May the New Year be as spectacular a year as the Blue Moon.
A full moon occurred on Dec. 2, 2009 and will appear again to ring in the New Year. The last time this happened on New Year's Eve was 19 years ago.
A blue moon is the second full moon in a month.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thoughts on the New Year
My granddaddy clipped from newspapers and magazines and pasted into a datebook articles, saying and advice. To a stranger, that book would give a glimpse into the soul of who he was, My daddy did it too although his clippings were apt to be found tucked many places including between pages of his bible. Mine reside on my computer to be brought up and used in speeaches or to give me private encourgement and joy. Here are a couple of them relating to the upcoming New Year.
"Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world." Ann Landers
"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but looking for potential." Ellen Goodman
New Year's Wishes for You
Happiness . . . deep down within your soul.
Serenity . . . that brings peace to your heart.
Love . . . that is deep, abiding and true.
Success . . . in everything you strive to do.
Courage . . . to never give up being the best you can be.
Health . . . inside you.
Family . . . beside you with close and caring friends.
Special memories . . . to keep and cherish.
Appreciation . . . of yourself and others.
A bright today . . . that will shine on your tomorrows.
A path . . . for all your journeys to follow.
Dreams . . . that do their best to come true.
Unknown
"Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world." Ann Landers
"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but looking for potential." Ellen Goodman
New Year's Wishes for You
Happiness . . . deep down within your soul.
Serenity . . . that brings peace to your heart.
Love . . . that is deep, abiding and true.
Success . . . in everything you strive to do.
Courage . . . to never give up being the best you can be.
Health . . . inside you.
Family . . . beside you with close and caring friends.
Special memories . . . to keep and cherish.
Appreciation . . . of yourself and others.
A bright today . . . that will shine on your tomorrows.
A path . . . for all your journeys to follow.
Dreams . . . that do their best to come true.
Unknown
Sunday, December 20, 2009
From Benton to Brooklyn to Wilmington
My goodness, you just never know where a comment will take you.
In September, I received a note from a gentleman inquiring about, "A place called Benton (1925-30) where a man who earlier had a place in Shermerville owned a house." I responded with what I could tell him and from then on I've been on a journey of discovery.
It turned out he too was interested in family history and lived in New York City where one of my elusive ancestors lived. I'd done some intense research on this line about six years ago, and then put it aside to attend to other projects and life altering events. While I'd dusted off the names every once in a while, my own research has taken a back seat to Village research.
Knowing full-well that a family historian knows local sources the average searcher doesn't, I asked my online friend a couple of questions about where to go to find New York area vital records and obituaries. His responses and his own digging for clues has led me on a two-month magical journey learning about my ancestors from early 1830s through 1900 New York and Brooklyn. I've also met family I've never known, shared our research and discovered some unbelievable coincidences.
One of those newly found family members lives in Wilmington, NC, where another of my ancestors lived at the same time as the family I am researching.
Last evening I sent a note to one of my new "cousins," who like my father was in the Navy. My sister lives in Wilmington, as did my father for the last few years of his life. In my note, I added a link to the story that began this blog - the story of the day I visited four Clark ancestors' homes in one day.
My "cousin" passed the link on to a friend of his who sent me a note today. A part of her note is included below.
That is more fascinating than you'll ever know. I tried to write a comment on her site, but was required to register with Google--too hard. So, here is what I tried to send her . . .
Judy,
. . . forwarded your site which I so enjoyed reading. My husband and I lived next door to the Duncan Clark House from 1978 to 1985 and know the owner . . . When we lived there, his Labrador was named Duncan in honor of Mr. Clark!
I am the historian for the Friends of Oakdale Cemetery. Our projects include trying to tend orphaned graves--those for which we know of no descendant. I suspect the friends are responsible for restoring the Clark grave markers. Their web site is OakdaleCemetery.org.
So, from an online historical question about my Village I have gone back in time to the home towns of two of my ancestors, and the final resting place of one of them. This has been an amazing journey.
Soon, my research will be placed back on the shelf so I can write about our Village founders for the Annual "Founders' Day Cemetery Walk and in doing so I'll tell the story of our Village and provide some of that "local knowledge" about a few men and women whose descendents may contact the museum in the future.
Thanks Robert for all your help, and for getting me moving forward on the Faron research steam engine.
In September, I received a note from a gentleman inquiring about, "A place called Benton (1925-30) where a man who earlier had a place in Shermerville owned a house." I responded with what I could tell him and from then on I've been on a journey of discovery.
It turned out he too was interested in family history and lived in New York City where one of my elusive ancestors lived. I'd done some intense research on this line about six years ago, and then put it aside to attend to other projects and life altering events. While I'd dusted off the names every once in a while, my own research has taken a back seat to Village research.
