Genealogical Gems

  Union and Confederate forces met near Murfreesboro , Tennessee On This Day in 1862. The Battle of Stones River ensued. It is also known as the Battle of Murfreesboro. On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. Some posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.                    © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2014

Walter G. Deyoe died when he was only three years old. I know little of him. He is the son of Daniel and Louise Sharp Deyoe, my husband’s great grandparents. Walter was born on 11 February 1871 and died on 30 March 1874. Since he was born and died between census records, the only proof per se I have of his existence is Find A Grave and other Deyoe researchers.  I have not found an obituary or church record for him yet either. He is buried in the Deyoe Family Cemetery, Greene County, NY. The stone pictured here is from Find A Grave  (by B rian Christensen ) and I have seen it in several trees that include young Walter. It shows a lamb, which is so often used for graves of children. The lamb symbolizes innocence. Some sources also say the lamb symbolizes the Lamb of God.   Wednesday's Child is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.   © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2014

The Federal arsenal at Charleston fell into Rebel hands On This Day in 1860. Just 10 days earlier, South Carolina earned the dubious distinction of being the first state to secede from the Union . The Confederates controlled the Charleston Arsenal until 1865 when the Union took Charleston .   On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. Some posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.                  © Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman, 2014

  Daughter Anna Mae Miller Mar. 9, 1910 Oct. 3, 1920 Gone but not forgotten.     Anna Mae Miller is buried in the Clearfield United Methodist Cemetery in Providence Township, Lancaster County. She is the daughter of Charles L. and Emma L. Henry Miller. She died of Acute Endocarditis Septic, according to her death certificate. The informant on which was a Mrs. Emma Rogers ... perhaps her mother remarried after Charles' death?     Tombstone Tuesday is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.  

A bomb exploded in the main terminal of New York ’s LaGuardia Airport On This Day in 1975. Eleven people were killed. Another 75 were injured. To this day, it remains unsolved.   It was just four days after Christmas and so naturally La Guardia Airport was packed. At 6:33 p.m. ET a bomb went off in the baggage area of the main terminal. The force of the bomb was equivalent to that of 25 sticks of dynamite, according to a 2008 NY Times article. Many groups - Puerto Rican nationalist group FALN, the Jewish Defense League, the Palestinian Liberation Organization, and Croatian nationalists – were considered suspects early on but no one ever claimed responsibility for the bombing. To this day, the bombing remains an open investigation. Source: Baker, Al. “ Terrorist’s Release Reopens Wound of Unsolved Bombing” NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/nyregion/10laguardia.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Published 9 August 2008. Retrieved online 29 December 2014. ...

A friend’s grandfather was said to have committed suicide in jail and he asked me to research it a bit. He knew very little to start. His grandfather was born in the Ukraine and died sometime before September 1918 in the Clearfield County (PA) jail. His name is another puzzle. His first name was Ludwig. His last name was Novakosky or sometimes it was spelled Nowakosky. It might have been spelled other ways as well. After a few unsuccessful searches, I turned to the Clearfield County PA Genealogy group on Facebook. Back around Thanksgiving, I posted “ Looking for info pls on a Ludwig Novakosky. He allegedly died before September 1917 in Clearfield County Jail. Story is suicide. Looking for proof ... or direction. TIA ” One lady actually found an article dated 30 August 1917 titled “Gulich Township Citizen Makes Noose of His Belt and Is Found Dead by Attendant.” The article states Ludwig Kowokosky committed suicide while at the County Home. He was mentally defective and had bee...

Awhile back I saw this sort of post on someone else’s genealogy blog. I forget who wrote but I love the idea of each week remembering those who have passed, wishing the living a happy birthday or happy anniversary or simply remembering family events. Hence, this coming year – 2015 – I have decided to do the same.   Sunday, 28 December M. Virginia Acre Garris passed 5 years ago in 2009. The wife of Charles S. Garris, she was 90 years old when she passed. Their grandson Kevin married my first cousin Beth Ann Still. Charles Joseph Buckley turns 12 today!   His great grandfather, Raymond Welsh, was one of my grandmother’s brothers. Wednesday, 31 December Mattie L. Kittinger Eckman passed 25 years ago at the age of 87. She was married to Charles D. Eckman, son of Darius J. and Ella M. Doner Eckman. Darius was brother to hubby’s great grandfather, Charles Eckman. John Lawrence Schlichter turns 51. John is, according to FTM...

Vice President John C. Calhoun resigned today. Who? What? Why? Yes, Calhoun resigned his vice presidency today back in 1832. He was the seventh Vice President, serving from 1825 to 1832. He first served under President John Quincy Adams then under President Andrew Jackson. Calhoun and Jackson had major differences and a feud of sorts ensued until finally Calhoun became the first Vice President to resign. Photo: A Public domain photo of Calhoun. On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. S ome posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.

