O.K. it is time for Useless Facts and other Related Information
I attended a genealogy conference this year on my 70th birthday. What a way to spend the day! Probably only those with a similar interest could find this a remotely great way to celebrate the day. I even won the door prize of a free admission to next year's conference. I find that almost spooky! (there were about 250 people there) Anyway, the point...we received a handout by William Dollarhide called "Dollarhides' Genealogy Rules". I would like to share a few of my favorites. I also hope I have made the correct sourcing credits. I don't want to end up in genealogy jail.
When visiting a funeral home, wear old clothes, no make-up, and look like you have about a week to live. The funeral director will give you anything you ask for if he thinks you may be a customer soon.
When you contact your home state's vital statistics office and ask if they are "online" and they respond, "on what?" you may have a problem.
Always interview brothers and sisters together in the same room. Since they can't agree on anything about the family tree, it makes for great fun to see who throws the first punch.
The application for a death certificate you want insists that you provide the maiden name of the deceased's mother, which is exactly what you don't know and is the reason you are trying to get the death certificate in the first place.
Your ancestor will be featured in the county history because he was the first prisoner in the new jail.
The roll of microfilm you need for county research is the only roll in the drawer that was sent out for repair earlier that day.
In spite of MTV, computer games, or skate boards, there is always a chance that your grandchildren will learn how to read someday.
( This one certainly does not apply to my five grandchildren, who are all exceptional readers. Now if I can only get them interested in family history)
A first cousin, once removed, may not return.
And my personal favorite
I'm crazy about genealogy, but not necessarily yours.
Showing posts with label microfilm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label microfilm. Show all posts
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Sunday, April 12, 2015
A Terrible Accident
In a previous post, I said the only thing I had ever known about Hiram L. Smith, my great grandfather, was that he had been kicked by a horse and died in 1929. I had always just assumed he was kicked, died, end of story. While searching the microfilm of The Scranton Journal, I learned much more. Great Grandpa Smith was in the newspaper weekly for three weeks. In the March 7, 1929 newspaper there was a report of his accident. The following week detailed his death and the third week the paper printed his obituary. Guess what my next three posts will be.
From the Scranton Journal
"H.L. Smith was the victim of a terrible accident last Saturday, having been kicked by a horse which he was treating for a wire cut. The kick must have been a vicious one, as it resulted in the breaking of a leg and two ribs for Mr. Smith. Hiram was taken at once to the hospital in Carroll and the break in his thigh bone has not been set as yet, on account of a severe cold with which he is suffering. This fracture is reported as a very bad one. Friends are at a loss to find words with which to extend the deep sympathy they feel for Mr. Smith at this time, as this sad affair is a continuance of a long line of hospital experiences which have brought sadness and much expense to the Smith home. If the good wishes of this community could prevail, this accident, which is near tragedy, would be the last, and Mr. Smith would be speedily restored to strength and usefulness."
Now I have no idea what the "continuance of a long line of hospital experiences" means. Looks like I will need to take a trip to the genealogy library and look through earlier editions of the local newspaper. I will let you know what I find out.
In the past few years, I have come to learn that the horse that kicked Grandpa was named "Buckskin Sally". My uncle who was only around three remembers that Buckskin Sally was supposed to someday be his horse. I think as a child he felt responsible.
Don't forget to talk often with your older relatives. Their memories make our family stories come alive. As our family has experienced this year, time is precious.
From the Scranton Journal
"H.L. Smith was the victim of a terrible accident last Saturday, having been kicked by a horse which he was treating for a wire cut. The kick must have been a vicious one, as it resulted in the breaking of a leg and two ribs for Mr. Smith. Hiram was taken at once to the hospital in Carroll and the break in his thigh bone has not been set as yet, on account of a severe cold with which he is suffering. This fracture is reported as a very bad one. Friends are at a loss to find words with which to extend the deep sympathy they feel for Mr. Smith at this time, as this sad affair is a continuance of a long line of hospital experiences which have brought sadness and much expense to the Smith home. If the good wishes of this community could prevail, this accident, which is near tragedy, would be the last, and Mr. Smith would be speedily restored to strength and usefulness."
Now I have no idea what the "continuance of a long line of hospital experiences" means. Looks like I will need to take a trip to the genealogy library and look through earlier editions of the local newspaper. I will let you know what I find out.
In the past few years, I have come to learn that the horse that kicked Grandpa was named "Buckskin Sally". My uncle who was only around three remembers that Buckskin Sally was supposed to someday be his horse. I think as a child he felt responsible.
Don't forget to talk often with your older relatives. Their memories make our family stories come alive. As our family has experienced this year, time is precious.
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