Hiatus Continues...

Family research will remain on hiatus until my Ph.D. is complete. I have no set deadline but I wouldn't expect to see another post here for at least another year or two. I look forward to the time when I am finished and can return to my roots.

Research & Writing

Unknown Women supplied by Dr. W

In addition to research, I'm also continually working on my writing of history. I have a different writing professor this year, Dr. W, and I think I'm going to enjoy her. She doesn't want us to come in with pre-written stories, everything has to be new. Additionally, she assigns a variety of writing exercises and assignments.

To get me back into writing on the blog again, I thought it might be interesting to map out how Dr. W promotes historical fiction writing. The first exercise is to list and describe images, people or situations that "haunt me". They make me questions "how, why, when... did something happen?". As you've seen from our archives, I have many question about why people moved, what did they do, etc...

The first assignment is character study of a photograph. I had to chose one from her selections (see left), but its a methodology that I can and will apply to a few of our own Callaway photographs as well.

This is a writing course geared towards fiction writing, not creative non fiction, so it allows me to explore different historical possibilities in the writing. I guess this is my way putting out a disclaimer that everything I write may not be supported by exact evidence.

Update & Anecdote

I'm leaving this weekend to go visit my grandmother and aunt. While I'm with them we're going to go through my Aunt Jewel's files of letters, notes and other papers. I'll be scanning them as well so look for a future post them. Once they're sorted and scanned, they'll be added to the archive for you to look through.

On another note, I've had some success identifying some of the pictures. I made a contact through www.findagrave.com  with Brenda Harris who is a Callaway+Underwood connection. She had posted a picture that I had an original to, so I was able to immediately identify the people. I shared with her the Callaway album which she then shared with her mother. The result was identifying this little girl here as Brenda's grandmother, Willie Lucille Callaway.

Isn't that great! Now Brenda and her mother are able to download the pictures. This is why I do this, for and for me.

Publishing Photographs

Working to make family photographs available to everyone, so I'm putting together a few Picasa Web Albums. Can you identify some of the people in the "Unknown Callaways" Album? Please let me know who they are!

Unknown Callaways Album

1973 Callaway Family Reunion Album

William Richmond, James Pitt & Rhoda Irene

I've been doing some work on the individual ancestors page, specifically the three above. Luckily I was able to find pictures for James "Jim" Pitt and Rhoda Irene... but none for William Richmond. Does anyone have a picture of William Richmond they'd be willing to share?

Jim Pitt - Does anyone know who the boys in the photograph are?

Rhoda Irene - The back says Rhoda Irene Karr and Dan Karr. Originally I thought it was not the right one but additional writing says the little girl is "Bill Bennet and Rhoda Irene's daughter"

If you have other pictures to add, please contact me at jenncrogers@gmail.com

Browsing the Florida & Georgia Archives

Not much archive browsing today. There was only one Florida archive that looked useful and I've earmarked it. It was broken into counties but not alphabetized by surnames so it's going to take time to flip through the pages.

Two Georgia archives looked promising:

1. Georgia Headright & Bounty Land Records, 1783-1909 (Family Search Online)Calhoon, Abraham 
• C. - Canady, William: #213-215, 225-253
2. Georgia Probate Records, 1742-1990 (Family Search Online)
• Not searchable and sorted by County, another one that going to take time

With the Headright and Bounty, I found several names that I think I'll be able to match up pretty quickly. I think I found John D. Calloway in Georgia, but won't know for sure until I do a little more research. 

These have been added to the Library and Archives too.

Browsing Delaware Archives

Today I'm taking some time to browse through the unsearchable images in the Delaware archives. Luckily, the Delaware Orphan Court Records from 1680-1978 were organized in alpha order and I was able to pinpoint a Callaway pretty quickly. The deceased is a Jonathan Callaway, died 1882 and his minors, Dorcus, Geroge, Rachel, William, Mary and Susan (images 144-180).

I've also been browsing through the "Delaware Vital Record Index Cards" which are supposed to reference actual source documents in the Delaware Vital Records... I'm not sure they actually do though!

You can browse through them yourself. Just visit the Library and Archives page and click the links under "D, Primary Sources."

