Lincecum Lineage

Gideon, Killicrankie, & a Merry Christmas to You!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 09:12:00 +0000

[Originally posted last year. I hope you and yours are having a wonderful holiday season. Every visit you make to this blog I take as a gift and hold it dear.]

"When Gideon [Lincecum] was seventeen years old and clerking in an Indian trading post in Eatonton, Georgia, his employer, Ichabod Thompson, brought him from Savannah a black English violin as a Christmas present. It was the treasure of his life. Not being acquisitive of worldly goods, it was the only possession he cherished throughout his life.

It was at dawn on Christmas of 1810 when young Gideon answered a knock at his door and found the kindly Ichabod Thompson standing outside with the violin in his hands. Gideon, barefooted and in his night gown, stepped outside the door to accept the wonderful instrument, the dearest Christmas present of his life. He placed the violin against his shoulder and, disregarding the cold wind, played a Mississippi popular tune, Killiecrankie.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, every Christmas dawn thereafter, for sixty-three years, Gideon arose from bed wherever the day found him, and, as he was, in nightclothes and barefooted, played his Christmas tune three times." [Lois Wood Burkhalter, Gideon Lincecum, 1793-1874 (University of Texas Press, © 1965), 290 & 291.]

Merry Christmas from Lincecum Lineage!

The Jingle Bell Rock (Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories #21)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:05:00 +0000

This was originally posted last year as part of Blog Caroling, but I think it fits nicely with the Holiday Music Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories prompt. Don't you? Good! Here it is again. :-)

When my brother was quite young, he and Grandpa Logue would team up to sing "Jingle Bell Rock." Grandpa would start with "Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell." Then he would point at my brother who would yell, "ROCK!" And, yes, that would continue over and over for some time during our visits. Though not a traditional carol, this is a Christmas song I often think of every year and invariably find myself singing.

Over the River & Through the Woods (Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories #13)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:43:00 +0000

[Originally posted in 2009.]

Today's Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories post is all about Holiday Travel. When I was younger, the day after Christmas would be the beginning of our annual trip to Grandpa and Grandma Lincecum's house in Missouri. My brother and I were always pretty excited to go. Especially since, in some years, that would be our third Christmas! Depending on where we were living, our schedule would include Christmas at home, Christmas with the Logue side of the family, then Christmas with the Lincecum side. Of course we loved our Grandparents and would be happy to visit without involving gifts, but we were kids. :-)

Dad liked to get on the road extra early. Usually it was because he wanted to get through a certain city by a certain time. From Mom, I always remember being made to use the restroom before we left (whether I had to or not), and her always making Dad finish the milk because she didn't want to waste it (as it might be spoiled by the time we returned). And of course, she was in charge of all the snacks that were brought along.

The actual travel time usually consisted of me reading and sleeping. The older I got, the more sleeping I did. Mom would often make me get up because I was "missing the scenery." No matter how old we got, she would always point out every cow that we passed by. (Love ya, Mom!)

Another hallmark of family travel was turning off the radio and being very quiet if the weather got bad. Mom would remind us that Dad had to concentrate!

While our trips to grandmother Lincecum's house did not exactly take us through a lot of woods, we definitely went over the river. Crossing the huge Mississippi River was always awesome. It also signaled that it was time to wake up, comb our hair, and get ready to greet our grandparents.

When I was very young, my great-grandparents Trigg and Charley lived with their son and daughter-in-law. I remember dolls and handmade gifts from them.

For several years, we had our dog Peaches with us. He was not fond of the stairs leading to the lower level of the house. It took a lot of coaxing to get him to go up or down. Down was very slow and steady. Up was going as fast as he could without stopping. He would usually get the hang of it by the time we left. He never managed to carry the courage over from year to year, though. The process was always restarted.

I also remember walking around downtown Cape Girardeau. We would usually walk down by the river, and I was always awed by the huge barriers that would close if the Mississippi started to rise. There were markers on the barriers of how high the river had gotten in the past. It was neat and scary to think about!

Christmas and ringing in the New Year with my grandparents was a blast, and I always hated when it was time to leave.

Delicious Date Nut Cookies (Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories #8)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:37:00 +0000

Originally posted 8 December 2009. Reposted here for your viewing pleasure. ;-)

Today's Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories is all about cookies. When I think of cookies at Christmas, the date nut cookies Grandma Logue makes always come to mind. There is quite a bit of work involved in the making of the filling and mixing the dough. Then rolling out the dough, spreading the filling, and rolling the whole thing into a log. After freezing, it's fairly easy. Simply cut and bake. That's the part I handle. My grandma and aunt do the hard stuff, first. :-)

Other cookies I remember making with Grandma Logue are the sugar cookies with the Hershey's Kiss in the center, as well as ones with M&Ms. Those were always fun when we were little.

