Journey to the Past

Fredricks Genealogy Group Comes Through in a Big Way

11 June 2013 1:46 PM Posted by Brenda Leyndyke 0 comments

Freighter crew that worked the Great Lakes

Otto August Fredricks is in the first row, last one on the right.

I started a Fredricks Genealogy Group on Facebook awhile ago. I have been posting pictures and stories and my cousins share their memories. Last week, we got talking about some of the trouble we got in and I laughed so hard I am sure my husband was wondering if I had gone off the deep end. Recently, they have been scanning and adding their own pictures. I love this part of the group. I get to see pictures, many that I haven't seen before, that are in their collections.

One great picture that was shared by my cousin, Kathryn, is above. My grandfather, Otto August Fredricks, worked for many years on the Great Lakes. The picture above is the crew he worked with. No one seems to know much more about the picture than that. I tried to manipulate the picture to see the name of the freighter, which is above the windows, but I couldn't make it out. I will be seeing my Aunt Lola, Otto's oldest living daughter, in a couple of weeks and that is one of the questions I plan to ask her. Aunt Lola says it was the "Manitoba". So, now I have more to work on.

The Fredricks Genealogy Group has been a great thing for me. I didn't grow up around my family and it is fun to hear stories and see pictures of my family. We talk about pictures, ask questions of each other, reminisce and laugh. It is a wonderful thing. I would never have seen this picture without it being posted on the group page. Thank you, Kathryn.

Posted in Great Lakes shipping, Otto Fredrick

What I Hope to Accomplish at FGS 2013

07 June 2013 12:25 PM Posted by Brenda Leyndyke 0 comments

I am a Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Ambassador. My role as an ambassador is to help promote the FGS 2013 conference through blogging and other social media platforms. The publicity committee provided a few writing prompt questions to answer which you will find below. This time the topic is on Conferences and Research.

How will you use your time at FGS 2013 to help your genealogical research?

Attending a national genealogy conference is a wonderful thing and I plan to take full advantage of my time in Fort Wayne. My time at the conference can be divided into four categories:

Education-the educational opportunities offered at FGS 2013 are top notched. I have been perusing the conference program and taking note of what sessions I would like to attend. I try to attend a variety of sessions from the various tracts that are available. I look for sessions that will help me further my research. In addition, I look for topics that will help me understand the life and times that my ancestors lived in. For example, I have several ancestors who worked in the railroad industry and I plan to take the Railroad Trilogy session.
Research-the Allen County Public Library is within walking distance of the convention center and I would like to try and fit in a visit to do a little research there. Currently, I am prioritizing my research needs and will develop research plans before I go. I used PERSI to create a periodical list to look for.
Exhibit Hall-I enjoy spending time in the Exhibit Hall. Talking to the vendors, seeing what is new in the genealogy world, and looking at books are my favorite activities in the hall. I have already started setting aside money for this part of the conference. I look for books on subjects that will help me in the areas that my ancestors lived.
Meeting Others-I enjoy meeting and talking with others who share the same passion for genealogy as I do. I try to attend some of the social events. I introduce myself to those who are sitting next to me in sessions. I have found genealogists to be very warm and friendly and you never know who might have that one piece of information that will help you.

Do you have a brick wall that you are hoping to break through at FGS 2013?

I don't plan on breaking through any brick walls at the conference, but I hope to learn a few new strategies and techniques that will help me when I get home and research. When I was at FGS 2011, I attended a Mennonite Research session (which is being offered again; it is S-433) and the information I learned from that session enabled me to further my research immensely.

Do you have a research plan for The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library?

I haven't finalized my research plan for the library yet, but I will have one by the time I go. It will be hard to find a lot of time to research as I don't want to miss any of the conference. I would suggest planning a day before or after the conference for research if you haven't been to the Genealogy Center before. You will be amazed at all that they have to offer. I have used PERSI and created a list of periodicals that I plan to look up. I have a list of resources that I didn't get to the last time I was at the Genealogy Center, so I will look that over before I go to see if I want to add those to my plan. I plan to keep my list light and easy. I do not plan any in depth research this time. I am one of the lucky ones that can go to the library a couple of times a year and if I don't get everything done I won't worry about it too much.

How will the lectures and exhibitors help your research?

