A Smörgåsbord of Stories
John Elijah Senate (1836-1929) lived to be 93-years old. He was the father of Charlottie Senate Rector (1861-1952), Oklahoma territorial pioneer. On this day, almost one hundred years ago, John Senate passed from this life to the next. Obituary JOHN E. SENATE DIED … read more
Last week, I showcased Ralph Rector (1898-1985), the World Championship Cow Chip Throw promoter, affectionately called Mr. Cow Chip. My Great Aunt Virginia told me about Ralph’s national television experiences. How do I find more? Southern Illinoisian, December 24, 1978 The Daily Oklahoman, … read more
In 1996, I traveled to Oakland, California to visit my Great Aunt M. Virginia Rector Cunningham (1919-2004). During that visit she told lots of stories. Many of her tales centered around her uncle (my 2x great uncle) Ralph Rector (1898-1985), son of Charlottie Senate and … read more
Gillison “Gee” Rector and May “Pettris” Garnett were the parents of Florence Gertrude “Gert” Rector Gentzkow. What is known about Gee and Pettris? Gert’s Father Gillison G. Rector was the 4th of 8 children born to Milton A. Rector (1855-1951) and Charlotte “Lottie” … read more
During my Oklahoma Road Trip, I headed west, farther out in the panhandle. In Beaver County, the local historical society is located on the County Fair Grounds at the south edge of town. Little did I know what this journey would reveal. Jones … read more
In 2016, I begged my son to take me on his road trip to Oklahoma where he was to enter the FAA Academy. After we arrived in Oklahoma City, I rented a car and drove west to see where my Grandma Gert was born. All … read more
Bible Records are a wonderful tool for a family historian. Sometimes an old Bible provides the only records of births, marriages and deaths. Each set of records written in a Bible need to be examined carefully. Were the entries written at the time of the event? … read more
Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023. I’m sitting next to my mother’s bed; she is dying. I love you, mom. Hospice and mom’s care team are guiding my family through mom’s final journey on this earth. It is a time to reflect on her strengths, remember … read more
It’s snowing (again) in Minnesota. The beautiful flakes cover everything with a clean coat of crisp, sparkling delight. A handful of snow brings back memories of younger days, building impressive snowmen, sledding down steep hills or creating cavernous forts. Not everyone is enamored with snowfall … read more
Today, let’s remember and celebrate Kathryn “Kathy” Gentzkow Studer (1931-2021), daughter of Gert Rector and Frank Gentzkow. Happy birthday in heaven, dear Auntie! Kathy Studer, May 2008, Rector cousin meet-up in Minnesota During her lifetime she sent many, many birthday cards to family and … read more