Who We Were, Are & Will Be Our Family: June 2021

30 June 2021

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday: Best Buds Keith Walker and Lindsay Mylar

Best friends Keith G. Walker (seated, 1894-1980) and J. Lindsay Mylar (standing, 1894-1976),

in 1912 on left, and in 1967 on right.

Keith G. Walker was my grandfather on my paternal side.

29 June 2021

Tombstone(less) Tuesday: Pvt. Henry M. Walker, Sr. (1829-1865) at Chalmette National Cemetery, New Orleans, LA.

I have made several big discoveries as a genealogist and family historian. But probably my proudest, most emotional, and most rewarding was finding the grave of my gg-grandfather Henry Walker, Sr. who died in a railroad accident during the Civil War. Another part of the circle closing the story has been fulfilled. My son Paul went to the grave and placed American flags over his burial spot, and the spots of those who died along his side and are buried with him.

He is buried at Chalmette National Cemetery outside New Orleans. In the second picture you can see that he and his fellow comrades who died in the railroad accident do not have grave markers. The cemetery did not even know they were buried there until I found records from the 1880s at the National Archives in Washington, DC. Now we negotiate getting them grave markers.

Step 1, he is found; Step 2, thanks to Paul, we have acknowledged him; Now it is time for step 3, for the government to give him his marker. By federal law, all veterans are entitled to one.

28 June 2021

"Card of Thanks" RE: Death of Margaret Ann Decker (nee. MacLean, 1840-1913)

From the Pleasanton Observer-Enterprise (Pleasanton, Kansas), February 13, 1913, Thursday, Page 2 --

Card of Thanks.
We thank the friends and neighbors who was ever so kind in helping to care for our wife, sister and aunt.
L. W. Decker.
Sarah Surplus.
Lucy McClure.
Josie Armor.

Margaret Decker was my 2xg-aunt on my mother's maternal side. "L.W." was her husband Lawrence; Sarah Surpluss (1843-1913) was Margaret's sister, and my 2xg-grandmother; Lucy McClure (1851-1920) of Oklahoma was another sister; and Josie Armor (1866-1958) was Margaret's niece, Sarah's daughter, and my great-aunt.

Less than one year later Margaret's husband Lawrence will be murdered. More about that soon.

27 June 2021

William Scott (1771-1849) First Justice of the Peace for Mercer County, Pennsylvania

From The Record-Argus (Greenville, Pennsylvania), April 8, 1876, Saturday, Page 8 --

COURTS OF JUSTICE

Previous to the election by a vote of the people, the office of Justice of the Peace was filled by appointment by the Governor and his council. The first appointment for this office in the town of Greenville, was Mr. William Scott, (the term of office being for life or during good behaviour). Mr. S. held forth in a small store-room on High street, near the present residence of Josiah Kughler. The manner of conducting court at that day differed from this, in as much as the laying of penalties was mostly devolved on the justice. For instance: A countryman was one day brought before the court for some misdemeanor, and using profane language on the street. His punishment was to dig three stumps out of Main street, on the hill west of the U. P. church. Whether this was the method in which the street was finally cleared of this nuisance we know not, but if so, we would recommend it to the Burgess and Council as the bust method of grading and paving the streets at the present day. As at the same ration of penalty quite a fund of labor might be accumulated.

William Scott (1771-1849) was my 3xg-grandfather on my father's maternal side. He is a recent discovery for me and I am just now beginning research on this line.

26 June 2021

Future Families Mixing (1900)

From The Walnut Valley Times (El Dorado, Kansas), February 27, 1900, Tuesday, Page 4 --

A pleasant surprise was given by the members of the Walnut Valley Sunday School on Mrs. James Knox at the home of her brothers In Rosalia township Monday evening, February 19. Alex Surplus in behalf of the Sunday school presented Mrs. Knox with a lovely parlor table. The evening was pleasantly spent and refreshments formed a part. The company dispersed at a late hour with a cordial invitation to visit Mr. and Mrs. Knox in their new home on the Purdy farm a mile south of Harmony church. Those present, Mr. and Mrs. J Knox, Mr. and Mrs. George Hall, Mr. Bonnel, Mary Bonnel, Miss McKee, Carrie Young, Elsie Hall, Agnes Long, Arthur Young, Alex Surplus, George Clark, Will and John Long.

