Hi, Judy, How true!! It is far better to dig where one might find something about one's own family. In the present work (1860 directory), I found my great grandfather (spelled Daorr, not Doerr, a lesson about indexes). I also learned more about another relative. And I'm only in the G names. 14000 entries down, 40000 to go. I think I should instead have done the 1855 city directory; it is about half as long as the 1860 and does better to fill in between censuses. I may be able to digitize the 1855; would you be interested in that one? I MAY be able to digitize the images of that one. Bob Doerr in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks Sole surviving founding officer, Missouri Chapter, Nature Conservancy, 1956 http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/missouri/ Editor, since 1992, Missouri State Genealogical Association Journal http://www.mosga.org ----- Original Message ----- From: "Judy Linnebach" <judylinnebach@bigplanet.com> To: <mo-stlouis-metro@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 4:16 PM Subject: Re: [MO-STLOUIS-METRO] new Database > Bob, > Thanks so much for your effort in transcribing. I would be happy to > help with some transcribing if I could get a digital image of the > material. I am working on the FHL transcribing project and it is so > great to have the Census image on the top of the screen and the > program where I'm transcribing on the lower portion. Unfortunately > they are not giving me any more Missouri stuff and I would much rather > be transcribing things where at least there is a possibility that I'll > come across some of my ancestors. > Judy > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > >

Bob, Thanks so much for your effort in transcribing. I would be happy to help with some transcribing if I could get a digital image of the material. I am working on the FHL transcribing project and it is so great to have the Census image on the top of the screen and the program where I'm transcribing on the lower portion. Unfortunately they are not giving me any more Missouri stuff and I would much rather be transcribing things where at least there is a possibility that I'll come across some of my ancestors. Judy

Shirl, For info in how to subscribe to the Missouri State Genealogical Journal check out this website: http://www.mosga.org/ Joan Schaller Yeckel St. Louis, MO ShineOn101@aol.com wrote: >How do I subscribe to the MO Genealogical Journal? >Shirl Hite Sieli >Littleton, Colorado > > > >************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. > >------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > >

Hi Bob, Thanks for your kind gesture in transcribing the 1860 St. Louis City Directory. I am awaiting the "H's" which will be coming shortly. Mary Bob Doerr <bdoerr@msm.umr.edu> wrote: The 1860 St. Louis City Directory is being transcribed and placed on the web. The URL is http://www.rollanet.org/~bdoerr/1860CyDir/1860CD.htm Bob Doerr in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks Sole surviving founding officer, Missouri Chapter, Nature Conservancy Editor, since 1992, Missouri State Genealogical Association Journal ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message --------------------------------- Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

How do I subscribe to the MO Genealogical Journal? Shirl Hite Sieli Littleton, Colorado ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

In a message dated 6/12/07 9:55:04 AM, jey1@swbell.net writes: > http://www.rollanet.org/~bdoerr/1860CyDir/1860CD.htm > Wow! This might be the information I've been looking for so long. Hopefully our Edward & Bridget Goggin might be in the next group to be transcribed. I know they were in St. Louis in the 1860 census with infant daughter Mary but in later census records, they are in Chicago. I'm trying to connect the dots with Bridget KELLY/KELLEY) and her mother Ellen KELLY/KELLEY to determine when they immigrated and from where. . .and when & where Edward & Bridget were married. I would love to connect with any Goggin/Kelly researchers. We now live in Oklahoma and I REALLY miss all the wonderful resources that were available in St. Louis when we lived there. Thanks again for transcribing this information. I'll keep watching! Karen Goggin ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

Bob, Thanks so much for transcribing the 1860 St. Louis City Directory and posting it on the web. This will be a wonderful resource for all of us who research on line. Cheers, Joan Schaller Yeckel St. Louis, MO Bob Doerr wrote: >The 1860 St. Louis City Directory is being transcribed and placed on the web. > >The URL is http://www.rollanet.org/~bdoerr/1860CyDir/1860CD.htm > > >Bob Doerr in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks >Sole surviving founding officer, Missouri Chapter, Nature Conservancy >Editor, since 1992, Missouri State Genealogical Association Journal > >------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > >

The 1860 St. Louis City Directory is being transcribed and placed on the web. The URL is http://www.rollanet.org/~bdoerr/1860CyDir/1860CD.htm Bob Doerr in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks Sole surviving founding officer, Missouri Chapter, Nature Conservancy Editor, since 1992, Missouri State Genealogical Association Journal

