Family Photo Friday - Mom's First Holy Communion Picture

This is my Mom's First Holy Communion picture. My Mom is on the left, her sister Bonnie is in the middle, standing behind her is my great grandfather, Dr. Raymond Alexander Behrle and on the right is her brother, Kenny. It is one of the few pictures that I have where my Mom and her siblings are all in the same picture as young kids. This picture was taken c.1944 in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

1, 2, 3 Out it Goes!

I threw out roughly 60% of my genealogical files!

When I started the first cycle of the Genealogy Do-Over back in January, Thomas MacEntee, asked that we set aside all of our old research. I have not touched many of those files in the last seven months so it is now time to decide what I am going to do. 

I came to the conclusion that it just all needed to go for the most part. This was the criteria I used to weed through my files,

• I kept only the files that belonged to major surnames.
• I kept all B/M/D records or certificates that I have collected/paid for.
• I have kept all of my research notebooks.
• I kept only printed pages that had source citations. 
• I kept only printed pages from books that had the actual title and call numbers so that I could properly source the information I used from them. 
• Once I scan the pages into my computer and attached them to the appropriate people I will then toss these pages.
• I have recycled some of the paper into scratch pads. 
• I will recycle the file folders for other projects.

I will go through my tree and verify that the names on the file folders are still valid and/or proven relationships. I have been pruning my working tree back and deleting people who extremely distant cousins. For example, eighth cousins, twice removed. I am also streaming down spousal information for families that didn't intermarry. For example those who had multiple marriages but did not have children together. I have put the parent's names in and written siblings down in the notes sections on Ancestry as well as in genealogy software. 

I am now down to the following, 2 file green boxes, 2 white file boxes and 2 medium tote boxes. One green file box holds all of my correspondence files and the other green file box is holding empty file folders, mailing envelopes, plastic files and original documents such as B/M/D records, church records, divorce and annulment records. The 2 white file boxes hold my research for all the major surnames I am researching. The 2 tote boxes are filled with source documents that I still need to weed through, research journals between 1980 and the late 1990's that I would like to read through before tossing them out. You never know what I might have written that could be important! Starting next week I will begin going through the totes. I can feel every genealogist I know cringing!

Family Photo Friday ~ Grandpa Rueff and Me

This picture is from the mid to late 1960's. I am snuggled up with my Grandpa, George Kenneth Rueff. He was always kind, caring and the best Grandpa I could have asked for. I will always be grateful that my boys, Kenny and David got to know him and that they had ten good years with him before he died on May 19, 1991. Kenny is also his namesake.

Welcome to the World Serena!

Congratulations to my niece, Noell who brought a beautiful little girl named Serena into the world yesterday. I am so very happy for you and your new little family. I am truly thrilled for your Mom and Dad because being a grandparent is awesome! And by now Serena, has you all wrapped around her little fingers!

Dear Serena,

Welcome to the world precious little girl! 

I hope you have eyes that are bright like starlight.

I hope you are sugar and spice but mischievious too!

I hope your laugh sounds like the tinkling of bells.

I hope your heart is full of grace.

I hope that you reach for dragonflies, lady bugs, butterflies and the wonders of the world.

Most of all, little girl I hope that you know how much you are loved!

Love,

Aunt Dawn

 

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Mr. and Mrs. S. Lester and Floride Plowden Kitts

 

These are the markers for my children's paternal grandparents, Simeon Lester Kitts, Jr. and (Ursula) Floride Plowden Kitts. I never had the opportunity to meet father in law as he passed away nearly nine years before his son, Marc and I were married. I did know my mother in law and she was a wonderful person to know. Like me she was a book lover and we often exchanged books.

Family Photo Friday - The Children of Simeon Lester & Ruth (Hair) Kitts, Sr

From the left is Susie Kitts Beck, in the center top is Simeon Lester Kitts, Jr and in the center bottom is Betty Kitts Wright. On the right is the originial picture c. 1926/1927. In this picture Susie would have been about 11 or 12 years old. Lester would have been about 9 or 10 years old. Betty would have been about 2 or 3 years old. Susie passed away in 2005 and Lester passed away in 1971. Betty is the only surviving sibling. There is more to come on this family at a later date. Finally, this is the only picture I have of the three siblings and a reproduction copy was given to me by Betty along with some additional photographs.

Family Photo Friday ~ Meet the Original Rueff Boys

The Original Rueff Boys - The sons of William Joseph Rueff Sr and Caroline "Carrie" Kuhn. Standing is Philip George Rueff, sitting on the right is William Joseph Rueff, Jr, sitting on the left is Charles William "Charley" Rueff and the young boy is Andrew Grover Cleveland "Andy" Rueff.This photo is courtesy of Mr. Al Ring, @ www.ringbrothershistory.com.

This is the only photograph I have of my 2nd great grandfather William Joseph Rueff, Sr. with his brothers. I believe that this picture was taken in the 1890's based on the youngest one's age.

Here is a brief sketch of the original Rueff Boys in the order in which they were photographed. 

