| Genealogy Gems: News from the Allen County Public Library at Fort Wayne, No. 235, September 30, 2023 | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Genealogy Gems (genealogygems genealogycenter.info)
|
|
| Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2023 21:05:06 -0400 | |
Genealogy Gems: News from the Allen County Public Library at Fort Wayne
No. 235, September 30, 2023
In this issue:
*An Autumn with Ancestors—A Season of Change & Discovery
*The Family Tree Scottish Genealogy Guide: A Review
*French Military Records
*Technology Tip of the Month: What’s That I Hear
*PERSI Gems: On the Shelf, Believe It or Not!
*History Tidbits: The Ghostly Afterlife of “Mad” Anthony Wayne
*Genealogy Center’s October Programs--Family History Month!
*October Program Call-outs:
*Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
*Genealogy Center Social Media
*Driving Directions to the Library
*Parking at the Library
*Genealogy Center Queries
*Publishing Note
***************************************
An Autumn with Ancestors—A Season of Change & Discovery
by Curt B. Witcher
***************************************
I trust the first week of Autumn has started you thinking about the wonderful family gatherings that typically take place around the forthcoming end-of-the-year holidays. And even more, I hope that you’ve given a thought or two to planning some story-sharing and family story exploration around those holidays. A good way to start is engaging with The Genealogy Center’s Family History Month activities. There is a whole lot going on the next thirty-one days!
Some highlights for Family History Month 2023 include the following.
1. Participate in our unique social media engagements on Facebook every Sunday, Monday, and Friday during October. You will enjoy Storytelling Sundays, Alliteration Mondays, and Flashback Fridays.
2. What is becoming a Family History Month tradition, my virtual “Wednesdays with Witcher” will offer a half hour of tips at 2P Eastern Time every Wednesday afternoon. Each program has its own link found further on in this ezine. This year’s offerings will focus on recording oral histories and life stories, writing our families’ stories, organizing our collections of family history papers; and determining how to move beyond research challenges and brick walls.
3. Experience the captivating world of family history with Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL, renowned as the “Legal Genealogist.” We are very excited to invite you to join her in a three-program virtual event to unveil your family’s secrets. Explore legal intricacies in court, land, and DNA research, master advanced U.S. Census investigation, and uncover invaluable insights from records to reveal your family’s narrative. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to learn from the Legal Genealogist on October 14, from 10A to 2PM, and embark on a captivating historical journey! Register for this virtual event at the following link. https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9188544
4. We are very pleased again this year to be participating with the Genealogical Network of Texas on a daylong suite of virtual offerings October 20, 2023. There are eight(!) programs one can participate in this one day. To register for this virtual program, go to the following link. https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189181
5. Friday afternoon, October 27, 2023 from 2 to 5, join me and Rick Voight of Vivid-Pix for SCANAPALOOZA, sponsored by VIVID-PIX. This in-person program will be held in the Genealogy Center’s Discovery Center. Rick and I will guide you through the process of starting your genealogy journey, initiating photo organization, scanning and revitalizing your cherished photographs, and mastering the art of sharing significant family narratives.
6. Returning for the first time in several years, we are hosting after-hours research in the Genealogy Center on the last Friday of October. You can participate in-person or virtually for this after-hours event. The Genealogy Center will be open an extra three hours on October 27, from 6P to 9P. In addition, our genealogy librarians will be accessible on Zoom during this extended period, prepared to handle questions and engage in discussions with patrons hailing from various corners of the world. https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189387 You’re invited to be part of this unique occasion, whether you choose to visit us physically or connect with us virtually!
A downloadable Family History Month PDF with a complete listing of all our offerings can be found at the following website. https://acpl.lib.in.us/family-history-month One can also go to www.GenealogyCenter.org and click on the Family History month link in the colorful top banner. For questions and clarification, please email the Genealogy Center at Genealogy [at] ACPL.info.
A final Family History Month note specifically for librarians across the state of Indiana – the Indiana State Library has approved the following virtual presentations for Library Education Units (LEUs) for Indiana librarians. Library and education professionals in other states may be able to use the following offerings for their professional certificates as well.
•Navigating Fold3: Your Gateway to Researching Military Ancestors and Beyond – presented by Elizabeth Hodges – 1 LEU
•Tips on Deciphering Records in Foreign Languages – presented by Cynthia Theusch – 1 LEU
•Putting Those Records to Work – presented by Judy G. Russell – 1 LEU
•More Than Just Names: Advanced U.S. Census Research – presented by Judy G. Russell – 1 LEU
•Landing the Fourths: Proving a Case with Court, Land, and DNA Evidence – presented by Judy G. Russell – 1 LEU
•Scaling the 1870 Brick Wall in African American Research – presented by Ari Wilkins – 1 LEU
•Exploring American History in British Newspapers – presented by Jen Baldwin – 1 LEU
•Using DNA Testing to Locate Ancestors Back in the Old Country – presented by Sara Allen – 1 LEU
•The Roots Beneath Your Feet: The Homestead Act of 1862 – presented by Jonathan Fairchild – 1 LEU
•The Pursuit of Freedom in a ‘Free’ State: The Emancipation Proclamation’s Significance to African Americans in Indiana – presented by Dr. Edna Greene Medford – 1 LEU
•Black and White and Read All Over: Delving into African American Newspapers – presented by Allison DePrey Singleton – 1 LEU
•The History and Evolution of American Funeral Practices – presented by Todd Harra – 1 non-library related (NLR) LEU*
•Seances and Spirits: A Spooky Look at the 19th and Early 20th Century Spiritualist Movement – presented by Elizabeth Hodges – 1 NLR LEU*
•From Deed to Discovery: A Walking Tour of Tracing the History of Williams-Woodland Park Neighborhood Homes – presented by Elizabeth Hodges – 1 LEU
Email the Genealogy Center at Genealogy [at] ACPL.info to request certificates for the sessions you attend during this month. Embrace all the wonderful family history moments of this season, beginning with participating fully in our Family History Month activities.
I close with an important recognition. After twenty-three years of dedicated service to The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library, our friend and colleague, Kay Spears, retired on Friday, September 29, 2023. She was behind so much of the good work the Genealogy Center has been able to accomplish. Her “Technology Tip of the Month” column in this ezine was a favorite of many. The column appearing in this “Genealogy Gems” is her last. We will be pausing that column as we re-group and look to fill her position in the Center. I know you all join me in wishing her much happiness as she embarks on a new and exciting journey.
***************************************
The Family Tree Scottish Genealogy Guide: A Review
by Logan Knight
***************************************
More than thirty million Americans claim Scottish or Scots-Irish ancestry. That number may well be higher due to confusion regarding “American” or “Scots-Irish” ethnicities. As many researchers know, people from different countries have widely different records and resources available to document their journeys. So, where does one turn to discover more about their Scottish ancestors?
Fortunately, there is help available. The “Family Tree Scottish Genealogy Guide” by Amanda Epperson (Cincinnati: Family Tree Books, 2018), GC 929 Ep73fa, is an excellent resource for experienced genealogists or for those just beginning to trace their ancestors across the pond. The book is exactly what it says it is: a helpful guide on how to trace your family tree to and through Scotland.
The book is broken down into distinct chapters that go step by step through the research process. The chapters focus on such topics as how to connect your tree, understanding Scottish history, using different types of records, and putting it all together, along with advanced strategies for when you get stuck.
