7, 1814
                         David Foster         b. October 11, 1811
                         Stephen Foster      b. November 17, 1809
                         Galen Foster         b. October 10, 1807
                         Sarah Foster         b. December 7, 1805

I am not sure exactly where or when the photo was taken, but I think it is wonderful that they all came together to have this picture taken!!

This amazing photo came to me via a cousin of my husband.

Tombstone Tuesday - Charles & Edna McKiel

2010-06-22T09:20:00.000-04:00

McDonald's Point Cemetery

Wickham, Queens, New Brunswick, Canada

Charles Loran McKiel

b. March 31, 1902 Queens, New Brunswick, Canada

d. 1970 Queens, New Brunswick, Canada

Edna P. Coleman McKiel

b. 1905

d. 1993 Queens, New Brunswick, Canada

Surname Saturday - Todd

2010-06-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

On my husband's side of the family comes the Todd family.

The oldest ancestor here that I have discoverd is George Todd. He was born about 1745 in Scotland and died about 1810 in Virginia or Tennessee. He married Elizabeth (Leipner?).

Son James was born was born about 1784. He married Susanna Loving/Lovern on January 2, 1785 in Richmond, Henrico, Virginia. James served in the War of 1812 in Captain Presser's Calvary Troop. He had children Royal, Mabel, Emma and Lafoster. James died about 1816.

Royal Todd was born about April 14, 1809. He married his cousin Elizabeth Todd on November 11, 1830 at the White Oak Swamp Friends Church in Henrico, Virginia. They had children Susan, William, Charles, Thomas, John, Emma and Walter. Royal enlisted as a private in Company A, 1st Reserves, Infantry Regiment of Virginia during the Civil War. He died February 1, 1880 in Richmond and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond City, Virginia.

Thomas Jefferson Todd was born December 23, 1845. He married Eliza Park Megginson on June 30, 1903 in Richmond, Virginia. They had children Elizabeth, Thomas and Wilson. Thomas died September 17, 1917 in Richmond.

Elizabeth Campbell Todd was born July 16, 1904 in Richmond. She married Lorenzo Foster Kinney March 19, 1927 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Richmond. They lived in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. She had three children. She died January 4, 1992 in South Kingstown and is buried in New Fernwood Cemetery. Elizabeth was my husband's grandmother.

Tombstone Tuesday - Asa Foster & Sarah Morrill Foster

2010-06-15T19:50:00.000-04:00

From Center Cemetery

Canterbury, Merrimack, New Hampshire

Asa Foster

b. June 3, 1765 Canterbury, Merrimack, New Hampshire

d. August 20, 1861 Canterbury, Merrimack, New Hampshire

Sarah Morrill Foster

b. May 17, 1772 Canterbury, Merrimack, New Hampshire

d. March 28, 1868 Canterbury, Merrimack, New Hampshire

Sarah Foster and Her Deceased Husband's Pension

2010-06-14T17:56:00.001-04:00

Asa Foster was born June 3, 1765 in Canterbury, Merrimack, New Hampshire (see my post about the Foster family here). He was married to Sarah Morrill on November 10, 1794 in Canterbury. Asa served in the Revolutionary War as a private in Captain Ebenezer Webster's Company. He enlisted July 5, 1780 and was discharged on October 25, 1780.

The following is from Asa's pension file, found on footnote.com. Asa did not collect a pension or the land bounty offered him. However, after his death his wife Sarah did apply for the pension. The following affidavit is from their son Galen.

I Galen Foster a resident of Erie in the County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania a son of Asa Foster late of Canterbury in the County of Merrimack and state of New Hampshire deceased, testify, and say, that since my earliest recollection I have often heard my father the said Asa Foster say that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary army at West Point in the State of New York at the time of General Arnold's treason, and that he saw Arnold go down the river in a boat at the time he fled to the British, and that he was on General Arnold's lifeguard a few days before that event, but that at the time that event took place he was unwell and excused from that duty. I have frequently heard him speak of seeing Gen. Washington at West Point shortly after Arnold left.
I have many times heard my father say that he served under Captain Webster father of the late Honorable Daniel Webster of Massachusetts deceased I have also heard him mention the name of his Colonel but as it was not one with which I was historically acquainted, as in the case of Capt. Webster, I do not recollect it.
I have often hear him mention incidents of his march from Amherst in the state of New Hampshire to West Point and when he has known of my passing through Springfield Mass he has often inquired of some large elm trees which made an impression on his mind at the time he passed there in his march, were still standing. On the 4th of July last (1861) he mentioned in his family that it was just eighty one years that day since he enlisted in the Revolutionary army. He then stated he enlisted at Canterbury and that he was at the time just fifteen years and one month and one day old at the time. He then stated that his father went down to Amherst New Hampshire riding one horse and leading another for him to ride home on thinking that he was so small that he would be rejected when he got to Amherst.
I have many times heard my father, in answer to inquiries of his friends, why he did not apply for a pension, say that he held that all war was wrong, and therefore it would be wrong to receive a pension for having been a soldier - after that passage of the Act of Congress giving bounty lands to soldiers, I asked him if he would apply for his land, he replied no that he would not, that he could see no difference between that and receiving a pension, and that he had long since settled it, in his own mind, that it would be wrong for him to receive a pension for having done wrong in going into the army and he did not wish to revise the decision he had made when his mind was strong.
I further state that my father died on the 21st of August 1861 and that my mother Sarah still survives and remains a widow. And that I have no interest in her claim to bounty land.

Galen Foster

State of New Hampshire, Merrimack County. Subscribed and Affirmed to this twenty fifth day of April A.D. 1862 And I certify that the said Galen Foster is a credible witness and that I have no interest in this claim.
Ebenezer Batchelder, Justice of the Peace

Surname Saturday - Foster

2010-06-12T10:38:00.000-04:00

Today is the surname Foster, from my husband's family.

The line begins with the immigrant ancestor Reginald Foster. He was born about 1595 in Exeter, Devon, England. He was married to Judith Wignol. Reginald and Judith had children William, Mary, Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Reginald, all born in England. Reginald and his family came to Ipswich, Massachusetts from England in 1638. Reginald died in 1681 in Ipswich.

Son William Foster was born about 1633 in England. He married Mary Jackson on May 15, 1661 in Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts. They had children Mary, Judith, Jonathan, William, Timothy, Hannah, David, Joseph and Samuel. William died on May 17, 1713 in Rowley.

William Foster was born 1670 in Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts. He was a weaver by trade. William married Sarah Kimball on July 6, 1690. They had children Sarah, Mary, John, Hannah, Lydia and Asa. William died August 29, 1755 in Andover, Essex, Massachusetts.

Asa Foster was born June 16, 1710 in Andover, Essex, Massachusetts. He married Elizabeth Abbott on October 26, 1732 in Andover. They had children Asa, Abiel, Daniel, David, David, Elizabeth, Jonathan and Sarah. Asa was a Captain in the French and Indian War. He led an expedition to Canada in 1758. His original dairy of this expedition is held at the New England Historic Genealogical Society. While on an expedition against Ticonderoga in 1758, Asa learned that his wife had died. Asa married 2nd Lucy Rogers Wise and had a daughter Lucy. Asa died July 17, 1787 in Andover.

My husband's family is descended from two children of Asa and Elizabeth - Asa and Sarah.

Asa Foster was born August 29, 1733 in Andover, Essex, Massachusetts. He built the first gristmill in that town. He was also a Deacon. He married Hannah Symonds on November 16, 1762 in Boxford, Massachusetts. They had children Asa, Susanna and Mehitable. Asa died September 23, 1814.

Asa Foster was born June 3, 1765 in Canterbury, Merrimack, New Hampshire. He was a private in the American Revolution, serving in Captain Ebenezer Webster's Company of Colonel Moses Nichol's Regiment. He was at West Point when Benedict Arnold left for the British side. He married Sarah Morrill on November 10, 1794 in Canterbury. They had Lucy, Hannah, Asa, Adams, Harrison, Mehitable, Sarah, Galen, Stephen, David, Newel and Caroline. Asa died August 20, 1861 in Andover.

Adams Foster was born February 18, 1800 in Canterbury, Merrimack, New Hampshire. He married Sarah Eastman on November 21, 1832 in Concord, New Hampshire. They had children Cyrus, Ann Maria, Emma, Asa and Charles. Adams died November 18, 1873 in Holden, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Ann Maria Foster was born August 3, 1836 in Canterbury, Merrimack, New Hamphsire. She married Farnk Joel Kinney on May 30, 1858. They had children Herbert, Lorenzo, Henry, Emma, Asa, Clarence and Sarah. Ann Maria Foster Kinney died June 13, 1890 in Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts and is buried in Hope Cemetery in that town. Ann Maria Foster Kinney was my husband's great-great grandmother.

Back to Asa and Elizabeth's daughter Sarah, from whom my husband also descends. Sarah Foster was born February 15, 1750 in Andover, Essex, Massachusetts. She married Timothy Bradley on December 23, 1773 in Andover. They had children Elizabeth, Asa, Sarah, Abiah, Hannah, Timothy, Foster and Abiel. Sarah died on February 7, 1825 in Concord, Rockingham, New Hampshire.

Sarah "Sally" Bradley was born on April 26, 1779 in Concord, New Hampshire. She married Charles Eastman on November 29, 1798. They had Lucy, Eliza, Maria, Sarah, Lycergus and Lucretia. Sarah died on December 7, 1809 in Concord.

Daughter Sarah Bradley married Adams Foster of this Foster line!

Wordless Wednesday - Papa and his Grandson

2010-06-09T19:59:00.001-04:00

My son John and his grandfather, World War II Veteran Antonio Faella

May 31, 2004

Surname Saturday - Kinney/Kinne

2010-06-05T14:37:00.000-04:00

Today I will write about my husband's mother's family line of Kinney.

The knowledge I have of this line begins with the immigrant ancestor Henry Kinne. Henry was born July 18, 1633 in King's Lynne, Norfolk, England. He married Ann Putnam on October 12, 1649 in England. He and Ann arrived in American in 1635 on the "Elizabeth and Ann" from London.   They settled in Salem, Massachusetts. He served in King Philip's War under Major Sedgwick. He died on June 6, 1712 in Salem. His children were John, Thomas, Hannah, Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth, Lydia and Henry.

John Kinne was born January 11, 1651 in Salem, Massachusetts. He married Elizabeth Looke on June 17, 1675 in Salem. He was a soldier in King Philip's War and was a Deacon. He died about 1718 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. His children were John, Elizabeth, Mary, Rachel, Lydia, Samuel, Sarah, Nathan and Thomas.

John Kinne was born March 25, 1676 in Salem. He married Mary Smith in Hadley, Massachusetts. He died March 28, 1776 in Middleton, Massachusetts. His children were Mary, Josiah, Benjamin, Pearly, John, Bartholomew, Elisha and David.

Benjamin Kinne was born October 1, 1709 in Salem, Massachusetts. He served in the French and Indian War.   He married first Thankful Rude on December 24, 1745 in Preston, Connecticut. They had children Persis, David, Asa, Elizabeth and Benjamin. He married second Sarah Bump on September 3, 1757 in Preston. They had children Sarah, Josiah, Alphard and Elizabeth. He married third Elizabeth Richards on March 8, 1714 in Preston. He died about 1798 in Preston.

Benjamin Kinne was born December 14, 1755 in Preston. He was a carpenter and a joiner. He married Martha Harris on February 7, 1782 in Lebanon, Connecticut. He was in the Battle of Bunker Hill, and was discharged March 12, 1781. In 1787, the family moved to Sunderland, Vermont. He died December 24, 1825 in Sunderland. His children were Joel and Dysa.

