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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Custer, Canada and Cookbook Tips

This week's tips have a northern flair ranging from Wisconsin to Montana and north to Canada. It is never to late or to soon to start collecting recipes for a Family Cookbook. Look for hints, starting this week.


Sunday June 26
* The Battle of Little Big Horn was fought on this date in 1876
* Looking for a list of 7th Cavalry casualties and wounded at Little Big Horn? Visit: http://www.interment.net/us/mt/bighorn.htm Select -> Custer National Cemetery

Monday June 27
* Looking for Free Genealogy Software? Check out RootsMagic Essentials. Visit: rootsmagic.com

Tuesday June 28
* Searching for a female Canadian Ancestor? Maybe she was a World War I Canadian war bride. Visit: http://ww1warbrides.blogspot.com

Wednesday June 29
* Looking for a researcher in Upper Michgan? Visit: http://www.mtu.edu/library/ Select -> Archives & Historical Collections -> Research Help.
* Be sure to check out the Photo Archives on the MTU website.

Thursday June 30
* Juneau County Wisconsin was created from Adams County in 1857. Visit: www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wijuneau

Friday July 1
* Canada Day
* Getting started in Canadian research? The Library and Archives of Canada is a great place to start. Visit: www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy

Saturday July 2
* Create a Family Recipe Cookbook: To personalize each recipe add a biography of the creator.

Good Luck and Take Care,

Pattie

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Automate Your Genealogy

The other day I received an email that sadden me. Hazel Ritt Schwemm, the wife of one of my grandmother's cousins had passed away. The email was not from a relative or fellow researcher, it was from Google.

A few years ago I set up an alert on Google for the word 'Schwemm'. I now know when there is an event at the Schwemm Coffee House at Amherst College or when Diane Schwemm publishes a new book. And occasionally there will be a notice about another distant relative. This was the first time I found out about a death in the family.


Clifford and Hazel Ritt Schwemm's Wedding Portrait

Google Alerts

Setting up alerts allows Google to monitor the web without you having to lift a finger.

Start by going to Google Alerts. You will be presented with a variety of parameters, which may be changed once you begin receiving alerts.


Google Alerts lets you choose whether it searches blogs, news, videos or discussions. The email alerts can be sent to you once a day, week or as they happen. And you can choose to see only the best results or all results.

Test your search criteria with the 'Preview' feature to make sure the results are reasonable and useful. The goog thing is that even once the alert is activated you can always 'tweak' the results.

While these alerts will never take the place of 'boots on the ground' research, they can help monitor a family or town that you are researching. If you are planning a research trip you could set up an alert for a local genealogy or historical society you want to visit.

If you are currently using Google Alerts please let me know if you find them helpful. If you set up a Google Alert I would like to hear if it was helpful or not.

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Minnie Schwemm Schnetlage

Parents:
Joseph Julia Emme Schwemm

Married:
William Schnetlage: Feb 17 1897 - Chicago, IL

Excerpts from the Obituary - Barrington Courier Review:

Funeral Services for Mrs. Minnie Schnetlage, 84, of 127 North Avenue, wife of William M. Schnetlage, retired painter and decorator, are scheduled for 2:00 pm this Thursday at the Stirlen Funeral Home, 149 West Main Street.

The last rites will be conducted by the Rev. Grant V. Graver, pastor of Salem Evangelical United Brethern Church. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.

Mrs. Schnetlage died early Tuesday at Sherman Hospital at Elgin where she had been confined since Nov.21 after suffering a stroke at her home. Her condition was critical from the time she was stricken.

A lifelong resident of Barrington, the former Minnie Schwemm was born August 2, 1873 in Barrington, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schwemm.

She was married to Mr. Schnetlage in Chicago, February 17, 1897, and they took occupancy shortly after their marriage of their newly built North Avenue home, where they had resided ever since.

