David’s Diary – September 6, 1970

Sunday, 6 September 1970

A long day—up about 8:30 after Θ—we didn’t bother with the foam, so if Bonnie ovulates in the next day or two, we might have made a baby—a month or two ahead of schedule. After getting up I shaved, had breakfast, dressed for church, then read for about a half hour after practicing the sermon. Left for church about 10:35. There was a decent crowd, about 40—the Hannibals were back too. I preached on “The Potter and the Clay.” After we got home we changed and drove up to the garden—hadn’t been there since Wednesday—we picked beans, corn, egg-plant, tomatoes. Got home, had lunch, then I got to reading after 3 o’clock. My reading didn’t last too long however; I got sleepy—I stretched out on the bed in the front bedroom downstairs—I was both sound asleep—and yet annoyed by the kids and grandmother next door. I finally very groggily got up about 6:00. Then we fixed supper. About 7:00 I called Mrs. Rapp to check on some details re: Play reading—had a long chat with her. Then I got more reading done. About 8:45 Mora came over to stay with Debbie and to do her laundry. We went down to the Little Art Cinema to see “O What a Lovely War”—it was excellent in spots—but was overly long. I was bored much of the time. We got home about 11:30—visited with Mora and Billy til about 1:15. Bill + I listened to some Wagner + to Anna Russell’s Ring Cycle; OBLO, 1:30.

Monday, 7 September 1970

Up about 8:30—not that I wanted to get up at that (h)our—since we got to bed at 1:30—but Debbie had gone to bed at a reasonable hour and was wake at her usual time. I got out of bed, went downstairs and read in Weiser for a while before Bonnie and Debbie appeared. I dressed, we had breakfast. My main concern for the day was again to get a lot of reading done. If I’m to take my exam on October 1, I can’t fall behind in my reading this month. I read in the morning—being Labor day there was no interruption by mail delivery—or paper boy (actually girl!) in the afternoon. We had lunch about 12:15, Bonnie went to work—her main project for the morning was getting a frame for Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. By 1 o’clock I had settled down for my afternoon’s reading, and aside from checking on Debbie and chatting briefly with Mora as she came and went with her laundry, I stuck to it until shortly after 5:00—at which time I began on supper. We ate not long after Bonnie got home—no CBS news—the damn baseball game was dragging on. In the evening we hung the painting in the living room, but I made progress on the reading. While we bathed we made suggestions to one another re: names for the next baby. Read a while after bathing; OBLO c. 12:15.

Tuesday, 8 September 1970 

Up at 8:45—as soon as breakfast was over I got to my reading—I wanted to finish Weiser before the end of the day—and I did, about 10:15 this evening. I read all morning and all afternoon. We had lunch about 12:15; Bonnie went to work, Debbie played after her nap. There were some interruptions, but nothing major. About the middle of the afternoon Billy McKenney stopped by to say good-bye—he left to return to teaching in New York. When Bonnie got home about 5:20 we set about making supper. We ate, watched CBS news—then we went for a walk—what a joy to have Rockport free of tourists—bear skin neck was almost deserted—we had a leisurely stroll down and back—with Debbie in her stroller. When we got back, about 8 o’clock I called the new D.S. Mac White re: preaching for a C.A.M.P. installation service on the 20th; he agreed to—will also have supper with us. We chatted for more than 15 minutes—he wanted to find out a few things about Rockport and Cape Ann—since he’s new to the area. After this phone conversation I returned to my reading. Later in the evening Margaret Reilley called from Canada. She’s planning to return between October 1 and 10; what a relief it was to finish Weiser—now on to Eiesfeldt. Bathed together at 11:00; OB Θ+ LO midnight.

Wednesday, 9 September 1970

Up about 8:45. Went to Richdales after 9:00 for some bread. Came home, had breakfast, shaved; then made preparations for going to Boston—I planned to catch the 11:15 train—so I was at the station shortly before then. But the train was late—didn’t leave Rockport until about 11:40. I did some sermon planning and reading for sermons on the way in. When I got in—I went to Park Street station—from there I walked to 100 Summer Street to Baker Play Co—bought 8 copies of Harvey. From there I walked to 581 Boylston Street—conferred with conference treasurer Terry Thomason re: a report which has to be made. Had a nice chat with him. Stopped in Cokesbury briefly—then took the trolley to BU—did various errands, ate lunch about 3:00—registered—or rather signed up as a continuing student. Saw Beck briefly. Caught the 5:15 train home, got here shortly after 6:30. We had supper, watched the news. Then I relaxed for a while. I had read part of Harvey on the train home—I finished it relaxing on the couch. Then I cast the play. Then I went about delivering copies to 5 families—saw Jerry + Carol briefly. Also saw Ornes for a while. Came home, relaxed 10:30–11:30. OBLO c. 11:45.

David’s Diary, September 9, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/08/davids-diary-september-6-1970/

Gladys – September 2, 1970

9-2-70

The check is for both of you. Will try and get David’s card out before his birthday.

