I want to apologize if I have offended anyone with my recent posting of "Strangers in the Box". It seems as though I have been contacted by a list manager that says it has nothing to do with her county. She no longer wishes me to post anything like this on her site. I will abide by her wishes. However, the loss maybe great for her subscribers. This is the only complaint that I have received. I made sure that I had permission from these subscribers to post their ideas before I posted the response to "Strangers in the Box". I have "several, several" people who have thought that these were good ideas. Ideas that they had not thought about. This posting has caused other people to share their ideas of what has worked for them. AND it has caused other people to think about getting this information before it is too late. Furthermore, ideas and positive feedback is still coming in that I haven't shared with anyone. I thought everyone interested in genealogy would like to know how to best preserve their family history. Because once it is gone (documented family pictures), it is gone!!!! And it doesn't make any difference what county we live in or what county our ancestors came from. If anyone out there would like to know the good ideas from others who have responded to this posting, you may email me privately as I do not want to get into trouble with anyone. I don't know why it is you have to come across sour apples from time to time but I guess that is what makes life interesting! It keeps us on our toes. Have a blessed day! Jane Foley NC PS I do collect stories, poems, etc and have all my life on certain subjects. I do have a nice collection genealogy related if anyone is interested in a list you can contact me privately. mjfent@bellsouth.net. I feel that this "trivia" (as some call it) only adds to my family history gives me a better understanding.

I received permission to post these ideas on family pictures. Jane Foley Jane; What a perfect poem. When my Mother died, I found about 200 negatives of pictures taken 1920's to 1950's. Had to find a photo studio that had the equipment to develop these large negatives, some were 2 x 2 inches. I made several booklet form copies and mailed out to any living relatives, they would write the name, date etc. that they knew, mailed it back to me, then I would let everyone know as many names as we all could figure out. What a job!! Took months and money. Sharon Wallis Klassen AMEN to that, Jane Foley! I have 'inherited' all my great-aunts papers, including pictures of our family members that I'd never seen before. No names on anything! Anne How fortunate for you to have 'inherited' all this wonderful information and pictures. A suggestion I would like to make is to take these pictures to a Family Reunion (even if you have to organize one yourself), spread them out on a table and have everyone look and try to help you identify the family members. Of course, this may not help unless you have some of the "older" generation present but you won't know unless you try it. Invite people from the community where the family grew up. Make sure you get the word out about the "get-together" and ask anyone to come that is interested in that family or knows anything about the family. I wish you luck! Margie Thanks for this Jane; I have been for some time trying to identify as many as I can from my grandmothers old photo album (1875-1967) and my wife's mothers box of old pictures (1902-1993) I have been unable to find anyone still living who can identify more than 10% of the people. I know some of those who "old folks" in the more recent photos have got to be some of the "youngins" in the older photos. My wife and I have started going through all our old photos and putting name, places, and dates as best we can. I am also scanning them all and putting the info on each one on the CD. We are now 72 & 70 years old and have a lot of pictures going back to our junior high school (or I guess they call it "middle school" today) Thanks again Bob in Victoria, TX

Permission to Post It is so important to put the names of people on the back of pictures and also dates and even places because there maybe family in the future who don't know who the people are in the picture. Jane Foley Cornelius, NC STRANGERS IN THE BOX COME, LOOK WITH ME INSIDE THIS DRAWER IN THIS BOX I'VE OFTEN SEEN, AT THE PICTURES, BLACK AND WHITE FACES PROUD, STILL, SERENE. I WISH I KNEW THE PEOPLE THESE STRANGERS IN THE BOX, THEIR NAMES AND ALL THEIR MEMORIES ARE LOST AMONG MY SOCKS. I WONDER WHAT THEIR LIVES WERE LIKE HOW DID THEY SPEND THEIR DAYS? WHAT ABOUT THEIR SPECIAL TIMES? I'LL NEVER KNOW THEIR WAYS. IF ONLY SOMEONE HAD TAKEN TIME TO TELL WHO, WHAT, OR WHEN, THESE FACES OF MY HERITAGE WOULD COME TO LIFE AGAIN. COULD THIS BECOME THE FATE OF PICTURES WE TAKE TODAY? THE FACES AND MEMORIES SOMEDAY TO BE PASSED AWAY? MAKE TIME TO SAVE YOUR STORIES SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY WHEN IT KNOCKS, OR SOMEDAY YOU AND YOURS COULD BE THE STRANGERS IN THE BOX. ANONYMOUS AUTHOR