The lectures will help me in my research by providing me with tips, techniques and strategies needed to further my research. The tracts offered this year are those of interest to me and I imagine I will have a tough time narrowing down my choices. I have many Midwestern ancestors so I plan to take advantage of the Midwest Tracts. I am always interested in Methodologies that will help in my research. Plus, any ethnic tracts, especially European ones, are ones I am interested in.

The exhibitors are fun and educational. I look for ideas that will help me organize my research, whether it be the latest software or tech gadget. I enjoy looking at the books and seeing what is available in my area of research. Plus, talking to the vendors and picking their brains helps.

Will you be making a stop on your way to or from the conference to research your ancestors?

You have probably read about how I am only 90 miles from Fort Wayne. Even though I have Indiana ancestors I don't plan on stopping to or from the conference. I would have to go south to do that and I live North of Fort Wayne. If I was stopping anywhere it would be at the Genealogy Center to do more research.

I hope you will join me in Fort Wayne as we journey though generations. Don't forget the early bird registration price will be ending soon on July 1st. If you haven't registered, do so today. See you in Fort Wayne.

Posted in FGS 2013

Do You Have Summer Genealogy Related Plans?

04 June 2013 8:03 PM Posted by Brenda Leyndyke 0 comments

Summer in Michigan is a nice time of the year. There are lots of lakes and rivers to explore and sandy beaches to lay on. Summer is usually a down time for me genealogically speaking. I like to read, garden or go to the beach during the summer. This year, I have decided to try and plan a few genealogically related activities and see if I can accomplish a little in my genealogical world.

I would like to take a couple of day trips. I would like to visit the following:

Miami and Howard County Indiana-The Graf and Fredricks side of my mom's family settled here before migrating to Michigan. I would like to visit the Miami County Courthouse and get Casper Graf's will and visit a few cemeteries and take pictures. I would like to explore the area. I may need to plan this as an overnight trip from the looks of what I want to accomplish.
Adrian, Michigan- The Dyer side of my dad's family settled here when they came from New York. I want to check out the library and a couple of cemeteries.
Bentley Historical Library, Ann Arbor-There are two civil war era diaries, that mentions my 2nd great grandfather's gunshot wound that he received during the Civil War, that I would like to read. Plus, the library has Lima Township vital records and Baptist records that I am interested in exploring.
Go to Fort Wayne, Indiana-I will be there for the FGS 2013 Conference in August, but I would like to go at least once and do a little research at the library.
Last but not least, is to attend the Fredricks Family Reunion. I didn't go last year, but I am, definitely, going this year. Shhh! Don't tell anyone but I have a killer white elephant gift to take this year.

This is what I hope to accomplish this summer besides creating more family memories with my adult children. I don't know how much of this I will get done. I thought if I put it in print and posted it on my blog, I would be more successful at it. Do you have summer genealogy related plans? Please share them in the comments section. Enjoy your summer!

Posted in Goals

Pure Michigan Genealogy-The End

26 May 2013 8:15 AM Posted by Brenda Leyndyke 0 comments

Pure Michigan Genealogy

Michigan Week has come and gone and I am at the end of my posts about researching in Michigan, my home state. I tried to give you an overview of what is available when researching ancestors in Michigan. The eight posts on Pure Michigan Genealogy is in no way a complete list of everything in Michigan. That would take a book, and there is a good one-Michigan Genealogy, 2nd edition by Carol McGinnis. I could never top what she has written. If you think I could help you with your Michigan research, please email me or leave a comment. I hope you have enjoyed my Pure Michigan Genealogy as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you.

I have a few general comments about researching Michigan ancestors.

Don't underestimate the importance of county level records and repositories. County government is central to Michigan genealogy research. Vital records, land, property, probate, etc. are kept at the county level. Look at County GenWeb websites, too. Most counties in Michigan have one. The good ones have a wealth of information on them. One great example is the Kent County Michigan GenWeb page. Looking at the Kent County page will give you an example of what kind of records and information are available in Michigan.
Check in the area you are researching for local genealogical societies, historical societies and libraries. Put google to work for you! Many genealogical societies have an online presence and accept queries for their newsletter, some have volunteers to look up information. Historical societies know what is available and where to find it for their locality or can guide you where to go next. Many libraries have a local history section. Check the library's online catalog, if available. Tap into this valuable resource.
Come to Michigan. Visit our state library and archives, all in one building. Roam our cemeteries, explore our courthouses, and check out our local libraries. After a day of rewarding research, Michigan has even more to offer. Beautiful sunsets, sandy beaches, clear blue lakes, historic islands, rocky cliffs, and great people are yours to explore in Pure Michigan!

