By Eilene Lyon If you've read my previous posts about Clifford Cutting (A Postal Crime and Postal Crime Postscript), you might be interested in the following article. I'm deeply indebted to my cousin, Nancy, who is like a dog with a bone. She obtained a record from the funeral home. She also contacted librarians, getting... Continue Reading →
Unintended Consequences
Week 15: #52 Ancestors – DNA By Eilene Lyon Well into my second year of doing Amy Johnson Crow’s 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks prompts, I’ve struck on one that really has me stymied. The “DNA” prompt just doesn’t bring any particular ancestor or relative to mind. Should I write about medical issues? Perhaps the... Continue Reading →
The Loneliest Road
By Eilene Lyon I asked my iPhone for the shortest route from Georgetown, California, to Durango, Colorado. When it came to Nevada, going across the middle wasn’t presented as an option, even if I said to omit the interstates. So I specifically told Siri to give me directions from Reno, Nevada, to Great Basin National... Continue Reading →
Drake Family Chronicles: Part 2
Week 14: #52 Ancestors – Brick Wall Drake Family Chronicles: Part 1 By Eilene Lyon The Drakes in Ireland Samuel Drake, Sr. and Eliza J. were born in Northern Ireland around 1790. Though I have not found a record giving Eliza’s maiden name, Sorby turns up as a middle name repeatedly with her children and... Continue Reading →
The Huntington: Gardens
By Eilene Lyon Sunday morning, I arrived at the Huntington to see the gardens and galleries. I thought I was there after opening, but it turned out I was fifteen minutes early, because I'd been looking at my computer clock (mountain time) instead of my phone. As I waited for the ticket office to open,... Continue Reading →
Drake Family Chronicles
Week 14: #52 Ancestors – Brick Wall By Eilene Lyon Background For this project, I decided to write about my 4th great-grandparents, Samuel and Eliza Drake of Killyleagh, County Down, Northern Ireland. It turned mammoth, so I’ve split it into three parts. I long ago determined that these are the parents of Eliza Jane Halse... Continue Reading →
Postal Crime Postscript
By Eilene Lyon A couple weeks ago I shared the criminal case against Clifford G. Cutting, postal carrier. My inquiry to the National Archives (NARA) in Seattle and procurement of a death certificate are completed. You may be interested in what I’ve found – though I’m afraid it’s not what I’d hoped for. NARA did... Continue Reading →
The Drought Diaries: Reprieve?
By Eilene Lyon The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued. --Robert Frost Dust of Snow March 14, 2019 The skiing at Wolf Creek was totally awesome! The... Continue Reading →
Women’s Suffrage: My Wiki Life
By Eilene Lyon A Major Milestone This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution. It was ratified in 1920, so we can celebrate another centennial next year. In recognition of women winning the vote, the National Archives (NARA) has a special exhibit opening in... Continue Reading →