Leap Day

In the Gregorian calendar, an extra day is added to the month of February every four years, except century years that cannot be divided by 400.

When it is not a leap year, some people who were born on February 29 celebrate their birthdays on February 28, and others celebrate on March 1. My aunt celebrates on February 28. The legal date of birth on non-leap years is often March 1, but it can vary depending on the jurisdiction.

One of my aunts was born on February 29. Going by the number of actual birthdays, she is 18 years old today, younger than her children and most of her grandchildren!  ;)

References
February 29
Leap year

Church Record Sunday: Matilde Josefine Eriksen

Chicago's vital records prior to 8 October 1871 were destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire. However, church records record the birth, baptism, and burial of Matilde Josefine Eriksen.

Matilde Josefine was the daughter of my 2nd-great-grandmother's brother Elias Eriksen (also spelled Erickson) and his wife Ingeborg. She may have been their first child; I have not found records for any earlier children. She was born on 4 November 1863.

Records for Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois are available on Ancestry.com in the collection U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Records, 1875-1940. Although it would seem from the name of the collection that no records are available before 1875, some earlier records are available for Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.

Contents of Membership Record Books #2, #3, and #4, Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chicago, Illinois. Ancestry.com. U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Records, 1875-1940 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. ELCA, Birth, Marriage, Deaths. Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Chicago, Illinois.

On 31 January 1864, Matilde Josefine was baptized at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.

Baptismal record for Matilde Josefine, daughter of Elias and Ingeborg Eriksen, 31 January 1864. Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chicago, Illinois. Ancestry.com. U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Records, 1875-1940 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. ELCA, Birth, Marriage, Deaths. Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Chicago, Illinois.

An August 1864 burial was recorded for Elias Eriksens Barn (Elias Eriksen's child.)

Burial record for Elias Eriksens Barn [Elias Eriksen's child], August 1864. Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chicago, Illinois. Ancestry.com. U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Records, 1875-1940 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. ELCA, Birth, Marriage, Deaths. Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Chicago, Illinois.

Although no name is given, I believe that this child is Matilde Josefine. I have not found any earlier children of Elias Eriksen, and I have found no further record of this Matilde Josefine. Another child of Elias Eriksen, born on 24 September 1869, was given the same name and was baptized at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church on 25 December 1869.

Without these church records, I would not know about the first Matilde Josefine Eriksen. Now she will be remembered.

Surname Saturday: Tarkington

According to 4crests.com, the surname Tarkington is an ancient English locational name which means "one who came from Torkington in Cheshire." It is also spelled Torkington and Turkington.

A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames confirms the information about the surnames Torkington and Turkington, and mentions another variant form, Talkington.

Ancestry.com. A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames [database on-line]. Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: Bardsley, Charles Wareing Endell. A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames : With Special American Instances. London: H. Frowde, 1901. Page 759. 

My proven Tarkington ancestors are:

Anna Gertrude Tarkington
born 16 April 1889, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee
married Henry Brown Gatlin 19 November 1909, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee
married Walter Enloe Davis
died 9 July 1959, Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York

James William Tarkington
born 28 May 1850, Tennessee
married Anna Malvina Binkley 30 November 1880, Davidson County, Tennessee
died 12 June 1894, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee

Joseph Tarkington
born 8 November 1830, Tennessee
married Amanda Russell 12 June 1849, Davidson County, Tennessee
died 19 April 1903, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee

I suspect that Joseph was the son of Joseph S. Tarkington and Amelia Owens (or Owings or Owen), but Joseph S. Tarkington's statement on his Southern Claims Commission application that his only children were a daughter that died in infancy and a son who died in the Mexican War make it difficult to prove. (Joseph S. did not raise his son(s) and may have thought that his claim would not be approved if he admitted to having a son who was in the Confederate army.) If I am right, I descend from two Tarkington lines: Amelia's mother was Nancy Tarkington, the daughter of William Tarkington.

Friend of Friends Friday: Slaves of William Dew

On 25 August 1798, the New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina newspaper Newbern Gazette published a notice which stated that seven slaves belonging to William Dew of Edgecombe County, North Carolina had run away.

Newbern Gazette, 25 August 1798, page 3

RUN away on the 10th instant, seven negroes, to wit: A fellow named MARCUS, thirty seven years old, very crooked in one of his nees––He had on white broad cloth pair of breeches, and cotton shirt. Also, a finall negro fellow named BOB, stout made––had on when he went away, an oznaburg shirt, and a pair of Virginia cloth striped trowsers. Also, a stout black woman, named SARAH, with two small children, one two years old, and the other child is five months old, at her breast. Also, a finall negro woman, named HANNAH, and a small girl child, about ten months old.
   I some expect they will lurk about Newbern. Whoever will apprehend said negroes, and bring them to me, in Edgcombe county, or secure them so that I get them, shall be handsomely rewarded.
   August 20.                                      WILLIAM DEW.


