I have played with How Many of Me? before, but never in a genealogical perspective. Randy Seaver's mention of the site on his Genea-Musings blog, has led me to look at it again.
There are 427 people in the U.S. named Lenertz. Statistically, it is the 58869th most popular last name.
My Lenertz branch has been a tough nut to crack. I've come across very little information about the Lenertz family in America. What I have indicates many were connected in Iowa and Minnesota in the 1850's and 1860's. I joked about contacting other Lenertz people out of the blue and asking about their ancestors because there was a decent chance we were related. Judging from these numbers, that could be true.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
My Own Personal Show and Tell
I've read numerous blog carnivals, but never thrown my hat in the ring. Today, I will in the 55th Edition of the Carnival of Genealogy. The topic is to show and tell "about an heirloom, a special photo, a valuable document, or a significant person that is a very special part of your family history."
There were several qualifying items and people in my tree: the guy who was governor for a few weeks, the guy who was murdered over a woman and a horse, numerous Civil War veterans, many hard working folks who were good people without notoriety.
However, the subject of my show and tell is yours truly:
Earlier this year, I became a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.
My grandparents would have been very proud.
Like several Chickasaw citizens, we descend from James Logan Colbert. For family members playing along, the line goes like this:
James Logan Colbert > Major James Colbert > James Isaac Colbert Jr. > Christopher Columbus Colbert > Carrie Colbert > Frankie Jones > my grandma > my dad > me!
There were several qualifying items and people in my tree: the guy who was governor for a few weeks, the guy who was murdered over a woman and a horse, numerous Civil War veterans, many hard working folks who were good people without notoriety.
However, the subject of my show and tell is yours truly:
Earlier this year, I became a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.
My grandparents would have been very proud.
Like several Chickasaw citizens, we descend from James Logan Colbert. For family members playing along, the line goes like this:
James Logan Colbert > Major James Colbert > James Isaac Colbert Jr. > Christopher Columbus Colbert > Carrie Colbert > Frankie Jones > my grandma > my dad > me!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
An Irreparable Loss: The Obituary of Susan Quesenberry Williamson
Susan Quesenberry was my great-great-great grandmother. She had six children, one of whom was William Woodberry Williamson. Her parents were William Minor Quesenberry (1777-1851) and Elizabeth Ann Bean (1787-1857). Susan was the eighth of ten children.
For my family members keeping track, Susan Quesenberry was Sam Williamson's grandmother.
Below is her obituary as it appeared in the Russellville, Arkansas paper in 1892:
Mrs. Susan Williamson was born in Tennessee, April 23, 1823 and died Jan. 20, 1892. She made a profession of religion in early life and her life was so exemplary and her devotion to Christ so manifest that her influence was a power in maintaining the moral and religious interests of the community in which she lived. She was an active member of the Shiloh congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and took a leading part in the Sunday service. She was the wife of J. L. Williamson to whom she was married Dec. 15, 1847. In her death the family has sustained an irreparable loss, and the church and community has been deprived of the counsel and instruction of a devout christian.
- - -
Sources:
Pope County, Arkansas, Obituaries and Death Notices: February 2, 1887 - December 7, 1893. Page 36. Copied by J. B. Lemley. Date unknown. Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, Houston, TX.
The Clan MacBean in North America. Bernie and Carol Bean. The Clan MacBean Register, 1976. Montgomery County Library, Main Branch, Conroe, TX.
For my family members keeping track, Susan Quesenberry was Sam Williamson's grandmother.
Below is her obituary as it appeared in the Russellville, Arkansas paper in 1892:
Mrs. Susan Williamson was born in Tennessee, April 23, 1823 and died Jan. 20, 1892. She made a profession of religion in early life and her life was so exemplary and her devotion to Christ so manifest that her influence was a power in maintaining the moral and religious interests of the community in which she lived. She was an active member of the Shiloh congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and took a leading part in the Sunday service. She was the wife of J. L. Williamson to whom she was married Dec. 15, 1847. In her death the family has sustained an irreparable loss, and the church and community has been deprived of the counsel and instruction of a devout christian.
