Wordless Wednesday: The Examiner of the Past

Learning about the genealogy of the family and then learning what some of the old folks accomplished during their time has resulted in me learning much more about our country and its early politics.

We all studied the basics in school about bank failures, who was President and what their main accomplishments were, the wars, states rights and so much more we have forgotten.  For me, seeing the early history of our land in context with my family has me digging for more knowledge.

So, on this very cold Wednesday which is also the birth date of President Andrew JACKSON, allow me to sit and read how cousin Condy RAGUET connected with him in the politics of the past.


It gets quite wordy in The Examiner, and Journal of Political Economy; Devoted to the Advancement of the Cause of State Rights and Free Trade edited by RAGUET.  Some of the issues can be read online.  So enjoy!

President Andrew Jackson declares war against South Carolina in 1834

Ah, genealogy. States rights, bank failures and free trade disagreements.  Still in heated discussions after over two hundred years of American history.

©2017  AS Eldredge

Sources:
https://books.google.com/books?id=AftOAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA13&dq=andrew+jackson+condy+raguet&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=4#v=onepage&q=simmons&f=false
https://books.google.com/books?id=AftOAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA13&dq=andrew+jackson+condy+raguet&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=4#v=onepage&q=andrew%20jackson&f=false

Friday Fun: Finding New Magazines of Old To Follow the Past

Ever wonder what the next step is in the quest for finding the family lore, er, history?  Sitting and scratching the head while trying to make sense of some newly uncovered finds can certainly be one of them.  Then again, finding something to new to look at can just provide the proper incentive to put off that head scratching just one more day.

I literally stumbled on to an announcement that the magazine Western Pennsylvania History has recently updated the issues which are online to read...  for free!  My little fin fans flew to the site which is on the Penn State Library site to see if there was anything of interest.  I just clicked on a random issue from the Spring of 2011 which had the picture of Benjamin FRANKLIN on the cover.  After a quick download of the PDF, I sat mesmerized by the article on old Ben gathering wagons to assist in the fight against BRADDOCK.

Deciding to see if there are any issues with any of my kin is an easy leap now.  Clicking on Oliver MILLER of the Whiskey Rebellion fame was a success.  So now I have to spend some serious hours just reading and absorbing the information.

Table of Contents, Winter 1992-1993,  Showing Article on Oliver Miller

This may take some time as the issues go back to 1918.  As a side note, looking back at one of the 1918 issues, I found a short article on the last public execution in Allegheny Co.  The event took place in 1818.  To provide a quick summary, John TIERNAN murdered Pat. (Patrick?) CAMPBELL.  Not surprising is the acknowledgement of alleged excessive drinking by TIERNAN.  Why did I find this of interest?

I, too, am acutely aware of a last hanging--  although the one I am familiar with was in Michigan, involved a man who was known to have been an unpleasant drunk, and was in 1830.  Guess we'll talk about that particular story later after I piece together some more details on the chap's young adult life.

Ahh, genealogy.  Another Friday to follow the past with the help of friends.  Awesome.

©2017  AS Eldredge

Sources:

https://journals.psu.edu/wph/article/view/1172/1020

Wordless Wednesday: The Road to the White House

It's just one of those days.  Sunny with a mild breeze blowing!  It's a great day to sit and reflect on my family's journey for the White House. Yes, the White House.

Over the years, digging up the treasures of the family tales has been fascinating.  Of course, finding the legal evidence to support the tales is even better.  Sometimes, fun facts emerge from the research.

Take, for instance, my dad's bloodline.  Take the history of this great land and look at the government.  Locate the names of my blood who have served this land, either in the White House or as employees who directly served our nation's presidents.  Just last week, it dawned on me that I can document personal connections to 10 United States presidents.  TEN!

Some of these connections can be read about by looking back at old blog entries of mine.  Some of them have yet to be discussed.  Some of these connections were found in the letters of the Presidents, or in the latter four, their website with pictures!

