Tag Archives: genealogy

My Path to Certification

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Last month I alluded to big news coming later this summer. I just returned from my annual summer vacation with my children Monday night. We visited with family and friends this year throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We even managed to squeeze in a day trip to New York City to see a Broadway show. Many have asked if I conducted any genealogy research. As much as I would have liked to do so, the priority for this summer trip has always been to take a vacation with my kids. They support my obsession enough but I would rather not have a rebellion to squash. Instead we visit many historical sites where I periodically interject how the site may be relevant to our family. This year’s itinerary included many Revolutionary War stops such as Philadelphia and Valley Forge. Both my children will be studying U.S. history this upcoming school year. Being a teacher, I cannot pass up the opportunity to provide hands-on and on-site history for my own children.

Since recovering from minimal jet lag, unpacking, and washing a pile of laundry, I must now return to my genealogy agenda. First the big news…after dragging my feet for a year, I have finally decided to begin the certification process to become a Certified Genealogist. Before I left on vacation, I filled in the application for certification. Applicants have a full year from the date of the application to submit a portfolio of work samples. I decided to wait until August 1st to mail and date the application. This gives me two summers to work on the portfolio. Applicants are allowed, and in fact, encouraged to begin working on elements before submitting the application. Extensions are also allowed (because of course life happens!) but I would prefer to have the process over within my allotted year. Once my application is received and accepted, I will be considered to be “on the clock.”

While enjoying my vacation, the Family Search library announced that they would be discontinuing their microfilm ordering service as of August 31st. This, of course, caused me quite a bit of anxiety. Last February, I began ordering microfilm in earnest to research my re-write of the Jacob Troxell book, but it quickly turned into a wealth of information which convinced me to turn towards certification instead. I anticipated ordering many more rolls of microfilm over the next year as I worked on various parts of my portfolio. Family Search’s announcement was horrible in my opinion (mostly because it came unexpectedly for a lot of people). In the past, the counties I tended to research were underrepresented in digitizing projects. Having to wait until 2020 to access some records was not good! I devised a plan (and a budget) to order as much microfilm as I could before the August 31st deadline. Last week I ordered my first batch of land deed indexes. However, this last weekend, as I sat in my hotel room late at night, I began looking through the catalog to plan my next order. To my surprise, many of the records I wanted are now available as digital images. The only caveat—I must view them at a Family History Center.

This morning, I ventured forth to see what I could view at my nearer local center. The greater Sacramento area has two centers, one of which is relatively near my house. As the smaller of the two centers, it possesses a half dozen computers on which to access the digital images. I arrived when the center opened to be sure that I would have a computer to use. Of course, I was the only one there…other than the two volunteers!

This morning was a fact finding mission. Could I access what I needed? Yes, indeed I could! But I have a few takeaways…

  • The center’s computers do not allow downloading files to a flash drive. Luckily I have a google account so I was able to transfer the files to my google drive. However, this process was time consuming. I find it much easier to copy large batches of microfilm and then bring it home to analyze.
  • Copying a large number of images from a database is prohibited. After a certain number of images are copied, the website locks you down. For me, I do find this frustrating because I am looking at every single page. I want to make sure I am conducting my “reasonably exhaustive search” and I want to find all those FAN club members of my ancestors. Just because I do not recognize a name today, does not mean that a name won’t be relevant next week.
  • I still have several rolls of microfilm that I ordered and I plan to look at them all.

Divorce decree, Martha A. Lawhead vs. James H. Lawhead, Greene County, Indiana, 1868

Overall, I am pleased with the new digital images. It was so nice to jump from county to county and look at different land deeds instead of having to wait and order additional reels of microfilm. This will be especially helpful for my KDP project as well as the re-write of the Jacob Troxell book. I look forward to what Family Search adds to their online catalog in the future.

Acronyms to know:

KDP = Kinship-Determination Project This is element number 7 in the portfolio, described in the BCG Application Guide: “Submit a narrative genealogy, narrative lineage, or narrative pedigree that documents and explains linkages among individuals through three ancestral generations—ascending or descending…” Additional information can be found on the BCG website.

Additional Links:

Board of Certification of Genealogists

Family Search

Article “Family History Microfilm Discontinuation”

©2017 Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/12/my-path-to-certification/

David’s Diary – November 17, 1969

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Monday, 17 November 1969

Didn’t get up til after 10:00. After breakfast returned to translating Hebrew. The mail man brought a short letter from Bob + Nancy Peek—we hadn’t known for several weeks where to reach them. Bonnie entertain Cameron + Ezra Sesto while I studied, and the(n) visited with us while we had lunch—late (c. 2 o’clock.) Then after Bonnie went to work, I got back to Hebrew in earnest. Debbie napped—she was utterly pooped after playing with Ezra. I reached my stopping point about 6:00. Then began preparing supper, and got Debbie fed. Watch CBS news—had supper when Bonnie got home. Then by 8:00 she’d left for a Chorus rehearsal, and I began typing Hebrew translation. Made progress during the evening. Watch the 11 o’clock news, and also watched the live TV pictures of the Moon from Apollo 12—Broadcast shortly after it went into lunar orbit; OB read briefly about Vermeer. LO, 12:40

Tuesday, 18 November 1969

Up about 8:30    Bathed, had breakfast, shaved. Then got back to work typing Hebrew. This took my morning and early afternoon—we had a late lunch. After lunch took books back to Dr. Helen Evarts, went to the dump, came home, went to see Kay Patriquin about seeing moon-walk with them tomorrow a.m. Tried to nap a while, then got to work on my Thanksgiving newsletter. Got it written, typed and mimeographed by 6:30. After supper and CBS news, signed them, folded stuffed. Then about 8:30 took them to Mrs. Cooney—also went to Haskells to pick up a list of officer names from Karen. Came home—then began work on my Hebrew lesson for tomorrow—Deut 32. Worked on this (watched 11 o’clock news) until about 12:45—then watched CBS coverage of Apollo 12—they landed on moon safely about 1:54:35  Very precisely—OB downstairs, LO 2:35.