Thanks, Dan. I had no idea it was still in use. I appreciate the help. AldDan@aol.com wrote: In a message dated 6/8/2007 2:22:50 PM Central Daylight Time, baschr@yahoo.com writes: I am helping a friend of mine with genealogy and we found her ggrandparents i n the 1910 and 1920 censuses living as inmates in Memorial Home at 2609 S.Grand. Does anyone know what kind of home that was? _______________________________ It's still operational at Grand & Magnolia on the corner of Tower Grove Park - Give them a call: Memorial Home, Inc. 3625 Magnolia Ave · Saint Louis, MO 63110-4098 Ph: (314) 771-2990 · Fax: (314) 771-2996 Independent Living Units: 0 Assisted Living Units: 58 Nursing Care Units: 126 Alzheimer Care Units: 0 Dan McGuire ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

In a message dated 6/8/2007 2:22:50 PM Central Daylight Time, baschr@yahoo.com writes: I am helping a friend of mine with genealogy and we found her ggrandparents i n the 1910 and 1920 censuses living as inmates in Memorial Home at 2609 S.Grand. Does anyone know what kind of home that was? _______________________________ It's still operational at Grand & Magnolia on the corner of Tower Grove Park - Give them a call: Memorial Home, Inc. 3625 Magnolia Ave · Saint Louis, MO 63110-4098 Ph: (314) 771-2990 · Fax: (314) 771-2996 Independent Living Units: 0 Assisted Living Units: 58 Nursing Care Units: 126 Alzheimer Care Units: 0 Dan McGuire ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

In a message dated 6/8/2007 2:22:50 PM Central Daylight Time, baschr@yahoo.com writes: I am helping a friend of mine with genealogy and we found her ggrandparents in the 1910 and 1920 censuses living as inmates in Memorial Home at 2609 S.Grand. Does anyone know what kind of home that was? ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

I am helping a friend of mine with genealogy and we found her ggrandparents in the 1910 and 1920 censuses living as inmates in Memorial Home at 2609 S.Grand. Does anyone know what kind of home that was? Thanks, Barb in Ballwin

According to the Washington University in St. Louis yearbook, "The Hatchet," my great aunt, Annie Adele Shreve, was on the women's basketball team at Washington University in St. Louis in 1913/1914. Teddie On Wed, 6 Jun 2007 08:01:28 -0500 "LaDonna Garner, CG" <LaDonna@leafseeker.com> writes: > Hi all, > > If anyone has knowledge or information on women's basketball teams > in the > St. Louis area during the 1920's and 1930's > > i.e. team names and colleges, I'd appreciate some insight. > > > > Thanks, > > :) LaDonna

Gary, Jim and List: Yes, I still belong. I don't live in St. Louis anymore but this Laughlin family should be written up. Both MHS and STPL have expressed interest in this. But, I don't have permission to use some of the Laughlin Family records to round it out. Perhaps about 10 months ago, Mrs. Laughlin contacted me about finished the article, but I have again lost contact with her. It's all public record, or at least many parts of it. And I have most of it. I had always hoped that Hugh and his wife would write this up in total. All Mr. Northcott and Ms. Smith need to do is compare notes and pull the newspaper files under the various surnames and the VP. It's all there. Ms. Laughlin and Count Pfister were married at the Episcopal Church directly across the street from the St. Louis Public Library. It was all society news. The only think I have NOT researched is newspaper articles in DC and Rome. Someone on this list (I think) sent me a translation of her death in Italy saying she had died of leukemia. The personal data on Judge Laughlin and photograhps from my grandmother's album could help fill in some holes and provide some graphics to the story. I also meant to correct a misleading statement in my first email. Judge Laughlin and Ora Brownfield had no children. All of his children were by the spurned first wife, Hester Bates of Kentucky. I can always remember my father talking about them (he called them his rich uncle Judge Laughlin and Aunt Ora, from Chicago, but he didn't really know them well, if at all.) My father never once mentioned a first wife, a divorce or anything about Hester Bates Laughlin Pfister. He was only an infant when she took her life and I'm sure he never knew any of these people. But one does wonder why his grandmother's gravestone and two other family members were paid for by Judge Laughlin's son by his FIRST wife, at Fee Fee (not Belle Fontaine). He once told me "Craig, just leave all this alone!" Thanks for your interest, and I am planning to come back to St. Louis in September for a class reunion, and maybe I can dig more into this. For one, I'd like to know exactly where Judge Laughlin's extravagant hunting farm was in what I think is now somewhere around Wellston but perhaps to Northwest Plaza was located. There is a huge edifice of a building on that place which was the site of many a "fete" which is where I think the young and beautiful half-sisters Ora and Delia met their respective husbands. Ora to Judge Laughlin, and Delia to "Doctor" Brownfield. (Not "Brown" and not "Field", just Brownfield. I've traced them back to some really raucus Scots-Irish to Pennsylvania around 1740. The whole clan, women included, were all arrested in a serious fracous against a neighbor. Fun people!) Oh my. Craig Kilby Lancaster, Virginia persisto@earthlink.net

