Family Photo Friday - My Paternal Grandmother Peggy Scott Rich with her father and sisters

Standing left to right are my grandmother, Peggy Scott Rich, Sarah Jane Rich, my great grandfather, Robert Lincoln Rich and Helen Elizabeth "Libby" Rich. c. mid to late 1920's.

I found this photograph in collections that both my Dad and my Aunt Sally had in their possession. It is the only photograph I have of my great grandfather, Robert Lincoln Rich with his three eldest daughters, Helen, Peggy and Sarah. 

Here is a brief sketch of my grandmother, her sisters and their father in the order they were photographed. 

Peggy Scott Rich is my paternal grandmother and the mother of my father Bill and my Aunt Sally. She is the third daughter of Robert and Lillian (Lanahan) Rich. Peggy was born in 1911 in Kenton County, Kentucky and died in 1973 in Polk County, Florida. She married first, my grandfather William Elmer Williams about 1929 and second to Glendell L. Hammond.

Sarah Jane Rich, is the last child of Robert and Lillian (Lanahan) Rich. She was born in 1913 in Kenton County, Kentucky and died in 1987 in Fayette County, Kentucky. She married Robert Kirtley Points. They had one child.

Helen Elizabeth "Libby" Rich is the eldest daughter of Robert and Lillian (Lanahan) Rich. She was born in 1906 in Kenton County, Kentucky and died in 1967 in Alachua County, Florida. She married Jirah Donald "Don" Buck. They had no children of their own but for a time my Dad and his sister lived with them in Louisville, Kentucky.

Robert Lincoln Rich is the youngest son of Joseph P. and Helen M. (Lambert) Rich. He was born in 1885 in Kenton County, Kentucky and he died in 1953 in Kenton County also. He and Lillian were married in 1905 and were divorced in 1922. Robert and Lillian had a daughter Jean, who died as an infant. I contacted the cemetery where the family is buried while doing my research for this post, however I have not received any word back from them. Robert would later marry Lida Middleton Fowler in 1938 and together they had one child, Lida Fowler Rich.

I will be writing more in depth posts at a later date.

Sources: 

1910 U.S Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 10 June 2015), for Robert L. Rich, Ludlow, Kenton County, Kentucky, citing Sheet 11B, family # 212, citing National Archives microfilm publication T624 (National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm: 1,374,502.

1920 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 10 June 2015), for Robert L. Rich, Erlanger, Kenton County, Kentucky, citing Sheet 1B, family # 20, citing National Archives microfilm publication T625 (National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm: 1,820,584.

1930 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 10 June 2015), Robert L. Rich, Erlanger, Kenton County, Kentucky, citing Sheet 10B, family # 263, citing National Archives microfilm publication T626 (National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm: 2,340,497.

1940 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 10 June 2015), Robert L. Rich, Erlanger, Magisterial District 7, Kenton, Kentucky, citing enumeration district (ED) 59-77, sheet 12A, family # 225, NARA digital publication T627 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012), roll 1325.

Florida Death Index, 1878-1998, database, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 10 June 2015), entry for Helen Rich Buck, August 1967; citing Florida Death Index, 1878-1998 Index (www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 June 2015 : 2004), citing volume 2982, certificate # 38523, Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, 1998; citing original data: State of Florida, Florida Death I.

Florida Death Index, 1878-1998, database, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed on 10 June 2015), entry for Peggy R. Hammond, 30 December 1973; citing Florida Index, 1878-1998 Index (www.ancestry.com : accessed on 10 June 2015); citing volume n.d., certificate # 89089, Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Records; citing original data: State of Florida, Florida Death I.

Florida Marriages, 1830-1993, database and image, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed on 10 June 2015), entry for Glendell L Hammond and Peggy R Williams, 26 March 1944; citing Broward Florida, U.S., county courthouses, Florida; FHL microfilm: 2,241,560.

Kentucky Birth Index, 1911-1999, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed on 10 June 2015), entry for Sara J Rich, 16 September 1913, Kenton County; citing Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Databases: Births 1911-1999; Frankfort Kentucky: Kentucky Department for Libraries.

Kentucky Birth Index, 1911-1999, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed on 10 June 2015), entry for Pegy Rich, 2 June 1911, Kenton County; citing Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Databases: Births 1911-1999; Frankfort Kentucky: Kentucky Department for Libraries.

