S. G. (Samuel Grimes?) GREEN

Seeking info on S. G. (Samuel Grimes Green??) Green, born abt. 1799 in the U.S.  He was of Scottish origin.  Family history has it that he lived in Bangor, Maine.  Apparently, he eloped with a Merian Kirk (around 1822 or 1823).  Or, he may have married a woman first name of Jennette.  S. G.
Green moved to Canada abt. 1825 and raised a family in Lower Canada (now Quebec).  Descendents of his are named Alexander, James, George, Robert, Samuel, Marion, Ruggles.    Does anyone have any information that may help me trace my great-great-great grandfather, S.G. Green?  Please contact Donna at donnav07@telus.net, or call 403-887-9997, leave message and I will return your call.  Thank you in advance.

Cheryl Willis Patten - Award For Excellence in Genealogical Service

Today, we justly recognize one of the most stalwart members of MGS, one who has served as an officer of the Society with distinction as well as held a watching brief for the Society in many other organizations of which she is also a member.

Her knowledge of genealogical research methods and sources has been demonstrated many times, in many places, including prior MGS conference and at the conferences of other organizations with parallel interests.

So began the comments made by MGS President, John "Jack" F. Battick on September 22, 2012 as he introduced the most recent honoree to be presented the MGS Award for Excellence in Genealogical Service.  Jack went on to list other service area of Cheryl's including her work with the Maine Old Cemetery Association (MOCA), The New England Regional Genealogical Conference (NERGC), dedication to MGS chapters, including serving as an officer for both Taconnett Falls and the Sandy River chapters of the Society.  She has transcribed the marriage records of Somerset County and been published in The Maine Genealogist.  Cheryl has also been a memver of the Executive Committee of MGS, the Conference Committee and the Nominating Committee.

Those who know her well (or even in passing) seem to agree with Jack's final comments on the matter:

It may truly be said that she has embodied the ideals and goals of MGS.
 

For more on Cheryl's nomination, and to see past winners of the Maine Genealogical Society's Award for Excellence In Genealogical Service, visit the MGS web site: http://www.maineroots.org/awards.html

Query: Betsy Plummer

Seeking information on Betsy Plummer wife of William7 Plummer of the Francis Plummer line.
(Loring8, William7, Robert6, WIlliam5, Aaron4, Joseph3, Joseph2, Francis1)
Also her name could be Elizabeth, as Betsy was a apopular nickname fot Elizabeth at this time.
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William Plumer/Plummer was the sone of Robert6 Plumer.
William7 Plummer was born 26 May 1787 in Royalsborough, now Durham, Cape Elizabeth, ME. Died 16, Feb 1880 at Dover, ME

Vital Records of Brunswick, Maine 1740-1860, Joseph C. Anderson [2004] p.71
8 Oct 1808 William PLummer and Miss Betsy Plummer, both of Brunswick intend marriage.
Betsy Plummer (d. 24 Dec 1862, Age 76 yrs, 6 months, 26 days ( b. calculates to 28 May 1786)

In the 1850 census Betsy's birthplace is given as Harpswell, ME
They are buried together in the Old Dover Cemetery at Dover Foxcroft, ME
They had two known children: (Possibly  more) Loring8 Plummer and Horace8 Plummer
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More on Loring8 Plummer
He married 1st Sally Grant or Sarah Goodrich (b. 25 Oct 1816, d. 9 Sep 1875) about 1832
They are buried together in the Old Dover Cemetery at Dover -Foxcroft, ME

They lived in Athens, ME. Bangor, ME, and Dover, ME.

They had children: Lucy, George W., William, James W., 1st Anna Maria, Jemima or Vanessa, Edwin Victor, Franklin, 2nd Anna Maria, Fred.
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More on Harace8 Plummer (b. 19 Jan 1815 at Wales, ME)
Horace married Nancy SHattock (b 28 Feb 1815 at Solon) on 27 Nov 1834 at Solon, ME

They lived in Athens, ME and Dover, ME

It is not known where or when they died. or were buried.

