Sunday, November 27, 2016

Celebrating the Life of-Olin F. Warner, Sr.

Celebrating the life of
Olin Forrest Warner, Sr.
Warner Olin Sr photo 1918 14 years old
(1918   14 years old)
Today is the 112th anniversary of my paternal grandfather’s birthday.

Olin was born to John Benjamin Warner and Carrie Eliza Terry Warner in Baiting Hollow, Suffolk County, New York on 27 November 1904.  Olin was the 5th of 6 boys born to John and Carrie.
Warner Bros.
(left side-back row)
In a letter Carrie wrote to her sister, Ella Terry Billard, on 15 December 1904 she said the following about the birth;
“When baby came had hardly time to get Alice [her sister-in-law who lived near by] here, so little warning did I have.  Thought at first I would not telephone for the Dr.  Knew he would not get here before the baby, but thought better about it, and sent for him.  It was so early that he could come right here.  Reached here about nine o’clock or a little later.  Mrs. Gordon about half an hour later.  Soon after Dr. came when every thing was over and all seemed to be going on so nicely I was taken with sinking spells, and threatened heart failure.  Dr. staid six hours, and was back again early in the morning, but after the first day I had no more drawbacks.”
In a letter dated 12 January 1905 Carrie tells Ella;
“ Baby (we are thinking of calling him Olin Forrest, Terry’s named him that) has mild colic I think, do not know what else it can be..  Has had ever since he was born, lots of wind.  Some days can do nothing but tend to him.  He grows, is a big strong fellow.  Sleeps good nights, but days he minds noise so much to be be able to sleep any.”
‘Terry’ was Olin’s older brother- 16 years old at the time of his birth.  ‘Forrest’ was the name of Carrie’s brother who helped on the farm in the Summer’s.
When my grandfather was 5 years old his mother passed away very suddenly from a stroke.  Olin and his brothers, that were still at home, moved with their father to a farm a few miles away in Aquebogue, New York. 

Ten years later when my grandfather was 15 years old his father John passed away from cancer,  Olin went to live with his older brother J. Wesley Warner and his wife Alice Aldrich Warner on their duck farm in Riverhead.


Warner Olin Sr photo HS
My grandfather bought his own duck farm a few miles away in Calverton, NY. in 1926 and began farming.
Warner Olin Sr. photo young adult

On 16 November 1929 Olin married Agnes Sarah King of Brooklyn, New York.  They would have 2 children and 7 grandchildren.

Olin would continue as a duck farmer in Calverton until his death on 8 February 1977 at the age of 73.
Warner Olin Sr

I remember my grandfather as a quiet man who loved his family very much.  I remember he had a beautiful smile and gave great hugs.  I remember that once in a while he like to tease us a little.  I remember being amazed that he remembered all 7 of his grandchildren’s ages and grades in school.  He liked to play bridge and I remember people saying that they hated to play against him because he remembered every card played.  I remember him reading a lot, especially his National Geographic magazines, the local Newspapers and Readers Digest.  I remember him falling asleep in his lounge chair while reading in the evenings after dinner then heading back out to check the farm before going to bed.  He was also very patient with his grandchildren and we liked to tag along with him on the farm.  When, as kids, we were in a hurry to go somewhere or do something he would say, "Hold your horses".  I remember going sometimes with my grandparents to the cemetery and listening to him telling me stories about our Warner ancestors.  He was a very good man and I’m proud he was my grandfather.
Happy Birthday Poppy!


If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby




Thursday, November 24, 2016

My 1st BLOGIVERSARY-Debby’s Family Genealogy Blog

 
image  
A look back at the last year- I owe so much thanks to fellow blogger and good friend Diane Gould Hall (Michigan Family Trails) who has helped me tremendously this past year, from setting up my blog to many suggestions and ideas to help me in my blogging endeavor.  I had tried several years ago to start a blog but never really got it off the ground.   Diane’s biggest suggestion was to blog regularly.  The goal I set for myself for the year was to write 50 blog posts.  While I have tried to post weekly, that hasn’t always worked out, but I’ve managed to write and publish – 53!   Some of my Favorite Posts this year- Are always my posts about my paternal Great Grandmother- Carrie’s letters.  Here are a few:
All time History Page Views- 3,698
Followers – 10
 
 
 What I’ve learned:
  • I think my research is more focused when I am working on a topic for a blog post.
  • When I am telling the story of my research I frequently find I have more information then I thought I had when I started writing the story.
  • Writing a summary of my research helps me realize where my gaps are and gives me a direction for more research.
My Frustration is that there never seems to be enough time to do more research and write more posts.