- - -
Sources:
Pope County, Arkansas, Obituaries and Death Notices: February 2, 1887 - December 7, 1893. Page 36. Copied by J. B. Lemley. Date unknown. Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, Houston, TX.
The Clan MacBean in North America. Bernie and Carol Bean. The Clan MacBean Register, 1976. Montgomery County Library, Main Branch, Conroe, TX.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Another Man and His Wives
Previously, I talked about William Woodberry Williamson and his three wives. WWW's father was John Laurens Williamson (1811-1862). He was my great-great-great grandfather, and he had two wives.
The Williamsons came with other families from Tennessee to Arkansas in the early 1830's. Though John was a young adult, he traveled with his parents as part of their family unit. At some point, John Laurens Williamson and his brother went back to Tennessee to get married and bring their brides back to Arkansas.
Jane Hamilton was John Laurens Williamson's first wife. I have yet to find any birth or death timeline for her. In the photo below, you can see I cleared grass and mud from the bottom of the stone in the hopes that there was a date or two there. Nothing.
William Woodberry Williamson, born in 1853, was third in birth order. He had 2 older sisters, 2 younger sisters and one brother.
John Laurens Williamson died in 1862. Susan Quesenberry then raised her children alone on the Williamson homestead.
Susan Quesenberry passed away in 1892. A post of her obituary will be the next stop in the We Tree family tour.
The Williamsons came with other families from Tennessee to Arkansas in the early 1830's. Though John was a young adult, he traveled with his parents as part of their family unit. At some point, John Laurens Williamson and his brother went back to Tennessee to get married and bring their brides back to Arkansas.
Jane Hamilton was John Laurens Williamson's first wife. I have yet to find any birth or death timeline for her. In the photo below, you can see I cleared grass and mud from the bottom of the stone in the hopes that there was a date or two there. Nothing.
There is a well-known family paper that mentions John Laurens Williamson and Jane Hamilton have two sons. However, the 1850 census lists four children living in the household that fit the timeline. I also have a copy of a will index that lists four heirs with the same names in John Laurens Williamson's will. I am in the process of getting a copy of that will to verify that there were four children from this union.
Jane Hamilton may have died between 1842 and 1847 because John Laurens Williamson married Susan Quesenberry in December of 1847. Susan is my great-great-great grandmother. She raised Jane's children and had six of her own with John Laurens Williamson.
William Woodberry Williamson, born in 1853, was third in birth order. He had 2 older sisters, 2 younger sisters and one brother.
John Laurens Williamson died in 1862. Susan Quesenberry then raised her children alone on the Williamson homestead.
Susan Quesenberry passed away in 1892. A post of her obituary will be the next stop in the We Tree family tour.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Adding Some Cajun Spice
I'm now a "friend" with Louisiana Genealogy Blogs on Facebook. Some are probably thinking, "Huh? There's no Louisiana in this blog."
I know I've spent a lot of time in Arkansas with the Williamsons, but I actually do have a big stake in Louisiana.
My maternal grandfather's family is from Louisiana. The surnames I'm searching there are Thibodeaux, Bourgaux/Bourgeaux/Borgaux, and Menou. They mostly settled in Acadia Parish in the Rayne and Iota areas. Earlier, this area was known as St. Landry Parish.
I will get around to posting more about this branch of the family, but until then I just wanted to explain why this qualifies as a Louisiana Genealogy Blog.
I know I've spent a lot of time in Arkansas with the Williamsons, but I actually do have a big stake in Louisiana.
My maternal grandfather's family is from Louisiana. The surnames I'm searching there are Thibodeaux, Bourgaux/Bourgeaux/Borgaux, and Menou. They mostly settled in Acadia Parish in the Rayne and Iota areas. Earlier, this area was known as St. Landry Parish.
I will get around to posting more about this branch of the family, but until then I just wanted to explain why this qualifies as a Louisiana Genealogy Blog.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
A Steady, Every Day Christian: The Obituary of Sarah Caroline Brigham Williamson
In my post A Man and His Wives, I introduced you to my great-great grandfather and his three wives. His first wife was Sarah Caroline Brigham. Sometimes her first name was Sallie. Sometimes her last name was Brigance. Whatever she was called, she was my great-great grandmother.
