Tuesday, August 31, 2010
http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/general-info/mthope.shtml
Within the genealogy blogging community there is a weekly prompt to post tombstones on what is commonly known as Tombstone Tuesdays.
I understand how some people would think genealogist can be a rather morbid group of individuals. Truth be told, we love cemeteries. One of my greatest compliments was when I had taken a person to see their families grave sites and the person exclaimed to a group of fellow genealogist, Ruth took me to a cemetery and we had so much fun.
Mount Hope Cemetery San Diego, California. is a fabulous cemetery in my new hometown of San Diego, California. The resting place of several interesting people are found in this cemetery.
Today's Tombstone Tuesday is a collection of photos of a family plot found within this cemetery. The plots arranged make for a massive and detailed tribute to this family. I wanted to share this section with other tombstone enthusiast.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Very Basic 5 pedigree charts
Tomorrow Saturday August 21, 2010 I have the privilege of teaching a very basic basic 5 pedigree chart class. Although this may seem uninteresting at first, the fact that this will be actual preparation to a fun-filled picnic idea put together by our Chula Vista Genealogical Society President Gary Brock. This class will be a lot of fun.
First we will look at the difference between pedigree and ancestral charts. This is the beginnings of genealogy terminology. I amazed as the mis-nomenclatures I see throughout even "professional" publications.
Then I show examples of pedigree charts, the bow-tie, the circle, the fan, the semblance of an actual tree, etc. I then show examples and suggestions for demonstrating "your" pedigree in each format.
Another brief discussion is used to understanding the numbering system involved with pedigree charts. To many new genealogist, the continuation charts (i.e. person #1 in this chart is the same as person #32 on chart 1) is a bit confusing. If it is not clear, I will suggest we look at secondary charts and forms in a another workshop.
The chart and forms I am concentrating on this limited class/workshop is limited to a simple daily journal, a resource tracking log and a 5 pedigree chart. I did venture out a bit in my "pilot" class of basic charts and forms and found in some cases I confused rather than clarified some of the principle of basic genealogy.
Subjects touched upon but need their own workshops are:
Preparing a resource log for a pending library visit.
Citing sources.
and relationship calculating.
The class also requested a class on Genealogy Terminology.
In conclusion the class/workshop will review each participants pedigree charts and verify surnames, and family locations are clearly defined. The more prepared the 5-7 generation pedigree charts we have available, the more fun participation we should expect at our society annual summer picnic.
So if you happen to be in the San Diego area Saturday 12 noon come by the Chula Vista Public Library and join my class.
First we will look at the difference between pedigree and ancestral charts. This is the beginnings of genealogy terminology. I amazed as the mis-nomenclatures I see throughout even "professional" publications.
Then I show examples of pedigree charts, the bow-tie, the circle, the fan, the semblance of an actual tree, etc. I then show examples and suggestions for demonstrating "your" pedigree in each format.
Another brief discussion is used to understanding the numbering system involved with pedigree charts. To many new genealogist, the continuation charts (i.e. person #1 in this chart is the same as person #32 on chart 1) is a bit confusing. If it is not clear, I will suggest we look at secondary charts and forms in a another workshop.
The chart and forms I am concentrating on this limited class/workshop is limited to a simple daily journal, a resource tracking log and a 5 pedigree chart. I did venture out a bit in my "pilot" class of basic charts and forms and found in some cases I confused rather than clarified some of the principle of basic genealogy.
Subjects touched upon but need their own workshops are:
Preparing a resource log for a pending library visit.
Citing sources.
and relationship calculating.
The class also requested a class on Genealogy Terminology.
In conclusion the class/workshop will review each participants pedigree charts and verify surnames, and family locations are clearly defined. The more prepared the 5-7 generation pedigree charts we have available, the more fun participation we should expect at our society annual summer picnic.
So if you happen to be in the San Diego area Saturday 12 noon come by the Chula Vista Public Library and join my class.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Sharing Family History at Research Program today
Sharing Family History at Research Program today
September 1, 1955 Santa Clara Journal gives my father his nickname; he was known to all for the rest of his life. It was 10 years after marriage that my husband put together that WILD BILL was his father in law.
