The Judd Connection Solved!

Orion M. Judd (left) first cousin three times removed

1925 - Fresno, California

About ten years ago, while researching my Judd family line, I came upon a cache of Ancestry.com photographs. They were of my cousins, Orion and Carl Judd. I quickly contacted the Ancestry member, thinking we may be related.

Steve and I began an email conversation about the photographs. Once I let him know my relationship to the Judd's, Steve graciously sent the originals to our family. 

Once I came down from cloud nine, started wondering about this new mystery. How did the Judd children come to live in California? They were all born in Texas. What was their connection to Steve's family?

We begin with the children's father, my 3rd great-uncle, Charles Judd. After serving for the Union Army in the United States Civil War [1], he moved from Maryland to Texas. Once there he met and married, Lois Berry Crocker. They were wed April 22, 1869 [2], in Grayson, Texas. The couple went on to have six children. Sadly, Lois died January, 02, 1886 [3] at 37 years of age. Charles then married the widow, Lucinda Button Barnhart on August 11, 1886 [4]. Only seven month after losing his first wife.

Not long after the couple married, on May 06, 1888, Charles himself died at 44 years of age [5]. Leaving behind his orphaned children, ranging from 18 to 6 years old.

Now, this is where things go awry. All because of that dreaded 1890 U.S. Federal Census! Or lack of. The loss of this important record set creates a big hole in researching our ancestors.

With no records until 1900, it is unclear where and with whom the children resided. Did they  stay with their step-mother? Since the oldest was 18 years old, could she legally take responsibility for her younger siblings?

Next we find the various family members on the 1900 U.S. Federal Census [6-12]:

• Olive Judd - age 30 - married to James R. Hodges abt. 1889  - Los Angeles, California
• William Judd - age 29 - unmarried - Flagstaff, Arizona
• Mattie Judd - age 26 - married to Aaron L. Keim abt. 1891 - Los Angeles, California
• Minnie Judd - age 24 - married to Henry L. Wilson abt. 1893 - Merrick, Nebraska
• Orion M. Judd - age 22 - unmarried - Philippine Islands, Military and Naval Forces, USA
• Carl V. Judd - age 19 - unmarried - Ventura, California
• Lucinda Button Barnhart Judd - age 58 - widowed - Pueblo, Colorado

Their step-mother had relocated to Colorado. The children all left their home state of Texas. Several residing in California. One step closer to figuring out the mystery. 

Arizona Weekly Republican, 19 Jan, 1893 - Phoenix, Arizona - Newspapers.com [13]

Several months ago, while doing Judd research, the biggest clue appeared in a 1893  Phoenix newspaper. The children were taken in by A.P. Walbridge. Who is Mr. Walbridge? What about California?

I noticed in the 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Carl Judd [11], he was residing with George A. Walbridge. Relationship to head of household ... cousin! A connection! But, how were the Judd children related to this Walbridge family? 

Since I documented all the paternal cousins, began looking to the maternal line. Added Lois Crocker's siblings into the family tree. Discovered that George's mother, was Mary Crocker Walbridge. She was married to Henry Walbridge. Mary was the children's aunt, sister of Lois Crocker Judd.

But, who is A.P. Walbridge? More digging into the family tree, and we find another Crocker sister. Amy Crocker married Solomon Walbridge. Their son was Alfred P. Walbridge. The Judd children's much older cousin. He was 35 years old when he obtained guardianship.

At some point, between the 1893 guardianship and 1900 U.S. Federal Census, the children relocated from Texas to Arizona and finally to California.

So, am I related to Steve? Not really. But our families are related. Another Crocker sister, Martha Josephine married William Levy in, Grayson, Texas, on April 14, 1867. By the 1920 U.S. Federal Census [14], this family would make their way to California. The couple's daughter, Bertha Levy Gans, married and become the great-grandmother of my new connection, Steve. We are both cousins of the Judd children of California. I'm related down the Judd line, he is related down the Crocker line.

How sad these children lost their parents at such a young age. But, the story had a happy ending. Two aunts and their families came to the rescue. Taking care of their sister's children. From the facts I have gathered, they all lead a wonderful life. Because of the Walbridge family.

