This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/395.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Yes, Grant County, WI, births to 1891 are online as ftp files. You can link to them by visiting Dave Taft's page (http://members.cowtown.net/dtaft/) and scrolling down to Grant County Births.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Sperandeo, Carl Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/395.1.1 Message Board Post: Thank you SO much! I am interested in Henry & Nellie Carl. I wonder which is the correct spelling for her name? Are the Grant Co. Births on-line?

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/395.2 Message Board Post: CARL, PETER married YOUNG, ELSIE 13 Jan 1887 Monroe County, WI

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/395.1 Message Board Post: Carl, Male 1885-Jan-27 Harrison Henry Carl Nellie Dundrum V1-1999 Carl, Otto LeRoy 1887-Aug-29 Beetown Henry Carl Nellie Donder V2-0193 Carl, Robert Raymond 1891-Jun-07 Platteville George Carl Carrie Klar V2-1835

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/396.2 Message Board Post: I have a little BARBER information from researching the wrong Alexander D. Ramsey (who married a Maria Barber). Also, Fannie Barber married Arthur G. Knapp in Grant Co. I'm not researching this family, but if my info is of any value to you, get in touch. M

Di, Thanks for the kind words. I do appreciate it. When I do a biography, I need to hire you to write it. As you found, these old biographies do have some errors or inconsistencies. Lewis' Civil War records is one. In the history it states that he enlisted in Sep. 1862 and died in Jan 1864. Per the WI Roster of Volunteers: http://www.shsw.wisc.edu/roster/search.asp#index/ it states that Lewis enlisted 11 Aug 1862 and died 5 Feb 1864 in Paris, Grant, WI of disease. This Dalgril thing is interesting. I checked all of the McPherson marriages in my "parents" books, but Jane was never listed with her maiden name. I would have guessed maybe Dahlgren or similar, but really don't know. I did see that Mary J. (McPherson) Shinoe's death certificate lists Balzell as Jane's maiden name. Okay, not real close. Yikes! That history has some other interesting clues. How much have you worked on the McPherson line? The history states that Alexander and Jane moved to Phillipsburg, Phillips Co., KS in 1881. Alexander was said to have died in 1898, Jane in 1882. Per the history, Alexander and Jane moved to Allegheny Co., PA. Per the 1840 census index, there is an Alexander Mc Pherson in Antis Twp, Huntingdon Co., PA, Pg. 404. Maybe them? No Dalgril or even similar in the Township, however. Back to Kansas. There are some interesting cemetery records on-line for Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, KS http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Phillipsburg/city/fairview.html Included are: MCPHERSON, Alexander, died 1897/11/27, buried 1897/11/28 (Quick) That is really close. MCPHERSON, Jane, born 1818/10/05, died 1882/07/06, residence Phillipsburg, KS, buried 1893/05/09 (Something wrong here...buried 11 years after she died??) But, the death year is right. These look really good. Obituaries for Alexander or Jane could possibly clear up the maiden name thing and possibly more. If all else fails, I can refer you to a great Kansas newspaper researcher who only charges $3 per event plus a self addressed stamped envelope (SASE). She is thorough and quick. Before that, I would recommend trying the local Phillipsburg, KS library: http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Phillipsburg/library/index.html Phillipsburg Public Library 888 Fourth Street Phillipsburg, KS 67661 (785) 543-5325 · (785) 543-5374 (FAX) pblib1@theclassic.net You might try e-mailing the library for assistance in locating obituaries for Alexander and Jane. Better yet, I would recommend sending them a nice request letter with their death dates. Always include an SASE (best chance for a response) and a small donation ($3-4) to cover copies. Over the years I have had great luck getting obituaries from local libraries. They are usually on a tight budget, so an SASE and a small donation generally takes care of everything and usually results in a quick response. Good luck and thank for the nice comments. Dave Taft

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/396.1.1 Message Board Post: HI Dave, Thank you so much! That is such a help. At least gives me estimate on birth dates for husband and children. Anything else you might come across, please keep me in mind! Carol