Epperson should be commended for focusing on the mundane tasks of actual research. A chapter on deciphering Scottish handwriting may seem unimportant, but mastering the reading of original texts can mean the difference between establishing a family connection and running into a brick wall. Many are familiar with census records and birth certificates, but how many of us would think to look under dog tax registers for our ancestors? These fine details make this work stand out from a shorter online article.
It seems trite to furnish an overview of a guide, but a few helpful hints will help researchers make better use of this work. Pay particular attention to the online resource recommendations. The reality is most of us will probably not be making too many journeys across the Atlantic, so it behooves us to get what use we can from online resources.
Be sure to take a look also at the chapter titled “Putting It All Together.” This section offers tips on how to apply the various lessons to your own research. In some ways, it is the book’s most important part, since it demonstrates thoroughly how to apply these teachings to one’s own research. The author utilizes real examples from her research to walk the reader through some thorny issues. Epperson’s demonstrations on how to demolish brick walls through contextual clues and different tactics are worthwhile for any researcher.
In short, this volume is both an excellent guide on how to research your Scottish ancestors as well as a good source for general research advice.
***************************************
French Military Records
by Allison DePrey Singleton
***************************************
Those researchers whose ancestors immigrated to the U.S. in the twentieth century will need to find more modern genealogical sources for other countries. A notable online resource for aiding researchers with French ancestry associated with the military is Memoire des Hommes, Portail Culturel du Ministere des Armees: https://www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr/fr/.
This website represents an initiative to digitize and disseminate information from the archives of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. It includes a database of soldiers who perished in the First World War, recognized as "Morts Pour la France." Initially conceived as a virtual memorial, the website later incorporated digitized archives, expanding its content from this foundational database.
Presently, the website comprises five sections catering to researchers. The first section, "Conflits et operations" (Conflicts and Operations), is where "Morts Pour la France" now resides. This section has broadened its coverage beyond the First World War, encompassing information regarding the Second World War, the Indochina War, the Korean War, the Algerian War, other theaters of operations, war graves, and individuals who lost their lives in service to the nation.
The second section, "Territoires francais et expéditions" (French presence in the World), delves into the global impact of the French army. The third section, "Recrutement et parcours individuels" (Individual careers), allows researchers to reconstruct life trajectories leading to military enlistment. The fourth section, "Arts et sciences militaires" (Materials and equipment), explores the historical aspects of military materials, plans, equipment, techniques, and the administration of the military. Lastly, the fifth section, "Musees, Collections, Mecenat" (Museums and Collections), directs researchers to additional sources for comprehensive information on diverse military topics.
Here are some helpful tips for researching Memoire des Hommes, Portail Culturel du Ministere des Armees: The website offers an English version, but certain details are not available in it. For ease of translation, we recommend using Google Chrome to navigate the collection. The website automatically translates when accessed through this browser. Moreover, researchers should leverage FamilySearch’s Research Wiki to identify French genealogical terms essential for searching within the original documents: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/French_Genealogical_Word_List. Various online translation tools can also be employed to aid in comprehending the original records.
***************************************
Technology Tip of the Month: What’s That I Hear
by Kay Spears
***************************************
So, you’re working on an article or your family story or a novel longer than “War and Peace.” Is there something you might overlook? Maybe. It’s called Editing or Proofreading. What! You mean I’m going to have to actually read what I wrote? Yes, my dear, you are. Let us take a look at some of the things you can do to make things go a little smoother.
First of all, I am not going to talk too much on the difference between editing and proofreading. In my opinion they go hand-in-hand. There are all kinds of editing verbiage. There are copyediting, line editing, structural editing, etc. Then there is proofreading. Whichever terms you want to use, there are some basic things you need to remember when writing. Is what you’re writing about coherent? How is it structured? Is what you’re saying clear, and can you hear your voice? Those questions are what I would call editing. Proofreading, for me, is when I look for words that are misspelled, too many commas, run-on sentences, etc. For all of this, you need to remember that you need a clear mind when you reread your writing. The funny thing about our brain, especially when writing, is that it knows what you are trying to say. Because of this, when you read your own words, your brain will fill in the words, whether they are there or not. Hence, the clear mind.
Here are some tricks when editing and proofreading. 1. Take a break. Go for a walk. Get away from that written page. 2. Find someone else to read your work. This could be a professional, or a friend, or a group of people. And, try not to be offended when they give you their opinion. 3. Read it out loud. Don’t skip any words, and read slowly. 4. Edit first, then go back and proofread. Don’t try to do both things at the same time, since you’ll will only get distracted. 5. If there is something that doesn’t sound right, if the sentence sounds off, try to rewrite it. 6. Don’t rely on spell-check or grammar-check. Spell check only works if the word is spelled incorrectly. But, if you have written “to” instead of “too,” or “your” instead of “you’re,” spell check will not catch it. Grammar-check might help with run-on sentences, but not much else. 7. If you are using Microsoft Word, utilize their Speak/Read Aloud tool. Let me warn you about this tool. There is an irritating robot voice. Even though I find robot voices annoying, this little tool comes in handy. When I have used it, I have heard all kinds of problems, from misspelled words to sentence structure. Let’s take a look at this tool.
In the older versions, you can use the Speak Selected Text option. This option is located in Microsoft’s Customize Quick Access Toolbar>More Commands>All Commands>Speak. But later versions have made it easier to find. In the ribbon, go to the Review tab and find Read Aloud Speech. When you click on that, a little command box opens up, and you are able to Play your writing. There are also settings in this command box that allow you to change the speed of the narration and the narrator. Right now, there are 3 narrators: David, Mark, and Zira. Just so, you know, I was using Mark, but have switched to Zira. What can I say: a robot voice is a robot voice. Believe me, no matter how annoying I have found these voices, they have helped me immensely.
So, there you have it - a few tips on reading your own words. Remember, take a break, get away from it, and look at them with fresh eyes. And, have fun with the robot voices!
***************************************
PERSI Gems: On the Shelf, Believe It or Not!
by Adam Barrone and Mike Hudson
***************************************
We perused the 'shelf' of PERSI and encountered an intriguing bit of filler at the bottom of a page in the July 1993 issue of the Cleveland Family History Society Journal, published in England.
LADY COUGH'S ETIQUETTE (1863)
The perfect hostess will see to it that the works of male and female authors be properly separated on her bookshelves. Their proximity, unless the authors happen to be married, should not be tolerated.
To this suspicious researcher, the amusing quote demonstrating Victorian prudishness seemed altogether too absurd. A quick search of WorldCat revealed no such book of etiquette by Lady Cough nor one by Lady Gough. Where, then, did this quote originate?
The Faktoider blog, July 2015, likewise failed to find any such book of etiquette. Their investigation tracked the earliest appearance of this text to Robert Ripley's Believe It or Not column in the New York Times dated Feb. 17, 1929. A blog commenter, Chris Woodyard, dug further and found a joke, published in 1836 in London, possible source material for Ripley's bit of gender-segregated bookshelf etiquette: "The Elements of Conversation; or, Talking Made Easy." The New Monthly Magazine and Literary Journal, 1836, part 2, p. 199.
Somebody...told him the other evening that Madame de Genlis, in her better days, became so fastidious, that she would not permit the works of male and female authors to rest upon the same shelves in her book-cases. "I presume," said [he], "she did not want to increase her library."
