Iron County Historical Society
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October 5, 2024 By: John Abney
Missouri State Highway Patrol Scam Alert
There is a particularly creul group of scammers preying on Missouri citizens right now.  Read about it in this alert from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  The bottom-line in this as in many other scams is NEVER to make any payment of any kind to someone calling you on your phone or reaching out to you through your email or social media accounts.  The same warning applies to gving these thieves access to your bank account or credit card information.  Thanks again to historical society member, Judie Huff for alerting me to this latest scam.
October 5, 2024 By: John Abney
Oops, Errors in Latest Newsletter
With my thanks to proofreader extraordinaire, Judie Huff, some minor errors in our latest newsletter (Fall 2024) were identified and corrected.  I apologize for letting these errors slip througfh.  Some weeks there is just too much to do and too little time.  This was one of those weeks, but that said, I will most earnestly try to do better.
October 1, 2024 By: John Abney
Google Earth for Genealogists
Google Earth: A Genealogist's Digital Time Machine
Unveiling Your Ancestors' World
 
Google Earth, once primarily a tool for exploring our planet's landscapes, has evolved into an invaluable resource for genealogists. By overlaying historical maps, aerial imagery, and street view onto the present-day landscape, Google Earth allows us to virtually step back in time and visualize our ancestors' lives.  In the example shown in the image to the left, I have used Google Earth to overlay a plat map of my two-times-great-grandfather’s homestead along with a 1904 topographical map showing an existing road at that time, as well as a modern gazetteer map to help me pinpoint modern day roads and features (like the powerline running through what was his homestead).  This allowed me to pinpoint the homestead’s location when I visited the area.  But that’s not all you can do!
 
Key Features for Genealogists:
  • Historical Imagery: Access a vast collection of historical aerial images, providing a snapshot of specific locations at different points in time. This can help identify changes in land use, building construction, and other significant events.
  • Street View: Explore streets and neighborhoods in 360-degree views, offering a unique perspective on the places where your ancestors lived. You might discover familiar landmarks, uncover hidden details, or even find clues about their daily routines.
  • Historical Maps: Overlay historical maps onto the current landscape to trace property lines, identify former landmarks, and understand the historical context of a particular area.
  • Measurements and Calculations: Use Google Earth's measurement tools to calculate distances, areas, and even changes in landmass over time. This can be helpful for understanding property boundaries and land ownership patterns.
Genealogy Use Cases:
  • Tracing Property Lines: Visualize how property lines have changed over time, helping you understand land ownership patterns and potential inheritance issues.
  • Identifying Historic Landmarks: Discover the locations of former buildings, churches, schools, and other landmarks that were important to your ancestors' lives.
  • Understanding Neighborhood Changes: Observe how neighborhoods have evolved over time, including changes in housing density, transportation infrastructure, and commercial development.
  • Finding Historical Photographs: Use Google Earth to identify the exact locations of photographs taken in the past, providing context and a deeper understanding of their historical significance.
Tips for Effective Use:
  • Start with a Specific Location: Begin by focusing on a particular location where your ancestors lived or worked. This will help you narrow down your search and make the most of Google Earth's features.
  • Experiment with Different Time Periods: Explore historical imagery from various time periods to see how the landscape has changed over time. This can provide valuable clues about your ancestors' lives and experiences.
  • Combine with Other Resources: Use Google Earth in conjunction with other genealogical resources, such as census records, city directories, and historical newspapers, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your ancestors' world.
By harnessing the power of Google Earth, genealogists can embark on a journey of discovery, bringing their ancestors' stories to life in a way that was never before possible. So, grab your virtual compass and start exploring the past!
September 26, 2024 By: John Abney
Researching in Northern Ireland?
If you are researching ancestors from Northern Ireland,  you may want to check out the events page of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.  Among other things they sponsor a number of free events to aquaint users with their collections.
September 26, 2024 By: John Abney
Upcoming October 2024 Meeting
The agenda for the upcoming meeting on October 20, 2024 as well as the meeting minutes from the July 2024 Quarterly Meeting have been posted in the Members Only area of the website.  If you have logged in, you can access these documents by clicking here.
 
The meeting will take place at 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Ironton at the corner of Reynold and Knob streets.  Prior to the meeting, John Abney will present his program to mark the upcoming 100th anniversary of the devastating Tri-State Tornado. Even though this event occurred nearly 100 years ago, 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 affected, in some cases, forever. 
 