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Henry Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/396.1 Message Board Post: Carol, I'm not related, but can provide you with the following information on the family while in Grant Co. 1870 Census, Watterstown, Grant, WI, Pg. 480, Household 88 Robert Henry, 47, Farmer, $1200, $675, IRE Mary, 37, Keeping House, NY Ida J., 14, At Home, WI Robert J., 12, At School, WI William, 11, At School, WI Julia, 8, At School, WI Alice M., 5, At School, WI Elener A., 2, WI Wilson, 3/12 months, WI (born in Mar. 1870) 1880 Census, Watterstown, Grant, WI, Pg. 387B Robert Henry, Farmer, 56, IRE, IRE, IRE Mary M., 47, House Keeper, NY, NY, NY William T., 20, Laborer, WI, IRE, NY Julia A., 18, Laborer, WI, IRE, NY Alice, 15, At Home, WI, IRE, NY Elnora A., 12, At Home, WI, IRE, NY George W., 10, At Home, WI, IRE, NY May G., 8, At Home, WI, IRE, NY Myrtie, 3, At Home, WI, IRE, NY No sign of them in 1860 Grant Co., WI, but several other Robert Henry's living in 1860 Wisconsin. Dave Taft

Ditto! It is always a pleasure to read this list and all the helpful information that comes through..it helps everyone. Barbara Las Vegas

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/396 Message Board Post: HI folks, I am looking for information and / or descendants of the following family. Mary M. Barber, born December 15, 1832 at Victor, Ontario, New York. Died September 6, 1892 Boscobel, Grant Co, WI. married December 1854; Robert Henry. Mary was the daughter of Orrin Barber and Sylvia Rose. Robert and Mary had the following children: Robert Henry Jr; Ida Henry; William Henry; Julia Henry who married John Sale; Alice Henry who married Arthur Walker; Dell Henry ( accidently shot) Wilson Henry; Gertrude Henry; and Myrtie Henry. No dates available for Robert, or children; birth etc. Family history says Mary died in Boscobel; no burial records found in New York State. I have information to share on Barber lineage. Please reply to cbarber@wrkcs.net. Thank you all for your time! Carol

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/lEC.2ACE/192.2 Message Board Post: I do not have anything on Lewis Morgan, but I am descended from Sarah Smith's brother William Smith. I am interested in exchanging information. In addition to Lewis and Sarah's children that you have listed I have a Saul or Sol Morgan. He lived in Rose Hill, Iowa. You might want to check under Louis Morgan. The Mormon website has some information under that spelling.

Thanks for the come back. Been on the road between AZ and WA and just got here on Sunday. (Getting to hot in AZ) Sorry for the delay in saying "thank you" for you help. I'm eager to look at the sites. If anyone comes up with more, that would be great. I'm glad to know more of how my ancestors were a part of the Primitive Methodist as they were ministers and lay teachers. I will keep you posted as to what all I find. Again, thank you. Sincerely, DeLories (Robinson) Vaughn Researching in Grant County: Booth, Bratton, Hilton, Huntington, Render, Robinson, Snowden and related families.

