Tuesday's Tip - School's Starting - Plan for Education

No, it may not be starting today where you are.  But in some parts of the country teachers are already back in the classrooms.  And students are starting this week or next or started last week or even two weeks ago.

I'm a grandmother, so why does this matter to me?  I think of the NEW year as the beginning of school, not in January.  I start planning activities for the coming year in August and September, and sometimes in July. 

So what are you thinking of doing in the next year to help you improve your researching techniques?  Dates have been set for many national and regional conferences, institutes and seminars.  I have a 2014 calendar that I printed off the internet that I have marked up.  No, I'm not going to be able to attend everything I list on this calendar, but at least I have the dates in one place.  Check web sites for activities you may be interested in or that are near you.  AND... Don't forget your local genealogical and/or historical society meetings.  Put them on your calendar also. 

SO..... What's on my calendar right now?
Jan 13-17 - SLIG - Salt Lake City, UT
Jan 17-18 - Mesa Family History Expo, Mesa, AZ
Jan 25 - Pinal County Genealogy Workshop, Casa Grande, AZ
Feb 6-8 - RootsTech - Salt Lake City
Mar ?? - FHSA Seminar, Phoenix, AZ (Day not set but it's always in March)
Mar 24-26 - Forensic Genealogy Institute, Dallas, TX
Mar 27-29 - Advanced Forensic Evidence Analysis, Dallas, TX
May 7-10 - NGS, Richmond, VA
Jun ?? - SCGS Jamboree, Burbank, CA
Jun 8-13 - IGHR, Samford University, AL
Jul ?? - GRIP, Pittsburgh, PA - At least I hope it will be offered again
Aug 27-30 - FGS, San Antonio, TX

I know I've missed many.  But make your own list and circle the dates on a 2014 calendar.  This way you can plan for your continuing education in the 2013-2014 "school year."

Sunday's Obituary - Glenn C Blackmore (1917-2013)

Glenn Blackmore passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of June 20, 2013.  Glenn happily celebrated his 96^th birthday in February, numerous times, with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Glenn Chester Blackmore was born in Arlington, Riverside County on February 28, 1917 to Clifford Franklin and Bertha Jane Bryan Blackmore.  Except for three years when he lived in Arizona, Glenn spent the rest of his life in Southern California.  He is survived by three sons, Ronald (Lois) of Riverside, CA; Raymond of Sierra Vista, AZ; and Walter (Karen) of Tempe, AZ; a brother Eugene (Ruth); and numerous (over 50) grandchildren, great-grandchildren (Who knows how many?) and even some great-great grandchildren.  Glenn was preceded in death by two wives, Donna June Larson Blackmore (1917-1987) and Margaret Beth Kinsell Winterbottom Blackmore (1921-2012);  a brother Carl Russell (1915-1998) and a sister Estella Marie Blackmore Gee (1919-2007).

 

Glenn spent his working career as a tool and die maker in the plastics industry.  He was quite upset that he was not allowed to serve in WWII.  When he tried to enlist, the US government sent him right back to work at Cannon Electric to make tooling and molds for aircraft canopies and other parts.  In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, if you bought a plastic pipe fitting, chances were very good that Glenn Blackmore made or designed the mold to manufacture those fittings.

 

In his “early” retirement years, Glenn was deeply involved in the Silver Lakes community where he served as a volunteer with the environmental control committee and was also known as Captain Blackmore as he fished in the lakes, often with grandchildren.  He was a great dance partner, whether it was square dancing, ballroom dancing, line dancing, or any other form of dancing. 

 

Glenn spent some time each week keeping in touch with family members, sending birthday and anniversary cards, writing letters, as well as communicating by email.  Glenn was a member of the Victorville United Methodist Church.  He often attended Friday SWIM meetings and luncheons as well as the monthly Voyager luncheons at Church of the Valley.  Glenn was known to many close friends and family as the original “Cookie Monster,” a title he proudly acknowledged.

 

His love and caring for family and friends will be greatly missed. 

 

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at 11 am at the Victorville United Methodist Church, Victorville, California.

 

Shopping Saturday - NOT genealogy

This post is not about ancestor genealogy but about current family history.  And comparing.

Yesterday, my wonderfully-patient husband took four grandchildren, ages 15, 9, 8, and 6 (last one a girl), our son and daughter-in-law POWER SHOPPING.  In two hours we found jeans/pants, shirts, socks, underwear, shoes and backpacks for all four.  Then lunch at Ritchie's Diner (a Riverside, California small restaurant group) and then on for school supplies.  School starts Monday in this rural town in Southern California. 

Now, can you imagine trying to get clothes for four children 100 years ago or even 40 years ago?  In my family, (in the 1950s-1960s) each girl had one "store-bought" dress each year and new underwear and socks.  Shoes were dependent upon whether we needed them at that moment or not.  My brothers had store-bought "slacks", underwear and socks.  (Boys didn't wear jeans or t-shirts to school then.) Everything else was sewn at home.  Since I was the eldest, my mother and I sewed a lot during the summer (when we weren't canning from the fruit trees in our back yard.)  We didn't live in a rural area, but we just had a large back yard with 35-40 different fruit trees. 

Back to the original topic.  Last night, before I fell asleep, I just started thinking that while the trip was somewhat "stressful" if that's the right word, getting clothes for the kids was done quickly, and fairly easily.  It took two hours, not all summer.  Is one better?  Who knows?  But I have good memories of both.

Sorting Saturday - File Cabinets with Bookcases

Perhaps you’ve done this also, but I found a way to make better use of my wall space.  I bought some new 2-drawer file cabinets (25 inches deep).  They are about 30 inches tall.  I put three of them together:  45 inches wide now.  On top of them I added a 48 inch tall bookshelf. 

 

 

Now I have 6 file drawers with over 12 feet of shelf space on top.  Between the second and third file cabinets is a folding step stool for the times I need to reach the top shelves. 

 

At the far end is a floor to ceiling bookcase with some drawers built in the bottom for miscellaneous sewing supplies.  Since the photo, I've added a couple of woven baskets on the shelves for items that need to be "contained." 

 

Right now, one of the drawers is EMPTY.  Can you believe it? 

 

Hopefully this idea will help you with your organizing. 

GRIP 2013 - Looking back

I'm back in HOT Arizona.  That's OK.  And I'm unpacked.  That's GOOD.  I woke up on EDT (not PDT or MST).  That's NOT GOOD.

