Wednesday, February 29, 2012

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 8 - Genealogy Libraries

For week 4 on free offline resources, I blogged about my gratitude for public libraries and touted the wonderful genealogical resources available in the Los Angeles Public Library’s History and Genealogy Department. It is where I do most of my library research.

My favorite genealogy library is at the Southern California Genealogical Society in Burbank. An overview of their collections can be found here. SCGS offers genealogical lectures, classes for beginners, and special interest group meetings, all at the library. One can order films from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and have them delivered to the SCGS library. The opportunities for research are almost boundless.

But the best part of going to the SCGS library is seeing friends who share my passion for genealogical research!


52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy by Amy Coffin is a series of weekly blogging prompts (one for each week of 2012) that invite genealogists and others to discuss resources in the genealogy community including websites, applications, libraries, archives, genealogical societies and more. You do not have to be a blogger to participate. If you do not have a genealogy blog, write down your thoughts on your computer, or simply record them on paper and keep them with your files.


© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Wyatt Scrapbook - A Letter from Fairyland


In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.


Laurine must have been very ill and much in need of cheering up, based on this letter sent to her at St. Joseph Hospital in August 4, 1928. This delightful letter was neatly folded and kept in the scrapbook in its original envelope. It does refer to another event for which Laurine had a news clipping—the engagement of Ora Beverly Goss and Lucian Leonard Davis of St. Louis, Missouri. Lucian Davis had two younger sisters, Edith and Helen, the likely writers of this letter. [Source: 1920 U.S. census, St. Louis (Independent City), Missouri, population schedule, St. Louis Ward 25, Enumeration District (ED) 510, Sheet 5A, dwelling 66, family 91, Albert S. Davis; online images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T625, roll 961.]


  





[the envelope]

E. & H. Davis
7577 Warner Ave.
St. Louis, Mo.


                                                Miss Laurine Wyatt
                                                St. Thomas Hospital
                                                Nashville, Tenn.

Room 416
Special Del.

[the letter]
“Just Anytime — Anywhere
Fairyland_

Dear little sick girl, we are thinking of you, and we hope you are feeling better, and will soon be back to the old job. [Every woman's job]

We know you will soon be up and out. We think about you every day, and would love so much to see you. And to, we hope you will be out before the wonderful summer breezes are gone. So you can stretch your arms and feel so free once again.

Everything is at the heigth of its beauty here now. Mother's flowers are all in bloom. We have red roses, yellow roses, pink roses, and white roses. Beautiful red zenias, colorful Petunias, happy larkspurs, towering Tiger Lilies, swaying Hollyhawks, dancing pansies, and Oh! ever so many more.

And I can't forget our rolly, poly vegetable garden. Saucy parsley, peppery radishes, slender pole beans, sqatty lettuce leaves, oderless onions, snippy, nippy parsnips, and red hot jazz mad peppers. Now, what do you think of that for a vitality giving, bone building, garden?

Now we aren't trying to tempt you, or anything like that, but you know these vitality giving, bone building, morsels are what you need, and we are only trying to help the doctor.

And, too, we want to tempt you with these healthy things so you will soon be strong enough to fill our mail tray
—>

Our little fairies wish you nothing but luck. They say they enjoyed their visit very much. I know you must have liked them too. One little fairy goes with everyeach letter to bring you a good message of cheer. Oh! yes we fairies have a Queen, but she never travels away from our Castle ^of happiness. If she did it would crumble and fall away. And so it is a great privilege to have her picture here. —>

This  picture was made especially for you.  —>

I suppose you know there is going to be a happy celebration at Turkey Time. And we shall be speeding toward your city to attend this magnificant affair. [Ora's and Lucian's wedding of course.]


And we hope to see our little friend when we arrive.

You can't imagine who we are, because fairies do not tell their names. So open this book and in it you will the images of two—Alas! —two Monkey Dunks.

Just feel how woozy we are.

