A Civil War Soldier: Cpl. Ethan Allen WESTBROOK (1837 - 1902)

How Related: Brother to my 4th-great-grandmother, Amanda (WESTBROOK) KIMBALL

Born: 29 March 1837 in Ohio (possibly in Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga County)

Parents: Peter WESTBROOK (1797 - 1851) and Fannie MARBLE (1801 - 1849)

Siblings: Amanda (1816 - c. 1882); Ephraim (b. 1820); Benjamin (1822 - 1872); Henry H. (b. 1823); Solomon (1831 - 1831); William (1833 - c. 1833/4); and William Thomas WESTBROOK (b. 1840)

Married: 1st to Mary LOCKWOOD (dates unknown) c. 1858, probably in Kalamzoo Co., Michigan; married 2nd to Cinderella Jennie HERRINGTON (1843 - 1913) c. 1866, possibly in Dayton Twp., Newaygo Co., Michigan

Children: with wife Mary, he had one son: William Peter (b. 1860); with wife Cinderella, he had five children: Myron D. (1867 - 1869); James Walter (1869 - 1942); Amanda L. (1875 - 1943); Laura M. (b. 1876); and Mabel A. WESTBROOK (b. 1882)

---

Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Ethan A. Westbrook. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 10 October 1851 in Pavillion Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan; private. Enlisted in Co. E, 13th Michigan Infantry on 17 January 1862. Promoted to full corporal on 1 November 1864.

Side Served: Union

Discharged: 22 July 1865 at Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan

---

Biography or Information of Interest: Named for Vermont's Revolutionary War hero, Ethan Allen WESTBROOK was written up in a Newaygo County history of early pioneers, which can be read here.

Died: 19 April 1902 in Newaygo County, Michigan (probably on his farm in Lincoln Township)

Buried: Dayton Center (Jewell) Cemetery, Dayton Twp., Newaygo Co., Michigan

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. George W. VREELAND (c. 1841 - 1923)

How Related: Brother of my 3rd-great-grandmother, Elenor "Nellie" L. VREELAND

Born: c. 1841 in New Jersey, possibly in Montvale, Bergen County

Parents: John P. VREELAND (1799 - 1870) and Mary KANOUSE (c. 1804 - aft. 1870)

Siblings: John H. (b. c. 1830); Elizabeth (b. c. 1832); Sarah (b. c. 1834), Elenor "Nellie" L. (1835 - 1912) - my ancestor; Hartman (b. c. 1836); Mary E. (b. c. 1843); and Martha A. VREELAND (b. c. 1847)

Married: probably never married

Children: probably no children

---



Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of George W. Vreeland. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 7 August 1862 at Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Michigan; private. Enlisted in Co. H, 20th Michigan Infantry on 19 August 1862.

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 30 May 1865 at Delaney House, Washington, D.C.

---



Source: Michigan Soldiers Home, Grand Rapids, Kent Co., Michigan. Postcard. 1915. Digital image accessed at Kent Co., Michigan GenWeb site [http://kent.migenweb.net/veterans/index.html] 26 May 2008.

Biography or Information of Interest: It's taken me a while to post this sketch, because I'm just not sure about the details of George's life. There are an amazing number of George W. Vreelands of the same age that lived in Michigan (even in Washtenaw County!) at the same time as "my" George. Sorting them out has been a challenge. I've used census records that lead me to believe George never married or had children (but I'm not 100% confident of this theory!). He lives as a single man at his parents', and later his married sister's, homes until 1910, when it appears he lived in the Veterans (Soldiers) Home in Grand Rapids, Kent Co., Michigan. He seems to have lived in the Veterans Home in Los Angeles Co., California after 1920.

Source: National (Sawtelle) Soldiers Home, Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., California. Postcard. Date unknown. Digital image accessed at Los Angeles Co., California GenWeb site [http://www.cagenweb.com/re/losangeles/photos.htm] 26 May 2008.

Died: 3 April 1923, Sawtelle Soldiers Home, Los Angeles Co., California

Buried: Los Angeles (Sawtelle) National Cemetery, Los Angeles Co., California

Freebies and Special Offers

I sent out the following letter to my former Online Genealogy Class students, and thought I'd share these great freebies and special offers with my blog readers as well:

"I'm sorry I'm a little late with this news, but these offers apply through the end of the month, not just Memorial Day weekend. First of all Ancestry.com:

To commemorate the NARA-Ancestry.com agreement on the eve of Memorial Day, Ancestry.com is making its entire U.S. Military Collection -- the largest online collection of American military records -- available for free to the public. From May 20 through May 31, people can log on to http://www.ancestry.com/military to view more than 100 million names and 700 titles and databases of military records, the majority of which come from NARA, from all 50 U.S. states.

Ancestry is also offering a free download in .pdf format of the 79-page book Military Collections at Ancestry.com by Esther Yu Sumner. Not only does it discuss the various collections found on the website, but it gives a short, detailed history of each war or conflict in chronological order. Even if you don't have an Ancestry subscription, this book is well worth reading. Click here to download.
---------------------------------------

"Also, Footnote has a deal:

Lindon, UT May 22, 2008 - In commemoration of Memorial Day, Footnote.com today announced their entire collection of military photos will be made permanently free on the site. The collection features over 80,000 photos from WWII and Vietnam making it the largest collection of its kind on the web.

Through their partnership with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Footnote.com has digitized and indexed the photos, which include images of downed aircraft, aerial photos of bombings, fighter groups and combat photos. What makes the photos unique are the short captions included with the photos, which provide interesting details about the events and people featured. To view these photos click here.

The announcement follows closely behind Footnote.com's recent release of an interactive version of the Vietnam War Memorial. The online memorial is one of the largest images on the web and features a full-size photo of the memorial in Washington, DC. Visitors to the interactive memorial can search for names of fallen veterans, connect with other people, and create tributes by adding their own photos and stories to the site. To view the Vietnam War Memorial, go to www.footnote.com/thewall/.

"Footnote has also added--or is starting to add--the following databases to its subscription area:

"City Directories for: Boston, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. They have also added the 1860 Federal Census. "So what?" you say. "A lot of subscription websites have the 1860 Federal Census." This is different. This one is interactive. In other words, let's say you find your 3rd-great-grandfather on the 1860 census. You can leave an annotation on his record, and maybe another descendant of his will come along and find it when they search for his name. Voila! You've connected with another cousin and can exchange research! This is in the subscription area, only.

"Also, I saw some news that they are going to start adding the Civil War Pension Files (they already have the index cards online). You know, those records that cost $75 a piece to order from the National Archives? Isn't this exciting?

"Don't have a subscription to Footnote, yet? You can 1) go to your local Family History Center and use their free subscription, or 2) Footnote is offering a 20% discount to their annual subscription through affiliates (like myself) only. To take advantage of this offer, click on this link.

