tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57514367804696805772024-03-05T10:46:23.815-05:00Are You My Cousin?Discovering My Ancestors -- One Cousin at a TimeLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.comBlogger426125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-57592393441029035382012-08-02T10:07:00.001-04:002012-08-03T15:10:50.757-04:00The Magic Button<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Are You My Cousin?</b> is moving!</span><br />
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I am moving my blog over from Blogger to Wordpress. I have researched (and researched) all the things that need to be done to move a blog. But just like in a real move, headaches are inevitable.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So.....</b></span><br />
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If you experience any difficulties accessing <b><span style="font-size: large;">Are You My Cousin?</span></b> in the next few days, be patient with me. I'll get things sorted out in a timely manner. ( I hope!)<br />
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I'm now ready to press the <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Magic Button</b></span>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Yes, Wordpress really has one.)</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-26302273332083084372012-07-31T08:16:00.000-04:002018-03-19T14:17:09.003-04:00Travel Tuesday - Boston<span style="font-size: large;">Look where we have been!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPaPr3TxMt4/UBZ3UT7-_DI/AAAAAAAAEAA/ZRUBg__-8t8/s1600/IMAG0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPaPr3TxMt4/UBZ3UT7-_DI/AAAAAAAAEAA/ZRUBg__-8t8/s400/IMAG0090.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ogunquit, ME</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Boston. Concord. Salem. Ogunquit, Maine.</span></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1cVynRFUMs/UBZ31Mswl2I/AAAAAAAAEAI/bbYVy2TkceY/s1600/IMAG0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1cVynRFUMs/UBZ31Mswl2I/AAAAAAAAEAI/bbYVy2TkceY/s400/IMAG0124.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View form Fort Sewell in Marblehead, MA</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olKI95G2Kxs/UBZ4P-gF3II/AAAAAAAAEAQ/2xJQgUzlUAI/s1600/IMAG0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olKI95G2Kxs/UBZ4P-gF3II/AAAAAAAAEAQ/2xJQgUzlUAI/s400/IMAG0134.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mac and Cheese at Quincy Market in Boston</td></tr>
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Visiting <b><span style="font-size: large;">New England</span></b> is always a treat for this southern girl. Beautiful weather and low(er) humidity equals good hair days!<br />
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No genealogy here, but I did soak in a lot of <b><span style="font-size: large;">history</span></b>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63Sgs4GJZpQ/UBZ59Q2ri3I/AAAAAAAAEAs/8J-rrJYTHyk/s1600/old+Paul+Revere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63Sgs4GJZpQ/UBZ59Q2ri3I/AAAAAAAAEAs/8J-rrJYTHyk/s640/old+Paul+Revere.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Paul Revere </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
(I had fun playing with the settings on my phone's camera.)</div>
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And <b><span style="font-size: large;">treats!</span></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEEE3hukqfY/UBZ5CW3A8mI/AAAAAAAAEAk/y1VqykDvSe0/s1600/Cannoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEEE3hukqfY/UBZ5CW3A8mI/AAAAAAAAEAk/y1VqykDvSe0/s400/Cannoli.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannoli from the North End in Boston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-27352529590570871072012-07-30T07:56:00.000-04:002012-07-30T07:56:21.160-04:00A Step Up?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mlpi6KMO0M4/UBZ2CzMuYRI/AAAAAAAAD_4/UdHH4J_hSDc/s1600/Marblehead+Harbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mlpi6KMO0M4/UBZ2CzMuYRI/AAAAAAAAD_4/UdHH4J_hSDc/s400/Marblehead+Harbor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marblehead, MA Harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Walking along the historic streets (and cemeteries) in New England towns such as Concord and Salem, Massachusetts is a treat for someone who loves history.<br />
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I have no ancestors from New England, but I am still fascinated by those who walked these streets 400 years in the past.<br />
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Walking through these towns with teens has a way of keeping my genealogy and history interests in perspective.<br />
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I was admiring a lovely old building in Salem, MA when DD informed me the building was a home for "Aged Women". <br />
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<b>DD:</b> "Just for you, Mom." (She said with a grin.)<br />
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<b>Me:</b> "What!"<br />
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<b>DD:</b> "Well, it's a step up from when we dropped you off in the cemetery this morning!" <br />
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Ouch! That hurt! :)<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-71189867945964673122012-07-23T08:10:00.000-04:002012-07-23T08:10:00.910-04:00Jonah Graduates Junior High<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found this graduation announcement tucked in among various letters and postcards of my great grandmother Esther Richardson Talbott.</div>