Love, Oooze & Wooze”



© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Tuesday’s Tip – Two Great Chicago Resources

Holy Trinity Russian & Green Orthodox Church
Chicago, Illinois
[public domain image, from Wikimedia Commons]
For those researching in the Chicago area, here are two websites you will want to add to your favorites list:

ChicagoAncestors.org, a project created by those wonderful folks at the Newberry Library, includes city directories, maps, architecture and building history, and much more. Click on the TOOLS tab at the top or BROWSE to see all the great collections they have available! The WHAT’S NEW tab will take you to their blog.

Genealogy Online provides access to historical Cook County vital records. Search for birth, marriage and death records from 1872! Access is restricted to birth records 75 years or older, marriage records 50 years or older, and death records 20 years or older. If you find a record, ordering it is quick and easy! For a relatively small fee, you can order a record and download a copy of it in just minutes.





© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Monday, February 27, 2012

Wyatt Scrapbook - A Christmas Letter


In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.


Only two letters addressed to Laurine were in her scrapbook. The first, transcribed below, was signed by B.M.C., her room-mate. Where did they live? Perhaps the YWCA, which seems to have figured prominently in Laurine’s life. How did they know each other? The stationery is from the Executive Offices of The Castner-Knott Dry Goods Company: did the writer work there? Were they both members of one of the groups the YWCA sponsored for young women? I wonder what Laurine gave her friend as a Christmas gift. Did they remain friends for life? I hope someday to learn the answers to my many questions.



“THE CASTNER-KNOTT DRY GOODS COMPANY
NASHVILLE

EXECUTIVE OFFICES


Dear Laurine:

I wish that I was going to be here on Xmas. morning, and I could know you were happy as I want you to be. But I'll think of you even though I'm away.

The atmosphere of Xmas. seems to be on your table. It all goes to prove as I'm going to say - You're one of the sweetest girl's I've ever known, and after all that's what counts in life. Wasn't it Franklin, who said, Character is what God and the Angels know about us.

If I were a  poet I'd write a poem If I were  a rich girl I'd leave you wealth, But since I'm a poor girl I leave you all I have-

My love, with best wishes for Your Health, Happiness, and a New Year of Joy.

Love,


Your room-mate
B.M.C.

P. S. Many thanks for the Xmas. gift, you couldn't have given me anything else that I'd appreciate more.”





© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Friday, February 24, 2012

Wyatt Scrapbook - The Bible Defended


In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.
  

This is one of the few items in the scrapbook that mentions Laurine Wyatt. In what I believe was a short play presented by the John L. Hill B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young Peoples Union), she was cast in the role of a shop girl. Perhaps because she was a shop girl at Tinsley’s department store? Several of the surnames in the program are familiar from THE FIDELIAN, the class paper of the Fidelis Bible class of the First Baptist Churc

  

“JOHN L. HILL B.Y.P.U

September 14, 1930

6:45 P.M.

THE BIBLE DEFENDED
in a
COURT OF JUSTICE

INTRODUCTION - Leola Schneider

COURT SCENE

DEFENDANT - Holy Bible

Angel - Ila Joyner

Magistrate - Frank H. Leavell

Prosecutor - Leola Schneider

The Spirit of Love - Bobbie Chambers

Witnesses
Education - Mrs. R. B. Brantley
Mother and Child - Mrs. W. O. Gray,
Mary Elizabeth Brantley
Business Man - C. E. Wood
Art - Elizabeth Denmark
Peasant Woman - Lucille Burgess
Science - R. B. Brantley
Shop Girl - Laurine Wyatt
A Passer-By - W. J. Issacs
Music - Mrs. Margaret Smith
An Industrial Worker - Vivian Leffler
Church - Mai Holt
Keeper of the Court - Frank Cummins”




© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wyatt Scrapbook - The Fidelian - December 29, 1931


In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.


I’m not sure why Laurine Wyatt saved this particular issue of THE FIDELIAN, class paper of the Fidelis Bible class of the First Baptist Church of Nashville, dated December 20, 1931. I did not find her name in it; perhaps it was for the list of names and numbers included on the last page.

The newsletter was printed in red ink so it is not easy to read. I have listed the names of individuals mentioned below the image of each page.

