In a recent YouTube video, “What’s in the Attic?” I took everyone up to an attic that many haven’t visited or even knew was there. If you watched you might have recognized some of the names that appeared on the video. As you can only imagine the walls were full of information. That’s what brings me to today’s post on my website. There were many names, don’t worry I took a few photos and that’s what you will find below. I saw everything from signatures with dates, year of graduation to of course a few hearts with initials. Yes even some interesting pieces of artwork, I can’t forget the running tabs from the “Candy Shop”.
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Unfortunately, I can’t load all of them now or it would take forever for this post to appear. With that, I’m currently working on a list of names and will share those later. If you come across one of the names or photos you recognize let me know. I would be more than happy to forward you a copy of the photo through email that’s not a problem. By the way, if you missed the video I mentioned above you can still view it below.
How many times have you looked at a picture, put it away, only to pull it out again a few years later and realize something new in the photo? Come on I know I’m not the only one who has done that. I know this “Throwback Thursday” post is just the perfect time of the month with Halloween around the corner. The photographs Hold StoriesI talked about the lack of those Halloween pictures.
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Do you have Halloween pictures of your parents or even grandparents? Did they decorate their homes like most of us do today? Oh, and I must ask about the candy, apples or popcorn balls. I know that my dad mentioned the candy “Sugar Daddy” was popular when he would trick-or-treat. For me I remember “Kit Kat” and “Fun Dip” was common to find in my pumpkin pail. What candy did you find in your pumpkin pail?
This Solberg family photograph was included in a purchase from eBay that included some other family members. It appears that the family was connected to the Otis family and the Johnson clan both of which I shared at an earlier date. When viewing the family photo I noticed that the gentleman to the left of the photo was wearing a hearing aid and the young man is wearing a lapel pin. These two additional finds in this photo might not mean much to some, but if you researching to find out more about the family these might help.
Solberg Family
When looking at “Wordless Wednesday” photographs there are so many stories one could come up with. But most of us just have questions, for example, are they paired up as couples? Could this be parents posing with their children? There were many taken during this date so, I wonder if it was for a special event other than a typical family gathering. What do all of you think? Do any of you have photographs like this one? Without names, dates, and even the location or purpose. If by chance you know of the Solberg family please let me know.
The tombstone of John Eaton was one of the first to catch my attention at the Minsink Cemetery in Orange County, New York. Of course, the obvious reason is because of the location and size. I’ve shared some information on others in the same cemetery in past posts.
John Eaton
JOHN EATON
DIED
JAN. 5 1863
AGED
67 Yrs, 2 Mon’s
& 23 D’s
1850 Census
[1] 1850 United States Federal Census
United States Federal Census record of Wawayanda in Orange County the state of New York shows John Eaton head of the household, male. Value of real estate 500, born in New York, occupation carpenter, 54 years of age. Hannah in household, female. No occupation listed, 43 years of age.
1855 Census
[2]1855 New York Census
New York State Census record of Greenville in Orange County the state of New York shows John Eaton head of household, male, married, native voter. Home built logs, estate value 50, born in Orange County, 59 years as a resident. Occupation as a carpenter, 59 years of age. Hannah wife to head of household, female, married. Born in Orange County, 59-year resident, no occupation, 59 years of age.
1860 Census
[3] 1860 United States Federal Census
United States Federal Census record of Greenville in Orange County the state of New York shows John Eaton as head of the household, male. Estate value at 500, personal estate at 100, born in New York, occupation as a day laborer, 64 years of age. Hannah in household, female, born in New York, no occupation, 63 years of age.
[1]1850 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operation, Inc., 2009 Census Place: Wawayanda, Orange, New York; Roll: M432_574; Page: 225B; Image: 461
[2]1855 New York State Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013
[3]1860 Unites States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009 Census Place: Greenville, Orange, New York; Roll: M653_835; Page: 386; Family History Library Film: 803835
No, I’m not talking about those roots, I’m talking about the documents you have to support your tree. When I looked outside and see all the trees and the leaves starting to change colors. It made me stop and think about them and how the roots support and nourish the trees and help them to grow.
Support
When constructing our family trees, we look for documents to support what we have heard or read. So those documents, certificates, photographs, and even pages from a bible are our roots. Without them, it would be difficult for our family tree to stand strong and continue to grow. If you like me and many others there are times that your tree will stop growing on one side. Then you find yourself having to shift your research focus. Have you ever received your DNA results only to realize your tree might fall? Or how about receiving your DNA results and your tree grows to new heights? There are so many different things that can affect our research, one step forward and two steps back. Sometimes for some of us, the hardest thing is not giving up. While with others it's remembering to eat and sleep.