Wednesday, 19 November 1969

Got up about 5:45 to watch the moon-walk—which got underway late. And then the TV camera failed—so no visual coverage of the walk—so I went back to bed. Didn’t get up again until about 11:00. Felt pretty lousy. My main preoccupation was getting ready to leave for BU. Shaved, ate lunch, then straightened up my desk. Caught the 1:15 train. Arrived at BU about 2:45. Went to the bookstore to look for a birthday card for RSY, but didn’t find anything. 3:00-4:00 had an opportunity to chat with Beck part of the time—seminar from 4:00-6:00—left at 5:45—caught 6:46 train. Got home shortly before 8:00. Had supper, then shortly after 9:00 went down to see Drue + Sully. Stayed until after 11:00—found out that the 2nd moon-walk will not be televised. Came home, bathed, listened to radio—astronauts on moon; OBLO, c. 12:30.

Thursday, 20 November 1969

Not a very productive day. Got up about 9:30. Had breakfast, got to work only very slowly—going though a pile of papers on my desk. Watched the noon news to find out about the Apollo astronauts; they had safely blasted off of the moon. We had lunch—Bonnie not feeling too well—intestinal bug—but she went to work anyway. I shaved after lunch, then got back to paperwork. About mid-afternoon saw Mrs. Niemi [sp?] and her daughter—they came up to select a wedding bulletin. Latter part of the afternoon I spent preparing for Bible class—then around 6:00 got supper—Bonnie came home early. Watched CBS news. Bible Class arrived at 8:00: 7 in attendance besides B + myself. We ran rather late—excited discussion—past 9:30. Played with Deb; worked on translating Heb; bathed. OBLO c. 12:30.

Friday, 21 November 1969

Didn’t get up til almost 10:00. Had breakfast, then got to work at my desk. Prepared an article on Dr. Brown for the newspaper and cut a stencil for  C.A.M.P. questionnaire. Then shaved. About noon left for Gloucester. Ran off the stencil on Wesley Church’s machine (mine doesn’t work too well) then went to the newspaper. Got home about 2:00—Nixon’s nominee for the supreme court, Clement Hainsworth [sic], was rejected 55 to 45 in the senate. I wrote several letters, then after Bonnie went to work, Debbie + I went for a walk, to P.O., church, then to Richdale’s for cereal + milk. When we got home we both napped. At 6 o’clock I began work in the kitchen, getting supper, making brownies, watched CBS news. Ate when Bonnie got home. The evening went very quickly—got ideas together for sermon  HAIRCUT – to bed by 11:30.  Θ

Saturday, 22 November 1969

—President Kennedy killed six years ago today—Up by 8:30. After breakfast and shaving I went down to the church to see how preparations for the fair were coming along. Then went to buy a card for RSY for his birthday. Came home, and babysat while Bonnie went to work at the fair. I worked on my sermon. Bonnie came home about 12:30, then I went back to the church, had lunch, and sat with Roger Smith and Marg. Arlington. Then had discussion with some of the women about drugs. By 2:30 came home—played with Debbie, relaxed, tried to nap. About 4:00 or so Bonnie left on a trip to Gloucester, and I got back to work on sermon. Watched NBC news at 6:30, had supper. My evening was spent getting ready for tomorrow; finished sermon, did the bulletins.—then prepared the service, looked over SS lesson. Bathed, OB, read; LO 12:15.

Sunday, 23 November 1969

Up about 8:30. Had breakfast, shaved, dressed, greeted my Sunday School Class at 9:30. This was over by 10:30, went to the church—small crowd for thanksgiving. Preached on Thanksgiving in the Bible. Had lunch when we got home—Debbie had quite a time playing with the piano. I took the front of it off so that she could see the hammers in action—took 3 pictures. Then wrote a note to dad—his birthday is Tuesday. At 3:30 went to Youth Group Steering Committee at Baptist parsonage. Home shortly after 5:00. Went about getting my study + desk put into order. Ate about 6:30. Played with Debbie after relaxing. Then about 8:00 got to work on Hebrew. Worked at this until about 10:30. ^ —bathed^  Debbie was given her first pocket-book this evening—they fascinated her—Bonnie gave her an old one; OB, read about Vermeer  LO shortly after 12. Θ

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/12/davids-diary-november-17-1969/

David’s Diary – November 10, 1969

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Monday, 10 November 1969

Couldn’t get to sleep last night; got up about 2:30—read until 3:00—then back to bed—downstairs. Didn’t get up til about 10:00—feeling lousy. This was going to be a day to make a lot of progress on Hebrew, but it didn’t work out that way. What morning I did have I went about straightening up my study and desk. Bonnie went to Gloucester shopping—this by the way, is the 7th or 8th consecutive day of rain. When she got back we had lunch. Then I went to the building center for odds and ends: hooks for the garage door, which I put on when I got back; then til 4 o’clock worked on the door at head of back stairs—to keep Debbie from falling again. Then from 4:00 til 6:30 I worked on Hebrew; got supper. CBS news. We ate when Bonnie got home. She went to Chorus rehearsal. I worked on door again til about 9:00. Then to Hebrew, until about 11:45—stopped to bathe. OB, read about Vermeer; LO, 12:44.

Tuesday, 11 November 1969

Bothered by insomnia again last night—was still awake at 2:30.  So today have felt pretty washed out—didn’t get up until about 10:00. But before lunch I did get several pages of the Hebrew translation typed. In the afternoon Bonnie went to work from 1:00 til 5:00.  I stayed with Debbie and worked most of the time on Aramaic—made about 80 new flashcards, and later in the afternoon began translating in Daniel. We had supper about 6:30—watched CBS news. About 8:00 got back to work, worked further in Daniel—writing out translation. Then took time to re-read my report for Deut. Seminar which I will read tomorrow—(no time last week). Then typed out the Aramaic translation. Then by 9:30 couldn’t do anything more—too tired.  Stopped to bathe. Then went to bed to read for a while—in the art book on Vermeer. LO  c. 11:15. Θ

Wednesday, 12 November 1969

Still insomnia last night! But I did finally get to sleep (after a snack, + in the bedroom downstairs); up about 10:00. Had breakfast, shaved, talked briefly with Margaret Rilley on phone (she called)  about Alan; caught the 15 train to Boston. Arrived at BU about 12:45—Had my lunch. Before Aramaic class worked on Hebrew. Aramaic 2:00-3:00; then worked further on Hebrew. Seminar as usual from 4:00 to 6:00. I presented my observations on laws in Deuter. 22;  had to leave class early (5:45)  to make sure I got the 6:40 train. Got home shortly before 8:00.  Had supper, relax, played with Debbie. Read the evening paper, read in New Republic, then finally turned to doing Hebrew again. This morning called Jerry Lewis (met  him + his wife Sunday at church)  they are going to Wash. D.C. for peace march. Will see them when they get back. –Bathed about 11:00; watched news; more Hebrew; OB, read about Vermeer; LO 1:05.

