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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Mayme Johnson Salmi

Daily Mining Gazette - Houghton Michigan - Tuesday January 2, 1990 pg 2


Mrs. Mayme Salmi, 91, of Hancock and a former Toivola resident, died early Sunday morning, December 31, 1969 at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility where she had been a resident patient since August of 1983.

The former Mayme Johnson was born in Toivola Jan 17, 1898, a daughter of the late Elias and Anna (Halstein) Johnson and had attended the Toivola school.

In December 12, 1914, she was married to Walter H. Salmi in Iron River. He preceded her in death September 21, 1974.

Mrs. Salmi was a member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock, and a life member of the Houghton County Historical Society.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Ena Wiitanen, and two sons Reino and Earl.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Elona (Nestor) Wisti of Kirkland, Washington; four sons, Willard of New Port Richey, FL, Wilbert "Wimpy" (Margaret) of Hancock, Hugo (JoAnn) of Superior, WI, and Evald (Alice) of Toivola; 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Wilhart (Hilda) Johnson of Toivola and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.


Friday, December 30, 2011

New Year's Resolutions for Genealogists

The only resolution I have ever tried to keep in my adult life was one I made about my genealogy. I thought a resolution tied to something I loved to do would be easy.

I made a list of all the records I needed to request and people I needed to contact. My resolution was to check one of these off each week. That was it, one letter a week.

While I never wrote all of those letters, just making the list was a great exercise. Organization is a key to doing genealogy and making that resolution forced me to get my act together.

Here are a few New Year's Resolutions to consider:
  1. I resolve to catch up on my filing and get rid of clutter.
  2. I resolve to join a genealogical society
  3. I resolve to write one article about my family research
  4. I resolve to submit an article to a local genealogy or state newsletter/ quarterly.
  5. I resolve to pick one record type, for example land records, to concentrate on this year.
  6. I resolve to learn how to look up one new type of genealogical record.
  7. I resolve to attend one county or state-level genealogical event this year. 
  8. I resolve to renew my contact with cousins, aunts or uncles I have not spoken to in years (maybe decades).
  9. I resolve to create timelines for significant family members to put their life in perspective.
  10. I resolve to produce either a family blog or newsletter to update my family on my research.
I want to thank my genealogy buddy Pam Treme for her assistance in creating these resolutions.

Have a safe and Happy New Year.

Take Care, Pattie


Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Holidays

The holidays are here and I have been absent from my blog! Beside all the shopping and decorating the holidays bring I have actually taken the time do to some research on my family tree. 

While I still am not sure if I have the correct John Outcalt that married Catharine (Dollie) Schultz in either Pennsylvania or New Jersy in 1889 I may have more clues. My biggest regret is that I did not start doing my research at a younger age or that families in general do not always pass on their family history and stories. Why didn't I ask my grandmother about how she celebrated Christmas when she was a child? And while my dad always talked about his grandmother's buckwheat pancakes I never asked  him his favorite holiday memory.

During this holiday season start up a conversation with an older relative about their memories of the holidays. It doesn't have to be an interview. You do not have to find out dates and places and write down your sources. Just talk to each other. Maybe you have heard the stories before but others may not have heard them.

Next week I will have some New Year's Resolutions for Genealogists.

Take Care,
Pattie


Perry, Cathy, Butch, Eddie, Pattie
Pahlke Cousins
1955

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - LeRoy Henry Pepper

Funeral services for Leroy H. Pepper, 64, lifelong resident of Ela township and former employee of the Illinois State Highway Department, were held at 1:30 pm Monday at St. Peter United Church of Christ, Lake Zurich.

The Rev. Thomas O'Conner, associate pastor of Barrington St. Paul Church, officiated at the rites and burial was in Fairfield Cemetery northeast of Lake Zurich. Visitation was at the Stirlen-Peiper funeral home, 53 S. Old Rand Road in Lake Zurich.

Mr. Pepper died unexpectedly Friday at his home at 1020 Country Club Road, Lake Zurich.

Born June 1, 1901 in Ela Township, he was the some of the late William and Emma Steffen Pepper. He married Grace Schwemm of Barrington in 1928 and she preceded him in death several years ago.

He was a former foreman for the Illinois State Highway Department in Lake County and in recent years worked for the Lake Zurich Elementary School School District as a custodian at the May Whitney School.

He was a member of the Republican Lake County Central Committee and was the Republican chairman of Lake Zurich precinct 2 for the last five years.

Mr. Pepper was president of the Fairfield Cemetery Association, and instead of flowers memorial contributions to that association were suggested by his family.

Surviving are a daughter Mrs. Audrey Glauner of Lake Zurich; a son Leroy A. Pepper of Lake Zurich; six grandchildren; four brothers, Emmett and Lloyd of Lake Zurich, Louis of Maywood, Lester of Glenview; three sisters, Mrs. Grace Walbaum Sundell of Lake Zurich, Mrs. Florence Borre of Glenview and Mrs. Mildred Kampert.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Adelheit Lageschulte Schnetlage

Barrington Review - October 24, 1914

On Saturday morning, October 19, in the quiet waft of the early day, Mrs. Herman Schnetlage passed to her eternal reward at the home of her son, William Schnetlage, on North Hawley Street.

She was born in Germany, November 29, 1832. Her father Herman Lageschulte, was an industrious workman. She was married to Herman Schnetlage and their home was blessed with children. Only two are now living, William Schnetlage of Barrington and Mrs. Kate Zink of Chicago, a stepdaughter.

In 1885 Mrs. Schnetlage emigrated to America and settled here. Soon after coming to this country she was converted and joined the Evangelical association. Her life has been quitely given to those duties which she found it possible to bear, and her unostentatious life was one of withdrawal from the general hum of society.

For more than 12 years she had been afflicated with a cancerous growth in her face. while she had been faithful in attending public workship in harmony with her zeal, she soon found it necessary to withdraw from attending public service in consideration ofothers, and ever since has had her private rooms in the Schnetlage home as her chapel.

That she has suffered much may be granted, yet from her statement it has been evident that her suffering was providentially lessened, and not until during this past year did she speak of her ailment as being at times painful. Her death was a welcome messenger of relief from the ravages of tormenting sufferings from cancer. Her hope of eternal life was explicit and earnest.

Her span of life reaches the 80 mark within a few weeks. Much has been done for the suffering patient during these many years by her son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. William Schnetlage, the care developing almost entirely upon the young wife, who, besides her own household duties has borne the responsibility of the taxing care with an immense endurance and in a loving spirit.

The funeral service was held at Salem Church on Monday, conducted by her pastor, Rev. H. H. Thoren, and interment was at Evergreen Cemetery.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Ancestry - Check out 'Recent Member Connect Activity'!