So I was writing research questions when I woke.  I was trying not to make assumptions.  All of you in the GPS class understand what I'm saying.  So, I was writing a question, "When did C Y Trice marry Luna Estelle Drake?"  But is there an assumption here?  That they did marry?  I know they had children.  I know that CY seemed to have a good relationship with Luna's father.  So, I assumed (there's that word again) that they did marry.  And then I asked myself the question, "Does it matter?"  (Tom Jones's voice said that.)  I think it does matter, especially if I start to fill out lineage society applications.  Well, all of that will be looked at in the future; definitely not before about the 20th of August.

Now looking back at GRIP 2013.

The weather was a nice change for me even if it was too wet some evenings to walk.  I definitely LOVED the mornings, and drinking hot coffee not iced.

Except for minor computer problems and the fact that I couldn't keep the sheet tucked in, I was quite comfortable in my room.  Even if I have to leave out a shirt or two, I'm going to bring a fitted sheet next year.  So you may see me in the same shirt numerous times.  Yes, I know.  I could bring an extra suitcase, but I prefer to travel light.  This year I had my computer case, a small purse, and a suitcase that was checked. 

I loved the salad bar in the cafeteria.  Also I found the cooked vegetables good.  Of course the best part of meals was visiting with other researchers.  For some reason, though, I never seemed to sit with anyone who was in Paula's class.  And I certainly enjoyed her class last year. 

I still can't decide which class to take next year.  Fortunately registration is not until February.  For those of you who want more information, visit the GRIP web site at http://www.gripitt.org/.  All of the information will be posted soon. 

I want to especially thank Elissa and Debbie for all of their efforts.  Of course I want to say thank you to the instructors and the evening lecturers who were great.  And then a thank you to all of you who attended, whether I was in class with you or not; whether I sat at a table with you during meals or not.  Without all of you, GRIP wouldn't have been any fun.  And it may not have even existed. 

So Thank You!!!!.

GRIP 2013 - Thursday night

Tonight's the last night.  And only a half day tomorrow. 

I "checked in" for my flight; checked my shuttle reservations.  I need to think about packing, but that shouldn't take too long.  I didn't buy too much this trip, so I don't have to figure out how to get everything home without paying for excess weight.  That's good.

Let's start with the end of the day.  After class ended Kristen and I sat in the class room and just talked for over an hour.  Then we went to dinner and talked with Sara and Tina with Connie joining in for awhile.  I left a little after 6 to make sure I didn't miss any books I couldn't live without.  And I skipped the chocolate cookies that I couldn't resist last night.  Kristen, Sara and Tina sat and talked until they had to leave the cafeteria. 

We all heard Michael Hait talk about probate records. Thank you Michael for filling in.  Inventories are really the best way to really get to know a family who lived in the past.  What did they think was important enough to spend money on, or to make or to keep?  I really like the inventory book and the interesting items listed in it.  Unfortunately, I've just looked through it since I haven't found any inventories during the past year.  But this next year is going to be different.  Right?!!!

We finished citations this morning and moved on to assessing information.  The exercises were good but I would have liked to have another one or two because I realized that I wasn't getting all of the clues from the info presented.  After lunch we moved on to gathering the evidence and resolving the conflicts, if there are any.  With only two sessions tomorrow morning, I know we'll be busy.  And some of the good-byes are going to be difficult.  But I hope to see you in Pittsburgh about one year from now.

GRIP 2013 - Wednesday night

In class today we moved on to citations.  We'll be finishing them tomorrow.  This was after the topic of "reasonably exhaustive research."  I'm sure you can imagine the discussion on that topic.  After all, how do you know when enough is enough?  And, no, it's not some magic number. 

There are four couples attending GRIP this year.  They even were recognized in our daily newsletter.  It would be great to have my husband here, but he has his hobbies (and I definitely support them) because he encourages and supports mine (basically genealogy, quilting and reading.)  And while I'd love to have him here, I don't know that I would have really had a chance to get to know Pam, and Kristen, and Hugh, and all of the other wonderful students here at GRIP. 

Because there was no talk speaker scheduled for tonight, a few groups went to the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh to research.  Others are wandering around this beautiful campus.  The weather is beautiful tonight with blue skies and some clouds.  And not too hot or humid.  It's really nice.  Then some of the other students were talking about working on their class projects.  So lots still going on.

I started thinking about GRIP 2014 already.  I haven't found anything yet that I needed that I didn't bring this year.  But next year, I think I'm going to see if I can fit in a fitted twin sheet.  Those flat sheets just don't stay tucked in all night.  Everything else is working fine in my room.  I originally had a problem with the blinds, but those were efficiently fixed.  So, now to decide which class to take next year and then get on the computer and hope that not everyone else wants the same class I decide to take.

One more full day of classes.  The topic for tomorrow night's talk is Divorce records.  Then a half day on Friday, and time for the shuttle to the airport. 

I'll check in tomorrow night.  Have a great day tomorrow.

GRIP 2013 - Tuesday night

Today was a long day, even though it's not THAT late right now. 

I worked hard to understand the differences between types of sources, types of information and types of evidence.  And just as I thought I understood one part I was confused again.  But it wasn't just me.  So I felt a little better about that. 

Tonight, after dinner, Angela Packer McGhie gave two presentations: a short one on preparing for a research trip in Washington, D.C.  What great suggestions she gave; and a wonderful handout.  Her second one was just as good but this was on researching in newspapers.  Again we received a great handout including a checklist that I'm sure we're all going to find invaluable.  Find Angela's blog at this address:

The last part of the meeting was a group watch of Who Do You Think You Are?  Kelly Clarkson was the subject.  Josh Taylor, one of the GRIP instructors, was on the show as was his voice.  What fun to watch with a 100+ "fans".

Something we don't think about when planning on attending institutes is the opportunity to be with others who love to hear about our family stories.  And we get to talk about them, and listen to them, at breakfast, lunch, dinner, breaks, and after dinner.  What fun.  No wonder many of us have our minds racing and have trouble getting to sleep.

Hope to see you all soon.

GRIP 2013 - Monday night

A day of classes followed by an evening talk.  I'm tired.  But I have a few things I want to talk about before all of those pre-bed activities.

I'm in Tom Jones's class on Determining Kinship Reliably with the Genealogical Proof Standard. I'm sitting between Kristen and Eric.  We are in the last row, because we arrived ONLY 15 minutes early.  Oh. well.  The only problem is that many of the students forget that others are sitting behind them and they don't speak up, so it's hard to hear them.  The class is not lecture; it's a college seminar, where everyone is encouraged to contribute.  So it's important for everyone to speak up.

We're using Tom Jones's new book as a guide (although you didn't have to buy the book to take the class.)  We started today discussing what is the GPS and its components.  Then we worked on writing research questions that were not too broad or too specific and also did not make any assumptions.  A few of us heard Dr. Jones ask a few times "Does it matter?" when we came up with a research question that was, perhaps, not as direct as it could have been.  So I think that may be our class motto.