Thursday, 13 November 1969

Debbie with her uncle Paul, November 1969

Some trouble with insomnia again last night—but not as much. But didn’t make it up til about 10:00. Had breakfast; when the mail arrived I tore open the end of my rt. thumb swatting at the cats (growling at one another).  About 11:30 went to see Dr. Helen Evarts [?]; borrowed a book and had a chat with her. She’s recovering from heart attack. About noon returned home, listened to news. After lunch Bonnie took Sully to vet: had rabies shot and altered. Bonnie returned home in time to get ready to go to work. I spent the afternoon on Hebrew until about 4:00—when I turned to prepare the Bible lesson for tonight. Fix supper about 6:00. Watched CBS news. We ate when Bonnie got home about 7:15. Read the paper til Bible class arrived: 6. This broke up about 9:30. We called Paul to wish him happy birthday. Studied Hebrew. About 11:45 phone call from Don McGaw—just wanted to talk about parishioners—we hung up at 12:30. Worked on Hebrew more. Then got ready for bed. OBLO 1:25.

Friday, 14 November 1969

Slept well last night, but didn’t get up til about 9:30. Had breakfast, worked on Hebrew translation. Then late in the morning watched the launch of Apollo 12 (11:22)—a few tense moments at the beginning—the rocket may have been struck by lightning. After lunch went to the church to change wayside pulpit. Came home and got to work on Hebrew—typing translation. This proved to be an all-afternoon affair—Bonnie was at work, Debbie asleep—so I made progress. Stopped at 6:30 to see news and to start supper. After Bonnie got home (about 8:00, she’d stopped at Busseys on the way home) we then prepared to go to Gloucester—to shop at Mal’s for odds + ends. We got home about 9:45. Puttered around at a few things, then got back to work on Hebrew. Then stopped about 11:30 to bathe. Then to bed, read more in Vermeer book; LO 1AM.

Saturday, 15 November 1969

Didn’t get up til almost 10:00. Had breakfast, shaved, then began working on sermon. Got two letters—one from Uhlinger to the effect that I’m a member of N.E. Conf., one from Mueller to the effect that I am a member of the S. Ind. Conf.!!  Kept at work on the sermon, before + after lunch. Worked at it until about 3:00, then went to see Hannibals—then stopped to see Patriquins briefly to pick up Bonnie’s hat. Then visited with Lucy Patience. Then at 5:30 went back to Hannibals to watch telecast in color from Apollo 12 (c. ½ way to moon)  Was home by 6:30  Had supper; then had to get back to work on sermon. Finishing sermons and doing bulletin took all evening. Watched late news: huge peace rally in Wash. DC.  Probably well over ¼ million—but marred by violence at the conclusion—still very satisfying—largest rally in our nation’s history. Bathed after midnight; OBLO 12:45.

Sunday, 16 November 1969

Up about 8:30. After breakfast and shaving, dressed and practiced the sermon. No Sunday school class—Karen Haskell is away. Went to the church about 10:35. Preached the second sermon on Revelation. Got home about 12:30. Had lunch (after taking one picture of Debbie—she’s 15 months old today). Then after lunch, when Bonnie was taking Debbie out for a walk, took 2 more pictures. The bulk of my afternoon I gave to Hebrew translating. Had supper about 6:30—then got back to Hebrew. Took time out in the evening to play with Debbie. Then back to work on the Hebrew after I worked on getting a notice mimeographed about Methodist Men meeting this month with Dr. E. K. Brown. After they were done, I worked on Hebrew. By 11:30 had finished chpt. 10 in Deut, then I turned to addressing envelopes, stuffing, etc. Finally stopped to bathe about 12:30. OBLO c. 1 AM.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/11/davids-diary-november-10-1969/

David’s Diary – November 3, 1969

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Monday, 3 November 1969

Up shortly before 9:00. My main concern again today was Aramaic—and I got to it after breakfast. This occupied me until the mail came, and I spent some time with a long letter from Pat Harry—she’s had enough of Alan I think. Bonnie got home shortly after noon—I helped her get groceries into the kitchen. After lunch, shaved. Worked on Aramaic in the afternoon; called Margaret Reilly to tell her I’d heard from Pat. Had to extricate Debbie from the rungs of her rocking chair! Got supper ready for Bonnie’s return after 7:00. After eating I drove over to Lee’s; picked up Sue, came back to the house. She and Bonnie went to Community Chorus. Then she drove our car home—Roy will take it for checkup tomorrow. In the evening worked on Aramaic—9:30-10:00 listened to Nixon’s Vietnam address. A terrible speech; Nixon is a prisoner of obsolete ideology + stupidity. Worked on Aramaic til past 11:00; bathed; off to read in bed; LO 12:13. Θ

Tuesday, 4 November 1969

Up shortly before 8:00. After breakfast got to work on Aramaic. Had intended to do some work on Hebrew, I didn’t get to it. I had to be shaved and ready to take the 11:15 train to Boston—which I did. Got to BU about 1:00—ate lunch in Oxnam lounge. Then relaxed in the library before class. Aramaic from 2:00-3:00. Then I immediately left for N. Station—caught the 4:10 train. Was home by 5:30. Shortly after 6:00 Roy Lee arrived with the car. I then drove him home. I came home, helped Bonnie get meat ready to freeze, watched CBS news, had supper. After supper played with Debbie. Called Margaret Reilly to talk about Alan. She met him at Mal’s (Maria with him) he seems to be getting along well. My evening was devoted (though not too strenuously) to Hebrew. Stopped at 11:00 to bathe +  to listen to election returns; Lindsay won reelection in NY—very good; studied more briefly; OBLO, 12:20.