I love connecting with other researchers. I post on message boards, mailing lists, county and state surname lists. I honestly cannot remember all the places I have posted messages and am truly shocked and excited when I receive a reply.

On the other hand, when I use Ancestry I am more focused. I usually have a particular ancestor I am researching and not thinking about 'connecting'. I also hate change and clutter so I keep my home page on Ancestry simple with any new or 'extra' information towards the bottom. What a mistake!

Recent Activity Connectections

The other day I  was not making any headway on the Haag family of Brooklyn when something caught my eye. There on the lower part of the screen was a list of people reseraching names that were familar to me.

 
What was 'Recent Member Connect Activity' and who was researching the Stadler family besides me? Scrolling through the 'Activity' I found messages I had posted on Rootsweb and other researchers with surnames in common with me.

After 'connecting' with a Stadler researcher through Ancestry I browsed more family trees and posted a comment on a family tree of a researcher who was trying to add my great grandmother Johanna Pahlke to a family tree of Pahlkes in Australia.

Setting Up Your Ancestry Connections


Once I was done browsing a number of family trees I started to wonder how Ancestry was able to provide such a great tool.  My two options were 'Learn More' and 'Customize Activity Filters'. The 'Learn More' option will walk you through how Ancestry gathers the infomation. The "Customize Activity Filters' give you the control over how the information is gathered.


Since I want to connect with everyone possible I have left all the options checked. One option I love is being able to track other members who have saved content I entered. I do not mind they have saved it - if I did I would not have posted it on the Internet! What I want to do is contact them to see if they have ADDITIONAL information.

Check It Out
If you are an Ancestry membership and have not paid attention to this feature you could be missing out on some valuable connections. Don't have a family tree posted to Ancestry? You can still benefit from this feature, but your connections may be minimized.

The Speach Family Tree was started by my daughter in law years ago and is an abbreviated version of our family. The portions with the most detail in many cases are my brick walls. I tend to post more information on families I need information on, hoping to connect with others.

So, start connecting through Ancestry.

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Mary Start Warren

Kendall County Record - May 6, 1891


Mrs. Mary Frances Warren - Died, at Plano of cancer  Thursday April 30, 1891 at five o'clock a.m. after a long illness, aged forty years, ten months, and five days.

Deceased was born in Kent County, Maryland, June 25, 1850, her maiden name was Mary Frances Start; she was married to William Warren March 10, 1870, in her childhood home, she was the mother of eight children, one dying in infancy, and one at four years of age; four boys and two girls survive her, and with their father, grandmother, aunt and family reside in Plano.She has resided in this city with her family nearly thriteen years.

The funeral service was held at the M.E. Church Sabbath afternoon, Rev. J. W. Richards, assisted by Rev. Mr. Daniels, officiated. The text of the sermon was: "But he knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me I shall come forth as gold."

The hymns were well selected and finely rendered. It is always a solemn occasion when the death angel takes the mother from her family. The utmost sympathy was expressed by neighbors and friends to the sorrowing ones. Some very fine floral offerings rested on the casket. The day was pleasant, the attendance large, and with loving hands they laid to rest her whom they loved.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

West Virginia, Washington D.C. and Holiday Memories

Do you  have a special holiday decoration or ornament that was handed down from one generation to the next? What makes it special? Who will you hand it down to? Decorations, family stories, recipes are just a few of the things that help make holidays special.

I have an ornament from my grandmother's Christmas tree. In the early 1960's silver trees were all the rage. It was quite surprising to walk into Grandma's living room to see a silver Christmast tree with blue ornaments! I have a blue ornament from that tree and it has a special place on my tree every year.


Sunday November 27
  • The New England Historic Genealogical Society, founded in 1845,  is the oldest genealogical society in the country.
Monday November 28
  • Researching ancestors that lived in Washington D.C.?
    • Census records start in 1800 and go through 1930.
    • The 1810 census, like the 1890 census have been lost.
    • Washington D.C. is located on 100 acres of land donated by Maryland and Virginia in 1791.
    • The British burned the majority of Washington D.C.’s buildings and legal documents on August 24, 1814.
Tuesday November 29
  • Visit the West Virginia Archives and History Genealogy Corner to find:
    • Genealogy Surname Exchange
    • Archives and History News
    • Birth, Death and Marriage Records
    • AfriGeneas: African Ancestored Genealogy
    • Archives
    • Cemeteries, West Virginia, Artificial Collection
    • County Formations, West Virginia
    • Counties of West Virginia
    • History of the American Negro
    • Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild
    • Mining Your History Foundation
    • On-Line Searchable Death Indexes and Records
    • Researching Your Civil War Ancestor
    • AND MORE
Wednesday November 30
Thursday December 1
  • New Year’s Resolution: I resolve to catch up on my filing and get rid of clutter.
Friday December 2
  • Who is that standing in front of the family home?
    • Visit Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective, website for clues to the unknown folks in your family pictures.
Saturday December 3
  • Illinois became a state on this date in 1818   
  • Investigate the Illinois State Archives for online databases, documents stored at the regional archives and the state library
  •  Visit The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in person or online.

I need to point out that the baby in the picture is NOT my sister Mary. She was sick at home for her first Christmas. The baby in the picture is our cousin Dale.

Take Care,

Pattie

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - William H. Schultz

Philadelphia Inquirer - August 13, 1889

Death of a Well-Known Actor

W. H. Schultz, a well-known actor, died yesterday afternoon. He was about 33 years of age. He has played at many of the local theatres, and had a good reputation as a general utility man. His last appearance was made in a little town in Indiana, where there was a damp dressing room. Here he entracted a bad cold, from which he never recovered, the cold developing into consumption.

Philadelphia Inquirer August 15, 1889

SCHULTZ -  William H. Schultz son of Catherine E. and the late Bernard Schultz - Friends are respectfuly invited to attend the funeral services, on Thursday afternoon, the 15th at 4 o'clock, at his mothers residence, 1114 Spring Garden Street. Interment Private.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Genealogist Holiday Check List

Over the next six weeks every genealogist has a great opportunity to reach out to his/her immediate and extended family and involve them in your genealogy research. Whether it is a family newsletter, a collection of  recipes or putting together an album of old family photos the holidays are a great time to share your research.

The holidays can also be a good time to ask your uncles, aunts and cousins for updates to their family trees. My mother comes from a large family and I have many relatives I have not seen for over forty years. Genealogy is not just about finding your past it is also about staying in contact with your living relatives. On the plus side those relatives may have photos, stories and artifacts that could help break down some brick walls.

This holiday season the most important research you do could be at your dining room table!