Above is another photograph sent by Steve. In it we have mine and Steve's cousin, Carl Judd. Pictured with Carl is his cousin, Claudine (Tot) Levy. Claudine was Steve's great-aunt. Daughter of William Levy and Martha Josephine Crocker.

Mystery solved! Moral of the story. Connect with everyone you can. And keep on digging. 

______________________

Sources:

[1] "Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served In Organizations from the State of Maryland"; The National Archives; published 1863; Fold3 (http://www.fold3.com : accessed 15 November 2020)

[2] "Texas, Select County Marriage Records, 1837-1965" Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020)

[3] Headstone for Lois Crocker Judd; Sherman, Grayson, Texas, USA; West Hill Cemetery; Find-A-Grave (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 15 November 2020)

[4] "Texas, Select County Marriage Records, 1837-1965", Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020)

[5] Headstone for Charles Judd; Sherman, Grayson, Texas, USA; West Hill Cemetery Find-A-Grave (https:www.findagrave.com : accessed 15 November 2020)

[6] 1900 U.S. census, Los Angeles, California, population schedule, Rowland Township, enumeration district (ED) 6-12, sheet 9-A, household 207, James R. Hodges household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https//ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T623, roll 1854

[7] 1900 U.S. census, Coconino, Arizona Territory, population schedule, Flagstaff Precinct, enumeration district (ED) 11-14, sheet 13-B,  Early D. Davidson household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https//ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T623, roll 1854

[8] 1900 U.S. census, Los Angeles, California, population schedule, Rowland Township, enumeration district (ED) 6-121, sheet 3-B, household 65, Aaron L. Keim household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https//ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T623, roll 1854

[9] 1900 U.S. census, Merrick, Nebraska, population schedule, Loup Precinct, enumeration district (ED) 3-137, sheet 1-A, household 10, Henry L. Wilson household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https//ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T623, roll 1854

[10] 1900 U.S. census, Balinag, Philippine Islands, population schedule, Military and Naval Population, enumeration district (ED) Company B U.S. Volunteers, sheet 4-B; digital image, Ancestry.com (https//ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T623, roll 1854

[11] 1900 U.S. census, Ventura, California, population schedule, Saticoy Township, enumeration district (ED) 6-167, sheet 6-B, household 127, Geo A. Walbridge household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https//ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T623, roll 1854

[12] 1900 U.S. census, Pueblo, Colorado, population schedule, Pueblo, enumeration district (ED) 2-101, sheet 9-B, household 128, Lucinda H. Judd household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https//ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T623, roll 1854

[13] "Local Briefs", Arizona Republic, 19 Jan 1893 Thu, p. 1, col 2; digital images, Newspaper.com (https:www.newspapers.com : accessed 15 November 2020)  

[14] 1900 U.S. census, Tulare, California, population schedule, Porterville Precinct, enumeration district (ED) 6-271, sheet 821-B, household 628, Cecil C. Wright household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https//ancestry.com : accessed 15 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T625, roll 2076

Ruth Family Turkey Keepsake

Years ago, our son was in the United States Marine Corps. Before the holiday season, he was assigned to Okinawa, Japan. This would be the first time he wasn't home for Thanksgiving. 

To keep sadness at bay, my husband suggested a pre-Thanksgiving shopping trip. As we negotiated a crowded store, Doug suddenly disappeared. Several minutes later he returned with a huge smile on his face. In his hands were two ceramic turkeys.

I reminded him we had more than enough decorations. He thought these would be fun to send to Justin. The next care package was filled with snacks, magazines and two turkeys. 

First thing Justin said when he called Thanksgiving morning ... "thanks Mom & Dad for the turkeys!" Seems he and his fellow Marines thought they were a hoot and placed them on their holiday table. 

When Justin finally returned home, we were in for a little surprise. While unpacking, he handed me a small box. Looking down I found the ceramic turkeys, carefully wrapped to survive a journey across the world. 

I honestly never expected to see them again. Asking Justin why he kept them, he replied "they are Ruth family keepsakes and must be saved". 

And that is the story of our ceramic turkey candle holders. 

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Time of Their Lives ~ Using Timelines

Image by Trang Le from Pixabay 

During the course of daily blog reading, discovered a post about using timelines.  The post is "Use A Genealogy Timeline To Find Gaps In Your Research" by Lisa Lisson of Are You My Cousin?