Joel Kinney was born August 24, 1792 in Sunderland. He served in the Vermont Legislature and was a Justice of the Peace. He married Clarissa Ford on January 18, 1814 in Peru, Massachusetts. He died November 3, 1864 in Sunderland. His children were Charles, Benjamin, Lorenzo, Laura, Elizabeth and Frank Joel.

Frank Joel Kinney was born Mary 30, 1833 in Sunderland, Vermont. He was a farmer and a Nursery Owner in Worcester, Massachusetts. He married first Ann Maria Foster on May 30, 1858. His children were Herbert, Lorenzo, Henry, Emma, Asa, Clarence and Sarah. He married second Fanny Dodd. They had Robert, Lucinda and Frank. He died on April 14, 1817 in Worcester and is buried in Hope Cemetery there.

Lorenzo Foster Kinney was born October 8, 1862 in Sunderland, Vermont. He was the first professor appointed to Rhode Island State College (now The University of Rhode Island), coming to the experiment station in 1889. He married Helen May Wells on July 9, 1891 in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He was the proprietor of Lowland Rhododendron Farm in Kingston. He died on September 9, 1944 in South Kingstown and is buried in New Fernwood Cemetery. His children were Foster, Lorenzo, Esther, Helen and Galen.

Lorenzo Foster Kinney was born December 11, 1893 in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He was State 4-H leader and the owner of Kinney Azaleas Gardens in Kingston. He married Elizabeth Campbell Todd on March 19, 1927 in Richmond, Virginia. He died on April 20, 1994 in South Kingstown and is buried at New Fernwood Cemetery.   He was my husband's grandfather.

Wordless Wednesday - Marilyn and Edwina

2010-06-02T18:03:00.002-04:00

Tombstone Tuesday - Benjamin Johnson

2010-06-01T21:51:00.000-04:00

Old Stone Church Burial Ground

East Lyme, Connecticut

Benjamin Johnson

b. September 17, 1795 Lyme, New London, Connecticut

d. October 6, 1862 East Lyme, New London, Connecticut

Benjamin Johnson is my husband's 3rd great-grandfather. He served in the War of 1812.

Memorial Day 2010 - Brothers in Service, World War II

2010-05-30T22:09:00.002-04:00

This memorial day I would like to remember my husband's uncles and his father who all served in World War II.

Antonio, Vincenzo "Jack" and Sylvio Faella

Antonio is my husband's dad. He was in the Navy, serving in the pacific aboard the submarine the USS Spearfish. He served from about May 1942 through December 1945.

The middle son is Jack, my husband's uncle. He was the youngest of the three and as of this picture was not yet old enough to serve. He served with the Navy on the destroyer the USS Tillman. He was born April 9, 1926 and died March 3, 2003 and is buried at the Rhode Island Veteran's Cemetery.

Sylvio was the oldest Faella brother. He served as a Chief Commissary Steward aboard the USS Wasp. He was killed in action on March 19, 1945, when at about 7:10 am, the aircraft carrier was hit by a bomb. He was buried at sea. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. He is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. (His service records all have his last name as Faela)

On this memorial day, I want to thank not only the Faella men who served but also all who have defended our country through the years. Special thanks go to those currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

God Bless them one and all!

Fearless Family Friday - Zip Lining

2010-05-21T21:05:00.001-04:00

Warning: Not genealogy related.

Today my husband, son, mother and I had a grand adventure. We went zip lining in New Hampshire. There were 5 zip lines, including a 1500' long, 200' high ride about the ground, with gorgeous views of the mountains of New Hampshire. It was a great time. A little scary, a bit out of our comfort zone and just wonderful!

Here is my son coming in for a landing.

And my mother.

And my husband crossing one of the gorges.

Wow!!!

Quite a day!

Wordless Wednesday - Farmer and Hunter

2010-05-19T19:39:00.000-04:00

My grandfather Ross Hannon was a farmer and a hunter. He and Jigs, the dog, hunted raccoon at night. The dog would drive the raccoons up into a tree where they were easily shot. My mother remembers that he got about 50 cents per hide. The deer was butchered for the family to eat. The picture is from 1952, when my grandfather supported his family of five with many different trades. They were a poor farming family in Palermo, Maine doing what they could to get by. Ross was a very friendly, helpful and well-liked man. He and his neighbors helped each other when ever they could. It was a tough life but family, friends and neighbors made it all bearable.

Agriculture Schedules - John and Richard Hannan

2010-05-15T10:07:00.000-04:00

As quite a few bloggers have mentioned, Ancestry.com now has some Non-Population Schedules from 1850-1880. They include schedules for agriculture, industry and manufacturing. Since many of my ancestors were life-long farmers, it seemed time to for me to check them out.

I started with the 1850 schedules for my Hannan relatives in Maine. I found my ggg-grandfather John Hannan and his son, my gg-grandfather Richard Hannan listed in the Liberty, Waldo, Maine Agriculture schedule, conveniently on the same page.

Each individual begins on the right hand-side page of a two-page spread, and continues on the next page. Here are the full pages for my Hannan ancestors.

So what do they say? John's farm is listed as being 100 acres, 20 of them improved (in use) with a cash value of $400. He lists 3 milch cows (milking), 4 working oxen, 2 other cattle, 12 sheep, and 1 swine (pig). The total value of the lifestock is reported as $200. He reports 30 bushels of indian corn, 15 bushels of oats, 25 pounds of wool, 4 bushels of peas and beans 15 bushels of barley, 150 pounds of butter and 15 tons of hay. Lastly, he reports $50 of home-made manufacture. The value of his slaughtered animals is $240. At this time in his life, John had been in the US about 38 years. He had 2 sons helping him with his farm.

Richard Hannan, John's son, is listed on the same page. He reports his farm as being 250 acres, 30 of which are improved. The cash value is $800. He lists 1 horse, 2 milch cows, 2 oxen, 2 other cattle, 9 sheep with a livestock value of $160. He also has 15 bushels of indian corn, 30 bushels of oats, 28 pounds of wool, 4 bushels of peas and beans, 20 bushels of barley, 50 pounds of butter, 12 tons of hay, $40 worth of home-made manufacture and $100 value of slaughtered animals. Richard was about 26 years old in 1850. He had married in 1849.

Both John's and Richard's farms seem about average in size and content compared to those in the same area. They are not the largest or most prosperous, neither are significantly poorer than those around them.

Next up, how did the farms appear in subsequent years. I also would like to locate the actual location of their farms. Interesting stuff!!

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun (a bit late)

2010-05-09T15:14:00.001-04:00

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun has been presented over at Randy's Genea-Musings. This week he asks:

1) List your matrilineal line - your mother, her mother, etc. back to the first identifiable mother. Note: this line is how your mitochondrial DNA was passed to you!

Although it is now Sunday afternoon, I thought I would list mine ...

Me
Mom
Beatrice Natalie Hall (June 17, 1906 - June 9, 1976)
Leilia Elva Dow (January 11, 1881 - April 24, 1912)
Emily Judson Maxell (May 20, 1853 - September 11, 1916)
Elizabeth (Betsey) Jane Colson (June 20, 1819 - October 16, 1907)
Anna Moffat (abt 1777 Ireland - August 10, 1849)

Doing this made me see that I have very few details and sources for my grandmothers, especially after Leilia. I will need to work on this!

I have never had a mitochondrial DNA test (or any DNA test) done. I haven't followed the DNA testing work - not sure what one can really find out.

Tombstone Tuesday - The Children of Stephen & Eliza Gardner

2010-05-04T19:54:00.001-04:00

Old Fernwood Cemetery

South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Elisha H. Gardner

April 9, 1843 - October 7, 1843

Abby T. Gardner

March 4, 1845 - August 1, 1845

Elisha H. Gardner

January 14, 1847 - July 9, 1847

Children of Stephen & Eliza J. Gardner

This family is not from my family tree and I don't know any information about them. It just seemed like a very sad tale was told on this stone. Three children who all died within a few months of being born.

Rest in Peace,

Elisha, Abby, Elisha and your parents Stephen and Eliza.

Sentimental Sunday - Home to Maine

2010-05-02T17:24:00.006-04:00

For most of my childhood years we lived here in Rhode Island. My parents, however, were both born in Maine. At least once a month, on Friday night, we headed "home" to Maine for the weekend. In the early days the drive was about 6 hours long. We piled into the station wagon, argued over who got the "way back" (with the mattress) and settled in for the drive. There were no VCR screens, no hand-held games, no electronic entertainment. We just had each other and maybe a book or two. Back then many of the highways were made from concrete sections, and I can still sleep very nicely to the "thump, thump, thump" our car made as we travelled along.

We were always ready to go, after all, many of our cousins lived at the end of the ride. We usually stayed at the McKiel farm in Albion, Maine. It was the farm my grandparents owned for almost all of their married lives. Milking cows were the primary business and although my grandfather died when I was quite young, and the barns belonged to others, the smell of cows and their output are still a fond one for me.

The Albion Home of Harry & Elsie McKiel

On our trips "home" we also spent time at my mother's parents house. They too had a farm and raised milking cows, as well as growing hay. Their home had no cow smells nearby when I visited and I think my strongest memory is of my grandfathers rocker that had a swivel base and could spin around and around and around ... till some one told us to stop "for the ninth time!"

Here is my Mom in front the the Hannan Home in Palermo

The following is a picture of my grandfather Harry McKiel's cows the night before they were auctioned off when his health wouldn't allow him to continue farming (in about 1957). They are holsteins, known for their good dairy production.

We enjoyed our frequent trips to Maine for a long time. Till those dreaded teen years when all the other activities of our lives became so very important. I don't know what age it happened, but I distinctly remember feeling that my parents saying we were "going home" to Maine was incorrect. Home was Rhode Island and I didn't really like it that they thought otherwise. Thankfully, we all do grow up and I certainly understand how they felt about "home" now that I am an adult. My parents have told me some stories about their growing up adventures on a farm in Maine. I think I need to get more and document them better!!

Thanks for listening.

Wordless Wednesday - Cats All Around!

2010-04-28T18:31:00.000-04:00

The Hannan Sisters with their cats!

Palermo, Maine

early 1950s

Tombstone Tuesday - Foster Wells Kinney

2010-04-27T16:45:00.000-04:00

Old Fernwood Cemetery

Kingston, Rhode Island

Foster Wells Kinney

born: August 17, 1892 South Kingstown, Washington, Rhode Island

died: July 5, 1893 South Kingstown, Washington, Rhode Island

Foster was the first child of my husband's great-grandparents, Lorenzo and Helen May (Wells) Kinney.

Surname Saturday - Dunton

2010-04-17T14:24:00.002-04:00

Today I will outline eight generations of my Dunton line.

Prudence Dunton, my 3rd great-grandmother, was born September 19, 1806 in Westport, Lincoln, Maine. She married Norton Phillips Parsons on December 20, 1825 in Edgecomb, Lincoln, Maine. They had seven children - George, Eliza, Ozais, Stephen, Westbrook, Merrill and Norton. Prudence's husband Norton died before the 1860 census, leaving her a widow at a fairly young age. She is found in the 1870 and 1880 census' with her son Norton. Prudence died January 2, 1894 in Palermo, Waldo, Maine.

Stephen Dunton was born January 6, 1782 in Westport, Lincoln, Maine. He was a farmer. He married Dorothy Knight on November 30, 1803 in Edgecomb, Lincoln, Maine. They had eight children - Prudence, Lucy, Eliza Ann, Stephen, Merrill, Lydia, Caroline and Susan. Stephen died February 16, 1873 in Westport.