This was on today's Ancestry's newsletter.. made alot of sense and if possible, I'm going to start to do the same. This sure would have helped me last October when I made a trip to AR. Jane Foley NC Ancestry Quick Tip After the Research Trip by Yolanda Campbell Lifter My long-distance research trips are usually seven or more days in length. I arrive home with piles of paper and documents that I have collected along the way as well as all the digital photos I took. To help make my post-trip recovery easier, I have developed a simple way to help myself. At the end of each day of research, I send myself an e-mail. I write where I was on that particular day and what I did. I note any libraries, courthouses, or cemeteries I visited. I also mention if I made any new discovery or found something that needs further follow-up. I list the name(s) of anyone I need to send a thank-you note. I report which client(s) I worked for that day and for how long. I also mention anything that may help me on future trips to the same area such as a landmark for that hard to find cemetery or the name and location of a store I visited. This method has helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed when I return home, and the task of organizing my new findings seems more manageable

I thought this might be interesting to share! Jane Foley NC 10 THINGS MY DESCENDANTS WILL HAVE WANTED ME TO KNOW: 10. that future generations would count so heavily on census reporting to be factual 9. that handwritten diaries handed down to stable generation descendants are a godsend to historians, even as 'mundane' things as their daily life activities 8. that when pictures were taken, making sure that they were labeled on the back more than 'Sue's baby dau" 7. that there was the importance of saving letters that contained info about the family they received from others. 6. giving family history including those letters and diaries and pictures to the real caretakers of the family who cared about the family history and family history preservation. 5. the important of continuing the yearly family reunions, even if a few attended 4. the godsend of writing down the migrations of the history that I knew it to be. From where to where, who and why.... 3. the importance of writing down copies of the Bible Records notations and passing it along to many members of the family including connecting ones in whatever way, in case of fire, flood, or stupid direct descendants who would pitch the valuable info. 2. the godsend of writing down their own family history and diagrams the way they knew it to be including who fought in what war, and whether or not the family was cousins with whatever famous person [and perhaps how, if they were!]And while we're at it, making the notations of how the name was spelled. 1. to NEVER NEVER NEVER name a son or dau, the same as in the past if more than 2 times it already appears in the same generation, found in the same county, and state.

I hope you enjoy this! Jane Foley Cornelius, NC The Census Taker It was the first day of census, and all through the land, The pollster was ready....a black book in hand.. He mounted his horse for a long, dusty ride, His book and some quills were tucked close by his side, A long, winding ride down a road barely there, Toward the smell of fresh bread wafting, up through the air The woman was tired, with lines on her face, She gave him some water as they sat at the table, and she answered his questions the best she was able. He asked of her children....Yes, she had quite a few, The oldest was twenty, the youngest not two, She held up a toddler with cheeks round and red, His sister, she whispered, was napping in bed, She noted each person who lived there with pride, And she felt the faint stirrings of the wee one inside, He noted the sex, the color, the age, The marks from the quill soon filled up the page, At the number of children--she nodded her head and saw her lips quiver for the three that were dead The places of birth she "never forgot", Was it Kansas?or Utah? or Oregon....or not? They came from Scotland, of that she was clear, but, she wasn't quite sure just how long they'd been here. They spoke of employment, of schooling and such, They could read some, and write some, though really not much, When the questions were answered his job there was done, So he mounted his horse and he rode toward the sun, WE can almost imagine his voice loud and clear, "May God bless you all for another ten years", NOW picture a time warp....its now you and me. AS we search for the people on our family tree. We squint at the census and scroll down so slow, AS we search for that entry from long, long ago. Could they only imagine on that long-ago day, That the entries they made would affect us this way? If they knew, would they wonder at the yearning we feel, and the searching that makes them so increasingly real? WE can hear if we listen the words they impart, Through their blood in our veins and their voice in our heart. Author Unknown......