Kentucky Death Records, 1852-1953, database and image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed on 10 June 2015), entry for Robert Lincoln Rich, 14 April 1953; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Microfilm (1852-1910), Microfilm rolls #994027-994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed on 10 June 2015, entry for Sara J. Points, 4 November 1987; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Tombstone Tuesday - The Hoskins Family

When my great Uncle Cromey Hoskins died in March of 1968, he was buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. His wife, my great Aunt, Anna May "Mory" Orth Hoskins and was a practicing Catholic and at that time if your spouse was Protestant you could not be buried side by side in a Catholic cemetery. So Uncle Cromey was buried in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. Buried in the same plot with him are buried Robert C. (1905-1974) and Beulah P. (1905-1990) Hoskins, his brother and sister in law. 

Do you see the differences in the tombstones for Uncle Cromey and Aunt Mory? Uncle Cromey's is more rectangular and has no adornments except his year of birth and year of death. Looking at Aunt Mory's it is much smaller in contrast and has the daffodil, a cross and her year of birth and her year of death. She also has an outline around her name, the flower, the cross and dates. 

This is my great Aunt Anna May "Mory" Orth Hoskins, she died in 1975. As a matter of fact my great aunt and uncle died in March. Uncle Cromey on March 3rd and seven years later Aunt Mory died on March 7th. Aunt Mory is buried in Calvary Catholic Ceremony along with her two children, William Cromey "Billy" Hoskins (1921-1928) and Majorie Hoskins (1919-1934). Billy died from pneumococcal meningitis and Marjorie died of a brain tumor. Aunt Mory and her children are not buried in the same plot but they are near each other. Both Billy and Marjorie have the daffodils on their stones as does Aunt Mory and her parents, Conrad and Katherine (Wilkie) Orth.

Sources:

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 12 June 2015), entry for Anna M. Hoskins, 7 March 1975; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 12 June 2015), entry for Marjorie Hoskins, 19 September 1934; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 14 June 2015), entry for William C. Hoskins, 3 March 1968; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 14 June 2015), entry for William C. Hoskins. 25 January 1928; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Mystery Monday - Ancestor Wanted

In the above photo is my step-grandfather, Glendell L. "Glen" Hammond, c. 1960's. It is one of the few photograph's in my possession of him. He is a big mystery to me. Did he fall of the face of the earth? 

The last time I saw him was in March of 1974 on the farm he shared with my grandmother in Central Florida. My grandmother had passed away three months prior in December 1973. I remember thinking he looks lost. What I know of "Glen" as he was called, has come from census records, memories, a few pictures and missing air crew report from February 1944 when the plane he was in crashed. I have tried contacting my aunt several times to see if she knew how to find him but she told me that they lost contact after he remarried. Remarried? When? Who did he remarry? 

Glen was born in 1924 in Harrisburg, Saline, Illinois to Walter Lee Hammond and his wife Emma (maiden name unknown) and was the youngest of their four children. According to the 1930 Census Glen and his family are living in East Eldorado, Saline, Illinois. His father is listed as Walter, age 45, occupation is listed as miner; his mother Emma is age 38, his brother Aaron is age 17 and a farm laborer, Glen is age 7, his sister Opal is age 14 and his brother George is age 13. They are listed as being in school and doesn't appear that his mother works outside of the home.

The next concrete piece of information I have for Glen, are the pages of the Missing Air Crew Man's Reports (MACR's).  The pages I have included are the page in which my grandfather gave his statement, the page that lists contact persons to be notified, and the report given by the copilot who was injured in the crash of the plane and subsequently captured by the Japanese and rescued.

In early 1944 my grandfather was stationed in or near Chabua, India. Cpl. Glendell L. Hammond was the radio operator, on the fateful flight when he and his fellow crew members, The pilot was 1st Lt. Harold H. Barton, the copilot was 2nd Lt. Raymond R. Bagby, and the engineer was Charles W. Lineithum (rank unknown). They were forced to bail out at 0430 hours on February 17, 1944 because their plane was running out of fuel. He saw his other three crew members parachutes open. Glen states that he did not see the copilot or the navigator after bailing out. Glen noted that the plane did not explode on impact and that he did not inspect it afterwards. He states that he landed near Myitkynia, Burma and contacted his pilot on the same day. 

