Sunday Cemetery - General Henry Van Ness Boynton

Published on the 8^th of June in 1905 in the Baltimore American out of Baltimore, MD

BURIED WITH MILITARY HONORS

GENERAL BOYNTON NOW RESTS AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY

A Funeral Befitting the Rank of a Brigadier General – The Services Held at New York Ave. Presbyterian Church – Representatives Present From Gridiron Club – Remains Taken to Cemetery on a Gun Caisson – Salute of Eleven Guns From Fort Myer.

     Washington, June 7 – Gen. Henry Van Ness Boynton was buried today in Arlington National Cemetery with distinctive military and civic honors. Although a civilian at the time of his death, he was accorded a funeral befitting an office of the rank he at one time held in the United States Army, that of brigadier general. The funeral services, which took place at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, were conducted by Rev. Dr. Wallace Radcliffe and were participated in by a numerous representation of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, the Loyal Legion and the Gridiron Club, in all of which organizations General Boynton had for many years past been a leading spirit.

     The funeral services were unostentatious, being in strict accord with the wishes of the deceased. The church ceremony consisted principally of an eulogy by Dr. Radcliffe and the singing of two hymns by the Gridiron Club Quartet. Dr. Radcliffe’s eulogy was an eloquent review of the career of a lifelong friend. The floral tributes were many and of varied design, the casket being literally buried in masterpieces of the florist’s art.

     Among the tributes was large floral wreath sent by the city of Chattanooga, where General Boynton was well-known, and a delegation of whose citizens attended the funeral, President Roosevelt, in expressing sympathy to Gen. Andrew S. Burt, Chairman of the committee representing the Army of the Cumberland in the funeral arrangements, took occasion to pay a high tribute to the character and public services of General Boynton, saying that he regarded him as the highest type of a soldier and a citizen, and one of the best examples of patriotic American manhood.

     At the conclusion of the church services two troops of cavalry escorted the remains, which rested on a gun caisson, with artillery sergeants as body bearers,  to their resting place in the historic Arlington. As the funeral cortege passed Fort Myer a brigadier general’s salute of 11 guns was fired and the last military honors were rendered by a volley over the distinguished soldier and citizen’s grave.

     General Boynton, up to within a few weeks of his death, had been president of the Board of Education of the District of Columbia, and as a tribute to his memory the public schools were closed for the day. The flag on all District buildings were placed at half staff.

     The pallbearers, eight in number, selected by the General before his death form the Gridiron Blub, introduced an innovation. Each member of the club wore a boutonniere of lavender sweet peas, tied with black and white ribbons, the colors of the blub. At the Arlington Cemetery, after Dr. Radcliffe, the officiating clergyman, had pronounced the benediction over the open grave, the eight Gridiron pallbearers advanced and unpinning the flowers from their coats, dropped them in upon the casket as a last tribute to the memory of their fellow member.

Tombstone Tuesday - Dodd Family

SGT. CLEMENTS N. DODD

CO. B

DEL. CAV.

       [1]1870 United States Federal Census from Middletown in New Castle County Delaware the state of Delaware shows Clement N. Dodd head of household, married, white, male, was born abt. 1838 in Delaware. It shows his occupations as carpenter, his personal property is valued at 200 dollars; he was 32 years of age. Margaret A Dodd wife to head of household, married, white, female, was born abt. 1846 in Delaware. It shows her occupation as keeping house; she was 24 years of age. William N. Dodd son to head of household, single, white, male, was born abt. 1866 in Delaware. It shows his occupation as at home; he was 4 years of age.  James M. Dodd son to head of household, single, white, male, was born abt. 1868 in Delaware. It shows his occupation as at home; he was 2 years of age.