One of the slaves, Marcus, was captured and jailed in Jones County, North Carolima. A notice was placed in the 22 December 1798 issue of the Newbern Gazette. William Dew was asked to reclaim Marcus after proving ownership and paying charges.

Newbern Gazette, 22 December 1798, page 3

ON the 6th Instant, was committed to Jail in Jones County, a negro fellow named MARCUS, said to be the property of William Dew of Edgcombe County.––The owner is requested to prove his property, pay charges, and take him away.
                                                         JOHN BROWN, Jialer.
Jones county, December 22.

Thriller Thursday: Murder Near Tonawanda, New York

Atlas and Argus (Albany, NY), 20 October 1860, page 2

On 17 October 1860, a woman's body was found on the tracks of the Buffalo and Niagara Falls road, about a mile from Tonawanda, Erie County, New York. One person reported that the woman was standing near the track and fell over as a train approached. The train stopped, and it was discovered that the woman was dead. Her throat had been cut. Another person reported that the woman's body was lying on the tracks and was run over by a train. Her body was cut into two, but it was discovered that her throat had previously been cut. Either way, the killer apparently wanted the woman's death to seem to be the result of a railroad accident.

My 3rd-great-grandparents John and Ann (Walker) Winters were living in Tonawanda at the time that the murder took place.They probably heard about it.

Workday Wednesday: American Can Co. Munitions Plant

In 1917, my second cousin twice removed Earl Jerome Hart (the grandson of my 2nd-great-grandmother's brother Elias Erickson) worked as an inspector at American Can Company's munition works in Geneva, New York.

World War I draft registration card, Earl Jerome Hart. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Original data: United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm. 

The American Can Company had government contracts to produce munitions for World War I.

 Newark Union- Gazette (Newark, NY), 20 April 1918, page 9

In 1917, the men were paid at least 25 cents per hour, and they worked 62 hours per week.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 9 May 1917, page 5

75 mm and 7-inch shrapnel were produced at American Can Co.'s factories.

United States. Congress. House. Select Committee on Expenditures in the War Department. War Expenditures: Hearings Before Subcommittee No. 5 (Ordnance) of the Select Committee on Expenditures in the War Department, House of Representatives, Sixty-sixth Congress, First session on War Expenditures. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1919. Available from Google Books.

In 1916, the Geneva plant operated continuously, and there were two shifts. They had a half hour lunch break.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 15 May 1916, page 5

In January 1917, only one shift worked each week due to a shortage of brass. The two shifts alternated weeks. At this time, the men were producing brass shrapnel cases for the Russian government.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 30 January 1917, page 4

In March 1917, the plant began manufacturing three-inch shrapnel cases after getting another contract. The workers' wages were not cut, but they were not paid time and a half for overtime.

 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 7 March 1917, page 4

During summer vacations, Hobart College students worked in the munitions plant.

 Hobart Herald, 6 October 1917, page 2

About 650 men worked at the Geneva plant in 1917. A few women worked as inspectors, along with my cousin Earl Jerome Hart.

Locating Hannah (Hardgrave) Russell's Property

The 1820 United States census shows that my 5th-great-grandmother Hannah (Hardgrave) Russell was living near her father, Francis Hardgrave.

1820 United States census, Davidson County, Tennessee, population schedule, page 60, NARA Roll M33_122, image74. Ancestry.com. 1820 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

Francis' will reveals that the property Hannah was living on belonged to him. He left the land to her, and specified that after her death, it was to go to her son James Russell.

Will of Francis Hardgrave, Davidson County, Tennessee, Will Book No. 9. Available from FamilySearch.

Other documents provide more information about Hannah's residence.

Nashville Whig, 22 May1822, page 3

In May 1822, Hannah found a three-year-old bay mare and placed an advertisement in the Nashville Whig to try to find the horse's owner.

Bay-colored 3/4 Arabian mare. 23 June 2006. Photo by Montanabw (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)]. Available from Wikimedia Commons.

At this time, she was living on Flat Creek in Davidson County, Tennessee, ten miles from Nashville.

View of the Harpeth River and Flat Creek. Google Earth. 

When William Tillett gave a statement in support of my 3rd-great-grandmother (and Hannah's granddaughter) Amanda (Russell) Tarkington's Confederate Widows Pension, he mentioned that Amanda and Joseph Tarkington married "at the old Russell place on the Harding pike in Davidson County Tenn."

Statement of William Tillett. Tennessee Confederate pension application 2079, Widow's Indigent Pension. Amanda Tarkington, widow of Joseph Tarkington. Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee State Library and Archives.

By finding Flat Creek and the Richland and Harding Turnpike on an 1871 map of Davidson County, Tennessee and seeing where they come together, it is possible to pinpoint the location of Hannah's property.

