Future – Family Finds

A Look Back at 2021

Before I look to the future, I’d like to take a look back at 2021. First, and foremost, I managed to write a post for each of the 52 prompts for Amy Johnson Crow’s challenge, “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.” [1] In addition to writing every week, I also challenged myself to read the posts of other participants. I read, and left comments, for at least 5 other posts every week. It got tougher towards the end of the year as participants dropped out! With the aid of the WordPress and Blogger readers I was able to keep up with over 30 other genealogy bloggers. A benefit I had not anticipated was learning new methods and resources these other bloggers highlighted. Below is my list of favorite and most read blogs.

Read the Full Post, Future – Family Finds

Advertisement

Strength – Family Finds

While researching my ancestors I sometimes wonder at the personal strength they must have had to face the many adversities in their lives. Particularly when I discover the death of a spouse or child, I consider, with admiration, how the rest of the family carries on. I suspect many found strength through their faith, and the practical aspects of their lives. My farming ancestors would need to continue to care for their livestock and crops. Additionally, most these farming families were large and a widow or widower must find a caretaker or provider for young children. This week I consider the case of my great-great grandmother, Elizabeth Ellen Hammond.

Read the Full Post, Strength – Family Finds

Thankful – Family Finds

What am I thankful for? Many things, not least of which is having received a good education, being able to earn a good living, and now enjoying a comfortable retirement. I am also thankful I live in a time when science and technology can improve my quality of life. Finally, I am thankful I live in a democracy, where I can exercise my right to vote and have the freedom to pursue happiness in the way I choose. Here is a brief list presented in a (hopefully) clever way to satisfy this week’s prompt.

Read the Full Post, Thankful – Family Finds

Birthdays – Family Finds

The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, October 1959

For this week’s prompt I take a look at my hometown paper on the day I was born. Newspapers provide a synopsis of what is happening in the world, as well as local events. But, they also are a time capsule of product prices, entertainment and sports. It’s interesting to discover the headlines my parents read in the paper on my birthday. But, I did not stop at the front page. I’ve picked out a few items to highlight. Below are select pages, above the fold, from The Indianapolis Star for Thursday, October x, 1959.

Read the Full Post, Birthdays – Family Finds

Stormy Weather – Family Finds

Camp Parole, near Annapolis, MD

I enjoy researching family oral history and finding records to validate the story. But, sometimes the records reveal there is much more to the story. One such story involves some stormy weather and my great-great-grandfather, William Rumple, who served in the 123rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War. The story told is he laid in the mud for two days during a battle and became chronically ill as a result.

Read the Full Post, Stormy Weather – Family Finds