I always thought he was handsome from his pictures as a young man. He married my grandmother Peggy Scott Rich on March 26th, 1944 in Broward County, Florida. My grandmother had been widow for nine years at this point and I am glad she found love again. One year later in April of 1945 my grandmother gave birth to their only child, a little girl named Peggy Ann. Below is the marriage certificate for Glen and my grandmother, Peggy.

In the Florida State Census of 1945 I find Glenn, Peggy, my Aunt Sally, my Dad and my Aunt Peggy living at 209 Fernway Dr., Miami Springs, Florida. This is the same address that was listed on the MACRs for him and it dated April 6th, 1944. Glen and Peggy were married on March 26th of he same year. I have repeatedly said math is not my friend however, even I can do this math! Glenn and Peggy must have married as soon as got home on leave after the crash of his plane.

My grandmother died on December 30, 1973 in Polk County, Florida at age 57 from lung cancer. At the time we were living in Dayton, Ohio while my Dad was in training with NCR. He flew down and flew home right after the funeral. What happened to you Glen? Are you still living? Will I ever know the mystery of how and where you died?

Sources:

1930 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 19 June 2015), entry for Glendal Hammond, East Eldorado, Saline, Illinois; citing enumeration district (ED) 0005, sheet 3B, family # 72, Line 99; citing NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), FHL microfilm: 2,340,289.

Florida Death Index, 1877-1998, database, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 19 June 2015), entry for Peggy R. Hammond, 30 December 1973; from Florida Death Index, 1877-1998, index, citing from Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com: 2004); citing volume_, certificate number 89089, Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, Jacksonville.

Florida Marriages, 1830-1993, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 19 June 2015), entry for Glendell L. Hammond and Peggy R. Williams, 26 March 1944; citing Broward, Florida, United States, county courthouses, Florida; FHL microfilm 2,241,560.

Florida State Census, 1945, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 19 June 2015, entry for G. L. Hammond, Dade, Florida; citing line 40, State Archives, Tallahasse; FHL microfilm 2,425,707.

Missing Air Crew Reports (MACRs) of the U.S. Army Air Forces, 1942-1947, Fold 3 (https://www.fold3.com : accessed 19 June 2015) entry for Glendell L. Hammond, Year 1944;  citing NARA Cataglog ID # 3025256, Serial # 41-24682, Report # 3010 (Washington, D.C.: Nationa Archives Administration, n.d.) 

Happy Father's Day - My Memories of Daddy and Me

Going clockwise from the top right photo: Daddy with my boys David and Kenny (1999), Daddy holding his first great grandson, Easton (2014), Daddy and Momma with Easton (2014), Daddy and Momma's 50th anniversary portrait (2005), Daddy, Momma and me (1962), Daddy's picture from the Army (c.1952), Daddy's high school gradution picture (c.1951), Daddy at the lake taking a nap with Bryan (c.1999-2000), Daddy with Walker (2011) and in the middle Daddy, Momma and me for my high school graduation (1980).

Like many adoptees, I have two father's. That however is where the story stops for my birth father. You see, he never knew I existed having left my birth mother before she herself found out.

Daddy and the Rocking Chair

My Dad is the best Dad in the whole world! Yes, I am a Daddy's girl and big time too! Some of my earliest memories of my Dad and me are in the old rocking chair we had watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. I would get up after Mom went to bed (most nights she went to bed early) and sit in his lap while he read and watched (or maybe listened to) the Tonight Show. I do remember that at the time it was still in black and white, or it seemed that way because our tv was still black and white. I think we got our first color television in 1975.

Daddy and Math Homework

My Dad is my hero and he should be after all the time he spent helping me with my math though it is not the only thing that makes him my hero. Math does not come easy to me, even now. So every night we sat at the kitchen/dining room table to do my math homework. I could memorize the multiplcation tables and even the answers to small addition problems but after that it was all down hill from there. A typical math night went something like this, "Daddy: Ok, Dawn you have 5 apples and 4 oranges, how many do you have? Me: You have 5 apples and 4 oranges. Daddy: No, Fuzzy, you have 9. Me: No you don't, there are only 5 apples and 4 oranges, how does that equal 9? Daddy: (shaking his head), ok Fuzzy lets try this again." Even in midle and high school Dad had to help me with algebra and geometry.