------------------------------------------------

"FamilySearchLabs (the LDS Church) has added a number of images and indexes to its Record search area. You no longer have to go through the (free) registration process to access this information, and can start immediately with your search. Please be aware that this is a Lab (Beta) site, so some databases are incomplete (they're still adding to them), some may be inaccessible temporarily, and some may not have complete images (I noticed this with the Michigan birth and death records...some have only the first page of a two-page record set. I e-mailed them and they replied saying they are still working on getting the second pages to load up). Here are the current databases they offer:

Censuses:

* 1850 U.S. Federal Census (population schedule), Mortality Schedule, and Slave Schedule
* 1855 Massachusetts State Census
* 1855 Wisconsin State Census
* 1860 U.S. Federal Census (population schedule)
* 1865 Massachusetts State Census
* 1870 Federal Census (population schedule)
* 1875 Wisconsin State Census
* 1880 U.S. Federal Census
* 1885 Wisconsin State Census
* 1895 Argentina National Census
* 1895 Wisconsin State Census
* 1900 U.S. Federal Census (population schedule)
* 1905 Wisconsin State Census
* 1930 Mexico National Census

Court Records:

* Maryland, Cecil County Probate Estate Files, 1851 - 1940
* England, Cheshire, Register of Electors 1842 - 1900
* Freedman Bank Records, 1865 - 1874

Land and Property:

* Vermont Land Records, Early to 1900

Migration:

* New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892 - 1924

Military:

* Civil War Pension Index Cards
* United States, WWII Draft Registration Cards, 1942

Vital Records:

* Cheshire, Church of England Burial Records, 1538 - 1907
* Cheshire, Church of England Christening Records, 1538 - 1907
* Cheshire, Church of England Marriage Records, 1538 - 1907
* Czech Republic, Litomerice Regional Archive Church Books, 1552 - 1905
* England, Diocese of Durham Bishops' Transcripts, c. 1700 - 1900
* France, Coutances Catholic Diocese, 1802 - 1907
* Freedman's Bureau, Virginia Marriages, c. 1815 - 1866
* Georgia Deaths, 1914 - 1947
* Germany Baptisms, 1700 - 1900
* Germany, Brandenburg and Posen, Civil Transcripts of Parish Registers, 1800 - 1875
* Germany Marriages, 1700 - 1900
* Illinois, Diocese of Belleville, Catholic Parish Records, 1729 - 1756
* Mexico Baptisms, 1700 - 1900
* Mexico Marriages, 1700 - 1900
* Michigan Births, 1867 - 1902
* Michigan Deaths, 1867 - 1897
* Michigan Marriages, 1867 - 1925
* Norway Baptisms, 1700 - 1900
* Norway Burials, 1700 - 1900
* Norway Marriages, 1700 - 1900
* Ohio Deaths, 1908 - 1953
* Ontario (Canada) Deaths, 1869 - 1947
* Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Death Certificates, 1803 - 1915
* Spain, Albacete Diocese, Catholic Parish Records, 1550 - 1930
* Texas Death Index, 1964 - 1998
* Texas Deaths, 1890 - 1976
* United States Social Security Death Index (records start about 1965)
* Utah Death Certificates, 1904 - 1956
* Utah, Salt Lake County Death Records, 1908 - 1949
* Virginia, Fluvanna County Colbert Funeral Home Records, 1929 - 1976
* Washington (State) Death Certificates, 1907 - 1960
* West Virginia Births, 1853 - 1930
* West Virginia Deaths, 1853 - 1970
* West Virginia Marriages, 1853 - 1970"

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Jacob F. TOLIVER (1831 - 1898)

Source: Signature of Jacob F. Toliver from Compiled Service Record of Jacob F. Toliver. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of North Carolina. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication M270. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

How Related: My husband's 3rd-great-grandfather

Born: 17 February 1831 in Alleghany Co., North Carolina

Parents: Starling TOLIVER (1806 - aft 1870) and Mildred Ann SPURLIN (c. 1812 - aft 1870)

Siblings: Jacob was the eldest of nine children:

• Calvin (1832 - 1931)
• Frances (b. 1834)
• Andrew (b. 1840)
• Solomon (b. 1842)
• Mary (1846 - 1914)
• John (1848 - 1941)
• Margaret (1851 - 1909)
• and Rosa Ann TOLIVER (1853 - 1938)
  

Married: first to Matilda HIGGINS (1829 - 1906)--my husband's ancestor--on 1 October 1851 in Ashe Co., North Carolina; divorced. Married second to Caroline CHEEK (1849 - 1927) on 4 April 1882, probably in Allegheny Co., North Carolina.

Children: with wife Matilda, Jacob had five children: Amanda Phidella (1853 - 1918); Rose Phidella (1857 - 1919); Clark Pleasant R. (1861 - 1918) - my husband's ancestor; Solomon (1864 - 1950); and John Huston TOLLIVER (1867 - 1949). With wife Caroline, he had one son, Clayton TOLLIVER (1884 - 1952). During his children's generation, another "L" was added to the surname, originally spelled TALIAFERRO.

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Compiled Service Record Jacket of Jacob F. Toliver. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of North Carolina. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication M270. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 15 September 1861 in Co. K ("Alleghany Tigers"), 37th North Carolina Infantry at Alleghany Co., North Carolina; private. Promoted to Full Private (Reduced to rank; Estimated day) on 30 March 1863.

Side Served: Confederacy

Discharged: Absent without leave on 28 January 1865.

---

Biography or Information of Interest: Jacob's compiled service record consisted of 23 images at Footnote, plus a couple of cross-reference cards. The reason it is so long was his "interesting" career in the military, which began15 September 1861, when he first enlisted as a private in Company K (also known as the "Alleghany Tigers") of the 137th North Carolina Infantry in the Confederate Army. His compiled service record contained a brief description (five foot, six inches tall; 30 years old) and his signature. On November 20th of that year, he mustered in at Camp Fisher, promising to serve for one year. On the January/February 1862 Muster Roll, he was listed as a drummer, although his record states he was not promoted to Full Musician until March 1st, and then promoted again to Full Musician on March 30th. On April 3rd, he re-enlisted for the duration of the war, at Kinston, Lenoir Co., North Carolina. Less than a month later, he was listed as a deserter, having taken off from Kinston on May 2nd. For eight long months, he remained away from his company. On 9 January 1864 at Liberty Mills (Virginia?) he returned to his unit. I don't have his full military record, so I don't know if he received a court martial for his offense, but I can't imagine that he got away without some sort of consequence!

He served with his unit until he was captured by the Union Army on May 6, 1864 during the Battle of the Wilderness in Spotsylvania Co., Virginia. He ended up a prisoner of war at Point Lookout, Saint Mary's Co., Maryland, arriving there May 17th from Belle Plains, Virginia. On July 23rd, he was transferred to Elmira Prison in Elmira, Chemung Co., New York, where he remained a prisoner until he was transferred for exchange on October 11th. On 15 November 1864, Jacob and 3,022 other Confederate POWs, including four citizens, four surgeons, and 74 officers, were exchanged at the Federal battery at Venus Point along the Savannah River in Georgia.

Apparently, all that was not adventure enough for Jacob, or perhaps he thought he had had enough of war. On 28 January 1865, he was reported as absent without leave from his company, and evidently never returned before the war ended on April 9th.