Knowing full-well that a family historian knows local sources the average searcher doesn't, I asked my online friend a couple of questions about where to go to find New York area vital records and obituaries. His responses and his own digging for clues has led me on a two-month magical journey learning about my ancestors from early 1830s through 1900 New York and Brooklyn. I've also met family I've never known, shared our research and discovered some unbelievable coincidences.
One of those newly found family members lives in Wilmington, NC, where another of my ancestors lived at the same time as the family I am researching.
Last evening I sent a note to one of my new "cousins," who like my father was in the Navy. My sister lives in Wilmington, as did my father for the last few years of his life. In my note, I added a link to the story that began this blog - the story of the day I visited four Clark ancestors' homes in one day.
My "cousin" passed the link on to a friend of his who sent me a note today. A part of her note is included below.
That is more fascinating than you'll ever know. I tried to write a comment on her site, but was required to register with Google--too hard. So, here is what I tried to send her . . .
Judy,
. . . forwarded your site which I so enjoyed reading. My husband and I lived next door to the Duncan Clark House from 1978 to 1985 and know the owner . . . When we lived there, his Labrador was named Duncan in honor of Mr. Clark!
I am the historian for the Friends of Oakdale Cemetery. Our projects include trying to tend orphaned graves--those for which we know of no descendant. I suspect the friends are responsible for restoring the Clark grave markers. Their web site is OakdaleCemetery.org.
So, from an online historical question about my Village I have gone back in time to the home towns of two of my ancestors, and the final resting place of one of them. This has been an amazing journey.
Soon, my research will be placed back on the shelf so I can write about our Village founders for the Annual "Founders' Day Cemetery Walk and in doing so I'll tell the story of our Village and provide some of that "local knowledge" about a few men and women whose descendents may contact the museum in the future.
Thanks Robert for all your help, and for getting me moving forward on the Faron research steam engine.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thankful for so many things.
I have so many things for which to give thanks. Sometimes, I forget to stop and give thanks for all my blessings. Today, it is laughter - and a note written by my grandson Jake.
A great quote to take to heart - "If you can think of nothing for which to give thanks, you have a poor memory."
A great quote to take to heart - "If you can think of nothing for which to give thanks, you have a poor memory."
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Progress on the Memorial
Posted to keep everyone aware of the memorial.
Sunday, September 15, 2009
The Memorial is finished. It is all that I hoped it would be. The families of so many of the boys were there in person and others in spirit. Their boys, my boys, will be remembered.
To see photos of the dedication click here.
Sunday, September 15, 2009
The Memorial is finished. It is all that I hoped it would be. The families of so many of the boys were there in person and others in spirit. Their boys, my boys, will be remembered.
To see photos of the dedication click here.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Facebook | Your Photos - Ground Breaking
Memorial Day - Ground Breaking for memorial to Northbrook residents who gave their lives in service to their country.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tonight I am celebrating.
The Park District gave final approval for the memorial to 43 soldiers from Northbrook who died while in service to our country. I am so pleased - they will be remembered!
Groundbreaking on Memorial Day - dedication at Shermerfest. Five years of research = 42 names. Eight hours on Facebook = 43 names!
Jay, I remembered you today as I sat in your school and heard the resounding vote! Rand, you were in my thought too. The 1972 interview your mother gave to the Northbrook Star has stayed with me since I discovered it several years ago. In it, she said, . . . "I think he wanted to be remembered." Now he will be - as will all the others whose names will be on the memorial with him.
These men have been my passion for years - I can still recall the feeling that came over me as I stumbled upon the grave of Philip Arnold in small National Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois and realized that I was most likely the first person from "home" that stood beside his grave and honored him for his service. Wounded at Shiloh in April 1862, he died more than three months later in July while a patient at the hospital in Quincy.
I am so proud that all the funds have been raised and that:
The young dead soldiers do not speak
Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts.
They say: We were young. We have died. Remember us.
They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done.
They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave.
They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours, they will mean what you make them.
They say: Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say, it is you who must say this. We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We have died; remember us.
by Archibald MacLeish,
1892-1982, American Poet
I will sleep well tonight knowing that these men, who are now a large part of my life, will be remembered for generations to come.
The Park District gave final approval for the memorial to 43 soldiers from Northbrook who died while in service to our country. I am so pleased - they will be remembered!
Groundbreaking on Memorial Day - dedication at Shermerfest. Five years of research = 42 names. Eight hours on Facebook = 43 names!
Jay, I remembered you today as I sat in your school and heard the resounding vote! Rand, you were in my thought too. The 1972 interview your mother gave to the Northbrook Star has stayed with me since I discovered it several years ago. In it, she said, . . . "I think he wanted to be remembered." Now he will be - as will all the others whose names will be on the memorial with him.