Unsearchable Records

Unsearchable records... What does that mean? You might think it means records that literally can not be searched. Maybe they're at an archives that's too far for you to travel or maybe they're gone. That's true and there are many of those.

But I'm referring to the "unsearchable" digital records. Records you have to browse through, flipping through image file after image file because you can't Ctrl+F for a name or type it in a handy search box. FamilySearch.org has many of these records and I'm just starting to go through them (see below). I'm not even finished with the A's yet. It's quite daunting... but exciting and fascinating too. These are primary source records and well worth the time.

These are also being added to the Library and Archives so check the page regularly throughout the Summer for updates.

• Alabama County Marriages, 1809-1950 (Family Search Online)
• 1,742 search results found, none have been matched... yet!
• Alabama Estate Files, 1830-1976 (Family Search Online)
• 26 search results found, none have been matched... yet!
• Alabama Probate Records, 1809-1985 (Family Search Online)
• Not searchable - must browse through images which are organized by county. Coffee and Dale County are missing. Geneva is listed.
• Arkansas Confederate Pensions, 1901-1929 (Family Search Online)
• Not searchable - files are sub-categorized alphabetically by last name.
• Butts, H.G. - Campbell, J.B. - Image 956, 957, 958, 959, 960,961, 962
• Arkansas First Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945 (Family Search Online)
• 174 search results, not have been matched... yet!
• Arkansas Probate Record, 1817-1979 (Family Search Online)
• Not searchable - files are sub-categorized by county
• It's going to take time to read through all the ledger pages.
• Arkansas Second Registration Draft Cards, 1948-1959
• 9 search results, none have been matched... yet!
• Arkansas County Marriages, 1837-1957 (Family Search Online)
• 2,177 search results
• Arkansas, Freedmen's Bureau Field Office Records, 1864-1872 (Family Search Online)
• Another one that is not searchable, but I'm interested in reading through the documents since I know that John Hansford Callaway had slaves.

Post-Reunion

Last Memorial Weekend was the Annual Callaway Family Reunion for the descendants of Eli Elisha Callaway. I spent a great deal of time talking about my research, the stories I am composing and listening to memories being shared as we flipped through various photo albums. It was just the oomph I needed to get this blog going again.

So... I'm back and doing some redecoration and rearranging. First on the list is to update the research page which is titled "Library & Archives." This is the listing, as well as copies, of primary and secondary sources I've located and recorded. Not all the sources are directly linked to an ancestor, but they've been recorded so that if I come across them later - I don't have to go fumbling back through the research. I've spent many a time scratching my head, "I know I saw that somewhere..." or just give up and bang my head against the wall. Neither of which is very conducive to research.

Keep an eye out for more updates to come.

Memories

I struggled with what to write for today which is why there was not post waiting for you this morning. I've been writing and rewriting, never satisfied. Today is a photograph day, but the more I looked at pictures the more I thought about my Aunt Elaine. I found myself wishing I had a picture of her when she was younger. All the one's I have were taken when I knew her, in the last 30 years or so. But that doesn't tell the whole story of her life, that's not the full scope of her memory to my family.

Then now, literally just now at 9:40 pm, my Aunt Vickie posted this photograph and I smiled (well, I cried too).

Vickie & Elaine

Look at the smile. Respond to the giggling laughter. See the pride and caring hands. Feel the love. This is a captured memory that will never be forgotten.

Family photos are important because they are the physical embodiment of our memories, like letters and journals. Photos capture beautiful moments in time, a smile, a kiss, a hug, and all the people around you. Letters and Journals capture thoughts and feelings that are so unique and may never be felt and captured again. Put the two together and you have a lifetime of memories to carry you through the hard times. Those memories of living with your family are the best gift your can give the generations that follow you. 

Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord

To be absent from the body

is to be present with the Lord.

The dust returns to the earth,

the spirit returns to God who gave it.

- In Remembrance of Aunt Elaine,

a fun and lovely lady who fit in quite well with our Callaway brood.

Don't know who was in charge of the camera this day, but I don't think we lost anybody.

We love you and we'll miss you.

Coming Soon!

