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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.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Antionette Potter wife of Oren Scramlin, of Momence, Illinois

Antionette was married to my 1st cousin, 4x removed.

DIED.

At her residence in the Village of Momence, Wednesday, May 31, of consumption, D. Antionette, consort of Oren Scramlin, aged 48 years, 11 months and 23 days.

Mrs. Scramlin, whose maiden name was Potter, was born at Bellevue, Ohio, June 8, 1833.

When she was about the age of her oldest daughter, Agnes, her mother, who had moved to Peru, Ill., died of cholera. Mrs. Scramlin was at the time attending school at Oberlin, Ohio, and was within a few weeks of graduating. She returned home to Peru after her mother's death and moved with her father and his family to Momence about thirty years ago. Her father was Orange S. Potter, and his family at that time consisted of his son Orange and his daughters Clara, Antionette, Helen and Leonora.

Clara died in Momence twenty-five years ago, and Orange a year afterwards. Helen is now Mrs. Leavitte, and lives at Centralia, and Leonora is Mrs. Peabody and lives at St. Louis.

Mr. and Mrs. Scramlin were married at Kankakee, February 3, 1859. They have lived in Momence ever since.

Five children survive her, Arvis, Agnes, Glenny, Elva, and Belle.

Mrs. Scramlin early developed a tendency to consumption, but she lived an active busy life. Her care for her family for whom she labored, and her wisdom in fitting them for honorable and useful manhood and womanhood, were remarkable. She herself was a woman of more than ordinary mental endowments and noble instincts. She was an exemplary christian and a most loving and faithful wife and mother. Her force and decision of character were remarkable, and the character of the family she leaves behind shows how her firm, judicious and loving hand has successfully guided them thus far.

Several weeks ago she commenced to fail, and from that time she traveled rapidly towards the grave. On Wednesday, May 31, a little before 4 o'clock in the morning, she passed to her rest. She died surrounded by her family and her two sisters.

Her funeral was held the next day at the residence, Elder Hoover officiating, and her remains were buried in the Momence Cemetery.

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord for they rest from their labors and their works do follow them."


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Henry William Scramlin, Family and Farm


Henry William Scramlin, father of Wealthy Melvina Scramlin and 12 other children. He was my 3rd great-granduncle.
(Permission to use given by Gary Hanna)

Photos of Farmon Scramlin (twin to Harmon) his parents, Henry and Mary Scramlin and the Scramlin farm in Momence, Illinois.

Monday, April 1, 2013

You Plan and Plan, then, Say What? Tombstone Tuesday

For years, at least 10, I've wanted to visit a cemetery in an area of Massachusetts I've never been, and never wanted to see. On a map, it looked like a complicated trip, not particularly long but the unfamiliar roads in a heavily populated city near Boston just scared me. I had to put it off until I felt comfortable to drive and I ran out of taking most of my direct-line ancestor's cemetery photos (I've taken about 150 so far).

The trip was mapped out, and my husband and I headed for Revere, 5 miles from Boston and next to the Atlantic Ocean. From Google maps, I saw the Ye Olde Rumney Marsh Burial Ground, established in 1693, was in the middle of a block of houses, yes, I knew the houses surrounded the cemetery. It wasn't difficult to find this residential area, but I never expected a high stone wall completely surrounding the cemetery with a iron-tight gate, locked at that! Hey, my ancestors (three directs) were in there and there was no way to get in, no phone number, nothing. Should I have knocked on all the house doors, who has the key? We sat there for a bit, I took the two photos below, but what good is that, I can't even read what it says.





 Sarah Doolittle Floyd
My 8th great-grandmother.
Hugh Floyd
My 7th great-grandfather.
Samuel Pratt
My 6th great-grandfather

Fortunately, there were photos on Find-A-Grave and I contacted the two photographers who took pictures before the cemetery was restored several years ago prior to its re-dedication in 2009. Photos were taken by Bill Boyington (top two) and Kevin O. (bottom only), and permission was granted to use on this blog.






Below are tidbits from Wikipedia about Revere, Massachusetts


In 1775, the area played a role in the American Revolution as the site of the first naval battle, at Rumney Marsh, and other locations.

Revere’s first inhabitants were Native Americans who belonged to the Pawtucket tribe and were known as the Rumney Marsh Indians.