Died: 22 July 1898, probably in Allegheny Co., North Carolina, although it is possible that he removed to Battle Creek, Madison Co., Nebraska in the mid-1880s with some of his adult children.

Buried: unknown

A Civil War Soldier: Herman Alonzo STRONG (1843 - 1930)

How Related: Half-brother of my 2nd-great-grandfather, Charles Frisbe STRONG

Born: 9 November 1843 in Tomkins Co., New York (possibly in the Town of Caroline)

Parents: Zeri STRONG (1807 - 1872) and Lydia LANE (d. bef. 1846); step-mother Jemima JACOBS (c. 1817 - aft. 1880)

Siblings: Ambrose J. (1835 - 1864); George Washington (c. 1838 - 1863); Paula (c. 1839 - 1842); and Maryette STRONG (b. c. 1841). Younger paternal half-siblings: Lydia Jane (b. c. 1847); Charles Frisbe (1852 - 1921) - my ancestor; James Adelbert (c. 1852 - 1918); Frederick W. (c. 1856 - 1888) and Juliette STRONG (c. 1859 - 1878)

Married: Cordelia C. [--?--] (b. c. 1851) before 1867

Children: Cora B. (b. c. 1867), William B. (b. c. 1871) and Fanney M. STRONG (b. c. 1876)

---

Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Hermon A. Strong. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 9 August 1862 at the Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York; private. Enlisted 11 August 1862 in Co. B, 109th New York Infantry.

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 4 July 1865 at Delaney House, Washington, DC

---

Biography or Information of Interest: Herman enlisted nine days before his older brother Ambrose and George enlisted in the 137th New York Infantry with Charles ROCKWELL. In Herman's company was Rufus ROCKWELL, Charles' younger brother. The younger brother of Ambrose, George and Herman (Charles STRONG) would eventually marry the sister of Charles and Rufus ROCKWELL (Ann), and that couple would become my 2nd-great-grandparents.

Herman was the only one of the three STRONG boys that came back from the war. His father, it seemed, never recovered, and died six years later.

Died: 8 October 1930 at Freeville, Tompkins Co., New York

Buried: in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden, Tompkins Co., New York

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. George Washington STRONG (1838 - 1863)

How Related: Half-brother of my 2nd-great-grandfather, Charles Frisbe STRONG

Born: c. 1838 in Ontario Co., New York

Parents: Zeri STRONG (1807 - 1872) and Lydia LANE (d. bef. 1846); step-mother Jemima JACOBS (c. 1817 - aft. 1880)

Siblings: Ambrose J. (1835 - 1864); Paula (c. 1839 - 1842); Maryette (b. c. 1841); and Herman Alonzo STRONG (1843 - 1930). Younger paternal half-siblings: Lydia Jane (b. c. 1847); Charles Frisbe (1852 - 1921) - my ancestor; James Adelbert (c. 1852 - 1918); Frederick W. (c. 1856 - 1888) and Juliette STRONG (c. 1859 - 1878)

Married: name of wife unknown (see biographical info)

Children: none known

---



Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of George W. Strong. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 18 August 1862 at Caroline, Tompkins Co., New York; private. Enlisted 23 August 1862 in Co. G, 137th New York Infantry.

Side Served: Union

Discharged: Died of wounds on 8 July 1863 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

---

Biography or Information of Interest: On 18 August 1862, George and his older brother Ambrose enlisted together in Company G of the 137th New York Infantry. Only nine days, earlier, brother Herman joined Company B of the 109th New York Infantry. One day later (19 August), Charles H. ROCKWELL joined the same company as George and Ambrose. Charles' sister Ann and George and Ambrose's younger half-brother Charles STRONG would marry eleven years later, and become my 2nd-great-grandparents.

Ambrose was a musician; George an infantryman. Together they served in the company until George was killed at Gettysburg. Ambrose died of disease in Alabama a mere seven months later. I had no idea that George had married until I saw his pension index card and noticed that a pension application had been made by his widow. Not having access to his actual pension file, I don't have further information on her or any possible children (not likely, as no pension application for a dependent minor was made).

Died: of wounds sustained in battle, 27 July 1863, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Buried: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; memorial marker also at Baptist Cemetery, Willseyville, Tioga Co., New York

A Civil War Soldier: Musician Ambrose J. STRONG (1835 - 1864)

How Related: Half-brother of my 2nd-great-grandfather, Charles Frisbe STRONG

Born: c. 1835 in Cattaraugus Co., New York

Parents: Zeri STRONG (1807 - 1872) and Lydia LANE (d. bef. 1846); step-mother Jemima JACOBS (c. 1817 - aft. 1880)

Siblings: George Washington (c. 1838 - 1863); Paula (c. 1839 - 1842); Maryette (b. c. 1841); and Herman Alonzo STRONG (1843 - 1930). Younger paternal half-siblings: Lydia Jane (b. c. 1847); Charles Frisbe (1852 - 1921) - my ancestor; James Adelbert (c. 1852 - 1918); Frederic k W. (c. 1856 - 1888) and Juliette STRONG (c. 1859 - 1878)

Married: Matilda Jane [--?-] (b. c. 184) about 1858, probably in Tioga Co., New York

Children: Mary STRONG (b. c. 1859)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Ambrose J. Strong. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 18 August 1862 at Caroline, Tompkins Co., New York; musician. Enlisted 23 August 1862 in Co. G, 137th New York Infantry

Side Served: Union

Discharged: died of disease 28 February 1864 in Stevenson, Jackson Co., Alabama

---

Biography or Information of Interest: Ambrose was one of three sons who served in the Union Army, and tragically, one of two of those who died during the war. I doubt his father ever recovered. In fact, Zeri died at only age 64, six years after the close of the war.

(Ambrose's brother George Washington STRONG served in the same company, as well as Charles ROCKWELL. Ambrose and George's younger half-brother Charles FRISBE and Charles ROCKWELL's sister Ann would someday marry and become my 2nd-great-grandparents. Curiously, a Joseph B. STRONG also joined Co. G and is buried in Upper Fairfield Cemetery. He must be a cousin, and although I have extensive Strong Family Tree information, his name does not appear in my records.)

Died: 28 February 1864 of disease in Stevenson, Jackson Co., Alabama

Buried: unknown

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Rufus ROCKWELL, III (1840 - 1918)

How Related: Brother of my 3rd-great-grandmother, Ann Elizabeth ROCKWELL

Born: 1840 in New York State

Parents: Peter ROCKWELL, Sr. (1802 - 1871) and Lucy PARTRIDGE (1803 - 1893)

Siblings: One of 10 known children and one of two brothers that served in the Union Army, Peter's siblings included:

• Fanny Cordelia "Delia" (c. 1825 - 1887)
• Jane (dates unknown)
• Adoline (dates unknown)
• Ann Elizabeth (1829 - 1860) - my ancestor
• Charles H. (1836 - 1866)
• Peter, Jr. (1842 - 1925)
• Eleanor (b. c. 1844)
• Olivia (dates unknown)
• Alvira R. (b. c. 1852)
  

Married: Clementine HOVER (b. c. 1844) before 1867, probably in Tioga Co., New York

Children: Emmett L. (1867 - 1926); Orson E. (b. 1870); Lester (b. c. 1875); and Calvin ROCKWELL (b. c. 1878)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Cards of Rufus Rockwell. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital images purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 3 December 1863 at the Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York; private. Enlisted 30 December 1863 in Co. B, 109th New York Infantry. Transferred 31 May 1865 into Co. B, 51st New York Infantry; private.