Philip George Rueff was the third youngest son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff, Sr. He was born in 1880 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1962 in Louisville. Philip married first Catherine May "Katie" Keefe in 1905 in Louisville. They had one child, Philip William (1907-1996). Catherine Keefe died in 1924. Philip married second Elizabeth M. Olliges between 1926 and 1927. Elizabeth died in 1928. Philip and Elizabeth did not have any children. Philip married third Elma A. Light between 1928 and 1933. They had on child, Betty (1933-1936). Elma died in 1965. Philip was married to Catherine for 19 years and to Elma for about 34 years. His marriage to Elizabeth was only a couple of years at most before her death.

William Joseph Rueff, Jr was the eldest son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff. He was born in 1874 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1950 in Louisville. He married Anna Marie Kirn in 1897 in Louisville. Anna was born in in 1874 and died in 1958. They had six sons and one daughter and were married for 53 years.

Charles William "Charley" Rueff was the second eldest son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff, Sr. He was born in 1876 in Lexington, Kentucky and died in 1948 in Louisville, Kentucky. He married Estelle Castleman in 1900 in Jefferson County, Kentucky. She was born about 1881 and died in 1963.They had four daughters and were married for 48 years.

Andrew Grover Cleveland "Andy" Rueff was the youngest son of William Joseph and Caroline "Carrie" (Kuhn) Rueff, Sr. He was born in 1888 in Louisville, Kentucky and died in 1973 in Louisville. He married Theresa Disselkamp in 1911 in Louisville. She was born in 1893 and in 1977. They were married for 62 years and had four sons and two daughters.

Sources:

Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000, database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : 30 June 2015), entry for Anna M. Rueff, died 16 July 1958; 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 : 30 June 2015), entry for Andrew G. Rueff, died 9 April 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 : 30 June 2015), entry for Phil G. Rueff, died 15 July 1962; 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 : 3 July 2015), entry for Elma A. Rueff, died 22 March 1965; 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 : 3 July 2015), entry for Estell M. Rueff, died 8 March 1977; 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 : 30 June 2015), entry for Theresa C. Rueff, died 15 July 1962; 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 : 1 July 2015), entry for Catherine Rueff, died 28 June 1950; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 1 July 2015), entry for Charles William Rueff, died 19 December 1948; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 1 July 2015), entry for Elizabeth M. Rueff, died 22 November 1928; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kentucky Death Records, database and images, Ancestry (https://www/ancestry.com : 1 July 2015), entry for William Joseph Rueff, died 28 June 1950; citing Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records - Microfilm # 994027 - 994058. Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky 

Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F43J-PXZ : accessed 2 July 2015), entry for P.G. Rueff and Catherine Keefe, married 06 Sep 1905; citing Louisville, Kentucky, reference Bk22 P58 Jeff Co.Ky.; FHL microfilm 482,721.

Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F431-6PB : accessed 2 July 2015), W. J Rueff and Annie M Kirn, 05 Oct 1897; citing Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky, reference 0482718, p303; FHL microfilm 482,718.

Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F4M7-T9V : accessed 2 July 2015), Chas. W. Rueff and Stella Castelman, married 12 Nov 1900; citing Jefferson, Kentucky, reference ; FHL microfilm 588,968.

Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F435-75B : accessed 3 July 2015), Andrew G. C. Rueff and Teresa Disselkamper, married 21 Nov 1911; citing Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky, reference 1901-1911 p642; FHL microfilm 482,723.

Meet My Brick Wall ~ John Benjamin Field Minott

John Benjamin Field Minott is one of my children's 4th paternal grandfather's and he drives me CrAzY! I have been researching him since 1980. I can find census records, a few of the census records I am unsure of because of the location listed in the census record. I have been unable to find a marriage record for him and his wife, Susan C. Cox. Census records list his occupation as a planter. Slave census records seem to support that he may have had a very large plantation.

John was too young to have served in The War of 1812 and died before the Civil War started. It is possible that he fought in the Seminole Wars but as of yet I have found no evidence to support this.

John and Susan were married about 1824 or 1825. I have the following children for John and Susan: Susan Jane Minott (1826-1905) and she never married; Mary Elizabeth Minott* (1829-1911) and she married Constant H. Rivers; Anna Coffin Minott (1832-1904) and she never married; Margaret Anne Minott (1832-1833); William Butler Minott (1836-1898) and married Anna Margaret Chaplin; John Cox Minott (1838-1887) and he married Harriet Kinloch Lowndes; Eliza Dill Minott (1838-1845); Thomasine C. Minott (1843-1920) and Eugenia Perry Minott (1844-1845).

Are you researching the Minott Family of Charleston, South Carolina? If so, please leave a comment or contact me through Facebook and let's see if we can help each other.

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Johnny Mercer

Two weeks ago my best friend and I went to Savannah, Georgia to celebrate 50 years of being friends. We have know each other since we were three and four years old. We did a tour of Bonaventure Cemetery one morning before it got way too hot that day. 

I am not related to the subject of this post but I am a fan of his music. I just loved the bench in his large burial plot.

One of the graves pointed out to us by our tour guide was that of John Herndon "Johnny" Mercer. He was born November 18, 1909 in Savannah and died June 25, 1976 in Los Angeles County, California. There is a bench in the family plot where one can sit and remember the family or as our tour guide said remember the music of Johnny Mercer. 