Wednesday, 5 November 1969

Up shortly before 9:00. After breakfast got to work on Hebrew. This took the whole morning; but I did take time to read I. F. Stone’s weekly when it came. Shaved about noon, had lunch, then left for BU, by car about 12: 50. ^ raining hard^  Got to BU just about 2:00; found a parking place on Commonwealth. Had Aramaic to 2:00–3:00. Then went to jewelry store and bought Bonnie some earrings (for pierced ears). Fixed the tea for seminar, which met from 4:00 to 6:00. Drove home—arrived about 7:20. Had supper—put one set of earrings on Bonnie’s plate—she was very pleased. After supper I played with Debbie, then put another pair of earrings on the headboard of the bed. Bonnie soon spotted them. About 9 o’clock we went down to Patriquins. But didn’t stay too long—we were home by 10:00; bathed, OB, Θ+, LO by 11:05.

Thursday, 6 November 1969

Didn’t sleep well, that was up by 8:30. After breakfast made ^ changed wayside pulpit^ a trip to Gloucester for air-mail envelopes +  typewriter correcting sheets. When I got home tended to letter writing, i.e., wrote to Pat Harry—rather this was in early afternoon, after lunch, that I finished the letter. Went to the post office, bought a copy of Playboy. After returning home, read in Playboy and also worked on preparing for Bible Class tonight. This took most of the afternoon. Played with Debbie for a while about 5:45  shaved, then went about getting supper and getting Debbie fed. ^CBS news^ When Bonnie got home about 7:15 we had supper. The Bible class I arrived about 7:50-8:00. Only 4 tonight besides Bonnie + myself. This was over by 9:30. Then I got to work on Hebrew—have a lots of catching up to do. Stop to bathe about 11:30. OBLO, 12:12.

Friday, 7 November 1969

Deborah’s moaning woke us at about 7:00 AM. So I went downstairs to sleep in the front bedroom—and was rather startled when I woke at 10:00! I got up and dressed and had breakfast, but felt terrible. Bonnie was up and felt horrible too. It took us quite a while to snap out of it. I got going on Hebrew after a while. Then before lunch I went out for milk and bread. Not too long after eating, Bonnie left for work. My afternoon was spent reading for the sermon. Read the book of Revelation and article in IDB. Fixed supper, Watch CBS news—had supper ready when Bonnie got home. After supper finished Revelation. Played with Debbie a while, then got to work collecting my thoughts for the sermon. Got out and re-read a paper on Rev. that I’d written in 1964 for Rawlingson. [1] Wrote part of sermon; stop; worked on Hebrew  OBLO 1:06.

Saturday, November 8, 1969

Up about 9:00. After breakfast, shaved. Then I got to work on Hebrew—after finishing what I set out to do, got back to work on my sermon. After a late lunch, finish the sermon, then got to work on the bulletins. Finished this about 3:00, then was occupied until about 4:00 with desk work. Then I went over to Loyd Starrett’s house to confer on youth group matters. Then went up to see Rip Hannibal—then to see Mrs. Patience; was back home by 5:30. Then worked at my desk until 6:30. Had supper. Played with Debbie briefly, then went to the church for the rehearsal—Drue + Sully’s wedding. This was over about 8:00—stopped by home to get Bonnie + Deb. We went to Patriquins for set-down buffet. I came home early with D.—she fell down and back stairs for 2nd time; scared the hell out of me, but she was OK; worked on service; bathed, OBLO 12:25.

Sunday, 9 November 1969

Up about 8:20—had breakfast, shaved. At 9:30 my class arrived—we dealt mainly with the story of Noah. Off to the church about 10:30. Preached on the Book of Revelation—met a new young couple—Jerry + Carol Lewis. We were home by 12:30. Ate lunch, then I went back to the church by 1:30  The wedding was at 2:00—Drue + Sully. After the ceremony we came home (Virginia Bate sat with Debbie),  then went down to Patriquins for the reception. Very crowded; took several pictures. I came home by about 4:00—utterly exhausted. Took a nap after Virginia left. Slept until about 6:30. Got up, had a small supper, took Virginia’s glasses to her at her apartment, went to the church briefly, stopped into Patriquins briefly—then came home. Worked on Hebrew—typing up my translation. Then shortly before 9:00 we went back to Patriquins (Debbie too). But we were home by 10:00. I got back to work on Hebrew, watched 11:00 pm news; more Hebrew; bathed; OBLO 1:08.

[1] One of my New Testament professors at BU.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/10/davids-diary-november-3-1969/

Gladys – November 3, 1969

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Letter transcription:

Nov. 3, 1969

Dear D, B, D,

We went to Champaign for a long weekend. Dad was MD for freshman team at Champaign and Purdue’s freshman team really lost, but the big team won by a large score. We had tickets for the Saturday game. We picked up our little Japanese friend – (the one we sat by on the plane coming from Tokyo to LA, in August – she is on the staff at U of I for a year – then she will go back to Tokyo – she is studying and working at U of I) on Friday evening and took her out to Lea and Bob’s place for dinner. The family all had gifts for me and a cake which was a little early, but I unwrapped gifts and when we explained that it was my birthday, she gave me a gift she had brought along – which we couldn’t decide whether she had originally meant for me or for Lea – but at any rate it was a very beautiful Christmas tree ornament – a ball wound with several different colors and very beautiful designs made by the different colors and the way the threads were interlaced.

Tomorrow after Dad gets off at the S. H. C. we are going to Kentland to get the key to the office. Dr. Imperial had moved to his new office building. We have offered the building for sale to the people who live across the street, the Johnsons and also to Sid Lee who owns the apartment house on the corner next to the office. Just hope one of them decided to buy the place, because we don’t want to be bothered with it. It would cost too much to make it into a dwelling, or two apartments and it would require too much attention from 42 miles.