They had children: Julia, Sarah W., Henry, Caroline P., Lucy, Emma T.
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So William Plummer was born in Durham, ME. Betsy Plummer was brn in HArpswell, ME.  They were proabbly married about Oct 1808 in Brunswick, ME. They had Loring in Brunswick, ME.  They had Horace in Wales, ME.  They next lived in Athens, ME.  Then it appears they moved to Dover, ME where they both died.

This suggests that Betsy/Elizabeth Plummer may have been from one of these areas.
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The information I am looking for is:
- I would like to confirm the maiden name of Betsy or Elizabeth Plummer
- I would like to find Betsy's date and location fo birth and marriage
- I would like to find her parent's names, and date of location of birth, marriage and death, and the children in that family.
- Any information other children William and Betsy Plumer may have had.
------

Any help on this family is appreciated
Leo Plummer
9545 Paseo Temporada
San Diego, CA 92129-2711

Email: leo_plummer@msn.com

Sally GRANT or Sarah GOODRICH

Sally Grant or Sarah Goodrich of Athens, Cannaan, Dover or Skowhegan, Maine or these general areas...

Seeking information on Sally Plummer, wife of Loring Plummer of the Francis Plummer line.
(Loring8, WIlliam7, Robert6, William5, Aaron4, Joseph3, Joseph2, Francis1)

Her given name could be Sarah as Sally was a popular nickname for Sarah at this time. So I am looking for Sally/Sarah Grant or Sarah/Sally Goodrich.
---------
Loring Plumer/Plummer was the son of William plumer of the Francis PLumer line.
William Plumer was born in Royalsborough, now Durham, Cape  Elizabeth, ME on 26 May 1787. He lived in Athens, ME and had sons Loring and Horace.

Loring's name has also been listed as Loving, Loren, Loran and Laren which I believe are errors.

He married 1st Sarah Goodrich, place and date are not known
Sally Goodrich born 25 Oct 1816 in place not known, but the best guess is Athens, Canaan, Dover, Skowhegan or Solon, ME of these general areas as the names and borders of some of these towns have changed since 1816.
She died on 9 Sep 1875 in Dover, ME
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In the 1870 census for the town of Dover, ME, Sally Plummer was listed as born in Canaan,  ME
On the death records of her son James W. Plummer his mother was Sally Grant born in Solon, ME
On the death record of her sone Edwin V Plummer his mother was Sarah Goodrich born in Athens, ME

Some records say Mrs. Sally Plumer was born in Dover, ME. I believe this is an error, but it may be worth checking out.

The town clerk in Canaan, ME told me that part of 1816 Canaan is now part of Skowhegan, ME or vice versa.

This is why I say the best guess is Athens, Canaan, Dover, Skowhegan, or Solon, ME or these general areas as the names and borders of some of these towns have changed.
-----
The information I am looking for is:

I would like to find Sally Grant's parents' names, and date and location of birth, marriage and death, and this children in that family.

I would like to find Sally Grant's date and location of birth and marriage.

Any information on the other children of Loring Plumer and Sally Grant may have had.

Leo Plummer
9545 Paseo Temporada
San Diego, CA 92129-2711

Email: leo_plummer@msn.com

BRADFORD

Looking for anyone who is related to Carmel, Maine family Peleg Bradford and wife Eliza McPherson  Bradford
Contact: Rita Dickinson Weiner, 40 Samantha Dr., Gorham, ME 04038.  mainebeaches@maine.rr.com

William H. Graves

Looking for parents and/or siblings of William H. Graves, b. about 1825, Minto, NB, Canada, m. Sarah Everette, d. 1870s, Presque Isle, ME.

Contact "Spike" Savage, dsavage7@maine.rr.com, P.O. Box 1164. Presque Isle, ME 04769

Cottrell & Young Families

Looking for sources of primary documents in Charlotte County, NB before 1850 for the following families COTRELL (from Islesborough) and YOUNG (from Waldoboro)

If you can help, please contact Deborah Nowers at nowers@charter.net

The 2012 Annual Conference is Underway!

The 36th Annual Family History Conference of the Maine Genealogical Society is about to begin.  The conference committee arrived at 7am to start setting up and Battick with opening remarks, give out some awards, and sit back and start the presentations with Ted Steele's keynote address, "Family Stories: Did It Really Happen That Way?"