These men have been my passion for years - I can still recall the feeling that came over me as I stumbled upon the grave of Philip Arnold in small National Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois and realized that I was most likely the first person from "home" that stood beside his grave and honored him for his service. Wounded at Shiloh in April 1862, he died more than three months later in July while a patient at the hospital in Quincy.
I am so proud that all the funds have been raised and that:
- The Historical Society agreed to take on the this project
- The Northbrook Park District agreed to let us build in the Village Green
- The Northbrook Rotary Club was the first organization to step up to partner with the Historical Society
- The American Legion - named for one of the boys whose name will be on the memorial agreed to be our partner
- The Northbrook Civic Foundation who has given so much to our Village agreed to be our partner
- The Village of Northbrook honored their hometown heroes when they agreed to be our partner
- The Northbrook High School Alumni Association partnered with us. Several of the men are their classmates
- The families of several of the men donated as well as community members
The young dead soldiers do not speak
Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts.
They say: We were young. We have died. Remember us.
They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done.
They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave.
They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours, they will mean what you make them.
They say: Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say, it is you who must say this. We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We have died; remember us.
by Archibald MacLeish,
1892-1982, American Poet
I will sleep well tonight knowing that these men, who are now a large part of my life, will be remembered for generations to come.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Unexpected Rewards Times Two
In February, I wrote about a young man who brought his wife to visit. Today, his younger brother rang the doorbell to say hi. He also made the journey from Japan to see where he lived for 5 years. He was just 8 when he left America with many good memories of life on Lincoln Ave.
Here he is in 1982, with his older brother, my son John, and Danny. I've always kept this photo in a frame, so it was easy to lay my hands on it today to show him. Aren't they adorable all dressed up for the school Halloween parade?
It was through Facebook that the first of my unexpected rewards arrived earlier in the week. For several years when our children were very young there was a family across the street who became our good friends, and our children's friends.
After leaving the neighborhood, they moved several more times, split up, and moved again. Along the way we lost track of them, and although they were often on my mind I had no idea where they went or how to reconnect.
So, when I discovered the father's brother on Facebook the other evening I made the leap and wrote asking about our friends. By the next morning I'd heard from the father's wife, and by the next day we were all connected again through the marvel of this new social networking medium.
Here are some photos from more than 40 years ago of our children.
Do you think I can use Facebook to find some of these other children and their parents? Do you have some special people who have touched your life? Run, don't walk to find them. 
These wonderful childhood days go by so very fast. Before you know it, these beautiful young children are all grown up. Our eldest grandson is nearly the age that Uncle John was in the photo above. His little sister is just a little older than her father was in the Santa picture. I remember these occasions as if they were just yesterday.
Can't believe it has been 22 year since we last saw Takashi and more than 38 years since we last saw Adam & Debbie. I spent some time tonight taking a wonderful trip down memory lane as I searched the photo albums for pictures.
Life takes unexpected turns. The family whose house is in several of these photos also moved away a very long time ago. We went out to dinner with friends tonight - friends who now live in that house. Sometimes, as I walk in their door I see these scenes in my mind. Of young married couples and their children enjoying life and each others company.
Here he is in 1982, with his older brother, my son John, and Danny. I've always kept this photo in a frame, so it was easy to lay my hands on it today to show him. Aren't they adorable all dressed up for the school Halloween parade?
It was through Facebook that the first of my unexpected rewards arrived earlier in the week. For several years when our children were very young there was a family across the street who became our good friends, and our children's friends.
After leaving the neighborhood, they moved several more times, split up, and moved again. Along the way we lost track of them, and although they were often on my mind I had no idea where they went or how to reconnect.
So, when I discovered the father's brother on Facebook the other evening I made the leap and wrote asking about our friends. By the next morning I'd heard from the father's wife, and by the next day we were all connected again through the marvel of this new social networking medium.
Here are some photos from more than 40 years ago of our children.
Do you think I can use Facebook to find some of these other children and their parents? Do you have some special people who have touched your life? Run, don't walk to find them. 
These wonderful childhood days go by so very fast. Before you know it, these beautiful young children are all grown up. Our eldest grandson is nearly the age that Uncle John was in the photo above. His little sister is just a little older than her father was in the Santa picture. I remember these occasions as if they were just yesterday.Can't believe it has been 22 year since we last saw Takashi and more than 38 years since we last saw Adam & Debbie. I spent some time tonight taking a wonderful trip down memory lane as I searched the photo albums for pictures.
Life takes unexpected turns. The family whose house is in several of these photos also moved away a very long time ago. We went out to dinner with friends tonight - friends who now live in that house. Sometimes, as I walk in their door I see these scenes in my mind. Of young married couples and their children enjoying life and each others company.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Among my favorite things.