Have been quite busy since coming home, but did have a most enjoyable trip. Met a young girl who was coming to U.S. last year. She was on the staff of U. of I. last year – (Sept ’69 to June ’70) and is now returning to Japan. She couldn’t be back in Tokyo when we were there but her Mother and a sister and husband (Dr. Yamada – with Univ. of Tokyo) entertained us one day and evening. We attended Kabuki theatre together – 11 am to 4 pm – then went to a Japanese dinner. 10 courses. Quite an evening. We took pictures while in the restaurant. If I can think about them, will bring them along.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/07/gladys-september-2-1970/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, May 29, 1882

[Editor’s Note: I searched the Connersville Times, published May 31, 1882, and nothing appears to have been published about Eugene. So it looks like he might have been saved from Uncle seeing whatever it was…] 

Letter transcription:

Oakville May 29-82

Dear Sister

I drop these lines for the purpose of telling you that—I am well, and also that you may do me a favor viz—There will be a clipping in the Con’ers’lle papers from “Summit—“ that I would rather Uncle would not see—so if you get the Times before he reads it please do not show it to him. I would rather have the pleasure of telling him myself in a year or so. It may not be in C— papers but as it is in the N—Castle paper the C—papers are

[page 2] likely to clip.
A letter will reach me at New Castle on Friday. Will be home Monday.
Your Brother
(in haste) Eugene

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/06/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-may-29-1882/

David’s Diary – September 2, 1970

Wednesday, 2 September 1970

[Top panel: photos of banners/ Ezra – Debbie]

Can’t recall exactly when we got up—Paul and Marty were up and away early—i.e., I think by 9:00. We had breakfast together, then saw them off. Then I gradually got back to reading. Around the noon hour I took a walk—chatted for a while with Billy McKenney and David Herlihy—then I walked down to the church. I changed the way-side pulpit, took 2 more banner photos, went to Richdales for milk. Not too long after I got back Cameron Sesto arrived with Ezra and Esten—for an overnight visit. We had a big lunch together—bacon and tomato sandwiches, with the tomatoes from our patch. After lunch they all went out for a walk—and I tried to get some reading done—but I was plagued by the same old problem—fatigue and lethargy. I dozed. When the troop got back I continued with my reading, but stopped to work on supper about 6:15. I watched CBS news. Bonnie and Cameron and the kids played in the living room—Bonnie got out her oboe and accordion. We had supper about 8:00. I had planned to get some reading done in the evening but no luck. After supper we showed Cameron some slides—then we had a snack—the evening wore on as we visited. Finally we were all so exhausted we couldn’t keep going; OBLO w/o bath 11:40.

Thursday, 3 September 1970

[Top panel:  one photo]

What a day this has been! At 5:15 Debbie woke up crying—I went in, calmed her down, came back to bed—but my morning sneezing began—so it was no use to try to get back to sleep—I got up dressed, tried to read—between sneezes and blowing my nose. Debbie cried some more—Bonnie got up and changed her. Cameron was getting up downstairs to go photographing. After she left I went down to the dining room to read and have some coffee. Ezra then got up—and kept me company! Finally I went back to bed –about 8:00? Not much sleep, however, since Esten was now crying. Bonnie went down to console him. She got him quieted, came back to bed. We didn’t sleep well, but got up about 10:00. I had breakfast, shaved, wrote a letter re: Theora [?] Elwell, delivered it; dropped in to see the Ornes, got home about noon. Tried to nap—had lunch. Our birthday gifts arrived from Malaysia—a silver cup for me, cloth for Bonnie, a bell and wooden noise maker for Debbie. Cameron + Ezra set off for a walk, Bonnie collapsed asleep—I tried to read, dozed off. When Cameron returned, she, Ezra + I went to the garden; they headed home soon after we returned. Bonnie, Deb + I had supper. Exhausted essentially; I read a little; we watched TV—Ironsides, Dragnet; snacked; bathed.

Friday, 4 September 1970

This at last was a day of accomplishment—my hope is renewed that someday I might get my Ph.D.! We got up about 9:00—after Θ+ —with thunder and rain in the background. After breakfast I got to reading—I took a break to get film ready to go to Mail-a-way. Late in the a.m. Bonnie went for a walk with Debbie and mailed it. We had lunch about noon—Bonnie left for work, Debbie went down for a nap—and I read—I was feeling fine—in a mood for reading. I settled into Bonnie’s new rocking chair in the living room and made progress. There were the usual interruptions to check on Debbie, pay the paperboy, read the paper—but I was pleased that I was getting something accomplished. It was great to have so many guests this week—but it had its drawbacks. Bonnie got home about 5:30, I read on to my stopping place, then fixed supper. We watched CBS news. Early in the evening I had phoning to take care of, which I did. But for the most part, I plowed ahead in Weiser. So far the reading has been relatively easy in this book—which gives the appearance at first glance of being deadly dull. I took a break about 10:30—but read further. Then about 11:30 I had a snack and decided to quit for the evening—I want to be alert for the next section: Ezekiel! Bathed; OBLO 12:30.