Today I shared a recent book regarding Speed Racing in the San Jose, California area that referenced my father. I shared that my father and I visited the author and the author autographed the book to my dad. I also shared that there is a follow up book being written. I am submitting photos and stories regarding several eventful races. I have found that I need to research data at several different libraries in the Santa Clara County to complete the stories from the racetrack. The Main Library in San Jose microfilm included film of the San Jose Mercury News, I needed to go to the Santa Clara library on Homestead Road for the Santa Clara Journal articles.
I brought with me to the research meeting several more photos of my parents and racing events.
September 1, 1955 Santa Clara Journal gives my father his nickname; he was known to all for the rest of his life. It was 10 years after marriage that my husband put together that WILD BILL was his father in law.
Today I shared a recent book regarding Speed Racing in the San Jose, California area that referenced my father. I shared that my father and I visited the author and the author autographed the book to my dad. I also shared that there is a follow up book being written. I am submitting photos and stories regarding several eventful races. I have found that I need to research data at several different libraries in the Santa Clara County to complete the stories from the racetrack. The Main Library in San Jose microfilm included film of the San Jose Mercury News, I needed to go to the Santa Clara library on Homestead Road for the Santa Clara Journal articles.
I brought with me to the research meeting several more photos of my parents and racing events.
Genealogy GOLD
The lessons afforded while mining for gold and distinguishing false gold from the real thing can be applied to many applications of life.
This blog is to liken "AHA" moments to finding GOLD. I lived in Northern California nearly my entire life. I actually would uproot my children each summer and live in the Sierra Mountains following the gold as it flowed down the rivers of California.
That is another wonderful blog waiting to be written.
When a genealogist uncovers a new family, location or published event directly involving a member of a direct family line, we often experience what they like to refer to as "an AHA Moment". When the event or information involves an indirect relative they experience an urge to share. This urge to share is a desire to experience the resonant of a fellow genealogist's "AHA moment".
Finding GOLD is an AHA moment. It is thrilling. But there is lots of very convincing Fool's Gold in deem der hills. One of the first test of authenticity is where the gold was found. There are elements about gold that explains the location of gold as it flows down the river. The side of the river, the configuration of the river as it winds down the hillside are all clues to locations of gold. If someone claims to have found gold on the unlikely side of the river or incorrect location of a winding river bed. You would be correct in questioning the authenticity of the find.
So like genealogy "finds". First question often is where did you find that bit of information? There are unlikely resources to finding real gold versus false gold.
To the inexperienced miner the discovery maybe exciting. As experience teaches these false finds lose their luster very quickly.
Many long hours, efforts and hard work has been wasted chasing false gold. False gold in the California hills and in genealogical research. This is why I guess I reject so hardly against irresponsible sharing of genealogical research. If a Serious Genealogist states they have never been lured by false gold, believe me, they are not an experienced genealogist or there is false gold yet to be discovered within that very same genealogist data.
In my opinion; many websites, books, articles are purposely or mistakenly planting false gold for enthusiastic research miners. One such case is the origins of Surnames. I take exception to people spouting off the or gins of any one's surname. Especially here in America, where names often are less than 300-400 years old.
Anyone wanting to share information about their own or someone else's surname origin needs to back up their data with more information than a "name's book". I agree good assumptions, grouping exact and similar names can capture a good percentage of the name origins. If someone was to claim to know the origin of my surnames; I would ask for the resource of the information.
To actually research a surname I would follow the following first steps:
1--My first inclination to discovering the "Gold origin of an individual surname" would be to ask the researcher if they know where the surname originated.
2--Also to follow the name back several generations for variations in the name.
My own lineage surnames do not lend themselves to easy verification and validation of surname origin. These following surnames found in my lineage would be very difficult to decipher as to origin without a significant bit of background information.
HIMAN
DEARMAN
BUNYARD
There are so many more examples I have of, Genealogy Gold Mining, that will be shared in this blogsite. It is always interesting read when the author can compare one experience lessons-learned to enhance and facilitate with another life experience.
The lessons learnt while mining for gold and distinguishing false gold from the real think can be applied to many applications of life.
This blog is to liken "AHA" moments to finding GOLD. I lived in Northern California nearly my entire life. I actually would uproot my children each summer and live in the Sierra Mountains following the gold as it flowed down the rivers of California.
That is another wonderful blog waiting to be written.
When a genealogist uncovers a new family, location or published event directly involving a member of a direct family line, we often experience what they like to refer to as "an AHA Moment". When the event or information involves an indirect relative they experience an urge to share. This urge to share is a desire to experience the resonant of a fellow genealogist's "AHA moment".
