Sentimental Sunday ~ Three Little Angels

ROSE - 1905

DOREEN 1909-1914

R. JOHN - 1913

CHILDREN OF

IDA M. & JAMES F

ACHESON

This tombstone shows that the two infants and young daughter of this couple are buried together. 

Family records show the deaths of the first three children of this couple as 1905, 1913 and 1914. Today this would be an unthinkable tragedy for any family to have to deal with.

I have found a record that showed one "living" child who was born after these three children. Probably lived to age 70 and beyond. That would be a blessing.

UPDATE: I see that I missed the connection between Ida Maude ACHESON and her grandfather, John RUTHERFORD. Ida's maiden name was RUTHERFORD.  I posted about John RUTHERFORD on "Surname Saturday," 8 May 2010. Ida's father was Edward RUTHERFORD, born 1854, Proton Station, Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario. Her mother was Elizabeth LUDLOW.

HULL ~ Resources for Family Research

I've found the following sites helpful in my search for the HULL family who are among my ancestors.

"The Hull Family Association" is a non-profit organization with memberships available.

"The Hull Family in America" by Colonel C. H. Weygant is available to purchase online.


An extensive site is The History of Redding which includes a genealogy of the HULL family It states that the site is "not a business or organization." It is the work of one dedicated individual wishing to preserve and provide education for others interested.

These sites have provided very useful information and are well worth the visit.

Good luck in your continued research.

By the way, I've been enjoying "Who Do You Think You Are?" Have you?

Surname Saturday ~ HULL Family

My Mother received a 34 page handwritten family tree from my Father's cousin in about 1989. It includes a reference to George HULL emigrating from England, arriving in America in 1630 and settling in Dorchester, Massachusetts. George was a lineal ancestor of Samuel HULL (1755-1840), who was my 5th great grandfather. His daughter, Catherine (HULL) WEBB GATES (1800-1875), who was was my 4th great grandmother.

"Catherine Hull, married Oliver Gates 1825 in New York.
Catherine Hull, dau. of Samuel Hull, was born April 9, 1800 in Conn. She died April 13, 1875 Wapello Co. Iowa. Buried in Burns Cemetery, Center Twp, 2 miles West of Ottumwa Iowa.
She was one of twelve children, Jonas, James, Samuel Lebbeus, Russell, Electa, Hubbard, Phoebe, Curtis, Catherine, Alanson, & Hannah.

Catharines father, Samuel Hull was a son of George Hull, Jr., and a lineal descendant of George Hull, who came from England in 1630 and settled in Dorchester, Mass.
Samuel Hull, father of Catharine, was born June 15, 1755, married Freelove Kelsey, June 20, 1781, and reared twelve children.
This family moved from Killingworth Conn., in the fall of 1809, to Candor, Tioga Co. New York State, and made the first settlement on a farm.

Taken from Historical Gazetteer of Tioga County, New York, 1785-1888, Compiled & Edited by W. B. Gay, (published by W. B. Gay & Co., Syracuse, N. Y.) pages 181-182.
And Our Country & its People, A Memorial History of Tioga County, N.Y., edited by LeRoy W. Kingman (published by W. A. Fergusson & Co., Elmira, N.Y. c. 1897) pages 705-706.

A search on the net resulted in finding a readable copy of the Historical Gazetteer of Tioga County, New York, 1785-1888, pages 181-182.

The page shown above is from the handwritten document dated 1984, updated 1986 and 1988. Great research without the benefit of internet access. Sources were family records, bibles and interviews. Also Census and Federal War and Pension records.

Thanks to L. B. (Gates) Greenall (1904-2002), family historian. One of my inspiring relatives.

Wordless Wednesday ~ From the big city to the little village!

To: Mr. George Johnston, Milden, Sask 

Feb 7, 1917

Los Angeles  Cal

This is the way we

we go riding here.

Best wishes to you all

Yours Truly

Henry Roux

Dated  February  7 1917. Amusing and unique! This postcard was sent to my grandfather, George JOHNSON, from his friend and neighbour, Henry Roux.

Tombstone Tuesday ~ George Albert JOHNSON and his wife Emma CLARK

JOHNSON

1875  GEORGE  1964

1879    EMMA    1956

~ LIFE'S WORK WELL DONE ~

Marriage: 13 September 1899,
Penetanguishene, Simcoe County, Ontario

George Albert JOHNSON was born on 2 November 1875 and he died on 30 January 1964, aged 89 years. His wife, Emma CLARK was born 17 February 1879 (but there are Census Records with dates as early as 1874 for her birth). Emma died 24 November 1956, aged 77 years. (or using 1874 as her birth date, aged 82 years).