We plan to go to Mark’s next Sunday. We had wanted to go there Oct. 19th for Kirk’s birthday, but had something going on at church – after an extensive campaign – we raised $170,000.00 for 1970 budget. They were shooting for $140, but were very happy about the $107, and when you consider the last time pledges were made a year and a half ago, only 86 thousand was pledged. I think the $107 should look good.

I know the Bylers are in New York – as the missionaries we met in Karachi said, he was kicked upstairs. Just wish he could help me get some money for a little girl in Penang Louise introduced to us. She is trying to get a scholarship to study in Jackson, Tenn., at Lambuth College for 4 years. I did some inquiring when we came back and was directed to Miss Margaret Swift in the Crusade Division, but so far we haven’t gotten very far. If you can be of any help tell me what to do.

[page 2] I typed a letter for Dad and made so many errors, you would think he had done the typing himself.

I have a two day meeting to attend at Geneva Center, Rochester, Indiana, Wed. and Thurs. The Division of Christian Outreach – and I am Chairman of Section on Social Witness. Dad gave me a new tape recorder for my birthday – it is also a radio on which one can record while listening – say to an opera or anything interesting you would want to record. It is a Longines.

Love Mother

Pills for 5 months sent yesterday. You should have them by the time you get this. I sent them first class.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/09/gladys-november-3-1969/

Roscoe – November 3, 1969

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Letter transcription:

November 3, 1969

Dear Bonnie,

There are two kinds – the white pills in each are the same. The pink ones are dummies. Now for how to take them. Take the ones with the 21 in first. Begin the first package on the fifth day after period starts that is – for example: period starts on Wednesday

Sun        Mon      Tues      Wed      Thur       Fri           Sat

5                                         1              2              3              4

Take first tablet on Sunday. Sunday is your day.

Sunday first week
Sunday second week
Sunday third week
Sunday fourth week – no pills
Three weeks one – one week off – Start next on

Sunday – Three weeks on – one week off – pay no attention to periods from then on – Just three weeks on – one week off. Always begin on same day – Sunday. The pink ones you may discard, unless you want to get into the habit of taking a pill every day – those correspond to the week off. All the above is example – your day depends on when your period starts. Obviously if you start on a different day than Wednesday, it will make a different day for you to begin your pills.

Dad

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/08/roscoe-november-3-1969/

David’s Diary – October 27, 1969

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Monday, 27 October 1969

Up shortly after 8:30 after Θ. Today was largely devoted to Alan Federick—especially in the sense that I couldn’t get him out of my mind. After breakfast my first task was to write a long letter to Pat Harry—telling her everything. I tended to letter writing generally today. We had lunch about noon. And I was left to baby sit most of the day. Bonnie left about 1:40 for an appointment to have her ears pierced. Received phone call from Don McGaw about Alan. Finally late in the afternoon Alan himself called but he didn’t get to first base. I scolded him again—generally was pretty rough. Then spoke again to Margaret. Fixed supper, CBS news; Bonnie home about a half hour—she had community chorus rehearsal at 8:00. I did more desk work. Grew rather weary. Stopped to bathe about 10:40. OB read about Vermeer; LO 11:40.

Tuesday, 28 October 1969

Up about 8:00—called out of bed by the telephone—Alan Federick shouted that we had ruined two of his best shirts, then hung up. I had breakfast, went to the post office. Then slowly got to work on Hebrew; spoke to Margaret Rilley on the phone. Late in the morning had coffee with Bonnie and Cameron Sesto (+ little daughter Ezra). We had lunch about 1:00—after I’d napped briefly. Then I did more work on Hebrew. About 2:30 I started loading the car, and at 3:15 we left Rockport. Arrived in Avon after 5:30—72.2 miles to 31 Cedar Road, via 128. Relaxed after unloading the car. Had supper, watched CBS news and other TV—then got to work on Hebrew again. Then watched a few slides. All day have had Alan on my mind—would like to be able to forget him for a while. About 10:30 went to bed; read briefly in Vermeer book; LO 10:50.

Wednesday, 29 October 1969

Up about 8:30 or so. Had breakfast, then returned to my improvised study in the basement to finish my work for Hebrew seminar—typing. By the time I had finished the typing it was getting on toward lunch time. After eating and after shaving, Bonnie and I left for Boston, leaving Debbie in Avon with her great grandmother. We went directly to the Museum of Fine Arts. Saw the display of Rembrandt etchings—then several other things. We left about 3:00. Went to BU. I contacted Beck. While I had seminar from 4:00 to 6:00 Bonnie went book shopping—got several things. We chatted with Beck after class—he looked at our new car. We then left for Avon. Had supper upon our return. Evening spent in relaxation. I got a little reading done; from 10:00-11:00 I wrote a long letter home (Mother’s birthday on Sat.)  Then bathed, OBLO 11:40.

Thursday, 30 October 1969

Up shortly after 8:00; after eating helped Bonnie load the car, then we left Avon. We stopped in Calvert’s in Needham to do clothes shopping, then got back on 128 and headed home. Arrived at 17 Hale just about noon. Looked through the mail, had lunch. Then went to the Granite Bank. The check from Alan’s mother had come in. I had a bank check made out for the exact amount to Alan, then mailed it to him. The rest of the afternoon I spent preparing for Bible Class—reading in I Samuel. Also started Cross’s The Ancient Library of Qumran[1]—which I found in the mail. Also spoke with Margaret Rilley about Alan. Fixed supper—we ate when Bonnie got home about 7:15. Bible class arrived at 8:00; 5 in attendance besides Bonnie + myself. After this returned phone call from Margaret—more about Alan + Maria. Then read in Cross + Driver; bathed; OBLO, 11:47.