Saturday, 5 September 1970

[Top panel:  one phone call long distance—Don McGaw]

Up about 9:00. Shaved (2 days worth), then had breakfast. My main concern then was to get the sermon under way—so reading had to be put off. Up until about 2 o’clock I stuck to the sermon, and made good progress—we had lunch about 12:30. Homer Orne came by about 2:00—to give us our check and to confer on other things. After he had gone I then set out on some calling—I went up to see Hannibals, but they weren’t home; I then went to see Lena Smith—recuperating from her surgery to have the heart-pacer installed. She was in pretty good condition—she met me at the door. I left there about 3:30—went back to Hannibals—but they were still away. So I came back home and returned to work on the sermon. I kept at it until I was finished—about 6:00. Called Don McGaw re: hymn sing. Then we had supper. My main concern for the evening was to get the bulletins done—I finished these about 8:00—then I played with Debbie for about a half hour. Then I turned to preparing the service, after which I practiced the sermon once. Then, finally, about 9:45 I was able to turn to reading in Weiser—I didn’t get to the point most desirable—but hopefully I make it up tomorrow. Had snack c. 11:15; bathed; OBLO 12:55.

David’s Diary, September 5, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/05/davids-diary-september-2-1970/

David’s Diary – August 29, 1970

Saturday, 29 August 1970

Up about 9:00 (?)—had breakfast, shaved. My main concern for the day was the sermon—which was only in very rough outline. I worked on it in the morning pretty consistently until about 11:45, at which time I went to the garden—hadn’t been since Wednesday. Got several things. Came back, we fixed lunch, then I worked for a while longer, until 2:00—then I set out to do some calling. Saw Esther Longley first 2:00-3:00, then Grace Harris 3:00-4:00 + Louis Rich. Then about 4:00 got to the Hannibals. I was home by 5:00, and got more work done on the sermon before helping with supper. We watched NBC news with supper. After eating I relaxed for a while. Then my evening was spent finishing the sermon and preparing the service. I finished the sermon about 9:15, then did the bulletins—then prepared the service. This was all done by about 11:30. Unfortunately I didn’t get any reading done today. It’s amazing how uptight people get over small things—Esther Longley was very agitated today over the $5 charge that is going to be made for the Sunday School. But what a small commitment to ask of people! The time has past for the church to welcome people—“unconditionally”—we cannot make an appeal to people—no strings attached. Bathed, then headed to bed; LO shortly after midnight.

Sunday, 30 August 1970

Up at 8:30 after Θ. Had breakfast, shaved, practiced sermon, head[ed] for the church about 9:40. It was a milestone of sorts—Rip Hannibal came to church. I’ve been calling on him ever since I came to Rockport—he was very alienated from the church. I preached on John 10:10—abundant life. Only about 30 in attendance. We fixed lunch as soon as we got home, then I relaxed before selecting some poems to read at the Den-Mar service. Then I worked on putting my study in order—a colossal mess. About 2:30 I left for the Den-Mar—took Kay Patriquin and Winnie Gamage along. I was home again before four—the service lasted 3:00–3:30. I spent the next hour again clearing away the clutter in my study. At 5:07 Paul + Marty drove up. We immediately went to the garden—came home, did some preparations for supper. Then visited and played with Debbie in her room. Shortly before 7:00 we had our supper. It was too dark after eating to go for a walk, so we relaxed, then got slides. Paul and Marty had brought theirs—and we saw quite a few—then we showed ours. We all then had a snack—but we were a pretty sleepy bunch, and headed to bed without baths; OBLO, 11:45.

Monday, 31 August 1970

Can’t recall when we got up. Again I was plagued by lethargy and fatigue. I’m so tired of reading, of plodding ahead through these weighty tomes. In the morning Paul and Marty left about 10:00 for the museum in Boston. Then I got my Eagle article written; I called up Ornes for suggestions about what I might put in it, and I received a long complaint from Sadie about my sermon. I had included a paragraph about Christ not being the only way to achieve “abundant” life. There are people who hear something, but interpret it on an extreme level. Sadie misread, overread—it’s frustrating to know that a sermon can be taken so many ways. After our long talk (during which Tompkins delivered our new chair) I went to the Eagle office. I came home and spent the last part of the morning walking on the neck, also bought a birthday card for Pat Harry. Got home just a few minutes after noon. The afternoon was a big failure study-wise. Got almost nothing done. I slept, wrote the card to Pat Harry. Very shortly after Bonnie got home, P + M got back from Boston—the museum had been closed!—but they went book shopping—had very good lunch. The Busseys arrived shortly after 6:00. We had supper together—spent the evening visiting. Busseys went home c. 10:00—we then talked til late; bathed, OBLO 1:35.