Sunday November 20
  • Create a letter to send to your extended family to update your records. Questions could include:
    • Children's names and birthdates
    • Names of children's spouses or children
    • Has anyone in their family done any family research
Monday November 21
Tuesday November 22
  • Check out the Salvation Army and Goodwill stores when visiting your hometown for out of print books, local artifacts, photographs, etc. that can help flesh out your family research.
Wednesday November 23
  • Involve the Younger Generation:
    • Take advantage of a book, movie or television program that a younger member of the family might be interested in and relate it to your family history.
    • Making home made decorations, place settings or a recipe is a natural way to start a discussion across mulitple generations.
Thursday November 24
  • The Genealogy of Thanksgiving: Explore the origins of the holiday, gather recipes and find a list of the 25 Mayflower passengers who left descendents.
Friday November 25
  • Genealogist Supply List:
    • A portable scanner can help capture family pictures and documents during family gatherings.
    • Make copies of documents you want to share with your family. This will allow you to pass them around and take notes during conversations.
    • Never go to a family gathering without a camera! You can take pictures of people, things and artifacts without having to rely on someone else to 'get a copy' for you. 
Saturday November 26
  • Make a list of topics or questions for your next family gathering. It could include:
    • Naming a memorable birthday
    • Favorite Uncle or Aunt
    • Least favorite side dish or family recipe
    • How someone met their spouse
    • Why did they move to a different town or state
    • The origin of their first or middle name
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and that I have given you some food for thought for the rest of your weekend.

Take Care,
Pattie



Five Generation Photo: Charles N. Schultz III, Mary Schultz, Charles Clayton Schultz holding Victoria Faye Schultz, Charles N. Schultz, Jr.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Earl M. Schwemm

Pioneer Press - November 23, 1996

Memorial Services for Earl M. Schwemm, 95, will be held Saturday, December 7, at 11 am, at the Barrington United Methodist Church and at 2 p.m. at the Elliott Chapel on the grounds of the Presbyterian Home in Evanston. A native of Barrington, Mr. Schwemm died Nov. 15, 1996 at the Presbyterian Home.

Mr. Schwemm was the former manager of the Chicago agency of Great-West Life Assurance Co. of Canada. He ran the agency for 25 years, until his retirement in December 1961.

Mr. Schwemm lived in Barrington almost all of his life and was an active civic leader, including nine years on the high school board of education, three as president, and seven years of the Barrington Village Board.

His grandfather, Gustav Meyer, opened a cabinet-making shop in Barrington just after the Civil War, and his father, John Schwemm, had a livery barn in downtown Barrington until after World War II. His mother, Gertrude, was a prime mover of the library, and wrote the history of the Methodist Church in 1940.



Earl and Eunice Butler Schwemm
______________________

Other news articles over the years include:

Barrington Review - November 1, 1917

Nelta Schnetlage (Room 3), Grace Schwemm (Room 5), Ruth Schwemm (Room 7) and Earl Schwemm (High School) were on the 'Roll of Honor' in October. It was noted that every pupil to be on this honor roll must have no grade below 90 in any of the regular studies. Music, writing, drawing and deportment are no included.



Barrington Review - December 12, 1918
Henry Boehmer of Chicago spent the week end with his cousin, Earl Schwemm.

Barrington Review - April 8, 1926
Earl M. Schwemm, who spread the speical assessment for Barrington's sewer system, states that he is now ready to make dividing orders where property has since been sold.

Any person desiring their assessment divided in order that it will apply against the present property owner should apply to Mr. Schwemm now.
Anyone who owned a tract of land or a piece of property when the assessment was spread, but has since sold part of it, or divided it in any way, can have the assessment proportioned to the new owners, Mr. Schwemm explains.
"It should be remembered," Mr. Schwem says, "that if the entire piece of property was sold there is no division to be made. It is just a change of ownership. A case like this should be reported to the village collector and the County court notified. Where the assessment is to be divided or reapportioned, then get in touch with me."

The Herald - Arlington Heights, IL - November 17, 1960

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Frasier, 425 N. Cumnock were dinner guests in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Schwemm in Jewel Park, Barrington, Saturday evening. After the dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Schwemm showed pictures of their second trip to Europe, taken last summer.

Barrington Courier Review - 1978
The Earl Schwemms: Fifty years together

They were high school sweethearts. And is was 50 years ago yesterday that Earl Schwemm and Eunice Butler were married.

Earl Schwemm was born here in Barrington. Eunice Schwemm came here to live when she was 9 years old. Both are graduates of Barrington High School, he in 1920 she a year later. Earl went on to the University of Illinois, graduating in 1924 and Eunice graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1925.

They were married on February 1, 1928 in the tea room in the building which now houses Barrington Realty.

They never left Barrington. They made their home here and Earl worked in Chicago for 30 years as agency manager for the Great Lfie Insurance Co. He was active in the community, serving on the high school board of education for eight years and as its president for three. For seven years, until 1975, he was a trustee for the Village of Barrington and last year he marked 50 years of membership in the Barrington Lions Club and the local Masonic Lodge

Eunice has been a long-time member of the Barrington Woman's Club and the League of women Voters. She also has been active in the Women's Society of Barrington, United Methodist Church and the Volunteer Bureau.

The Schwemm's raised three sons; John, who lives in Downer's Grove; Richard who lives in Wilton, Conn; and Robert, a residen of Lexington, Ky. All five of the Schwemms' grandchildren are girls.

"I have the best wife, the best kids, the best of everything. I've been a lucky man," Earl Schwemm said.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

State Research, Genealogy Seminars and the CCC

Sorry for not blogging for the last 10 days!

Last week was the Florida State Genealogical Conference and my genealogy blogging buddy Pam and I were both attendees and speakers! Our friend Cathy always comes and it ends up being a genalogy pajama party!

It was great seeing old friends, attend informative presentations and make new friends. One of the benefits of belonging to a genealogy society is not only interacting with others who share your interest in 'hunting dead people' but also the educational opportunities.

The keynote speak was nationally known professional genealogist Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck. He gave many lectures over the two days but the one I enjoyed the most was on the War of 1812. Did you know that Peoria Illinois was burnt to the ground? Check out the Illinois War of 1812 Bicentennial Site.

Here are this week's tips.

Sunday November 13
Monday November 14
  • The Civilian Conservation Corporation was a New Deal public work relief program similar to the WPA.
  • It provided work for unskilled young men who could not find work during the Great Depression.
  • The CCC created 800 parks, planted over 3 million trees and updated state parks
  • Check out Cyndi's List for more information on the CCC.

Tuesday November 15
  • Researching Pennsylvania ancestors who served in the military?
  • Check out the Pennsylvania State Archives online records.
Wednesday November 16
  • Oklahoma became a state on this date in 1907
  • Did you know that there are 18 Oklahoma counties that no longer exist? 
  • Check out the Oklahoma GenWeb Site for the list and more!
Thursday November 17
Friday November 18
  • Starting to research in South Dakota?
  • Check out the State Archives a variety of records including Civil War ancestors who fought for the North or the South.
Saturday November 19
  • There are four basic types of French records
  • Vital
  • Notarial
  • Military
  • Emigration 
My biggest tip this week is to find a local genealogy society meeting to attend, you will not be sorry.