When perusing library shelves, browsing online family trees, or searching the Periodical Source Index (PERSI), we encourage you to pause, consider plausibility, and verify sources before deciding whether you 'Believe It or Not!'
https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/
Books on your shelves, conservation tip
Oakville (Ont.) Historical Society Newsletter, May 1981
Charles Rohlfs artisan bio. note, hanging shelf artifact, 1853-1936
Western New York Heritage, Vol. 13, Issue 3 (Fal 2010)
Jack Wilker, Jr., photo of shelf fungi on Rose Island, note, 2013
Outdoor Indiana, Vol. 78, Issue 4 (Jul 2013)
J. J. Cole store painted, new shelves, Menominee Range, Aug 8, 1889
Dickinson Diggings, Vol. 39, Issue 4 (Nov 2020)
J. P. Jones has wren's nest in bookcase, Blackshear Times excerpt, Jul. 18, 1895
Armadillo Tracks (Brantley County Historical & Preservation Society, GA), Issue 4 (May 2013)
Leslie's lesson, genealogy gems on your bookshelves, Bibles as genealogical sources
Clinton Chronicle (Clinton Co. Genealogical Society, OH), Vol. 30, Issue 1 (Jan 2019)
Male and female authors separated on shelf unless married, Lady Cough's etiquette book excerpt, 1863
Cleveland (Eng.) Family History Society Journal, Vol. 5, Issue 7 (Jul 1993)
My summer on the shelf, South Side High School alumnus Bob Parker in the hospital, 1933, 1993
Archer Arrows (South Side High School Alumni Assn., Fort Wayne, IN), Oct 1993
Public bookcases in German cities, photos and note, 2013
Blumenbaum, Der (Sacramento German Genealogical Society, CA), Vol. 31, Issue 1 (Jul 2013)
What should be on your bookshelf?
Livingston County (MI) Genealogical Society Quarterly Newsletter, Vol. 8, Issue 4 (Spr 1994)
***************************************
History Tidbits: The Ghostly Afterlife of “Mad” Anthony Wayne
by Logan Knight
***************************************
Outside, the weather is turning crisp, the leaves are beginning to change color, and the days are getting shorter. When that happens, it seems inevitable that our thoughts begin to turn in a more eerie direction. In this part of the country, perhaps no figure dominates the landscape quite like “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Wayne’s life is well known, but what do you know about his death? Did you know that he was buried in not one but two graves?
Certainly, the character of “Mad” Anthony Wayne seems to be an odd choice for a ghostly afterlife. His actual life was dramatic enough. A towering figure of the American Revolution, Wayne was noted for his aggression upon the battlefield. When asked if he could take the fortress of Stony Point, New York, Wayne replied “Issue the order, and I’ll storm Hell!” The General was not called on to do that, but he did serve ably throughout the war. This was not the end of his service though. Wayne would command the Legion of the United States and defeat the Northwest Indian Confederacy, opening the modern American Midwest to settlement.
Shortly after his great victory at Fallen Timbers (1794), Wayne took ill. A lifetime of hard living had taken its toll on the man. He suffered from gout, a disease that sprouted up from too much alcohol and red meat. Wayne shuffled off this mortal coil on December 15, 1796 aged just fifty-one. He was buried underneath the floor, next to the flagpole, of a fort blockhouse in modern day Erie, Pennsylvania. That seemed to be the end of old “Mad” Anthony, yet that was not the case.
For thirteen years, his body rested underneath that fort. Such an ignominious grave seemed inappropriate for a prominent war hero. In 1809, his children, Isaac and Margaretta, decided to return his body home. Isaac journeyed to Fort Presque Isle and had his father’s body disinterred. The remains of “Mad Anthony” were uniquely well preserved for being underground for over a decade.
Isaac Wayne realized he could not transport his father’s body back home to stately Waynesborough Manor across the rugged paths that passed for roads at the time. He solved the problem in a distinctly grisly manner. He had “Mad” Anthony boiled in a large iron pot, separating the remaining tissue from the bones. The parts were then separated. Embalming had only just arrived and was not available. While this method seems gruesome to us today, this form of preservation was not uncommon, especially for bodies that were located far away from their eventual burying place. Onlookers made the scene more ghoulish by snipping off locks of the General’s hair. One particular witness grabbed a boot off of Wayne’s foot. He then had a companion boot made for the other foot and proceeded to wear them until they fell apart.
Isaac loaded up his father’s bones for the long journey across Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, it seems the casket carrying the precious load was not fully secure. Along the rough wagon roads, bumps and knocks were the order of the day. It seems that some bones were knocked out of the wagon on the long trip home.
They say that every January 1, Wayne’s birthday, you can see his ghost riding on horseback between Erie and Philadelphia, looking for his lost bones. His route supposedly traces U.S. Route 322 that runs southwest through the Keystone State. People have seen him going both east and west along the road which would make sense. After all, if he didn’t find his bones the first time, then another sweep makes sense.
When he is not riding the highways, Wayne’s bones today rest at Old Saint David’s Church Cemetery, just outside Philadelphia. The fleshy bits remained underneath what is now called the Wayne Blockhouse back in Erie, Pennsylvania. They still keep the iron boiling pot at the Hagen History Center, not too far from the blockhouse. So, if you happen to be out late, keep an eye out. Who knows what you might see? Happy Halloween!
***************************************
Genealogy Center’s October Programs--Family History Month!
***************************************
Join us for another month of free, virtual programs. Happy Family History Month!
October 3, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST “The Roots Beneath Your Feet - The Homestead Act of 1862” with Jonathan Fairchild - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187575
October 4, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST “Wednesdays with Witcher: Collecting the Stories of Our Lives: Tips for Recording Oral Histories and Life Stories” with Curt Witcher - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187614
October 4, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. EST, In-Person & Virtual, “The Pursuit of Freedom in a ‘Free’ State: The Emancipation Proclamation’s Significance to African Americans in Indiana” with Edna Greene Medford - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187655
October 5, 2023, 6:30 p.m. EST, “Using DNA Testing to Locate Ancestors Back in the Old Country” with Sara Allen - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187683
October 7, 2023, 10:00 a.m. EST to 12:00 p.m. EST - In-Person Cemetery Tour.
Cemeteries Are Not Just for Ghosts: Lindenwood Cemetery, Allison DePrey Singleton.