      [2]1880 United States Federal Census from Saint Georges in New Castle County in the state of Delaware shows Clement N. Dodd as head of household, married, white, male, and was born abt. 1838 in the state of Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware. It also shows that his occupation was listed as carpenter/contractor; he was 42 years of age. Margaret A Dodd wife to head of household, married, white, female, and was born abt. 1845 in Delaware and both of her parents were born in Delaware. It also shows that her occupation is lady of the house; she was 35 years of age. William Dodd son to head of household, is a single, white, male, and was born abt.1866 in Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware. It also shows that his occupation was listed as at school; he was 14 years of age. James Dodd son to head of household, single, white, male and was born abt. 1868 in Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware. It also shows that his occupation is listed as at home, he is sick not walking has rheumatics in January; he was 12 years of age. Charles Dodd son to head of household, is single, white, male and was born abt. 1870 in Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware. It also shows his occupation listed attends school; he was 10 years of age.  Anna S. Dodd daughter to head of household, single, white, female and was born abt. 1875 in Delaware and both of her parents were born in Delaware. It also shows her occupation listed at home; she was 5 years of age. Bessie Dodd daughter to head of household, single, white, female and was born abt. 1878 in Delaware and both of her parents were born in Delaware. It also shows her occupation listed at home; she was 2 years of age. Dodd son to head of household, single, white, male and was born abt. 1880 in Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware. It also shows his occupation listed at home; he was 3 months of age.

      [3]1900 United States Federal Census form Philadelphia in Philadelphia County the state of Pennsylvania shows Clement N. Dodds head of household, married, white, male, was born November 1837 in Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware. It also shows that his occupation was listed as a carpenter, he was unemployed for 3 months, he was able to read, write and speak English, and the home is rented. He has been married for 33 years and was 62 years of age. Margaret Dodds wife to head of household, married, white, female, was born October 1845 in Delaware and both of her parents were born in Delaware. Occupation is not listed, he was able to read, write and speak English. She has been married for 33 years, mothered 10 children and 7 are still living, she was 54 years of age. James Dodds son to head of household, single, white, male, was born January 1868 in Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware. Occupation listed as cigar dealer, he was able to read, write and speak English; he was 32 years of age. Hester E Dodds daughter to head of household, single, white, female, was born June 1878 in Delaware and both of her parents were born in Delaware. Occupation listed as shirt maker, was able to read, write and speak English; she was 21 years of age. Ellwood M. Dodds son to head of household, single, white, male, was born July 1881 in Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware. Occupation listed as printer, was able to read, write and speak English; he was 18 years of age. Mary H. Dodds daughter to head of household, single, white, female, was born March 1886 in Delaware and both of her parents were born in Delaware. Occupation listed as press feeder, was able to read, write and speak English; she was 15 years of age. James N Wine is listed as a brother-in-law to head of household, married, white, male, was born August 1837 in Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware. Occupation is listed as a salesman, he was able to read, write and speak English. He was married for 33 years and was 62 years of age.    

      [4]1910 United States Federal Census from Center Township in Grant County Indiana at the U.S. National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Members, Officers and Employees shows Clement N Dodd, widowed, white male was born abt. 1838 in Delaware and both of his parents were born in Delaware.  He is able to read, write and speak English; he was 72 years of age.

      [5]Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Death Certificate Index, 1803-1915 shows Clement Naughton Dodd date of birth is about 1840, born in Milton, Delaware. His date at death is 2n of May 1911 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania he was 71 years of age at the time of his death and buried in Middletown, Delaware. It also shows male, white, occupation as carpenter and married. His father is John Dodd with a birthplace in Milton, Delaware. His mother is Margaret Wine with a birthplace in Middletown, Delaware.

      [6]United States Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1953 shows a headstone application for the unmarked grave of a soldier, Clement N Dodd, the rank of Sargent, Company B with the 1^st Delaware Volunteer Cav., date of death is May 2^nd 1912. Cemetery listed is Bethesda M E Church in the city of Middletown state of Delaware with no emblem selected for the headstone.  It was shipped to Middletown, Delaware at New Castle County. The applicant listed and address was W.H. Dodd at 1210 N. Hope Street, Philadelphia, PA on the 23^rd of April 1930.