She was a member of the Salem Church and attended service regularly until frail health limited her activities. She belonged to the church's Philathea class and the Woman's Society of World Service.



Minnie kept in contact with the extended Schwemm family during her life. Here are some snippets from the "Local News" column in the Barrington Review over the years.


Barrington Review - June 11, 1914
Mrs. F. Sprung of Grinnell, Iowa, Mrs. L. Pyritz of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Mrs. C. Schwemm and daughter, Miss Mayme, of Chicago spent the weekend at the house of William Schnetlage.

Barrington Review - October 22, 1914 pg 5
Mr. and Mrs. J. Peterson and daughter, Mildred, and sons, Howard and Arthur of Chicago visited at the home of William Schnetlage Sunday.

Barrington Review - September 23, 1915
Mr. and Mrs. William Schnetlage and daughters Nelta and Stella and Mr. and Mrs. William Stockel and daughter Mabel, spent Sunday at Avondale with the Nieland family.

Barrington Review - September 14, 1916 - pg 5
Mrs. William Schnetlage visited Mrs. Edward Peters at the Lakeside hospital, Chicago, Saturday afternoon.

Barrington Review - September 14, 1916 pg 5
Guests at the Schnetlage home over Saturday and Sunday were Misses Emma and Florence Rosenbaum, Mr. Ryerson and Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Peterson and family of Chicago.

Barrington Review - July 28, 1921 pg 5
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Petersen of Detroit, Mich., and J.P. Petersen and daughter, Mildred of Chicago were mid-week visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Schnetlage of North Hawley Street.

Barrington Review - September 8, 1921 pg 5
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Krone and family, Mrs. Thomas and Mr. and Mrs.Theodore Ebner of Chicago were guests the first of the week of Mr. and Mrs. William Schnetlage of North Hawley Street.

Barrington Review - August 13, 1925 pg 5
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Niel and family of Chicago spent the week-end at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schnetlage of North Avenue.

Barrington Review - June 30, 1927 pg 2
Mrs. Lizzie Pyritz of Indianapolis, Ind., and Miss Mamie Schwemm and Lawrence Woods of Chicago were guests at the home of their cousin, Mrs. Wm. Schnetlage, on Monday and Tuesday of this week.


Barrington Review - September 29, 1927
Mr. and Mrs. Wm Rosenbaum and daughter Miss Emma, and Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Likut and family of Chicago spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Schnetlage
of North Avenue.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Everyday Genealogy - The Blog and the Calendar

This blog started as a way to promote my calendar Everyday Genealogy and has evolved into its own genealogy blog.

As a way to blend the two I am going to start posting seven tips every week. I will also continue writing the blog based on the tips and my genealogical adventures.

June 20
- West Virginia became a state on this date in 1863
- Researching in West Virginia? Family members born before 1863 may list Virginia, not West Virginia as their birthplace in census records.

June 21
- New Hampshire became a state on this date in 1788.
- “A Very Grave Matter” is a collection of pictures and cemetery records focused on New England, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine cemeteries. Visit: www.gravematter.com

June 22
- Researching or live in New Mexico? Check out the New Mexico Genealogical Society website. Visit: www.nmgs.org/index.htm

June 23
- Looking for an out of print book? Visit: www.Biblio.com

June 24
- Researching you Spanish Heritage? The Spanish Archives Portal offers free research. Visit: http://pares.mcu.es

June 25
- Virginia became a state on this date in 1788
- Library of Virginia has searchable databases ranging from military and newspaper to cohabitation registers. Visit: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/ Select-> Using The Collections

June 26
- The Battle of Little Big Horn was fought on this date in 1876
- Looking for a list of 7th Cavalry casualties and wounded at Little Big Horn? Visit: http://www.interment.net/us/mt/bighorn.htm Select -> Custer National Cemetery

I hope you enjoy it!