The snow began melting by Sunday afternoon. When it fully disappeared from the grass a welcome surprise was waiting. A surprise that still has the power to take my breath away when I first see it - green grass after a long and cold winter.
Next, sneaking in on silent breezes will be one of my favorite sights. Oh how I wish I had the talent to record its beauty on canvas. Photos just do not do it justice. Words do not do it justice. Yet, it is simple thing that most people never see.
Keep your eyes open folks and you may be surprised at the incredible beauty that unexpectedly appears from out of nowhere. It will sneak up on you soon - so, be on the lookout. You will be amazed at the shades of color you'll see. More than you can count and they change as the light bounces off of them. They are fleeting so watch carefully and you may see one of my favorite things - the many shades of green in an Illinois spring.
Tonight we were blessed with a strong thundershower and sunset that turned the sky an amazing blend of pink, gold and orange and filled it with rainbows - single and double rainbows all around the house. Then poof, they were gone.
Next, sneaking in on silent breezes will be one of my favorite sights. Oh how I wish I had the talent to record its beauty on canvas. Photos just do not do it justice. Words do not do it justice. Yet, it is simple thing that most people never see.
Keep your eyes open folks and you may be surprised at the incredible beauty that unexpectedly appears from out of nowhere. It will sneak up on you soon - so, be on the lookout. You will be amazed at the shades of color you'll see. More than you can count and they change as the light bounces off of them. They are fleeting so watch carefully and you may see one of my favorite things - the many shades of green in an Illinois spring.
Tonight we were blessed with a strong thundershower and sunset that turned the sky an amazing blend of pink, gold and orange and filled it with rainbows - single and double rainbows all around the house. Then poof, they were gone.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
A cruel joke?
No, just March in Chicagoland. Nothing like waking up to find the ground covered by inches of wet snow when it should be spring. March came in like a lion and will be leaving the same way.
Always know that winter has left its calling card when before I see it I see that the light from the bathroom skylight is blocked.
Always know that winter has left its calling card when before I see it I see that the light from the bathroom skylight is blocked.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
How'd they get so smart
I want to know how a two-year-old knows the word "actually" and how to actually use it in a sentence.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Unexpected rewards
Sometimes people come into and out of your life. Losing track of people I care about - people who have enriched my life, and who have played a part in who and what I am today, is my greatest regret.
Some of these people I care about are friends of my children. For a few months, or a few years, they fill our home with laughter and fun. Then they moved on. Or maybe it is was our children who moved on to a new a group of friends or a new boy or girlfriend. Some of these children literally moved away - and sadly, one left this world way too early.
As I think of the cast of characters who accompanied my children, there are some who truly stand out. I have been blessed to continue being part of the lives of some of these special young people, and have watched them grow up and raise families of their own.
Recently, I've spent a few minutes with two of those that I had not seen in many years. In the fall, one of these very special young people rang my doorbell unannounced. Unfortunately, I was not home when his parents did the same thing a few years back. Thank goodness I was home that day. This young man was in fifth grade when he went home to Japan more than 20 years ago. When I opened the door there he was, holding the hand of his beautiful bride. He brought her to America to see where he'd lived as a small boy. Of all the neighbors and friends he could have chosen, he brought her to meet me – amazing. We had a very short and wonderful visit talking about what he remembered as a child. Then they left for their European honeymoon.
Today, another one of these special children who has remained close to my heart despite the fact I have not seen her in over 15 years, came to visit with her partner of seven years, and their beautiful two-year-old son. They live not too far away and hopefully they will come back some time soon.
These are just two examples of many unexpected rewards of opening your house to the friends of your children.
Some of these people I care about are friends of my children. For a few months, or a few years, they fill our home with laughter and fun. Then they moved on. Or maybe it is was our children who moved on to a new a group of friends or a new boy or girlfriend. Some of these children literally moved away - and sadly, one left this world way too early.
As I think of the cast of characters who accompanied my children, there are some who truly stand out. I have been blessed to continue being part of the lives of some of these special young people, and have watched them grow up and raise families of their own.
Recently, I've spent a few minutes with two of those that I had not seen in many years. In the fall, one of these very special young people rang my doorbell unannounced. Unfortunately, I was not home when his parents did the same thing a few years back. Thank goodness I was home that day. This young man was in fifth grade when he went home to Japan more than 20 years ago. When I opened the door there he was, holding the hand of his beautiful bride. He brought her to America to see where he'd lived as a small boy. Of all the neighbors and friends he could have chosen, he brought her to meet me – amazing. We had a very short and wonderful visit talking about what he remembered as a child. Then they left for their European honeymoon.
