On a spring day in 1929, Helen Cordelia Kewin ran out of her house, screaming at a motorcycle riding by to quit making so much noise. She had just put down her fourteen-month-old baby to sleep, and he desperately needed his rest. Little baby Jack was dying, and Cordelia knew it. Cordelia's daughter, Mona, just … Continue reading I Know How Much You Love Him
Rainy Mondays and Spilled Milk
“She could ride her bicycle with one hand all right and she could even carry a malted milk in the other, but when Mona Kewin, 12, of 555 Seymour Ave., attempted to do both of these in the rain Monday she came to grief, according to a police report.” So began a newspaper article describing … Continue reading Rainy Mondays and Spilled Milk
Stephen A. Powers, Part 2: Young Enough to Serve His Country
In recognition of the 160th anniversary of the Civil War in 2021, the following is part of a series highlighting my Civil War ancestors. (Spoiler alert! Click here for Part 1 to learn about Stephen A. Powers' Civil War story before continuing with Part 2.) Image of Stephen A. Powers from the “Atlas of Steuben … Continue reading Stephen A. Powers, Part 2: Young Enough to Serve His Country
Stephen A. Powers, Part 1: Young Enough to Serve His Country
In recognition of the 160th anniversary of the Civil War in 2021, the following is part of a series highlighting my Civil War ancestors. Image of Stephen A. Powers from the "Atlas of Steuben Co., Indiana," Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1880, page 43. An urgent memo from President Abraham Lincoln to Indiana Governor Oliver … Continue reading Stephen A. Powers, Part 1: Young Enough to Serve His Country
Hannah Powers: Insane Person
Image of Hannah Powers from the "Atlas of Steuben Co., Indiana," Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1880, page 43 While organizing my grandma's family history records last year, something unexpected caught my eye - the commitment papers for Hannah Powers mingled within a stack of probate records. I immediately stopped what I was doing and … Continue reading Hannah Powers: Insane Person
New Year, New Goals, and More Family History
The new year is here, and for many of us, it's a time of self reflection and a chance to make plans for the future. For me, it's a great time to revisit my family history goals from the past and tweak them for upcoming projects. 2020 was rough (that's an understatement, right??) and some … Continue reading New Year, New Goals, and More Family History
Family History at Your FingerTIPS: Research Ideas to Celebrate Family History Month from Home
Did you know that October is Family History Month? It’s a great time to begin or continue research on your family tree, connect with family members, learn about your heritage, and record stories to share. Don't let the COVID-19 pandemic stop you from continuing your research goals! Read on for tips on exploring your … Continue reading Family History at Your FingerTIPS: Research Ideas to Celebrate Family History Month from Home
1945 Banister Daily Diary Part 5: Final Thoughts and Ideas for Future Research
(Continued from 1945 Banister Daily Diary Part 4: Friends, Neighbors, and Family) Hello! If you are reading this post, hopefully that means you also read parts 1 through 4 of this series on the 1945 Banister Daily Diary. In case you missed it, part 1 discussed the personal lives and daily activities of Floyd and … Continue reading 1945 Banister Daily Diary Part 5: Final Thoughts and Ideas for Future Research
1945 Banister Daily Diary Part 4: Friends, Neighbors, and Family
(Continued from 1945 Banister Daily Diary Part 3: Senator Hooper's Murder and the End of WWII) Floyd and Lala Banister lived in a rural community, but they stayed actively engaged associating with neighbors and friends. Their 1945 diary records many examples of friends, neighbors, and family working together to lend a helping hand. Friends and … Continue reading 1945 Banister Daily Diary Part 4: Friends, Neighbors, and Family
1945 Banister Daily Diary Part 3: Senator Hooper’s Murder and the End of WWII
(Continued from 1945 Banister Daily Diary Part 2: Gerald and Jim) Floyd made it a point to recognize special family days and events in his diaries. In 1945, he noted the birthdays of each family member, major holidays, gifts received, and his 27th wedding anniversary with Lala. From time to time, he and Lala also … Continue reading 1945 Banister Daily Diary Part 3: Senator Hooper’s Murder and the End of WWII
Serendipity and Family History 