Louis Sharp is one of my husband’s mystery women. She has a shroud of mystery and rumor that surrounds her. Family stories about her enthrall many and yet … who is she? In searching for Louise, I thought I would combine Census Sunday today with a timeline for her. I find timelines are often very helpful. The 1850 Census She first shows up in the 1850 Census, at age 12. She and 32 year old Sarah Sharp live in the Western Half 15 th Ward of New York State.   No occupation is listed for Sarah. Both ladies list New York State as their birthplace. The 1850 Census does not reveal much more, except that a 40 year old Richard Goddard, a merchant, and presumably his four year old son Thomas Goddard reside with them. Marital status is not asked on this census so it is unclear is Sarah Sharp is married, widowed or a single unmarried mother. Relationships are also not identified on this census so again Louise is presumed to be Sarah’s daughter and the Goddards are presumed to be boar...

The Polish people hoped for a sovereign Poland . The Great Polish Uprising began today in 1918 against the Germans. Polish Prime Minister Ignacy Paderewski delivered a patriotic speech earlier in the day. That evening th e uprising began with a shooting in front of Poznań 's Police Headquarters. By 1918 my direct Polish ancestors had already immigrated to America. However, I'm sure I still had family there who were affected by this event.   On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. S ome posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.

Earlier this week, the National Genealogical Society sent out a reminder that the deadline was fast approaching for their annual Family History Writing Contests. The deadline for six of the competition entries and award nominations is 31 December. The winners will be recognized at the NGS Family History Conference, 13-16 May 2015 in St. Charles , Missouri .   The competitions are: Family History Writing Contest : NGS recognizes the best genealogy covering 3 to 4 generations. Award for Excellence — Genealogy and Family History : NGS presents this award to an individual or nonprofit organization for an outstanding genealogy or family history book published during the past three years. Award for Excellence — Genealogical Methods and Sources : NGS presents this award to an individual or nonprofit organization for a book, article, or series of articles published during the past three years on genealogical methods and sources. Ne...

Panko Hruszczak is my great grandfather. Today is the 46 th anniversary of his passing so it seems only fitting that today he is the focus of Friday’s Faces from the Past. Vichnaya Pamyat Note: The photo is from a copy of his naturalization papers. Friday's Faces From the Past is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.

Neighbors fought neighbors during the Civil War. Brothers literally took up arms against each other during the war. Can you just imagine for a moment what that first Christmas dinner was like after the War? Small talk had to be difficult. Pardoning is the first step towards healing. President Andrew Johnson, On This Day in 1868, granted unconditional pardon to all Confederate soldiers.     On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. Some posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.

Merry Christmas!  

Amy Johnson Crow has done it again! She blogs at NoStoryTooSmall.com and what she did was set out a challenge for 2015. The challenge is called 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks. Each week focuses a different theme designed to inspire one to write about one’s ancestors. This year (well, 2015) I am taking up the challenge! For more information on this challenge, go to: http://www.nostorytoosmall.com/posts/announcing-52-ancestors-in-52-weeks-2015-edition/ . You can post anytime throughout that given week. So for example, Week One the theme is Fresh Start. Week One is from 1-7 January. The 1 st happens to be a Thursday so I think, personally, I am going to stick with posting my #52Ancestors on Thursdays each week throughout the year.    

The Lackawanna Cut-Off opened On This Day in 1911. The Cut-Off was a stretch of railroad line of the Delaware , Lackawanna & Western Railroad (DL&W). The No. 15, a westbound passenger train, passed through Port Morris Junction at 12:15 a.m. on 24 December 1911. It was the first revenue train to operate on the Cut-Off. DL&W operated the Lackawanna Cut-Off until 1960, when it merged with the Erie Railroad.   On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. Some posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.

  With This Ring I Thee Wed   Mr. and Mrs. Leo P. Bugan request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Carol to Mr. Harry Binder on Saturday, the twenty-eighth of January Nineteen hundred and sixty-seven at two o'clock Ascension of Our Lord Church "F" and Westmoreland Streets Philadelphia, Pennsylvania     Wedding Wednesday is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.  

In 1863, On This Day fighting broke out at Culpeper Court House, Virginia, according to the Civil War Trust . The Army of the Potomac had claimed victory at an earlier skirmish there. Most of Culpeper was under Union control and in fact provided shelter and resources for the Army of the Potomac which wintered there from November 1863 until May 1864.   On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. Some posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.

