Henry Mallory Clift and his wife Annetta Thompson and one of their children, Frances B. Clift, and their birth and death dates are listed on this memorial gravestone at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, CT.
Henry Mallory Clift was a son of Horace Hatch Clift and his wife Frances Eleanor Burrows, who are buried nearby. Henry, Annetta and their young daughter also have small headstones in front of this large Clift Monument.
Linda Woody, a fellow genealogist, asked me to find this gravestone for her and has helped me with the research. The first and most interesting fact about this family is that they SHOULD be buried in Iowa. I was convinced that I would not find them here in CT. Henry was born in Groton but moved to Iowa by the time he was 33 and married Annetta there. Their little girl Frances died there and all three of them were sent back East to be buried with the Clift family here. Think what this might cost today!
Henry and Annetta had a son Chester who lived in Iowa, South Dakota, Idaho and California. Who says New England families never go anywhere?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Mary Elizabeth CLIFT
Mary Elizabeth CLIFT, daughter of Horace H. Clift and his wife Frances Burrows, was "loyal & true", according to her gravestone. She was unmarried. She was the granddaughter of Nathaniel Clift and Eunice Denison and John Burrows and Roxanna Brown.
Mary was born 24 Jun 1858 and died 21 March 1932. She is buried next to her parents.
Mary was born 24 Jun 1858 and died 21 March 1932. She is buried next to her parents.
The Gift of Grandparents
Carnival of Genealogy 61st edtion, December, 2008
The Gift of Grandparents
"over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go": a traditional for Christmas.
When I was a little girl, this is the house my maternal grandparents lived in. This is where most of my Christmas traditions begin. (This is what it looks like today through the magic of technology.) As it was nearby to the laundry and dry cleaning plant that my grandfather owned and my father, his son-in-law managed, we spent most of my early Christmas vacations living with my grandparents.
Santa brought my toys here and it is here that we trimmed the tree, baked the cookies, enjoyed the decorations and ate our roast beef Christmas dinner. When I dream about past Christmas times long ago, this is the setting. Isn't it a beautiful house?
As a child living with many grownups, I remember sitting on the landing and listening to the joke presents of the grownups. They drew a name at the Thanksgiving dinner table and won the right to pick on that person with a gift and a poem. My grandmother cheated one year and made sure she got her sister as she had already bought the gift. I was sworn to secrecy. It was great fun and they never found out I listened. We don't carry on this tradition and I have no photos of the event except in the deepest part of my memories. Every family should have a time to pick on each other and laugh about it.
Grandpa indulged my every whim. He was very sick and I understood he didn't have long to live. He bought me my first book, the Audubon Bird Guide, as he and I sat for hours watching the bird feeders. It was my birthday gift when I was two years old.
Grandma lived a very long time. She was a great hostess, had all her friends over for a big Christmas tea (I hid under the piano and watched the ladies) and probably bought, wrapped and hid most of my gifts as she drove and my mother did not. My grandparents are my favorite holiday tradition.
I think about their traditions of family, especially now that I am to be a grandmother. I've got until June to get ready and a lot to live up to.
The Gift of Grandparents
"over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go": a traditional for Christmas.
When I was a little girl, this is the house my maternal grandparents lived in. This is where most of my Christmas traditions begin. (This is what it looks like today through the magic of technology.) As it was nearby to the laundry and dry cleaning plant that my grandfather owned and my father, his son-in-law managed, we spent most of my early Christmas vacations living with my grandparents.
Santa brought my toys here and it is here that we trimmed the tree, baked the cookies, enjoyed the decorations and ate our roast beef Christmas dinner. When I dream about past Christmas times long ago, this is the setting. Isn't it a beautiful house?
As a child living with many grownups, I remember sitting on the landing and listening to the joke presents of the grownups. They drew a name at the Thanksgiving dinner table and won the right to pick on that person with a gift and a poem. My grandmother cheated one year and made sure she got her sister as she had already bought the gift. I was sworn to secrecy. It was great fun and they never found out I listened. We don't carry on this tradition and I have no photos of the event except in the deepest part of my memories. Every family should have a time to pick on each other and laugh about it.
Grandpa indulged my every whim. He was very sick and I understood he didn't have long to live. He bought me my first book, the Audubon Bird Guide, as he and I sat for hours watching the bird feeders. It was my birthday gift when I was two years old.
