10 January 2012

Wednesday's Child - Katie and Mary Greider


Catherine "Katie" Greider
Daughter of 
Peter G & Eliza Ann
GREIDER,
Born August 11, 1863
Died Jan 1, 1871
Aged 7yrs 4 mos


Mary Greider
Daughter of
Peter G & Eliza Ann
GREIDER
Born April 30, 1865
Died Dec. 10, 186
Aged 2 yrs. 7 mos. 
and 10 dys



09 January 2012

Tuesday's Tip - City Directory Trick

Tuesday's Tip - City Directory Trick


One of my favorite resources are City Directories.  Through City Directories, you will find out important information such as physical address, occupation, who was living with them, etc.  My favorite website for searching City Directories is Fold3.com.  Because most, if not all, of my ancestors came from/through Philadelphia and/or Newark, NJ, this makes Fold3.com a great website for City Directories.


Most websites that house City Directories have a search function.  The first step is to pick the State, City, and Year directory you want.  In the following snapshot, I picked Newark, New Jersey for 1889.  I will be looking to see who was living with my Gr Gr Gr Grandfather, Edward V. Eckert.




After searching for Eckert, it will find hits for that name found on any page in the Directory.  In the following snapshot, you'll see that I found my ancestor Edward V. Eckert, living at 20 W Kinney, as a jeweler.



After a quick scan of that page, and the Eckerts on it, I did not find anyone else living at 20 W Kinney.  I wanted to find out if anyone else was living at that address.  I decided to go back to the search screen for the 1889 Newark, NJ City Directory and searched for "20 W Kinney".  Take notice that I pout the address in quotes.  If you fail to do so, it will search for any page that has 20, W, OR Kinney on it, which will bring back hundreds of pages!



Seeing the first match shows a page starting with Ecke, George; I know it will take me to the original page that I found on my "Eckert" search.  The following search result shows Adams, Ferdinand is at the top of the page.  This will get me to dig deeper, to see if anyone on that page lived at 20 W Kinney.


It looks like we found a hit!  James K. Adams, a japanner, and the letter h indicates this was his home, not business address.  I now know that James L. Adams and Edward V. Eckert lived in the same dwelling, at the same address.  They may or may not have shared the same living space.

The above process was what led me to find out that James L. Adams was his father-in-law.  This was a piece of evidence that helped support my claim that came later in research.



22 December 2011



Geneabloggers - My Rooted Technology Meme 



I am going to give it a go on Geneabloggers My Rooted Technology Meme.