THIS is what makes a list worthwhile!! Di, you've just outlined exactly why I am grateful for Dave's presence on this list! He makes my job SOOOOO easy!!.....and the list enjoyable for all! As to others reading responses from him to others, I believe that anyone who has been on the list for any amount of time DOES do this........if they don't, they are losing out! I have to say too, that I have appreciated your contributions as well. You've proven to be a help to others on a number of occasions....... My thanks to you and Dave for being and continuing to be a part of this list! Mari WIGRANT List Admin At 09:22 PM 4/8/02 , KinDetective@aol.com wrote: >Dave, > >What a superlative, thorough and thoughtful post in reply to my >query for info from the "Commemorative Biographical Record," >as it was only partially source quoted from the transcription I had! > We on the list have been spoiled to anticipate no less than this >quality of assistance from you, Dave. There just aren't enough >ways to Thank You properly. > >Not only did your reply help me, but any who may have read it, as >it contained some wonderful caveats for genealogists and >reminders to be cautious in how we analyze our sources. >Many a grain of salt blow to the four winds and some grow into >large crystals of family history. I do read biographies especially >with that in mind. > >Some of the specific information about that particular source may >help any who look to it for clues. The preface stating that the >sketches were "gathered" then sent in typewritten form...Is a little >enigmatic. I first was pleased to see that typed information was >submitted, but it's not exactly phrased that way, leaving me to >wonder if that isn't one step among several that may have lead to >mistakes. Your observation that these biographical records were >likely written up by experienced writers, who, no doubt took >literary liberty to make the book and it's subjects more illustrious >to the reader, is an acute and important one. I could only add >to that, the apparent likelihood that they did not have any >researchers specializing in historical continuity on staff, or >utilize their services in this case. Either that, or they made >some grievous errors. > >In this instance, I left a portion of the Mary J. Shinoe bio in place >as part of my reply quote, below. I have to check my regimental >histories notes again, but I'm fairly certain that Lewis Shinoe's >furlough and death would have taken place before the Atlanta >Campaign, or at least prior to the March To The Sea. >Off hand, I'd say he likely contracted illness in Tennessee or >Mississippi, which eventually lead to his passing. Perhaps >such a famous clip of history was added to boost the pride >and ease the harsh memory of war for related family and friends. > >In all, I'm grateful to you for affording us your time, effort and such >intelligent help in our research, and I can only hope that because >it had your address on it, more folks who otherwise would delete >a message with a surname of no interest to them would have >read it and gained, among other things, the heads up and tips >to the difference between clues and facts. Pro, amateur or >beginner, I'm sure we all benefit from this, whether it's a >first-read or a reminder! > >Thank you, Dave!! > >Diane > > >PS: One thing I was hoping was a typo, and turns out is likely >somewhat accurate: a surprise surname, DALGRIL. >If anyone, anywhere comes across this name or related history >thereof, other than the Yukon Trail, James Dalgril, > Please let me know! TIA > > > >-- >In a message dated 02/4/7 8:35:29 AM, dtaft@cowtown.net writes: > ><< ..<snip>.. Unlike most traditional county histories of the 1880's >era, this book is strictly a biographical volume. There are no >chapters and the bio's are in not set structure that I can figure out. >They are neither in alphabetical, nor geographical order. Just bio's > from page 1 to 982. I due suspect that bio number 1 came at an >extra price to someone. > > >_Does the book have further information on how the biographical data >was acquired, (i.e., interviewer's names, dates, supplier's identity?) > > >As with bio's in other county histories, the information came from the > >family. It is unclear if they were published as written, written with > >assistance of the publisher or their local representative, or edited by the > >publisher. There is no bibliography or footnotes identifying the source of > >the information. It was likely a family project, however these generally > >contain some "flowery" language that had to have been crafted by a trained > >writer. In some cases, there are biographies of people who died previously. > >These were obviously submitted by the family. > > >Here is the preface to the 1901 History: > > >"The importance of placing in book form biographical history of > >representative citizens - both for its immediate worth and for its value to > >coming generations - is admitted by all thinking people; and within the past > >decade there has been a growing interest in this commendable means of > >perpetuating biography and family genealogy. > > >That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this > >nature needs no assertion at our hands; for one of our greatest Americans > >has said that the history of any country resolves itself into the > >biographies of its stout, earnest and representative citizens. This medium, > >then, serves more than a single purpose: while it perpetuates biography and > >family genealogy, it records history, much of which would be preserved in no > >other way. > > >In presenting the COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD to its patrons, the > >publishers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and > >support their enterprise has received, and the willing assistance rendered > >in enabling them to surmount the many unforeseen obstacles to be met with in > >the production of a work of this character. In nearly every instance the > >material composing the sketches was gathered from those immediately > >interested, and then submitted in type-written form for correction and > >revision. The volume, which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the > >hands of the public with the belief that it will be found a valuable > >addition to the library, as well as an invaluable contribution to the > >historical literature of the State of Wisconsin. > > >THE PUBLISHERS." > > >_Any author's/editor's notes or preface on how the subject selections were > >made? > > >This is an interesting question that many genealogists may not be aware of. > > > >From :The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy," by Val D. Greenwood, >"A feature of many local histories is a biographical section with short > >historical sketches of prominent citizens and early settlers in the locality. > Some of these are quite authentic because the families provided > >the information, and others contain many errors for the same reason. Those > >books which specialized in biographical sketches accompanied with pictures > >of the persons named therein are often referred to by book dealers and > >genealogists as "mug books" because anyone could get his "mug" in one if he > >paid the fee, and no one could if he didn't." > > > >From "Preserving Your American Heritage, by Norman E. Wright, "Many of these > >earlier histories were the work of commercial businesses that solicited > >subscriptions from local citizens to finance publication. For a price > >almost anyone could become prominent, and for additional fees pictures and > >sketches of farms and outbuildings were included. Biographical sections > >extolled in extravagant terms the lives of the simplest citizens, for those > >who could afford the subscription price. Unfortunately many otherwise > >stalwart citizens were not included." > > >This is really no different than many "Who's Who" type publications done > >today. I have heard that many early newspapers limited obituaries and > >mentions of births and marriages to paid subscribers...quid pro quo. > > >_Accuracy. You asked about this before. As stated above, there can be > >problems. Some could be a simple as typographical errors made in the > >publication process. Some could be bad memory or overactive imagination. > >Other information is simply "left out" for some reason. A case in point is > >the bio. of my GGGG Uncle, Seymour Taft, in the 1884 History of Crawford Co. > >Even though he married a 3rd time to Mari's (our Mari) GG-something > >Grandmother in 1879, she isn't mentioned, even though his first two wives > >were. > > >And now, here is the biography of Mary J. Shinoe: > > >Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, > >Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, 1901, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, Pg. 571-2: > >..<snip>.. > > > >During the Civil war, in September, 1862. Mr. Shinoe enlisted in Company I, >25th Wis. > >V. I., and served with his regiment on the Minnesota frontier, in Kentucky > >and Missouri, and then with Gen. Sherman on his famous March to the Sea. > >While in the campaign around Atlanta Mr. Shinoe was taken sick, and his > >malady proving serious, he was sent home on a furlough. He died in January, > >1864, after having faithfully performed his every duty as a citizen and a >soldier. > > >Dave Taft >> > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, >go to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