Here's to a great day with friends, fellow researchers and Maine genealogy!

2012 Annual Conference Deadline Extended!

Good news for the procrastinators among us.  The deadline for registration for the 2012 Maine Genealogical Society Annual Conference on September 22, 2012 has been moved.  You now have until the September 19th to get your registration in the mail.

For more infromation and to register, visit the conference website:
http://conference.maineroots.org

See you there!

Time's Running Out to Register for the Fall Conferencee

Have you registered yet for the Annual Maine Genealogy Conference? There's less than 2 weeks left to get your registration in...

This great educational event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Jeff's Catering in Brewer. Features include a national level speaker, six workshops, vendors, exhibitors, query board, door prizes, topic tables at lunch, great networking and brainstorming opportunities, and more! Fee is $40 for MGS members and $50 for non-members. Registration deadline is Sept. 15. Sign up today!

FMI - http://​conference.maineroots.org/

MGS Fall Conference Saturday Sept 22nd

The Maine Genealogical Society has a full day of educational lectures planned for this year's annual genealogical conference, including a variety of topics for a variety of interests and experience levels. We start the day with an interesting keynote address by Ted Steele discussing family stories and "Did it Really Happen That Way?" The rest of the day's lectures consist of three sets of breakout sessions, all interesting and sometimes difficult to choose between. There will be vendors and exhibitors on hand, all of whom we encourage you to visit and support. A Query Board will be available for anyone interested in posting a query. This has been a popular spot in past conferences! Bring your query and you may find a connection! New at this year's conference will be "topic tables" at lunch time with several topics planned. You can also take a table without a topic and start your own conversation with other attendees. As always you will be able to purchase MGS Special Publications at the conference which is a GREAT way to save on shipping costs. And don't forget, in addition to saving on shipping, if you are an MGS member, you already receive an additional discount off the retail price of the publication, so if you're not a member, consider joining with your conference registration to take advantage of all the benefits of being a member of the Maine Genealogical Society. Our Main Speaker - Ted Steele. Day At A Glance 8:00-9:00 Registration, Vendors and Exhibitors are open 9:00-10:30 Welcome Address by Jack Battick Awards Presentation Keynote Address by Ted Steele Family Stories: Did It Really Happen That Way? Several actual examples will be used to illustrate issues such as conflicting evidence, secondary sources and mis-identifications. With each story we will learn what the document(s) said and what was wrong, concluding with "lessons learned." 10:45-11:45 Breakout Session 1 a. Using A Library Effectively -- Ted Steele This talk points our some of the resources researchers might pass up when using a library b. Using Tax Records In Genealogy - How Taxes Can Be A Good Thing - Dr. Carol McCoy In early America people were taxed for a number of reasons. Learn aboout the types of tax records available, where to find them, and how they can help solve genealogy problems. 12:00-1:30 Luncheon, Vendor Time and Topic Tables 1:30-2:15 MGS Annual Meeting or Vendor Time 2:15-3:15 Breakout Session 2 a. Genealogy and the Law - Helen Shaw, CG The law affected the lives of our ancestors in many ways and varies widely from state to state and over time. Learn how to find those laws and how they can help you in your research. b. Genealogical Holdings of the Maine State Library - Emily Schroeder, MLS This talk will outline the genealogical collections, services, and databases offered by the Maine State Library, mainly through a Powerpoint presentation. It will also illustrate their website and its features. 3:30-4:30 Breakout Session 3 a. Using Gazateers and Maps in Your Genealogical Research - Ted Steele This is a survey talk, using some published gazateers and information in them, illustrated with the addition of a variety of maps to add geographic detail to your research b. Maine Horse Soldiers in the Civil War - Steve Bunker Maine's cavalry regiments in the Civil War were exceptional. This presentation will be about their organization and some of the notable people who served in the Maine cavalry regiments 4:45-5:00 Closing remarks & Drawing of Door Prizes

