Not only will they not allow camping, they won't even allow the day trip! The entire valley is closed and posted no trespassing, to preserve the watershed. Special permission to enter can be obtained from the Tacoma Water Department. Kevin Fraley Swimref@cmc.net At 10:00 PM 12/17/98 -0800, you wrote: >Thanks, that first site has quite a bit of background. Now, I'm left to >wonder what possessed my ancestor to move from Illinois to such a remote >area with a wife and 9 children. I didn't think he worked for the railway >as he was listed as a watchman in Tacoma's 1903 directory, however, I just >noticed that in 1904 he's listed as an "eng." Thanks for the tip, I'll >follow up with the railroad angle. > >Lester sounds pristine. Sounds like it's worth a day trip, and maybe a >camping effort if they allow it. > >If anyone has info on Charles W.CROOKS or his wife Alice Mary Fuqua CROOKS >in relation to Lester, please let me know. Thanks for all your ideas. > >Michele Holter > > > > > >On Thu, 17 Dec 1998 K9504m@aol.com wrote: > >> In a message dated 12/17/98 3:41:06 PM Pacific Standard Time, >> bizcom@u.washington.edu writes: >> >> << Does anyone have information on this area, particularly at the turn of the >> century? >> >> >> =============== >> Michele, >> >> Check out this web site. It has a bit about Lester, Washington and a whole >> lot about the NP Railway! >> http://pw2.netcom.com/~whstlpnk/np.html >> >> Here are some other sites of interest: >> http://m2.aol.com/mmcgee5924/lester.html >> >> http://www.armadillo.com/monad/phillips/store.html >> >> http://www.employees.org/~davison/nprha/nagrom.html >> >> Enjoy! >> >> HOLTON-L List Owner >> The Rootbound Researcher >> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >> ^ ^ Kitty (CURTIS) Martin Kent, Washington >> - - k9504m@aol.com >> Researching: CURTIS, GATES, HENSLEY, HOL(E)TON, JAMES; >> ZIEGLER, SWIFT, POLK, GREGORY, GRACE >> (etc.) >> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Woods/8946/index.htm >> >> >

Thanks, that first site has quite a bit of background. Now, I'm left to wonder what possessed my ancestor to move from Illinois to such a remote area with a wife and 9 children. I didn't think he worked for the railway as he was listed as a watchman in Tacoma's 1903 directory, however, I just noticed that in 1904 he's listed as an "eng." Thanks for the tip, I'll follow up with the railroad angle. Lester sounds pristine. Sounds like it's worth a day trip, and maybe a camping effort if they allow it. If anyone has info on Charles W.CROOKS or his wife Alice Mary Fuqua CROOKS in relation to Lester, please let me know. Thanks for all your ideas. Michele Holter On Thu, 17 Dec 1998 K9504m@aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 12/17/98 3:41:06 PM Pacific Standard Time, > bizcom@u.washington.edu writes: > > << Does anyone have information on this area, particularly at the turn of the > century? > >> > =============== > Michele, > > Check out this web site. It has a bit about Lester, Washington and a whole > lot about the NP Railway! > http://pw2.netcom.com/~whstlpnk/np.html > > Here are some other sites of interest: > http://m2.aol.com/mmcgee5924/lester.html > > http://www.armadillo.com/monad/phillips/store.html > > http://www.employees.org/~davison/nprha/nagrom.html > > Enjoy! > > HOLTON-L List Owner > The Rootbound Researcher > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * > ^ ^ Kitty (CURTIS) Martin Kent, Washington > - - k9504m@aol.com > Researching: CURTIS, GATES, HENSLEY, HOL(E)TON, JAMES; > ZIEGLER, SWIFT, POLK, GREGORY, GRACE > (etc.) > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * > http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Woods/8946/index.htm > >

Terri wrote: >>He was "buckin' trees" ( I > > think this is the way it is said) for the railroad. This would have been > > 1900-1910 or so. Terri, Redmond, WA Old time loggers involved in cutting timber were generically known as bushlers. Bushlers were divided into sub categories. First - the faller: In the old days, fallers were a couple of men teamed on a crosscut saw to fall the tree to the ground. Next - the bucker, using an ax, would trim all branches from the fallen tree and then buck (saw) it into lengths (logs). __________________________________________wjg_______