We have all seen a state map and even world maps. How about putting some of those to use with a fun family history project. You can even look at it as an educational project for the school-age members of your home. I came up with the idea after viewing somePinterestpins last year. I wanted to share with everyone where our ancestors were from, both stateside and overseas. What better way to do that than with a map.
Map of the World and United States
After purchasing some inexpensive maps, cork boards, and multi-colored pushpins I had my project necessities. Now time to start mapping out ancestor locations. Oh yeah why have multi-colored pushpins, well each color represents a specific surname. For example, my maternal Elfrank ancestors are all yellow. So where ever I’ve located the birth of my direct Elfrank line I placed a yellow pushpin.
I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to travel and meet so many people. One of my many favorite memories takes me back a couple years ago. So, for this week's “Throwback Thursdays” I’m taking us back to the 2013,History Channel episode. I was approached with the idea of appearing on “How the States Got Their Shapes” in a dueling genealogist episode. I was so excited I could barely contain my excitement, a small girl from the country was going to appear on the TV.
“How the States Got Their Shapes”
I’ve watched the show before on the History Channel several times. So, I had an idea the show was about but the “dueling”, now that was new. My competition was Kathleen Brandt witha3Genealogyout of Kansas City, Missouri. I wasn’t focused on winning, Kathleen and I have been friends for some time it was all about having fun. If you watched the episode you could tell we really had a fun time. By the way, if you searching for this episode they changed it to “North vs. South”.
This happens to be one of my favorite photographs that I purchased in this eBay lot. The Otis family looks to be one of fun and even a little mischief. I would guess the mother has her hands full with all of these boys and yes that includes dad himself. Such a fun-looking family I can’t wait to find out more about this family. This is one of the photos included in the Johnson clan photo I shared earlier.
Otis Family
This is just one in a large group of photos that were included in the eBay purchase. Consequently, they all intertwine with each other. It seems like this family along with a Johnson family and the Solberg family are all related. Maybe over time, I can finally find the answer as to who these people are. Maybe some of you might have an idea.
First, many of you have heard of the acronym SLIG, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Maybe some of you haven’t so now is the perfect time to learn more. I visited their booth at the Federations of Genealogical Societies conference in Pittsburgh. I spoke with Peg Ivanyo, a board member of the institute. She shared some useful tips for those of you attending the upcoming 2018 SLIG event, “Elevate your Genealogical Education to New Heights”. So of course, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share.
SLIG 2018 Event
The event takes place for six days in Salt Lake City, Utah from the 21st – 26th of January. Registration for the event already opened, but don’t worry there could still be some openings. Yet don’t worry if the registration for the event is full Peg let me know there is a waiting list. She also spoke about the upcoming virtual advanced evidence analysis practicum course. Click on the link above to learn more about the institute. Enjoy the video below of my interview with Peg at the conference. Remember to feel free to like, share and leave your comments.
While walking through the Minisink Cemetery in Orange County New York I noticed a few tombstones in the distant corner. One belonged to the Belcher family. Some confusion does come into the picture when researching Lewis and his wives. First of all, I located two of his three wives, since I know he had three wives because of the notations on his marriage records below. Another point of confusion comes when you view his age, while I do know this is the correct Lewis Belcher on all documents.
Belcher
BELCHER
LEWIS BELCHER
1862-1951
HIS WIFE
HARRIET J. THOMPSON
1851-1925
Census
[1]1870 United States Census
1870 United States Federal Census in Sussex County state of New Jersey shows Sylvester Belcher head of household, male, white, born in New Jersey. Real estate value 500, personal estate value 130, able to read and write. Occupation farm laborer, age 38. Judy J. in household, female, white, born in New Jersey. Occupation keeping house, age 32. John C. in household is male, white, born in New Jersey. No occupation, age 12. Lewis in household, male, white, born in New Jersey. No occupation, age 7. Isaac in household, male, white, born in New Jersey. No occupation, age 6.
[2]1880 United States Census
1880 United States Federal Census in Sussex County the state of New Jersey shows Sylvester Belcher head of household, male, white, married, born in New Jersey, and both parents. Unable to read or write, occupation laborer, age 47. Mary J. wife to the head of the household, female, white, married, born in New Jersey, and both parents. Occupation keeping house, age 41. Charles A. son to head of the household, male, white, single, born in New Jersey, and both parents. Unable to read or write, no occupation, age 21. Lewis son to head of household, male, white, single, born in New Jersey, and both parents. No occupation, age 18. Isaac son to head of household, male, white, single, born in New Jersey, and both parents. No occupation, age 16. Albert son to head of household, male, white, single, born in New Jersey, and both parents. No occupation, age 7.
