Military Monday – Vel L. Garnett – Vietnam

What better day than the 25^th anniversary of our marriage to highlight my late husband on Military Monday.

Vel L. Garnett (1947-2003) enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on 5 July 1966 and was discharged on 4 Jun 1972.  He was in Golf Company, 2nd Battalion 9th Marines  or “Hell in a Helmet”, as they called it.  Vel received the Purple Heart for injuries he received in September 1969.  He floated around on a hospital ship recuperating, then was sent back to his unit in January 1967.   I don’t know much about Vel’s experiences there, as he was like many Vietnam era veterans and didn’t talk much about it.  In the year before his death, he had really started making progress toward overcoming some of Post Traumatic Stress he suffered from for so long.  He began to reach out and connect with some of “his brothers” he had served with – swapping pictures, telling stories, reminiscing.

In researching Vel’s unit, I did come across an excellent blog by Beth Crumley on the Marine Corps Association & Foundation site: ‘2d Battalion, 9th Marines in 1967- “Hell in a Helmet”’, describing the 2/9’s activity during 1967.  No wonder they called it “Hell in a Helmet”.  I am trying to track down some of Vel’s buddies during his time in Vietnam to get a better picture of what it was like for them.    Maybe they can help me identify some snapshots he had.  Somewhere in a box in storage there is a large bundle of letters that Vel wrote to his parents while he was in the Marines.  I need to find them and preserve them so his children and grandchildren can know what a truly  brave soul he was.

Cure for Genealogy ADHD? No, Just Interventions

I ran across a very humorous blog recently…Heather Kuhn Roelker’s blog post on her Roots for Trees blog: “Cure for genealogy ADD?“

Heather’s blog kicked my brain into gear.  In my non-genealogy life I am a school psychologist, and have worked with far too many kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder over the years (I also raised one, too).  I don’t think that many of us genealogists have adult onset ADHD, although it may seem that way, at times!  Rather, it appears that the easily accessed on-line information overloads our brains to the point that we can easily become distractible and disorganized, two hallmarks of the primarily inattentive type of ADHD.

I’ll be the first to admit that many times my brain has been stuck in that distractibility loop while doing on-line research.  I’ll start out looking at a census record for a Smith family I am researching, notice that great-uncle George’s family is living next door, and wonder if I looked up George’s death certificate on the new Missouri death record database.  I check my RootsMagic file, head over to the Missouri death records, decide to see who else I missed, re-check the RM file, pull up 5 more death records, notice great-uncle John, wonder if I looked up great-uncle John’s Civil War service….and so on and so on and so on –the loop is stuck.  If I’m lucky, I might get back to the original Smith family I was researching.

The same thing happens with my paper files, too.  Certainly if they were well organized I would have less temptation to become distracted.  I try to find a probate record, which, of course, is not filed where it should be.  Move on to the file tub full of records waiting to be filed.  Start digging through the papers, finally find the probate I’m looking for, but notice an early divorce record.  Did I transcribe that yet?  Check the computer to determine that I had not.  Grab the divorce record and forget all about the probate I originally came looking for.  It happens to the best of us.  The sheer volume of information we collect can become overwhelming.

With rapid access to voluminous amounts of records, our organization skills tend to decline.  Need I mention those piles of papers, or computer files waiting to be sorted and put into the proper place?  Time elapses, and instead of the piles disappearing, they seem to grow!  What we need is methods to sustain our attention to tasks, whether they be researching tasks or organizing tasks.  Naturally, with my background, I came up with a few methods to intervene with our ADHD brain patterns and behaviors, and get us back on track.

 

Interventions for Genealogy ADHD:

1. Develop Research Plans & Use Them – Research plans for guiding your genealogy research help to maintain your focus.  They aren’t difficult to develop, and actually can be fairly simple.  Keep your research plans close at hand to remind yourself to use them.  Perhaps a sticky note reminder near your computer will help.  Start out with:
   • What do I want to know (i.e., John Smith’s birthdate),
   • What do I already know
   • Where can I find this information (census records, vital records, etc.)
   • How will I go about accessing this information (specific websites or repositories to search
   • What did I learn
2. Use Research Logs – Research logs (also called research calendars) facilitate source identification and citation, and keep us from running around in circles.  Logs keep track of what you found, where you found it, and when you found it.  Admit it…how many times have you realized that you have re-traced your steps and located a source more than once.  Besides that, research logs make it so much easier to attach the source citation to the information found.  Easier ways of doing things always work for me.  Yes, it is cumbersome when beginning to use a research log, but the rewards are well worth it.  Family Search has both PDF and Word versions. The genealogy software I use, RootsMagic, allows you to create research logs within the program, and there is a webinar on how to do it.  Tom MacEntee has a great input form in Google Docs Templates.  And, with Evernote and OneNote using research logs should now be easier than ever before!
3. Organize Your Paper and Digital Files – Develop a system for organizing your information.  Numerous resources are available, google “organizing genealogy research” and there are numerous useful sites (start with FamilySearch.org’s “Organizing Your Files”).  This is an on-going process that many of us have worked on for years.  Also, check out my friend, Susan’s, new blog, The Organized Genealogist.
4. Accomplish Your Goals by Breaking Large Projects Into Small, Manageable Parts. – The trick is to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed.  Looking at the stacks of papers and files that need to be sorted and organized fills most of us with a feeling of dread and hopelessness.  Narrow your focus by tackling a small portion at a time.  Set a goal of short increments of time several times a week.
5. Reward Yourself – We would like to think that the intrinsic value of staying focused and organized is reward enough itself.  In reality, we all work for rewards, whether they be social or tangible.  When you accomplish a goal or a change in behavior, no matter how small, share your success with your colleagues, family, and friends.  Social praise is highly reinforcing for the majority of us.  Find small ways to reward yourself.

