In a message dated 11/27/2004 2:57:01 PM Pacific Standard Time, AGFranks@comcast.net writes: I was wondering why they might be on the same batch; I assume they were submitted by the same patron but they could have been in the same church? or the same ...? When you do a search in the IGI, your result includes a batch #, an important item that tells you the source of the information. Generally, this will prove to be a set of vital records or church records or the like -- or occasionally it will prove to be an individual submitter. In this case, I tried to check it out for you but the batch number seems to be wrong -- this is the number of some Tennessee records. Sue Susan M. Hillier Roe SueMHR@aol.com Seal Beach, CA A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. Anonymous

Sue You are right - Uxbridge people! Well there are a few of those Uxbridge people that could be my own bunch of "outlaws"! Alison -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.4.3 - Release Date: 11/26/2004 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.4.3 - Release Date: 11/26/2004

Thank you Sue for trying. I got nowhere myself. Tennessee - well there were some Rawsons there early, but the early Rawsons aren't descended from Edward 1 Rawson. Laster there are some that are in McMinnville, TN. Regards, Alison Franks Archivist, Rawson Family Association -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.4.3 - Release Date: 11/26/2004 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.4.3 - Release Date: 11/26/2004

Alison: and all Here are some Rawson family members that were retrieved on the Batch # 1012504 at the LDS Familysearch.org. I was interested because they are on the same Batch # with Levi Welcom Ballou Nellie Young Irene Viola Ballou and my Grandmother Amanda Freelove Greene. I was wondering why they might be on the same batch; I assume they were submitted by the same patron but they could have been in the same church? or the same ...? Thanks for any ideas Jean

Hi Jean: That is interesting. I tried to look at this for the Rawsons, but no go. Where do I need to look on line? I went to familysearch.org, got the site in my favorites, but the only place I could find to enter the batch number was in the IGI. Alison -----Original Message----- From: Jespane@cs.com [mailto:Jespane@cs.com] Sent: Saturday, November 27, 2004 2:56 PM To: MA-MENDON-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [MA-MENDON] some family members from uxbridge (Batch #1012504) Alison: and all Here are some Rawson family members that were retrieved on the Batch # 1012504 at the LDS Familysearch.org. I was interested because they are on the same Batch # with Levi Welcom Ballou Nellie Young Irene Viola Ballou and my Grandmother Amanda Freelove Greene. I was wondering why they might be on the same batch; I assume they were submitted by the same patron but they could have been in the same church? or the same ...? Thanks for any ideas Jean ============================== Find your ancestors in the Birth, Marriage and Death Records. New content added every business day. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13964/rd.ashx -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.4.3 - Release Date: 11/26/2004 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.4.3 - Release Date: 11/26/2004 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.4.3 - Release Date: 11/26/2004 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.289 / Virus Database: 265.4.3 - Release Date: 11/26/2004

Good Morning All Happy Thanksgiving from my house to yours. May u all have the greatest day with family and friends and please drive safe and say a prayer for all our service men serving in the armed forces., this Holiday Season . It is a time to be thankful.. I am I thankful for good health and my family and many friends . God Bless America and God Bless you all, Alice

Hi Jean and All: You are very welcome. Here are some of the others in the extracted records I did on Douglas: John Aldrich d. 17 Jan 1825 age 37y3m small pox Joseph Aldrich d. 23 Jan 1825 age 40y2m small pox Joshua Fairbanks, Capt. D. 01 Feb 1825 small pox Mary Harwood, wife of Joseph H. d. 08 Feb 1825 smallpox Willis Walker d. 30 Jan 1825 smallpox Joanna White, wife of Paul d. 14 Feb 1825 Tirziah White, dau of Paul d. 30 Jan 1825 age 23y1m12d smallpox Like you, I too am interested in the various families from Douglas, Grafton, Mendon, Northbridge, Upton, and Uxbridge. My grandmother was born in Uxbridge. As for Douglas, there is indeed a connection between that town and Thompson, Windham Co., CT. There was the Douglas Turnpike that ran from Thompson to Douglas, and chances are, many families can be located in both places. The turnpike goes past the Thompson Speedway, cuts across a section of Burrillville, RI, and on into Douglas. Some of the mileposts are still there. Also, for those who may not know, Thompson was once part of Killingly, CT. Regards, Alison Franks Archivist, Rawson Family Association --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.799 / Virus Database: 543 - Release Date: 11/19/2004