Friday, 31 October 1969

Up about 9:00 after Θ. Had breakfast, then began reading in preparation for my sermon. Read the article in IDB [2] on English version of the Bible. When the mail man came there was a letter from Uhlinger explaining that I am now a member of the N.E. conference—that Bishop Mueller had sent letter of transfer w/o Bishop Mathews’ request. So I took quite some time to write a long reply of explanation. This was done before and after lunch. I didn’t finish until about 4:00. Mrs. Paradis sat in the house (Debbie asleep; Bonnie at work) while I went to the post office. When I got back I looked at the newspaper, then got to work on my sermon. Then fixed supper, watched CBS news—had supper ready when Bonnie got home at 7:15. After supper got back to the sermon. Then played with Debbie, Bonnie went to Patriquins. I finished sermon; did bulletins, bathed; OB read in Cross’ book LO, 12:30.

Saturday, 1 November 1969

Mother’s birthday—64 years old—she should get my card and letter today. I got up shortly after 9:00. Immediately after breakfast, shaved. Then wrote a letter to Department of Antiquities in Jerusalem ordering 31 Qumran slides. Went to the post office, changed wayside pulpit. A good part of the day was spent getting my desk cleaned up. Also after lunch spent some time reading in Cross’ book. Late in the afternoon I tried to nap a while, without much success, but I was refreshed somewhat. Then I finally got to studying Aramaic—which I did til supper time. After supper (watched NBC news) got back to Aramaic—trying to do an extensive review; then about mid-evening turned to working on the service. But after finishing this, returned to Aramaic until about 11:00; stopped to bathe—back to Aramaic; OB, read in Cross. LO 12:20.

Sunday, 2 November 1969

Up shortly after 8:00. Had breakfast, shaved; my 2 pupils arrived at about 9:30. About 10:30 we adjourned—I went to the church; we celebrated Reformation Sunday—a week late. I preached on the Bible. Home by 12:30. Had lunch, then got to work on Aramaic by 1:30. Kept at it until shortly before 4:00, when I left for Gloucester. Meeting at the Wesley parsonage: Jim Bussey, Milton Fuller and the new Riverdale pastor—Rev. Delp (?). We discussed C.A.M.P. goals and purposes. The meeting concluded about 5:00. I came home, got back to Aramaic—then stretched out for a while—only half dozed. Then had supper. Left about 7:15 for Wesley Church for C.A.M.P. council meeting. This was over by 8:30. Home again—back to Aramaic. Stopped for a cup of coffee. This Aramaic review is proving helpful. Bathed about 11:00; then back to Aramaic; about 12:00 went to bed, read in Cross till 12:40 LO.

[1] That is, the Dead Sea Scrolls.

[2] Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible.

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Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/07/davids-diary-october-27-1969/

David’s Diary – October 20, 1969

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Monday, 20 October 1969

Up shortly before 9:00. My main preoccupation of the day has been Aramaic—trying to get caught up—and succeeding to a degree. I went to work on Aramaic right after breakfast. Had an early lunch—about 11:30. Jim Bussey was going to take Bonnie to get the new car—but a call to the VW place revealed that the car wasn’t ready. Early in the afternoon I napped briefly, but then got back to work. Bonnie went to work at 2:30 (Becky Bussey took her). Finally about 5:40 the VW was delivered by Roy Lee. It’s a very pretty car—I drove it after Roy drove us to T-Wharf to pick up his car. I fixed supper, tended to giving Debbie her supper. Mrs. Paradis sat with Debbie while I went to the hospital to get Bonnie at 7:00. Had supper. Bonnie went to chorus rehearsal I played with Debbie, studied Aram., talked with Alan on phone (+Margaret Riley)—Bonnie got home by 10:30. We looked over the car; more study; bathed 11:30  OBLO 12:10.

Tuesday, 21 October 1969

Up after 8:00. Had breakfast, shaved off a two day beard. We investigated the car some more. Then I got ready to leave for BU—Bonnie prepared to set out to the registry. She let me off at the train station—took the 11:15 train. I got to BU about 12:50. Had my lunch on the steps outside the school. At 2:00 had Aramaic class—at long last again. When this was over at 3:00, I headed for North Station. Walked as far as Kenmore to catch the trolley. Rode home with George Gabin. Got home about 5:25. Bonnie + Debbie + I went down to see the Patriquins—to show off the car. Then came home, had supper—watched CBS news. After playing briefly with Debbie I got to work preparing for Hebrew. (Also had phone call with Alan and Margaret Riley—Alan, she reports, has been drinking all day.)  Wrote 6 pg [???] report, mimeoed it.  Stopped to bathe 11: 45; OBLO 12:40.

Wednesday, 22 October 1969

Up about 8:15. Had breakfast then got to work immediately on my Hebrew translation. Devoted my morning to this, and had it done by 11:00. Then after glancing at the mail reviewed my Aramaic assignment. Shaved, had lunch around 12:00. Then at 12:30 left for BU. Stopped by Alan’s house to see if there were liquor bottles and his trash cans—but he was there, had failed to go to Brandeis. I went on to BU (stopping in Beverly to have windshield wipers stopped!). Got to BU in time for Aramaic at 2:00. After this took some books out of the library on alcoholism. Seminar from 4:00 to 6:00. Went to Sears and picked up blackboard, drove home, arriving about 7:45. Had supper. Took Debbie + Bonnie to Patriquins. Went to Alan’s, found him drunk. Left him shortly before 10:00. Stopped in to see Margaret Rilley. Then went to Patriquins; showed slides; came home at about 11:15; bathed; OBLO.

Thursday, 23 October 1969

Up about 9:30 after Θ. This morning after breakfast I called Alan: Don McGaw had been  there from 11:00 last night until about 8:00 a.m. After the mail ^ $216 bill from Loyd Starrett ^ came I went to the church to change the wayside pulpit. When I got home I got to work fixing the door to the basement (at the bulkhead). Don McGraw called—we spoke for over a half hour about Alan. Then I finished on the door. We had lunch. I hung the blackboard. When Bonnie left for work then I got to work preparing for Bible Class—Samuel. Around 5:30 our new neighbor discovered he’d been accidentally locked out—and his wife was asleep. He stayed for about an hour or more. I then fixed supper. Bonnie  got home about 7:20. We had supper. Bible class arrived at 8:00: 5 in attendance besides Bonnie + me. Relaxed afterwards, then began a long letter to Pat Harry.  OBLO, 12:20.