Grandma lived a very long time. She was a great hostess, had all her friends over for a big Christmas tea (I hid under the piano and watched the ladies) and probably bought, wrapped and hid most of my gifts as she drove and my mother did not. My grandparents are my favorite holiday tradition.
I think about their traditions of family, especially now that I am to be a grandmother. I've got until June to get ready and a lot to live up to.
Reindeer Games
A Christmas Tour of Blogs: December 2008
Reindeer Games
Every year, my mother would get ready for the neighborhood door decoration competition. For most of my teen years and long after I graduated from college, this would be a family tradition. My mother, would put her creative and artistic hat on and start planning long before Thanksgiving for what would be on the door. This is her entry for 1967 which I didn't see until I came home for Christmas break from college.
When I married and bought a house, I put my mother to work on door decorations for my house and I still put up the ones she made for me on the side door where I will see them everyday. My husband is the decoration person for the rest of the outside.
Holiday traditions change with the times but at least we have old photos to help us remember the past.
Reindeer Games
Every year, my mother would get ready for the neighborhood door decoration competition. For most of my teen years and long after I graduated from college, this would be a family tradition. My mother, would put her creative and artistic hat on and start planning long before Thanksgiving for what would be on the door. This is her entry for 1967 which I didn't see until I came home for Christmas break from college.
When I married and bought a house, I put my mother to work on door decorations for my house and I still put up the ones she made for me on the side door where I will see them everyday. My husband is the decoration person for the rest of the outside.
Holiday traditions change with the times but at least we have old photos to help us remember the past.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Christmas Past
Stocking Stuffer, 8th Edition Smile for the Camera
Christmas Past
The year is 1957 and I have just had my 10th birthday. My grandmother is a widow and we have survived a Christmas without my grandfather. According to the Cranston (RI) City Directory, she still lives in this house alone but it won't be for long. She has sold the grand piano (which should be where I am sitting) and has decided to move to an apartment complex which is not very far away.
Last year, she showed me the family Bible with its many names under births, marriages and deaths, and gave me the photographs of my grandfather's grandparents so in this photo, I am already a genealogist.
This is the Christmas that she bought me this Eloise doll and I hung my two favorite ornaments on the tree but things will never be the same. Next year on my birthday, we went to New York shopping, to see the Rocketttes, watch the skaters, see the windows at Macy's and stay in the Plaza Hotel. I am moving away from dolls and into stamp collecting by then but Eloise is still a favorite. This photo is a "stocking stuffer" for my own daughter as she now owns the fancy stocking that I used at my grandmother's house.
Christmas Past
The year is 1957 and I have just had my 10th birthday. My grandmother is a widow and we have survived a Christmas without my grandfather. According to the Cranston (RI) City Directory, she still lives in this house alone but it won't be for long. She has sold the grand piano (which should be where I am sitting) and has decided to move to an apartment complex which is not very far away.
Last year, she showed me the family Bible with its many names under births, marriages and deaths, and gave me the photographs of my grandfather's grandparents so in this photo, I am already a genealogist.
This is the Christmas that she bought me this Eloise doll and I hung my two favorite ornaments on the tree but things will never be the same. Next year on my birthday, we went to New York shopping, to see the Rocketttes, watch the skaters, see the windows at Macy's and stay in the Plaza Hotel. I am moving away from dolls and into stamp collecting by then but Eloise is still a favorite. This photo is a "stocking stuffer" for my own daughter as she now owns the fancy stocking that I used at my grandmother's house.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Obituary of James A. Barber
This is a scanned copy of the obituary of my 2nd great grandfather, James Albert Barber. It was in his field diary that was found in the special collections at the Providence Public Library by Robert Grandchamp, my friend, who has been researching his unit for an upcoming book and for his Master's thesis. I was more than happy to help Robert with the family side of his historical project and he, in turn, taught me about the battles of the Civil War.
I did not know the name of his boat or that they called him "Capt. Jim". That's not his rank, that's an indication of his status as a mariner. Every piece of the puzzle brings new insight into the life of my important military hero ancestor.
James Albert Barber
I did not know the name of his boat or that they called him "Capt. Jim". That's not his rank, that's an indication of his status as a mariner. Every piece of the puzzle brings new insight into the life of my important military hero ancestor.
James Albert Barber
Come on In!