Alison: thank you so much ; I didn't mean for you to go through all that extra work. But thank you, I am always interested in the families from that area Upton/Mendon/Northbridge/Uxbridge Upton etc. Page 62 in the History of Douglas MA Several cases of small-pox appeared in that year, but the town voted not to allow inoculation to prevent the spread of the disease. In the winter of 1825 this terrible disease again made its appearance, attended with a fearful mortality. The first case was a daughter of John Aldrich, and within the next few weeks the following-named persons died of the discase: John Aldrich; Joseph Aldrich; the wife, son and daughter of Paul White; Willis Walker; Joshua Fairbanks; James Lee and wife; Mrs. Tiffany; Joseph Richardson, Jr. Page 63 .; Mrs. Harwood, and a child named Aldrich. The persons above mentioned included some of the most respected residents of the town, and the ravages of the pestilence in sweeping them away caused great sadness and gloom throughout the entire community. About thirty cases existed at this time, some of them taken in the natural way, and others by inoculation.

Hi Jean: This is what I have in the extracted Douglas vital records that I did: Jedediah Gould d. 06 Nov 1825 James Lee d. 02 Feb 1825 smallpox Regards, Alison Franks Archivist, Rawson Family Association --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.799 / Virus Database: 543 - Release Date: 11/19/2004

Hi Jean: I went through the Upton vital records for the deaths page by page and here is what I found - however so causes listed: a. child of David Batchelor d. 12 Jul 1825 b. Henry C. Buck, son of Moses & Sarah d. 06 Oct 1825 c. John Milton Fisk son of Daniel J., & Ruth d. 29 May 1825 d. Mary Forbush, wife of Abner d. 02 Aug 1825 e. William J. Nelson, son of Daniel & Betsey d. 12 Aug 1825 f. Mrs. Rawson [no idea who she was – Alison] d. 18 Sep 1825 g. Mary B. Southland, wife of Capt. William d. 28 Jul 1825 h. “Old” Mr. Southland d. 11 Dec 1825 i. Jemima Taft, dau of Stephen & Betsey d. 05 Dec 1825 j. Mrs. Betsey White d. 21 Nov 1825 k. Hannah Whitney, dau of Amos & Eunice d. 27 Nov 1825 l. Mr. Winch d. 02 Aug 1825 m. Betsey Abbott Wood, dau of Rev. B. d. 08 Aug 1825 Regards, Alison Franks Archivist, Rawson Family Association --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.799 / Virus Database: 543 - Release Date: 11/19/2004

This has been on so many lists this week; but I thought it would stimulate some responses.... the mailing lists were down for so long that people are discouraged from the lack of reinforcement. For those of us who are "home bound" rather than holiday bound it is added entertainment. But then I guess I could order the new Seinfeld DVD if I wanted some good entertainment (anything is better than reality TV) QUOTE: NEHGS is pleased to offer free access to its New England Historical and Genealogical Register database on NewEnglandAncestors.org over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend! Normally only available to NEHGS members, the Register database will be accessible to everyone from Thursday, November 25 through Sunday, November 28, 2004. We encourage all NEHGS members to spread the word about this offering, and we hope that those of you who are not members find a veritable feast of ancestors in the Register database! Published quarterly since 1847, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register is the flagship journal of American genealogy and the oldest journal in the field. The online database includes issues from 1847 to 1994. The Register has featured articles on a wide variety of topics since its inception, including vital records, church records, tax records, land and probate records, cemetery transcriptions, obituaries, and historical essays. Authoritative compiled genealogies have been the centerpiece of the Register for more than 150 years. Thousands of New England families have been treated in the pages of the journal and many more are referenced in incidental ways throughout. The articles in the Register range from short pieces correcting errors in print or solving unusual problems to larger treatments that reveal family origins or present multiple generations of a family. Look for details on how to obtain free access to the Register in a special eNews bulletin to be sent out Wednesday, November 24. A link will also be available on that date on the home page of our website, http://www.newenglandancestors.org

In the History of Douglas I find that my ancestors died in a small pox epidemic in 1825 Wanted to know if anyone knew where I could read more about that. It seems that a lot of people in the Town died. Did anyone die in Mendon or Upton that year? Jean P.S. I put this on the Worcester List and Lisa and Betty answered. I saved their answers if anyone wants that information. It does not mention specific families.

