A Smörgåsbord of Stories
Previously, I wrote about my great, great, great grandfather, John Elijah Senate. John was born April 24, 1836 in Christian County, Illinois, and died September 19, 1929 in Sullivan County, Missouri. He married Margaret Hawkins in 1858 in Tazewell County, Illinois. John’s parents were Rhoda … read more
Modern technology has opened up vast resources, especially for those of us that love to research our ancestors. Microfilmed records are available as digital images online. Computers are learning to read cursive handwriting. New indexes are published online every week on genealogy sites. The internet … read more
Since my visit with my cousin Chuck last month, I’ve been looking at old photo postcards. In the vintage collecting realm, these glimpses into the past are known as real photo postcards, PRRCs. Kodak first offered postcard printing in 1907. It was an economical way … read more
Filling out a family tree is more enjoyable with photographs to bring the names and dates to life. Ancestors are more than an entry on a chart; their lives have stories to tell. Photos help us to know more about those by-gone days. … read more
One of my immigrating ancestors was Pauline Koth (pow-LEEN-a COTE), wife of Gottfried Arndt. She was born in Józefina, Turek Province to Anna Krystyna Semmler and Daniel Koth. See the baptism record here. What is known about Pauline’s parents? Children of Daniel and … read more
February 17, 2022, I posted a photo of James E. Garnett (1864-1924) who was born in Kentucky on a tobacco plantation. As a young man, he homesteaded in Oklahoma Territory. While in Oklahoma, he ran for the office of Harper County Sheriff. As part of … read more
Last Sunday, I took the opportunity to drive from Salt Lake City to Pocatello, Idaho to visit my (first) cousin (once removed) Charles “Chuck” Humphrey. Karrie and Chuck We had a great time chatting AND he showed me his collection of old family photographs. … read more
We have not had an all-family reunion since Gerry and Pat Blees hosted at their house in the 1990s. The descendants of John Blees and Victoria Prosser will gather Saturday, August 9, 2025 11 am -6 pm Casey Lake Park 2101 17th Ave E; North … read more
In 1902, when James E. Garnett homesteaded in Oklahoma, he named his property Old Kentucky Home Farm. Why did he choose that name? 1910 Map of Harper County, Oklahoma Stephen Foster’s Song The sentimental ballad, My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night! is frequently shortened … read more
Last week’s blog post featured the threshing rig owned by Frank Hesse (1861-1935). When looking at my other Hesse family photos, I came upon this one: Hesse Family, undated My Great Uncle Ed identified all the people in the photo. The adults in … read more