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Dorothy Schwemm Willard

Services were held December 2 with the Rev. James Stiles officiating. Interment was in Spirit Lake Memorial Gardens, Spirit Lake.


Born  July 11, 1917, in Barrington, Illinois, the daughter of August C. and Dora (Lyon) Schwemm she was united in marriage to Frank Sandmire Willard on June 19, 1937 in Boone County, Illinois.

The couple lived in the Barrington area until moving to Iowa in 1970. Dorothy became a resident of Hilltop Care Center in Spirit Lake in February 1992. She was a homemaker most of her life, but during the 1950's she worked for Barrington Vending Co. and Jewel Tea Co. - mail order division. As Frank's retirement approached, the adventurous spirit in Dorothy led them west. On the return trip, they stopped to visit old neighbors in Spirit Lake, which changed the course of their lives.

After moving to Spirit Lake, Dorothy joined in fellowship the United Methodist Woman's Society, holding various offices. Sharing homemade crafts, flowers from her garden and baked goods is what kept Dorothy's hands busy. She found beauty in each swan she added to her collection.

Surviving family members include her daughter and son-in-law, Ruthann and Jim Lukes of Spirit Lake; grandson Jeffrey Lukes, and Jeff and Amy Ondler of Spirit Lake; granddaughter, Denise Tuinstra and Hayley, Kortney and Dylan of Lake Park; brothers and sisters-in-law: Clifford and Hazel Schwemm of Cary, Kenneth and Elizabeth Schwemm of Fox River Grove; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Frank in 1995; her parents; two sisters; and two brothers.

Frank and Dorothy Schwemm Willard on their honeymoon.
 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

WPA, Public Libraries & Guy Fawkes Day

I have spent the last month under the weather and unable to concentrate for long period of time. That may be a bad combination for writing my blog but it did give me a chance to sit for hours looking up variations of the surname Haag and who lived at 93 Sands Street in Brooklyn in the early part of the 20th Century!

To read about my research on the Haag family check out my new Pack Peddler's Blog entry. Now for some tips to help you in your research.

Sunday October 30
* Iowa Graves Project - WPA - Works Project Administration 1930’s Graves Registration Survey
* Counties not indexed by the 1930s WPA Graves Registration Project, and thus not included in the database on this web site, include Appanoose, Benton, Cherokee, Clinton, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Hardin, Humboldt, Ida, Iowa, Jasper, Lyon, Monona, Osceola, Pottawattamie, and Warren.
* For more information on WPA Projects check out this article: Records of the Works Projects Administration
* Cyndi's List has a comprehensive list of WPA and other Depression Era Projects

Monday October 31
* Nevada became a state on this date in 1864
* Nevada counties started recording births and deaths in 1887 and are available at the Nevada County Recorder's offices or online.
* Check out Joe Beine's Nevada's Death Records

Tuesday November 1
* Researching in Scotland can span four languages: English, Gaelic, Scots and Latin.
* A name might be Hamish in a Gaelic record, but James if it is recorded in English.

Wednesday November 2
* North and South Dakota became a state on this date in 1889
* The North Dakota State University has a digital collection, online databases, and biographies
* South Dakota residents were counted in the census of Wisconsin in 1836, in Iowa in 1840 and in Minnesota in 1850 as the Pembina District.

Thursday November 3 
* Researching in Scandinavia?
* When researching it is important to understand naming patterns of the region. Your ancestor’s last name in Finland may have been taken from the farm they lived on as an adult.  Example: Isakki Lyllykorpi became Isakki Keturi when he moved to the Keturi farm.

Friday November 4
* Planning a combination vacation/research trip? Or researching at home?
*  Check out the Public Library Site to find local, college, state libraries and more!

Saturday November 5
* Guy Fawkes Day
* The Gunpowder Plot Society traces the events of November 5, 1605 when a group of 13 men tried to blow up Parliament.
* Check out the Gunpowder Plot Society website to see if your English ancestor was involved!

I will be speaking, along with my genealogy buddy Pam Treme at the Florida State Genealogical Society's Annual Conference on November 11th and 12th. If you live in or around the Orlando area please come by!

Take Care,
Pattie


 


Researching Uncle Gus Plus Mary Turns 50!

Researching Uncle Gus Plus Mary Turns 50!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Jalmer Johnson

Daily Mining Gazette, Houghton MI - Tuesday September 21, 1971 pg 2


Jalmer Johnson, 69, passed away Monday night in the Houghton County Medical Care Facility where he had been a patient for the past three weeks.

He was born November 13, 1901, in Toivola, a son of Anna and Elias Johnson and attended the Toivola School.

Mr. Johnson first was employed in the Silver Mines in Mullen, Idaho and later worked at Pearl Harbor building bomb shelters. During World War II he was in the Merchant Marines and then had sailed on the Great Lakes until his retirement at the age of 61. During the off-seasons he had made his home in Toivola and had been custodian of the Toivola Cemetery.

He was a member of the Toivola Apostolic Lutheran Church.

Surviving are his wife, the former Saima R. Honkavaara; two daughters, Beverly and Linda of Detroit; a son, Raymond Johnson of St. Clair Shores; a step-son, Harold Lindgren of Atlanta, GA; several grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Walter (Mamie) Salmi of Lakeview Manor, Hancock; two brothers, Ralph Johnson of West Allis, WI and Wilhart Johnson of Toivola and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Toivola Apostolic Lutheran Church, the Rev. Richard Barney to officiate. Burial will be in the Toivola Cemetery.

The body will be taken to the church at 12 noon Thursday from the Jukuri Funeral.
 

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Anna Elizabeth Johnson Warren

Mrs. Anton Warren Summoned Thursday

Daily Mining Gazette - Friday Feb 18, 1938 page 3

Mrs. Elizabeth Warren, an esteemed resident of Hancock and wife of Alderman Anton Warren, passed away Thursday morning in St. Joseph's hospital, where she submitted to an operation Tuesday.

Mrs. Warren was widely known here and her death will be received with sincere sorrow by her many friends in the district. Mrs. Warren was born in Calumet and had been a resident of the city for a number of years.


She is survived by her husband and two sons, Ralph and Albert: a step-son, Roy Warren of Hancock, and a step-daughter, Mrs. Ruth Richards of Ripley. Also surviving are four sisters and three brothers, Mrs. Sam Mattila, Mrs. Walter Salmi, Mrs. Mike Taskila of Toivola, Mrs. Isaac Keturi of Beacon Hill and Silfred, Ralph and Yalmer Johnson of Toivola.

Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon, at 1 o'clock, in the Watia Funeral Home. The Rev. Andrew Milchelsen, pastor of the Franklin street Apolstolic Lutheran church, will officiate. The body will be placed in the Hancock receiving vault
 

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Using Passwords to Protect Your Documents

Hi,

I am under the weather this week so instead of posting the weekly tips I am re-posting my genealogy buddy, Pam Treme's post about password protecting a MS Word document.

I hope to be posting by the weekend - in the meantime enjoy this post from the Technology Tamers website!



I have had only rare occassions when I have added or used a password on a document. To me, genealogy applications would also be rare. However, applying a password is an option that you should be aware of in case you have occassion to use it. The choices you see below are all made when the document that you want to apply that password to is open.

Word 2010
  1. Select File, Info, Protect Document, and then Encrypt with Password. The dialog appears.
  2. Enter a password. Be sure to write it down so that you can open the document again.
  3. Click OK. A confirmation dialog appears.
  4. Enter the password again, and then click OK.
  5. Close the document, and then open it again. A Password dialog appears.
  6. Enter the password, and then click OK.

Word 2007
  1. Select File, and then Save As. The dialog appears.
  2. Click the Tools button at the bottom of the dialog. A drop-down menu appears.
  3. Select General Options. The dialog appears.
  4. In the field Password to open, enter the password. Be sure to write it down so that you can open the document again.
  5. Click OK. A confirmation dialog appears.
  6. Enter the password again, and then click OK.
  7. Click the Save button, and then close the document.
  8. Open the document again. A Password dialog appears.
  9. Enter the password, and then click OK.
Word 2003

  1. Click the Tools menu, and then select Options. The dialog appears.
  2. Click the Security tab.
  3. In the field Password to open, enter the password. Be sure to write it down so that you can open the document again.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Save and then close the document.
  6. Open the document again. A Password dialog appears.
  7. Enter the password, and then click OK.
Additional Notes
Can a password be cracked? Just about anything can be cracked by a pro. However, for the average user, this type of password is sufficent to protect a file.
While you're exploring the password options be sure to notice that there are also some editing options that you may want to look at. When you apply an editing password, everyone can see your document; however, only those readers with the password can edit the document.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Hattie Johnson Taskila

Daily Mining Gazette Monday October 9, 1961 pg 2

Mrs. Michael Taskila, 61, died in St. Joseph Medical Center Sunday evening following a long illness.

She was the former Hattie Johnson and was born in Toivola October 27 1899. Mrs. Taskila spent her life in Toivola.

Mrs. Taskila was married to Michael Taskila April 11, 1916 in Calumet by the late Rev. A. L. Heideman.

Surviving are her husband, six daughters, Mrs. John (Ann) Tienharra, Mrs. Eino (Helmi) Bakki and Mrs. Toivo (Verna) Lammie all of Ironwood. Mrs. William (Lillain) Eakim of Donken. Mrs. Urho (Ruth) Niemi and Mrs. Wayne (Violet) Wiitala of Toivola, five sons, Albert of Centerline, Donald of Negaunee, Roy of Laurium, Loyal of Wakefield, and Reino of Chassell, 33 grandchildren, two brothers, Ralph Johnson of Milwaukee, Wilhart and Jalmer of Toivola, a sister, Mrs. Walter Salmi of Toivola and three stepsisters.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m.in the Apostolic Lutheran Church, Toivola. The Rev. Andrew Mickelsen will officiate and burial will be in the Toivola Cemetery.

The body is in the Memorial Chapel and will lie in state from 12 noon Tuesday until Wednesday when it will be taken to the church at 12 noon.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Norway, Canada, Italy and RootsTech 2012

Last February I went to Las Vegas with Chuck and his family to celebrate his 60th birthday. While this sounds fun, memorable and decandent my mind was at Rootstech 2011 in Salt Lake City! Instead of enjoying playing slot machines I was yearning for a session on Social Media.

This weekend I decided to do it! I registered for RootsTech 2012 and booked my airline flight. The list of sessions is exciting, the speakers first class and on Friday night there are extended hours at the Family History Library.

Chuck and I will both enjoy his birthday, just on different sides of the country!

Sunday October 9
* Leif Ericson Day
* Get Started Researching your Norwegian Roots?
* Check out the Norwegian Historical Society
* The Genealogy Society of Norway connects researchers and offers services to English speaking members.
* Italian Letter Writing Guide

Monday October 10
* Columbus Day - 5 Things you Didn't Know
* Looking for Italian records and history? Check out the Italian Genealogy Site

Tuesday October 11
* Backing up your research: Use an external hard drive, USB drive or some form of media to back up pictures and documents stored on your computer.

Wednesday October 12
* Genealogy Blogs
* Midwestern Microhistory: by Harold Henderson
* Olive Tree Genealogy Blog: by Lorine McGinnis Schulze

Thursday October 13
* Looking for an ancestor that received a Medal of Honor?
* An index of the full-text citations by war from 1863 to 2008 is online. Visit the Medal of Honor Citations Website: http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html

Friday October 14
* Just starting in genealogy?
* Remember, everything you need cannot be found on the Internet. There are times when you have to visit the actual courthouses, churches and cemeteries where your ancestors lived and died.

Saturday October 15
* Researching in Canada?
* Check out the Canadian Newspaper Collection of Library and Archives Canada

Check out your local newspapers and find a genealogy or historical society meeting to attend this month. Visit "Society Hall" on the Federation of Genealogy Societies website to locate a genealogy society in your area.


Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Eunice Butler Schwemm

Pioneer Press - August 5, 1999

Obituary

Mrs. Eunice Butler Schwemm died July 18 at Westminster Place, a Presbyterian Life Care Community in Evanston, where she had been a resident since 1980. She was 96 years old.

She was the widow of Earl Meyer Schwemm, her husband of 68 years, who died in 1996. Five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren survive by her three sons, John B. Schwemm of Downer Grove, Richard E. Schwemm of New London N.H., and Robert G. Schwemm of Lexington, Ky., and Mrs. Schwemm.

Mrs. Schwemm was born Eunice Adelle Butler May 11, 1903 in Chicago.She was the daughter of George O. and Carrie Eisle Butler. Her family moved to Barrington in 1911 which was her home for 70 years. She is a graduate of Barrington High School, where she was valedictorian of the Class of 1921. She attended Northern Illinois State Teacher College in DeKalb (now Northern Illinois University) and received her two-year teaching certificate. She taught secondary school English in the Oak Park public school until her marriage to Mr. Schwemm February 1, 1928.

In addition to raising her three sons, who like their parents, graduated from Barrington High School, Mrs. Schwemm was active in community service. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, and an early volunteer in the Head Start Program. She and Mr. Schwemm were longtime members of the Barrington Methodist Church. There she served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent of the school's primary department. She also served as chairman of the Methodist Women's Society.