---

[1] 1870 Untied States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 22 April 2016) Provo, UT, USA; Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2009. Middletown, New Castle, Delaware; Roll: M593_120; Page: 715B; Image: 656; Family History Library Film: 545619

[2] 1880 United Stated Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 22 April 2016) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2010. Saint Georges, New Castle, Delaware; Roll: 120; Family History Film: 1254120; Page: 256C; Enumeration District: 030; Image: 0232

[3] 1900 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 22 April 2016) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2004. Philadelphia Ward 30, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1472; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0757; FHL microfilm: 1241472

[4] 1910 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 22 April 2016) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2006. Center, Grant, Indiana; Roll: T624_351; Page: 17A; Enumeration District: 0047; FHL microfilm: 1374364

[5] Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1803-1915 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 22 April 2016) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2011.

[6] U.S. Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1963 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 22 April 2016) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2012. Microfilmpublications M1916, 134 rolls. ARC ID: 596118.

Halloween and a War

This isn't the typical Halloween article that I've been sharing this month but thought it brought a good reminder that even with a war going on some still tried to carry on with a show of respect. 

Printed on Friday the 4th of October 1942 in the Dallas Morning News out of Dallas, Texas

Halloween Monkeyshines Out;

Rowdyism Will Mean Jail Cell

Dallas is due for one of the quietest Halloweens on record if the authorities have anything to say about it.

Every restriction hitherto imposed will be drawn tighter, Chief of Police J. M. Welch said Saturday. There will be no toleration on this first Halloween of this war of pranks which destroy property or disturb peace.

And military authorities will be equally vigilant. Lieut. William A Gogreve of the detachment of military police here said every precaution would be taken to prevent any trace of hoodlumism by soldiers.

If necessary, he said, requests for special detachments of military police will be made for Halloween weekend.

Elm Street will be roped off as usual Halloween night from Harwood to Lamar, Chief Welch said, and several police officers will be placed on duty in each block.

Cruising squads in the residential areas will be doubled. Every policeman in Dallas will work that night.

Fireworks will not be permitted. Except in the downtown area, needless noise will bring swift arrest. Speeders will be harshly dealt with and such open unlawful acts as turning in false fire alarms or destroying property of any sort, public or private,  will be dealt with precisely as if they had occurred on any other day of the year.

“This is war,” said Chief Welch. It’s no time for any wild celebrations to keep our workers form their sleep or break up property we might not be able to replace.

“The city now has a rigid antinoise ordinance. The entire nation has been asked to conserve its rubber and automobiles as a direct contribution to the war effort.

“We are going to see that the laws are not broken, Halloween or no Halloween.”

Police would prefer that the persons who feel they must make a racket and celebrate go downtown, where they can be watched in a group.

They say one large crowd is easier to handle than roaming troupes wandering in residential sections.

For the quieter celebrants, however, all community centers in the Dallas park system are planning Halloween parties. Virtually all will include special programs.

USO headquarters at the Baker Hotel will have a special Halloween program and its usual Saturday night dance for soldiers. A Halloween party is being considered for the club at Love Field. 

Thanksgivings Past

Last month I found myself going through the many newspapers on geneagloybank.com searching for articles of the past relating to the Halloween holiday.  I was curious about the type of articles that were written for Thanksgiving and I was pleasantly surprised. I know Thanksgiving is only days away and I thought you might enjoy reading some of these articles about Thanksgiving past. There is a wide range of articles that I found, including the importance of family, tradition and how far a family member will go for warm and love.

These first few articles you might find a little on the strange side for Thanksgiving. But even those who are in prison think of the holiday’s they realize things continue even without them.   The one about the mother who wants only warmth for her family during the holidays, she was willing to steal it.  

Patriot from Harrisburg, PA

December 1, 1902

Forger Broke Jail to Spend Thanksgiving

With Parents Brought Back by Father

By Associated Press to The Patriot. 