Later we reviewed two articles and identified the type of sources that were used.  For some reason I never thought about the fact that deed books are derivative sources.  We also began discussing the types of information.  These topics are in the book Mastering Genealogical Proof, which is available through NGS.

This evening I heard Michael Hait, CG, speak on "What is a 'Reasonably Exhaustive Search?'"  It was very good.  Michael has a great sense of humor and his case study was excellent.  I really liked one of his explanations for WHY we need to become good researchers.  It's because we don't want any "former ancestors."  As he explained it, those are the people who we thought were in our tree and then we found out, perhaps after hours of research, that they aren't a part. 

Another idea that I may need to post above my computer at home is this: "Don't tailor research to what's available; tailor research to what you want to know."  Too often I forget to look at library catalogs, archives' websites, and other possible locations for sources.  This is a good reminder for me.

Hope you all had a good day.  It's that time for me.  My goal is to write tomorrow.  We'll see.  It's going to be a busy night, what with a talk and then the new WDYTYR on after that.

GRIP 2013 - The 2014 Classes

Last night I promised that I'd post the 2014 GRIP classes as soon as I had accurate info.  Well, here it is.  And.  OH.  How difficult it's going to be to make a choice.

Intermediate Genealogy:  Tools for Digging Deeper - Paula Stuart-Warren. CG, FMGS, FUGA 

Determining Kinship with the Genealogical Proof Standard - Thomas W Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS.

Becoming an Online Expert:  Mastering Search Engines and Digital Archives - D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

Finding and Documenting African-American Families - J. Mark Lowe, CG, and Dr. Deborah Abbott

Practical Genetic Genealogy - Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL;  CeCe Moore, and Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., JD

Law School for Genealogists - Judy G Russell, JD, CG, CGL and Richard G "Rick" Sayre, CG, CGL

I didn't write detailed course descriptions.  This info will be in the GRIP website in the near future.  But aren't these wonderful?  So, which one will you be taking?

Oh, yes.  The dates are July 20-25, 2014 and REGISTRATION opens on 12 February 2014.

See you in Pittsburgh a year from now.

GRIP 2013 - Sunday Intros and Dinner

Dinner with friends.  Lots of friends.  Yes, we're at LaRoche College in Pittsburgh for the GRIP Sunday night dinner and orientation.  It was great seeing some friends from last year.  I'm really looking forward to talking with some others since I saw them across the room.  And I believe that Elissa said that  about one-third of this year's attendees were also here last year.  

 

I met Tina Lyons before dinner and we sat together.  She's the amazing lady who has been working hours and hours working on the FGS conference that begins just one month from today.  She has been the primary blogger on the FGS conference blog.  I'm so glad she can take a week off from her busy schedule to come to this. 

Susan and Stephen also ate with us.  They were both here last year and they are from West Virginia.  Sarah also came by.  She's my across-the-hall dorm friend from Texas.  She not only stops for cemeteries, she stops for old bridges (as part of her job.)  Can you believe?

Becky and Shelley filled out our table tonight. I didn't talk as much with them as they were at the other end.  But there will be lots of time, and many more meals.

Here are our "fearless leaders": the two ladies who had the idea of GRIP and who take very good care of us for the week we are here. Debbie Deal is on the left and Elissa Powell is on the right.  Thank you very much, ladies. 

 

LaRoche College was generous with door prizes again.  I  really wanted the mascot for my dorm room.

But the biggest news for the night was the announcement of next year's classes.  Unfortunately I was unable to get all of the correct information; so I'll wait to post until I have it.  But you will be pleased to know that of the six classes, two are similar to this year's and last year.  I believe two instructors who are here this year are working on new courses for 2014 and two courses are completely new with new instructors.  Decisions!  Decisions!!

It really rained during dinner and while Debbie and Elissa were talking.  But Elissa assured us that the weather was going to be nice for us.  And, guess what?  It stopped raining before we left the dining hall to walk back to the dorm.  I hope all of her predictions are "right on" like this one was.

I'm still having a little trouble connecting to the internet; at least through google.  But I found a way to get to blogger anyway, so that's why you can see this post.  I hope I can continue to do it this way, since it works. 

I'm going to look over the notebook with tomorrow's class information and do a little catching up on some other stuff.  But I expect to be here tomorrow night, although I'll be later.  There's going to be a great talk by Michael Hait:  What is a "reasonably exhaustive search?"  See you tomorrow.

GRIP 2013 - Saturday Travel Day

I'm in Pittsburgh.  I flew from Phoenix this morning on a FULL flight.  But we landed about 5 minutes early even though the last 90 minutes we had the seat belt on because of turbulence.  But it wasn't too bad.

I'm at the Econo Lodge in Wexford.  The room is clean; the beds seem comfortable; the staff are friendly and helpful.  With free internet, I'm writing this blog.  There is a nice little table and two chairs next to it so that even two of us could use computers at the same time.  That's great. 

I had dinner at the King's Restaurant next door.  Because of traveling all day (leaving at 9 am and getting in at 4:35 due to time differences), I wasn't really hungry for dinner, but I knew I had to eat.  And so I had 4 glasses of iced tea along with a light dinner.  I'd come back to these two places again. 

I am hoping that I will see someone tomorrow morning or early afternoon and get a ride to LaRoche College.  Otherwise, I'll call a taxi and meet all of you there.

Hope everyone else had a good day traveling today or they have a good day traveling tomorrow.  I'm really looking forward to the week, although I'm not sure how comfortable I'll be with the humidity.

See you all tomorrow.

Shopping Saturday - J C Penney

Shopping isn't what it used to be.  While I don't shop much anymore, I've almost always relied on J C Penney's for some basic items.  In the past few years, as many of us know, the store changed.  And it's changing again, trying to "win back" some of us who didn't fit into their new customer profile. 

With these changes, I started thinking about the J C Penney when I was little.  What do you remember?

I remember loving to go shopping at J C Penney in Arcadia, California, with my mother and/or grandmother.  No, the shopping wasn’t the best part.  The greatest fun was watching the tubes run on the cables in the ceiling. 

The cashier was upstairs in the back corner.  At the service desks, the sales clerk wrote up a receipt, took the money from the customer, and put both in the tube.  Then, up and away!!  To the cashier.  A few minutes later the change came back down, the merchandise was then bagged and we were off. 

I don’t know when this method was phased out.  However, imagine my surprise to find cables and tubes in a store.  While my husband and I were in Canada.  (We lived there from 1999 to 2001) we went to Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue for breakfast one summer Saturday morning.  After eating we decided to “window” shop.  I believe the store’s name was G D’Aoust.  We went into this department store and there were the cables again.  And, they were still being used.