In accordance with Mrs. Schwemm's wishes, no funeral service was planned.


Barrington Courier Review - 1978

The Earl Schwemms: Fifty years together

They were high school sweethearts. And is was 50 years ago yesterday that Earl Schwemm and Eunice Butler were married.

Earl Schwemm was born here in Barrington. Eunice Schwemm came here to live when she was 9 years old. Both are graduates of Barrington High School, he in 1920 she a year later. Earl went on to the University of Illinois, graduating in 1924 and Eunice graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1925.

They were married on February 1, 1928 in the tea room in the building which now houses Barrington Realty.

They never left Barrington. They made their home here and Earl worked in Chicago for 30 years as agency manager for the Great Lfie Insurance Co. He was active in the community, serving on the high school board of education for eight years and as its president for three. For seven years, until 1975, he was a trustee for the Village of Barrington and last year he marked 50 years of membership in the Barrington Lions Club and the local Masonic Lodge.

Eunice has been a long-time member of the Barrington Woman's Club
and the League of women Voters. She also has been active in the Women's
Society of Barrington, United Methodist Church and the Volunteer Bureau.

The Schwemm's raised three sons; John, who lives in Downer's Grove; Richard who lives in Wilton, Conn; and Robert, a residen of Lexington, Ky. All five of the Schwemms' grandchildren are girls.

"I have the best wife, the best kids, the best of everything. I've been a lucky man," Earl Schwemm said.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

John Philip Colletta and State Archive Research

I attended a great genealogy seminar last weekend featuring John Philip Colletta, Ph.D..
He stressed the importance of investigating the various state archive websites where our ancestors lived. We need to remember to look at the online resources and the holdings that are NOT digitized.

Dr. Colletta reminded us that all the information the archives holds is NOT on the Internet. It is important to visit the archives in person, roll up your sleeves and RESEARCH!

If you ever have a chance to hear or see John Colletta do not pass it up. He is a very informative and entertaining speaker.

Following Dr. Colletta's lead this week's tips focus on state archives.

Sunday October 2
* Illinois- Since it is my home state and I have done the majority of my research there my first state archive to highlight is the Illinois State Archives
* Check out both the Online Databases and the holdings of the Illinois Regional Archive Depositories

Monday October 3
* Wisconsin - The Wisconsin Historical Society is the holder of the state archives.
* Check out their Genealogy link for a list of their online databases, historical images and more.
* Check out the historical paper dolls!

Tuesday October 4
* North Carolina - The North Carolina Archives not only covers North Carolina but has a separate link for the history of the Outer Banks .
* Be sure to check out the North Carolina Records Online to search documents and photographs.

Wednesday October 5
* Florida - My adopted home keeps its archives at the Florida Dept of State at the Division of Library and Information Services
* The Florida Memory Project is one of the helpful links that will help you understand the history of and then browse items such as the Spanish Land Grants.

Thursday October 6
* Idaho - The Idaho State Historical Society website is the gateway to everything Idaho.
* Visit the Archives Collection page for a complete list of their holdings.
* Their Online Collection contains a Reconstructed 1890 census, Naturalization Records and much more.

Friday October 7
* Nevada - The Nevada State Archives is a Division of Department of Administration
* My favorite link on a state site is Nevada's Historical Myth a Month
- Myth #55-The Verdi Train Robbery Didn't Happen in Verdi
* Be sure to check out What's NOT in the Archives

Saturday October 8
* Maine - The Maine State Archives is part of the Secretary of State Website.
* Download the list describing most of the available databases
* Visit the online store for posters, notecards, dvd's etc. all with a Maine twist.

To find the archives for the state you are researching do a search on Google or your favorite search engine. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will find.

One more tip - visit the Digital State Archives - History at Your Fingertips - you will not be disappointed!

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Jennette Montgomery Moore

Mother of Nancy Hansen who married John Horton, Nelson Smith and William Weber.

Grandmother of Charlot Horton Maish.

Obituary

Jennette Montgomery Moore was born in Mobile, Ala., Nov. 1, 1854, and died of apoplexy, April 5, 1905 at her home in this city.

She was united in marriage top Peter Hansen in the state of Mississippi. For a short time she resided in Florida when with her husband she came north to Wisconsin locating on a farm in Clearfield. In 1883 her husband died leaving her five children, two of which, Mrs. John Horton of Superior and N. Peter Hansen of this city survive her.

In 1885 she was again united in marriage to Wm. Franks of this city and of this union seven children were born, five of whom survive her: Nina E., Minerva, Adel, Lewis and Cloves. The deceased enjoyed good health to the day of her death which came suddenly. Besides her children she leaves a kind husband who will miss her.

The funeral services were held last Friday, Rev. W. B. Stubbert of the Baptist church conducting and the burial took place in the city cemetery.

Transcription of obituary from on an unknown source

Monday, September 26, 2011

Gold Star Mothers, Rootsweb Mailing Lists and Military Cemeteries

This week's tips and hints are an eclectic group. I am never sure when I start my weekly blog if I am going to follow the week as laid out in my calendar - Everyday Genealogy or freelance a bit. This week I mixed it up a bit.

Sunday September 25
* Gold Star Mother's Day
* Find out more about the American Gold Start Mother's, Inc. at their website - http://www.goldstarmoms.com/

Monday September 26
* There are many memorials in Washington D.C. but if you cannot make it to our Capitol, you can still visit the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial virtually.
* Visit The Virtual Wall.

Tuesday September 27
* The United States has 24 burial grounds on foreign soil.
* Visit the American Battle Monuments Commision at http://www.abmc.gov/home.php

Wednesday September 28
* If you are doing Irish Research The National Archives of Ireland has an online searchable database of the 1910/1911 census.
* Access the database for FREE at: www.census.nationalarchives.ie

Thursday September 29
* Looking for a Genealogy Glossary? Check out Dick Eastman's Encyclopedia of Genealogy

Friday September 30
* Using mailing lists on Rootsweb.com?
* Search the archives of the mailing lists for answers before you post a question on a mailing list.
* Birthday of Earl Pahlke - my dad

Saturday October 1
* If you are doing research in Chicago and cannot get there yourself check out ChicagoGenealogy.com



Take Care,

Pattie

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Dennis Maish

Dennis Maish, 63, of Blackduck, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, in Blackduck.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Cease Family Funeral Home of Blackduck.

The pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Cody, Nick, Lenay, Tiffany, Zack, Tori and Tara.