[page 1]
  
[page 2]

 [page 3]

Individuals mentioned on the above page:
Miss Alia E. Landers, Mrs. M. F. Mortimer, Mrs. Harry G. Fisher (Jacksonville, Florida), Miss Margaret Lawrence (Lewisburg, Tennessee), Mr. Whittaker, Mr. Muensch, Miss Kathleen Ligon, Mrs. Baker, Miss Madge Dorider, Mrs. Margaret Rich Ackerman, Miss Christine Lamb, Mr. George Nevins, Ovid Collins,  Miss Frank Hollowell, Ethel Jaques Bradley, Mrs. Jack Steele, Jr., Lois Thomason, Mrs. C. Hamlin

[page 4]
  
Individuals mentioned on the above page:
Mrs. Ida Baker, Mrs. Leslie B. Holmes, Mrs. Herbert P. Strack, Mattie Moore, Mrs. Ben A. Tanksley, Mrs. Willis P. Bearden, Mrs. E. H. Brown, Mrs. Elizabeth Denmark, Mrs. Robert Paull, W. Ovid Collins, John L. Hill, Miss Mai Hite, Mrs. W. P. Wooten, Miss Jennie Parham, Miss Jo Lena Bond, Miss Nina Pardue, Miss Anne Farrar, Miss Marie Stevens, Mrs. B. C. Moses, Miss Lena McAskill, Miss Libbie Tegarden, Miss Bessie Kirkland, Mrs. H. O. Kelly, Miss Irene Million, Mrs. Jas. C. Bartlett, Mrs. L. G. Haswell, Miss Sallie Gibbs, Mrs. H. P. McClurken, Miss Addie Tillou, Miss Addie Wise, Miss Golda Moorman, Mrs. Ella Johnson, Miss Eldridge McKay, Mrs. Evans Sprott, Miss Lois Thomason, Miss Bertha Dixon, Miss Lucille Burgess, Miss Mildred Dortch, Miss Della Rogers, Miss Lurla M. Rollins, Miss Nelle Chaffin, Mrs. F. G. Westenberger, Miss Georgia Herndon, Miss Mayver Moore, Miss Ida France, Miss Ruth Bonner, Miss Evelyn Butts, Mrs. H. B. Thurston, Miss Ruby Stover, Mrs. Maude Parkes, Miss Laura Ryan, Mrs. R. H. Bruce, Miss Elizabeth Neblette, Mrs. J. A. Whittaker, Miss Lottie Holman, Miss Ila Joyner, Miss Nina Smartt, Mrs. R. R. Arterburn, Miss Ruby Shemwell, Miss Emma Baldwin, Miss Ola Maddox.



© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Tuesday's Tip - Wisconsin Historical Society


Sand Island Lighthouse  in Bayfield County, Wisconsin. 
By United States Coast Guard [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

If you researching ancestors in Wisconsin, you will want to check out the Wisconsin Historical Society website.

Click on genealogy in the navigation bar to go to some of the amazing resources they have available:
  • Pre-1907 vital records (literally millions of birth, death and marriage records!)
  • More than 150,000 obituaries and biographical sketches published before 1999
  • Memoirs and other material written by early Wisconsin residents
  • Civil War rosters and research images
  • Historic images

Historical materials include diaries (including one written by a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition), a map and atlas collection, county histories and much more!



© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Monday, February 20, 2012

Mystery Monday – “disapointment not married”

While researching another family, I came across this image for a marriage license issued to Pelatiah Safford and Frances Ferris on 20 March 1861 in Union County, Ohio:

Source: "Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950", Union County marriages,
FHL film number 573777, digital folder 4701456, image 162, Safford-Ferris, 1861;
 index and images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 18 Feb 2012). 

How sad! What happened? Who was disappointed? My curiosity led to me to see if I could find out a little more about Pelatiah and Frances.

A Fanni Ferris (age 48, born in New York) along with 6-year old Frances Ferris is enumerated in the household of wagonmaker Rowland Lee in Paris Township, Union County, Ohio.[1] There is no woman named Frances or Fanni Ferris in the 1850 census for Union County.