Dave, What a superlative, thorough and thoughtful post in reply to my query for info from the "Commemorative Biographical Record," as it was only partially source quoted from the transcription I had! We on the list have been spoiled to anticipate no less than this quality of assistance from you, Dave. There just aren't enough ways to Thank You properly. Not only did your reply help me, but any who may have read it, as it contained some wonderful caveats for genealogists and reminders to be cautious in how we analyze our sources. Many a grain of salt blow to the four winds and some grow into large crystals of family history. I do read biographies especially with that in mind. Some of the specific information about that particular source may help any who look to it for clues. The preface stating that the sketches were "gathered" then sent in typewritten form...Is a little enigmatic. I first was pleased to see that typed information was submitted, but it's not exactly phrased that way, leaving me to wonder if that isn't one step among several that may have lead to mistakes. Your observation that these biographical records were likely written up by experienced writers, who, no doubt took literary liberty to make the book and it's subjects more illustrious to the reader, is an acute and important one. I could only add to that, the apparent likelihood that they did not have any researchers specializing in historical continuity on staff, or utilize their services in this case. Either that, or they made some grievous errors. In this instance, I left a portion of the Mary J. Shinoe bio in place as part of my reply quote, below. I have to check my regimental histories notes again, but I'm fairly certain that Lewis Shinoe's furlough and death would have taken place before the Atlanta Campaign, or at least prior to the March To The Sea. Off hand, I'd say he likely contracted illness in Tennessee or Mississippi, which eventually lead to his passing. Perhaps such a famous clip of history was added to boost the pride and ease the harsh memory of war for related family and friends. In all, I'm grateful to you for affording us your time, effort and such intelligent help in our research, and I can only hope that because it had your address on it, more folks who otherwise would delete a message with a surname of no interest to them would have read it and gained, among other things, the heads up and tips to the difference between clues and facts. Pro, amateur or beginner, I'm sure we all benefit from this, whether it's a first-read or a reminder! Thank you, Dave!! Diane PS: One thing I was hoping was a typo, and turns out is likely somewhat accurate: a surprise surname, DALGRIL. If anyone, anywhere comes across this name or related history thereof, other than the Yukon Trail, James Dalgril, Please let me know! TIA -- In a message dated 02/4/7 8:35:29 AM, dtaft@cowtown.net writes: << ..<snip>.. Unlike most traditional county histories of the 1880's era, this book is strictly a biographical volume. There are no chapters and the bio's are in not set structure that I can figure out. They are neither in alphabetical, nor geographical order. Just bio's from page 1 to 982. I due suspect that bio number 1 came at an extra price to someone. _Does the book have further information on how the biographical data was acquired, (i.e., interviewer's names, dates, supplier's identity?) As with bio's in other county histories, the information came from the family. It is unclear if they were published as written, written with assistance of the publisher or their local representative, or edited by the publisher. There is no bibliography or footnotes identifying the source of the information. It was likely a family project, however these generally contain some "flowery" language that had to have been crafted by a trained writer. In some cases, there are biographies of people who died previously. These were obviously submitted by the family. Here is the preface to the 1901 History: "The importance of placing in book form biographical history of representative citizens - both for its immediate worth and for its value to coming generations - is admitted by all thinking people; and within the past decade there has been a growing interest in this commendable means of perpetuating biography and family genealogy. That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this nature needs no assertion at our hands; for one of our greatest Americans has said that the history of any country resolves itself into the biographies of its stout, earnest and representative citizens. This medium, then, serves more than a single purpose: while it perpetuates biography and family genealogy, it records history, much of which would be preserved in no other way. In presenting the COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD to its patrons, the publishers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and support their enterprise has received, and the willing assistance rendered in enabling them to surmount the many unforeseen obstacles to be met with in the production of a work of this character. In nearly every instance the material composing the sketches was gathered from those immediately interested, and then submitted in type-written form for correction and revision. The volume, which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the hands of the public with the belief that it will be found a valuable addition to the library, as well as an invaluable contribution to the historical literature of the State of Wisconsin. THE PUBLISHERS." _Any author's/editor's notes or preface on how the subject selections were made? This is an interesting question that many genealogists may not be aware of. >From :The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy," by Val D. Greenwood, "A feature of many local histories is a biographical section with short historical sketches of prominent citizens and early settlers in the locality. Some of these are quite authentic because the families provided the information, and others contain many errors for the same reason. Those books which specialized in biographical sketches accompanied with pictures of the persons named therein are often referred to by book dealers and genealogists as "mug books" because anyone could get his "mug" in one if he paid the fee, and no one could if he didn't." >From "Preserving Your American Heritage, by Norman E. Wright, "Many of these earlier histories were the work of commercial businesses that solicited subscriptions from local citizens to finance publication. For a price almost anyone could become prominent, and for additional fees pictures and sketches of farms and outbuildings were included. Biographical sections extolled in extravagant terms the lives of the simplest citizens, for those who could afford the subscription price. Unfortunately many otherwise stalwart citizens were not included." This is really no different than many "Who's Who" type publications done today. I have heard that many early newspapers limited obituaries and mentions of births and marriages to paid subscribers...quid pro quo. _Accuracy. You asked about this before. As stated above, there can be problems. Some could be a simple as typographical errors made in the publication process. Some could be bad memory or overactive imagination. Other information is simply "left out" for some reason. A case in point is the bio. of my GGGG Uncle, Seymour Taft, in the 1884 History of Crawford Co. Even though he married a 3rd time to Mari's (our Mari) GG-something Grandmother in 1879, she isn't mentioned, even though his first two wives were. And now, here is the biography of Mary J. Shinoe: Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, 1901, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, Pg. 571-2: ..<snip>.. During the Civil war, in September, 1862. Mr. Shinoe enlisted in Company I, 25th Wis. V. I., and served with his regiment on the Minnesota frontier, in Kentucky and Missouri, and then with Gen. Sherman on his famous March to the Sea. While in the campaign around Atlanta Mr. Shinoe was taken sick, and his malady proving serious, he was sent home on a furlough. He died in January, 1864, after having faithfully performed his every duty as a citizen and a soldier. Dave Taft >>