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 25 July 1865 at Alexandria, Virginia

---

Biography or Information of Interest: Here is another brother of an ancestor I know little about. Rufus was a popular first name for men in the Rockwell family. This Rufus had an uncle and a grandfather by the same name.

Died: 21 July 1918 in Tioga Co., New York

Buried: somewhere in the Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York; perhaps he is buried in Upper Fairfield Cemetery, as so many of the Rockwell family members are

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Charles H. ROCKWELL (1836 - 1869)

How Related: Brother of my 3rd-great-grandmother, Ann Elizabeth ROCKWELL

Born: August 1836 in Schoharie Co., New York

Parents: Peter ROCKWELL, Sr. (1802 - 1871) and Lucy PARTRIDGE (1803 - 1893)

Siblings: One of 10 known children and one of two brothers that served in the Union Army, Peter's siblings included:

• Fanny Cordelia "Delia" (c. 1825 - 1887)
• Jane (dates unknown)
• Adoline (dates unknown)
• Ann Elizabeth (1829 - 1860) - my ancestor
• Rufus (1840 - 1918)
• Peter, Jr. (1842 - 1925)
• Eleanor (b. c. 1844)
• Olivia (dates unknown)
• Alvira R. (b. c. 1852)
  

Married: about 1859 to Ruby Jane STRONG (1838 - 1925), a distant cousin of mine, probably in Tioga Co., New York

Children: Marvin Lewis ROCKWELL (1860 - 1913)

---



Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Charles H. Rockwell. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/]

Enlisted: 19 August 1862 at Caroline, New York; private. Enlisted in Co. G, 137th New York Infantry on 23 August 1862.

Side Served: Union

Discharged: 9 June 1865 at Bladensburg, Maryland

---

Biography or Information of Interest: I know sadly too little about Charles, or for that matter, most of his family. Information was not handed down orally because his sister, my ancestor Ann, died when her children were young. It appears that Charles may have died as a result of war-related injuries or illnesses, since his date of death is so soon after the close of the war.

Died: 27 November 1866 in the Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York

Buried: Upper Fairfield Cemetery, Town of Candor, Tioga Co., New York

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Joseph Uzza Benson ROBBINS (1847 - 1931)

How Related: Brother of my 3rd-great-grandfather, Charles H. ROBBINS

Born: 2 June 1847 in Liberty Twp., McKean Co., Michigan

Parents: Joseph Josiah ROBBINS (1820 - 1905) and Marinda ROBBINS (1827 - 1912)

Siblings: Charles H. (1844 - 1934); Emeline C. (1847 - 1917); Benjamin Leander "Lee" (1850 - 1929); Evaline L. (1853 - bet. 1870/1880); Benjamin Franklin "Frank" (1858 - 1916); and William Wallace ROBBINS (1867 - 1882)

Married: Margaret Jane (HERIN) WADE (1855 - 1932) on 2 September 1888 in Hesperia, Newaygo Co., Michigan

Step-Children: Bert E. (b. c. 1876) and Harriet WADE (1878 - 1965)

---



Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Benson Robbins. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 5 September 1864 in Co. C, 211th Pennsylvania Infantry; private

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 2 June 1865 at Alexandria, Virginia

---

Biography or Information of Interest: In the 1860 Federal Census in Liberty Twp., McKean Co., Pennsylvania, Benson's name appears as "Uzza B. Robbins." Uzza Robbins was Benson's maternal grandfather, who was hanged in 1850 in Smethport, McKean Co., Pennsylvania for his conviction of murder of his second wife and attempted murder of his adult step-daughter. It was also discovered he had murdered his adult son, as well. This is the only time Benson's name is listed as Uzza, so my theory is that he or his family changed his name to Joseph Benson Robbins, so as to no longer honor the grandfather who had been convicted of murder.

Benson was one of two brothers as well as a son of a man who served in Pennsylvania Infantries during the Civil War.

My grandfather told me that Benson had lived in a soldiers' home in Washington and had been buried in Arlington. Naturally, I thought he lived in a soldiers' home in Washington, DC and had been buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In fact, Grandpa may have thought so, himself. About 10 years ago, as I was researching this family, I discovered that Benson and his brother Lee had migrated west to Washington State. Lee actually lived for a time in Stevens County in Northeast Washington, the same county where my parents now reside, and died there as well. Benson and his wife Margaret lived in the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil, Kitsap Co., Washington on the west side of the state. Both Benson and Lee are buried in Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Snohomish Co., Washington.

Died: 11 April 1931 in Mount Vernon, Skagit Co., Washington

Source: Headstone of Joseph Benson Robbins, Harwood (Arlington) Cemetery, Arlington, Snohomish Co., Washington. Digital photograph taken at the request of Miriam Robbins Midkiff by Lisa Morris, RAOGK volunteer. 2005.

Buried: 14 April 1931 in Plot 139, Grave 7 at Harwood (Arlington) Cemetery, Arlington, Snohomish Co., Washington

Two More Carnivals Posted

In the past week, two favorite carnivals by two geneablogging friends have been posted.

My apologies to footnoteMaven for not highlighting her brand new "I Smile for the Camera" Carnival when it first was published last Sunday, May 11th. If you haven't heard, the Maven has a new blog, Shades of the Departed, in which she merges her love of genealogy, history and photography. In the "Smile" carnival, she invites other bloggers to share their personal photos centered around a specific theme. In honor of Mother's Day, her first edition of the carnival had the theme "Mother Love" or "Love of Mother." My submission is here.

The 2nd edition will feature "Belles and Beaus":

The 2nd Edition of Smile For The Camera takes its word prompts from the romance and weddings of the month of June. So, show us your belles and beaus. Choose a photograph of an ancestor, relative, yourself, or an orphan photograph that shows a memorable wedding, courting/dating, or a photograph depicting young/old love.

Your submission may include as many or as few words as you feel are necessary to describe your treasured photograph. Those words may be in the form of an expressive comment, a quote, a journal entry, a poem (your own or a favorite), a scrapbook page, or a heartfelt article. The choice is yours!

Deadline for the submission is midnight, 10 June 2008. You can submit your post here.

Yesterday, Jasia of Creative Gene published the 48th Carnival of Genealogy, whose topic was "Mom, How'd You Get So Smart?" In honor of Mother's Day and National Teacher Month, bloggers explored their mother's education, whether formal or informal. Twenty-three bloggers wrote 25 posts about their mothers, mothers-in-law, or as in my case, I invited my mother to write her own educational memories.