LIFE'S WORK WELL DONE ~ George and Emma moved from their birth places in Ontario, first to Manitoba in about 1902, then on to Saskatchewan in 1905. Their first home on the Prairies was a sod house that they built in 1905 and lived in until their homestead was proved up in 1908.

They were prominent members of this farming community, helping to build churches and schools. The village of Milden, Saskatchewan was incorporated in 1911. They spent the rest of their lives in the community that they helped to establish.

George Albert JOHNSON and Emma CLARK are my maternal grandparents.

A Gift to Me ~ A Gift to You

Boogie Jack is one of my favourite sites. It's creative, educational, informative, inspirational and humourous. On a recent visit I saw that Dennis has a wonderful give-away: REASONS FOR HOPE. It's a collaborative effort and a special gift for me and you.

It's hard to compare BoogieJack.com with other sites. Created by a published book author on web design, the web design tutorials are written with humor and ease, the free graphics archive has some beautiful works of art, and his writings about life are always enlightening.

My great marbleized header is one of many headers and backgrounds designed by BoogieJack.com and available for free. 

Your gift is waiting for you. REASONS FOR HOPE You'll see there's even more when you visit Boogie Jack. Thank you Dennis.

Hope, like the gleaming taper's light,
Adorns and cheers our way;
And still, as darker grows the night,
Emits a brighter day.

~ ~ ~ Oliver Goldsmith

Vintage and Antique Jewellery ~ Family Heirlooms

The popularity of vintage jewelery never wanes. Instead, it seems to grow with each passing year. Rings, brooches, necklaces, charms, bracelets, lockets and other adornments quickly become families’ most precious heirlooms as they pass from one generation to the next.

I've always enjoyed wearing jewelery; glitzy brooches and dangle earrings. When my 12 year old grandson was little, he liked to wear my pretty brooches and help me make dangle earrings!

What is more fun to a young girl than to poke about in her grandmother’s jewelery box searching through these treasures? The memories alone of such ventures, coupled with the historical accounts of each item of jewelery, can endear grandparents to their descendants in unexpected ways, forming close personal ties forever.

The cost doesn't necessarily determine the value. Even inexpensive trinkets can bind lives and hearts becoming a woman’s most cherished possession if they once belonged to her mother, her grandmother or her great-grandmother.

Of course, although antique jewelery can be fun to flaunt in front of friends, family and associates, it can also be a great investment. Even if the component parts of jewelery have little inherent value, it can become something of value by virtue of its maturity. Jewelery can become valuable just by surviving to a ripe old age. Many people love to adorn themselves with jewelery from various periods such as Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro and Art Nouveau, or even older when it can be found.

If you plan to make purchases from jewelery dealers, make sure you use reputable ones. With reputable dealers you can be more certain that you are buying authentic pieces.

At estate sales, auctions, collectible shoppes or even yard sales, you may be able to find some nice antique or vintage jewelery items. However, if you aren’t a jewelery expert you may be disappointed with some of your purchases. Some items may not be as valuable as you hope. Still, much of the pleasure comes with the search.

CLICK HERE for this comprehensive antique jewelry reference guide may help you become your own expert! Learn about history, design, hallmarks, precious gem stones, metals, etc.

Surname Saturday ~ CLARK

We know that my grandmother's father was Robert CLARK, Scottish, emigrated from the US, and was an engineer (of what?). Robert was married to Sarah SMITH, an American. I found Census records that confirm he was born in Scotland and show his occupation as "Engineer in a Mill."

My grandmother, Emma CLARK, was the tenth of twelve children, born between 1854 and 1875.

Emma CLARK was born 17 February 1874, Penetanguishene, Simcoe County, Ontario. She died 25 November 1956, Rosetown Hospital and is buried in Milden Cemetery, Village of Milden, Saskatchewan.

George Albert JOHNSON and Emma CLARK were married 13 September 1899, Penetanguishene, Simcoe County, Ontario.

Their marriage was witnessed by one of Emma's younger brothers, Wesley CLARK and one of Emma's older sisters, Mary Jane CLARK, both of Penetanguishene. The ceremony was performed by Reverend G. M. Kingston.