LOCKPORT, N. Y., Nov. 30 – C. Braithewaite, sentenced to the county jail for forgery under the name of John Daley, who broke jail Thanksgiving night, by sawing out a bar and sliding down a rope made of blankets, surprised the prison officials by returning late last night. When Jailer Foley asked: “Who’s there,” a familiar voice replied: “Daley, I’ve come back to stay with you my allotted time. Will you let me in?” Young Braithewaite, who was accompanied by his father, said he could not resist the longing to go to his family in Toronto on Thanksgiving evening. He says his father persuaded him to return and serve out his time to avoid having two crimes hanging over him all his life. Father and son bade each other an affectionate farewell. 

New York Herald from New York, NY

December 11, 1895

THANKSGIVING PRISON RELEASE

[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD

VICTORIA, B.C., Dec 10, 1895 – Advices from Honolulu this morning, per steamer Warimoo, dated December 2, state that on Thanksgiving Day that government released seven political prisoners, five natives and two whites, Walker and Rickard. Those remaining in prison are Gulick, Seward, Bowler, Bob Wilcox, Bipekane and John Wise. Public sentiment appears to favor an early release of all. Thanksgiving morning witnessed the largest and best drilled military display ever seen in Honolulu. Over 500 volunteers paraded.  

Jackson Citizen Patriot from Jackson, MI

November 25, 1898

Thanksgiving at the Prison.

The convicts at the prison were given a holiday and were given the freedom of the wings in the main building from 8 o’clock a.m. until 10 a.m., and the halls presented a busy scene during those hours. Men were hurrying here and there in search of friends or acquaintances, on pleasure of business bent. Gathered about in little groups were men earnestly engaged in the discussion on many topics, not least among them being the contract labor question; here some fellow, with a little group gathered around him, was relating some tale of past adventure; here one of the dusky sons of Africa was amusing his auditors by singing some popular ditty or showing them a new and fancy step in dancing. The men engaged in the manufacture of pearl and onyx jewelry and of many other toys were busy showing their goods and selling to who they could gifts for friends at the coming holiday season, and were seemingly good-natured, cheerful crowd, with a smile and cheery word, no matter how the heart might ache beneath that coat of gray, as thoughts of other days, home and loved ones come crowding o’er them. At 10:30 a.m. a service was held in the chapel, the Rev. Dr. Master preaching the sermon. Taking for his subject, The hand of God in all things and gave a clear, logical argument for his belief in a direct providence. The music was furnished by the prison choir. At the conclusion of the chapel exercises the men repaired to the dining room where a dinner consisting of mashed potatoes, green peas, roast chicken, bread, cakes, mince pie and coffee was awaiting them, and to which all done ample justice; then back to the cells, and stillness once more settled down over the big prison, broken only by the footsteps of the officers on duty. Thanksgiving day, 1898, has gone into the past, and the inmates of Jackson prison are grateful for the privileges enjoyed.

X.

New York Herald from New York, NY

November 30, 1893

SHE WANTED A THANKSGIVING FIRE.

Her Family Had No Turkey so She Stole a Bushel of Coal.

Victoria Pallianno, sixty years old of 150^th street and Morris ave, was held in $100 bail for trial yesterday in the Morrisania Police Court on the charge of stealing a bushel of coal form Grocery-man George F. Mervin, of 158^th street and Vanderbilt avenues. She was arrested while carrying the coal away.

She told Justice Taintor that the family was without coal and had no money to buy it and she wanted to have a fire Thanksgiving day, even though she couldn’t have turkey for dinner.

Amanuensis Monday - Love from Alaska to Washington

Here are two more letters from Paul Moore addressed to his darling Elaine Cummings.  Showing concern that he has already been forgotten only to find out she still thinks and cares for him. Times are hard and letters take time to arrive, which leaves them both wondering if they are remembered while waiting for those special acknowledgment in letters like these. 

Saturday, 3/14/42

  Hi Darling:

   I received your letter the first of this week & lady I sure was glad to get it. I had just about decided that you had forgotten me. I was sorta disappointed tho for it was sort of cool & distant & it sorta makes me wonder what is wrong. Have you changed or what?

  I have had that picture taken and as soon as I get it I will send it on to you. I really do want one of you took so I want you to rush one to me as soon as you can. Promise?