Tuesday, 1 September 1970

Finally up about 9:30—rather washed out after last night’s late session. After breakfast we all got into the car and went out to Hallibut Point Reservation—had a ball scrambling over the rocks—took a lot of pictures. The wind was stiff and cool—a lot of clouds, so the sunshine wasn’t constant. When we got back we sat around discussing recuperating. We had a late lunch, then sat around some more—in fact until about 4 o’clock. It was good just to be able to visit and relax. Unfortunately not much reading got done! Bonnie took Paul, Marty, + Debbie to Gloucester to get steaks, and to see the harbor, so I had a chance to get a little reading done—although I was sleepy. But then they arrived back home and supper was begun. We ate about 6:30, watched CBS news. Then we all went for a walk. We went down to T-wharf—did a lot of boat gazing—Paul is such a boating—i.e., sailboat enthusiast. He and Marty are so eager to take us sailing. We also walked down Bearskin Neck and back. Got home about 8:30. Paul was very sleepy, turned in about 9:30—but Marty, Bonnie and I stayed up talking until about 11:00. Bathed, OBLO, Θ by midnight.

David’s Diary, September 1, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/04/davids-diary-august-29-1970/

Down the DNA Rabbit Hole – More Visual Phasing with Two Siblings

[Editor’s note: Several months ago, I wrote a post on visual phasing, or chromosome mapping, with two siblings. That post can be found here.]

Phasing is the task or process of assigning alleles (the As, Cs, Ts and Gs) to the paternal and maternal chromosomes. The term is usually applied to types of DNA that recombine, such as autosomal DNA or the X-chromosome. Phasing can help to determine whether matches are on the paternal side or the maternal side, on both sides or on neither side. Phasing can also help with the process of chromosome mapping – assigning segments to specific ancestors. The use of phased data reduces the number of false positive matches, particularly for smaller segments under 15 centiMorgans (cMs).

—ISOGG wiki

In my quest to map the chromosomes of sibling pairs (vs. sibling trios), I turned towards phasing kits on GEDmatch earlier this summer. In order to use this technique, at least one parent must have been DNA tested. Since both my parents have tested for me, I was able to use their results to create phased kits for my brother and myself. To phase a kit, use the GEDmatch phasing tool.

Image courtesy of GEDmatch

After I created phased kits for my brother and myself, using the one-to-one comparison tool, I compared the maternal kits against one another, and then the paternal kits. As a result, the crossover, or recombination points, for each chromosome are clearly delineated. Because only one chromosome from each pair is being compared, the colors are different from a standard one-to-one comparison. We see purple on the top bar where my brother and I share DNA. Red indicates where no DNA is shared. Likewise, on the bottom bar, dark blue shows where DNA is shared, and grey where it is not.

Maternal phased chromosome 13

Paternal phased chromosome 13

Because the kits are phased, I can see which crossover point belongs to which parent, instead of having to spend the extra time deducing—maternal vs. paternal.  Afterwards, I assign the segments based upon collected data from close relatives.

Unassigned segments for chromosome 13

Every time I obtain new segment data, I record it in my master spreadsheet. I place only the data from known relatives in this spreadsheet. By known, I mean the lineage is documented and I know where the person fits into my tree. None of this data is speculative. Below are my brother’s and my matches for chromosome 13. We have plenty of good matches on chromosome 13 due to several of our father’s first cousins having tested. Additionally, two close relatives from our maternal side—who share segments on chromosome 13—also tested for me. A sprinkling of third and forth cousins assist in the mapping as well.

Segment data for chromosome 13

My brother and I share a segment with my father’s paternal cousin S.Y. I continue with the Yegerlehner segment for much of my paternal chromosome. My brother has a crossover point (31) and can be seen sharing with my father’s maternal cousin J.R. for the bulk of his paternal chromosome. Around the crossover point at 92, I begin to share with some more distant cousins on my paternal grandmother’s line. While at the end of his paternal chromosome my brother crosses over to where he inherited a Yegerlehner/Schiele segment.

On the maternal chromosome, my brother and I share part of the McGraw/Kerschner segments. However, I match some New England cousins from my maternal grandmother’s line.

Chromosome 13 – Mapped between two siblings

I continue to collect data where I can. One thing to remember about mapping (like all genealogy research) is that new data may affect how we interpret all the data. I recently discovered that I had misattributed a segment shared with a 1C1R (and it was throwing off how I had assigned a segment on my map). It was a small segment, and I assumed because he was a known relative it was a real segment. It turned out that once I analysed this segment with my mother’s kit, they did not share this segment at all! So either the small segment I shared with my 1C1R was a false segment (a random alignment of DNA), or we have another common relative on my paternal tree. Happy mapping!

©2017 copyright Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/03/down-the-dna-rabbit-hole-more-visual-phasing-with-two-siblings/

David’s Diary – August 25, 1970

Tuesday, 25 August 1970

Up at 9:30. Had breakfast, then got to reading; my hope for the day was to make progress in Bentzen. And for the most part my time was pretty much devoted to this. The morning was short, however—we hadn’t planned to be in bed that late. We had lunch about 12:15—Debbie was napping however. Shortly after Bonnie left for work I got a call from Roger Smith; his mother is in Maine; she had had fainting spells, and this afternoon had an operation to install a heart pacer. He called me back about 5:30 with word that the operation appears to have been a success. I spent the afternoon reading, although there were interruptions. I had a phone conversation with Gladys Haskell, and I fed Debbie about 3 o’clock when she woke up. I read until shortly before Bonnie got home; fixed supper, watched CBS news—just as it was beginning Jerry Lewis called. He and Carol wanted to go see The Sterile Cuckoo—and asked us to stay with Chris—we agreed. The(y) arrived about 7:00. About 7:30 I drove over to see Roger Smith, but he wasn’t home; I came home, got more reading done before the Lewises got back shortly after 9:00. We had a snack and a visit; the(y) left about 9:30. Read some more, then bathed about 11:00; read in bed; LO, 11:45.