Who currently holds the records for the John C. Bensiek undertakers who were located on N. 6th Street in St. Louis in the early 1900s? Would appreciate any reply as to how to secure such records. Thanks. Sharon

Hi Jim I should add that I still read yours also - always interesting. I haven't corresponded with Craig for a couple of months or so. Obviously, he's still a member of Mo-Metro. Gary ----- Original Message ----- From: JAMES O BRASHER<mailto:jims505@msn.com> To: mo-stlouis-metro@rootsweb.com<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 12:26 AM Subject: Re: [MO-STLOUIS-METRO] Sgt. George & Black Sheep Gary: You are absolutely correct. This was indeed a very important piece of St Louis and a very easy read. Do you know if Craig is still a member of the list. I for one would like to compliment him on his work.----Jim ----- Original Message ----- From: G STOLTMAN<mailto:stopan@msn.com<mailto:stopan@msn.com>> To: persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net>> ; mo-stlouis-metro@rootsweb.com<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro@rootsweb.com<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro@rootsweb.com<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro@rootsweb.com>> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 6:24 PM Subject: Re: [MO-STLOUIS-METRO] Sgt. George & Black Sheep Hi Craig I realize that I've read all of this before but never all together. A much clearer picture of that Limey side of the family and an obvious explanation as to where you inherited the qualities needed to become the successful politician you are. Hope all is well in VA. Did you ever try the name Ora Brown or Fields? Good hunting Gary Stoltman (Stopan) ----- Original Message ----- From: Craig Kilby<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net>>> To: germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com<mailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com<mailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com%3Cmailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com<mailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com<mailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com<mailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com<mailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com>>> Cc: St. Louis Metro List<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro-l@rootsweb.com<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro-l@rootsweb.com<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro-l@rootsweb.com<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro-l@rootsweb.com>>> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 12:29 PM Subject: [MO-STLOUIS-METRO] Sgt. George & Black Sheep I almost deleted all of the "Pet Peeve" stuff myself, but now since I have mentioned in Sgt. George's email on this topic, I feel compelled to respond and comment. George: You do make me laugh. IMO, the "Black Sheep Society" is more than just being a murderer, prostitute, rapist or common criminal. It is about being a "colorful character." And THAT you are. I suppose I would consider myself one too. That be either good or bad--or both-- but never indifferent. I have never "officially" applied for membership, and since it is really just a mailing list I don't think it is necessary. It is a fun list, and full of very knowledgeable people. And what family story isn't brought to life with colorful facts? I could wall-paper 3 living rooms with the number of divorce decrees in my family. And that's just for starters. I think my best black-sheep candidate (and it's a tough contest) would be my great-grandfather the so-called "Doctor" William Woodson Brownfield. If anyone on this list can tell me what happened to him, I will pay good money. The Brownfield Family Association does not know. According to my father and his cousin Betty Brownfield (now both dead), he simply disappeared and left his wife and children. This was in St. Louis County. My father said he was a "snake-oil salesman." The Brownfields insist he really was a doctor. What I DO know is that he, his wife, and her brother, are listed in the St. Louis Directory as "pharmacists" in the late 1800s. Which brings me straight to another black sheepess. This would be "Aunt Ora". She was "Doctor" Brownfield's daughter by a previous wife. (I've never figured out who her mother was, as from what records I have been able to find on "Doctor" Brownfield in Illinois show he had two wives previous to my own great-grandmother). I have one photograph of "Aunt Ora", taken around 1910. A stunning looker she was. Mink coat, mink cap, gloves and the huge huge hat the ladies used to wear. And she a home-wrecker to boot. And in a very scandalous way. This doesn't mean she was a bad person. She was a music teacher, just like her step-mother (poor Delia). Things went awry when Judge Hugh Laughlin bought a large farm near her mother's home. Judge Laughlin was married. Judge Laughlin had married a very wealthy woman related to the Todds (as in Mary Todd Lincoln) in Kentucky. Judge Laughlin was very colorful. Judge Laughlin fell in love with young Ora Brownfield. Judge Laughlin divorced his wife (or she divorced him, it isn't all clear from the sundry newspapers accounts). Judge Laughlin resigned his judgeship in St. Louis, and bought two pieces of property. One was a resort home in Ashland, Michigan, and the other was a hotel in Chicago. Judge Laughlin's 1931 will is a literary masterpiece. Judge Laughlin was very wealthy, if the bequests in his will are to be believed. Now do not think for one minute that the ex-wife was the least bit amused by any of this. She had 2 sons and 1 daughter by this man. She was a matriarch (or at least WAS a matriarch) of St. Louis society. In fact her ex-husband arranged for his daughter Hester to become the first "elected" (i.e., "selected") Queen of the St. Louis Veiled Prophet's Ball. That was a big thing in those days, and in fact still is a big thing. It's the St. Louis version of the Debutantes' Ball, though that part has been greatly de-emphasized over racial issues after a former Mayor of St. Louis