Founders Early Access

Here is just a quick summary of the Presidents we have personally known and served:

George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Buchanan
Abraham Lincoln
Franklin Roosevelt
Harry Truman
Dwight Eisenhower
John Kennedy

And for fun, my parents had dinner with Miss Lillian, Jimmy Carter's mom, when he was running for the office.

As expected, this short list doesn't include any of the public offices my kin have held over the years.  What is probably most interesting is that no one holds any office now.  Gotta think about that one.

Want to relive some of these connections?

http://whispersofgenealogypast.blogspot.com/2017/02/friends-friday-uh-mr-president-appoint.html
http://whispersofgenealogypast.blogspot.com/2017/02/wordless-wednesday-eating-with-president.html
http://whispersofgenealogypast.blogspot.com/2016/07/thankful-thursday-vallandigham.html

Perhaps, it's time to revisit some of these connections and see what more is popping up!  I expect to jot down some thoughts about John Adams and our connection there soon.

Ahh, genealogy.  One little, two little, ten big Presidents! Sit back, and just enjoy the words of the past.

Update:  Now evidence has upped the number.  Add the following personal connections to:
John Quincy Adams
Andrew Jackson
Ronald Reagan

©2017  AS Eldredge

Sources:

http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/default.xqy?keys=FOEA-search-1&mode=TOC

Transcription Tuesday

It's Tuesday and a great day to volunteer to preserve the past!  For my part today, instead of Tombstone Tuesday, I will start my Transcription Tuesday!  Many, many history groups and genealogy societies are always on the prowl of new transcribers.  You may remember the Old Pittsburgh Newspaper Project I ran starting back in 2010.  If not, that's ok, because there are still plenty of opportunities to join right in on other ongoing projects.

The group I joined today as a community transcriber is Papers of the War Department, 1784-1800.  The group has had volunteer transcribers for 70 months---   so a little less than 6 years.

Why am I interested in helping this group?  They have letters.  They have letters written to my uncle. They have letters about my uncle.  They have scraps of information which may lead me on another quest!

Why is this so important?  There was a fire in the office where a majority of these letters were in November 1800.  Early American history..poof!  Gone in a flash!  As the War Department was a major consumer of the government funding in its day, it is appropriate for us all to see how we can help preserve the past today.

If you have a name of interest, or an interest in Indians, American Troops, Court Martials, etc, just log on in and see what is available to see.  Or better yet--volunteer!

Papers of the War Department Search

Or in my case, just enter in two of my uncles' names, sit back and enjoy.

Ahh, genealogy.  Reliving the past one letter at a time on that road to the White House.

©2017  AS Eldredge

Sources:

http://wardepartmentpapers.org/index.php

Those Places Thursday: Dying in Old Philadelphia

Dig, dig, dig.  Don't you just love digging in old cemeteries?  Oh, wait.  Don't you just love to see what surfaces when you dig in old cemeteries?

While we genealogy buffs can't literally dig in old cemeteries, we can dig back to our roots by using cemeteries of old.  For instance, just this last week, I have been digging around in Philadelphia trying to find more evidence of the family.  While I have known of early family ties in the area, my new attempts at digging up more have resulted in both frustration and joy with the old cemeteries.

The two cemeteries of interest are the old Christ Church Burial Ground and the Lower Burial Ground.

The Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia has been around for about 300 years.  Interred underground and in the above ground sections are many interesting and famous colonial families.  While its most famous resident is Benjamin FRANKLIN, there are also many other early Americans of interest.  There are five signers of our great Declaration of Independence who rest here, as well as other famous Americans, including John ROSS, Betsy's husband.  While my family does not have anyone considered "famous" residing here, I do have family.  I am related to the BRINGHURST, DALLY, and SIMMONS residents.  What is frustrating is I have identified the sections and the plot numbers.  Why is that frustrating?  Because there is no map showing where the sections are!  I know old Ben is in Section A, and I know my BRINGHUST kin are in section B.  How close are they?  Perhaps I need to take a pen to paper......

