New Erastus Watson Everson (1837-1897) Blog
Advertisements For those interested in following the continued research into the life of great-great-great uncle Major Erastus W. Everson, be sure to read: http://www.erastuseverson.blogspot.com/ Continue reading New Erastus Watson Everson (1837-1897) Blog
Make sure to search your attics…
Advertisements You never know what genealogical treasures you may find! This lovely photograph was found in a trunk of photographs that my mother-in-law inherited from her aunt. It’s a photograph of Carmela (DiBona) Salvucci (b. 1875) and her first child, Luigi (b. 16 Oct 1898) (he later preferred “Louis” “Lou” or “Gig”). At the time, they resided in San Donato Val di Comino, Province of Frosinone, Italy. The family immigrated to Quincy, Massachusetts in 1910. According to the caption on the back, the photograph was taken circa 1900. Continue reading Make sure to search your attics…
Genealogie en francais!
Advertisements I was working on French genealogy today, and came across a handy site, genealogie.com (although it does require a paid subscription). In addition to having some great records indexed, I couldn’t help but laugh at their advertisement on the page, “Who are your ancestors?”:(note the same smirk on each “ancestor”! The costumes may change, but the grin and wink remain the same) Continue reading Genealogie en francais!
Lakeville, Massachusetts Gravestone Inscriptions, 1711-2003
Advertisements Jean A. Douillette recently published Lakeville, Massachusetts Gravestone Inscriptions, 1711-2003. I have eagerly awaited this book for several years, after reading an article about Jean’s work on Lakeville gravestone transcription work for their 150th anniversary in 2003. Transcription is a time-consuming process – but when they are compiled into books such as this, they serve as invaluable tools for genealogists and those interesting in family history! Earlier postings in this blog documented a few unsuccessful (but enjoyable!) trips to Lakeville and Middleborough to locate Ramsdell ancestors (Ammon-Booth, Richmond Cemetery). This book listed John and Sarah (Robbins) Ramsdell’s gravestones, as … Continue reading Lakeville, Massachusetts Gravestone Inscriptions, 1711-2003
Helen Keller Photograph, 1888
Advertisements A recent donation to NEHGS included a wonderful photograph of an eight-year old Helen Keller in Brewster, MA in 1888 with Anne Sullivan. She is pictured with one of her beloved dolls. View the press release here. Continue reading Helen Keller Photograph, 1888
Letter to Mr. Otis L. Bonney of Hanson, MA, 1887
Advertisements I run the USGenWeb website for the town of Hanson, MA, and have always been interested in the history and genealogy of the town. Therefore, I am always on the lookout on eBay for Hanson memorabilia. I just won a letter, which I have transcribed: The envelope is addressed to “Mr. Otis L. Bonney, Hanson, Mass.” and was stamped “Oil City, PA, NOV 5, 2 PM”. Otis must have handwritten, in a different script, “Answered, Nov. 10/ 1887” The letter is handwritten in pencil on white paper with red lines. =============================================================== Oil City, Pa. Nov. 4, 1887 Dear Cousin … Continue reading Letter to Mr. Otis L. Bonney of Hanson, MA, 1887
Joshua Thomas, died 9 April 1833, Bolton, NY
Advertisements I came across a poignant epitaph today from the Bolton Rural Cemetery, Bolton Landing, Warren County, New York. Joshua Thomas of Bolton, NY predeceased his wife, Molly (Streeter) Thomas by over 20 years. She was the one who handled his funeral arrangements, including his gravestone. His gravestone reads: Joshua Thomas(husband of Molly Streeter)died April 9th 1833AE 67 years 3 mos. & 27 days “I loved him.” Continue reading Joshua Thomas, died 9 April 1833, Bolton, NY
Exploring Brooklyn in Street View of Google Maps
Advertisements Googlemaps has come out with a wonderful new feature called “Street View”. It allows you to explore neighborhoods visually through photographs. You can click on a spot, then see what it looks like from 360 degrees, and “travel” along the road. Watch a demo of it here. There are only a few cities available in this mode, and unfortunately Boston has not yet been added. But I explored New York City and then took a tour over the Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn. I’ve always wanted to get to Brooklyn to explore and photograph the large cemeteries in the area, … Continue reading Exploring Brooklyn in Street View of Google Maps
Cole Mill, Carver, MA
Advertisements The other day Holly & I went to explore Cole Mill in Carver. It is located right near her home, a wonderful old farmhouse, and set back in the woods. We picked up a copy of the Carver, MA Images of America book, because I was interested in comparing photographs of how the mill formerly looked like versus how it appeared today. But first some history (and of course a bit of genealogy!):The first colonial settlement in Carver, MA was in North Carver, along the North Carver Green, known today as the Lakenham Green and district. Carver was originally … Continue reading Cole Mill, Carver, MA
Welcome, readers of "Touch the Elbow"!
Advertisements I was contacted the other day by Donald Thompson, one of three Civil War researchers who run a wonderful website and related blog about the Civil War, and specifically the 18th Regiment of Massachusetts. Donald Thompson, Tom Churchill, and Stephen McManus research and collect records, memorabilia, letters, etc. about the men who served in the regiment, and have compiled great biographies of the men. One of those men from the 18th, my great-great-great uncle Erastus Everson, was recently featured on this blog as the subject of one of my genealogical biographies. He served in three regiments, and sustained head, … Continue reading Welcome, readers of "Touch the Elbow"!
FamilyTreeMaker and Reunion Genealogy software
Advertisements Yesterday my new genealogy software arrived in the mail! I have been thinking about buying new software for awhile now. I have Reunion, a wonderful program for the Mac. But I also have a subscription to Ancestry.com, which uses FamilyTreeMaker as its featured software. FamilyTreeMaker seems to be the most popular Windows program, so I decided to order a copy for our Dell laptop and see what the fuss was all about. I’ve had fun exploring its features over the past two days! Here’s some of my initial observations: Pros: – FamilyTreeMaker is directly integrated with the Ancestry.com website. … Continue reading FamilyTreeMaker and Reunion Genealogy software
Mini-Genealogical Biography of Elizabeth Ann (O’Reilly) Mahon
Advertisements Elizabeth Ann (O’Reilly) Mahon (1852-bef1920) Elizabeth Ann O’Reilly was born in November of 1852 to Thomas and Eliza O’Reilly, the fourth of nine children. In 1860, the O’Reilly family was living in Fairfield, Franklin County, Vermont. Fairfield is in northern Vermont, slightly to the east of St. Albans, and to the south of the Canadian border. Thomas and Eliza O’Reilly had immigrated from Ireland, and had probably entered the United States through Canada. Franklin County, Vermont was full of many Irish and Scots that had immigrated first to Canada, and then crossed the border to America. Probably a younger … Continue reading Mini-Genealogical Biography of Elizabeth Ann (O’Reilly) Mahon