This Time I Knew Nothing About What Was Requested and Somebody Appreciated What I Sent

The above stone is for my ancestor, Manasseh Cutler

Born:  May 13, 1742, Killingly, Windham Co., Connecticut

Died:  July 28, 1823, Hamilton, Essex Co., MA

Rev. Cutler was the pastor of Hamilton Congregational Church (shown in the distance) for 52 years.

When I received a request from a FindAGrave reader about an ancestor of mine, I doubted I could offer any help, because I knew nothing about what she was talking about. After a few days of corresponding, I received this message, "Thank you so much for the detailed, rich, and highly informative information. Your meticulous work in documenting the life and accomplishments of Dr. Manasseh Cutler is commendable and I will make sure to go over the material in detail."

I've come to enjoy sharing pieces of correspondence in my blogs. Naturally, I'm more interested in what they write to me, but I always hope they understand what this non-writer has to say to them.

Whenever I get a request from FindAGrave, Ancestry, or 23andMe I always ask them to copy their message and send it to my email address. The reason I'm sharing this particular post is because there is a lot of information I've never shared about my ancestor Manasseh Cutler, my fourth great grandfather.

So, her message came to me on 29 May 2021.

RE:  Manasseh Cutler

Dear Barbara ... I am a faculty member at Fordham University in New York doing research on a family of missionaries who originated in Ohio and related to Manasseh Cutler. Many of the family members served in Persia in the late 1800s up until the start of WWI, and I have profiled one of them in a book about to be released (more info on the book at Urumia.com). Would be happy to speak with you on this research and also get some of your perspectives as you had indicated in your posting you are related. Note: I knew nothing about what was underlined above.

Regards,

H

(So, I kind of freaked out, because what do I have to offer this highly intelligent person.)

Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of what I sent to her, because it's a "Reply" on FindAGrave, and I can't retrieve it. However, I know I did ask her to copy her initial message and send it to my email.

Hi Barbara ... thank you for your follow-up on the message I had sent you via Find A Grave on Manasseh Cutler.  Please feel free to reply by email using my ___fordham.edu email address.  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards,

H

-----

Jun 1, 2021

Hi H,

I'll share some blogs I've written and two current photos. If you can use anything, I'd love to know. Since I am far from being a scholar, my interest is in genealogy, I'm posting quite a few links to my blog. The information is all in my notes section for Manasseh in the software program I use. Manasseh Cutler is my 4th great-grandfather.

https://lifefromtheroots.blogspot.com/2010/01/dr-manasseh-cutler-minister-doctor.html

https://lifefromtheroots.blogspot.com/2015/05/hamilton-cemetery-and-manasseh-cutler.html

https://lifefromtheroots.blogspot.com/2017/11/on-learning-to-see-and-i-have-david.html

https://lifefromtheroots.blogspot.com/2018/01/boston-athenaeum-what-was-in-it-for-me.html (the athenaeum might be a good place to check out for more information. Seems my 2nd great-grandfather wrote about him.)

The below is a jumbled mess of notes of mine. Some information is a repeat in a blog.

"Transcribed and photograph by Barbara Poole

His tombstone:

Rev. Manasseh  Cutler L.L.D.

He died July 28, 1823,

in the 81st year of his age.

He was beloved for his domestic and

social virtues.  His talents were of a

high order.  He was eminent for his

Botanical, Medical, Political and

Theological knowledge.  He was a

member of literary and scientific

societies in both Europe & America.

After a useful ministry of 52 years

in this place, he expired with a firm

and peaceful reliance on his Redeemer.

"They that trust in the Lord shall be

as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed

but abideth forever."

https://www.jstor.org/stable/2452972?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents

The North American Review (google book)

Boston: James R. Osgood and Company, January 1876

pg. 261+

https://books.google.com/books?id=W4IFAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA261&lpg=PA261&dq=%22temple+cutler%22&source=bl&ots=sFNw4ISv1v&sig=tZ67A3X1zfsKaCmDViEvabLLFlQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CEQQ6AEwCzgKahUKEwji4KiQ7djGAhVIej4KHe3OB-s#v=onepage&q=%22temple%20cutler%22&f=false

-----

From Wikipedia

Manasseh Cutler

Manasseh Cutler (May 13, 1742 – July 28, 1823) was an American clergyman involved in the American Revolutionary War. Cutler was also a member of the United States House of Representatives and a founder of Ohio University.