Lindenwood Cemetery, 2324 W. Main St., Fort Wayne. - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9192082
October 10, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST, “Exploring American History in British Newspapers” with Jen Baldwin - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187711
October 11, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST, “Wednesdays with Witcher: Collecting the Stories of Our Lives: Tips for Writing Our Families’ Stories” with Curt Witcher - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187730
October 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m. EST, “Medical Genealogy & Your Health” with Dr. Alfred Brothers, An ACGSI Program. Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y6RDC-ZGRu-s_qdFefXkjg#/registration
October 12, 2023, 6:30 p.m. EST, “Scaling the 1870 Brick Wall in African American Research” with Ari Wilkins - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187753
October 14, 2023, 10:00 a.m. EST - 2:00 p.m. EST, “The Legal Genealogist: A Three Program Virtual Showcase” with Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9188544
October 17, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST, “Tips in Deciphering Records in Foreign Languages” with Cynthia Theusch - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189110
October 18, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST, “Wednesdays with Witcher: Answering the “Where Do I Go From Here?” Question: Tips for Continuing Your Discoveries” with Curt Witcher - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9186311
October 19, 2023, 6:30 p.m. EST, "Navigating Fold3: Your Gateway to Researching Military Ancestors and Beyond" with Elizabeth Hodges - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189217
October 20, 2023 – The Genealogy Network of Texas daylong Virtual Program - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189181
October 21, 2023, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - In-Person Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour
From Deed to Discovery: A Walking Tour of Tracing the History of Williams-Woodland Park Neighborhood Homes with Elizabeth Hodges - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9192099
October 24, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST, “Black and White and Read All Over: Delving into African American Newspapers” with Allison Singleton - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9191811
October 25, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST, “Wednesdays with Witcher: What Do I Do With All My Stuff?!: Organizing to Preserve & Pass Down” with Curt Witcher - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189306
October 26, 2023, 6:30 p.m. EST, “History and Evolution of American Funeral Practices” with Todd Harra - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189264
October 27, 2023, 2:00 p.m. to 5;00 p.m.EST - Scanapalooza sponsored by Vivid-Pix. In-person program - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9186976
October 27, 2023, 6:00 p.m. EST, After Hours Extravaganza in the Genealogy Center - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189387
October 29, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST, “No, You Don’t Really Have 7900 4th Cousins” and “DNA Reunion Project” with Jennifer Mendelsohn - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rfu-upjsiGdfILZ_5Gqk3P3xiPC8YMDVc?mc_cid=99066a3f69&mc_eid=120fa3b682#/registration or register from the Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society webpage: https://neindianajgs.org/
October 31, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST, “Séances and Spirits: A Spooky Look at the 19th and Early 20th Century Spiritualist Movement” with Genealogy Center Staff - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187116
Please register in advance for these engaging programs.
***************************************
October Program Call-Outs
***************************************
+++Family History Month program lineup: https://acpl.lib.in.us/family-history-month
+++Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana+++
On October 11, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. EST, Dr. Alfred Brothers will present “Medical Genealogy & Your Health.” This ACGSI Program will help one discover the rich information available through medical genealogy research. Learn more about your families’ stories surrounding specific illnesses or medical conditions through medical genealogy resources. Dr. Alfred Brothers, Jr, is the Vice Chairperson of the African American Genealogy Society of Fort Wayne (AACSFW). He is a charter member of the AAGSFW and specializes in military genealogy. He is from Massachusetts and his research interests include New England, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, and Canada. Dr. Brothers is a Mid-West African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) instructor and leads the society with Research Tools & Tips. He is also a member of the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana. Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y6RDC-ZGRu-s_qdFefXkjg#/registration
+++Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society+++
On October 29, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST, Jennifer Mendelsohn will present two virtual programs: “No, You Don’t Really Have 7900 4th Cousins,” and her “DNA Reunion Project.”, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Prior to her work as a genealogist, Jennifer spent many years as a freelance journalist. She now specializes in helping Eastern European Jewish families reclaim their history following the Holocaust. Register through the Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society webpage: https://neindianajgs.org/ or with the following link. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rfu-upjsiGdfILZ_5Gqk3P3xiPC8YMDVc?mc_cid=99066a3f69&mc_eid=120fa3b682#/registration
***************************************
Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
***************************************
Do you want to know what we have planned? Are you interested in one of our events, but forget? We offer email updates for The Genealogy Center’s programming schedule. Don’t miss out! Sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/THcV0wAabB.
***************************************
Genealogy Center Social Media
***************************************
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenealogyCenter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genealogycenter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACPLGenealogy
Blog: http://www.genealogycenter.org/Community/Blog.aspx
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/askacpl
***************************************
Driving Directions to the Library
***************************************
Wondering how to get to the library? Our location is 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the block bordered on the south by Washington Boulevard, the west by Ewing Street, the north by Wayne Street, and the east by the Library Plaza, formerly Webster Street. We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Center.
To get directions from your exact location to 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=900%20Webster%20St&city=Fort%20Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802%2d3602&country=US&geodiff=1
>From the South
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 302. Drive east on Jefferson Boulevard into downtown. Turn left on Ewing Street. The Library is one block north, at Ewing Street and Washington Boulevard.
Using US 27:
US 27 turns into Lafayette Street. Drive north into downtown. Turn left at Washington Boulevard and go five blocks. The Library will be on the right.
>From the North
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 312. Drive south on Coldwater Road, which merges into Clinton Street. Continue south on Clinton to Washington Boulevard. Turn right on Washington and go three blocks. The Library will be on the right.
>From the West
Using US 30:
Drive into town on US 30. US 30 turns into Goshen Ave. which dead-ends at West State Blvd. Make an angled left turn onto West State Blvd. Turn right on Wells Street. Go south on Wells to Wayne Street. Turn left on Wayne Street. The Library will be in the second block on the right.
Using US 24:
After crossing under Interstate 69, follow the same directions as from the South.
>From the East
Follow US 30/then 930 into and through New Haven, under an overpass into downtown Fort Wayne. You will be on Washington Blvd. when you get into downtown. Library Plaza will be on the right.
***************************************
Parking at the Library
***************************************
At the Library, underground parking can be accessed from Wayne Street. Other library parking lots are at Washington and Webster, and Wayne and Webster. Hourly parking is $1 per hour with a $7 maximum. ACPL library card holders may use their cards to validate the parking ticket at the west end of the Great Hall of the Library. Out of county residents may purchase a subscription card with proof of identification and residence. The current fee for an Individual Subscription Card is $85.
Public lots are located at the corner of Ewing and Wayne Streets ($1 each for the first two half-hours, $1 per hour after, with a $4 per day maximum) and the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Harrison Street ($3 per day).
Street (metered) parking on Ewing and Wayne Streets. On the street you plug the meters 8am – 5pm, weekdays only. The meters take credit cards and charge at a rate of $1/hour. Street parking is free after 5 p.m. and on the weekends.
Visitor center/Grand Wayne Center garage at Washington and Clinton Streets. This is the Hilton Hotel parking lot that also serves as a day parking garage. For hourly parking, 7am – 11 pm, charges are .50 for the first 45 minutes, then $1.00 per hour. There is a flat $2.00 fee between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
***************************************
Genealogy Center Queries
***************************************
The Genealogy Center hopes you find this newsletter interesting. Thank you for subscribing. We cannot, however, answer personal research emails written to the e-zine address. The department houses a Research Center that makes photocopies and conducts research for a fee.
If you have a general question about our collection, or are interested in the Research Center, please telephone the library and speak to a librarian who will be glad to answer your general questions or send you a research center form. Our telephone number is 260-421-1225. If you’d like to email a general information question about the department, please email: Genealogy [at] ACPL.Info.
***************************************
Publishing Note
***************************************
This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center, and is intended to enlighten readers about genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast resources of the Allen County Public Library. We welcome the wide distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to their friends and societies. All precautions have been made to avoid errors. However, the publisher does not assume any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, no matter the cause.
To subscribe to “Genealogy Gems,” simply use your browser to go to the website: www.GenealogyCenter.org. Scroll to the bottom, click on E-zine, and fill out the form. You will be notified with a confirmation email.
If you do not want to receive this e-zine, please follow the link at the very bottom of the issue of Genealogy Gems you just received or send an email to kspears [at] acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in the subject line.