Take Care,

Pattie

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Daisy Elizabeth Warren Olson

Father: William Hamilton Warren
Mother: Mary Francenia Startt

Married: Benjamin Otto Olson on August 8, 1899

Kendall County News - October 2, 1940

Daisy Elizabeth Warren was born in Chestertown, Maryland, March 10th 1874 and passed away September 24 at the home where her daughter, Mrs. Fanning was planning to live.

She was married to Benjamin Otto Olson August 8, 1899, at Muskegon, Mich. and then came to Plano where they have resided with the exception of a few years in West Pullman. They were blessed with five children, Clarence, who died in 1911 at the age of 21 years; Walter, Frances and Lila of Plano and Ruth of Aurora, who survives her.

She also leaves five grandchildren. Mrs. Robert Lett, Burdette Olson, Robert LaVoy and Patsy and nnndy Fanning; besides two great grandchildren; Sharon Lynn and Richard Allen Lett. One sister, Mrs. Wm Schultz and three brothers, Ray and Walter Warren of Kankakee and Frank of Peoria, are also left to mourn her loss. A brother, William, and a sister, Mary, preceded her in death.

She was "Ma" to many who knew her, especially the children in the neighborhood. Her whole life centered around her home and children and she will be always remembered as being generous, kind and thoughtful of everyone. She had been in poor health the past few years but was active in her household duties until the time she was stricken, after which the end came quickly.

The many beautiful floral offerings expressed the token of love and esteem in which she was held by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held at the home of her son, Walter of Plano, Thursday afternoon, September 26 at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. E. E. Simms. Mrs. Ray Wiley sang very beautifully, "Some Time We'll Understand" and her son, Clarence's favorite hymn, :Does Jesus Care". The pallbearers were Messrs. Baker, Corneal Johnson, Wm Heller, Harry Usilton, Allen Taxis and Mr. McKirgan.

Those from out of town attending the services were Mr. and Mrs. A. Opp, Mrs. Mary Thomas and Mrs. Clarence Best of Belvidere; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Warren, Walter Warren and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schultz and daughter, Nellie of Kankakee; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Schultz, Mrs. Bernard Schultz and Hugh Fanning of Chicago; Dr. and Mrs. F. P. Fanning of Genoa; Dr. and Mrs. Wallace Fanning of Barrington; Mr. and Mrs. Edw Fanning, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Fanning, Mrs. Chas. Patten and Mrs. Chas. Lett of Sandwich; Mrs. August Westbrook, Mrs. Ollie Tinsley, Mrs. Downey Nestlerod, Mrs. A. Aldia, Mrs. Viola Gordon, Mrs. Wm Gadow, Mrs. Harry Schilts and Mrs. L. H. Burndrett of Aurora and Mrs. Hattie Lightmer of Verona, Ill.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Relative Roulette or Who Was That Standing Next To Me?

Last December I wrote Name Tags - What would Emily Post say? after Aunt Theresa's 100th birtday party. In it I lament the lack of name tags to help identify relatives you may never have met or had not seen in decades.

The party was a great chance to meet some of Chuck's paternal relatives and I made sure to take pictures of everyone. From a genealogy prespective it was a golden chance to put faces to the names in my database.

Memory Game - Family Style

It is amazing how the mind works. I was sure I would remember all the names and faces of the people I met but the minute I left the party my mind went blank! As I was downloading the pictures to my computer panic set in - I coudn't remember half of the people's names. Thank goodness Chuck's parents were staying with us over the holidays and would be able to help me identify the people in the pictures.

The next day I printed each picture on an 8 x 10 sheet of regular computer paper and laid them on the table. Chuck's parents, Chuck Sr. and Shirley, took turns looking at the pictures and in a short time and after a few friendly disagreements they had identified everyone.

Charles Mikulas and Theresa Steigerwald Steinkellner


Lessons Learned

As genealogists we always sigh when we find a box of pictures without names on the back or a date jotted in the corner. In the new digital age, we may not even have a printed copy of the picture!