Cutler was born in Killingly, Connecticut. In 1765, he graduated from Yale College and after being a school teacher and a merchant – and occasionally appearing in court as a lawyer – he decided to enter the ministry. From 1771 until his death, he was pastor of the Congregational church in what was the parish of Ipswich, Massachusetts until 1793, now Hamilton.

For a few months in 1776, he was chaplain to the 11th Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Colonel Ebenezer Francis, raised for the defense of Boston. In 1778, he became chaplain to General Jonathan Titcomb's brigade and took part in General John Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island. Soon after his return from this expedition, he trained in medicine to supplement the scanty income of a minister. In 1782, he established a private boarding school, directing it for nearly a quarter of a century.

In 1786, Cutler became interested in the settlement of western lands by American pioneers to the Northwest Territory. The following year, as agent of the Ohio Company of Associates that he had been involved in creating, he organized a contract with Congress whereby his associates (former soldiers of the Revolutionary War) might purchase one and a half million acres (6,000 km²) of land at the mouth of the Muskingum River with their Certificate of Indebtedness. Cutler also took a leading part in drafting the famous Ordinance of 1787 for the government of the Northwest Territory, which was finally presented to Congress by Massachusetts delegate Nathan Dane. In order to smooth passage of the Northwest Ordinance, Cutler bribed key congressmen by making them partners in his land company. By changing the office of provisional governor from an elected to an appointed position, Cutler was able to offer the position to the president of Congress, Arthur St. Clair.[1] From 1801 to 1805, Cutler was a Federalist representative in Congress. He died in 1823 at Hamilton, Massachusetts.

Cutler was one of the early members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Besides being proficient in the theology, law and medicine of his day, he conducted painstaking astronomical and meteorological investigations and was one of the first Americans to conduct significant botanical research. He is considered a founder of Ohio University and the National Historic Landmark Cutler Hall on that campus is named in his honor. He received the degree of Doctor of Laws from Yale University in 1789.

-----

From:  Essex Institute Historical Collections,  (Salem, MA: 1859+).  Vol. XC (April 1954) No. 2.  Pgs. 111-122.  "Reverend Manasseh Cutler, LL.D., 1742-1825  His Career as a Botanist" by Mrs. William Darrach and Mrs. Ernest G. Vietor.

Page 112.  Cutler kept a journal, a daily record of his personal affairs, from 1765 to the year of his death in 1823.  Nine years only of this journal are missing.  It may have been lost in 1812 when a fire in his study destroyed many of his valuable papers.

Page 113.  Cutler felt that the wild plants of the New England states were too little known and believed that much could be learned from the Indians about the medicinal value of these plants.  His later research along these lines resulted in an article in the first volume of the Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.  In this same volume appear two other articles of his, one on meteorology and another on astronomy.

Page 115.  One is puzzled how it was possible for him to keep so many glittering balls in the air at one and the same time, theology, the law, medicine, astronomy, meteorology, a chaplain in the War for Independence, pastor of a Congregational church, headmaster of a private boarding school, a representative to Congress and last but not least, his contributions to botanical research.  His versatility and what he accomplished during his eighty-one years are nothing short of amazing.

Page 116.  The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was incorporated on May 4, 1780.  At its first meeting in the Philosophy Chambers in the University of Cambridge, Dr. Cutler was elected a Fellow.  He faithfully attended the meetings which alternated between Boston and Cambridge.

July 3, 1780.  Visited the sick.  Saw Saturn's rings through my glass.'  One cannot help wondering whether his scientific instruments, constant traveling by chaise or on horseback, and the many specimen plants he purchased for his garden and herbarium may not have been one reason why it was difficult to provide for his family.  Eventually, he had eight children whom he scarcely mentions in his diary.

Page 117.  In 1782, Dr. Cutler established a private boarding school which he conducted for about a quarter of a century.

Page 118.  Throughout his life, he was close to the most cultured and conspicuous men of his day, men who shared his intense interest in science, religion, and politics, and he corresponded with scientists and statesmen both in the United States and abroad.