Lisa talks about using timelines to discover holes in your research. I'm sure this will become evident with my Eastern European ancestors. Having a document to refer, while trying to move lines forward. Do I have birth, marriage, death and census information? Vital records needed to fill the holes.

A comment from the post that struck a chord:

"one of the best things I ever did for my genealogy research was to organize my genealogy information - the events of my ancestor's lives - on a timeline."

This spoke to my organizational soul. Also, being a visual learner, information laid out in a logical manner.  

In the post, Lisa shows several ways to create a timeline. From using good old pen and paper, to spreadsheets. I love spreadsheets! This method had me hooked. 

Lisa shares a spreadsheet template. I saved this to my Google Drive. Keeping a blank form, copying tabs for each individual ancestor. I love the idea of having all the information in one place. And, using a dynamic document, that I can change and update. 

There is a nice feature to drop in a photograph. Makes the process a little more personal. Using Google Drive, we can add hyperlinks to the document.  And, other researchers can access the information. This could become a family project. Or a teaching tool.  

Timeline for Rev. C.W. Ruth, husband's grandfather

Here we have Christian Wismer Ruth. He was born September 01, 1865 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He died May 27, 1941 in Jessamine County, Kentucky. Because Christian had a very long and interesting life, I selected him for my first timeline. 

I found it interesting to see Christian's life laid out. Discovering where and when he was located, during various events. His age when married, when each child was born and the families move across the country.

By adding historical events, we gain a broader perspective. Did they affect decisions Christian made for him and his family? Did these decisions affect the life you are now living? Food for thought.

So, check out the post. And track the times of your ancestors' lives.

Lisa shares several websites to gather historical information. I discovered additional sites while working on the timeline.

America's Best History

BrainyHistory

On This Day

The People History

Timelines of History

The Bridge to Serendipity

Burnside Bridge - photograph in personal collection

Growing up, our family traveled to many historical sites in the region. Mainly, Civil War battlefields in Maryland and neighboring states. My father was a huge history buff. At the time I don't believe I appreciate the visits to the spots. As a child I would run around in the open fields. As a teenager, take along a book to read under a shady tree.

Didn't I go and marry someone with the same interests! My father and husband would have in-depth conversations about history. And most of the time, I would leave them to their confabs.

Once our children came along, there we were, driving those same roads. Visiting those same sites. But, something interesting happened. Once I started researching family history, history itself became extremely important. I wanted to know the whys, hows and whens. 

One spot we visit is Antietam National Battlefield. More that forty times over the years. Every season brings a different feel. Each visit, we always walk across the Burnside Bridge.

Hubby standing on Burnside Bridge - November 2020

This month, hubby and I traveled to the battlefield and did just that. Walked Burnside Bridge. Here we see the bridge ... now for the serendipity.

I have been tracing hubby's Finney line. His 4th great-grandmother was Lucinda Finney. She was born January 28, 1763 in Litchfield, Connecticut [1]. Lucinda married Platt Starr on November 28, 1782 [2]. Thus, beginning the Starr line, which lead to my mother-in-law, Rachel Elizabeth Starr.

Yesterday I came to Helen Clarissa Finney, She was hubby's 2nd cousin 4x removed. Helen was born June 10, 1828 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [3]. She married Jacob Dolson Cox on November 29, 1849 [4]. 

On Ancestry.com, there was an abundance of information about Jacob. He had a distinguished career in the Union Army during the United States Civil War. In fact, he attained the rank of Major General [5].

A hint for Jacob was his Find A Grave memorial page. A very impressive biography was posted on the site. Reading I discovered the following:

"he served as a division commander in the subsequent battles of South Mountain (assuming command of the IX Corps after Major General Jesse Reno was killed) and Antietam (where his Corps fought to take what was to become known as "Burnside's Bridge)" [6].

Doing additional research on Jacob, I discovered he wrote two books. I located both on the Project Gutenberg website.

Military Reminiscence of the Civil War, volume 1 : April 1861-November 1863 by Jacob D. Cox; published 1900 by C. Scribner's sons

Military Reminiscences of the Civil War, volume 2 : November 1863-June 1865 by Jacob D. Cox; published 1900 by C. Scribner's sons.