Have you ever sat in a crowded and room and just people watch? It is a beautiful thing! We are enlightened beings that puts us above the beasts, but at our base, we are still animals, and every thing we do, we say, we gesture, has a meaning to communicate. And for those of us who enjoy people watching, the above get-together would have been pure, almost choreographed, theater.

Mr. and Mrs. George and Miriam Hall are my 2xg-grandparents. I am assuming "Miss McKee" is Candace McKee, my2xg-grandaunt and Miriam Hall's sister. Elsie Rue Hall is George and Miriam's daughter, she would shortly marry Alex Surpluss, and they would become my g-grandparents. The John Long mentioned would marry Elsie's older sister Jennie.

25 June 2021

Obituary for Leo Gibson (1892-1967)

From Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas), January 6, 1967, Friday, Page 37 --

Leo Gibson's Funeral Slated

ANDREWS (Special) — Leo Gibson, 71, longtime resident of Eunice, N.M., died at 11:05 a.m. Thursday in Permian General Hospital at Andrews.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday (MST) in the First Baptist Church at Eunice with the Rev. G. A. Magee, pastor, officiating.
Graveside services will be at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Andrews Cemetery. Burial will be under direction of Singleton Funeral Home.
Gibson had been a resident of Eunice the past 30 years, and was a native of Kansas. He retired from Sunray Oil Co. in 1957 after being a pumper for 22 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church at Eunice.
Survivors include his wife. Mary Josephine; a son, Lewis Doyle, Roswell; a sister, Mrs. Emma Ball of Glendale, Calif.; and two brothers, Bruce, Bcrkeley, Calif., and Wallace, Danville, Calif.

Leo Gibson was my grand-uncle on my mom's paternal side. I don't remember ever meeting any of my grand-uncles, but I remember attending one funeral, for Wallace "Hoot" Gibson (1905-1968). Our relationship with my mom's extended family was always kind of odd. We were super close to her immediate family, my grandparents and her siblings, visiting them frequently, but we almost never saw anyone else.

24 June 2021

Death of George Hall (1845-1908) in Newspaper Back Home

From The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois), November 3, 1908, Tuesday, Page 3 --

Danvers
DEATH OF GEORGE HALL OCCURS AT ELDORADO, KAS.
Remembered by Older Residents

The news of the death of George Hall was received here Monday from Eldorado, Kas. Mr. Hall was born here about 70 years ago, was the son of Jeremiah Hall. He was wounded in the army and this was the cause of his death. For many years he resided near Gibson City and Fairbury. He later moved to Kansas. His wife was Miss Marion McKee, a daughter of William McKee, near Oak Grove. He will be remembered by the older residents here and at Carlock.

George Hall was my 2xg-grandfather on my mother's maternal side. I did not know he lived near Gibson City and Fairbury! Clues for more research.

23 June 2021

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday: Close Cousins

My uncle Wayne Walker (1931-2018) on the left; My dad Paul Walker (1929-2019) on the right, and their cousin Anne (Walker) Shadel (1920-2004) in the middle. Circa 1945. My Dad said of all his cousins he felt closest to Anne. This picture sort of shows that, the way he tilts his head in toward her.

22 June 2021

Tombstone Tuesday: Martha (Scott) Porter, 1824-1909

In honor of the recent discovery of my g-grandmother Martha (Scott) Porter's picture, I thought it would be appropriate to post a picture of her grave marker this week.