Daddy and Catholicism

I remember when my Dad converted to Catholicism. We were at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Miramar, Florida back then. I remember that my grandmother, Peggy Rich Hammond was there with us kids in the baby/children's room which was sound proof (at least it seemed that way) while Dad my was Baptised, made his First Communion and received Confirmation. I remember being very proud of my Dad that day. Though I am not sure that I understood everything going on because I think I was around 4 or 5 years old at the time.

Daddy and NCR

My Dad worked for NCR and in the beginning he fixed cash register's. I remember that he had the heaviest (as a small girl) "briefcase" which was actually a toolbox to fix all those cash registers. I remember twice where we moved to Dayton, Ohio when Dad was going there for training. We only went to Dayton as a family when Dad had to be there for long periods of time. The first time I was in the first grade and the second time I was in the sixth grade. We used to go to Carillon Park and Bell Tower too. Then in 1975 my Dad accepted a promotion with NCR and we moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. I wasn't a happy camper about the move but what 13 year old would be? However I survived making new friends and keeping my old friends too.

Daddy

These are just a few of my memories of my Dad and me. He is a great Dad and an even better grandfather, just ask his children and grandchildren! While he has gotten older, this year he turned 80, he has changed much through out the years he still looks the same. I turned gray way, way before he did and only in the last several years has he turned really gray. 

We may not have the same DNA running through our veins but there is no doubt that you are the only Dad I could ever need or want. 

One Year of Writing my Blog

To quote Sally Field from her Oscar acceptance speech in 1985, "You like me, you really like me!" That is how I feel when you, my fellow bloggers, friends and family when you stop by to read my blog.

Thank you everyone who has stopped by to read my blog! There were many people who helped me, gave me feedback and support. However, I feel I may accidentally forgot someone if I list names and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but you know who you are and please know I am very grateful for your encouragement and support. 

I started joining some of the genealogy and DNA groups on Facebook last year and one of them was Geneabloggers, hosted by Thomas MacEntee. Now I will admit, I had heard several of his webinars for Legacy Family Tree and when I saw his Geneabloggers page on Facebook, I knew it was time to start my blog. I asked several questions on the group page and I found that everyone was very supportive and it was Thomas who came up the name for my blog.

I am setting a new goals for the coming year, I would like to average 3-5 posts per week. I have plenty to write about that is for sure! I have started a new tradition here called "Family Photo Friday" and I will be using family photos from the past as well as the present. I am considering other possible weekly or monthly ideas such as men in my family who worked for the rail road. I will also be continuing with My Mormon Pioneer series as I now work through all of the children of Charles Coulson Rich. 

My goals for my blog in the first year was to experiment with how many times a week I would be able to post, I had decided that 3 was a good number to start with and began writing. According to my mathematician (my hubby) for the first six months of my blog from June 20th to 31st of December 2014. I wrote 54 posts in that time which is an average of two blogs a week. Not exactly what I was hoping for but still pleased with my effort. 

I have written blogs from January 2, 2015 to 30 June, 2015 (scheduled to post while I am in Savannah). That is a total of 181 days so far in 2015 and 68 posts total for the end of June. This means that I have averaged 2.72 posts a week. Which is better than the previous six months and I am getting closer to that goal of 3 posts per week. According to Blogger's statistics, I had 1,774 page views for the month of May and since starting my blog I have had 15,216 page views since starting this blog.

Thank you again for stopping by and visiting my blog! Here is to another year of blogging. And here are my top 15 posts for the last year. I am looking forward to the coming year with plans and dreams for my blog!

Family Photo Friday - Meet the Rueff Boys

The Rueff Boys are from left to right: John Christoper "JC" Rueff, my grandfather, George Kenneth Rueff, William Edward "Bill" Rueff, Norman A.Rueff, Irvin Charles "Bud" Rueff,  Frank William Rueff and my great grandfather, William Joseph Rueff, Jr.

From the day my Aunt Barbara showed me this picture I have called it "The Rueff Boys".  It is one of my favorite photographs that I have in my own personal collection. It is also the only photograph I have with all of the brothers and their father in one photograph.

Here is a brief sketch of the Rueff Boys in the order they are photographed.

John Christoper "JC" Rueff was the youngest son of William and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1910 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1992 in Fort Myers, Florida. He married Alice M. Franconia.