Nathaniel Simmons

SIMMONS Seeking proof for Mayflower Society on birth of Nathaniel SIMMONS (b. 3 Oct 1820 East Bangor, ME, d. 21 June 1897 York, NE) He was the fourth child of Luther SIMMONS and Berthia TOOTHAKER, m. 23 Mar 1807 at Isleboro, ME. Also seeking any information as to the demise/death/burial of Luther SIMMONS, sometime 1820-1826, his widow remarries in the summer of 1826. He was born 17 April 1779 at Hungry Island, ME and appears in the 1800 and 1810 Federal census at Waldoborough, and in the 1820 census at Hancock, and appears in the tax rolls at Searsmont in 1815. Joel Simmons 12745 SW Camelia St, Beaverton, OR 97005 Joel Simmons, MGS #4608

Wagon Trains and The Dash

For quite a few years now I have been more concerned with the "Dash" in my ancestor's lives than the dates. After all it can be as easy finding their birth and death dates by looking at their gravestones if you know where it is. Researching in places they lived will also get you dates, but will it get you the dash. The dash is how they lived and what they did, etc. What brought all this along now? It all started with one book about a family traveling on a wagon train, and now I am reading the fifth (not a series, all separate). I don't know about you but when I read these stories all kinds of questions pop into my mind. Like what size wagon would they have. Would you believe they were only four feet deep, four feet across and about 12 feet long (not counting the hitch for the oxen. To me that wasn't much room and then my next question was what kind of supplies did they need and how long did it take them. Well most wagon trains usually left from St. Joe, Missouri and it took them 5-6 months whether they headed to California or Oregon. Did you know why they went to Oregon? We all know why California - the gold rush. But Oregon was kind of a contest between England, Russia and the United States. Whoever got the most immigrants settled there would claim ownership to the Oregon Territory. The Oregon Territory was comprised of what we know as Oregon, Washington, Idaho as well as parts of Wyoming and Montana. Now getting back to the supplies they had to take. For each adult 100 pounds each of flour and yeast; 70 pounds each of bacon, crackers, salt and salt pork; 30 pounds each of pilot bread (hardtack), cornmeal, sugar and coffee. Other items were eggs which were stored in the flour barrel, cured hams, dried meat, fruit, baking soda and vinegar. Plus potatoes, rice, beans, molasses, lard and a big barrel of water. If they could they also included a keg of pickles to ward off malnutrition. Two oxen for pulling the wagon, with at least four spare and cows for milk and meat. On the women's list were cloth to sew with, needles, thread, pins and scissors; leather for fixing worn out shoes. Soap, wax for making candles, medicines, lanterns and washbowls. In a special box at the back of the wagon were plates, knives, forks, spoons, cups, pots and pans. Pen and paper to write letters home, slates with chalk and school books for the children were also included. As well as a wooden washtub and big brass kettle. Bedding was made up of quilts, blankets, sometimes a mattress (feather bed), the family bible and pillows. On the men's list were saws, hammers, axes, shovel, nails, string, knives and matches. Poles, ropes, canvas, ground cloths and stakes for the tents they would make for sleeping in. A tar bucket for greasing the wagon wheels. A milk can which when hung from the wagon hoops, the bumpy ride helped to make butter. The men usually had a shotgun for hunting and for when he was posted on guard duty, but if they could afford it they also had a single shot pistol with them as well. They also carried halters, hobbles, ropes, chains to use on the oxen and cows to make sure they didn't run off during the night. Sometimes the man had a horse to ride and hunt with; but often times they walked with their whip beside the oxen to make sure they stayed within the train. As organized a person as I am I can't imagine what it must of been like to pack this wagon for this long journey. And pack it in such a way that what they needed when they stopped at night they could get at. Clothing they brought with them and were in trunks in the wagon along with maybe their dishes, linen or some of the items they wanted in their new home were also packed into this wagon. If there is a book out there that shows this I want to find it!

