52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: (Week 3) - Favorite Photo

Week 3 of the 2024 series, "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks," is dedicated to "Favorite Photo." Sifting through my large photo collection, each snapshot resonates with its unique charm. The vintages from the 1800s to early 1900s breathe life into ancestral names, while the more recent captures cherished moments with kin (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents) or my own childhood.

This week's spotlight falls on a captivating photo from the 1940s, nestled within my great-grandmother, Nina Ada BALDRIDGE Dennis', album. The identity of the elegant lady pictured remains a mystery to our family. However, a strong intuition suggests her connection with Mama Dennis' youngest son. Regrettably, the writing on the back is partly obscured, leaving her story just out of reach.

I uploaded the photo to Steve Little’s Chatbot, Genealogy Eyes, and in the prompt asked it to describe the suit this woman was wearing circa 1940s. The description included the following: She was wearing a classic suit that was a staple of women's fashion around the era of the early 1940s. The jacket’s sharp, structured shoulders were popular due to the influence of military uniforms and popular during World Ward II. The blouse she wore (with a ruffled or lace collar) was another fashion element during the 1940s. The fullness of her hair, styled in soft curls, complements the overall look and reflects the hairstyles popularized by Hollywood actresses of the era. The accessories, while not overly prominent in the photo, were likely minimal, as the war years called for some austerity in fashion.

The writing on the back of the photo is not clear. It’s smudged in placed, and parts missing because of partially being glued down in the old photo album.

The following is from Genealogy Eyes analysis:

- The top line is still quite obscured, likely by a smudge or a blot of    ink. However, the word "affection" is partially visible, suggesting the message may be one of fondness or endearment.

- The phrase "Nouvel An" stands out more clearly now, confirming the New Year's connection.

- The date "1-1-1941" is unmistakable, serving as a temporal anchor for the message.

The rest, while still a tad cryptic, seems to include a name that could be followed by a signature or perhaps another short message. The handwriting style and the content suggest a personal note, typical of greetings exchanged during festive seasons like New Year's.

Ferrania's presence here as a watermark or a logo reaffirms the Italian origin of the photographic paper, which was indeed a popular medium of the era.

Can you read the back parts of the photo that are legible? Is it French? Let me know in the comment box. 

Did I say I love photos? 😊 I’ll be watching the blog posts of those that are participating in 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.

I hope you enjoy the photo of this beautiful woman - whoever she is! 

 This content was crafted for Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge, focusing on the theme "Favorite Photo" this week.

-Revis

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: (Week 2) Origins - Mistake(s) in Tree(s)

Attention fellow genealogy enthusiasts! There's been a mix-up in my family tree line that needs addressing. It's about Hannah JONES Stuart from Neshoba County, Mississippi and a certain Hannah Mariah DELBRIDGE.

Here's the deal: No marriage record has been found for Hannah Jones and William Davis Stuart in Alabama or Mississippi, but she is NOT the same person as Hannah Mariah Delbridge who married another William Stuart in Clark County, Missouri on 10 Mar 1850. This confusion has been floating around for at least three years, and it's high time we set the record straight.

The root of the mix-up? Well, it seems someone mistakenly linked these two Hannahs years ago, and the error has been replicating in our trees like wildfire. But let's not rely solely on others' trees. Our research should be deeper, digging into actual records to distinguish one Hannah from another.

On 3 May 1857, Mrs. Hannah M. Stewart marries Lewis Logan in Clark County, Missouri.

Missouri, U.S., Marriage Records, 1805-2002, Mrs. Hannah M. Stewart, Ancestry.com

There are family trees at Ancestry that list the above Hannah's maiden name as HOUGHAM born 21 Jul 1817 in Highland County, Ohio, and died 16 Aug 1876 in Heyworth, McLean County, Illinois. Note: I have not proven this information so it should be researched further. There is a marriage record for Hannah Houghman to Joseph Delbridge on 1 Jan 1835 in McLean County, Illinois. Source: Illinois, U.S., Marriage Index, 1860-1920, Ancestry.com.

