Note: This is re-posted from December 25, 2011.
Pages
The Life From The Roots blog topics have changed several times since I began this blog in 2009. I initially wrote only about the family history I had been working on for 20 years. Years later, I was into visiting gardens, historical homes, churches, libraries that had genealogical collections, historical societies, war memorials, and travel/tourism places. I also enjoy posting autographs and photos of famous people I've met or have seen.
Along with my New England roots, other areas include New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada.
Please check out the labels on the right side for topics (please note, they need work). Below the labels and pageviews is a listing of my top nine posts, according to Google. Four of them pertain to Lowell, MA. These posts change often because they are based on what people are reading.
Monday, December 24, 2012
They Married on Christmas Day
My great-grandparents, Everett R. Bishop and Mira J. Kilborn, were married on December 25, 1888. The Marriage License below, was one of the first official documents I obtained become a DAR member.

Note: This is re-posted from December 25, 2011.
Note: This is re-posted from December 25, 2011.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
The Delight of Christmas Lights
The Cape Neddick ("Nubble") Light located in York, Maine. These photos were taken on December 21, 2012. There is a live webcam.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Bedford, Massachusetts World War I Memorial
Note: New photos will be taken of monument, and name of church will be posted soon. The church is not next to the monument. It was taken because of the design I love.
In Memory of
The Men of Bedford
Who Gave Their Lives in the World War
And in Appreciation of All Those Who Served
To the Credit of Their Town, State and Country.
*Alexander Robert Anthony *Hugh I. Hunt * William Walter Hamilton
Lionel Reginald Anthony
Vernon Richard Anthony
Abigail Bacon
Albert Bierenbroodspot
Andrew Cornelius Bierenbroodspot
Howard Drown Brawn
Charles Elmer Brock
Charles Elmer Brock
Thomas Butler
Roland H. Brown
Franklin Harwood Canlett
Arthur Everett Carson
Hermann Emil Christiansen
William James Crier
Frank Bellows Davis
Howard F. Davis
Clifford Louis Day, Jr.William J. Durkin
Michael Lawrence English
John Stephen Fanning
Basil Edward Fletcher
Milton Currant Ford
Benjamin Charles Freeman
Nicholas Genetti
Edward Loren Goulding
Arthur Holden Hayden
Gunnar Hemmingson
Edward Amos Hunnewell
William James Hunt
Henry Clare Isnor
William Jackson
David Theodore Keay
Francis Joseph Kelley
Henrick Hans Johan Larsen
Hubert H. Loomis
Ralph Loomis
Samuel Loomis
William F. Loomis
Francis Colin MacDonald
Walter Francis Manning
Johanna Elizabeth McMahan
Martin Francis McMahan
Philip Edward McMahan
Edward Joseph O'Dowd
Philip Stephen O'Dowd
Frederic Parker, Sr.
Henry McBurney Parker
John Stanley Parker
W. A. Parker
George Henry Peterson
J. H. Philbin
Fred A. Proctor
Paul Rhoderick Raymond
John Harold Riese
Nicholo Silverston
Peter Snyer
Frederick H. Sullivan
Nicholo Silverstone
Peter Snyer
Stephen Tackney
James J. Walsh
Rev. Arthur Stanley Wheelock
William Albert Wilkins
Harold Edward Willson
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Justin Bieber, Trash Pickup, Lost Portrait, Louisa May Alcott and Ducklings
The first sign that yesterday was going to be a little different was, I got tangled up in the crown of people rushing to get in line to buy Justin Bieber tickets to his concert, to be held at the TD BankNorth garden (North Station) in Boston (July 20th, I think). It's been a long time, since I've seen that many people in a line, but they were all happy, and that's a great thing to see first thing in the morning.
The sun was shining, temperature was warm, and I was on my way to the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) to use their library, by way of several detours. First was to the Massachusetts State House (aka Capitol), to take additional photos of my ancestor, Simon Bradstreet. Right away, I couldn't locate him, and had to ask an employee. He tried to find the location, but he and nobody knew where it was. Where could he have gone, I was just there a few months ago. I really thought I'd have a quiet day in the building, but no, there were so many people, listening to live Christmas music, and lots of school tours of the building were being given. Hum, I'll go back in January.
Second detour was to tour the Beacon Hill area (super wealthy) of Boston, with all the steep hills and cobblestones. I thought the Christmas decorations on the old townhouses would make for nice pictures. Not so fast...it was trash day. Bags and bags of trash on the sidewalks and every once in a while, I'd see the dump trucks. To make it worse, most doorsteps had the day's newspaper/s on the steps and many had notices from UPS or FedExpress telling the owners that a package was ready to be picked up. My two hour walk to NEHGS left me exhausted to say the least.