We walked up the wide, well-worn wood steps to the half balcony, to view the merchandise as well as the little “office” used by the cashier.  What fun and what great memories!!

Tuesday's Tip - Original sources can be WRONG!

We just received the official copies of my father-in-law's death certificate.  AND, his father's name is WRONG!!!!  Being the family record keeper, I provided the information.  BUT, I have a copy of what I gave the mortuary (and the form is filled out correctly) and someone there, or in the county recorder's office, put the middle name as the last name.  So it says that Glenn Chester Blackmore's father's name is Clifford Franklin instead of Clifford Franklin Blackmore.  Now what????!!!

Now a minor problem is that we reported that Glenn had been in California for 93 years, but only in the county for 27.  The death certificate says he's been in the county for 93 years. 

Just another problem for us to solve, but a remember to all of us researchers to question even original, official documents. 

Those Places Thursday - TRICE and Little River County, Arkansas

The following is from page 54 of a book (9" x 12") which seems to be about counties in Arkansas.  Page 53 is Lincoln County.  I only have this one page.  Because C.Y. Trice died in Ashdown, Little River County, Arkansas in 1915 and I believe he moved to Ashdown about 1912, the book must have been published around that time. 

I am looking for more information about the book.  Also, if you have an interest in either Lincoln County or Little River County about this time I would be happy to send you the complete transcription.

LITTLE RIVER COUNTY

            "The writer thought he was familiar with Little River, having made numerous trips there.  However, in gathering figures for this book he made another trip there, and while in Ashdown, the county seat, had the pleasure of meeting one Col. C. Y. Trice, a “land advocate,” as he describes himself.  Colonel Trice knows as much of Little River County as possibly any one man in Arkansas, because he has made a profound study of conditions there.  He is a likable distinguished gentleman, the soul of honor, and came to Arkansas from Clarksville, Texas, although originally from Lamar, Mo.  When he left Clarksville the citizens of that city, over 100 of them, officials, lawyers, merchants, physicians and business men generally, signed an expression of appreciation of his efforts to build that section up.  He is a booster of the first magnitude, and the following is a statement of conditions as he sees them in Little River County, prepared for this publication.  It is with pleasure the Director of Publicity submits it to the world, and suggests that, if you are interested further you write him direct:

            “Little River County is located in the extreme southwest corner of the State of Arkansas, the first county south of the foothills of the Boston Mountains; wedged in, you might say, between the two beautiful streams, Little River and Red River.  Little River on the north and east, is a small stream coming down out of the mountains of Eastern Oklahoma, being fed on the way by numerous small streams and springs.  Red River, on the south and west, is the boundary line between this county and the States of Texas, and Little River County, being between these two streams, is composed mostly of rich, fertile valley lands.

            “Ashdown, the county seat and largest town in the county, is located in the central portion of the county.  Public roads from all parts of the county lead to Ashdown.  It is a town of about 3,000 people, and has three trunk-line railroads (the Kansas City Southern, the Frisco and the Memphis, Dallas & Gulf), which afford very fine shipping facilities to the North, East, South and West.  It also has a stave mill, cotton oil mill, flour mill, two wholesale grocery houses, two banks, two good hardware, furniture and implement stores, several good dry goods and grocery stores, a $40,000 courthouse, a $20,000 school building, four nice churches, a $40,000 brick hotel and numerous other buildings.  Ashdown is a comparatively new place but is growing very fast, there being at least six modern dwelling houses together with a brick store building going up each month.

            “While we have the above enterprises, we have the resources for more, and want them.  Ashdown and Little River County afford resources for a large saw and planing [sic] mill, box factory, furniture factory, spoke and handle factory, brick factory, ice plant, truck gardeners and dairymen."

GRIP - Two Weeks to Prepare

In two weeks I'll be in Pittsburgh, at LaRoche College for GRIP (Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh).  Since I'm a list-maker, my lists are started. 

Don't forget: 
THE BOOK!!...Mastering Genealogical Proof by Dr. Thomas W Jones
ethernet cable - for the room
hair dryer - this isn't a hotel
body wash and hand soap - again this isn't a hotel
drinking glass
umbrella and/or rain jacket - the Pittsburgh weather is a little different from Phoenix weather
dressing in layers - who knows whether the classrooms will be hot or cold
business cards
computer power cord and extension cord

So, what am I forgetting?
Oh, yes.  A list of books I already have so I can shop at Maia's books
the normal clothes, toiletries, etc.
cell phone charger

Now I need to get back to reading the two articles in THE BOOK

I'm looking forward to the week: from the classroom, to the cafeteria, to the evening programs and especially to the people I'll meet, or meet again. 

Sympathy Saturday - Write Your Own Obituary

Why should you write your own obituary?  Well, what do you want to remembered for?  What have you done in your life that you are especially pleased about?  And, and, and....

I just wrote an obituary for my father-in-law.  No, it isn't a sad occasion.  He had a great life; was 96 years old; and died peacefully in his sleep AT HOME.  But....the most difficult part of the arrangements was writing the obituary; not an emotional problem, but one of figuring out what to include. 

Now, being a researcher, I've read lots of obituaries.  But it's different when you start to write one.  I had others "proof read" my drafts, but I still forgot things.

First, I forgot to list the spouses of the children.  Then, I forgot to list surviving siblings.  AND, I forgot to list siblings that predeceased him.  I forgot to include his two wives to predeceased him.  I forgot to list to mortuary (but they helped with that.)

My husband added two great pieces of informatio about Dad's working career.  Dad's caregivers reminded me that he considered himself the original "Cookie Monster," a comment that has made many laugh who read the obituary and remember Dad.  I also needed help with his current and past activities (which I got from his caregivers) since we live almost 400 miles from him and weren't a part of his daily life. 

So, please consider what you would like to have written about you.  If you don't want to actually write one, at least starting a list of things you would like to have mentioned.  Or make a template and add topics as you think of them.  All of these ideas would definitely help anyone who is trying to write a complete obituary and celebrate your life.

Surname Saturday - Olga Engdahl (1894 Sweden - 1954 CA)

Olga Engdahl, possibly with a middle name of Wilhelmina, was my grandmother, who I never met.  She immigrated in 1907 with her sister Hilma.  I believe they were intending to visit an aunt in Montana.  I never found Olga in the 1910 census or her aunt's family in Montana. 

She married Thurman Allen Poe (or Allen Thurman Poe) about 1919 in Sparks, Nevada, and lived there for many eyars.  I found Olga in the 1920, 1930 and 1940 census records in Sparks.  I also found an obituary in 1954 when she died.

