Barbara Ann Kampe, artist, -2023

 

Barbara Kampe presented me, her sister, with her painting “Three birds in a bush.” In 2001, I worked as an administrative assistant; Barb offered to spruce up my office. Originally there were three birds in the painting not living up to the artist’s sense of design, so bushes grew up and covered the birds. I never learned which bush hid the birds.

Barb was born in Joliet, Illinois, due to an unexpected snow storm in October my mom and baby sister spent a few extra days in the hospital. With this much excitement, I think the rest of her growing up years were “ordinary.” Since my sister and I are twelve years apart in age, I do not know much about her early life. As an adult, Barb moved from Illinois to Florida. Living in Florida offered her an opportunity to relax, enjoy and pursue her interest in painting. She painted everything from landscapes, flowers to horses. Barb’s art provided her an outlet to express her love for the outdoors. 

This blog was written to express my memories and appreciation for my only sister. Amy Johnson Crow has a program called #52ancestors. . Each week a different topic allows us to think about our families. This is in response to week 10 siblings. We can blog, share a note on Facebook on Generations Café or bury the memories and no one will know what we are feeling. My personal feelings for my sister include the fact that I wish we could have spent more quality time together. Barb came to Georgia several times and I did enjoy walking the sandy beach in Clearwater, Florida.

Barb’s life ended too young and too quickly in May 2023. Her memorial was live streamed for the out of town friends and family. Thank you First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin for your thoughtfulness. Barb’s art was on display. Several of her friends offered comforting words. One of her friends articulated that Barb found comfort in Reading her Bible, especially Romans 8:38 “³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This stirred childhood memories and comforted me. Two of my favorites include John 14:6 “⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. “And Mathew 6:33 “³³ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Relationship to me: Barbara Ann Kampe is my only sibling; see my public trees on MyHeritage.com and Ancestry.com

Happy tree climbing and roots digging,

Selma aka Roots Digger

Bean, Parsons, Dickerson Gathering in October 1915, Cortland, N.Y.

 

Cortland Standard, October 30, 1915. FultonHistory.com.

“Visiting Among Old Friends. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bean of New Winfield, Pa., who have been visiting the families of Mr. Bean’s sisters…” This begins the article found in the Cortland Standard, October 30, 1915. Pg 7, col 1, McGraw headline, Correspondent, Mrs. Russell. Fultonhistory.com accessed June 2021. The article continues to include the names and locations of Mr. Bean’s sisters and brothers. The article concludes with “making the trip in Jay Dibble’s automobile.”

Elmer Bean, 1871-1940, Clara Blake, 1872-1940

Sisters:

Mrs. Benjamin Charles Parsons, 1861-1918, Nettie Bean, b 1869, New York

Mrs. Clarence Williams Dickerson, 1874-1950, Nellie Bean, 1881-1959, Pennsylvania     

Brothers:

Charles Bean, 1862-1936, Clara Stevens, 1864-1919, Cortland County, New York

Dell Bean, (Adelbert) 1868-1940

“On Wednesday…spent the day with Mr. and Mrs. Bertie Bean of South Solon…” probably Elmer’s cousin.

After receiving the newspaper article, another ten hours of research was added to the family members. View my public Ancestry tree for my research. The obituary for Benjamin C. Parsons, husband of Nettie Bean Gridley, was shared in another tree. This obituary is the only document, so far, that I have found to connect Nettie and Ben. Thank you for sharing your research finds!!!

As family historians, it is great to exchange research finds. About 10 years ago, someone in the group would always ask, “How do you know that?” or “Where did that information come from?” This lead us to question our findings, dig deep. After just completing the WANDER classes with Amy Johnson Crow, one more suggestion may be added. Look at your family tree; if the information is all from census records, you have just started your search. Census records are clues, a beginning, not an end.

Looking for someone to assist with your newspaper research or research in general? This news clipping was found by Oria Kelly. For more information and rates, contact Oria at arcadia5252@gmail.com. "I like to help people."

My family connection? Still looking, I have dna matches with many of these family members. So far, the common thread is that all leads point back to Aaron Williams 1778-1858 in Cortland County, New York.

Comments or questions, contact Selma at sbgenealogy@gmail.com