I have started putting a 'Read Me' file in the digital folder that is created when I download pictures from my camera if the pictures are of people outside our immediate family. The file contains a quick 'who, what and where' of the occasion. I then list the 'name' or 'id' of the picture and who is in the picture. I also use this technique when I have been visiting a relative and scanned pictures during my visit.

No matter what method you use, be sure to write down the names of everyone in your photos. It may be obvious today that Aunt Ida is on your left and cousin Jimmy, once removed is on your right but will you remember that tomorrow or next month?

I just ran into those 8 x 10 sheets of paper while putting away my sewing basket! I had never recorded the names - I did not even remember where they were there! They are now in the 'to be filed pile'.

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Gustav Pahlke

Father: Christian Pahlke
Mother: Elisabeth Knoblach

Married: Caroline Justine Gerber - March 3, 1887
Married: Johanna Wehmeier - February 21, 1891

Gustav Pahlke of North Avenue died suddenly Monday of Heart failure, in his seventy-first year. Funeral Services were at Foelschow's funeral home, then a church service at St. Paul;s Evangelicial Church. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Gustav Pahlke was born October 16, 1859 at Mechlenburg-Schwerin, Germany.

He came to America in 1880 settling on a farm near Barrington. He was married to Lena Gerber on 1885 and they were the parents of one son, Alvin. His first wife died in 1889, and he was married in 1890 to Johanna Blum who survives. Two sons, Arthur and William and a daughter Mrs. Anna Nordmeier survive this union.

Besides the four children, Mr Pahlke also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Anna Schuster of Chicago and Mrs. John Friedland of Elgin, and six grandchildren.

Mr. Pahlke moved into Barrington with his family fourteen years ago and has since resided here.


News Items About Gustav in the Local Papers

Barrington Review - December 10, 1892
Mr. August Pahlke received severe injuries at the gravel pit last Friday, the gravel caving in upon him.


Daily Herald - March 3, 1905
Local News - Schaumburg

Aug. Pehlke and wife of Palatine, on their way to Elgin, visited Fred Salge, during the snowstorm. Fred hooked up two broncos and delivered them safely at Roselle.

Barrington Review - October 8 1908
August Pahlke had a runaway Sunday noon. He was thrown from his buggy and sustained slight injuries.


Barrington Review - December 7, 1916 pg 7
Auction Sale
Williams Peters, Auctioneer


Having decided to quit farming, I will sell my entire farming outfit on my farm located 2 miles southeast of Barrington, 4 miles northwest of Palatine and 3 miles south of Lake Zurich known as the old John Schoppe farm.

Barrington Review - Tuesday, December 12, 1916
Commencing at 10 o'clock a.m., the following described property:

28 head of Livestock

10 cows, 2 with calves by their sides, balance springers and milkers;
13 two year old Holstein heifers;
6 spring Holsteins.
Five Head Horses - 1 black gelding 12 years old wt 1300; 1 gray mare
14 years old,;
One driving horse 6 years old, pair mare colts coming
2 years old.
Two fat hogs.

Large amount of farm implements,
Hay and Feed: 17 ?, tame hay, 30 acres corn in shock, 50 bushels of wheat.

Self-feeder heating stove
Usual terms of sale with 6 months' time of bankable notes.

Free Lunch at noon.

August Pahlke, Proprietor

Barrington Review - December 14, 1916
The August Pahlke farm sale southeast of town was held on Tuesday. The family will move at once to Barrington and occupy the Mundhenke house near North Hawley Street.

Barrington Review - December 21, 1916
August Pahlke and family moved Tuesday from Palatine township to North Hawley Street, after thirteen years of residence on the Schoppe farm.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Don't Print - PDF!

Every day while researching genealogists find new information. It may be an email about a long lost relative, an obituary or a Civil War record. Our first reaction is to print the information on the screen in front of us.

Later that piece of paper will be placed on a 'to be filed' pile and eventually filed. Over time those files will get larger and larger and take up more space.

