Craving Chicken

Tonight, I'm missing my dad.  

Or, maybe I'm just hungry for chicken.

In his later years, people said that my father reminded them of Colonel Harland Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken Fame.  They were both from Kentucky, and had that same twinkle in their eyes.  Sometimes, my dad would grow a goatee, just like Colonel Sanders.  That really clinched the look!

It would be great to enjoy a piece of the Colonel's chicken tonight, but a nice talk with my dad would be even better.

Someday...

Don't Give Up The Ship! - Celebrating the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812

It's a big weekend of celebration here in Ohio.  It was 200 years ago on 10 Sep 1813 that the Battle of Lake Erie was fought and won by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.

The War of 1812 is sometimes glossed over in the annals of history.  I don't remember it being taught in school, for it seemed like we jumped from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War.  I may be wrong, but that's how it seemed.

Let's look at some history:

• It was sometimes called America's Second War of Independence.
• The key players were the British, the Americans, and the Native Americans.
• Johnny Appleseed was living here in northcentral Ohio when the threat of the war was close.  He ran barefoot 26 miles to a neighboring town for help.

Britain was fighting Napoleon in Europe needed more soldiers.  This led to impressment of American sailors, i.e. they were "pressed" into service for the British Navy.  

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a young man from Rhode Island, was given command of 19 vessels, and learned that the British were patrolling the western waters of Lake Erie.  Our ships were much smaller than the British ships, but Perry went looking for them.  When he learned where they were, he sailed right into them.

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

A battle ensued for two hours.  Perry had enlisted the aid of William Henry Harrison, who sent 100 Kentucky riflemen.  The Kentuckians remembered the massacre on the River Raisin where many of their own were killed.  They were all too happy to join Commodore Perry.  Nearly 20% of the men on Perry's ship, the USS Lawrence were made up of African Americans.

At the end of those two hours, nearly all of Perry's men were either wounded or killed, and though his ship went down, he refused to surrender.  He climbed into a rowboat and sailed toward the USS Niagara and continued the fight against the two largest ships belonging to the British.  Eventually, the British surrendered and Perry captured the remaining vessels.

We now controlled the Great Lakes!!!  Commodore sent the following message to his General William Henry Harrison:

"We have met the enemy, and they are ours.  Two Ships, two Brigs, one Schooner & one Sloop.  Yours, with great respect and esteem."   O.H. Perry

Sir,

U.S. Schooner ARIEL, Put-in-Bay, September 13th, 1813.

In my last I informed you that we had captured the enemy's fleet on this lake. I have now the honor to give you the most important particulars of the action.

On the morning of the 10th instant, at sunrise, they were discovered from Put-in-Bay, where I lay at anchor with the squadron under my command. We got under way, the wind light at S.W., and stood for them. At ten a.m. the wind hauled to S.E. and brought us to windward; formed the line, and bore up. At fifteen minutes before twelve, the enemy commenced firing; at five minutes before twelve, the action commenced on our part. Finding their fire very destructive, owing to their long guns, and its being mostly directed at the LAWRENCE, I made sail, and directed the other vessels to follow, for the purpose of closing with the enemy. Every brace and bowline being soon shot away, she became unmanageable, notwithstanding the great exertions of the sailing master. In this situation, she sustained the action upwards of two hours, within canister distance, until every gun was rendered useless, and the greater part of her crew either killed or wounded. Finding she could no longer annoy the enemy, I left her in charge ofLieutenant Yarnall, who, I was convinced, from the bravery already displayed by him, would do what would comport with the honor of the flag. At half past two, the wind springing up, Captain Elliott was enabled to bring his vessel, the NIAGARA, gallantly into close action. I immediately went on board of her, when he anticipated my wishes, by volunteering to bring the schooners, which had been kept astern by the lightness of the wind, into closer action. It was with unspeakable pain that I saw, soon after I got on board the NIAGARA, the flag of the LAWRENCE come down; although was perfectly sensible that she had been defended to the last, and that, to have continued to make a show of resistance would have been a wanton sacrifice of the remains of her brave crew. But the enemy was not able to take possession of her, and circumstances soon permitted her flag again to be hoisted. At forty-five minutes past two the signal was made for "closer action." The NIAGARA being very little injured, I determined to pass through the enemy's line; bore up, and passed ahead of their two ships and a brig, saving a raking fire to them, from the starboard guns, and to a large schooner and sloop from the larboard side, at half pistol shot distance. The smaller vessels, at this time, having got within grape and canister distance, under the direction of Captain Elliott, and keeping up a well directed fire, the two ships, a brig, and schooner, surrendered, a schooner and sloop making a vain attempt to escape.

Those officers and men who were immediately under my observation, evinced the greatest gallantry; and I have no doubt that all others conducted themselves as became American officers and seamen.  (www.usni.org)

Both sides met to bury the dead and recite from the Book of Common Prayer at Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island.  Perry's Victory Monument stands proudly on this island, reminding us of the battle that took place nearby.