The topic for the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy will be: Swimsuit Edition! Why should Sports Illustrated have all the fun? This is your chance to show off the bathing beauties in your family. Pull out the old photos of Grandma Moses in her seaside bloomers, Auntie Mae in her pin-up girl suit from the 1940s or 50s, cousin Paula in her psychedelic bikini from the 1970s, or even yourself in your Speedo! Let's have some fun here! Memorial Weekend is knocking on the door and that means the start of the summer sun, sand, and seaside season so let's get in the mood with summer fun photos. What? You don't have any swimsuit photos you dare to share? No problem! Tell us your best family beach stories instead! The deadline for submissions is June 1st.

Thanks to the members of the ScanFest crew who suggested the Swimsuit Edition topic!

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Joseph Josiah ROBBINS (1820 - 1905)

How Related: My 4th-great-grandfather

Born: 4 December 1820 in Otsego Co., New York, probably in what is now Cherry Valley

Parents: father George ROBBINS, dates unknown; it is possible his parents were George Washington ROBBINS and Abigail HICKS, but so far, no strong evidence has surfaced

Siblings: unknown

Married: first to Emeline C. [--?--] before 11 June 1841 (her death date), place unknown (possibly Chatauqua Co., New York - her death place). Married second to my ancestor, Marinda ROBBINS (1827 - 1912), daughter of Uzza ROBBINS, on 15 January 1842 in Elkland, Tioga Co., Pennsylvania. It is not known if Joseph and Marinda were cousins.

Children: seven children with Marinda, including two sons who also served in the Union Army: Charles H. (1844 - 1934) - my ancestor; Emeline C. (1846 - 1917); Joseph Uzza Benson (1847 - 1931); Benjamin Leander "Lee" (1850 - 1929); Evaline L. (c. 1852 - bet. 1877/1880); Ben Franklin "Frank" (1858 - 1916); and William Wallace ROBBINS (1867 - 1882)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Cards of Joseph J. Robbins. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital images purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: September 1861 with 84th Pennsylvania Infantry, which was later consolidated with the 58th (he served in Co. E). For a while, he was detached with the 7th Massachusetts Battery. He enlisted 16 August 1862 in Co. G, 135th Pennsylvania Infantry; private.

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 24 May 1863 at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

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Biography or Information of Interest: Joseph was written up in the History of Manistee, Mason, and Oceana [Michigan] Counties, which can be read here. I also wrote the post, "The Legend of Joseph Josiah ROBBINS" for the 31st Carnival of Genealogy. During his service, Joseph endured a sunstroke, which caused his eventual blindness.

Died: 27 June 1905 in Newfield Twp., Oceana Co., Michigan, possibly in the Village of Hesperia

Buried: in Section B, Block 5, Lot 142, Space 1 of West Hesperia Cemetery, the Village of Hesperia, Newfield Twp., Oceana Co., Michigan

Happy Syttende Mai

In honor of my husband's and children's Norwegian ancestry, Happy Syttende Mai (sit-TEN-day MY)!

3D Flags

Fellow Washington State geneablogger Chery of Nordic Blue has a post about the significance of Syytende Mai. I always enjoy reading Chery's blog to gain an understanding of the culture of Norwegian immigrants in the United States' Midwest in the 19th century.

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Charles H. ROBBINS (1844 - 1934)

Source: Robbins, Viola Gertrude (Peck) and Charles H. Digital scan of original photograph; believed to be their wedding portrait. C. 1864. Original in the possession of Joyce Robbins Sanders, San Antonio, Texas. 2007.

How Related: My 3rd-great-grandfather

Born: 19 April 1844 in Liberty Twp., McKean Co., Pennsylvania or Steuben Co., New York (sources, including statements by Charles himself, conflict)

Parents: Joseph Josiah ROBBINS (1820 - 1905) and Marinda ROBBINS (1827 - 1912)

Siblings: Emeline C. (1847 - 1917); Joseph Uzza Benson (1846 - 1931); Benjamin Leander "Lee" (1850 - 1929); Evaline L. (1853 - bet. 1877/1880); Benjamin Franklin "Frank" (1858 - 1916); and William Wallace ROBBINS (1867 - 1882)

Married: first to my ancestor, Viola Gertrude PECK (1848 - 1918) on 23 October 1864 in Liberty Twp., McKean Co., Pennsylvania. Her step-brother, Angelo M. CRAPSEY, also served in the same company as Charles. Married second to brother Frank's widow, Helena "Lena" (SWEET) SKINNER ROBBINS (c. 1860 - 1951) in 1921 (place unknown)

Children: William W. "Willie" (1865 - 1903); Burton Wallace (1867 - 1960); Edwin Warren (1869 - 1941), Emma Alice (1872 - 1965), Angelo Merrick (1874 - 1923) - my ancestor, and Arthur A. ROBBINS (1880 - 1885)

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Cards of Charles H. Robbins. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital images purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 30 May 1861; fell ill. Enlisted 15 August 1861 in Co. I, 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry; private. Transferred 11 June 1864 into Co. I, 190th Pennsylvania Infantry

Side Served: Union

Mustered Out: 12 August 1864

---

Biography or Information of Interest: Charles' interesting AnceStory (biography) is listed here on my website.

Died: of aortic infirmity on 20 January 1934 in the Village of Hesperia, Newfield Twp., Oceana Co., Michigan

Source: Headstone of Charles H. Robbins, Hesperia West Cemetery, Hesperia, Michigan. Digital photograph taken at the request of Miriam Robbins Midkiff by Find A Grave photo volunteer "Dame Agatha". 2006

Buried: 23 January 1934 in Section A, Block 4, Lot 158, Space 5 of Hesperia West Cemetery, Village of Hesperia, Newfield Twp., Oceana Co., Michigan

The Next Scanfest is in Two Days!

This time of year everything speeds up. It's part and parcel for school district employees as well as parents of school-age children and teens. I happen to fit both categories. Thirty hours' worth of work, school, housework, and errands seem to be squeezed into each twenty-four-hour period. Add to the mix holidays and celebrations like Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day and graduations, and things really start getting busy!

Which is how the next Scanfest has snuck up on me. In May, it's held one week early because many of us are out of town or busy with family over Memorial Day weekend. SO...if you haven't already made plans for this Sunday the 18th, please join me and the other die-hard Scanfesters from 11 AM to 2 PM, Pacific Daylight Time on Windows Live Messenger:

To join us, you'll need a Hotmail or Gmail account, and Windows Live Messenger downloaded to your computer (Mac users go here to download Microsoft Messenger for Mac). Although WLM states that it is compatible with Yahoo! e-mail accounts, we have had difficulty adding Yahoo! users to our chat conversation. If you don't have a Hotmail or Gmail account, it's very easy (and free) to set one up. Just go to the links in the first sentence of this paragraph. Once you have gotten set up, send me an e-mail (my address is found on this page) and I'll add you to our chat list. You'll receive an invitation message from me at my Hotmail address, which will be sent to the e-mail account that you've set up for Messenger (Hotmail or Gmail), and then you will need to verify that I can add you as a contact.

The second thing you need to do to prepare for scanning is go to Sally's website here and sign up for her free e-mail newsletter. This will then allow you to download her helpful information called 8 Blunders People Make When They Scan Photographs...and How You Can Avoid Them All. Then you will know how to set your scanner correctly to enable you to scan your items without damaging the originals or compromising the digital images you create.

