Can't Get to a Conference?

In the recent National Genealogical Society's (NGS) magazine there is an article which really caught my eye. It was the President's message and she suggested that if you can't get to a conference or if you want to hear a lecture, why not purchase a copy of the lecture on a CD. However, I think the price is pretty steep at $12 per CD. Reading her article reminded me of the NGS conference I attended in Providence, Rhode Island in 2000. There were many lectures I missed, because I was attending another one at the same time. So, I ordered a set of 12 cassettes for about $99 and came home with the neat package of recorded lectures I chose. It took a good year or two before I ever opened it up to listen to the first cassette. And it was probably because of a long distance road trip we were on.  As my husband and I casually listened to one, the speaker mentioned my ancestor! I almost died, and when I got home, I emailed her to see if my ancestor was related to her. The lecturer was Brenda Dougall Merriman, the topic was "The World's Friendliest Border, 1766 - 1866." She replied back, and no, we weren't related, darn. What she was discussing in the lecture were some of the Canadian records, one being my ancestor's Declaration of Aliens, 1794.

The tapes and now CDs can prove to be educational as well as surprising. But what if you can't afford $12 per CD?


I was aware that the New England Historical Genealogical Library (NEHGS) houses the syllabus for each year the NGS had a national conference. I think most people would love to attend an annual conference, but due to other constraints, they just can't. Well, I can't afford $12 for each lecture, especially if I want to hear a lot of them. The other day, while at NEHGS, I did the next best thing, I copied the lecture pages in the syllabus, five lectures to read about, four from a very well known speaker. Total cost about $3.50.


I still have the syllabus to the 2000 conference lecture, mentioned above. However, if I hadn’t heard the lecture I wouldn’t have known that my ancestor, Andries Ten Eyck was mentioned. So, it pays to hear the lecture, but if you just can’t swing the $12, then try to copy some of the syllabus pages.

Surname Saturday - Westover

My 5th great-grandfather, Moses WESTOVER was both a Loyalist and a Revolutionary War Patriot.  WESTOVER is one of my favorite surnames because of the number of connections I have made through this name, their traceable history and it is one of two surnames that I follow the entire line.


The Westover line has a very long history.  Jonas Westover from England, married November 19, 1663 in Windsor, Connecticut and there is quite a bit of information on this line.  However, my more direct line left Connecticut around 1735 for western Massachusetts, then on to Quebec.


My Westover names on RootsWeb total over 900.  My direct lines are in All Caps.  For my American and Canadian ancestor, mentioned above, I have 18 sources for Moses Westover.  I even have a Google alert on the name Westover + obituary.  However, I am not actively searching for more information on this family, but will analyze anything that drops in my lap.  Over the years, about 25 people have contacted me and information was exchanged.


In future blogs, I will provide more information, including cemetery stone photos.


Note: Since this early post, I have written quite a few posts pertaining to the Westover line, including a will.

52 Weeks to Better Genealogy Challenge #1

Ever hear of The Simpson's TV show? Did you know there is a connection between my library, the Adams Library in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and the TV show? Regarding the connection, I will explain it below.



Amy Coffin of We Tree is challenging us for 52 weeks! To begin the year, her first challenge is: "Go to your local public library branch. Make a note of the genealogy books in the collection that may help you gain research knowledge."

In the area where I live, there are many local libraries and all have a good deal of genealogy information.  My mind wondered about selecting which library to write about. Should it be the Concord Free Library in historic Concord, Massachusetts, that I absolutely love, or one in Boston? I chose the closest and the one I go to 3-4 times a month...but not for genealogy. As a matter of fact, it has been several years since I've gone into the Family History Room of the Adams Library in Chelmsford. My visits there are to keep my goal of reading a book a week in check, so I am always picking up and dropping off books.

At one time, I was always at the library especially when I was giving genealogy classes, through the library, for 4 years. I taught Genealogy for Beginners (about 12 times), Google Research, and Using the Census. They kept me busy.

The Local History section has information and links for the history and genealogy buffs. The Genealogy web page lists the resources available, pertaining to genealogy.  First listed are the online subscriptions to be used in the library only. In the past, there were more, as well as several for home usage, but times have changed, so we make do with less. I already subscribe to several databases, so there isn't a need to use their computers. When they first got the library edition of Ancestry.com it was quite an event because the reference personnel didn't know how to use it. It seems that many of these subscriptions were bought by the Friends of the Library, someone must have been into genealogy, but none in the library. I often showed them the ropes with Ancestry Library.

Other listings are about print materials in the History Room, Microfilm Periodicals (which I've never used), and information about some of their genealogy books. A quick look at the card catalog indicated there are 5997 titles that pertain to genealogy. One thing I was very happy to see on the Library's web page was this statement, "Interlibrary Loan - The Chelmsford Public Library can obtain items for you from other Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) libraries as well as books from other United States libraries." I have used this service several times in the past, but not during the last two years. Naturally, I thought they dropped this service because of the cost, but I see they haven't. Hooray.