Excerpt from Foster, Wilbur F. Map of Davidson County Tennessee, from actual surveys made by order of the county court of Davidson County, 1871. New York : G.W. & C.B. Colton & Col., 1871. Available from Library of Congress.

Military Monday: Encampment at Valley Forge

Encampment at Valley Forge, 1778. Steel engraving by George W. Boynton, 1830. In Sparkes, Jared. The Life of George Washington. Boston: Tappen & Dennet, 1843. Available from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Encampment_at_Valley_Forge_1778.jpg

Since today is George Washington's birthday, it seemed an appropriate time to post this map of the encampment at Valley Forge, 1778. My 5th-great-grandfather Stephen Mayo and his brother Benjamin Mayo were at Valley Forge with George Washington. The Mayo brothers were in the 14th Virginia Regiment, which was part of Weedon's Brigade. Their encampment is shown on the lower left side of the map, second from the bottom. Washington was located on the other side of the encampment.

Census Sunday: Servant on Uncle's Farm in Bø, Telemark, Norway

In 1865, my 2nd-great-grandfather Jorgen Jorgensen Boe was living with the family of his father's brother Gregar Pedersen Bø on the Bø farm in Bø, Telemark, Norway. His occupation was Tjenestedreng (servant). His uncle Gregar was a farmer and owned the Bø farm.

Telemark fylke, Bø prestegjeld, Statlig folketelling [Telemark County, Bø parish, Government census] 178 (RA/S-2231/E), 1865-1865, oppb: Riksarkivet. http://www.arkivverket.no/URN:NBN:no-a1450-ft20090728610423.jpg

Side 1 of the household's census enumeration, up close:

Side 2 of the household's census enumeration, up close:

National Love Your Pet Day

February 20 is National Love Your Pet Day. I have six beautiful cats that I love dearly.

Jewel

Melody and Harmony

Luna

Flash and Kit

My maternal grandmother Margaret Schneider and her sister Paula are pictured here with a dog, possibly a family pet.

Pets are an important part of the family!

Friend of Friends Friday: Slaves of Barnett Mitchell

In 1799, eight slaves (a woman and her seven children) which belonged to the estate of Barnett Mitchell were sold in Louisa County, Virginia.

Louisa County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1753-1913. John Mitchell, et al. vs. Admr. of Barnett Mitchell et al., 1801-011. Local Government Records Collection, Louisa Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia. Page 12. Available from http://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=109-1801-011

Louisa County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1753-1913. John Mitchell, et al. vs. Admr. of Barnett Mitchell et al., 1801-011. Local Government Records Collection, Louisa Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia. Page 16. Available from http://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=109-1801-011

In obedience to an annexed Decree of the worshipful Court of Louisa County we the subscribers proceeded on the 10th day of January 1799 to sell the Negroes belonging to the Estate of Barnett Mitchell Decd, on Eighteen Months Credit when William Carpenter purchasd Betty, Harry and Lucy for the sum of one hundred twenty pounds and gave Phillip Carpenter for security, John Mitchell purchasd [?] for Eighty two pounds and gave William Carpenter and Abram Davis for security, Chapman Gordon purchasd Lucretia for seventy three pounds and gave Wm Mansfield and James Dickson for security, William Chewning purchasd Judith for one hundred and twenty five pounds and gave Joseph Cannon for security, William Carpenter purchasd Robin for the sum of thirty nine pounds and gave Phillip Carpenter for surety - John Mitchell purchasd Esther for the sum of ninety three pounds and gave Wm Carpenter and Abram Davis for security. The Bonds were taken payable to us and are in our possession for the order of said Court. Witness our hands this 9 Day of August 1799

                                                                                          Wm Cooke
                                                                                          Overton Harris
                                                                                          Robert Harris junr.

My 5th-great-grandfather Chapman Gordon was married to Elizabeth (Lane) Mitchell, the widow of Barnett Mitchell. (Thanks to Neil Gregory for that information and for telling me about the chancery court case!) John Mitchell was the son of Elizabeth and Barnett Mitchell, and William Carpenter and William Chewning were their sons-in-law.

Lucretia may have been the oldest slave in Chapman Gordon's household in 1850 (a black female age 60) and in the household of his widow Mary (Layne) Gordon (his second wife) in 1860 (a black female age 75). The ages may be approximate. Earlier census records are consistent with the slave being a child purchased in 1799. The 1810 census indicates that there were two slaves in Chapman Gordon's household. The 1830 census shows that his household contained one male slave under 10, one female slave under 10, and one female slave 24-35. The 1840 census shows that there were one male slave 10-23, one female slave 10-23, one female slave 36-54 in his household.

