Following the blogging prompts by Lisa Alzo at The Accidental Genealogist: "Fearless Females: 31 Blogging Prompts to Celebrate Women's History Month"
Margaret "Maggie" Hovis Martin
My favorite ancestor would be my grandmother, Della Mae Alexander Jaynes, but I know everything that is knowable about her. Next in line would be Margaret Hovis Martin, better known as Maggie. Everything I know about Maggie, I know from stories told to me by, yes, none other than her grand-daughter and my grandmother, Della Mae. Sounds so complicated doesn't it? It really is simple. My grandma loved, respected and missed her favorite grandma the same way I love, respect and am missing mine. From this point on I will refer to my grandma as Della.
Maggie was born in 1867 in Ohio. Her parents were; Henry W. Hovis and Elizabeth Ellen Bohall. Her father preached a little, played the fiddle and made baskets. Elizabeth Bohall is part of the Brown County, Indiana basket-making Bohall family. They are pretty well known in the basket collector community. I believe Henry learned his skills from his wife's family. I have often wondered if Maggie learned this skill herself. This, I do not know. At any rate, Henry and family lived in Brown County until about 1870. At that time they started showed up in Jackson County, just to the south east of Brown.
This is where she met and married Samuel S. Martin in 1883. Maggie was just 16 years old. Her first child was born a year later. She and Sam moved to Jennings County, Indiana and Sam farmed. They had 5 children; John A., Olive Ellen (my great-grandmother), Roxie Mae, Stanley, and Samuel S. jr.
Della loved Maggie's strength and determination. She often talked about Maggie wading into fights and dragging Sam out of the middle of it. She said her mother, Olive told her of a time when she saw Maggie stitch up a cut on the kitchen table that Sam had gotten in a fight. I heard many stories of this nature, but perhaps one is enough to put down on paper (well, ok, virtual paper:o). Anyway, in my child's mind, Maggie was like superwomen, saving the day, keeping the family together and keeping Sam in line and patched up. It seems she was warm and loving as well. I wanted to be Maggie!
Maggie died in Paris Crossing, Jennings County, Indiana on the 10th of February, 1940. I need to check history books that deal with baskets to see if she or her family is listed in any of them by name. I also need to get her marriage cert. I've found everything but the exact day of their marriage. These are simple things that I have just put off. This is the year to fill in the blanks on Maggie Martin!
This post is for the carnaval, "Fearless Females: 31 Blogging Prompts to Celebrate Women's History Month"
Monday, March 1, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
2010 Games - Success!
Well, it's hard to believe that we have come to the end of the Games already. Time flies when you are busy, and when you are having fun! Here it is the end of the games already. I did not do as much as last time as I got side-tracked when citing my sources. But I got so much finished in my own work that it is not a washout! I enjoyed every moment, and have a lot of work finished. I can say that these 2010 Games have been a great success, at least in my research.
1. “Go Back and Cite Your Sources!”:
Finished more that, 50 Citations – Platinum Medal
2. "Back Up Your Data!"
Finished Task A, B & C - Gold Medal
3. "Organize Your Research!"
Finished Task A, B, C, D & E - Platinum Medal
I'm afraid that is where I got side-tracked. I wanted to finish "Expand Your Knowledge" but never made it to that catagory. I am going to work on it as I have time. I needed to go through that one as it has things that I have not tried yet. The timeline and Google Maps were the two I hoped to get done. I read with great interest Miriam's "Using Timelines" post over at AnceStories. She even provided a copy of the template she used. Thanks Miriam! I want to walk through it for myself.
I feel like it has been a big success for me even though I did not complete all the catagories I wanted to. I have entered well over 100 citations. When I found that I was missing a census, I searched for it, got it cited properly, and now have very few holes in the continuity of census resources for a great deal of the Alexander file. I do have to say that RootsMagic4 makes it pleasant to enter source material. I can't take all the credit:o) (Thanks Bruce!) I also have so much of the Alexander materials, both digital and hard copy organized as well. The games were very successful for me and my research.
A big thanks to Thomas. As always, wonderfully done.
1. “Go Back and Cite Your Sources!”:
Finished more that, 50 Citations – Platinum Medal
2. "Back Up Your Data!"
Finished Task A, B & C - Gold Medal
3. "Organize Your Research!"
Finished Task A, B, C, D & E - Platinum Medal
I'm afraid that is where I got side-tracked. I wanted to finish "Expand Your Knowledge" but never made it to that catagory. I am going to work on it as I have time. I needed to go through that one as it has things that I have not tried yet. The timeline and Google Maps were the two I hoped to get done. I read with great interest Miriam's "Using Timelines" post over at AnceStories. She even provided a copy of the template she used. Thanks Miriam! I want to walk through it for myself.
I feel like it has been a big success for me even though I did not complete all the catagories I wanted to. I have entered well over 100 citations. When I found that I was missing a census, I searched for it, got it cited properly, and now have very few holes in the continuity of census resources for a great deal of the Alexander file. I do have to say that RootsMagic4 makes it pleasant to enter source material. I can't take all the credit:o) (Thanks Bruce!) I also have so much of the Alexander materials, both digital and hard copy organized as well. The games were very successful for me and my research.