George Kenneth Rueff, my grandfather and the fifth son of William and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1905 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1991 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He married Mary Myrtle Behrle.

William Edward "Bill" Rueff is the fourth son of William and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1903 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1978 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He married Harriet A. Dorsey.

Norman A. Rueff is the third son of William and and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1901 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1986 also in Louisville. He married Georgia Rose Spaulding.

Irvin Charles Rueff was the 2nd son of William and and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1900 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1973 also in Louisville. He married Ida Marie Bauer.

Frank William Rueff was the first born son of William and Anna Marie (Kirn) Rueff, Jr. He was born in 1898 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1995 also in Louisville. He married Gertrude A. Carr.

William Joseph Rueff, Jr., my great grandfather was the son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff, Sr. They were married in 1873 in Louisville, Kentucky.

I will be doing more in-depth posts on each of my great uncles, my grandfather and great grandfather later this summer.

Sources: 

1900 U.S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : 12 June 2015), entry for William Rueff and family, Magisterial District 5, Precinct 11 Louisville city Ward 1, Jefferson, Kentucky; citing sheet 3B,  family # 63, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm: 1,240,528.

1910 U.S Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 12 June 2015), for William J Rueff, Middletown, Jefferson, Kentucky; citing enumeration district (ED) 7, sheet 4B, family # 37, citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm: 1,374,496.

1920 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 12 June 2015), for William J. Rueff, Jr., Gilman's, Jefferson, Kentucky, citing Sheet 7A, family # 145, citing NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington, D.C. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm: 1,820,577.

1930 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 12 June 2015), William J. Rueff, District 1, Jefferson, Kentucky; citing enumeration district (ED) 0185, sheet 23A, family # 689, citing NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), FHL microfilm: 2,340,487.

1940 U. S. Census, database and images, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed 12 June 2015), William Rueff, Saint Matthews, Magisterial District 1, Jefferson, Kentucky; citing enumeration district (ED) 56-13, sheet 33A, family # 225, NARA digital publication T627 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012), roll 1320.

Florida Death Index, 1878-1998, database, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed on 12 June 2015), entry for John Christoper Rueff, 7 May 1983; citing Florida Index, 1878-1998 Index (www.ancestry.com : accessed on 12 June 2015); citing volume n.d., certificate # 46820, Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Records; citing original data: State of Florida, Florida Death I.

Kentucky Birth Records, 1852-1910, database and images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 12 June 2015), entry for Charles I Rueff, 27 February 1900; citing Kentucky. Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm (1852-1910). Microfilm rolls #994027-994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Birth Records, 1852-1910, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : accessed 12 June 2015), entry for Frank Rueff, 3 October 1898; citing Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Databases: Births 1911-1999; Frankfort Kentucky: Kentucky Department for Libraries.

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 12 June 2015), entry for Frank W. Rueff, 4 February 1995; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed on 12 June 2015), entry for Irvin C. Rueff, 17 March 1973; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed on 12 June 2015), entry for William Edward Rueff, 6 September 1987; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database. Ancestry (htts://www/ancestry.com : accessed on 12 June 2015), entry for Norman A Rueff, 7 October 1986; citing Commonwealth of Kentucky, Health Data Branch, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning; citing Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 12 June 2015), entry for William J Rueff. 28 June 1950; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky

North Carolina Deaths, 1931-1994, database, Family Search (https://familysearch.org : accessed pm 12 June 2015, entry for George Kenneth Rueff, Sr., 19 May 1991; citing Greensboro, Guilford, North Carolina. volume 21B cn 21834.

Tombstone Tuesday - George and Myrtle Rueff

This is marker for my maternal grandfather, George Kenneth Rueff (1905-1991) is buried beside my grandmother, Mary Myrtle Behrle Rueff (1913-1977) at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

When I went to pay my respects back in 2004, I notice that tombstone was lopsided (see the top picture) but it wasn't just lopsided it was sinking on one end. I got back in my car and drove back up to the office and asked if they would fix it. Of course they did as you can see in the bottom picture. When there is too much rain or melting snow their stone will start to sink on the left hand side. This is because my grandparents and the others around them are buried in a run off zone. When I came back a week later for Mother's Day, the stone had been leveled off again.