Samuel Dunton was born 1745 in Westport, Lincoln, Maine. He married Lydia Crosby November 17, 1768 in Woolwich, Lincoln, Maine. They had eight children - Samuel, Eunice, Joseph, Lydia, Susanna, Stephen, Abner and Simon. Samuel died in Westport.

Timothy Dunton was born August 20, 1715 in Sudbury, Middlesex, Massachusetts. He was a seaman, fisherman and farmer. He married Mary Elizabeth Smith on December 17, 1737 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts. Timothy was an early settler of Maine, going first to Woolwich and then to "Jeremy Squam" Island, now Westport. He was one of the signers of the petition to incorporate Wiscasset, Maine. He had nine children - Joseph, John, Samuel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Abner, Timothy, Daniel and Ruth. He died after 1805 in Westport.

John Dunton was born December 28, 1686 in Reading, Middlesex, Massachusetts. He was a wheelwright. He married Sarah Jeffords on February 9, 1715 in Reading. He had five known children - Timothy, Samuel, John, Anna and Sheubal. He died in Reading.

John Dunton was born May 14, 1665 in Reading, Middlesex, Massachusetts. He was married to Ruth in 1686. They had nine children - John, Samuel, Ruth, Elizabeth, Thomas, Joseph, Mary, Sarah and Hepzibeth. John died in 1721.

Samuel Dunton was born about 1627 in England. He is first mentioned in Lynn, Massachusetts. He was a wheelwright and was named on the list of proprietors at Reading, Massachusetts in 1644. He married (H)Anna Felch. They had nine children - Samuel, Hannah, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Ruth, John and Thomas. Samuel fought in King Phillip's War. Samuel died November 7, 1683 in Reading, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

Robert Dunton was born about 1597 in England. He immigrated about 1639 to Lynn, Massachusetts with son Samuel.

Tombstone Tuesday - Thomas and Eliza (Megginson) Todd

2010-04-13T13:52:00.000-04:00

Hollywood Cemetery

Richmond City

Richmond, Virginia

Thomas Jefferson Todd

b. December 23, 1845

d. September 17, 1917

Eliza Parke Megginson Todd

b. June 12, 1881

d. July 20, 1919

Thomas and Eliza are my husband's great-grandparents. They were both born and died in Virginia.

Surname Saturday - Belyea/Bulyea/Boulier

2010-04-10T10:22:00.000-04:00

My great-great-grandmother was Martha Jane Belyea. She was born March 6, 1840 in Wickham, Queens, New Brunswick, Canada. She was married to William Henry Craft in 1862. They had 10 children, Anna Eugenia, Robert, Frederick, Sarah Jemima, Albert Henry, John Howard, George, Ernest, Harry and Ida Maude Craft. Martha died on January 11, 1931 in Queens, New Brunswick.

Martha Jane Belyea

Abraham Belyea was the father of Martha Jane. He was born on March 8, 1803 in New Brunswick, Canada. He married Sarah Gerow on December 15, 1824. He was a farmer and the father of nine children: George, John Stephen, Sarah Ann, Jemima, Thomas, Leverett, James, Martha Jane and Elizabeth. He died October 30, 1883 in New Brunswick.

James Albert Belyea was born in 1755 at Cortlandt Manor, Westchester, New York. He was a loyalist during the American Revolution, fighting for the British. After the war, he and other loyalists migrated to Canada. He married Jemima Purdy in 1782 in White Plains, Westchester, New York. They had 16 children: Thomas, James, Henry, Oliver, Pheobe, Polly, Jemima, Nehemiah, Nancy, John, Lucy, Abraham, Stephen, Hannah, Coles and Archilaus. He died in 1840 in St. John's, New Brunswick, Canada.

Hendrick "Henry" Belyea was born April 17, 1700 in Tarrytown, Westchester, New York. He married first Deborah Carpenter in 1739. They had 4 children: John, Mary, Judith, and Joseph. After Deborah died he married Engeltjie "Angelica" Storm in 1755. She was the widow of Abraham Jurckse. They had eight children: James Albert, Deborah, Abraham, Wintie, Thomas, Robert, Henry and William. Hendrick was also a loyalist and removed to New Brunswick, Canada after the American Revolution. He died about 1803 in Greenwich, New Brunswick, Canada.

Jan Boulier was born before 1698 in Long Island, New York. He married Helena Willamse in 1719. They had seven children: Hendrick, Marytie, Rachel, Helena, Catharina, Jane, Robben. He died in 1766.

Louis Boulier, the first of this family to come to America, was born about 1672 in Saintonge, France. He was said to have been a Huguenot mariner who fled France to escape persecution following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. He married Anna Konninck in 1697 in Hackensack, New Jersey. They had three children: Jan, Jacob and Catherine.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Get me a Minister!

2010-04-08T09:22:00.000-04:00

My parents have saved this letter that they received from the minister who performed their marriage ceremony. My mom just showed it to me the other day. I don't think I had seen it before and am quite surprised and pleased that they saved it!

Ancestor Approved Award

2010-04-06T21:17:00.005-04:00

I am very humbled to receive this award from my fellow geneabloggers, Karen at Ancestor Soup, Carol at Reflections From the Fence and Hummer at Branching Out Through the Years. You guys are all wonderful and give me such inspiration to continue to share my ancestor's stories!

Now as I understand it, I am to list 10 things I have learned about my ancestors that have surprised, humbled or enlightened me and then pass the award on to 10 other genealogy bloggers who I feel are doing their ancestors proud.

1. Humbled by my ancestors who left all that they knew to seek a better life for themselves and their children. Many of them knew they might never again see the ones they left behind.

2. Surprised to find that I have an ancestor who was accused, convicted and hanged for being a witch during the Salem Witch Trials. Her name was Margaret Stephenson Scott and she was my 10th-great grandmother.

3. Surprised to learn that my grandfather Ross Hannan was the valedictorian of his 8th grade class. Unfortunately, he was unable to get transportation to continue his schooling.

4. Enlightened to learn more about my loyalist ancestors, those very ancestors that my grandmother Elsie Robinson McKiel was so very proud of.

5. Surprised by the stories of my ancestors who hung in there in the Maine wilderness through unsettled times with the Indians.

6. Humbled by the many ancestors who served (and continue to serve) our country in the armed forces.

7. Humbled by my 3rd great-grandparents, Moses and Aurilla Gowen's, tragedy of 1861. Four of their seven children, Dorcas, Moses, Sarah and Sylvia, died in three short months.

8. Enlightened by the many countries from which my ancestors originated. Given that almost all of them lived in Maine or Massachusetts in this country, it is amazing how wide spread their home countries are.

9. Enlightened by the longevity of my ancestors. I always thought most early New Englanders lived much shorter lives than present day but I am surprised how many of my ancestors lived to their 80s and 90s.

10. Humbled by my ancestors who left all that they knew to seek a better life ... oh wait, I said that. However, I think I am most impressed by this fact. Living most of my life in the same town and being a bit of a homebody, I am most suprised, enlightened, humbled and proud of my ancestors who took on the unknown (and persevered) to make their way to this country and improve life for the generations to come.

I am passing this on to the following bloggers:

Lynn at The Armchair Genealogist
Mavis at Georgia Black Crackers
Renate at Into the Light
Wendy at New England Genealogy
Nuccia at Growing Up in an Italian Family
Midge from Granite in My Blood

Tombstone Tuesday - William A. Hannan

2010-04-06T17:56:00.000-04:00

Hannan Cemetery

Palermo, Maine

William A. Hannan

born August 21, 1846 Liberty, Waldo, Maine

died May 6, 1905 Liberty, Waldo, Maine

William Hannan is my 1st cousin 3 times removed. He was the son of John Colby Hannan and Julia (Overlock) Hannan. He served in the Civil War in the 19th Maine Infantry and the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery.

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-04T17:46:00.001-04:00

I know this looks like a pregnant Easter bunny but it is actually a treasured family heirloom. In my husband's Italian family, Easter breakfast is a big tradition. All the aunts, uncles and cousins, along with assorted friends and neighbors come for breakfast/brunch. There is always eggs, ham, bacon, rice pie, strata, fruit, egg biscuits, Portuguese sweet egg bread (I know, not Italian, but someone married a Portuguese guy), chocolate eggs, jelly beans ... you get the picture! Lots of good stuff.

About 20 years ago Uncle Jack made this bunny out of plywood and now each family that hosts the breakfast must host the bunny prominently displayed in their front yard. A few years ago we also started having the host family sign and date the back. An heirloom was born!

So if you ever find yourself in southern Rhode Island on Easter Sunday and you spot this bunny, just pop in. No one will question your presence. Just say you're related to Tony or Jack or one of the aunts and fill your plate. Say Hap-py Easter, with emphasis on the Hap, and you'll be all set.

Here's a Bunny Happy Easter to You All!

Treasure Chest Thursday - Palermo Grammar School Graduation

2010-04-02T09:49:00.000-04:00

This is the Graduation Program of my grandfather Ross Hannan. He was born and raised in Palermo, Waldo, Maine. The Palermo Grammar School held grades 1-8, and in 1918 my grandfather was finishing eighth grade. You can see him listed as the Valedictorian, giving his speech towards the end of the program. My mother tells me that this was the end of his education because the town had no high school. He could have gone to high school in another town but would have had to have his own transportation and his family could not provide that.

Another interesting note, the ceremony did not being until 8:30 pm. Palermo was a farming town. By waiting til 8:30 pm, most farming chores were done and the families could attend the ceremony.

I am going to list all the names found on this program here in the hopes that anyone looking for my grandfather's classmates might find them.

Mabel Gladys Saban
Gayland Briggs Turner
Verda Elsie Bailey
Sidney Burton Haskell
Earl Andrew Turner
Helen Gertrude Nelson
J. Lyle Trask
Melissa Spratt
Mary Ernestine Moore
Maurice Eugene Tobey
Alice Lena Morang
Ross Newell Hannan
Hazel Gertrude Turner

Tombstone Tuesday - James and Dorothy Gowen

2010-03-30T17:56:00.000-04:00

Smith Cemetery

Bradford, Penobscot, Maine

James Gowen

b. March 5, 1784 Lebanon, York, Maine

d. April 11, 1858 Bradford, Penobscot, Maine

and

Dorothy Pray Gowen

b. November 1786 Lebanon, York, Maine

d. February 17, 1855 Bradford, Penobscot, Maine

Surname Saturday - Gowen

2010-03-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

On my maternal side the Gowen surname begins with my great-great grandmother Esther. 

Esther Patricia Gowen was born January 15, 1848 in Bradford, Penobscot, Maine.  She married Henry Hall on September 27, 1874 in Bradford.  She had five children, Allen, Linda, Evelyn, Edwin and Lizzie Mae.  She died August 6, 1924 in Bradford.  She is buried at William’s Cemetery in Bradford.  

Esther’s father Moses Pray Gowen was born December 8, 1814 in Lebanon, York, Maine.  He was a farmer.  He married Aurilla Bither in Bradford, Maine.  They had 7 children, Sylvia, Cynthia, Draxey, Sarah, Dorcas, Esther and Moses.  In 1861, the family suffered great loss.  On August 26, 15 year old Dorcas died, followed closely by 11 year old Moses (Aug 30), 17 year old Sarah (September 11) and on November 17, newly married mother Sylvia Gowen Pickering also died at only 24 years old.  Moses died on March 10, 1903 in Bradford and is buried in Smith Cemetery, Bradford.

James Gowen was born March 5, 1784 in Lebanon, York, Maine.  He married Dorothy Pray on June 23, 1812 in Lebanon.  They had Sally, Moses and Isaac.  James died April 11, 1858 in Bradford, Maine and is buried in Smith Cemetery.