Moving on. We're packing up our Thanksgiving traditions and moving them to my daughter and son-in-law's lovely new house. We're bringing the food, the fun and the memories and making more....
I will be thankful if it doesn't snow....
I will be thankful if it doesn't snow....
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Bradford Plot
Tombstone Tuesday
This is the area of Burial Hill where the family of William Bradford is resting in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
This is the area of Burial Hill where the family of William Bradford is resting in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Prudence Dean Fish Obit
This is a clipping from the journal of Charles Edward Stewart, my great-grandfather. I have donated the journal to the North Stonington Historical Society as much of it is more of historical value than family material.
The slightly clipped obit is of Prudence Brown Dean, daughter of James Dean and wife of Hon. Asa Fish. Notice that Rev. William Clift officiated at the service.
I love reading things like this when I am researching those graves.
The slightly clipped obit is of Prudence Brown Dean, daughter of James Dean and wife of Hon. Asa Fish. Notice that Rev. William Clift officiated at the service.
I love reading things like this when I am researching those graves.
Turkey Hat
This is my lovely daughter. She is a Kindergarten teacher which makes her a bit wild and crazy at times. Her sister-in-law gave her this hat to wear at the school event lunch. The theme was being thankful.
I can't imagine where she inherited this attitude, can you?
PS. This hat was purchased at a local New England chain of discount variety called Christmas Tree Shoppe.
I can't imagine where she inherited this attitude, can you?
PS. This hat was purchased at a local New England chain of discount variety called Christmas Tree Shoppe.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Elizabeth J. TIFT
Elizabeth Jane was born 13 May, 1823 and died 17 May 1887. She was the wife of Isaac D. Clift. They were married 5 Oct 1853
They had two children, Rubie [Ruby] and Ira. Ira is buried here near his parents in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic, New London, CT.
Denison genealogy p. 82
They had two children, Rubie [Ruby] and Ira. Ira is buried here near his parents in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic, New London, CT.
Denison genealogy p. 82
Friday, November 21, 2008
Isaac D. CLIFT
Isaac Denison CLIFT was the youngest son of Capt. Nathaniel Clift and his wife Eunice Denison. He was born 14 Oct 1822. He married Elizabeth J. Tift on 5 Oct 1853. Isaac died on 25 April 1892.
Isaac is buried next to his wife and in this Clift section of Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, New London, CT
Isaac must have been named for his grandfather, Isaac Denison, Sr. who I am researching. As Isaac Denison, Sr. died in 1817, it may have been the influence of his wife Eunice Williams Denison to name a grandson after her husband. I was glad to see another Isaac buried so close to the Denison plot.
Denison genealogy # 2437 p. 82
Isaac is buried next to his wife and in this Clift section of Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, New London, CT
Isaac must have been named for his grandfather, Isaac Denison, Sr. who I am researching. As Isaac Denison, Sr. died in 1817, it may have been the influence of his wife Eunice Williams Denison to name a grandson after her husband. I was glad to see another Isaac buried so close to the Denison plot.
Denison genealogy # 2437 p. 82
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Horace H. CLIFT and Frances E. BURROWS
Horace Hatch CLIFT was born 8 Feb 1821 and died 15 Feb 1884. He was a son of Capt. Nathaniel Clift and Eunice Denison (one of 10 children). Horace married Frances Eleanor Burrows on 25 Oct 1848.
Frances Eleanor BURROWS, a daughter of John BURROWS and his wife Roxanna BROWN was born 23 May 1825 and died 9 Aug, 1873. Her parents are buried in the Denison plot nearby at Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic, New London, CT.
Frances had two sisters and a baby brother also buried in this lovely garden cemetery.
Horace H. Clift , #2436 p. 82, 458, Denison genealogy
Frances E. Burrows, #2414-2 p. 456 Denison genealogy.
Frances Eleanor BURROWS, a daughter of John BURROWS and his wife Roxanna BROWN was born 23 May 1825 and died 9 Aug, 1873. Her parents are buried in the Denison plot nearby at Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic, New London, CT.
Frances had two sisters and a baby brother also buried in this lovely garden cemetery.