I received this from another list and thought you might enjoy! Jane Foley Cornelius, NC The year 1904 Maybe this will boggle your mind, I know it did mine! The year is 1904. One hundred and one years ago. What a difference a century makes! Here are some of the U.S. statistics for 1904: The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years. Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub. Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone. A three-minute call from Denver to New York City cost eleven dollars. There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., and only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California. With a mere 1.4 million residents, California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union. The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower! The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents an hour. The average U.S. worker made between $200 and $400 per year. A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year. A mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year. More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at home. Ninety percent of all U.S. physicians had no college education. Instead, they attended medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and by the government as "substandard." Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound. Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo. Canada passed a law prohibiting poor people from entering the country for any reason. The five leading causes of death in the U.S. were: 1. Pneumonia and influenza 2. Tuberculosis 3. Diarrhea 4. Heart disease 5. Stroke The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet. The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was 30!!! Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented. There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day. Two of 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated high school. Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at corner drugstores. According to one pharmacist, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health." (Shocking!) Eighteen percent of households in the U.S. had at least one full-time servant or domestic. There were only about 230 reported murders in the entire U.S. And I forwarded this from someone else without typing it myself, and sent it to you in a matter of seconds! Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years .. it staggers the mind

First I would like to thank Betsy Mills, ARGenWeb state coordinator for tending the mailing list the past month and a half for me. Some of you know I have been "out of touch" since Jan. 8 and not tending to the mailing list. And most of you are aware I have always updated the website at the beginning of the year with the last few months of the prior years queries. I am sorry I did not get the website updated as I normally do...but we lost our oldest son Jan. 8 He had custody of his 2 children, 13 and 10 since the youngest was 4 mo old. We do have the children and will be going to court Tues to try to get guardianship. So with our loss and gaining the kids I put everything else on hold. To answer a few questions to those of you who have met me at genealogy seminars, Chris is the son who has been working them with me the last few years. And yes if you purchased his Elementree Design Charts...we will continue to carry them at the seminars and genealogyshoppe.com I also want to thank each of you that submitted information for the website. And say thank you all for being such kind people to have not emailed me demanding why the website had not been update Thank you & good luck in your search! Kathy Stokes Hudson ~~~ Howard Co., Ar. http://www.genealogyshoppe.com/arhoward/index.htm (mail list)

I was delighted to see Faith Riley's post about the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives in Washington, AR. I met her when I was there about a year and a half ago, and found so much good info! Also, the staff, including Faith, were very helpful and knowledgeable. The town of Old Washington is well worth a visit.... with a beautifully restored courthouse (circa 1874, I seem to remember), many well preserved historic buildings, a great cafe located in an old travelers' hostel, and of course, beautiful scenery. Also, several times a year the town has special events, such as holiday gatherings and Civil War reenactments. Jeanette Sartain (researching Young, Corbell, Musgrave, Thompson, Griffith, Walden)

I am looking for any information on Elliot Jackson Caldwell and his wife Etta V. ? I believe they are buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, McCurtain Co., OK. Elliot's parents were Newton Dudley Caldwell and Lucy Ann Fontaine. Elliot is my great great uncle. I had corresponded with a Sharon McGaha from Texas but have lost contact with her. I believe she is a great granddaughter to this couple. If anyone can put me in touch with her I would appreciate it. Eliot was born January 24, 1886 in Mineral Springs, Howard Co., AR and died april 22, 1974 in Idabel, McCurtain Co., OK. He and Etta was married November 24, 1912 but I don't know where. Etta was born December 14, 1894 (where?) died March 27, 1967 (where?). They had 9 children: Ruby, Willie, Julie, Newton, Alpha, Bertha, Helen, Roy and Ester. I do not know if any of these people are living. I would hope to find some of their descendants so they can fill in some of my blanks. Thanks in advance for anyone's help! Jane Foley Cornelius, NC Formerly of Colorado Springs, CO Born DeQueen, AR

I was asked to post this message. Good luck in your search! Kathy I am director of Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives in Washington, AR. We have thousands of sources for genealogists. We recently received a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities titled "A Searchable Database of all Schools since Arkansas Statehood in 1836 in Twelve SW Arkansas Counties." Those counties are Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Polk, Sevier, and Union. Go to our website, www.southwestarchives.com and click School Project to see the names of schools from GNIS (National Geological Survey) in those counties. We already have many more schools to add to the list. If you have any information about a school that you could share with us, please write to me at friley@southwestarchives.com. Our grant is for $21,982 which we matched with $21,982 with donations from groups and individuals including the Arkansas History Commission, South Arkansas History Foundation,! Friends d DAR. We are still accepting donations. Thank you, Faith Riley