She died when she was 25. Below is her obituary. Based on what was written, and given the ages of the children she left behind, this was a devastating time for the family.
This newspaper piece was transcribed verbatim. The paragraph breaks are my own, to give readers' eyes a break, and my family a chance to take in all the details:
The ravages of death made another home lonely and drear, other hearts sad and desolate, and robbed other children of a mother. Mrs. Sarah C. Williamson, who departed this life Nov. 16th 1887, was born Feb. 13th 1862. Her maiden name was Sarah Caroline Brigham. She was married to Mr. Woodberry Williamson Jan. 18th 1878, with whom she lived in perfect fidelity and concord until her demise.
She professed faith in Christ and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Russellville, in 1874, at a meeting held by the Rev. R. G. Sims now of Texas.
Mrs. Williamson was not a spasmodic christian, religious while only at church, and zealous only during the progress of revivals, but she was a steady, every day christian in whose life the love of God was manifest in all she did.
Around her heart there seemed to be perennial sunshine that radiated to those about her. She was kind, loving, and true in everything. But with all her beautiful traits of character, and happy disposition, she was called home in the very prime of her life. She had assured her loved ones that she was not afraid of death, and now while they are weeping, she is basking in the glory world.
She was buried in the Williamson burying ground, services by the writer. She leaves a husband, four little children, a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss, all of whom we commend to our Father in heaven who alone can bind up the broken hearted.
- - -
Source: "Williamson, Sarah," Copy from Williamson family file, Pope County Library, Russellville, Arkansas. Retrived August 4, 2008. Originally published in the Russellville Democrat, 23 Novembr 1887.
She died when she was 25. Below is her obituary. Based on what was written, and given the ages of the children she left behind, this was a devastating time for the family.
This newspaper piece was transcribed verbatim. The paragraph breaks are my own, to give readers' eyes a break, and my family a chance to take in all the details:
OBITUARIES
Mrs. Sarah C. Williamson
The ravages of death made another home lonely and drear, other hearts sad and desolate, and robbed other children of a mother. Mrs. Sarah C. Williamson, who departed this life Nov. 16th 1887, was born Feb. 13th 1862. Her maiden name was Sarah Caroline Brigham. She was married to Mr. Woodberry Williamson Jan. 18th 1878, with whom she lived in perfect fidelity and concord until her demise.
She professed faith in Christ and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Russellville, in 1874, at a meeting held by the Rev. R. G. Sims now of Texas.
Mrs. Williamson was not a spasmodic christian, religious while only at church, and zealous only during the progress of revivals, but she was a steady, every day christian in whose life the love of God was manifest in all she did.
Around her heart there seemed to be perennial sunshine that radiated to those about her. She was kind, loving, and true in everything. But with all her beautiful traits of character, and happy disposition, she was called home in the very prime of her life. She had assured her loved ones that she was not afraid of death, and now while they are weeping, she is basking in the glory world.
She was buried in the Williamson burying ground, services by the writer. She leaves a husband, four little children, a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss, all of whom we commend to our Father in heaven who alone can bind up the broken hearted.
H. B. MILNER
- - -
Source: "Williamson, Sarah," Copy from Williamson family file, Pope County Library, Russellville, Arkansas. Retrived August 4, 2008. Originally published in the Russellville Democrat, 23 Novembr 1887.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A Man and His Wives
William Woodberry Williamson had three wives. No, not simultaneously. He was married and widowed three times. WWW and his spouses are buried in order of marriage at Shiloh-Williamson cemetery in Russellville, Arkansas.
WWW married Sarah/Sallie Caroline Brigham/Brigance on January 24, 1878. He was 24. She was 15. Sarah's parents died young. She and her siblings lived with relatives. This may be why she was married at 15.
WWW and Sarah had four children: Sam (born 1878), Bessie (born 1880), Josephine (born 1882) and Jack (born 1884). Sam is my great-grandfather.
Sarah passed away in 1887 at the age of 25. She left behind four children, approximate ages 9, 7, 5 and 3.
William Woodberry Williamson married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bryan on May 8, 1895. He was 41. She was 27. WWW and Lizzie had two children. Buena (pronounced b-you-nah) was born in 1897. I also have documentation of her name being Julia and/or Buena Vista. She went by Buena, though.