Patrick Gowen was born December 11, 1745 in Berwick, York, Maine.  He married Abigail Woodsum on January 1, 1777 in Berwick.  They had Mary, James, Samuel, Sarah, Abigail, James, John, Johanna, Draxcy, Miriam, Lemuel and Benjamin.  Patrick died April 12, 1803 in Lebanon, York, Maine.  

Patrick Gowen was born March 20, 1707 in Kittery, York, Maine.  He married Miriam Shackley.  They had children Samuel, David, Patrick, Moses, Benjamin, Abigail, Paul, Stephen and Sarah.  Patrick and Miriam owned the Covenant at the First Church of Berwick, Maine in 1737.  On April 3, 1755, they signed the Covenant of the newly formed Second Church of Berwick, Maine.  In the spring of 1762 Patrick left Kittery and travelled to Upper Chebogue, Nova Scotia, Canada where he resided for the rest of his life.  He died March 5, 1776 and was buried at the Gowen Family Burial Ground, Chebogue Point, Nova Scotia.

Nicholas Gowen was born 1667 in Kittery, York, Maine.  When he was young he was an Indian scout.  He became a lawyer and was admitted to practice in York, Maine, April 6, 1703.  He was a representative to the General Court in 1709.  He married Abigail Hodsdon about 1694.  They had Abigail, Elizabeth, Margaret, Hester, Nicholas, William, Patrick, Anna and James.  He died about 1752 in York, Maine.

William Gowen was born May 10, 1640 in Scotland.  William settled in Kittery, Maine where he was a farmer and a carpenter.  He married Elizabeth Frost on May 14, 1667 in Kittery.  They had children John, William, Elizabeth, James, Margaret, Lemuel, Sarah and Nicholas.  William died April 2, 1686 in Kittery. 

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T19:15:00.000-04:00

Charles Gordon McKiel

My Father

approximately 1934

Albion, Maine

Tombstone Tuesday - Francisco and Concetta Mastrostefano

2010-03-23T15:19:00.001-04:00

St. Francis Cemetery

Wakefield, Rhode Island

Francisco Mastrostefano

b. February 6, 1862 Teano, Italy

d. January 10, 1953 Wakefield, Rhode Island

Concetta DiBiasio Mastrostefano

b. 1867 Italy

d. December 14, 1949 Wakefield, Rhode Island

Francisco Mastrostefano

2010-03-22T14:30:00.001-04:00

Today I am featuring my husband's great-grandfather, Francisco Mastrostefano. Francisco was born in Italy in 1862. He married Concetta DiBiasio in 1867. Francisco and Concetta had some children who were born in Teano, Italy and some in France. Then the family moved to America. Francisco came on the La Gascogne from Havre, France, arriving in New York on February 5, 1905. He traveled with his oldest two daughters, Pasqualina and Maria.

His wife and the rest of the children came some time in 1906. (I have yet to locate them on any passenger lists) One of the children was born August 4, 1906, so Concetta most likely stayed behind till her daughter was born. Francisco's occupation is listed as "shoemaker" on this document. Later US census records show him working in a worsted mill and in a jewelry shop.

No doubt Francisco and Concetta moved their family looking for work and a better life. They have many descendants now who appreciate their sacrifices and love!

A favorite family photo shows Francisco holding his great granddaughter in about 1952. The photo was taken in Rhode Island where most of the family settled.

God Bless you Francisco!

Fearless Females Prompt #20 - Female Brick Wall

2010-03-20T08:45:00.001-04:00

As part of The Accidental Genealogists series Fearless Females, I am finally going to participate by talking about one of my brick wall ancestors.

On my mother's side of the family tree we find my 4th great grandmother Mary Arnold. Mary declared her intention to marry Benjamin Turner on October 1, 1780 in Pownalborough, Maine. This fact is printed in the Bangor Historical Magazine, Volume 7, Page 17.

Other than that, there is no indication where Mary came from. She and Benjamin did marry and had eleven children that I am aware of: David, Nehemiah, Mary, Daniel, Benjamin, Hollis, James, Lois, Fanny, Eunice and Joseph. I am desended from Daniel who married Sardine Jackson.

Back to Mary. I have tried to find her parentage. There are numerous postings on the various message boards for other cousins looking for this very same information.

I decided to try and locate Arnold families in the 1790 census. There are two listed in Lincoln County. Benjamin Arnold in Lincoln with 1-3-3 and William Arnold of Pownalborough with 2-1-2. The first number represents free white males under 16, then free white males over 16 and lastly free white females (got to love the 1790 census). Researching William Arnold led me to:

William Arnold b. 23 June 1728 in Newbury, Essex, Massachusetts who married Elizabeth Colby b. 04 November 1729, also in Newbury. They were married on 27 April 1750 in Newbury. According to Newbury records they had three children there, Thomas b. 1750, William b. 1752 and Elizabeth b. 1755. Then there is no longer any record of them in Newbury.

This William was the son of Capt. Thomas Arnold and Rachel. Elizabeth was the daughter of Ambrose Colby and Elizabeth Lawrence. Ambrose Colby was known to have been born in Amesbury, Massachusetts and have moved to Lincoln County, Maine. In Ambrose's will of 1778, he is of Pownalborough. This is where my Mary Arnold is living when her marriage intention was listed.

The records from Maine are notoriously weak. Other family trees listed on rootsweb and/or ancestry give William and Elizabeth (Colby) Arnold other children born in Maine, including Benjamin b. 1763, Rachel b. 1766 and Joseph b. 1771 in Pownalborough. This would leave room for Mary, who I believe to have been born about 1764. These children were wed in Pownalborough as was Mary. Could this be the Arnold family to which she belongs?

Wordless Wednesday - Sarah Jemima Craft McKiel & Family

2010-03-17T17:59:00.000-04:00

The Sarah & G. Byron McKiel Family

taken about 1904

New Brunswick, Canada

Back Row: Sarah Jemima Craft McKiel

Middle Row: Alice Maud McKiel, Robert Craft McKiel, Charles Loran McKiel

Front Row: Harry Redvers McKiel, Grayce Irene McKiel, Olive May McKiel

This is my great-grandmother (Sarah Jemima) with her family. My grandfather is Harry Redvers McKiel, the cute little guy sitting on his brother's lap.

Tombstone Tuesday - Josiah B Turner

2010-03-16T20:59:00.000-04:00

Josiah B Turner

born: January 9, 1837

died: April 13, 1862

A Private in the 15th Maine

Infantry, Drummer

From Palermo, Maine

Sentimental Sunday - School Bells Are Ringing

2010-03-14T16:38:00.005-04:00

The first day of school is always a good time for grabbing the camera and getting pictures of the kids heading off to school. My mother did a pretty good job with this task!

This first one is from 1962 when my brother was off to kindergarten. He doesn't look nervous at all!

Later in 1964 all three of us were school ready. That was the year that a brand new school opened and the three of us were off to South Road Elementary School. I think my brother was the sheriff :-) I am managing to be at least as tall as my younger sister. It didn't last.

I have to show this next one because I remember the Mary Poppins dress and how disappointed I was when it no longer fit. The year was 1965.

Skipping ahead, my younger brother was ready to join us girls in 1969. My older brother was off to Junior High and had already left by the time the rest of us were ready to go. My mother made the dresses! Notice the rickrack? Remember rickrack?!!

The next year was 1970. I was in Junior High and we could finally wear pants! But oh my, look at them pants. What can I say? I think I made them myself.

After that I doubt that we teenagers cooperated much. But what a great record of us growing and changing. The fashions of the day also become apparent. We can remember the front of our houses or what curtains hung in the living room! It's a great way to mark time. I have pictures of my kids all the way through high school, along with their father, a school teacher. So, if your kids have not finished school yet, or maybe haven't even started, make sure when the school bell rings that you are ready! Your kids will never ~~forgive~~ forget you for it!

Surname Saturday - Parsons

2010-03-13T11:02:00.002-05:00

Today it is time for the Parsons family. This family is from my maternal side of the family. I haven't done a lot of research on the Parsons for a while but this is what I know.

Alice Flavilla Parsons was born October 3, 1867. She married Newell Hannan on March 22, 1885. They had 7 children, Ernest, Charlie, Guy, Irving, Rose, Ross (my grandfather) and Doris. She died on Jun 26, 1956 in Palermo, Maine and is buried along side her husband in Hannan Cemetery.

Alice Flavilla Parsons

Norton Phillips Parsons was born December 28, 1838 in Westport, Lincoln, Maine. He was a farmer. He married first Susan Young on January 23, 1867 in Liberty, Waldo, Maine. They had four children, Alice, Charles, Melvin and Susan, before Susan died in 1875. He then married Mary Turner on May 2, 1876 in Liberty, Maine. They had three children Elvia, Wendell and Hollis. Norton died on July 23, 1887 in Liberty and is buried in Sherman Cemetery, Liberty.

Norton Phillips Parsons was born December 9, 1806 in Edgecomb, Lincoln, Maine. He married Prudence Dunton on December 20, 1825 in Edgecomb. They had 7 children, George, Eliza, Ozais, Stephen, Westbrook, Merrill and Norton. Norton Sr died before 1850.

John Parsons was born January 24, 1773 in York, York, Maine.   He married Jemima Phillips on May 9, 1799 in York. They had Margaret, John, Norton, Jerusha and Henry. The 1850 census has him living with his son Norton's family, although Norton had already died, as had his wife Jemima.

Joseph Parsons was born April 2, 1746 in York, York, Maine. He was known as Joseph III. He married first Jerusha Sayward on November 9, 1769 in York. Together they had Thomas, John, Joseph, Jerusha, James, Jotham, Theordore, Susanna and Rufus.   Jerusha died in 1805 and he married Mary Brown Wakefield Washburn on November 21, 1805 in Wells, Maine. They had a son Timothy. Joseph died May 18, 1810 in York.

Joseph Parsons was born February 20, 1719/20 in York, York, Maine. His father died when he was just ten years old and his mother died only seven years later.   He married Miriam Preble on January 22, 1742 in York, Maine. They had 12 children, Anne, Joseph, Timothy, Josiah, Elihu, Miriam, Nathan, John, John, David, Susanna and Isaac. Joseph was a blacksmith and a farmer. He died December 4, 1781 in York.

Elihu Parsons was born March 31, 1684 in York, York, Maine. He was a housewright and a prominent townsman. He married Ruth Wilson about 1710 in York. They had children Ruth, Hannah, John, Elizabeth, Joseph, Elihu, Josiah, Mary and Susanna. He died July 30, 1730 in York.

John Parsons was born August 14, 1650 in England. By 1677 he was living in York. He was a shoemaker, a cordwainer and a tanner. He married Elizabeth Huckins. They had children John, Elizabeth, Mary, Elihu, Rachel, Christian and Mercy. John was killed by the Indians on January 25, 1691/2 when they raided York. The Indians carried off three of his children, two later returned and the other married a Frenchman in Quebec. The settlement of York at the time was about 300 people in forty houses. Seventy-five persons were killed and almost all the town was burned. Among the captives was the oldest Parsons child, John, age 15 and daughters Rachel and Mercy. John was baptised at Quebec 20 April 1693. He and Rachel were brought back to York in 1645 by Captain Carey. Mercy was in Canada till 1710

Wordless Wednesday - Beatrice Natalie Hall

2010-03-10T18:12:00.000-05:00

Beatrice Natalie Hall

Beatrice was my grandmother. She was born June 17, 1906 in Danforth, Maine to Allen and Leilia Hall. She was a school teacher, a gifted piano player, a reporter for the local newspaper in Palermo, Maine and a wonderful grandmother of nine. She died June 9, 1976.

When I look at this picture I see my latest nephew, born almost a year ago.