Cow Milked in Airplane

The 2nd International Aircraft Exposition was held on February 15-23, 1930 at the St. Louis Arena in St. Louis, Missouri. It was sponsored by the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 13 February 1930, page 2C

Planes and equipment were displayed at the exposition. There was a stage show with music and a pageant. And a cow was milked in an airplane.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 19 February 1930, page 2A

On 18 February 1930, the Guernsey cow Elm Farm Ollie (also known as Nellie Jay and Sky Queen) was flown from Bismarck, Missouri to St. Louis, and was milked in the air. She produced 24 quarts of milk, which were put in paper cartons, attached to small parachutes, and dropped over the St. Louis Arena.

In 1930, my great-grandmother Kathleen (Graham) Boe worked as educational director for the Pevely Dairy in St. Louis. Perhaps she found this event interesting.

Workday Wednesday: Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway Employee Picnic

Nashville American, 15 June 1902, page 9

My 2nd-great-grandfather's brother Clarence Bateman Gatlin worked as a boilermaker for the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway. The railway employees organized an annual picnic. In 1902, Clarence served as president. He attended the picnic at White Bluff, Dickson County, Tennessee.In addition to lunch, there were athletic contests, a band, and dancing. One of the athletic contests was a tug of war with ten men on each side. The blacksmiths, boilermakers, and round-house men defeated the planing mill, car shop, and coach shop men, and shared a box of cigars afterward.

Talented Tuesday: Harriet Dahlquist

Southtown Economist, 17 October 1943, page 2

My first cousin twice removed Harriet Dahlquist studied organ in 1943, so that she could become an organist at Foster Park Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois.

Amanuensis Monday: Names of Men Naturalized Since May 7, 1894

Detroit Free Press, 3 November 1894, page 1

The November 3, 1894 issue of the Detroit Free Press published a list of names of men that could not vote in the November 6 election because they had declared their intentions to become citizens less than six months prior to the election. One of the men was William Mapplebeck, the half-brother of my great-grandmother's stepfather/adoptive father James Mapplebeck. He was born in England and came to Canada when he was very young.

THESE CANNOT VOTE

____________________________________________

 
NAMES OF MEN NATURALIZED SINCE
MAY 7 LAST

____________________________________________

HAVE NOT BEEN ON THE LIST THE

NECESSARY SIX MONTHS

 ____________________________________________

DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGERS WILL 

LOOK OUT FOR THEM

 ____________________________________________

Other Bits of Talk from the Field of Local Politics.

