Family Stories

2012 Goals, Balls, & Big Paw Paw

2012-01-07T09:52:00.000-06:00

Okay. This is my second attempt at writing this blog post. The first one disappeared, and since this was meant to be EASY, you're gonna get the short version.

I've buddied with Jenna at Desperately Seeking Surnames. Why? Mainly because I liked her idea of just 3 goals.
I've created 3 goals as well for 2012 for this blog in particular. Why only 3? Because I've 2 professional blogs with many more goals. [And I've buddied up with Kim Von Aspern-Parker from the blog Le Maison Duchamp for those. And if you go read her goals and action plans, you'll clearly see how far behind I already am, which is why I partnered with her. She's gonna keep me in line. I hope.]

The 3 Goals

Continue Big Paw Paw's stories. The man was baaad. And that makes him SO good to write about.
Continue my They Had Balls series. Cuz who doesn't want to read about that? It was kicked off by Big Paw Paw & then his story automatically demanded his own series. I continued it with the probable pirate in the family [some readers have dubbed him Captain Eddie. Love that.] I still have Loyalists, witches, fornicators, prisoners, murderers, and those who've been murdered. And they all had balls [the proverbial ones]. And stories to reveal. In fact, these ancestors are demanding it.
Create Landing Pages for ancestors whose stories are long and varied, like Big Paw Paw. I've new followers/readers all the time who could benefit from links to all the stories about a particular ancestor in one place when they come and visit.

So there you go. Simple pimple. [Cuz the other blogs' lives are completely mapped out. God and Kim help me. ;) ]

~C

Caroling with Grandma

2011-12-10T16:27:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year again for the Footnotemaven's Blog Caroling. [Don't you just love her Blog Caroling Tag Banner?] Now, I usually take the serious route with my carol selection, but this year I chose a selection guaranteed to either annoy the everlovin' out of you, or will make you chuckle. [Which is kinda like me. ;) ]

When I looked this carol up, I wasn't aware of the story behind this family-oriented carol. Moreover, considering my Gran wasn't opposed to a few glasses of wine on special occasions, I thought this carol an appropriate selection for the Footnotemaven's Blog Caroling.

'Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer' by Dr. Elmo. [Yes, that's his real name.]

*RaisingGlass*
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
Cheers! *Gulp*
~Caroline

What's Up?

2011-11-16T09:27:00.001-06:00

Yeah, I know. It's been a while since I last posted a family story. I've been a little busy trying to get my business off the ground, which is a story in and of itself. So here's what's been going on:

I refocused my website and blog For Your Family Story [ http://www.4yourfamilystory.com/blog.html ] to using technology for furthering your genealogy research and for sharing your research with others. And I've added a weekly newsletter as a wrap-up for the blog with additional news and an additional blog post that only subscribers receive. Oh, and I've doubled-up the blog posting on For Your Family Story. So, if you haven't already checked it out, I'd be honored if you would.
I'm also doing what they call a 'soft launch' of a new site, BloggingGenealogy.com. This site will focus on helping genealogy bloggers market their blogs for whatever their goals are for their blogs. Are you just interested in finding cousins? Or would you like to learn how to make a little passive income on your family history blog? Or are you a member of a genealogical society that either has a blog that needs optimizing or do they need help starting one? Or are you a professional genealogist who has a blog/site that needs some help in realizing its goals? The principles are generally the same. Therefore, this site will present blogging as well as social media concepts and provide suggestions to help you achieve your goals with your blog/site. Currently, you can sign up to be on the mailing list so that when we get going on the site, you won't miss anything.
I'm also the new Houston Genealogy Examiner columnist for Examiner.com. While most articles will have a Houston tie-in, they will also demonstrate research methods and have tips for everyone ~ all in story format. [Who doesn't love a story? No one here. That's for sure. *snort* ] My audience includes the general public, and I'm breaking it down for the non-genealogists of the world. My goal is to get new people interested in their family history. So I'm inviting you to visit my columnist page, read my column, subscribe, have it delivered to you, and/or share it. Hopefully, you'll share it with some family members who are showing a mild interest in genealogy [You know. The ones that don't fall asleep or suddenly have something very urgent to do somewhere else as soon as you start talking about the dead people in the family.], and they'll like it. [Don't look at me like that. Stranger things have happened. *shrugs*]
I've also guest posted at a few places, and I'm inviting more. Need a guest post for your blog?Email me at cmpointer[at]gmail[dot]com, and lemme know. =)
And I'm participating in the Flip Pal Simple Gifts Blog Hop. Check out my VIDEO blog post. [That's right. I've gone Hollywood. *rollingeyesheavenward*]

I think that's it. Don't worry, tho'. I've got some family stories of my own that have been simmering on the back burner, and they're just about ready to be served up.

~C

Another Letter to Linda

2011-10-30T21:37:00.000-05:00

Hey Linda!!

Another year has gone by. Hard to believe, right? They seem to go by so fast. Not. Fair.

You would not believe how big the kids are now. Caitlin is as tall as me and wears the same-sized shoe as me ~ a size 7. She says compared to all the other girls she has small feet. I say she has the perfect sized foot for all those strappy heeled sandals that just don't look right on bigger feet. It's a matter of perspective. Regardless, we had a helluva time finding basketball shoes for her and we ended up ordering them online. [pic enclosed] Snazzy, eh?

Oh yeah! Speaking of basketball shoes, she made the 9th grade basketball team! Blake and I are so proud of her, and I know you are too. She's worked so hard for this. Also? She's on the debate team. She and her partner compete in the Public Forum type of debate. We don't get to see her compete, but I have been on the receiving end of her questioning and arguing, and I know I didn't like that one bit. But apparently she's very good at it, because she's almost halfway on her way to lettering in debate her freshman year. Finally, she has a positive outlet for her headstrong and talkative ways. Some days it's hard to remember that those are positive attributes, you know? And it's so good to hear her be so passionate about debate and basketball.

But Blake and I are SO proud of her.

Speaking of proud, you would not believe how big Ryan has grown. He's as tall as both Caitlin and me. Really. And he's on the 7th grade football team. He's never played before but he's trying, learning, and loving every bit of it [except the part about being at practice at 6:30 in the morning].

And he's so quiet compared to Caitlin! It's so funny because he seems so serious, then he'll pull off a witty one-liner right out of the blue. Makes you wonder what he's thinking all the time. He has an economy of words [which is good because Caitlin has an abundance of them].

He loves the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and anything to do with space. If you're not careful, he'll draw you into a one-sided conversation about space. And I feel bad when this happens, and not for the reason you think. I honestly don't know what he's talking about. I can't wrap my brain around all those theories he talks about. Seriously. But I love that he's so passionate about it.

On most days, you can find Ryan outside with his buddies doing what 12 year old boys do. He's very popular here at home. The doorbell is always ringing, and it's always for him. A lot of the young boys on the street look up to him, and I think all of that says a lot about his character.

Again, Blake & I are SO proud of him.

I wish you could have gone shopping with Caitlin and me for her first Homecoming Dance dress, but I've enclosed a pic of her. Isn't she gorgeous?

I wish you could have seen her 1st basketball scrimmage yesterday. She played tough, and I caught it in this pic. Watch out for her elbow.

I wish you could have seen Ryan play football this season for the first time, but much to his chagrin I caught him in this pic after one of his games. Blake says he looks tough. I say he looks like tired and hot.

I wish you were here to listen to Ryan explain all about his space stuff. I don't have a pic of it, but think of a black hole. But? I have this pic of him from when we were in New Orleans this summer. Isn't he handsome?

The fact is, Linda, I just plain wish you were here with us. There are some days a kid needs a hug and a smile from his grandma. Nothing else will do, you know? [And sometimes a son and daughter-in-law need a hug and a smile too.]

And I know you wish you were here, too. Just sucks all the way around, doesn't it?

Oh, and guess what! Caitlin still wears the shirt I made for her about this time last year. She asked me just the other day, "Mom, where's my grandma shirt?" You remember it, don't you? The pink one? [pic enclosed] Every time I go to wash the damn thing I get glitter in my eyes and it causes my eyes to water. Damn glitter.

It's been 12 years since we last saw your smile.

It's been 12 years since we last heard you laugh.

It's been 12 years since we last saw your face.

It's been 12 years since we last had a hug from you.

We miss them.

And we miss you.

Love Always from Your Daughter-in-Law,
Caroline

Linda, my mother-in-law, valiantly fought breast cancer, and I've written about her here, here, and here previously. I hate breast cancer. It's gotta stop. Damn stupid cancer. [I feel a little better getting that off my chest. Just a little.]

So, what can you do? At the top of my sidebar up above, is a button/link from the Breast Cancer Site. With every click, a sponsor donates, and 100% of the donation goes to helping women afford mammograms. And the only thing you have to do is click it. That's it. So, click it.

And the Winner Is...

2011-09-28T06:15:00.002-05:00

Who Won?

First, I'd like to take a moment and thank MyMemories.com for sponsoring this giveaway. I really enjoyed using their product, and I believe you will too.

Also, I'd like to thank everyone that participated in the giveaway. Not only did you read my blog post, but you entered my contest. A big thanks to you.

Thirdly, I'd like to thank all my readers for coming back again and again to read my family's stories. I really appreciate it. Thank You.

And the winner is... Leslie Ann! When you get a chance go check her blog out: Ancestors Live Here. Congrats, Leslie! I hope you enjoy the software!!

Don't Forget: If You Didn't Win...

MyMemories.com has given me a coupon to give to y’all worth $10 off the purchase of My Memories Suite Scrapbook software. Just enter in this code at checkout STMMMS76098 (For best results, just copy and paste it). And? You also get a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store when you purchase the software.
~C

Jerks, Genea-Karma, Donuts & Dreams

2011-09-21T18:19:00.000-05:00

About six months ago I received a request to photograph a tombstone located in a small cemetery near my neighborhood. I, of course, looked up the cemetery because I’d never heard of it and I’d driven right by there to take my son to basketball practice and I didn’t remember seeing a cemetery.