Wednesday, 26 August 1970

[Top panel: took photos in Copley Square—afternoon + evening]

Up about 8:30—the day for going to Boston. After breakfast I went up to the garden to get some vegetables to take to Sestos—not very much available, but a few items. When I got home I shaved, finally we were ready to go—left home about 10:20. Upon getting to Boston we went directly to Sears—didn’t get much satisfaction in finding things we wanted. About noon we piled back into the car and headed for Sestos—20 Claflin [?] Rd in Brookline. We had our sack lunch with us—ate visited, then left by 1:30—we left Debbie with Cameron, Ezra and Estin. We went directly to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts—saw the special exhibit of Andrew Wyeth paintings—also ran into a former theo colleague, Jim Marlowe—working as a guard—attending the museum school. We saw a film after looking at the painting—the World of Andrew Wyeth. A worthwhile afternoon; then we drove to Fisher Music co. by the Boston Common. I waited in the car while Bonnie bought music. Then we drive to the English Room (formerly English Tea Room); we hadn’t been there since when Bonnie was pregnant; had supper; then strolled to Copley Square—took photos. Then back to Sestos after 6:00. Visited with them until almost 10:00; headed home through Copley Square—to take photos of the fountain at night. Then headed for Rockport. Got home about 11:15. Bathed; headed for bed; LO. 12:05.

Thursday, 27 August 1970

Up about 9:30—I was surprised when I realized what time it was. Had to go down to Richdales for milk before we could have breakfast. The main word to describe my day is “lethargic”—all of us were pooped, washed out after yesterday. I tried to get my reading under way in the morning, but I found myself supervising Debbie out in the yard for a while. I got some reading done in the morning. I discovered that there was no bread for lunch, so I had to make another trip to Richdales for that. After lunch again tried to read. This was one of those times when I let everything distract me—my heart just wasn’t in my reading, and I didn’t get much out of what I did cover. Early in the afternoon Bonnie and I tried to get some leads on a new mattress, but no one wants to sell a queen-sized mattress by itself. I did get a little progress made reading while Bonnie went off shopping. She bought some flower patterned sheets. I fixed supper, after which we went to the show; Kay Patriquin stayed with Debbie—or rather vice versa. We went to the Little Arts Cinema to see The Boys in the Band—an excellent film—a frank, honest portrayal of homosexual life; 9 o’clock got to Patriquins—watched TV with them; came home c. 10:30, relaxed, bathed.

Friday, 28 August 1970

[Top panel: photos at Drue’s shower]

Up at 8:30 after Θ. We had breakfast, then Bonnie got to work finishing a garment to give to Drue at the shower—something for the baby. I had a slow start, but finally got going. Then about mid-morning we went to Gloucester—to do some important shopping. We went to Browns—got a mattress—at least ordered it. We had gone to buy a chair, but when we discovered that they would sell us a queen-sized foam mattress separately, we ordered it. We didn’t find just what we wanted in a chair, so went to Tompkins—and found a very comfortable chair—it was $120; the mattress was $80—so we spent over $200.00. We got home shortly before noon. We had lunch, Bonnie left for work—Mora was over doing her laundry. We visited while I had my lunch—I was still hungry and had more after Bonnie left. During the afternoon I got more reading done—although my progress was cut down because I napped. I then read, even got some done after Bonnie got home; I fixed supper. We watched CBS news. In the evening Bonnie went to Drue’s shower. I stayed with Debbie, played with her briefly, put her to bed, then read all evening. Finished Bentzer Vol. I—after Bonnie got home—Paul called shortly before she arrived; they’re coming Sunday; bathed; read; OBLO 12:25.

David’s Diary, August 28, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/03/davids-diary-august-25-1970/

David’s Diary – August 21, 1970

Friday, 21 August 1970

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast, then got to work reading—Frost OT Apocalyptic. About 10:30 or so I heard Eddie outside with the kids—he and Mora had arrived from NYC about 12:30 last night. I visited with him—also with Dave Herlihy for a while—then got back to reading about 11:30. We had lunch about 12:15—Bonnie left for work, Debbie settled down for a nap. I read for a while, then napped. At 2:00 Eddie was at the front door, he gave us some mackerel—which he cleaned for us. Just as he left the mail man arrived—just about 3 hours late! He brought slides and a movie—mainly of Debbie’s birthday. I finished reading—arrived at my stopping point—then the rest of the afternoon tried to make headway on my sermon, but without much luck—got about ¼ done. Fixed supper, we ate about 6:00—watched CBS news. In the early evening we played with Debbie—had a wild time. For the second time we tried to teach her to twiddle her thumbs—she seems very intrigued with the whole idea. I got to reading about 8:00—about 8:45 we viewed slides, had a snack. Bonnie was exhausted, went to bed, so I had quiet to read, which I did for the rest of the evening; bathed shortly before 12:00. Read finished Frost; OBLO c. 12:30.