Friday, 24 October 1969

Up shortly before 9:30. After breakfast I started making calls in an effort to get a speaker for Sunday night—since the program fell through. Called the Civil Liberties Union and two or 3 of its members.—no luck. Also worked further on my letter to Pat Harry. Bonnie went grocery shopping. Busseys came over late in morning—Jim wanted to work on his car in our garage. After we had lunch I started working on cleaning up the garage—so that we can put the car in it. Jim helped; before 2:30 we made one trip to the dump. Then Bonnie went to work. Busseys went home—Jim had sawed off the bottom of one garage door—when they left I did the other—so that the doors will open when there’s ice and snow. Then I cleaned the lawn mower and various other things. Got supper; had a phone call from Don McGaw—we are taking Alan to an alcoholic hosp. on Monday. In the evening played with Debbie; bathed about 10; OBLO, 10:50.

Saturday, 25 October 1969

Up at 9:15 after Θ+. In the morning my first concern was to get the State Inspection sticker for the car—which I did at the Granite Garage. When I got back I looked through the mail, then I turned to writing some letters—but didn’t get very far. When Bonnie got home from shopping I was diverted to sorting all of our nails + screws into the 16 drawer file she had bought. Then we had lunch. After lunch I made a trip to the dump, then I went over to Alan’s house. What a mess. He must have been rather drunk when he left—didn’t lock either door—left the car keys on the couch. I brought home empty liquor bottles + dirty laundry. Then went to see Hannibal[s] + Lucy Patience. After supper typed bulletin stencil, then showed slides to Lucy Patience. 8:30 – 11:30 at Patriquins; watched movie Tom Jones on TV. Got home, worked on service; bathed, OBLO 1:12.

Sunday, 26 October 1969

Up shortly after 6:00—ugh! Had breakfast, shaved, got ready to go; about 7:30 left for Boston—picked up Delmon [?] Byler [?] and James Franks at the Statler Hotel; arrived back in Rockport in time to teach my high school class (2 students) at 9:30. About 10:40 went to the church, Mr. Franks preached. For the noon meal, Busseys came over with Mr. Blyer [?]. They left to return to Boston about 2:20. Shortly thereafter Roy Lee came over to look at my old bike—but didn’t want it. Then we napped after they left. I went sound asleep. Didn’t come to til about 5:30. Still wasn’t very alert then. Had supper. Drove to Alan’s house to check it over; went to Methodist Men 7:30 – 9:00. Then Bonnie Debbie + I visited with our new neighbors. About 11:00 a phone call from Alan; I went over—we had heated discussion—he refuses to go to the hospital. I got home about 12:30. Bathed; OBLO 12:58.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/06/davids-diary-october-20-1969/

Gladys – October 14, 1969

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Letter transcription:

October 14, 1969

Dear David, Bonnie and Debby,

Have sent one package of pills and will send more. Dad says there is another kind available which he prescribes now – take three weeks – off one week. If you want some of that kind, will send. Let me know. Also ordered the note paper, but couldn’t have it sent to you. It has to come to me and I will send it on. It should be here in a week or so.

We were in Kentland last week (Wed.). Saw Mrs. Myers and then had dinner with Dr. Imperial and his wife. Since it is hard to guess the ages of some people – especially a person like Dr. I. I would hesitate to say how old he is, but he has a very good looking young American wife. They were just recently married. We went to the Country Club for dinner and he asked us if we wanted something before eating. I said ginger ale would do for me, but Mrs. I. refused anything, saying she did not drink (and I think smoke). He was laughing about her mother coming to visit and about the beer he had in the refrigerator. He had a beer before we had dinner. He is building a new office next door to Geo. Kingsley’s home. Geo. is trying to sell his place, since they are living in Monticello – have a home on a lake. Since he (Dr. I.) is moving to a new place there were some thinks he wanted from our building. Some thinks we let go and other we kept. Such as wall cabinets. When we hear about what he charges and how he won’t make house calls or deliver babies – I think he certainly set a new pace for Kentland. Dad used to charge $1 for a person to get a shot for allergy (if they furnished the medicine) and Dr. I. charges $5 for the office call and $3 for the shot. He (I have heard) charges $25 for a house call if he makes one. Dad saw Mrs. Myers the last time we were in Kentland and gave her two Rx for a bowel condition she had. She said last week that had taken care of her. He saw her this trip and assured her that the swelling in her left arm is to be expected. She said while we were there that she didn’t trust anyone but him. I don’t know what we will do with the building in Kentland. We may try to sell it, or make it into two apartments. I hate the thought of doing anything like that. I would rather try and sell it for a small sum, than to be bothered with running to Kentland to have the work done for remodeling.

Trinity is conducting a stewardship campaign. We have a minister helping from Marion, Indiana, who has had success in this type of campaign. He has gotten many people involved and I think that will help, because it will apprise more people of the financial status of the church. At present we have been operating on a deficit balance. I haven’t seen the most recent treasurer’s report, but every one so far has been with a balance of just a few cents. After helping to collect money to pay for a gift for the first minister’s 25th wedding anniversary (in June), my observation was that Trinity should have no money problems. We were able to buy a service of 12 in the silver pattern they chose, a silver tea service and give them $43 and pay for the reception, which amounted to about $50 or $75.

We are planning to go to Champaign for my birthday – will be going the 31st, so will miss all the little trick-or-treaters. That is the weekend of the Purdue-Illinois game and, of course, we have tickets. Just hope the weather is not as cold as it was the last time we went there for a game. I mean, when I attended. We have been over there to one this fall and Dad attended and it was hot. We have a weather report tonight that cold weather is due here tonight. We have all our little citrus trees in the house.

I wish you would write Mrs. Myers a letter. She does enjoy hearing from you and wonders when you do not write, why she doesn’t hear from you, so please one of you take time to write. I see I am running out of paper.