The Lake Erie waters are filled with celebrations commemorating this event.  A few of the web sites are included below, which will give one a lively sense of being there:
http://battleoflakeerie-bicentennial.com/
http://battleoflakeerie-bicentennial.com/history/the-fleet/

Yesterday, we were able to view one of the tall ships which was in port to take part in this weekend of celebration.  I expected the ship to be huge, but was amazed at how small it really was.

The Hindu

http://tallshipcelebration.com/2013-tall-ship-fleet/hindu

For those not familiar with Lake Erie, it is the most shallow of the five Great Lakes, and the storms that can happen in an instant can be devastating.  I am amazed at how this battle was won.

Today, the pensions associated with the soldiers and sailors from this war are being digitized at the National Archives.  It takes money, and all are welcome to contribute:  http://www.preservethepensions.org/

One of our local heroes - Johnny Appleseed

Our area of northcentral Ohio has a great love for John Chapman, otherwise known as Johnny Appleseed.

He lived in our vicinity during the early part of the 1800's.  And yes, he planted thousands and thousands of apple trees.  Up until just a few years ago, some of the descendants of those apple trees were still alive.  At this point in time, I am unsure if any are still living.

Today, Mr. Kerry and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful, late summer weather.  We went to a rummage sale (the best I've ever been to!), grazed at Sam's Club, and enjoyed a classic car show and ice cream social at a small country church.

But, in between all of that, we visited the restored blockhouse that our community is famous for.

 Restored Mansfield Blockhouse 

South Park on Brinkerhoff Avenue

There used to be twin blockhouses that sat in the middle of town, where our square is now.  Many preservation efforts have brought it to where it stands today.

This weekend marks the event that Johnny Appleseed is famous for in our area.  During the War of 1812, Ohio was on edge.  There were a few Indian skirmishes, as well as the famous Battle of Lake Erie, won by Oliver Hazard Perry.

But, this part of Ohio didn't see much of the War's happenings.  Until...the murder of Levi Jones, a local shopkeeper.  The residents were just sure that Indians were planning an attack, for along with the Americans and the British, they were the third players in the War.  Johnny got along quite well with them.

Johnny ran for reinforcements.  He reported left on the evening/night of 9 August 1813 and ran barefoot to Mount Vernon, a small town 26 miles to the south.  He knew the woods intimately.  He called upon the residents to come and help, for there would surely be an impending Indian attack.  He was the Paul Revere of north central Ohio, for he felt it was his duty to warn and to gather aid.

The attack never came.  Rumor has it that the Indians had laid siege upon the town.

Johnny lived in our area for many years following this event before moving westward to Indiana.  He later died in Fort Wayne.

Now, why do I bring this up?  Because sometimes we need to explore the area right around us to gain an appreciation for the early settlers, their lives, their joys, and their fears.  In this case, an important part of history is right in our back yard.

Migration Trails of Our Ancestors

I LOVE traveling to the areas where my ancestors lived!


When I am preparing for a research trip, I bring along all of the necessities:  my laptop, my Flip-pal scanner, a magnifying glass, little colored Post-it flags, a change purse for copies, my digital camera, you know what you need to bring.  Oh!  And my glasses!  I forgot those one time and paid a dear price.


I also take along my 15-generation pedigree chart.  I still use a paper copy of a pedigree chart, for it serves as my road map for research.  Plus, if I happen to step away for a moment while in the library, I almost always come back to see other researchers looking at it!  They want to see if we connect.  I also take a few extra to give out, for people are always asking me where I get them.


http://www.sgenealogy.com/cart/charts-forms/oversize-charts/15-generation-pedigree-chart-10-pack

But, I love looking around the areas where I research.  The hills and hollers of Kentucky with the fields of tobacco waiting to go into the tobacco barns.  I love looking at the rolling green hills of Virginia, with the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains and their beauty.  The grandeur of all of this wonderful land takes my breath away.

I have also visited and photographed a few of the homes of my ancestors.  One that stands out in my memory is that of Zachariah Johnston in Lexington, Virginia and has been on the market for awhile.  It was built in 1797.  

The price tag is $1,500.00.  I want it.

.

But, my people didn't stay in one place.  They moved on to other areas that were considered "the west".  That would have included Kentucky, and also the Northwest Territory, which included Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and a portion of Minnesota.  


People moved for many reasons:  in Virginia, it might have been because the land had been "burned" by raising tobacco year after year.  They may have received land for military service.  There may have been extreme climate conditions.  Do a google search on "the year without a summer 1816" and you will be astounded at the effects of volcanic ash from Mount Tamboro, which erupted in Indonesia.  It snowed through the summer, creating ice on ponds from New England to North Carolina.  Crops were destroyed and people didn't know how they would feed their families through the winter.


There was also the promise of bigger and better things.  Young people left New England to come to Ohio and they rarely went back.  After that devastating year without a summer, the word went out that in Ohio, you could raise 3 foot turnips and 14 foot tall cornstalks.  Let's go!


Perhaps there had been the death of the patriarch of the family.  The oldest son received the land, so as a younger son you knew that whatever you may have received was all that you were going to receive.  We'll just move on.  And, they did.