  • The directions are as follows: 
  • Technology you already use: bold face type 
  • Technology you would like to use or learn more about: italicize (color optional) 
  • Technology you don’t use, have no interest in using or no longer use: plain type 
  • Explain or give opinions in brackets [ ] at the end of each bullet point 
  1. I have a tablet computer such as an iPad that I use for genealogy [I have an iPad, but most of my genealogy research is on my Acer Laptop. I really only use my iPad for the Ancestry.com app to show off my tree(s). I do read Genealogy blogs on my iPad.] 
  2. I have downloaded one or more apps to a Smart Phone or similar device. [The only apps I really use for Genealogy are Ancestry.com and the Blogger app. I am looking into the MyHeritage app, but have yet to download it. I use the obvious Facebook and Twitter apps, to follow other genealogist buffs. I do not consider myself a Genealogist, just a family history buff!] 
  3. I belong to a genealogy society that uses social media. [I am still a rookie at this, so have yet to join any society. So far my trips include visits to the Philadelphia and New Jersey State Archives, along with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. I would like to get involved in a local genealogical society, "to get my feet wet"]. 
  4. I use GEDCOM files and understand the various compatibility issues involved. [I use GEDCOM files, however haven't ran into many issues. This is probably because it is only using it for Ancestry, which in that case it is a .ftm not .ged. I understand GEDCOM files, but again, not their issues yet.] 
  5. I have added metadata to some of my files and digital photos. [I always use metadata on my digital photos. Mainly to remember who is in there, where it was taken, and hopefully when it was taken.] 
  6. I have utilized an API from a genealogy-related application or website. [If I think about this long enough, I will probably understand what it's asking me!!] 
  7. I have taken a DNA test related to my genealogy research. [I would love to do this, but haven't found the time to really research it.] 
  8. I have used the FamilySearch Research Wiki. [I have not used this yet, but use FamilySearch.org regularly. Thanks for the tip!] 
  9. I have a Facebook account and use it regularly for genealogy.[I use Facebook for much more than genealogy, but have used it for so. I post my blogs on there, I search for family members and groups with my surnames. I also follow other genealogists facebook pages. I can be found at http://www.facebook.com/aeroeck.] 
  10. I use tech tools to help me cite my sources in genealogy research. [This has been one of my biggest flaws in genealogy. I know where my research came from, I know each of my facts are multi-sourced. I make photocopies, print webpages, and store my own sources in my filing cabinet. I need to get better at sourcing on the web, sor the general public to see where it came from. Thanks for the tip on Zotero, Thomas MacEntee!] 
  11. I have developed a genealogy-related app for a Smart Phone or similar device. [I think it would be "fun" to do so, but it would turn out awful, and not worthwhile for the general public. I think we have enough apps out there to help us in all our research for now.]. 
  12. I use a genealogy database program (Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, RootsMagic etc.) [I currently use Family Tree maker 2012. I like it a lot, but my Ancestry.com trees is mainly where I do my research, especially with the new linking system on FTM.] 
  13. I use cloud computer resources to store my genealogy data.[I have an account on DropBox, but have yet to use it and really understand it.] 
  14. I have made one or more contributions to the FamilySearch Research Wiki. [Sounds like something I would enjoy to do.] 
  15. I have attended a genealogy webinar. [I follow the Geneabloggers Blog talk Radio often, I watch the small webinars from Ancestry.com, and I try to watch as many YouTube videos from the pros as possible.] 
  16. I have organized and administered a DNA testing group related to my genealogy. [Sure, why not, sounds interesting enough.] 
  17. I use apps involving GPS and Geo-caching for my genealogy research. [I use BillionGraves when I am out and about at the cemeteries. I also use the Facebook Check-In feature when I am at places of interest regarding Genealogy.] 
  18. I have a Google+ account and use it regularly for genealogy.[I am a HUGE Google fan, but I think Google dropped the ball on this. Google+ had so much potential, but it just can't compete with Facebook. I think it has the tools to compete, but they haven't made it interesting enough to the non-tech/geeky crowd to join in on the fun. I check my account periodically, at best.] 
  19. I have created and published a family history e-book. [Can't wait to get on this. What has held me back the most is my everchanging research! I am constantly updating, and researching that when I bring one to print, a second edition will be needed that much quicker. I know I should just get started on one, and update on a yearly or bi-yearly basis]. 
  20. I have create a wiki related to my genealogy research. [I have not, and may look into it in the future, but it is not a priority just yet.] 
  21. I have conducted a genealogy webinar as a presenter. [I'm not the best in getting my points across, unless it's in writing. Writing things down I can go back and change things, re-read, re-write, etc. Actually conducting, I wouldn't do so well.] 
  22. I read genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research. [I'm always following Genealogy Blogs. Some of my favorites come from Geneabloggers, 4YourFamilyStory, footnoteMaven, Dick Eastman's, among others] 
  23. I have one or more genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research. [Sure do, and you can find it here.] 
  24. I have a Twitter account and use it regularly for genealogy. [I use it more for following other genealogy buffs, and I can be found at http://www.twitter.com/aeroeck.] 
  25. I have one or more genealogy-related websites which I run and administer. [If you count my blog, yes. But I would love to get involved in a local society's.] 
  26. I have created a screencast or video related to genealogy and posted it at a video sharing site (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.). [Haven't gotten that techy....yet!] 
  27. I use one or more digital tools to capture and record my family history. [I use picasa photo editor, and my scanner, and they seem to work pretty well! I am getting a hand held scanner, and plan to use that for ease.