Jacob Dodson Cox

photograph from Military Reminiscenes of the Civil War

by Jacob Dolson Cox, published 1900

In each volume we find this wonderful image of Jacob Dodson Cox.

What an interesting piece of family history! The same bridge hubby and our children walked many times. Love placing ancestors in time and place. Then connecting them with our lives.

______________

Sources 

[1] Connecticut, U.S., Town Birth Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection), Kent Vital Records 1739-1852, p. 76 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com (https://ancestry.com : accessed 21 November 2020)

[2] Connecticut, U.S., Town Birth Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection), Kent Vital Records 1739-1852, p. 76 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com (https://ancestry.com : accessed 21 November 2020)

[3]  Find a Grave, database and images (https://findagrave.com) : accessed 21 November 2020), memorial page for Helen Clarissa Finney Cox (8 Jun 1828-7 Jun 1911), Find a Grave Memorial no. 34521649, citing Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, USA: Maintained by Janet Potts (contributor 46842861)

[4] "Governor Cox's Widow: died at Oberlin and Will Be Buried in Cincinnati", The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio, 8 Jun 1911, Thu, p.16, col. 4; digital images, Newspapers.com (https://newspapers.com : accessed 21 November 2020)

[5] U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA,  Ancestry.com (https://ancestry.com : accessed 21 November 2020)

[6] Find a Grave, database and images (https://findagrave.com) : accessed 21 November 2020), memorial page for Jacob Dolson Cox (27 Oct 1828-4 Aug 1900), Find a Grave Memorial no. 4443, citing Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, USA: Maintained by Find a Grave

The Bride Wore Gray

image courtesy The Graphics Fairy

When my daughter became engaged to her husband, I started researching his family line. What else is a good mother-in-law supposed to do? Lucky for me Lucas is very interested in genealogy, so this did not present a problem. It is rather nice to have someone in the family, who will talk about family trees and obituaries.

Marriage announcement, James S. Fraley & Cecilia G. Kreymborg

The Baltimore Sun Newspaper - June 08, 1910

Newspapers.com [1]

While researching, I discovered this wedding announcement for his 2nd great-grand aunt, Cecilia G. Kreymborg (daughter of Anthony Kreymorg and Anna M. Wissel). 

Cecilia wore a gray wedding gown and "picturesque" black hat. Further into the announcement, we learn the reason for this unusual wedding attire. The article tells us that both families are in mourning.

Heading back to my Ancestry database, I searched for relatives who passed away close to the date of Cecilia's marriage. That is when we discover a sad story, surrounding the couple.

Obituary, Anthony Kreymorg, 7/14/1909 The Baltimore Sun Newspapers.com [2]

Here we have the funeral announcement for Anthony Kreymborg, father of the bride. Anthony passed away July 10, 1909. Sadly, her father will not be there, to walk Cecilia down the aisle. 

Anna M. Kreymborg b. 03/16/1858-d. 03/06/1910 Holy Redeemer Cemetery Baltimore, MD. [3]

Once again, tragedy strikes our bride. Her mother, Anna Wissel Kreymborg, dies several months before the wedding. As Cecilia sees to final wedding details, she is planning the funeral of a beloved parent. The bride has become an orphan, just weeks before her marriage.

Obituary ~ Sarah E. Fraley ~ Baltimore Sun 05/13/1910 Newspapers.com [4]

 

Our couple encounters additional loss, weeks before the marriage. Here we have the obituary for mother of the groom, Sarah E. Fraley. 

Such sadness surrounding the combined families. Loss of three parents, as the couple planned for this happiest of days. 

If not for the engagement announcement, we may never have put this story together. The stories are what connects us to the past.

______________

Sources 

[1] "Fraley-Kreymborg", The Baltimore Sun Newspaper, 08 Jun 1910, Wed, p.8, col. 1; digital images, Newspapers.com (https://newspapers.com : accessed 20 Nov 2020)

[2] "Anthony Kreymborg", The Baltimore Sun Newspaper, 14 Jul 1909, Wed, p.7, col. 3; digital images, Newspapers.com (https://newspapers.com : accessed 20 Nov 2020)

[3]  Find A Grave, database and images (https://findagrave.com : accessed 20 November, 2020), memorial page for Anna M. Kreymborg (16 Mar 1858-Mar 1910), Find A Grave Memorial no. 95925099, citing Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland, USA; Maintained by Deborah R. (contributor 47066664)

[4] "Fraley", The Baltimore Sun Newspaper, 13 May 1910, Fri, p.6, col. 3; digital images, Newspapers.com (https://newspapers.com : accessed 20 Nov 2020)

"We Are Not Related to the Gephardts!" or Are We?