If Cheryl is a known bonifide individual, then fine, its a worthwhile project. I did not know her, and was suspicious of the intent. Using available technology, someone could VERY EASILY identify themselves as someone else for a seemingly valid project. As example, I could identify myself as Norm Rice, indicating I was requesting funds for a genealogical museum in Puyallup. There is so much fraud out there, you have to be careful. To Cheryl, I apologize for any misunderstandings and see your attempt as a worthwhile project. Ron Bestrom Norma Lewis wrote: > Cheryl is the US GenWeb coordinator for many of their projects, she lives in > the area, she's been on this list for a long time. I'm sure if anyone was > suspicious of her motives she would invite you to her house! > I don't think it is unusual to ask for this kind of help. $350 isn't always > easy to come by, and it is easier in small amounts for many people than for > one person. Why would one person put out $350 and donate the material? What > makes people so suspicious of an antique dealer? > Norma > > George Lowe wrote: > > > > Cyndi, > > I would add my 2 cents worth to Ron's. I worked the last 15 years as > > an investigator for the state and when I saw the message a red flag went up. > > Suggest before anyone sends funds they verify the recipient. It never hurts > > to be cautious. > > > > George Lowe > > > > Ron Bestrom wrote: > > > > > Cyndi, > > > Please excuse my fears, but as a 25 year criminal investigator I > > > look twice at such proposals. I'm assuming Cheryl Hawleys credentials > > > are valid and this is a legitimate finding and legitimate request for > > > funds? > > > I've been deep in the genealogy work for 3 years now and > > > continuously appreciate the work you've done, the awards you've received > > > and to know you're a "neighbor". > > > > > > Ron Bestrom > > > Tacoma/Puyallup unicorporated > > > > > > Cyndi Howells wrote: > > > > > > > >I also am an antique dealer and had a fellow dealer offer me 6 > > > > >original, handwritten birth/marriage/death register ledger books!!! > > > > >I purchased one from him a couple of months ago and it is exactly > > > > >the type of ledger you find in the county courthouse or archive with > > > > >all the original documents!!! > > > > > > > > > >If I don't purchase these from him he is going to take them apart > > > > >and sell them sheet by sheet at auction!! If anyone would like to > > > > >donate a few dollars to help rescue these ledgers I would really > > > > >appreciate it! > > > > > > > > Cheryl - > > > > How about a more complete description of the books. What > > > > area/region/state do they cover? What time period? How many pages > > > > in each book? etc. > > > > > > > > Then, what do you plan to do with the ledgers once you purchase them? > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > Cyndi > > > > > > -- > > > Engång skall du vara en av dem som levat för längesen. - Pär Lagerkvist, > > > Aftonland > > > (Some day you shall be among those who lived long ago.) -- Engång skall du vara en av dem som levat för längesen. - Pär Lagerkvist, Aftonland (Some day you shall be among those who lived long ago.)

In a message dated 12/17/98 8:37:10 PM Pacific Standard Time, RBestrom@ix.netcom.com writes: << To Cheryl, I apologize for any misunderstandings and see your attempt as a worthwhile project. Ron Bestrom >> Ron and the group, I do not take any offense and don't feel that anything has been misunderstood. I am trying to offer a service to the historical and genealogical community. I understand people being cautious, I am also. Isn't it sad that we even need to worry about it? I am moving next week into a new house (to us that is) and will be more able to accommodate in house guests to view the Archive's holdings. When we are settled in, I will have an open house for the Archive. Anyone who wishes to come in and see what we are all about is welcome. Cheryl

Susan, I have printed out the family group sheet and descendant report for Maria Berdine. Please send me your snail address so I can send them to you. Good luck with a hit. Beth

I just found out my CROOKS ancestors settled in Lester Precinct in 1898, prior to moving to Tacoma in 1902. The Tacoma librarian said Lester is the city of Tacoma's watershed and the city bought the town outright at some point in time to protect their water. The people who lived there were allowed to remain and no one new could move in. According to the librarian, there's only one person left in the town today. Does anyone have information on this area, particularly at the turn of the century? Michele

