WW I photos from Frank Taylor to Delcie Taylor, Vienna, Illinois postmark June 2, 1919

American Graves Prum, Germany 1919

Family histories are in photographs; genealogy is in dates. The genealogy is the bones and skeleton on which to hang the family history of photographs, diaries, and oral traditions.

About 40 plus photographs are looking for their skeleton, their family. Would a genealogical society, historical society, library, museum or family provide the exposure and love that these deserve?

The photos dated 1918-1919 are from Frank Taylor to his sister Delcie Taylor, Vienna, Illinois.

Also, I have photos taken of the building of a bridge between Illinois and Kentucky over the Ohio River probably a few years earlier looking for permanent exposure and love. A few of the river photos may be viewed at the article on “Genealogy: How to identify photographs” at Examiner.com.

If interested contact me, Selma Blackmon, sbgenealogy@gmail.com or see me and the photos at Federation of Genealogical Society Conference in Fort Wayne, IN next week.

circa 1919

Wordless Wednesday - Postcard from McNoel, Illinois in 1914

This postcard was mailed to Frank Taylor, Springfield, IL from Elmer Barnwell, McNoel, IL on 4 Sept 1914. Elmer is looking for work. The photograph on the front of the card demonstrates the type of work Elmer had done in the past for the C.B & Q.

This postcard is looking for a good home. The card will bring joy and memories to the right family, genealogical or historical society.

Please write Selma Blackmon with your details if you are interested in adopting this card.

National Archives at Atlanta offers genealogical information

"How can I find her parents?" and "Why is it important to search all records?" these two question pop up over and over again. This article offers an example of digging into text records.

The birth of  George Kennedy on 28 August 1896 in Augusta, GA was found in the Augusta Arsenal Files (1869-1913). Following up on the First Friday Freebie talk by Nathan Jordan on military records, this author found genealogical nuggets in the two volumes. These text records may be viewed at the National Archives at Atlanta, 5780 Jonesboro Rd, Morrow, GA 30260 or contact the staff.

Other family history finds include:

The birth names identify the baby; father’s name, age, rank; mother’s age, maiden name. Birth surnames include: Adams, Carruth, Clark, Ford, Fuller, Helfiker, Huff, Kennedy, Simmons, Smith, Tyler, Young  

The marriage names include the couples’ ages, occupation or rank, other relatives and/or birth place. Marriage surnames include: Burum:Taylor, Fletcher:Heckle, Muscroft:Kennedy

The death names include cause and other details such as Sapp’s suicide. Death surnames include: Ford, Sapp