Entrance to Hood Cemetery.  Photo courtesy of Library of Congress

Imagine my delight after the disappointment of not finding section maps when I stumbled across the Hood Cemetery in Germantown!  This cemetery, originally known as the Lower Burial Ground, had its land set aside before 1700, thus making it also around 300 years old!  This cemetery is alive!  No, no.  It's not the walking corpses, it's the history!  Thanks to Brendon McTEAR for taking the time to thoroughly dig in to the lives of the residents and posting about them.  What a treat it is to read of the history of Germantown and its early residents.  Of course, I, too, have kin resting there as well.  Think BRINGHURST, SIMMONS, RAGUET and ASHMEAD.  See a common theme?

I have the roots in those early cemeteries and am always looking to learn more about the early folks, their lives, and how they shaped the history of our land.

Ahh, genealogy.  Gotta just dig the history!

©2017  AS Eldredge

Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/HoodCemetery/
http://www.ushistory.org/tour/christ-church-burial-ground.htm
http://www.ushistory.org/germantown/lower/lbury.htm
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/pa0825/
Ancestry.com. Philadelphia, Tombstone Inscriptions from Christ Church [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.
Original data: Clark, Edward L. Record of the Inscriptions on the Tablets and Grave-stones in the Burial-Grounds of Christ Church, Philadelphia. Philadelphia, PA, USA: Colines, Printer, 1864.
http://www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/ChristChurch/

Tombstone Tuesday: Ustick? Is That You? You, PA 149th You

Part 2 in the series You, PA 149th You

Ustick ROTHROCK, Lewistown, Mifflin, PA

Ustick ROTHROCK.  Now, that's a name not to forget.  Ustick caught my attention when it was first seen in the February 1863 letter written by Frank C DORRINGTON of Co. D of the PA 149th.  In the letter, cousin Frank encloses a picture taken with some buds in Washington, DC, as the regiment was on duty in defense of Washington, DC.

ROTHROCK b. 1836 was son of Joseph and Mary ROTHROCK.  His father, Joseph, was a stage driver and is found in the 1850 in Lewistown, Mifflin, PA.  Life carried on and then war broke out in America.  Ustick, a blacksmith at the time of his enlistment in August 1862, according to his wife's pension application in his name, volunteered.

ROTHROCK was the bugler for Co. D of the PA 149th Bucktails.  In addition, he was a sharpshooter who performed his duty well.  In the history of the regiment by John Nesbit, ROTHROCK escaped the war without wounds or sickness.

From Nesbit's book on the History of the Regiment

After he mustered out with the regiment in 1865, he settle into normal life.  He married Margaret SMITH and had three children; Cora b. 1875, Florence b. 1879 and Grace b. 1884.

Somehow, I am convinced the injuries he suffered were unseen by the general public.  As we of today know, the atrocities of war can lead to lasting issues such as depression, nightmares and end in suicide.  ROTHROCK was at Gettyburg for that fateful battle as well as all the other battles the regiment saw action.  He witnessed many of his friends fall and perish on the battlefield.  Some estimates say up to around 75% of the regiment fell in battle.  Did he have survivor's guilt?  Could he just not shake the images of the past when Americans fought and killed Americans?  He had a good job.  He had a home.  He had his demons of the past.

Did his demons lead to the label of lunatic for the last 26 years of his life?  After a two month complaint of acting insane, he was declared insane and confined to the Hospital for the Insane at his inquisition.  Even in the inquisition papers, it refers to ROTHROCK as "the lunatic."  It saddens me that we won't know the truth, although I suspect he had PTSD.

Corporal Ustick ROTHROCK passed away November 29, 1916.  While he appears to have had a sudden stroke, he also had the official diagnosis of manic depressive psychosis.

Why am I looking at him?  The 1863 letter of cousin Frank states he had a picture made with him and four others.  Looking at the picture, I see the bugle in the hands of PA 149th soldier number one.  It corresponds with Frank's words  " No 1 Ustic ROTHROCK, our bugler, No 2 Dave PHILLIPS, No 3 Boy MAY, 4 I.B. MOMYER, 5 Sam PHILLIPS, No 6 your humble servant."