Curt B. Witcher and John D. Beatty, CG, co-editors
No. 235, September 30, 2023
In this issue:
*An Autumn with Ancestors—A Season of Change & Discovery
*The Family Tree Scottish Genealogy Guide: A Review
*French Military Records
*Technology Tip of the Month: What’s That I Hear
*PERSI Gems: On the Shelf, Believe It or Not!
*History Tidbits: The Ghostly Afterlife of “Mad” Anthony Wayne
*Genealogy Center’s October Programs--Family History Month!
*October Program Call-outs:
*Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
*Genealogy Center Social Media
*Driving Directions to the Library
*Parking at the Library
*Genealogy Center Queries
*Publishing Note
***************************************
An Autumn with Ancestors—A Season of Change & Discovery
by Curt B. Witcher
***************************************
I trust the first week of Autumn has started you thinking about the wonderful family gatherings that typically take place around the forthcoming end-of-the-year holidays. And even more, I hope that you’ve given a thought or two to planning some story-sharing and family story exploration around those holidays. A good way to start is engaging with The Genealogy Center’s Family History Month activities. There is a whole lot going on the next thirty-one days!
Some highlights for Family History Month 2023 include the following.
1. Participate in our unique social media engagements on Facebook every Sunday, Monday, and Friday during October. You will enjoy Storytelling Sundays, Alliteration Mondays, and Flashback Fridays.
2. What is becoming a Family History Month tradition, my virtual “Wednesdays with Witcher” will offer a half hour of tips at 2P Eastern Time every Wednesday afternoon. Each program has its own link found further on in this ezine. This year’s offerings will focus on recording oral histories and life stories, writing our families’ stories, organizing our collections of family history papers; and determining how to move beyond research challenges and brick walls.
3. Experience the captivating world of family history with Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL, renowned as the “Legal Genealogist.” We are very excited to invite you to join her in a three-program virtual event to unveil your family’s secrets. Explore legal intricacies in court, land, and DNA research, master advanced U.S. Census investigation, and uncover invaluable insights from records to reveal your family’s narrative. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to learn from the Legal Genealogist on October 14, from 10A to 2PM, and embark on a captivating historical journey! Register for this virtual event at the following link. https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9188544
4. We are very pleased again this year to be participating with the Genealogical Network of Texas on a daylong suite of virtual offerings October 20, 2023. There are eight(!) programs one can participate in this one day. To register for this virtual program, go to the following link. https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189181
5. Friday afternoon, October 27, 2023 from 2 to 5, join me and Rick Voight of Vivid-Pix for SCANAPALOOZA, sponsored by VIVID-PIX. This in-person program will be held in the Genealogy Center’s Discovery Center. Rick and I will guide you through the process of starting your genealogy journey, initiating photo organization, scanning and revitalizing your cherished photographs, and mastering the art of sharing significant family narratives.
6. Returning for the first time in several years, we are hosting after-hours research in the Genealogy Center on the last Friday of October. You can participate in-person or virtually for this after-hours event. The Genealogy Center will be open an extra three hours on October 27, from 6P to 9P. In addition, our genealogy librarians will be accessible on Zoom during this extended period, prepared to handle questions and engage in discussions with patrons hailing from various corners of the world. https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189387 You’re invited to be part of this unique occasion, whether you choose to visit us physically or connect with us virtually!
A downloadable Family History Month PDF with a complete listing of all our offerings can be found at the following website. https://acpl.lib.in.us/family-history-month One can also go to www.GenealogyCenter.org and click on the Family History month link in the colorful top banner. For questions and clarification, please email the Genealogy Center at Genealogy [at] ACPL.info.
A final Family History Month note specifically for librarians across the state of Indiana – the Indiana State Library has approved the following virtual presentations for Library Education Units (LEUs) for Indiana librarians. Library and education professionals in other states may be able to use the following offerings for their professional certificates as well.
•Navigating Fold3: Your Gateway to Researching Military Ancestors and Beyond – presented by Elizabeth Hodges – 1 LEU
•Tips on Deciphering Records in Foreign Languages – presented by Cynthia Theusch – 1 LEU
•Putting Those Records to Work – presented by Judy G. Russell – 1 LEU
•More Than Just Names: Advanced U.S. Census Research – presented by Judy G. Russell – 1 LEU
•Landing the Fourths: Proving a Case with Court, Land, and DNA Evidence – presented by Judy G. Russell – 1 LEU
•Scaling the 1870 Brick Wall in African American Research – presented by Ari Wilkins – 1 LEU
•Exploring American History in British Newspapers – presented by Jen Baldwin – 1 LEU
•Using DNA Testing to Locate Ancestors Back in the Old Country – presented by Sara Allen – 1 LEU
•The Roots Beneath Your Feet: The Homestead Act of 1862 – presented by Jonathan Fairchild – 1 LEU
•The Pursuit of Freedom in a ‘Free’ State: The Emancipation Proclamation’s Significance to African Americans in Indiana – presented by Dr. Edna Greene Medford – 1 LEU
•Black and White and Read All Over: Delving into African American Newspapers – presented by Allison DePrey Singleton – 1 LEU
•The History and Evolution of American Funeral Practices – presented by Todd Harra – 1 non-library related (NLR) LEU*
•Seances and Spirits: A Spooky Look at the 19th and Early 20th Century Spiritualist Movement – presented by Elizabeth Hodges – 1 NLR LEU*
•From Deed to Discovery: A Walking Tour of Tracing the History of Williams-Woodland Park Neighborhood Homes – presented by Elizabeth Hodges – 1 LEU
Email the Genealogy Center at Genealogy [at] ACPL.info to request certificates for the sessions you attend during this month. Embrace all the wonderful family history moments of this season, beginning with participating fully in our Family History Month activities.
I close with an important recognition. After twenty-three years of dedicated service to The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library, our friend and colleague, Kay Spears, retired on Friday, September 29, 2023. She was behind so much of the good work the Genealogy Center has been able to accomplish. Her “Technology Tip of the Month” column in this ezine was a favorite of many. The column appearing in this “Genealogy Gems” is her last. We will be pausing that column as we re-group and look to fill her position in the Center. I know you all join me in wishing her much happiness as she embarks on a new and exciting journey.
***************************************
The Family Tree Scottish Genealogy Guide: A Review
by Logan Knight
***************************************
More than thirty million Americans claim Scottish or Scots-Irish ancestry. That number may well be higher due to confusion regarding “American” or “Scots-Irish” ethnicities. As many researchers know, people from different countries have widely different records and resources available to document their journeys. So, where does one turn to discover more about their Scottish ancestors?
Fortunately, there is help available. The “Family Tree Scottish Genealogy Guide” by Amanda Epperson (Cincinnati: Family Tree Books, 2018), GC 929 Ep73fa, is an excellent resource for experienced genealogists or for those just beginning to trace their ancestors across the pond. The book is exactly what it says it is: a helpful guide on how to trace your family tree to and through Scotland.
The book is broken down into distinct chapters that go step by step through the research process. The chapters focus on such topics as how to connect your tree, understanding Scottish history, using different types of records, and putting it all together, along with advanced strategies for when you get stuck.