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! from North Carolina. I hope that everyone finds that missing piece of their family puzzle in 2005! Jane Foley Isn't This What Christmas Is About? Pa never had such compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving. It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. Come on, Matt." he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But, I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what. Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on. After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood---the wood I'd spent all Summer hauling down from the mountain, and then! all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "What are you doing?" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah," I said, "Why?" "I rode by just today, "Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. "Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy." We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?" Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp. "We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put th! e meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children-- sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out. "We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people. I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed he! r face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us." In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it. Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes. Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine. At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away. Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, "'May the Lord bless you,' I know for certain that He will." Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that. But on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand." I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

This is something that we need to take a look at as genealogists. Jane Foley ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Wynn" <wynnmill@interl.net> To: <MOBARRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2004 8:50 PM Subject: [MOBARRY-L] New Bill dealing with records > Thanks for posting this. I've taken action by writing my Senators. If > any of you would like, you can "cut & paste" the following which I based > on the Garrett's post: it was really easy, I just went to > http://www.senate.gov/ found my state and wrote both Senators. > > > > Regarding: 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act (Engrossed Amendment > as Agreed to by House)[S.2845.EAH] > > > > Senator: > > > > I thoroughly understand and appreciate the need for heightened security > in obtaining copies of Birth Records, but passing S.2845 as it now reads > would remove one more freedom from us. > > > > If S.2845 becomes law, as now written, family historians like myself > will face some real challenges in attempts to obtain birth records, even > on long-deceased ancestors. Specifically, what I am suggesting as an > amateur genealogist is that the Senate apply the addition of Sec. > 3061(b)(1)(A)(iii) that would read: "who is alive on the date that > access to their birth certificate is requested." This addition would > clarify that the legislation (soon to be law) applies ONLY to birth > certificates of CURRENTLY LIVING PERSONS. > > > > Thank you for your consideration of this concern. > > > > Pat Wynn > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Roy & Linda Garrett [mailto:lrgarrett@alltel.net] > Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2004 6:25 PM > To: MOBARRY-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [MOBARRY-L] New Bill dealing with records > > > > New Bill Will Possibly Close Records to Genealogists > > > > HR10, which was mentioned in the 13 October issue of RootsWeb Review, > has passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives and is now part of > S.2845. The amendments suggested by David Rencher in his letter to the > bill's sponsor, Congressman J. Dennis Hastert, were NOT incorporated > into this legislation. Thus, the terms of HR10 will now be considered > by the Senate, as part of S.2845. > > > > If S.2845 becomes law, as now written, family historians will face some > real challenges in attempts to obtain birth records, even on > long-deceased individuals. Specifically, what genealogists need to do is > suggest to their lawmakers the addition of Sec. 3061(b)(1)(A)(iii) that > would read: "who is alive on the date that access to their birth > certificate is requested." This addition would clarify that the > legislation (soon to be law) applies ONLY to birth certificates of > CURRENTLY LIVING PERSONS. > > > > If you do not know your U.S. Senator's e-mail address, you can find it > at http://www.senate.gov/ > > > > This bill can be found online at http://thomas.loc.gov/ > > > > Enter: S.2845 (in the bill number window) > > > > Select: Item #3, 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act (Engrossed > Amendment as Agreed to by House)[S.2845.EAH] > > > > Chapter 2: "Improved Security for Birth Certificates" > > > > Chapter 3/Subtitle B "Identity Management Security" > > > > Chapter 2 "Improved Security for Birth Certificates"