Wood Williamson was WWW's 7th and last child. He was born in 1903.
As you can see from the grave marker photo, Lizze died in 1910, leaving WWW with a 13 year-old daughter and 7 year-old son. Based on the 1910 census, newly widowed WWW and his little boy, Wood, moved in with son Jack and his family. It is unclear where Buena went. She probably lived with a female relative elsewhere, but I haven't located her...yet. She pops up again in the 1920 census.
I was unsure about the "Elizabeth Williamson" in the cemetery directory being the Lizzie Williamson I was searching for. However, physcially going to the cemetery and observing the headstones answered my question. These two are one and the same, based on the position of the grave marker. Elizabeth is to the right of Thula, who is to the right of Sarah, who is to the right of William Woodberry Williamson. Just a man and his wives.
WWW married Sarah/Sallie Caroline Brigham/Brigance on January 24, 1878. He was 24. She was 15. Sarah's parents died young. She and her siblings lived with relatives. This may be why she was married at 15.
WWW and Sarah had four children: Sam (born 1878), Bessie (born 1880), Josephine (born 1882) and Jack (born 1884). Sam is my great-grandfather.
Sarah passed away in 1887 at the age of 25. She left behind four children, approximate ages 9, 7, 5 and 3.
William Woodberry Williamson married Thula Hamilton on February 26, 1891. He was 37. She was 27. The Hamiltons were part of the Shiloh-Cumberland congregation, so it is likely that these two met through church. Also, Thula's mother and Sarah Brigham/Brigance's mother were sisters. Don't try to remember it all. It's just one of those small-world facts.
WWW and Thula had a daughter, Thula Katherine on February 2, 1894. Thula Williamson (the mother) passed away February 13, 1894, leaving her husband with an 11-day old daughter. She was 30 years old.
William Woodberry Williamson married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bryan on May 8, 1895. He was 41. She was 27. WWW and Lizzie had two children. Buena (pronounced b-you-nah) was born in 1897. I also have documentation of her name being Julia and/or Buena Vista. She went by Buena, though.
Wood Williamson was WWW's 7th and last child. He was born in 1903.
As you can see from the grave marker photo, Lizze died in 1910, leaving WWW with a 13 year-old daughter and 7 year-old son. Based on the 1910 census, newly widowed WWW and his little boy, Wood, moved in with son Jack and his family. It is unclear where Buena went. She probably lived with a female relative elsewhere, but I haven't located her...yet. She pops up again in the 1920 census.
I was unsure about the "Elizabeth Williamson" in the cemetery directory being the Lizzie Williamson I was searching for. However, physcially going to the cemetery and observing the headstones answered my question. These two are one and the same, based on the position of the grave marker. Elizabeth is to the right of Thula, who is to the right of Sarah, who is to the right of William Woodberry Williamson. Just a man and his wives.
Monday, August 18, 2008
DRT Blog
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas have a blog. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library is part of the Alamo complex in San Antonio, Texas.
Thanks to the Genealogy Round Table of the Texas Library Association (I am a member of both) for pointing out the DRT's blog.
Thanks to the Genealogy Round Table of the Texas Library Association (I am a member of both) for pointing out the DRT's blog.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Yipee!
Wow. My Arkansas recaps were listed as part of the Best of the Genea-Blogs: Week of August 10-16. I read Randy Seaver's Genea-Musings regularly, including the best-of columns. It's great to be a part of it.
I wrote those Arkansas pieces for my family. It's nice to see others enjoy them, too.
I wrote those Arkansas pieces for my family. It's nice to see others enjoy them, too.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Call Me Ahab
Several months ago while lurking in the Arkansas section of the Clayton Library, I came across a book titled, "History of the Pope County Singing Convention and Available Minutes, 1887-1980." It was a set of documents compiled by J. B. Lemley in 1980.
As with everything else Pope County, I looked in the index for Williamsons. There was my main man William Woodberry, who was very active in this group and happened to be its President for five years.