Horace H. Clift , #2436 p. 82, 458, Denison genealogy
Frances E. Burrows, #2414-2 p. 456 Denison genealogy.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Elder William Brewster (Memorial Stone)
Wordless Wednesday: Memorial Stone for Elder Brewster
Burial Hill, Plymouth, MA
Burial Hill, Plymouth, MA
Monday, November 17, 2008
Caesar
Caesar: The Best of Slaves
Cemetery work can sometimes be thought provoking. Today, this gravestone epitaph is politically incorrect but in the time of 1780; it must have been meant as a compliment.
"Some curious inscriptions were placed upon the stones here. The most famous one is doubtless that over Caesar the slave.
He was given by his mother while he was an infant to Lieutenant Josiah Maxcy When the latter died Caesar came into the hands of Lev Maxcy.
Being a waiter in the public house so long kept on the site of the Old Garrison and which in those days was the resort of many travelers on that route he was known to all the region round and after his death many of these travelers used to stop over to visit the ground and read the strange inscription over his grave.
He was a member of the Baptist church at North Attleborough. Tradition has preserved numerous anecdotes of him He was simple hearted but proved through a long life a remarkably honest and faithful servant in the family where he lived. He survived his first master and after his own death January 15 1780 was buried in the same yard.
A decent stone was raised over his grave by his younger master Levi Maxcy in whose care he was left as has been said with the following inscription which in its graphic lines will long preserve the memory of Caesar the faithful Ethiopian."
"Caesar's stone has been broken in pieces and taken away The stones in yard were dark of what we call black slate The only white one there was to the memory of the wife of Caesar's owner."
From:
A Sketch of the History of Attleborough From Its Settlement to the Division By John Daggett, 1805-1885, John Daggett, Amelia Daggett Sheffield; published 1894. Chapter XXI p. 727-728 [Google Books]
Taken in North Attleboro, MA in the Old North Cemetery (1676), GR11, as a present for me by my friend, Linda Binns.
Cemetery work can sometimes be thought provoking. Today, this gravestone epitaph is politically incorrect but in the time of 1780; it must have been meant as a compliment.
"Some curious inscriptions were placed upon the stones here. The most famous one is doubtless that over Caesar the slave.
He was given by his mother while he was an infant to Lieutenant Josiah Maxcy When the latter died Caesar came into the hands of Lev Maxcy.
Being a waiter in the public house so long kept on the site of the Old Garrison and which in those days was the resort of many travelers on that route he was known to all the region round and after his death many of these travelers used to stop over to visit the ground and read the strange inscription over his grave.
He was a member of the Baptist church at North Attleborough. Tradition has preserved numerous anecdotes of him He was simple hearted but proved through a long life a remarkably honest and faithful servant in the family where he lived. He survived his first master and after his own death January 15 1780 was buried in the same yard.
A decent stone was raised over his grave by his younger master Levi Maxcy in whose care he was left as has been said with the following inscription which in its graphic lines will long preserve the memory of Caesar the faithful Ethiopian."
"In memory of Caesar
Here lies the best of slaves
Now turning into Dust;
Caesar the Ethiopian craves,
A place among the just.
His faithful soul has fled
To realms of heavenly light,
And by the blood that Jesus shed
Is changed from Black to White.
January 15 he quitted the stage
In the 77th year of his age
1780 "
Here lies the best of slaves
Now turning into Dust;
Caesar the Ethiopian craves,
A place among the just.
His faithful soul has fled
To realms of heavenly light,
And by the blood that Jesus shed
Is changed from Black to White.
January 15 he quitted the stage
In the 77th year of his age
1780 "
"Caesar's stone has been broken in pieces and taken away The stones in yard were dark of what we call black slate The only white one there was to the memory of the wife of Caesar's owner."
From:
A Sketch of the History of Attleborough From Its Settlement to the Division By John Daggett, 1805-1885, John Daggett, Amelia Daggett Sheffield; published 1894. Chapter XXI p. 727-728 [Google Books]
Taken in North Attleboro, MA in the Old North Cemetery (1676), GR11, as a present for me by my friend, Linda Binns.
Must Go Back!
Even with the miracle of technology, I can't make the letters on this grave clearer to read. Dates do not match up with print resources.
I guess I will have to trace my fingers over the letters when I go back to CT (which is a hour or so drive from my home).
Nothing is perfect, I guess.
I guess I will have to trace my fingers over the letters when I go back to CT (which is a hour or so drive from my home).
Nothing is perfect, I guess.