My goals for this next year: 
  • To once again publish at least 50 posts. 
  • To find some more ‘cousins’ to connect with
  • Finally complete my edits and research on Carrie’s Letters and get them published
I found out I can have my posts printed in a book format in order to save them.  I think this will create a good family story for me to save and share.

A Special thank-you to fellow bloggers Randy Seaver (Genea-Musings), Diane Gould Hall (Michigan Family Trails) Jana Iverson (Jana’s Genealogy and Family History Blog) and Thomas MacEntee -Genabloggers (May I Introduce to You….) for mentioning me in their blogs and patiently offering guidance as I learn how to do this.  
A VERY SPECIAL THANK-YOU TO ALL MY READERS!  I enjoy the comments you make and/or questions you ask.  I’m always looking for new directions to search.    It has been such a great year for me as a blogger.  I am looking forward to next year. On to future discoveries and new cousin connections.

Enjoy the journey,
Debby











Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Finding my Pilgrim Ancestors-John and Priscilla Alden

Mayflower
 
Growing up we knew nothing about our Alden connection.  There were no precious hand me down items and no stories of ancestors past that would have connected us to the Pilgrims. 

Back in the late 1980s while visiting my maternal Grandmother, Edna Cornell Hammond, with my son and mother in upstate NY I was asking about where the older cemeteries were located for different ancestors.  After replying “Oh, you’re interested in ….that (genealogy)” Grandma pointed out a large envelope on the counter that someone had sent her that contained some family information.  She told me that a year or so before a Minister had stopped by and asked her a lot of questions about her family.  Then he sent her this packet of information.  I asked to borrow the envelop for the evening and was told to take it because she had no interest in it.  That night at the motel I was amazed at the treasure trove of information that was in the envelope!  It lead me back to my Pilgrim Ancestors- John and Priscilla Alden.  HOW EXCITING!!!!


Over the years I have done a little research here and there to try and verify the information in the envelope.  Recently I decided to make the commitment and seriously work on confirming this line so I can join the General Society of Mayflower Descendants and the Alden Kindred of America.  (See blog post entitled Which Historical Societies Will You Join?)


When I was researching John & Pricilla’s great-great-great grandson Timothy Alden (see blog post entitled Using County Histories to Find Information-Timothy Alden) I came across the following information from a booklet HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY (PA) by H.C. Bradsby published in 1892.

“HON. JOHN ALDEN, ancestor of most persons bearing the name of Alden in this country, was one of the Plymouth Pilgrims, and the last male survivor of those who came in the " May Flower," and signed the compact in her cabin in 1620. He was not of the Leyden Church, but as Bradford in his " History of Plymouth Plantation informs us, was hired for a cooper at Southampton, where the ship victualed, and being a hopeful young man, was much desired, but was left to his own liking to go or stay when he came here, so stayed and married here. He was distinguished for practical wisdom, integrity and decision, and early acquired, and retained during his long life, a commanding influence over his associates. He was much employed in public business, was an assistant to the governor many years, and, in every position he occupied, fulfilled his duties promptly and to the satisfaction of his employers. So far as is known his ancestry in England has not been traced. He was born in 1599, and died at Duxbury, September 12, 1687, in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people, and his sons buried him. He married, in 1621, Priscilla, daughter of Mr. Molines or Mullens, who with his family came also in the " May Flower," and both died in the February succeeding their landing. Tradition represents Priscilla to have been very beautiful in her youth, and John also was a comely person, and considering his other accomplishments, it is not surprising that when he was sent by Capt. Standish, after the death of his wife, to solicit her hand in marriage, she preferred the messenger to the message:
      But as, he warmed and glowed, in his simple and eloquent language, Quite forgetful of self, and full of the praise of his rival,
      Archly the maiden smiled, and, with eyes overrunning with laughter,
      Said, in a tremulous voice, why don't you speak for yourself, John?
      Their residence, after a few years, was in Duxbury, on the north side of the village, on a farm which is still in possession of their descendants of the seventh generation, having never been alienated. It was supposed, until recently, that John and Priscilla Alden had but eight children. Bradford, however, states in his history, that, at the time of his writing, they were both living and had eleven children : John (born about 1622), Joseph (born 1624), John, Elizabeth (born 1625), Jonathan, S'arah, Ruth, Mary, David and two whose names are unknown.”