Once at the library, I had had it, there wasn't any energy left. I spent a half an hour chatting with three employees, and then left. Can you imagine not having energy to do some simple research? It was a first. I took the subway back to North Station, a television there changed my entire day.
I decided to share some happy photos of yesterday. John Kerry's town house, the house where Louisa May Alcott died, Boston Public Gardens (it looked like spring), some Christmas decorations, and a surprise for your young children, it seems appropriate.
The sun was shining, temperature was warm, and I was on my way to the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) to use their library, by way of several detours. First was to the Massachusetts State House (aka Capitol), to take additional photos of my ancestor, Simon Bradstreet. Right away, I couldn't locate him, and had to ask an employee. He tried to find the location, but he and nobody knew where it was. Where could he have gone, I was just there a few months ago. I really thought I'd have a quiet day in the building, but no, there were so many people, listening to live Christmas music, and lots of school tours of the building were being given. Hum, I'll go back in January.
Second detour was to tour the Beacon Hill area (super wealthy) of Boston, with all the steep hills and cobblestones. I thought the Christmas decorations on the old townhouses would make for nice pictures. Not so fast...it was trash day. Bags and bags of trash on the sidewalks and every once in a while, I'd see the dump trucks. To make it worse, most doorsteps had the day's newspaper/s on the steps and many had notices from UPS or FedExpress telling the owners that a package was ready to be picked up. My two hour walk to NEHGS left me exhausted to say the least.
Once at the library, I had had it, there wasn't any energy left. I spent a half an hour chatting with three employees, and then left. Can you imagine not having energy to do some simple research? It was a first. I took the subway back to North Station, a television there changed my entire day.
I decided to share some happy photos of yesterday. John Kerry's town house, the house where Louisa May Alcott died, Boston Public Gardens (it looked like spring), some Christmas decorations, and a surprise for your young children, it seems appropriate.
Massachusetts State House.
Stately mansion on Mt. Vernon Street.
John Kerry's house (with flag) taken December 15, 2012.
Home of Louisa May Alcott, this is where she died. John Kerry lives across the street.
Boston Public Gardens, looks like spring.
House along the way, decorated for Christmas.
Acorn Street, Beacon Hill.
For the children. I have seen them many times, but for some reason, I decided to take the picture.
For fun, a YouTube video of Beautiful Boston by Little Big World.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Simon Bradstreet at the State Capitol in Boston Massachusetts
Portrait of Colonial Governor, Simon Bradstreet of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Located at the State Capital, Boston, Massachusetts. Other posts I wrote about him: where he is buried, see HERE, information about his life, see HERE.
If you are interested in his wife, Anne Dudley, please see HERE, I was fortunate to attend a dedication in 2000 in the North Andover, MA cemetery, where she probably was buried.
If you are interested in his wife, Anne Dudley, please see HERE, I was fortunate to attend a dedication in 2000 in the North Andover, MA cemetery, where she probably was buried.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Revolutionary War Memorial, Simsbury, Connecticut
Memorial to the brave American Revolutionary Soldiers; especially those from Simsbury, Connecticut.
Additional photos of Hop Meadow Cemetery, Simsbury may be seen HERE.
1775 - 1783
We, the people of the Town of Simsbury, do hereby recognized the
many hardships and countless sacrifices made by all those brave American
Revolutionary Soldiers; especially those from Simsbury, who died for our freedom
from England.
We hereby dedicate this bronze memorial plaque as an everlasting tribute to these American heroes, whose gallant and brave efforts brought us to the birth of theUnited States of America and
adoption of the Constitution.
To these courageous countrymen, we are eternally grateful.
We hereby dedicate this bronze memorial plaque as an everlasting tribute to these American heroes, whose gallant and brave efforts brought us to the birth of the
To these courageous countrymen, we are eternally grateful.
Fifer Daniel Barber
|
Private John Fletcher
|
Ensign Oliver Humphrey
|
Fifer Jihiel Bidwell
|
Captain Abel Forward
|
Private Richard Humphrey
|
Private Benjamin Brewer
|
Major John Garritt
|
Private George Merrill
|
Captain John Brown
|
Private Dudley Hayes
|
Lieutenant Joseph Moore
|
Captain Jonathan Buttolph Sr.
|
Ensign Carmi Higley
|
Private Daniel Moses Sr.
|
Private Seth Case
|
Private Josiah Highley III
|
Private Uriah Pease
|
Private Josiah Clark
|
Corporal Jedediah Holcomb
|
Captain Johahan Pettibone Sr.
|
Private Lemuel Colton
|
Private Thomas Holcomb
|
Private Samuel Pettibone
|
Lieutenant Joseph Cornish
|
Major Elihu Humphrey
|
Captain Elisha Phelps
|
Private Jesse Cosset
|
Sea Captain Elijah Humphrey
|
Private Zacheriah Prince
|
Private Roger Cossitt
|
Private Erastus Humphrey
|
Private Thomas Wright
|
Additional photos of Hop Meadow Cemetery, Simsbury may be seen HERE.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Have you heard about Heredis, the Genealogy Software Program?