This annual convention brought together area congregations for a weekend of spirituality and song. Along with the minutes, in this book there were photocopied images of people and churches. Imagine my surprise to see a picture of ol' WWW and his two grown sons Jack and Sam. William Woodberry Williamson was seated, with his two eldest sons standing formally, one on each side. The copied photo was of poor quality, but there was no doubt: there were my great-great grandfather, Wood, my great-grandfather Sam and his brother Jack.
Thoughts were swirling in my mind. Who has this photo now and how can I get a copy of it? The book was privately printed in 1980 and I was pretty sure Mr. Lemley was long gone.
For months I plotted a strategy to locate this photo. It became my white whale just like the book Moby Dick. I planned to ask the Russellville library, but I had my doubts about that long shot. The county historical asssociation had no web site. I didn't even know if it existed anymore. I pondered the chances of getting a reply on a message board.
More weeks passed and I spent my time getting ready for this Arkansas road trip. I planned to bring the bad photocopy of the picture and ask around, but I had a lot of other tasks to accomplish as well.
The days flew during our stint in Arkansas. Suddenly it was the last day and time for our visit with our relative. If you read my entry titled, Arkansas Road Trip, Part 4, you know that while we were in Pope County, we phoned a complete stranger, explained how we were related, and received an invitation to his home. So off we drove to meet new family.
After some confusion, we located the right house and rang the bell. We were warmly greeted and invited in to the kitchen. On the table was a pile of photos and albums, clearly full of common ancestors.
Guess what was sitting on top of the pile? My white whale:
Standing to the left is Jack Lawrence Williamson (1884-1960). Standing to the right is Sam Hill Williamson (1878-1943). Seated is their father, William Woodberry Williamson (1853-1942).
As with everything else Pope County, I looked in the index for Williamsons. There was my main man William Woodberry, who was very active in this group and happened to be its President for five years.
This annual convention brought together area congregations for a weekend of spirituality and song. Along with the minutes, in this book there were photocopied images of people and churches. Imagine my surprise to see a picture of ol' WWW and his two grown sons Jack and Sam. William Woodberry Williamson was seated, with his two eldest sons standing formally, one on each side. The copied photo was of poor quality, but there was no doubt: there were my great-great grandfather, Wood, my great-grandfather Sam and his brother Jack.
Thoughts were swirling in my mind. Who has this photo now and how can I get a copy of it? The book was privately printed in 1980 and I was pretty sure Mr. Lemley was long gone.
For months I plotted a strategy to locate this photo. It became my white whale just like the book Moby Dick. I planned to ask the Russellville library, but I had my doubts about that long shot. The county historical asssociation had no web site. I didn't even know if it existed anymore. I pondered the chances of getting a reply on a message board.
More weeks passed and I spent my time getting ready for this Arkansas road trip. I planned to bring the bad photocopy of the picture and ask around, but I had a lot of other tasks to accomplish as well.
The days flew during our stint in Arkansas. Suddenly it was the last day and time for our visit with our relative. If you read my entry titled, Arkansas Road Trip, Part 4, you know that while we were in Pope County, we phoned a complete stranger, explained how we were related, and received an invitation to his home. So off we drove to meet new family.
After some confusion, we located the right house and rang the bell. We were warmly greeted and invited in to the kitchen. On the table was a pile of photos and albums, clearly full of common ancestors.
Guess what was sitting on top of the pile? My white whale:
Standing to the left is Jack Lawrence Williamson (1884-1960). Standing to the right is Sam Hill Williamson (1878-1943). Seated is their father, William Woodberry Williamson (1853-1942).
I believe this picture was taken during WWW's stint as president of the Pope County Singing Convention. It was definitely taken before Sam left for medical school. Date range: 1894-1904.
This is why I do it. Leave no stone unturned...
Houston Area Event, 9/13
The Montgomery County Genealogical & Historical Society, Inc. is having a seminar with Emily Croom on September 13. I sent in my application and cash money, so unless I wasn't one of the first fifty to do so I'll be there.
I only mention this here in case some of the locals are interested.
I only mention this here in case some of the locals are interested.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Arkansas Road Trip, Part 4
Day 4 would be our last day in Arkansas so we had to make it count. Unfortunately, the heat wave broke with a big rain that morning. Instead of tromping around the cemeteries, we saw the sights and sites of Russellville from our car, including Lake Dardanelle, the dam, the power plant, the scenic ridge that looks over the town and more. Thursday was also the beginning of BargainsGaloreOn64, but the crowds weren't too big. There's nothing sadder then a rained out garage sale.