had the gall to actually shut down the bridges into St. Louis from Illinois to keep the "black folk" from "invading" the VP Fair under the Arch in the 1980s. Can you spell "Reverend Al Sharpton"? But I digress. To take this story further, I continue with the beautiful but probably very naive young Hester Bates Laughlin. Her headlines brought her great attention and many suitors. The winner of her hand was a dashing young Italian Count named Carlos Pfister. He was an Italian Naval Attache. He was based out of DC. They met in DC when Hester's disgraced but not un-connected mother took her there on a visit. They held one of St. Louis's most extravagant weddings ever. The newly-married couple returned to DC for a brief while, and he was then re-called to Rome. Apparently, at this time, young Hester suffered either a physical or mental breakdown, or both. Here again the newspaper accounts from both countries are quite contradictory. What is clear is that something was going wrong, her mother went over to help her out, and on the morning that Hester was to check herself in to the "Blue Nuns" (A Catholic Nunnery, and for what reason is not clear, some accounts say leukemia), she found a gun in her mother's suit case and used it for the purpose of ending her life. At which she succeeded. This was on 5 November 1912. The St. Louis newspapers are replete with accounts of this, all of which conflict. They of course re-hash all of the scandalous history of her parent's marriage. It was a family tragedy of the first magnitude, and to have it all splashed once again in the gossip columns certainly could not have been any comfort. To rush and conclude this story, Ms. Laughlin-Pister was sent back to her father in Chicago, where she was cremated. Her father's 1931 will leaves an enormous sum of money to a Catholic Nunnery in Chicago. Her father was not Catholic. Obviously, a great mystery. To sum it all up, family histories are not usually so fascinating. But when they are, it certainly brings a great deal to light. And much to write about. The best part of this story is that not too many years ago I was contacted by a grandson of Judge Laughlin, and his beautiful wife. They were on this trail, and we were able to compare and exchange copious notes and photographs. They didn't know much about Ora Brownfield, and I knew next to nothing about Judge Laughlin. Our visit revealed mountains of information. When they came to my condo in St. Louis, I could actually point across the street and show them the house where Judge Laughlin lived with his first wife. I could walk them down the street and show them where she was living when she died. We went to two cemeteries and found where one of Judge Laughlin's sons had put up gravestones for almost every character in this story (except Dr. Brownfield, whom we have no idea is buried.) We had a delightful full-blown picnic at Belle-Fontaine Cemetery (not allowed anymore) and found even more markers, including poor Hester, in the same fashion as at Fee Fee. The Belle-Fontaine cemetery office provided us tons of data on the cremations, origins of body, and other records on the burial information. SO....My point is, you never know what you might find out if you work with others. Yes, there can be some disappointments along the way and yes, some people will take your data and plaster it on the internet and then act like you never existed. But, I would trade 100 of those such incidents for any single one of the like I have described. To paraphrase my good friend Gary Stolpan, Happy Hunting! Craig Kilby Lancaster, Virginia persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net%3Cmailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net>>> cc: St. Louis Metro List > > Well Don, that's a little strong, but I think I know where you're > coming from. I've never come across anyone like that, but I'm sure > they do exist. >SNIP > I'm almost certain that you have had a very bad experience in your > research endeavors and hope that you don't judge anyone else by > what happened then. I don't know a single soul on this List that > would be so pretentious as to exclude anyone from his/her family > tree. In fact, if the truth were known I'll bet a good percentage of > us here also belong to the "Black Sheep Society", which has a > Mailing List here at Rootsweb. To be a member you have to have > an ancestor who could be considered a "Black Sheep" and most > of us have more than one such ancestor. Right Craig? As a matter > of fact, Don, I know you're a member of IBSSG. (GRIN) > > I mentioned Craig in the paragraph above and have to tell you > what he posted when I applied for membership in IBSSG. He > said that I qualified for membership in my own right! I "think" > he meant that I was Black Sheep enough myself that I didn't > need an ancestor to make me eligible. Dang, now no one will > want me in his/her family tree! Sob. > > Anyway, Don, don't let it bother you. Everyone has a bad > apple back there somewhere, even those "who pick and choose > whom they will allow to appear in their Family Tree". They > either haven't found that bad apple yet, or have and choose > to ignore him/her. > > Regards, > Sarge ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com%3Cmailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com>>> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com>> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hello: Try going to google and enter woman's basketball 1930s and then women's basketball 1930s. Many entries... Judie On Jun 6, 2007, at 9:01 AM, LaDonna Garner, CG wrote: > Hi all, > > If anyone has knowledge or information on women's basketball teams > in the > St. Louis area during the 1920's and 1930's > > i.e. team names and colleges, I'd appreciate some insight. > > > > Thanks, > > :) LaDonna > > > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS- > METRO-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi all, If anyone has knowledge or information on women's basketball teams in the St. Louis area during the 1920's and 1930's i.e. team names and colleges, I'd appreciate some insight. Thanks, :) LaDonna