They were married for 57 years, until the time of Emma's death in 1956. George lived on for another eight years, until 30 January 1964, aged 89 years.

This photograph had been tucked away for 45 years by a cousin of mine. Although it was badly damaged, the restoration worked quite well. Also, this is the only photograph that we have as Emma as a young woman. Other photographs of her are when she is a grandmother in her 60's.
SOURCE:  © private collection.

Surname Saturday - Is it Johnson or Johnston?

George Albert JOHNSTON
Aged 20
Born: 2nd November 1875 ~ Lot 10, Concession 2,
Proton Station, Proton Township, Grey County, Ontario

George Albert JOHNSON was the eldest of the ten children of 

Christopher JOHNSTON and Mary Jane ACHESON.

This first photograph was taken at George's parents homestead, which was his birthplace. It was found in a suitcase with other photos and personal papers. He had given this suitcase to one of his sons sometime in the late 1950's before his death in 1964.

George Albert JOHNSON

Aged 85

This photograph was taken in Saskatoon where George was living with one of his daughters and son-in-laws. Although he had retired from farming in 1959, he still lived at his farm when the weather permitted. Saskatoon was only a short distance from his farm in Milden, Saskatchewan.

~ ~ ~   ~ ~ ~   ~ ~ ~   ~ ~ ~    ~ ~ ~   ~ ~ ~

My mother's name was Eva Carlotta JOHNSON. However, she knew that at some time her father, George Albert JOHNSON, had spelled his surname as JOHNSTON.

Why George changed his name is unclear. My Mother and other members of the family thought that it had to do with how George's Homestead Records were registered between 1905 and 1908 in Saskatchewan.


I recently (August 2009) found George's Homestead Record on the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada website. That record shows both George JOHNSON and one of his younger brothers, Joseph JOHNSON, listed without the "T."

George claimed the Northeast quarter Section 34, Township 29, Range 11, West 3rd Meridian; and Joseph claimed the Southeast quarter Section 34, Township 29, Range 11, West 3rd Meridian, Rural Municipality of Milden, Saskatchewan, #286, incorporated 1911.
Here the JOHNSON brothers farmed as neighbours all their lives.  Both brothers were actively involved in the building of this rural community.

George and his wife, Emma CLARK, had settled their homestead in 1905, living in a sod house for the first 3 years. The home that they lived in for the rest of their lives was built in 1908.
Joseph and his wife, Jenny MORTIMER, settled their homestead in about 1910. Joseph died in about 1954.

Also, correspondence from his father, Christopher JOHNSTON,  in December 1921, shows George being addressed as "Mr. George JOHNSTON."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
POSTCARD:
To: Mr. George A. Johnston
Milden, Sask
Dec 1921

Christmas Greeting to my Dear son George i send you and love and good wishes

i hope you will be good and happy all your life.
from your Dad
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 1921, Christopher Senior was 80 years old, and his son George was 46 years old.

Christopher lived to be 83 years and 7 months old. George lived to be 89 years and 2 months.

SOURCE:  © private collection.

The Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

The Watergate at Enniskillen Castle

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Image © Copyright Raymond Millar and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

"Built in 1611 by Sir William Cole. Described at the time as a ‘fair and strong wall’ twenty-six feet high, ‘newly erected’ with flankers, parapet and wall walk. An impressive building with twin cor belled turrets projecting so as to give protection to the wall on two sides."

My maternal grandfather, George Albert JOHNSON/JOHNSTON, was Irish. Both his mother's and his father's families emigrated from Ireland in the mid 1800's.

The 1851/1852 Census Canada record shows that George's paternal grandparents, John JOHNSTON and Catherine RUTLEDGE, emigrated between the birth of two children, born 1836 and 1838.

A small family book written and self-published in 1951, indicated that his mother's parents sailed from Ireland in the Spring of 1850, a 28 day voyage.

"It was on a day in Spring, April 14th, 1850, that William ACHESON, accompanied by his brother-in-law John RUTHERFORD, bid a last farewell to old Ireland, and set forth to seek his fortune in Canada, the great new land of promise."

Later in 1850, Christina (FALLIS) ACHESON and her sister, Mary (FALLIS) RUTHERFORD, sailed from Ireland to Canada to join their husbands in Canada.