19 December 2011

Matrilineal Monday - Elsie May Decamp

Elsie May Decamp (1883-1947)

Elsie May Decamp was born on 17 May 1883, in Newark, Essex Co, New Jersey, USA.  She was born the youngest child to a storage warehouser, Job Decamp and an English immigrant, Ammie Miles.  


The Decamps have long been known in the Newark area of New Jersey.  Dating back to Elsie's GrGrGr Grandfather, Lambert Decamp, a Revolutionary War vet.  


The progenitor of the Decamp family was Laurens Jansen DeCamp, a French immigrant, who arrived in New Amsterdam (current day New York City) in about 1664.  He served as the first pastor of the Staten Island Dutch Church. 

Elsie's Great Grandfather, Job DeCamp, married his second cousin, Rachel DeCamp.

In the 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Elsie was living with her father, Job, and stepmothther, Kate Lambert Tay.  They resided at 953 Broad St, Newark, Essex, NJ, USA.  Also living there at the time, was her sister Edith and two brothers Frederick and Robert.


On 12 August 1903, she married Walter Lewis Eckert, son of Edward V Eckert and Harriet E Adams.  Walter was the Chief Financial Officer at Thomas A. Edison, Inc.  After a falling out with Mr. Edison himself, Walter also worked as General Auditor for Pathe Frere, and Comptroller for S.S. White Dental. 

Elsie and Walter Eckert had the following children:
  • Walter Lewis Eckert (1905-2001)
  • Miles Edward Eckert (1908-1971)
  • Stanley Edson Eckert (1913-1992)
In the 1910 U.S. Federal Census, Elsie May was living at 228 Halsted St, East Orange, NJ with her husband and two children.  They were living at the same address as William Norman and his wife, Gertrude.

In the 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Elsie and Walter and family were living at 5840 Hadfield St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.  

In the 1930 U.S. Federal Census, the Eckert family was residing at 835 Cornell Ave, Upper Darby, Delaware Co, Pennsylvania, USA.

Elsie May Decamp Eckert passed away in 1947.



14 September 2011

Wedding Wednesday - 14 Sep 2011

The idea for Wedding Wednesday was brought to me by Geneabloggers.
Please visit their site for great ancestral blogs!


John Hohman Nestel married Mary Teresa Hart on 30 Dec 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
The bright light was the flash from my camera, as I was taking a photo of a photo!  It was very delicate and was in my grandparents house, and didn't want to be -that- person to destroy an old photo!

John Martin Nestel married Agnes Flynn about 1930 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
The above photo is of the wedding party.  Second one in from left is John M Nestel.  Third man in is my GrGr Grandfather, Michael Flynn.

Sanford Edwin Holt married Anna Louisa Kerns on 14 Oct 1885 in Pennsylvania, USA.
They are my GrGrGr Grandparents.

The marriage return for my GrGr Grandparents, William Edward Greider, Sr. and Elizabeth Forester.
They never lived in New Jersey, however Camden is just over the river from Philadelphia, their normal residence.
I always wonder what had them marry in New Jersey.
 The date on the return is 24 Sep 1889
This is my wedding day.  We tried to imitate the non-smiling, male sitting, woman standing.  I added a sepia tone.
21 May 2011, Haddonfield, New Jersey, USA

05 September 2011

Lot Deed From Bartholomew Schmid to Martin Nestel

So I've had this deed that I got from the New Jersey State Archives for some time now.  Whenever I would sit down to transcribe it, I would give up or put it off even longer.  With a nice, relaxing day off work for Labor Day, I figured now is the time to really put forth the effort.  Below is the full deed for a lot sale from Bartholomew Schmid to Martin Nestel, my GrGrGr Grandfather.