I found a four page transcription of the tombstones in the cemetery online, quickly found my dude, Mr. Gressett [who had the same last name as my college roommate at Texas A&M University, and I fleetingly wondered if they were related], and put my graving outfit on [What? You don’t have an outfit for graving?]

I thought to myself, “This shouldn’t be too bad. It’s a small cemetery.” I also thought I’d photograph all of it if it was indeed small. After all, I already had the transcription spreadsheet in hand. What could go wrong, right?

When I will learn not to ask myself that question I’ll never know. Anywho, I went and searched for it. Drove right past it. [Of course] Turned around and slowed down at the empty overgrown lot that had a few trees.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” [Yeah. I talk to myself in the car. And in my office.]

I parked and thanked God I’d put my graving outfit on –jeans, long-sleeved shirt, and Timberland boots. I quickly found the tombstone to fulfill the request, then started taking photos of each tombstone, methodically going through the spreadsheet and checking the peeps off.

To my dismay, though, I found something kind of odd. There were tombstone transcriptions listed for some tombstones that I couldn’t find, and these were spouses of ones already there. Likewise, there were tombstones in the cemetery that did not appear on the list, and they weren’t new. And you want to know why? Well, I can tell you one thing. It’s not that these ancestors [not mine, someone else’s] were playing hide-and-go-seek.

Perhaps the person who transcribed the cemetery had been distracted. Perhaps the grass and weeds had grown over some of the tombstones. And perhaps overgrown grass and weeds were the source of my problem now. Or perhaps the cemetery was haunted. Who knows? But most of the tombstones were old with a Civil War Confederate soldier buried there as well. Some of the older tombstones were becoming smooth with their names and vitals being worn away by time and weather.

Now, if I’d been looking for one of those overgrown tombstones, I would’ve been out of luck because I don’t have x-ray vision. But what if there was a way to capture a tombstone’s exact whereabouts so that later on, even if it became overgrown with weeds, even if the inscription wore away, and even if the cemetery where it’s located looks like an overgrown abandoned lot as you drive by it?

Well, there is a way now. RestingSpot.com launched an app for the iPhone this past August and more recently for the Android that, with a click, can capture the GPS coordinates of a tombstone, can capture the name of the cemetery, prompts you to enter in the tombstone information, and allows you to upload the information and a photo of the tombstone to their searchable free website. Did graving just get easier? [Um, yeah.]

However, there is a stipulation. You have to be at the cemetery to create a memorial. After all, the whole reason it was designed is because the co-founder of RestingSpot.com, Brett Atlas, could not find his grandfather’s tombstone even though he’d been there before and he had a map. [And all gravers have been in that situation before, right? Frustrating.] So the whole point of this app is to record the GPS coordinates for the tombstone so that anyone can find it later no matter what, and you have to be there to do that with your handy dandy Smartphone.

Let me ask you gravers out there something. How many of you have gone to a cemetery with your digital camera and with the very best of genea-intentions photographed a whole bunch of tombstones, and then “life” happened and 3 months later you’re finally sitting down to upload those photos, and you can’t quite read a few of them? And since you can’t even remember what you ate for breakfast yesterday, you know darn good and well there’s no way you’re gonna be able to remember reading that tombstone. So now you’re looking at a digital photo on your computer and you can’t figure out if that mark, if it is indeed a mark, is a “C” or a “D”. I mean, is it “Chris P. Cream” or “Chris P. Dream”? It makes a huge difference. [In this case, the difference between donuts and dreams.]

As genealogists, we’re always saying the best documentation is that which is created as close to the actual event that generated the documentation, right? Not the documentation that was generated three months after you digitally photographed a tombstone while eating a Krispy Kreme donut. And don’t even get me started if you enlist someone else to read those photographs that are three months old because you had to run up and get some more of those tasty Krispy Kreme donuts. I mean, we’re already far from the actual death and creation of the tombstone and now you’re gonna add another person to the situation to help you transcribe those photos of tombstones? Probably not a good idea. And notice that I said they’re transcribing the photos of the tombstones, not the tombstones themselves.

So, I tried RestingSpot.com’s app this past weekend on the 2 family graves that I have near me here in the Houston area, and it worked like a charm. My Great-Aunt Anne, who was one of the brave women who volunteered for the Navy’s W.A.V.E.S. [Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service] and drove an ambulance in France during World War II, has now been GPS’d. And being such a forward-thinking woman for her time, I gotta think she got a big kick out of me capturing her location, entering her vitals, taking a photo of her and her husband’s tombstone, and uploading all of the data to RestingSpot.com’s website with my handy-dandy iPhone. And? Yes, I’d already taken a photo of her tombstone previously, but it doesn’t hurt to go and visit again, right? To make sure everything is as it should be, right? To pay a visit to a woman who risked so much for her country? I’m not *that* busy.

And the second family member’s tombstone that I visited this past weekend? The Jerk’s. You know, Claudius RoyTruitt, my Gran’s dad? According to my mom, he was a jerk. Don’t know why she thought her grandfather was a jerk. But not knowing the “why” has never stopped me before from finding out someone’s story. In fact, it’s quite the opposite with me. And just in case my great-grandfather has any thoughts about him and his tombstone “disappearing” before I can find out his story, I thought it best to GPS the Jerk, too. He’s not going anywhere on my watch. [And, wow, the only thing that’s been passed down about him is that he’s a jerk. How sad is that?] Now? If anyone else in the family wants to visit the Jerk, well, now they can find him easily.

Once you log onto the website, you can add more information to each memorial. Such as:

Paying respects
Bio
Personality [For Claudius? Jerk. Great-Aunt Anne? Courageous.]
Professional
Interests
Photos & Video [Now, a video about Great-Aunt Anne? That would be fabulous!]
Friends & Family

There is also a map on the ancestor’s page on RestingSpot.com marking the location of their tombstone, and directions to it are just a click away. Want to share an ancestor’s resting spot? No problem with a click you can share it by email with others.

Does it get any easier than this? Right now, no. RestingSpot.com’s Smartphone app is truly a wonderful addition to the genea-tech world. It combines simplicity and intuitiveness to make a potentially frustrating ancestor visit to the cemetery an enjoyable experience allowing us to write the family stories even quicker and more accurately while eating Krispy Kremes, of course.

So go check RestingSpot.com out. Download their app onto your Smartphone and give it a whirl. Go visit some tombstones that you haven’t visited in a while. What are you waiting for? Go GPS your ancestors’ tombstones.

[And? Turns out that the man who requested the photo of Mr. Gressett’s tombstone is related to my college roommate. You see, she’s from this itty bitty town in Texas and there were only 12 people in her graduating class from a public school. So, I asked, and well, they’re related. What are the odds, right? Genea-Karma.]

Note: While I was asked to review their site and app (which are/were free), I received no compensation to do so from RestingSpot.com. This is my honest and unbiased opinion. For more about my disclosure statement on Family Stories, click here.

My Memories Suite Giveaway

2011-09-18T23:57:00.001-05:00

Lately I’ve been blogging here and on my professional website, 4yourfamilystory.com, about how important it is to get everyone in your family involved in genealogy and family history. Somehow. But that's not always easy because they just don’t care about how you found out something. They just want to know the good stuff.

Also, most people are visual and many can be swayed by pretty and shiny things. [Even I’ve been known to do this. Can you blame me? Jewels? Hello?!?] And when it comes to genealogy and family history, stories with lots of pictures seem to be the bling that gets everyone’s attention.

And that’s okay. Don’t be frustrated by this. Go with it. Use it to your advantage. For example, if the only thing that captures your Uncle Jerry’s attention is the photo of his grandfather from World War I that you found, and he starts telling you stories about how it used to freak him out when his grandpa would forget to put his teeth in the morning and he (Uncle Jerry) had to go fetch his teeth from the drinking glass sitting on the nightstand next to grandpa’s bed, does it matter? How about when good ol’ Uncle Jerry suddenly remembers he has this box of grandpa’s up in the attic and he thinks there’s some stuff from World War I that he wouldn’t mind going up there and getting for you?

I don’t know about you, but I’d be showing the genealogy and family history bling to all of my relatives as much as possible. In fact, I’d shine up the bling a wee bit. You know, make people “Ooh!” and “Ahh!” over it. Make people talk about it. Make people talk about their family. Make people talk about their stories. Make people talk about their history. [Plus win points with the older folks in the family.]

So, by now you’re probably thinking, “I get it, Caroline. It’s okay if my family members don’t appreciate all the sweat and tears I put into my family history research, but how do I make my photos and stories into genealogy and family history bling?”

Well, you know for a while now that I do digital scrapbooking for my blogs. Some have commented on it, and many have asked me how I do it. I do a lot of it from scratch using Photoshop Elements 7, but that’s not easy. It’s taken me forever to figure everything out. Two big books and 3 years later, it’s still not easy, and I get distracted because there are too many options. It’s not something I’d recommend for the faint of heart.

But don’t despair. Several weeks ago, MyMemories.com contacted me and asked if I’d review their scrapbook software, My Memories Suite. Hello?!? That’s a no-brainer for me. Play with some scrapbook software given to me and in exchange give my honest unbiased opinion about it? Duh. “Sign me up,” was my reply.

And? Loved it. What I like best about it is that it’s intuitive and e-a-s-y. It’s made to do one thing. Digital scrapbook. Unlike photo editing software powerhouses like Photoshop, you jump in and create an album with however many pages you want then decide what kind of “output” you want. The “output” being:

Photobook
Calendar
JPG image to export to your hard drive [and then other places like your blog]
Printer
Interactive album
iPod movie
Movie
DVD video

That’s right. You create it once then you can use it many times in many ways. [We’re bound and determined to get those family members interested. Whatever it takes. Remember?]

Because I always have so many people ask how I did certain layouts on my blog, I decided to show you 4 different kinds of layouts that I did using My Memories Suite all using the JPG image export option. That’s right. Examples of how to bling up your genealogy and family history stories and photos on your blog.

