Iron County Historical Society
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February 3, 2025 By: John Abney
Planning: The Key to Success
We turn again to the writers at Family Tree Magazine for a timely article on planning a research trip to a library.  I should also mention, many of the things mentioned in the article would also apply to research trips to other facilities like archives, historical societies, courthouses, etc. 

I would go as far as to say that the most important part of your research trip probably happens before you ever leave home.  In essence, what you do before your trip will, in a large way, determine not only how much you get done on your trip, but how successful the trip will be. 

I used these tips myself, so I can attest to the amount of time that I have saved through their use.  This is especially true when I have gone to places like the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah and the Allen County Public Library (home of PERSI something that I have blogged on previously).  By researching the catalogs related to both institutions, I already had a prioritized list of everything that I wanted to accomplish on those trips.   Hours that could have been lost in consulting catalogs upon arrival were saved by doing that research at home. 

I hope the tips presented in the article will help you be more successful in your future research!
February 3, 2025 By: John Abney
Critical Thinking: Your Superpower
I’m classifying this post as a public service announcement (PSA) as it has nothing to do with history, but has everything to do with all of us and the world we live in today.
 
I had a recent experience that I wanted to share with you.  While doing our taxes using a popular tax software program, I discovered an error in its processing.  Had I simply accepted what the software told me, the $1,008 refund that my wife and I are entitled to would have turned in to us owing the state of Missouri over $300.  When I saw that initial result, I questioned it, and by going back and using the state’s automated Missouri tax software, I was able to pinpoint (and report to the software company) the exact place where their error occurred. 
 
I’m not here to pat myself on the back, but instead to remind you about the power of critical thinking and how we all need to be using it in our everyday lives.  One of the first things I was taught as a genealogist was to question everything.  Look for multiple sources whenever they were available and to analyze them.  Maybe that’s why I caught this error, but probably it was just from wanting make sure that I really owed that amount of money when I was expecting a refund instead.  Either way, it was critical thinking that saved the day.
 
Critical thinking isn't just for academics or philosophers. It's an essential life skill that empowers us to make better choices, solve problems more effectively, and engage with the world in a more meaningful way. It's about thinking clearly and rationally, understanding the connections between ideas, and questioning assumptions. In short, it's about thinking for yourself.
 
We live in a world awash with information. News cycles spin 24/7, social media feeds are a constant barrage of opinions, and advertisements vie for our attention at every turn. In this whirlwind of data, how do we navigate, discern truth from falsehood, and make informed decisions? The answer lies in a crucial skill, a superpower we all possess but often underutilize: critical thinking.
 
So, why is critical thinking so important in our daily lives? 
 
1. Navigating the Information Overload:
We're bombarded with information from countless sources. Some of it is accurate, some is misleading, and some is outright false. Critical thinking equips us to evaluate the credibility of sources, identify biases, and distinguish facts from opinions. It helps us avoid falling prey to misinformation and allows us to form our own informed perspectives.
 
2. Making Better Decisions:
From choosing what to eat for breakfast to making major life decisions, we're constantly faced with choices. Critical thinking helps us weigh the pros and cons, consider different perspectives, and anticipate potential consequences. It allows us to move beyond impulsive reactions and make decisions that align with our values and goals.
 
3. Solving Problems Effectively:
Life throws curveballs. Problems arise, and we need to find solutions. Critical thinking provides a structured approach to problem-solving. It encourages us to define the problem clearly, gather relevant information, brainstorm potential solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness. This systematic approach leads to more creative and effective solutions.
 
4. Enhancing Communication:
Critical thinking is closely linked to effective communication. It allows us to articulate our thoughts and ideas clearly and persuasively. It also helps us understand and interpret the messages of others, identify underlying assumptions, and engage in constructive dialogue.
 
5. Fostering Creativity:
While it might seem counterintuitive, critical thinking actually fosters creativity. By questioning existing ideas and exploring different perspectives, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and innovative solutions. It allows us to think outside the box and challenge conventional wisdom.
 
6. Promoting Personal Growth:
Critical thinking encourages self-reflection and self-awareness. It prompts us to examine our own beliefs and biases, identify areas for improvement, and continuously learn and grow. It empowers us to become more self-directed and independent thinkers.
 