In 1860, P. Safford (age 59 born in Vermont) was enumerated in the household of H. Danforth in Union County, Ohio; Safford was listed as being a farmer with real estate valued at $2,200. An Adaline Safford (age 44, also born in Vermont) was also in the household. [2]

In 1850, Pelatiah was in Union County, Ohio, enumerated with what appears to be his wife Arinbaha(?) and seven apparent children ranging in age from 0 to 19 years.[3]

A quick check of burials in Union County reveals a memorial for Azubah Austin Safford, wife of Pelatiah, died 11 April 1860, buried in Raymond Cemetery. [4] She died just two months before the 1860 census enumeration! Pelatiah died 15 July 1886 and is buried in the same cemetery.[5]

When Pelatiah applied for the license to marry Frances, he had been a widower for a year. Since they were not enumerated with him, his young children may have been living with other family members or others in the community. Did he hope that Frances would help him raise his children?

It appears that Frances “Fanni” Ferris was a widow with a young daughter to raise. Was she looking for someone to provide support for her so she could raise her child?

Who disappointed who?

Pelatiah certainly was not deterred by this turn of events. He married twice in the following ten years: first to Cynthia A. Finch on 4 March 1862 in Delaware County, Ohio,[6] and then to Martha A. Bartlow on 3 June 1871 in Union County, Ohio.[7]



[1] 1860 U.S. census, Union County, Ohio, population schedule, Paris Township, page 184, dwelling 1412, family 1402, Fanni Ferris; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 February 2012), citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M653, roll 1044.
[2] 1860 U.S. census, Union County, Ohio, population schedule, Taylor Township, pages 123-124, dwelling 931, family 916, H. Danforth; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 February 2012), citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M653, roll 1044.
[3] 1850 U.S. census, Union County, Ohio, population schedule, Taylor Township, pages 80B-81A, dwelling 1083, family 1100, Pelatiah Safford, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 February 2012), citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M432, roll 736.
[4] FindAGrave Memorial #27977242, Azubah Austin Safford, created by judy price on 2 July 2008, Findagrave, (www.findagrave.com : accessed 19 February 2012).
[5] FindAGrave Memorial #39763956, Pelatiah R. Safford, created by Rose Marie on 22 July 2009, Findagrave, (www.findagrave.com : accessed 19 February 2012).
[6] "Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950", Delaware County marriages, FHL film number 391396, digital folder 4016691, image 13, Safford-Finch, 1862; index and images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 19 Feb 2012).
[7] "Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950", Union County marriages, FHL film number 573776, digital folder 4701456, image 595, Safford-Bartlow, 1871; index and images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 19 Feb 2012).


© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Wyatt Scrapbook - Fidelis Class 9th Annual Banquet


In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.


It appears that Laurine Wyatt was a member of the very popular Fidelis Bible class for women at the First Baptist Church in Nashville.

“Fidelis Class Meets

--Staff Photo.
These 376 members of the Fidelis Class of the First Baptist Church met for the ninth annual banquet of the class Monday night at the Hotel Andrew Jackson. When the class was first organized, there were only 12 members.”

Notes: Although the name of the newspaper and date of publication of this clipping are unknown, I estimate its publication circa 1930-32.



© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Friday, February 17, 2012

Wyatt Scrapbook - Go to Church Tomorrow

In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.


Laurine Wyatt carefully trimmed this article by Dr. John L. Hill before pasting it in her scrapbook. It is clearly evident that she felt his words merited preservation. I’ve not transcribed the article, but have included a biographical sketch about Dr. Hill at the end of this post. 



The following biographical sketch is from the finding aid to the John L. Hill Collection at the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives in Nashville (http://www.sbhla.org/downloads/100.pdf : accessed 9 February 2012): 
“John Leonard Hill was born September 15, 1878 at Smither's Bottom, Owen County, Kentucky. He spent his childhood days in Kentucky, completing high school in Williamtown, Grant County, in 1894. He received his A.M. degree from Georgetown College in 1899 and another A.M. degree in 1912 from Columbia University.
 “Hill taught at Kentucky high schools from 1900 to 1909, was professor of history and political science at Georgetown from 1909 to 1922 and professor in religious education at George Peabody College for Teachers from 1923 to 1934. Dr. Hill served as book editor from 1923 to 1950. For the next three years he was director of promotion for Ridgecrest and Glorieta Baptist Assemblies.
 “Hill, a long time member of First Baptist Church in Nashville, was noted for his Sunday School lessons broadcast on WSM radio for more than 25 years. He became teacher of the Fidelis Bible class for women on October 7, 1923 and was still considered teacher of the class at the time of his death.
 “He served as president of the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, president of the board of trustees of Tennessee Baptist Orphanage and Tennessee College for Woman and vice-president of the American Bible Society. He authored numerous articles and books published by the Sunday School Board.
 “He died on November 15, 1964 in Nashville.”


© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Thursday, February 16, 2012

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 7 - Historical Documents


I have hundreds of digital images that document various aspects of my ancestors’ lives—deeds reflecting land purchased and sold, wills specifying their wishes regarding distribution of their possessions, marriage certificates, military service records and applications for pensions. Most of these were scanned from microfilms available through the Family History Library or downloaded from digital content providers such as Ancestry; some were digitized from paper copies made at courthouses or received by mail from governmental agencies. I am grateful for all of these documents as they have helped me to know my ancestors as real people who lived in a real place and time.

But perhaps the document I am most happy to have is an original letter written by my grandfather, Jasper Jackson Spurlock, to his sister, Sarah Elizabeth (Spurlock) Conville, in October 1929. A transcription of the letter and digital images of the letter and its envelope  can be found here.

I acquired this letter from Bettye Lou (Conville) Gleason (daughter of Sarah and my first cousin once removed) in 1999. It was given to me on the occasion of my first visit to newly-found cousins in Louisiana, and I was delighted that Bettye Lou had this letter and gave it to me along with a few other artifacts.

The letter does not reveal any particularly significant family information. But, for me, it represents a link to a grandfather I never knew.


52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy by Amy Coffin is a series of weekly blogging prompts (one for each week of 2012) that invite genealogists and others to discuss resources in the genealogy community including websites, applications, libraries, archives, genealogical societies and more. You do not have to be a blogger to participate. If you do not have a genealogy blog, write down your thoughts on your computer, or simply record them on paper and keep them with your files.


© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Wyatt Scrapbook - To Our Pastor


In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.


In a previous post, I mentioned that I did not think Laurine was a member of the Belmont Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Her scrapbook includes several pieces of ephemera related to the First Baptist Church, located at Seventh and Broadway, Nashville. I believe this is the church to which Laurine belonged.

This first piece is a church bulletin dated Sunday, December 29, 1929. I have transcribed only the opening parenthetical statement and the closing to allow search engines to find the names of individuals.


“(A memorandum of appreciation of Dr. W. F. Powell, our pastor since June 1, 1921, upon his recent decision to remain with us after being urged to return to two of his former pastorates with their congenial fellowship, wide opportunity, less strenuous labor, and larger remuneration.)

The Congregation, by Dr. Hight C. Moore.” 
Notes:
  1. Dr. W. F. Powell was pastor of the First Baptist Church from 1921-1955. A short history of the church can be found on their website.
  2. On the 1930 U.S. census, William F. Powell, age 53, born in North Carolina, Baptist minister, is found living at 2906 Ashland, Nashville, Tennessee. His family included his wife Winnie E. (age 52, born in North Carolina), daughter Margaret C. (age 18, born in Virginia), and daughter Francis P. (age 14, born in Tennessee). [Source: 1930 U.S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, Nashville, Enumeration District (ED) 19-191, Sheet 19-A, dwelling 206, family 249, William F. Powell; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T626, roll 2242.]
  3. Hight C. Moore could not be located on the 1930 census. On the 1920 census, he is enumerated in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, as a denominational secretary, age 48, born in North Carolina. He is enumerated with his wife Laura M. (age 47, born in North Carolina) and son Joseph P. (age 25, also born in North Carolina). [Source: 1920 U.S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, Nashville, Enumeration District (ED) 35, sheet 3b, dwelling 47, family 76, Hight C. Moore; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T625, roll 1734.]



© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Monday, February 13, 2012

Wyatt Scrapbook - Easter at Belmont Methodist Episcopal Church

In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.

