Several months ago, I received a handmade 2013 calendar from a friend who wanted to show her appreciation for some genealogy research and connections I provided to her. Her love of photography has been incorporated into this great desk-size calendar. This is a wonderful benefit of helping people, and it came totally unexpected.
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.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Something a Little Different for the New Year
Which blog has 4,500,000 pageviews? You'll have to continue reading, because you won't be able to guess it.
Bloggers love writing and at the beginning of a new year, many will write what they accomplished the previous year, and what they hope to accomplish in the new year. I don't bother with the resolutions.
Instead, I've decided to post some of the very enjoyable blogs I follow that have no genealogy information. They are also the ones I usually read first. After 23 years of doing genealogy and over three years of writing this blog, it's time to discover what else is out there. If anybody has a few favorite, non-genealogy blogs, please leave me a comment. I'll include them to this list.
The most recent blog I discovered is, My Castle in Spain. Lala says, "I’m an ex Parisian living a village life in Andalusia (southern
Do you like Paris and food? If so, you'll enjoy Paris Breakfast by Carol. She writes, "Paris breakfast is an 'amuse bouche', a little bite of daily Parisian life to savor with your coffe and inspire your dreams. I paint Paris dreams." I had never seen a blog with over 4,500,000 pageviews" That give you an idea of how popular it is.
The Library History Buff Blog, by Larry, a retired librarian, wrote, "Promoting the appreciation,
enjoyment, and preservation of our library heritage." His blog has been a long-time favorite of mine.
One blog I can relate to and really love is Elizabeth's About New York She has some of the best photos of the city, and this was my go-to site as Hurricane Sandy hit. She lives in lower Manhattan and captured real life days following the storm.
Now I know gardening is a huge hobby, maybe more popular than genealogy. Finding Growing with Plants was a real treat. Matt of Worcester, MA wrote, "Growing with plants began as a little project where I could document my daily adventures in my glass greenhouses and in the garden, here in central Massachusetts. To show this blog's popularity, he has over 1,000,000 pageviews!
Another fun blog is Shortbread and Ginger. The owner, Liz writes, “I also love rummaging through charity shops for vintage bits and pieces." If you enjoy needlework, beads, antiques, you'll enjoy this site.
Heather Rojo recommended a cooking blog, Cooking without Dairy.
Wendy Grant Walter recommended a blog about quilts called, Crazy Mom Quilts.
Heather Rojo recommended a cooking blog, Cooking without Dairy.
Wendy Grant Walter recommended a blog about quilts called, Crazy Mom Quilts.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Rockport, Massachusetts -- War Memorial
These Our Dead in Honored Glory Rest
Located in Rockport, Massachusetts
World War I
1917 1918
James E. Bryan
John A. Carlson
Dwight P. Dutton
Edward R. Everett
Harold T. Grover
Edward Peterson
World War II
1941 1946
Carl E. Bannon
Robert M. Barrett
Phillips H. Bradley
Vincent Charte, Jr.
George L. Costa
Garder J. Garrett
William Hakala
Arthur L. Johnson
Leon W. Kantala
Donald F. MacEachern
George C. Mills
Anthony J. Pascucci
Glenn M. Rowe
Charles W. Sears
George A. Sears
Dean K. Selig
I couldn't decide which photo I liked the best of Motif Number 1, so I posted them both.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Smokestack or Christmas Tree?
The tree is located in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Reflection in a nearby mill.
From Wikipedia, "The Wannalancit Mills are an example of adaptive re-use as they contain offices. Part of the mills are owned by the University of Massachusetts Lowell. In 2000, the owners of the mill utilized their smokestack for the city's largest Christmas tree, reaching two hundred and fifty six feet in height."
Originally posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011.
Monday, December 24, 2012
They Married on Christmas Day
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.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Skinner of Massachusetts and Connecticut -- Surname Saturday
My Skinner line had it's beginnings in Massachusetts, and my second generation settled in Connecticut. I have 104 Skinner surnames, but not all are direct lines. My direct lines are in ALL CAPS. While researching for additional information, I found a rather good website covering this Skinner family.