Gary: You are absolutely correct. This was indeed a very important piece of St Louis and a very easy read. Do you know if Craig is still a member of the list. I for one would like to compliment him on his work.----Jim ----- Original Message ----- From: G STOLTMAN<mailto:stopan@msn.com> To: persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net> ; mo-stlouis-metro@rootsweb.com<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 6:24 PM Subject: Re: [MO-STLOUIS-METRO] Sgt. George & Black Sheep Hi Craig I realize that I've read all of this before but never all together. A much clearer picture of that Limey side of the family and an obvious explanation as to where you inherited the qualities needed to become the successful politician you are. Hope all is well in VA. Did you ever try the name Ora Brown or Fields? Good hunting Gary Stoltman (Stopan) ----- Original Message ----- From: Craig Kilby<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net>> To: germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com<mailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com<mailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com%3Cmailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com>> Cc: St. Louis Metro List<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro-l@rootsweb.com<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro-l@rootsweb.com>> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 12:29 PM Subject: [MO-STLOUIS-METRO] Sgt. George & Black Sheep I almost deleted all of the "Pet Peeve" stuff myself, but now since I have mentioned in Sgt. George's email on this topic, I feel compelled to respond and comment. George: You do make me laugh. IMO, the "Black Sheep Society" is more than just being a murderer, prostitute, rapist or common criminal. It is about being a "colorful character." And THAT you are. I suppose I would consider myself one too. That be either good or bad--or both-- but never indifferent. I have never "officially" applied for membership, and since it is really just a mailing list I don't think it is necessary. It is a fun list, and full of very knowledgeable people. And what family story isn't brought to life with colorful facts? I could wall-paper 3 living rooms with the number of divorce decrees in my family. And that's just for starters. I think my best black-sheep candidate (and it's a tough contest) would be my great-grandfather the so-called "Doctor" William Woodson Brownfield. If anyone on this list can tell me what happened to him, I will pay good money. The Brownfield Family Association does not know. According to my father and his cousin Betty Brownfield (now both dead), he simply disappeared and left his wife and children. This was in St. Louis County. My father said he was a "snake-oil salesman." The Brownfields insist he really was a doctor. What I DO know is that he, his wife, and her brother, are listed in the St. Louis Directory as "pharmacists" in the late 1800s. Which brings me straight to another black sheepess. This would be "Aunt Ora". She was "Doctor" Brownfield's daughter by a previous wife. (I've never figured out who her mother was, as from what records I have been able to find on "Doctor" Brownfield in Illinois show he had two wives previous to my own great-grandmother). I have one photograph of "Aunt Ora", taken around 1910. A stunning looker she was. Mink coat, mink cap, gloves and the huge huge hat the ladies used to wear. And she a home-wrecker to boot. And in a very scandalous way. This doesn't mean she was a bad person. She was a music teacher, just like her step-mother (poor Delia). Things went awry when Judge Hugh Laughlin bought a large farm near her mother's home. Judge Laughlin was married. Judge Laughlin had married a very wealthy woman related to the Todds (as in Mary Todd Lincoln) in Kentucky. Judge Laughlin was very colorful. Judge Laughlin fell in love with young Ora Brownfield. Judge Laughlin divorced his wife (or she divorced him, it isn't all clear from the sundry newspapers accounts). Judge Laughlin resigned his judgeship in St. Louis, and bought two pieces of property. One was a resort home in Ashland, Michigan, and the other was a hotel in Chicago. Judge Laughlin's 1931 will is a literary masterpiece. Judge Laughlin was very wealthy, if the bequests in his will are to be believed. Now do not think for one minute that the ex-wife was the least bit amused by any of this. She had 2 sons and 1 daughter by this man. She was a matriarch (or at least WAS a matriarch) of St. Louis society. In fact her ex-husband arranged for his daughter Hester to become the first "elected" (i.e., "selected") Queen of the St. Louis Veiled Prophet's Ball. That was a big thing in those days, and in fact still is a big thing. It's the St. Louis version of the Debutantes' Ball, though that part has been greatly de-emphasized over racial issues after a former Mayor of St. Louis had the