Thursday Treasure Chest – Family History

     Our family black book, boy does that sound strange. When I’m speaking of our family’s black book, I’m referring to a, black three ring binder that was passed on to me by my mom.

     This is a book full and I mean full of wonderful antidotes, dates, photos, copied documents and research page after research page.
         
     On the first page it explains the reason behind the binder. It was an anniversary gift to Henry and Zella (Clinton) Edwards, my great grand Aunt and great grand Uncle Clinton. 

        

     It is a book of information that covers 227 years and gives information on over 1850 people. All of the information within the book came from relatives, friends, neighbors, obituaries, records, newspaper clipping. two publications; History of Daviess Co, Indiana A new History of the Kilgore Family. The binder was given to Henry and Zella (Clinton) Edwards on their 50^th anniversary. The book was put together by Chester B. Edwards, Garret E. Edwards and Fara C. Edwards and completed on April 1 1971.

Matrilineal Monday–Lena Katherine Elizabeth HOPPER

   
     I decided since the last two blogs on Matrilineal Monday were my great grandmothers on my dad’s side I would continue with the Langston ladies. I hope that’s okay with everyone. Now where do I begin there are so many wonderful things that I’ve learned about my dad mother, both from him and some additional research. I guess the best place to start is at the beginning, as with any introduction. So with that being said I’m happy to introduce to you Lena Katherine Elizabeth HOPPER Langston.

     Lena Katherine Elizabeth HOPPER was born 6 December 1913 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Her parents were Robert Nathaniel Elmer HOPPER and Emma Josephine HARENBERG both born in Missouri. She had one brother, Robert E. HOPPER. She married James Raymond LANGSTON on 18 December 1938 at the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Together they had five children, four girls, Carolyn LANGSTON, Phyliss LANGSTON, Patricia LANGSTON, Sally LANGSTON and one boy, Raymond LANGSTON. She died 26 October 1963 of cancer, leaving behind all of her children, husband and her mother. Thankfully there are many memories that all of her children have. I focused on my dad and the memories he had of his mother, who left him at a young age of 17.

(This is a photo of Lena Katherine Elizabeth Langston and James Raymond Langston)

     He remembers her of course being a loving and wonderful mother who did many things for her family. She could cook anything and it would taste great, he remembers knowing that whenever his uncle, from St. Louis, would come to visit coffee cakes were to be made. Mind you not just the regular coffee cakes but she would also make cinnamon cakes and coconut cakes, drizzled with icing. Not many of us get to experience homemade donuts drizzled with icing that taste better then Krispy Kreme's but my dad, even his sisters would help. When it came to the kitchen she was also pro with canning, everything from beans, tomatoes and even the fall pepper relish, she had help from my dad and his sisters with it came to the canning, I'm sure the eating also. I can't forget that she would can 40 to 50 quarts of peaches.

(This is a photo of Lena Katherine Elizabeth Langston and my dad, Raymond H. Langston.)

      There were times of course that he tested her patience as I'm sure many of us have done with our own parents a time or two. He recalled a time he did that and ended up with sore fingers and hands. One day she asked him to go outside and pull the weeds in that were in her Iris flower bed, well he had a different idea on how to pull the weeds. Can you see where I’m going with this? Dad decided the quickest way to get rid of the weeds was to use the mower. That’s right he pulled out the lawn mower and mowed over the weeds and his moms Iris’s. If I remember correctly his punishment was to then weed with yard, so yeah his hands and fingers were sore.
     There are many wonderful things he learned from her and remembers about his mother. Just one of those memories that he shared with me seemed strange at first but then again I can picture him sitting and watching her. I know he watched her because he can recite each step till the day. You start with the collar then move to the yoke, sleeves and then the body. He could sit and watch his mom iron the clothes and enjoyed every second of it he would even help her hang the laundry outside. During the time I was talking with my dad about his mom, we were on the phone so I couldn't actually see his face. But you know when someone is smiling and I know he was as he remembered so many things about his childhood and his mom. He even chuckled as he remembered both his mom and dad watching him and his sisters' roller skating in the basement.
     I'm sure there is more that I can say about Lena Katherine Elizabeth HOPPER, basically I know there is more I can say but this is a blog not a book. So I will leave you with this,

 

(This is a photo of Lena Katherine Elizabeth Hoppers Confirmation)

Orphan Photo - A man and his dog.

This is a photo also came out of the German photo album I purchased while in Germany. The year on the album bind is 1965. The trees behind him remind me of the Black forest in southwestern Germany. The dog is just beautiful, there are a lot of pictures of this collie in this album and the 1966 album.

Saturday Spotting - Newspaper Abstracts

     It’s time for another “Saturday Spotting’s” and these once again come from the Bollinger County, Missouri Newspaper Abstracts.  There are so many wonderful and strange things that I’ve found during some of my research, I could post page after page in just one post.  But instead I think I’ll save some for the up and coming weeks. 

October 29, 1891

Mrs. Mary Seabough of near Sedgewickville celebrated her 100th birthday on the 15th day of this month. Mrs. Seabough is probably the oldest person in Bollinger County.