"Bartholomew Schmid to Martin Nestel }

This indenture, made the first day of July in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy four (1874) between Bartholomew Schmid of the town of Riverside in the county of Burlington, state of New Jersey , (Harness Maker) and Anna his wife of the first part and, and Martin Nestel (Baker) of the same place of the second part witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand dollars, lawful money of the United States of America, will and truly paid by the said party of the second part to the said party of the first part at and before the ensealing and delivery of these presents,

the receipt whereof is truly acknowledged,  hath granted, bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoffed, released, conveyed and confirmed and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff, release, convey and confirm unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns all that certain lot or piece of Ground with the Brick House and frame shop thereon erected, situate in the township of Cinnaminson, County of Burlington and State of New Jersey, marked on the “Plan” of the town of Progress, now Riverside, with the number two hundred and thirty six (236) as by reference to the aforesaid “Plan” recorded at Mount Holly, Burlington County in the State of New Jersey in Book E.5. of Deeds page 33.sc will now fully appear, also all that their lot or certain piece of ground situate in the said town of Progress (now Riverside) Burlington County and State of New Jersey, and worked upon the aforesaid “Plan” of the Town of Progress with the number two hundred and thirty seven (237)

Being the same two lots of ground and premises which Mary C. Scull of the City of Philadelphia (single woman) by Indenture dated the twenty fourth day of June in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy three (1873) and recorded in the Books U.S. of deeds page 435 sc in the Clerks Office of Burlington County at Mount Holly granted and conveyed unto the said Bartholomew Schmid  in fee, as by reference [units] will now fully appear,

Together with all and singular, the building, improvements, woods, ways, rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments, and appurtenances, to the same, belonging, or in any wise appertaining to the reveision and reveisions, remainder and remainders, rents issues and profits thereof, and of every part, and parcel thereof; and also, all the estate, right, title, interest property, possession, claim and demand whatsoever both in Law and Equity, of the said party of the first part of, in, and to the said premises, with the appurtenances to have and to hold the said premises with all and singular the appurtenances unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns to the only proper use, benefit and belief of the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever,

and the said Bartholomew Schmid and Anna, his wife their heirs, executors and administrators, do by these presents covenant, grant, and agree to and with the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns that they, the said Bartholomew Schmid, and Anna his wife, their heirs, all and singular the hereditaments and premises herein above described and granted, or mentioned and intended to be so with the appurtenances, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, against them the said Bartholomew Schmid and Anna, his wife, their heirs and against all and every other person and persons, whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof by, from, or under them or any of them shall and will warrant, and for ever defend in witness whereof the said party of the first part to these presents havehereunto set their hands and seals dated the day and year just above within,
Signed, sealed and delivered

                In the presence of           }              Bartholomew Schmid (L.S.)
                Peter Powell                   }              Anna Schmid (L.S)

State of New Jersey, Burlington County=ss=be it remembered that on this first day of July in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy four, before me and commissioner of deed of said state of Ne wJersey, personably appeared, Bartholomew Schmid and Anna his wife, who I am satisfied are the grantors mentioned in the above deed or conveyance, and I having just made known to them the contents thereof, they acknowledged that they signed, sealed, and delivered the same as their voluntary act and deed and the said Anna Schmid being of full age, on a private examination apart from her said husband before me acknowledged that she signed, sealed and delivered the same as her voluntary act and deed, freely, without any fear, threats or confession of her said husband, all of which is freely certified,

                                                                                                                                Peter Powell

Recorded July 2, 1874

                                                                                                R.B. Taylor, Clerk"


Definitions of some words found above:
Enfeoffed - To invest with a feudal estate or fee
Hereditaments - Property that can be inherited.
Appurtenance - Law A right, privilege, or property that is considered incident to the principal property for purposes such as passage of title, conveyance, or inheritance.



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