      Thanksgiving now holds a new meaning for me.  Among the list of things I am thankful for this year I also want to take the time to be thankful for John & Priscilla.

      I will continue to research John & Priscilla and their heirs.  As I learn more about the Pilgrims and the lives they led I can’t begin to imagine what it was like for them.  Priscilla was a young woman of 17 traveling with her parents and brother to this new, unknown world so far away, hoping for a place to practice their religion without problems, only to have her parents die during the winter.  John taking this wild adventure as a ‘cooper’ (barrel maker) on the ship and then deciding to stay in this new world so far from home.  I know their lives were beyond hard and so much like food, shelter and the Native Americans were such unknowns in this new world.  But they survived and prospered despite all the odds against them.  I am grateful they persevered in this great new land!
            Happy Thanksgiving!
            If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
            Enjoy the journey,
            Debby

        Monday, November 21, 2016

        Amanuensis Monday-Daniel Warner’s Will 1781


        Daniel Warner was my paternal 5th great grandfather.  In my direct Warner line there are 4 Daniel Warners.  This can get a little confusing, to say the least.  I am calling this Daniel - Daniel Warner I to keep them straight.

        Daniel was the sixth of 7 children born to Nathaniel Warner and Deborah Reeve Warner.  Daniel was born in 1731 in Jamesport, Suffolk County, New York.  (His father Nathaniel was reportedly the first Warner to come to Long Island, New York in the early 1700s.)

        Daniel married Hannah Petty on 16 Dec 1756.  Daniel and Hannah had 10 children; Daniel, Nathaniel, James, Deborah, John, David, Benjamin, Hannah (lived to 3 years old), Hannah, Mehetable.  At the time of the writing of Daniel’s will in 1781 only 5 of the 10 children were still living; James, Deborah, David, Benjamin and Mehetable.

        Daniel passed away on 6 Mar 1787 in Jamesport, New York.  Hannah lived another 27 years dying in 1814 without remarrying.

        Daniel’s will:
        Warner Daniel I Will original Warner Daniel I Will original 2
        Warner Daniel I Will original 3 Warner Daniel I Will original 4
         
         
        The transcription of the Will is:
         
        In the Name of God Amen the eighth day of October in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand, seven hundred and eighty one. I, Daniel Warner of the Town of Southold in the County of Suffolk and province of New York in America Yeoman being in Common health of body and of a sound disposing mind and memory (thanks be given to God for the same) and Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die Do make & Ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say, principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God who gave it and for my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner & form, that is to say,   Imprimi’s [in the first place] I give and bequeath the Improvement of all my lands meadows and buildings unto my beloved wife Hannah Warner so long as she remains my Widow and no longer.  
        _Item my Will is that all my lands and meadows with the buildings, privileges and appurtenances there unto belonging be equally divided in quantity and quality into three equal parts or divisions between my three sons James Warner, David Warner and Benjamin Warner after my Wife’s Interest in the same, and after the legacys are paid which I give as follows, the one third part of all my lands meadows and buildings I give and bequeath to my son James Warner his heirs, and assigns forever after my Wife’s Interest in the same he having his first Choice.

        _Item I give and bequeath unto my son David Warner his heirs, and assigns forever one third part of all lands, meadows, buildings as above said after my Wife’s Interest in the same he having his second choice.

        _Item I give and bequeath unto my son Benjamin Warner his heirs, and assigns forever one third part of all lands meadows, buildings as above said after my Wife’s Interest in in the same.

        _Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Deborah Warner two hundred pounds in York money to be levied out of my moveable estate.

        _Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mehetabel Warner two hundred pounds in York money to be levied out of my moveable estate and my will is that if in case either of my sons shall decease before they arrive at the age of twenty one years and without lawful heirs of their body that then is here intended for them shall be equally divided between the surviving brethren.