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<br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhPUtz8f0CY/UAvkXMYkiiI/AAAAAAAAD_E/cQ4pmNXBme8/s1600/1922+Graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhPUtz8f0CY/UAvkXMYkiiI/AAAAAAAAD_E/cQ4pmNXBme8/s400/1922+Graduation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Having recently connected with an Elliott cousin, I discovered that Esther and her mother Harriet Elliott Richardson interacted frequently with the Elliott side of the family. I have also been gaining a new understanding and perspective of the people and places mentioned in the Esther and Harriett's letters.</div>
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Here is one such example:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Uo924_eCnw/UAvkTVH6vaI/AAAAAAAAD-s/FJRORFIz73k/s1600/Jonah+Elliott+Grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Uo924_eCnw/UAvkTVH6vaI/AAAAAAAAD-s/FJRORFIz73k/s400/Jonah+Elliott+Grad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jonah Elliott</b></span> was the son of<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Elias Elie Elliott</span></b> and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Novella King Owen</b></span>. He was born in 1904 and in 1922 he celebrated his graduation from Buffalo Springs Junior High School. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtZ7-TQ_Qwg/UAvkUQwZyzI/AAAAAAAAD-0/zn8NKIY2JYY/s1600/Jonah+Elliott+Grad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtZ7-TQ_Qwg/UAvkUQwZyzI/AAAAAAAAD-0/zn8NKIY2JYY/s400/Jonah+Elliott+Grad2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Graduation invitations have not changed much since 1922. They still consist of a printed invitation with a signature card. Jonah's signature card is a thin piece of paper. I would like to think that this is Jonah's original signature - something all genealogists and family historians seek out. </div>
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Likely (hopefully!) it is Jonah's signature.</div>
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But I'm a mom of teenagers. </div>
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I cannot imagine that 18 year boys liked sitting down to fill out invitations anymore then than now. Jonah's signature might be his mother Novella's handwriting.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What do you think?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jonah's handwriting or his mother's?</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wlcesv1rFg/UAvkVSh95BI/AAAAAAAAD-8/cbYt1GCiCFI/s1600/Jonah+Elliott+Grad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wlcesv1rFg/UAvkVSh95BI/AAAAAAAAD-8/cbYt1GCiCFI/s400/Jonah+Elliott+Grad3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the size of the Jonah's graduation class! Six! No room to hide from the teacher here.<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-3189637535523806762012-07-20T11:10:00.001-04:002012-07-20T11:10:39.152-04:00A Great Read!I love to read. <br />
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I come from a family who likes to read. <br />
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My great grandmother (Winnie Haley Carr) used to churn butter with one hand and hold a book in the other! While I haven't churned butter while reading, I have stirred a pot.....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1deatDDRuw/UAlzK61gDKI/AAAAAAAAD-A/7XIKRP3Vb4o/s1600/Hele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1deatDDRuw/UAlzK61gDKI/AAAAAAAAD-A/7XIKRP3Vb4o/s400/Hele.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
This summer I picked up a copy of <span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks </i>by Rebecca Skloot.</span> (This book is the summer reading book for East Carolina University.) It is an extraordinary story of a woman whose cells were taken during a medical procedure without her knowledge in 1951. These cells became known as the <span style="font-size: large;">Hela</span> cells and became the basis for many medical research advances including the polio vaccine, gene mapping and even cloning.<br />
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The science is fascinating. The issues of medical ethics, rascism and family dynamics gave me much to ponder. Sometimes the reading was difficult. Life for Henrietta and that of her family was never easy.<br />
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I think the most intriguing aspect of the book is that it appealed to me as a genealogist. Rebecca Skloot used many of the same genealogical research techniques I as genealogist use in order to uncover the story of Henrietta and that of her family. She interviewed experts in the medical field. She interviewed members of Henrietta's family including her extended family. She researched the time and place where Henrietta grew up. She visited the Lack home place in Clover, VA.<br />
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She was <span style="font-size: large;">persistent</span>. Because of her persistence, Henrietta's story is known.<br />