Marriage Number Two
[3]Lewis Belcher and Harriet J Belcher
Marriage between Lewis Belcher and Harriet J. Belcher, 17th of November in 1908 took place in Orange County, New York. Parents of Lewis Belcher are Sylvester Belcher and Mary J Heady. The parents of Harriet J. Belcher are James A. Thompson and Jane Davis. Lewis was 46 years of age and Harriet was 57 at the time of this marriage. His second marriage and her second. His occupation laborer, her occupation housekeeper.
Census
[4]1910 United States Federal Census
1910 United States Federal Census Minisink Township in Orange County state of New York shows Lewis Belcher head of household, male, white, married, first marriage, married for one year. Born in New Jersey and both parents. Occupation laborer, farming industry. Able to read, write and speak English, renting the home, age 38. Harriet J wife to head of household, female, white, married, second marriage, married for one year. Born in New York and both parents, spoke English. No occupation, age 39.
[5]1920 United States Federal Census
1920 United States Federal Census Minisink in Orange County state of New York shows Lewis Belcher head of household, male, white, married, born in New Jersey, and both parents. Renting home, able to read and write. Occupation laborer, general work, age 57. Harriet is wife to the head of household, female, white, married, born in New York, and both parents. Able to read and write, no occupation, age 68.
Marriage Number Three
[6]Lewis Belcher and Emma L Norton
Marriage between Lewis Belcher and Emma L Norton, 17th of August in 1927 took place in Orange County, New York. Parents of Lewis Belcher are Sylvester Belcher and Mary Jan Heady. The parents of Emman L Norton are Benjamin S Range and Mary Seagar. Lewis is 64 years of age at the time of marriage and Emma is 65 years of age at the time of marriage. His third marriage, former spouse dead not divorced and her second, former spouse dead not divorced. Lewis’s occupation laborer, Emma’s occupation nurse.
Census
[7]1930 United States Federal Census
1930 United States Federal Census Minisink Orange County state of New York shows Lewis Belcher head of household, male, white, married, age 65 at marriage. Born in New Jersey and both parents. Home owned, home value 4000, doesn’t live on a farm, able to read and write. Occupation laborer, town road industry, age 67. Emma wife to head of household, female, white, married, age 66 at marriage. Born in New York and both parents. Able to read and write, no occupation, age 68. Catherine Norton granddaughter to head of household, female, white, single. Born in Connecticut, father born in New York, mother born in Connecticut. Able to read and write, no occupation, age 28.
[8]1940 United States Federal Census
1940 United States Federal Census Orange County state of New York shows Lewis Belcher head of household, male, white, married, born in New Jersey, and both parents. Highest level of education eighth grade, occupation laborer, road repair industry, age 78. Emma L. wife to the head of the household, female, white, married, born in New York. Highest level of education eighth grade, no occupation, age 80.
Death Index
[9]New York Death Index
Death Index for Lewis Belcher, place of birth listed in Middletown, New York, 88 years of age at the time of death. Date of death September 8th in 1951.
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[1]1870 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Provo, UT,USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009 Census Place: Vernon, Sussex, New Jersey; Roll:M593_889: Page:226A; Family History Library Film: 552388
[2]1880 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010 Census Place: Vernon, Sussex, New Jersey: Roll: 779; Family History Film: 1254799; Page: 195C; Enumeration District: 186
[3]Marriage Records, New York Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016 New York County Marriages, 1847-1849; 1907-1936
[4]1910 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017)Provo,UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2006 Census Place: Minisink, Orange, New York; Roll; T624_1059; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 0035; FHL microfilm: 1375072
[5] 1920 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Provo, Ut, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2006. Census Place: Minisink, Orange, New York; Roll: T624_1059; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 0035;FHL microfilm: 1375072
[6] Marriage Records, New York Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.,2016. New York County Marriages, 1547-1849;1907-1936
[7] 1930 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc.,2002. Census Place: Minsink, Orange, New York; Roll: 1632; Page: 6A; Enumerations District: 0043; FHL microfilm:2341366
[8]1940 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2012. Census Place: Minsink, Orange,New York; Roll: T627-2709; Page: 11B; Enumerations District: 36-55
[9] New York Department of Health Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed September 2017) Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017. State Death Index; Certificate Number: 57118