**found on page 5 of Volume II Bollinger County, Missouri Newspaper Abstracts from The Marble Hill 

Press

March 17, 1892

Born, to Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Wood of Gravel Hill, March 7th, a fine looking gentleman of the voting persuasion. Local and General

**found on page 10 of Volume II Bollinger County, Missouri Newspaper Abstracts from The Marble Hill Press

September 22, 1892

James Couch died Monday of typhoid fever. Soon after he left the Teacher’ Institute this disease fastened itself upon him and he has been gradually sinking every since. This is the second death among the teachers who were at the Institute at this place, Moses Hartle having succumbed to the same disease some time since. Local and General (Marble Hill)

**found on page 11 of Volume II Bollinger County, Missouri Newspaper Abstracts from The Marble Hill Press

Treasure Chest Thursday - "Our" Rodesky Family Crest

     When I first started on this adventure into the world of genealogy I kept getting these search prompts, on my computer, to "find your family crest" or "find your family shield". So yes, I decided to see if I could find the Rodesky family crest. No such luck. So it was during my husband's deployment that I decided the kids and I could make this a welcome home project, a family project. We sat around the living room and I asked each of them what it meant to be a member of this family, what it meant to be a Rodesky. We then took that list and searched to find symbols that would match what we had written down, or come close to matching. Then voilà we had “Our” one of a kind family crest. The next task at hand I had was how we can  display it. I’m not an artist by any means, so drawing it or even painting it was out of the question.

     I had seen some items painted by Renate Michler from Ochsenfurt/Gossm. in other military homes and at many of the military craft bazaars, so I decide that she had to be the one. I drove out to her house, with a friend of mine. All I had was a paper in hand with some pictures printed on it. She had hundreds of wine barrels, whisky barrels, wash tubs and so much more. All of which clients would pick from and choose to have something painted on. I chose this oval top off of a 1905 wine barrel to have the Rodesky family crest painted on. It was finished four days before he came back from Iraq and the kids and I couldn't wait to show him. He loved it just as much as we did, it means so much to all of us, and Renate did a fantastic job. We always have it displayed in the perfect spot in our home where everyone can enjoy it. 

Even if we were to find a Rodesky family crest now I know it wouldn't mean as much as this

 “Rodesky Family Treasure” does.

Red color – Warrior Military Strength (military families like ours are strong)

Blue color – Strength and Loyalty (we support each other, have each other's backs)

White color – Sincerity and Peace (we get along with each other, at least try)

Chevron Shield represents the roof of house signifies protection faithful service (no matter where we are we always have a home)

Design on the bottom of the roof represents clouds and air (we spend time flying, traveling from one post to another)

Eagle protector person of action noble nature power and strength (we all have the power and strength to protect each other)

Escallop Shell represents successful commander who has made long journeys (sometime dad travels far and for a long time)

Buck on back legs represents love of harmony skillful (no matter how bad things get we always love each other)

Heart represents love and family (we are a family that loves each other)

Flowers (Cinquefoil) in the roof mean hope and joy (we try to always be happy and keep hope alive)

     Now as for the vine of grapes surrounding the crest, well it's painted on a wine barrel and we do love our German wine.

Wordless Wednesday

Tombstone Tuesday - Hezekiah Estes Jr.

 
    This is the tombstone of E. Hezekiah ESTES Jr., my great grand uncle who died at the age of 20. His parents were Pinkney Dallas ESTES (1850- 1933) and Mary Evaline LIMBAUGH (1849-1932) of Bollinger county Missouri.

     Hezekiah was born on 13 September 1871 in Missouri. He fell ill from typhoid fever, during the fall. During that same time two other siblings and both of his parents we ill with the same. On 29 October 1891 one of his younger brothers also died from typhoid fever. He died 1 December 1891 in his parents home in Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Missouri. He is buried at Lessley Ridge Cemetery, Huskey, Bollinger County, Missouri.

(photo located on “find a grave”)
 

Matrilinel Monday - Aline Marie SMITH

     Now I would like to introduce you to my great grandmother on my dad’s side Aline [Alene] Marie SMITH. She was born on 8 July 1896 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Her parents were John N. SMITH of Missouri and Sara CLARK from Pennsylvania.  On 12 July 1916 she married Roscoe Henderson LANGSTON in Cape Girardeau, MO.  She had five children, 2 boys, James Raymond LANGSTON, my grandfather, Gerald L LANGSTON, 3 girls, Virginia L LANGSTON, Glonda L. LANGSTON and Gertrude R LANGSTON. She died on 14 December 1942 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She is laid to rest at New Lorimer Cemetery, Cape Girardeau Missouri.   

     Unfortunately there isn't a lot of information that I have about Aline [Alene] Langston, she passed away before my dad was born. So needless to say there aren't any family stories. I can however tell you that she must have been an amazing mother to have raised man like my grandfather, he had the determination to succeed, and that he did. 