Page 120.  Cutler continued on to Philadelphia where he was graciously received and dine and wined.  He took tea with Benjamin Franklin.

Meanwhile, he presented his plans for the settling of Ohio, and, thanks to his powers of persuasion, his sagacity, and great ability, the act was unanimously passed.

Page 121.  He was given an LL.D. degree at Yale in 1789, doubtless in recognition of his service to his country as well as for his scientific attainment.

Serving as a legislator from 1801 to 1805, he boarded with friends in Washington.  He describes frequent trips to Mount Vernon to call upon Mrs. Washington who had become a disconsolate widow.  The years in Washington were busy ones, but he found time to carry on his botanical interests and to keep in close touch with the distinguished scientists and famous men of the day.

Page 122.  He died in his eight-second year having been a botanist, lawyer, parson, doctor, school teacher, merchant, chaplain in the Army, and a legislator!

-----

From: Mary K. Haynes   redhawk60@netzero.com  (Manasseh Cutler is her 10th g grandfather)

The book is American Guide Series MASSACHUSETTS  A guide to its Places and People  Written and compiled by the Federal Writers' Project of the Works Progress Administration for Massachusetts

Frederic W. Cook, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Cooperating Sponsor

Houghton  Mifflin  Company   -  Boston

The Riverside Press Cambridge

Copyright,  1937

Page 419

"The First Congregational Church, with a congregation formed in 1714, has a square tower surmounted by a steeple, and two Ionic columns at its entrance.

Beside the church is the Covered Wagon House (private), from which in December 1787, departed the first covered wagon to leave Massachusetts for the Northwest Territory.  The Rev. Manasseh Cutler (1742-1823), Yale graduate and Hamilton's second pastor, was the moving force in this emigration.  He was sent to Congress to secure land for the Ohio Company, of which he was one of the founders."

http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=10908

http://www.salemnews.com/news/local_news/makeover-on-tap-at-hamilton-park/article_9c65c10a-a02f-5e65-9729-2ac14f7da60a.html

-----

From" Paul ___.com> 7/20/2016

"Hello Barbara!

My name is Paul ___.  I am doing some personal historical research on Dr. Manasseh Cutler, but not related to my own genealogies.  I was absolutely thrilled to discover your blog and to learn that you are a direct descendant of this great man.  I am hoping that you may be able to direct me to some source material on his business dealings in The Ohio Companies and how that relationship pertains to Dr. Cutler's involvement in the finalization of the Northwest Territorial Ordinance.

I was also amazed to learn about Dr. Cutler's efforts to help the Confederate Congress of 1787 resolve their issues and get that legislation finalized in just a few days when it had been debated the issues unsuccessfully for more than 4 years prior.  I'm wondering if you have any personal knowledge of that situation and if you can direct me to any specific sources of documentation.  Of great interest to me is the fact that he also went down to Philadelphia and met with several of the delegates to the ongoing Constitutional Convention of 1787 which was also in the process of finalizing the Constitution of September 1787 that is in effect today.  Most notably, as I'm sure already know, Dr. Cutler personally met with Dr. Benjamin Franklin and several other delegates to the Constitutional Convention shortly after his departure from New York City.

One thing I could not quite discern from Dr. Cutler's personal journal were the "letters of recommendation" he was delivering from Massachusetts Governor Bowdoin.  Do you have any knowledge of these?  I would love to obtain a copy of one of those letters if they are still in existence.  All quite amazing and interesting.  I'm guessing these had something to do with his Ohio Companies business mission, but I'm completely in the dark about it.

Anyway, I am hoping you can help me in my studies of these events and help me to document as much as possible.

I trust this message finds you in good health and in good spirits.   Looking forward to speaking with you at your earliest convenience.  :)"

-----

The Manasseh Cutler Collection

Comprising some ten thousand items

Letters, Diaries, Journals, etc.