I used a variety of sources for the nine Pure Michigan Genealogy posts. A bibliography is listed here for your use.

Bentley Historical Library, "Religion Subject Guide", University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

http://bentley.umich.edu/research/guides/religion/index.php : (accessed 1 May 2013).

DeBoer, Shirley, M, NGS Research in the States Series: Michigan, Arlington, Virginia: National Genealogical Society, 2008.

Eichholz, Alice, Editor, Red Book, Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004.

Family Search, "Research Outline: Michigan", Harold B. Lee Library Brigham Young University. BYU Family History Library

http://net.lib.byu.edu/fslab/researchoutlines/US/Michigan.pdf: (accessed 26 April 2013).

Holick, Jennifer, Legacy QuickGuide Michigan Genealogy, Surprise, Arizona: Millenia Corportation, 2013.

McGinnis, Carol, Michigan Genealogy: Sources and Resources, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 2005.

"Michigan Land and Property", Family Search Research Wiki,

https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Michigan_Land_and_Property: (accessed 5 May 2013).

"Scandinavian Immigration", Harvard University Library, Immigration to the United States, 1789-1930.

http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/immigration/scandinavian.html: (accessed 26 April 2013).

"Using Maps in Genealogy", United States GeographicalSurvey,

http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs09902.html: (accessed 14 May 2013).

VanderHill, Warren C. Settling the Great Lakes Frontier: Immigration To Michigan, 1837-1924. Lansing, Michigan: Michigan Historical Commission, 1970.

Pure Michigan Genealogy is a series of posts on researching in Michigan. I am posting a blog article every day this week as Michigan celebrates Michigan Week. Michigan Week is a time when Michigan celebrates its' heritage. The End concludes the series on Michigan Genealogy. See below for the full list of posts.

Posted in Pure Michigan Genealogy

Cutie Pie is Three!

25 May 2013 10:00 AM Posted by Brenda Leyndyke 0 comments

My adorable niece, Cutie Pie, is three today. I hope she has a wonderful birthday. I wish I was there to celebrate with her. Cutie Pie's mom says she loves to do things for herself; is into a Princess stage, especially, Cinderella; likes to do arts and crafts and likes playing dress up. She watches PBS' Dinosaur Train and received Dinosaur Train characters for Christmas. My parents (Cutie Pie's grandparents) visited Cutie Pie this past year and my dad calls her little mook and she calls him big Mook. She talks to them on the phone and they video chat with her. I need to visit Cutie Pie more often because when we video chatted she was pretty quiet. Cutie Pie sent me a beautiful giraffe that she had finger-painted the spots on. I love it! I have it hanging on my refrigerator. Happy Birthday, Cutie Pie. I love you. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the past year of Cutie Pie.

Cutie Pie and I

GRarrrrrrrrr!

Cutie Pie Loves Elmo!

Pretty in Pink

A Cutie Pie Size Pumpkin

Elmo needed a candy break.

I'm going to be a BIG Sister! YaY!

(hmmm! I am going to have to think of a nickname for a boy)

M Go Blue! I think her Dad had a little influence here.

Posted in Cutie Pie

Pure Michigan Genealogy: Living History

8:04 AM Posted by Brenda Leyndyke 0 comments

Pure Michigan Genealogy

Are you looking for information that goes beyond dates and facts? You can "put the flesh on the bones" of your ancestors through social and living history information. Michigan has wonderful historic places and sources that will help you understand what different times in Michigan History was like.