Born: June 1824, in Mercer, Mercer county, Pennsylvania

Died: 5 Sep 1909 in Leavenworth, Chelan county, Washington

Buried: Leavenworth North Road Cemetery, Leavenworth, Chelan county, Washington

21 June 2021

Amanuensis Monday: Divorce Record of Lucy M. (Chesley) Walker against Henry M. Walker (1897)

(Click on images to enlarge.)

In the District Court of Custer County Nebraska

Lucy M. Walker

vs.

Henry Walker

Comes now above named plaintiff and for cause of action against the defendant alleges that she and said defendant have been residents of Custer County Nebraska for upwards of ten years last part and that said plaintiff and defendant are now residents of said county and residing therein
That on or about the 26th day of October 1884 she was married to the defendant

That there are three children now minors resulting from said marriage to wit;

Lynn C. Walker aged 9 years

Norman A. Walker aged 7 years

Keith G. Walker aged 2 years

That during all of this time since said marriage that this plaintiff conducted herself toward said defendant as a kind and indifferent wife.

That said defendant not keeping his marital duties and vows at various times and repeatedly was guilty of repeated and extreme acts of cruelty by the use of acts of personal violence and other means against this plaintiff

That defendant is a person of loose and dissolute habits and that it is dangerous to the lives of the children herein named and of plaintiff to live with defendant or to continue further in the marriage relation with said defendant

That said defendant is not a proper person to have the care and custody of said children by reason of his vicious and immoral habits

That plaintiff is a person fitted and able to take charge of said children and their care custody education and control

That the defendant has been convicted of a felony in the District Court of Custer County Nebraska and has been sentenced to imprisonment in the penitentiary of this state for the term of three years and over by said court and no error has been persecuted therein

Wherefore plaintiff prays for an absolute decree of divorce from said defendant and for the court to award to her the care custody and control of said children absolutely and without any interference on the part of said defendant and for such other further and different reliefs as to the court may be just and understandable.

Lucy M. Walker

By J. R. Bean, Atty.

________________

The State of Nebraska

Custer County

Lucy M. Walker brings forth duly sworn deposes and says that she is plaintiff herein that she has read and swears the contents of said petition; that the facts stated herein are true as she verily believes

Lucy M. Walker (signed)

Inscribed in my presence and sworn to before me this 11th Day of December 1896.

J.R. Rhoades

County Judge

_________________

In the District Court of Custer County Nebraska

Lucy Walker

vs. ANSWER

Henry Walker

Comes now the defendant Henry Walker and for answer to the petition of the plaintiff filed herein -- admits the marriage of the plaintiff and defendant as alleged in the plaintiff's petition -- But denies each and all of the other allegations therein contained.

Henry Walker

By Cameron & Reece

His Attorneys

Verification waived

J.R. Bean (signed)

Atty for Plaintiff

20 June 2021

Happy Father's Day Paul E. Walker (1929-2019)

I miss you.

Arthur Herrick Needham Laid to Rest (1921)

Click to Enlarge.

A. H. NEEDHAM IS LAID TO REST IN ARNOLD CEMETERY.
Died at Home of Son In Forest Grove Ore.— Nearly Ninety Years Old.

A. H. Needham, father of Frank Needham, passed away at his son's home in Forest Grove Ore., on Thursday March 24th. Funeral services were conducted from the First Methodist church in Forest Grove, Ore. last Saturday afternoon, March 24th. The pastor, Rev. C. R. Carlos assisted by two former pastors of the deceased, Rev. Nathan English and Rev. L. W. Chandler. The remains were shipped to Arnold where services were held at the Methodist church on Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock. The service was conducted by Rev. Johnson and internment was made in the Arnold cemetery by the side of his beloved wife.

Obituary.