Found this in the history of Douglas MA. I would be interested in any of the families (e.g., Lee, Fuller, Southwick, Gould, etc)....Does anyone know who the "friends" families were? I am probably related to them also.. I read that descendants in the Lee family died of small pox in Douglas. "Frequent changes were made in the boundaries of squadrons, to accommodate this or that family, and new ones were established. In 1782 a new squadron was formed, which included Joseph Cummings, Samuel Lee, John Fuller, Comfort Martin, Jesse Briggs, Jonathan Stearns, Ephraim Lee, Jacob Southwick, David Hayward, Bezaleel Gould, Eleazer Gould, James Hayward, and Eleazer Gould, Jr. Richard Howell and Elijah Moore were annexed to the Center squadron, and a number of persons known as Friends, were set off as a squadron by themselves." (squadron was like a school district I guess or a tax district/ward)

Hi John and all Listers, John, you have that mixed up..Lyn Lovell is the Historian of Milford, Ma. and a genealogist of the area names.. I am a Mendon Historian and area genealogist also. I am Pres. of the Mendon Historical Society and Past Curator of the Mendon Historical Museum. Repeating what Alison F. said. Perhaps some one on this list can help you. Alice List Mom

I am seeking the email or other contact details for a Lyn Lovell of Mendon MA. She is a local historian and genealogist of Mendon. John Corbett Tel: 905-822-5352 Cell: 416-562-7062 HYPERLINK "mailto:jcorbett@sympatico.ca"mailto:jcorbett@sympatico.ca --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/15/2004

Hello John: I don't know Lyn Lovell's address or e-mail. However, perhaps one of us on the Mendon List can help you. What is it that you need? Regards, Alison Franks Archivist, Rawson Family Association -----Original Message----- From: John Corbett [mailto:jcorbett@sympatico.ca] Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 9:59 AM To: MA-MENDON-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [MA-MENDON] Lyn Lovell I am seeking the email or other contact details for a Lyn Lovell of Mendon MA. She is a local historian and genealogist of Mendon. John Corbett Tel: 905-822-5352 Cell: 416-562-7062 HYPERLINK "mailto:jcorbett@sympatico.ca"mailto:jcorbett@sympatico.ca --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/15/2004 ============================== Jumpstart your genealogy with OneWorldTree. Search not only for ancestors, but entire generations. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13972/rd.ashx --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.799 / Virus Database: 543 - Release Date: 11/19/2004 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.799 / Virus Database: 543 - Release Date: 11/19/2004

I ran across this memorial letter a few months ago and I'm posting it here to see if anyone can figure out who wrote it. It was simply signed "G.A.K.". I'm guessing that the writer was named Kelly or Kelley for reasons I'll explain after the letter. At points in the letter, the author inserts quotes which do not seem to flow naturally to our 21st century ears; this is typed exactly as printed. The article is not dated, but appears to be from a newspaper printed on a press more modern than what would have been around in colonial times. Based on other documents I have transcribed for the Mendon Historical Society, the style appears to me to be from the latter half of the 1800s, toward 1900. The article is entitled "The Late James K. Comstock" and reads: (quote) Editor of the Spy: Permit me to pay a brief tribute of respect to the memory of this man who departed so suddenly, and was so recently buried from mortal sight. I knew him many years longer than the average span of human life. Our acquaintance commenced over 50 years ago, down in the Blackstone Valley where we both then lived and our intimacy was never once marred or dimmed by any unpleasant happening. In all our communion, whether in the times of thoughtful converse or in the areas of recreation and pleasure, I can truly say that I never heard him utter a word nor express a thought which he might desire to recall or wish that he had not said. "Among those who live, or have lived, or shall live," of how many-certainly not me-can this be said. The proverbs tell us: "The prudent man looketh well to his going." He was a prudent man. He was kind hearted, generous in spirit, sympathized with the poor and lowly, and his example and precepts always made for righteousness. I believe he was constantly and persistently conscientious in all his dealings with his fellow men and with himself and with God. It seems as if those who live useful lives and do all in their power to uplift the level of humanity can ever hear the voice resounding through the heavens and the earth. "Whatsoever things thou doest to the least of mine and lowest, that thou doest unto me". James Montgomery wrote: "When the good man yields his breath, but the good man never dies." This man has yielded his breath, but he has not died to me. In the few remaining days allotted to me to live, I shall with pleasure and consolation again and again recall his memory. G.A.K. (unquote). Okay, I think this memorial letter refers to James Kelly Comstock who was my 2nd great-uncle, son of James Comstock and Catherine Farnum, and husband of Charlotte E. Kelly Benson. James Kelly Comstock was the grandson of Lettice Kelly (or Kelley) who married Jonathan Farnum, so his middle name could have come from there. I have a number of Kelleys (and Kellys) in my background in the Blackstone/Mendon area, but I have no one with the initials G.A.K. It would not be unreasonable to assume that G.A.K. was a Kelly from this area since James Comstock was connected to the Kelly family through his grandmother and through his wife who was the daughter of William Kelly. James Kelly Comstock ran a grocery store in Blackstone with Laban Bates. I have several Laban Bates in my background, but none whose death date would coincide with James Comstock's death date. Since they ran a business together, the two would have had to have lived at roughly the same time. James Comstock is also listed as being town clerk in Blackstone and the author of "Blackstone's Record in the War of the Rebellion". His father, mother, and grandmother, at least, are buried at the East Blackstone Meeting House. I visited there in April, but did not find a stone for James or Charlotte Comstock. So, any guesses on who G.A.K. is? I think the "K" means Kelley or Kelly. The "G" might stand for George or maybe Gideon, but I can't think of any other "G" first names in use at that time. The "A" could be several things. Regards, Frank Comstock