gall to actually shut down the bridges into St. Louis from Illinois to keep the "black folk" from "invading" the VP Fair under the Arch in the 1980s. Can you spell "Reverend Al Sharpton"? But I digress. To take this story further, I continue with the beautiful but probably very naive young Hester Bates Laughlin. Her headlines brought her great attention and many suitors. The winner of her hand was a dashing young Italian Count named Carlos Pfister. He was an Italian Naval Attache. He was based out of DC. They met in DC when Hester's disgraced but not un-connected mother took her there on a visit. They held one of St. Louis's most extravagant weddings ever. The newly-married couple returned to DC for a brief while, and he was then re-called to Rome. Apparently, at this time, young Hester suffered either a physical or mental breakdown, or both. Here again the newspaper accounts from both countries are quite contradictory. What is clear is that something was going wrong, her mother went over to help her out, and on the morning that Hester was to check herself in to the "Blue Nuns" (A Catholic Nunnery, and for what reason is not clear, some accounts say leukemia), she found a gun in her mother's suit case and used it for the purpose of ending her life. At which she succeeded. This was on 5 November 1912. The St. Louis newspapers are replete with accounts of this, all of which conflict. They of course re-hash all of the scandalous history of her parent's marriage. It was a family tragedy of the first magnitude, and to have it all splashed once again in the gossip columns certainly could not have been any comfort. To rush and conclude this story, Ms. Laughlin-Pister was sent back to her father in Chicago, where she was cremated. Her father's 1931 will leaves an enormous sum of money to a Catholic Nunnery in Chicago. Her father was not Catholic. Obviously, a great mystery. To sum it all up, family histories are not usually so fascinating. But when they are, it certainly brings a great deal to light. And much to write about. The best part of this story is that not too many years ago I was contacted by a grandson of Judge Laughlin, and his beautiful wife. They were on this trail, and we were able to compare and exchange copious notes and photographs. They didn't know much about Ora Brownfield, and I knew next to nothing about Judge Laughlin. Our visit revealed mountains of information. When they came to my condo in St. Louis, I could actually point across the street and show them the house where Judge Laughlin lived with his first wife. I could walk them down the street and show them where she was living when she died. We went to two cemeteries and found where one of Judge Laughlin's sons had put up gravestones for almost every character in this story (except Dr. Brownfield, whom we have no idea is buried.) We had a delightful full-blown picnic at Belle-Fontaine Cemetery (not allowed anymore) and found even more markers, including poor Hester, in the same fashion as at Fee Fee. The Belle-Fontaine cemetery office provided us tons of data on the cremations, origins of body, and other records on the burial information. SO....My point is, you never know what you might find out if you work with others. Yes, there can be some disappointments along the way and yes, some people will take your data and plaster it on the internet and then act like you never existed. But, I would trade 100 of those such incidents for any single one of the like I have described. To paraphrase my good friend Gary Stolpan, Happy Hunting! Craig Kilby Lancaster, Virginia persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net%3Cmailto:persisto@earthlink.net>> cc: St. Louis Metro List > > Well Don, that's a little strong, but I think I know where you're > coming from. I've never come across anyone like that, but I'm sure > they do exist. >SNIP > I'm almost certain that you have had a very bad experience in your > research endeavors and hope that you don't judge anyone else by > what happened then. I don't know a single soul on this List that > would be so pretentious as to exclude anyone from his/her family > tree. In fact, if the truth were known I'll bet a good percentage of > us here also belong to the "Black Sheep Society", which has a > Mailing List here at Rootsweb. To be a member you have to have > an ancestor who could be considered a "Black Sheep" and most > of us have more than one such ancestor. Right Craig? As a matter > of fact, Don, I know you're a member of IBSSG. (GRIN) > > I mentioned Craig in the paragraph above and have to tell you > what he posted when I applied for membership in IBSSG. He > said that I qualified for membership in my own right! I "think" > he meant that I was Black Sheep enough myself that I didn't > need an ancestor to make me eligible. Dang, now no one will > want me in his/her family tree! Sob. > > Anyway, Don, don't let it bother you. Everyone has a bad > apple back there somewhere, even those "who pick and choose > whom they will allow to appear in their Family Tree". They > either haven't found that bad apple yet, or have and choose > to ignore him/her. > > Regards, > Sarge ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com%3Cmailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com>> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi Craig I realize that I've read all of this before but never all together. A much clearer picture of that Limey side of the family and an obvious explanation as to where you inherited the qualities needed to become the successful politician you are. Hope all is well in VA. Did you ever try the name Ora Brown or Fields? Good hunting Gary Stoltman (Stopan) ----- Original Message ----- From: Craig Kilby<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net> To: germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com<mailto:germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com> Cc: St. Louis Metro List<mailto:mo-stlouis-metro-l@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 12:29 PM Subject: [MO-STLOUIS-METRO] Sgt. George & Black Sheep I almost deleted all of the "Pet Peeve" stuff myself, but now since I have mentioned in Sgt. George's email on this topic, I feel compelled to respond and comment. George: You do make me laugh. IMO, the "Black Sheep Society" is more than just being a murderer, prostitute, rapist or common criminal. It is about being a "colorful character." And THAT you are. I suppose I would consider myself one too. That be either good or bad--or both-- but never indifferent. I have never "officially" applied for membership, and since it is really just a mailing list I don't think it is necessary. It is a fun list, and full of very knowledgeable people. And what family story isn't brought to life with colorful facts? I could wall-paper 3 living rooms with the number of divorce decrees in my family. And that's just for starters. I think my best black-sheep candidate (and it's a tough contest) would be my great-grandfather the so-called "Doctor" William Woodson Brownfield. If anyone on this list can tell me what happened to him, I will pay good money. The Brownfield Family Association does not know. According to my father and his cousin Betty Brownfield (now both dead), he simply disappeared and left his wife and children. This was in St. Louis County. My father said he was a "snake-oil salesman." The Brownfields insist he really was a doctor. What I DO know is that he, his wife, and her brother, are listed in the St. Louis Directory as "pharmacists" in the late 1800s. Which brings me straight to another black sheepess. This would be "Aunt Ora". She was "Doctor" Brownfield's daughter by a previous wife. (I've never figured out who her mother was, as from what records I have been able to find on "Doctor" Brownfield in Illinois show he had two wives previous to my own great-grandmother). I have one photograph of "Aunt Ora", taken around 1910. A stunning looker she was. Mink coat, mink cap, gloves and the huge huge hat the ladies used to wear. And she a home-wrecker to boot. And in a very scandalous way. This doesn't mean she was a bad person. She was a music teacher, just like her step-mother (poor Delia). Things went awry when Judge Hugh Laughlin bought a large farm near her mother's home. Judge Laughlin was married. Judge Laughlin had married a very wealthy woman related to the Todds (as in Mary Todd Lincoln) in Kentucky. Judge Laughlin was very colorful. Judge Laughlin fell in love with young Ora Brownfield. Judge Laughlin divorced his wife (or she divorced him, it isn't all clear from the sundry newspapers accounts). Judge Laughlin resigned his judgeship in St. Louis, and bought two pieces of property. One was a resort home in Ashland, Michigan, and the other was a hotel in Chicago. Judge Laughlin's 1931 will is a literary masterpiece. Judge Laughlin was very wealthy, if the bequests in his will are to be believed. Now do not think for one minute that the ex-wife was the least bit amused by any of this. She had 2 sons and 1 daughter by this man. She was a matriarch (or at least WAS a matriarch) of St. Louis society. In fact her ex-husband arranged for his daughter Hester to become the first "elected" (i.e., "selected") Queen of the St. Louis Veiled Prophet's Ball. That was a big thing in those days, and in fact still is a big thing. It's the St. Louis version of the Debutantes' Ball, though that part has been greatly de-emphasized over racial issues after a former Mayor of St. Louis had the gall to actually shut down the bridges into St. Louis from Illinois to keep the "black folk" from "invading" the VP Fair under the Arch in the 1980s. Can you spell "Reverend Al Sharpton"? But I digress. To take this story further, I continue with the beautiful but probably very naive young Hester Bates Laughlin. Her headlines brought her