Norman S. and Anna Jerousek Gaphardt ~ maternal great-grandparents

When I began this genealogy adventure, the first ancestor I documented was my great-grandfather, Norman Sylvester Gaphardt. Supposedly, his line was our earliest immigrants to the United States. The family came from Germany to Baltimore in 1832 [1]. 

What followed was a confusing journey. Eventually leading to new cousins. Along with a cautionary tale of taking family history with a grain of salt.

Death certificate - Norman S. Gaphardt [2]

Maryland State Archives

While researching the Gaphardt line, I would periodically come across the surname Gephardt. On headstones in Gaphardt family cemeteries. Listed in churches, our family attended. Were they related? I asked Mom if she knew this name. She was certain they were not connected to her line. But, I felt we could have a mystery on our hands.

First step was to get information from my mother. Beyond her grandparents, the facts were pretty vague. Thought she knew Norman's father's name. But, wasn't sure of the accuracy.

I started working backwards, to discover Norman's story. Above we have his death certificate. We see "name of father" as Christopher Gaphardt. Yahoo, back another generation!

Next, Norman (Silvester) was listed in the 1900 United States Federal Census [1]. Residing at 608 N. Montford Avenue with father, George C. Gaphardt. Do I have the correct family? Is George the same person as Christopher?

This photocopy of obituary for George C. Gaphardt, was located in family records . Notation was "George Gaphardt - July 4, 1902". I have yet to locate the obituary on a newspaper database. In the clipping, the family was residing at 608 North Montford avenue. One of his children being Mr. Norman S. Gaphardt. My second great-grandfather was George Christopher Gaphardt. 

This is where things get a little odd.

I found Norman on the 1880 United States Federal Census [3]. He is listed as a son, residing with Geo. C. Gepthart, head of house. We know census records are notorious for misspellings. So, this surname didn't cause too much concern. 

The next records gave me pause. Researching 1850, 1860 and 1870 United States Federal Census records [4-6], the surname has different variations of Gephardt. Curious about this, I called my mother. She stated emphatically, "We were Gaphardts! Most certainly not Gephardts. I have never heard that name."

Like any good family historian, I hung up the phone and started researching. Keeping this information to myself for the time being.

Matchett's Baltimore (1851) [7]

publisher: Baltimore: R.J. Mitchell

Internet Archive

Looking at city directories, we see the first mention of George Gephard (notice "d" missing from the name) in 1851. There were no listings for the Gaphardt surname. 

Woods' Baltimore city directory (1874) [8]

publisher: Baltimore : John W. Woods

Internet Archives

During each subsequent year, George was listed with variations of Gephardt. Until the Woods' Baltimore city directory, 1874. First time we see George Gaphardt.

For a time, the name seems to go back and forth. Then at some point, Gaphardt was consistently used. In vital records, newspaper articles and obituaries. Looks like we were originally Gephardts, becoming Gaphardts. Sorry, Mom! Most likely will never know the reason for the change.

But, not the end of the story. DNA comes into play, with another twist.

Working with AncestryDNA matches, something interesting happened. Closest relative in the line was a Gaphardt first cousin. No surprise here, since I knew this cousin. But, further down the match list, discovered not just one, but three Gephardts! 

I sent an Ancestry message to one of the matches. Gave him an outline of what I knew about the family. He emailed back right away! He had been confused. Wondered why the Gaphardt surname showed up in his match list. 

Head over to the family tree. Working backwards again, discovered that Gary is my third cousin. His great-grandfather, Joseph and my great-grandfather, Norman were brothers. We share second great-grandfather, George Christopher Gephardt/Gaphardt.

Joseph was the only ancestor to keep the Gephardt surname. All his siblings became Gaphardts, including my line. Makes me wonder why this occurred. Both lines of the family resided in Baltimore City. Did something happen? Did Joseph decide to stay with the original surname? 