Today, another one of these special children who has remained close to my heart despite the fact I have not seen her in over 15 years, came to visit with her partner of seven years, and their beautiful two-year-old son. They live not too far away and hopefully they will come back some time soon.
These are just two examples of many unexpected rewards of opening your house to the friends of your children.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Still not done
On January 1, 2009 I said life would be really good if I could get my office cleaned. Well, significant progress has been made. However. . . it is still not done.
Too many distractions. Some fun - some not.
Too many distractions. Some fun - some not.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Dr. Bodo Otto and other ancestors
Dr. Bodo Otto was mentioned in a previous post so thought I should tell who he was and about his role in the formation of our country. I learned about my connection to Dr. Otto twenty or so years ago. The Bodo Otto Family Association was established to honor Dr. Bodo Otto by his descendants. You can learn more about him by going to the webpage for the Dr Bodo Otto Family Association. For photograps relating to Dr. Otto go to Dr Bodo Otto Album on Association webpage.
What causes a person to become interested in finding out about their ancestors? For me, it is more about finding historical information and about the times in which they lived than in glorifying who or what they were. Sure, if your family has been in America as long as mine you too have some ancestors involved in important historical events. Richard Warren arrived on the Mayflower, Dr. Otto served General Washington at Valley Forge and several other direct ancestors including Adam Torrence, Owen Briggs and Wolcott Burnham fought for the freedom of this country from Great Britain. We also have a connection to the Salem Witch Trials and some of my ancestors fought to preserve the Union while others fought to destroy it during the War Between the States as it is called in the South. Others arrived in the country in the 1850s and 60s and eked out a living from the land on the Midwestern prairie. Still others came to Illinois with the railroad or to work in the Chicago waterworks prior to the Chicago Fire of 1871.
As I child I did not know any of this. Wouldn't it have been nice to know that the first locomotive in Chicago that I climbed on as a child at the Chicago Historical Society, now the Chicago History Museum, was kept running by my gt-gt-grandfather. History would have come alive for me as it did many years later.
Most of these folks were just plain people going about their daily life and it was the time in which they lived that put them into the spotlight.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Choo-Choo and other memories
When my parents divorced in 1949 we came to live in Evanston with our grandparents. Shortly afterwards Dad, who was a Naval Officer, was sent to Japan and Korea and sometime between then and Baltimore, he was stationed in California. I have only vague memories of living together as a family - and the years between the divorce and Daddy's marriage to Jean in 1954 are somewhat jumbled.
What I do remember, is that we didn't see him for a long time. However, I have three memories of his visits in Evanston. Do my memories all take place during a 1952 Christmas visit? I think so but do not know for sure.
After returning from Japan, Daddy came to Evanston to spend Christmas with his two little girls. Dad's sister Cora, her husband Bill, and their two little one had recently moved to Palatine and my paternal grandparents and Uncle Oscar came north too to spend Christmas together. Another memory is going downtown to see the Long, Long Trailer starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez. We laughed and laughed. Think I should rent the movie sometime to see if it has stood the test of time.
The last of these memories is going to Des Plaines to eat lunch at a diner. What made the place so special was that the food arrived on a freight train. It was the one and only time I ate there as a child. However, I never forgot that meal. Years later, we took our children there and now it is a favorite of our grandson Jake. There is some talk of it closing since the city wants the land. Before it does, we need to take Ian there too.
What I do remember, is that we didn't see him for a long time. However, I have three memories of his visits in Evanston. Do my memories all take place during a 1952 Christmas visit? I think so but do not know for sure.
After returning from Japan, Daddy came to Evanston to spend Christmas with his two little girls. Dad's sister Cora, her husband Bill, and their two little one had recently moved to Palatine and my paternal grandparents and Uncle Oscar came north too to spend Christmas together. Another memory is going downtown to see the Long, Long Trailer starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez. We laughed and laughed. Think I should rent the movie sometime to see if it has stood the test of time.
The last of these memories is going to Des Plaines to eat lunch at a diner. What made the place so special was that the food arrived on a freight train. It was the one and only time I ate there as a child. However, I never forgot that meal. Years later, we took our children there and now it is a favorite of our grandson Jake. There is some talk of it closing since the city wants the land. Before it does, we need to take Ian there too.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Daughters - what’s in your name?
If it is Carman and Joslyn, and probably yours, the answer is quite a lot.
My great grandmother, Alma Eldredge Joslyn “did the family genealogy” and passed it on to me. I have continued the search – spending many years documenting her work, filling in the blanks and taking the research beyond what she had recorded – including our relationship to Dr. Bodo Otto.