We spent the late morning at Baker's Creek cemetery for quick photos, and Shiloh-Williamson for maintenance. It was raining the whole time. It's tricky to hold an umbrella while trying to remove grass from a grave marker.
After lunch, we visited a real relative. The day before, my dad called a man out of the blue. William Woodberry Williamson had 7 kids. My dad and I descend from #1. This man descends from #7. He and my grandmother would be first cousins. With this information and nothing else, he invited us--complete strangers--into his house.
We had a wonderful visit. We filled him in on child #1 (who left Arkansas for Oklahoma) and he filled us in on children 2-7. He even trusted us with his photos. I am in the process of scanning them now before I send them back. I have pictures of all 7 of WWW's kids. I never thought that would be possible.
Later, we went back to the Pope County Library. I left my name and contact info in case any Williamson hunters come calling. I also left a donation for the genealogy department to keep doing the good work they do.
The family visit was by far the best part of the trip. In talking with these people we learned of their children, our cousins, who moved all over the place and had more kids. With that knowledge and my own research I know that we have relatives everywhere, even in our own towns that we don't even know.
Just one of those funny things about family history...
We spent the late morning at Baker's Creek cemetery for quick photos, and Shiloh-Williamson for maintenance. It was raining the whole time. It's tricky to hold an umbrella while trying to remove grass from a grave marker.
After lunch, we visited a real relative. The day before, my dad called a man out of the blue. William Woodberry Williamson had 7 kids. My dad and I descend from #1. This man descends from #7. He and my grandmother would be first cousins. With this information and nothing else, he invited us--complete strangers--into his house.
We had a wonderful visit. We filled him in on child #1 (who left Arkansas for Oklahoma) and he filled us in on children 2-7. He even trusted us with his photos. I am in the process of scanning them now before I send them back. I have pictures of all 7 of WWW's kids. I never thought that would be possible.
Later, we went back to the Pope County Library. I left my name and contact info in case any Williamson hunters come calling. I also left a donation for the genealogy department to keep doing the good work they do.
The family visit was by far the best part of the trip. In talking with these people we learned of their children, our cousins, who moved all over the place and had more kids. With that knowledge and my own research I know that we have relatives everywhere, even in our own towns that we don't even know.
Just one of those funny things about family history...
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Arkansas Road Trip, Part 3
Pictures are coming, I promise. I'm just trying to log all the details of the trip before I forget. Day 3 was cemetery day. We had six cemeteries to see, a map of the county, vague directions, a list of buried ancestors, and no idea where their markers were. Our first stop was Atkins City cemetery in Atkins. We lucked out finding the markers quickly. On the way out, we saw this litte guy:
Who was not amused that we were all up in his personal space:
After Atkins, we headed back to Russellville, to the Rest Haven Cemetery. That place is big, so we asked the kind lady in the office to help us locate the right graves.
Who was not amused that we were all up in his personal space:
After Atkins, we headed back to Russellville, to the Rest Haven Cemetery. That place is big, so we asked the kind lady in the office to help us locate the right graves.
Next on the list was Rankin Cemetery. It's older than Rest Haven and right next door. We found our ancestor right away, but a little maintenance (and sweat) was needed to capture a picture under the shady trees.
It was still uncomfortably hot like the day before, so we took a drink break.
We eventually wandered back into Russellville downtown to Oakland Cemetery. It's big, too, but I had a section map. This worked fine until we couldn't find a particular grave in section 7. Turns out the clump of trees counted as a section, so we were looking in the wrong place. After what felt like forever, we found the grave and headed to lunch.
After the meal we went to the library again. They have a microfilm machine that accepts jump drives. I was able to get images of John R. Williamson's original will, George Montgomery Pike Williamson's original will, William Woodberry Williamson's marriage certificate with Sarah Brigham / Brigance, and more. The machine was a stubborn one and it took longer than it should to get these few documents.
I never fully recovered from being in the sun all day, so we retired early. We ended up getting to 4 of 6 cemeteries.