Epperson should be commended for focusing on the mundane tasks of actual research. A chapter on deciphering Scottish handwriting may seem unimportant, but mastering the reading of original texts can mean the difference between establishing a family connection and running into a brick wall. Many are familiar with census records and birth certificates, but how many of us would think to look under dog tax registers for our ancestors? These fine details make this work stand out from a shorter online article.
It seems trite to furnish an overview of a guide, but a few helpful hints will help researchers make better use of this work. Pay particular attention to the online resource recommendations. The reality is most of us will probably not be making too many journeys across the Atlantic, so it behooves us to get what use we can from online resources.
Be sure to take a look also at the chapter titled “Putting It All Together.” This section offers tips on how to apply the various lessons to your own research. In some ways, it is the book’s most important part, since it demonstrates thoroughly how to apply these teachings to one’s own research. The author utilizes real examples from her research to walk the reader through some thorny issues. Epperson’s demonstrations on how to demolish brick walls through contextual clues and different tactics are worthwhile for any researcher.
In short, this volume is both an excellent guide on how to research your Scottish ancestors as well as a good source for general research advice.
***************************************
French Military Records
by Allison DePrey Singleton
***************************************
Those researchers whose ancestors immigrated to the U.S. in the twentieth century will need to find more modern genealogical sources for other countries. A notable online resource for aiding researchers with French ancestry associated with the military is Memoire des Hommes, Portail Culturel du Ministere des Armees: https://www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr/fr/.
This website represents an initiative to digitize and disseminate information from the archives of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. It includes a database of soldiers who perished in the First World War, recognized as "Morts Pour la France." Initially conceived as a virtual memorial, the website later incorporated digitized archives, expanding its content from this foundational database.
Presently, the website comprises five sections catering to researchers. The first section, "Conflits et operations" (Conflicts and Operations), is where "Morts Pour la France" now resides. This section has broadened its coverage beyond the First World War, encompassing information regarding the Second World War, the Indochina War, the Korean War, the Algerian War, other theaters of operations, war graves, and individuals who lost their lives in service to the nation.
The second section, "Territoires francais et expéditions" (French presence in the World), delves into the global impact of the French army. The third section, "Recrutement et parcours individuels" (Individual careers), allows researchers to reconstruct life trajectories leading to military enlistment. The fourth section, "Arts et sciences militaires" (Materials and equipment), explores the historical aspects of military materials, plans, equipment, techniques, and the administration of the military. Lastly, the fifth section, "Musees, Collections, Mecenat" (Museums and Collections), directs researchers to additional sources for comprehensive information on diverse military topics.
Here are some helpful tips for researching Memoire des Hommes, Portail Culturel du Ministere des Armees: The website offers an English version, but certain details are not available in it. For ease of translation, we recommend using Google Chrome to navigate the collection. The website automatically translates when accessed through this browser. Moreover, researchers should leverage FamilySearch’s Research Wiki to identify French genealogical terms essential for searching within the original documents: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/French_Genealogical_Word_List. Various online translation tools can also be employed to aid in comprehending the original records.
***************************************
Technology Tip of the Month: What’s That I Hear
by Kay Spears
***************************************
So, you’re working on an article or your family story or a novel longer than “War and Peace.” Is there something you might overlook? Maybe. It’s called Editing or Proofreading. What! You mean I’m going to have to actually read what I wrote? Yes, my dear, you are. Let us take a look at some of the things you can do to make things go a little smoother.
First of all, I am not going to talk too much on the difference between editing and proofreading. In my opinion they go hand-in-hand. There are all kinds of editing verbiage. There are copyediting, line editing, structural editing, etc. Then there is proofreading. Whichever terms you want to use, there are some basic things you need to remember when writing. Is what you’re writing about coherent? How is it structured? Is what you’re saying clear, and can you hear your voice? Those questions are what I would call editing. Proofreading, for me, is when I look for words that are misspelled, too many commas, run-on sentences, etc. For all of this, you need to remember that you need a clear mind when you reread your writing. The funny thing about our brain, especially when writing, is that it knows what you are trying to say. Because of this, when you read your own words, your brain will fill in the words, whether they are there or not. Hence, the clear mind.
Here are some tricks when editing and proofreading. 1. Take a break. Go for a walk. Get away from that written page. 2. Find someone else to read your work. This could be a professional, or a friend, or a group of people. And, try not to be offended when they give you their opinion. 3. Read it out loud. Don’t skip any words, and read slowly. 4. Edit first, then go back and proofread. Don’t try to do both things at the same time, since you’ll will only get distracted. 5. If there is something that doesn’t sound right, if the sentence sounds off, try to rewrite it. 6. Don’t rely on spell-check or grammar-check. Spell check only works if the word is spelled incorrectly. But, if you have written “to” instead of “too,” or “your” instead of “you’re,” spell check will not catch it. Grammar-check might help with run-on sentences, but not much else. 7. If you are using Microsoft Word, utilize their Speak/Read Aloud tool. Let me warn you about this tool. There is an irritating robot voice. Even though I find robot voices annoying, this little tool comes in handy. When I have used it, I have heard all kinds of problems, from misspelled words to sentence structure. Let’s take a look at this tool.
In the older versions, you can use the Speak Selected Text option. This option is located in Microsoft’s Customize Quick Access Toolbar>More Commands>All Commands>Speak. But later versions have made it easier to find. In the ribbon, go to the Review tab and find Read Aloud Speech. When you click on that, a little command box opens up, and you are able to Play your writing. There are also settings in this command box that allow you to change the speed of the narration and the narrator. Right now, there are 3 narrators: David, Mark, and Zira. Just so, you know, I was using Mark, but have switched to Zira. What can I say: a robot voice is a robot voice. Believe me, no matter how annoying I have found these voices, they have helped me immensely.
So, there you have it - a few tips on reading your own words. Remember, take a break, get away from it, and look at them with fresh eyes. And, have fun with the robot voices!
***************************************
PERSI Gems: On the Shelf, Believe It or Not!
by Adam Barrone and Mike Hudson
***************************************
We perused the 'shelf' of PERSI and encountered an intriguing bit of filler at the bottom of a page in the July 1993 issue of the Cleveland Family History Society Journal, published in England.
LADY COUGH'S ETIQUETTE (1863)
The perfect hostess will see to it that the works of male and female authors be properly separated on her bookshelves. Their proximity, unless the authors happen to be married, should not be tolerated.
To this suspicious researcher, the amusing quote demonstrating Victorian prudishness seemed altogether too absurd. A quick search of WorldCat revealed no such book of etiquette by Lady Cough nor one by Lady Gough. Where, then, did this quote originate?
The Faktoider blog, July 2015, likewise failed to find any such book of etiquette. Their investigation tracked the earliest appearance of this text to Robert Ripley's Believe It or Not column in the New York Times dated Feb. 17, 1929. A blog commenter, Chris Woodyard, dug further and found a joke, published in 1836 in London, possible source material for Ripley's bit of gender-segregated bookshelf etiquette: "The Elements of Conversation; or, Talking Made Easy." The New Monthly Magazine and Literary Journal, 1836, part 2, p. 199.
Somebody...told him the other evening that Madame de Genlis, in her better days, became so fastidious, that she would not permit the works of male and female authors to rest upon the same shelves in her book-cases. "I presume," said [he], "she did not want to increase her library."