1. One aspect that I like about My Memories Suite is that you have the option to use pre-made “Quick Pages” where all you have to do is enter the photo(s) and some writing [“Some” is the key word. Heaven forbid you make your family members read too much, right?] Anywho, this was kind of hard for me to do because I’m creative, and I don’t like giving up the control. However, once I did it, I realized it was kind of freeing not having to do anything but stick the photo in it and add some words. [Who knew?] The following is a photo given to me by a distant cousin [and I’m using it with permission]. It’s small and scanned at low resolution and orange-y, and as researchers you know that photos come to us in all shapes and sizes. So, with a “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” attitude [And OMG, it’s a photo of my 3^rd great-grandparents enthusiasm.], I found a “Quick Page” layout ~"Splendor"~ that complimented the orange-y-ness. [So there.] I think it took all of about 3 minutes to do. [Seriously.] Now, you tell me. What family member isn’t going to ask me about this [Click image for a bigger view.]:

So, even if you aren’t creative, you have no excuses for not exhibiting some family history bling using Quick Pages on your blog. It’s so easy, even my Pug, Millie, could do it. [Okay. She can’t. It’s that whole no “poseables” thing. But? You have thumbs. No excuses.]

2. In this second example, I did a kind of hybrid layout using their "Ancestors Legacy" kit. It wasn’t completely “done” for me. I chose the photo layout part from a list in the software then added the digital paper and elements and drop shadows. So, I didn’t have to think about how or where to place the photos. That was done for me. [And doesn’t it look professional?] But I got to design, to create, and to play. You know, the fun stuff. I really enjoyed doing this. And doesn’t my Paw Paw [Yeah. Big Paw Paw’s 4^th wife ~ after being his mistress. *rollingeyesheavenward* ] look absolutely gorgeous? [After seeing these pics, it’s not hard to see why Big Paw Paw’s wandering eye wandered onto her, is it?] [Click image for a bigger view.]

3. In this example, I decided to show the capabilities of the software without using any of their kits [either bought or the ones that come with the software]. You might recognize one photo that I posted previously on this blog. The one of the 2 views of a pocket watch. Since I did that post of my husband’s 2^nd great-grandfather’s [A.O. Williams’] pocket watch, I received a photo of him from Great-Uncle Donald last year. So I cropped the photo of A.O.Williams in My Memories Suite, added it to the pocket watch photo, and added his name. And presto! An instant winner with the family, eh? [Click image for a bigger view.]

4. Now, for my last trick. I decided to show you how you can take a boring document [Well, not boring to me and you, but boring to our family members. Remember: document = reading = family members get bored.] and make it come alive. Here is Harve and Pearl Pointer’s original mortgage paperwork for their farm in Story County, Iowa. [Pearl was A.O. Williams’ daughter.] So, I added 2 pics of the farm [which is no longer there] and a pic of Harve and Pearl from about 6 years before this mortgage. Makes it real, doesn’t it? I challenge any family member to say “Whoop-de-do,” to this. [Seriously.] All photo placement and decorating was done by me using the "Family Memories Pack" kit that I purchased from MyMemories.com. [Click image for a bigger view.]

Contest

MyMemories.com has given me an extra My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software [RV $39.95] for one (1) lucky reader. [Feeling lucky?]

How to enter:

You must go visit MyMemories.com and do some “window shopping,” find the digital scrapbook kit that you absolutely positively cannot live without, come back here to Family Stories, and tell me in the comments below which kit you picked and leave me your email address. You can use the word "at" for @ and "dot" for "." to reduce spam. [I’ll need to notify you if you win. I’m not psychic. Unfortunately.]

Want some additional entries? [Optional]

Below are some additional ways to enter. Remember, though, these aren’t valid if you do not first go and pick the digital scrapbook kit of your dreams at the MyMemories.com store and tell me which one it is in the comments below. [I’m ornery like that.] Each one is worth 1 entry.

Follow @FamilyStories on Twitter [1 entry]
Friend me on Facebook [1entry]
Follow my Family Stories blog through Google Friend Connect in sidebar [1entry]
Like this blog post [at bottom of post] [1 entry]
Tweet this blog post [at bottom of post] [You can tweet this blog post once per day, make a comment each time, & each 1 counts as an entry.] [1entry per day]
Go make a relevant comment on my Why Aren’t We Doing It? #FGS2011 blog post on my other site, 4YourFamilyStory.com [1 entry]
Like MyMemories.com on their Facebook page [Plus? They have a $5 coupon over there for their store.] [1entry]
Follow the MyMemories.com blog on Google Friend Connect [1 entry]
Follow MyMemories.com on Twitter [1 entry]
Subscribe to MyMemoriesSuite YouTube Channel [1 entry]

Also? For each additional entry, you must enter a new comment. For example:

If you’ve picked “Ancestors Legacy Kit” as your fave from their store; followed me on twitter; liked the MyMemories Facebook page; and followed my blog on Google Friend Connect, then you’d make 4 separate comments and that would give you 4 entries into the contest.

Want 3 additional entries? For you overachievers, link to this contest blog post from your blog. [Don’t forget to make 3 separate comments leaving me a link to your blog post where you’ve linked to this blog post for these entries. And if you understand & complete all that, you definitely deserve 3 entries.]

If you already follow me on twitter or somewhere else that’s listed above, then that counts and just say you’re already doing it in a separate comment.

This contest begins Monday, 19 Sep 2011 and ends Monday, 26 Sep 2011. Winner will be announced Wednesday, 28 Sep 2011. [Or perhaps earlier if not many enter. But? Why wouldn't you enter?]

Don’t want to wait and see if you win in order to start making family history bling on your blog? Okay. MyMemories.com has given me a coupon to give to y’all worth $10 off the purchase of My Memories Suite Scrapbook software. Just enter in this code at checkout STMMMS76098 (For best results, just copy and paste it). And? You also get a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store when you purchase the software.

Wait. There’s more.

Don’t forget there’s a $5 coupon towards any of their kits in their store waiting for you when and if you go like the MyMemories.com Facebook page.

So. What are you waiting for? You only have to enter once by telling me your fave kit from the MyMemories.com store in the comments below. There will only be one randomly-picked winner. But remember: the more entries you make, the more chances you have of winning. Questions? Click the red “Contact” button in the left hand corner of your screen.

[Disclosure: MyMemories.com gave me a free copy of My Memories Suite software to use and review and to promote this giveaway. All of my opinions are my own. MyMemories.com is also providing a free copy of the software for the lucky winner of this giveaway.]

How Popular is #Genealogy in Springfield, IL?

2011-09-09T15:58:00.002-05:00

How popular is genealogy in Springfield, IL? Popular enough that the local T.V. channels came by for a press conference yesterday morning. Here is a video of D. Joshua Taylor announcing the opening of the Federation of Genealogical Societies' 2011 Conference:

Cool, yes? [Yeah. I remembered I could shoot video on my iPhone. Watch out world.]

And? I was also mentioned in the local paper. That's right. The hotel that I'm staying in had recently renovated their rooms. And the local paper interviewed guests to see how we liked it. Here's a link to the online version of the article: http://www.sj-r.com/business/x219207891/President-Lincoln-Hotel-seeks-that-wow-effect

And? For you numbers people: over 2000 attendees representing 48 states and 5 countries.

So, how popular is genealogy in Springfield, IL? Very popular.

~C

The Situation of Family & Genealogy

2011-09-02T10:12:00.001-05:00

Don’t you get tired of that look? That glazed-over look? That blank stare? You know, the look you get when, in response to a family history question from a family member, you start explaining in great detail how you were able to find that small (And I mean, small.) village in what is now Poland, but once was a part of the Prussian Empire, where your great-grandfather was born.

And what I have to say next is going to shock and even dismay you. So sit down and get comfortable before reading any further. Ready?

They could care less about how you successfully – after years and years of searching and pulling your hair out – found the name of that small (And I mean, small.) village in Poland that your great-grandfather was born in.
They don’t care that your great-grandfather no doubt repeated several times for the clerk the name of that small (And I mean, small.) village so that the clerk could phonetically spell it on his declaration of intent to become a citizen of the United States.
They don’t care that you spent days and days closing your eyes and sounding out the name of the small (I mean, small.) village trying to come up with possible spellings.
They don’t care that you spent days and days Googling those silly spellings.
They don’t care that you stared at his passport application and that blob of ink, that should have correctly identified that small (I mean, small.) village, did not once morph into perfectly shaped letters.
They don’t care that you went through all the towns and cities that begin with the letter “G” listed in an index of a current European atlas hoping you can find one that sounds like the one phonetically spelled out on his declaration of intent.
They don’t care that there are, like, a gazillion towns and cities in that index that start with the letter “G” or that you are practically blind now because of how small the type is in that index.
They don’t care that you have spent countless hours poring over old maps online and offline looking for that small (I mean, small.) village.
They don’t care that you bought a subscription to an historic map site so you could find that small (I mean, small.) village.
They don’t care that you absolutely must have the name of that small (I mean, small.) village in order to go back any further.
They don’t care that you queried on Twitter with a Twit Pic a Photoshop-enhanced copy of his passport application hoping that someone could see what you had not.
They don’t care that you only received 2 responses, one of which was a good-hearted person from Germany who was unsuccessful at identifying that small (And I mean, small.) village.
They don’t care that the second response led you to a site that led you to another site that had a database that allowed wild card searching of names of current and former cities and villages of the former Prussia and what is now Poland, where that small (And I mean, small) village was found.
They don’t care that that village is so small (And I mean, small.) it probably only exists today because it’s an archaeological site.

Basically? They don’t care about all those details. And let’s face it. We do what we do because we love those details. We don’t just live in those details. We revel in them. For us, the difference between generations is in the details. The difference between failure and success is in those details.

And our loved ones? What do they care about? I’ll tell you what they care about.

They care whether this same great-grandfather’s son, Big Paw Paw, fathered any other children with his many mistresses and/or wives.
They want to know the details of Big Paw Paw’s will, and why he wrote it the way he did.
They want to know why, if she’s still living, you haven’t contacted Big Paw Paw’s last mistress. (Awkward, much?)
They want to see Big Paw Paw’s photos, and, wow, wasn’t he good looking?
They want to know every last detail about each of Big Paw Paw’s divorces.
They want to know why Big Paw Paw sued his sister.
They want to know why Big Paw Paw was kicked out of his family.
They want to know why Big Paw Paw was excommunicated from the Catholic Church.