She was most interested in her paternal Eldredge lines. It pains me to admit that some of what she handed down is incorrect and that she did not cite any of her sources. When I went back to document her work I proved that what she’d recorded on one line of her family is not supported by birth, death or marriage records. It is instead a line that was incorrectly linked together by accredited genealogists back in the late 1800s. This line is printed in countless published genealogies and she apparently accepted this incorrect linage on face value.
Her mistake is a common one – a mistake also made by the Dr. Bodo Otto Association when they reprinted James Gibson's book about Dr. Bodo Otto. Even after research the Association incorrectly published that our Catherine Otto was the wife of Tobias Hammer. Yes, Tobias Hammer married a Catherine Otto but not our Catherine. That however, is another story for another day.
My maiden name was Joslyn – a name I cherish. However, as a daughter, it is a surname I will not be passing on to my children as my husband has passed on the Hughes surname. With only Joslyn daughters in my generation our branch of the Joslyn line has ended. Be assured however, it has ended in name only. The children of all the daughters throughout the generations, past and future, carry it on in spirit.
It is that same kindred spirit I feel toward my Otto ancestors. Maria Elizabeth Otto, the only daughter of Dr. Bodo Otto, married a man known today as Mark Carman. However, that is not the name as listed in records of the time. It is not known exactly when, where, or why his name was changed from Marcus Kirman to Mark Carman.
His name appears in records with various spellings.
His 1731 German baptism record says:
"16 Oct, was born a baby son and baptized Mark. His parents are Andreas Kirmann, and his legally married wife, Catharina Geilerin. Witness Joh. Georg Marxen, and his legally married wife."
When he swore allegiance to his new country in Philadelphia on August 25, 1751 he signed his name Marx Kurrmann.
In the records of St. Michael's Evangelical Church in Germantown, PA he is listed as Marcus Kurrman where he is a witness to the marriage of Magdelina Kurmann on October 30, 1759.
Dr. Bodo Otto’s will says: “pay unto the children of heirs of my deceased daughter Maria Elizabeth Marxen like sum of fifty dollars in speci to be divided to and amongst them in equal shares alike or to either of their representatives.”
It wasn’t until a receipt signed by Frederick Carman was found in the papers of James Gibson, Dr. Otto researcher and author of the book Dr. Bodo Otto and the Medical Background of the American Revolution, that what was "known" to be true through oral tradition could be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt – Marcus Kirmann and Mark Carman were one and the same, and his wife was the only daughter of Dr. Bodo Otto.
I was thrilled when I learned that a granddaughter of Dr. Otto married a man named Joslin. That made me a direct descendant of Dr. Bodo Otto, the Revolutionary War doctor who serve uner General Washinton and who set up several of the hospitals used by the troops. Specifically, my Joslyn and Otto lines link when Margaret Carman married Hosea Joslin in 1814. As their “daughter” descendant I am as much an Otto as those of my generation who were born with the Otto surname – genetically we are all eight generations removed from our common ancestor. I just don't carry the Otto or Carman name. The same can be said about any of my family lines marrying into my Joslyn line.
My great grandmother, Alma Eldredge Joslyn “did the family genealogy” and passed it on to me. I have continued the search – spending many years documenting her work, filling in the blanks and taking the research beyond what she had recorded – including our relationship to Dr. Bodo Otto.
She was most interested in her paternal Eldredge lines. It pains me to admit that some of what she handed down is incorrect and that she did not cite any of her sources. When I went back to document her work I proved that what she’d recorded on one line of her family is not supported by birth, death or marriage records. It is instead a line that was incorrectly linked together by accredited genealogists back in the late 1800s. This line is printed in countless published genealogies and she apparently accepted this incorrect linage on face value.
Her mistake is a common one – a mistake also made by the Dr. Bodo Otto Association when they reprinted James Gibson's book about Dr. Bodo Otto. Even after research the Association incorrectly published that our Catherine Otto was the wife of Tobias Hammer. Yes, Tobias Hammer married a Catherine Otto but not our Catherine. That however, is another story for another day.
My maiden name was Joslyn – a name I cherish. However, as a daughter, it is a surname I will not be passing on to my children as my husband has passed on the Hughes surname. With only Joslyn daughters in my generation our branch of the Joslyn line has ended. Be assured however, it has ended in name only. The children of all the daughters throughout the generations, past and future, carry it on in spirit.
It is that same kindred spirit I feel toward my Otto ancestors. Maria Elizabeth Otto, the only daughter of Dr. Bodo Otto, married a man known today as Mark Carman. However, that is not the name as listed in records of the time. It is not known exactly when, where, or why his name was changed from Marcus Kirman to Mark Carman.
His name appears in records with various spellings.
His 1731 German baptism record says:
"16 Oct, was born a baby son and baptized Mark. His parents are Andreas Kirmann, and his legally married wife, Catharina Geilerin. Witness Joh. Georg Marxen, and his legally married wife."