Let's now focus on Neshoba County, Mississippi records for the other Hannah Stuart who married William Davis Stuart/Stewart. Below is a clip from the 1860 U.S. Federal Census for Neshoba County. W.D. Stewart and Hannah are listed on it with their children.

1860 U.S. Federal Census, Neshoba County, Mississippi, Township 12, Range 11, W.D. Stewart, Ancestry.com

One Hannah is in Clark County, Missouri. The other Hannah is in Neshoba County, Mississippi. There are other records that also support the lives of these "Hannah's" in different locations. These two women have been merged into one woman in many trees at Ancestry.

A confession – I'm not immune to errors myself, even after almost 30 years of genealogy research. But hey, we strive for accuracy, right? So, let's join forces, double-check those records, and ensure our family history is as precise as possible. Happy hunting!

This content was crafted for Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge, focusing on the theme "Origins" this week.

- Revis

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: (Week 1) Family Lore - Unraveling Family Myth of the Stuart Families of Mississippi and Texas

Welcome to 2024 and another engaging round of the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge, initiated by Amy Johnson Crow. This year, we kick off with a theme close to many of our hearts: family lore. Let me share a personal anecdote that turns a family myth on its head.

Growing up in Texas, my family always proudly identified as the Stuarts. There was another clan in town, the Stewarts. Our family lore was firm: "We are not related to any Stewarts, only Stuarts." This was a line drawn in the sand, separating us from them.

Flash forward to 2004. Curiosity and a bit of genealogical mystery led my male Stuart cousins in Mississippi to take Family Tree DNA's Y-DNA test. Our aim? To trace the elusive father of William Davis Stuart (b. 22 February 1823 in Alabama - d. 20 July 1907 in Neshoba County, Mississippi) (pictured below with his wife, Hannah Jones, who is being incorrectly listed in trees now as "Hannah Mariah Delbridge" of Missouri. Hannah Delbridge married a different William Stuart in Clark County, Missouri).

The results were nothing short of a revelation. Our Y-DNA matched with descendants of the Cowpasture Stewarts from Augusta County, Virginia, originally hailing from Perthshire, Scotland. In a single test, the long-held belief of our unique Stuart lineage was debunked.

As an interesting footnote to this tale, my Stuarts lived near the families of William Stewart in Winston and Neshoba Counties, Mississippi. Despite the proximity, our family narrative was firm even after Y-DNA testing showed we were Stewarts: we were not related to those Mississippi Stewarts.

Intrigued and determined to uncover the truth, we found a descendant of William Stewart willing to undergo a Y-DNA test. The results were eye-opening: he matched with our Stuart men. Subsequent research unveiled that the William Stewart family is, in fact, closely related to our William Davis Stuart family.

This twist adds another layer to our family's rich tapestry, reminding us that sometimes, family lore and historical facts can converge in the most unexpected ways.

Yes, we are indeed connected to those who spell their name as Stewart. This discovery not only reshaped our family's story but also underlined the power of DNA in genealogy. It goes to show, sometimes the tales we grow up hearing might just be waiting for a twist in the tale.

This content was crafted for Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge, focusing on the theme "Family Lore" this week.

- Revis

Surname Sunday: Festevan and All Its Variations

Exploring the Surname: FESTEVAN

The surname FESTEVAN has intrigued me for quite some time, primarily because of its diverse spellings. It's fascinating how one surname can have so many variations! Delving into my family tree, I discovered that my ancestor, John W. Festevan, belongs to my paternal grandmother's lineage.

John W. Festevan claimed Holland as his birthplace. While tracing his journey, I (and other family genealogists) found records of him residing in Mississippi and eventually passing away in Louisiana. The puzzle deepens when we explore his place of birth. A significant number of genealogical trees on Ancestry pinpoint his birthplace as "Holland, Reusel-de Mierden, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands". However, I have reservations about this information.