It's more than cookies for us at Christmas, though. Every year we get together for a candy day. The date nut cookies are prepared, of course. Other treats include chocolate and peanut butter balls (one of my favorites), white and milk chocolate dipped Ritz Bitz, Rice Krispie treats, fudge, and more. We've even tackled divinity and peanut brittle. It's a lot of fun, and I will always treasure the memories we've made and continue to make.

Oh Santa Claus, I Still Believe in You (Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories #6)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:53:00 +0000

Me & Santa

Death and Burial of Sallie Caroline Matson Lewis

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:06:00 +0000

Sallie Caroline Matson, my 3rd cousin, was a daughter of James Vardeman Matson and Mary Lincecum. I have two birth years for Sallie. According to her death certificate, Sallie was born 24 February 1855 in Texas. According to her tombstone, however, her year of birth was 1856. Either way, she was just a young teenager when she married Mr. H. M. Lewis in December 1870. Widowed a couple decades later, Sallie spent about half of her life in Hubbard, Hill County, Texas. That is where she died 14 December 1924, less than a week before what would have been the 54th anniversary of her marriage.

The cause of Sallie's death was listed as Euremia. According to Wikipedia.org, uremia loosely describes the illness accompanying kidney failure, "in particular the nitrogenous waste products associated with the failure of this organ...Early symptoms include anorexia and lethargy, and late symptoms can include decreased mental acuity and coma. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, cold, bone pain, itch, shortness of breath, and seizures."

Sallie was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery at Hubbard.

Sarah Matson Lewis
1856 - 1924

(FindAGrave Memorial #11231900)

That Special Card (Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories #4)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:48:00 +0000

[Originally posted last year.]

As much as I grumble about putting up Christmas decorations, there is one thing I do like to display -- my Christmas cards! While I might procrastinate on getting mine in the mail, I sure do love getting them.

My display is nothing fancy, I just tape them to the front door. I'd show you a picture, but I haven't received any new ones yet. (C'Mon, people! It's the 4th already!) And, yes, you will find some are put up year after year. Maybe I really like the cover, or maybe the sentiment is significant, or maybe the sender wrote a special note. I also have some that have been placed in a scrapbook. The ultimate destination for all that I want to keep and remember. I try to write out beside them who was the sender so there's no guessing or unnecessary fondling. :-)

There is one card, however, that has its own page in the scrapbook. It is the most special card I have received to date -- the last Christmas card from my Aunt Cindy before she passed away. I separated the two sides so the front and inside could both be seen at a glance. Looking at it is always bittersweet, as it brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye.

Our German Angel Ornaments (Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories #3)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:32:00 +0000

[This was originally posted in 2009 for the Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories. As you will read, I was running behind on my posting then. Thankfully, I am on time this year (for however long it lasts).]

I'm running a little behind in posting for the Geneabloggers Advent Calendar, but still wanted to share some special family ornaments with you. To be honest, I don't know a lot of details about the angel ornaments pictured above. I can tell you they are from Germany.

From the time I was in kindergarten through second grade, my father was stationed at Hahn Air Force Base. I imagine things were difficult, at least at first, for my parents. Especially since we initially did not live in base housing. We first lived above the store pictured here. It was across the street from a big church. There was one other American family that lived there, as well. As for me, all the memories are good ones. The three main things I tie to Christmas in Germany are the ornaments, German chocolates Mom always had for us, and snow.

Germany is really the only placed we lived that had a lot of snow. While we did live in Colorado for a bit, I don't remember much of it. The absolute best thing to do in the snow was go sledding. It was so much fun! I didn't mind climbing to the top of the hill when I knew I would be flying back down it! That is, if I kept me and my red sled out of the ditch. :-) The only unfortunate thing was the dreaded snowsuit my mother made us wear!

One time, I was sledding down a hill that had a fence at the bottom. Somehow, I managed to find the hole in the fence and went right through it. I remember grabbing onto a small tree and hanging on. When I looked down, I saw a road with cars going by! Funny thing is, I don't remember being scared. I don't remember hanging there too long, either, as my Dad was soon there pulling me up and out. That was something else that made the sledding special. It was something me and my Dad always did. Mom was not fond of the snow, and my little brother was still a bit too young to be able to go by himself.