        _Item my Will is that after all my just debts, funeral and other necefsary Charges are paid and also the legacys above said that then all the remainder of all my movable estate give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Hannah Warner to dispose of as she shall think fitting among my Children.

        _Lastly I do hereby nominate, Constitute and appoint my well beloved wife Hannah Warner to be my Executrix and my trusty and well beloved Cousin James Reeve Esqr to be my Executor to execute this my last Will and testament according to the true meaning and intent thereof and I do hereby make void, revoke and dysanull all and every other former Wills, testaments and legacies, ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and testament. In Confirmation whereof I have to set my hand and seal on the day & year first written

        Daniel Warner     LS_
          Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said Daniel Warner as his last Will and testament in the presence of us subscribers. _Daniel Wells, Matthew Beale, James Youngs ________ Suffolk Co}fs.   


        Be it remembered that on the twenty seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and eighty seven personally came and appeared before me Jared Landon Surrogate of the said County Daniel Wells Esquire and James Young Yeoman both of Southold in the County and being duly sworn on their oaths declared that they and each of them did see Daniel Warner sign and seal the within written Instrument purporting to be the Will of the said Daniel Warner bearing date the eight day of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one and heard him publish and declare the same as and for his last Will and testament that at the time thereof he the said Daniel Warner was of sound disposing mind and memory to the best of the knowledge and belief of them the Deponants, and that Matthew Beale and the Deponants severally subscribed the said Will as Witnefses thereto in the Testator’s presents.

         __________ Jarod Landon Surrogate


        The People of the State of New York by the grace of God Free and Independent to all to whom these Presents shall come or may Concern Lend Greeting. Know Ye that at Suffolk County on the twenty seventh day of March last before Jared Landon Esquire thereunto by us delegates and appointed the last Will and testament of Daniel Warner deceased (a Copy whereof is hereunto annexed) was known and is now approved and allowed of by us and the said Deceased having whilst he lived and at the time of his death goods, Chattels or Credits within this State by means whereof the proving and Registering the said Will and the granting Administration of all and singular the said goods, Chattels and Credits and also the auditing allowing and final discharging the account thereof doth belong unto us. The Administration of all and singular the goods, Chattels and Credits of the said deceased and any way Concerning his Will is granted unto Hannah Warner an Executrix in the said Will named she being first duly sworn will & faithfully to Administration the same and to make and exhibit a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the said goods, Chattels and Credits and also to render a just and true account thereof when thereunto required. In Testimony where we have caused the seal of Office of our said Surrogate to be hereunto affixed.

        Witnefs Thomas Tredwell Esquire Surrogate of our said County at Smithtown the nineteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and eighty seven and of our Independence the Eleventh.

        Thomas Tredwell
         
         
        Some thoughts I had after reading Daniel’s will:
        • Daniel was obviously a God fearing man by his statements
        • Daniel loved his wife Hannah (“my well beloved wife”) and trusted her decisions
        • I was pleased to see that he named his wife as Executrix and put her interests first
        • Sad to see that he was predeceased by 5 of his children
        • Pleased that he left something to both of his daughters and not just his sons
        • Daniel felt blessed by the life he had lived in the 1700s
        If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
         
        Enjoy the journey,
        Debby

         

        Friday, November 11, 2016

        Veteran’s Day–Honoring My Hero


        Veterans-Day-USA-Flag

        Today is our official day to thank the many men and women who have served, or currently serve, our country in the Armed Forces.  Veterans Day has been celebrated on November 11th to commemorate the day that World War I ended. Originally known as Armistice Day until being changed in 1954 to Veterans Day.  A day of honoring Americans veterans of all wars. 


        So, today I would like to honor my hero, my Dad, who is a Veteran of the Korean War.  He served in the Army from 1954-1956. 
        Dad in uniform Dad in uniform 4
        He was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey and at Fort Richardson, Alaska (land of my birth).

        Dad in uniform 2
        Dad in uniform 3
          Serving in the Snow in Alaska
         
        So, thank-you Dad for serving our Country and thank-you to all the men and women who have or are currently serving!
         
        36183568-veterans-day-pictures
        Enjoy the journey,
        Debby