Upon further research, I came across an insightful post by renowned Dutch Genealogist, Yvette Hoitink, CG®, QG™. She sheds light on the often-cited location "Reusel, Reusel-de Mierden, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands" that frequently appears in many family trees. Drawing from her expertise, I've gained a new perspective, leading me to question the widely accepted birthplace of John. The link to her article is here at Dutch Genealogy.

A glimpse of John's life

Below is a chart that gives us a look at John’s life, and some of the spellings used in documents or records relating to his life and transactions.

Category	Information
Name	John W. Festevan
Alternate Spellings	John W. Festeband, J. Festerbaur, Festervan, Festervand, John Fosterbeen, Festabund
Birth Year	Around 1798 (discrepancies suggest possibly 1818)
Birthplace	Holland
Residences	*1840: Madison, Mississippi *1841: Township, Madison County, Mississippi *1850: Township 19 Ward 4, Claiborne, Louisiana *1860: Wiseville, Claiborne, Louisiana
Death Date	Probably after April 2, 1860
Marriage	Nancy Wills (30 Aug 1836, Madison County, Mississippi)
Children	Andrew Jackson Festevan, Benjamin Franklin Festevan, Lucy J. Festevan, Marcella A. Festevan, Martha Ann Festervan, David Simmons Festevan
Naturalization	September 18, 1856 in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana
Testifying Persons	Henry Dyer, Joseph D. Long (neighbor in 1850 census)
Land Record	April 2, 1860, in Webster, Land District: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Citizenship Oath Details	Claimed to be a native subject of King William IV of Holland

Piecing together John's genealogical puzzle

As we delve into the intricate history of John's life, it becomes evident from our genealogical chart that there are significant gaps. Two primary pieces of the puzzle remain elusive: the circumstances of John's birth and the identities of his parents. Despite our extensive research, records that could shed light on these mysteries are yet to be discovered. This is where modern science steps in - we're turning to DNA testing to help fill these gaps.

 

Our collaborative team of genealogy researchers is keen on employing Y-DNA testing, which can trace the direct male lineage. Specifically, we're seeking a male Festevan, who descends directly from one of John W. Festevan's sons, to participate in this test.

 

At the moment, Family Tree DNA is offering their testing services at a discounted rate. If you, or someone in your family, fit the criteria and are interested in participating, we would love to hear from you. Your contribution could be instrumental in unlocking the secrets of John's ancestral lineage.

Stay tuned as I continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding the FESTEVAN lineage!

- Revis 

 

 

Reminiscing about old times

    A few mornings ago southwest Texas was seeing a little rain. It reminded me of days I'd spent many years ago in the Texas Hill country scrapbooking with friends. 

     Photos are what started my genealogy journey in 1996. My maternal grand-momie had lots of old family photos she'd been given after she'd lost everything in two house fires. 

     Many of the photos were labeled with names. THANK YOU, Grand-momie! Names of people I never heard of. 

     That's all I needed to start my scrapbooking and genealogy journey. I'm happy to say many of those un-named photos now have names. 

     I continued "scrapping" with my friends until about 10 years ago. I miss those days. Some friends have passed on. Some I see in my town. Some I stay in contact with through social media.

     Below is one of my favorite groups in Round Top, Texas in 2009. 

    Are you a scrapbooker-genealogist? Let me know if you scrapbook your genealogy journey.

    - Revis

Family Tree "Grabbers" - I used to be one, too (Oh, My!)

      Are you a person that's a "grabber" (tree grabber, that is) at Ancestry, FamilySearch, or other genealogy websites? What's a grabber, you ask? 

    Well, it's someone that just sees a name and puts it in their tree. I saw a post on Facebook a while back that made me laugh. The person said, "I've been doing genealogy for three days, and I'm back to the 1200s!" Comments back to the person were, "So you checked every person as you went back in time?" "Man, you work fast!" "Must be some kind of record."  