The hiatus is soon coming to an end. I took about four weeks off to recuperate and spend time with my family. As you know, family is very important to me and I hope you took time to celebrate yours. You will be rewarded for your patience with a short story. 

Classes start for me next Tuesday and the blog post will also return to regular posts on Tuesdays and Friday, so look for it next week.

Happy New Year!

Hiatus Ahead

I'm currently in the grips of Dead Week, also known as the two weeks of final exams. Will return after a brief hiatus once my brain cells return to something approximating normal.

Thank you for your patients patience.

Tuesday Tagging - Hairy Faces

Today's post was inspired by a blog article on Ancestry.com "What kind of beard did your ancestor sport?" Not very imaginative but it got me thinking. Looking through the collection of photographs I have, I was surprised to see most were clean shaven. Here are those who sport hairy faces.You can use Ancestry's picture diagram at the bottom of the blog to determine the type of mustache and beard.

HAVE FUN!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am taking this week to love and appreciate my family so no new posts are available. You are welcome to review old post and vote on story types in the upper right corner.

Celebrating Confederate Ancestors

Not actually sure if this is
John Hansford Callway.

Do you celebrate your ancestor who was a Confederate Soldier? This is a question I'm wrestling with. To celebrate is to take pride in them, their beliefs and their accomplishments. It is to speak openly about them with a sense of dignity and reverence. When I'm discussing my ancestors among groups of friends and strangers, a confederate veteran isn't top of my list. From a 21st century perspective, I know my ancestor's beliefs are 'wrong.' I am not proud that he owned slaves, that he fought to keep slavery, that he fought to divide the country. Yet, I respect that he fought for his beliefs. It's a contrary place to be.

My ancestor, John Hansford Callaway was proud to have served in the Confederate Army. He mustered in on May 10, 1862 in Hamburg, Arkansas becoming part of Captain Bragg's Company, Arkansas Infantry. He served until May 15, 1866. His soldier's life was recorded in muster rolls and widow's pension records providing me with an unique insight.

• May 10, 1862 - Enlisted at Hamburg Arkansas by A.J. Greenwood
• May to June 30, 1862 - Present for Roll Call: "Pay and Bounty due from enlistment."
• Sept 1862 - "On detailed service"with 1st Regiment Trans-Mississippi Infantry
• June to Oct. 31, 1862 - Absent for Roll Call: "Detailed with Sappers & Miners, July 18, 1862"

• Oct. 31, 1862 to Feby 28, 1863 - Absent for Roll Call: "Absent without leave."

•  Feb. to April 30, 1863 - Absent from Roll Call: "Absent without leave. Said to have joined Parson's Texas Calvary"

•  April 30 to Aug 31, 1863 - Absent from Roll Call: "Sick in Hospital. July 18, 1863. Bounty due. He has only received $30.00 to service enlistment."

• Dec 31, 1863 to Feb 29, 1864 - Present for Roll Call.
• Feb 12, 1865 - Prisoner of War "belonging to the Rebel Army, in custody of Provost Marshal, Memphis, Tennessee... sent from Gaine's Landing"
• Mar 9 - Released from prison by Captain Wilson

Other than him serving in the Confederate Infantry, how do I know that John Hansford was proud of his service? With the help of HeritageQuest I've been able to scour old books, on of which was History of Ashley County, Arkansas (1959). From the appendix (p. xxvi-xxvii) is the following excerpt:

"The great day of 1889 was September 26th when 3500 to 4000 attended a barbecue and "dinner-on-the-ground-celebration" in honor of the veterans of the late war. It was held across the street from the Gus Norman residence which was located on north main street in Hamburg where George Etheridge now lives, the property formerly being known as the Dr. J.W. Simpson place. Great preparations was made for the event. At a mass meeting at the courthouse the following committees were appointed to solicit funds: ... Egypt: B.A. Tubbs, J.H. Calloway and R. M. Barnett...Committee on speakers: M.L. Hawkins, J.H. Calloway, W.A. Roby and T.J. Wells. Everyone performed his duty well. On the great day everything was in proper order. The speaker's committee had selected Colonel Slemons of Monticello to make the principal address. Prior to the dinner, a parade with Col. Slemons, riding a fine bay horse and escorted by 300 veterans marched from the courthouse square to the picnic grounds preceded by a marching band. The exercises at the grounds opened by the band playing the Bonnie Blue Flag. ... The latter received uproarious applause as he spoke of his presence at the surrender and heard General Lee make his farewell address to his army. After the speaking the band played Dixie and the crowd went wild. After the barbacue the three hundred old soldiers met at the courthouse and organized Camp Jim (James) Norris, united Confederate Veterans..."