When perusing library shelves, browsing online family trees, or searching the Periodical Source Index (PERSI), we encourage you to pause, consider plausibility, and verify sources before deciding whether you 'Believe It or Not!'
https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/
Books on your shelves, conservation tip
Oakville (Ont.) Historical Society Newsletter, May 1981
Charles Rohlfs artisan bio. note, hanging shelf artifact, 1853-1936
Western New York Heritage, Vol. 13, Issue 3 (Fal 2010)
Jack Wilker, Jr., photo of shelf fungi on Rose Island, note, 2013
Outdoor Indiana, Vol. 78, Issue 4 (Jul 2013)
J. J. Cole store painted, new shelves, Menominee Range, Aug 8, 1889
Dickinson Diggings, Vol. 39, Issue 4 (Nov 2020)
J. P. Jones has wren's nest in bookcase, Blackshear Times excerpt, Jul. 18, 1895
Armadillo Tracks (Brantley County Historical & Preservation Society, GA), Issue 4 (May 2013)
Leslie's lesson, genealogy gems on your bookshelves, Bibles as genealogical sources
Clinton Chronicle (Clinton Co. Genealogical Society, OH), Vol. 30, Issue 1 (Jan 2019)
Male and female authors separated on shelf unless married, Lady Cough's etiquette book excerpt, 1863
Cleveland (Eng.) Family History Society Journal, Vol. 5, Issue 7 (Jul 1993)
My summer on the shelf, South Side High School alumnus Bob Parker in the hospital, 1933, 1993
Archer Arrows (South Side High School Alumni Assn., Fort Wayne, IN), Oct 1993
Public bookcases in German cities, photos and note, 2013
Blumenbaum, Der (Sacramento German Genealogical Society, CA), Vol. 31, Issue 1 (Jul 2013)
What should be on your bookshelf?
Livingston County (MI) Genealogical Society Quarterly Newsletter, Vol. 8, Issue 4 (Spr 1994)
***************************************
History Tidbits: The Ghostly Afterlife of “Mad” Anthony Wayne
by Logan Knight
***************************************
Outside, the weather is turning crisp, the leaves are beginning to change color, and the days are getting shorter. When that happens, it seems inevitable that our thoughts begin to turn in a more eerie direction. In this part of the country, perhaps no figure dominates the landscape quite like “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Wayne’s life is well known, but what do you know about his death? Did you know that he was buried in not one but two graves?
Certainly, the character of “Mad” Anthony Wayne seems to be an odd choice for a ghostly afterlife. His actual life was dramatic enough. A towering figure of the American Revolution, Wayne was noted for his aggression upon the battlefield. When asked if he could take the fortress of Stony Point, New York, Wayne replied “Issue the order, and I’ll storm Hell!” The General was not called on to do that, but he did serve ably throughout the war. This was not the end of his service though. Wayne would command the Legion of the United States and defeat the Northwest Indian Confederacy, opening the modern American Midwest to settlement.
Shortly after his great victory at Fallen Timbers (1794), Wayne took ill. A lifetime of hard living had taken its toll on the man. He suffered from gout, a disease that sprouted up from too much alcohol and red meat. Wayne shuffled off this mortal coil on December 15, 1796 aged just fifty-one. He was buried underneath the floor, next to the flagpole, of a fort blockhouse in modern day Erie, Pennsylvania. That seemed to be the end of old “Mad” Anthony, yet that was not the case.
For thirteen years, his body rested underneath that fort. Such an ignominious grave seemed inappropriate for a prominent war hero. In 1809, his children, Isaac and Margaretta, decided to return his body home. Isaac journeyed to Fort Presque Isle and had his father’s body disinterred. The remains of “Mad Anthony” were uniquely well preserved for being underground for over a decade.
Isaac Wayne realized he could not transport his father’s body back home to stately Waynesborough Manor across the rugged paths that passed for roads at the time. He solved the problem in a distinctly grisly manner. He had “Mad” Anthony boiled in a large iron pot, separating the remaining tissue from the bones. The parts were then separated. Embalming had only just arrived and was not available. While this method seems gruesome to us today, this form of preservation was not uncommon, especially for bodies that were located far away from their eventual burying place. Onlookers made the scene more ghoulish by snipping off locks of the General’s hair. One particular witness grabbed a boot off of Wayne’s foot. He then had a companion boot made for the other foot and proceeded to wear them until they fell apart.
Isaac loaded up his father’s bones for the long journey across Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, it seems the casket carrying the precious load was not fully secure. Along the rough wagon roads, bumps and knocks were the order of the day. It seems that some bones were knocked out of the wagon on the long trip home.
They say that every January 1, Wayne’s birthday, you can see his ghost riding on horseback between Erie and Philadelphia, looking for his lost bones. His route supposedly traces U.S. Route 322 that runs southwest through the Keystone State. People have seen him going both east and west along the road which would make sense. After all, if he didn’t find his bones the first time, then another sweep makes sense.
When he is not riding the highways, Wayne’s bones today rest at Old Saint David’s Church Cemetery, just outside Philadelphia. The fleshy bits remained underneath what is now called the Wayne Blockhouse back in Erie, Pennsylvania. They still keep the iron boiling pot at the Hagen History Center, not too far from the blockhouse. So, if you happen to be out late, keep an eye out. Who knows what you might see? Happy Halloween!
***************************************
Genealogy Center’s October Programs--Family History Month!
***************************************
Join us for another month of free, virtual programs. Happy Family History Month!
October 3, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST “The Roots Beneath Your Feet - The Homestead Act of 1862” with Jonathan Fairchild - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187575
October 4, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST “Wednesdays with Witcher: Collecting the Stories of Our Lives: Tips for Recording Oral Histories and Life Stories” with Curt Witcher - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187614
October 4, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. EST, In-Person & Virtual, “The Pursuit of Freedom in a ‘Free’ State: The Emancipation Proclamation’s Significance to African Americans in Indiana” with Edna Greene Medford - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187655
October 5, 2023, 6:30 p.m. EST, “Using DNA Testing to Locate Ancestors Back in the Old Country” with Sara Allen - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187683
October 7, 2023, 10:00 a.m. EST to 12:00 p.m. EST - In-Person Cemetery Tour.
Cemeteries Are Not Just for Ghosts: Lindenwood Cemetery, Allison DePrey Singleton.