John’s program will tell the story of this deadly storm, but beyond that story, it will also put the storm within its historical context.  Weather forecasting and even the knowledge of weather itself was much different in 1925 than it is today.  He will examine that history and explain why there was little to no warning about this tragic storm.  His program will look at the storm itself and explain the circumstances that came together in deadly unison to make it a perfect storm of destruction.  Beyond the science, facts and figures, John’s program will also put a personal perspective on the tornado’s impact by sharing some of the stories of those that were there.  Finally, his program will also look at the aftermath of the storm, the multiple relief efforts that began almost immediately and the resilience of many of the communities impacted by the storm.
September 23, 2024 By: John Abney
Teaching of Cursive Writing Under Threat
Genealogy and the Disappearing Art of Writing in Cursive
A Handwritten Heritage
 
How many more years will it be before students won’t be able to read the Declaration of Independence because it is written in cursive writing?  Over the past several years, the teaching of cursive writing in our schools has come under serious threat.  In this digital age, those in charge of determining the curricula being taught to students have increasingly shied away from including the teaching of writing and reading cursive.  Some say that students’ time would be better spent in learning keyboarding or coding.  Yet, as the debate continues, more and more states are mandating the teaching of cursive writing in their public schools.  As of this writing, 24 states have now mandated the teaching of cursive writing in their public schools (Missouri is not one of them). 
As handwriting and being able to read it is a crucial element for genealogical research, the decline in the teaching of cursive writing poses a significant challenge for future genealogists seeking to decipher historical documents and uncover their ancestors' stories.
 
The Importance of Handwriting in Genealogy
Handwriting is a unique identifier that can provide valuable clues about a person's identity, time period, and even personality. In genealogy, cursive can be especially helpful for:
  • Identifying Individuals: Handwriting can distinguish between individuals with similar names, especially in records that lack other identifying information.
  • Dating Documents: The style of handwriting can often reveal the approximate date a document was written.
  • Understanding Context: The context of a document can be inferred from the handwriting style, such as the writer's education level or social status.
  • Preserving Authenticity: Handwritten documents offer a tangible connection to the past, preserving the authenticity and personal touch of the original writer.
Challenges of Deciphering Cursive
While handwriting can be a valuable tool for genealogists, it can also be challenging to decipher, especially for those unfamiliar with older styles or regional variations. Some of the common challenges include:
  • Faded Ink: Over time, ink can fade or become illegible, making it difficult to read.
  • Poor Penmanship: Some individuals had poor handwriting, making their documents difficult to understand.
  • Regional Variations: Handwriting styles varied across regions and time periods, adding to the complexity of deciphering documents.
Preserving Cursive for Future Generations
To ensure that future generations can benefit from the insights provided by handwritten documents, it's essential to preserve cursive writing. Here are some steps that can be taken:
  • Learn Cursive: Encourage children and adults to learn cursive writing to maintain this valuable skill.
  • Digitize Documents: Scan and digitize handwritten documents to preserve them and make them more accessible.
  • Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling to decipher a document, consider consulting a professional genealogist or archivist with expertise in handwriting analysis.
As the digital age continues to evolve, it's important to remember the value of handwritten documents in genealogical research. By preserving cursive writing and developing the skills to decipher it, we can ensure that the stories of our ancestors continue to be told for generations to come.
September 17, 2024 By: John Abney
Grass Widows: A New Perspective
The image to the left was taken from a steel engraving created in 1856 called "Deserted Wife".  These women were sometimes referred to as "Grass Widows". The term, "Grass Widow", was first recorded in 1528 and originally referred to an unmarried woman who has lived with one or more men, a discarded mistress, or a woman who has borne a child out of wedlock.  In the coming centuries it would also be applied to married women whose husbands had deserted them or even to divorced women who found the word "widow" more socially acceptable than the word "divorcee". 
 
One of my two-times great-grandmothers was one of these women.  Her second husband, William Keith, left her and her young children in Iron County to seek his wealth in the 1849 California gold rush, never to return.  
 
While the term "grass widow" may evoke images of loneliness and isolation, it's important to remember that it's a historical term that often reflected a very different reality. In many cases, grass widows played crucial roles in their communities and families, often taking on responsibilities that would have traditionally fallen to their husbands.
 
Genealogy and the Grass Widow Experience
Genealogy research can provide valuable insights into the lives of grass widows. By examining historical records, genealogists can uncover the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of women who faced extended periods of separation.
 
Here are some areas to explore when researching grass widows in your family tree:
  • Military Records: If your ancestor's husband was in the military, look for records such as enlistment papers, service records, and pension applications. These documents can provide details about his deployments and the length of his absences.
  • Census Records: Census records can offer clues about the household composition and the economic situation of grass widows. For example, you might find that a woman was the head of household during her husband's absence, or that she was working to support her family.
  • Local Newspapers: Newspapers from the time period can provide valuable insights into the social and cultural context of grass widows. Look for articles about women's roles in the community, as well as personal stories of women who faced challenges due to their husbands' absence.
  • Family Letters and Diaries: Letters and diaries can offer a personal glimpse into the lives of grass widows. These documents can reveal their emotions, experiences, and the impact of their husbands' absence on their families.
Beyond the Stereotype
By studying the lives of grass widows, we can challenge the stereotypes and assumptions that have often been associated with this term. Grass widows were not simply passive victims of circumstance; they were resourceful, resilient women who played vital roles in their communities and families. Genealogy research can help us to uncover the hidden stories of these remarkable women and to appreciate the challenges and triumphs they faced.
 