When he swore allegiance to his new country in Philadelphia on August 25, 1751 he signed his name Marx Kurrmann.
In the records of St. Michael's Evangelical Church in Germantown, PA he is listed as Marcus Kurrman where he is a witness to the marriage of Magdelina Kurmann on October 30, 1759.
Dr. Bodo Otto’s will says: “pay unto the children of heirs of my deceased daughter Maria Elizabeth Marxen like sum of fifty dollars in speci to be divided to and amongst them in equal shares alike or to either of their representatives.”
It wasn’t until a receipt signed by Frederick Carman was found in the papers of James Gibson, Dr. Otto researcher and author of the book Dr. Bodo Otto and the Medical Background of the American Revolution, that what was "known" to be true through oral tradition could be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt – Marcus Kirmann and Mark Carman were one and the same, and his wife was the only daughter of Dr. Bodo Otto.
I was thrilled when I learned that a granddaughter of Dr. Otto married a man named Joslin. That made me a direct descendant of Dr. Bodo Otto, the Revolutionary War doctor who serve uner General Washinton and who set up several of the hospitals used by the troops. Specifically, my Joslyn and Otto lines link when Margaret Carman married Hosea Joslin in 1814. As their “daughter” descendant I am as much an Otto as those of my generation who were born with the Otto surname – genetically we are all eight generations removed from our common ancestor. I just don't carry the Otto or Carman name. The same can be said about any of my family lines marrying into my Joslyn line.
Hosea Joslin (1796-1880)and his wife Margaret Carman Joslin (1796-1891)
The Joslin name was also spelled many different ways in early records.
The children and grandchildren of Hosea and Margaret are recorded with many spelling variations and often several of these spellings appear in the same source. For example, these are just some of the ways I have seen the name spelled in public documents: Jocelyn, Goslin, Jocelin, Joslen, Josselyn, Josselin and Josyln.
Oral history has it that my great grandmother, Alma Eldredge Joslyn, liked the way her new married name looked with the “y” instead of an “i.” So, our history was rewritten and for the last four generations our branch of the family spelled their surname Joslyn. Some first and middle names are also spelled differently than we spell them today.
Why did spelling vary so much? As a historian for my community, I know that many of our pioneer settlers arrived with one name and within a few years were know by a variation of that name. Today, some of those changes make perfect sense while others are impossible to figure out. The names, especially the names of non-native English speaking people, were often written as the recorder heard that name pronounced and thought it should be spelled - not as the name holder spelled it. Sometimes the recorder simply made a mistake – a typo of sorts. There are many reasons this happened including that some recorders had only a rudimentary education and that the education system was such that most were not aware of a universal spelling standard. We may know our ancestors by their two or three given names and assume they went by the first name which is often not the name they were know by during their lifetime.
I may never have found a wealth of information about my ancestors or my kinship to Dr. Bodo Otto had I checked only Carman and Joslyn records, or by the first names I thought they should have. Who knows what you’ll discover if you are open to spelling and name variations. my favorite example of this is the census entry of Hiram Faron that is indexed at "Twain Farm."
Thanks to the help of others, I was able to hold and study the Bible where Hosea and Margaret Carman Joslin recorded the vital records for their family. Also in teh Bible were handwritten recipies and a favorite Bible verse. The Bible verse that was written by Hosea now graces the wall in our guest room. Flanking the Bible verse are the surnames of my family's ancestors. A family tree doubles each generation - two parents - four grandparents- eight great grandparents etc. so the list goes only through my husband's amd my great grandparents.
My side of the family lists: Joslyn, Eldredge, Clark, Withers, Kirkley, Faron, Quitmeier and Knoop. Mike's side has one less name since I have not as yet located the maiden name of one of his great grandmothers. Mike's side of the family lists: Hughes, Martens, Schallert, Larson, Lund, Aska and Govig. Two of our children have married and Colliton, Kocha, Smith and MacKinnon have been added to our family of names. A melting pot of heritages joined together into one family.
The Bible verse Hosea Joslin chose to write in his family Bible nearly 200 years ago is:
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches . . .
Proverbs 22:1
Monday, January 12, 2009
Happy Birthday Rob
Today, my baby boy turns 46. Wow, how did that happen – in many ways, it seems like yesterday. It was a cold and snowy just like it is today when we went to the hospital in the middle of the night. Rob made his entrance into the world the next afternoon at 3:15 pm.