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While not a "genealogy" book, <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks </i>has a place in my genealogy library.<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-14256236817298790412012-07-17T08:30:00.000-04:002012-07-17T08:30:05.586-04:00Travel Tuesday - The National Zoo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhfnD_i4MyQ/T_R5cBEe5gI/AAAAAAAAD8E/8OZfdeieHbM/s1600/DC+Zoo143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhfnD_i4MyQ/T_R5cBEe5gI/AAAAAAAAD8E/8OZfdeieHbM/s400/DC+Zoo143.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Another popular place visited by my family is the National Zoo in Washington, DC. These vintage postcards are from a vacation in the 1950's, but could just as easily be from today. The National Zoo was a favorite destination for my family a few years ago!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz27xx8eCJM/T_R5iUV4olI/AAAAAAAAD8M/l_Vw2qIvTO0/s1600/DC+Zoo144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz27xx8eCJM/T_R5iUV4olI/AAAAAAAAD8M/l_Vw2qIvTO0/s400/DC+Zoo144.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C.</td></tr>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-32806417281060551482012-07-13T08:30:00.000-04:002012-07-13T08:30:00.301-04:00Accident or Something More Sinister?Answering a recent query on Ancestry.com has led to some remarkable discoveries in my Elliott family line. My new found information also brought clarity to some of the letters and postcards written to and from Harriett Elliott Richardson - my GG grandmother.<br />
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For instance, this letter from <span style="font-size: large;">Cynthia (Elliott) Barnett </span>of Cluster Springs, VA to her sister <span style="font-size: large;">Harriett (Elliott) Richardson</span> of Mecklenburg County, VA:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lsjg7f5_EbM/T_x1Q5EavrI/AAAAAAAAD9U/upEhxe2DYjs/s1600/Cynthia's+Letter155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lsjg7f5_EbM/T_x1Q5EavrI/AAAAAAAAD9U/upEhxe2DYjs/s400/Cynthia's+Letter155.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First page of letter from Cynthia Barnett to Harriet Richardson</td></tr>
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In the 31 Jan 1913 letter Cynthia (she signed her name Sis) tells her sister that "Sam was killed". Cynthia states there are questions surrounding the circumstances of Sam's death and if it was indeed an accident or actually murder. He is buried at Black Walnut Baptist Church and Elie was the only family member able to travel quickly enough to attend.<br />
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I had read this letter before, but had no reference point in which to place the people mentioned. After corresponding these past few weeks with a Barnett/Elliott descendant, I can share Cynthia's full story of Sam.<br />
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Sam was <span style="font-size: large;">Sam Barnett</span> of Cluster Springs, VA. He was the husband of Cynthia Elliott and brother-in-law of Harriett Richardson. Sam supposedly died when he was hit by a train and he was found on the train tracks. Suspicions abounded and an inquest was held. One of the questions addressed involved whether Sam was killed at the train tracks by the train or elsewhere and them moved to the train tracks. <span style="background-color: white;">Sam was a sheriff's deputy who had broken up a number of stills in the county. Apparently that made him a few enemies.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> John Talbott testified that just prior to the incident he had seen Sam and he was intoxicated, but too much so. Shortly thereafter, John Talbott testified he heard the accident. The inquest proved inconclusive at least in the minds of many. Cynthia was left with no real closure in the incident.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Elie who was the only family to travel to the funeral was <span style="font-size: large;">Elie Elias Elliott</span>, Cynthia and Harriet's brother. Until now I had thought Elie was a woman and not a man. Lesson learned. One should never make assumptions in genealogy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
Did you notice the name of the person testifying at the inquest - <span style="font-size: large;">John Talbott</span>? One of my GGG grandfathers.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Was Sam's death the result of an accident or something more sinister? What do you think?</span><br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-30036859221737656052012-07-11T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-11T09:00:01.018-04:00Oral History Is So Much Fun!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOA0v3g5lQc/T_w1w4qsfQI/AAAAAAAAD9M/KC9PQkzYums/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOA0v3g5lQc/T_w1w4qsfQI/AAAAAAAAD9M/KC9PQkzYums/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me (Lisa), Grandmom, and Aunt Nancy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oral history</b></span> is so much fun to collect. Stories about people and clues to your ancestors can be gleaned that are cannot be found in the "official" records.<br />
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In search of more family stories led me on another visit to my paternal grandmother. While she may not want me to tell you her age, let's just say she's 90 (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">cough!</span>) +. <br />
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I have interviewed my grandmother a number of times. Each time more memories seem to emerge and new details around old stories come to light.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, what did I learn?</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Important clues to the possible identities in an "unknown" photograph.</li>
<li>More about the relationship and close interactions between my Elliott (Barnett) and Talbott ancestors. </li>
<li>Information and clues about my GG grandfather's (Will Haley's) brother John Haley. </li>