September 8, 2024 By: John Abney
Early Bird Registration - RootsTech 2025
Save the Date: RootsTech 2025 Early Bird Registration Opens September 25, 2024!
 
Have you ever felt a deep-rooted connection to your ancestors? If so, RootsTech is the ultimate destination for family history enthusiasts. This annual conference, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global gathering of genealogy experts, researchers, and curious individuals alike.  Attendees can attend in person (for a fee) in Salt Lake City, Utah, or on-line from anywhere (for FREE – yes, FREE!)
 
What is RootsTech?
RootsTech is more than just an annual conference; it's a celebration of family history. With a mix of keynote speakers, workshops, exhibits, and networking opportunities, attendees can discover new tools, techniques, and resources to help them unravel their family's story.
 
Why Attend RootsTech?
  • Learn from the Experts: Connect with renowned genealogists and historians who share their insights and tips.
  • Explore New Technologies: Discover cutting-edge tools and software that can streamline your research.
  • Connect with Others: Meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for family history.
  • Find Your Ancestors: Access vast databases and records to uncover hidden family secrets.
What Can You Expect?
  • Keynotes: Inspiring talks from influential figures in the genealogy world.
  • Workshops: Hands-on sessions to learn new research techniques.
  • Exhibits: Explore the latest products and services from genealogy companies.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other attendees to share experiences and resources.
Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting your family history journey, RootsTech offers something for everyone. It's a chance to delve deeper into your past, connect with your ancestors, and discover the fascinating stories that shape who you are today.
 Early bird registration for RootsTech 2025 begins on September 25, 2024.  To learn more about it, click here.
September 3, 2024 By: John Abney
Preserving Your Family Stories
                                  Preserving Family History:
                     The Importance of Recording Your Stories
 
As someone who has been researching my family history for more than three decades now, I can’t tell you the number of times that I wished that I could just ask one question to an ancestor whose family I was researching at the time.  I hope that someday, in the very distant future, that I might be reunited with those ancestors, and you can your bottom dollar that I will have a list of questions ready for them. 
 
Everyone has stories, but as time marches on, they can fade from our memory and can be lost forever.  I was reminded of this just this past weekend while reading local author, Mark Sutton’s newly published book, “Marble Creek Reflections”.  I’m just a year older than Mark and though I grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, I spent many weekends and summers visiting with and staying with grandparents and cousins in what we called, “the country.”  Many of Mark’s stories rekindled my own memories of creeks, swimming holes, berry picking, family get togethers, holidays, etc.  I have never written my own stories down, shame on me, but time has a habit of slipping away.  Mark’s book (available in paperback from Amazon) or in person from the author at the Fall Mountain Music Festival on October 19, 2024 in Ironton, reminded me that even the simplest of stories have meaning and that they also create a snap-shot in time, telling us about what was going on around us in the world at that time. 
 
I loved Mark’s stories, and I am now going to start writing some of my own down at long last before it is too late.  Looking at the bigger picture, you might ask why it’s so important to preserve our family stories?  Here are just a few of the reasons:
  • Legacy: By recording our stories, we create a lasting legacy for future generations. Our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be able to learn about their ancestors and connect to their past.
  • Understanding: Our family stories can help us understand ourselves better. They can provide insights into our values, beliefs, and behaviors.  They also speak to the history of time and location that make up the setting of the story.
  • Connection: Sharing stories can strengthen family bonds and create a sense of belonging.
  • Preservation: As time goes on, memories can become distorted or lost. By recording our stories, we can preserve them for posterity.
How can you start recording your family stories?
  • Interviews: Interview your family members about their lives. Ask them questions about their childhood, their careers, their experiences, and their memories.
  • Journals: Keep a journal of your own experiences. This will provide valuable information for future generations.
  • Photographs and artifacts: Gather photographs, letters, and other artifacts that tell the story of your family.
  • Family trees: Create a family tree to organize your family history.
  • Digital storytelling: Use digital tools to create videos, slideshows, or audio recordings of your family stories.
Remember, every story, no matter how small, is important. By taking the time to record our family stories, we are preserving a vital part of our history and creating a legacy for future generations.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Sutton for taking the time to publish his own stories and to encourage all our readers to record and share their own stories too!
August 29, 2024 By: John Abney
More Info on Visit of Big Boy Locomotive
More information on the visit of the Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy Steam Locomotive #4014 stop in the Arcadia Valley.  This came fromthe Visit Arcadia Valley, Missouri Facebook page.  Information on parking for the event is forthcoming.
 
See our earlier blog post for the link to more information about this historic engine that weighs in excess of one million pounds! The Big Boy Steam Locomotive is the the world's largest operational steam locomotive and the only operating Big Boy locomotive of the eight that remain in existence.