Unfortunately, my mother passed away before I made this discovery. I would have loved to share this heritage with her. 

On a side note, I have more Gephardt DNA matches than Gaphardt.

Joseph C. Gephardt

Baltimore, Maryland

date unknown 

b. February 09, 1855, Baltimore, Maryland

d. October 22, 1935

Received this wonderful photograph from a Gephardt DNA match. Pictured is 2nd great-uncle, Joseph C. Gephardt.

Now when asked, reply with "I'm a Gephardt/Gaphardt".

______________

Sources (first attempt at sourcing information on the blog, work in progress, still learning)

[1] 1900 U.S. census, Baltimore City, Maryland, population schedule, Baltimore Ward 8, enumeration district (ED) 1-96, sheet 7-B, household 608, George C. Gaphardt household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://ancestry.com : accessed 17 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T623, roll 1854

[2] Gaphardt, Norman S., death certificate E 79196 (1902); no. B46428-B4939 reel CR 48119, Baltimore City Health Department of Vital Statistics 1875-1972, Maryland State Archives, 

[3]  1880 U.S. census, Baltimore,  Maryland, population schedule, Baltimore Independent City, enumeration district (ED) 5-15, sheet 253-A, household 32, Geo C. Gepthart household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://ancestry.com : accessed 17 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm 497, roll 253A

[4] 1850 U.S. census, Baltimore, Maryland, population schedule, Baltimore Ward 6, sheet 515-258, household 1650, George C. Gephart household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://ancestry.com : accessed 17 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm 258a, roll 283

[5] 1860 U.S. census, Baltimore, Maryland, population schedule, Baltimore Ward 1 (ED), sheet 287, household 2539, George C. Gephard; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://ancestry.com : accessed 17 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm M653, roll 1,438

[6] 1870 U.S. census, Baltimore, Maryland, population schedule, , Baltimore Ward 1, sheet 20 household 151, George Gephard household; digital image, Ancestry.com (https://ancestry.com : accessed 17 November 2020); imaged from NARA microfilm T132, roll 13

[7] Baltimore City, MD.City Directory (Baltimore: Machett's Baltimore directory: Baltimore: R.J.Matchett (1851), pp 104-105, Gephart surname; digitized on Internet Archive (https://archive.org : accessed 17 November 2020)

[8] Baltimore City, MD.City Directory (Baltimore, MD: Woods' Baltimore directory: Baltimore Md: John W. Woods (1874), pp 204-205, Gaphardt surname; digitized on Internet Archive (https://archive.org : accessed 17 November 2020)

Genealogy Gold in Google Books

Saint Aloysius Church - 1893 - Littlestown, Adams County, Pennsylvania

Photograph and obituary courtesy Google Books, "History of Saint Aloysius Church of Littlestown, Penna." by William McSherry, Jr., published 1893

Louisa McSherry Long, my husband's 3rd great-aunt. She was born February 1816 and died May 06, 1891. Louisa was sister to husband's 2nd great grandmother, Sarah Matilda McSherry Starr. 

In the above obituary we learn many important facts about Louisa:

• gentleness of manner
• married young plasterer, Andrew Long
• was a seamstress
• lost many young children during her lifetime
• faithful in her religion
• came from old and respected stock
• father, Andrew McSherry
• mother, Eve Norbeck
• married in 1844
• was Catholic
• died May 6, 1871 at the age of 75

Searching Google Books has become a weekly research task. Creating Google Alerts for each surname. These can answer questions, give clues and flesh out the lives of our ancestors. Important fact from this obituary, first confirmation for Louisa and Sarah's parents. I can now go back another generation.

Information about and using Google Books:

Google Books from Wikipedia: "is a service from Google Inc. that searches the full text of books and magazines Google has scanned, converted to text using optical character recognition (OCR), and in its digital database".

Google Books for Family History (YouTube) by Genealogy TV

How To Find & Use Google Books For Genealogy Research  ~ post from Are You My Cousin? blog

Cheat Sheet: Google Alerts for Google by Thomas MacEntee, Abundant Genealogy

Mapping the 1904 Baltimore Fire

Inner Harbor, Baltimore City, Maryland - personal photograph

Were your ancestors affected by a natural disaster? Epidemic? Growing up in Maryland, we learned about the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. Our elders told tales of how it started and spread. All four of my grandparents resided in Baltimore during this time-frame. Depending on the path of the fire, were they in danger? 