Is this the picture of these men?  Look at the features of man number one and the later picture of Ustick.  The eyebrows, cheeks and nose are similar.  Could it be?

Ahh, genealogy.  The sands of time pass after war, but the memories are forever.  Would he have been able to live with his demons if he had stayed in Pittsburgh after the war and been able to talk with his comrades?  Rest in peace, Ustick.
And thanks to all veterans of America.





Part 1 of the series:  Military Monday: Frank?  Is That You? You 149th Bucktail You 

 Sources:
http://genitalesga.blogspot.com/search/label/dorrington
http://civilwartalk.com/threads/149th-pa-at-gettysburg.90596/
Ancestry.com. 1850 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

Original data: Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
http://mv.ancestry.com/viewer/e834e51f-974c-4d4f-87a1-1435be2fadf4/28945733/12351776261
Nesbit, John W. General history of Company D, 149th Pennsylvania volunteers: and personal sketches of the members University of Pittsburgh, University Library System., Digital Research Library.
http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?type=simple;c=pitttext;cc=pitttext;idno=00hc08553m;q1=rothrock;submit=Go;didno=00hc08553m;rgn=full%20text;view=image;seq=0001;node=00hc08553m%3A1
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=rothrock&GSfn=ustick&GSby=1836&GSbyrel=in&GSdy=1916&GSdyrel=in&GSst=40&GScnty=2284&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=52104503&df=all&

©2016 ASEldredge

It's Friday! Time to Follow My Fingers

When researching family history or the places where one might have found their kin of the past, it is not unusual to just stumble on some finger-finds that reach out and grab attention.

So, today, I will share some blogs and sites that have recently caught my attention.  They are listed in no particular order.

Notes to Myself by True Lewis
http://mytrueroots.blogspot.com
By the way, super congrats on becoming a Daughter of the American Revolution!  Now, get out and volunteer to promote history, patriotism and education!  In case you can't tell, I too am a card carrying member of the NSDAR.

TDP Genealogy Blog by Terry D Prall
http://tdpgenealogyblod.blogspot.com
Terry and I do share DNA, so I find this an interesting read.  Terry also provides tips on his research which is helpful to anyone looking for roots.

Elizabeth Shown Mills
https://historicpathways.com
What can I say?  Her books have been invaluable to me over the years.  Thanks!

LowCountry Africana
http://www.lowcountryafricana.com
Sponsored by the Magnolia Plantation Foundation
Sometimes, I just am enthralled at looking at the information this group is preserving on SC, GA and FL history.

My old glimpse into the past
http://genitalesga.blogspot.com

http://www.stclaircemetery.com
I can't close without a shoutout for my family cemetery-  the old St Clair Cemetery in Mt Lebanon, Allegheny, PA

Ahh, genealogy.  My heart is overwhelmed at how much how many are willing to assist.  Happy Friday Follow reading time to you all!

©2016 ASEldredge

Friday Faces of the Past: Whisper Those Pee Dee River Names in the 1844 SC Militia

Cruising along the waters of the Great Pee Dee River in South Carolina has been a journey.  Gone are the plantations of old.  Gone are many memories.

Found today, however, is the 32nd South Carolina Regiment of 1844. Wait... 1844?  That seems a little early to be getting ready for the Civil War, or the War of Northern Aggression.  Or is it?  This 1844 petition signed by the Marion area men is a new find for me.  The petition signers ask for a dedicated muster ground for their battalion rendezvous so they can minimize crossing the Pee Dee River.  The location suggested is on the southwest side of the river.  What was cool was seeing the almost four pages of names that started jumping off the page, kind of like fish jumping just waiting to be caught.  Grandpas, uncles, cousins--  they are all there with their neighbors.

Why was there such a big militia at the ready in 1844?  Back up a few years in our nation's history and think of John C CALHOUN and his opposition to the Federal Government and its 1832 Tariff Act. South Carolina threatened to secede if the Federal Government enforced the tariff as the state saw it as a way to bring the south to obedience. Hmmmm... sounds familiar.