Rest in peace grammie,

Love, Kathy

Tombstone Tuesday - Submit Palmer

2010-03-09T20:26:00.000-05:00

Wequetequock Burial Ground

Stonington, Connecticut

Mrs. Submit Palmer

born May 3, 1718

died January 29, 1793

Surname Saturday - Craft

2010-03-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

On my paternal side of the family the surname Craft is one for which I can identify several generations.

The first known generation of this family in America is represented by Thomas Thorneycraft of Warwick, Rhode Island and his wife Jean. Thomas was probably born in England and came through the Massachusetts Bay Colony on his way to Rhode Island. He was recorded as an inhabitant of Warwick on June 5, 1648. He died in 1659 in Maspeth Kills, Newtown, now Elmhurst, on present day Long Island.

Their son William Thorneycraft came to Musketa Cove (now a part of Glen Cove), Long Island in 1675, having lived first in Massapequa, on the southern side of Long Island. He married Hannah Carpenter in 1682. In his will he mentions son Joseph, son Thomas and son William, as well as daughters Hannah Washburn, Elizabeth Pellam, Mary Thorneycraft, Jane Carpenter and Phebe Thorneycraft.

William Thorneycraft was born about 1682 and died in January 1735/36 in Oyster Bay, Nassau, New York. He married Mary Coles in 1707 in Oyster Bay.

Son John Thorneycraft was born about 1724 in Oyster Bay. He married Jerusha. In 1780 he was fined for having two of his sons join the British Army during the struggle for American Independence.

One of these loyalist sons was my ancestor Reuben Craft. (Many of the Thorneycrafts became Crafts over time and by the 19th century Thorneycraft seems to have disappeared from the Long Island area.) He was born about 1760 in Rye, Westchester County, New York. He married Alithea Wetmore about 1792. After the Revolutionary War was over, he and most other loyalists left America for Canada. Reuben and his family arrived in Canada in July 1783 on the "Montague". Reuben died in 1801 in New Brunswick, Canada.

John Henry Craft was born 1795 in Hampton, King's County, New Brunswick, Canada. He married Anna Golding Smith on October 25, 1821 in Hampstead, Queen's County, New Brunswick, Canada. He died on November 20, 1860 in Craft's Cove, Queens County and is buried in the Craft Family Cemetery there.

William Henry Craft was born on February 23, 1839 in New Brunswick. He is listed in the census records as a farmer. He married Martha Jane Belyea on January 8, 1862 in New Brunswick. He died January 25 1907 at Craft's Cove, Queen's County, New Brunswick and like his father is also buried in the Craft Family Cemetery.

William and Martha's daugher Sarah Jemima Craft is my great-great grandmother. She was born November 4, 1868 in Belyea's Cove, Queen's County, New Brunwick, Canada. She married George Byron McKiel on November 3, 1892 at Belyea's Cove. Her marriage index lists her as Sadie J. Craft. She died October 24, 1946 in MacDonald's Point, New Brunswick, Canada.

Treasure Chest Thursday - The Book of Dow

2010-03-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

You know you have partially succeeded as a family historian when some member of your family recognizes you as one. One such moment happened for a me a few years ago when my aunt passed on to me a piece of family memorabilia. It is a copy of The Book of Dow that was originally in the hands of my great Uncle Omar. Omar Dow was born to Isaiah & Emily Dow on September 29, 1877. He died February 7, 1953, a few years before I was born.

I don't know whether he purchased the book himself but I think he might have because he did begin the inscription on the inside cover when he passed the book on to my grandmother Mrs. Ross (Beatrice) Hannon. She in turn passed it on to her daughter, my aunt Gloria, who passed it on to me. Here is the inside cover with dates blocked out (not very neatly but...)

Besides the information this book contains, I am a sentimental sucker for these kind of things. Omar held this book, poured over its contents, perhaps along with another relative or two. Then my grandmother probably did the same and on to my aunt. Now I hold the very same book. There are a few notes inside on the pages relating to our common Dow line. I haven't yet tried to figure out who wrote each of them, but I know that those that held this book before me also wanted to know and remember our ancestors. I love it. It is sort of like the feeling I have when standing in front of the grave of an ancestor. I know that other ancestors stood there, perhaps overcome with grief, perhaps fondly remembering. Right in the very same spot. What can be better than that or a treasure like this book!

Tombstone Tuesday - Oliver & Elizabeth Dow

2010-03-02T16:53:00.001-05:00

Calais Cemetery

Calais, Washington, Maine

Oliver Buffum Dow

Born: December 27, 1802 Vassalborough, Maine

Died: June 13, 1874 Milltown, Maine

Elizabeth Milburn Dow

Born: June 18, 1811 Winsyke, Durham, England

Died: August 8, 1857 Milltown, Maine

Love always to

my third great-grandparents.

Sentimental Sunday - The Old High Chair

2010-02-28T17:17:00.001-05:00

I never really thought I'd be writing about a high chair. However, we have a very special one in my family.

This is the high chair that my paternal grandparents gave to my parents when they had their first child, my brother Randy in 1957. My two brothers, my sister and I all used the high chair. In fact, I found a picture of my brother on his first birthday and one of me, asleep as I wait for my supper.

Randy

Kathy

My parents hung on to the high chair and as soon as their grand children began arriving, they pulled it out again. I couldn't find a picture of my daughter in the chair but here is my son along with dad and sister.

Eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchildren have used this high chair so far. Here's to the old high chair and many more cute little family members to come! Thanks Gram and Gramps.

Surname Saturday - Dow

2010-02-27T09:53:00.004-05:00

On my maternal grandmother's side, we find the Dow surname.

Her mother, my great-grandmother was Leilia Elva Dow. Leilia was born January 11, 1881 in Danforth, Washington, Maine. In the 1900 census her occupation was listed as music teacher. I guess that helps explain her daughter Beatrice's (my grandmother) amazing musical talent. She could play any song she had heard. My mom has found memories of her playing songs they had heard on the radio. But back to Leilia. She was the second wife of Allen Hall who she married on November 30, 1904 in Bradford, Penobscot, Maine. Tragically, she died shortly after giving birth to a second daughter Ruby Virgie. Leilia died April 24, 1912. The baby died May 18, 1912. They are buried next to each other in Peter's Cove Cemetery, Orient, Maine

Leilia Dow Hall

Leila's father was Isaiah Lincoln Dow who was born June 3, 1839 in Danforth, Washington, Maine. He was a carpenter, building more than half the houses in Danforth during his 40 years residence there. He married first Sarah Maxwell about 1865. They had a son Willard Jefferson Dow. Sarah died and Isaiah married her sister Emily Judson Maxwell. They were married on December 22, 1871. Isaiah died on April 7, 1918 in Danforth. He is buried in Maple Cemetery, Danforth, Maine.

Oliver Buffum Dow was born December 27, 1802 in Vassalborough, Maine He was a millwright, constructing and maintaining mills and their equipment. He and his family moved about the mill towns along the Maine and Canadian border. Oliver married Elizabeth Milburn on October 6, 1831 in Hopewell, New Brunswick, Canada. He died June 13, 1974 in Milltown, Washington, Maine and is buried in Calais Cemetery, Calais, Maine.

Oliver's father was John Dow who was born June 4, 1771 in Berwick, York, Maine. He married Zilpha Lincoln on February 22, 1797 in Vassalborough, Maine. John and Zilpha were members of the Quaker monthly meetings in Vassalborough. In March 1803 they requested a removal certificate as they moved on. The 1820 census shows them in Harlem, Kennebec, Maine. The 1830 census puts them in Sidney, Kennebec, Maine. The family finally settled at Branch Mills, pioneers of the town, a hamlet made by clearing the forest. There was a 30 mile horseback trail to Augusta, marked by blazing the trees, and for some years it was the only way to civilization. John and Zilpha had ten children.

Moses Dow was born January 7, 1733/34. He married Hannah Gove on December 8, 1756 in Amesbury, Essex, Massachusetts. He was admitted to the Quaker Meeting of Dover on December 2, 1759. He later moved to Berwick, Maine. Moses died October 31, 1816 in Berwick, Maine.

Moses was the son of John Dow born about 1698. He married Patience Swett on April 20, 1731 in Amesbury, Essex, Massachusetts. He died about 1767.

John Dow was born December 12 1665 in Hampton, Rockingham, New Hampshire. He married Hannah Page on November 27, 1696 in Hampton. John died November 28, 1744 in Kingston, Massachusetts.

Joseph Dow was born1638 in Watertown, Middlesex, Massachusetts. He was the first Dow born in America. He was a quaker, a farmer, a trapper and a surveyor. He married Mary Sanborn on December 17, 1662 in Hampton, Rockingham, New Hampshire. He was appointed to survey the Exeter-Hampton (NH) line in February 1669. He also led the rebuilding of the municipal sawmill in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire in 1680. Joseph died April 4, 1703 in Hampton, Rockingham, New Hampshire.

Henry Dow, the immigrant ancestor, was born October 6, 1605 in Ormsby, Norfolk, England. He married Joan Nudd on February 11, 1630 in Ormsby. In 1637, Henry and Joan came from England to American. Henry died April 21, 1659 in Hampton, Rockingham, New Hampshire.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Photo Tag Collection

2010-02-25T19:44:00.001-05:00

I have been trying to find new and different ways to showcase my ancestors for quite some time. A few years ago I found these Genealogy Photo Tags.

They came in a bundle of 31, with labels to indicate my mother, father and up through all my great-grandparents. They are made of cardstock and include labeled space on the back of each to list the vital statistics for that ancestor.

They came with an included metal ring to hold the set together. They are a great way to take my basic genealogy along with me, and are interesting enough to get even some of my "not so much" family members to take a look and even ask a question or two about our common ancestors.

I consider them one of my better purchases and a treasure that I helped create. Hopefully, some future genealogist in my family will think so too!

I wish I could tell you where I purchased them. They are labeled on the back "Tag"alongs by Wildrose.

Tombstone Tuesday - Peleg Johnson

2010-02-23T19:17:00.002-05:00

Old Fernwood Cemetery

Kingston, Rhode Island

Dr. Peleg Johnson

Died June 8, 1859

Doctor in the village of Kingston, Town of South Kingstown, Washington, Rhode Island

Dr. Peleg Johnson of South Kingstown, R. I., was born in 1791 and began his practice in 1816.

He died after being thrown from his horse, receiving a compound fracture of his thigh, while on his way to see a patient.

Further reading tells me that Dr. Johnson was known to charge his patients very little for his doctoring services. This goes along with the inscription on his tombstone which reads "In my hand no price I bring."

Family History Day - February 20, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts

2010-02-21T10:20:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the Family History Day 2010 in Boston. It was co-sponsored by NEHGS (New England Historic Genealogical Society) and Ancestry.com. The day was laid out in four sessions with two choices in each time slot. There were also 15 minute private consultation slots with genealogists from NEHGS, along with the opportunity to have documents scanned with professional scanning equipment.

The session choices were:
        Getting the Most out of Your Ancestry.com Subcription
        Finding Immigration Records
        Best Strategies for Searching Ancestry.com
        Organize, Organize, Organize
        Discover NEHGS: Your Family History Resource
        Getting the Most out of Family Tree Maker

The day began early! Check-in began was from 8-9:30 am at the Westin Copley in Boston. I rode the train from my home in southern Rhode Island. I had a 6:22 am reservation. It was still mostly dark! The train was 20 minutes late but the sun came up.

Kingston Station

When I arrived at the event registration was in full swing. There were 700 registrations (with over 200 turned away I heard). The organizers were well prepared but it still took about 1/2 hour to get checked in. However, I never mind standing and talking with fellow genealogists!