As always, we had an enjoyable time last month. Our group consisted of long-time genea-blogger but first-time Scanfester Steve Danko, as well as Bonnie, Colleen, Donna, Sheri, Craig, John, Renee, and Apple. As you can see, we have a couple of non-bloggers, too; all are welcome! We invite all those who are interested in preserving their family's history to join us on Sunday.

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. William Franklin MIDKIFF (1833 - 1920)

Source: Midkiff, William Franklin. Photograph. C. 1890. Whereabouts of original photograph unknown.

How Related: Brother of my husband's 2nd-great-grandfather

Born: 4 January 1833 in Lincoln (now Moore) Co., Tennessee

Parents: Franklin Preston MIDKIFF (c. 1800 - c. 1839) and Ellender "Nellie" OLIVER (c. 1807 - c. 1849)

Siblings: William was one of seven siblings and one of three brothers that served the Confederacy from Texas: Sarah Ann (1826 - 1912); unknown sister (b. c. 1825 - 1830); Elizabeth Carrie "Betsey" (1830 - 1912); John Rufus "J.R." (1835 - 1909); unknown brother (b. c. 1836 - 1840); and Charles Anderson MIDKIFF, Sr. (1839 - 1919)

Married: first to Frances Elizabeth COLE (1835 - 1905) on 4 September 1851 in Fayetteville, Lincoln Co., Tennessee. She was the sister of Louisa COLE, who married William's brother, J.R. MIDKIFF. Married second to Emma POINDEXTER (dates unknown), probably in Cooke Co., Texas

Children: With his wife Frances, William had 13 children:

• Marcus Franklin (1852 - 1868)
• James Jefferson "Jeff" (1854 - 1890)
• Martha Ann (1856 - 1858)
• Mary Jane (1859 - 1937)
• William Davis (1861 - 1864)
• George Price (1864 - 1847)
• Margaret Susan (1865 - 1941)
• John Horace "Bud" (1867 - 1937)
• twins Thomas Jackson (1870 - 1943) and Robert Lee (1870 - 1952)
• Kathryn Elizabeth "Kate" (1872 - 1949)
• William Petty (changed to William Preston) (1875 - 1950)
• Emma Tennessee (1877 - 1877)
  

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Enlisted: 1 February 1864 in Co. D, Cooke County First Frontier District; private

Side served: Confederacy

Discharged: unknown

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Biography or Information of Interest: The First Frontier District Regiment was much like a home guard or national guard, whose purpose was "keeping out the Indians & arresting deserters and those persons who are avoiding conscriptions and draft services..."

After the war, William returned to his farm at Sivells Bend, Cooke Co., Texas. Later, his family removed to nearby Gainsville. Much of William's story can also be found in Midkiff: A Texas Family, Town and Way of Life.

Died: 3 July 1920 in Gainsville, Cooke Co., Texas

Buried: Gainsville Cemetery, Gainsville, Cooke Co., Texas

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. John Rufus "J.R." MIDKIFF (1835 - 1909)

Source: Midkiff, John Rufus, Sr. Reprint of photograph. C. 1890. Original believed to be in the possession of John and Mary Lou Midkiff, Midkiff, Texas, 2004.

How Related: Brother of my husband's 2nd-great-grandfather

Born: 13 January 1835 in Lincoln (now Moore) Co., Tennessee

Parents: Franklin Preston MIDKIFF (c. 1800 - c. 1839) and Ellender "Nellie" OLIVER (c. 1807 - c. 1849)

Siblings: John was one of seven siblings and one of three brothers that served the Confederacy from Texas: Sarah Ann (1826 - 1912); unknown sister (b. c. 1825 - 1830); Elizabeth Carrie "Betsey" (1830 - 1912); William Franklin (1833 - 1920); unknown brother (b. c. 1836 - 1840); an Charles Anderson MIDKIFF, Sr. (1839 - 1919)

Married: first to Louisa Maria COLE (1839 - 1878) on 2 October 1856 in Lincoln (now Moore) Co., Tennessee. She was the sister to his brother William's wife, Frances. Married second to Judith "Judee" FARMER (c. 1842 - 1892) on 20 June 1878 in Grayson Co., Texas.

Children: Children of J.R. and Louisa:

• Charles Preston (1857 - 1933)
• Jeffalonia Elizabeth (1861 - 1955)
• John Rufus, Jr. (1863 - 1880)
• Martha Ann "Mattie" (1865 - 1956)
• William Marcus (1868 - 1934)
• Franklin Alexander (1870 - 1902)
• Thomas Oscar "T.O." (1872 - 1940)

Child of J.R. and Judee: Maud MIDKIFF (1880 - 1880)

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Source: Compiled Service Record Jacket of J. R. Midkiff. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication M323. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: with his brother Charles on 5 June 1862 at Whitemound, Grayson Co., Texas in D.W. Baker's Company (Co. A), Hardeman's Cavalry (1st Regiment, Arizona Brigade, 31st Cavalry); private; Transferred 1 December 1863 to Capt. LeKorster's Company (E), 4th Regiment, Arizona Brigade.

Side served: Confederacy

Discharged: unknown

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Biography or Information of Interest: Much of the biography of J.R.'s life can be found in the book Midkiff: A Texas Family, Town, and Way of Life by Mary Lou Midkiff, which traces the stories of J.R. and his son Thomas Oscar Midkiff and their successful attempts to provide a new and good life for their families in West Texas through the hard work of cattle ranching. J.R. had a general store for many years on his ranch in Midland County, which had a little post office with the postmark, Midkiff, Texas. Years later, a new post office with the same name was built not far over the county border in Upton County. You can read more in a post I published last November.

Died: 23 January 1909 of cancer, in Whitesboro, Grayson Co., Texas

Buried: between the graves of his first and second wives in Whitesboro Cemetery, Whitesboro, Grayson Co., Texas

Hellotree

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by John Goodall, CEO and co-founder of www.hellotree.com. Hellotree is "a free family network for sharing photos and building ...collaborative family tree[s]." It "allows you to invite family members, watch your tree grow across geographies and generations and stay in touch."

I've been so busy lately, I really haven't had time to try this out; however, I thought some of my readers may be interested, and perhaps a fellow geneablogger may wish to write a review. Maybe this summer when my time gets freed up, I can play with it a bit more.

Family Tree Stands Above the Competition

I received the following e-mail today:

Dear Fellow Genealogist,

This week an article was published in the UK newspaper Daily Mail, quoting Ancestors Magazine, under the title: "£200-a-time ancestral DNA test kits are a rip off, say experts", by Andrew Levy.

The article was based on tests by the following companies: Oxford Ancestors, Ancestry DNA, and International Biosciences.

Family Tree DNA was not contacted for testing purposes, nor mentioned in that article. Having tested over 350,000 individuals (over 100,000 of our direct customers and 250,000 participants in National Geographic's Genographic Project) we could supply anyone who asks us with thousands of examples that prove the opposite of what the article stated.