Saturday, 22 August 1970

[Top panel: took two pictures: spider + tomato patch]

Up at 9:00—after Θ. I had hoped to get a lot of progress made on the sermon, but I didn’t have much luck. The kids were outside much of the time, and Bonnie began clipping the hedge—by late morning I was getting very frustrated and annoyed. Got a call from Amelia Fisk that some boys were seen stealing corn, so she advised us to pick what we wanted. About 11:30 I drove over to the Lewis’s—to show them photos of the banners, and to go from there to the garden; they gave us some pears. I went to the garden, brought them some corn, then headed home. We had lunch, I shaved, with close attention of Debbie! then did some calling: went to see Lucy Patience—took her some vegetables. Homer Orne came in while I was there; then I came home, drove up to see Hannibals. Returned home briefly, then I drove to Gloucester—got some groceries. When I got home, Bonnie had taken Debbie for a walk. I turned to the sermon, but got only a few sentences done when they returned. We fixed supper. After supper had a phone conversation with Sarah Orne re: the $5.00 charge for Sunday School—she doesn’t like it. My whole evening was devoted to finishing the sermon + preparing the service. I finished it all up about 11:45. Bathed; OBLO, 12:30.

Sunday, 23 August 1970

Up at 8:30. Had breakfast, shaved—left for the church about 9:30—raining—it rained almost all day, heavy at times; only 10 in the congregation—5 in the choir. Mrs. Hannibal was there, for the first time since I’ve been the pastor here; perhaps Rip will be coming soon. When we got home we fixed lunch. Then I decided to nap—I “should” have pushed myself to read, but I decided to take a day off from that. So the mid-part of the afternoon I spent napping. About 4:00 I got up—discovered that Bonnie had been doing some baking. I puttered around; I numbered and catalogued the box of slides which came recently. About 5:30 when we were preparing for supper the Lewises dropped by to pick up some things that Carol had left here. Then during supper David Herlihy came to the door—very elated—he has been discharged from the Navy, without having to do his 2-year service—they just aren’t needing as many men. He stayed while we finished supper—after he left I relaxed, listened to the Boston Pops. 7:30-8:00—I trimmed the forsythia bushes which Bonnie had started on yesterday—very wet. We spent from about 8:15–11:00 at the Patriquins—showing our slides and movies and snaps, and watching TV. Came home, bathed; read a while in bed; LO, 12:10.

Monday, 24 August 1970

Up about 8 (?)—after Θ. Had breakfast, but I wasn’t feeling up to doing anything—so I sunk back into bed for a few minutes. But then I got up and got to work on my reading—started Bentzen’s Intro to OT, Vol. I. I worked in this til about 10:00. Then I did my article for the Eagle, drove over to their office as usual. From there I went to the garden to check on tomatoes—I picked several from the plants that came up on their own—many were ripe and on the ground. Came home, got back to reading until about 12:15; Bonnie and I had lunch, Debbie was asleep. Bonnie left for work, I read. About 2:00 Debbie woke up. I gave her some lunch; I put together the turkey salad for supper. Then I put her up in her rooms. I returned to reading. For a brief while I napped, then read some more. When Bonnie got home I worked on supper. We ate, watched CBS news. Early in the evening I continued with the reading. Then about 8:40 Mora came over to sit with Debbie and to do her laundry—we went to the show at the Little Arts Cinema: The Sterile Cuckoo—a good film—funny, yet sad. Got home shortly after 11:00; had a piece of pie with Mora, visited; I got a little more reading done; bathed together; OBLO c. 12:40.

David’s Diary – August 24, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/02/davids-diary-august-21-1970/

David’s Diary – August 17, 1970

Monday, 17 August 1970

Up about 8:30—had breakfast. Grandma + Emil left as soon as breakfast was finished. It was raining hard. I then prepared my article for the Eagle, got the film (movie + slides) ready to go. Shortly after 10:00 I went to the Eagle office, then to the P.O. Then I went to the church. I worked further on the banners. I put on the Hebrew lettering—not the best job in the world—a good scribe [would] cringe!—but good enough. I got home about 12:15. Had lunch with Bonnie before she left for work. It pretty much was a lost afternoon. I was very lethargic. I looked through some books which came—one a volume on The Louvre. Also I did some tying up of tomato plants. About 3:15—just when I was finally forcing myself to work, Debbie woke up. I gave her some lunch—then put her to playing in her room. I tried to work again—dozed off almost. Then I looked at the paper when it came. About 5:00 I started working on supper. We ate about 6:00, then watched CBS news. I did get a little work done early in the evening, but shortly after 8:00 we went to the Patriquins—Drue + Sully were there—for another birthday part[y] for Deb. She got several gifts—I took pictures. We came home shortly after 10:00. I got some reading done—Debbie went to bed surrounded with toys! —bathed. OBLO  12:20.