In a message dated 12/17/98 3:41:06 PM Pacific Standard Time, bizcom@u.washington.edu writes: << Does anyone have information on this area, particularly at the turn of the century? >> =============== Michele, Check out this web site. It has a bit about Lester, Washington and a whole lot about the NP Railway! http://pw2.netcom.com/~whstlpnk/np.html Here are some other sites of interest: http://m2.aol.com/mmcgee5924/lester.html http://www.armadillo.com/monad/phillips/store.html http://www.employees.org/~davison/nprha/nagrom.html Enjoy! HOLTON-L List Owner The Rootbound Researcher * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ^ ^ Kitty (CURTIS) Martin Kent, Washington - - k9504m@aol.com Researching: CURTIS, GATES, HENSLEY, HOL(E)TON, JAMES; ZIEGLER, SWIFT, POLK, GREGORY, GRACE (etc.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Woods/8946/index.htm

Dear Cheryl, I live in Western Australia so have no interest in the ledgers in question BUT I must tell you how pleased I am that you are getting support for your project TEN out of TEN for you for what you are trying to do. Ignore the "knockers" you get them everywhere. Best wishes and Happy Xmas. Joy.

Hello all - The Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society web site has been updated: http://www.rootsweb.com/~watpcgs/tpcgs.htm There are 18 new Ancestor Exchange entries and 8 new Queries on the web site. I also updated the Activities calendar with this information: March 10 and 17, 1999, 6:30pm to 8:00pm, Free Genealogy Introduction (10th) and Continuation (17th) - Metro Parks/Tacoma Community Schools By Maxine Carpenter, this is a two-part course. The class will be held at the Jason Lee Middle School, 605 North Sprague Avenue, Tacoma, Washington 98403. Call (253) 305-1000 between 9am and 4pm to register. Stop by and review the surname listings and the queries when you get a chance between shopping trips and wrapping gifts! Cyndi (Only one week until Santa arrives with my maid/cook)

1) Has anyone contacted the historical society in MN to see if they would be interested in purchasing the ledgers? 2) If we can get 35 other people to contribute, I wouldn't mind spending $10 to see these get a good home. BTW, I spent some time yesterday at an unsual little shop in Seattle and I don't even know the name except that's connected by a strange assortment or corridors to the Rialto Movie Poster Shop (on Main between 1st and Alaskan Way) next to Emerald City Guitars. They had tons of scrapbooks, old photos from the 1800s (including a bunch of civil war original tin types @ $45 each). For $50 I could have purchased a scrapbook giving the history of the DAR chapter in Bellingham, WA. For $30 I could have had a 1895 school atlas (not detailed enough for what I wanted). They also had old post cards and yearbooks, phonebooks, city directorys, etc. Has anyone ever been to this shop? I can safely say one could spend a day in this shop and still not see everything. Two people left with two boxes full of scrapbooks while I was there. Maudeen@bainbridge.net Book Reviewer -www.Amazon.com Under the Covers http://www.silcom.com/~manatee/utc.html Genealogy surnames: WEATHERLY, INMAN, NEELING, CAMERON, SWIFT, CHASE, HAUSER, ARNEY, ROARK, BLAIR, CRAWFORD, PURCELL, HAZLETT, HAISCH, WIPF, MILLIGAN, Locations: Guilford Co, NC, Owen Co., IN, Marshall Co., IA, Medina Co., OH, Kossuth Co., IA, Cecil Co., MD, Chester CO., PA Washington Co., PA, Clayton Co., IA, Warren Co., NJ, Luzerne Co., PA -----Original Message----- From: Antoinette Waughtel Sorensen <waughtel@oz.net> To: PSRoots-L@rootsweb.com <PSRoots-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Thursday, December 17, 1998 8:43 AM Subject: Re: Ledgers News!! >My sentiments exactly. They should have gone to the Historical Society in >their area. > >And while we're on this subject, I have several of the fire proof >binder/ledgers that Commonwealth Title used for many years stashed in my >basement. Anyone for takes?? No innards, just the binders only. >Antoinette >waughtel@oz.net >http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/savannah/252/homepage.htm > >John Wm Sloniker wrote: > >> On Thu, 17 Dec 1998, Antoinette Waughtel Sorensen wrote: >> >> > Why hasn't anyone contacted a clerk of St Louis Township, MN and see >> > why they are out here?? >> > Antoinette >> > waughtel@oz.net >> >> Though my only interest in MN is the I-90 used to get to Wisc, I know >> the answer to that. Or, at least part of it. >> >> In Baraboo, of Sauk Co, Wisc, they finally microfilmed their old books. >> >> I don't know their method of disposing of the old books but I do know >> that they ended up with a local historical group. That method would be >> the key to this problem. >> >> Another problem created in the process; the microfilm isn't kept in >> Baraboo. I now have to travel an additional 75 miles to Madison, WI >> for viewing those records. >> >> John >> P.S. Next time you see the Ringling Bros. circus, think of Baraboo, WI >> >> *====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====* >> # John Wm Sloniker <johnwms@serv.net> Seattle, WA # >> *====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====* >