Finding GOLD is an AHA moment. It is thrilling. But there is lots of very convincing Fool's Gold in deem der hills. One of the first test of authenticity is where the gold was found. There are elements about gold that explains the location of gold as it flows down the river. The side of the river, the configuration of the river as it winds down the hillside are all clues to locations of gold. If someone claims to have found gold on the unlikely side of the river or incorrect location of a winding river bed. You would be correct in questioning the authenticity of the find.
So like genealogy "finds". First question often is where did you find that bit of information? There are unlikely resources to finding real gold versus false gold.
To the inexperienced miner the discovery maybe exciting. As experience teaches these false finds lose their luster very quickly.
Many long hours, efforts and hard work has been wasted chasing false gold. False gold in the California hills and in genealogical research. This is why I guess I reject so hardly against irresponsible sharing of genealogical research. If a Serious Genealogist states they have never been lured by false gold, believe me, they are not an experienced genealogist or there is false gold yet to be discovered within that very same genealogist data.
In my opinion; many websites, books, articles are purposely or mistakenly planting false gold for enthusiastic research miners. One such case is the origins of Surnames. I take exception to people spouting off the or gins of any one's surname. Especially here in America, where names often are less than 300-400 years old.
Anyone wanting to share information about their own or someone else's surname origin needs to back up their data with more information than a "name's book". I agree good assumptions, grouping exact and similar names can capture a good percentage of the name origins. If someone was to claim to know the origin of my surnames; I would ask for the resource of the information.
To actually research a surname I would follow the following first steps:
1--My first inclination to discovering the "Gold origin of an individual surname" would be to ask the researcher if they know where the surname originated.
2--Also to follow the name back several generations for variations in the name.
My own lineage surnames do not lend themselves to easy verification and validation of surname origin. These following surnames found in my lineage would be very difficult to decipher as to origin without a significant bit of background information.
HIMAN
DEARMAN
BUNYARD
There are so many more examples I have of, Genealogy Gold Mining, that will be shared in this blogsite. It is always interesting read when the author can compare one experience lessons-learned to enhance and facilitate with another life experience.
The lessons learnt while mining for gold and distinguishing false gold from the real think can be applied to many applications of life.
Geneabloggers say Goodbye to one of their own.
Dr. William Terrance "Terry" Thornton
1939 - 2010
Fulton – Dr. William Terrance “Terry” Thornton, 71, died at his residence on August 9, 2010. Born on July 26, 1939, to the late Garfus Sherman and Letha Hollingsworth Thornton, he was a native of the Parham Community in Monroe County.
Terry attended public school in Monroe County and graduated from Hatley High School, Class of 1957. He earned three degrees, including a doctorate, from the University of Mississippi.
Terry married Betty Ann Rooker of Tupelo on December 17, 1961. Terry taught briefly at Brookhaven High School before returning to North Mississippi to teach science at Milam Jr. High School in Tupelo and elementary science for the newly-created educational programming at WTVA in Tupelo. These lessons were the first educational TV to be broadcast in the state of Mississippi and were watched both by children in the classrooms and by television viewers in North Mississippi, Western Alabama, and Southern Tennessee. After two years in Tupelo, Mr. Thornton was named an NDEA fellow at Ole Miss. When he completed his doctorate, he began his college teaching career at Troy State College, now Troy University. He later taught in the Troy University System at the Fort Rucker Branch and the Dothan Branch.
Dr. Thornton was a man of many talents and interests. He played the piano and organ at numerous churches, social events, and weddings. He loved both reading and writing and was the author of numerous stories, poems, and recollections of growing up in Monroe County. Terry was a popular public speaker and conversationalist. He was a naturalist and bird watcher. Terry taught countless students and teachers to enjoy studying science.
Dr. and Mrs. Thornton have two sons, William Terrance “Teb” Thornton, Jr., (Coleen), Fulton, and James Garfus Thornton (Charlena), New Orleans; his grandchildren, William Terrance III, and Margaret Ann, Fulton, and Charles William, New Orleans; brother, Thomas Sherman Thornton, (Patricia), Amory; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service for Terry Thornton will be held at 10 AM, Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. John Foster officiating. Inurnment will follow in Lann Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 – 7 PM, Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Itawamba Historical Society, Mantachie, 38855-0007 or Sanctuary Hospice House Home Care, 5159 W. Main St., Tupelo, 38803.