Descendant Register, Generation No. 1
Descendant Register, Generation No. 2
Descendant Register, Generation No. 3
Descendant Register, Generation No. 4
| 1. | THOMAS SKINNER was born ABT 1617 in England, and died 2 MAR 1704 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. He married Lydia SHEPARDSON AFT 1678. She died 17 DEC 1723 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. He married MARY w\o THOMAS SKINNER BEF 1645 in England. She was born in England, and died 9 APR 1671 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. | ||||||||||||
Children of THOMAS SKINNER and MARY w\o THOMAS SKINNER are:
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| 2. | THOMAS SKINNER (THOMAS SKINNER1) was born ABT 25 JUL 1645 in of Subdeanerie Parish, Chichester, England, and died BET MAY 1722 AND 1732 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut. He married MARY PRATT BEF 1666 in Charlestown, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts, daughter of RICHARD PRATT and MARY (--) w\o RICHARD PRATT. She was born 7 SEP 1643 in Charlestown, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts, and died 26 MAR 1704 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children of THOMAS SKINNER and MARY PRATT are:
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| 4. | Abraham SKINNER (THOMAS SKINNER1) was born ABT 29 SEP 1649 in of Pallant Parish, Chichester, England, and died BEF 1695 in Malden. Date from Genealogical Records of Early Settlers of Malden.. He married Hannah (--) w\o Abraham SKINNER BEF 1681 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. She died 14 JAN 1726 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. | ||||||||||||
Children of Abraham SKINNER and Hannah (--) w\o Abraham SKINNER are:
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| 9. | Richard SKINNER (THOMAS SKINNER2, THOMAS SKINNER1) was born 2 JAN 1675/6 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, and died FEB 1758 in of Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut. He married Hannah PRATT 24 NOV 1708 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, daughter of JOHN PRATT and MARY (--) w\o JOHN PRATT. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children of Richard SKINNER and Hannah PRATT are:
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| 13. | Ebenezer SKINNER (THOMAS SKINNER2, THOMAS SKINNER1) was born 23 APR 1684 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, and died NOV 1755 in Bolton, Tolland Co., Connecticut. He married Sarah LORD ABT 1702, daughter of William LORD and Sarah (Brooks) SHALER. She was born 1682. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children of Ebenezer SKINNER and Sarah LORD are:
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| 14. | NATHANIEL SKINNER (THOMAS SKINNER2, THOMAS SKINNER1) was born 27 JAN 1686 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, and died in of Sharon, Litchfield Co., Connecticut. He married MARY GILLETT 13 JUN 1706 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut, daughter of JOSIAH GILLETT and JOANNA TAINTOR. She was born 8 MAR 1687 in Windsor, Hartford Co., Connecticut, and died 11 OCT 1740 in Sharon, Litchfield Co., Connecticut. He married Content FULLER 20 SEP 1741 in Sharon, Litchfield Co., Connecticut. She died BEF 27 MAY 1754. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children of NATHANIEL SKINNER and MARY GILLETT are:
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| 15. | Abigail SKINNER (THOMAS SKINNER2, THOMAS SKINNER1) was born 17 FEB 1691 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, and died 6 MAR 1765 in Sharon, Litchfield Co., Connecticut. She married Ebenezer MUDGE 13 JUL 1708 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut. He was born 26 FEB 1683 in Northhampton, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts, and died 11 APR 1758 in Sharon, Litchfield Co., Connecticut. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children of Abigail SKINNER and Ebenezer MUDGE are:
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| 16. | Abraham SKINNER (Abraham SKINNER2, THOMAS SKINNER1) was born 8 APR 1681 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, and died 24 DEC 1776 in Woodstock, Windham Co., Connecticut. He was buried in Woodstock, Windham Co., Connecticut. He married Tabitha HILLS ABT 1717, daughter of Gershom HILLS and Elizabeth CHADWICK. She was born 1691 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, and died 13 JUL 1771 in Woodstock, Windham Co., Connecticut. She was buried in Woodstock, Windham Co., Connecticut. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children of Abraham SKINNER and Tabitha HILLS are:
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| 18. | Thomas SKINNER (Abraham SKINNER2, THOMAS SKINNER1) was born DEC 1691 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, and died 1 JUN 1757 in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. He was buried in Malden, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. He married Mehitable DURANT 16 DEC 1708 in Charlestown, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts, daughter of John DURANT and Susanna (--) w\o John DURANT. She was born 20 APR 1687 in Billerica, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, and died 20 APR 1777 in Cambridge, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children of Thomas SKINNER and Mehitable DURANT are:
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| 25. | Ebenezer SKINNER (Ebenezer SKINNER3, THOMAS SKINNER2, THOMAS SKINNER1) was born 8 AUG 1703 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut, and died 17 OCT 1779 in Hebron, Tolland Co., Connecticut. He married Sarah TAYLOR 17 MAR 1725 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut, daughter of John TAYLOR and Sarah Abrams or Desire FULLER. | ||||||||
Children of Ebenezer SKINNER and Sarah TAYLOR are:
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| 27. | Joseph SKINNER (Ebenezer SKINNER3, THOMAS SKINNER2, THOMAS SKINNER1) was born 17 JAN 1707/8 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut, and died 3 APR 1773 in Bolton, Tolland Co., Connecticut. He married Ruth STRONG 31 DEC 1741 in Hebron, Tolland Co., Connecticut. He married Martha KINNE 30 APR 1729, daughter of Thomas KINNE and Martha COX. She was born 20 JAN 1712 in Preston, New London Co., Connecticut. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children of Joseph SKINNER and Martha KINNE are:
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| 37. | MARY SKINNER (NATHANIEL SKINNER3, THOMAS SKINNER2, THOMAS SKINNER1) was born 10 JUL 1709 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut, and died 11 AUG 1780 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut. She was buried in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut. She married JONATHAN KILBORN 20 OCT 1734 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut, son of JONATHAN KILBORN and ELIZABETH (--) w\o JONATHAN KILBORN. He was born 8 JAN 1707 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut, and died 14 OCT 1785 in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut. He was buried in Colchester, New London Co., Connecticut. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children of MARY SKINNER and JONATHAN KILBORN are:
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Monday, December 17, 2012
Did You Contribute to my Top Ten Two Years Ago?
SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 2011
Below is the post I did almost two years ago (see above date). Recently, I realized it is among my all-time top 10 among readers. As a matter of fact, it is #2, after my Adams surname. See my most popular posts on the sidebar, on the lower right-hand side. I thought, on this almost anniversary, it would be a good time to share it with my new readers. The contributors might get a kick out of it too.
As a little twist on the annual Top Ten most popular blogs for 2010. I've decided not to list mine but, welcome readers to post their top 10 or top 5 OF THEIR OWN posts in the comment section. There are now 18 entries, so there is lots to read, not just for now, but for when you have time in the coming weeks. I'm asking for your title and link only. If you already posted to your own list, you can do it here as well. Bring on2011 2013. Happy New Year everybody. (Note: My spacing might be off, but that is due to copying what was submitted.)
From Susan Petersen at Long Lost Relatives:
1. Tribute to my Mom
2. What if Your Ancestor Was an Axe Murderer
3. Success Stories: When the Pieces Come Together
4. The Bellinger Family History as Told by John William Bellinger
5. Batter Up
6. Success Story: Petersen-Jeremiasen immigration record
7. Sunday Supper - homemade ice cream
8. If You Can Read This Thank a Teacher
9. Create Your Own Genealogy Conference
From Susan at Nolichucky Roots:
1.-2. Orphaned and Widowed, Part I (continues to Part II)
3. Treasure Chest Thursday: What they kept
4. Once upon a time or Why Uncle Vasil firebombed the church
5. Thanksgiving: Our American Story
Elyse Doeflinger said...
Hey Barbara! Here is the link to my top posts! Elyses Genealogy Blog
Carol said...
OK, Barbara, I did a post for ya Reflections From the Fence
Joan Miller said....
Thanks Barbara! Luxegen Genealogy is my blog and I would like to share some posts that brought in new cousin connections this year. Blogging does make genealogy connections!
1. My Grandmother was a Blue Tooner
2. Surname Saturday: Wilson Scotland to Canada
3. Finding the MILLER branches in New Brunswick
4. Y DNA Y NOT
Nancy of My Ancestors and Me wrote:
As a little twist on the annual Top Ten most popular blogs for 2010. I've decided not to list mine but, welcome readers to post their top 10 or top 5 OF THEIR OWN posts in the comment section. There are now 18 entries, so there is lots to read, not just for now, but for when you have time in the coming weeks. I'm asking for your title and link only. If you already posted to your own list, you can do it here as well. Bring on
From Susan Petersen at Long Lost Relatives:
1. Tribute to my Mom
2. What if Your Ancestor Was an Axe Murderer
3. Success Stories: When the Pieces Come Together
4. The Bellinger Family History as Told by John William Bellinger
5. Batter Up
6. Success Story: Petersen-Jeremiasen immigration record
7. Sunday Supper - homemade ice cream
8. If You Can Read This Thank a Teacher
9. Create Your Own Genealogy Conference
From Susan at Nolichucky Roots:
1.-2. Orphaned and Widowed, Part I (continues to Part II)
3. Treasure Chest Thursday: What they kept
4. Once upon a time or Why Uncle Vasil firebombed the church
5. Thanksgiving: Our American Story
From Jo at Images Past:
What a good idea Barbara - I started my Images Past blog in August, but my favourites so far are:
Elyse Doeflinger said...