There is a story to this particular cemetery plot. When my grandmother passed away, my grandfather picked the plot and told his children (those that were with him at the time) that once he was dead and buried, he and Myrtle could lay there and watch the red birds "!$#&" all of over them. If you look at the bottom picture, you will see the tree to which my grandfather was referring to in upper left hand corner.

Family Photo Friday - The Elbert and The Williams Families Celebrate Thanksgiving 1989

I am starting a new tradition here at Dawning Genealogy, Family Photo Friday. Beginning today I will be posting family photos from the past and the present. Here is today's family photo.

 1. Uncle Jim; 2. My Dad, Bill; 3. Aunt Bonnie; 4. My Mom; 5. Jeff; 6. Robin; 7. Amy; 8. My former brother in law Jim; 9. Kathy; 10 & 11. Becky and Douglas; 12. our Grandfather George; 13. Dawn; 14. Billy; 15. My son, Kenny; 16. My son, David and 17. Christopher. The little one's are my cousin Amy's son's.

This picture is from Thanksgiving weekend 1989. My Mom's sister, Bonnie and her husband Jim came with their four children (Becky, Robin, Jeff & Amy) and their grandson's Douglas & Christopher (Amy's children) all came to Greensboro, NC to celebrate Thanksgiving with each other.

We had a great time together but then we always do when we get together. These days we don't get to see each other often what with work, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren running around these days, but when we do there is never a dull moment! Our last big get together we had was in 2011 to celebrate my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jim's 50th Wedding Anniversary.

 

Kaitlyn's Graduating

This weekend, my niece Kaitlyn will graduate from high school with honors. I interviewed Kaitlyn last September for a piece regarding Talented Tuesdays. You can find that post here (http://dawninggenealogy.blogspot.com/2014/09/kaitlyn-williams-my-very-talented-niece.html). I have watched this beautiful little girl grow into a very talented young lady. She is an artist in the truest sense of the word. She is not only talented in painting, sketching and drawing but she is musically talented, playing several instruments. Now as one adventure comes to a close in her life, it is time for Kaitlyn to look forward to the next adventure that life will take her on. 

Kaitlyn, remember these years of growth as a person, as an artist, full of  friendships and memories, your personal experiences and accomplishements and to see that you have adventures and dreams worthy of pursuing. I hope that your your adventures will lead you on a wonderful journey through life.

 Kaitlyn at Senior Awards Day on the left. Top right is a sketch is our lake house done in graphite on paper. The bottom picture is of my parents that she in charcoal on paper. Copyright © Kaitlyn Williams Art 2013-2014, All rights reserved.

Kaitlyn has been accepted to her first choice of colleges, UNC-Asheville where she will continue her studies in art and education. Her goal is to be a high school art teacher. She also likes genealogy and hopefully she will join me in sharing the role of family historian! She has been very helpful in building her Mom's side of the tree and adding pictures too. 

This year her AP Studio Art Concentration was about "Mythological Women". Mythology is one of my favorite subjects and to see Kaitlyn bring these mythological women to life is absolutely amazing. If you would like to see more of Kaitlyn's work you can find her on her Facebook page at this link (https://www.facebook.com/KaitlynWilliamsArt).

The picture on the left is "Elf" chalk pastel on paper. The middle picture is "Medusa" oil on canvas. The picture in the right is "Sphynx" watercolor on paper. Copyright © Kaitlyn Williams Art 2013-2014, All rights reserved.

Follow your heart as you have always done, let it inspire you and let it lead you as you begin on this new adventure. I love you, Kaitlyn!

Copyright © Dawning Genealogy/Dawn M Kogutkiewicz 2014-2015, All rights reserved.

Wedding Wednesday - Daddy's Girls and Momma's Dresses

Clockwise from the top right corner are: my Dad and my sister Patty, my Dad and my youngest sister Susie, my Dad and my sister Kathy and my Dad and me.

Between 1984 and 1999, my Dad walked his girls down aisle in our gorgeous and unique wedding dresses that our Mom made for each of us. I have written before about these beautiful dresses before and you can find that here. (http://dawninggenealogy.blogspot.com/2014/07/wednesday-weddings-wedding-dresses-by.html).

Tombstone Tuesday - Dr. Raymond A. and Pauline M. Behrle

This is double marker for my first maternal great grandparents, Dr. Raymond Alexander and Pauline M. [Orth] Behrle. They are buried in Louisville, Kentucky at Calvary Cemetery, one of five Catholic cemeteries in Louisville. It is a simple marker listing their names, year of birth and death and the words "Dad" and "Mother". They had one child, my grandmother, Mary Myrtle Behrle Rueff. Rest in peace Papa Ray and Lena.