great attention and many suitors. The winner of her hand was a dashing young Italian Count named Carlos Pfister. He was an Italian Naval Attache. He was based out of DC. They met in DC when Hester's disgraced but not un-connected mother took her there on a visit. They held one of St. Louis's most extravagant weddings ever. The newly-married couple returned to DC for a brief while, and he was then re-called to Rome. Apparently, at this time, young Hester suffered either a physical or mental breakdown, or both. Here again the newspaper accounts from both countries are quite contradictory. What is clear is that something was going wrong, her mother went over to help her out, and on the morning that Hester was to check herself in to the "Blue Nuns" (A Catholic Nunnery, and for what reason is not clear, some accounts say leukemia), she found a gun in her mother's suit case and used it for the purpose of ending her life. At which she succeeded. This was on 5 November 1912. The St. Louis newspapers are replete with accounts of this, all of which conflict. They of course re-hash all of the scandalous history of her parent's marriage. It was a family tragedy of the first magnitude, and to have it all splashed once again in the gossip columns certainly could not have been any comfort. To rush and conclude this story, Ms. Laughlin-Pister was sent back to her father in Chicago, where she was cremated. Her father's 1931 will leaves an enormous sum of money to a Catholic Nunnery in Chicago. Her father was not Catholic. Obviously, a great mystery. To sum it all up, family histories are not usually so fascinating. But when they are, it certainly brings a great deal to light. And much to write about. The best part of this story is that not too many years ago I was contacted by a grandson of Judge Laughlin, and his beautiful wife. They were on this trail, and we were able to compare and exchange copious notes and photographs. They didn't know much about Ora Brownfield, and I knew next to nothing about Judge Laughlin. Our visit revealed mountains of information. When they came to my condo in St. Louis, I could actually point across the street and show them the house where Judge Laughlin lived with his first wife. I could walk them down the street and show them where she was living when she died. We went to two cemeteries and found where one of Judge Laughlin's sons had put up gravestones for almost every character in this story (except Dr. Brownfield, whom we have no idea is buried.) We had a delightful full-blown picnic at Belle-Fontaine Cemetery (not allowed anymore) and found even more markers, including poor Hester, in the same fashion as at Fee Fee. The Belle-Fontaine cemetery office provided us tons of data on the cremations, origins of body, and other records on the burial information. SO....My point is, you never know what you might find out if you work with others. Yes, there can be some disappointments along the way and yes, some people will take your data and plaster it on the internet and then act like you never existed. But, I would trade 100 of those such incidents for any single one of the like I have described. To paraphrase my good friend Gary Stolpan, Happy Hunting! Craig Kilby Lancaster, Virginia persisto@earthlink.net<mailto:persisto@earthlink.net> cc: St. Louis Metro List > > Well Don, that's a little strong, but I think I know where you're > coming from. I've never come across anyone like that, but I'm sure > they do exist. >SNIP > I'm almost certain that you have had a very bad experience in your > research endeavors and hope that you don't judge anyone else by > what happened then. I don't know a single soul on this List that > would be so pretentious as to exclude anyone from his/her family > tree. In fact, if the truth were known I'll bet a good percentage of > us here also belong to the "Black Sheep Society", which has a > Mailing List here at Rootsweb. To be a member you have to have > an ancestor who could be considered a "Black Sheep" and most > of us have more than one such ancestor. Right Craig? As a matter > of fact, Don, I know you're a member of IBSSG. (GRIN) > > I mentioned Craig in the paragraph above and have to tell you > what he posted when I applied for membership in IBSSG. He > said that I qualified for membership in my own right! I "think" > he meant that I was Black Sheep enough myself that I didn't > need an ancestor to make me eligible. Dang, now no one will > want me in his/her family tree! Sob. > > Anyway, Don, don't let it bother you. Everyone has a bad > apple back there somewhere, even those "who pick and choose > whom they will allow to appear in their Family Tree". They > either haven't found that bad apple yet, or have and choose > to ignore him/her. > > Regards, > Sarge ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:MO-STLOUIS-METRO-request@rootsweb.com> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message