By Eilene Lyon A record group I have not delved into much is naturalization records in the United States. Of course, someone who came to America from Great Britain prior to the Revolution had no need to file for citizenship. My 4th great-grandfather, Thomas Bedford, was born in Old Sampford, Essex, England, in 1765 to... Continue Reading →
Missing Person
Week 1: #52Ancestors – I’d Like to Meet By Eilene Lyon It seems to happen to women, mostly. They reach adulthood and suddenly vanish. Marriage and death are the typical culprits. One of these missing women on my tree is the sister of my 3rd great-grandmother, Abigail (Bedford) Jenkins. Because Abby is one of the... Continue Reading →
Only Bricks Remain
Week 1: #52 Ancestors – Foundations By Eilene Lyon This week’s theme brought to mind a 3rd great-granduncle, Isaac T. Bedford, who had a career as a bricklayer in 19th-century Philadelphia. Isaac’s parents were my 4th great-grandparents, Thomas and Jane (Thomson) Bedford. The parents belonged to the Society of Friends, but it wasn’t until after... Continue Reading →
A Red Herring
Week 49: #52 Ancestors – Oops By Eilene Lyon Yes, even experienced researchers sometimes make mistakes! Here is one of my recent bloopers. The principal protagonists in my gold rush book are my 3rd great-grandparents, Henry Zane Jenkins and his wife Abigail Gummersall Bedford. I know quite a bit about Henry’s mother, Ann Widdifield Zane,... Continue Reading →
Philadelphia Firestorms
Week 33: #52 Ancestors – Troublemaker By Eilene Lyon Henry Z. Jenkins rose before dawn one morning in June 1827 in his single room in north Philadelphia’s Penn Township. His workday normally began at sunrise and ended at sundown – just like that of every other journeyman in the city. The master tradesmen dictated the... Continue Reading →