A. H. Needham was born In Lawrence, N. Y., September 7, 1831 and departed to his heavenly home from Forest Grove, Ore. on Thursday morning, March 24, 1921, age 89 years 6 months and 14 days. He moved with his father’s family to Cleveland, Ohio in 1834, where he grew to manhood working on his father’s farm. He was educated In the public schools and at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio. His chosen profession was Pedagogy. After teaching four years in northern Ohio, he went south to Knoxville, Tcnn., as private tutor, from 1855 to 1857. He taught In the high school of Warrenton, Mo., from 1857 to 1860. When the Civil war came he enlisted in 1861 in the Second Regiment Iowa Cavalry, as hospital steward and served for five years. He was a member of the G. A. R. and had a deep affection for all his comrades. He was married to Camilla E Porter, in April, 1864, and was discharged from the service of his country in 1865. He moved to Iowa and engaged in farming and teaching during 1866-67. In September 1868 he moved to Lincoln, Neb., and took up a homestead. He taught the second term of school in what was then called the Wallingford District, in Lancaster county. Here he resided until 1883 when he moved to Arnold, Neb., and took up 320 acres of Government land and settled down to rear and educate his family. He was the father of four children: Frank E Needham of Arnold, Neb., Mrs. Keith Walker of Dix, Neb., and Mrs. E. G. Mills and Leroy Needham of Forest Grove, Ore. Eleven years ago his wife a dear companion and true helpmeet took her departure for the better land. He then made his home with his children and four years ago he came to Forest Grove, Ore., where after an illness of two months he peacefully passed away to his eternal reward.

He was identified with the Methodist Episcopal church for sixty years. His early Christian life dates back to the time when his sainted mother would gather her children around her and tell them of the love of Jesus. The loyalty that characterized his devotion to his family and his country, was manifested in his country was manifested in his relation to Christ. He was an intelligent student of history and sustained his interests in the current events of the day, to the last. He leaves a large circle of relatives and friends. His four children are living and besides them he had great delight in his fifteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. But the company of dear ones that have greeted him on the other shore, exceeds even in number that which he leaves behind.

CARD OF THANKS

We wish in this manner to thank the many friends and neighbors for the kindness and sympathy extended at the time of death and burial, of our father A. H. Needham

Signed: The Needham Family

Arthur Herrick Needham (1831-1921) was my g-grandfather on my father's maternal side. He was an extraordinary man. I have often considered writing his biography.

19 June 2021

Zeroing In on British Ethnicity with LivingDNA

All my DNA tests have indicated I am by far mostly British, Scottish, and Irish. Knowing this I was excited to get tested by LivingDNA, a British-based DNA service that specializes in getting specific about the regional results in the British Isles. Well my results are in. It seems I am mostly East Anglian, originally the home to the Anglo-Saxons. Then coming in second are the Scots and Orange Irish (Protestant Northern Ireland). My grandmother always told me she was Welsh, there is a little bit of that too. This dramatically confirms my paper research, and opens up opportunity to dig deeper. More follow up later. (Click on image to enlarge.)

18 June 2021

The Railroad Comes to Danvers, Illinois in 1869

From The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois), November 26, 1869, Friday, Page 4 --

The depot at Danvers will be on the north side of the railroad, upon ground formerly owned by Mr. Otis Hall, southeast of town. Mr. Hall donated eight acres for this purpose and the town two more, and the whole was presented to the railroad company.

We predict a bright future for Danvers, now that she has the railroad. Two years ago the township voted $30,000 for the road, with only eleven dissenting votes, while some of our townships refused to vote a cent. Last winter the village was incorporated, and now contains about 600 population. Several new homes have lately been erected; Mr. Washburn is about completing one at a cost of $3000; Jeremiah Hall one costing about the same amount; a Congregational parsonage is just being finished at a cost of $2500; Rev. James Mitchell has just occupied a new $3000 house, and Mr. J.C. Vockrodt has just finished a dwelling house costing $2500.

My 3xg-grandfather Jeremiah Smith Hall (1809-1882) was an early settler of Danvers, a town founded by his older brother my 3xg-granduncle Israel Woodbury Hall (1799-1865). Israel had died four years earlier, so I suppose you could say he was represented above by his son Otis Taylor Hall (1828-1899). Otis was my first cousin 4x removed.