NEHGS also had a book sale. They were selling a variety of used books along with some of their newer publications. They were also signing up new members at a great pace with a small conference discount. I spent a few minutes at the table during the day, checking out all the books.

I first attended the Finding Immigration Records session given by Rhonda McClure of NEHGS. She is a great speaker and an avid genealogist herself. She had some wonderful examples from her own research that she shared. The room was packed. I picked up some tips here for looking for all the many immigrant ancestors which we all have.

Next on tap for me was Organize, Organize, Organize also by Rhonda. Here she conjoled and teased us into admitting many of our unorganized ways. I took home some impetus to clean up my biggest mess - my digital images. Ah, good intentions, where will they lead?

Lunch was on your own with lots of choices inside the interconnected mall area or out into a beautiful day in downtown Boston.

Back from lunch I attended Discover NEHGS: Your Family History Resource led by Josh Taylor. He admitted that we will see him on the upcoming "Who Do You Think You Are" where he helped Sarah Jessica Parker! Josh took us through the NEHGS resources of which I have used so very little even though I have been a member for 4 or 5 years! Again, more good intentions to be had!

I finished the day at Getting the Most out of Family Tree Maker led by Tana Pederson who has written "The Official Guide to Family Tree Maker". It was a pretty good introduction to the latest version.

I will admit here that I use FTM but although I have purchased the latest version, 2010, I have stuck with FTM 2006. There were so many disappointed users of the intervening versions. The new version looked good. You can keep all your media files within your database, including your photos, census images etc. They can be attached to individuals and events (and would help with the disorganized stuff I spoke about above). If you are an ancestry.com subscription it interconnects very nicely. I am still a bit skeptical here - how will it perform with a 10,000 plus member tree and lots of images? How large and unwieldy will my database file become? Anyone using it please let me know your thoughts!!

After the last session I had a pleasant train ride back to Kingston and was home by a bit after 6 pm. A long but pleasurable day. I am sure they could take this show on the road and do quite well! Did I see you there?

Surname Saturday - Robinson

2010-02-20T08:00:00.010-05:00

My paternal grandmother was a Robinson. This is what I know about her ancestry.

Patrick Robinson was most likely born abt 1750 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is likely he served with the British during the American Revolution. He was granted 200 acres in Grand Lake, Queens, New Brunswick, Canada in 1786. He married Sally Hatton and they had nine children.

His son Charles Robinson was born November 13, 1780 in New York. He married Mary Sutter on June 5, 1802 in Wickham, Queens, New Brunswick, Canada. They moved that year to property along the Washademoak. They had 6 children. Charles died November 17, 1864 in Cambridge Narrows, Queens, New Brunswick.

John Robinson was born July 27, 1819 in Cambridge, Queens, New Brunswick, Canada. He married Martha Elizabeth Springer on September 16, 1847 in Waterborough Parish, Queens. John, with help from his son George, built wooden boats, among them the Daisy Queen which is in the collection donated to the King's Landing Historical group. John and Martha had seven children. John died January 7, 1900 in Queens.

George Robinson was born February 29, 1864 in Cambridge Narrows. He inherited the family farm from his father John and lived in the home with his two sisters Rachel and Rebecca. When he married his sisters moved out. He married Annie Scott Babington on March 19, 1895 in Queens County. They had four children. George died January 8, 1954 in Cambridge.

George Robinson

My grandmother, Elsie Marie Robinson, was born April 4, 1900 in Cambridge Narrows. She attended the Fredricton, New Brunswick Normal School and was a teacher for a short time. She married Harry McKiel on October 29, 1924 in St. John's, New Brunswick. She and Harry moved to Albion, Maine where they ran a farm and raised five children. Elsie died October 11, 1993.

Wordless Wednesday - Allen Seldon Hall

2010-02-17T15:29:00.001-05:00

Allen Seldon Hall

Son of Henry & Esther Hall

1875-1933

Father of Guy, Norma, Carl, Mildred, Beatrice and Ruby Hall

Love always,

your great-granddaughter Kathy

Tombstone Tuesday - Allen & Emily (Morris) Hall

2010-02-16T16:41:00.001-05:00

Williams Cemetery

Bradford, Maine

Allen Seldon Hall

born: 19 November 1875 Bradford, Maine

died: 26 June 1933 Milo, Maine

his wife

Emily Morris Hall

born: 2 February 1876 Canada

died: 24 February 1949 Bradford, Maine

This is my great-grandfather and his third wife. His 2nd wife, and my great-grandmother is buried elsewhere.

Rest in peace.

Surname Saturday - Hall

2010-02-13T13:42:00.003-05:00

Continuing on with my surnames, it is time for my maternal grandmother's Hall line.

John Hall was born about 1685 in Dover, New Hampshire. He married Esther Chesley on 9 August 1705 in Dover. He died some time after 1737.

James Hall was born 1708. He received land from his father in Rollinsford, New Hampshire in 1732. He married Susannah Blackstone in 1743. He and his brother, Samuel, left New Hampshire about 1750 and settled on the west side of the Damariscotta Pond, in Lincoln County, Maine.

Levi Hall was born 1758 in Jefferson, Lincoln, Maine. He married Jane Jones 1 June 1781 in Nobleboro, Maine. He served as a private in the Massachusetts Line during the Revolutionary War. At the time Maine was not a separate state but was instead part of Massachusetts. He died 27 June 1847 in Washington, Knox, Maine.

Joseph Hall was born 1781 in Nobleboro, Lincoln, Maine. Joseph married Betsey Whitehouse on 6 May 1802 in Nobleboro. Levi was a shipwright, merchant and carpenter. He died Aug 1869 in Jefferson, Maine.

Joseph W. Hall was born 30 August 1806 in Nobleboro, Lincoln, Maine. He married Eliza Jane Waltz on 15 September 1823 in Nobleboro. Joseph died 1 December 1876 in Orneville, Piscataquis, Maine.

Joseph Hall was born 18 November 1824 in Damariscotta, Lincoln, Maine. He married Submit Ross on 12 October 1845 in Bradford, Penobscot, Maine. He was a lifelong farmer. He died 8 October 1892 in Orneville, Piscataquis, Maine.

This 1870 census records shows Joseph living in North Bradford, Maine. Also is shown his brother John and his family, as well as the household of his brother Charles and his family.

Henry Hall was born 2 February 1850 in Orneville. He married Esther Patricia Gowen on 27 September 1874 in Bradford, Maine. He died June 1926 in Bradford.

Allen Hall was born 19 November 1875 in Bradford, Penobscot, Maine. He married first Flora Hall. He married second, my ancestor, Leilia Dow on 20 November 1904 in Bradford, Maine. He married third Emily Morris. He died 26 June 1933 in Milo, Piscataquis, Maine.

My grandmother, Beatrice Natalie Hall was born 17 June 1906 in Danforth, Washington, Maine. She married Ross Hannon on 2 January 1927 in Searsmont, Washington, Maine. She was a teacher in the grammar schools of Appleton, Liberty and Palermo for over 20 years. She died on 9 June 1976 in Palermo, Waldo, Maine.

She and my grandfather had three beautiful daughters!

Love to all my Hall ancestors!

Note: Edited 03/06/10

Tombstone Tuesday - George Byron & Sarah (Craft) McKiel

2010-02-09T14:02:00.000-05:00

Belyea's Cove Cemetery

New Brunswick, Canada

G. Byron McKiel

born 31 March 1868 New Brunswick, Canada

died 23 November 1925 New Brunswick, Canada

and his wife

Sarah Jemima Craft McKiel

born 4 November 1868 New Brunswick, Canada

died 24 October 1946 New Brunswick, Canada

Rest in Peace my great-grandparents,

You are not forgotten.

Sentimental Sunday - Cousins, Cousins, Cousins!

2010-02-07T21:12:00.003-05:00

Growing up I enjoyed many wonderful times with my cousins. There were 9 of us when we gathered with my mother's side of the family. My mom's two sisters lived in Maine and were only a few miles apart. We lived in Rhode Island but we went "home" to Maine for a weekend almost every month for many years. I'm not sure what the grownups did but us kids always had a great time!

Back: MaryLou, Jackie, Janice, Sally, Kathy

Front: David, Ross, Harry, Randy
About 1966

As you can see from the picture, we girls were all about the same age. We played house, we played school, we played hair dresser. We sledded, we drew, we swam, we danced. We ran, we jumped, we... well you get the idea!

There is something about cousins that let you be just who you are and I was blessed to be able to spend a lot of quality time with my cousins. We are all older now, with families of our own. We don't see each other much, but this picture can bring it all back for me.

I hope you have a picture or two like this in your memory bank to help you remember who you are and where you came from just like it does for me.

Surname Saturday - McKiel

2010-02-06T19:34:00.004-05:00

My maiden name is McKiel. It's history is a little more complicated than most of the surnames in my family.

The line can be traced back to Sebastian Van Kortrijk whose family was from the Flemish town of Kortrijk on the Lys. He and his family were refuges of the religious upheavals in Europe and in the early 1600s, he left that area and moved to Holland. He took up residence in Leerdam.

There were seventeen provinces in the Netherlands and these contained the present countries of Holland and Belgium. That whole country had been made part of France during the rule of Charlemagne (767-814), but in the fifteenth century it came under Spanish rule. Charles V. became king of Spain in 1516, and finding many adherents to Martin Luther's reformed faith, he became determined to crush out Protestantism. Thus became a time of great religious persecution in the Netherlands. Under Philip, who succeeded his father, Charles in 1555, things became even worse. By the early 1600s, Holland had became an asylum for the persecuted of many lands.

Two sons were born to Sebastian during his time in Leerdam, Jan and Michiel. Family names were the exception among the early Dutch ancestors. Most often the father's first was affixed with sen (meaning son) and used as a surname. So the two became known as Jan and Michiel Bastiensen Van Kortryk.

Michiel, my ancester married and settled at Schoonrewoed, a village about two miles north of Leerdam, in South Holland. There he had four children, Reyer, born in 1653, Metje in 1655, Annetje in 1658 and Bastien in 1662. Another daughter, Alfjie, was born shortly after the family arrived in the New Amsterdam. Meanwhile, Jan had also married had had four children.

With the development of the West India Company, whose main purpose was the expand trade and colonization of America, the Dutch people began to emigrate. The new world promised so much in material gain and religious freedom.

On 16 April 16 1663, Michiel and his brother Jan departed for New Amsterdam, in present day New York, on the "Spotted Cow". Each brought their wife and four children. The Bastiensens came as free men not indebted to the Dutch West India Company for their passage.

Reyer Michielsen/Michelsen was born in 1653 in Leerdam, Holland. He married Jacomia Tiebout on 15 April 1686 in the Dutch Reformed Church of New York. Reyer and Jacomia had eight children, Michiel, Hendrick, Sarah, Tunis, Ryer, Hannah, Mary and Jane. Some of these children followed the Dutch custom and took their father's name with sen attached and became known as Reyersen or Ryerson. Two continued their father's surname and became Michielsen or Michiels. Reyer died in 1733 in Fordham, in what is now New York.

Hendrick Michelsen, my ancestor, was born about 1705 at Fordham Manor in New York. He married Jane and had three sons, John, Hendrick and Michael. He probably lived his entire life there.

John MeKeel was born about 1730. He married Martha Haight about 1749. He was a member of the Westchester County Militia. Joseph and Martha had four children - Joseph, Mary, Nathaniel and John McKeel.

Joseph MeKeel/McKeel was born about 1750. He was a Loyalist during the Revolutionary War, fighting on the side of the English. When the war was over he and his family fled to New Brunswick, Canada. On November 1, 1785 he was granted 200 acres at Long Reach, King's County, New Brunswick, for service to England during the war. He married Anna Burtis and had 6 children, Joseph, John, Isaac, Sarah, James and Mary McKeel.