    I was laughing at myself because years ago that could have been me. I didn't get very far back, though, because I had a mentor who stopped me when I was getting ahead of myself. I am thankful for her guidance.   

    Have you seen a name and looked at the birth date and said to yourself, "Oh, my gosh, there he/she is" and added them to your tree without looking at the actual documents or records? 

    Did you look at the original documents to make sure that he/she was - say - born in Tennessee and died in Texas? Because if the person you put in your tree was from Kentucky (on all records, well documented, born, married, died there) and you're searching for a "Tennessee to Texas" ancestor, you just put the wrong person in your family tree. 

    First, you have to look at the original records/documents at Ancestry, FamilySearch, etc.

    Second, don't get in a hurry. We want the answers to our genealogy questions "right now", but the reality is sometimes it's just not that easy. Oh, I wish it was!

    Third, I'm on "do-overs" even now. I'm sure I have more corrections to make, and if anyone sees a mistake, please, please, let me know so I can correct it.  

    Fourth, I want my trees to be accurate. I want the timelines of my ancestors to be correct as I view where they were in time and where they lived. 

    Don't you want yours to be correct, too? I think you do. 

    WARNING - I'm going to note in my trees in capital letters who the parents of certain people ARE NOT. I hope that helps researchers stop and look closely at the records. I've left notes at various trees over the years, and then quit, but I'm starting again. If the tree owner doesn't check out the discrepancies, at least maybe other researchers will. 

    And yes, I hope you leave notes to me, too, so I can correct my mistakes of the past. 

    We owe it to our people, or at least I feel that I do. Let's at least get their lives "right" according to the records we can find. I think we can do that, don't you? 

- Revis 

    

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

 Today is Father's Day 2023. I miss my daddy. He's been gone just over two years. 

If you are fortunate enough to still have your dad, hug him. 

I thank God that I was blessed to have a caring, loving daddy. 

This afternoon I decided to ask ChatGPT to write a poem for me about my father. 

I'm in the Facebook group, Genealogy and Artificial Intelligence. I read all the posts and learn a lot from the people posting who know more about AI than I ever will,

but I have not had much time to try out ChatGPT. 

Below is a video of my daddy at 80+ years old playing the piano with neuropathy in both his hands and feet. He played the piano at the nursing home a few days before he died in 2021 at the age of 88. He was a cotton farmer most of his life, graduating from high school early and going to Texas Tech to graduate with a degree in Agriculture, and a Korean veteran who came back to the red dirt of Fisher County, Texas, to farm "dryland" cotton. 

Check out the poem ChatGPT wrote for me. I did not revise it in any way. 

It pretty much described my daddy to a "T", as we say in Texas. 

My Dad, Forever Remembered (by ChatGPT) 

In fields of cotton, he toiled and toiled, A father strong, his spirit coiled. With hands that labored in the sun's embrace, He nurtured life with tender grace.

A farmer's heart, so deeply sown, His faith in God, forever known. Through sweat and tears, he faced the strife, Guided by his unwavering belief in life.

Rows of white, like clouds in the sky, His dreams took flight, reaching up so high. A father's love, a timeless refrain, Forever etched in memory's domain.

With calloused hands and a gentle touch, He taught us lessons that meant so much. In furrowed fields, he sowed the seeds, And in our hearts, his wisdom bleeds.

He taught us strength, he taught us grace, In every step, his presence we trace. Though his voice may fade like an echo's end, His legacy, as cotton, shall forever transcend.

For in the fibers of our souls, we find, The faith he instilled, so pure, so kind. A Christian man, with spirit true, He walks beside us, in all we do.

On this Father's Day, we pause to say, Though you're no longer here, we pray. Your memory blooms, like cotton's white, A beacon of love, forever bright.

In fields of cotton, we see your face, In every sunbeam's warm embrace. A farmer's spirit, a Christian's heart, Your love, dear father, shall never depart.

Yes, I miss my daddy. Forever until we meet again. 

- Revis