1762 - 1820

Charles G. Dawes"

-----

Hi Barbara,

Thank you so much for the detailed, rich, and highly informative information. Your meticulous work in documenting the life and accomplishments of Dr. Manasseh Cutler is commendable and I will make sure to go over the material in detail.  I just finished a book on some of the other descendants of Dr. Cutler, including members of the Shedd family originally from Massachusetts and /New Hampshire, some of whom later moved to Ohio.  They were related to Dr. Cutler through the Dawes family and served as Presbyterian missionaries in Persia between the 1860s and the start of WWI. My book is titled The Americans of Urumia and I would be happy to mail you a copy if you like. 

Best Regards,

H

-----

Thu, Jun 3, 2021

Hi H,

Thank you for such nice words. As a matter of fact, If it's okay with you, I'd like to use your paragraph words in a blog. It was a very nice compliment.

I think showing others what I sent to you might be of interest.

I won't use your last name or where you work. So, may I?

Thank you.

Barbara

-----

Jun 3, 2021

Hi Barbara ... yes, please feel free to use my words in your blog.

Best Regards,

H

The Patriot and the Sculpturer, Both are Well-known. One Didn't Come Back

Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial

During the fall, I took a detour from my own research of ancestors to that of finding out about some important people I've learned about through my New England travels. Three individuals were highlighted in a museum or a National Historic site. The first of these was Augustus Saint-Gaudens, of whom I blogged about his fabulous summer home and studio in New Hampshire. Because of his sculpture of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial also known as the Shaw Memorial (see left and below) in Boston, a piece of work that I had seen, now suddenly interested me enough to learn about Robert Gould Shaw (the officer on the horse). The trail of Mr. Shaw took me from New Hampshire to several places in Massachusetts, a nice hands-on method of learning.

I soon learned the history of the 54th, through reading and getting out the movie, "Glory" to watch. Eventually, I discovered that "When Shaw was five the family moved to a large estate in West Roxbury, adjacent to Brook Farm." That in its self was enough to excite me, because two months prior I wrote about my 2nd great-grandfather surveying Brook Farm. I wonder if my ancestor ever saw young Robert Gould Shaw.

Apart from his young life, I was curious as to where Robert Gould Shaw was buried. A discovery thanks to Find A Grave led me to Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts brought a huge smile and I knew within a few days, I would find his tombstone. Photos are below. 

The names of his parents, wife, and other family members are engraved on the back of the stone.

On the grounds of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' property is a near replica of his memorial in Boston.

While preparing this post, I realized I didn't have a photo of the original, in Boston. I have been by it many times, but there were always too many buses and tourists around. So on a very cold December day, my husband and I went to the city just so I could take the above picture. It was quite overcast, and this is definitely not my best shot. I'll try for another one, maybe when the trees are green.

The above photo of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial may be seen out this window. Behind it is the Boston Common. This was taken from inside the State House. No, I couldn't believe my luck when I looked out the window.

Links to Robert Gould Shaw's life and the Massachusetts 54th Regiment are below.

Thanks to Pam Seavey Schaffner for posting on Facebook a video done by the American History channel called American Artifacts Preview: Shaw Memorial.
.

http://www.masshist.org/online/54thregiment/essay.php?entry_id=528

http://www.nps.gov/boaf/historyculture/shaw.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Gould_Shaw_Memorial

http://www.massmoments.org/moment.cfm?mid=157

Lucy Larcom -- A Mill Girl, A Writer, a Lovely Park in Lowell, Massachusetts

Lucy Larcom was typical of many young mill girls who worked in one of the many mills in New England. She was born in Beverly, Massachusetts and in 1830 she and her mother moved to Lowell. In 1835 when she turned 11 she began working in a mill. Many of the girls arrived here alone, some from the countryside in neighboring towns or from further away, like Maine. Some stayed until they had saved enough money, got homesick, tired of the work or helped their parents through their hardship. Lucy worked in Lowell until age 22, then moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and several other places. Years later she became an English literature teacher at Wheaton College. She never married, died in Boston (see death register below) and is buried in Beverly, Massachusetts (see photo below).

The school children who visit Lowell, all learn about her and other mill girls, and there is quite about her life in the Mill Girls exhibit (maintained by the National Park Service).

Above and below is the Lucy Larcom Park in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Lucy lived in a Boarding House like this one in Lowell. There is a period exhibit of what various rooms looked like during that time. This is free, open year round and maintained by the National Park Service.