  I would so much like to see you. It would be so much fun to dance with you again & maybe even to sprit you clear away from the crowd as I did once before. Do you think you would mind that so terrible much? I know that I would enjoy it!

  I have been sorta laid up for the last two days with a bum leg but it is better now and I think I can get back in the thick of things in the next couple of days. This laying around idle sorta gets on my nerves. I have put it to good use though for I had quite a bit of studying to do for exams for  officers School & it has given me a good chance to catch up. I have been before one examining board & now it is all up to me when I go before the last one. Keep hoping & maybe I can see you soon. I have been over most of the Island & it really is very pretty Rugged Mountains & beautiful parks & valley. Seems a shame that you can’t b e here to help me enjoy it. You see every time I see something that reminds me of you I begin to wish a little bit harder that you were here. I miss you so very much my dear. I guess I’ll keep on until I get back & then if my powers of persuasion haven’t exactly failed me I can keep you with me for a long time.

  I miss you so very much Darling.

Write soon

Especially for you

Paul

NOTES: This was a two page letter with only one side used on each sheet. The letter was addressed to Miss Elaine Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, Washington mailed by Paul L Moore A.S.M. 35205865 1-H. (printed U.S. Army Toops Fort Greeley Kodiak, Alaska w/ U.S. Army Troops and Kodiak marked out) it was send March 17 1942 “Via Air Mail” and checked by 2^nd Lt. Inf. Robert D. Schulz.

U.S. Army Troops

Fort Greeley

Kodiak, Alaska

Friday 4/3/42

Hi Honey:

                I’m sort of wondering what you are thinking about me by this time. I realize what I have done by not writing to you & I sincerely want you to forgive me. I haven’t got so very good an excuse but here it is. I have been down in the dumps for the last 10 days & just haven’t felt like writing to anyone. I just got my first letter started for home today & they’re probably fuming too.

                I was proud to get your last letter & it sure was a help. I am so very glad to hear from you & if I could get a letter every day it would be so very swell. But then that is hardly possible up here so of course I can’t ask it of you.

                You said in your last letter that your father had asked if I have seen any of the bears that are to be found here. I haven’t been lucky, unlucky enough to do so as yet I still have hopes. I have seen a couple of mounted specimens tho & they sure are big. I say. Could you use a bear skin. If I get the chance I mean to collect a couple. So you can tell him that he really should see them. Fishing season is just about here & I also plan on having a few good fish frys. Sound good? Maybe we can enjoy a few of those together sometime. Do you think so too or do you enjoy such things?

                I had a letter from home Wednesday & my brother & Dad both had to register for the draft. So maybe there will soon be another of my family in here too. I already have one brother in the Cir Corp & I guess he is still in the States or was the last time I heard from him. I also have had my application approved & so my going to officer T.S. is just a matter of time. I sure hope it is soon tho for I sure would like to see you again. Every time I think of the fun we had dancing laughing & talking together it makes me want to see you so darned badly. We could have so much fun & loving if I was only back with you again. Just think it has been almost 3 months since I saw you. Seems almost like 3 years when I think of it tho.

                I haven’t gotten the picture yet but I don’t think it will be long now. I have it ordered for almost a month but the Photo shop here is just about swamped with orders so they are very slow. I have been sorta anxiously waiting for your photo to come around too.

                I must quit this rambling around & say Good nite Darling & the Ohio deal still stands good. I’m as badly gone over you now as I ever was. Still in an accepting mood dearest?

Write soon an again

I’ll be loving you

Paul (and written sig.)

I sure could use those

Kisses, too.

What do you mean?

Especially for you (too)

That’s my pet expression

NOTES: There were a total of four pages and all hand written on the same letter heading as noted above. The envelope was hand written addressed to: Miss Elaine Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, WN.