One link totally surprised me, and I wouldn't have thought it would be in the "Local History" area. It is about the "Simpson's TV Show", and here you will see photos of Chelmsford, and how they appear in the TV show. I wanted to post some of the artwork done for the show, but because it is copyrighted, it is best you use the above link.

I looked around but didn't see anything new, but still, it was nice checking out the little room.  Some students were in there, so I didn't take photos. I left with a copy of Professional Genealogy: a manual for researchers, writers, editors, lecturers, and librarians/editor, Elizabeth Shown Mills; editorial board, Donn Devine, James L. Hansen, Helen F.M. Leary. Baltimore: Genealogical Pub. Co., 2001. I have heard so much about the book but never checked it out. I ordered it on Monday, and picked it up today!

Another article was written about the Genealogy and Local History Room at this library, see HERE.

The new entrance is to the right of the original 1894 library.

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

Manasseh Cutler was probably the most accomplished of all my ancestors.

Pastor at Hamilton Congregational Church for 52 years.

This is where he lived in Hamilton, Massachusetts. His church is next door, and the cemetery is across the street.

From Wikipedia you can read about Manasseh Cutler

CUTLER PARK

Dedicated to the Memory of

Dr. MANASSEH CUTLER

Born at Killingly, Conn. May 13, 1742

Graduate of Yale College 1765

Ordained at Ipswich Hamlet Now Hamilton

September 11, 1771

During his Pastorate Hamilton was set

off from Ipswich and incorporated as

the town of Hamilton in 1793.

He chose the name Hamilton in honor of

the statesman he so much admired.

Interested in the drawing of the

ordinance of 1787 and the formation

of the Ohio Company.

Died at Hamilton July 28, 1823 and

was buried in the Hamilton Cemetery

opposite the church in which he

practiced fifty-two years.

The Ordinance of 1787, and Dr. Manasseh Cutler was written by William Frederick Poole in 1876.  This little 52-page book is a downloadable Google book  The Ordinance of 1787.  Imagine my surprise when I noted that my 2nd great-grandfather wrote a book about my 4th great-grandfather, and they aren't even related!  Small world.

It is very interesting that the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is the only place where I have seen his name misspelled!  They spell it as Manassah Cutler, everywhere else it is Manasseh.  Pitty the poor researcher trying to locate Manasseh in the DAR records.

For those of you who may want to read more, I selected certain passages from Essex Institute Historical Collections, (Salem, MA: 1859+). Vol. XC (April 1954) No. 2. Pgs. 111-122. "Reverand Manasseh Cutler, LL.D., 1742-1825 His Career as a Botanist" by Mrs. William Darrach and Mrs. Ernest G. Vietor.

Pg. 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.

Pg. 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.

Pg. 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 eight-one years is nothing short of amazing.

Pg. 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.

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

Pg. 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.

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

Pg. 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.

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

In 2019, David McCullough published his last book, The Pioneers The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought The American Ideal West. The cover of the book is below and the painted bust of Manasseh Cutler is below.

Tombstone Tuesday - Manassah Cutler and Mary Balch

Manasseh Cutler

Hamilton Cemetery, Hamilton, Essex Co., Massachusetts

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

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

Manassah Cutler and his wife, Mary Balch were my 4th great-grandparents.

Written on top of his tomb.

"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 and 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."

Mary Balch (stone next to Manassah)

Born:  November 16, 1740, Dedham, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts

Died:  November 03, 1815, Hamilton, Essex Co., Massachusetts

Entrance to Cemetery.

Georgia O'Keeffe and Me

No words could explain my delight when I found out about a year ago that Georgia O'Keeffe and I are related.  Fourth cousin once removed.  The discovery came about in a rather haphazard way.  I had already completed my grandmother's line, that being Ten Eyck, spelled several ways, like Ten Eyk, Ten Eick, TenEyck and so forth.  But I believe all of us who share this name are related.  Last year I was breaking down a "Brick Wall," and in the process discovered that one of my ancestor's had married a Ten Eyck.  That isn't such a big deal to some, but it really was for me, because it meant that my mother and father were related before their marriage.  This new Ten Eyck line was now on my father's side.  It was a matter of minutes before I discovered that Georgia was of that line.  Andries Ten Eyck was the 5th great-grandfather to my mother, my father and Georgia!


For those of you who want to read about this famous American artist, two sites are:  PBS show on American Masters and Georgia's information on wikipedia.



Georgia's father was Francis Calyxtus O'Keeffe and her mother was Ida Ten Eyck Totto. The Ten Eyck surname in her line belongs to her 2nd great-grandmother, Ida Ten Eyck. Ida and my direct ancestor, Violetta Ten Eyck were sisters, children of Jeremiah Field Ten Eyck and Jane Van Arsdalen.  My mother's line was in Canada for four generations, and my father's was in New Jersey.

