Genealogical Gems

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...

The first section of the Gutenberg Bible was published today in 1452. That got me thinking of this most unusual family record I have from an old family bible. The Longanecker Family listed their births with some information that I have never seen elsewhere. Elizabeth Longanecker, as is seen above, was born  on 11 March 1826 "in the sign of the orphan(?) between the hours of 1 and 2 o'clock in the morning." What on earth is the sign of the orphan? At first I thought it had to do with the zodiac. If it does though, it is not the traditional zodiac. For example, Susannah Longanecker was born 15 November 1828 "in the sign of the fish". The sign of the fish in the traditional zodiac however I would think it would be Pisces, which is late February/early March. By traditional zodiac dates, Susannah would be right on the cusp of a Libra or a Scorpio, with the 15th being the last day of the Libra. Elizabeth however would be a Pisces - the fish! Another entry sh...