Short bio of Lucy Larcom displayed in one of the above rooms.

Lucy died in Boston on April 17, 1893 at the Hotel Hoffman. I found her on the death register, last entry above, she was 69. See A New England Girlhood by Lucy Larcom and this site by the National Park Service.

Central Cemetery

Grass Avenue

Beverly, Massachusetts

The entry for her on FindAGrave is quite impressive. See HERE.

Do You Know?

As of May 31, 2013, there are now 100 Million grave records on FindAGrave. Their announcement is as follows:

Find A Grave passes the 100 MILLION mark!
And we're growing faster than ever!
Last month, Find A Grave contributors added
2 million new memorials and 1.8 million new photos!
Go, Team Find A Grave, Go! 
Now, on to the next 100 million... 
[Click to visit the 100 millionth memorial]

How long does it take Find A Grave to add a million grave records into their site?

By my calculation it is now taking just a little over 3 weeks. I base this on my visual viewing of their site, since I am on it almost every day. The weeks between December 7 and January 1 took a little bit longer to reach the million mark, due to holiday activities. I say by August 15th they will hit the 100,000,000 mark. What do you think? (I now think June 5th. (Date picked on April 26th))

In November, I wrote, Have You Looked Lately? a short piece about FindAGrave. For each new figure, I updated my blog to reflect the stats.

** While I was working with Find A Grave today, December 7, 2012, the total went to 91 million  grave records.

** The total is now 92 million grave records as of January 1, 2013!

** The total is now 93 million grave records as of January 22, 2013!

** The total is now 94 million grave records as of February 13, 2013!

** The total is now 95 million grave records as of March 4, 2013!

** The total is now 96 million grave records as of March 24, 2013!

** The total is now 97 million grave records as of April 11, 2013!

** The total is now 98 million grave records as of April 26, 2013!

** The total is now 99 million grave records as of May 14, 2013!

Do You Know?

How long does it take FindAGrave to add a million grave records into their site?

By my calculation it is now taking just a little over 3 weeks. I base this on my visual viewing of their site, since I am on it almost every day. The weeks between December 7 and January 1 took a little bit longer to reach the million mark, due to holiday activities. I say by August 15th they will hit the 100,000,000 mark. What do you think? (I now think June 5th.)

In November, I wrote, Have You Looked Lately? a short piece about FindAGrave. For each new figure, I updated my blog to reflect the stats.

** While I was working with FindAGrave today, December 7, 2012, the total went to 91 million  grave records.

** The total is now 92 million grave records as of January 1, 2013!

** The total is now 93 million grave records as of January 22, 2013!

** The total is now 94 million grave records as of February 13, 2013!

** The total is now 95 million grave records as of March 4, 2013!

** The total is now 96 million grave records as of March 24, 2013!

** The total is now 97 million grave records as of April 11, 2013!

** The total is now 98 million grave records as of April 26, 2013!

Do You Know?

How long does it take FindAGrave to add a million grave records into their site?

By my calculation it is now taking just a little over 3 weeks. I base this on my visual viewing of their site, since I am on it almost every day. The weeks between December 7 and January 1 took a little bit longer to reach the million mark, due to holiday activities. I say by August 15th they will hit the 100,000,000 mark. What do you think?

In November, I wrote, Have You Looked Lately? a short piece about FindAGrave. For each new figure, I updated my blog to reflect the stats.

** While I was working with FindAGrave today, December 7, 2012, the total went to 91 million  grave records.

** The total is now 92 million grave records as of January 1, 2013!

** The total is now 93 million grave records as of January 22, 2013!

** The total is now 94 million grave records as of February 13, 2013!

** The total is now 95 million grave records as of March 4, 2013!

** The total is now 96 million grave records as of March 24, 2013!

Have you looked lately?

We have all heard of Find A Grave, and most of us have used it. Many of us have taken photos and entered them into that site. And because of our efforts, there are now 90 million grave records online, all searchable for FREE. I noticed this yesterday, and since I use that site every few days, it must have just turned 90. **

From the Find A Grave site:

Find the graves of ancestors, create virtual memorials, add 'virtual flowers' and a note to a loved one's grave, etc.