Capt. Nathaniel CLIFT and wife Eunice DENISON
This monument in the Clift section of Elm Grove Cemetery was very hard to read and to photograph. My husband held the mirror to reflect the sun's rays on the lettering in several angles. The sun was so bright I was sure it would work. It's still not clear.
What I can see is that this is the grave of Capt. Nathaniel Clift and his wife Eunice Denison. Eunice was a daughter of Isaac Denison, Sr. and his wife Eunice Williams.
There are several of their children buried here with them.
What I can see is that this is the grave of Capt. Nathaniel Clift and his wife Eunice Denison. Eunice was a daughter of Isaac Denison, Sr. and his wife Eunice Williams.
There are several of their children buried here with them.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Plymouth Rock
Yes, I know this is not a gravestone but nevertheless it is a memorial of sorts. From last Monday to Thanksgiving morning the project I began many years ago, get a monumental (pun, intended) number of hits from teachers who need resources to plan their lessons for this Thanksgiving season.
This is where my worlds collide with education, technology and genealogy peacefully living together.
Readers of this blog may not know about my Web site at all and so I thought you might like to browse through the pages I have created for teachers. It begins here with this page.
This is where my worlds collide with education, technology and genealogy peacefully living together.
Readers of this blog may not know about my Web site at all and so I thought you might like to browse through the pages I have created for teachers. It begins here with this page.
Friday, November 14, 2008
All of Grandmother Aiken's Children
Isn't it wonderful when you get a new family photo in your email? It sure brightens up a cold, dreary, rainy New England day.
I am thankful for family members finding my tree at Ancestry and contacting me. You can never know enough about your immigrant ancestors.
This photo is of my paternal Scottish ancestors Aiken. They came early to America, before Ellis Island. This is a such a nice photo that was restored for me by Virgil and Anne.
Those pictured here are all siblings. Quite an age range isn't it?
I'll bet my friend, Maureen Taylor would like this photo. I am thankful for having this photo to add to my collection.
I am thankful for family members finding my tree at Ancestry and contacting me. You can never know enough about your immigrant ancestors.
This photo is of my paternal Scottish ancestors Aiken. They came early to America, before Ellis Island. This is a such a nice photo that was restored for me by Virgil and Anne.
Those pictured here are all siblings. Quite an age range isn't it?
I'll bet my friend, Maureen Taylor would like this photo. I am thankful for having this photo to add to my collection.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Put Your Hands Up!
This is the small newspaper clipping found in my father's Army folder. It tells how he and his men captured Nazi soldiers.
Notice the reference to his siblings, the names of his parents and his year of graduation from high school.
Notice that his wound was shrapnel and it happened on July 4th. Also not that it is listed he had been overseas since 1938 and we know this is not true since his enlistment date was 1940.
Notice the reference to his siblings, the names of his parents and his year of graduation from high school.
Notice that his wound was shrapnel and it happened on July 4th. Also not that it is listed he had been overseas since 1938 and we know this is not true since his enlistment date was 1940.
Capt. Thomas H. Broadfoot
Yesterday, I decided to start recording information about my father's service to our country in my genealogy database. I pulled out the folder where he kept his military papers and went through them one page at a time. It didn't seem like I was going to gain information, but I did.
With the help of my husband, I began to decipher the military lingo. My father enlisted on 19 Nov 1940 as a Warrant Officer after graduating from Westerly [RI] High in 1935 and working as a textile worker in the Bradford Dye Works. [Bradford Dyeing Association] At enlistment he was 23 years and 3 months old. He was blonde, blue-eyed, of fair complexion and was 5' 9" tall and weighed 129 lbs.
He went to OCS [Officers Candidate School] in Fort Benning, GA and received a certificate (Form 55) from Major John G. Hardy after serving as a Corporal, Second Company and accepted an appointment as a 2nd Lieut. His ASN [Army Serial Number] is listed on this and later documents.
In Germany, he was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster-Purple Heart on 22 Sept 1945 for wounds received in action on 21 Dec 1944. I think this is when he became part of Co. G, 32nd Airborne Division and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
Tom, wrote a letter to the editor of his hometown newspaper, The Westerly Sun, thanking them for sending him the paper In this he indicates that he is now a member of Co. F. one of his dogtags is in the envelope along with a charming photo of his local baseball team. They all look so young.