I started wondering, did any of our ancestors lived in close proximity of the disaster? Did they have to evacuate? Could they see the flames?

To discover possible answers, created these maps. Found ancestor addresses on R.L. Polk & Co.'s Baltimore City directory for 1904. This directory is located on Internet Archive. The red circle on the maps represent the fire zone.

Map of Baltimore, 1905 - Historic maps of Baltimore City and Area - map-maker.org

This map represents my son-in-law's ancestors. His family resided west of the Jones Falls (blue line separating west and east side of fire zone)

As you can see, these families resided close to the "danger zone". Most likely could see the flames several blocks away. Smoke would be rising, elevating the feelings of fear. 

• Orange circle - Frederick N. Walther (2nd great-grandfather) and family. Born 12/23/1847. About 57 years old at time of fire. Occupation, candy-maker. Residing 1322 Columbia Avenue.
• Purple circle - Francis (Frank) Wissel (3rd great-grandfather) and family. Born 03/1836. About 68 years old at time of fire. Occupation, paperhanger (owned business). Residing 501 W. Saratoga Street.
• Brown circle - Gottlieb Karcher (2nd great-grandfather) and family. Born 02/1857. About 47 years old at time of fire. Occupation, harness maker. Residing 247 N. Schroeder Street.

The Wissel family was closest to the fire. How frighting it must have been, seeing the flames and smoke. Inching steadily towards their home.

Here we have my ancestors residing on the east side of the fire.

• Purple circle - Charles F. Wakefield, Sr. (great-grandfather) and family. Born 10/26/1868. About 36 years old at time of fire. Occupation, trimmer. Residing 608 N. Caslte Street.
• Brown circle - Catherine Judd Eck (2nd great-grand aunt) and family. Born 01/02/1858. About 46 years old at time of fire. Residing 106 N. Ann Street.
• Green circle - Anna E. Gaphardt (grandmother) and family. Born 12/12/1901. About 3 years old at time of fire. Residing 608 Montford Avenue.

Accounts detail the fire processing in their direction. Heading towards the Jones Falls (blue line separating west and east side of fire zone).

From Digital Maryland: Great Fire of 1904 we learn the following:

"Monday, 12 noon

...The only hope of saving East Baltimore was the Jones Falls. Thus a fire department stand was established along the east side of the Falls. Starting around 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. nine engines from New York City, along with two more engines from Wilmington, were placed along the Jones Falls. A total of 37 steam fire engines took water from the Falls from Baltimore Street south and established a wall of water to halt the advancing flames. "

It worked! The fire was stopped! Prevented from heading to a heavily populated part of Baltimore. Just think, if not for this action, our family history could have been greatly altered.

Did your ancestor reside in Baltimore during the "Great Fire"? Any other historical event in your family history? Map it!

Helpful sites for discovering disasters that may have occurred where and when your ancestors were alive. Also, finding old maps.

GenDisasters.com

Disasters: Natural & Man-Made on Cyndi's List

Old Maps Online

David Rumsey Map Collection

Additional reading about the 1904 Baltimore Fire:

Baltimore Fire 1904 - Baltimore City Police History

Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 -  Digital Maryland

Aftermath of the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 - Digital Maryland

Creative Searching = Family Discovery

Photo by <a href="https://stocksnap.io/author/wordpics">Words as Pictures</a> from <a href="https://stocksnap.io">StockSnap</a>

Searching for details about our ancestors can be like playing Scrabble. Bringing together correct information to win the family history game. Sometimes my tiles are all consonants, sometimes they turn over perfectly.

Before starting the post, want to share one important point. Why I was able to solve this mystery. Easy access to amazing genealogy information and genealogists. Every week I try to attend at least one Facebook Live class or webinar. Read many family history blogs. Doing so, has given me a wonderful arsenal of research tools. These people are so generous with their time and knowledge. So, get connected and further your skills.

On with the game ...

Researching the Czarnecki family line has been extremely difficult. I found many different variations for their Polish surname. Discovered Cherrnewsky, Chernowski, Chernecki, Chenecky and more. Even started a spreadsheet to track to them.