<li>Young cousins can earn enough money worming tobacco to pay for gas money to go see their first airplane!</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Four generations</b></span> spending time together is worth all the travel!</li>
</ul>
<div>
As I sort through and evaluate all the new clues I gained, I will keep you updated on my Halifax County, VA ancestors.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-40545985294881684282012-07-10T08:30:00.000-04:002012-07-10T08:30:01.265-04:00Travel Tuesday - Vintage Grandfather Mountain Postcard<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShCEaxPYEcw/T-xgSjuDxgI/AAAAAAAAD6M/lNjb8GaVixM/s1600/Grandfather+Mountain145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShCEaxPYEcw/T-xgSjuDxgI/AAAAAAAAD6M/lNjb8GaVixM/s400/Grandfather+Mountain145.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile High Swinging Bridge on<br />Grandfather Mountain-<br />Western North Carolina</td></tr>
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This vintage postcard from the 1950's depicts the mile high swinging bridge on <a href="http://www.grandfather.com/">Grandfather Mountain</a> in western North Carolina. It is till a popular tourist attraction today. <br />
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Ahh... the <b>cool of the mountains</b> would be refreshing on these 100 degree summer days!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-27706318720440182912012-07-06T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-06T09:00:00.644-04:00Did John Seagroves Lie?<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did John Seagroves lie on his Revolutionary War pension application?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Maybe.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Maybe not.</b></span><br />
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John Seagroves (Seagraves) of Surry County (and Granville County, NC before that) was closely associated with John White of Surry County. (John White was my GGGG grandfather.) A fellow genealogist (Hi, Jack!) and I have found ourselves researching John Seagroves to hopefully learn more about our John White. As often happens, we have found some inconsistencies John Seagroves' story.<br />
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In 1818, John Seagroves applied for his Revolutionary War pension. He served in the Revolutionary War for 2 years in the 6th NC Regiment out of Granville County, NC. In his application, John stated that he was essentially destitute and had incurred debts. John stated he was a hatter and unable to perform that work due to an unnamed infirmity. <br />
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Here is where things get a little tricky.<br />
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<b>1814</b> - John Seagroves was living in Surry County, NC close to William Tucker.<br />
<b>1817</b> - John Seagroves applied for a land grant in Surry County, NC of 300 acres adjoining Ezekiel Wilmoth and William Tucker and William Smith on or near Little Fishing River.<br />
<b>1818</b> - John Seagroves applied for his Revolutionary War pension and testified he was destitute.<br />
<b>1819 (Feb 5)</b> - John was awarded a military pension of $8 per month to be paid in arrears from Sep 1818.<br />
<b>1819 (Dec)</b> - The land grant is issued to John Seagroves. A note on the back indicates John Seagroves paid for the land in full. Unfortunately, the price per acre of land is not listed on the document. <br />
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<i>Did John have money hidden away to pay for the land? After all, he testified a year earlier that he was destitute and unable to work.</i><br />
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By Dec of 1819, John would have collected about $144 from his pension. Would this have been enough to take care of his debts and pay for his land as well?<br />
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<b>Quite possibly.</b> If this is the case, then John Seagroves did not lie on his pension application. He likely started the land grant process and the pension application process in hopes of obtaining the money to purchase the land.<br />
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John Seagroves continued to live on the land until his death on 26 Jan 1833. John Seagroves left his land to John White, my GGGG grandfather.<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-58333907084804122252012-07-04T08:14:00.000-04:002012-07-04T08:14:00.590-04:00Happy 4th Of July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-786RwR-y_m0/T-xKaeipdnI/AAAAAAAAD5U/4iaZuqxM0t4/s1600/july+4th+vintage+graphicsfairy009a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-786RwR-y_m0/T-xKaeipdnI/AAAAAAAAD5U/4iaZuqxM0t4/s400/july+4th+vintage+graphicsfairy009a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy 4th Of July!!!!!</b></span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-53536283873096697592012-07-03T08:30:00.000-04:002012-07-03T08:30:03.623-04:00Travel Tuesday - The Great Smoky Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq5-ZbY_w1A/T-xTvGFJsGI/AAAAAAAAD5g/kk4SArwuyMY/s1600/Smoky+Mtns140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq5-ZbY_w1A/T-xTvGFJsGI/AAAAAAAAD5g/kk4SArwuyMY/s400/Smoky+Mtns140.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging Bridge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park</td></tr>
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Summer is here. The 100+ degree temperatures leave no doubt about the season of year. Besides warmer temperatures, summer also ushers in the season of vacations. Just where did my ancestors and family members vacation? Turns out they went a lot of places and collected a lot of postcards. (Lucky me!)<br />