Day four would be our last day, so it was sure to be packed with activity...
Thanks, Alltop!
I just noticed that this blog has been selected to be part of the Genealogy section of Alltop. Yay!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Arkansas Road Trip, Part 2
Our second day in Arkansas started with breakfast and a trip to the Pope County Library. For the building's size, they have an amazing genealogy collection. I put my dad to work copying many items from the "Williamson" folders. I hunted articles from journals, genealogy newsletters and other publications.
We had lunch at a cute little drug store. Turns out that they sell the History of Pope County, volumes 1 and 2 there. I've been looking for old copies of those for months. It was nice to see them in print again. I bought the set. There are several Williamsons in there, plus a good view of the early county history.
After lunch, we went to Arkansas Tech University (ATU). Based on the records I have, in the mid-1800's John Williamson owned the land where the college now stands. We went to the school's museum and talked to a staff member. She wasn't aware of the land's history. She took a copy of what documentation I had. The school will celebrate its 100th birthday next year. Maybe John Williamson will get a mention.
Since there was no longer a family homestead for me to see, I bought a TECH shirt at the bookstore as a family heirloom. ;)
In the afternoon, we went back to the library. I copied some obituaries.
We called it a day and had dinner. My son was really, really, really good all day so he got to go swimming. I purposely picked a hotel with a pool because I knew this trip would not be entirely fun for him.
Day 3 was cemetery day. Stay tuned...
We had lunch at a cute little drug store. Turns out that they sell the History of Pope County, volumes 1 and 2 there. I've been looking for old copies of those for months. It was nice to see them in print again. I bought the set. There are several Williamsons in there, plus a good view of the early county history.
After lunch, we went to Arkansas Tech University (ATU). Based on the records I have, in the mid-1800's John Williamson owned the land where the college now stands. We went to the school's museum and talked to a staff member. She wasn't aware of the land's history. She took a copy of what documentation I had. The school will celebrate its 100th birthday next year. Maybe John Williamson will get a mention.
Since there was no longer a family homestead for me to see, I bought a TECH shirt at the bookstore as a family heirloom. ;)
In the afternoon, we went back to the library. I copied some obituaries.
We called it a day and had dinner. My son was really, really, really good all day so he got to go swimming. I purposely picked a hotel with a pool because I knew this trip would not be entirely fun for him.
Day 3 was cemetery day. Stay tuned...
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Arkansas Road Trip, Part 1
Let me tell you about my exciting trip to Arkansas! My dad, my son (not a willing participant) and I drove from Houston to Texarkana on Sunday. On Monday, we took our time on the back roads to our final destination of Russellville, Pope County, Arkansas. We got there in the afternoon. There wasn't any plan to do any family huntin' on that day, but we couldn't resist. Since we were staying in the north part of town, we decided to check out the Shiloh-Williamson Cemetery.
I'm pretty sure the "Shiloh" comes from the Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church founded in the area in the 1830's (now gone). The "Williamson" part comes from the.....wait for it....Williamson family.
It was incredibly hot that day, with the heat index pushing 110. We walked around and took a few pictures, but not much else. It was too hot!
Here is the view of the Shiloh-Williamson Cemetery on Darby Road. The cemetery was moved in the 1960's when Lake Dardanelle was formed, so some of these stones are symbolic as there were no remains to transfer. Bummer.
The noise you hear in the video is my car engine running. We had the A/C on so my son, the unwilling participant, could stay cool while sitting in there.
Clayton Library Friends Meeting
Back from Arkansas. The Williamson Family Road Trip and Celebrity Death Tour (tm) went well. More details to follow. I have to upload more pictures first.
Yesterday, I went my first Clayton Library Friends meeting. I wanted to see where my dues went. My dad was visiting, so he came with me for curiosity's sake.
This is a very friendly group with some amazing volunteers. Reports were given on the state of the organization, as well as the state of renovation at the library site. The Clayton Library is good now, but it's going to be great.
After the meeting was a presentation by Karen Miller, President of the Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607-1783. It was a good talk. I learned a lot.
Since I was in "the city" anyway, I took my dad to Goode's for lunch. Then we went to the Clayton so he could see it. I think he was impressed.