• Search 90 million grave records

• Search for a cemetery

• Add burial records

• View recently added names

• Stroll through our online cemetery

• Join the Find A Grave Community

• Top 50 Contributors

• Link To Find A Grave

• Surname index

The majority of my searches are positive finds, but the one below has me a bit confused with the three entries for the same person, in two different towns and different cemeteries. Since they aren't far from me, I hope to make a winter visit to find the correct one. My post for tomorrow is on this Edmund Goodenow's family. He was my 9th great-granduncle.

Goodenow, Capt Edmund 29452588 b. 1610 d. Apr. 5, 1688	North Cemetery Wayland Middlesex County Massachusetts, USA
Goodenow, Capt Edmund 87227301 b. 1611 d. Apr. 5, 1688	North Cemetery Wayland Middlesex County Massachusetts, USA
Goodenow, Capt Edmund 88975925 b. Apr. 11, 1611 d. Apr. 5, 1688	New Town Cemetery Sudbury Middlesex County Massachusetts, USA

Follow-up. Midge Frazel told me they were buried at the North Cemetery in Wayland.

** While I was working with FindAGrave today, December 7, 2012, the total went to 91 million  grave records.

** The total is now 92 million grave records as of January 1, 2013!

** The total is now 93 million grave records as of January 22, 2013!

** The total is now 94 million grave records as of February 13, 2013!

Tombstone Tuesday -- Cutler of Killingly Now Putnam, Connecticut

This past weekend I went on another cemetery hunt, this being my 4th trip to Connecticut this summer. The timing was the worst as far as photographing the stone. As with all my other visits, I knew exactly which cemetery this person was in. But I didn't know the sun would be casting a huge shadow on the stone. My heart sank of course. Luckly, there is a great photo in FindAGrave and Jack Shackles who took the better picture gave me permission to post (see below). 

Aspinwall Cemetery

Putnam, Windham Co., Connecticut

Hezekiah Cutler

Born: Abt 20 Apr 1707, Lexington, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts

Died: 4 Oct 1792, Killingly, Windham Co., Connecticut

His Wife

Susanna Clark

Born: Abt 1712, Haverhill, Essex Co., Massachusetts

Died: April 4, 1775, Killingly, Windham Co., Connecticut

They were my 5th great-grandparents.

Note: They were the parents of the well-known Manasseh Cutler

See: Dr. Manasseh Cutler - A minister, doctor, statesman, botanist and ancestor

  

The Boy Scouts made the sign and diagram of the cemetery plots (no names were given).

Photo taken by Jack Shackles, used with permission.

Thankful Thursday -- A Step-grandmother Connection

In the photo above, Edna is on the left. Along with my parents, siblings and my grandfather. Earle Bishop. I took the picture.

When you least expect to get a lead, somebody leaves a message for you on FindAGrave. Mine came from Claudia, who wrote the following: "When I 'googled' Earle Bishop, I saw your flowers on his memorial. Mr. Bishop married my 1st cousin 2x removed, Edna May Smart.

Edna's parents were Joseph and Ellen (O'Reilly) Smart. Joseph's sister was my great-grandmother, Edith Emily Smart. Their parents were Joseph and Emily (Ford) Smart.

I wonder if you have any information on the Smart family? And if so, could we collaborate on "Smart" information? If you don't, would you be able to steer me in the right direction? This side of my mother's family is a mystery to me and have been finding it difficult to find anyone who still has information on the family."

I was delighted, since Edna was my step-grandmother, the only grandmother I ever knew, so I wrote Claudia back with some information.

Her reply, "Sorry, I guess your grandfather marrying Edna May Smart didn't sit well with you?  Was she a nice person? Can you tell me the story or anything about her because I don't know anything about the "Smart" side ... whatever you can tell me will shed some light on things.  Also, if you have pictures of your Grandparents as well as Edna or others, and can send them to me, I would love to put them on their pages in my tree.  I would love to hear about your grandmother Sarah, too!!  