According to this family book, George's grandparents, William ACHESON  and Christina FALLIS, were born near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

A family committee was struck to begin the research in 1940, after an uncle's death bed request for someone in the family to begin their history while it was still possible to gather information from the elder members of the family.

Although it took ten years to complete, the book was published in 1951, just shortly after the 100th anniversary of the arrival of one of two brothers who left Ireland for the land of promise ~ Canada. (The elder brother, George ACHESON, had arrived a year or so earlier, in about 1849.)

RAGAN & MUNN, Photographers, Atchison, Kansas

Pink image:
"RAGAN & MUNN, Photographers, 317 Com. Street, Atchison, Kan. Negatives preserved. Copies can be had at any time."

White image:  
"J. M. MUNN, Photographer, Atchison, Kansas."
Very small lettering at lower left: "Riches Co." 
This is probably the name of the printer.
Images ©   Personal collection.


These are the reverse side of two more carte de visite photos from my Grandmother's little olde album.
The pink one is fancier that the first one that I posted on October 25th.  Note the camera with the painter's palette and the cloak. Two little angels are holding the banner.I have found a record that puts Ragan and Munn in business in Atchison, Kansas in 1880.
The logo on the black and white one, is much larger, taking up almost the whole back of the photo and even more artistic. Note the camera is a bit smaller and the artist's palette now is larger and  has brushes.
From what I have read, the photographer's logos became larger and more artistic as the years pasted. Knowing this, helps to date these little keepsake photographs.

An excellent site for information on how to date these vintage photographs is Roger Vaughan's site.
This extensive site is a great resource.
It also shows pictures of the clothing during the late 1800's and early 1900's another helpful technique.
Roger Vaughan is from the UK and appears to have been collecting and researching vintage photographs for a number of  years.

J. M. MUNN ~ An Olde Business Card

Carte de Visite, "J. M. MUNN PHOTOGRAPHER, Atchison, Kansas."
Image © My personal collection.

This back of an carte de visite  photo,  from an album of my Grandmother's. It is the back of the photo of the woman standing that I posted a little earlier.

Although the photos were know as 'carte de visite' they were not actually a visiting card for the person in the photo, but they were an inexpensive way for family and friends to exchange photos. A close look at the upper left corner shows - $1.00 Per Dozen.

Gradually, the photographer's logo became more and more prominent and gives a clue to dating these little 2 1/2" x 4" photos. The larger the logo, the closer to 1900. Free advertising for the photographers of the day!

Boogie Jack ~ Web Design & Free Graphics

It's hard to compare BoogieJack.com with other sites. Created by a published book author on web design, his web design tutorials are written with humor and ease, the free graphics archive has some beautiful works of art, and his writings about life are always enlightening. My unique "marblized" header is one of many available at BoogieJack.com.

A Touch of Elegance with 24K Gold Graphics

Browsing today for a little something to add to my site. Here's a sampling of a touch of elegance with 24K GOLD GRAPHICS

Treasure Chest Tuesday ~ My Unknown Ancestors

                  Carte de Visite photographs: unknown c. 1895.

                  J. M. MUNN, Photographer, Atchison, Kansas. 
                                  Images  ©  Personal Collection.

I see that the chair used is exactly the same in both photos. I think that rather than a couple, these two people may be brother and sister, or related in some other way.

These two vintage carte de visite  photographs  were in a small family album of my paternal grandmother, Ada May (MILLER) GATES.
My father, his parents and siblings emigrated from Kansas to Canada in February 1923, crossing at North Portal, Saskatchewan.

In the late  1800's  tintype and carte de visite photos were hugely popular. So much so that it was dubbed "Cartemania." Every family had one of these small albums, similar in size to a bible, about 1 1/2" x 4" x 5 1/2". It reminds me of a diary, it has a metal clasp to close it.

I've also read that only the very poorest of families did not have a carte de visite album.

The Other Pages.org

While I was on the web today, I followed a few links and came to The Other Pages. A beautiful site.

I was actually looking for quotations, which brought me to their quotations page QUOTATIONS There's more: PHOTO ESSAYS

The owner of this intriguing site is Stephen Spanoudis.
Thanks Steve. Enjoy.

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Vintage Marriage Certificate

I found this olde Marriage Certificate at an Antique shoppe just a few days ago.
On the left side are the "Requirements of the Husband"; on the right side are the "Requirements for the Wife." These are listed according to verses in the Bible.
Provides a glimpse into the past - probably some 100 years ago.

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