Love Mother

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Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/05/gladys-october-14-1969/

David’s Diary – October 13, 1969

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Monday, 13 October 1969

Up—i.e., awake at 7:15. We got Debbie from the car and brought her into the tent with us—and very shortly we began the process of getting ready to leave. We had the car all packed by 8:15—and on the road. We had breakfast in Tilton, N.H., at Dot’s restaurant. The rest of the day we spent on the road. The color in the trees is brilliant. We drove north to Littleton, then headed west in Vermont. We found Vermont most lovely. We headed south eventually, took 89 to 93 to come home (then 114 to 128)  Debbie was a very good traveler today—no fussing at all, and no car-sickness. We encountered traffic—heavy—at Concord on the way back. We got home about 6:00; had supper, watched CBS news. No energy to do anything in the evening. Had several phone calls—Bussey, Bamforth, Alan Federick. Played with Debbie; didn’t try to study; shaved, bathed OB, Θ+, LO by 10:20.

Tuesday, 14 October 1969

Did[n’t] make it up til about 9:30. Very weary after the hectic Sun-Mon. Didn’t get any studying done in the a.m. Read several articles in New Republic; went to the church to add notice of service tomorrow to wayside pulpit. Late in the morning had visit with neighbor + her daughter Ezra—she + Bonnie discussed sewing. Finally I got to work about noon. Had lunch around 1:00. Watched world series game #3, but after lunch got to work. Twice I checked in on the game—in efforts to keep awake. But I made headway with the Hebrew. Late in the afternoon looked through the paper when it arrived. Started working on supper about 5:45. Had supper, watched CBS news. Got back to work—telephoning to Jim Bussey, George Gabin, Alan Federick. Was able to get my Hebrew translation done, but no typing. Stopped to bathe about 11:00. Had snack too; read in bed. LO 12:05.

Wednesday, 15 October 1969

Vietnam Moratorium Day. Up about 9:00—after breakfast my main concern was to get my Hebrew translation typed—and this took the morning. I shaved at noon, while watching the TV news—getting early reports on the Moratorium, mostly favorable. After eating, finished typing, then prepared to leave for Boston. Left around 2:00, stopped at Wesley church in Gloucester to do more mimeographing of religion leaders’ statement on Vietnam. Arrived at BU shortly after 3:00—it was almost deserted, everybody at Boston Common for the moratorium rally; had seminar from 4:15 on; But had to leave about 5:20. Got home—no traffic—by about 6:20. About 6:40 left for the Universalist church; participated in the Moratorium Service. When I got home we had supper; we were babysitting for Matthew Bussey; didn’t do to[o] much in the evening; had snack at 10:30 with Busseys. Watched 11 o’clock news—bathed—watched CBS news report on moratorium, 11:30 – 1:00. OBLO 1:02.

Thursday, 16 October 1969

Debbie 14 months old   Up before nine. Had breakfast, then we got ready and went to Beverly to see VWs—we agreed to take a green one that has just come in. We got back to Rockport after 11:00.  There was a long letter from Pat Harry. Before lunch I read some in the New Republic. During lunch, Debbie seemed pretty lethargic—didn’t want to eat. So we took her temperature: 102.2. Bonnie called Dr. Kline’s office, and after I shaved we went right over. He saw her in not too long a time. Nothing serious. I left Bonnie at the hospital, brought Debbie home, gave her an aspirin, put her to bed. Watched the locker room aftermath of the world series game on TV—NY Mets won. Worked on Bible class lesson. Called Allen asking him to bring Bonnie home. I fixed supper. ^ fed Debbie; took 2 pictures ^ Bonnie was late getting home because Alan had dozed off; he ate hurriedly with us, then left has Bible class arrived. 7 in attendance; wrote to Pat Harry after they left. Played with Debbie—who isn’t feeling to[o] well, but fever down; bathed; OB read LO 11:47.

Friday, 17 October 1969

Up about 9:20. After breakfast I set to work on my sermon. When the mail came I stopped to read letter from mother and to glance Life magazine. About 12:30 Mrs. Sutton came over to see details about the car. After we had lunch I wrote letter to Mr. James S.  Frank, who will be preaching here next week. Then back to the sermon while Bonnie went to work. Debbie played and slept in her apartment. After finishing the sermon I typed the bulletin and went about getting supper ready. Alan Federick arrived about 6:40. We watched CBS news. Bonnie got home about 7:15—and about 7:30 we ate supper—then Alan and I went to the living room. We talked for quite a while about the war. He left for home by 9:30. Then Bonnie and I played with Debbie in her apartment. I was too weary to bathe.  Off to read in bed at 10:20. LO,  11:15.

Saturday, 18 October 1969

Up shortly after 8:30. After breakfast, shaved. Then got to work on Aramaic. I was successful in getting quite a bit of studying done today—although I’m still pretty far behind. I must keep at it for several days. We had a late lunch after Bonnie got home from shopping. Then I got back to studying. About 4:00, when I had reached a stopping point, I went down to see Lucy Patience, whom I hadn’t seen in two weeks. Stayed there for almost an hour and a half. Her brother had given her a color TV—so we watched the last part of Majority of One. I then went for milk and did more studying before supper. We watched NBC news during supper (No CBS on Sat.)  My evening was spent getting ready for tomorrow in one way or another: preparing service; mimeo work. Straightened up study; bathed. OBLO, 12:25.

Sunday, 19 October 1969

Up shortly after 8:00. Breakfast, shaved—my “class” arrived here at the house at 9:30: Karen Haskell + Billy Elwell. This was over about 10:30—then I went to the church. Preached on Rich Young Ruler (Part II)  Home by 12:30. We fixed lunch. Then I got a little studying done. About 2:30 we left for Loyd Starrett’s home: we signed our wills. Then Bonnie left and I stayed for the meeting of the youth group steering committee. When I got home about 4:30 I cleaned out the car; about 5:00 the Suttons arrived to take it—paid us $550. Then we fixed supper and I got back to work. Bonnie went to the first meeting of the couples group—but I stayed home to work on Aramaic—made progress, but not as much as I wanted. Margaret Riley called about Alan—she reports that he admits to drinking heavily again. I called Don McGaw for an appointment for Alan. Stopped to bathe about 12:30; OBLO 1:21.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/04/davids-diary-october-13-1969/