Hey Barbara! Here is the link to my top posts! Elyses Genealogy Blog
Carol said...
OK, Barbara, I did a post for ya Reflections From the Fence
Joan Miller said....
Thanks Barbara! Luxegen Genealogy is my blog and I would like to share some posts that brought in new cousin connections this year. Blogging does make genealogy connections!
1. My Grandmother was a Blue Tooner
2. Surname Saturday: Wilson Scotland to Canada
3. Finding the MILLER branches in New Brunswick
4. Y DNA Y NOT
Hummer (Frances) of Branching Out Through the Years submitted five blogs, and they can be seen at this link. She also mentioned Carol and me, so if you want to read that, you'll need to go here Top Favorite Posts.
Jennifer / IrishEyesJG wrote:
Thanks for posting these. Carol suggested I add my URL. I write, On a flesh and bone foundation': An Irish History. This was a really nice exercise; I enjoyed revisiting these posts. My post of Most Popular Posts.
Here are my top ten, a few of which are readers' favorites and some that were ignored by readers.
7. Elizabeth
Cynthia Shenette of Heritage Zen wrote:
3. Meditation: The Strength of Ordinary Women
4. Where They Lived: Every Address Tells a Story
5. COG 97: Researching "The Coldbrook Tragedy" (Part 1 of 4)
6. Reflecting on My American Experience This Thanksgiving
7. A Matter of Habit: Solving a Mystery
8. Madness Monday: The Stuff We Throw Away, and...
4. Where They Lived: Every Address Tells a Story
5. COG 97: Researching "The Coldbrook Tragedy" (Part 1 of 4)
6. Reflecting on My American Experience This Thanksgiving
7. A Matter of Habit: Solving a Mystery
8. Madness Monday: The Stuff We Throw Away, and...
9. Treasure Chest Thursday: Travel Diary, Poland 1937
10. Letters and Photos and Stuff, Oh My!: Sorting Through a Loved One's Estate (Part 1 of 3)
Greta Koehl of Greta's Genealogy Bog sent her link to her Top 5 favorites.
Bill West of West in New England sent his link to his Top 10 favorites.10. Letters and Photos and Stuff, Oh My!: Sorting Through a Loved One's Estate (Part 1 of 3)
Greta Koehl of Greta's Genealogy Bog sent her link to her Top 5 favorites.
Dru Pair of Find Your Folks sent her link to her Top 6 favorites.
Liz of My Tapley Tree...and its Branches submitted her Top 5 favorites.
I have a new blog: gatapleytree.blogspot.com. I just started it in November, but I've already made 39 posts!
1. Sympathy Saturday
2. A Place in Our Family
3 Wednesdays Child - Michael Edward Tapley
4. Treasure Chest
5. Wordless Wednesday
Pat O'Donnell Kuhn of Touching Family History submitted her Top 5 favorites.
1. Sundays Obituary - George C. Vanbilliard
2. SNGF - Your Very Best 2010
3. Thriller Thursday - Sad Case of Poisoning
4. Sentimental Sunday - Mom and Dad
5. Sisters
Becky Wiseman of Kinexxions submitted her Top 6 favorites.
Brenda of Journey to the Past listed her favorites.
Barbara, it looks like you have a hit with this idea! I chose my fav 5:
5. Ancestor Biography of David Watt and continued
4. Sorting out Henry Glover
3. Veteran's Day-My Father's Service
2. Hattie's Bible
1. Tombstone Tuesday-German P.O.W's
Liz of My Tapley Tree...and its Branches submitted her Top 5 favorites.
I have a new blog: gatapleytree.blogspot.com. I just started it in November, but I've already made 39 posts!
1. Sympathy Saturday
2. A Place in Our Family
3 Wednesdays Child - Michael Edward Tapley
4. Treasure Chest
5. Wordless Wednesday
Pat O'Donnell Kuhn of Touching Family History submitted her Top 5 favorites.
1. Sundays Obituary - George C. Vanbilliard
2. SNGF - Your Very Best 2010
3. Thriller Thursday - Sad Case of Poisoning
4. Sentimental Sunday - Mom and Dad
5. Sisters
Becky Wiseman of Kinexxions submitted her Top 6 favorites.
Brenda of Journey to the Past listed her favorites.
Barbara, it looks like you have a hit with this idea! I chose my fav 5:
5. Ancestor Biography of David Watt and continued
4. Sorting out Henry Glover
3. Veteran's Day-My Father's Service
2. Hattie's Bible
1. Tombstone Tuesday-German P.O.W's
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