17 June 2021

William McKee's Horse is Stolen

From The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois), April 17, 1873, Thursday, Page 2 --

----We have a novel case of horse-thieving. A man named Wm. Barret stole a horse below Forest City, Mason county, rode him up toward Green Valley, stopped at a stable where he was well acquainted with the stock, swapped for the best horse in the lot, road on into Dillon and doubled his stock by stealing another from Wm. McKee, and thence pushed on to Mackinaw. There he traded again. By this time men were in pursuit, and one man got into town in time to see McKee's horse ridden in by a boy. He took possession and told the boy that he had his horse. The boy told him that his father had traded for it, and that he could show him the man, and the horse that he had let the fellow have. Search was made and the horse found, but the man had smelt a mice and "broke for tall timber." One man too McKee's horse and rode to Delavan, another pursued the thief to Hopedale, where he had just taken the cars south. The lightning went ahead of Constable Cobean, who met the gentleman in the cars at Delevan, and took him into custody. He gave his name as Hudson. He is now in jail in Pekin awaiting trial.

Wow. I am not used to the use of catchwords in news stories. I am guessing that means the story is mostly for amusement? I am guessing "cars" means railway cars. I am guessing "lightning" means telegraph. I am guessing "smelt a mice" is what we mean when we say "smelled a rat."

One thing I am not guessing -- William McKee (1810-1873) was my 3xg-grandfather on my mother's maternal side.

16 June 2021

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday: Lucy May Walker Copeland (nee. Chesley 1866-1940) and Warren D. Copeland (1859-1942)

At their homestead in Custer County, Nebraska. Lucy was my g-grandmother on my father's paternal side. Warren was her second husband, and reportedly a great father to my grandfather.

15 June 2021

Tombstone Tuesday: John Needham (1799-1893)

John Needham
Born: July 31, 1799, Fort Ann, Washington County, New York
Died: August 24, 1893, Brecksville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Buried: Brecksville Cemetery, Brecksville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio

John Needham was my 2xg-grandfather on my father's maternal side.

14 June 2021

Gurwells Implicated in Attempted Lynching

From The Kansas Chief (Troy, Kansas), August 23, 1894, Thursday, Page 3 --

The Highland Station Scrape-- A number of citizens of Highland Station and vicinity were arrested and brought to Troy, lost week, and had their trial before Justice Hawley, on Thursday, on complaint of Lute R. Mead, the man who was recently almost lynched at Highland Station. The persons arrested were N. N. Gallagher, Charles Sage, George Miller, Robert Sampson, James Gurwell, and Ralph Gurwell. There was no evidence showing that Gallagher, Miller, or Ralph Gurwell had any hand in the affair, and they were discharged. Sage, Sampson, and James Gurwell were permitted to plead guilty to assault and battery, and were fined $10 each, and costs. The report that the express money package that was stolen had been found, is a mistake. It is the prevalent belief that the partner of the complaining witness in this case got the money. He did not come over to participate in the trial. It seems, from their own story, that he raised the window of the depot, and got a drink of water.

James G. Gurwell (1834-1926) was my 2xg-grandfather. Ralph Wesley Gurwell (1873-1959) was his son, and my great-granduncle.

13 June 2021

Grace A. Hembree (1911-2005) Pledges Life to Christian Service

From The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), June 13, 1928, Wednesday, Page 3 --

PLEDGE LIVES TO CHURCH
Four young people pledged themselves for life service in Christian work at the seventh annual Christian Endeavor banquet of South Lawrence Avenue Christian church Monday evening. They include Miss Grace Hembree, Miss Eva Whitney, Miss Oma Lamb, and Harold Lovitt of Iola, who was In Wichita attending the state convention.

Grace Abigail Sims (nee. Hembree, 1911-2005) was my first cousin 2x removed on my mother's maternal side. Grace researched her ancestry too and I was able to use her work in mine.

