I just received my copies of Fortune's Frenzy: A California Gold Rush Odyssey. Be sure to visit my Facebook page to see my box opening video. The official release date is September 1. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see my work in print--in hardcover, no less. You can order a copy... Continue Reading →
An Ontario Pose
By Eilene Lyon Found Photo Project #6 Found in Albuquerque, this portrait of Bertha Marie Goodger with one of her nephews will soon be returning to its origins in Canada. Most likely the nephew is Norman Goodger, son of Thomas W. Goodger. If you’re wondering how to pronounce that name, think “Goodyear.” Bertha was the... Continue Reading →
Clara’s Post-War Trip
Week 24: #52 Ancestors – Last One Standing By Eilene Lyon Clara Bedford wrote a letter to her aunt, Abby (Bedford) Jenkins, on May 14, 1865 from Springboro, Ohio. Clara Jane Bedford is my 1st cousin 4x removed. She was one of two children, both daughters, of William S. Bedford and Elizabeth Dearth. Clara’s letter... Continue Reading →
In Defense of the Dead
By Eilene Lyon I do not shy away from telling less-than-savory stories about some of my ancestors and relatives. If there is credible evidence they committed a crime, then I document it. But some people have taken to “solving” unsolved crimes by insinuating the guilt of dead people on websites like Find A Grave (FAG)... Continue Reading →
An Only Child
Week 15: #52Ancestors – Solitude By Eilene Lyon I’ve previously mentioned The Putterer’s great-grandfather, Arlon F. Lyon, only in passing. Arlon was born in Chenango County, New York, in May 1860 and was a rarity for the era: an only child.1 His father, Cyrus R. Lyon, was 29 when Arlon came along. His mother, Lucy... Continue Reading →
Cakes on Fire!
Week 13: #52Ancestors – Light a Candle By Eilene Lyon Both my parents turn 87 this year. I have no way of knowing if they will make it to 90 or not (we do hope so!), but there is some precedent for achieving that milestone or more in my family tree. This is just a... Continue Reading →
Trains Bound for Glory
By Eilene Lyon I would have guessed that by 1890 or the early 20th century every community in America would have a church of some type, but that was not the case. Whistle-stop towns sprang up along the proliferating railroad lines, particularly in the west. In them, saloons far outnumbered churches. The idea of railcars... Continue Reading →
Only The Good…
Week 9: #52Ancestors – Gone Too Soon By Eilene Lyon There’s no shortage of sad tales about infant/toddler deaths in any family tree. I’m more drawn to the tales of young people who had time to develop their personalities, who had an excellent chance at surviving to adulthood (or did), or of having long lives.... Continue Reading →
The Welsh-Adler File
Found Photo Project #5 By Eilene Lyon What might happen to your family photos if you do not pass them on before you die, or leave instructions in your will? They could wind up in the trash, or maybe scattered in a booth at a large antique mart in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When I saw... Continue Reading →