In 1832, South Carolina adopted the Ordinance of Nullification, as a formal protest, and to see if the Federal Government would honor the principle of states' rights. The next month the Federal Government issued a warning to South Carolina and passed the Force Bill which authorized use of force to collect those nasty tariffs.

At the same time period in 1832-33, South Carolina revamped its militia. Thus the birth of the 32nd Regiment South Carolina Militia which was mostly made of Marion men.  The men met every two months for drills.  There was no pay for service.  This practice continued up to the time that South Carolina actually did secede from the Union, some thirty years later.

Interesting tidbits emerge and help me to understand more of my country's past.  Reading the history means just so much now then when it did in school.

Ahh, genealogy, let me count those names on the 1844 petition.  And let me see how many I share blood with--- POSTON, GIBBBS, COX, FINKLEA, SINGLETARY.  Time to hit those genealogy files to confirm more names!

Sources:
Rice, William. A Digested Index of the Statute Law of South Carolina, from the earliest period to the year 1836, inclusive. https://books.google.com/books?id=16JXAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA209&lpg=PA209&dq=1832+south+carolina+militia+laws&source=bl&ots=PDq4lIAtyp&sig=VxqGVPTe2INwpr2d2fXyfe5TtOM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj9rrPYxL7NAhWGVyYKHTSsCHQQ6AEIKTAC#v=onepage&q=1832%20south%20carolina%20militia%20laws&f=false
Sellers, W W. History of Marion County. South Carolina, from its earliest times to the present, 1901.
SC Department of Archives and History, Petitions to the General Assembly S165015 http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/onlinearchives/Thumbnails.aspx?recordId=257881
http://www.britannica.com/topic/nullification-crisis
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h333.html

©2016 ASEldredge

Friend of Friends Friday: St James Santee Plantation Parish

Ever tried to find much information in old South Carolina?  It's almost like the feeling I bet the English had when they were trying to track down Francis Marion in the swamp.  Of course, for me, it still is like to trying to find a high spot in Hell Hole Swamp now!

In history, we can locate evidence of the many fires in South Carolina which destroyed records.  We also have other obstacles to overcome.  While some of the records are getting online, and mind you, the available records are so much better now than when I started looking some 16 years ago, it can still be a source of frustration.

One book I have in my possession that I find an interesting read at times is "St James Santee Plantation Parish" by Anne Baker Leland Bridges and Roy Williams III.  While I don't think any of the names pertain to me, the location is really close to where my blood flows.

There are stories, marriages and baptisms to be found for the parish.  While there isn't a slave listing, some names are mentioned from time to time.

One example is found on page 269 where the negro "November" is mentioned as being made the keeper of an old head board that would not fit on the ship.  Apparently, November was to ship the head board at a later time.  November did not send it on.  Today, this head board, which is made of cypress and marked the grave of Jonah Collins is in the Charleston Museum.  The inscription on the head board reads:

Stranger who now are passing by,

As you are now,

So once was I:

As I am now,

So shall you be,

Therefore prepare to follow me.

Ahh genealogy.  Strangers who have gone before us sometimes bring us great joy as we find a trace of our blood.

Source: 

Bridges, Anne Baker Leland and Williams, Roy III. St James Santee Plantation Parish, 1997.

©2016 ASEldredge

Friend of Friends Friday: Finding the Negro in Allegheny County

For those who are searching in western Pennsylvania for their family roots, consider checking the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.  The only known copy of a paper first written in 1931 by Schenkel which was taken from early court documents can be seen at the Heinz History Center.

Slavery was prohibited in Pennsylvania in 1780.  However, the masters had to register their slaves by Nov 1780 or the slaves would be free.  There were some other rules, but in general, the slaves would become servants until the age of 28.  At that time, they would be freed.

In 2002, the Western PA Genealogical Society published the names of the negroes and mulattos which had been registered with the courts in Allegheny County from 1783-1813. 

Ahhh, genealogy.  Digging up the past one court document at a time can lead to some interesting discoveries.  And, then there are the other questions raised......

Source:
Western Pa Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol 29, No. 1, ppg 33-43.

©2015 ASEldredge