Registration is now open for the MGS Annual Family History Conference! Event is Saturday, Sept 22 from 8am - 5pm at Jeff's Catering in Brewer with featured speaker Ted Steele. Features include multiple workshops, keynote address, annual meeting, vendors, exhibitors, query board, MGS special publications table, luncheon with topic tables, door prizes and more. FMI: www.maineroots.org

MGS Email Change

Due to the Yahoo Email site being hacked today a lot of members and other visitors to the site were sent an email. No one is stuck in the Philippines and needing money. The Yahoo email address will be discontinued as of today (26 April 2012). Please send all emails to mainegenealogicalsociety@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events for Taconnett Falls Chapter, MGS

20 May 2012: (3 p.m. at Library) Earle Shettleworth: Civil War presentation. 19 August 2012: (3 PM at Library) David Hall: Capt. William Bradford of Winslow. 13 September 2012: (3 PM at Library) Jack Battick: US Navy during the Civil War. 21 October 2012: (3 PM at Library) Kent London: James White of the ME 5th Arty.

Maureen Taylor Workshop Canceled

The upcoming Maine Genealogical Society Spring Workshop at the Augusta Civic Center scheduled for April 21 has had to be CANCELED due to a conflict with the date which had not been noticed before. MGS searched for another alternative location in the Augusta area and everything that could accommodate the size of the workshop is already booked. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and short notice but hope that we can see the MGS members in September at the Annual Fall Conference Meeting. Refunds will be issued by mail by our Treasurer as soon as we can process them. For those who signed up for consultations with Maureen Taylor, you will be hearing from her directly in that regard. Thanks for your understanding in this matter.

Maureen Taylor, Workshop Speaker

Maureen Taylor has a YouTube page under The Photo Detective. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/user/photodetective?ob=0&feature=results_main

Interesting Tidbit

Did you know that Maine is one of the first states to be added to Ancestry.com's 1940 census.

Civil War Stories: HIGGINS Family of Eden, ME

The date of the Pejepscot Chapter's April meeting has changed due to Easter falling on the second Sunday of the month. The April program will be held on Sunday, April 15th at 2pm in the Morell Meeting Room at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick. In commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War PGS President, Brian Bouchard, will share one of his family's Civil War stories. His HIGGINS family of Mount Desert Island sent 3 of their boys to war during the conflict. Learn about their lives leading up to, during and after the Civil War and get a glimpse into what one Maine family was going through during this turbulent time in America's history. Following President Bouchard's talk, other members will be invited to share information about their ancestor's service stories with the group. Join us for a fun afternoon of sharing and genealogy talk (and snacks too!) Sunday, April 15th at 2pm in the Morrell Meeting Room in Brunswick's Curtis Memorial Library.

Update on MGS Spring Workshop with Maureen Taylor

The 2012 MGS Spring Workshop on Saturday April 21st had the wrong URL (web site location) for setting up an individual appointment with Maureen Taylor, the featured speaker. If you are interested in this one-on-one session which lasts 15 minutes and you can bring up to three (3) pictures with you is located at this address: http://mgsm-esearch2.eventbrite.com/?srnk=1. The cost for the individual session is $30 and the appointment times are listed for both Friday April 20th (from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and Saturday April 21st (from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Our apologies to Maureen Taylor for this misinformation, and notices are being sent out through all of MGS connections notifying as many as possible about this.

I would like to find the parents of Elizabeth Danforth. She lived in Eaton NH when she got married in 1831. She married Parker Spaulding and shortly after that they relocated to Belgrade, Maine. I have pictures of her parents but they only have the Danforth surname on them.Parker died in 1862 and Elizabeth died in 1882. Thank you, Mary Ellen Aube maryellenlibby@gmail.com