1939 - 2010
Fulton – Dr. William Terrance “Terry” Thornton, 71, died at his residence on August 9, 2010. Born on July 26, 1939, to the late Garfus Sherman and Letha Hollingsworth Thornton, he was a native of the Parham Community in Monroe County.
Terry attended public school in Monroe County and graduated from Hatley High School, Class of 1957. He earned three degrees, including a doctorate, from the University of Mississippi.
Terry married Betty Ann Rooker of Tupelo on December 17, 1961. Terry taught briefly at Brookhaven High School before returning to North Mississippi to teach science at Milam Jr. High School in Tupelo and elementary science for the newly-created educational programming at WTVA in Tupelo. These lessons were the first educational TV to be broadcast in the state of Mississippi and were watched both by children in the classrooms and by television viewers in North Mississippi, Western Alabama, and Southern Tennessee. After two years in Tupelo, Mr. Thornton was named an NDEA fellow at Ole Miss. When he completed his doctorate, he began his college teaching career at Troy State College, now Troy University. He later taught in the Troy University System at the Fort Rucker Branch and the Dothan Branch.
Dr. Thornton was a man of many talents and interests. He played the piano and organ at numerous churches, social events, and weddings. He loved both reading and writing and was the author of numerous stories, poems, and recollections of growing up in Monroe County. Terry was a popular public speaker and conversationalist. He was a naturalist and bird watcher. Terry taught countless students and teachers to enjoy studying science.
Dr. and Mrs. Thornton have two sons, William Terrance “Teb” Thornton, Jr., (Coleen), Fulton, and James Garfus Thornton (Charlena), New Orleans; his grandchildren, William Terrance III, and Margaret Ann, Fulton, and Charles William, New Orleans; brother, Thomas Sherman Thornton, (Patricia), Amory; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service for Terry Thornton will be held at 10 AM, Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. John Foster officiating. Inurnment will follow in Lann Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 – 7 PM, Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Itawamba Historical Society, Mantachie, 38855-0007 or Sanctuary Hospice House Home Care, 5159 W. Main St., Tupelo, 38803.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Camden preparing to close its libraries, destroy books.......
Camden preparing to close its libraries, destroy books | Philadelphia Inquirer | 08/06/2010
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_je...
Camden is preparing to permanently shut its library system by the end of the year, potentially leaving residents of the impoverished city among the few in the United States unable to borrow a library book free.
One comment to this revelation I, Ruth, took especial exception "two major social trends have been in play for a number of decades now.
First, we've hugely slashed the taxation of the rich. While it makes the rich richer, it's had a correspondingly huge impact on our ability to provide social ...services.
The second trend went into health cost......
Who took responsibility for the education, well being of the US public?
SMART PEOPLE DO SMART THINGS
Every futuristic movie I have viewed where the premise is that "Big Brother" is going to try to control and ruin a society started off with the closing of the libraries.......
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_je...
Camden is preparing to permanently shut its library system by the end of the year, potentially leaving residents of the impoverished city among the few in the United States unable to borrow a library book free.
One comment to this revelation I, Ruth, took especial exception "two major social trends have been in play for a number of decades now.
First, we've hugely slashed the taxation of the rich. While it makes the rich richer, it's had a correspondingly huge impact on our ability to provide social ...services.
The second trend went into health cost......
Who took responsibility for the education, well being of the US public?
..." Public libraries exist in most places in the world and are often considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population." Wikipedia.It was the "rich"
B. Franklinfinanced and donated a mass to the libraries. , Libraries had often been started with a donation, an endowment or were bequeathed to various, parishes, churches, schools or towns, and these social and institutional libraries formed the base of many academic and public library collections of today.
Andrew Carnegiehad the biggest influence in financing libraries in the United States of America, from the east to west coast. From just 1900 to 1917, almost 1,700 libraries were constructed by Carnegie's foundation, insisting that local communities first guarantee tax support of each library built.[10] Not taxed but allowed to use their own money to serve the public as a whole.
There was a reason our country was based on a REPUBLIC and not MAJORITY VOTE BY THE MASSES.
SMART PEOPLE DO SMART THINGS
Every futuristic movie I have viewed where the premise is that "Big Brother" is going to try to control and ruin a society started off with the closing of the libraries.......
