TBT Genealogy Vacation

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Genealogy Vacation

We just returned from a fall vacation in which we went to several cemeteries, a couple of courthouses, and a library. We planned our trip around places we wanted to go for genealogy and then saw the sights around those places. We went to 6 different cemeteries and only in one did we not find who we were looking for, so I would say we were pretty successful. I have started a cemetery book and so while we were there we took pictures of the headstones and then took pictures that gave us reference points to find the headstones again. We also took pictures of the name of the cemetery so we would have that also. We are hoping by doing this that anyone who would look at the pictures would be able to find the headstones themselves if they go to the cemetery or we could find them again if we want. The one cemetery we could not find the headstones for we did find WPA records for that cemetery and got info for it from the Library we went to in Washington, Washington County, IA. They had a very nice genealogy department and very helpful volunteers. We also went to the Washington County, IA courthouse and they turned us loose to look at the books for deeds and marriages. We then visited the Keokuk County IA courthouse and though they weren't as friendly we still were able to look at the records. They had a index card file cabinet  with index of records and then copies in the books that you could look at. We were able to piece together some lose ends and all and all was a fun successful trip. Here are pictures of how I am starting a cemetery book for Ash Grove Cemetery in Ash Grove MO.

First picture is of the name of the Cemetery.

Second is a picture looking back to where the headstone we are wanting is in reference to the ones around it

Third is a picture from the front to the back in the section our headstone we want is in.

Last here is the picture of the headstone we were wanting to get.  You can see where it is in regards to others in the second picture. and the third too. In second is to the back of the picture in middle and third it is on the right of the picture in front.

Hope these pictures help you see what I mean about making a cemetery book. I will get mine together and do another post showing it too you later.

When planning a genealogy trip make sure you have all the known info on the family in the area you are going to do research with you. If you can find out where the cemetery is see if they have a map to help you find it. If you can find where the records are kept that is helpful also or you can do like we did and go row by row looking in the smaller ones. Make sure when in the court house to take note of any names with the surname you are researching because you don't want to find out later that even though at the time that name didn't fit anywhere that you knew of, that they do belong in your tree. Make a list of all the marriages, deeds, land records, vitals and any record they have by surname and figure out later if they are related or not.

One highlight of the trip was going to Springfield National Cemetery in Springfield, Greene County, MO to find my husbands gggrandfather who was buried there. He was a CW vet and where he was buried were many unknown soldiers buried from the CW also. It is a nice cemetery. Here is a picture of his headstone we took while on the trip.

Springfield National Cemetery, Springfield, Greene County MO

Our ancestor Arthur Davis headstone at the Springfield National Cemetery

We are already making plans for our next genealogy trip and can't wait till we can go again. The best part of genealogy is going to the places your ancestors are from and getting a feel of how the place is and was in their time.

Throwback Thursday What better than a Family Recipe

What can be better than gathering and storing old family recipes to share with the next generation. I love cookbooks and recipes as well as cooking and baking. I love trying old recipes from the family that bring back memories.  One of the things you might try including in your family research is old favorite recipes and the traditions around those recipes. Put together a family recipe book to share with all your family. For this throwback Thursday I have included the post of my Mom's eggless cake. Try it and enjoy.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Old family recipes

One thing that we should remember to record is old family recipes. I think everyone probably remembers that food that Grandma or Mom has made that as a kid we loved. In our family we have certain things that we always ate and learned to make from our relatives. I have several
and will share them once in awhile and this is the first. My mom use to bake this cake for my birthday all the time and I love it. It is one that is being passed down.

 Mom's Eggless Cake Recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 cups buttermilk
3 cups flour
2 tsps soda
3-4 tsps cinammon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla

In mixer mix all the above ingredients together alternating the milk and flour
Pour into a greased and floured 13"x9" cake pan
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 min or until done in the middle. Test by inserting knife in middle and if comes out clean done

Icing
Combine 1 cup brown sugar
2 tbls milk
2 tbls coconut (add more to your taste)
Mix and sprinkle on top of cake while cake is still hot
Put under broiler till bubbles

Throwback Thursday Post on Cemetery Sleuthing

It is so nice that we are getting into Spring and nicer warmer weather. I can not wait to get out and visit the cemeteries to find my ancestors. I love to go what I call cemetery stomping and sleuthing. Stomping because some of the cemeteries are over run with weeds and sleuthing because you might be going to find one ancestor and end up finding several if you look around. Let's all get out and sleuth now that it is getting warmer.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Cemetery Sleuthing

I was out at the cemeteries for Memorial day and thought I would remind you that when you go you should take pictures of the headstones for your records. This is a good way to share with others but also in case of the older ones being damaged or lost you will have a record of them. Where my great grand parents are buried we can no longer go there because of where it is located it is not a safe neighborhood and it is over run. We were able to go there when I first started my family history sleuthing and didn't follow this rule so now we don't have a picture to refer too. It was also not unusual when you went to that cemetery that headstones would be broken, moved or even stolen. Don't be like me, remember to document your ancestors headstones with a picture and if possible a rubbing on the older headstones.
When you are at the cemeteries look around and take note of others buried around and make sure you take down the names and dates of any that you aren't sure if they are family or not. We went last fall to Monroe County Mo to one of the cemeteries and did just that. It was a cemetery on a farm and even though we weren't sure on some of the names we took them down and that way if we find they are in the family later we will have it.
Always make sure to make a map of the way to cemeteries when they are older and located in rural areas or on farms so that if you ever go back you will be able to find it again. We have one cemetery in Buchanan County MO that we for years would just have to guess where it was and after driving around would finally find it. Now we have written down directions to it and we find it easier. We also have written down what row and exactly where the grave is for the ancestors I was looking for and we can find them easy now. This is such a simple thing to do but so easy to not remember to do. Make a map of where your ancestors are buried in the cemetery for future reference. These little steps now will be helpful in the future if your memory like mine isn't good.
Another tip is to research and see if you can find the history of the cemeteries if you can. I have one in Brown County KS that my ancestors are buried in that is on a farm and they held the deed for it and were the trustees for it for years. The one in Buchanan County we found out was part of my ancestors farm at one time and he donated the land for the cemetery. We found that most of the people buried in it are related in one way or another also. Do as much research on the cemetery as you can and you just never know what you might find out about your family.
Remember that if the cemetery is on private land to get permission before you go in to it from the owners. Also check on line and see if the records of burial have been put online yet.
We use to on our vacations take time to go and find our ancestors resting places and it was an adventure in sleuthing that we were glad we had done. So get out there and find your ancestors.