How to Cultivate Critical Thinking:
The good news is that critical thinking is a skill that can be developed and honed. Here are a few tips:
  • Ask questions: Don't accept things at face value. Always ask "why?" and "how?"
  • Challenge assumptions: Identify your own biases and consider alternative perspectives.
  • Seek out diverse viewpoints: Engage with people who have different opinions and backgrounds.
  • Practice active listening: Pay attention to what others are saying and try to understand their perspectives.
  • Reflect on your own thinking: Take time to analyze your own thought processes and identify areas for improvement.
In conclusion, critical thinking is not just a desirable skill; it's a necessity in today's complex world. By cultivating this essential ability, we can navigate the information overload, make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, and live more fulfilling lives. So, embrace your inner critical thinker and unlock your full potential. It's a superpower that will serve you well in every aspect of your life and it might even help you save some money too!
February 2, 2025 By: John Abney
Special Exhibition: Tri-State Tornado
Annapolis, Missouri in the aftermath of the Tri-State TornadoWith the 100th anniversary of of the devasting Tri-State Tornado rapidly approaching on March 18,2025, we have created a special exhibition about that tragic day here at our website. It was on that date in 1925 that the Tri-State Tornado struck without warning and devasted communities from southeast Missouri to southwest Indiana. Now 100 years later and this tornado still holds several records.
The tornado claimed 695 lives making it the single deadliest tornado in U.S. history. It also holds the records for the longest duration and distance, lasting some 3 ½ hours and carving a path of destruction 219 miles in length. It was also the fastest moving tornado ever recorded with an average forward speed of 62mph and 73 mph at its fastest along its path between the Illinois towns of Gorham and Murphysboro. Finally, it was the most destructive, destroying 15,000 homes. Whole towns were virtually wiped from the map. Countless businesses and livelihoods were destroyed and the lives of the survivors of this terrible storm were impacted, in some cases, forever. The tornado first touched down in Reynolds County, Missouri at 1:01 pm and then travelled 85 miles through the state in about 90 minutes, killing 11 people in its wake. Among the most affected communities was Annapolis, Missouri where three people died and 90% of the town was either destroyed or damaged. The tornado crossed the Mississippi River into southern Illinois at 2:25 pm. In the next hour and 35 minutes, the tornado travelled 121 miles through the state and took another 613 lives along its path. The tornado then crossed the Wabash River into southwest Indiana at 4 pm. Before it dissipated, at 4:30 pm, it travelled another 58 miles and claimed the lives of another 71 victims.
The on-line exhibition also contains a link to a narrated PowerPoint presentation that was presented at the historical society’s Fall 2024 Quarterly Meeting. The presentation told the story of this deadly storm but also put the storm within its historical context. Weather forecasting and even the knowledge of the weather itself was much different in 1925 than it is today. The program examines that history, explains why there was so little warning along its path and explains the circumstances that came together in deadly unison to make it so deadly and destructive. The program also includes some of the stories of those that were there and looks at the relief and rebuilding efforts after the storm. Finally, the exhibition also includes links to photographs of the storm damage in Annapolis and nearby Leadanna as well as additional resources and a list of suggested reading related to the storm.
January 28, 2025 By: John Abney
KREI Newsmakers Interview 1/28/2025
Well, with a face for radio, I headed over to the studios of local radio station, KREI, this morning for my interview with KREI/KTJJ Content Coordinator, Hal Neisler, on his Newsmakers program.   I appreciated the opportunity given to me to share my interest in Iron County history and to share information about our wonderful historical society, our museum, as well as information about our website and Facebook page.  If you didn't catch the interview when it aired you can hear it here by clicking on this link.  Plans call for me to return to KREI for future interviews on the Newsmakers program on the last Tuesday of each month in the 8 a.m. hour.
January 28, 2025 By: John Abney
Vital Records: The Backbone of Genealogy
For genealogists, vital records are the cornerstone of their research. These documents, which record births, deaths, marriages, and sometimes divorces, provide crucial information about our ancestors and their families. There is one caveat to remember when using vital records.  Like any other record that you will encounter, there can be mistakes, omissions and, sometimes, outright falsehoods.  Just as an example, when I looked at one of my great-grandfather’s death certificate, I saw that the person named as his father was incorrect.  The person providing the information was my grandmother (his daughter).  My great-grandfather’s father died when he was only a young boy, so whether it was a faulty memory or grief that led to the mistake on the document, I don’t know.
 
Why are vital records so important?
  • Establishing Lineage: Vital records are the primary source for proving direct lines of descent. A birth certificate confirms parentage, while a marriage certificate links spouses and establishes new family units.
  • Unlocking Family History: These records offer a wealth of information beyond just names and dates. Birth certificates may list parents' names, occupations, and places of residence. Marriage records can reveal the ages of the couple, their marital status, and sometimes the names of witnesses. Death certificates often include information about the deceased's age, occupation, cause of death, and even the names of their parents and spouse.
  • Overcoming Research Roadblocks: When traditional genealogical lines become difficult to trace, vital records can provide crucial clues. For example, a death certificate may list the name of a previously unknown sibling or spouse, opening up new avenues of research.
Types of Vital Records:
  • Birth Certificates: Issued by the state or local government where the child was born.
  • Death Certificates: Issued by the state or local government where the death occurred.
  • Marriage Licenses & Certificates: Issued by the county clerk or registrar where the marriage took place.
  • Divorce Decrees: Issued by the court that granted the divorce.
Want to find out more?
One of the first places that you can look is right here at our website.  The Links & More tab has a category devoted to Vital Records.  
 