It's neat how a few little angel Christmas ornaments can bring back so many memories!

It's All About the Muffins (Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories #2)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:27:00 +0000

[Originally posted a year ago.]

Holiday Foods

I almost skipped this day on the advent calendar because I initially couldn't really think of anything specific to write about regarding Christmas foods. It's amazing, though, how reading other bloggers' posts can trigger some memories of your own.

Christmas Day meals were always certain to have one attribute: they were HUGE! More food than however many family members were gathered could possibly eat. For my immediate family, ham was usually the protein of choice. And I do believe I remember the garnish of pineapple. For some reason, the side dishes are not standing out in my mind. I have a feeling it's because I didn't pay attention to the meals much when I was a kid. The presents I was about to unwrap were the important thing, you know.

Grandma Logue & three of her daughters.

One thing I do distinctly remember about all the family dinner tables I was gathered around at Christmas (this includes the table of my mother and father, as well as the tables of each of the grandparents - Lincecum and Logue) is the unmistakable feeling of love, security, and pure joy. The beautiful sound of laughter closely follows.

I must also comment on another food tie-in to Christmas. My brother and I always left a little something for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Usually some cookies and eggnog (or milk) was the dish of choice. And if a carrot was in the house, it was provided for Rudolph. Funny, though, the carrot usually had a bite out of it, but it was rarely eaten completely. Dad must not have liked them much then. ;-)

And now finally, about the muffins: God bless Betty Crocker, because her blueberry muffins mix (with a can of real blueberries) are one of my strongest Christmas food memories! We did not have a big breakfast on Christmas mornings. There were at least a couple of reasons for this I'm sure. We were too busy playing with what Santa brought, and Mom was busy trying to get everybody and everything ready to move on to the next house. But those blueberry muffins were a staple, and my brother and I loved them. In fact, I enjoy them to this day!

O Christmas Tree (Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories #1)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:14:00 +0000

[It's here! Time for another round of Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories. This blast from the past was originally posted a year ago.]

The Christmas Tree

As far as I remember, we always had an artificial Christmas tree. Growing up, there were several varieties: the table top, the flocked, and the silver. As my brother and I got a little older, the tree got bigger and more natural looking.

As far as decorating goes, I must admit I'm not all that into it. I think I can blame that one on my Dad. I don't ever remember him being all that into it, either. He begrudgingly rose from his recliner to string the lights and add ornaments to the upper section that was out of our reach. And I remember "discussions" of whether or not we should put ornaments around the back side (the side facing the wall). These are not bad memories, though! Thinking about them now make me smile. And, I must admit, I love to see the tree all lit up. We were lights people. "More lights, more lights!" was always a request. And of course they were the "twinkling" variety.

Another tradition surrounding the Christmas tree often took place at Grandma and Grandpa Logue's house. To be honest, I never thought of it as a tradition until just now -- but a tradition it is. After all the presents are opened, picture taking begins in front of the Christmas tree. Each family / couple gets their turn (whether they like it or not), then variations on a theme might begin. A common one is "all the girls." And though Christmas festivities were at my brother's house last year, the tradition continued.

Brother, Mom, & Me (2009)

Death and Burial Notices for Richard T. Matson

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:43:00 +0000

Richard T. Matson, born 21 September 1855, was my 3rd cousin, 5x removed. He was a son of James V. Matson and Mary Lincecum. I found it interesting that James and his son each honored their father in the naming of sons. James named a son after his father, and Richard named a son after his father. Of course it's possible the names might actually date back further.

I recently found death and burial notices for Richard at GenealogyBank. He died at the young age of 41, but I don't know the cause. Richard was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery at Hubbard, Hill County, Texas. The photo included is from his memorial on FindAGrave.

Dallas Morning News (Texas)
10 June 1897
"MORTUARY
MATSON -- Hillsboro, Hill Co., Tex., June 9. R. T. Matson, a prominent farmer and stockman of this county, died at his residence three miles west of here, to-day. He was 45 years old."

Dallas Morning News (Texas)
13 June 1897
"MORTUARY
MATSON -- Hubbard City, Tex., June 11 -- Mr. R. T. Matson, who died at his home three miles east of Hillsboro Wednesday, the 9th instant, was buried here to-day. Rev. C. Smith conducted the funeral services."

Now, was his home three miles east or three miles west of Hillsboro? Gotta love it.

A New Thanksgiving Tradition?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:14:00 +0000

By definition, a tradition is a custom passed down generation to generation. But all traditions have a beginning, right?