If you have information about Olga, her family, or the Poe family, I would be interested in communicating with you.  I am particularly interested in copies of any documents or photos that you may have, since I don't believe I ever met her.

Therefore if you are interested in collaborating with me on this family, please contact me.

Thank you.

Happy Anniversary To Me!!

I am celebrating my blogging anniversary.  Well, it's the 20th or 21st;  the Summer Solistice.  I figured I needed the longest day of the year to get started.

While I don't have a huge number of readers, I appreciate each of you.  I also want to thank Amy and Thomas, especially, for their encouragement in the first few days/months. 

Just for your info, family stuff has been interfering with genealogy.  I'm sure you can all identify with that.  So, for the past month I've been planning on how, starting today, genealogy writing (especially blog writing) would move up in my to-do list..  Unfortunately, I just found out that MORE family stuff is going to take extra time and effort, including being away from home, for some time.  (No, it's not my health or my any of my family member's health, so that's not the problem.)  I don't know how long yet.  I'm grateful that I was able to attend both NGS and Jamboree this year.  I'm still hoping to make GRIP.  We'll see.

Wedding Wednesday - Clifford and Bertha Bryan Blackmore c 1914

Clifford Franklin Blackmore and Bertha Jane Bryan married in November 1914 in Winchester, California. 

 

 

If you know this couple and would like to collaborate, please contact me.  I may have more photos of this family.

Surname Saturday - Allen Thurman Poe (1888 TX-1979 NV)

Allen Thurman Poe or Thurman Allen Poe is a grandfather I don't believe I ever met.  I am looking for information about him, and of course, his ancestors.  I am also interested in his wife Olga Engdahl.

I have followed Poe from through the census records from 1910 (in Oklahoma) through 1940 in Nevada.  He had a variety of occupations.  I believe he married in Sparks, Nevada in 1919. 

I would really appreciate any information you could provide.  Of course, I'd really like photos or any other documentation.  I am willing to share what little I do have.

If you are interested in collaborating on this family research, please contact me.

Thomas G Blackmore c 1897 Colorado

While visiting my father-in-law's brother, he showed me this photo of Thomas Greenslade Blackmore, in his store in Colorado, about 1897.  I took this photo because I didn't have a scanner available.  I believe this is in Rifle, Colorado.

 

 

In the future, perhaps some months in the future, I may receive the original as well as others.  Therefore, if you are researching the Blackmore family in Colorado and would like to collaborate, please contact me.

Memorial Day - Please Remember the Combat Medics

 

Memorial Day is a time to remember.  This group of people is special to my heart.  Please remember all of those who served.

 

 

NGS Packing Ideas

I'm starting to pack for NGS in Las Vegas.  And I just read Julie Miller's blog on the NGS Conference blog about drinking water.  Drink Lots of Water.  I live in the desert so I know that water is important.  If you lips are dry or chapped, or if you are getting headaches, I suggest you start drinking more water.  Her suggestion of a glass an hour is good.  If you aren't waiting in line for the restroom, you probably aren't drinking enough water.

So, what am I packing?  I'm taking eye drops.  And chapstick.  And hand lotion.  And, of course a jacket, or sweater, or shawl, for those air-conditioned rooms. 

After those necessities, I've started getting together all of my power cords, charging devices, and electronic things that I'll need during the week.  Do I need an extension cord for length or in order to plug in more than one charger in the ONLY accessible electrical outlet in my room? 

Now, on to the conference stuff.  My syllabus pages.  My "homework" for Tuesday's class.  Business cards, printed up at home, to make it easier to share my contact info.  Pen/pencil and notepad for taking notes during sessions;  or for making notes about people I meet.  An old conference tote (that I modified) that I may or may not use.  (I like one that has handles long enough to put over my shoulder.)  Then what about a lanyard?  Do you have one with a separate pocket for your room key that you like to use?  While I appreciate the items that the conference sponsors provide, sometimes older is better.  But then, sometimes newer is better.  So, thank you conference sponsors. 

Oh, yes.  Comfortable shoes, because I'm sure I'll be walking a lot, including around the Exhibitor Hall.  And...Clothes.  Well, I can fit some in.  I don't want to be arrested for indecent exposure in Las Vegas.  Las Vegas?  Well.  Hope to see you there. 

Why Genealogy Conferences?

Tina Lyons asked this question of Ambassadors to the FGS conference that will be held in August in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Unfortunately I'm unable to attend FGS this year but I am going to two other conferences.  I'll be at NGS (next week)  and Jamboree (next month).   So, why do I go?  I go

1)  To learn.  I consider myself an intermediate researcher, but I have numerous "brick walls."  And I'm not comfortable with some types of records.  So I go to attend sessions to help me with the "gaps" I feel I have.  And I've been know to attend 3 sessions during 2 conferences on the same or similar topic because I want to get different perspectives.

2)  To find out what's new.  The exhibit/vendor hall is an important part of my conference experience.  Where else can I learn about what's new?  And I can ask questions about what it does, how it works, what I can gain from using it, etc.  Reading blogs is another way I learn about what's new, so I look forward to reading other's blogs to see what they have learned.  Because I definitely don't always know the "right" questions to ask.

3)  To buy books, CDs, DVDs,  postcards and stuff.  I have to set a budget, but this is the place where I can touch and look through books to see if they have info that I want.  (I really have trouble buying books without touching them first.)  The CDs and DVDs are for my continuing education.  Postcards and other stuff help me add interest to my writing.  (And I really don't like to shop.  But this is different!!)

4)  To be around others who have a passion for genealogy.  I've met great people.  But I haven't been very good at getting the meeting into the start of a long-term relationship.  I'm not really a "party" person, and I don't function well staying up late.  Because I attend sessions almost every time period, I'm not networking.  This is something I really want to get better at.

5)  To return home energized.  Oh, I'm often so tired when I get home.  My mind is on overload with all of the new information.  I have these new ideas, new techniques to try, new web sites to look at, etc.  BUT, I also have so many ideas to help me with my research and my writing.  Too bad that life still interferes with genealogy once I return.

So why are you going?  Or why aren't you?  Hope to see you in a session or in the exhibit hall.  Please say Hi.

Tuesday's Tip - Backup, Backup, Backup

I know you’ve heard this before.  You’ve read this before.  Perhaps you have even written about it.  However, are we following our own advice and the advice of our friends?  (I know I haven't been as conscientious as I probably should.)

Many of our friends and neighbors have survived tornados, hurricanes, forest fires and floods.  Every day some of them have fires in their homes.  Some of them have insurance and can rebuild.  That’s the physical building.   But how do you replace the memories, heirlooms, photographs, school papers, certificates, passports, etc, etc, etc.  We never know when the natural or man-made disaster may meet our files. 