That’s right. While you’ve been carefully crafting research work that would (in your dreams) be worthy of The History Channel, your loved ones just want to know how the family compares to an episode of Jersey Shore.

So what to do? Don’t force the details on your family. [Yes. Give them ‘Snooki’ and ‘The Situation.’] Give them what they want in the format they’ll appreciate. Give them the stories, the photos, and give them a chance to add to all of that in a way they can understand. By engaging family members in a non-technical way, you’re more likely to get their input, their stories, their rumors, their secrets, and – dare I say – their details that may be just what you need to find the parish your great-grandfather was more than likely baptized in near that small (And I mean, small) village ~ all without that glazed-over look in their eyes.

Are you going to the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference (FGS2011) next week in Springfield, IL? Join 1000memories.com Thursday morning, Sept. 8th at their Engaging Your Family in Genealogy breakfast panel. I’ll be in attendance, but if that doesn’t do it for you [grin], D. Joshua Taylor (Co-chair 2011 FGS Conference), Dear Myrtle (Pat Richley), and Jonathan Good (Co-founder 1000memories) will be on the panel. Space is limited and you must RSVP. For more information please visit the 1000memories.com blog.

Telling Family Stories ~ 1000Memories.com

2011-08-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

Raise your hand if you like a good story. [That's what I thought.]

There's a new company and website that has recently been brought to my attention called 1000memories.com. The company states on its website, "1000Memories is a transformative social media site dedicated to changing the way people remember and are remembered." Basically, memorial pages can be created for a loved one that give the feel of an online scrapbook with the user being able to enter in stories, photos, quotes, videos, songs, and documents all in an effort to share a loved one's story.

I love the idea that their focus is on the story ~ the family story [Surprise, surprise.], and I love the layout of their memorial pages. I think they describe it as a "quilt" and I think they're exactly right in that description. I'm not done playing around with their website, but I am in the beginning stages of a memorial page for my infamous grandfather, Big Paw Paw. [Who else, right?] You can take a look at his memorial page here. The memorial pages are free to create and look at, and the company maintains that through the help from angel investors, they will always remain free and secure. However, they do plan to add premium features in the future.

The other cool tool that I've started playing with is their new Social Security Database Search that they just debuted on their blog this past week. When you enter the name of a loved one that has passed away, it populates an interactive map and list of all people with that name who had a social security number. Using the interactive map you can then narrow down the search by state. When you select the correct person, you can start a memorial page for this person, and it automatically starts the page for you with their name, date of birth, and date of death. I think this is a great tool especially for the beginning family history researcher. You can take a look at this feature here.

For those who have been working on their family tree for a while, the website indicates that it accepts GEDCOM's by email. I haven't tried this feature yet to see how this works, but certainly with this ability, starting memorial pages will be a lot easier for those who already have data on their ancestors.

As I mentioned previously, I have just started out using this website, but my overall impression of it is that it is a website that is perfect for those interested in sharing the story of a loved one's life story with friend's and family. With its collaborative features, you can truly get the their story from different points of view. It's interface makes it very easy for a family member to share their stories, photos, etc. without feeling like they have to know a lot about the ins and outs of family history and genealogy, which means family members are more likely to share. [And that's a very good thing.]

As I work with it and develop Big Paw Paw's memorial page as well as other's pages, I will share more about it in upcoming posts. However, take a look at a video of Jonathan Good, one of the cofounders, speaking in San Francisco about 1000Memories.com's vision:

[If unable to watch video here, then watch it here: http://youtu.be/sGE4HMvDe-Q ]

~Caroline

[Disclosure: Other than the fact that I was contacted by the company to take a look at their site, I have no connection to 1000Memories.com.]

Wordless Wednesday ~ Keeping People On Their Toes

2011-08-03T19:28:00.001-05:00

Meet Annie (Pointer) Paddelford Ritter and either Mr. Paddelford or Mr. Ritter. I have a Pointer and Williams Family Reunion photo from 1914 [It's the one in my blog header up above.], and in it is Annie's 2nd husband, Mr. Ritter, who looks nothing like this man above. Therefore, I think this is her first husband, Charles Paddelford. I first introduced you to Annie with a postcard that she sent her brother Harvey Lewis Pointer, my husband's 1st great-grandfather, in the blog post I Just Needed a Sign.

I just love this photo of Annie. Her hat just screams fun! Zany! And with her eyeglasses she looks like a school teacher, doesn't she? I don't believe she was a school teacher, though. I wonder if she was ever told she looked like one? I get that a lot, especially when I'm doing research on the go at one of the kids' basketball practices. With all the paperwork I'm poring over, they just naturally assume I'm grading papers. Or when people learn that my degree is in English, they always assume I teach it. I love keeping people on their toes, and I think that's what I like about this photo of Annie. She just looks like she kept people on their toes too.

Plus? I love the fact that a postcard of Annie's still exists and is in the family archives.

~C

A Sense of Humor During WWII

2011-07-13T16:01:00.004-05:00

My husband's grandfather is 2nd to the left in front kneeling ~ Forrest Pointer ~ In Iceland during WW2 at Camp Kwitchwebelliakin, a.k.a., Camp 'They-Got-A-Sense-of-Humor' . [Snort.]

A newspaper clipping from the Pointer Family Archives.

~C

SNGF ~ Family Stories' Blog Elevator Pitch

2011-07-09T16:02:00.002-05:00

I'm a Cheater
Okay. It's been a while since I've done Randy's Saturday Night Genealogy Fun [SNGF] [Yes. Genealogists are fun. You didn't know that?], but I knew it'd be pretty easy because I knew I could ~~cheat~~ use my About Page info. After all, I'd already made it pretty short [for me].

Now here's Randy's SNGF Challenge tonight [if we choose to accept it]:

1. Write an elevator speech for your blog based on Tonia Kendrick's Blog series, 31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog, #31 WGBG: "Write an Elevator Pitch for Your Blog."

2. Post it on your blog, in the comments on Randy's blog, on Google+, etc.

3. Leave a comment on Tonia's Elevetaor Pitch blog post. [Lots of blog traffic link love here, folks.]

Now. Tonia recommends that your pitch should be between 100-150 words. And I thank God for that because I read a few other people's pitches before reading her suggestions, and they were a lot shorter, which kind of put a crimp on my idea to ~~cheat~~ use what I'd already written on my About Page. [Snort.]

So. Here's my pitch:

Dead people like to talk. And I like to listen and write their stories down. Sometimes their stories are sad. Sometimes they're happy. And sometimes they're downright naughty [if I'm lucky].

So. Family Stories is where I write it all down. Their bad decisions. And their good decisions. The times they got it right. And the times they couldn't have been more wrong. It's where I tell you about them in hopes that they won't be forgotten. Everything they've willingly told me. And what I've had to pull from them. They're imperfect. Just like you. And just like me. But they're mine, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

So take a look around. Read a few stories. Laugh. Cry. Shake your head in disbelief. [*snort* I do it all the time.]

For these are my family's stories.

My Gran's Gonna Kill Me

2011-07-05T15:19:00.003-05:00

She deftly lifted the next cooked potato and keeping it in the palm of her hand, she first peeled then diced it with a sharp knife.

“Gran, aren’t you afraid of cutting your hand?”

She gave me the same response as my mom had when I’d asked her the last time she made their potato salad.

“No, Dear. I’ve been making this potato salad for a long time, and I’ve never – not once – cut myself while doing it.”

As she worked on the next cooked potato, I studied her face – the lines crisscrossing her face, the age spots on the back of her hands, the papery thin skin covering her face and arms, her fluffy white hair sticking out from her head – and figured she knew what the heck she was doing.

My Gran must have been in her 80’s when I really watched her make her potato salad. It fascinated me how she was able to hold the cooked potatoes and eggs and dice them in her hands with a sharp knife without cutting her hands.

My mom prepped the potatoes and eggs the same way.

And so do I.

To the best of my knowledge, we’ve never – not once - cut ourselves while doing it either.

I’m pretty sure it’d taste the same if I did the dicing on a cutting board, but I take comfort in knowing that I prepare it the same way my Gran and my mom did.

However, I have added one teeny, tiny ingredient. And I’d bet the $2 that I have in my wallet [I know. I’m a big spender.] that my mom added her own “something” to the recipe. [In fact. I know she did.] I like to think it’s just another layer to the family story.

But I didn’t add this ingredient until I’d been preparing it the exact way my mother had showed me for well over 10 years. And while I’m probably gonna catch a lotta afterlife crap from my Gran for giving away her recipes, I’m still gonna share it. It’s that good. [Heck. What is she gonna do? Come back and haunt me? I wish she would. I have quite a few questions for her.]

Now. Before I give you the complete recipe, you gotta pinky swear that you will NOT change my Gran’s recipe in any way until you’ve been preparing it the same way for at least 10 years. ‘K? If you’re outta the correct ingredients, don’t substitute other crap. This should be a clear sign that it just wasn’t meant for you to make it that day. The don’ts include:

Putting fruit or nuts in it. [This ain’t fruity or nutty potato salad. Although some of mom’s family was fruity and nutty.]
Using turkey bacon. [This is just wrong. This ain’t potato salad for dieters.]
Not using the bacon grease. [This is a must. Again. This ain’t potato salad for dieters.]
Not putting the onions in it cuz you’re afraid your other half won’t kiss you after eating it. [Honey, once your other half tastes my Gran’s potato salad, you’re gonna get a lotta kisses. It’s that good. Did I mention my Gran had 8 kids?]
Using sweet relish instead of dill relish. [Save the sweets for dessert. Like pecan or cherry pie. Besides, you’ve already jumped off the dieting deep end with the bacon grease. A piece of pie ain’t gonna make a bit of difference.]
Using some other type of potatoes other than the regular Russett potatoes. [My Gran’s Gran, Annie O’Brien, was from Ireland, and I have not one potato recipe passed down through my Gran that included golden potatoes, red potatoes, and the like. Save those for your new found fancy schmancy potato recipes. This recipe needs no razzle and dazzle to impress. Hello? Bacon grease.]
Using more or less of something because you think you know better. [Trust me. My Gran knew better than you.]

