Sunday, September 1, 2019

Sunday's Obituary Prompt ~ Mary Warner Severance

(Sunday’s Obituary is a daily genealogy prompt that can include an obituary and other information about a person, developed by Leslie Ann at Ancestors Live Here)

Have you ever had a brick wall  that you thought you would never break? The ancestor just seemed to appear out of nowhere, and start a direct line to your family?! 🔍🔍🔍

Mary Warner Severance was one of my biggest brick walls. In all my research on her, I had found maiden names of Warren, Warner and all kinds of variations. New York was always listed as the place of birth, but I could never find a town listed anywhere. And, last but not least, I had never heard of any children other than my great-grandmother, Frances.

Thanks to my genealogy angel and newly-discovered third cousin, Stephanie...I now have an obituary for my 2x-great grandmother, Mary Warner Severance! 

It was taken from the Aurora Daily News (June 14, 1907, p. 15), and gives much of the information that I was missing. I also discovered four more children that I didn't know existed. The only drawback that I noticed in a 1907 obituary is the daughters lack their own names. Instead, you will notice they are all Mrs. (insert husband's name).

This is so much more information than I already had for Mary, so I would like to transcribe it below to make it searchable for others. 

                                Aurora Daily News (June 14, 1907, p. 15)


(Transcribed obituary of Mary Warner Severance)

Obituary


   Mary Warner was born in Chittenango, Madison County, N.Y., May 2, 1816 and died June 10, 1907, at the advanced age of 91 years, one month and eight days.

   She was united in marriage to David Severance in 1835 and was a resident of Oswego for many years. For several years she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Orson Pearce, near Yorkville, where she received the best of care. All that loving hands could do was done for her comfort. She was a patient sufferer for months.

   She leaves to mourn her loss four daughters and one son, Mrs. Edward Walker, of Indiana, Mrs. Jos. Hinchman, Mrs. Will Smith and Mrs. Orson Pearce of Oswego and Charles Severance.

   The funeral was held at the house Tuesday afternoon and was largely attended. The floral offerings were exceedingly beautiful and profuse. The sermon was preached by Rev. G.A. Erving. The music was furnished by W.W. Church and Miss Lillian Nading. The pallbearers were the four grandsons, Gerald Pearce, Van Andrews, Clarence Smith and Loren Hinchman.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Mastering My Genealogical Skills ~ A Thorough "Reasonably Exhaustive" Search

Whether you plan on becoming a professional genealogist or would like to ensure thoroughness in your own family history search...it pays to master the skills needed for the job.

I have been researching my family for close to 40 years now. Starting when I was 11 years old, I have built up quite a repertoire of skills and resources that I consistently use while researching.

Even though I plan on eventually becoming a certified genealogist, I am not quite ready to fully commit myself  to a study program at this time.  

However, I am still committed to learning everything I can. According to the Board of Certified Genealogists website, "The first step to becoming certified is to acquire the skills and knowledge expressed in Genealogy Standards." 

Mastering Genealogical Proof

Using the interlibrary loan system at my library, I checked out a copy of Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones. 


As I was perusing the table of contents, I found the answer to one of the biggest questions I have always asked myself: When is the information I have enough? 

Element 1 of the Genealogical Proof Standard is "Thorough ("reasonably exhaustive") searches in sources that might help answer a research question."

Chapter 3 answers the question of what "reasonably exhaustive" means to the researcher. Six criteria should be used as a guide in the search:
  1. At least two independently-created evidence items in agreement.
  2. All sources competent genealogists would examine
  3. Some primary information.
  4. Some original records
  5. Relevant authored works, derivative records, and secondary information replaced by findable corresponding originals and primary information.
  6. All findable sources that relevant sources and indexes suggest.

By using these criteria, I can feel more certain in my research to say "enough is enough".

Amy Johnson Crow

As I took in this new information, I came across a wonderful article written by Amy Johnson Crow on her blog. It complemented what I had just read in Jones' book. 

To ensure that you are getting the most out of your sources, there are things you should do with each one. You can read more about this topic at amyjohnsoncrow.com "4 Things You Should Do With Every Genealogy Source"

Professional Genealogy

Sometimes, luck can even have a hand in your education! I work at a library, and sometimes other libraries will offer discarded books on an email listserv. A short time ago, I was the lucky recipient of 2001 edition of Professional Genealogy, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. 


What have you been reading, watching or listening to lately to help build your genealogical skills? Every book, blog, podcast or video is just as valuable as the conferences you attend!

Sources: 
  • Jones, Thomas W. Mastering Genealogical Proof. National Genealogical Society, 2013.
  • Crow, Amy Johnson. “4 Things You Should Do With Every Genealogy Source.” Amy Johnson Crow, 15 Aug. 2019, www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/4-things-every-genealogy-source/.
  • Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Professional Genealogy.: a Manual for Researchers-Writers-Editors-Lecturers and Librarians. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2001.

Friday, July 26, 2019

Friday's Faces from the Past ~ Little Boy Lost to Time

(As part of the "Friday’s Faces from the Past" daily prompt suggested by Smadar Belkin Gerson of Past-Present-Future)


This little boy was in an old photo album of my paternal grandmother, along with many other photos from her family that I was able to identify. I didn't know my grandfather's side of the family as well, however I was able to identify a few of his family members in some of the photos, too.

But this photo has me stumped. My grandfather and his siblings were all born at the turn of the century and the decade following. He looks similar enough to Grandpa's brother in another photograph, that it could be my great-uncle.


The little boy on the left is my great-uncle, Lonnie, in this photo.  However, the similarities are generic in nature to me, and not conclusive.

If I can identify the cute little boy above as Uncle Lonnie, then mystery solved. 

If not, then who is this lone little boy in the photograph? 

I am saddened to say that my father and his parents have passed away, and I cannot ask them.  I have asked at family reunions (her side), but am not in touch with my grandfather's side to ask.

So, where do I go for help? What resources should I try? What do you do with old family photographs such as this?

If you can help with any of my questions, I would love to hear your comments!