One of my favorite family Thanksgiving dessert traditions is Mom's pumpkin pie. Smothered in Cool Whip, I could eat the whole thing! We always had one at home growing up, and even though my brother and I are out on her own (and have been for years), Mom still does not disappoint. After dinner today, C and I each got to take home our own pie. She even threw in a bowl of Cool Whip for us. It's still delicious, Mom, thank-you.

I might have started a new dessert tradition with the help of Paula Deen. Last year was the first year I tried out her Gooey Butter Cake. Everyone seemed to enjoy them, so I brought them again this year. All were eaten, so I guess they were a hit again. Maybe, just maybe, a new tradition is born!

Richard Matson & the Battle of River Raisin

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:17:00 +0000

In a biographical sketch written about James Vardeman Matson, a distant cousin of mine, it's stated that his father was Richard Matson. He "fought under General Harrison in the war of 1812, was captain of a company of Kentucky riflemen, and was wounded and left on the battle-field for dead, but succeeded in escaping. He was afterward Captain of a company in the Seminole war, and was interested in the early settlement of Texas. He...joined the Austin colony in Washington county, Texas."

Even though Richard is not technically related to me (his son James is an "in-law"), I was nonetheless interested in learning more about him. You know -- learn about the father, learn about the son. I started searching on Ancestry.com, and was pleasantly surprised by what I was able to find. With no birth or death information for Richard, I excitedly read an obituary included in Austin Colony Pioneers by Worth Ray (Genealogical Publishing Co, 1970). I now know that my cousin James lost his father when he was a young boy of just fifteen years.

COL. RICHARD MATSON. On Sunday morning, August 25, 1839, about 20 miles from Washington, Texas, an encounter took place between Mr. Asa Mitchell and Col. Richard Matson, which resulted in the death of Col. Matson from wounds, as is supposed, inflicted by Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was one of the first emigrants to this county. Himself, and the deceased, were regarded as good citizens. -- Texas Emigrant (Washington), 31 August 1839

On the same page in Mr. Worth's book, it is detailed that the Matson family "afterwards resided in the country between the present town of Burton and Gay Hill, or Independence, as they are buried in the old cemetery in that part of Washington county." That notation is followed up with a transcription: "R. T. Matson, born Sept. 21, 1826; died (killed in battle at Pine Bluff, Ark.) October 25, 1863." Hmmm... seems like James had a younger brother that was killed in the Civil War. His biographical sketch did state James was "the second of four children..."

Remember the Raisin

After those nice finds, I turned my attention to finding out Richard's role in the War of 1812. Since biographical sketches sometimes contain erroneous information, I would have been happy just to verify Richard's service. My first hit came from Kentucky in the War of 1812 by Anderson Quisenberry (Clearfield Publishing, 1996). This details the battle of the River Raisin at Frenchtown, Michigan Territory in 1813. A Captain Matson is mentioned. Could it be my Richard Matson? Not sure just yet, I kept plowing through more digitized books.

The same source mentioned just above also contained some listings of companies and soldiers. One was Johnson's Regiment, Kentucky Mounted Volunteer Infantry. Mustered in 20 May 1813, the 7th Company contained a Capt. Richard Matson. Another was the First Rifle Regiment, Kentucky Militia. Organized 15 August 1812, the 1st Company contained a Lieut. Richard Matson.

This information was again found in Minnie Wilder's Kentucky Soldiers in the War of 1812 (Clearfield Publishing Co, 1995). The Roll of Captain William Ellis' Company, First Rifle Regiment Kentucky Militia, Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John Allen lists a Lieutenant Richard Matson (15 Aug 1812 - 14 Oct 1812). And the roll of Captain Richard Matson's Company, Kentucky Mounted Infantry, Commanded by Colonel Richard M. Johnson lists a Captain Richard Matson (20 May 1813 - 19 Nov 1813).

The above information seemed to corroborate what the biographical sketch said about Richard's War of 1812 service, but did he really captain a company during the Battle of the River Raisin? I was still a little unsure since the battle took place January 1813, and the above information does not give Richard the leadership position of Captain until May of that year. Further reading told of how Captain William Ellis died not long before the battle, and Richard Matson took over as Captain of his company in the First Rifle Regiment commanded by John Allen. Ah, it all now makes sense.

I then went back to my first hit and read about the battle again, since I was a bit more confident it really did contain information about my Richard Matson:

On the morning of January 17, 1813, General Winchester detailed Colonel William Lewis's regiment of 550 Kentucky militiamen, and Colonel John Allen, with 110 men from his regiment of Kentucky Riflemen, to march to the relief of Frenchtown. Lewis's instructions were "to attack the enemy, beat them, and take possession of Frenchtown, and hold it."