 

Betty’s Prom – 1947

I’m a little late getting this out, as Prom season is almost over for the year.  For my nieces and nephews – this is Granny (Betty Ellen Taylor Smith Schwartman) ready to attend her high school Prom in 1947.  She and her mother (Amy Ruth Harper Taylor) made the dress.  Look at all the ribbon detail on each of the layers and around the neck & sleeves!

The prom was most likely held in the high school gymnasium, gaily decorated for the occasion.  The prom would have included a dinner, followed by dancing.  I’m sure they danced the night away to the swing and big band tunes of the era — Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, as well as ballads from the “Crooners”, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.  I bet Granny had a grand time!

Land Records Symposium in Beatrice, Nebraska

Mark your calendar for July 12 & 13!  The 2013 Land Records Symposium will be held in Beatrice, Nebraska. This is an on-going collaboration between the Homestead National Monument and Southeast Community College.  Conferences in previous years have been outstanding, and this year’s should prove to be no less, with a line-up of national speakers. Come join the fun!

landrecordssymposium

Sentimental Sunday – Miss you, Mom

It has been 6 years…it doesn’t seem that long.  I miss you, Mom.  Thank you for you encouraging me to follow my dreams, holding my hand and giving me strength when I needed it, but most of all for your steadfast LOVE.  I love you, Mom, and I will always be your “baby doll”.

Tombstone Tuesday – Charles M. and Mary J. (Howell) Smith

Smith Tombstone, Greenwood Cemetery, York, Nebraska – Section J, Lot 62

Charles Marshall Smith1,2,3,4 was born5 on 1 Mar 1851 in Wapello County, Iowa, the son of Charles H. Smith and Sarah Daubenheyer. He died5 on 3 Nov 1927 in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California. He was buried6 in Greenwood Cemetery, York, York County, Nebraska.

Charles married7 Mary Jane Howell, daughter of Matthew Howell and Mary Jane Watkins, on 11 Nov 1870 in Wapello County, Iowa. Mary was born8 on 28 Mar 1851 in Monmouthshire, England. She died9,10 on 10 Oct 1910 in Surprise, Butler County, Nebraska. She was buried in Greenwood Cemetery,York, York County, Nebraska.

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1    1880 Federal Census: Nebraska, York Co., McFadden Twp., p. 508, dw. 117, fam. 117.

2    1900 Federal Census: Nebraska, York Co., McFadden Twp., p. 109A, dw. 177, fam. 177.

3  Homestead Application, Applic. # 15993, Final Cert. # 10658.

4  Iowa, Wapello Co.: Land Records, Bk 41, p. 347-350.

5  Certificate of Death.

6  Photo of Gravestones.

7  Iowa, Wapello Co.: Marriage Records, Bk 2, p 65.

8  Nebraska: Certificate of Death.

9    Nebraska: Certificate of Death.

10  Obituary, 20 Oct 1910.

 

Military Monday – The Smith Boys

Charles, Bob, and George Smith – circa 1946

 

Four of the sons of John A. and Margaret (Neville) Smith of McCool Junction, Nebraska served in the Armed Forces during the World War II era:  Robert E. (1922 – 1995) and James C. (1923 – 1987) served in the U.S. Army Air Forces, George H. (1925 – 1968) served in the U.S. Marine Corps (George also served during the Korean War), and Charles M. (1927 – 1969) served in the U.S. Army.

(Thanks again, Mary Beth Coffey, for the photo)!