From the evidence provided by other items in her scrapbook, I don’t believe that Laurine Wyatt was a member of the Belmont Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Perhaps she knew the pastor of the church or a member of the choir.


“THE BRILLIANT CANTATA, "The Seven Last Words," will feature the Easter service tonight at 7:30 o'clock at the Belmont Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This is the second Easter season that it has been given in Nashville. The chorus choir of the church is shown above. The Rev. B. B. Pennington is pastor of the church.
Banner Staff Photo.”


Notes:
  1. The 1930 U.S. census shows a Beecher Pennington, age 43, a Methodist minister born in Tennessee, enumerated in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. Enumerated with him are his wife Mary (age 41, born in Tennessee), son Charles (age 15, born in Kansas), and daughter Clara Louise (age 11, born in Missouri). [Source: 1930 U.S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, Nashville, Enumeration District (ED) 19-53, Sheet 1-A, dwelling 9, family 12, Beecher Pennington; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T626, roll 2241.]
  2. This photograph likely appeared in the Nashville Banner, but the date of publication is unknown.



© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Friday, February 10, 2012

Friend of Friends Friday – Bill of Sale to Jasper Gibbs, Bienville Parish, Louisiana


This 1857 bill of sale conveys ownership of Harriet, a girl of about seven years, from Samuel Sprawls to Jasper Gibbs and is recorded in the deed books of Bienville Parish, Louisiana. The document discloses that Harriet has a medical condition called “Ozeana.”

MedlinePlus defines ozena as a “disease of the nose in which the bony ridges and mucous membranes of the nose waste away.”[1]

In 1850, Jasper Gibbs was enumerated in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, as a 40-year-old physician, born in South Carolina, with real estate valued at $22,000.[2] The slave schedules for that year list him as the owner of 46 slaves.[3] The Bienville Parish census schedules for 1860 no longer exist.

Samuel Sprawls was not found on the 1850 census for Bienville Parish.

The transcription and images follow. Because of the poor quality of the microfilm images, the document had to be scanned in sections to allow for adjustments for readability.


“Bienville Parish         )
State of Louisiana       )

Received of Jasper Gibbs Four Hundred and fifty Dollars also six dollar Doctors Bill payment in full for a negro girl named Harriett black complexion and about seven years of age. The Title of said girl Harriet I do hereby guarantee unto the said Gibbs his heirs or assigns as also. the ownership of said Girl in mind and body. It is however[?] understood that said girl Harriet has, in her nose, what is called "Ozaena" against which the Vendor Samuel Sprawls does not guarantee the said Gibbs agreeing to take her with the risque and all damage which may be sustained by said "Ozaena." The said Saml. Sprawls hereby binding his heirs and assigns This 24th day of March Eighteen Hundred and fifty seven March 24th 1857.
Martin Canfield              )       (signed) Samuel Sprawls
John G. Noles Recorder )       I accept (signed) J. Gibbs

I certify that the parties Samuel Sprawls & J. Gibbs signed executed and delivered the above bill sale in my presence and in presence of Martin Canfield and in presence of Each other on the day and date therein written. In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office March 24th AD. 1857 (signed) John G. Noles, Recorder

I hereby certify that the above & foregoing is a true record of the original as filed & Recorded March 24th 1857.
                                                John G. Noles Recorder”




Bienville Parish, Louisiana, Conveyance Records, 1848-1900, E: 115-116,
Bill of Sale, Samuel Sprawls to Jasper Gibbs, 24 March 1857; FHL microfilm 266,008.




[1] U.S. National Library of Health and National Insitute of Health, MedlinePlus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001627.htm : accessed 10 February 2012).
[2] 1850 U.S. census, Bienville Parish, Louisiana, population schedule, Western District, page 261-B, dwelling 206, family 206, Jasper Gibbs; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M432, roll 230.
[3] 1850 U.S. census, Bienville Parish, Louisiana, slave schedule, page 699 (penned), line 26, Jasper Gibbs, owner; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication M432.


© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Wyatt Scrapbook - To Pallas Athene

In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.

Why did Laurine paste this newspaper clipping of a poem in her scrapbook? Did she know the author or just like her poetry?