Revere Beach is the oldest public beach in the United States. It has a fairly active beach front district.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Wealthy M. Scramlin Hanna -- Wordless Wednesday


Wealthy was my first cousin 4x removed.
Photo and Obituary belong to Gary Hanna, and permission was granted for me to include in this post.
Wealthy M. Hanna

Wealthy M. Hanna, widow of John F. Hanna, formerly of Momence, Ill.,
but who has for the last three years resided with her sons, Herbert and Henry
Hanna, one mile east of Moscow, died early Tuesday morning, Oct., 6th.,
from decease of the heart and old age.

Deceased has been in poor health for about two years, but was not confined
to her bed until recently.

Mrs. Hanna, whose maiden name was Scramlin, was born on Aug. 13,
1833, in Canada. When but four years old she moved with her parents to
Battle Creek, Mich. In 1850 they moved to Kankakee Co., Ill., and settled upon a homestead near which now is the city of Momence.

In 1853 she was united in marriage to John F. Hanna, to which union was born six children Namely: Cother F., Henry S., Arther Eugene, Herbert E., Grant G., and Franklin A. Hanna, of whom but three survive her, Henry, Herbert and Frank Hanna of Moscow.

As a wife, she was ever kind and considerate, and a most devoted mother, always sacrificing for her loved ones.

She was self-denying, kind and patient which qualities attracted many friends, all, who knew her, will remember her bright smiling face.

She passed away with the light of love shining on her face, which showed she was at rest with God, her Maker.

The funeral services were held at the home of her son, Herbert E. Hanna one mile east of Moscow on Thursday Oct., 8th, at 10 o'clock and were conducted by the Rev. Koontz of the Methodist church. The remains were laid to rest in the Moscow cemetery.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Finding the Will for Will Was Great, But Frozen to Death, Not So!

Two wonderful pieces of information provided the documentation I needed to tie-up my research for William "Will" Scramlin, my 2nd cousin 3x removed. Both of these resources were free.

I last found him in the 1900 census in Harmon, Roberts, South Dakota, then the trail ran cold. That was until I searched for Will Scramlin in FamilySearch.org. Their were seven hits for William Scramlin, so it didn't take long to go through the file, but one, the Saskatchewan, Probate Estate Files, 1887-1931 Weyburn 1918 had 32 pages of legal documents, including the will and probate records for him! Apparently, he and his family were living in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada. It was pure luck that these documents were scanned and put online, I would never have found them, and why would I ever think Saskatchewan.

A few days later, while still researching him, more information came to light, when I used Google News and found the newspaper, The MorningLeader - Jan 28, 1918.  The headline was HALBRITE MAN FOUND FROZEN AT MANKATOMINN. (See below the will.)


I, Will Scramlin, of the Village of Halbrite, in the
Province of Saskatchewan “Real Estate Agent”, being of
Sound and disposing mind and memory, do hereby revoke
All former Wills or testamentary dispositions by me at
Any time heretofore made; and do make, publish and de-
clare this as my last Will and Testament.

1st. I hereby nominate and appoint my wife, Kate
Scramlin, the Executrix of this my last will.

2nd. I direct that all my just debts, funeral and
Testamentary expenses be paid.

3rd. I give, devise and bequeath all my real and per-
Sonal estate which I may now or hereafter be possessed
Of or interested in to my wife, Kate Scramlin, absolutely.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, this
12th day of November in the year of our Lord, One thousand
Nine hundred and fourteen.

SIGNED by the Testator, as and for
His Last Will and Testament, in the
Presence of us, both present at the        Will Scramlin
Same time, who, at his request and
In his presence, have hereunto sub-
scribed our names as witnesses.

T. A. Oakley
of Halbrite, Sask.
J. A. Kjeldson
of Halbrite, Sask.

____________________________
HALBRITE MAN
FOUND FROZEN AT
MANKATO, MINN.

Was Well Known in Weyburn
District and Good
Colonizer

MANKATO, Minn. Jan. 26.—The
Body of William Scramlin, said to be
a wealthy land man of Weyburn, Sask.,
was found frozen stiff near the city
hall today. His skull was fractured
and his face smeared with blood
Whether he was struck by some one
or fell against the  building on the icy
Sidewalk the police have been unable
To determine.