Among our first visitors was a friend and her new baby boy. We were both very young, and I remember my mother and her mother-in-law saying something about watching babies with their babies. Our friends' son was given up for adoption a few months later when their marriage ended. He has recently located his father, and the search is on to find his mother. I've thought about that visit a lot since the little boy I met so many years ago contacted me. I can't imagine what my life would have been like without watching my child grow up. Yet, I know the joy that adoption brings to a family. We have experienced that joy with a wonderful niece and recently a great-niece who also joined our family through adoption.
Unlike our friends, Mike and I don't fit the stereotype of young marriages not lasting. That we were very young parents is really evident in these pictures taken when Rob was three months old. He was a good baby and a bright, sensitive, and easy child to raise. He is now a 6'5" fire-fighter with a family of his own.
I must say that after all these years, one of the best parts of watching your child grow into a productive adult is seeing them parent their own children.
Among our first visitors was a friend and her new baby boy. We were both very young, and I remember my mother and her mother-in-law saying something about watching babies with their babies. Our friends' son was given up for adoption a few months later when their marriage ended. He has recently located his father, and the search is on to find his mother. I've thought about that visit a lot since the little boy I met so many years ago contacted me. I can't imagine what my life would have been like without watching my child grow up. Yet, I know the joy that adoption brings to a family. We have experienced that joy with a wonderful niece and recently a great-niece who also joined our family through adoption.
Unlike our friends, Mike and I don't fit the stereotype of young marriages not lasting. That we were very young parents is really evident in these pictures taken when Rob was three months old. He was a good baby and a bright, sensitive, and easy child to raise. He is now a 6'5" fire-fighter with a family of his own.
I must say that after all these years, one of the best parts of watching your child grow into a productive adult is seeing them parent their own children.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Emmy we'll all miss you
Patti said good-bye to a great friend yesterday when she put her cat Emmy to sleep. It was a difficult decision, but a very necessary one.
Patti found Emmy as a wee kitten in a parking lot outside a Palatine bar more than 18 years ago. This was shortly after Patti moved out of our house and into her own apartment. So, of course, Patti scooped her up and took her home to her apartment as a companion to her cat Mariah.
Patti loves and takes good care of her sweet kitties. Mariah was a birthday gift for Patti when she turned 13 and was Patti's best friend for more than nineteen years.
Emmy was a petite and sweet kitty that Kevin affectionately called "Hairball."
Emmy is not the only kitten Patti found and brougt home. When she was a young child, Patti found an orange and white kitten that she brought into the house and locked herself and the cat in the bathroom until I got home because Mike said she couldn't keep him. We kept Butterscotch.
Then years later, after leaving our house to go home one rainy night she found a little white kitten playing alongside Sanders Rd. Of course she scooped him up and turned around bringing him here because she couldn't leave him by the road. I loved that beautiful blue-eyed deaf cat. We named him Boris.
These are just a few of the wonderful kitties and purrs in our the houses throughout the years.
Patti found Emmy as a wee kitten in a parking lot outside a Palatine bar more than 18 years ago. This was shortly after Patti moved out of our house and into her own apartment. So, of course, Patti scooped her up and took her home to her apartment as a companion to her cat Mariah.
Patti loves and takes good care of her sweet kitties. Mariah was a birthday gift for Patti when she turned 13 and was Patti's best friend for more than nineteen years.Emmy was a petite and sweet kitty that Kevin affectionately called "Hairball."
Emmy is not the only kitten Patti found and brougt home. When she was a young child, Patti found an orange and white kitten that she brought into the house and locked herself and the cat in the bathroom until I got home because Mike said she couldn't keep him. We kept Butterscotch.
Then years later, after leaving our house to go home one rainy night she found a little white kitten playing alongside Sanders Rd. Of course she scooped him up and turned around bringing him here because she couldn't leave him by the road. I loved that beautiful blue-eyed deaf cat. We named him Boris.
These are just a few of the wonderful kitties and purrs in our the houses throughout the years.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The New Year begins
Out with the old year and in with the new.
Last year started in an unexpected way. Shortly after the New Year, a friend knocked on my door and said, "I want to write a book." Well, she did it, and so did I when I became her co-author. Our book is selling well. It is strange however for me to know that something I have written is registered at the Library of Congress and that my name can be found in a search on Amazon.
The subject of the book is what has become my life's work - the history of our village.
Speaking of the history of our village, the year ended with the sale of the oldest family-owned business in the state and a business that began repairing wagons and moved into fixing cars in the 1920s. The business, and the family that ran it for more than 160 years, is so interwoven with the history of our village. Wonder what will happen to the building now? The first shop is seen on the book cover.
History is something that happened a long time ago according to most people. Yet, history happens every day - we just don't realize we are living history. After all, today is tomorrow's history.
What will the New Year bring? I can't even begin to imagine what is in store for us in 2009. Life is good!
Now, if I could get my office cleaned up then life would be really good!
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