Joseph McKeel was born about 1800 in New Brunswick, Canada. He married Ann Margaret Lounder on 15 October 1823 in Greenwich, New Brunswick, Canada. They had 7 children, James, Eleanor, Mary, John, Joseph, Sarah and Eliza McKeel.

Eliza Eva McKeel was born on 3 October 1839 and, according to the records of the Greenwich and Westfield Anglican Church, was baptized on 16 March 1840. Eliza had two children born out of wedlock, Melvin and George Byron McKiel, before marrying Jacob VanWart and having 5 more children. Eliza and Jacob's children were Miles, Mahala, Rosie May, Joseph and Frederick VanWart. Eliza died on 6 August 1916 in New Brunswick, Canada.

George Bryon and his brother Melvin

George Byron McKiel was born 31 March 1868 in New Brunswick, Canada. He went by the name of Byron. He married Sarah Jemima Craft on 3 November 1892 in Belyea's Cove, Queens, New Brunswick, Canada. The wedding was noted in the St. John's "Messenger and Visitor". Sarah was known as Sadie. They had 6 children, Alice Maude, Robert Craft, Olive May, Gracie Irene, Harry Redvers and Charles Loran McKiel. Bryon died on 23 November 1925.

Harry Redvers McKiel was born 30 July 1900 in New Brunswick, Canada. He married Elise Marie Robinson on 29 October 1924 in St. John's Parish, St. John's, New Brunswick, Canada.

Harry and Elsie moved from Canada to Albion, Maine. They bought a farm there from Fred Hussey who had married Harry's sister Olive May. There they had a dairy and potato farm. They had five children, four girls and my father.

My dad and his father Harry McKiel

Love forever to all my McKiel ancestors!

Wordless Wednesday - Four Generations

2010-02-03T19:31:00.001-05:00

Four Generations of Hannans

My great-grandmother Flavilla Hannan, my grandfather Ross Hannon,

holding my cousin Ross Wood and my Aunt Gloria Wood.

Palermo, Maine 1956

Tombstone Tuesday - Max and Flossie Hannan

2010-02-02T19:45:00.003-05:00

From the Hannan Cemetery, Palermo, Maine

Maxwell Hannan son of Ernest & Ida Hannan

he was born 31 March 1912 in Washington, Maine

and died 8 September 1992 in Waterville, Maine

he married

Flossie M. Harmon

who was born 25 February 1909 in Standish, Maine

and died 4 May 1991 in Belfast, Maine

Max was my mother's cousin and he and Flossie were well loved members of the family.

Flossie carried the following poem with her always:

Thank you, God, for little things

that often come our way.

The things we take for granted

but don't mention when we pray.

The unexpected courtesy,

the thoughtful, kindly deed.

A hand reached out to help us in

the time of sudden need.

Oh make us most aware, dear God,

of little daily graces,

That come to us with "sweet surprise"

from never dreamed-of places.

Max and Flossie, Rest in Peace.

The Family Tree Song by Venice

2010-01-28T18:48:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite genealogy related songs is by the group Venice. It's sad but it also speaks to me about why I do family history - remembering all who came before and honoring their memories, while anticipating the growth of the family tree.

Wordless Wednesday - Hannan Cousins

2010-01-27T18:25:00.002-05:00

Hannan Cousins

Palermo, Maine - early 1940s

(l-r) Marilyn Hannan, Edwina Hannan, Amy McKenney, Faylene Hannan, Gloria Hannan, Gordon Hannan, George "Junior" McKenney, Dolly Jago, Irving Hannan

Tombstone Tuesday - Old German Lutheran Church in Waldoboro, Maine

2010-01-26T19:52:00.006-05:00

Old German Lutheran Church

Waldoboro, Maine

Built 1772

Between 1740 and 1753, some 150 families and individuals, mainly from the Rhineland area of Germany, emigrated to the New World and ultimately landed in Broad Bay, Massachusetts - now Waldoboro, Lincoln County, Maine. Although I couldn't locate any of my Waltz or Eugley relatives in this cemetery, I know that they were part of the community of Germans that settled the area and built this church.

For more information on this community, see the website: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~meobbfha

Wordless Wednesday - Ross & Bea Hannan & Girls

2010-01-20T18:18:00.002-05:00

TombstoneTuesday - Richard and Newell Hannan

2010-01-19T17:28:00.002-05:00

From The Hannan Cemetery in Palermo, Waldo, Maine

My great-great grandfather Richard S. Hannan

b. 4 May 1824 Liberty, Waldo, Maine

d. 4 May 1901 Liberty, Waldo, Maine

My great-grandfather Newell M. Hannan

b. 9 Sept 1853 Liberty, Waldo, Maine

d. 21 June 1942 East Palermo, Waldo, Maine

Rest in Peace

Surname Saturday - Hannan/Hannon

2010-01-16T17:25:00.005-05:00

My mother's family name is Hannan. Well, most of the family spells it that way, but some, including my grandfather spelled it Hannon. There doesn't seem to be any real reason for this. When I ask my Mom she says that her father just liked it Hannon. My mother always uses Hannan and when I picked my daughter's middle name I used Hannan.

The Hannan Family that I come from originated in Maine and many members of the family still live there. The beginnings of the family of this name come from John O'Dell Hannan. The family story goes that he was born in Ireland about 1794 and was impressed as a sailor on a British war ship during the war of 1812. The ship was sunk by the Americans in the Penobscot River between Bucksport and Bangor, Maine. John O'Dell and his friend Jacob Lehman, not caring for the life, escaped inland to Liberty, Maine. He added Hannan to his name, becoming John O.D. Hannan and settled "on the upper county road". According to a 1927 "Brief History of Liberty Maine", John and Jacob "fled overland through Belfast until arriving in Liberty, then called Davistown. They probably then believed that they were far enough away from the coast."

Here is the piece of the 1850 census for John and his family.

He is listed here as John O.D. Hannan, 53 years old, born in Ireland.

John married Sarah "Sally" Cram of Montville Plantation, Waldo, Maine on 3 Sept 1818 in Montville. They had 6 children, John Colby Hannan, Richard S. Hannan, Mary E. Hannan, Joseph H. Hannan, David Hannan and Sarah Hannan.

My line continues with Richard who was born 4 May 1824 in Liberty. Richard was a farmer all his life, as was his father John. Richard married Lucy Maria Turner on 18 Feb 1849 in Liberty, Maine. In the transcription of the Vital Records of Liberty, Maine that I was able to access at the Maine Historical Society, it says: "I hereby certify that Mr. Richard Hannan and Miss Mariah Turner both of Liberty were joined in marriage at Liberty on Feb 18th, 1849 by me, James W. Young, Justice of the Peace".

I want to say here that Isabel Maresh Morse, who transcribed the records of Liberty, has been a great force in the recording of the Hannan family as well as in preserving the historical records of the area. Thanks Isabel!!

Richard and Maria had 7 children, Daniel Turner Hannan, George Norwood Hannan, Newell Murch Hannan, Charles Emery Hannan, Bertha M. Hannan, Rozilla Marie Hannan and Ulmer G. Hannan. Richard died 4 May 1901 and is buried in the Hannan Cemetery in Palermo, Maine.

Newell was a farmer most of his life. He does seem to have tried his hand as a cooper as seen in this snippet from the 1850 Census of Knox, Washington, Maine.

Newell married Alice Flavilla Parsons on 22 Mar 1885. Grammie Flavie, as my mother calls her, and Newell had 7 children , Ernest Lyzene Hannon, Charles E. Hannon, Guy Melvin Hannan, Irving Cecil Hannon, Rose Helen Hannon, Ross Newell Hannon and Doris Evelyn Hannan.

The picture is of some of the Hannan children. My grandfather Ross is the one on the right (looking at the picture).

Ross, my grandfather, was a farmer, a hunter and a lumberman. He was a selectman for the town of Palermo for 25 years. He married Beatrice Natalie Hall on 3 Jan 1927 in Searsmont, Washington, Maine. They settled in Palermo, Maine where they raised three daughters, my mother among them. Ross died on 7 July 1922 in Augusta, Maine and is buried in the Hannan Cemetery in Palermo, Maine.

Wordless Wednesday - McKiel Family

2010-01-13T20:27:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving 1968

Descendants of Harry & Elsie McKiel of Albion, Maine
who married
29 October 1924
St. John's, New Brunswick, Canada

Tombstone Tuesday - Henry & Esther Hall

2010-01-12T17:32:00.001-05:00

Henry P. Hall

b. 2 Feb 1850 Orneville, Piscataquis, Maine

d. Jul 1926 Bradford, Penobscot, Maine

Esther P. (Gowen) Hall

b. 15 Jan 1848 Bradford, Penobscot, Maine

d. 6 Aug 1924 Bradford, Penobscot, Maine

Henry and Esther are my great-great grandparents. They married on 27 Sep 1874 in Bradford, Maine. Henry was a farmer. I am descended through their son Allen S. Hall and his 2nd wife Leilia Dow. When Leilia died during childbirth, Henry and Esther took care of my grandmother Beatrice until Allen was more able to care for her.

I need to find out Henry's exact death date, all I know is that it was in July of 1926. Then I need to get it engraved on his stone! Henry and Esther are buried in William's Cemetery in Bradford, Maine.

Holding History in My Hands

2010-01-09T20:16:00.001-05:00

Not too many years ago, September 2006 to be precise, I decided to look for the actual birth record of my husband's 5th great-grandfather, Thomas Potter. I had found a memorial to him in the Col. Thomas Potter Lot, a local cemetery. This memorial stated that he was the son of Ichabod Potter (son of Robert and Elizabeth (Cole) Potter), and his first wife Deborah Reynolds Potter.

However, I was finding more evidence that he was actually the son of Ichabod's second wife Margaret Potter (daughter of Ichabod and Margaret (Helme) Potter).

I had been to the Town Hall before to look up other births or deaths. The pre-1960 or so records are all listed on index cards, stored alphabetically in file cabinets. On the card you find the book and page number of the record you would like to see. I had researched some events from the late 1800s or early 1900s. The clerk would bring the correct vital record book to a counter where you could look at the record with the clerk looking on. This day I asked for the record book that contained records from the 1730s. It took a while for the clerk to locate the book. First, she brought me one from the 1830s and we couldn't locate the correct page and entry. When she/we realized it was the wrong book she had to do a bit of hunting to find the correct one. It turned out that during this time period, the town meetings were recorded in this book and events such as births, deaths and marriages were recorded in the same book. She gave me the book and told me I could look at it at the table in the vault room. I was left alone with this book that was the original book for the town.

As I started (carefully) turning pages it began to dawn on me what I was holding. I had the book that the originators of my town recorded its history in. The very book! The writing was elegant. The pages were crisp. It was history in my very own hands. It was an intense experience.

I couldn't really believe that I was allowed to handle this book. When I found the entry I was looking for, I quietly took out my digital camera and snapped a couple of pictures. After a bit more time of just looking and feeling the moment I had to leave. On my way out I mentioned to one of the clerks that I was amazed that I was allowed to handle the book, especially with no oversight. I was a little worried about what could happen to that book.

For my personal research, I was right that Thomas Potter was born to Ichabod and Margaret. Here is the entry as I captured it with my camera.

When I had time to reflect I was even more amazed and a little bothered about the experience at the town hall. I didn't do anything about it ... but I thought about it quite a bit. A few months later, I went back. You couldn't look at the original anymore. I was both disappointed and relieved. I had held history in my hands and I had felt that history!! But I know that that same history is better protected now, for me and for future generations.