Frenchtown was so named because of the fact that its inhabitants...were of French nationality. They were very loyal to the American Government, under which they had been living for years. On account of the great abundance of grapes which grew along the banks of the stream upon which the town was situated, they called that stream "La Riviere aux Raisins." Two days after the surrender of Detroit by General Hull, Frenchtown was taken possession of by Colonel Elliott, of the British army, and had had more or less of a British garrison ever since...

Early in the morning of January 18 the Kentuckians crossed Maumee Bay at the Western extremity of Lake Erie, upon the solidly frozen ice, and advanced rapidly upon Frenchtown in three lines; the right composed of the companies of Captains McCracken, Bledsoe and Matson, commanded by Colonel Allen... Arriving at Frenchtown, these troops formed in line of battle on the south side of the river, which they crossed on the solidly frozen ice, in the face of a murderous fire of musketry, charged gallantly up the river bank, leaped the pickets, dislodged the enemy, and drove them back in disastrous defeat to the surrounding forests. The Kentuckians pursued the enemy into the forest, where the fighting was very hot from 3 o'clock until dark.

The result of this day's battle was a complete victory for the Kentuckians -- who, as General Harrison stated in his official report, "amply supported the double character of Kentuckians and Americans." Their loss in the engagement was twelve killed and fifty-five wounded, among the latter being Captains Bland W. Ballard, Paschal Hickman and Richard Matson.

I'm not going to continue on, but the battle of River Raisin did not end there. More fighting was to come. As to Richard Matson's continued role, I can only say he was released from the hospital and continued fighting. He made it through, married Diadamia Vardeman, and had my cousin James Vardeman Matson eleven years later.

Now! What about the Seminole War? Looks like I have more research to do.

Confessions of a Robert S. Davis Groupie

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:18:00 +0000

If you've conducted any historical or genealogical research in the great state of Georgia, chances are you've read a book by, or at least heard of, Robert S. Davis. He's had a hand in more than 1,000 publications on the subject.

I had a fortunate opportunity to see and listen to four lectures by Mr. Davis this past weekend at the Georgia Family History Expo. And believe you me, I hung on every word. Four hours was not enough! The lectures centered around genealogy and military research. I learned about basic Georgia research, researching in Atlanta, confederate research, and military research regarding little-known (or at least little-discussed) wars.

In the Georgia Research class I learned that Georgia was considered a frontier state until about 1838, and that when thinking about your families migrating through Georgia, it's best to think east-to-west.

In the Researching Atlanta class I learned that Atlanta has always been a city of transient people, and the city is the coming together of Indian trails at "Standing Peachtree."

In the confederate research class I learned that many of the special confederate records at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC are also at Wallace College in Hanceville, Alabama. Why? Because Robert S. Davis brought them there!

And in the Campaigns Forgotten class, I learned the origin of the phrase "God willing, and if the Creeks don't rise." :-)

I wish I would have thought to take a photo while in class, but alas I did not. Valerie at Begin with Craft had the good sense too, though. Check out her post about day 2 of the Georgia Family History Expo here.

I also attended several other class at the expo that taught me quite a bit. Another great experience was attending a lecture on Georgia Land Records by Arlene Eakle. She founded the National Institute of Genealogical Studies, where I am currently taking courses.

I'm especially anxious to employ what I learned at Lisa Louise Cooke's (of Genealogy Gems fame) Google Earth class.

Compared to last year, it seemed attendance was down at the expo, but I do believe this year was even better. If you have a chance to go, don't let it pass you by. I, for one, cannot wait until next year!

Worst Census Entry Ever?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:48:00 +0000

As far as my personal research goes, it might very well be. It's got to be the most confusing.

You can enlarge those by clicking on them, if you so choose (sorry about the watermark, I forgot to remove it before uploading; I certainly claim no copyright). Or, if you find yourself interested enough to view the entire page, the cropped images are from the Hubbard, Hill County, Texas 1920 U.S. Federal Census -- ED #54, Sheet 11B.

I'm not sure I can even explain how messed up this appears to me. First, ignore the top name. I'm confident she belongs with family 156. The census taker's notation regarding Cullen M^cLain takes you to the household of J. B. M^cLain, so I'm guessing that is to whom Cullen is a son. Ignore him, too.

You are still left with Drucilla Freeland, listed as a female head of household for family 157. Her "wife" is Austin Freeland. Supposedly, Mary Shepard is Drucilla's sister and Bobbie Whitaker is her grandson. Following them are two nephews and a niece, again supposedly of Drucilla.

