"Tree Roots: Using More Obscure Genealogical Sources"

Willard Library's Free All-Day Genealogy Workshop

I hope the only thunder we hear today is from the river's "Thunder on the Ohio" hydroplane races. We will have outdoor vendors at the workshop with the workshop conducted inside by Ron Darrah.

Session Topics: •Each Session last 45 mins. • (2) Breaks 30 mins • Lunch 1 1/2 hrs. 9:00 to 9:45 : “Dying to Help Out: Probate Records for Genealogists”10:15 to 11:30: “School Days: A Great Records Source”11:30 to 1:00: Lunch (Order Lunch Or On Your Own )1:00 to 1:45: “Special Census Schedules: Going Beyond the General Population Rolls”2:15 to 3:15: “Show Me the Money: Work, Jobs and Our Ancestors”

"GAR Medallion"

Grand Army of the Republic emblem or medallion.

-Sent in by Don Counts

Tombstone Thursday - Edwards

McCoy Cemetery

Near Monroe City

Knox County, Indiana

William Edwards

The marker has an image of a rider on a horse. The rider seems to be wearing a cap like was worn during the Civil War and he seems to be wearing a sword. Below the name on this marker is what looks like the date of birth & death, but I could not read it and did not have enough time to thoroughly check it out. Has anyone else come across a similar image on a grave marker?

- Photo taken & submitted by JGWest

[Tombstone Thursday is dedicated in memory of Donald G. West 1952-2000]

THE CAPTAIN'S LOG –TSGS News

Brenda had her baby!

Introducing Ryan Legate

(Photo taken by Vannetta McDowell)

Usually this is a photo day from the First Mate's Photo Album, but I did not post that today to save this blog for Brenda Legate's baby. Brenda is the TSGS Editor of our membership Journal the Tri-State Packet. According to Vannetta McDowell, Brenda had her baby... Ryan - he is boy #3. I will edit this blog as I get more info. [Edited spelling of the name "Ryan" on 31 Aug 2009... sorry Brenda & Ryan for the mis-spelling.]

John G. West,
TSGS President

"Free Genealogy Workshop"

Tree Roots: Using More Obscure Genealogical Sources -
Free Genealogy Workshop sponsored by Willard Library
Saturday 22 Aug 2009 (9:00 am to 4:00 pm)

Although this is a free workshop, reservations are strongly recommended due to limited seating. (Please make reservations for each individual session that you plan to attend.)

Ron Darrah will inform us about the more obscure places to look for our ancestors.

Session Topics: •Each Session last 45 mins. • (2) Breaks 30 mins • Lunch 1 1/2 hrs.

9:00 to 9:45 : “Dying to Help Out: Probate Records for Genealogists”
10:15 to 11:30: “School Days: A Great Records Source”
11:30 to 1:00: Lunch (Order Lunch Or On Your Own )
1:00 to 1:45: “Special Census Schedules: Going Beyond the General Population Rolls”
2:15 to 3:15: “Show Me the Money: Work, Jobs and Our Ancestors”

Event Location:
Willard Library Special Collections Department,
Second Floor, 21 First Ave.Evansville, IN 47710

I know Ron Darrah through our involvement in state meetings & events of the Indiana Society Sons of the American Revolution (INSSAR). Ron & I are active in the INSSAR Color Guard, as well. I am looking forward to his workshop this Saturday!

- submitted by JGWest

Marker/Plaque/Monument Monday

The Archangel St. Michael...
Holy Spirit Catholic Church & School
Evansville, Indiana


The above view & the one below show the plaza & fountain wall that is the framework of this beautiful memorial to St. Michael. The white walkway will have donor gobble stones (or brick) installed with the donor's name or individual memorials.

The above memorial states: "St. Michael the Archangel Patron of Firemen, Police, Arm services, Mariners, Grocers, Tile companies, and Sickness. Donated by the Board family 2008."

This onyx plaque is at the foundation base of the statue with a prayer from Pope Leo XIII.

Close-up of statue of St. Michael slaying the Serpent Satan... front view above & side view below.

See: http://www.michaelshrine.com/

- Photos taken & submitted by JGWest

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

A warning from several Internet lists and a web site SOUTH-CENTRAL-KENTUCKY-L at rootsweb dot com; KYBARREN at rootsweb dot com; Hart County Kentucky Genealogy Interest Group [MyFamily dot com]. This is on the BBB website (link is at end of this article).

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers!!!

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice: ** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home. ** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations. Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau. For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit http://www.bbb.org./

[NOTE: I went to the local BBB website to see what they might have on this and it has the same article... see it here http://evansville.bbb.org/article/bbb-alerts-consumers-about-us-census-workers-be-careful--but-cautious-10634 ].

- Submitted by JGWest