MGS Spring Workshop with Maureen Taylor

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for the day-long Annual Spring Workshop sponsored by the Maine Genealogical Society on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Augusta Civic Center. This event is a workshop with nationally-recognized speaker Maureen A. Taylor, The Photo Detective. The Wall Street Journal referred to her as the “nation’s foremost historical photo detective”. We have a full day planned, packed with information and tips from one of the leading national experts on old and historical photographs. Come learn from Maureen suggestions for analyzing, identifying, preserving and sharing your treasured and precious family photos. Ms. Taylor is the author of four books and is a highly popular speaker at genealogy conferences. As a photo curator, genealogist, writer and photo identification/preservation expert, the focus of her work remains family photography, history and genealogy. She loves to help people discover the stories behind the photo images of the past. We are pleased to have Maureen return to Maine to conduct this workshop for us and to bring such a high level national speaker to Maine. Learn more about Maureen at her website www.maureentaylor.com Other highlights of the event include a chance to purchase Maureen Taylor’s books and have them personally autographed, individual photo consultants with Maureen (sign up for a session time at her website), an opportunity to purchase available MGS Special Publications (save on shipping costs!) and an excellent opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues and perhaps breakthrough a brickwall or two! Workshop registrations must be postmarked by April 7, 2012, so be sure to sign up early. The cost is $40 for MGS members and $50 for non-members. Both fees include the luncheon buffet. Hotel accommodations are available at the Best Western and Comfort Inn. Rates are $82 per night and reservations must be made by April 6 to ensure this rate. More information is available on the MGS website. For more information and a registration brochure, please visit the workshop website at www.maineroots.org . Questions can be directed to: mainegenealogical@yahoo.com or by phone to Dale Mower at 942-9375.

This, from the BYU website: http://lib.byu.edu/fhc/index.php "All of the books in the Family History Archives at BYU (including the medieval collections) have been moved to Family History Books at FamilySearch. Over 36,000 digital books are now available at Family History Books. You can click on the link below to go to Family History Books." http://books.familysearch.org/

So What Is On Your Genealogy Bucket List?

From the blog of Geniau at http://geniaus.blogspot.com/2012/01/bucket-list-geneameme.html comes an exciting idea for all genealogists to think about.

I invite all genealogists and family history freaks to join me by sharing your bucket list of events, places, people and resources you would most like to experience before you leave this mortal earth.

Here are the questions with out Geniau's answers:
1. The genealogy conference I would most like to attend is…
2. The genealogy speaker I would most like to hear and see is…
3. The geneablogger I would most like to meet in person is…
4. The genealogy writer I would most like to have dinner with is…
5. The genealogy lecture I would most like to present is….
6. I would like to go on a genealogy cruise that visits….
7. The photo I would most like to find is…
8. The repository in a foreign land I would most like to visit is…
9. The place of worship I would most like to visit is…
10. The cemetery I would most like to visit is ….
11. The ancestral town or village I would most like to visit is….
12. The brick wall I most want to smash is….
13. The piece of software I most want to buy is….
14. The tech toy I want to purchase next is…..
15. The expensive book I would most like to buy is…
16. The library I would most like to visit is…..
17. The genealogy related book I would most like to write is….
18. The genealogy blog I would most like to start would be about….
19. The journal article I would most like to write would be about…
20. The ancestor I most want to meet in the afterlife is….
21. The celebrity I’d most like to see on Who Do You Think You Are? is….
22. The genealogical research skill I would most like to have is…. the sudden ability to read and comprehend French, because it would make research so much easier.
23. The genealogy tech gadget I would most like to invent is….
24. The genealogical records I would most like to see become available online are….
25. The family heirloom I would most like to own is….
26. The living cousin I would most like to find is…

So what’s on your genealogy bucket list?

Pettigrove or Pettigrew Query

Need parents and documentation of birth date and place of Paulina Pettigrove/Pettigrew b. abt. 1816 poss. in Edgecomb; m. 31 Jul 1834 Somerset Co. Jacob Frye. They res. Wilton in 1840 and in Patten until her death in 1873. Contact Ed Holt #1159, holtfam@igc.org

Ed Holt
28 Headland Rd.
Harpswell, ME 04079

Another Response to Letter Writing Month

January is almost over, but letter writing and contacting cousins is exactly what I've been doing this month.

Back in the 1980s I corresponded with a FLAGG family 4th cousin who I heard was now in her 80s in a nursing home. So I decided I better work on that family again while I could still ask her questions. I did and called her. She is still fine mentally and was delighted to hear from me, and asked to write and visit if I got over to Belfast. I mailed her what I was able to find on the family, to see if she had anything else. I also drew a map of now-discontinued roads in Belmont so she could place for me, just where the old Flagg farm and cooper shop used to be, in relation to the old family cemetery I found in 2010. I plan to visit Belfast this summer. She said she planned to still be there!