Scramlin and his wife came here
Thursday night to visit relatives and
bid farewell to their son who enlisted
In the aviation service. Scramlin was
Fifty years old. A wife and four chil-
dren survive.

Sunday, March 24, 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!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Probate of Amos H. Adams of Batavia, Genesee Co., NY

Amos H. Adams
Amos H. Adams           Testator


State of New York,
Genesee County Surrogate’s Court,
To the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Genesee :


The petition of Charles R. Gould of the town of Batavia in the said County Genesee respectfully represents: That Amos H. Adams late of the town of Batavia in the said County, departed this life in Batavia, N.Y. on the 22nd day of August, 1907, at the age of 84 years, having previously, as the petitioner is informed and believed duly made, executed and published his LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT bearing date the 29th day of June 1901, which is now produced : That the petitioner Charles R. Gould is named in said Will as executor.

That the said deceased was at the time of making and publishing said LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of sufficient age to enable him to make such will and at his decease, an inhabitant of the County of Genesee.

That said LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT relates to real and personal estate, and the deceased died possessed of real and personal estate in the said County of Genesee.

The petitioner further shows that according to the best of his knowledge and judgment, the estate and effects for and in respect to which probate is herein applied for, will not exceed the value of ninety eight hundred Dollars. And the personal property of testator will not exceed the value of fifty eight hundred Dollars.

The petitioner further shows that the names of the heirs and next of kin of the said deceased, and their respective places of residence so far as your petitioner upon diligent inquiry he has been able to ascertain the same, are as follows, viz :

Name.
Relationship.
Age, if under 21.
Residence.

Emily A. Radican
Sister

Niles, Mich.
Horace J. Adams
½ Brother

Niles, Mich.
George Adams
½ Brother

Niles, Mich.
J. Q. Adams
½ Brother

Niles, Mich.
Mary Blair
½ Sister

Wyoming, Mich.
Ada DeWolf Sherwin daughter of a deceased
Sister Betsey Adams DeWolf                                     Batavia, NY
Charles DeWolf son of said deceased Sister                 Batavia, NY
Frank DeWolf son of said deceased Sister                   Stafford, NY
Oliver J. Hopkins son of a deceased sister
Nancy Adams Hopkins

Kent, Kent Co., Mich
Harriet M. J. Bann, daughter of said deceased
                                                             256 First St., Detroit, Mich.
Sister Fanny




Your petitioner therefore prays that said will may be proved, and that a citation be issued out of and under the seal of this Court, to be directed to the proper persons, pursuant to The Statute in such case made and provided, requiring them and each of them, at such time and Place as shall be in the said citation mentioned, to appear and attend the probate of the said Last Will and Testament, and that such further or other proceedings in the premises shall be duly had as may be requisite to be the proving and recording of the said Last Will and Testament and the granting probate and Letters Testamentary thereof. And your petitioner will ever pray.

Dated this 3rd day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seven
                                                                                    Charles R. Gould

The probate Proof of Service was filed at the Genesee County Surrogates Office on September 13, 1909, was obtained by my 5th cousin Claire who lives near Niagara Falls, NY. There were 8 legal documents in the packet, no copy of the original will found. Photo of cemetery stone also taken by cousin Claire.
---------
Amos was my first cousin 4x removed.

Additional names mentioned in the documents: Ella Sherwin, Mrs. Albert Francher and Fanchier, Lorena Cooper, Arden Smith, Nellie and Marie Fox, Lulu Fox, Hobert B. Cone, Franklin I. Judd, First Baptist Church of Batavia, N.Y., Elmwood Cemetery Association, and the Baptist Educational Society of the State of New York.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Momence, Kankakee Co., Illinois -- Those Places Thursday

Momence, Illinois
Photos used with permission, thanks to Gary Hanna, my recently discovered 5th cousin. He and I share the Scramlin / Scrambling line and he is currently working on the Hanna line. If anybody has Hanna in their tree from Illinois, please let me know.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Newspapers

I am just learning about the wealth of genealogical information newspapers can provide. An ancestry subscription will often have articles with your ancestor's name, and I've always known about the Library of Congress (LOC.gov). However, recently there are two more sites to fill my newspaper hunger. They are:

1.  NewspaperArchive at  http://newspaperarchive.com/  Just yesterday I subscribed to the 3 month special for $19.95.

2. Google newspapers at  http://news.google.com/newspapers#V was written about today by Brenda Silvey on facebook. She posted the information on the facebook site, Technology for Genealogists, started by Susan Petersen. There are a combination of both free and fee papers. The nice thing with this site is, you can put in the surname, and most likely, you'll get a lot of hits. Since I'm currently working on the SCRAMLIN line, the first hit was about the man I'm currently working on, and I found out he froze to death. After finding that, I went through about 50 other articles.