Genealogist's Christmas Eve ('Twas the Night Before Christmas) 'Twas the night before Christmas When all through the house Not a creature was stirring, Not even my spouse. The dining room table with clutter was spread With pedigree charts and letters which said... "Too bad that the data for which you last wrote Sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat." Stacks of old copies of bills, wills, and such Were proof that my work had become way too much. Our children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads. And I at my table was ready to drop From work on my album with photos to crop. Christmas was here, and such was my lot That presents and goodies and toys I'd forgot. Had I not been so busy with grandparents' wills, I'd not have forgotten to shop for such thrills; While others bought gifts to bring good Christmas cheers, I'd spent time researching those birthdates and years. While I was thus musing about my sad plight, A noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright! Away to the window I flew in a flash, Tore open the drapes and yanked up the sash. When what with my wondering eyes should appear, But an overstuffed sleigh and with eight small reindeer. Up to the house top the reindeer they flew, With a sleigh full of toys and ol' Santa Claus, too. And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each tiny hoof. As I drew in my head, and bumped into the sash, Down the cold chimney fell Santa - KER-RASH! "Dear" Santa had come from the roof in a wreck, Tracking soot on the carpet, (could've wrung his short neck)! Spotting my face, ol' Santa could see Christmas spirit was lacking in little ol' me. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work And filled all the stockings, (I felt like a jerk). Here then was Santa, who'd brought us such joy, When I'd been too busy for even one toy. He spied my research on the table all spread; "A genealogist!" He cried! (My face was all red)! "Tonight I've met many like you," Santa grinned, As he pulled from his sack a large book he had penned. I gazed with amazement; the cover, it read Genealogy Lines for Which You Have Pled. "I know what it's like to have Rooter's Bug," He said as he gave me a great Santa hug. "While the elves make the sleighful of toys I now carry, I do some research in the North Pole Library! So these special treats I am able to bring To genealogy folk who can't find a thing." "Now off you go to your bed for a rest, I'll clean the house from this genealogy mess." As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee, I looked back at Santa who'd brought much to me. While settling in bed, I heard Santa's clear whistle To his team, which then rose like the down of a thistle. And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight, "Family history is Fun! Merry Christmas! Goodnight!" - Author Unknown Modified by Terri Lamb

Wow! You people are wonderful in responding to my question! I sent this question to several websites and I want to share with you the responses I received. I will check them out as I can get to them. Several of you said you wanted the information too. So here is what I received back. Jane Foley Their is many accounts of the wagon train routes here is a web site with some of the story's of some of the Men and boys going out west during the Gold rush from Illinois, ( http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilschuyl/Oregontrail.html ) looking for some other that I have read , will post when I find them,,,, Richard Graham check out another web site on the California Gold Rush with some of the fellows from Illinois 1848,,,,,,,,,, www.rootsweb.com/~ilschuyl/ look for Schuyler, Co and California Gold Rush first column down almost all the way. Richard This site will provide some of the information you might be looking for: http://www.over-land.com/emigrants.html Roger Jane, Try OCTA@indepmo.org OCTA stands for OR CA Trail Association. They are headquartered in Independence, MO. I think they can help you. Tom Maybe these will help. Winn 1843 Wagon Train Pioneers http://www.peak.org/~mransom/a2m.html ARRIVALS IN OREGON 1852 http://home.netcom.com/~symbios/52intro.html Wagon Train Arrivals as Reported in the Frontier Guardian http://www.rootsweb.com/~iapottaw/WgnTrnIndx.htm Wagon Trains http://www.cyndislist.com/migration.htm#Wagon There were at least a couple of routes that they may have traveled in going from east to west. One would have been the Zanes Trace. The Government hired Col. Zane to blaze a trail through the as yet un traveled way to the west. That trail was nothing more than a path cut though the trees and brush to allow horses and wagons to pass through. There would be stumps left from cutting down the trees. Some places in the route might just be only where Zane and his men hacked at the trees and made marks to show the people where the trail was and where the next people following were to go. Another was the National Road. Which was the first road built "completely" using federal funds. You can find more info on them by going to the following sites. http://www.flintridgevineyard.com/page/page/390943.htm for Zane's Trace and http://www.nps.gov/fone/natlroad.htm for the National Road Mel The Scots-Irish From Ulster and The Great Philadelphia Wagon Road http://www.electricscotland.com/history/america/wagon_road.htm The Great Wagon Road: From Philadelphia to the South http://www.historyus.com/The_Great_Wagon_Road_From_Philadelphia_to_the_South_087517065X.html Jane The only people who MIGHT have kept a list were the suppliers and grocers. Most bought supplies along the way. There are a few books about wagon trains but not many. There one we read about the women going from Mississippi and she kept a diary that was turned into a book. The majority of the women who were/or got P.G. did not make it. I cannot even imagine what those men and women and children went thru. Hope you find records and if you do let me know please. All I can think of is after the Civil War and the Land Lotteries. L Have you tried looking for "wagon trails" using a search engine, such as Google. There are many entries. R Rogers Jane, There are maps on the internet which trace some of the early roads. One early road was called The Federal Road. It went from GA (I think it was Augusta) southwest to AL/MS. You might try a Google search for it. Before the Indians were removed to OK, it was necessary for people who traveled across their land to get a passport. These have survived and have been compiled into a volume called: PASSPORTS OF SOUTHEASTERN PIONEERS, 1770-1823. I do not know if this compilation is complete but at least it will give you a place to look. I don't own a copy but you might be able to get a copy by inter-library loan. Good luck, Dennis Smith As far as I know, no, no record as such. It was more like "if twelve of us all decide to get in our cars and move from Knoxville to Los Angeles, who's keeping the records of who all is moving?" The answer, of course, is that while there are certainly people aware of it, there aren't any official records of it as such. P Great Gateway to the American Westward Expansion: http://www.linecamp.com/museums/americanwest/hubs/great_gateway_west/great_gateway_west.html Missouri River Outfitters: http://www.stjohnks.net/santafetrail/missouririver/outfitters.html Wagon Train: http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WWwagontrain.htm [another] Wagon Train: http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/history/A0851256.html Cyndi's List: Migration Routes, Roads & Trails: http://www.cyndislist.com/migration.htm I would contact the US Dept. of Interior and see what they might have. I would think this would come under them. Might try the Mormons in Salt Lake City, Utah. They keep excellent records S Holland