Unfortunately, the journalist's conclusion is based on opportunist companies who noted our success and jumped into Genetic Genealogy to get a piece of it, but who did not have the science or the database that would allow for a serious work. Again, note that Family Tree DNA was NOT one of the companies that the journalist approached.

About 2 years ago, Oxford Ancestors announced to the world that they found a descendant of Genghis Khan living in Florida - a Caucasian accountant. Family Tree DNA proved that Oxford Ancestors was wrong. Tom Robinson, the person in question, recounts the entire story in his blog at http://trrobinson.com/2006/06/16/genghis-khan-or-not--that-is-the-question.aspx#comment-56635. The Associated Press later distributed the news: "Robinson, an associate accounting professor at the University of Miami, canceled a planned trip to Mongolia after learning of the new results. He said he never sought publicity on his ancestry. “The results that Family Tree DNA gave me are pretty conclusive,” he said. “I’m certainly not going to look for any more tests on Genghis Khan.” (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13467247/)

Family Tree DNA is proud to have the largest database of its kind in the world (more than all other companies combined), to adhere to the best science in the field, and to be the expert source for journalists from the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, among others. National Geographic would not tarnish their century-old reputation by partnering with us.

That article, in the end, demonstrates the following:

- While Family Tree DNA prices are in line with other companies, price is not the only thing that matters when choosing a DNA testing company

- Science and database size are important factors when choosing a testing company

You are welcome to share this e-mail with whomever you feel necessary, and we make ourselves available to anyone with questions about our work.

E-mail me anytime!

Max Blankfeld
Vice-President, Operations and Marketing
http://www.FamilyTreeDNA.com
"History Unearthed Daily"
max@familytreedna.com
713-868-1438

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. Charles Anderson MIDKIFF (1839 - 1919)

Source: Midkiff, Charles Anderson Sr. Photograph. C. 1918. Reprint in the possession of Miriam Robbins Midkiff, Spokane, Washington. 2008.

How Related: My husband's 2nd-great-grandfather

Born: 25 May 1839 in Lincoln (now Moore) Co., Tennessee

Parents: Franklin Preston MIDKIFF (c. 1800 - c. 1839) and Ellender "Nellie" OLIVER (c. 1807 - c. 1849)

Siblings: Sarah Ann (1826 - 1912); unknown sister (b. c. 1825 - 1830); Elizabeth Carrie "Betsey" (1830 - 1912); William Franklin (1833 - 1920); John Rufus "J.R." (1835 - 1909); and unknown brother MIDKIFF (b. c. 1836 - 1840)

Married: 24 July 1859 to Mary Emeline WILBOURN (1839 - 1923) in Grayson Co., Texas

Children: William Preston (1862 - 1936), Charles Anderson, Jr. (1865 - 1948), Louanna Ellen "Annie" (1868 - 1940), John Franklin (1870 - 1926) - my husband's ancestor, Ethel Susan (b. 1874), Thomas Jefferson "Tex" (1879 - 1941), and Mae MIDKIFF (b. aft. 1879 - d. young)

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Source: Compiled Service Record Jacket of Charles Midkiff. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Texas. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication M323. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 15 June 1862 at Whitemound, Grayson Co., Texas in D.W. Baker's Company (Co. A), Hardeman's Cavalry (1st Regiment, Arizona Brigade, 31st Cavalry); private

Side served: Confederacy

Discharged: unknown

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Biography or Information of Interest: Orphaned at a young age, Charles was apprenticed as a boy several times, including to John HAMILTON, his sister Ann's husband. As a young man, he followed his brothers and sister Betsey to East Texas, where he met and married his wife Mary.

"William Polk Hardeman, a former Texas Ranger, organized the unit [Hardeman's Bridgade] early in the war with the purpose of serving with General Henry Hopkins Sibley in Sibley's proposed Confederate invasion of New Mexico and Arizona. After engagements at Val Verde in February 1862 and Glorietta in March, the First Texas Cavalry returned to their home state. The honorific, "Arizona Brigade," was added to the unit's official designation, even though later enlistees served only within the boundaries of Texas." --from Midkiff: A Texas Family, Town and Way of Life by Mary Lou Midkiff. Midland, Texas: Oleo Publishing. 2005.

After the war, they moved to Oklahoma Territory, where several of their children were married and began their families. In the early 1900s, Charles, Mary, and some of their grown children removed to West Colorado, where Charles tried his hand in farming. He was badly injured when a pair of mules ran away with him and he was caught under the wagon, breaking his leg. With the deep winter snow and his crippled leg, he decided to sell the farm around 1913 and removed again with the extended family to Northern California.

Died: 14 September 1919 in Chico, Butte Co., California

Source: Unmarked grave location of Charles Anderson Midkiff, Sr., Chico Cemetery, Chico, Butte Co., California. Digital photograph taken at the request of Miriam Robbins Midkiff by Find A Grave photo volunteer "Laural N. D." Digital copy in the possession of Miriam Robbins Midkiff, Spokane, Washington. 2006.

Buried: 16 September 1919 in Chico Cemetery, Butte Co., California in Wilbourn Family Plot (Garden 12, Section B, Lot 32, Space 10). Grave unmarked.

A Civil War Soldier: Cpl. Levi Edward McLALLIN (c. 1823 - 1882)

How Related: My 4th-great-grandfather

Born: c. 1823 in Montgomery Co., NY

Parents: father's name unknown; mother is probably Rachel [--?--] (b. c. 1797 in Ohio) who lived with him in 1850

Siblings: possibly include William J. McClellan (1822 - 1881) who also served in the same company and regiment, and Reuben (b. c. 1822 in Ohio)

Married: 1) 6 Aug 1848 in Cottrellville Twp., St. Clair Co., Michigan to Clarissa CLEVELAND (b. c. 1832 - d. 1877); 2) 16 December 1877 in New Haven Twp., Macomb Co., Michigan to Mary C. (FORD) COREY (b. c. 1831, New York)

Children: known children include: William (b. c. 1855), Cornelia (1856 - 1916) - my ancestor, Edmund McCLELLAN (b. c. 1863) and Ira McCLELLAN (1870 - 1939) - all with first wife Clarissa; and stepchildren Martha A. MILLER (b. c. 1864) and George A. COREY (b. c. 1866), children of Mary

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of Levi E. McLallin. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 24 October 1862 in St. Clair, St. Clair Co., Michigan; private. Enlisted 11 November 1862 in Co. C, 27th Michigan Infantry. Promoted to full corporal 18 July 1863.

Side served: Union

Discharged: due to disability on 21 January 1865 at Petersburg, Virginia

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Biography or Information of Interest: This man has been very difficult to research because McCLELLAN can be spelled so many different ways, and when I've found them on censuses, all the names and ages of the children are always a bit "off." He is a recently discovered ancestor, so I have a lot to learn about him, and he and his family have provided me with many research challenges. Levi served in same company as William J. McCLELLAN, who may have been his brother. He also served in the same regiment (but different company) as William Lee MASSEY. Levi's great-grandaughter, Mary Jane BARBER, married William's great-grand-nephew, Howard Merkel YORK 45 years after the end of the Civil War. They were my great-grandparents. Levi's daughter, Cornelia, was married to two different Civil War veterans, who have already been listed in this series: Sylvester FREDENBURG and Washington Foster JUDD.