12 June 2021

Picture of Grace Abigail Hembree (1911-2005)

Grace Abigail Hembree was born July 27, 1911 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. She passed on January 21, 2005 in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles County, California. She was the daughter of my great-grandaunt Mary Hembree (nee. Surpluss, 1870-1957), making Grace my 1st cousin 2x removed. The picture is from her Wichita High School yearbook when she was seventeen.

I like to think I am honoring my ancestors and relatives by remembering them, and Grace deserves remembering. She was another one of my ancestral relatives who started doing genealogy, and I was able to build on her work. Thank you Grace.

11 June 2021

Why Do I Love Nebraska? Because Nebraska Loved Me First!

Sixty-years ago, from The Western Nebraska Observer (Kimball, Nebraska) --

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Wistrom received the announcement of the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Walker of California on Jan. 22. He has been named Kevin Wayne. Paul Is the uncle of Dick Wistrom. He graduated from the Dix High School.

I was born in California, but they were talking about me in Nebraska! I do genealogy because of family. My family roots are in Nebraska. In many ways I consider it my home state, but I have never lived there.

10 June 2021

Paul Walker Training as Aircraft Engineer (1948)

From The Western Nebraska Observer (Kimball, Nebraska), June 24, 1948, Thursday, Page 9 --

PAUL WALKER TRAINING AS AIRCRAFT ENGINEER
Pfc Paul E. Walker, son of Keith Walker of Dix, has been assigned to training as an aviation engineer at the Air Force school at Ft. Francis E. Warren In Cheyenne, it was revealed this week. He enlisted recently in the Air Force under the career plan which allows high school graduates to pick the type of training they desire.

Paul Walker was moved to the school of cartography. Upon the end of his enlistment he became a public school teacher which he remained for well over thirty years. Paul E. Walker (1929-2019) was my father.

09 June 2021

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: Almaden School, San Jose, California

Click to Enlarge.

The old Almaden (Elementary) School, circa 1930 when it was built. Corner of Blossom Hill (at the time known as Downer Ave) and Almaden Expressway, San Jose, California. This was a public school, the first one built after the San Jose School District and Almaden School District unified. Demolished in 1972 because it was an earthquake hazard. I attended fifth grade there in 1971.

08 June 2021

Tombstone Tuesday: Phoebe Cochran Chesley (nee. Ward, 1830-1928)

Burial: Powell Canyon Cemetery, Custer County, Nebraska.

Phoebe Chesley was my 2xg-grandmother on my father's paternal side.

07 June 2021

Amanuensis Monday: U.S. Army WWII Telegram/Citation for Glenn L. Walker (1917-1993)

Private Glen L Walker 37072436. Infantry United States Army.
For Heroic Achievement in connection with military operations
against the enemy on May 28, 1943, during the Attu Operation.
After a desperate fire fight with the enemy, Private Walker's company
was left in a situation so hazardous that it was deemed advisable
to withdraw to a higher position in the rear. After withdrawing
about five hundred yards it was discovered that two casualties
had been left to the mercy of the enemy. Private Walker immediately
volunteered to assist in the rescue of his comrades.
With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private Walker's
heroic action was inspirational to his comrades and reflected
great credit upon himself an the military service.

Glenn Lynndon Walker was my 1st Cousin, 1x removed.

06 June 2021

Hall Family Quarrels in Court (1883)

From The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois), August 30, 1883, Thursday, Page 4 --

A Family Quarrel In Court.
--Yesterday Wilbur Hall, of Danvers, filed a bill in chancery against his mother, Mrs. Hannah Hall, and other relatives, for title to certain real estate in this county. Complainant says be purchased of John P. Morrison twenty-five acres of land in section 16) in Dale township, and that he purchased of John Mickens five acres in section 31 In Danvers township. He further says the deeds were made to his father, Jeremiah S. Hall, with the express understanding that this property was to be deeded to or for complainant when he so elected. October 16, 1878. Jeremiah borrowed $500, and gave a mortgage on this property to A. E. Merritt. Jeremiah died and did not redeem the note. Merritt endorsed the note to George S. Hall and he endorsed it to his wife, one of the defendants. Orator says that he knew nothing of the mortgage and received none of the money, and further says that Mrs. Marion W. Hall, the endorsee, knew full well before she received them that the property belonged to complainant.