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These 100 degree days also leave one longing for the cooler temperatures of the NC mountains. The mountains were a popular spot for the vacationers in my family. <br />
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The <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm">Smoky Mountain National Park</a> straddles the NC and TN border close to Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC. The Smoky Mountains continues to be a popular vacation spot. With gorgeous scenery, hiking, wildlife viewing,... there is something for everyone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpfPJKZdVqo/T-xT0n6cwlI/AAAAAAAAD5o/nH_ajQSTzos/s1600/Smoky+Mtns141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpfPJKZdVqo/T-xT0n6cwlI/AAAAAAAAD5o/nH_ajQSTzos/s400/Smoky+Mtns141.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy Cave - Tuckaleechee Caverns - "In The Smokies"</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">These postcards are from the 1950's. I love the colors from the older postcards.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcMppL3KuL4/T-xT7LK4DCI/AAAAAAAAD5w/wr3aS-3W5RI/s1600/Smoky+Mtns142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcMppL3KuL4/T-xT7LK4DCI/AAAAAAAAD5w/wr3aS-3W5RI/s400/Smoky+Mtns142.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopped for Inspection by Native Black Bears, Great Smoky Mountains National Park</td></tr>
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I have seen a bear in the Smoky National Park, fortunately, not <i style="font-weight: bold;">this </i>close. The black bear I saw was up in a tree. Once he started down, all the tourists left! </div>
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-9436741894573744062012-06-26T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-26T09:00:13.350-04:00Who Did Bossy Court?Last June I ran a series of posts on the many suitors of my great grandmother Esther Lee Richardson titled the <a href="http://areyoumycousin-lisa.blogspot.com/2011/05/courtship-of-esther.html">Courtship of Esther.</a> Now it is time to give attention to the female interests of Bossy Talbott, the man who eventually won Esther's hand in marriage.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RZ2rEQo8Q8/T-hfxcOla4I/AAAAAAAAD5I/bgic6omcmqM/s1600/Bossy+Talbott++Young+Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RZ2rEQo8Q8/T-hfxcOla4I/AAAAAAAAD5I/bgic6omcmqM/s400/Bossy+Talbott++Young+Man.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boss Henry "Bossy" Talbott<br />
Birth Name: Johnnie Hodias Talbott</td></tr>
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Bossy's lists of girlfriends is, well, short. I only know of three. I do not even know the names off all the young women, but I do have their photographs or letters. These first two young women seemed to want to make sure Bossy had their photographs. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzYYmS0jl6Y/T-hfXbqd2_I/AAAAAAAAD4w/q-rL5IX3gc0/s1600/Boss's+Friend+1136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzYYmS0jl6Y/T-hfXbqd2_I/AAAAAAAAD4w/q-rL5IX3gc0/s400/Boss's+Friend+1136.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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This young woman wrote a note on the back of her photo for someone to <b><span style="background-color: white;">"</span><span style="background-color: white;">give to</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><b> BHT"</b>. Unfortunately, her name is missing. The photograph is very small and looks to have been cut from a strip of photographs one gets in a photo booth.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">This second young woman seems to have cut herself out of a larger photograph. On the back she has written<b> "to BHT with my love"</b>. Again, no signature and no identity (and no doubt as to her feelings).</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg0J5EKLgjY/T-hfchrBSEI/AAAAAAAAD44/lA99u0DMI9U/s1600/Boss's+Friend+2137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg0J5EKLgjY/T-hfchrBSEI/AAAAAAAAD44/lA99u0DMI9U/s400/Boss's+Friend+2137.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9y6qVAxlKI/T-hfef8yY0I/AAAAAAAAD5A/ovT1GcT-mMU/s1600/Boss's+Friend+2a138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9y6qVAxlKI/T-hfef8yY0I/AAAAAAAAD5A/ovT1GcT-mMU/s400/Boss's+Friend+2a138.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>To B.H.T. with my love</i></td></tr>
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<br />These are the only two "girlfriends" of Bossy's that have come to light in the period from before his marriage to Esther in Nov 1915.<div>
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After his wife's death in Jan 1923, Bossy never re-married. His granddaughter remembers Bossy saying <i><b>there would never be another woman like Esther</b></i>. Bossy did have correspondence with a lady friend around 1930. Several letters have been found among his letters and papers. Her name was Virgie D. In August of 1930, Bossy made plans to meet Virgie at her friend Maude's house on Light St. in South Boston. Virgie expressed her surprise that Bossy has invited her on a date. How long the couple "dated" is not known, but eventually the relationship ran its course. Unfortunately, I have not been able to determine her last name.<br /><br />