____________________________________________

 The Democratic city committee have prepared the following list of names of those who have been naturalized in this city since May 7 last. None of these are entitled to vote, as only those who have declared their intentions to become citizens at least six months prior to an election have the right of suffrage under the law. The challengers of the committee will have instructions to challenge any of the following list who will present themselves at the polls next Tuesday. Republicans have been making the boast that as they now have control of the office of county clerk they have not been losing sight of the advantage to be gained by thus fact, and it has been used to make as many Republican voters as possible:
  Michael Alet, Joseph Andrews, Clement Abraham, Frank Ammon, Julius Adam, Guiseppe Angottel, John Adas, C. Alonbrondt, Frank W. Aainslie, Jacob Anspach, Peter Anderson, Walter J. Arnold, Louis Applefield, Joseph Audrich, Charles Aust, Henry Allendorf.
   John Bennett, Hubert Bowerman, John Bestak, August F. Blum, James Brownlee, William J. Bray, Valty Borgocki, Dennis Beausoliel, O. James Byrne, Charles Bieras, Joseph Bozowaka, Martin Buchholz, Joseph Borewicz, Karl Bormask, Albert Brunke, Alex Brandon, Harry Beatty, Wilhelm Buckow, Gottlob Bohenberger,Francis Bach, John Bakanoioik, Anton Barns, John Burnatt, Douglas D, Brown, Richard Bamford, George S, Balmer, Frank Blagl, Brock E. Bruch, Charles E. Bellamy, Carl Bransch, James H. Beecroft, William Blythe, William Benninger, Andrew Bry, Ferdinand Beyer, Richadr Browning, Jacob Boyke, John M. Baillie, John Baxter, George Bonds, Samuel H. Bradley, Jan Bosinshur, Felix Bizewski, Anthony Bock, Samuel Brooks, Joseph Begott, James Bullen, Joseph Bobilion, William Baldwin, Owen C. Brown, M. D., C. Wesley Baker, John Braun, Henry Bellinger, M. D., Charles A. Bojork, Edgar R. Bosley, Herman Buvack, Ben Berringer.
   Thomas Carr, James Campbell, W. A. Campbell, Frederick Clarahn, Richard Conrad, Damiano Coffoge, Chas. J. Clapham, Samuel Clapham, Alfred Clark, Alex Cowan, John M. Cotton, Robert Campbell, James Cameron, John P. Craine, Charles Cloutier, Ernest Clay, John A. Coulter, Joseph Clehoulas, John Crosson, James Thos. Cotter, Carden T. Crofts, James Curlett, Martin Cascadan, Sidney Coltis, John Czygewick, Michael Choyka, James Common, John A. Cale, Chas H. Cogan, Peter Thos. Carolan, James Cochrane, Alex Campbell, Michael Caria, Washington E. Cornell, Gustave Cischke, Joseph Cummings, John Croft, Joseph Carolan, Nathan F. Currie, Michael Cotter, John D. Case, John D. Costello.
   Frank Duthiewiz, Peter Dybars, Charles De Balke, Alex Demay, Jules De Feone, Jules De Roy, Ludwig Dally, Ludwig Darrid, Francis Derlick, Carl Degen, Geo. W. Duncan, Fred Dunke, Louis Dorr, Peter Duna, August Demsky, James De Beaumont, Francesca Defazio, Nya A. Di Collelino, Chas A. Dutton, Alfonse Di Luccia, Anthony Dempler, Wilfred Defour, James O. Dwyer, David Doran, Constant Decluck, J. E. Delaney, Samuel Derbyshire, Edwin Davenport, Karl Demankopski, Thomas Davison, Reuben S. Davis, Max Diedrich, Theo. Debroski.
   Carl Erdinas, Carl Aug, Engler, Julius Engel, Geo. Einkorn, James A. Eastman, Benjamin Ellerton, Robert Elcone, Adolph Ewald, Richard Eastcot, Alfred E. Edwards, John E. Ellis, Frank Errinck.
   Wm. Fryer, Benard J. Franks, Emil Friedrich, Andrew Felsen, W. H. Franks, Frank Feother, John Felzya, Hermann Fritz, Wm. Fea, Henry Froehlin, Wm. Fair, Albert D. Frank, Thomas W. Fowles, Fred Fischer, John Fenske, Wm. Ferguson, Edmund S. Ferguson, Richard J. Farrell, Wm. C. Farrell, Patrick Fogarty, Thomas Wm. Foster, Joseph Funke, Bernard Funke, John M. Flannery, Fred Frick.
   George Geddis, Herbert Hervey Gamble, Andrew Gosegosewski, Teofil Gorereiviz, Joseph Golembieski, Melchior Ganche, T. H. George, Thomas E. Gustin, Gustave Givosehheim, John Gorman, Walter C. Goddard, John F. Geraghty, Albert Gehrisch, Emil Groesev, John Gaw, Katl Gittinger, Andrew Gore, Joseph Gabriel, Albert E. Griffith, John Galubski, Carl Grose, Frederick Ganzel, Wm. Galpin, Henry Gessert, Manuel R. Gabell, Wilhelm Grabert, John Gillis, John Genais, Herman Grumavohe, John Golke, Reno Gieogio, Wm. G. Gibbs, Chas. wm. Gould, Frank Gabowski, Henry Glinz, Bernard Goldberg, John George, Wm. Gibson, Chas. Greenlaw, Wm. Goik.
   Francis H. Hall, Carl Hoffman, Geo. L. Humphries, George Harker, James Hayes, Louis Hory, John Heenan, William Hamilton, Jacob Hahn, Robert J. Higgins, Henry A. Howry, John Hewick, Peter Howlatka, Frederick A. Herman, Herman Hoffman, Carl Holwedel, Albert E. Humphrey, John Henning,William Hayball, Wm. L. Helkie, Edward R. Huston, Andrew Roy Hackett, Joseph W. Humphrey, Frederick Heiden, Amiel Hath, Geo. F. Howe, Henry Herzig, Simon Hock, Frederick Howe, Stephen Hollis, Peter H. Highland, William Harper, August Hart, Frank Raymonf Hardinge, King Houston, Robert Hogg, John Haciaz.
   James Ingram.
   Adam Jacowiz, Edward Jersehke, William Jago, Herman Jordan, Charles Just, Frank Jahnke, Seiv Janos, Herman Johnson, Henry P. Jeiffer, Loren C. Jesperson, Albert Jelich, Charles Johnson, August Jowske, Anton Jankowski, Michael Jamorz, Toepil Jarembski.
   John Klever, Anthony Krause, Lawrence Karas, Francis Karahan, Andreas Kulasit, Michael Krych, John Kufel, Damuel Kingsbury, John H. Keller, Theodore Kramp, Thoedore Kress, Louis Klein, Chas, Kirchoff, Hugh Kay, Arnold Kern, James Kane, Browiestaw Krosiecki, Frederick K. Kappler, Leopold Kowalski, Robert Kanehl, Karl Kubitaki, Mihaly Koesis, John Kabalin, Joseph Kabalin, Peter Kaeppel, Michael Kuezajda, Otto Kurpp.