Often, when tracing my husband’s family which contains some very common names for Lancaster County , I will take photos of potentials. So awhile back, I was at the Clearfield UM Church Cemetery down Providence Township , Lancaster County and I stumbled across a stone – this stone here – that simply read “Brother” across the top for a C. Columbus Winters. Close enough to my Eliza Winter who married a Socrates Miller. Today instead of just throwing up a photo of a stone for Tombstone Tuesday, I decided to go fishing … and did I get a bite!   C. Columbus Winters, as mentioned, is buried in the Clearfield UM Church Cemetery . He was born 11 February 1858 and passed on 15 December 1906, according to his tombstone.   He had been sick for 13 days prior to his passing, suffering lobar pneumonia, according to his death certificate.   His death certificate, which states he was single, confirms his vitals. It also provides his first name as (what else!) Christoph...

Tombstone Tuesday is a blogging theme for GeneaBloggers which encourages the family historian to include an image of a gravestone of one or more ancestors and it may also include a brief description of the image or the ancestor.   Winters Mabel Steinman  Nov. 9, 1885 - Feb. 8, 1975 In loving Memory   Married Apr. 3, 1904 Philip G.  Oct. 16, 1884 - Sept. 27, 1964 The Winters are buried at Zion UCC in New Providence, Lancaster County, PA. They were wed 3 Apr 1904 at Faith Reformed Church, in Lancaster. The 1905 Lancaster City Directory reveals a Philip G. WInters residing at 316 E. Liberty Street. He is a silk weaver. His father, Issac, still lives at 334 Green Street and is a laborer. The 1907 Directory lists Philip's address as 423 Cherry. The 1910 Census shows Philip and Mabel Winters the parents of three young daughters: Mary, Stella, and Mabel in Strasburg Township. Philip at this time is 24 and his wi...

Tombstone Tuesday is a little late because that single pic just led to a whole new confirmed branch! ... Doing the Genealogy Happy Dance!!!

I was only three years old when the plane crashed in the Argentine Andes. I do not obviously recall the actual news of the crash but, as a teen, I read “Alive!” by Piers Paul Read. The book moved me. Something about this incredible story of survival and desperation simply moved me. It was On This Day – 22 December – in 1972, that the Chilean Air Force found 14 survivors of the crash. They had been up in the mountains for more than two months. It had taken 10 days for Roberto Canessa and Fernando "Nando" Parrado to traverse down the mountain and find civilization and ultimately help for themselves and the others still on the mountain. They first saw a Chilean arriero - Sergio Catalán. The next day (22nd) the Chilean Air Force found the remaining survivors. Originally the plane carried 45 passengers. The plane carried a Catholic Uruguayan rugby team, their family and friends. The plane crashed on Friday, 13 October.   Photo: Public Domain photo. Parrado ...

Mary Anna Kirchner was my husband’s great grandmother’s sister. She was born 29 June 1851 in Lancaster to John and Barbara Kuhn Kirchner. I chose her to write about for today’s Matrilineal Monday because it was today – 22 December – in 1913 when she passed away. I know so very little about Mary. Being a daughter of John and Barbara Kuhn Kirchner, I could easily assume she had been baptized at St. Joseph RC Church in Lancaster. The rest of the family was so this would make sense. She married Charles William Janson in 1886. I do not know how the two met or where they married.   He was a collector. The Janson Family shows up on both the 1900 and the 1910 Census as living in Baltimore , Maryland . They had 10 children: Cecilia, Rolendis, Henry, Margaret, Anna, Roman Philip, Jerome A., Gertrude C., Dorothy May, Charles M., and one who passed before 1900. The first five (Cecilia, Rolendis, Henry, Margaret, and Anna) were from Charles’ first marriage. She died on 22 Dec...

On This Day - 21 December - in 1937 the world's first full length animated movie debuted. It was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs !    On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. Some posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.

I have always clipped this that and the other news bit from the local papers. December of 1991, I saw in the paper (looks to be from the now-defunct Village News or Parkesburg Post ) the obituary of a high school classmate. I believe she – Lisa Gill – was the first of our class (Class of 1987) to pass since graduation. Her obituary reads: Lisa M. Gill, 23, of 5 E. Bridge St . , Parkesburg, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 19 in Lancaster General Hospital . Born in West Chester , she was the daughter of John L. and Janice Adams Gill of Parkesburg. She had lived most of her life in Parkesburg and was graduated from Octorara High School , Class of 1987. Miss. Gill was presently serving her internship at the Lancaster General Hospital , and would have graduated from Millersville University in July as a medical technician. She was of the Catholic faith. While in high school, she had been a member of the National Honor Society. Besides her parents, she is surviv...