The answer - PDF!

Yes, anytime you press the 'print' button you can optionally 'print to pdf'. The tool that I use is PDF995, and it is FREE. Once installed it displays as another printer option when you use your 'print' button.


After you confirm that you want to print, the PDF is displayed and the 'Save As' dialog box is presented. Just name document and save it in the appropriate folder on your computer. No mess and no burgeoning files to put away.



The free version of PDF995 is not crippled, but does display sponsor pages during the process of creating the PDF. If you do not wish to see these ads the price is $9.95.

So, the next time you print, consider the advantages of a PDF.

Take Care
Pattie

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

SCGS Jamboree, Streaming Videos and You!

Genealogists used to spend hours in dusty archives hoping to find a faded document that would knock down a brick wall in their research. Today a large portion of a genealogist's research is done on your computer and the biggest challenge is keeping up with technology and terminology.

Streaming Video

What is Streaming Video?

When video/media is sent directly or 'live' over the Internet and is played on your computer when it arrives. There is no need to download the video/media before it can be played, it is watched LIVE!

Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree

The Southern California Genealogical Society has announced that it will be offering 5 sessions from their Jamboree FREE this weekend! On June 11, 2011 from 8:30a.m. (PDT) to 5:30 p.m. (PDT) it will be possible to attend these sessions while sitting in front of your home computer!

The list of sessions are:
Lisa Louise Cooke - SA009 - Google Search Strategies for Genealogists
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. PDT

Curt B. Witcher, MLS, FUGA, IGSF - SA019 - Fingerprinting Our Families - Using Ancestral Origins as a Genealogical Research Key
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. PDT

David A. Lambert - SA024 - Researching Your Union Civil War Ancestors
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PDT

Kory Meyerink, AG, FUGA - SA035 - But it Ain't Really the ORIGINAL Record!
2:00 to 3:00 p.m. PDT

Kerry Bartels - SA043 - The Many Facets of the National Archives Website (NARA)
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. PDT

You will need to register for each session you wish to 'attend' by clicking this url: http://tinyurl.com/3measan

Isn't techology great!

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Adelheit Lageschulte Schnetlage

Barrington Review - October 24, 1912


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.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Genealogist Supply List - Don't Leave Home Without Them

A few years ago I was at a genealogy seminar and someone asked if it was a prerequisite for a genealogist to be addicted to Office Depot? I laughed, but then thought for a moment. I LOVE Office Depot!

With summer coming genealogists will be making more road trips and then going home to 'digest' their findings. Having the right supplies will make life easier.

Here are some items that every genealogist should have in their 'toolbox'.

* Magnifying glass
* Binder Clips - Small,Medium,Large
* Highlighters
* Post-it Notes - Regular and Directional (arrows)
* Photo safe and acid free Scotch Brand Scrapbooking Tape
* Index Cards
* Paper Clips
* Archival Pen and Pencil
* Ruler
* Mini Tape Measure
* USB Drive
* Portable Scanner
* Cotton Gloves
* Label Maker
* Sheet Protectors
* Extension Cord
* Calculator
* 9 x 12 Envelopes
* Steno Pad
* Blank cd's
* Permenant Markers
* Voice Recorder (cell phone, mp3 player, etc)
* Camera (cell phone, digital camera, disposable, etc)
* Pre Printed Cards (aka business cards) with your contact information
* 3-Ring Binders
* File Folders

Divide your supplies into different containers.

When traveling select either a soft side container that can be carried in a computer bag, brief case or tote bag. This can hold a small magnifying glass, paper clips, highlighters, pens, pencils, etc.

For home storage the type of container is not as important as long as it it holds your supplies and keeps the items organized. An actual 'toolbox' may help organize your supplies best.

I am continuing to add to my list of 'must have' supplies as I reorganize my office. I will post more supplies later!

Take Care,
Pattie