   Desire Lauckriet, James M. Lonergan, Frank Lieder, Gustave Letz, Chas. Lindsay, Geo. Laralee, Gustave Lecureux, Alex. Lersch, Adolph Lacharize, Luigi Liperota, Francisco Liperota, Vinzens Ley, Mathew A. Layton, Chas. S. layton, Frank Liuski, Chas. Laforais, Henry Leitzan, Moritz Lewison, Henrich Lester, Aloise Lindenberger, Karl Lawrenz, Leopold Lanba, Carl A. Linde, Lonzo Ley, Jacob London, Chas. Lampard, Robt. James Lethersich, Victor Lapiere, Max Levy, Chas. E. Leat, Frank Lorenz.
   Thos. McGrath, Thaddeus McLeod, Donald McDonald, Hugh McDonald, Adam A. McDonald, Thos. McCulloch, Allan J. McLaughlin, John McKay, David L. McCarter, John J. McCready. Edmund McGrath, Donald McKay, Wm. R. McDalan, Albert McDonald, Chas. A. McDougall, Alfred H. McLeod, Joseph McVeigh, John McDermitt.
   Wm. Marshall, Geo. R. Malcolm, Vincent Muzyk, Jacob Milke, Frank E. Melville, Thos. J. A. Milliken, Anton Muller, Owen Malloy, Thos. H. J. Martin, Salvatore, Mucciardi, Thos. Matthews, Max Mattutal, Ben Magee, Robert G. Meath, Jacob Miller, Robert Meyer, Wm. Murchey, Anunziato Miniaci, James J. Murdoch, John a. Maisel, Fred K. Misch, Albert Muller, Fredk. Mamer, James Manzies, Lidwig Mielo, Andrew Maryonski, Jacob Mosdeisz, John H. Macalpine, Geo. H. Miller, John Miko, Joseph Monforton, Herbert Mickle, Albert N. Masterson, John Miehalk, W. H. Middleditch, Albert G. J. Muller, Frank Mieloch, John Martin, Wm. Mapplebeck, Jacob John Miller, Gustave A. Mueller, Gustave Manquadt, Ernest Maenk, R. W. Meachaur, Jr., Adoplhus Martin, Wm. J. Marshall, Nicholas Manes, James J. Mouish, Henry Mueller.
   Edward Nieland, John Nowecki, Robert Norris, Cyrus L. Noble, Jacob Nieaskiski, Frank Nowak, Joseph Nowicke, August Nafez.
   Michael Olejiniazak, John Ostrowski, Jerry D. O'Mara, Joseph Olymezak, Chris. Ouellette.
   Geo. E. Penton, August Pond, Samuel Payne, John Palmer, Peter Provort, Henry Paget, Frank J. Peddie, Edward Petz, Chas. M. Petersen, Wm. Pangkoff, Edward Pohlman, Wm. J. Publow, Herman Pezdtke, E. Austin Pickard, John W. Purcell, Bartholomew Picha, Waldislas Poslier, Rudolph Pachale, Herman A. Pieger, Rudolph Prausch, Thos. Piechniecki, Malachi L. Poole, Wm. W. Prosser, Andrew Petruzzo, Giovani Petruzi, Ferretti Pasquale, August Poysikus, Ferdinand Papke, Gilbert Pappinan, Micoclan Prokapp, Robert Palmer, John Pope, John Prsybysz, Chas. Prost, Samuel Palmer, Jacques Pari, Chas W. Payne, Herman Plaum, John Piorthopsku, Geo. E. Potter, Sidney Pagen.
   Daniel Quandt.
   Ferdinanie Retz, Chas. Ringer, Wm. Roberts, John Rechloski, Robt. C. Robinson, Anthony Radzicki, Joseph Radossewicz, Chas. Rawlinson, Mier Richstein, Karl Rollin, Hans Rutishauser, Joseph F. Rudiger, Eugene Riffel, Arthur E. Radcliff, Clemens Ricken, Patrick J. Ryan, Rine Reggan, Aug, Rablowski, John M. Rowed, Augst Radthe, Fredk. Rubitzki, Mederic Raethe, Wm. Rochford, Thos. Rowe, Christian Rosenthal, John T. Robinson, Thomas Robertson, Fredk. Rutger, Herman Richter, Francis Reilly, Fredk. J. Reid.
   James Shaw, Peter Sherry, Fredk. Schlump, Lepold Schoen, Horace J. SZeres, Ambrose Siegel, Reinhold Steiger, Otto Schultz, John Sowenfeld, Wm. R. Somerville., Tony Serpeon, Robert Stewart, Fred. J. Schoweder, James Sheaver, Alex. Smith, Gus. Sprang, Jacob Shamburg, August Scheva, Herman Scheel, Maciej Salek, Fred G. Sell, Richard Spigada, Rudolph Schumacher, Ferdinand Schuberg, Samuel Schultz, Carl Seelke, Hugh Shields, Wm. Schepke, Max H. Theodore Schuett, Frank Schaeller, Hardy Shay, Rudolph Sagetzki, Wm. Straude, Otto Sknou, Jules Sybrestre, Karl Hansen Schwartz, John Shimming, Louis Schmitt, Wilhelm Schroder, Wm. Sarr, Jas. L. Stewart, Robt. Symington, Oscar Schroeder, J. J. Sawdick, Martin Schimelfenny, Joseph Schirp, Barton Siepin, Lawrence Scott, Albert Scott, John Smith, Wm. Schurrphase, Wellington Southwood, Edward Schulst, Jno. W. Schraz, Peter Sowatzki, John A. Sinclair, Antoine Sozzafare, Vincenso Sposito, Vinncenco Stantoui, Albert Stahmke, Rudolph Schyier, Albert G. Smythe, Joseph Siegrist, Frank Sutton, James Sumemrfield, August Srock, Anton Seyway, Francis Stycki, Frank Strelkowski, Joseph Smidt, Maciaj Syplik, Stanislaus Stentil, John Skoweott, John Schaster, Henry Saeallisch, Albert Spain, John A, Stephens, Bartal Simae, henry Robert Smith.
   John Tighe, Martin Trybus, V[?] Thom, Hubert Taylor, Frank Joseph Troston, John Trzeciak, Michael Tapalka, Carl E. Taube, Thos. H. Trethewey, Pietra Tasca, Iastam Terenzia, Abraham Trombley, Anthony Thomas, Jas. T. Teevin, Telsira Tonalczyk, Michael Tedman, Geo. E. Tiromey, Donald W. Thompson, Chas. Trickey, Ben Terres, Albett Twanski, Fredk. Theel, Wm. Tea, James Thornton, Chas. Thlybert.
   Joseph Uhrig, Jos. L. Utter.
   Jasot Van Leyen, Wilhelm Varban, Albert Voss, Modeste Vanhove, Daniel Varga, Christian Viriogge, Wm. VanSickle, Henry VanDe Grehnetske, Chas. VanDen Berghe, Jos. Viler.
   Thomas Wilson, Herman Wunderlich, Robert Wilson, Wm. Wainwright, Con. Withad, Ludwig Wagner, Peter F. White, Wm. Whellham, Joseph Williamson, Wilhelm Wedell, Alex. Wayas, Henry Wharton, Jas. Wharthy, Chas. R. Wendland, Chas. Williams, August Weghaupt, Wm. Wellmeier, Geo. L. Whitehead, Wm. Williams, Herman Winkler, Chas. Winkel, B. J. Wermers, John Wochele, Wm. H. Williams, Geo. Wanless, Wm. walsh, Jacob Wittenberg, Henry L. Wortman, Wm. F. Webber, Chas. Wasmund, Geo. Walz, John Lawrence Watson, Albert J. Wilson, John Willer, Geo. Ward, Herman Weomach, James Wright, J. W. Wilson (M. D.), Albert Winkler.
   Wineas R. Yankelimas, Emil Yost, John Yager, Thomas Young, Samuel A. Young.
   August Zilke, Anton Zulawski, August Ziebron.