There are so many ways to backup now.  We aren’t limited to an external hard drive or making a CD copy of our files and sending it to a friend or taking it to our Safe Deposit box.  So, are we following our own advice? 

So, backup regularly and especially every time before you leave home with your computer. 

Tuesday Tips - Spring Cleaning

Taxes are finished (a day early).  This morning I cleaned out email inboxes (YES, boxes).  Then, I also cleaned out the "sent" files.  AND, then I emptied my Recycle Bin. 

I still have many files, copies of old emails, etc. that need to be tossed.  I know, or at least I've heard, that you should only handle each piece of paper once.  But I just can't seem to do that.  But I found a way that works for me.  I take a stack of papers, about 4 inches, and sort it into piles.  Your piles would probably be different than mine, but mine are quilting, tatting, knitting/crocheting, recipes, exercise/health ideas, and then my genealogy files (2 or 3, depending).  Of course, I also generally throw out at least 1/3 of the pile. 

What do I do with each stack?  Well, I put many of the papers into their own folders, just as they were meant to be.  Other papers (those that may need a little more sorting) I put into pocket file folders.  When I've worked through more papers, then I sort through each of these pocket folders and actually file these where they belong, or make new files if necessary.  This method works for me.  Perhaps it's not the most efficient, but I'm reducing the stacks; cleaning up the drawers; and I'm able to find what I want.  Even having a shorter "pile" of papers, or papers actually in a pocket folder, makes what I'm looking for easier to find.

I'm just presenting this method in case it helps you discover your own.

Good luck to you and your efforts. 

Surname Saturday - Doyle and Johnson

This is the seventh (and last) section of a booklet that I put together for my father-in-law’s 96^th birthday.  His parents were Clifford Franklin and Bertha Bryan Blackmore.  Section seven is about Bertha’s maternal grandparents.  Other postings included the other parents and grandparents of Clifford and Bertha and will include Blincow and Doyle surnames.  I have also included information about the siblings of these direct ancestors. 

John W Doyle and Rebecca E Johnson

            John William Doyle was born on 3 February 1829 in St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio.  He married Rebecca Elizabeth Johnson on 27 October 1850 in Moundsville, West Virginia;  however the area was part of Virginia in 1850 because West Virginia was not a state at that time.  Rebecca was born about 1833 in Virginia (now West Virginia).  She was probably the daughter of Alexander Johnson and Sarah Almeda Root. 

            John and Rebecca had four children.  Wiley and Mary Emma were born in Virginia (now West Virginia), while William Franklin was born in Ohio and James Bruce was born in Illinois.     

            Rebecca died in 1858, probably as a complication of the birth of James Bruce Doyle.  In the 1860 census Rebecca’s mother Sarah was living with John and his children, ages 8, 5, 4 and 2.  The value of John’s property was $200.  John joined the Union forces during the Civil War and was mustered in on 11 September 1862.  He mustered out on 8 June 1865.  John was in Company A of the 110^th Illinois Infantry.  John was a farmer in Illinois until at least 1870.  All four of his children were living with him and at this time the value of John’s property was $1200.  Sometime between 1870 and 1880 he moved to Kansas.  Depending upon the route, the distance between Jefferson County, Illinois, (1870) and Rawlins County, Kansas, (1880) is around 730 miles.  What a journey!!  John had another farm in Kansas. 

Brothers and Sisters of Mary Emma Doyle

            Wiley Augustus Doyle was born on 18 August 1851 in Moundsville, Virginia (now West Virginia). He moved with father and siblings to Illinois before 1870 where he worked on a farm.  On 21 September 1873 he married Melissa Jane Adams in Mount Vernon, Illinois.  In some records she was listed as Melissa and in others she was listed as Jane.  They had two boys, James Ivan, who was born in Illinois about 1878 and Arthur Gilbert, who was born in 1884 in Kansas. 

            In the 1880 census in Kansas, Wiley and Jane were living with Wiley’s father John.  Jane was listed as step-daughter and son James was listed as nephew.                 

            Melissa (or perhaps Malissa) died on 4 March 1895 in Achilles, Kansas. Wiley continued to be a farmer in Kansas until at least 1905.  In 1910 Wiley was a widow living in Delta County, Colorado and he was still a farm operator. In the 1920 census, it showed that he was a retail merchant for a feed and hardware store.

            Wiley died on 6 December 1924 in Delta, Colorado and he was buried in the Delta Cemetery. 

            Mary Emma DOYLE married Oliver Bryan on 30 December 1880 in Achilles, Rawlins County, Kansas.   Mary was born on 16 December 1853 in Wheeling, Virginia.  At the time of her birth this area was in Virginia, but it is now in West Virginia.  More complete information about this family is found in the 5^th section of this series of blog postings.

            William Franklin Doyle was born on 21 February in St. Clairsville, Ohio.  He married Dora Cleo Speckelmire (or Specklemire) on 19 February 1887 in Achilles, Kansas.  Dora was born on 1 November 1871 in Boone County, Iowa.  She was the daughter of John Calvin and Charity Mullen Speckelmire.  (Dora’s  sister Della Ann married Frank’s brother James Bruce Doyle.)  In 1880 Charity Speckelmire and her children (her husband John died in 1880) were living on a farm near the John William Doyle family. 

            William and Dora had three children, two boys, John Wiley and Peter Edward, and one girl Amy.  John may have died during World War I.  Frank was a farmer in Kansas until at least 1900.  In the 1910 census it shows that he is a farm operator for a fruit farm and in 1920 he owned a farm but there were no specific listings. 

            Dora died on 30 August 1927 in Read.  William “Frank” died on 18 August 1928 in Read, Colorado.  Both of them were buried in Delta City Cemetery, in Delta, Colorado.

            James Bruce Doyle was born on 7 January 1858 in Chester, Illinois.  He married Della Ann Speckelmire (or Specklemire) on 3 October 1886 in Achilles, Kansas.  Della was the sister of Dora Cleo who married James’s brother William Franklin Doyle.  In 1880 Charity Speckelmire and her children, including Della and Dora, were living on a farm near the John William Doyle farm in Achilles, Kansas. 

            They had three children; two girls, Susan Ethel and Nora May, and one boy Thomas Julius.  James was a farmer in Kansas and then later in Colorado. 

            James died on 21 November 1911 in Read, Colorado.  He was buried in Cory Cemetery in Colorado.  Della then married William Ira Adams, about 1913.  Della died on 17 September 1929 in Pueblo, Colorado.  She is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, in Pueblo.  More information about William Adams is not available.