I certainly hope that this doesn't turn into one of those "spit ball throwing contests". In view of that this will be my final retort on the subject. I am certain that Ron (and I know that I) had nor have any intentions of casting aspersions on Cheryl. As I said "it never hurts to be cautious". As an investigator it was my responsibility to get the facts and not simply be "suspicious". My apologies to all and particularly to Cheryl if any feel offended. Twasn't meant that way. George Lowe Merry Christ mas to y'all Norma Lewis wrote: > Cheryl is the US GenWeb coordinator for many of their projects, she lives in > the area, she's been on this list for a long time. I'm sure if anyone was > suspicious of her motives she would invite you to her house! > I don't think it is unusual to ask for this kind of help. $350 isn't always > easy to come by, and it is easier in small amounts for many people than for > one person. Why would one person put out $350 and donate the material? What > makes people so suspicious of an antique dealer? > Norma > > George Lowe wrote: > > > > Cyndi, > > I would add my 2 cents worth to Ron's. I worked the last 15 years as > > an investigator for the state and when I saw the message a red flag went up. > > Suggest before anyone sends funds they verify the recipient. It never hurts > > to be cautious. > > > > George Lowe > > > > Ron Bestrom wrote: > > > > > Cyndi, > > > Please excuse my fears, but as a 25 year criminal investigator I > > > look twice at such proposals. I'm assuming Cheryl Hawleys credentials > > > are valid and this is a legitimate finding and legitimate request for > > > funds? > > > I've been deep in the genealogy work for 3 years now and > > > continuously appreciate the work you've done, the awards you've received > > > and to know you're a "neighbor". > > > > > > Ron Bestrom > > > Tacoma/Puyallup unicorporated > > > > > > Cyndi Howells wrote: > > > > > > > >I also am an antique dealer and had a fellow dealer offer me 6 > > > > >original, handwritten birth/marriage/death register ledger books!!! > > > > >I purchased one from him a couple of months ago and it is exactly > > > > >the type of ledger you find in the county courthouse or archive with > > > > >all the original documents!!! > > > > > > > > > >If I don't purchase these from him he is going to take them apart > > > > >and sell them sheet by sheet at auction!! If anyone would like to > > > > >donate a few dollars to help rescue these ledgers I would really > > > > >appreciate it! > > > > > > > > Cheryl - > > > > How about a more complete description of the books. What > > > > area/region/state do they cover? What time period? How many pages > > > > in each book? etc. > > > > > > > > Then, what do you plan to do with the ledgers once you purchase them? > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > Cyndi > > > > > > -- > > > Engång skall du vara en av dem som levat för längesen. - Pär Lagerkvist, > > > Aftonland > > > (Some day you shall be among those who lived long ago.)