NOTE: PLEASE READ THE BOTTOM, NEW INFORMATION AS OF 7/3/13
When I received an email from a Heredis representative on November 21, 2012 telling me about their genealogy software program that has, "been widely appreciated in Europe for almost 20 years and has now been launched world-wide," I was a bit skeptical because I hadn't heard of it, nor had I heard any buzz about it on facebook or from any of the 300+ blogs I read.
The letter went on with, "I notice that you keep a genealogical blog and as an expert in genealogy, we would very much like to have your opinion on our software. We want to know if Heredis will be able to meet your expectations as a genealogist." She couldn't be talking about me, I'm no expert. Then, "We would therefore be very pleased to offer you a copy of the Heredis program. To do this, simply reply to my email and tell me if you want the version for Windows or the Mac version. I can also send you both if necessary. We also have a version for iOS (iPhone / iPad / iPod touch) which is available free on the App store."
In part, it says, "From now through Sunday, January 6, 2013 inclusive, there is 20% discount on ALL Heredis genealogy software: Heredis for PC at $ 29.90 instead of $ 39.90 and Heredis for Mac at $ 42.99 instead of $ 59.90." Why not treat yourself to a New Year's gift. Better yet, post this article or my link to your blog, so your readers will be informed.
On December 8th, Valerie Craft wrote her blog post, Exploring Heredis for Mac. Please visit her site to read her nice review of this product.
Disclosure: I received two copies of the software, however, this is not a review. I'm passing information on to some of my readers who might be interested. Soon, I will try out the features, but I probably won't do a review, instead, I'll give my feedback to the company.
----------------------
I recently received notification from a rep. from HEREDIS, a genealogy software program you might have heard about. There is a super deal on to buy it for $10, until Sunday. Here is the message: We would like to inform you that we have launched promotions for all versions of the Heredis genealogy software and some of the offers may interest your readers.
When I received an email from a Heredis representative on November 21, 2012 telling me about their genealogy software program that has, "been widely appreciated in Europe for almost 20 years and has now been launched world-wide," I was a bit skeptical because I hadn't heard of it, nor had I heard any buzz about it on facebook or from any of the 300+ blogs I read.
The letter went on with, "I notice that you keep a genealogical blog and as an expert in genealogy, we would very much like to have your opinion on our software. We want to know if Heredis will be able to meet your expectations as a genealogist." She couldn't be talking about me, I'm no expert. Then, "We would therefore be very pleased to offer you a copy of the Heredis program. To do this, simply reply to my email and tell me if you want the version for Windows or the Mac version. I can also send you both if necessary. We also have a version for iOS (iPhone / iPad / iPod touch) which is available free on the App store."
After four days, I wrote back because I had just received the current issue of, "Internet Genealogy" in which there was a review. Still nobody posted anything on facebook. I was pleased to receive both a copy of Heredis for my PC and the Mac. The company was very accommodating and wrote, "We've just asked you to have a look on our software: don't worry about time. We would very much like to have your opinion on our software. We want to know if Heredis will be able to meet your expectations as a genealogist. If you want to share your experience or the video with your followers it's better for us but not necessary."
I am anxious to try their product, and told them that I currently use RootsMagic4, FamilyTree Maker 11 and 12, and just ordered Legacy a few weeks ago (but haven't used it much). None of them seem to meet my needs.
This is in not a review. I can say, all 43,000 of my names were quickly put on Heredis, and that I love the looks of it. If you want a review, check out the current issue of "Internet Genealogy."
Last week, Dick Eastman of Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter (EOGN) posted an article about the special deal Heredis is offering through January 6, 2013. You may read it HERE.
In part, it says, "From now through Sunday, January 6, 2013 inclusive, there is 20% discount on ALL Heredis genealogy software: Heredis for PC at $ 29.90 instead of $ 39.90 and Heredis for Mac at $ 42.99 instead of $ 59.90." Why not treat yourself to a New Year's gift. Better yet, post this article or my link to your blog, so your readers will be informed.