 

 

GRIP 2013 - 100 days from now

I just received a notice that said that GRIP 2013 starts in about 100 days.  I'm really excited.  So, what am I doing to get ready?  I'm playing CDs and DVDs that I have that are reminding me of some research techniques and ideas to refresh my brain.  Yes, I've heard or seen the info before, but I sometimes forget small (even large) techniques if I don't use them. 

Don't we all get in a rut and only look at a few web sites, or a few types of sources?  I sometimes need to be reminded that there is more out there.

If you aren't registered for the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburg, check out their web site and consider attending.  The LaRoche campus is beautiful.  But even better is the chance to meet people and REALLY talk to those who are attending. 

I hope to see you there. 

Surname Saturday - Bryan and Parker

This is the sixth section of a booklet that I put together for my father-in-law’s 96^th birthday.  His parents were Clifford Franklin and Bertha Bryan Blackmore.  Section six is about Bertha’s paternal grandparents.  Future postings will include the other parents and grandparents of Clifford and Bertha and will include Blincow and Doyle surnames.  I have also included information about the siblings of these direct ancestors.   

Albert and Ann Parker Bryan

            Albert Bryan, the son of Morrison BRYAN and Rhoda JOHNSON, was born on 29 July 1815 in Greene County, Ohio.  Albert was one of seven children:  four boys and three girls.  One boy, Austin died as an infant. I believe one girl died about 1840, while another girl died about 1852. 

            Albert was granted a land patent #13551 (80 acres) in Jefferson County, Iowa, issued 1 January 1847.  This does not seem to be the land where he lived most of his life, even though the land is in Iowa in Mahaska County.  Albert lived in Poweshiek County and Mahaska County is just south of Poweshiek County. 

            Albert married Ann PARKER on 12 November 1850 in Jefferson County, Iowa.  Ann was born on 20 February 1830 in Illinois.  Albert and Ann had three boys and two girls:  Oliver, William Morrison, Sarah Emily, Alice Edna and Joseph Theodore.

            In 1860 Albert’s occupation was listed as a master carpenter.  The family owned property with a value of $350.  In 1880 Albert’s occupation in the census records was listed as farmer. 

            Albert died on 9 September 1902 in Montezuma, Poweshiek County, Iowa at the age of 87. After Albert died, in the 1910 census Ann is living with Katherine M Brown and Katie R Brown.  Katie was the daughter of Katherine.  Ann was listed as a boarder.  If Katherine and Katie were related to Ann, I have been unable to find the connection.

            Ann died on 24 January 1917 at the age of 87 in Montezuma, Iowa.  Both Albert and Ann were buried in the Masonic and I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Montezuma, Poweshiek County, Iowa.

 

Brothers and Sisters of Oliver Bryan

            Oliver BRYAN was born on 2 October 1851 in Jefferson County, Iowa.  Oliver married Mary Emma DOYLE on 30 December 1880 in Achilles, Rawlins County, Kansas.   More information about this couple is found in the fifth section of this series of blog postings.

            William Morrison Bryan was the second child of Albert and Ann and was born on 21 December 1853 in Montezuma, Poweshiek County, Iowa.  I don’t know when William moved to Kansas but he married Belinda Niobe Alexander on 18 February 1882 in Rawlins County.  Belinda was born in September 1857 in Indiana.  William and Belinda had seven children, 4 boys and 3 girls:  Jay Beady, George William, Albert, Newton Morrison, Grace, Lucy Eva and Opal Esther Bryan.  In 1900 the census indicated that she had 6 children and all of them were still living.  Then in 1910, the census showed that she had 7 children and only 6 were living.  Grace died on 10 December 1901 in Paso Robles, California and was buried in in Paso Robles District Cemetery, plot 1-5. 

            In the 1900 census it stated that William was a teamster.  Then in 1910 and 1920 it stated that he was a drayman.  Then in 1930, he wasn’t working but William and Belinda owned a house with a value of $2500 at 1918 Pine Street in Paso Robles, California.

            William died sometime about the same time that Belinda did.  She died on 11 August 1938 and they were both buried in Paso Robles District Cemetery, plot 119, 3 and 4.

            Sarah Emily Bryan was the third child of Albert and Ann and she was born on 6 April 1856 in Montezuma, Poweshiek County, Iowa.  No documents have been found after the 1860 census that have Sarah listed.  However, in the 1900 census Ann stated that she had 5 children and 5 are living.  Therefore, I would assume that Sarah lived until at least 1900.

            Alice Edna Bryan was the fourth child of Albert and Ann and she was born on 25 September 1859 in Montezuma, Poweshiek County, Iowa.  Alice married Edward Alonzo Stone on 9 September 1884 in Montezuma, Poweshiek County, Iowa.  Edward was the son of Edward Stone and Sarah Hazen and was born on 15 February 1857 in Dearborn County, Indiana. 

            Alice and Edward had one girl Tillie.  

            Edward was a farmer in Ohio and South Dakota.  Then in 1920 he stated his occupation was laborer; draying. 

            Both Alice and Edward died in South Dakota.  Alice died in 1925 and Edward on 5 December 1928.      The headstone is in the Platte City Cemetery in Charles Mix County, South Dakota.

            Joseph Theodore Bryan was the youngest child of Albert and Ann and he was born on 7 September 1865 in Poweshiek County, Iowa.  Joseph married Mary Jane Good about 1889 in Montezuma, Poweshiek County, Iowa.  Mary was born on 8 December 1870 in Iowa.  Joseph and Mary Jane had three children:  Carl A, Thomas Andrew and Edith E Bryan. 

            Joseph was a farmer in 1880-1900.  Then he became a salesman for a general store.  By 1930 he was the proprietor of a variety store and in 1940 Mary worked in the store.

            Mary Jane Good Bryan died about 1944 and she is probably buried in Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma, Iowa. Joseph died on 1 September 1950 in Orange County, California, and I don’t know why he is in California at this time.  However he is buried in Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma, Iowa.

 

 

 

Surname Saturday - Bryan and Doyle

 

This is the fifth section of a booklet that I put together for my father-in-law’s 96^th birthday.  His parents were Clifford Franklin and Bertha Bryan Blackmore.  Section five is about Bertha Bryan’s parents.  Future postings will include the other parents and grandparents of Clifford and Bertha and will include Blincow and Doyle surnames.  I have also included information about the siblings of these direct ancestors.   