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Membership Survey for Genealogy Society
Randy Seaver asked in a blog : so I decided to answer in a blog because my thoughts needed more room than the comment box to expand. I keep telling Randy if you do not want my peaches---do not shake my tree!!
Randy states: The society is planning to improve the survey, and I thought it might be a good idea to ask my readers for their help. The survey questions are listed below.
Randy asks:Which ones should be deleted from the survey (and why)? What questions should be added to the survey (and why)? The survey is limited to one page in length, so there are only 26 questions in the available space.
Here is the late 2008 survey question list:
And he posted his 2006-2008 survey questioniare:
wow wow wow I answered with an elaborate multitable table survey form wanting participants to weigh their answers, and give benchmark analysis on several elements of genealogy.
LOL---- Randy in his kind (mentoring way) explained to me the complexity of my first attempt. Randy asked me to review what were the goals of the survey, what did we, as a society want to learn, and how could I make it a whole lot more simple.
Yesterday I sent my first draft to the genealogical society board;
I am sharing my sample here to my readers.
The survey:
Randy states: The society is planning to improve the survey, and I thought it might be a good idea to ask my readers for their help. The survey questions are listed below.
Randy asks:Which ones should be deleted from the survey (and why)? What questions should be added to the survey (and why)? The survey is limited to one page in length, so there are only 26 questions in the available space.
Here is the late 2008 survey question list:
And he posted his 2006-2008 survey questioniare:
wow wow wow I answered with an elaborate multitable table survey form wanting participants to weigh their answers, and give benchmark analysis on several elements of genealogy.
LOL---- Randy in his kind (mentoring way) explained to me the complexity of my first attempt. Randy asked me to review what were the goals of the survey, what did we, as a society want to learn, and how could I make it a whole lot more simple.
Yesterday I sent my first draft to the genealogical society board;
I am sharing my sample here to my readers.
The survey:
This survey format was developed with the following goals in mind:
Discover unmet member needs.
--Establish long-term member relationships.
--Gage the effectiveness of activities and methods.
--Introduce new products or services.
--Ascertain our relative strengths and weaknesses.
--Develop action plans to tackle future educational and program plans.
Directions for participant of this survey: Answer these questions for yourself, regarding issues you are involved or interested:
do not answer with opinions of others or what you may think others may say:
If you do not have an opinion, do not answer the question.
Demographics:
How long have you been a member of the society?
Why did you become a member of the society? (question thanks to Jennifer!!)
Has society met your expectations in this aspect?
Where is your genealogical data:
on paper?
on off - line computer programs like a word or spreadsheet format?
on - line in a free genealogical web site?
on - line in a fee genealogical web site?
on your own web site?
Is your data private or public?
Do you participate in another genealogical society activities?
What do they offer that our Genealogical Society does not?
Where do you usually hear about activities being presented by the society?
the Society website? emails?? word of mouth? newpaper? flyers?
newsletter? somewhere else___________________?
How many times a month do you participate in society activities?
___once a month _____two to three times a month _____five or more times a month
What is your favorite regularly planned society activity?
What is your least favorite regularly planned society activity?
Are you interested in participating in more activities?
What would need to happen to interest you in participating with more activities?
Did you participate in the new time slots for library table talks?
Sunday Presentations?
Saturday Presentations?
Weekday Evening classes?
Would you like to see these activities continue?
Is there another day of the week/time more convenient for you?
What was the subject of your favorite class or presentation in the last 12 months?
What was the subject of your least favorite class or presentation in the last 12 months?
What is a Presentation subject or presenter of interest to you?
What is a Class subject or presenter of interest to you?
Being more specifc:
Would you like more "how-to" genealogical classes/presentations? Can you be specific?
Such as:
Genelogical Terminology?
Ordering military records?
Using your libraries more effectively with on-line databases, library loans to libraries, ordering microfilm
Preparing for genealogical research trips?
Organizing paper or on-line records?
Using web sites or software? which ones__________________
OR More state/country/ethnic group studies? which ones ____________
Are you interested in more social events? yes no if yes which activities?
Pot lucks
Field Trips
Outreach
History Themed Days
Something else?___________________________
The society will be welcoming in a new board of officers in December 2010.
What changes, considerations, suggestions would you like to include in this survey for their information.
Are you interested in becoming a part of this new board effort?
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