On December 8th, Valerie Craft wrote her blog post, Exploring Heredis for Mac. Please visit her site to read her nice review of this product.
Disclosure: I received two copies of the software, however, this is not a review. I'm passing information on to some of my readers who might be interested. Soon, I will try out the features, but I probably won't do a review, instead, I'll give my feedback to the company.
----------------------
I recently received notification from a rep. from HEREDIS, a genealogy software program you might have heard about. There is a super deal on to buy it for $10, until Sunday. Here is the message: We would like to inform you that we have launched promotions for all versions of the Heredis genealogy software and some of the offers may interest your readers.
MEGA DEAL: Heredis software for $10!
For 4 DAYS ONLY, from Wednesday, July 3, 2013 to Sunday, July 7, 2013 inclusive, Heredis for PC at $10 instead of $ 39.90 available in http://www.heredis.com/en/ heredis-pc/ and Heredis for Mac at $10.99 instead of $ 59.99 available in http://www.heredis.com/en/ heredis-mac/or in the App Store: http://appstore.com/mac/ heredis/.
Last update: improvement of the Gedcom import/export. If genealogists have created a file with another genealogy program, it is easy to transfer in the Heredis program. The file will be converted automatically in the Heredis version. All data will be open.
We thank you in advance for your feedback. Do not hesitate to come back to me for any further information.
Heredis PC | Heredis
www.heredis.com
Tout sur la généalogie avec Heredis, le logiciel de généalogie pour Mac, pour Windows, et pour iPhone/iPad.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Bell Rock Cemetery, Malden, Massachusetts - Tombstone Tuesday
Bell Rock Cemetery
[Sandy Bank]
Here are the Buried Men of Malden
Who Served During the
1775 Revolutionary War 1783
(See all names below.)
Lieut. John Vinton
|
Sept. 24, 1781
|
Capt. Ebenezer Harnden
|
July 8, 1786
|
Capt. John Dexter
|
May 17, 1790
|
Benjamin Sprague
|
Feb. 15, 1791
|
Dea. Joseph Perkins
|
July 23, 1793
|
Capt. Isaac Smith
|
Dec. 13, 1795
|
Edward Newhall
|
Oct 8, 1797
|
Joseph Lynde
|
July 4, 1798
|
Capt. John Dexter
|
Oct. 28, 17 9
|
Capt. Nathan Sargeant
|
Dec. 1, 1798
|
Nehemiah Oakes
|
Nov. 8, 1799
|
John Paine
|
Sept. 20, 1801
|
David Sargeant
|
June 2, 1803
|
John Grover
|
July 22, 1803
|
Dr. John Sprague
|
Oct. 21, 1803
|
Capt. Naler Hatch
|
July 14, 1804
|
Joseph Lynde
|
Jan. 20, 1805
|
Jacob Parker
|
May 26, 1805
|
Phineas Sprague
|
Dec. 29, 1805
|
Lieut. Francis Phillips
|
Dec. 31, 1805
|
Capt. Samuel Burdett
|
April 21, 1809
|
Joseph Barrett
|
July 10, 1809
|
William Dexter
|
Dec. 24, 1811
|
Thomas Sargeant
|
May 16, 1812
|
Samuel Wait
|
Jan. 10, 1815
|
Stephen Paine
|
Dec. 18, 1815
|
Jonathan Oakes, Esq.
|
Aug. 16, 1818
|
Nathan Lynde
|
Jan. 12, 1819
|
Capt. Edward Oakes
|
Nov. 10, 1819
|
John Nichols
|
Jan. 23, 1821
|
Micah Waitt
|
Nov. 20, 1822
|
John Wait
|
Jan. 20, 1825
|
Dea. John Ramsdill
|
Feb. 7, 1825
|
Lieut. Col. John Popkin
|
May 3, 1827
|
Thomas Waitt
|
Aug. 13, 1828
|
Stephen Tufts
|
Mar. 12, 1832
|
Bernard Green, Esq.
|
July 12, 1834
|
Capt. Amos Sargeant
|
Aug. 12, 1836
|
John Pratt
|
Aug. 22, 1842
|
David Waitt
|
Nov. 11, 1843
|
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
The Spalding House -- Lowell, Massachusetts
Information about the Spalding House, Lowell, Massachusetts and house description. This is the 3rd oldest house in Lowell, circa 1760.
1884 handmade quilt.
Wallpaper.
Room used for DAR meetings on the second floor (shown is half of the room).
Above photo to be replaced.
Back of the house, looking at the house from the parking lot. (Top photo taken in the fall 2012 and below was taken in May 2016.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)