Oliver Bryan and Mary Emma Doyle Bryan

          Oliver BRYAN was the oldest child of Albert and Ann.  He was born on 2 October 1851 in Jefferson County, Iowa.  Oliver married Mary Emma DOYLE on 30 December 1880 in Achilles, Rawlins County, Kansas.   Mary was born on 16 December 1853, the daughter of John William DOYLE and Rebecca Elizabeth JOHNSON, in Wheeling, Ohio County, Virginia.  This area of Virginia is now part of West Virginia since this was before 1863 when West Virginia officially became a state.  Ohio County is in northern West Virginia and borders the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

            Oliver was born in Iowa in Jefferson County, which is in southeast Iowa.  He and his family moved to Poweshiek County, which is northwest of Jefferson before 1856 and he lived there until at least 1860.  Sometime before 1880, Oliver moved to Rawlins County, Kansas, even though his family still lived in Iowa. 

            Sometime in the 1870s John William Doyle (Mary Emma’s father) and his children moved from Illinois to Kansas. In 1858 in Iowa Rebecca, his wife, died during childbirth.  Oliver and Mary Emma’s family lived very near each other on farms in the 1880 census.

            Oliver and Mary Emma Doyle Bryan had 6 children:  two sons and four daughters (John Albert, Myrtle, Sylvia, Alma, Bertha Jane, and Oliver Herman).

            Oliver and Mary lived on farms in Kansas and Iowa until the early 1900s.  Except for Sylvia and her husband all of their children moved with them to Colorado where, for a short time about 1910, they lived on a farm.  Then they moved to Southern California. 

            In 1914 as indicated in the clippings Oliver leased land for a poultry farm in Winchester, California, although he gave up the lease in December 1914.  According to the 1920 census Oliver was now working in the oil fields.

            Mary Emma Doyle Bryan died on 7 December 1933 in Pomona, California.  Mary and Oliver were possibly living at 1136 W 4^th Street in Pomona at this time.   She was 80.  In 1940 Oliver was living with his daughter Alma and her husband Charles Billstrom and their children at 320 No Hamilton, Pomona.  Oliver died on 8 July 1944 in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California.

Brothers and Sisters of Bertha Jane Bryan

            John Albert Bryan was born on 6 Jul 1882 in Achilles, Rawlins County, Kansas.  He married Clara Lee Bussey, the daughter of Robert S Bussey and Eva Elizabeth Gordon, on 30 May 1918 in California.  Clara was born on 30 May 1893 in Alabama.  She moved to California with her parents sometime before 1910.

            In 1900, while he was living in Iowa near his parents, John was listed as a farm laborer in the census records.  John registered for the World War I draft in 1918 in California.  He stated that he was short, of medium build and had blue eyes and brown hair.  At the time he registered for the draft, he listed his next of kin as Clara Lee Bryan.  He stated that he was a truck driver for Union Oil Company in Brea, California. 

            The 1920 census showed that John was working in the oil fields.  This record showed that most of the men in this Placentia, California, neighborhood where John and Clara were living were also working in the oil fields in various jobs.  John’s occupation changed in the 1930s and 1940s. Addresses for John and Clara during the 1930s were all in Pomona.   In the census records for both 1930 and 1940, John was listed as owning or working on a poultry farm. 

            It appears that John Albert and Clara had no children. 

            Clara died on 18 September 1944 in San Bernardino County, California. After Clara’s death John married Anna Louise Barnes Rennick on 18 March 1945. Rennick was the name of Anna’s first husband.  Anna was born between 1900 and 1905 and records are in conflict as to whether she was born in Maine or New York.  She died in September 1992 in San Bernardino County, California.  John died in 15 May 1975 in Montclair, San Bernardino County, California. 

            Myrtle Bryan was born on 5 April 1884 in Achilles, Rawlins County, Kansas.  She died a few days later on 10 April 1884 in Achilles, Kansas.

            Sylvia August Bryan was born on 4 April 1884 in Achilles, Rawlins County, Kansas.  Sylvia married Thomas Malone on 28 September 1904 in Tully, Rawlins County, Kansas.  Thomas was the son of John Malone and Mary Ann Delaney and was born on 3 February 1871 in Illinois. 

            Even though her family moved to Colorado about 1910, Sylvia, Thomas, and their adopted daughter Anna stayed in Kansas.  While living in Kansas, Thomas was a farmer.  Then, by 1928, their family was in Pomona at 525 W Monterey Street and Thomas was working for the railroad.  His occupation was listed as watchman or crossing watchman in both the 1930 and 1940 census records.  Beginning about 1928 they lived at 525 West Monterey Street in Pomona, California. 

            Thomas Malone died on 27 April 1954 in Los Angeles County, California.  Sylvia died in Los Angeles County, California on 26 August 1973.

            Alma Viola Bryan was born on 31 May 1888 in Achilles, Rawlins County, Kansas.  Alma married Charles Oscar Billstrom on 15 June 1908 in Read, Delta County, Colorado.  Charles was born on 27 June 1884 in Holdredge, Nebraska, the son of John Peter Billstrom and Mary Christina Berggren. 

            In 1910 the census showed that Charles was working in a coal mine in Colorado.  Charles and Alma had eight children:  seven boys and one girl who was the youngest:  Don Alfred, Charles Oscar, Loren, Ted John, Oliver Pete, Robert Stanley, Herbert Leroy and Christina Marie Billstrom.  The first five boys were all born in Colorado, while the last two boys and Christina were born in California. Their son Loren died before 1920.  Sometime between 1916 and 1918, the family moved to California. 

            Charles filled out the WWI draft registration card while working in Montana as a blacksmith for Clifton Applegate & Toole Co, in Anaconda, Montana.  This card indicated that his wife was living in Fullerton, California.  Charles indicated that he was tall, of medium build and he had blue eyes and brown hair.

            In 1920, Charles and Alma, along with five of their children (Don, Charley, Teddy, Oliver and Robert) were living near Alma’s parents, Oliver and Mary Bryan in Placentia, California.  Charles was working in the oil fields, as were most of the men in the neighborhood.  Also working for an oil company in 1930 were their sons Don Alfred and Charles Oscar. It appears from information in the 1930 and 1940 census records that this family lived in Pomona in both 1930 and 1940.  However the 1940 census records showed that in 1935 they lived in Delta, Colorado.

            Charles died on 16 April 1959 in San Bernardino County, California. Alma died on 23 May 1974 in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, California.

            Bertha Jane Bryan married Clifford Franklin Blackmore on 10 November 1914 in Winchester, California.  She was born in Montezuma, Poweshiek County, Iowa on 26 August 1890 to Oliver Bryan and Mary Emma Oliver.  More information about this couple is found in the first section of this series.

            Oliver Herman Bryan was Oliver and Mary Emma’s youngest son.  He was born on 7 November 1893 in Pleasant, Poweshiek County, Iowa.  He died on 23 June 1910 in Read, Delta County, Colorado.  In the 1910 census Oliver was living with his parents in Colorado and was listed as single. He must have died soon after this census was taken.