The only person listed with a job is Cullen (farm laborer), and I'm thinking he's getting paid by this family instead of bringing money into it. I hope there's a lot of "own income" floating around somewhere!

My interest is with Mary Shepard. She is my third cousin, daughter of James Matson and Mary Lincecum. I can find absolutely no connection between Mary Shepard and Drucilla Freeland (or Austin Freeland, or any of the Kinchloe family). I would likely toss this entry out altogether if it weren't for Bobbie Whitaker. I believe a grandson of (my) Mary Shepard to be Robert Shepard Whiteaker, son of Hester Shepard Whiteaker. So the connection between Mary and Bobbie rings true to me. Other factors of location and marital status give more credence to this being my Mary Shepard. Should I just chalk all those seemingly incorrect relationships up to bad information provided to the census taker? I transcribed the information and saved a copy of the image. It's definitely going on hold for now. Trying to make sense of it hurts my head. :-)

Whaddya Mean You "Don't Know"?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:02:00 +0000

Yesterday I shared with you an obituary for James Vardeman Matson, Jr. He was a distant cousin of mine; a son of Mary Elizabeth Catherine Lincecum Matson. Today I'd like you to take a look at his death certificate.

Did you notice the cause of death section? I was a bit surprised to see the entry read, "Don't know; probably due to heart failure."

Forgive me, but, well, um, DUH! Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a doctor, and I know sometimes a good bit of digging needs to be done before a cause of death can be definitively determined, and if an autopsy was not deemed necessary, yadda, yadda, yadda. (No need for nasty comments from medical professionals.) I just guess the "Don't know" caught me a bit off guard. In defense of Dr. Aynesworth, the attending physician, he had only been with cousin James for about four days in a sanitarium. It was also indicated that a contributory factor was mild pleurisy.

The certificate also states James was buried in "Hubbard Cemetery." I can help clarify this thanks to FindAGrave. James Vardeman Matson, Jr. was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Hubbard, Hill County, Texas. Sherry Garrett Franklin provided the photo.

On an off topic note, my vital records course at the National Institute of Genealogical Studies encourages me to practice properly citing my vital documents. So here's the citation for the death certificate above:

"Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 22 September 2011), death certificate image, James Vardeman Matson, 15 June 1931, no. 29975, Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Obituary: James Vardeman Matson, Jr.

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:28:00 +0000

Dallas Morning News (Texas)
16 June 1931
*Viewed online at GenealogyBank.

James V. Matson Dies At Waco Sanitarium
Special to The News.
WACO, Texas, June 15 -- James V. Matson of Hubbard, 72, died Monday night in a Waco sanitarium. He had been ill only a few days. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at Hubbard.

A native Texas, Mr. Matson was born near Independence, but for the last fifty-three years he had lived at Hubbard. He was a stockman and one of the largest shareholders in the cottonoil mill at Dawson and had other large interests, including a directorship of the First National Bank of Hubbard. Surviving him are his wife and two stepchildren.

James was born February 1959, a son of James V. Matson and Mary Elizabeth Catherine Lincecum.

Tomorrow, I'll share with you James' death certificate. I found something on there that caught me a bit off guard.

Are You a Tech Savvy Genealogist?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:50:00 +0000

Saw this meme mentioned at Geneabloggers. It was started by Jill over at Geniaus. To be honest, I don't expect to score very high. Let's see...

- The Tech Savvy Genealogists' Meme:

The list should be annotated in the following manner:
Things you have already done or found: bold face type
Things you would like to do or find: italicize (colour optional)
Things you haven’t done or found and don’t care to: plain type
Feel free to add extra comments in brackets after each item.

Which of these apply to you?