My sentiments exactly. They should have gone to the Historical Society in their area. And while we're on this subject, I have several of the fire proof binder/ledgers that Commonwealth Title used for many years stashed in my basement. Anyone for takes?? No innards, just the binders only. Antoinette waughtel@oz.net http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/savannah/252/homepage.htm John Wm Sloniker wrote: > On Thu, 17 Dec 1998, Antoinette Waughtel Sorensen wrote: > > > Why hasn't anyone contacted a clerk of St Louis Township, MN and see > > why they are out here?? > > Antoinette > > waughtel@oz.net > > Though my only interest in MN is the I-90 used to get to Wisc, I know > the answer to that. Or, at least part of it. > > In Baraboo, of Sauk Co, Wisc, they finally microfilmed their old books. > > I don't know their method of disposing of the old books but I do know > that they ended up with a local historical group. That method would be > the key to this problem. > > Another problem created in the process; the microfilm isn't kept in > Baraboo. I now have to travel an additional 75 miles to Madison, WI > for viewing those records. > > John > P.S. Next time you see the Ringling Bros. circus, think of Baraboo, WI > > *====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====* > # John Wm Sloniker <johnwms@serv.net> Seattle, WA # > *====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*

On Thu, 17 Dec 1998, Antoinette Waughtel Sorensen wrote: > Why hasn't anyone contacted a clerk of St Louis Township, MN and see > why they are out here?? > Antoinette > waughtel@oz.net Though my only interest in MN is the I-90 used to get to Wisc, I know the answer to that. Or, at least part of it. In Baraboo, of Sauk Co, Wisc, they finally microfilmed their old books. I don't know their method of disposing of the old books but I do know that they ended up with a local historical group. That method would be the key to this problem. Another problem created in the process; the microfilm isn't kept in Baraboo. I now have to travel an additional 75 miles to Madison, WI for viewing those records. John P.S. Next time you see the Ringling Bros. circus, think of Baraboo, WI *====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====* # John Wm Sloniker <johnwms@serv.net> Seattle, WA # *====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*

Why hasn't anyone contacted a clerk of St Louis Township, MN and see why they are out here?? Antoinette waughtel@oz.net http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/savannah/252/homepage.htm Treehistn@aol.com wrote: > Hi everyone! > > I want to thank you all for your support! The response has been awesome! I > heard back from the dealer today. After I told him how the ledgers would be > taken care of and how upset I would be if he took them apart, he looked around > and found several others that are birth/death and business ledgers. They are > all from the same place, St. Louis Township, MN. He said he will through them > all in together for the same price! That's $350 for 14 ledgers!! I hope we > can reach the goal! > > Thank you so much! > > Cheryl

I'd be interested to hear also. I'll have to check my notes but this is where an ancestor of mine was stationed? lived? He was "buckin' trees" ( I think this is the way it is said) for the railroad. This would have been 1900-1910 or so. Terri, Redmond, WA -----Original Message----- From: Bothell Publications <bizcom@u.washington.edu> To: PSRoots-L@rootsweb.com <PSRoots-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Thursday, December 17, 1998 3:41 PM Subject: Lester, WA >I just found out my CROOKS ancestors settled in Lester Precinct in 1898, >prior to moving to Tacoma in 1902. The Tacoma librarian said Lester is >the city of Tacoma's watershed and the city bought the town outright at >some point in time to protect their water. The people who lived there >were allowed to remain and no one new could move in. According to the >librarian, there's only one person left in the town today. > >Does anyone have information on this area, particularly at the turn of the >century? > >Michele > > > > >

In a message dated 12/17/98 5:11:49 AM Pacific Standard Time, jcalder@netserv.net.au writes: << Subj: Re: Ledgers News!! Date: 12/17/98 5:11:49 AM Pacific Standard Time From: jcalder@netserv.net.au (joy calder) Reply-to: PSRoots-L@rootsweb.com To: PSRoots-L@rootsweb.com Dear Cheryl, I live in Western Australia so have no interest in the ledgers in question BUT I must tell you how pleased I am that you are getting support for your project TEN out of TEN for you for what you are trying to do. Ignore the "knockers" you get them everywhere. Best wishes and Happy Xmas. Joy. >> Joy, Thanks!!! Cheryl