“TO PALLAS ATHENE
Pallas, thou art avenged!
The shattering legions have long since been dust
Who bruised thy city's face with iron heel,
Their glory faded and their borrowed culture stript
Of all its hollow trappings, leaving none
To worship them who once had ruled a world.
Rome vulgar in her riches, gorged with power,
Lies now in sullen sleep, forever dead;
While but this day I saw thee smile again
In pristine beauty as a risen sun.
Goddess of Poets, Whose vivid words
Limned in undying marble sing of thee,
Thyself, alone, can pierce the stifling dust
That chokes the roofless halls of hoary time!
Strange centuries, and races yet unborn
Shall rise to preen themselves and flutter down,
Like feeble moths aspiring to the flame,
Lost in a moment's flare, and swift to pass
Before thy timeless face.
For where men gather, in whatever shrine,
To worship Beauty as a living thing—
There must Athene's temple rise again
            A Symphony in Stone.

—MARGARET NORMAN BRYANT,
2515 West Linden Avenue,
Nashville, Tenn.”
Notes:

  1. Margaret Bryant, the author of the poem, is enumerated in the 1930 U.S. federal census at the address above in Davidson County, Tennessee; the enumerator recorded that she was 34 years old and born in Tennessee. She is enumerated with her husband, Lawrence (age 42, born in Kentucky, an accountant at a tobacco company), and two sons, Norman (age 14) and Lawrence, Jr. (age 10), both born in Tennessee. [Source: 1930 U.S. census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, Nashville, Enumeration District (ED) 19-195, Sheet 15-A, dwelling 224, family 241, household of Lawrence Bryant; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : access 8 February 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T626, roll 2242.]
  2. The newspaper in which published and date of publication are unknown.
  3. The relationship of Laurine Wyatt to Margaret Norman Bryant and her family is unknown.


© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Thursday, February 9, 2012

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 6 - Family Heirlooms

My family doesn’t have much in the way of family heirlooms. There may have been more, but my family moved often and I’m sure that things were lost. I treasure everything I have that belonged to one of my ancestors.

Perhaps the most meaningful item I have is a skirt made by my grandmother Myrtle Arminta (Snider) Yawman for my half-sister Gloria Jane (Spurlock) Chaney in about 1953.  It is a blue and white cotton, three-tiered skirt, entirely hand sewn. My sister wore it as a teenager and her daughters wore it to “50s” parties when they were growing up; she gave it to me in 2005. It is an heirloom that showcases my grandmother’s abilities as a seamstress. Since I don’t remember my grandmother, it is something that helps me feel connected to her.


52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy by Amy Coffin is a series of weekly blogging prompts (one for each week of 2012) that invite genealogists and others to discuss resources in the genealogy community including websites, applications, libraries, archives, genealogical societies and more. You do not have to be a blogger to participate. If you do not have a genealogy blog, write down your thoughts on your computer, or simply record them on paper and keep them with your files.


© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wyatt Scrapbook – Tinsley’s Department Store, Nashville

In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.

In her scrapbook, Laurine Wyatt pasted three items related to Tinsley’s Department Store in Nashville: a newspaper photograph, an advertisement, and the masthead from a piece of the store’s stationery. Did she work there? My guess is she probably did.

One of the names on the stationery is represented in another scrapbook item: J. D. Partlow.

According to the headline of a brief history written by George Zepp found at TheTennesseean.com, “Tinsley’s catered to the city’s fashionable, frugal.”


"Beautiful new first floor of Tinsley's, Seventh Avenue and Church Street, which has been modernized in an attractive manner. This floor is devoted to lingerie, gloves, bags, cosmetics, jewelry, and other accessories.
Banner Staff Photo"


  
“O. D. KIRK, President
F. B. STROUD, Vice-President
J. D. PARTLOW, Sec'y-Treas.
LON GWALTNEY, Asst. Sec'y-Treas.

TINSLEY MILLINERY CO.
INCORPORATED
IMPORTERS, MANUFACTURERS AND WHOLESALERS

ALL FORMS OF MILLINERY GOODS
CHURCH STREET—AT—SEVENTH AVENUE

NASHVILLE, TENN.