Died: 6 Mar 1882 in Hamtramck, Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan, from consumption as a result of a gunshot wound to his chest while serving in the war

Buried: 8 Mar 1882 in the Chesterfield and Lennox Union Burying Ground, Macomb Co., Michigan

A Civil War Soldier: Pvt. William Lee MASSEY (1828 - 1864)

How Related: Brother of my 4th-great-grandmother, Catherine MASSEY

Born: 11 November 1828 in Greece, Monroe Co., New York

Parents: Joseph P. MASSEY (1786 - 1858) and Susanna LEDDYCK (d. 1878)

Siblings: My ancestor Catherine (1812 - 1882), Sarah (1814 - 1896), Mary "Polly" (b. 1822), and Rebecca MASSEY (1824 - 1905)

Married: Susan Elizabeth FOX (1837 - 1906) on 1 January 1854 in Greenbush Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan

Children: William Henry (1856 - 1934), James Marion (1858 - 1943), Charles Benjamin (1859 - 1934), and Mary Ellen MASSEY (1863 - 1921).

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Source: Civil War Pension Index Card of William L. Massey. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900. National Archives and Records Administration. Publication T289. Digital image purchased at Footnote [http://www.footnote.com/].

Enlisted: 30 November 1863 at Bingham Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan; private. Enlisted in Co. I, 27th Michigan Infantry on 29 December 1863.

Side served: Union

Discharged: died while in service

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Biography or Information of Interest: Here's another veteran I know very little about, other than he was the younger brother of my 4th-great-grandmother. The Massey family is my one line that hails from south of the Mason-Dixon line, in Maryland. After arriving in Queen Anne County in the mid-1600s, the family remained in the area for seven generations, before William's father Joseph P. MASSEY, relocated to New York by 1810.

Died: of disease on 27 May 1864 in Harewood Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Source: Tombstone of W.L. Massey, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington Co., Virginia. Digital photograph. 2006. Photographed by Find A Grave photo volunteer "Hope".

Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington Co., Virginia

Edits and Updates

As I play catch-up from my break from blogging, I wanted to let you know of some edits and updates I've made to some of my recent posts:

1) I found that I had some scanned photos of most of the schools my mother attended as well as some snapshots and portraits of her during those years to illustrate each post in the series she wrote about her school years for the 48th Carnival of Genealogy. I especially love her Kindergarten portrait; she looks like the little tomboy I'm sure she was, and can't you just see her telling her mother about the infamous Purple Hairbrush?! ;-)

2) I have posted the next three biographical sketches of the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors in my husband's and my family trees. I "cheated" and adjusted the post dates so that they will appear on the dates they were originally slated to be posted, even though I wasn't blogging much that week. The posts are of the three Kimball brothers, Benjamin, David, and William.

3) I'd like to publicly thank Jason Felton, a photograph volunteer from Find A Grave, who took the time to go to Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont, Michigan and photograph the impressive tombstone of my 3rd-great-grandfather, Benjamin Henry Kimball. I had requested this some time ago, and Jason's act of kindness was very timely, allowing me to post the photo on Benjamin's biographical sketch for my Civil War Soldiers and Sailors series.

4) I'd also like to publicly thank Donald Ladd, another Find A Grave photo volunteer, who recently photographed the grave of my 4th-great-grandfather, Ezra Dickinson, another soldier in my Civil War series. I've just added that photo to Ezra's biographical sketch.

5) If you've clicked on any of the links to the histories of the units of my Civil War Soldiers and Sailors for those sketches posted before April 30th, you'll notice that you can no longer view them. I had unwittingly linked to a subscription Civil War website that was offering a trial free-access period during the month of April, and they are no longer available to view for free. The National Parks Service's Civil War Soldiers and Sailors website has free information on the histories of the military units. I'll be changing the links over as time allows.

"School Years: Part III" by Faith L. Robbins

Written by guest blogger, Faith L. (Valk) Robbins (my mother) for the 48th Carnival of Genealogy, "Mom, How'd You Get So Smart?":

Source: Creston High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Photograph. C. 1960. Original in the possession of Faith Valk Robbins, Colville, Washington. 2008.

In September, 1959, I entered Creston High School with a student body of nearly 2000 whereas the student body of Riverside Junior High was less than one-third of its size. Everything seemed very confusing to me and my classes were hard, especially geometry. Beth was in my homeroom only (its duration was a mere few minutes) and soon had another best friend. In spite of that, two great things happened that year: I received all A's in gym class merely for suiting up and fulfilling my quota of showers (I was not athletically inclined), and I joined the school choir led by Frank Goodwin. The rules were strict: among them, three dismissals (for not listening, talking, etc.) and you were counted out for the rest of the semester. But he taught us to believe in ourselves. Number one, you are the best! Number two, if you make a mistake, act as if everything is okay. And three, if someone compliments you and you know you messed up, just say thank you. After all, you don't want to be impolite and contradict them.

My junior year went much better and I started to make new friends. Then came my senior year and it turned out to be awesome! Beginning the summer of 1961, my family and I went camping near Hart, Michigan to a campground named Silver Lake. I met a young handsome man named Bryan Robbins who was out there camping with his family. (The evening we met happened to be my seventeenth birthday). He asked me to go out in his boat with him the next day which I did and then we walked for several hours over the sand dunes getting acquainted. We shared our views on the political scene and world events. He asked for my address that afternoon just before our family headed for home.

My studies went very well that year, thanks to my physiology teacher--and sponsor of the Senior Honor Society--named Evelyn Ostrander who showed movies to us about study habits for a few weeks before we finally settled down to the subject at hand. That year, I finally made the honor roll which made my parents and myself more than happy. Then there were dates with Bryan every so often and his phone calls. He would turn out to be the love of my life and my future husband.

Source: Senior Portrait of Faith L. Valk. Digitally restored photograph. 1961 - 1962. Digital image in the possession of Miriam Robbins Midkiff, Spokane, Washington. 2008.

I graduated number 48 in a class of 360 and made plans to attend Grand Rapids Junior College now called G.R. Community College. I would graduate with an Associate of Arts in 1964 and go on to enter what is now called Cornerstone University for one year. My husband and I were married in June 1965. Therefore is the saga of my school years ended.

School Years: Part I
School Years: Part II

Note from Miriam: Although her step-father attended the University of Michigan, my mother was the first generation in either her mother's or her biological father's direct lines to attend college and obtain a degree. As her biological father had an eighth-grade education, she was also the first generation in her father's direct line to attend and graduate from high school.

Both my parents have been--what we call in the education world--life-long learners, and they shared their love of learning with my siblings and me. Our home was always filled with books and music and they set the example for us by always learning new skills. History, art, geography, and science, as well as my heritage and culture, were taught in everyday, ordinary situations. In many ways, they prepared me for my avocation in genealogy.

One of these times, I'll ask my father to be a guest blogger as well. I know you'll enjoy his stories as much as you've enjoyed my mother's.