Michigan Historical Museum-You can take an online gallery tour of exhibits on First People, Settling a State, Civil War, Farm and Factory, Lumbering, Mining, and Growing up in Michigan. Each one of these categories takes you to a wealth of information on Michigan History.
Downward Bound-photographs and articles about the Great Lakes Shipping industry are featured here.
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association-did you know that Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state? Michigan has over 100 lighthouses along it 3200 miles of shoreline. This website has historical pictures, articles, and information on lighthouse keepers.
Museums-Michigan has many wonderful, historical museums from blacksmith shops, to railway, to civilian conservation corps, and mining museums. Check out the hundreds of museums that Michigan offers by clicking on the museum name, if the museum has a website it will provide a link that will take you to that museum for photos and more information.
Detroit Historical Museum- a Detroit Historical Society museum has a variety of exhibits on display. It is the premiere museum for the Detroit region history.
Fort Mackinac-has the oldest building in Michigan on it. It takes you back to the days when the British controlled the fort.
Colonial Michilimackinac-view pictures of this outpost pretty much as it was in the 1700's.
Henry Ford Museum-a wonderful museum filled with historical automobiles, from JFK's limousine, to Rosa Parks bus to the Weinermobile. You will find more than cars here, though. Check out the interactive map on its' website.
Greenfield Village-on the grounds of the Henry Ford Museum. Go back in time to seven historical villages depicting the life and times of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and more.

You have your ancestor's birth, marriage and death information, now take a little time to put your ancestor in context to how they were living. Living History can give you a picture of what it was like for your ancestors to go about their daily home and work life and have a little fun while doing it.

Pure Michigan Genealogy is a series of posts on researching in Michigan. I am posting a blog article every day this week as Michigan celebrates Michigan Week. Michigan Week is a time when Michigan celebrates its' heritage. Living History is number eight in the series. Other posts in this series are below:

Posted in Pure Michigan Genealogy

Pure Michigan Genealogy: Maps

24 May 2013 7:51 AM Posted by Brenda Leyndyke 0 comments

Pure Michigan Genealogy

Maps are an important tool in your genealogy research. Maps have a treasure trove of information ready for you to decipher. Once you have accumulated a few facts, you will want to turn to maps to to truly understand your ancestors. You will want to learn how they lived and where they lived. You will want to look at old and new maps, online and paper maps. Maps are a good resource because they will give you clues for where to look for more information. If your grandparents owned a farm in Dickson Township, Manistee, Michigan, as mine did, you can look at the map and see what the nearest town is and where the county seat is located. Maps can show towns, cemeteries, railroads, streets and roads, rivers and so much more. There are many types of maps available for your Michigan research.

1. Plat Maps are usually found on a county by county format. They show land ownership at a certain place in a certain time. They can be found in local county equalization offices, local libraries, or at local MSU Extension offices.

2. Topographic Maps offer an opportunity to locate farmsteads using selected cultural and physical features of the landscape. Roads, fence lines, barns, orchards, gravel pits cemeteries, railroad tracks and schools are cultural features. Rivers, creeks, hills, valleys, lakes and swamps are physical features. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has articles on Using Maps in Genealogy. The USGS website has topographical maps for Michigan and other states.

3. Political Maps are the maps we usually use. They show cities, towns, counties, etc.

4. Fire Insurance maps will include businesses, schools, and churches.

For the purpose of this blog post, I will give a few online Michigan map sources:

Maps of Michigan-a county formation map, historical maps, and Department of Transportation maps can be found here.
Michigan Digital Map Library-early Michigan state and county maps are included.
American Memory Map Collection-this Library of Congress website has maps, cities and towns, military battles, transportation and communication, and other collections.
Historical Maps of Michigan-a wide variety of Michigan maps can be found here.
Michigan County Histories and Atlases-a searchable database that includes atlases.
Perry-Castaneda Library Map Collection-a few unusual maps are in this collection. Isle Royal National Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are found here.
Atlas of Historical Boundaries-this collection from Newberry Library contains great map resources.
David Rumsey Historical Map Collection-a great map resource for Michigan and other historical maps.
Maps at Pure Michigan-maps of economic characteristics, railroad maps, colleges and universities, commercial ports and more.
National Atlas-many printable maps are found here.
Plat Maps-historical Michigan plat maps at Seeking Michigan.
Google Maps and Google Earth-don't forget about these easy to use resources.

Pure Michigan Genealogy is a series of posts on researching in Michigan. I am posting a blog article every day this week as Michigan celebrates Michigan Week. Michigan Week is a time when Michigan celebrates its' heritage. Maps is number seven in the series. Other posts in the series are below.