1. Own an Android or Windows tablet or an iPad [own an iTouch -- does that count?]
2. Use a tablet or iPad for genealogy related purposes [ditto]
3. Have used Skype to for genealogy purposes
4. Have used a camera to capture images in a library/archives/ancestor's home
5. Use a genealogy software program on your computer to manage your family tree
6. Have a Twitter account
7. Tweet daily
8. Have a genealogy blog
9. Have more then one genealogy blog
10. Have lectured/presented to a genealogy group on a technology topic
11. Currently an active member of Genealogy Wise
12. Have a Facebook Account
13. Have connected with genealogists via Facebook
14. Maintain a genealogy related Facebook Page [if I ever find the time]
15. Maintain a blog or website for a genealogy society
16. Have submitted text corrections online to Ancestry, Trove or a similar site
17. Have registered a domain name
18. Post regularly to Google+ [using the term "regularly" loosely]
19. Have a blog listed on Geneabloggers
20. Have transcribed/indexed records for FamilySearch or a similar project [need to do more of this]
21. Own a Flip-Pal or hand-held scanner [some day soon, I hope!]
22. Can code a webpage in .html
23. Own a smartphone
24. Have a personal subscription to one or more paid genealogy databases
25. Use a digital voice recorder to record genealogy lectures
26. Have contributed to a genealogy blog carnival
27. Use Chrome as a Browser [yes! yes!]
28. Have participated in a genealogy webinar
29. Have taken a DNA test for genealogy purposes [maybe]
30. Have a personal genealogy website
31. Have found mention of an ancestor in an online newspaper archive [one of my favorite kind of finds]
32. Have tweeted during a genealogy lecture
33. Have scanned your hardcopy genealogy files [not many, I admit]
34. Use an RSS Reader to follow genealogy news and blogs
35. Have uploaded a gedcom file to a site like Geni, MyHeritage or Ancestry [still very leery of this]
36. Own a netbook
37. Use a computer/tablet/smartphone to take genealogy lecture notes [still a pen and paper girl on this one]
38. Have a profile on LinkedIn that mentions your genealogy habit
39. Have developed a genealogy software program, app or widget [not happening]
40. Have listened to a genealogy podcast online
41. Have downloaded genealogy podcasts for later listening
42. Backup your files to a portable hard drive
43. Have a copy of your genealogy files stored offsite
44. Know about Rootstech [hope to go one day]
45. Have listened to a Blogtalk radio session about genealogy
46. Use Dropbox, SugarSync or other service to save documents in the cloud [not quite there, yet]
47. Schedule regular email backups [don't think I've ever even though of this!]
48. Have contriibuted to the Familysearch Wiki [has been on my to-do list for a while]
49. Have scanned and tagged your genealogy photographs [unfortunately, not all]
50. Have published a genealogy book in an online/digital format [one day!]

Hmmm... 30 out of 50. Guess that means I'm getting there. :-)

Protecting Precious Documents & a New Birth Record Found

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:27:00 +0000

I'm studying some useful forms used by genealogists in my second methodology course at the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. Most of them are in my family tree program on my computer, so I rarely use templates to hand write on. Nonetheless, knowing about each form is beneficial. Today I looked over the "Precious Documents Inventory" form and was asked how I handle my precious documents.

I'm somewhat ashamed to say I'm a poor precious documents protector. It's nothing but laziness; I don't want to take the time to go back and correct filing "mistakes" made when I was a newbie. The bright spot is I'm constantly working on scanning my documents and photos to file on my computer. These files are then backed up by Mozy Online Backup. In that regard, I'm confident my work is safe in an offsite location. However, at my current rate, the physical documents and photos will be left to rot. Ugh. Something else to put on the to-do list.

On a happier note, I found a birth record for one of my first cousins today online at Missouri Digital Heritage. Logan A. Essary was born in May of 1885 to Andrew J. Essary and Cassandra Deckard. Woo hoo!

I'm curious to know how you handle your precious documents. Are they photocopied on acid-free paper? Are they all in archival safe containers?

Another Attempt at Consistency Begins with My Elevator Pitch (#31WBGB)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:44:00 +0000

I'm going to try this ~~one last time~~ again. It's been about two months since my most recent article; this blog has not seen consistent posting since it's inception. With the help of the 31 Weeks to a Better Genealogy Blog series over at Tonia's Roots I'm going to give consistency another stab. I'm not promising in-depth scholarly research with every post, mind you, but more of a research journal. In one of my courses at the National Institute of Genealogical Studies, a journal is highly recommended. We'll see what happens.

The first step in 31WBGB is to write an elevator pitch. This is an introduction to your genealogy blog that only takes an elevator ride to explain. Here's mine:

Lincecum Lineage is a genealogy blog devoted to my LINCECUM ancestors, as well as all allied lines that merged with or crossed their paths. I have recently became a student of genealogy -- literally -- and will chronicle the steps I'm taking to become a more credible genealogist. From citing my sources, to organizing my thoughts and work, to researching outside the box (and my comfort zone!).

I strive to tell the stories of my ancestors in a compelling and intriguing way. I want you to want to know them. I also have a passion for cemetery research, and it will show through in my writings.

So if you enjoy a good mystery, the thrill of a genealogy hunt, and traipsing through tombstones, please stop by and join the journey. Don't forget to comment if we're related!