During his lifetime, Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics to more than 1,000 songs and received 19 Academy Award nomintions. He also wrote the music for several Broadway shows. In 1942, he co-founded Capital Records with Buddy DeSlyva and Glenn Wallichs, the first West Coast recording label.

In the top photo the songs written on the inside of the bench are: "Ac-Cen-Tchu-The-Positive", "Jeepers, Creepers", "Autumn Leaves", "Blues In The Night", "Charade", "Laura", "Moon River", "My Shining Hour", "On The Atchinson, Topeaka and Santa Fe". On the top front edge are the songs "Buddy", "I'm Kind Of Poet", "I've Gotta Lotta of Things To Say". In the middle of the bench is an image of Johnny himself. On the back of the top edge are the words Co-Founder of Capitol Records in the left corner and in the right corner are the words, Winner of 4 Academy Awards.

In the bottom photo the songs written on the outside of the are: "Come Rain or Come Shine", "Days of Wine and Roses", "Hooray for Hollywood", "In the Cool, Cool, Cool Evening", "One for My Baby", "Skylark", "Something's Gotta Give", "That Old Black Magic", "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby". I grew up listening to my Dad's Time Life Series of albums that were titled "Songs from the 40's and 50's and many of these songs were on these albums. Other's I learned from movies like "The Days of Wine and Roses" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's".

The first Academy Award Johnny won was in 1946. It was for the song "On the Atchinson, Topeaka and Santa Fe" with music by Harry Warren. Judy Garland sang the song in the movie, "The Harvey Girls". Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7NHWKbQuRw) to hear Judy Garland sing "On the Atchinson, Topeaka and Santa Fe".

His second Academy Award came in 1951 for the song "In the Cool, Cool, Cool Evening" with music by Hoagy Carmichael. The song was sung by Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman for the movie "Here Comes the Groom". Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSgWX4DbZ4) to hear Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman sing, "In the Cool, Cool, Cool Evening".

The third Academy Award won by Johnny Mercer was for the song "Moon River" with music by Henry Mancini. This was for the film "Breakfast At Tiffany's" and was sung by Audrey Hepburn. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UoIO4qxJig) to listen to Audrey Hepburn sing, "Moon River". 

In 1962, Johnny would win his fourth and final Academy Award for the song "The Days of Wine and Roses (with music by Henry Mancini), for the film of the same name. It was performed by Henry Mancini and his Orchestra with the Chorus. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nikPwhewdmk) to listen to Henry Mancini & Orchestra and Chorus.

Sources:

Eskew, Glenn T. "Johnny Mercer (1909-1976)" New Georgia Encyclopedia. 15 April 2015. Web. 30 June 2015.

Songwriters Hall of Fame, (http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/exhibits/bio/C18 : accessed 1 July 2015), entry for Johnny Mercer.

Wikipedia contributors. "Capitol Records." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Records : accessed 1 July 2015).

Wikipedia contributors. "Johnny Mercer". Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Mercer : accessed 1 July 2015).

Shen Long Tang, "On the Atchison, Topeaka, and Santa Fe", Online video clip,(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7NHWKbQuRw : accessed 1 July 2015), sung by Judy Garland, music composed by Harry Warren with lyrics by Johnny Mercer for the film "The Harvey Girls".

Theater2Film, "In the Cool, Cool, Cool Evening", Online video clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSgWX4DbZ4 : accessed 1 July 2015), sung by Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman, music composed by Hoagy Carmichael, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from the movie "Here Comes the Groom".

Sarah Evangeline, "Moon River" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UoIO4qxJig : accessed 1 July 2015), sung by Audrey Hepburn music composed by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Johnny River, from the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Sirchinmoy, "Days of Wine and Roses, Online video clip, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nikPwhewdmk : accessed 1 July 2015), Sung by The Henry Mancini Chorus, music composed by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from the movie "The Days of Wine and Roses".

Family Photo Friday - The Grandchildren of George K. and Myrtle (Behrle) Rueff

This photo was taken on June 15th, 1973 in front of my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jim's house in Gulf Breeze, Florida. I don't remember if this was an official family reunion since George & Myrtle were not there but it was definitely one of my favorite get togethers with my Rueff aunts, uncles and cousins.

My Mom along with her family gathered with her sister, Bonnie's family and their brother Kenny's family came together for several days. This was the trip I learned I would never be a fisherwoman! I lost my Dad's rod and reel in the Santa Rosa Sound. 

 Going left to right in order of age we are the second generation of the descendants of George and Myrtle Rueff. Susie Williams (age 6 months), Mike Rueff (age 4), Amy Elbert (age 4), Kathy Williams (age 5), Billy Williams (age 6), Jeff Elbert (age 8), Patty Williams (age 9), Dawn Williams (age 10), Becky Elbert (age 11), Donna Rueff (age 12) and Ronnie Rueff (age 14).

Thank you, Aunt Barbara for documenting all of your photographs! While I maybe the unofficial family historian you are most definitely the family photographer!