Norwegian Valentine Postcard

Fodsproget ("Foot Language"). Norwegian Valentine postcard from the 1920s. National Library of Norway, image number blds_03788. Public domain. Available from Flickr and Wikimedia Commons.

Society Saturday: National Society Daughters of the Union 1861-1865

The National Society Daughters of the Union 1861-1865 (http://www.nsdu.org) is a hereditary society which honors soldiers and patriots who supported the Union during the Civil War. The society was founded by Mrs. Frank Crowell on 9 October 1912. Women who are lineal or collateral descendants of a man or woman who provided military or civil service to the Union during the period from 1861 to 1865 are eligible for membership.

The Society's objectives are:
1. To honor the memory of the men and women who contributed toward the preservation of the Union during the Civil War, extending over the years 1861-1865
2.To foster a spirit of patriotism, loyalty and love of country
3. To uphold the honor of the Flag of the United States of America
4. To give financial aid to Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee

Today I attended the charter meeting of the  Private Joseph Bessette Chapter, which is currently being formed in the Butler, NJ area by Organizing Regent Jennifer Dowling Norato. I am one of the organizing members. New members are welcome!

Family Friends Friday: Malachi Reed

Malachi Reed was in a relationship with my aunt for many years. They were together while I was growing up. If they had been married, he would have been my uncle. Even if he technically was not a family member, he is definitely part of the family history.

Malachi was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 17 February 1948. He later lived in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He worked as a teacher at Lincoln Technical Institute and Camden City High School. He died on 21 November 2005.