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<br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-54228266958306182552012-06-22T08:00:00.000-04:002012-06-22T08:00:13.424-04:00More Elliotts Arrive By E-mail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The Genealogy Happy Dance continues!</b>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRFbSvHfVMg/T-IxTwuaBYI/AAAAAAAAD4c/uatAejRwr7Q/s1600/Cynthia+Elliott+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRFbSvHfVMg/T-IxTwuaBYI/AAAAAAAAD4c/uatAejRwr7Q/s400/Cynthia+Elliott+Family.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R (front) Cynthia Elliott, Campbell Barnett, Samuel Barnett<br />(back) Edward Scott Barnett, Marion Barnett</td></tr>
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More Elliotts have arrived in my inbox! Or in this case, Barnetts.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
This is a photograph of Cynthia Elliott (1869-1950) and Samuel Currie Barnett with their children Campbell "Cam" Barnett (b. 23 Nov 1900), Edward Scott Barnett (b. 8 Oct 1887), and Marion Barnett (b. 19 Apr 1893). Both Cynthia and Samuel are buried at the Black Walnut Baptist Church in Cluster Springs, VA. Cynthia is the oldest of two daughters born to Elias Elliott and Panthea Overby. Cynthia is the sister to my GG grandmother Harriet "Hattie" Elliott. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFesFC-7aKo/T-IzHKPvVqI/AAAAAAAAD4k/ysbpeSfD7kU/s1600/Harriet+and+Cynthia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFesFC-7aKo/T-IzHKPvVqI/AAAAAAAAD4k/ysbpeSfD7kU/s400/Harriet+and+Cynthia.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia Elliott (seated) and Harriet Elliott</td></tr>
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The resemblance between the two women is striking. I wonder what their mother looked like.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-10206025060262953102012-06-20T08:00:00.000-04:002012-06-20T08:00:10.305-04:00Wordless Wednesday - Summer Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dH24-cLFj1g/T84eDZbOn_I/AAAAAAAAD3g/WQVwrT_beKk/s1600/Pool+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dH24-cLFj1g/T84eDZbOn_I/AAAAAAAAD3g/WQVwrT_beKk/s400/Pool+b.jpg" width="383" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fun in the Pool!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvPSh9EofI0/T84eA7wyW5I/AAAAAAAAD3Y/p17KdBameSE/s1600/Pool+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvPSh9EofI0/T84eA7wyW5I/AAAAAAAAD3Y/p17KdBameSE/s400/Pool+a.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-76878198095639006482012-06-19T08:30:00.000-04:002012-06-19T08:30:00.716-04:00Elias Arrived By E-Mail<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCgNaDhJu08/T9puKIZWjmI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/j0szq9KOW7o/s1600/Elliotts+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCgNaDhJu08/T9puKIZWjmI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/j0szq9KOW7o/s640/Elliotts+1.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elias Elliott and His Second Wife Susan Wilkerson</td></tr>
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A great granddaughter + a GGG granddaughter + an Ancestry.com query = An Introduction to Elias Elliott<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Meet Elias Elliott, my GGG grandfather.</span></b><br />
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Harriett Ann Elliott was my GG grandmother and the mother of Esther Lee Richardson. Harriett was the fifth child and youngest daughter of Elias Elliott and Panthea Overby. The family lived in the Mecklenburg County and Halifax County areas of Virginia and intermarried with my Talbott line.<br />
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I have done only basic research on my Elliott line and most of that research has revolved around Harriet Ann Elliott and the Richardson family. Recently through a query on Ancestry.com, an Elliott cousin and I communicated. Information and photographs were exchanged.<br />
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Elias Elliott then arrived in my inbox.<br />
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The <b><span style="font-size: large;">Genealogy Happy Dance</span></b> ensued.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-27178130549709346462012-06-18T08:36:00.000-04:002012-06-18T08:36:00.294-04:00Research UpdatesI thought I would update my cousins and fellow researchers where I am in my research. I have been a little quiet in posting my research mostly because I am involved in "community" research. In some cases I have "lost" my ancestor's trail and am currently researching all those associated with my ancestor. It is time consuming and tedious at times, but I really like this type of research. I feel like I truly learn how those in a community interacted with each other. Of course, I find a lot of collateral ancestors this way as well. Keep reading. Things should become clearer (I hope.).<br />
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<b>Howard Family Line (Wake, Moore, Lee NC Counties): </b>This family line is solid back to James Harward of Wake County and King and Queen County, VA before that. Since K and Q County is a burned county, no records exist from the time that James lived there as as young child in the 1760's. I'm still hoping that records from areas of the country that the family and neighbors migrated to will surface and shed light on the earlier generations in this line. This line will likely need to join a DNA project to determine which Howard/Harward line is ours.<br />
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<b>Haley (Halifax and Charlotte Counties, VA): </b>My Haley family research certainly challenges me to find new ways over, around and/or through this genealogical brick wall! My current research takes this family line back to Jesse Haley who was born ~1803 in Virginia - likely in Halifax or Charlotte County. Honestly, I'm stuck when it comes to Jesse. I have turned to researching all those with whom he associated. Interestingly, he did not seem to associate with many other Haleys - at least not in the records. To learn more about Jesse and hopefully his parentage, I am researching <a href="http://areyoumycousin-lisa.blogspot.com/2012/05/why-i-am-researching-william-cardwell.html">William Cardwell</a> (Jesse's friend) and the Brackett Owen family (Jesse's in-laws and possible blood relations.)<br />