                                      

(photo from Find a Grave)

Orphan Photo - 1965 Germany

 

This is one of many photos out of an album that I purchased while in Germany. The year on the binding of the album is 1965.

Saturday Spotting's

     Many of us spot some unusual things during our research. Some of the things we might view as a little on the strange side, funny, gross or even unusual. Most of the time some of these things we spot during our research have nothing to do with the individual we are actually researching, I know that’s the case with me, some of the time. Then I began to realize what might not be useful to my research might be useful to someone else. So that’s why I’ve come up with “Saturday Spotting’s”. My plan is to post some of these unusual things that I’ve spotted during my research every Saturday. You will find everything from newspaper articles, photos, advertisements, obituaries’ and more. Hopefully some of you will find it useful if not just entertaining, enjoy.

December 17, 1891

Mr. Samuel Whybark, who was in his 90th year, died in this place at the residence of his son-in-law, R. W. Fisher, last Thursday of old age. A funeral sermon was preached in his memory by Rev. W.H. Roberts of Ironton Friday, at Mr. Fisher’s residence, and on Saturday his remains were taken to his farm in the northern part of this county and place in the cold, cold ground. Mr. Whybark was a good citizen, had lived a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and held the honor of Deaconship in his church at the time of his death. Local & General (Marble Hill)

**found on page 7 of Volume II Bollinger County, Missouri Newspaper Abstracts from The Marble Hill Press

December 31, 1891

Dr. Witmer says a little girl stranger arrived at the home of August Kamp a day or so ago. Local and General (Marble Hill)

Miss Emma Lincoln has suddenly disappeared from home, without leaving any information as to her intentions. It is thought Miss Emma and a young man by the name of Bob Upchurch have eloped together and are married. Lutesville Locals.

**found on page 8 of Volume II Bollinger County, Missouri Newspaper Abstracts from The Marble Hill Press

     There are so many wonderful blogs out there with a lot of interesting post. These are just a few of the blog post that I’ve spent time reading this week.  Remember they aren't listed in any particular order and these aren't the only blogs that I read. So if I don't mention you this round don't worry there are many more Fridays in the future.

“Surname Saturday” Nutfield Genealogy

“Got Indiana Ancestry? Check out Indiana Memory Project” Journey to the Past

“The Daughters of Philip Coleman Pendleton” The Pendleton Genealogy Post

“NC Runaway Slave Advertisements, 1751-1840” NC Gen Web Project

“You Can Trust A Genealogist Relative, Right?” Are My Roots Showing?

“Amanuensis Monday – 1812 Will of William Cook” Denise’s Life in the Past Lane

“Wordless Wednesday, almost: Irish National War Memorial Gardens” ‘On a flesh and bone foundation: An Irish history

“Fort Dobbs” North Carolina History Projects

“Menno Tree Searches Mennonite Ancestry” Eastmans Online Genealogy Newsletter

Scanning Made Easy

     All of us have that special or favorite genealogy research tool that we use. I’ve recently discovered a new one for myself, “Flip-Pal”. If you haven’t had the opportunity to use one or even see one demonstrated you are missing out. This is a wonderful, light weight scanner that you can carry with you no matter where you go, and it’s so easy to use that my kids can even help.  My favorite new tool that I can’t live without is my

“Flip-Pal”.

     Just imagine sitting on the couch in front of the TV, with your family watching a show while scanning pictures. That’s right sitting on the couch holding the Flip-pal in your lap, with a shoe box of photos to your side. With the simple placement of the photo, face down, on the scanner and a press of the green button you’re done, or you’re scanned.

     Once you’ve scanned your box of photos just pop out the SD card on the side of the scanner. Insert the card into your computer and click to download and save. Once your photos are on your computer you simple erase what’s on you SD card, eject it out of your computer a put it back into your “Flip-Pal”. Now you’re ready to start scanning some more.

     It’s so simple to use, wither you’re a genealogist, scrap-booker or family historian I urge you to visit the site. Click on the link here on my blog and let me know what you think. 

Wordless Wednesday

Tombstone Tuesday - Milnor, North Dakota

This photo is a from a collection that I purchased off of eBay.

Information from the back tells us that this was the funeral of 

Mrs. Paul Johnson

taken at the

Lakeside Cemetery

in 

Milnor, North Dakota

on 

Tuesday, April 12, 1943

Follow Friday - Fun and Fabulous Finds

I’ve been an absentee blogger for the past few days, okay it’s more like a week, sorry. But I never really left I’ve just been trying to catch up on all the genealogy happenings. Boy there a lot! Here are some of those fabulous finds. Remember they are not listed in any particular order. Enjoy, and have a great weekend.

“Growing up in Skokie”   

“Learning all about Anne”  

“Wedding Wednesday – Till Death, Us Do Part?”  

“He was an awful sight as I ever saw.”  

 “Richard III – a kingis found”  

“Snowstorm media hype in 1831”  

“The Future of Free Genealogical Records”  

As I’ve said before there are so many wonderful genealogy bloggers out there and I truly enjoy reading all of your postings.