This Memorial Day I remember David W. Blackson, my 2nd great-grand uncle, who served during the Civil War, fighting to preserve the Union. The son of Joseph and Mary Weaver Blackson, David was born about 1840 in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, PA, where he grew up. In the 1850 census, David was 10 years old, residing with his parents, and his siblings Louisa, Mary, Isaac, Jacob, Catherine and Permelia. In 1860, David was listed as 18, and was now the oldest child in the household with five younger siblings. Continue reading
IRS Tax Assessment Lists–1862
The 2022 tax deadline has arrived! In past April posts, I included various Pennsylvania county property tax records. These records showed taxes on property, including land, buildings, and some livestock. Sometimes an occupation or a militia tax was conducted. This year instead of property tax records, I am highlighting the federal IRS Tax Assessment Lists, particularly 1862. Continue reading
Census Through the Years: Minnie Idella Allen Phillips
My aunts referred to her as Aunt Della; she was an older half-sister of my grandfather, Charles Brown. As I searched census records and a few other documents to sort out details about her life, I found her birthday listed as March 17. Coincidentally, this was the same day listed on most of my grandfather Charles’ documents, which means the two likely shared a birthday. I say likely, as there were a few times one or the other’s birth month was listed on a document as April. Continue reading
Remembering Kathryn
My mother was a woman of many qualities: caring, amusing, outgoing, strong willed, and a bit of a spit fire. 100 years ago today, February 6, she was born in Youngwood, PA to Marjorie Fowler and William E. Ludwick, also known as Bill and Madge. My mom was the youngest of three children and the only girl; her older brothers were Bill and Jack. Continue reading
Census Through the Years: Harry Russell Brown
Harry Russell Brown was an older brother to my grandfather, Charles. Because Harry died when my aunts and uncles were young, their memories of him were vague, and they had few stories to tell. Turning to the census and other documents, tiny glimpses into Harry’s life were revealed. Continue reading
Christmas Letters: Lydia Fowler
It’s that time of year again when friends and families come together to celebrate the holidays. Some travel back home for gatherings, or in our digital age, those who are miles apart can visit in real time during a group video call. Still, there are those, like me, who send greetings to loved ones the “old fashioned” way—with cards and letters via the postal service. For those with whom I do not communicate as often as I would like, I find this a perfect time to let people know I am thinking about them. Continue reading
Newspapers: Obituaries
Day of the Dead is observed annually on November 2, especially by those of Mexican heritage. This celebration remembers and honors family who have passed on. A few years ago, the animated movie Coco focused on this holiday and told the story of Miguel, a 12-year-old boy, who crossed into the land of the dead, met some of his ancestors, and discovered their stories. Continue reading
Edith Ludwick Hutchinson: Census Through the Years
When my mother told me about her aunts and uncles, she recounted one summer, perhaps during World War II, that she visited her aunt and uncle, Edith and John Hutchinson. John, who was called Beany, had a farm, and during the few days my mother was there, she assisted with the daily farm chores. My mother mentioned that she got a compliment from her uncle about what a good worker she was. Continue reading
Family Reunions: Past and Present
September is Brown family reunion time. A couple of weeks ago my family gathered for our annual gathering in Indiana County PA. Despite the cool rainy start of the day, almost 40 descendants of Charles and Lucy Brown were in attendance. This marked the 24th consecutive year, excluding 2020 when it was cancelled due to Covid. Continue reading
Newspapers: Family Visits
Summer is a great time to take a break and vacation, even if it is for a quick weekend getaway to relax or visit family. Today, many people share pictures and posts of their travels on Facebook. But in the first half of the 20th century and before, the newspaper was the social media of the time informing readers of the adventures of their neighbors. Whether it was spending a week, a few days or just an evening enjoying dinner or celebrating an occasion, one might find a small blurb in a local newspaper recounting the event. Continue reading
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