Ingredients

7 Medium-Large sized Russett Potaoes [I buy the 5# bag, and use the leftovers to make mashed potatoes and my Gran’s potato pancakes with the mashed potato leftovers. Haven’t made up my mind yet if I’m gonna share that recipe with you. It's my Gran's Gran's potato pancake recipe. We’ll see how this goes.]
7 Large eggs
4 pieces of thick-sliced bacon
Bacon grease from frying the 4 pieces of bacon
2 stalks of celery
1 medium-sized sweet onion [It’s not really sweet, so we’re not breaking the whole “This ain’t sweet-tasting potato salad” rule, and it’s one of my mom’s substitutions.]
1 Tablespoon of Dill [not sweet] relish
1 Tablespoon of mustard [Just the plain ol’ yellow kind. No Dijon-like crap.]
1 Tablespoon of white vinegar
2 teaspoons of Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning [The one with a yellow label.] [This would be my addition to my Gran’s recipe. In fact, I use it in *everything*. You can purchase it online here. So there's absolutely no excuse for you not having this on hand.]
Mayonnaise, about 1 cup but add ½ a cup at a time.
Salt to taste

Instructions

Rinse the potatoes [don't peel before cooking] and put them and the 7 eggs in a big pot just covering them with water. Place on high heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 20-25 minutes.
While the potatoes and eggs are boiling, dice the celery and the onions well. No big chunks. [The potato and the bacon are the stars of this show, folks.]
When the potatoes and eggs are done, drain the boiling water out of the pot placing the hot potatoes and eggs in a colander to cool.
While they're cooling, fry the bacon in the same pot until crispy but not burnt. [This way there's only one pot to clean and the grease can't pop onto your shirt and ruin it. My mama didn't raise no fool.] Don't cook the bacon in the oven or microwave. Fry. It.
Once the bacon is fried completely, take the bacon strips out of the pot with tongs and drain them on some paper towels. Place the pot with the grease to the side to cool a bit.
Peel the 7 hard boiled eggs.
Place the 7 cooled cooked potatoes and the 7 hard boiled eggs in a big plastic bowl.
Peel the skin off the cooked potatoes with a knife [like a paring knife] and dice the potatoes and the eggs. No. You don't have to do it in the palm of your hand. In fact, if you're not related to my Gran, I wouldn't try that. Just make sure the diced potato pieces are on the medium side. Not too big and definitely not too small. [We're not making potato soup here.]
Once done with the potato and egg dicing, use both your hands to mix the pieces around. Yes. Use your hands, not a spoon.
Add the diced celery and onion to the potato and egg mixture and toss again with your hands.
Crumble the 4 slices of crispy [but not burned] bacon strips and toss into this mixture. Yes. With your hands.
Add the 1 Tablespoon of dill [not sweet] relish to the mixture and toss with your [you guessed it] hands.
Add all the leftover bacon grease from the pot, the mustard, and the vinegar to the mixture and stir it all carefully all with a big spoon just until it's mixed. [I use my big sturdy bamboo wooden spoon. I guess you could use some other kind just so long as it's sturdy.]
Add the Slap Ya Mama seasoning. [I just love the name of this stuff. And it tastes perfect. My Cajun neighbor introduced me to it, and it's made in the same little town she's from, Ville Platte, Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, which also happens to be a parish away from where my Gran was born there in Louisiana. Connections, folks. They're everywhere.]
Now. Add the mayonnaise a 1/2 cup at a time. Why? Because my Gran's potato salad is not that wet and drippy kind of potato salad. It's just not. It's hearty. The potatoes break up a little while mixing and while it's not creamy, per se, it's definitely not cubed potatoes with mayonnaise dripping off of it either. So. It's better to add a little mayonnaise at a time because you can always add a little more, but once you've ruined the potato salad with too much mayonnaise, it's ruined. I don't care how much you love mayonnaise, it ain't the star of my Gran's potato salad.
Before just adding salt blindly, taste test the potato salad. If you think it needs salt, add it. If not, then don't.
Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Sprinkle a little Slap Ya Mama on top before serving cuz it makes it look pretty.

Remember that this stuff is good, and will go fast. Especially the 2nd time you make it. So. It's perfectly acceptable to get your serving right after you make it. After all, you're the one who took the time and trouble to follow Gran's recipe and it should be properly taste-tested to make sure that you've made it correctly.

This is what it looks like after you've taken your portion and placed the rest in a serving dish:

After all have taken their portion and then some, this is what it'll look like afterwards:

Not really this yellow. Added a filter cuz it made it look better. =)

Lastly, I won't be there to see if you've changed things around with the recipe. But my Gran will probably be watching you to see if you do it right. And if you do see her, please tell her to come and pay me visit. I have some questions for her.

Who The Hell Is This Etiquette Guy?

2011-07-04T12:46:00.004-05:00

“Shit.”

“What?”

“Looks like Mom forgot to pack the plastic forks.”

“So. How are we gonna eat the potato salad?”

“Well. She didn’t forget the plastic knives. We can use those.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Yawning, I couldn’t have cared less how my brother and dad were going to eat that potato salad. I hated potato salad. I didn’t give 2 hoots about anything that had mayonnaise, eggs, onion, and celery. The only things it really had going for it, in my 10-year-old opinion, were the mustard, potatoes, and bacon. In fact, the only thing it was missing from my “There’s-no-way-I’m-gonna-eat-that-crap” list was tomatoes. Yuck.

“Caroline, do you want some potato salad?”

“Nope. Just baked beans and my chicken leg. Please.”

God, how I loved my mom’s fried chicken. Especially when we’d been fishing all morning from dawn until just after noon. Those donuts we had back at 4 o’clock this morning before putting the boat in the bay hadn’t been intended to last that long and my tummy was growling.

“Caroline? I don’t think you’re gonna be able to eat those baked beans with a knife.” How about 2 chicken legs and some potato salad?”

With an “Are you crazy?” look on my face, I told my dad in no uncertain terms that there was no way on God’s green earth that I was gonna eat that potato salad.

He just shook his head, scooped up what I’d asked for, added a plastic knife, and handed it over. I tore into that cold fried chicken like I hadn’t eaten like, well, since, 4 o’clock this morning.

Then I attempted the bake beans with a knife. Have you ever attempted to eat baked beans with a plastic knife? Yeah. Well. I don’t suggest it. Even if you are starving. It’s not easy. I quickly ate as much as I could. Then ate the rest of my chicken.

But I was still hungry. I tried to look everywhere else but at my brother’s and dad’s plates piled high with Mom’s potato salad. I watched a bird swoop down towards the water. I saw a fish come to the surface causing a small ripple in the water. I focused on one of the islands that made up the area of the bay where we’d been fishing all morning. Then I looked back at their plates. The potato salad. The piles weren’t as high anymore.

Then I focused on the island once more. My eyes began to droop as the boat gently rocked back and forth. I closed my eyes briefly and filled my lungs with the salty air. I heard more birds off in the distance.

I opened my eyes again. Just staring at that potato salad. My stomach growled. I licked my lips

“Caroline? Are you sure you don’t want some potato salad? Here. Try some”

My dad handed me some on a paper plate. I hesitantly picked up my plastic knife. Barely dipped it into the potato salad. Brought it to my nose. Sniffed. My stomach growled. It smelled so good. I stuck out my tongue. Licked some of it off the knife. And?

My mouth watered.

I quickly swallowed it and dug in for more. Each knife-full was better than the last. It was tangy. The juxtaposition of the crispy fried bacon and the soft potatoes was to die for. The crunch of the onion and the celery? Divine.

Each ingredient complimented the other. It was perfect.

Before I knew it, I was done. I licked the knife. I licked the paper plate. I hadn’t even left any on my plate for Etiquette’s sake, like my Gran always used to tell me to do.

I figured Etiquette could get his own mom’s dang potato salad.

My potato salad, which was my mom's potato salad. Before that is was my Gran's, & one day, it will be my daughter's.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Schlitz, Anyone?

2011-06-22T13:53:00.001-05:00

I think this might be one of my all-time favorite Pointer photos ~ My husband's grandfather, Forrest Pointer [standing, 2nd to left]. A moment of relaxation stolen in the midst of war. Schlitz, anyone? And what I wouldn't give to hear the story that's being told.

Forrest Pointer [Standing, 2nd to left.] in Kodiak, Alaska during World War II.

Tombstone Tuesday ~ 'Family Stuff'

2011-06-21T11:11:00.001-05:00

Just yesterday I tweeted the following:

"Why is it the collaterals with no descendants that capture my attention the most? It's like my heart adopts them automatically."

And

"Their faces tug on my heartstrings just begging me to tell their stories."

What inspired those? I had been sitting at my father-in-law’s table poring through more old photos and more of Pearl’s composition books. I had originally gone over there to photograph an old family toy for an article that I’m writing for Shades of the Departed, when my father-in-law said, “Here’s some more family stuff.”

[Gawd. How I love that “family stuff.”]

Pearl (Williams) Pointer

That “family stuff” got me to thinking in several directions. As I flipped through Pearl’s school composition books, where she’d dutifully practiced her handwriting and no doubt answered her math and geography homework questions, I wondered if any of my descendants would be as awed by my school homework? [That is, if I can keep my non-packrat husband from throwing it away. ;)] Would they pore over every letter hoping that some curved line would reveal just an inkling of what I was thinking, feeling? Would they pull out their magnifying glass to analyze my boredom-induced doodles in the margins hoping to see if they revealed what my hopes, dreams, and regrets had been? [Yes, Pearl doodled. Lots.]

Then I flipped through the scrapbook album. Some of the photos I’d already seen thanks to Great-Uncle Donald and his awesome digitizing, but there were many that I’d not seen. This had been my husband’s grandfather’s album [Great-Uncle Donald’s younger brother], and it’s interesting to see what photos Grandpa Pointer included in his album and how he grouped them as compared to how Great-Uncle Donald had done. Perhaps I’m analyzing it too much [So sue me.], but it reminded of what Great-Uncle Donald had told me last summer about the dynamics of the relationships between brothers. And yesterday I thought to myself how lucky I was to have so much of the family artifacts to look at. It’s like hearing a different viewpoint of the family story, which is important, because, in my opinion, somewhere in there lies the truth.