[To be continued]
With the help of my husband, I began to decipher the military lingo. My father enlisted on 19 Nov 1940 as a Warrant Officer after graduating from Westerly [RI] High in 1935 and working as a textile worker in the Bradford Dye Works. [Bradford Dyeing Association] At enlistment he was 23 years and 3 months old. He was blonde, blue-eyed, of fair complexion and was 5' 9" tall and weighed 129 lbs.
He went to OCS [Officers Candidate School] in Fort Benning, GA and received a certificate (Form 55) from Major John G. Hardy after serving as a Corporal, Second Company and accepted an appointment as a 2nd Lieut. His ASN [Army Serial Number] is listed on this and later documents.
In Germany, he was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster-Purple Heart on 22 Sept 1945 for wounds received in action on 21 Dec 1944. I think this is when he became part of Co. G, 32nd Airborne Division and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
Tom, wrote a letter to the editor of his hometown newspaper, The Westerly Sun, thanking them for sending him the paper In this he indicates that he is now a member of Co. F. one of his dogtags is in the envelope along with a charming photo of his local baseball team. They all look so young.
[To be continued]
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Numbered Graves
Yesterday, my husband and I went to a nearly street to see if there really was three cemeteries in one location! I looked them up on the Web and in David Lambert's Guide to Massachusetts Cemeteries. I checked Google Maps and discovered that the word "cemetery" has been added to the online map. This is great news, well, maybe not for the dead but at least to me.
One resting place is completely normal. It is clearly marked and has been transcribed. The second cemetery is oddly placed. It looks like a small family plot but contains graves of those who died from smallpox. The third is behind the "smallpox cemetery' and consists, as you see here, of bricks with numbers on them. One grave has a brick with a number and a military marker and flag. [Assuming this was a man who served and the family wanted a marker for his service.] Another section, has a stone with Hebrew lettering placed with the numbered bricks.
It is the cemetery where over the years, prisoners have been buried. The ground must be consecrated for Christian burials and so those who were Jewish were placed in a different area. It is not marked with a name. It feels sad and lonely.
One resting place is completely normal. It is clearly marked and has been transcribed. The second cemetery is oddly placed. It looks like a small family plot but contains graves of those who died from smallpox. The third is behind the "smallpox cemetery' and consists, as you see here, of bricks with numbers on them. One grave has a brick with a number and a military marker and flag. [Assuming this was a man who served and the family wanted a marker for his service.] Another section, has a stone with Hebrew lettering placed with the numbered bricks.
It is the cemetery where over the years, prisoners have been buried. The ground must be consecrated for Christian burials and so those who were Jewish were placed in a different area. It is not marked with a name. It feels sad and lonely.
Saying Goodbye
For a Blog Carnival event on Facebook ["Alzheimer's Disease - The Long Goodbye"] we have been asked to blog about mental health issues in our family.
As I have been gathering family health facts as they pertain to genealogy and family history over the many years I have been researching my family, I have accumulated a lot of information. This is not always easy to find out as many people do not like giving this type of information or simply do not know what types of ailments people have.
Unfortunately for me, women in my family, many of who live to be very elderly, are not only frail but quickly develop dementia. "Alzheimer's Disease - The Long Goodbye" is related to this topic. This is a photo of my mother who did not want to pose for this photo. She was always artsy and her learning style was abstract random. She loves to paint and draw and decorate her home. She held a degree in art from RISD and studied photography and fashion design for her major. She was annoyed because I am so like her mother and was not interested in things she enjoyed. Conversation in her old age was strained. No topic was safe.
Her mother [our four generation photo] and her mother's sister both exhibited dementia prior to their death. Both women were "sharp" prior to this. My mother however began to be fearful and have hallucinations. It was very scary. She adored her house and now was afraid of it. She was fading away from us. It came on slowly and progressed quickly and worsened with her getting pneumonia. She had a lucid moment and was taken off life support at her own request. Then, she was gone.
This left me as the oldest women in my maternal line. I think I am very much at risk for dementia. I worry about how this might carry to my daughter.
As I have been gathering family health facts as they pertain to genealogy and family history over the many years I have been researching my family, I have accumulated a lot of information. This is not always easy to find out as many people do not like giving this type of information or simply do not know what types of ailments people have.