Maryland, District Court, (Roll 11) Petitions 3261-3555

U.S., Naturaliztion Records, 1840-1957

Ancestry.com

On this Petition for Naturalization, Adam's surname is spelled two different ways. Chanrnecky and Czarnecki. I found the record pretty quickly, as Czarnecki is used frequently.

Next was to find a passenger list. How difficult could that be? We have a date, port of arrival and ship name. Piece of cake! It wasn't. I searched with every spelling in the spreadsheet. 

After many frustrating months, decided to table this goal for another day. In fact, this sat for quite a long time.

One of my favorite blogs to read is "Are You My Cousin?" by Lisa Lisson. Once a week I select a new (to me) post, for information and research tips. Last week's selection was "How to Research Your Ancestor With a "No Surname" Search. Just what I needed! The post gave me hope of solving this research problem.

After reading the post, went back to Ancestry.com. In the Passenger List database entered information from the Petition For Naturalization. As instructed by Lisa, left off the surname. Added first name, date of birth, arrival location. Also, in keyword placed name of ship. 

Eureka! We have the Passenger List for Adam and Leonarda. Along with their children. Surname on record is Zennetzki. First time I have seen this name. Original spelling? When and why did Adam change the surname to Czarnecki? 

With this new surname, Polish records may garner additional information. The records can be accessed at the local Family History Center. So, will have to wait until they are again open for business.

Just like a game of Scrabble, I finally have the correct tiles. All because of reading a blog post, and using Ancestry's great search algorithms. Check out the post, and give Lisa's suggestions a whirl. 

Thank you, Lisa! 

To find Lisa:

Are You My Cousin?: Resources & Tools To Confidently Research Your Genealogy

Are You My Cousin? Facebook Page

Are You My Cousin? YouTube

Pastor of Wickedest Town in the West

Union Church, Dodge City, Kansas

Ford County Historical Society, Dodge City Kansas

Churches in Old Dodge City

Rev. Ormond W. Wright was sent to Dodge City with his family in 1886 to become pastor of the "wickedest town in the west". Several members of Rev. Wright's congregation were Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp, both later becoming deacons of his church.

From the biographical sketch of Rev. Ormond W. Wright, "A Special Servant of the Lord" his entrance into Dodge is described as the following:

"Then one day a small dignified man in a top hat and tail coat climbed from a train and, taking his valise, made his way to the hotel on Front Street. Here without any hesitation he signed the register as Reverend Ormond W. Wright. He had come to plant the Cross of Christ firmly in this citadel of Satan - to build a church!"

Ormond W. Wright

husband of Maria Minnie Starr

Minnie was my husband's 2nd cousin 3x removed

b. Sep 24, 1850

Sullivan, New Hampshire

d. Nov 23, 1937

Ocean, New Jersey

courtesy Kansas Memory*

Several years ago my husband and I took a three week trip out west. On the agenda was a visit to Dodge City and Boot Hill. This was before we knew of his ancestors connection to the town. Someday I hope we will return to research Rev. Ormond W. Wright and family.

Statue of Wyatt Earp, downtown Dodge

Plaque under statue of Wyatt Earp

*The above photographs of Rev. Ormond W. Wright are from the Kansas Memory website. Permission was given to use for blog post.

One of the Happiest Mortals

David L. Potter and Emma Myers

daughter-in-law's 4th great-uncle & his wife

(permission given to use photograph by Ancestry cousin)

While researching my daughter-in-law's Potter family line, discovered this wonderful photograph. Here we have David L. Potter and his bride Emma Myers. David was born March 30, 1852 in Bedford, Pennsylvania and died October 22, 1928 in Blair, Pennsylvania.

• The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.), 24 Sept. 1880. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83032041/1880-09-24/ed-1/seq-3/>

How fun to research a newspaperman in the newspapers! Above we find a mention of David's marriage to Emma. The first thing we notice is the play on David's last name with "pottered through a whole week ...". Wonder how David felt when reading this bit of cleverness? 

Even with such a small article, we learn important facts. David was a young business manager for the Altoona Tribune. Also, verifies the date of marriage. And most importantly, he is "no doubt one of the happiest mortals this side of kingdom come."