I was also working on my LEAVITT family, and a 3rd cousin down in Salem MA from a branch that was totally missing two years ago that left Maine. It started with a cousin finding my website and contacting me on Facebook, and telling me how to reach his mother. I have talked with the two Leavitt sisters in their 80s who told me the old family stories and where they were buried, and giving me enough info to search more online, and also calling cemeteries, newspapers, libraries (and got copies of old obits and articles), and town halls (who gave me contact info from their current voter registration lists), and found the address for their 2nd cousin they had lost contact with, who I have mailed their family charts to. I also asked if any family photos or stories survived in their branch of Leavitts. Still hoping to find old photos. Through these distant cousins, I learned exactly where to find the grave of my gg-grandmother Mary Morgridge Leavitt (1840-1922) in Salem.

Also, a BOUDWAY family cousin on Facebook replies that she is talking with the older people for a major update of their branch that moved from Orono to Northampton MA.

I have always made a point of tracing all the cousin legs forward to find current-day cousins, and sometimes I do get lucky with lots of new family data. I put all my findings on my website when I get time so that more cousins can find me. It's nice to find new cousins that appreciate the family genealogy. This is fun.

Roland Rhoades MGS #1151
Maine Families Genealogist
www.RolandRhoades.com
seeker@maine.rr.com
2010: 30 Years as a Genealogist

In Response to "Letter Writing Month"

My father died when I was eleven years old and his mother had died when he was one. The only thing I knew of my paternal grandmother was her name: Edna Burtt. She died in Lynn, MA in 1910. I contacted the City Hall there for her death certificate. It stated she had been born in Lynn, but nothing was said about her parents. I requested her birth certificate. There was none on record.

About this time, I received a letter from an older cousin in reply to a letter I'd written to her. I had asked if she knew anything more about Edna Burtt. She had no more information other than, "They called her Victoria." I asked Lynn, MA for a birth certificate for Victoria Burtt and at the same time asked for a birth cerificate of my father.

No birth certificate for Victoria Burtt. Upon looking at my father's birth certificate, I discovered his mother Edna Burtt Spinney had been born in New Brunswick, Canada. Based upon her age at death, she had been born in 1880. Through the Ellsworth Public Library, I received the 1881 New Brunswick Census microfilm. There, I found Victoria Burtt aged 1 living with her father Hathaway Burtt (later found in the Lynn Census) and mother Lucetta.

Following the Burtt genealogy, I discovered that one ancestor fought for the British in New York. An earlier ancestor had been captured in Connecticut by Indians and taken to Canada. As he was coming back to the Colonies with his wife aboard a ship, his wife gave birth to a son whom they named Seaborn Burtt since he was born at sea. Had it not been for my cousin who offered the tid-bit "They called her Victoria" I would likely still be looking for Edna Burtt in Canada.

Richard Spinney
MGS Treasurer

January is Letter Writing Month

Do you remember "back in the day" when we actually mailed a letter of inquiry to a distant or not so distant relative for information on your family history? Well today most of us connect by using Email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

But not everyone is "connected" in that way. A letter whether handwritten or typed is a more personal touch and can often times elicit a response faster than Email (is there really such a thing?). Another idea is to enclose a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) to make it easier for them to respond.

Besides relatives, you can still write to Courthouses, Libraries, Town Offices, etc. that you can't do by Email. Technology is here to stay but a good "old fashioned" letter written carefully with courtesy and respect will go a long way and help act as your own PR agent.

Electronic messages can be convenient and useful, but they lack the personal touch that comes from holding a hand-written note or card in your hand. Even the most heartfelt message loses some of its effectiveness when the recipient has to read it on an electronic screen.

Maine Genealogical Society Dues for 2012

If you haven't already paid your 2012 dues yet, now is the time to think about it before the second notice goes out.