The next Clayton Library Friends meeting is Saturday, November 15, 2008. If the planets align and the wood is properly knocked, the meeting will be in the newly renovated Carriage House at the Clayton. If not, then it's at Houston Public Library's Jungman Branch one more time.
The speaker for the November meeting is Karen Black-Morrow who will present From Piles of Paper to Polished Prose, a talk about writing a narrative history of your family and organizing records and documents.
Yesterday, I went my first Clayton Library Friends meeting. I wanted to see where my dues went. My dad was visiting, so he came with me for curiosity's sake.
This is a very friendly group with some amazing volunteers. Reports were given on the state of the organization, as well as the state of renovation at the library site. The Clayton Library is good now, but it's going to be great.
After the meeting was a presentation by Karen Miller, President of the Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607-1783. It was a good talk. I learned a lot.
Since I was in "the city" anyway, I took my dad to Goode's for lunch. Then we went to the Clayton so he could see it. I think he was impressed.
The next Clayton Library Friends meeting is Saturday, November 15, 2008. If the planets align and the wood is properly knocked, the meeting will be in the newly renovated Carriage House at the Clayton. If not, then it's at Houston Public Library's Jungman Branch one more time.
The speaker for the November meeting is Karen Black-Morrow who will present From Piles of Paper to Polished Prose, a talk about writing a narrative history of your family and organizing records and documents.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Greetings from Arkansas!
We've been here in Pope County just over 24 hours now and we've been busy! Details to come at a later time.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Road Trip!
It's time for the Williamson Family Tour and Extravaganza. Today we're driving as far as Texarkana. Tomorrow, we'll meander through Arkansas and roll into Russellville whenever we get there. On my list of things to do this week:
Cemetery visits (6) - I have a list of headstones of which I want photographs. Every one else I get will be considered a bonus.
Library visit - look up newspaper articles, obituaries, some court records an anything else I can find in their genealogy department
Court house - whatever I can't get from the library's court files
Arkansas Tech U - at some point, the family farm was on this location. Seeing the school is as close as I'll get to visiting ancestral lands. Go Wonder Boys and Golden Suns!
Cemetery visits (6) - I have a list of headstones of which I want photographs. Every one else I get will be considered a bonus.
Library visit - look up newspaper articles, obituaries, some court records an anything else I can find in their genealogy department
Court house - whatever I can't get from the library's court files
Arkansas Tech U - at some point, the family farm was on this location. Seeing the school is as close as I'll get to visiting ancestral lands. Go Wonder Boys and Golden Suns!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Mail Bag, August 1, 2008
When you apply to colleges, receiving thick envelopes in the mail is good. It means the colleges want you. They get your attention by packing lots of colorful brochures and application forms into fat envelopes that take up the whole mailbox.
When you send off for vital records, a thick envelope can be a bad thing. Thin envelope means "here is your certificate, thanks for playing." Thick envelope means, "ummm...there's seems to be a problem with your request, here are 10 other forms and pages that explain why you're not getting the certificate."
So today I got a thick envelope from Arkansas. Sigh. I got denied on Thula's death certificate. Enclosures included the rules for why you can't get death certificates in Arkansas, which is odd because I just got another death certificate from Arkansas without incident.
My guess is that Thula's 1980's death date is the problem. Too recent. But I don't know that for sure because the 10 pages of NO sent by the State of Arkansas don't explain that.
No time to dwell. I have to pack for the Williamson Genealogy Road Trip and Ancestral Death Tour.
When you send off for vital records, a thick envelope can be a bad thing. Thin envelope means "here is your certificate, thanks for playing." Thick envelope means, "ummm...there's seems to be a problem with your request, here are 10 other forms and pages that explain why you're not getting the certificate."
So today I got a thick envelope from Arkansas. Sigh. I got denied on Thula's death certificate. Enclosures included the rules for why you can't get death certificates in Arkansas, which is odd because I just got another death certificate from Arkansas without incident.
My guess is that Thula's 1980's death date is the problem. Too recent. But I don't know that for sure because the 10 pages of NO sent by the State of Arkansas don't explain that.
No time to dwell. I have to pack for the Williamson Genealogy Road Trip and Ancestral Death Tour.
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