Thriller Thursday: Martha (Gower) Gatlin Struck By Electric Streetcar

Just before 3:00 PM on 28 May 1905, Martha Ann (Gower) Gatlin, the wife of my 3rd-great-grandfather's brother John G. Gatlin as well as my third cousin five times removed, decided to visit Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee after having dinner at the home of her nephew, Robert Page. She probably had dinner with his widow, children, and mother; Robert, the son of her husband John's sister Nancy, died in 1898. As she moved closer to the Fairfield line's track at the intersection of University and Washington Streets, a streetcar approached. Members of Richland Lodge, Junior Order United American Workmen were on board. As Martha crossed the track, the motorman rang his gong, but she did not appear to hear it. She was struck by the streetcar and thrown to the side of the street. She had been knocked unconscious, and was taken to her nephew's home. She died there at 5:27 PM.

Nashville American, 29 May 1905, page 8

Although the article in the Nashville American stated that she left no children, she had adopted a daughter, Minnie Gatlin (born Tennessee Reed), in 1874.

Martha was buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, by her husband John.

Nashville American, 30 May 1905, page 9

Nashville American, 30 May 1905, page 9

Wednesday's Child: Emma Christina Anderson

Emma Christina Anderson, 2 June 1880. Illinois, Cook County, Birth Certificates, 1871-1940 database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NQTB-YML), citing Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States, reference/certificate 5766, Cook County Courthouse, Chicago; FHL microfilm 1,287,808.

Emma C. Anderson. Illinois State Death Index, Pre-1916.

Emma Christina Anderson was the second child of my 2nd-great-grandparents Andreas Troedsson/Andrew T. Anderson and Marthe Elisabeth  Erickson (Eriksdatter). She was born in Chicago, Illinois on 2 June 1880. She died in Chicago on 9 June 1881.

Fettisdagen

Semla or fastlagsbulle (Swedish), laskiaispulla (Finnish) or fastelavnsbolle (Danish and Norwegian), traditional roll, associated with Lent and especially Shrove Monday or Shrove Tuesday. 22 February 2012. Photo by poo [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]. Available from Wikimedia Commons.

Fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday) is the Swedish name for Shrove Tuesday, the last day before the beginning of the Lenten fast. Buns called semla, fastlagsbullar, or fettisdagsbullar are traditionally eaten on this day. Since Swedes no longer observe a strict Lenten fast, semlor (plural of semla) are eaten every Tuesday between Fettisdagen and Easter. They are available in stores and bakeries shortly after Christmas. Swedish bakers sell 2 million semlor on Fettisdagen. The coffee shop Vette-Katten sells 14,000 semlor on Fettisdagen.

Semlor are cardamom spiced wheat buns which have had the tops cut off and the insides scooped out, and then are filled with almond paste and topped with whipped cream and sugar. They may be eaten with coffee or tea, or submerged in bowls of warm milk.

References
Fettisdagen
Get to know the famous Semla!
Semla 
The semla – more than just a bun
Shrove Tuesday (Fettisdagen)

Rosenmontag

Rosenmontag float, Köln, 2013. Photo by MatthiasKabel [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]. Available from Wikimedia Commons.

Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) is celebrated in German-speaking countries on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, which is February 8 this year. It is the highlight of Karneval, the pre-Lenten celebration. The day is traditionally celebrated with parades. The biggest parade is held in Köln (Cologne). Large parades are also held in Mainz and Düsseldorf. Parades can last three to five hours, and include large floats, marching bands, and local associations. Many of the floats make fun of politicians and news events, and can be controversial. Flowers and sweets are thrown to the spectators from the floats. Spectators often dress up in costumes.

References
Fasching and Karneval 
Karneval, Fastnacht und Fasching
Parade on Rose Monday 
Rose Monday Parade - Carnival Monday in Duesseldorf
Rosenmontag
Shrove Monday in Germany

Sunday's Obituary: Thomas Burwell Ballow

Nashville American, 2 November 1904, page 6

DIED

   BALLOW–Tuesday at 7:05 p.m., Nov.1, 1904, at his residence, No. 13 Berrien street, Thomas B. Ballow, age 61 years.
   Prayers from the residence as above this (Wednesday) morning at 11 o'clock, Nov. 2, by Rev. J. B. Clark.
   The remains will be conveyed to the residence of his brother, W. L. Ballow, near Beechville, Tenn., where funeral services will be held to-morrow (Thursday) morning, at 10 o'clock, Nov. 3.
   Interment at family burial ground.
   Wiles & Karsch in charge.

Thomas Burwell Ballow was born in Tennessee on 29 December 1904. He was the son of Robert S. Ballow and Martha Ann Temple. He married Helen M. Ballow on 6 October 1870 in Williamson County, Tennessee. They had a daughter, Eugenia Temple Ballow (born 2 August 1871), and a son, Robert S. Ballow (born November 1879). He married my 2nd-great-grandfather's sister Sarah Jane Tarkington on 13 October 1885 in Davidson County, Tennessee. They had a son, Thomas Burwell Ballow (born 23 March 1895), and a daughter, Elizabeth Fort Ballow (born 2 October 1899). Thomas died in Nashville, Tennessee on 1 November 1904.