Message from the MGS Membership Secretary: Time to Renew Your MGS Membership for 2012

It's time to renew your membership and pay your dues for 2012. Current members will be receiving their postcard reminders very soon. At the Fall Conference in Bangor, the members voted to raise the dues by $5.00 to $25.00 to cover the increasing costs of postage and printing. This will send your publications via bulk rate mail. If you want them a bit sooner, add $5.00 for First Class mail delivery.

Please mail your renewals and new memberships to:
Maine Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 221, Farmington, ME 04938

Membership renewal (standard mail) $25.00

Add First Class Postage U.S. (optional*) (mail arrives sooner) $5.00

Canada (U.S. Funds required) $9.00

Foreign (U.S. Funds required) $14.00

Freeman Family

Looking for informaion on a Jacob Freeman show name change in 1835 from Toothaker to Freeman. I show married to either a Mary Toothaker or a Mary Hodgkins and the father to Andrew Jackson Freeman. I am trying to trace lineage further back if I can and kind of drawing a blank wall at this stage. Jacob Freeman had his name changed from Toothaker to Freeman in 1835 and I have him married to Mary Hodgkins 23 Nov of that year.

Other relative would be James Smith married to Harriet B. Horton and I just can't trace back on the Smith male side of the family. I don't even have dates or places of birth, and death for these two individuals. Information I can obtain is very scimpy from this end. Being in Nevada and from Maine is quite a distance. My mother was Nellie L. and as I stated was a daughter of Harry. She married Everett W. Freeman in 1933.

need to have any information Helen Hansen married to Harrry Leslie Smith around 1926 Milo or that area had three children Margarite C. Smith, Leslie Smith and a third child it would be a daughter and would need date of birth, name and place of birth if available. My mother was a daughter of Harry and by a different marriage, these would be step sisters and step brother to her and my half nephew and half neices I think. Harry died in Milo in 1968 at age 91.

Thanks, Ronald Freeman at ronfree3@hotmail.com

March Workshop in Toronto – Finding Your Great War Ancestors

Registration is now open for what may be the most authoritative Great War workshop during your genealogical lifetime! Don’t miss Finding Your Great War Ancestors, a packed full-day workshop to be held in March 2012 in Toronto, co-sponsored by the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadiana Department of North York Central Library. Choose one of three concurrent lecture streams – British Research, Canadian Research and “Case Studies and Curios” – or mix and match the topics that interest you the most. Learn from some of the world’s leading Great War experts, including Simon Fowler, one of Britain’s top family history teachers, writers and researchers, and Canadian War Museum historian and author Tim Cook. Discover new resources and practical research strategies, find out about intriguing projects now underway, experience poignant and sometimes shocking stories, and gain new perspectives on the “war to end war”.

Where: North York Memorial Community Hall, 5110 Yonge Street, Toronto (at North York Centre subway station)

When: Saturday 31 March 2012

Early registration rates apply until 22 February 2012, and special discounts are available for OGS members. For full program details, speaker biographies and registration information, visit www.torontofamilyhistory.org/GreatWarWorkshop2012.html.

Many thanks for helping to spread the word about our family history activities.

Gwyneth Pearce
publicity@torontofamilyhistory.org
Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society
Now on Facebook and Twitter @TOFamilyHistory

Atkinson

Need proof that Thomas ATKINSON and Lydia Norris are the parents of Cyrus Foss ATKINSON b. abt. 1807 probably in Wayne, Kennebec County, Maine. Thomas moved to Montville, Waldo County after 1810 and died there abt. 1835. Cyrus moved from Montville to Burnham, Waldo County circa 1833 where he lived until 1866 when he moved to Pierce County, Wisconsin.

Linda Atkinson
e-mail lindaatkinson72@comcast.net
133 Bordeaux Court, Woodbury, MN 55125

Seeking information on Nathan Marcellus Bragg, son of George Bragg

Nathan was born in Dixmont, Maine March 8, 1850/51. He married Anna Marsh in 1872 and married Emma (Emily) F. Cates in 1876...I believe he was a fish peddler. He died in Palmyra, Somerset County, Maine in 1903.

If anyone knows anything regarding this man, please contact me at:
Waybo54@aol.com.

Thanks in advance for your thoughtfulness.
Bob Pratt
Waybo54@aol.com