The only info I have on Edna is that in 1930, according to the census records, she was working as an office clerk in a bank and living at 162 Weldon Road, Berlin, CT; then sometime after 1930 she was married to a George Simmone and they had 1 child, a son they named George Simmone, Jr.   But don't have any info on the husband and don't know if he died or if they divorced ... but then she married your Grandfather on July 25, 1953.  I was only 3 yrs old at that time.  She also had a brother Howard Frederick Smart.  I have that she died on July 5, 1992, either CT or FL ... but don't know where she is buried.

My 85 yr old cousin, Shirley Baker, who lives in Stamford, CT had written to me one time that Edna's son's name was George J. Simmone. I scour the internet for information ... some days I get lucky, other days I don't.  That's how I found Mr. Bishop's obit.

Well, it was very nice to hear back from you, Barbara ... thank you for responding.  I would love to hear more about my 1st cousin, 2x removed, Edna May (Smart) Bishop."

Claudia and I have since shared information on the phone, I only wish she was related to me, because we had so much fun chatting. She filled me in on Edna's family, and I did for her. There are things we don't know, such as where she was buried, and what happened to her son, but we are hoping clues will come soon.

Why am I posting all of this? Well, I am hoping there are other family members who will google any of the above names, just like we all do.  I would like to help Claudia out, because I absolutely loved her cousin, Edna.

Edna deserves very much to be in my genealogy, and I am happy to have her genealogy. She became my step-grandmother when I was about 10. She was the sweetest person, always showed an interest in what I was doing, and insisted I go with them to NYC for a week, one summer, as they had an apartment there, Monday thru Friday. I saw everything a tourist would see, as well as a show at Radio City Music Hall. Through the years, it was she who always sent all the grandchildren a birthday card with money, and a personal note. She wrote lovely letters, and I still have one or two. I also liked that she introduced me to candy at age 11! My grandfather was so happy and they shared a great love of music and travel, in that they traveled the world several times, and lived part-time either in London or Florida. What a great step-grandmother, I was lucky to have Edna in my life for 30 years.


The conclusion was written the following week and may be seen here.

Hint for Taking Cemetery Photos

If you see a stone on Find-A-Grave and want to locate it in a cemetery, print a copy to take with you. If you are lucky, the photographer took both a close-up and one from about 10 feet away. A wide shot gives you more of an idea where she or he found it in that cemetery. With your printed copy, you can see what the shape of the stone is, don't rely on your memory, if you are looking for a lot of them.


Be sure to check and see if the FindAGrave site has additional photos not shown on the home page, which has a limit of three. My second photo clearly gives you an idea of where this stone is.

Solomon Glezen (also spelled Gleason)

Born:  March 14, 1734, Worcester, Worcester Co., Massachusetts

Died:  August 10, 1810, Lenox, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts

and his wife

Lydia Whittelsey

Born:  September 10, 1739, Wethersfield, Hartford Co., Massachusetts

Died: September 6, 1810, Lenox, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts

They are my 5th great-grandparents.

They died within a month of each other and are buried, along with their son, Amasa Glezen, who died in 1808.

Church on the Hill Cemetery

Lenox, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts

Follow Friday -- Keeping up with FindAGrave Errors

The other day I received an email from a 5th cousin stating that I spelled the name of a cemetery wrong, I had Piegeon Hill instead of Pigeon.  Upon closer inspection, I saw that it indeed was listed as Piegeon.  Horrors, but I didn't spell it that way. The person who initiated the site in Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada spelled it wrong. There was no contact name, or email, so I wrote to http://www.findagrave.com/ and explained the situation.


Then hours later, I received a wonderful email, in which the person wrote, "Hello Barbara, I'm so happy that I found your link while I viewing the Cross family at Piegeon Hill Cemetery." Both of the emails came within a 24-hour period. One error travels fast!


I never heard back from the people at FindAGrave, but did check back on the Pigeon Hill Cemetery site and saw that it was corrected.


Several hours later, while working on a completely different cemetery, I discovered that the same Horace Adams is listed in two cemeteries in Batavia, Genesee Co., New York.  I wrote the administrator, but haven't heard anything yet (perhaps on vacation).


These errors are minor, they probably only affect me.  But, I do want things to be correct.  FindAGrave is a fabulous organization, no question about that. Just think 48 million records for free, and most with photos.  I am not complaining, just following them.