Back: Harold, Lester, Wayne, Glen. Front: Forrest & Donald

Flipping towards the back of the album, I found Great-Uncle Lester’s high school diploma. And it brought tears to my eyes. [I’m such a girl. I know.] You see, Great-Uncle Lester [U.S. Navy] died during World War II of a brain tumor. He had been married, but had no children. And that’s what broke my heart. No descendants to wonder and mull over the “stuff” he’d left behind. No one to wonder if they had the same eye or hair color as Lester. No one to wonder what his hopes and dreams had been. No one to wonder what his handwriting reveals about himself in his letters home to mom [Pearl].

However, if all of the copies of the newspaper articles of his illness and death, and if all the letters and postcards of his that were saved over the years are anything to go by, he had made a big impact on his family.

But Lester wasn’t the only Pointer to be sacrificed in World War II. His brother Staff Sergeant Wayne H. Pointer (Air Corps) had been listed as missing in 1943 after his plane went down over Brazil, and he was later declared dead. He had not been married nor did he have any children. However, his letters home to mom were carefully saved and his photos were neatly stored by at least 2 of his brothers. Great-Uncle Donald even has specific stories about Great-Uncle Wayne in his memoirs.

It still saddens me whenever I find “collaterals” [siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.] that have no descendants to tell their hopes, their dreams, their regrets, their stories. And with each one that I uncover, I feel compelled to adopt them. To find and tell their story so they won’t be forgotten.

As I look into their fading faces and as I read their fading handwriting, I just want to say, “Don’t worry. You won’t be forgotten. Someone will know your story.”

U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Lester Laverne Pointer. b. 26 Nov 1915; d. 14 Oct 1942;
buried at Arlington National Cemetery

The Face of Genealogy

2011-06-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

What does genealogy look like? Well, it looks a little different for everyone. From outlaws to law abiding citizens ~ there are a myriad of forms your genealogy can take. One thing is for sure, though. You won't know until you look.

Join me at the Southern California Genealogical Society's Jamboree in Burbank, California this week, Jun 10th-12th, and find out how to start looking for your genealogy. For your family story

Your ancestors are just waiting for you to find them and all about them. [O.K. They probably don't want you to find out *everything* about them. You know, all their secrets? But much to their chagrin, you will, which is the fun part.]

At Jamboree, you'll meet all sorts of people ~ from beginners to professionals ~ who want to learn more about their ancestors. Along with classes and lectures from some of the top professionals in the industry teaching you the newest methods in searching [Yes. It takes more than plugging a name into a database and hitting "enter".], you will have an opportunity to meet with genealogy vendors who bring the most cutting edge technology to you to make your search easier. [That's right. Something for the techies, too.] And if you're wondering, "OMG. I've never done this before. I won't know anybody," then stop. This is my first time at Jamboree. You won't be the only one. [Plus, hello? It's in southern Cali.]

C'mon. Aren't you just a little bit curious what your genealogy looks like? What their stories are? Who you're related to? And how to find all the "good stuff" on your ancestors?

Then go to Jamboree.

What does my genealogy look like, you ask? I suggest you take a look at some of my past posts, but I'll share my "Ode to Family" with you that I posted previously along with a photo of my grandfather, Big Paw Paw. If you haven't read anything about my Big Paw Paw, then I suggest you start right here with They Had Balls. [Yes. You read that correctly. *snort*] He was quite a character. [Rolling eyes heavenward.]

Hey. Maybe you have a "Big Paw Paw" in your family, too. [Snort.] How will you know if you don't look?

An Ode To Family

Oftentimes I'm asked,

Why I've made finding

my family a task.

So here below

My 'Ode to Family"

To you I bestow.

I have a 2nd great-grandfather

With whom I bother.

A bugler, a fifer, or a drummer

In the Civil War, which one was he?

I often wonder if he ever played the

'Yankee Doodle Dandy'.

And when he looked into the eyes

O' the young Irish lass,

I wonder if he told her

'Tis her beauty that could not be surpassed.

One more thing 'bout them I'd like to ask;

How long did it take for her to get him

to the altar for Catholic mass?

Then, so her courageous story won't get

Stuck in a drawer;

My great Aunt Anne I study more & more.

All about driving that ambulance in France

During the second World War;

I'd be honored to write her memoir.

Am I truly a daughter of the American Revolution;

A fifth great-granddaughter of a Patriot of this great nation?

I'd also like to close the book on the lives

Who were so violently taken;

So their memory will never be forsaken.

Arrgh! A pirate lurks way back there;

I often wonder, "Did he stand tall on his corsair?"

And let's not forget the history of transportation.

A Chief Messenger of the railway, and

A teamster from Michigan.

Then my grandfather the bean counter

Who quite a bit ago

Once worked for an oil company in Tampico.

Also the man who I would've loved to meet

Face-to-face;

Who definitely led me on a wild goose chase.

My Dad's dad who was so tight-lipped;

No matter, he was well worth the trip.

There is also my great-grandfather

Who came from Prussia on Christmas Day;

Who disembarked his ship

To view the beautiful Galveston Bay.

Then there were those who were bawdy

After being given a toddy.

And yet still those who were a bit frisky

After a bit o' Irish Whiskey.

Those who acted bravely,

And those who acted cowardly.

There were those who were feisty, flirty & flowery;

And those who came with a helluva dowry.

Give me my ancestors who were considered tawdry;

Especially those who had a lot of jewelry.

How 'bout those whose plans went awry;

Who just simply wanted to sit down and cry?

Or the one who dared to defy;

Or maybe the one who dared not

Because she was too shy?

I have found none who left home

To marry a carny;

But I've come across a few that spoke

A lo' o' blarney.

There was the one I've heard

Who ran 'round like a banshee;

'Course, she was the sis of the

One who had a bat in the belfry.

Those who stretched the truth vastly;

And those who were downright ghastly.

Some could be considered

A "little miss goodie two shoes"

Yet there were others who

Hated to lose.

Some were quite girly;

While others were a bit burly.

Not all were part of the gentry;

The others came from the country.

There were those whose eyes were beady;

And some who were quite greedy.

Others with nose in the air

Were quite haughty;

Those who didn't care

Were especially naughty.

Some were liars;

And some were criers.

A few were klutzy;

But even more were gutsy.

Some were tall;

And some were small.

I even have a third great-grandma

Who supposedly was an herbal cure-all.

Then there were those who were grumpy;

And those who were seen as a bit frumpy.

"Heavens to Betsy!"

I'd be remiss;

If I didn't mention those

In absolute bliss.

There were those who were known

As "One Hot Mama";

However, I've yet to find one

Who owned a llama.

'Tis very true;

They are quite the motley crew.

But, Oh! How they sit there

In All their glory;

How could I not tell

Their Family Story?

And finally? Here's my Big Paw Paw ~ one of the many faces of my genealogy:

Official #Genealogy Blogger for #FGS2011!

2011-06-01T19:22:00.000-05:00

Yup. You read correctly. I'm an Official Blogger for FGS2011!

The Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference this year ~ Pathways to the Heartland ~ is being held in Springfield, Illinois September 7-10. That's right 4 jam-packed FAN-tabulous days of genealogy fun! Seriously? I was going over all the sessions last night that are available for this conference. And? My head hurts [in a good way] with all the opportunities for learning and networking. This is a must-see-must-attend-absolutely-gotta-be-there conference.

And if that doesn't get you there, then maybe this will. I will be there. Reporting. Interviewing. Dining. Networking. You know, the usual hard work.

BUT, what if you can't make it? Don't worry. I and this outstanding list of esteemed Official FGS Bloggers will be blogging about the vendors, the food [Apparently, Amy Coffin over on her blog, We Tree, will be scoring and blogging about some ~from what I hear~ fantastic bacon from a particular vendor.], the socials, the lectures, and, well, everything.

Now, in the months, weeks, and days leading up to FGS2011, I will be spotlighting on this blog and on my official How-To Blog For Newbies, For Your Family Story, any conference news, interviews with planned conference lecturers & vendors, historical places to visit near the conference, and local resources for opportunities to research in and around Springfield.

At the conference, I will be Tweeting [ @FamilyStories ] and blogging conference news, interviews, photos, etc.

After the conference, I will be blogging my thoughts, meditations, and the like of the FGS2011 Conference. [And definitely more pics.]

Oh my. I'm gonna busy. [A good kinda busy.] I am so very excited and honored to have been chosen to be an Official Blogger for the FGS2011 Conference!

Now for the "legal business." In exchange for all of the above listed tasks, I am receiving the following from FGS:

One full complimentary registration to the conference
Media credentials
Complimentary admission to the Old-Fashioned Prairie Social on Wednesday evening
Off-Hour admission to the Exhibit Hall
Use of space at the Media Hub

[O.K. Can I scream now? Aaaaaaack!!! Woo-hoo!!!! This SO rocks!]

So, will I see you there? Goodness, I hope so.

Until then, keep an eye out for all the FGS2011 Conference news via my blogs, Family Stories and/or For Your Family Story, via Twitter, and via Facebook.

Was It Really Worth It?

2011-04-08T13:04:00.006-05:00

My husband's side of the family ~the Pointer's~ seem to think they have the corner on bad ancestors. When in Iowa last summer, I got the chance to ask a few of them just why they thought their ancestors were so bad. More than one replied, "Because," and in a loud whisper they continued,"We have a murder in the family. Possibly two. And possibly 2 murderers"

[Snort.] Well, I'm no mathematician, but in my family? 6 murders + 1 possible murderer + 1 possible pirate + 1 accused & imprisoned witch + 2 publically accused fornicators (one who later married the publically accused & imprisoned witch = I win. [Not that I'm keeping count of all the naughty people in the family, or anything.]