Unfortunately for me, women in my family, many of who live to be very elderly, are not only frail but quickly develop dementia. "Alzheimer's Disease - The Long Goodbye" is related to this topic. This is a photo of my mother who did not want to pose for this photo. She was always artsy and her learning style was abstract random. She loves to paint and draw and decorate her home. She held a degree in art from RISD and studied photography and fashion design for her major. She was annoyed because I am so like her mother and was not interested in things she enjoyed. Conversation in her old age was strained. No topic was safe.
Her mother [our four generation photo] and her mother's sister both exhibited dementia prior to their death. Both women were "sharp" prior to this. My mother however began to be fearful and have hallucinations. It was very scary. She adored her house and now was afraid of it. She was fading away from us. It came on slowly and progressed quickly and worsened with her getting pneumonia. She had a lucid moment and was taken off life support at her own request. Then, she was gone.
This left me as the oldest women in my maternal line. I think I am very much at risk for dementia. I worry about how this might carry to my daughter.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Bridget FISH
I stood before this grave and said, "Oh, look, this must be Bridget Fish, daughter of Dea. Sands Fish and his wife Bridget Gallup!"
The reason for the surprise is that this daughter is NOT listed in the Fish genealogy with her brothers and sisters and I would not know about her except that I noticed her birth record in the list of Fish births in Groton, CT. That sent me to the marriages to find her husband. I didn't know her date of death until I took this photo.
This completes finding all of the graves of the children of Dea. Sand Fish and his wife Bridget Gallup. [My direct line ancestor in these children is Levina Fish who married Isaac Denison, Jr.]
Bridget was the last of nine children born in her family. She died at 34 leaving two little girls. The 1840 census lists her (female 1, ages 20-30), her husband (male 1, ages 30-40 and females 2, ages under 5)
The reason for the surprise is that this daughter is NOT listed in the Fish genealogy with her brothers and sisters and I would not know about her except that I noticed her birth record in the list of Fish births in Groton, CT. That sent me to the marriages to find her husband. I didn't know her date of death until I took this photo.
This completes finding all of the graves of the children of Dea. Sand Fish and his wife Bridget Gallup. [My direct line ancestor in these children is Levina Fish who married Isaac Denison, Jr.]
Bridget was the last of nine children born in her family. She died at 34 leaving two little girls. The 1840 census lists her (female 1, ages 20-30), her husband (male 1, ages 30-40 and females 2, ages under 5)
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Capt. William CLIFT
Capt. William Clift / Born / April 20, 1805 / Died / Oct. 21, 1822 / The Memory and Example of such a father is a pri/ celess [priceless] heritage/
William5 (Nathaniel4, Amos3, Samuel2, William1)
Wheeler's History of Stonington #38 p. 311 lists birth and first marriage date to Bridget Fish
William was born 20 April 1805 at Mystic Bridge and died 21 Oct 1882. He married Bridget FISH 18 June 1833 and had two daughters. The Burrows genealogy says that he taught school for two years, then clerked for three years at the store of Gilbert DENISON's store located at the head of Mystic River. He went to sea at 23 in a fishing smack to improve his health. He became a Captain and owner of vessels. He was an agent for his ships and others in New York City. After Bridget died in 1856 he married the next year Elizabeth A. BURROWS. They had no children together.
William's daughters were Mary H. Clift and Hannah.
William5 (Nathaniel4, Amos3, Samuel2, William1)
Wheeler's History of Stonington #38 p. 311 lists birth and first marriage date to Bridget Fish
William was born 20 April 1805 at Mystic Bridge and died 21 Oct 1882. He married Bridget FISH 18 June 1833 and had two daughters. The Burrows genealogy says that he taught school for two years, then clerked for three years at the store of Gilbert DENISON's store located at the head of Mystic River. He went to sea at 23 in a fishing smack to improve his health. He became a Captain and owner of vessels. He was an agent for his ships and others in New York City. After Bridget died in 1856 he married the next year Elizabeth A. BURROWS. They had no children together.
William's daughters were Mary H. Clift and Hannah.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Elizabeth A. BURROWS
Elizabeth A./ Wife of / William Clift /Died Jan. 10, 1865 / Aged 53 Years
Elizabeth was born 14 Aug 1811, daughter of Rev. Daniel Burrows and his wife Mary Avery. She is buried next to her parents and her husband. She was married to Capt. William Clift by Rev. James Floy on 16 Sept. 1846. She was 35 years old. Elizabeth was the last child born to Rev. Daniel and Mary.