A big thanks to Thomas. As always, wonderfully done.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Off To A Good Start
Well I have gotten off to a good start. I have cited 83 sources and it seemed to just fly by! Kept my head down and got it done!
1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources DONE Platinum
I've also finished Task A and Task C of 2. Back Up Your Data! Task C was very important since I had not backed up my files for a while, since October 09 actually. I use RootsMagic4, but backup as a Gedcom file so that it could work with any program should something happen to me. I back up online and on a storage HD.
Still feeling good but it has only begun........LOL
On a side note, I am snowed in and suffering from insanity. The weatherman said today that there are 2 storms heading my way for next week. I shut him off and I refuse to talk to him again.
1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources DONE Platinum
I've also finished Task A and Task C of 2. Back Up Your Data! Task C was very important since I had not backed up my files for a while, since October 09 actually. I use RootsMagic4, but backup as a Gedcom file so that it could work with any program should something happen to me. I back up online and on a storage HD.
Still feeling good but it has only begun........LOL
On a side note, I am snowed in and suffering from insanity. The weatherman said today that there are 2 storms heading my way for next week. I shut him off and I refuse to talk to him again.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
2010 Games
I have my flag and my banner. I am ready to compete.....
I am hoping I can get a lot done again this time. Though off to a slow start, I am ready.
In the competition categories I hope to perform well in at least 4:
1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources
2. Back Up Your Data
3. Organize Your Research
4. Expand Your Knowledge
If I have time left I will try number 5 this time:
5. Write, Write, Write!
This one I do all the time for my county. So I will just continue it everyday and not perform in the games for:
6. Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness
Ready, set . . . . . . . . . We're off!
I am hoping I can get a lot done again this time. Though off to a slow start, I am ready.
In the competition categories I hope to perform well in at least 4:
1. Go Back and Cite Your Sources
2. Back Up Your Data
3. Organize Your Research
4. Expand Your Knowledge
If I have time left I will try number 5 this time:
5. Write, Write, Write!
This one I do all the time for my county. So I will just continue it everyday and not perform in the games for:
6. Reach Out and Perform Genealogical Acts of Kindness
Ready, set . . . . . . . . . We're off!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Happy 101 Award
I have recieved this award from 4 fellow bloggers. Felicia from Our Family As A Whole,
Taylorstales-Genealogy, Colleen at Orations of OMcHodoy, and Earline from AncestralNotes.
The award requires me to name 10 things that make me happy and then name 10 blogs that I want to send this award to.
What makes me happy:
1. My family. They have been around lately helping me, so recovery has been a happy time. My daughter, in particular, is my joy.
2. Living in the time period we now live in. Studying ancestor lives should make everyone happy that it is 2010. Our lives are so much nicer, easier and cleaner than our ancestors. So I am happy to be in the 21st Century!
3. My Family History work. I don't have to tell you why that makes me happy, right?
4. My volunteer work for the GenWeb. I am hoping that I can keep up during my recovery. I love my work and it brings a joy to life that surprises me all the time!
5. My reading and studying. I have other things I am interested in and do a lot of reading about them.
6. The new social nature of the genealogy community, and all the people I have met through the networks. We no longer stumble along in lonely solitude. How exciting it has been!
7. My collection of family heirlooms. Having the things that were so important, or were made by my ancestors around me brings great comfort and lovely memories. Seeing the quilt that my Grandma made causes my heart to swell with happiness and love. She was the wisest and most loving woman I have known.
8. My computer. It sets here waiting for me to go on an adventure from my home. It holds many of the answers I seek. It lets me visit places I could only wonder about before. I am very happy sitting here.
9. My furry little friend makes me happy.
10. Two arms, two legs and no pain.
My nominees:
Life is just a Bowl of Cherries
Relatively Curious About Genealogy
FamHist
Before My Time
FootnoteMaven
Tiger Tulip Designs (my daughters blog)
Kinexxions
Heritage Happens
Our Twigs
Ancestors Live Here
Taylorstales-Genealogy, Colleen at Orations of OMcHodoy, and Earline from AncestralNotes.
The award requires me to name 10 things that make me happy and then name 10 blogs that I want to send this award to.
What makes me happy:
1. My family. They have been around lately helping me, so recovery has been a happy time. My daughter, in particular, is my joy.
2. Living in the time period we now live in. Studying ancestor lives should make everyone happy that it is 2010. Our lives are so much nicer, easier and cleaner than our ancestors. So I am happy to be in the 21st Century!
3. My Family History work. I don't have to tell you why that makes me happy, right?
4. My volunteer work for the GenWeb. I am hoping that I can keep up during my recovery. I love my work and it brings a joy to life that surprises me all the time!