Where would one go to find a listing of the wagon trains that left in the east and went west along with the dates and the people who were on these. I think that they would have had a record back then. I'm not so sure that they survived to this century. Is there anyone that can shed any light on this question? Jane Foley Cornelius, NC

ALL I want for Christmas .......................is it true words!! > > Dear Santa: Don't bring me new dishes; > I don't need a new kind of game, > Genealogists have peculiar wishes; > For Christmas, I just want a surname. > > A new washing machine would be great, > But it's not the desire of my life. > I've just found an ancestor's birth date; > What I need now is the name of the wife. > > My heart doesn't yearn for a ring > That would put a real diamond to shame. > What I want is a much cheaper thing: > Please give me Mary's last name. > > To see my heart singing with joy > Don't bring me a red leather suitcase. > Bring me a genealogist's toy; > A surname, with dates and a place! > > Anonymous

Newton Dudley Caldwell s/o James Douglas Caldwell s/o Andrew Jackson Caldwell of Hempstead and later Howard Co., AR was born January 19, 1841 at Buck Range. Died December 30, 1918 at Goodwater, OK. He is buried at Philadelphia Cemetery at same place. His wife however was Lucy Ann D. Fontaine buried at Buck Range. My question is: How do I find out the names of the JP's in Hempstead and Howard Co.'s back in late 1800's and erly 1900's? I believe I saw an article before my great aunt died that said he was a JP. In order for someone to become a Justice of the Peace I would think they would have to read and write. However, some of his children, my great grandfather was one of them, that could not read or write. I don't understand that logic. Also, another mystery I would like to figure out is why he left Buck Range. It is true he had a child or two over in McCurtain Co., OK which is the Goodwater area. He also had a long pigtail which leads us to believe that there was indian in the family. It was cut off sometime before he was buried. One of my cousins has it in a trunk. Newton's son, Joseph William Caldwell, my great grandfather finally admitted before he died that there was indian in the Caldwell line. His brother Matthew Fontaine Caldwell was listed on the indian rolls. Matthew Fontaine Caldwell was the father to Benny "Blanch" Ivy Caldwell who married Buck Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde fame. Any help is appreciated. Jane Foley

I am looking to exchange info about the Fontaine/Fountain Families of Howard and Hempstead county, AR. Jane Foley