Now, Big Paw Paw never murdered anyone, at least not that I've found. And no one ever murdered him, which is amazing. Again, I'm not a mathematicion, but his 4 marriages + 3 divorces + 2 confirmed extra-marital liasions [may have been more, but hard proof on extra-marital affairs is hard to come by] + being a lousy husband 4 times + being a lousy father 2 times + being kicked out of his family 1 time + being kicked out of the Catholic Church 1 time [may have been more & may have been a formal excommunication] = 1 naughty Big Paw Paw.

And it's very easy for me to list all of Big Paw Paw's faults and mistakes. [Mainly because there are so many of them.] And it's also very easy for me to forget that Big Paw Paw didn't always make bad choices. Why? Because those who knew him, didn't think very highly of him. And Big Paw Paw didn't leave much of a paper trail behind on things he did get right.

However, I'm proud to announce that I've found hard proof that indicates that Big Paw Paw wasn't wrong all the time. [Amazing. I know.] Well, at least the 45th District Bexar County Court Judge didn't think Big Paw Paw was wrong in 1938.

I mentioned in my post A Review of All the Players a piece of property with a house that Big Paw Paw sues his sister, Jane Rosin, over. When I first read in the San Antonio Express that Big Paw Paw had sued his sister, I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Suing a family member never turns out well. If divorcing his 1st wife, who was the younger sister of Otto Rosin, Jane's husband, wasn't bad enough, then suing Jane later over some property and a house definitely did not help familial relations. But, of course, you and I have 20-20 vision in this case and Big Paw Paw was a bit nearsighted [and so was Jane].

Big Paw Paw first acquired the house and property located at Lot number 14 in Block numbered 1, New City Block 6000 in the City of San Antonio, said lot having 50 feet fronting the East side of Palmetto Ave. in Dignowity Place on 20 Aug 1925 from a C.E. and Alice Scull [sic]. So, he purchased this home approximately 2 years after his divorce from Emma.

Then, according to his 2nd wife's petition to the court during their divorce [Her story is forthcoming. LOTS of drama], Big Paw Paw had practically abandoned this home, which she was living in at the time she filed for divorce. This petition was filed Aug 1927. She explains to the court that Big Paw Paw was refusing to pay her weekly allowance of $15 set by the court; that he wasn't paying the mortgage or the insurance on the home; that he wasn't paying the creditors on the liens on the home; that he wasn't securing the home against theft and vandalism; and that he wasn't paying the payments on the furniture in the home. Basically? Big Paw Paw just wasn't paying for diddly squat when it came to Oveta. So they asked the court to appoint a receiver to handle all the community property. The best part of this petition? She states the actual address of the house [Hallelujah!]: 730 N. Palmetto, on the southeast corner of Palmetto & Burnett [sic] Streets. [But don't go rush to look it up just yet. Lemme finish the story. Then, I'll show it to you.]

I'm sure by know Oveta was thinking she pulled one over on Big Paw Paw. A receiver, Bernard Loben, was appointed to take over the community property 7 Oct 1927. [Poor Bernard. And Oveta. They had no clue who they were up against.]

On 5 Dec 1927, Big Paw Paw files a Public Affidavit [Gawd, I love his paper trails.]. In this affidavit he says this same property was purchased before his marriage to Oveta, that she had no interest in it whatsoever, that she had abandoned him, and that she hadn't lived with him for at least 6 months. [So there.] Interestingly, the affidavit wasn't filed until 7 Mar 1928. [Hm.]

Because Big Paw Paw apparently didn't like to leave anything to chance, he executed a Warranty Deed with V/L [Vendor's Lien] with a John Marshall, Jr. of Galveston, Texas [who I've always believed to be his older brother] on this same property for $5000. And like the affidavit, it was executed on 5 Dec 1927 and filed 7 Mar 1928 in Bexar County, Texas. The Vendors Lien part just meant that Big Paw Paw would go on making the lien payments and at the conclusion of the liens, the property would be owned outright by John.

So, Round 1, Big Paw Paw.

Remember how I told you in my post Smiling Big and Laughing Hard that Big Paw Paw's first wife, Emma [Again. This was Otto Rosin's, Jane's husband's, little sister.], contracted tuberculosis and died 11 Mar 1931? Good. Keep on remembering that.

Now. The next bit of documentation on this property that I could find was where John Marshall, Jr. [Big Paw Paw's big brother] executes a Warranty Deed with Otto Rosin effectively selling this property & house of Big Paw Paw's [or what used to be his] "...for a good valuable and sufficient consideration to me in hand paid..." No amount was recorded for the selling price. It was filed on 5 Feb 1932. Coincidentally less than a year after Emma died at such a young age.

Then in an act that would wake the sleeping giant, Otto Rosin executes a Warranty Deed with his wife Jane Rosin [Big Paw Paw's oldest sister], and sells her the same property for $3000 on 24 Jun 1937.

Enter Big Paw Paw.

On 2 Jul 1937, Big Paw Paw files a lawsuit in the 45th District Court of Bexar County. And he claimed the following [But I re-worded the legalese. You're welcome.]:

That around 30 Jun 1937, Jane Rosin, et. al. "seized and possessed" the now infamous [at least in my mind] property.
That Jane Rosin, et. al. [Otto] "unlawfully entered...and ejected" Big Paw Paw from his house and took possession of his house to the tune of $7500 in damages. [Now, that? I would've loved to have seen.]
That the rental value of the home was $500 per month.
That he purchased the home from Mr. Schull in 1925.
That in 1928 he conveyed the property to his brother, John Marshall, Jr. [Do you realize how many hours I looked for direct proof of their kinship? To think that all this time it was just sitting there. In a lawsuit. Yowzer.] And that the deed was to be held in trust by John Marshall, Jr. and that no consideration was paid.
That in 1932 that Big Paw Paw requested that his his brother, John, place the deed in the name of a person in San Antonio [Remember. John was from and in Galveston, Texas] "...in order to facilitate the handling of said property." And it was understood, according to Big Paw Paw, by all parties that the deed was to be held in trust by Otto Rosin and that Otto didn't pay anything for the property. So, according to Big Paw Paw, John essentially transferred the deed to Otto Rosin. I guess Big Paw Paw was still paying on those liens on the property. Otherwise, why not sell it back to Big Paw Paw?
That before the execution of the deed from Otto to Jane on 30 Jun 1937, that Jane had no interest in the property and that even though the deed had been conveyed from Otto to Jane, it had not been "...placed of record in Bexar County, Deed Records." [Oops.]
And that Big Paw Paw had been unlawfully kicked out of his home. That no money had changed hands between Otto and Jane. That this was fraud. And that, "Jane Rosin well knew that her said husband had been the holder of the title to said property in trust for plaintiff..." all before the transaction. [Big Paw Paw was fit to be tied.]

And what did the court find? That Big Paw Paw was right:

That the first conveyance to John Marshall, Jr. "...constituted nothing more than a mortgage, and the legal title remained vested in Joseph Marshall."
That Big Paw Paw payed off the debt.
That John conveyed it to Otto at the insistence of Big Paw Paw; that "...Otto received said deed for indemnity purposes constituting a mortgage, the legal title remaining in plaintiff."
That Jane & Otto had no "further liability."
That Jane had been fully aware of the situation before the last conveyance from Otto to herself.
That Jane Rosin, et. al., give the deed to Big Paw Paw.
That Jane Rosin, et. al., not pay any damages to Big Paw.

Round 2, Big Paw Paw

So what happened to the property? Well, Big Paw Paw and my grandmother, Paw Paw (his 4th wife), finally sold it in 1946 to an Isaac and Esther Mora and their son, Oswaldo Mora for $3000.

And what does it look like today? Well, I didn't get a chance to go by there when I was last in San Antonio because my silly living relatives wanted to do a whole bunch of stuff. [It's hard balancing the living and the dead.] But I did find it on Google Maps. It's depressing, really. It looks abandoned. The windows are all boarded up. However, if I ever win the lottery and after I purchase my 2nd great-grandparent's home which is 3 blocks south of the Riverwalk there in San Antonio [prime real estate], I'm gonna buy this house.

But I think it's ironic and sad that Big Paw Paw worked so hard to keep this house, and now it's abandoned. I also think it's ironic and sad that Jane SO wanted to get back at Big Paw Paw [O.K., I'm guessing.] with this house, and now it's abandoned. Was it really worth it?

The address is 730 North Palmetto, southeast corner of Palmetto and Burnet, but the address doesn't take you to the southeast corner of Palmetto and Burnet. But this is the photo of the house on the southeast corner. [If you're not able to see it here, then click the link, "View Larger Map" down below.]

View Larger Map

It's Been 2 Years?

2011-03-19T08:08:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it! Family Stories is 2 years old today!

Image via WikipediaJust between you, me, & the gate post, I never thought I'd keep it up for this long. When I started, I asked myself, do I even know enough family stories? Oh, sure, there were ones I'd remembered. Ones I'd been told. But I wondered if I could come up with a "story" from just a few facts that I had found out through researching. Was that even possible? Was it going to sound too dry? Were people even going to care or want to read them?

Well, I started writing them anyway, and I think I have my answers. Yes, stories can be made with just a few facts. And they're not dry. And people like to read them. People like you. [Which is good because I'm pretty sure my family doesn't read my blogs. In fact, I know they don't because they'll ask me a question, and my reply is always, "Well, if you read my blog, you'd know the answer, but I'll tell you anyway because I'm just so excited and thankful that you even care enough to ask..." *rolling eyes heavenward*]

So, THANK YOU for reading. While I can keep writing even if no one reads them, it's infinitely more fun with y'all reading them. I hope they inspire or motivate you to research and write about your own family's stories.

Because if you don't, who will?

So, let's get this party started 'cause Family Stories turns 2 today!!! Pick up a glass. And here's a toast [and an Irish blessing]:

Image via Wikipedia

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face.

And rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Time To Put Your Shades On

2011-03-17T11:51:00.002-05:00

Image by gustaffo89 via FlickrO.K. Maybe not "on". While you're perfectly welcome to print it out and wear Shades, it would probably be better if you peruse the pages of Shades. [At least, before you wear the pages.] You know. Shades of the Departed? The beautiful E-magazine that focuses on old photos by the illustrious footnoteMaven.