In the return address is: U.S. Army Troops Fort Greeley, the city is scratched out, Alaska, Paul L Moore, A.S.N. 35205865 1-H. The letter was post marked April 14, 1942 out of Kodiak, Alaska sent Via Air Mail. The letter was checked by 2^nd Lt. Robert D. Schulz. 

eBay and Genealogy

    Some of us know you don’t have to leave home to shop or even do our genealogy research. But do we all know about the treasure chest of genealogy wealth you can find on eBay. To be honest I didn't really know what I had until a close and dear friend pointed that out to me.

     Years ago, during one of my husband’s deployments I found this wonderful site on the internet, eBay. Little did I know when I started shopping for story ideas for children’s books that I would find such a treasure.  I would go on in search of antique diaries, letters, journals even baby books. I was so surprised to see how much was there.  I didn't know where to start, from autograph books dating back to 1864, baby book full of memories from a baby girl born in Natick, Massachusetts later moving to Canada . Even letters between father and son during his military enlistment followed the years he served during war.

     For the past few months I've been working tirelessly trying to get all of the photos, letters, documents, diaries, journals and baby books scanned. Along with now working to transcribe all of them, this is an ongoing adventure that has many twists and turns with every page I turn and letter I open.  But an idea that I encourage all of you to at least visit.  If you don’t have the interest in searching other surnames, families, than search for your surnames or one that you’re currently working on. You might even find that one piece of information that completes a chain of events in the lives of your ancestors. Give it a shot and let me know what you think.

     I've decided that over the next few weeks I will be posting some pages, photos, cards and newspaper clippings from the baby book I mentioned earlier. "My Life Journal" will share the life of Diana Lewis born 17 July 1944 in Natick, Massachusetts. So I invite you to check in and see what some of her life was like and find out about the family and all included in this book.

     

Shaking a Leg

Some might feel as if this is a strange blog posting title, not really if you know me and what my life has been like this last year.  The last blog post was so long ago, how long you might ask well let’s just say Apple has come out with at least 2 new phones and tables and my favorite Samsung has come out with at least  4 phones, tables and even a talking watch. Okay if the tech reference isn't your cup tea then think of it this way 9+ holidays and 21 family birthdays and anniversaries have passed since my last post.  Yes I’m smacking the back of my own hand for becoming a “slacking genealogy blogger.” 

It has been a while but I have had a few changes and upgrades of my own.  Here’s a little catch up, I accepted the position as the president of the Montgomery County Historical Society in Clarksville, wrote a book that will be released later this year, continued to grow my business with new and returning clients, went through another military deployment, he returned home safely, gave a couple lectures on genealogy and watched three of my children finish their last year as elementary students and watched our oldest finish up his sophomore year.  Okay insert tissue break here. But wait I’m not finished I had to resign my position with the MCHS due to a move. That’s right I’m no longer posting blogs from Tennessee, as a military family we received orders for another move, so I ‘m posting all new blogs from Delaware. 

Now with boxes unpacked, pictures on the walls,  new driver’s license, kids registered at schools, and the welcome mat placed at the front door it’s time to “Shake a Leg” with my work and blogging. This isn't my first military move so I’ve been to this rodeo before, but a move with a home-based business now this is something new.  I have found there are a lot of small and big things that need to be done so I thought I would share some with you, granted this isn't a typical genealogy post but I hope some might find it helpful and some of you might have suggestions.  I did find it a must staying in touch with what’s happening in the genealogy world through social media during this move. Research the area that you will be relocating, find if there is a need for your business in that area and how far out you can market your services. While doing this also look at the different marketing strategies that you have access to, don’t be afraid to try something new. Find out about home-based business licenses, you might find that only one license is needed from your town/county or you might find multiple licenses are needed, town, county and state. While researching license requirements don’t forget to look at your new local tax laws. As much as we all like taxes not every state is the same, for example Delaware is a tax-free state. Now with the discussion of taxes and license out of the way you might want to pull out your old business plan and reevaluate what you have. Face it you are going to need to be some changes some small and some not so small but it’s important to have that updated business plan close by to work from. Don’t forget to update all of your contact information and your social media pages. 