Sunday’s Obituary – Mary Jane (Howell) Smith

Grandpa Smith’s mother -

“Mrs. Charles M. Smith.  The funeral services of Mrs. Chas. M. Smith took place Thursday afternoon at the Methodist church.  At 1:30 a brief service was held at the home on Burlington Avenue, conducted by the members of the Royal Neighbors of McCool, assisted by members of the same order from York.  The service at the church was conducted by Rev. A. B. Bennet.  A quartette composed of Miss Clara Graham, Miss Cora Conaway, Messrs. Leonard Childs and Mansfield Hervey, sang several numbers.  Many floral tributes were sent by friends in token of esteem and sympathy.  Interment was made in Greewood cemetery.   Mrs. Smith was born in England and came to America with her parents Mathew and Jane Howell, when she was nine years old.  The family home was first in Ohio and afterward in Wapello County, Iowa and here she was married to Charles M. Smith in 1870.  In 1874 they came to York County, where they have since made their home.  They lived for a number of years on a farm south of McCool.  Several years ago they moved to this city.  Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, all living and residents of Nebraska.  They are, George Smith of Ansley, Mrs. Peterson of Fairmont, Frank Smith of Blake, John Smith of McCool, Mrs. B.T. Price of Thayer, Mrs. Don Severn, who was detained at her home by illness, the sons and daughters were present at the service.  Mrs. Smith is survived by a brother and two sisters.   During her residence of more than 36 years in the county, Mr. and Mrs. Smith have made a wide acquaintance and there are scores of friends who mourn her loss and extend sympathy and mourn her loss with the bereaved family.  Death came suddenly to Mrs. Smith while she was visiting at the home of her daughter Mrs. Severn.”[i]

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[i] Obituary, York Daily News-Times, 20 Oct 1910 (microfilm), Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, NE.

February Family History Writing Challenge

Margaret Marie (Neville) Conroy Smith

For the month of February, I am joining the Family History Writing Challenge.  I am committing to 28 days of writing in the form of my blog.  I got a head start last week, and the response from my siblings and cousins has been overwhelming.  I have finally found a way to share the genealogy information I have gathered over the past 20+ years that doesn’t make people’s eyes glaze over and quickly exit the room .

During this month, look forward to more information on my Smith line, back to the immigrant, John Smith, who came from England in the late 1600’s.  I will also be sharing tidbits and stories of many of the collateral lines as well.  On my mom’s side of the family, I plan to share more of Grandma Taylor’s stories, and some of her mother, Virginia Coate Harper’s, poetry too.

The picture for today was graciously shared by my cousin, Mary Beth (Smith) Coffey. Thanks, MB!

The Death of John Neville

“Mr. John Neville, for more than twenty years an honored resident of York county and for the past four years residing upon Mr. Haggard’s farm two and a half miles north of Wahoo, was struck by an Elkhorn passenger train at a grade crossing beside the farm on which he lived, on Monday afternoon and almost instantly killed.  The terrible news reached his hosts of friends in York on Monday evening and carried consternation and grief into many a York county home before midnight.                                                                                            

The facts of the accident which resulted in the tragic death of Mr. Neville as developed at the inquest are as follows:

He was assisting a neighbor near his home in hauling some corn to a feeding ranch across the railroad track and had taken a load over after dinner and was returning for another and was approaching the track just as the passenger train due at 2:40 was approaching the crossing.  Another man hauling corn to the same place was approaching the track from the east and says that Mr. Neville was standing in his wagon driving the team which was traveling at a trot; that he came to the track with his head held down as though he was thinking or in a deep study; that he continued in this position without looking up or looking to either side until he came upon the track.  Just as the team got squarely upon the track the train came from the south running at a speed of thirty-five miles an hour or more and struck the wagon between the front and hind wheels smashing they wagon to kindling wood and throwing the unfortunate man as high as forty feet, falling upon his head and shoulders upon the frozen ground some distance from the track.  The train was stopped and he was picked up and taken back to Wahoo and the best medical aid in the city was immediately called in.  The surgeons found that he was suffering from concussion of the brain and despite all efforts to save his life he expired in about two hours after being struck.

The deceased was married over twenty years ago, his wife being formerly Miss Anna Morgan of West Blue, who survives him together with nine children ranging from three to nineteen years of age.  His aged mother now living in this city as well as four brothers in York county and three sisters mourn his tragic end.

The remains were taken to the Catholic church at Wahoo yesterday morning where the first funeral services were held and then brought to York accompanied by the stricken family and a number of friends and arrived here last night.  The funeral was held in this city at St. Joseph’s Catholic church at 9:30 this morning attended by a great concourse of people from nearly every part of the county, and he was laid to eternal rest in the Catholic cemetery.  

The coroner’s jury found the facts as stated above and made the following additional finding: ‘We further find from the evidence given and the lay of the ground where the accident occurred that had due caution been observed by all concerned this accident would have been avoided.’ 

Every person who knew John Neville loved him as a brother.  His sterling honesty and integrity commended the respect of everyone and his genial wholesouled good nature made a warm friend of every person with whom he came in contact.  He was a prince among men and countless citizens of both York and Saunders counties will cherish his memory for many a day.  All regret his terrible taking off and tender to the stricken family the most heartfelt sympathy.  He lived a good and exemplary life, and was a kind husband and a dutiful son to one of the best mothers in York county.  What more could be said of him?  While he was taken from his active work of life and plunged before his Maker in almost an instant, we hope that his good works in this world will be rewarded by the welcoming smile of the God he loved and served all his life.  May his soul rest in peace.”[1]

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[1] Obituary, York Daily News-Times (microfilm), 8 Jan 1903, p. 1 col. 7, Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, NE.