Tuesday, 18 August 1970

[Top panel: Started new roll of colour film—photo of tomato plants. Picked first tomato from our patch—had it for supper.]

Up about 8:30. Had breakfast—my main concern for the day was to get Ginsberg finished—a tedious book. I was able to make progress in the morning. Shortly after 11:00 I arrived at a stopping point; I then went down to the church—took 3 or 4 photos of banners, finished up the roll of B + W 36 which I started on Sunday—Debbie’s birthday. Also I attached one wire for new banners. Went to the P.O. with the roll of film, then came home by c. 12:15. Had lunch, Bonnie left for worked—Debbie was asleep. She’d been up late last night—very excited over her new toys—she went to bed with all six penguins!–but she was up this morning early, was very cranky, tired, so she needed her nap. I worked on Ginsburg. Finished it by mid-afternoon. Had phone conversation with Jim Bussey. About 2:30 or 3:00 gave Debbie her lunch, after which she played in her room. I started Frost’s O.T. Apocalyptic—although I dozed off—no fault of the book, which is quite good. Then read some more. When Bonnie got home from work I went to the garden—saw Lewises on short bypass to give them cucumbers. Came home, fixed supper, watched CBS news. In the evening I made progress in Frost; two breaks, to play with Debbie and later to have a snack. Read until about 11:15—stopped to bathed, read briefly in bed; LO midnight.

Wednesday, 19 August 1970

Up about 8:30 after Θ. I had planned to make this an all-study day, but it didn’t work out that way. Yesterday evening Ann Fisk remarked about tomatoes rotting on the ground—which was a broad hint that some tying up needed to be done. So after a hearty breakfast I went to the garden. And the tomato section was indeed a veritable jungle—weeds and vines all over the place. I worked from about 9:15  til 12:30—and got one row tied up and weeded. After 11:00 I strolled over to Lewises for a cold drink and to call Bonnie (no answer), but then worked some more. I got home about 12:45. Had lunch. I was pretty pooped—and so napped, dozed, after eating, until about 3:00. But I didn’t get to reading until almost 4:00. I read for an hour, then went to the church to put up the second wire needed for this week’s new banners—also did a little more painting on them (the green boarders)—got home shortly after 6:00. We had supper, watched CBS news. I went down to the church again to spray the flies—very annoying working on the banners with them all around—hanging around since Sat’s barbeque. I did some erasing of penciling on banners; came home, played briefly with Debbie, turned to reading, which I gave up to bathe about 10:30; then I read for a brief time in bed; LO, 11:55.

Thursday, 20 August 1970

Up at 9:00. Shaved (2 days worth) had breakfast, went downtown for milk and thumbtacks. Shortly after 10:00 Carol Lewis arrived; Bonnie took care of Chris while we went down to the church to work on the banners. We got them finished and hung—the two that hang at the front of the sanctuary, based on the theme: What Does the Lord Require of You, but to do justice, to love mercy, to walk humbly with your God. We got back to the house after 11:30. We had lunch about noon. Carol went off shopping, Bonnie sat with Chris, I went over to see Gladys Haskell re: teaching Sunday School—she declined. I came come, dozed, napped for a while. Carol got back, then she and Bonnie went over to Mals—gone about 30 min. I stayed with the kids, read. After they had returned and Carol left, I read some more. After 5:00 I went to Pigeon Cove—to Lee’s to pick up a toy—Sue wasn’t home. I went to the garden, picked lima beans, corn. Walked to Lewises to buy some honey. Came home, helped on supper, watched CBS news. I got some reading done before we went to Patriquins about 8:30—watched Ironsides + Dragnet—had “mug-ups”—thunderstorm, heavy rain. Came home about 10:30—read until about 11:15—then bathed. Read further for a while in bed; LO, 12:15.

David’s Diary – August 20, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/01/davids-diary-august-17-1970/

Random Records – Circuit Court Case from 1837

Fayette County (Indiana) Courthouse, 1920 (Image courtesy of the Indiana Historical Society)

I love court records! They provide so much more information than the standard birth, marriage, death, and census records that many budding genealogists cling to. Typically these records are not found online (yet!). I access court records at my local Family History Search Center. And if one happens to live close to a local court house, even better!

How do you know if your ancestor was a nice guy? Census and vital records will not reveal our ancestors’ personalities. On a side note, I also love newspapers. Why? Because you can learn the dirt, the gossip, and the minutia of our ancestors’ lives. But today I want to talk court records. While I research several groups of ancestors for my BCG portfolio, I come across all sorts of engaging court cases. This week I stumbled upon a rape indictment from 1837. The plaintiff was a spinster, Mary Ann Veatch, and the defendant was John Caldwell, laborer, late of Fayette County. As far as I know, I am not related to either. However, what caught my eye was the name of one of the jurors, Jacob Troxell—my ancestor. (Someday I really do hope to finish the book I am writing on him and his descendants.)