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There is another aspect to my Haley family research that I am enjoying immensely. Sharing stories and identifying photographs with my Haley cousins gives depth to the stories of our generations past. I never even knew most of these cousins before I started my research.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't that what genealogy is about?</span><br />
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<b>White (Surry, Rockingham, Caswell, Granville Counties): </b>Ahh.....another "brick wall" family. Let's just say that researching a man by the name of John White in North Carolina (or any other state) is not an easy task. Now that that's been said, another White family researcher and I have made and continue to make great strides in tracing this line back. We are confident of this line back to John White who arrived in Surry County, NC sometime in the 1810's or 1820's. We are fairly certain John White is the son of Cagebeth [Cadbreth, Cajabeth] White Rockingham and Granville Counties, NC. Like the Haley family line, the White family line requires researching the associates, neighbors, and even in-laws to get to the next generation back. This is a line of research I will definitely be posting more about this summer.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-12330401841127735942012-06-15T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-15T09:00:12.062-04:00Graduation SeasonIn the midst of the graduation season, I thought it might be fun to share this...<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qb2RTXOnpwc/T9Y8juHVVWI/AAAAAAAAD34/axksl99aR3Y/s1600/Cecile's+Diploma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qb2RTXOnpwc/T9Y8juHVVWI/AAAAAAAAD34/axksl99aR3Y/s400/Cecile's+Diploma.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1935 High School Diploma for Cecil Clara White<br />of<br />Dobson, NC</td></tr>
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....my grandmother's high school diploma!</div>
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School certificates and records can provide a lot of family history information. See my post <a href="http://areyoumycousin-lisa.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-to-school.html">Back To School</a> to learn how I have used school records to "fill in" my ancestors' lives.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-15438313714784344472012-06-13T08:30:00.000-04:002012-06-13T08:30:04.373-04:00Wordless Wednesday - A Long Cold Walk<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xz3TMUh2o0/T84bb4JB-JI/AAAAAAAAD3A/iJ3OMM0-RnQ/s1600/Long+Walk087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xz3TMUh2o0/T84bb4JB-JI/AAAAAAAAD3A/iJ3OMM0-RnQ/s400/Long+Walk087.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long cold walk to milk the cows!<br />(Talbott farm on Old Cluster Springs Road)</td></tr>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-2205867055544713912012-06-11T08:00:00.000-04:002012-06-11T08:00:13.592-04:00How Much Was Jesse's Property Worth?Jesse Haley died in the summer of 1869. His estate included 79 3/4 acres of land in Halifax County, VA that was sold at auction in 1870 to the highest bidder. His son Stephen C. "Cas" Haley was the highest bidder paying $3.20 per acre or a total of $255.52.<br />
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<a href="http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2012/06/what-was-your-ancestors-property-worth.html">Dick Eastman</a> recently shared a link to <a href="http://www.westegg.com/inflation/">S Morgan Friedman's inflation calculator</a>. I decided to see just how much Stephen C Haley paid for his father's land at auction in terms of today's money. (Well, at 2010 which is the latest the inflation calculator goes.) <br />
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Stephen C Haley would have paid the equivalent of $54.49 per acre and a total of $4345.58 on the land in 2010. Very interesting!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-4794322119396404552012-06-08T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-08T09:00:03.021-04:00Recognize This House?This photograph of a house was found among numerous Talbott family related photographs. I do not know who lived in the house or what its significance is in our family history. <br />
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I am hoping one of you might recognize it. I suspect the house is located in Pittsylvania County or Halifax County, VA. It may have significance to the Talbott, Richardson or Elliott families in these areas.<br />
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Or not.<br />
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I am open to suggestions or thoughts you might have.<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-85747223149890589552012-06-07T08:04:00.000-04:002012-06-07T08:04:00.364-04:00Your Ancestor Might Be In My ClosetA researcher recently contacted me after reading about a Farson ancestor on my blog. Nannie Lee Farson was the best friend of my great grandmother Esther Lee Richardson Talbott.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apparently I have his ancestor in my closet!</span><br />