Thanks for answering my letter. I will send more information. Gale----- Original Message ----- From: "David W. Taft" <dtaft@cowtown.net> To: <WIGRANT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2002 7:27 PM Subject: [WIGRANT] Cunningham/Calhoun > Gale, > > I checked out the 1901 and 1881 histories and couldn't find anything on > these folks. > > Please send more details on your Grant Co. families to the list with names, > dates, places and where you are missing data. Hopefully someone on the list > will have some information for you. > > Dave Taft > > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Sperandeo, Carl Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/395 Message Board Post: I am seeking information on siblings Elsie & Otto Carl as well as infor on their parents. Elsie, born 3Apr1890, married in 1922 to Giovanni Sperandeo & died in 1984 in Belleville, St. Clair Co., IL. Otto, born 29Aug1887, do not know if he married, died 2May1975 in San Diego, CA. To my knowledge both were born in Wisconsin, possibly Grant Co.

Trina, Nothing found on these names. Sorry. Dave

Hi David, I would be interested in knowing if there was anything in the book you have about Theodore and Kathryn (KELNHOFER) BERTRAND. They moved from Kewaunee County to Grant County, although I'm not exactly sure when.......still working out those details. They apparently worked in several cheese factories. Theodore was born in Kewaunee Co. in 1882, and died 2 June 1921 at Lancaster Hospital in Grant County. If you (or anybody else for that matter) can shed any light on this family, I sure would appreciate it. Thanks, Trina Rabida trina@itol.com

Gale, I checked out the 1901 and 1881 histories and couldn't find anything on these folks. Please send more details on your Grant Co. families to the list with names, dates, places and where you are missing data. Hopefully someone on the list will have some information for you. Dave Taft

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lEC.2ACE/50.2 Message Board Post: As Squire William Beckwith is also my grandfather would be willing to share info dont have much on Clara and her her children, grandchildren. I do believe though that my aunt Evelyn Wagner might have pictures of the family.