Okay let me lighten this up some; setting up a new office space in your home can be fun and exciting.  You get a chance to reinvent yourself and your office space so take your time and have some fun with it. After all if it’s not a fun atmosphere that we are working in then we won’t want to work. Now that your office is set up, you know your new tax laws; your business license is displayed step outside and network.  Where do you go you might ask, everywhere.  Your neighbors, athletic centers, local church, schools, libraries, your local historical and genealogy societies, shoot visit the local paper they might be interested in showcasing your business , don’t limit yourself to the town you live in look at the county as a whole.  This is a new area for me and I’m sure it was for some of you. I know I’ll hit a few potholes in the road; I’ll just have to come up with creative ways to fill them in or simply drive around.  

Follow Friday - a3genealogy

     For those of you who have not had to the chance to visit a3genealogy you are missing out on some very useful information. Kathleen Brandt is the owner of this blog; she specializes in military, naturalization records, Native American and African American ancestry. I’ve been following Kathleen’s blog now for about a year and I’m always learning something new. With over ten plus years of professional experience in the field of genealogy research she has a wealth of information to share and it shows through her blog. Pay her a visit, www.a3genealogy.blogspot.com, she might help you break through that brick wall and learn something new at the same time.   

A Day on the Radio

     All I can say is, WOW! For those of you who don’t know, earlier today I was a guest on the FGS Radio- My Society, hosted by Randy Whited and had a great time. The focus was on “Promoting Genealogy to a Larger Audience” and how my recent appearance on “How the States Got Their Shapes” episode “North vs. South” on H2 contributed to that for myself.

     We talked about my start into this wonderful world of genealogy and how it came about that I was on the show. Many thanks again to Kathleen Brandt, a3genealogy; I guess you could say she’s my serendipity.  Kathleen and I met while I was doing some research in Missouri at the Midwest Genealogy Center. She happened to be teaching a class that I attended and during some discussions we became friends and continue that friendship with a few states between us. For those of you who haven’t see the new format for the series on H2 I recommend that when you get a chance you should watch. The format has changed from what was in place last year; it’s more of a game show format, something like “Cash Cab”.  As with any game show format there’s competition. But you didn’t see   that with Kathleen and me, as Randy pointed out and he was dead on. He could tell we were genealogist because it was obvious because we didn’t care who won, it was all about helping each other out and having fun, as all genealogist do.

     My appearance on the show has opened new doors for me and it also helped me to consider new areas that I want to add to my list. Education is defiantly one; I have the opportunity to talk to some of the classes at my children’s elementary school. I plan on taking in some photos and letters along with a diary and explaining these items and the importance they hold. I hope to give them a fun activity to do during the holiday break that they can share with their family. Maybe a list of questions to ask some of their relatives, there are many stories out there that our relatives have and just need to be asked to share. I know for my own kids I plan on giving each of them a small tape recorder and conduct interviews with different family members. Then save it upload it to my computer so they not only have the story but they also have the voice. 

     Something else I plan on looking further into is the lack of a genealogy society for military installations. Myself being a military spouse and doing research I know there’s a need. I started my research while stationed overseas and in doing so I wasn’t aware of the wealth of support and knowledge these different societies have to offer. I guess if you started your quest into the world of genealogy and research before leaving the states then you would be aware of what they have to offer. But I and other like me who start this adventure while out of country find support thru the internet research, not the same. I would like for there to be a “Military Genealogy Society” in place for all of us. One that no matter where we move, and trust me we move a lot and too many different places, have the support and knowledge to offer us. I plan on making a connection with some of the different organizations on the installation, especially the museums which happen to be on almost every installation.  

     This isn’t the last time you will see me blog on these topics, I will keep you up to date on all. I have more to say about what I came away with today during FGS Radio show, but I think this might be enough for now. So make sure you check in tomorrow. There was something my daughter said I want to share with all of you. It will put a smile, children and the love they have for their parents.

     In case you missed today’s episode you can log onto the FGS web site and listen.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2012/12/01/promoting-genealogy-to-a-larger-audience