John Hansford not only served, he celebrated his service. I've decided that it's important to remember that without our ancestors, without him, I would not be here. So, Yes. I want to celebrate my ancestor, recognizing that I don't celebrate his actions. Now I'll remember and respect him, John Hansford Callaway, my great-great-great grandfather.

Tuesday Tagging - The Couple

Do you know who this might be?

P00007 - "The Couple"

Albumin Print, circa 1860 - 1890

Costume, circa ?

The man and the woman are wearing suit and dress that appear to be ill fitted and indistinguishable for a particular time period. The curtained background and the dress lead me to believe that this is a portrait studio scene. If that is the case, the clothes may have been borrowed from the studio for this picture. In which case, the clothes do not help me narrow down the time frame. 

Another interesting element to notice is their body language. They are standing close together but how would you define their relationship? Married... Engaged... Family Relations?

Tell me what you think and why.

The Oregon Trail

FYI - The Oregon State fruit is the Pear!

The historic Oregon Trail (you know, the one that the popular education game is based off of) began as a fur trappers' and traders' trail. It was only passable on foot or on horseback from 1811 to 1840 and spanned from Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon. Wagon trails soon followed until 1869 when the transcontinental railroad was completed. But that's not the Oregon trail I'm talking about. 

The Oregon trail I'm talking about is a gossamer strand of the Callaway genealogy which I discovered in the midst of spinning out the genealogy web from Arkansas. Now I've seen strands disappear in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana. But Oregon, that's a new one. 

Sometime between 1876 and 1878, Andrew Jackson Callaway, the oldest son of Martha Jane Jones and Jonathan Hosea Callaway, left Arkansas for Oregon. I know it was between 1876 and 1878 because he married S.A. Alston in Ashley Co. Arkansas(1876) and Sarah Steele in Oregon (1878). 

Now after a quick eye-popping "Yeah!", I had ask, "How did he get to Oregon and what was he doing there?" Oregon... late 1870s... what was going on? The Cattle Kingdom!

Here's what I've been able to piece together. In 1870, when Andrew was 19 years old he was living with his sister and brother-in-law, Sarah Caroline and William P. Griffin. William was an Editor and Andrew was a Farmer according to the 1870 census. Then in 1876 Andrew marries S.A. Alston who passes away shortly thereafter, possibly in childbirth. Based on historical events I speculate that perhaps in a desire for change Andrew joined a cattle drive coming up from Texas to the northwest.


He then lived in Oregon until is death on December 11, 1898. 

You'll notice on the tombstone that there's no birth date. However, it does give his age at 48 years, 9 months and 8 days. Using RootsWeb age calculator, it puts Andrew's birth day at March 3, 1850. The Callaway Family Bible puts it at March 25, 1850... that's pretty darn close. So I'm pretty confident that this is the Andrew Jackson Callaway that originally hailed from the Arkansas Callaways. 

Might make an interesting story. What do you think?

Tuesday Tagging - 2 Men in a Shop

Do you know who this might be?

P000021 - "2 Men in a Shop"

Albumin Print, circa 1860 - 1890

Costume, circa 1910s

The man on the left is wearing what looks to be a knit button-down sweater, properly called a cardigan. This costume is from the 1910s and 1920s, which places the photograph much later.

Tracing Arkansas Callaways

I've begun spinning out the genealogy web from Jonathan Hosea Callaway, my ancestor who brought my branch of the Callaways to Arkansas, and my genealogy web has grown ... a lot! To help me and you keep track of the names as I discover and write about them, I've created a second blog page called "Tracing Arkansas Callaways." Yeah, I know it doesn't sound very exciting but that's all my brain can come up with right now. 

The link is in the upper right corner and it's a work in progress, so you may want to check it every once and while.