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I was able to forward him a photo of Esther and Nannie Lee together taken in the late 1910's or early 1920's. I was able to forward letters written in Nannie's own hand that included her original signature. He was able to identify more of the friends and associates listed in the letters, thus, filling in more of Esther's life.<br />
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This fun exchange with a fellow researcher got me thinking.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If his ancestor is in my closet, whose closet are my ancestors in?</b></span><br />
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If you have ancestors in the Virginia counties of Halifax, Pittsylvania and Charlotte, I just might have your ancestors in my closet, too. Esther's letters are often filled with news and location of her friends and cousins. You never know. Yours might be among them.<br />
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***I posted about the<a href="http://areyoumycousin-lisa.blogspot.com/2012/05/friends-are-important.html"> friendship between my great grandmother Esther Lee Richardson Talbott and Nannie Lee Farson</a> recently. <br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-75145265641746641982012-06-05T08:00:00.000-04:002012-06-05T08:00:08.019-04:00New Feature at Esther's Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://esthersheritagegifts.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wbKcF_iSQoA/T8prKofsgsI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/M2knM8jsjyg/s200/Banner+EP2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Fun things are happening over at <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://esthersheritagegifts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Esther's Place</a></span></b> - my online store for custom order heritage crafts. Besides new items in the store (key chains and necklaces), I will be blogging about fun and creative ways you can share your family history with your family. I will also be sharing more about Esther Richardson Talbott herself. After all, she is the namesake for the online store.<br />
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Don't worry. I will continue posting about my genealogy research and adventures here at <b>Are You My Cousin?</b>. (There are plenty of adventures to share.)Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-41193484640411526412012-06-02T11:22:00.001-04:002012-06-02T11:22:17.000-04:00A Mom, A Teen and A BlogI came across <a href="http://genfun4myteen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mission Impossible - Making Genealogy Fun For My Teen</a> recently. As the mother of teens the title most definitely caught my attention.<br />
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Michelle of <a href="http://genfun4myteen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mission Impossible</a> is documenting her year long journey of finding ways to make her son's family history project more interesting to him. From the National Polka Festival to learn about cultural heritage to planning upcoming oral interviews of family, this mom has her work cut out for her. I'm looking forward to reading more about Michelle's (and her son's) journey.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5751436780469680577.post-33254588558951079382012-05-29T08:00:00.000-04:002012-05-29T08:00:02.869-04:00Friends Are Important<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love this letter dated 31 Oct 1913 and written by Nannie Lee Farson to my great grandmother Esther Lee Richardson. The young women were best friends and corresponded regularly. I learned from the traditional records that Esther's father Daniel T Richardson died in Nov 1912. Shortly after his death, Esther's mother Hattie moved the family from Pittsylvania County, VA closer to her Elliott family in Halifax County, VA. Nannnie and Esther continued their friendship through letters such as the one above. Esther appears to have saved all of them!<br />
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Through their letters I have been able to learn things about my great grandmother and her friends that no official records would ever record. First I have learned who Esther's friends were. Knowing who an ancestor's friends and associates were is crucial when researching. <br />
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From this letter I learned that Esther enjoyed embroidering - and Nannie did NOT. I have a feeling Nannie would not be happy if she knew people were reading about her "under ware". Nannie referred to Lucie who was actually her sister and friend of Esther's, too. Howard M who is referenced is another friend of theirs. Later letters tell of the girls' sadness at his early death from the measles.<br />
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I think what I love about these letters between Esther and her friend is their chattiness. Nannie and Esther were not trying to solve big problems. They were simply young women growing up and recording their daily lives and their thoughts. They were staying in touch. They were staying connected. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IujuSO1llZM/T7_nW7AV0dI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/h166HJVhXaE/s1600/Esther+and+Hattie+Richardson+with+friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IujuSO1llZM/T7_nW7AV0dI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/h166HJVhXaE/s400/Esther+and+Hattie+Richardson+with+friend.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther, Hattie Richardson, Nannie L Farson</td></tr>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686141155733545208noreply@blogger.com0