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks 2015 Edition - Week 23 - June Weddings

I went back six generations (from my grandson) and I could only find three weddings in June. It seems that his paternal lines prefer fall, winter and spring weddings. The first photo is of Easton's 5th paternal great grandparents and the second is of his paternal great grandparents.The third marriage is of Easton's other paternal great grandparents.

                                

This is Easton's 5th paternal great grandparents, William Points Williams & Sarah Elizabeth Lucas, who were married on June 25th, 1902 in Covington, Kenton, Kentucky. They celebrated 35 years of marriage on June 2,1937 and Sarah died on September 24th, 1937. I just love the hat she is wearing in her wedding picture.

This is my parents and Easton's paternal 1st great grandparents William "Bill" and Nina. They were married on June 4th, 1955 in Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky. Last week they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Easton's other set of paternal great grandparents, Simeon Lester Kitts, Jr and Ursula Floride Plowden had their marriage license issued on June 7th, 1947 in Columbia, Richland, South Carolina. I do not have a picture from their wedding and I have ordered their marriage record but do not expect for at least another week. 

I am still working to catch up on my 52 ancestors challenge but this just happened to be good timing.

Happy 60th Anniversary Momma and Daddy!

 On the left my Mom and Dad c.1952. On the right is a picture of my Mom that my Dad carried with him from the US to Japan, Korea and back to the US while he served in the Korean War, c. 1952.

It has been 60 years since you said "I do" in Louisville, Kentucky and I know that you love each other even more today. You started dating so young but the world was different then. However, you dated for four years before you married which means you have been together for 64 years and that is an accomplishment in today's society. The years have flown by since you met and then said "I do" on June 4th, 1955. As your children we have joyfully witnessed you renew your wedding vows on the occasion of your 10th, 25th and 50th anniversaries. By renewing your vows it only shows us how committed you are to each other.

In the left is my Mom and her Dad, George Rueff walking down the aisle. In the top middle picture standing left to right are Peggy Rich Hammond, my Dad's Mom, my Dad, my Mom, my Mom's Dad, George Rueff and her Mom, Myrtle Behrle Rueff.* In the middle picture are my parents getting ready to cut the cake. The bottom middle picture are my parents in the wedding car. In the photo on the right are my parents.

You were blessed with five children, Patty, Billy, Kathy, Susie and I. Which I know wasn't always easy but we all turned out pretty good. You worked hard to give us a loving and caring environment centered on family. You also gave us kids a wonderful example of what a marriage should be for all of us to follow.

 From left to right: Dawn c. 1963, Patty c.1964, Billy c. 1967, Kathy c. 1968 and Susie c. 1974

Over the years we have had lots of family pictures taken and here are a few! The top picture was taken c.1977. Standing from left to right are, Patty, Dawn Billy and Kathy. Sitting from left to right are, Dad, Mom and Susie.



In this middle picture which was taken c. 1990, I believe for our I church directory. Standing from left to right are, Dad, Mom, Dawn, and Billy. Sitting form left to right are, Patty, our Grandfather, George K. Rueff, Susie and Kathy.

For your 50th wedding anniversary, we had updated family pictures done. This one is of just us seven. Dad and Mom are front and center with my siblings and standing around them.

There have been Baptisms, First Holy Communions, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, holidays and the daily pleasures of your your life that you shared. There have been good so many good times that they are impossible to measure. As a family we have seen some sad times but through it all, you were always there to guide us and to love us

Over the years our family of seven has grown to a family of...well we all know my math is terrible so don't quote me on this. We are now a family of 28!! So cherish the memories you made while you dating and the early years of your marriage before Patty, Billy, Kathy, Susie and I arrived, cherish the memories we made when our family was young and growing, cherish the memories you have ever made in the last 60 years and know that they are yours forever and ever.

Here we are on Dad's 80th birthday in January with almost all of us in the picture, quite a feat these days! Aunt Sally, Luann and Megan were here to help celebrate too. JJ is under the turquoise blank on the couch on the right while David and Cassie headed home earlier to get sweet Easton into bed.

Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary Daddy and Momma! I love you so very much!