Most migrating New Englanders were to the Western Reserve.  Those in the mid-South went on to Kentucky, Tennesse, Southern Ohio.  I have seen entire neighborhoods in Virginia move to the area along the Ohio River.  What brought them there?  Industry.  Promise of a brighter future for their families.


All of the above reasons were take

Kerry Takes A Bath

Kerry Takes A Bath

This memory is not mine - it's Kerry's.  But every time he tells me about it, I can't help laughing.

When Kerry was somewhere between ten and twelve years old, he decided to take a bath while his mom was cooking in the kitchen close by.  He was #5 out of eleven children, so I'm sure her plate was pretty full most of the time.

Apparently the bathroom and the kitchen were fairly close in proximity, so she could hear when Kerry went in there to begin running the water.  She called back to him to ask him how full it was.

He answered, saying that it was halfway.  (In truth, it was halfway - but not halfway up - it was halfway to the back of the tub.)

She told him to immediately turn it off.  (She thought it was halfway up the side of the tub.)

He said, "But, mom..."

She replied, "Kerry, please just turn the water off!"

Being the ever obedient child, he did it without complaint.  This big ol' strapping boy took a bath in about two cups of water!!!  He got clean enough, and his mom just never knew...

I'll bet she does now.

Lauritzen - My Chapter Three Homework Assignment

Lauritzen - My Chapter Three Homework Assignment

Reference:

Thomas W. Jones, Mastering Genealogical Proof (Arlington, Virginia) : National Genealogical Society, (2013), 6. Book available from Publisher at: www.ngsgenealogy.org

MGP Study Group
Chapter Three Homework

1.  

a.  Two independent evidence items:

1. The 1783 court appearance, where he appears as a minor.
2. His first appearance as a taxpayer - 1786.

b.  Sources competent genealogists would examine:

1. The 1810 census
2. The legislative petition

c.  Some primary information:

1. The court record
2. The tax list
3. The petition

d.  Some original records:

1. It seems like all of the sources included are originals.

e.  Derivative sources or secondary information replaced by originals and primary information:

1. The 1787 tax list (derivative), replaced by looking at the original tax list on a microfilm reel.

f.  Findable sources suggested by relevant sources and indexes:

1. The indexes and databases eventually led to the original image, or to court records.

2.  

a.  Two independent evidence items in agreement.

1. His 1886 marriage to Emma, giving his age as 32.
2. The 1894 Michigan census, giving his age as 40.

b.  Sources competent genealogists would examine.

1. The censuses for 1860-1920 give his age.  He is not enumerated in 1850, so this implies he was not born until after the census taker came by.
2. Marriage records give his age.
3. His birthday is included in his obituary.
4. His death record includes his age.

c.  Some primary information.

1. He gives his age at his marriages.

d.  Some original records.

1. The census records are the exceptions; all other sources are originals.

e.  Authored works, derivative records, secondary information replace by originals and primary information.

1. There doesn't appear to be any original records.  He does give the information for his two marriages.

f.  All findable sources.

1. Indexes and databases lead to images of the census.

3.  Searching for Mary L. Jones' parents in Hamilton County, IL:

1. Probate records for father Silas may include the name of his wife and children.
2. There doesn't appear to be a marriage database for this county; there only seems to be a book listing the records would be a derivative source. The original could be ordered from the courthouse.
3. Check for Silas' marriage to Sarah.  This could be a clue as to whether Sarah is Mary's mother.
4. Look for a death certificate for Mary, and also for Silas and Sarah.  There is an online database, but the original can also be viewed.
5. Perhaps her father served during the Civil War.  Look for a pension file on Fold3.

All Wet! - The Value of Church Records

Today marks 50 years ago that I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When are children are 8 years old, and beginning to know right from wrong, baptism becomes the first step on their journey.  The above photo is little Peggy standing in ice-cold rusty water.  My father, Chester Lee Clemens, and a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, had the authority to baptize me.

Now, did I know what I was doing.  I think I knew as much as an 8-year old can understand.  I knew that whatever little sins I had committed were now being washed away, and I was expected to try to be a good little girl.

That has followed me through my life.  I've done my best to try to live up to what God expects of me.

My dad was baptized the very same way I was, but he was 39 years old at the time.  He was baptized in the swimming pool at the YMCA, where our little branch was meeting.  Shortly afterward, they asked us not to come back, for they felt the lint from our clothing was clogging the pipes.  Not long after that, a gas leak blew the building apart.

Just about three years before that, my mom and three older sisters were baptized in the Guyan River in West Virginia.  I don't have a picture of their baptism, but this is the river.

Now, why do I bring this up?  Because I am a genealogist, and church records can be one of the most important records in locating our families.  They can hold a treasure trove full of vital information that may not have been around before states began keeping records.

And, as much as I enjoy searching for those records, I must also remember to record the milestones in my own family's lives.  Certificates of baptism, christening, ordinations, etc. may have been stuffed into a drawer or put into a notebook.  But, thanks to modern technology, those are all scannable items that can benefit those that will come after us.

So, as delightful as it is to trace our lineage backward in time, it is vital that we don't forget to come forward with our own information.  Be a good little girl or boy!