I felt like I had to share this article with some of the other lists in case they had some relatives in this cemetery. I certainly hope they find the culprits. Jane Foley Hi folks...... > I was sent this article, and it broke my heart.....I wanted to share with you all in case you have family there....it is in NC, but our lines usually reach there somehow...... > I for one, will be having a serious conversation with my children on the sanctity of a cemetery....... > Paulette. > > Wilmington Star-News > Wilmington North Carolina > October 11, 2004 > > By Cheryl Welch > Staff Writer > cheryl.welch@starnewsonline.com > > Stark white, jagged pieces of granite and marble littered the tree- lined lanes. > Decapitated angel statues rested in azalea bushes. Two dozen Ice House beer cans > lay crumpled on the grass. > > It was this scene that met Oakdale Cemetery Superintendent Eric Kozen as he > arrived Sunday morning at the cemetery's ornate iron gates. > > "It was very, very, very heartbreaking for me today," Mr. Kozen said later in > the afternoon. "This is just devastating ...." > > Described as the worst vandalism in Wilmington's Oakdale Cemetery history, he > estimated 75 to 100 headstones were toppled or smashed sometime in the wee hours > of Sunday morning. The gates were closed and locked at 5 p.m. Saturday, he said, > but the vandals must have scaled the fence. > > The damage was scattered throughout the cemetery, with the heaviest > toll in the oldest section. > > "It's like leaving bread crumbs," Mr. Kozen said, describing the path taken by > the vandals - a group he estimated was five to 10 people strong. "They leave a > trail of damage going through the cemetery." > > The majority of the desecrated graves were those who were buried in the mid- to > late-1800s and are among the earliest residents of the peaceful city of the dead > called Oakdale Cemetery. > > Garden-like lanes lace through the cemetery's 165 acres, home to more than > 26,000 people since its first burial in 1855. Considered a historic landmark by > locals, Oakdale Cemetery has been the final resting place for many of > Wilmington's distinguished citizens including Edward B. Dudley, the first > elected governor of North Carolina, and Henry Bacon Jr., architect of the > Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. > > The graves desecrated include those of: Civil War Col. Champ T.N. Davis who > fought and died in the Battle of Seven Pines, Va. in 1862; MaryAnne Murphy who > lived through epidemics and the turmoil of Civil War occupation to die at the > age of 77 in 1889; and little > > Henrietta "Etta" Murphy who died in 1858 at the age of one year and two months. > > Names, dates and scripture etched on the front of graves tell the story of those > who reside in the cool soil beneath dozens of toppled monuments. Some of the > gravestones hit in the rash of overnight vandalism can't be read due to more > than a century of braving the elements. > > "Oakdale Cemetery is truly an outdoor living museum of Wilmington history," Mr. > Kozen said. "They destroyed a good part of history." Wilmington police are > investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to come forward. > > "It looks like a bunch of kids or somebody went out there and had a party and > got carried away tearing up tombstones," Lt. B.L. Maultsby said. "It seems to > get a little worse this time of year." > > He said the culprits face felony charges. > > Mr. Kozen said security at the cemetery will be increased significantly to > prevent this from happening again. > > Margaret McCall, 89, said she believes whoever is responsible for the damage > should be horsewhipped. > > "I'm horrified," she said while visiting the unharmed graves of family members > dating back four generations. "Lord have mercy. This is a sacred place." > > Her daughter, Marion Danforth, said it was family tradition to spend days at the > cemetery, picnicking beneath the towering oaks and tending the graves of friends > and family. > > "It's painful," she said, her gaze sweeping across the toppled monuments. "It's > such a disrespectful act. It's not something you can quite restore." > > Due to the age of most of the stones affected, Mr. Kozen doubts he'll be able to > locate family members to repair their elders' monuments. > > In May, 18 gravesites in the older section of the cemetery were vandalized in a > similar fashion and he could locate only two of the families. > > "It really falls upon the family," he said. "The stones are not part of our > responsibility but we do take it upon ourselves to do what we need to do." > > Police estimate the damage at $50,000 but Mr. Kozen said it's hard to put a > price on irreplaceable statues and monuments purchased in memory of loved ones. > > He is asking the community to pull together and give the non-profit cemetery a > helping hand to repair what has been destroyed. > > Cheryl Welch: (910) 343-2315 > cheryl.welch@starnewsonline.com > Contributions may be mailed to the Oakdale Cemetery Company at 520 North 15th > Street, Wilmington NC 28401. For further details, please contact cemetery > superintendent Eric Kozen at (910) 762-5682. >