5. My reading and studying. I have other things I am interested in and do a lot of reading about them.
6. The new social nature of the genealogy community, and all the people I have met through the networks. We no longer stumble along in lonely solitude. How exciting it has been!
7. My collection of family heirlooms. Having the things that were so important, or were made by my ancestors around me brings great comfort and lovely memories. Seeing the quilt that my Grandma made causes my heart to swell with happiness and love. She was the wisest and most loving woman I have known.
8. My computer. It sets here waiting for me to go on an adventure from my home. It holds many of the answers I seek. It lets me visit places I could only wonder about before. I am very happy sitting here.
9. My furry little friend makes me happy.
10. Two arms, two legs and no pain.
My nominees:
Life is just a Bowl of Cherries
Relatively Curious About Genealogy
FamHist
Before My Time
FootnoteMaven
Tiger Tulip Designs (my daughters blog)
Kinexxions
Heritage Happens
Our Twigs
Ancestors Live Here
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Volunteerism: Look to Your Local GenWeb
I don't want to "toot my horn". That is not the importance of giving a little time to a cause that you feel is worthwhile. My particular cause is the GenWebs. I adopted my county several years ago and have not regretted it. I love the work and have met so many wonderful people in the process of maintaining the site.
When I first started online research I discovered the GenWebs and knew immediately that I wanted to be a volunteer for that organization. I set out right away to learn html coding so that I would be able to adopt a county. Just so happens that my own county became available as I was learning and I quickly applied to adopt it. I was open about my lack of experience and that I was taking lessons still. I was sure that I would not be chosen because of my lacking knowledge and experience. Big surprise! I was chosen! I try to keep learning so that the site is coded up to date and is convenient for my users. I am grateful that the State Coordinator gave me a chance to work for the INGenWeb. It is very fullfilling.
I spend more time some months of the year on the site. Around the holidays it is quiet and very few submissions come in. In the busy times I will spend up to 3 or 4 hours a week on the site. There have been times I spent much more time working. Getting the site up and running took many hours of work a week, but now that I have it set, I only need to put the data on a page(template) and upload. The County Coordinator chooses how simple or complicated the site is. I also spend time transcribing data for the site. Some months I spend 8 to 10 hours doing that. Again, it is up to the CC how much time is spent there. I'm sure you have noticed that each county site is different. That is because each site reflects the personality of each Coordinator and the amount of time they have to put into the project. How much time spent on the project is up to the individual County Coordinator. I have taken my county from 50 pages to over 2500, and that is smallcompared to some counties. I have a lot of ideas and data I want to provide for my users, so much work is still to be done.
I recommend the GenWebs for anyone looking to volunteer time to providing data and information about genealogy research. I have found it to be a great challenge and a joy. Take a look at your county site. Please consider the GenWebs when looking to volunteer. If you don't feel you can handle a county, remember that the sites are waiting for submissions of data from their users too. You could volunteer data that you have collected over the years in your own research. Next time you go out to that little cemetery in your county, take a while and snap extra photos just to submitt. If you have a book for your county, become a "look-up". You can make your county site better even if you can not adopt it.
USGenWeb
Written for the 88th COG.
When I first started online research I discovered the GenWebs and knew immediately that I wanted to be a volunteer for that organization. I set out right away to learn html coding so that I would be able to adopt a county. Just so happens that my own county became available as I was learning and I quickly applied to adopt it. I was open about my lack of experience and that I was taking lessons still. I was sure that I would not be chosen because of my lacking knowledge and experience. Big surprise! I was chosen! I try to keep learning so that the site is coded up to date and is convenient for my users. I am grateful that the State Coordinator gave me a chance to work for the INGenWeb. It is very fullfilling.
I spend more time some months of the year on the site. Around the holidays it is quiet and very few submissions come in. In the busy times I will spend up to 3 or 4 hours a week on the site. There have been times I spent much more time working. Getting the site up and running took many hours of work a week, but now that I have it set, I only need to put the data on a page(template) and upload. The County Coordinator chooses how simple or complicated the site is. I also spend time transcribing data for the site. Some months I spend 8 to 10 hours doing that. Again, it is up to the CC how much time is spent there. I'm sure you have noticed that each county site is different. That is because each site reflects the personality of each Coordinator and the amount of time they have to put into the project. How much time spent on the project is up to the individual County Coordinator. I have taken my county from 50 pages to over 2500, and that is smallcompared to some counties. I have a lot of ideas and data I want to provide for my users, so much work is still to be done.
I recommend the GenWebs for anyone looking to volunteer time to providing data and information about genealogy research. I have found it to be a great challenge and a joy. Take a look at your county site. Please consider the GenWebs when looking to volunteer. If you don't feel you can handle a county, remember that the sites are waiting for submissions of data from their users too. You could volunteer data that you have collected over the years in your own research. Next time you go out to that little cemetery in your county, take a while and snap extra photos just to submitt. If you have a book for your county, become a "look-up". You can make your county site better even if you can not adopt it.
USGenWeb
Written for the 88th COG.
Friday, January 1, 2010
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