There are a few factual errors here. First, Wilber's mother was Jane (Combs) Hall and she died in 1874, nine years before her husband and this article. Hannah was Wilbur's older sister, not his mother. Second, there is no record anywhere on any legal documents of George or Mariam (McKee) Hall having middle names (or middle initials).

I found other newspaper reports of court complaints involving the estate of my 3xg-grandfather Jeremiah Smith Hall (1809-1882) internal to the family. It is my hopes to get down to the McLean county courthouse and follow up on all of them. George and Mariam Hall were my 2xg-grandparents.

05 June 2021

"Just Another Picture of 'Just Another Distant Aunt.'" To Whom?

We all have them. Me as many as anyone! I have over a hundred pictures of great-aunts and great-uncles that go without much attention from me. Why? Isn't it obvious? They are "just distant aunts and uncles". . . to me. My bias is toward researching and giving attention to my "ancestors," not just "relatives."

Then it happens, someone comes along less selfish than me. More thoughtful. More considerate. He posts a picture on FamilySearch.Org of one of his "just another distant aunt." He is thinking less inward and more outward. What can he do that might be good for someone else? What can he do that is good for the hobby of genealogy and therefore all genealogists?

Then I come along and find the picture he posted of his "just a distant aunt."

Meet my 2xg-grandmother Martha Porter (nee. Scott, 1825-1909). This is the first picture I have ever found or seen of her. My newfound cousin's "just a distant aunt" is my gg-grandmother!

I owe him so much for posting this picture publicly. I think he is the type of guy who would appreciate me paying it forward. I need to go start uploading pictures of "just distant aunts" and "just distant uncles."

04 June 2021

Newspaper Announcement that Jeremiah Smith Hall (21 Apr 1809 - 6 Sept 1882) was Dying

From The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois), September 4, 1882, Monday, Page 3 --

Dying from a Curious Cause.
-Mr. Jeremiah Hall, one of the oldest settlers of North Danvers, now a resident of Danvers, is lying very near death's door, his death being hourly expected. In 1844 he accidentally run a thorn in one of his fingers, the effect of which came near throwing him into the lock jaw. The finger was amputated many years ago, but the effect of the wound remains with him until this day. He Is 73 years old.

I reported the details of the accident HERE. It said it effected his nerves so greatly that if he got too excited his body would become stiff and rigid. Very strange. And here it is claiming his life?

Two days after publication, Jeremiah S. Hall would pass. He was the 3xg-grandfather on my mother's maternal side.

03 June 2021

Little Miss Mildred Earns a Dollar (From 1920)

From The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas), December 1, 1920, Wednesday, Page 11 --

Novel Way of Earning One Dollar.
Little Miss Mildred Surpluss, who resides on Rural Route No. 4 at Eldorado, has a way of earning money which not only adds to her store of funds but of knowledge as well. According to a letter from Mildred she says that at the beginning of school her aunt told her that every 100 she got on her report card she would give her a half dollar. As a result Mildred is getting a dollar and a half every six weeks.

Mildred Surpluss (1910-1987) was my grandaunt on my mom's maternal side.

02 June 2021

Wordless Wednesday: Turkey

01 June 2021

Tombstone Tuesday: Cpl. Ralph Surplus, Jr. (1930-1994)

Leavenworth National Cemetery
Leavenworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas, USA
Plot: 46, 17, 11

I thought this was a good choice for the day after Memorial Day. Ralph Surpluss, Jr. was my 1st-cousin one-time removed, on my mother's maternal side.