TELEPHONE
6-5176”


© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Motivation Monday – January’s Report


I know—it’s Wednesday. But I still need to take stock of how I am progressing on meeting my genealogy goals for 2012. So here is a report for January!

Personal Research and Organization:
  • I have written three posts, using the Surname Saturday blogging prompt, in my effort to assure that I research ALL my family lines and have correct source citations in my genealogy database. Using my ahnentafel (ancestor) chart, I started with ancestor #4, my paternal grandfather, and am working my way through the list.
  • Instead of reducing the number of digital files to be transcribed and organized, I increased the number of scanned pages by 217 in January! But I did have a wonderful time researching at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.
Writing:
  • I have written a post for each of the weekly prompts in Amy Coffin’s 52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy. I posted last week’s yesterday, but have this week’s post scheduled for publication on Thursday.
  • Posting on my blogs was challenging in January because I spent the last part of the month at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. I did write and schedule some posts ahead of time, but now I have to write furiously to get back on track!
  • I was approved as the Lomita Genealogy Examiner with my articles appearing in the Los Angeles edition. I’ve written three articles so far. 
Speaking:
Education:
  • I didn’t finish any lessons for the NGS home study course this month, but stayed on track with ProGen12, submitting my assignment prior to going to SLIG.
  • My BIG event for the month was participation at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy! I attended Paula Stuart-Warren’s track on American Records and learned about some lesser-known research resources that are available. Tracks for SLIG 2013 are already listed on the Utah Genealogical Association website; registration will be open later in the year.
  • I read The Family Tree Problem Solver: Tried-and-True Tactics for Researching Your Elusive Ancestors by Marsha Hoffman Rising but have not written a review yet. It contained lots of useful tips for breaking down brick walls and was timely in that we were doing evidence analysis in ProGen.
Giving Back:
  • Haven’t done much in this area—this month I need to focus on organizing Genealogy World for the SCGS Jamboree coming up in June.

That’s it for January—time to get back to work!




© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 5 - Life Experiences

I am certain that Ransom Spurlock (1807-1896), my earliest known Spurlock ancestor, was dropped off in Georgia by visiting aliens. Seriously, trying to break through the brick wall to discover Ransom’s parents is giving me the opportunity to learn about research in the Southern states, particularly in burned counties. 

Ransom was reportedly born in Washington County, Georgia, where courthouse fires in 1855 and 1864 destroyed many records. I have been unable to locate his 1836 marriage record in Barbour County, Alabama. He moved on to Hinds County, Mississippi, and later to Bienville and Claiborne parishes in Louisiana. Other than census records and a couple of tax lists, I have not been able to find much before he arrived in Louisiana.

I am beginning to piece together information about possible relatives and learning to evaluate the evidence I have so that someday I may be able to come to some conclusion regarding his parentage. 


Thank you, Ransom, for making me become a better researcher!


52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy by Amy Coffin is a series of weekly blogging prompts (one for each week of 2012) that invite genealogists and others to discuss resources in the genealogy community including websites, applications, libraries, archives, genealogical societies and more. You do not have to be a blogger to participate. If you do not have a genealogy blog, write down your thoughts on your computer, or simply record them on paper and keep them with your files.


© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research

Monday, February 6, 2012

Wyatt Scrapbook - A Service of Worship – Nashville YWCA - c1930


In November 2011, I purchased a scrapbook at an antiques mall in Carson, California. The scrapbook is believed to have belonged to Laurine Wyatt. I am transcribing the articles and documents contained in the scrapbook with the hope that it may be of value to genealogists who may be researching the individuals named.


Whether she was an employee or a resident there, the Nashville YWCA was evidently an important part of Laurine Wyatt’s life. The worship program shown in the images below was saved intact in her scrapbook. The last image—a page entitled “Your Y.W.C.A. Statistics for 1929”—was inserted in the program. Individuals named in the program include Miss Anna Louise Mills, President of the Y.W.C.A. Leaders Council, and Miss Helen A. Davis.















© 2012 Denise Spurlock, Ancestral Trees Research