This just came in on one of my other lists: HR 10 passed the House last Friday. The best you can hope for is changes in conference committee, because a different version (S.2845) passed the Senate. But it is still worth writing both your congress-person and your Senators. Sue Susan M. Hillier Roe SueMHR@aol.com Seal Beach, CA A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. Anonymous

I have received this notice from several mail lists (everything from Rootsweb to DAR). I think it is something we should all be aware of... IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED-- LEGISLATION IN CONGRESS SEEKS TO RESTRICT ACCESS TO BIRTH RECORDS; FGS RECOMMENDS WRITING TO YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ===================================================================== The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a bill, House Resolution 10 (H.R. 10), which seeks to restrict access to birth certificates. This bill, which purpose is to respond to the threat of terrorism, is on a fast track to passage and has been voted on by several committees already. Your help is needed now. David Rencher, Chairman of the Record Access and Preservation Committee, a joint committee of the National Genealogical Society and Federation of Genealogical Societies, has sent a letter to the bill's sponsor, Congressman Dennis Hastert, recommending an amendment to the bill as follows: "However, nothing in this Chapter 2 shall be construed to require a State to change its law with respect to public access to (A) non- certified copies of birth certificates, or to (B) birth certificates or birth records once a period of 100 years has elapsed from the date of creation of the certificate or record." A copy of the letter is available on the FGS site at: http://www.fgs.org/rpa/formalactions.htm To view this bill, go to: http://thomas.loc.gov Enter HR 10 in the search box for "Bill Number." ACTION IS NEEDED NOW Because this bill is moving toward passage so quickly, it is urged that the genealogical community take action immediately and let their representatives know that they are in support of David Rencher's amendment and the FGS position in this important matter. To find your state representative's contact information, go to: http://www.house.gov/writerep/ HOW SHOULD I WORD MY LETTER? While you should word the letter in any way that is comfortable for you, it is recommended that you include the following as a portion of the letter: "While I support the intention to increase security to protect the U.S. from terrorists and those who wish to improperly take U.S. identities, I am concerned that those researching their family's history continue to have access to non-certified birth records. Therefore, in order to support HR-10 I ask that you amend HR-10 Section 3063(d)(2) by adding the following wording to the existing paragraph: 'However, nothing in this Chapter 2 shall be construed to require a State to change its law with respect to public access to (A) non- certified copies of birth certificates or to (B) birth certificates or birth records once a period of 100 years has elapsed from the date of creation of the certificate or record.' I believe that this additional language is imperative so that the states do not react by restricting all certificates to comply with the law, rather than dealing with certified as opposed to non- certified birth certificates. This proposed amendatory language would remind them that they can and should be treated differently." Susan M. Hillier Roe SueMHR@aol.com Seal Beach, CA A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. Anonymous

This obituary is from the Milford Daily News Lisa llepore@comcast.net Ona A. Rawson, 93, of Upton Thursday, September 9, 2004 UPTON -- Ona A. Rawson, 93, of Upton, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, in the Upton Nursing Center, where she resided for several years. Miss Rawson was born in Upton, the daughter of the late Edward G. and Olga (Swenson) Rawson. She was a 1928 graduate of Upton High School and a lifelong Upton resident. She was a retired licensed practical nurse who worked in the maternity ward at Milford Hospital for many years. During her retirement, she volunteered at the Upton Memorial Elementary School library for many years. She leaves one nephew, Allan Rawson of Worcester; a niece, Peggy Riehl and her husband, Rhett, of Tucson, Ariz.; her sister-in-law, Margaret Rawson of Upton; three grandnephews and one grandniece. Private funeral services were held in the Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home and burial followed in Maplewood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Development Office at Milford-Whitinsville Regional Hospital for the Maternity Department, 14 Prospect St., Milford 01757; or to the Mendon-Upton Regional School District for the Memorial School Library, Attn. Secretary, Box 176, Upton 01568.