Wordless, And Priceless, Wednesday

2010-01-06T19:29:00.003-05:00

Toys? Who needs toys?

My Brother and I. 1961.

Tombstone Tuesday - Azubah Smith

2010-01-05T21:15:00.001-05:00

The joy of finding a family member's tombstone from 1792 that is still standing and is still readable!! (Even if it is your husband's family :-))

Old Stone Church Burial Ground, East Lyme, Connecticut

Azubah Tinker Smith

born 6 September 1746

died 15 January 1792

Daughter of Amos and Hannah (Minor) Tinker. Wife of Elisha Smith. Mother of Phebe, Elisha and Lucinda.

Best 2009 Genealogy Moment

2010-01-02T19:46:00.005-05:00

What was my best genealogy moment in 2009?

I think it has to be yet another photograph (see previous post) sent by a cousin. I have been participating on www.findagrave.com for almost 8 years now. I have created memorials for many of my relatives and have added records and/or pictures of headstones for some of the cemeteries near where I live. Like many of my fellow genealogists, I am somewhat of a graveyard nut.

This year, a cousin saw my memorial for Isaiah Lincoln Dow, my great-great grandfather on my mother's side. She had added a memorial for Isaiah's mother and father, Elizabeth Milburn Dow and Oliver Buffum Dow. She emailed me and told me that she had added Isaiah's parents (my 3rd-great-grandparents) including pictures of their headstones and a picture of Elizabeth herself! She graciously sent me a copy of the photo.

On the left is my Elizabeth Milburn Dow and the right is her sister Mary Milburn. I wonderful photo that I could only have dreamed of having. And what makes it extra special for me is that I think my mom looks alot like Elizabeth. I'm not sure she agrees but there you go. What do you think?

I can't thank Lisa enough. She created Elizabeth's memorial, added a picture of the headstone, added a picture of Elizabeth and then had the kind and generous idea to email me because she could tell I was a relative. Aren't cousins great!

To see Elizabeth's memorial, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=29450639

The Value of Sharing Online

2009-12-31T17:01:00.004-05:00

I have been sharing my family tree gedcom online at rootsweb.com for quite some years now. While some people do not like to share this way for fear others will steal their research, I am mostly a fan of the idea. I have seen my tree and its sources copied, with and without credit, the later being somewhat frustrating. However, the connections I have made, the cousins found, the information shared have been worth the cost.

One of the treasures I received was a picture of my 3rd great-grandfather and my 2nd great-grandfather and mother. This I received from a 2nd half-cousin of mine, Jeff. He found my information on the rootweb site and contacted me. He had much more information than I on our mutual family as well as a wonderful photo.

In the middle seated position is my 3rd great-grandfather Joseph Hall who was born 19 Nov 1824 in Darmariscotta, Lincoln, Maine. He married Submit Ross (not shown) on 12 Oct 1845 in Bradford, Penobscot, Maine. The couple on his left (right side of the picture) are my 2nd great-grandparents, Henry P Hall and his wife Esther Patricia Gowen. Henry was born 2 Feb 1850 in Orneville, Piscataquis, Maine and Esther was born 15 Jan 1848 in Bradford, Penobscot, Maine.

The picture was taken in 1889 in North Bradford, Maine. I don't know which of Henry's brothers is also in the picture. (Perhaps someone will see this and tell me who it is!!) It is just a wonderful picture. I can see the resemblance of my mother in her relations. It makes them all seem more real, not just names in a list. Now I want a similar picture of every branch of my tree!

So when you are considering whether or how much to share of your research, remember this picture. If you are like me, you probably used some names and dates out of other's research, at least to get started. And what I always try to remember, no one of us owns a relative or any of our family. All the descendants do and the more we share the more we will all have. And it also means that it is less likely that any of these wonderful family members will ever be forgotten!

Peace and Happy New Year to All!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-23T17:03:00.002-05:00

Being new to geneablogging, I missed the Advent Christmas Calendar memory prompts. So in the spirit of Christmas here is a picture from my early childhood.

Merry Christmas to All!

Tombstone Tuesday - Ross & Beatrice Hannan

2009-12-22T20:09:00.001-05:00

Now that I shared a little about my paternal grandmother, I will share with you about my mother's parents.

Ross Newell Hannon was born 29 Nov 1902 in Palermo, Maine. He married Beatrice Natalie Hall on 3 Jan 1927. Beatrice was born 17 Jun 1906 in Danforth, Maine, she died on 9 Jun 1976. Ross died on 7 July 1992. They are buried in Hannan Cemetery in Palermo, Maine.

Grammie and Gramps were great people. As grandparents go, we could not have asked for more. They were loving and caring and what us grandkids really appreciated - they never got upset with us, no matter what mess we made or what got accidently broken.

They were poor farmers. They never had much but they shared what they had.

They raised three beautiful daughters, my mother among them.

Rest in Peace. Love, your granddaughter Kathy

You can visit their memorials on www.findagrave.com, one of my favorite sites.

A Revolutionary Patriot

2009-12-20T17:55:00.035-05:00

Now that I have written about my paternal grandparents and their Loyalist ties, I will venture on to my maternal side. I am descended from nine Revolution Patriots that I know about. I have recently found more about these ancestors because of the new Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) online records and from some great finds on footnote.com. Today I will focus on John Bickmore of Maine. Maine was a part of Massachusetts at the time of the revolution so John served with a Massachusetts unit.

I recently found the following document on footnote.com

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

I John Bickmore, aged fifty nine years, a citizen of the United States, born in Friendship in the District of Maine, now resident in Unity in the said District, upon oath testify and declare, that in January 1776, I enlisted as a private soldier in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for the period of one year, in the years service, in Capt Fuller's company and Col Bond's regiment of the Massachusetts troops or line. I continued in this service until the last of November following, and then took my final and humble discharge from the Army at Mount Independence, lake Champlain. I was discharged before the expiration of the period of my enlistment in account of the poor state of my health; and such was the state of my health, I was unable to return home to my place of residence in Friendship in the District of Maine, until the twenty eighth day of March 1777. I served in this campaign more than eleven months, and was employed during that time principally at Lake Champlain and its vicinity. My discharge is lost and not in existence to my knowledge. From my reduced circumstances I am in need of assistance from my country for support. And I hereby relinquish all my claim to my pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any; but I am not to my knowledge [?] on any pension list whatever. I request that I may be placed upon the pension list for the District of Maine. I enlisted by the name of John Bickmore Junior, my father being of the same name, but now deceased. I am known only by the name of John Bickmore.

I really like that the document contains John's signature!!

John Bickmore is my 5th great-grandfather. He was the son of John Bickmore and Anna (Wadsworth?) Bickmore. He was married to Margaret Meserve(y) whom he wed in 1777. I am descended through his daughter Dorcas who married Joseph Bither.

Mount Independence, Lake Champlain, Vermont is a National Historic Landmark.

Wording on the Mount Independence Monument:

MOUNT INDEPENDENCE
BASTION OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR+

Fortification was begun in June of 1776, and
THE NAME MOUNT INDEPENDENCE WAS BESTOWED
FOLLOWING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
LIEUT. CoL. JEDUTHAN BALDWIN WAS THE CHIEF
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER. HERE THE EXHAUSTED
AMERICAN ARMY, NORTHERN DEPARTMENT, WAS
STATIONED AFTER WITHDRAWING FROM ITS
DISASTROUS CANADIAN CAMPAIGN. BUILT ON A
ROCKY PLATEAU AND STOUTLY FORTIFIED, THE
POST WAS A NATURAL STRONGHOLD FACING ANY
APPROACHING FOE FROM THE NORTH. WITHIN ITS
RUGGED CONFINES THOUSANDS OF NEW ENGLANDERS,
MANY SUCCUMBING TO ILLNESS AND LACK OF
SUPPLIES, WERE QUARTERED. because OF ITS
COMMANDING POSITION AND FORMIDABLE BATTLE
WORKS, WHICH MADE IT MORE POWERFUL AT THE
MOMENT THAN IMPAIRED TICONDEROGA, IT CHECKED
FOR A YEAR A BRITISH THRUST SOUTHWARD, UNTIL
AT THE FALL OF ITS COMPANION FORTRESS
ACROSS THE CHANNEL IT WAS EVACUATED IN THE
EARLY MORNING DARKNESS OF July 6, 1777. this
CRITICAL YEAR OF REPRIEVE GAVE THE AMERICAN
FORCES TIME TO ORGANIZE FARTHER SOUTH, MEET
AND DESTROY general Burgoyne AT SARATOGA,
WIN FRENCH SUPPORT, AND EVENTUALLY SUBDUE
GENERAL CORNWALLIS AT Yorktown, FULFILLING
THE PROPHECY OF THE MOUNTAIN'S NAME.
-------------------

erected BY
Vermont SOCIETY
SONS OF THE American REVOLUTION
IN OBSERVANCE OF THE
BICENTENNIAL YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE, 1976

It seems that Mount Independence was not a pleasant place to be in the time that John Bickmore served there. I am grateful that he made it through and for his service to our new country.

"During the American Revolution, the mount was a bare promontory on which all the trees had been cut. For sixteen months, it was alive with activity. Thousands of soldiers constructed fortifications and buildings with desperate haste. They lived in tents, huts and barracks, coped with miserable weather and disease, and prepared to meet the enemy. During the Revolutionary War, hundreds of soldiers from America, Britain and Germany died here from combat wounds, disease, poor diet and exposure. These dead lie in unmarked graves."

Genealogy Musings

2009-12-17T09:20:00.001-05:00

Today I begin my first blog posting. I hope use this to organize my thoughts, share ideas, and further my genealogical research and sharing.

I have been seriously researching my family history for about 20 years. I have been interested in this topic for far longer. I remember an assignment in junior high (or maybe early high school) where I need to research at least some part of my ancestral history. I borrowed a book about the Hall family from my aunt and made a poster of my Hall line back quite a few generations. I think I still have the thing - I wish I knew where. I don't think I understood how to read that book and it would be fun to compare what I know now with what I thought I found then.

My father and I had a discussion just the other day about what year my grandmother, his mother, had died. He had received Christmas cards from some of his Canadian relatives (his parents both having been born in Canada). I looked at the cards and recognized the names but couldn't remember how they were connected to my dad. I went home and printed out a couple of generations of both his father's and his mother's lines and took them to him and told him to please indicate who the writers of the cards were. He did so and also changed the death year for his mother, from 1993 to 1996. When I looked at it I thought "Wow! have I had that wrong all this time?" I went home and looked at my family tree program, not the date he thought, checked an online social security death index, not his date, and then looked at my gravestone picture for her at www.findagrave.com. They all agreed with my date, not what my father remembered. I called him up and he said he was sure she died in 1996 at the age of 96. How could she have died in 1993 and been 96 if she was born, as we both knew, in 1900? I'm not sure he quite believed me and told me he had a copy of her death certificate and he would check it out (reminds me I need to get a copy of that!). He did call back and confirm that it was 1993. Guess she was only 93, he had thought her 96 when she died and had planted that firmly in his mind. Glad we have some good sources for checking these things out. This reinforces the truth that "facts" are easily forgotten and misremembered!

The whole discussion made me think about my grandmother. When I was in high school and college she lived with us on and off. I wish I had taken some time to listen more. She loved to tell tales about her past and was particularly proud of the fact that her relatives were Loyalists during the American Revolution. That is how she ended up being born in Canada, her relations having been forced out of the new America at the end of the Revolutionary War. I didn't even understand what a loyalist was when she was telling me and I didn't really have enough desire to find out. Miss you grammie.

So, I'll end this my first post. What did I get out of it?
Write it all down, and document it as best you can.
Listen to your elders ... while you can ... get all the stories (and write them down!!)