You can also read more about finding unexpected genealogy details in vital records in an article written by David Frywell and published on the familytree Magazine website
January 23, 2025 By: John Abney
KREI Newsmakers to Feature ICHS
 Local radio station, KREI (AM 800) airs a segment called, “Newsmakers” each day, Monday through Friday, beginning shortly after 8 a.m. and these segments feature interviews with members of the community from all around the region.  Starting next Tuesday, January 28, 2025, early in the 8 a.m. hour, the Iron County Historical Society will be among the members of the community taking part in this segment. 

I will be representing the Iron County Historical Society, and I am looking forward to sharing our story with members of the listening audience.  I will be returning for future Newsmakers interviews on the last Tuesday of each month in the same time slot.  So, if you think about it and are so inclined, I would invite you to tune in and see exactly where these interviews go.  For those that know me, getting me started talking about our history is easy, getting me to shut-up is the hard part. 
January 23, 2025 By: John Abney
David Rumsey Map Collection Documentary
For those that have followed this blog for any period of time, you know that I am obsessed with maps.  Followers would also know that I never have enough good things to say about the David Rumsey Map Collection.  I am happy to share with any other fans out there that there is a new documentary, "A Stranger Quest" that tells all about David and how he got started with collecting maps and how it has grown to the one of the greatest map collections in the world.
 
For David Rumsey, maps constitute the fabric of memory. They carry images of boundless worlds and the people who live there — past, present, and even the future. In this 2023 documentary / art film, A Stranger Quest by Andrea Gatopoulos David takes us on a journey through time and space as he recalls why he started collecting. Over decades the collection grew into the intricate, innovative, and intimate story of his life and all the lives that have touched him. In many ways the collection is itself a map of his past life, a poem in physical and virtual dimensions that can be read in endless ways. Looking ahead, he wonders how this treasure trove of memory will endure. His collection of over 200,000 maps exist at the David Rumsey Map Center at Stanford University and online for all to explore now and long into the future.
 
A Stranger Quest, a documentary and art film combinedpremiered at the Torino Film Festival on November 30, 2023 and was shown at over 20 film festivals world wide. At the DokuBaku International Documentary Film Festival it was awarded the Special Jury Prize for "finding the interesting cinematic form to show the main character’s deep passion and philosophical reflections on life and for highlighting the importance of following one’s dreams."
January 16, 2025 By: John Abney
Free Civil War Related Webinar
Calling all of those interested in the Civil War and especially those interested in the Civil War in Missouri.  Bill Eddleman, the coordinator of the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) Cape Girardeau Research Center, will host a free webinar entitled, “Civil War Forts and the Prominence of Southeast Missouri in Battles” on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. CST.  The webinar will last an hour, and Bill will discuss the role that Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri played in the Civil War. The webinar is free, but registration is required.  You can read more about the webinar and register here.
January 16, 2025 By: John Abney
Where is it Wednesday - An Invitation
For the past few months, I’ve been posting to a new, weekly column on the historical society’s Facebook page.  That column is called, “Where is it Wednesday” and each column features either a location or object with ties to Iron County’s rich and diverse history.  I have selected locations, objects, and events from all over Iron County and will continue to do so until I run out of ideas (which won’t happen any time soon).

If you are like me, you may have mixed feelings about social media.  Social media often gets a bad rap, and rightfully so – the constant comparisons, the negativity, the echo chambers. But let's not forget that social media can also be a powerful force for good. When used intentionally, it can be a valuable tool for connection, learning, and personal growth.  That is what I have tried to do with the Society’s Facebook page.  The Iron County Historical Society is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and, as such (by law), we are apolitical meaning that we don’t take sides and stay out of politics. 

Besides the Where is it Wednesday column, I also use the Society’s Facebook page to make any announcements of a timely nature, e.g., weather closures, meeting cancellations, etc. If you haven’t been to our Facebook page, I would invite you to take a look and, if like what you see, follow us there.  Social media doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
January 16, 2025 By: John Abney
January 2025 Meeting Agenda
The agenda for the January 2025 Quarterly Meeting, along with the minutes from the October 2024 Quarterly Meeting have been posted on the Meeting Minutes Page in the Members Only Area of the website.  Just a reminder, the meeting will be this Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Ironton located at the corner of Reynolds and Knob Streets in Ironton.
 
We hope you will join us and bring a friend or two or three.  We will have our Annual Members Show & Tell Program prior to the start of the business meeting and invite all of our members and guests to bring along a historical object or two to share with the group.  Note that the item should be historic in nature, but it does not have to directly relate to Iron County.  We hope to see you there!