In the 1860 federal census, Elizabeth is listed living in Groton with her husband and his two adult daughters, Mary and Hannah. Elizabeth was a second wife to Capt. Clift. She married him after his first wife, Bridget Fish died in Sept 1845.
Elizabeth died without issue on 10 Jan 1865.
Elizabeth was born 14 Aug 1811, daughter of Rev. Daniel Burrows and his wife Mary Avery. She is buried next to her parents and her husband. She was married to Capt. William Clift by Rev. James Floy on 16 Sept. 1846. She was 35 years old. Elizabeth was the last child born to Rev. Daniel and Mary.
In the 1860 federal census, Elizabeth is listed living in Groton with her husband and his two adult daughters, Mary and Hannah. Elizabeth was a second wife to Capt. Clift. She married him after his first wife, Bridget Fish died in Sept 1845.
Elizabeth died without issue on 10 Jan 1865.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Mary AVERY
In / Memory of /Mary /wife of Rev. Daniel Burrows/ who died/July 12, 1851/ Aged 83 years.
Mary (Jasper6, Parke5, Ebenezer4, James3, James2, Christopher1) Avery was born 12 Dec 1768 probably at Groton, CT and died 12 July 1851 in Middletown, CT.
Mary and her husband, Rev. Daniel Burrows are buried next their daughter Elizabeth A. Burrows who was the second wife of Capt. William Clift.
Mary (Jasper6, Parke5, Ebenezer4, James3, James2, Christopher1) Avery was born 12 Dec 1768 probably at Groton, CT and died 12 July 1851 in Middletown, CT.
Mary and her husband, Rev. Daniel Burrows are buried next their daughter Elizabeth A. Burrows who was the second wife of Capt. William Clift.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Rev. Daniel BURROWS
In/ Memory of / Rev./ Daniel Burrows/ who died/ Jan. 23, 1858/ Aged 91 years.
Many gravestones of members of the clergy are ornate and inscribed with information about their service to God and the church but it is not so with this plain gravestone of Daniel Burrows.
Rev. Daniel6 (Rev. Silas5, Amos4, John3, John2, Robert1)
Daniel was born 28 October 1766 in Fort Hill, Groton, New London, CT the son of Rev. Silas Burrows and his wife Mary Smith. He married 16 Dec 1787, Mary Avery who is buried by his side in the Elm Grove Cemetery. He died at the advanced age of 91 on 23 Jan 1858 at Mystic River, New London, CT.
In his early life, Daniel was a Baptist as his father (and brother) were Baptist ministers. He was a "prominent citizen of his day" and was a merchant and manufacturer before he was licensed as a preacher and ordained by the Methodist Bishop Asbury. He lived at Hebron , CT. He was elected several times to the legislature of the state of Connecticut.
He and Mary had nine or ten children.
Robert Burrows genealogy (page 963) and American Ancestry (page 71)
Many gravestones of members of the clergy are ornate and inscribed with information about their service to God and the church but it is not so with this plain gravestone of Daniel Burrows.
Rev. Daniel6 (Rev. Silas5, Amos4, John3, John2, Robert1)
Daniel was born 28 October 1766 in Fort Hill, Groton, New London, CT the son of Rev. Silas Burrows and his wife Mary Smith. He married 16 Dec 1787, Mary Avery who is buried by his side in the Elm Grove Cemetery. He died at the advanced age of 91 on 23 Jan 1858 at Mystic River, New London, CT.
In his early life, Daniel was a Baptist as his father (and brother) were Baptist ministers. He was a "prominent citizen of his day" and was a merchant and manufacturer before he was licensed as a preacher and ordained by the Methodist Bishop Asbury. He lived at Hebron , CT. He was elected several times to the legislature of the state of Connecticut.
He and Mary had nine or ten children.
Robert Burrows genealogy (page 963) and American Ancestry (page 71)
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Shades of the Departed
How could I resist contributing to a blog named "Shade of the Departed"? So when asked, I contributed several photos and a Halloween tale based on a grave in Whitehall Cemetery taken by my friend and cousin, Fred Burdick.
Friday from the Collectors, October 31, 2008
It was fun. I love Halloween. Now it is on to the longest two months of the year.
Friday from the Collectors, October 31, 2008
It was fun. I love Halloween. Now it is on to the longest two months of the year.
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