Lindenwood Cemetery, 2324 W. Main St., Fort Wayne. - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9192082
October 10, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST, “Exploring American History in British Newspapers” with Jen Baldwin - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187711
October 11, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST, “Wednesdays with Witcher: Collecting the Stories of Our Lives: Tips for Writing Our Families’ Stories” with Curt Witcher - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187730
October 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m. EST, “Medical Genealogy & Your Health” with Dr. Alfred Brothers, An ACGSI Program. Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y6RDC-ZGRu-s_qdFefXkjg#/registration
October 12, 2023, 6:30 p.m. EST, “Scaling the 1870 Brick Wall in African American Research” with Ari Wilkins - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187753
October 14, 2023, 10:00 a.m. EST - 2:00 p.m. EST, “The Legal Genealogist: A Three Program Virtual Showcase” with Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9188544
October 17, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST, “Tips in Deciphering Records in Foreign Languages” with Cynthia Theusch - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189110
October 18, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST, “Wednesdays with Witcher: Answering the “Where Do I Go From Here?” Question: Tips for Continuing Your Discoveries” with Curt Witcher - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9186311
October 19, 2023, 6:30 p.m. EST, "Navigating Fold3: Your Gateway to Researching Military Ancestors and Beyond" with Elizabeth Hodges - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189217
October 20, 2023 – The Genealogy Network of Texas daylong Virtual Program - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189181
October 21, 2023, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - In-Person Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour
From Deed to Discovery: A Walking Tour of Tracing the History of Williams-Woodland Park Neighborhood Homes with Elizabeth Hodges - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9192099
October 24, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST, “Black and White and Read All Over: Delving into African American Newspapers” with Allison Singleton - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9191811
October 25, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST, “Wednesdays with Witcher: What Do I Do With All My Stuff?!: Organizing to Preserve & Pass Down” with Curt Witcher - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189306
October 26, 2023, 6:30 p.m. EST, “History and Evolution of American Funeral Practices” with Todd Harra - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189264
October 27, 2023, 2:00 p.m. to 5;00 p.m.EST - Scanapalooza sponsored by Vivid-Pix. In-person program - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9186976
October 27, 2023, 6:00 p.m. EST, After Hours Extravaganza in the Genealogy Center - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9189387
October 29, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST, “No, You Don’t Really Have 7900 4th Cousins” and “DNA Reunion Project” with Jennifer Mendelsohn - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rfu-upjsiGdfILZ_5Gqk3P3xiPC8YMDVc?mc_cid=99066a3f69&mc_eid=120fa3b682#/registration or register from the Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society webpage: https://neindianajgs.org/
October 31, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EST, “Séances and Spirits: A Spooky Look at the 19th and Early 20th Century Spiritualist Movement” with Genealogy Center Staff - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/9187116
Please register in advance for these engaging programs.
***************************************
October Program Call-Outs
***************************************
+++Family History Month program lineup: https://acpl.lib.in.us/family-history-month
+++Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana+++
On October 11, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. EST, Dr. Alfred Brothers will present “Medical Genealogy & Your Health.” This ACGSI Program will help one discover the rich information available through medical genealogy research. Learn more about your families’ stories surrounding specific illnesses or medical conditions through medical genealogy resources. Dr. Alfred Brothers, Jr, is the Vice Chairperson of the African American Genealogy Society of Fort Wayne (AACSFW). He is a charter member of the AAGSFW and specializes in military genealogy. He is from Massachusetts and his research interests include New England, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, and Canada. Dr. Brothers is a Mid-West African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) instructor and leads the society with Research Tools & Tips. He is also a member of the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana. Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y6RDC-ZGRu-s_qdFefXkjg#/registration
+++Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society+++
On October 29, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST, Jennifer Mendelsohn will present two virtual programs: “No, You Don’t Really Have 7900 4th Cousins,” and her “DNA Reunion Project.”, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Prior to her work as a genealogist, Jennifer spent many years as a freelance journalist. She now specializes in helping Eastern European Jewish families reclaim their history following the Holocaust. Register through the Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society webpage: https://neindianajgs.org/ or with the following link. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rfu-upjsiGdfILZ_5Gqk3P3xiPC8YMDVc?mc_cid=99066a3f69&mc_eid=120fa3b682#/registration
***************************************
Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
***************************************
Do you want to know what we have planned? Are you interested in one of our events, but forget? We offer email updates for The Genealogy Center’s programming schedule. Don’t miss out! Sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/THcV0wAabB.
***************************************
Genealogy Center Social Media
***************************************
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenealogyCenter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genealogycenter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACPLGenealogy
Blog: http://www.genealogycenter.org/Community/Blog.aspx
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/askacpl
***************************************
Driving Directions to the Library
***************************************
Wondering how to get to the library? Our location is 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the block bordered on the south by Washington Boulevard, the west by Ewing Street, the north by Wayne Street, and the east by the Library Plaza, formerly Webster Street. We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Center.
To get directions from your exact location to 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=900%20Webster%20St&city=Fort%20Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802%2d3602&country=US&geodiff=1
>From the South
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 302. Drive east on Jefferson Boulevard into downtown. Turn left on Ewing Street. The Library is one block north, at Ewing Street and Washington Boulevard.
Using US 27:
US 27 turns into Lafayette Street. Drive north into downtown. Turn left at Washington Boulevard and go five blocks. The Library will be on the right.
>From the North
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 312. Drive south on Coldwater Road, which merges into Clinton Street. Continue south on Clinton to Washington Boulevard. Turn right on Washington and go three blocks. The Library will be on the right.
>From the West
Using US 30:
Drive into town on US 30. US 30 turns into Goshen Ave. which dead-ends at West State Blvd. Make an angled left turn onto West State Blvd. Turn right on Wells Street. Go south on Wells to Wayne Street. Turn left on Wayne Street. The Library will be in the second block on the right.
Using US 24:
After crossing under Interstate 69, follow the same directions as from the South.
>From the East
Follow US 30/then 930 into and through New Haven, under an overpass into downtown Fort Wayne. You will be on Washington Blvd. when you get into downtown. Library Plaza will be on the right.
***************************************
Parking at the Library
***************************************
At the Library, underground parking can be accessed from Wayne Street. Other library parking lots are at Washington and Webster, and Wayne and Webster. Hourly parking is $1 per hour with a $7 maximum. ACPL library card holders may use their cards to validate the parking ticket at the west end of the Great Hall of the Library. Out of county residents may purchase a subscription card with proof of identification and residence. The current fee for an Individual Subscription Card is $85.
Public lots are located at the corner of Ewing and Wayne Streets ($1 each for the first two half-hours, $1 per hour after, with a $4 per day maximum) and the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Harrison Street ($3 per day).
Street (metered) parking on Ewing and Wayne Streets. On the street you plug the meters 8am – 5pm, weekdays only. The meters take credit cards and charge at a rate of $1/hour. Street parking is free after 5 p.m. and on the weekends.
Visitor center/Grand Wayne Center garage at Washington and Clinton Streets. This is the Hilton Hotel parking lot that also serves as a day parking garage. For hourly parking, 7am – 11 pm, charges are .50 for the first 45 minutes, then $1.00 per hour. There is a flat $2.00 fee between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
***************************************
Genealogy Center Queries
***************************************
The Genealogy Center hopes you find this newsletter interesting. Thank you for subscribing. We cannot, however, answer personal research emails written to the e-zine address. The department houses a Research Center that makes photocopies and conducts research for a fee.
If you have a general question about our collection, or are interested in the Research Center, please telephone the library and speak to a librarian who will be glad to answer your general questions or send you a research center form. Our telephone number is 260-421-1225. If you’d like to email a general information question about the department, please email: Genealogy [at] ACPL.Info.
***************************************
Publishing Note
***************************************
This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center, and is intended to enlighten readers about genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast resources of the Allen County Public Library. We welcome the wide distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to their friends and societies. All precautions have been made to avoid errors. However, the publisher does not assume any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, no matter the cause.
To subscribe to “Genealogy Gems,” simply use your browser to go to the website: www.GenealogyCenter.org. Scroll to the bottom, click on E-zine, and fill out the form. You will be notified with a confirmation email.
If you do not want to receive this e-zine, please follow the link at the very bottom of the issue of Genealogy Gems you just received or send an email to kspears [at] acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in the subject line.
Curt B. Witcher and John D. Beatty, CG, co-editors
- (no other messages in thread)
Results generated by Tiger Technologies Web hosting using MHonArc.