Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Not Twins

While researching a family I ran into a pair of sisters..  Nothing unusual about that.  But these two born in the same year are not twins.  I know it is possible, I just don't see it a lot.  One was born in January, the other December. 

Friday, May 2, 2014

Genealogy Talk

I was asked to give a short talk about researching and genealogy.  I was a bit nervous as public speaking isn't in my comfort area, but I love genealogy and love to talk about it so decided to do it.  I am glad I did.  I had a great audience and after I got over my nerves, it was a tiny bit fun.  Thanks ladies and gents for making the presentation easier for me.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Dog Funeral

While searching for information on Reuben Cook, I ran across a Reuben Cook who loved his hunting dog so much he had a regular funeral when the dog was poisoned and died.  The dog's casket had hunting scenes on it.  Pallbearers were selected, a history of the dog and his pedigree was given, and a hymn was sung.  The dog's grave was completed with a gravestone with his name and age.  The dog's owner offered a reward for information on who poisoned the dog and planned to get a bronze cast of the dog for the grave.  I wonder if the bronze cast was completed and where the dog is buried. Back in the days before all of the regulations and rules, I wonder if the dog is buried in a 'regular' cemetery. 

The story took place in Meriden, Connecticut in 1876 and I read the article in the Chicago Daily Tribune.  Interesting.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

What's wrong with being Irish?

This doesn't have connection to my family, but I thought it was interesting. In 1947 a woman petitioned the court to have her maiden name restored after 60 years of marriage.  She told the judge she had her tombstone engraved with her maiden name and she put off marrying her late husband two  years because she didn't want his last name.  It was O'Conner.  She said she was mistaken for an Irishwoman for years.  She was successful in legally changing her name.  Wow. 

Where are you?

I'm looking for more information on Caroline Estelle Ward b about 1874 in NY and her family.  She married Frank Coonradt sometime after 1900 and they had a child, Gertrude, born about 1906.  By 1910 Caroline is a widow. 

I also would like more information on Nellie Emeline Ward b Oct 1875 in Berlin, NY.  Supposedly she married Frank Krueger.  I can find no information on him or Nellie other 1800 and 1900 census for Nellie.

Myron Ward, a brother for the two listed above is also elusive.  He was born Ag 1883 in Berlin, NY.  Did he marry Gertrude and move to Glen Falls?

***
Abby Jane Cook b abt 1859 NY, probably Rensselaer County. I am assuming she married by 1880 as she is no longer listed with her mother on the census.  Who did she marry? Where did she live?

Hattie L. Cook b abt 1879 NY, probably Rensselaer County.  Found her on 1880 census and that's it.  Anyone know anything about her?

Amanda M Cook b Sep 20 1856 married a man by the name of Walker.  She died in Vermont.  Who did she marry? 

Levi Cook b around 1850 in Rensselaer County, NY.  He married Mary Lawler.  What are their dates of birth/death/marriage?

Sisters Susan (b abt 1847) and Lovina (b abt 1848) of Rensselaer County, NY are also lost.  Can you help me find them?

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Lions, Tigers and Bears - OH WAIT! Just Lions.

I really enjoy finding newspaper articles about family members.  A recent one reported on a family member's wedding at the county fair.   It took place in front of the grandstand.  And.....it was in a lion cage complete with six lions.  The article didn't explain why.  Neither the bride or groom are/were lion tamers or trainers.  Nonetheless, it would have been an interesting wedding to attend!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Odd

Bud married twice.  He died in 1983.  His divorced first wife died 2007. His second wife died 2003.  The second wife is buried across the US from him.  The first wife is buried next to him.  The first wife had remarried.  Where is her second husband? 

Did the kids bury them next to each other?