Ron - Thank you for the kind words. I have not looked into this proposal myself and cannot validate any of the questions you or the other subscribers to PSRoots might have about this. Since I have not investigated the situation and since I obviously do not have time to do so myself, I thought I should at least provoke some thought, so I asked the questions you see below. At this point I feel that it is up to each individual to investigate the situation themselves and determine what they might like to do - or not do. Thanks for understanding my position (or non-position as the case may be), Cyndi At 09:47 PM 12/16/98 -0800, you wrote: >Cyndi, > Please excuse my fears, but as a 25 year criminal investigator I >look twice at such proposals. I'm assuming Cheryl Hawleys credentials >are valid and this is a legitimate finding and legitimate request for >funds? > I've been deep in the genealogy work for 3 years now and >continuously appreciate the work you've done, the awards you've >received >and to know you're a "neighbor". > >Ron Bestrom >Tacoma/Puyallup unicorporated > > >Cyndi Howells wrote: > >> >I also am an antique dealer and had a fellow dealer offer me 6 >> >original, handwritten birth/marriage/death register ledger books!!! >> >I purchased one from him a couple of months ago and it is exactly >> >the type of ledger you find in the county courthouse or archive with >> >all the original documents!!! >> > >> >If I don't purchase these from him he is going to take them apart >> >and sell them sheet by sheet at auction!! If anyone would like to >> >donate a few dollars to help rescue these ledgers I would really >> >appreciate it! >> >> Cheryl - >> How about a more complete description of the books. What >> area/region/state do they cover? What time period? How many pages >> in each book? etc. >> >> Then, what do you plan to do with the ledgers once you purchase them? >> >> Thanks, >> Cyndi > >-- >Engång skall du vara en av dem som levat för längesen. - Pär >Lagerkvist, >Aftonland >(Some day you shall be among those who lived long ago.) >

Cheryl is the US GenWeb coordinator for many of their projects, she lives in the area, she's been on this list for a long time. I'm sure if anyone was suspicious of her motives she would invite you to her house! I don't think it is unusual to ask for this kind of help. $350 isn't always easy to come by, and it is easier in small amounts for many people than for one person. Why would one person put out $350 and donate the material? What makes people so suspicious of an antique dealer? Norma George Lowe wrote: > > Cyndi, > I would add my 2 cents worth to Ron's. I worked the last 15 years as > an investigator for the state and when I saw the message a red flag went up. > Suggest before anyone sends funds they verify the recipient. It never hurts > to be cautious. > > George Lowe > > Ron Bestrom wrote: > > > Cyndi, > > Please excuse my fears, but as a 25 year criminal investigator I > > look twice at such proposals. I'm assuming Cheryl Hawleys credentials > > are valid and this is a legitimate finding and legitimate request for > > funds? > > I've been deep in the genealogy work for 3 years now and > > continuously appreciate the work you've done, the awards you've received > > and to know you're a "neighbor". > > > > Ron Bestrom > > Tacoma/Puyallup unicorporated > > > > Cyndi Howells wrote: > > > > > >I also am an antique dealer and had a fellow dealer offer me 6 > > > >original, handwritten birth/marriage/death register ledger books!!! > > > >I purchased one from him a couple of months ago and it is exactly > > > >the type of ledger you find in the county courthouse or archive with > > > >all the original documents!!! > > > > > > > >If I don't purchase these from him he is going to take them apart > > > >and sell them sheet by sheet at auction!! If anyone would like to > > > >donate a few dollars to help rescue these ledgers I would really > > > >appreciate it! > > > > > > Cheryl - > > > How about a more complete description of the books. What > > > area/region/state do they cover? What time period? How many pages > > > in each book? etc. > > > > > > Then, what do you plan to do with the ledgers once you purchase them? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Cyndi > > > > -- > > Engång skall du vara en av dem som levat för längesen. - Pär Lagerkvist, > > Aftonland > > (Some day you shall be among those who lived long ago.)

Gee Carroll, now I have a lot more to look for then old stamps on the letters and cards. What wonderfull history you shair with us on this list. Thank you! Kit, Olalla WA.