So far, I have not found any conclusive records about who Mary Ann Veatch or John Caldwell were beyond this trial. Both of their surnames belonged to families who had settled in Fayette County, Indiana, in the early part of the 1800s. What do you think really happened?

Fayette County Complete Circuit Court Record, vol. E: 300-301 (Image courtesy of FamilySearch)

Transcription:

Fayette County (Indiana) Complete Circuit Court Record Book E: 300-301
September Term A.D. 1837—

State of Indiana }
vs. }
John Caldwell } On an Indictment for a Rape—

Be it remembered that at a Term of the Fayette Circuit Court begun and held at the court house in Connersville in the County of Fayette and State of Indiana on the fourth Monday and twenty fifth day of September in the Year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and thirty seven before the Honorable Samuel Bigger President Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of the State of Indiana and Edward Webb and Stanhope Royston Associate Judges of said of said [sic] Court within and for said County of Fayette, upon the Oath of Joshua McIntosh foreman, John B. Tate, Nathaniel Hamilton, Aaron Perrin, John Louder, William Alger, David H. Munson, John Lester, Samuel Shortridge, Jeremiah Conwell, Hugh Reed, Zenas Powell Senr Levi Trowbridge Hugh Dickey Junr & Elias B. Stone, good and lawful men of the said County of Fayette who being empanneled and sworn as Grand Jurors at the term aforesaid to inquire within and for the body of the said County of Fayette, it is presented, “That John Caldwell late of said County, Laborer, on the ninth day of May in the Year of Our Lord one thousand Eighteen hundred and thirty seven, with force and arms at the County aforesaid and within the jurisdiction of said Court in and upon one Mary Ann Veatch spinster in the [?] of said State, then and there being unlawfully, forcibly, violently and feloniously did make an assault, and her the said Mary Ann Veatch, there and then unlawfully, forcibly, violently and against her will feloniously did ravish and carnally know, contrary to the form of the Statue in such cases made and provide and against the peace and dignity of the said State of Indiana S. W. Parker Prosecuting Atty., And Afterwards to wit at a Term of the Fayette Circuit Court began and held at the Court house in Connersville in the county of Fayette and State of Indiana on the fourth Monday and twenty fifth day of September in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven before the Honorable Samuel Bigger President of the sixth judicial Circuit of the said State of Indiana, and Edward Webb and Stanhope Esqrs Associate Judges of said Court, within and for the said County of Fayette and now here comes Moses Lyons one of the recognizance Bail of said John Caldwell comes and surrenders into Court the body of the said John Caldwell in discharge of his said recognizance and is there upon comes the said John Caldwell and Benjamin H. Hanson, Stephen Gordon, James Bolton, Elisha Vance and Samuel K. Ross, and acknowledge themselves to have indebted to the State of Indiana as follows to wit, the said John Caldwell in the Sum of two hundred dollars, and the said Hanson, Golden, Bolton, Vance and Ross in the like sum of two hundred dollars, to be levied on their Goods and chattels lands and tenements respectively if default be made in the following conditions which conditions are that the said Caldwell shall appear before the Judges of this Court from day to day during the present term, and answer the State of Indiana upon the above charge and not depart without leave—HC

And afterwards, to wit, at the Term aforesaid of the Court aforesaid began and held as aforesaid before the Honorable the judges aforesaid and continued from day to day before the said Judges until Tuesday the eighth juridical day of said Term, Samuel W. Park Esqr – Attorney prosecuting the pleas of the State of Indiana in this

[page 301] behalf now comes, and the said Defendant in his own proper person and by Vance and Test his Attorneys come also, and being arranged upon the Indictment aforesaid and it being forth with demanded of him how he will acquit himself of the charge in said indictment specified for plea thereto says he is not Guilty as he stand Indicted and for trial thereof he puts himself on the County, and the said prosecutor doth so likewise and thereupon comes a Jury to wit, Stephen Moore, Jacob Troxell, Denis Springer, Nathan Robinson Thomas Reed, George Stanley, Joel Williams, Thomas J. Davis, Dany Tyner – James P. Hamilton, Hiram Messersmith, and Abraham Conwell Twelve good and and [sic] lawful men of the County of Fayette who being Elected tried and sworn the truth to speak in the premises, after hearing the evidence as well in behalf of the said defendant as on the State, the arguments of counsel and a charge from the Court retire to their room to deliberate attended by a sworn Officer of this Court, and day is given H.

And afterward, to wit: On Wednesday the ninth judicial day of said term the said Samuel W. Parker, Esqr Prosecuting Attorney now comes and the said defendant in person and by her Attorneys come also and thereupon the jury empanelled in this behalf on yesterday now returns into Court the following verdict in this behalf, to wit: “We the Jury find the defendant not Guilty” It is therefore considered by the Court that the said defendant, as to the Indictment aforesaid do go hence acquit without and discharged without day. HC—

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/30/random-records-circuit-court-case-from-1837/