A Smörgåsbord of Stories
Merry Christmas! As an adult, what type of Christmas gifts do you fancy? Do you prefer an experiential gift? Perhaps an outing to a festively decorated historic home or a night out at at new restaurant. Do you enjoy serving others? My neighborhood has a … read more
When writing about family history, I LOVE to include photos. Old pictures help me visualize my ancestors’ stories and bring names/dates to life. Last week, I wrote about the Thanksgiving Day marriage of Milton and Lottie (Senate) Rector. One of the best things that I … read more
Happy Thanksgiving! Every day provides opportunities to be grateful. I am so thankful for resources and options, for experiences and miracles, for family and friends, and for stories of my amazing ancestors. Currently in my genealogy database, there are over 7000 family members. That … read more
James E. “J.E.” Garnett hailed from an old, established Kentucky family. Yet, he wanted his own property. The Adair County (KY) News, his hometown newspaper, printed this little tidbit on August 13, 1902: However, J. E. Garnett knew exactly where he was going. Because … read more
Milton A. Rector (1855-1951) and his wife Charlotte “Lottie” Ann Senate (1861-1952) homesteaded in Readout, Harper County, OK. See the Land Entry Case File post here for details found in the paperwork. Under the provisions of the 1862 Homestead Act, Milton acquired 160 acres as the … read more
Milton A. Rector (1855-1951) pursued greater opportunity in the American West. October 19, 1901 he filed a homestead claim for land in Oklahoma Territory (O.T.) under the provisions of the 1862 Homestead Act. The Act granted surveyed public land to adult heads of families for … read more
About three years ago, I learned about the genealogical value of Homestead Land Entry Case Files. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) houses these original documents. Five of my direct ancestors successfully filed six land claims with the U.S. Government. The completed applications are … read more
James E. Garnett was the son of William Hopkins Garnett and Mary Victoria Jackson Willis. Born in Adair County, Kentucky in 1864, he used several nicknames: Ed, Ned, and, most frequently, “J. E.” Family members spell his middle name Edmund or Edmon. I … read more
Florence Gertrude “Gert” Rector has no birth certificate and no baptism record. Let me back up. To date, I have not discovered any document that was produced at the time of Gert’s birth that provides her birthdate and birth location. Birthdate Theory: Florence … read more