He was born Dec. 14, 1946, to Alvern and Marian Maish in St. Paul. He attended school in Marengo, Ill. He joined the U.S. Army in April of 1964, and was discharged in 1967. He married Glenda Finnan, Aug. 9, 1997, in Blackduck, where they made their home. He was a truck driver and drove truck for Transport America for six years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching NASCAR. He also loved spending time with his family and most of all his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Maish; his children, Norman (Jeannie) Maish, Denise Garrigan, Dennis Maish, Dale Maish and Jenny (Don) Jones; seven grandchildren; a great-grandson; a brother, Greg Maish; two sisters, Jackie Heelein and Sandy Peterson and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Steve Maish and his grandparents.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Passports, Land Patents and Online Classes

I always get excited when I have email from Facebook, Ancestry, Rootsweb or Findagrave. One way or another I know that I am going to be connecting with family members I may not have seen in decades or never knew existed.

This month I have been very fortunate to reconnect with family via Ancestry, have photo requests fulfilled on Findagrave and connected with family on Facebook! The trick to all this 'connecting' is just 'being there'. If you are not using all of these sites your genealogy toolbox is missing some essential tools.

Sunday September 18
* Facebook and Genealogy: Scan old family photos and post them on Facebook. It will encourage family members to share their memories and maybe upload some of their own!

Monday September 19
* Passports were issued by the State Department starting in 1810 through 1925.
* They were not mandatory but suggested by the Federal Government.
* If you ancestors traveled out of the United States during this time period visit: www.archives.gov/genealogy/passport

Tuesday September 20
* Family Tree Magazine – get the tricks and tools to advance your research.
* Find articles, forms, classes and more - Visit: www.familytreemagazine.com


Wednesday September 21
* Online classes are available via the Family Search Learning Center
* Take the 5 Minute Challenge, Learn about Courthouse Research and more.
* Visit: The Learning Center
Thursday September 21
* The first state census for South Dakota was taken in 1895.

Friday September 22
* Doing research in Ontario and Upper Canada Genealogy and History?
* Visit: www.ontariogenealogy.com

Saturday September 23
* Land records can help solve genealogy mysteries or dispel myths. Search for Land Patents and Surveys on the General Land Office Records website.
* Visit: www.glorecords.blm.gov

Time to check my mailbox and see if there are any new messages from long lost relatives!

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Ida Schwemm Lyons

Daughter of Joseph and Julia Emme Schwemm
Sister of Fred Schwemm


Chicago Daily News
July 5, 1966 page 42
Ida Lyons (nee Schwemm), wife of the late Willard F., fond mother of Byron, Malcolm and Willard, grandmother of seven, great-grandmother of four.

Funeral Wednesday, July 6, at 1:30 p.m., at Schroeder-Westfall Chapel, 3807 N. Lincoln Av. Member of Alice Chapter no. 561 OES, and Royal Neighbors Camp No. 3053. Eastern Star Services Tuesday, 8 p.m. Interment Irving Park. 281-3450


_________________________

Barrington Review - February 6, 1897
Barrington Locals
Miss Ida Schwemm had the misfortune to slip and fall on the sidewalk Monday afternoon, breaking her left arm.

Nunda Herald - Thursday February 18, 1897
"About the Neighborhood"
Miss Ida Schwemm, of Barrington, fell on the icy walk and broke her arm.

Barrington Review - March 3, 1900
Barrington Locals
Miss Ida Schwemm of Mayfair spent Sunday here with relatives.

Barrinton Review - April 7, 1900
Barrington Locals
Miss Ida Schwemm of Mayfair visited relatives here Sunday and Monday.

Barrington Review - June 2, 1900
Barrington Locals
Miss Ida Schwemm of Mayfair spent Decoration Day in Barrington.

1900 Census - Ida is listed as a servant in the household of William and Ella Snyder. The Snyders have three young children. There is a note in the Barrington Review, dated October 1901 - Mrs. W.H. Snyder of Mayfair visted her father Edward Lamey, Wednesday.

Barrington Review - August 16, 1901
Miss Ida Schwemm of Mayfair visited with relatives here from Friday until Tuesday.

Barrington Review - June 2, 1910
Mrs. Ida Schwemm Lyon and children of Chicago visited her brothers and their families here this week.

Barrington Review - July 12, 1917 pg. 5
Mrs. William Lyons was taken to the Swedish Hospital, Chicago, Friday and underwent an operation Saturday. She is doing nicely. Mrs. Herman Schwemm is caring for her children.

Barrington Review - July 31, 1919 pg. 5
Mr. and Mrs. William Lyons and family of Chicago, who had been visiting here since Saturday with Mrs. Lyons' brother, Herman Schwemm, and family, returned to their home Wednesday.

Barrington Review - July 7, 1921 pg. 5
Mr. and Mrs. William Lyons of Chicago were guests' at the Herman Schwemm
home on Cook Street over the Fourth. Their son, Malcolm, who accompanied them, remained for a more extended visit.

Barrington Review - July 7, 1927
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lyons and family, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Lyons, and Mr.and Mrs. Charles Weinert and family of Chicago were Sunday and Monday guests of Mrs. and Mrs. Herman Schwemm of Cook Street.

Barrington Review - July 5, 1928
Mr. and Mrs. William Lyons and son, Willard, of Chicago, spent Sunday at the Herman Schwemm home on S. Cook Street.

Barrington Review - August 20, 1929 pg2
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jahnke of Lake Street, Mrs. Philip Hawley of Hough Street, and Mrs. Herman Schwemm of S. Cook Street visited at the Wm. Lyons home in Chicago, Sunday.

Barrington Review - July 5, 1928
Mr. and Mrs. William Lyons and son, Willard, of Chicago, spent Sunday at the Herman Schwemm home on S. Cook Street.


Ida Schwemm Lyons with her brother Willam Schwemm at his farm in Crystal Lake

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Wyoming, New Sweden and a Day You Will Never Forget

I will always remember where I was when President John F. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated. I also remember watching each of the Mercury manned launches in my school gymnasium starting with Alan Shepard and ending with "Gordo" Cooper.

Those events happened when I was young and impressionable. September 11 happened when I was an adult and I was able to understand that the world had just changed.

If you missed it, here is Paul Simon's performance of Sound of Silence on Sunday September 11, 2011.

Sunday September 11
* 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
* Visit "United We Serve" and find out how to get involved: www.serve.gov

Monday September 12
* Family History Archive - a searchable collection of published genealogy and family history books.
* Visit and / or contribute: http://lib.byu.edu/fhc/index.php

Tuesday September 13
* Google Tip:
* Looking for a photo editing tool or a great place to share your family photos? Check out Picasa 3: www.picasa.google.com

Wednesday September 14
* Researching in Wyoming? Find census records, town and county histories and more at the Laramie County Library.
* Visit the Special Collections: www.lclsonline.org

Thursday September 15
* The Swedes, led by Johan Printz were the first settlers of New Sweden and established the capital, New Gothenburg in 1643.
* This location is just south of present day Philadelphia.