Below, keeping with the Scramlin surname, here are two articles about distant relatives who did some murdering during their lifetime.

William Scramlin killed his wife, Helen Annette Teach on Aug. 2, 1967.

and

James Earl Scramlin beat Albert Willard to death in 1977
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vURYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cz4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=4310,576481&dq=scramlin&hl=en

ADDITIONAL NEWSPAPER SOURCES FROM READERS

Albert Riezebos shared the sites below:
Yesterday 9:03 PM



Early Manitoba newspapers.
http://manitobia.ca/content/en/newspapers

Henderson Directories and newspapers mostly for Manitoba,Sask. and Alberta.

http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/henderson.html

From csccat, she shared:

Old Fulton NY Postcards, aka: Old Fulton Newspapers or Fulton History

Saturday, March 16, 2013

You've All Heard of My New Cousin

Two years ago I visited the house of one of my distant cousins, she was my Sixth cousin, 5x removed. At that time, I didn't know there was a connection to me. As a matter of fact, I found out from a facebook friend, Janeen, who asked if she could use my cemetery photo because she was related. Janeen and I share so many ancestors, I would guess 15 maybe more and all from Connecticut. Thanks to Janeen, I saw I also share an ancestor of Harriet Beecher Stowe (see HERE). No wonder I was so excited to visit her house in Hartford, CT, see another one in Brunswick, ME and visit the cemetery where she and her husband were buried in MA.
Hartford, Connecticut house where she lived.
While on a tour of the house, I asked where she was buried. Was quite surprised to learn that she was buried just a few towns away from me. The following day, we went to the cemetery, then two days later, while on a trip to Maine, my husband remembered where she lived in Brunswick, Maine, so of course we went there. That house looks unoccupied, and in dire need of repairs.
I was there the day of the 200th Birthday Celebration for Harriet Beecher Stowe. Horse rides, music and entertainment as well as free cake were available to all.
Brunswick, Maine house where she lived.


Phillips Academy Cemetery
Andover, Massachusetts
FindAGrave site
1811  HARRIET BEECHER STOWE  1896

Reprinted from my post of June 22, 2011

Generation No. 1 for John Meigs and Thomasin Fry ancestors of Harriet Beecher Stowe and me

1.JOHN MEIGS (VINCENT MEIGS1) was born 29 FEB 1612 in Bradford, Devon, England, and died 4 JAN 1672 in Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. He married THOMASIN FRY 1632 in Weymouth, England / Guilford, Connecticut, daughter of WILLIAM FRY and SARAH HILL. She was born 29 FEB 1612 in Weymouth, Dorsetshire, England, and died 4 JAN 1671 in Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut.
  
Children of JOHN MEIGS and THOMASIN FRY were:
 2  i.Elizabeth MEIGS was born BET 1631 AND 1635 in Guilford, New Haven Co., Connecticut, and died 1664. She married Richard HUBBEL 1652 in New Haven / Guilford / Fairfield / Stratford.
+3  ii.Mary MEIGS was born 1633 in Weymouth, England, and died 30 APR 1703 in Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut.
+4  iii.CONCURRENCE MEIGS was born BET 1637 AND 1643 in Weymouth, Dorsetshire, England or Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut, and died 9 OCT 1708 in Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut.
+5  iv.John MEIGS was born 28 FEB 1641 in Weymouth, England, and died 9 NOV 1713 in Guilford, New Haven Co., Connecticut.
 6  v.Tryal MEIGS was born ABT 1646 in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut, and died 1689 in Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. She married Andrew WARD ABT 1668 in Guilford / Killingworth, Connecticut. He was born ABT 1643, and died 1690.