2nd Cousin, 6x Removed, In Law - J. V. Matson (Wordless Wednesday)

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:17:00 +0000

Diadamia Vardeman Matson: A Pioneer Woman of Texas, and a Heroine in Her Way

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 22:58:00 +0000

I was browsing around the Family History Archives of FamilySearch today with the LINCECUM surname. Since it's pretty rare, I felt safe doing a very generic search, including full text. I was right -- only 25 hits. Anyway, one hit was from the book A Memorial and Biographical History of Johnson and Hill Counties, Texas (with a mile-long subtitle). Included therein is a sketch for Colonel James Vardeman Matson, who married "a daughter of Dr. Gid Lincecum."

Mr. Matson's mother was Diadamia Vardeman Matson. She's technically not related to me, since her son is an "in law" of mine, but I thought this little tidbit about her was interesting. The author must have thought so too, to include it in the sketch of her son:

"The mother of Colonel Matson, Diadamia Matson, nee Vardeman, was one of the pioneer women of Texas and a heroine in her way. In 1837, her husband, Colonel Matson, decided to come to Texas, to look at the then new country, with a view to locating; Mrs. Matson insisted on accompanying her husband, and they came over in a schooner, and were shipwrecked off the mouth of the Brazos. As there was no transportation there then, they purchased saddle-horses, and the brave wife made the tour of the Indian-infested wilderness of Texas, with her husband, and also back to Missouri on horse-back."

You go, Diadamia!

Graphic from FreeClipartNow.com .

Sometimes You Forget

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:23:00 +0000

That's an exaggeration of course, we don't really forget.

I don't know if I've mentioned it on this blog before, so I'll let it out here: I'm taking courses at the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. I just started a few weeks ago, so I'm pretty much in methodology 101. It is a tad boring, but it's required and refreshers never hurt.

Something great that has come out of going back to the very basics, is revisiting my early research. Stuff I likely have not looked at in years. Going back to that time brings up memories of ancestors I actually, physically knew. I touched them, I hugged them, I laughed with them. My great-grandfather Chester Wesley Campbell, who died seventeen years ago last month, is a fine example.

Great-Grandparents Norma & Chester
Campbell

Grandpa Lincecum sent me this photo almost seven years ago. I found it today while digging through Great-Grandpa Campbell's genealogy file (a physical one, no computer involved). I cannot tell you the last time I looked at this picture. I'll bet I smiled as big as I did the first time I saw it. The pictures of Chester in my mind are of a much older man, and this photo reminded me of how cute he was!

This brought back memories of backyard chicken coops (stories for another day), which then prompted me to go look at another photo, one that hangs in a collage on my wall. It's my favorite of Great-Grandpa Campbell. In it is Chester showing a young boy who happened to grow up to be my father the ins and outs of milking a cow. To me, it's a priceless treasure. Below is a photo of the photo - not perfectly clear - but you can get the idea.

So today's genealogy "homework" turned out to be a nice stroll down memory lane. Getting back to the basics is a good thing!

These are the Faces of Genealogy, Along with One Reason Why I Do It

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie Lincecum) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:36:00 +0000

Great-Grandparents Trigg & Charley Lincecum

I have really enjoyed looking at all the pictures my fellow bloggers have been posting regarding the face of genealogy. I'm a little late in adding mine, but wanted to do so anyway. If you want to know what prompted this meme unique to the geneablogger community, Thomas MacEntee well explains it here.

Grandparents Lincecum with a young man that grew
up to be my father.

I also wanted to take this moment to give one simple reason (one of many, of course) as to why I "do" genealogy. Let me preface this by stating the pictures in this post, the first being an exception, are images of family who are thankfully still in my life. I wanted to include them because they help illustrate my reason well, and that reason for genealogy is in a word -- Education. I'm not going to go into a long treatise on the subject, as I think you understand me. Suffice it to say, I believe being educated about your personal family history, your community's history (local, state, country), your society's history, and your cultural history is unbelievably important. It can provide you with a sense of belonging, a sense of self-worth, as well as empathy for your fellow man. It might even make the world seem a little smaller, as in, what happens "over there" really does have an impact on you "over here." Not to mention the obvious "what happened before" effects you now, and so on.

My Cousin, Niece, & Nephew

Which brings me to my final photo. These, too, are the faces of genealogy. That little one in the front is my brother's son. Since I have no children of my own, he's the closest thing I have to a direct descendant. But, of course, it's not just him. All the "younguns" in the family need their dose of history, and I aim to bring it to them.