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 →
Lone Star
Week 45: #52 Ancestors – Rich Man By Eilene Lyon This really isn’t about a rich man, or even a poor one, or actually, even about a man, though it starts out with one. Robert J. Halse was born in Highland Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, in 1860.1 Along with most of his family, he relocated... Continue Reading →
Not Kissing
Week 38: #52 Ancestors – Cousins By Eilene Lyon I have a scarcity of first cousins – exactly five. Even though I rarely see them, I would know them instantly if I ran into them anywhere in the world. I’ve met a number of my dad’s cousins since taking up the family historian role. I... Continue Reading →