November 18, 2013. I subscribe to a blog, Ephemeral New York, and was surprised to see her post, "The modern metropolis of Georgia O’Keeffe" the link is: http://ephemeralnewyork.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/the-modern-metropolis-of-georgia-okeeffe/. It is very informative, I loved reading about Georgia's days in New York City, and seeing photos of her NYC artwork.

Looking Back

All the Christmas cards have been blogged about.  I think my grandfather would have been proud.  Eight of the cards were originally grouped together and put in a frame.  This picture was taken about ten years ago.

One of the most enjoyable postings I did was about my DAR job and I was looking forward in sharing it with my fellow DAR co-worker and friend who shared the love of genealogy with me, she is the one I wrote about at the end of the first paragraph.  Prior to Christmas I wrote her an email, and never heard back, so I contacted another former DAR employee to see if she knew anything.  This person began wondering about our friend, and called her house.  She soon wrote me telling me that Bonnie died on November 27th.  Her obituary stated, "She was passionate about genealogy."  Yes, that is my friend, she was passionate about genealogy. I had a little smile along with my very sad feelings on the inside.  Bonnie, I will always treasure our time together, and you will be missed.

Les Larrabee whose blog is A Bit of the Pieces went back to the West Plainfield Cemetery in Plainfield, Connecticut and took more photos for me.  Per my blog I Did Everything Right, but Couldn't Take a Photo! I failed in the picture taking department.  He sent me new tombstone photos on December 7th.  The most startling thing was, I saw that the Bishop names were on two sides of the monument, and not as I had them listed, all on one side.  He was smart enough to take the photo at an angle, showing both sides with the names.  I learned a lesson here, always include an angle shot.

A trip to the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) on Dec. 29th for research accomplished what I wanted, that is finding several sources.  In addition, I made a side trip to the Boston Public Library for some information, which will be used in an upcoming blog article.
 After my post of December 8th regarding Anne Dudley Bradstreet, I realized I hadn't entered sources for her in my genealogy software.  Fortunately, I discovered the source copies in a pile of her file papers.  So, 10 years later, I am doing now what I should have done a decade ago.  Writing about my ancestors is giving me a second chance to see what I am missing in regards to sources, see if I should add anything else, and also make any corrections.  It is pretty embarrassing because my entire file is on http://www.rootsweb.com/ and I do not want to appear as one of those individuals who doesn't use sources.

The month of December was filled with wonderful blogs about Christmas traditions.  Although, I didn't participate much, I sure enjoyed being on the receiving end and I will remember many posts for years to come.

On Dec. 29th, I noticed that http://www.findagrave.com/ hit 40 million entries.  The day before, it was at 39 million, I sure would have loved seeing the number change.

Moodus Cemetery - ROBERT CHAPMAN and MARY STEEVENS CHAPMAN

Robert Chapman

Moodus Cemetery, East Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut

Born:  April 19, 1675, Saybrook, Middlesex Co., Connecticut

Died:  December 04, 1760, East Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut

He and his wife, Mary Steevens, were my 7th great-grandparents.

Mary Steevens Chapman

Moodus Cemetery, East Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut

Born:  December 03, 1674 at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut

Died:  June 05, 1764 at East Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut

A Christmas Gift from the Newberry Library

Imagine my surprise when on December 23rd I received an email and attachment of a beautiful photograph, an oil, taken of my 2nd great-grandfather, William Frederick Poole, the first librarian of the Newberry Library.  When I poured through some Poole papers in November, I realized I still didn't have a copy of his portrait which is hanging on a wall in the Library.  Immediately, I became a "Facebook fan" of the Library, thinking I could make a connection with somebody who lives in Chicago and who wouldn't mind taking a digital picture.  No connections were made, so I wrote the Library, only to get a reply that they would be glad to do it, but I would have to fill out a form, and pay $20!


Yes, I was a little miffed, because I wanted a cheap digital shot, nothing formal, and I didn't want to pay the big bucks.  When I wrote them back, I pretty much stressed that.


Well, as I stated above, I received a copy of the the photo and a very nice note.  I was also given permission to post it in this blog and share with anybody I wished, just as long as I credit the Newberry Library.  Very nice gift.

Note: Diane MacLean Boumenot wrote an excellent blog about her trip to the Newberry Library. You really get a feel for it, plus she had some nice surprises for me. Please see her One Rhode Island Family post, A Visit to the Newberry Library.

Wedding on December 25, 1888

I love this tree and think it goes well on this post for the Victorian Wedding of my great-grandparents on Christmas Day.  (Used with permission from Thomas MacEntee.)

Marriage Announcement of their Christmas Wedding, Dec. 25, 1888.

Everett R. Bishop
Mira J. Kilborne
Married
Tuesday, December 25th 1888.
New Haven, Conn.

At Home after February first, 1889.
40 Walnut Street
New Britain, Conn.

Marriage Certificate for my great-grandparents.