Map of New Sweden ca. 1650 by Amandus Johnson>

Friday September 16
* Rhode Island State Census records were taken every 10 years from 1865 to 1935
* Check out the Rhode Island State Census Transcription Project
* Check out other New Horizons State Genealogy Projects

Saturday September 17
* Planning a research trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City?
* Request a Lunch Pass when you arrive at the library each morning. It will give you access to the cafeteria at the Church Office Building 2 blocks away.

If you did not attend the FGS (Federation of Genealogical Societies) Conference in Springfield last week many of the sessions are availble on CD for a fee. Check out Fleetwood Onsite Conference Recording
.
Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - LeRoy A. Schwemm

Crystal Lake Herald - October 5, 1939

LeRoy A. Schwemm, formerly of Algonquin and well known here, was killed Saturday in a tractor accident on the Public Service Company model farm near Mundelein. A coroner's jury returned a verdict of accidental death although the manner in which Schwemm's body got between the tractor and the plow will likely never be known.

Plowing for more than an hour, Schwemm had reached one corner of the field. Whether he was thrown from his seat or was making an adjustment is not known. His body was found in a sitting position with the heavy tractor wheel revolving, it having worn a gaping wound into his side. Mud prevented the tractor from being able to pull the plow over Schwemm's body. Neighbors noted that the tractor had been standing still for more than a half hour with the motor running and went to investigate.

Schwemm was born November 14, 1909 in Algonquin, and was well and favorably known. He was married June 20, 1936 to the former Marion Ebel who with a 6-month daughter survives. Other surviving relatives are: Mr. and Mrs. Wm Schwemm of Crystal Lake; seven brothers - Emil, Edwin, Alvin, Raymond, Gordon, Leslie and Howard and one sister, Esther.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Schwemm home in Mundelein, and at the Lutheran Church in Libertyville. Burial was at Algonquin.



Leroy and Marion Ebel Schwemm with daughter Jean

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Wikis, British-Canadian Research and Labor Day

I have just returned from vacation on Lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota. The weather was beautiful and I actually caught a fish! The unusual part of the vacation was that there was no television and or Internet access. As a result I was watching the sunset instead updating my blog...


Sunday September 4
* Anglo-Celtic Connections Blog: A great blog for British-Canadian Research.
* John Reid, author, has a blog post documenting the Top Genealogy Site Rankings. There were a few on the list I either did not know about - or had forgotten!

Monday September 5
* Labor Day
* The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board will provide information for deceased ancestors who worked for the railroad industry after 1936. If you had an ancestor who work 'on the railroad' visit their site: http://www.rrb.gov/mep/genealogy.asp
* The Lake County Illinois blog has a great post about what Labor Day is about: Labor Day - The Working Man's Holiday
* Birthdate of Florence Anna Schwemm Pahlke - my grandmother

Tuesday September 6
* Genealogy Glossary: Wiki
* A website that gives visitors the ability to contribute, comment and correct content.

Wednesday September 7
* The Boxer Rebellion which began in 1899 was an uprising of the Chinese against outside influences. It ended on this date in 1901
* Researching an ancestor who may have served in this war then visit these sites:
* Military History at About.com - http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/battleswars1900s/p/boxerreb.htm
* The Boxer Rebellion and the U.S. Navy, 1900-1901

Thursday September 8
* FamilySearch Wiki – Free family history research advice for the community, by the community.
* Visit: wiki.familysearch.org

Friday September 9
* California became a state on this date in 1850
* Researching early California ancestors? Spanish censuses (padrones) began in 1790.

Saturday September 10
* The Town of Leesburg Virginia has online databases and manuscripts.
* Visit the Thomas Balch Library on the Town of Leesburg website.

Personally I am requesting my first reformatory record from the state of Minnesota. Keep your fingers crossed - it could be a great story!

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Mary Hannah Anderson

Biddeford-Saco Jounal, Tuesday, 26 Sep 1967, Page 2

Deaths

Miss Mary Anderson

Miss Mary Anderson, 83, of 179 Hill St., Biddeford, died yesterday morning at her residence following a lengthy illness.

Born in England, May 15, 1884 she was the daughter of Joseph and Julia Pierce Anderson.

Miss Anderson came to the United States at an early age, and attended Biddeford schools. A graduate of Household School of Practical Nursing, Boston, she was employed at Emmerson Hospital, Concord, Mass., for several years, worked most of her life in the Boston area and worked in the Biddeford area for a short time, retiring 25 years ago.

She was a member of Rebecca Lodge, Soco, Adah chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Biddeford and a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Biddeford.

Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Sara Chasse, Fairhaven, Mass., Miss Jessie Anderson and Miss Elizabeth Anderson both of Biddeford; two brothers, Richard Anderson, Biddeford, Frank Anderson of Goose Rocks Beach and Florida and several nieces and nephews.

A requiem Euchrist and burial office will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow from Christ episcopal Church, Biddeford, with the Rev. Gerald Burtt, priest in charge, officiating. Internment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Biddeford.

Friends may call at the Dennett and Craig Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Minnesota, George G. Morgan and the Rough Riders


Labor Day weekend is fast approaching and vacation plans are in place. I am preparing for a trip to Minnesota to spend a long weekend on Lake Mille Lacs with Chuck's family. While the family is busy playing cards, corn toss and cruising the lake I plan on kicking back with my fully loaded Kindle.

I hope everyone has a great weekend, but if you decide to do some research, here are this week's tips, with a Minnesota twist.

Sunday August 28
* Have an Minnesota Ancestor with a 'checkered' past? The Minnesota Historical Society can help you access their prison records.
* To obtain information about Prison Records visit: The Minnesota Historical Society

Monday August 29
* South Dakota was a part of Minnesota until Minnesota became a state in 1858.

Tuesday August 30
* Cemetery Tip - Once you find an ancestor's grave it is important to record everyone in the family plot whether you think they are related or not.
* Record the names of the graves near by - sisters, brothers, or cousins may have bought plots near each other.

Wednesday August 31
* Looking for an out of print book? Check the following sites:
* Amazon.com
* Abesbook.com
* Alibris
* World Cat

Thursday September 1
* A Brief History of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry - aka Rough Riders. The site contains a rooster, biographies and more.
* Visit: The Rough Riders Website
* The Rough Riders - A Public Domain Book

Friday September 2
* Genealogy Books - Quicksheet Citing Online Historical Resources - Elizabeth Shown Mills

Saturday September 3
* Attend a State or Local Genealogy Conference!
* Minnesota Genealogical Society Presents the 4th Annual North Star Conference Featuring: George G. Morgan, International Speaker, half of the Genealogy Guys Podcast and author of How to Do Everything: Genealogy and the first two editions of The Official Guide to Ancestry


The picture below is Chuck and his younger brother Billy with some fish they caught! I hope everyone has a safe Labor Day weekend!

Take Care,
Pattie