That's right. The March/April issue of Shades of the Departed is in, and we're talking politics in this issue, folks. Literally. And check out my article on resources for finding your ancestors political proclivities. It won't knock your socks off, but it could be called [and is] A Call To Arms.

Pearl Earned It

2011-03-13T17:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I went off and gave the beautiful Pearl (Williams) Pointer and the Pointer farm their own blog. So check it out. See what life was like back in the early to mid 1900's on a farm in Iowa.

Pearl's Day Books [ http://pearlsdaybooks.blogspot.com/ ]

Pearl has 2 posts and 4 followers so far.

Image by justmakeit via Flickr

Purple Iowa Sky

Sentimental Sunday: A Beggar Wishes

2011-02-20T11:19:00.003-06:00

My Dad & Aunt Carole ca.1942

"O.K., who's up for an "All the Houses I Grew Up In" tour?

While visiting family in San Antonio when I was younger, I think my dad asked that question just to hear our groans. We really didn't have a choice in the matter. We were going and we were gonna start with the house he was born in. Just like every other single time. And the tour wasn't just of the houses my dad grew up in either. [Of course not.] It included his high school; his junior high; his hang-outs; where he used to drag race [In the dark. With no headlights.]; where he and mom used to go on dates; where he ran the Air Force guy off the road to tell him that *he* [my dad] was her boyfriend & that she wasn't available for dates anymore [I'm sure he was very polite about that. *snort*]; etc.

I don't know why my dad's been on my mind lately. But he has.

A quick glance at the calendar reminds me that March 12th is the 7th anniversary of his death, and it's approaching quickly. Perhaps that's why he's crept into my thoughts.

Did you know he was the reason I got into genealogy in the first place? He was.

I remember my senior year in high school and working on my genealogy school project. And I remember him asking me to "do" our genealogy. That he only knew a few things about his dad, Big Paw Paw. And that he wanted to know more.

At the time, I found it strange that he wanted to know more about a man who had been mean to him. A man who had never shown him love or kindness.

I didn't realize how important it was to him, and at the time, I didn't pursue our family's history other than what my Gran and my Paw Paw shared with me. Our stories. I was too busy living in the "now" to look up some guy from the past no one liked.

Then "life" happened, as it tends to do. Dad's health problems rotated between battling heart attacks and kidney cancer [renal cell carcinoma], and the battles would continue for the rest of his life. In between all that, my younger brother was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial genetic disorder, and then passed away a year and a half later. I married, and began having my children. Additionally throughout the years, my mom's mom, my Gran, died; my mom's brother-in-law, my Uncle Lloyd, died [He's a character with some stories.]; my dad's mom, my Paw Paw, died; my mother-in-law died from breast cancer; and then my dad died.

Like I said, "life happened."

And then one day, "life" got me to thinking about my dad's original request. I remembered those few details that my dad had told me about Big Paw Paw. And, well, I started looking. I chronicled that rough & rocky rookie family history journey here. [It's not pretty, and, um, it's in 6 parts. So grab some coffee and donuts and get comfy before reading.]

I wish I'd started researching our family's history when he was alive. I wish he was here doing it with me. My dad loved researching on the internet, loved history, and loved technology. He would've loved genealogy.

But like mom always used to say when I was younger, "If wishes were horses, Caroline, beggars could ride."

*Sigh.* She's right, as usual.

So, I plug along.

Researching.

Writing.

Chronicling my ancestors' lives.

But I must be a "beggar" at heart. 'Cause I still keep wishing for my dad to come riding in on a horse to give me one of his dang "All the Houses I Grew Up In" tours.

How a Baker Led Me to Ducky Hour

2011-02-11T10:55:00.000-06:00

Image by Smaku via FlickrWhy, oh why, did I look? I know better. I suppose I still wasn't happy with Emma's unhappy ending. I suppose I was looking for a little reassurance about her happiness. But I should've left well enough alone.

When I read on the 1930 census [where Louis & Emma appear together] that Louis had been a manager at a bakery, I thought to myself, "Oh good. A man with a low-key occupation. Someone that ~hopefully~ [fingers crossed] was good to her. Not someone that was 'bigger than life' like Big Paw Paw."

I know better than to make assumptions like that, but I was really pullin' for Emma, you know? So, as I was updating her info in my family tree database, the blanks for Louis M. Seidemann taunted me. "Fill me in. Fill me in. You know you wanna know." Dang it. Did I really wanna know?

Apparently, yes.

I quickly looked at their 1930 census entry & notated some details about Louis, and then hopped on over to FamilySearch.org for his death certificate. [We're really spoiled here in Texas with our death certificates.] And I found him. Or at least who I thought was the correct Louis M. Seidemann. The info coincided with the info on his 1930 census, or at least nothing ruled them out as being the same person. His father was Peter Seidemann and his mother was Genoveive Holzinger. He died in New Braunfels, Comal Co, Texas in a nursing home in 1969. And he had been a baker.

Louis M. Seidemann's Death Certificate

I then hopped back onto Ancestry.com and quickly looked for him in any previous censuses. I had remembered seeing another Louis M. Seidemann with a wife with a funny given name when looking for Louis M. and Emma in the 1930 census. [No offense to all the Hedwig's out there.] Yup. right there. Louis M. and Hedwig Seidemann. Living in San Antonio, Bexar Co, Texas. 3 kids. Yadda, Yadda, Yadda.

But wait a minute. That's the 1930 census that they're together in. And my Emma and her Louis M. were together in the 1930 census in Guadalupe Co, Tx. Crap. Did I have the wrong guy?

So then I took a look at the dates the enumerator, um, enumerated these households to see if perhaps Louis had been married to Hedwig for the census in one county, and then perhaps divorced her and remarried Emma ~ all between the 2 enumerations. [Don't look at me like that. It could happen.] However, um, both households were enumerated on the same day, 2 Apr 1930.

Usually, when this happens, it means I've mixed up 2 people with the same exact name. However, there were no other Louis M.'s or Louis' or L.M.'s that fit this man's age, birth date, birth place., etc. And the clincher? I'll give you three guesses as to what this Louis M. Seidemann's [who was married to Hedwig with 3 kids in the 1930 census] occupation was.

Right. A baker.

Image via Wikipedia

Under Main Street Photo by Timothy Miller

I even went back to the 1910 census, and found Louis M. Seidemann and Hedwig together in Houston, Harris Co, Texas. He was a baker, then, too. I also took both of them back to their parent's households. His parents were Peter and either Genevieve or Genovese Seidemann. According to their descendants' online trees (partially sourced), Louis and Hedwig had both been born in Boerne, Texas, [pronounced Bern-ie] a small town (that I actually know some people in) just north of San Antonio. I love Boerne. It's so cute. You could even call it quaint. I've always wanted to live in a town that had a duck crossing smack dab in the middle of the town. That's right. A duck crossing. On Main St. The ducks have a crossing so that they can get to the 150-year-old mill pond off of Cibolo Creek safely. In this town, one must drive slowly enough so that one can brake quickly so the ducks can cross the road. That's a town I could get used to, you know?

Anyways, back to my identity crisis. Well, Louis' identity crisis. I found a Louis Michael Seidemann's World War I draft registration card. Residence? Boerne, Kendall County, Texas Occupation? Baker. And wife? Lucked out. He put down her first name. Hedwig.

Louis Seidemann's WW1 draft registration card

Now I don't really have to tell you that there just aren't that many Hedwig's in this world, do I? That were born in Boerne, Texas? Who married a Louis Michael Seidemann? Also from Boerne? A Louis M. Seidemann who happened to be a baker? Who also both lived in San Antonio, Bexar Co, Texas?

So was this the same Louis M. Seidemann that was on the 1930 census with Emma? Well, I couldn't find any other likely candidates before or after 1930 in any of these counties. And both of the 1930 census entries for these Louis M.'s indicate that they were both married. To 2 different women.

Not having online access and in the interest of getting this story out quickly, I wasn't able to run over to these counties for a look-see at some marriage records. But I did remember to check something out. Hedwig's death certificate. [How many Hedwig's could there be, right?]

Well, lucky for me when Hedwig died, her last name was still Seidemann. Hedwig died in 1961 in San Antonio. And her marital status? Divorced. [I'll just bet she was.]

Hedwig Seidemann's Death Certificate

So, what happened? I dunno. There's a lot of scenarios for this one. Maybe there was another Louis M. Seidemann who was a baker, who was the same age, and who both had parents that were born in Germany. *shrugs* It could happen. Right?

Or maybe it is the same Louis M. and he and Hedwig were separated, and for appearances sake, Hedwig put him down as the head of her household.

Or maybe Emma had been Louis-the-baker's mistress.

Or maybe, um, Louis had 2 lives with 2 wives. At the same time.

Did Emma just have bad luck with men?

Goodness. I don't know what to think. This won't be settled until I see some marriage records and some divorce records. *sigh*

Image by photine via Flickr

Floating Down the River

Well, I definitely will be going back to the Bexar County courthouse [Thanks, Big Paw Paw]. And I really need to find Big Paw Paw's mama's origins [she's another Emma]. All of Big Paw Paw's siblings' death certificates list either Seguin or New Braunfels as her place of birth, which means Guadalupe County and Comal County. So while I'm there "Emma Schleicher" hunting, I could do some "Seidemann" hunting as well. At least, there's some great places to get some German potato salad, bratwurst, & sauerkraut in New Braunfels. And maybe I could fit some tubing down the Guadalupe River into my schedule as well.

The Dodging Duck Brewhaus

And I guess I could go visit the ducks while I'm in Boerne, which is in Kendall County [right next to Bexar and Comal counties]. If I plan carefully, I can even spend some time at The Dodging Duck Brewhaus and Restaurant right there in Boerne ~ a fine establishment that has managed to bring home, according to its website, 3 gold and 3 silver medals from the World Beer Championships; that touts its motto with pride ~ Carpe Anatem [Seize the duck.]; and that advertises "Ducky Hour" every weekday from 3-6pm. Yeah. I could get used to a place like that. Sounds like a place I could really get in touch with my German-Texan roots.

For research, of course. [wink]