Funeral Card Friday - A Touching Story of Love and Dedication

Patrick and Laura Cayemberg Sr. nee Laurent were my husband's paternal grandparents.  I'm posting them together because they died within days of each other.  I always found the story so touching and incredible.  One of those stories that I just had to verify the information again with my husband before posting this. 

The last part of Laura's life was spent in a nursing home due to Alzheimer's disease. Patrick had always said that it was his goal to live only one day longer than Laura so he could take care of her.  She died on January 18, 1997.

When Patrick Sr. went up to view Laura for the last time he said, "OK.  I'm done."  Did he mean that he was done with the viewing, or that his job was done?  We don't know for sure, but those were some of the last words he spoke.  Shortly after that, he collapsed.  He was brought to a chair to rest and soon after, to the hospital where he died.  Patrick fulfilled his promise.  All the preparations for Laura were complete and he could be with his wife again.  Patrick died on January 21, 1997.

A touching story to be sure, but it must have been incredibly hard on the family to lose them both so close together.

Laura Mary Laurent

Born - 4 August 1907 in Luxemburg, Kewaunee, WI

Died - 19 January 1997 in Green Bay, Brown, WI

Married
15 November 1928
Luxemburg, Kewaunee, WI

Patrick Henry Cayemberg Sr.

Born 15 September 1909 in Brussels Township, Door, WI

Died - 21 January 1997 in Green Bay, Brown, WI

Buried at Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum, Green Bay, Brown, WI

Wordless Wednesday

Adam Tabor Sr.'s store in Scranton, PA (Leo Zenker, on left, and Adam Tabor, on right)

Tombstone Tuesday - James Island Presbyterian Church, South Carolina

I had to stop and take pictures of this cemetery when I was in the Charleston area for the NGS conference.  To me it was so odd to see the cemetery on such a busy street.  It was beautiful with all the old trees throughout.  An investigation was in order. So after Jenn Woods (from Climbing My Family Tree) and I got our fill of pictures on Folly Beach one morning, we stopped off to investigate the cemetery.

It was actually a bit depressing.  Many of the graves were in such a state of deterioration and the ground was so incredibly soft that we were twisting ankles as we made our way through (to say nothing of the ant infestation that was everywhere in the cemetery).  Some of the graves had nothing more than metal markers, that seemed to indicate a stone would follow at some point in the future.  Unfortunately many of the markers were scattered about all over the place and there was little doubt that they were no longer marking the location of the grave.

The cemetery was beautiful.  Everything in the Charleston area was beautiful.  My concern would be that if the cemetery was showing this kind of deterioration and potential neglect, it would only be a matter of time until tombstones could be lost completely.  I sincerely hope that the church works to sustain and repair it's cemetery.  These are the honored dead of that parish and should be cared for and cherished in their eternal sleep so others may come to pay their respects.

As I attempted to find additional information on this church/cemetery I came across a website that inventoried the graves back in 1984.

"Here Rest

The Body of

SUSANNAH LOVE RIVERS

Who died 3rd of May 1820

Aged 33 Years, And 3 Months

AND her Infant SON.

THOMAS JEFFERSON

Who died in October 1812

Aged 3 Years, And 9 Months."

  

 "SAMUEL "GOAT" SMALLS

Better known as

PORGY

 Born 1889

Died 1924

The inspiration for

DuBose Heyward's novel Porgy

and later the opera

"Porgy and Bess"

By Heyward and Gershwin"

 

 

 

These are the Faces of Genealogy

A child who died young

WWI Doughboys

A mother whose son was a casualty of war

A father who proudly served

Lithuanian immigrants

A gorgeous grandma I never knew

The LAWeekly posted an article written by Skylaire Alfvegren on the Southern California Genealogical Society's 42nd Jamboree which is coming up this June 10th-12th.  It caused quite a stir among many genealogy bloggers, and I would therefore imagine the genealogy community in general.

What was the stir about?  An image that was posted with the story (which has now been replaced).  If you care to see the image that caused the ruckus visit Geneabloggers here.

Many felt that the author of this article used poor judgment in using this picture for this event.  They wrote to the LAWeekly and made their point of view known, resulting in the image being replaced with a logo from the Jamboree's website.

Now here's my 2 cents and it may not sit well with many...I laughed when I saw the picture.

Do I think it was an appropriate image for the Jamboree?  No.

Was it something that I took as personally offensive because I'm a genealogist?  Absolutely not. 

Do I think it was inappropriate for my colleagues to write to the LAWeekly and express their outrage?  Again, no.  

What a wonderful country we live in where people can unite and let someone know that they went too far.  It was juvenile humor (like fart jokes, which I laugh at as well) and while I agree that the editor should never have let it pass, it really was nothing that upset me.  In my opinion, if the LAWeekly wants to portray that kind of image, it damages them more than it ever could damage genealogy and family history as a profession or hobby.

Additionally, the image didn't belong to the LAWeekly and was apparently something found on the internet and used in their story.  Something that far too many people do...if it's on the internet, they feel it's their right to lift it, which is not the case.  I can only hope Skylaire Alfvegren and/or the editor checked with the creator of the image first (although I would be surprised if it played out that way).

As for the "Gene Genie"?  Well, I usually appreciate any reference to a rockin' song by David Bowie and I did appreciate the play on words.

Bottom line...someone posting such an image doesn't make my ancestors any less beautiful than they are to me.  Nor does me getting upset over such an image change the skeletons I've unearthed buried beneath my family tree (but I would hardly use those skeletons as poster children for a event either).

Follow Friday on Saturday? - Grammar Girl

I know, I know.  It's not the right day, but I really need to get caught up on all the great sites I've been wanting to share!

Take Grammar Girl...I love Grammar Girl.  My husband actually turned me on to listening to her podcasts...I mean, that's what we do when we're driving long distances in the car.  We listen to podcasts and he would have "Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips" on his iPhone.

Why do a follow for Grammar Girl?  Well, as genealogists (professional or not) we're supposed to be able to communicate effectively and write well.  I don't know about you, but it's been awhile since high school and college for me and every so often I need a little refresher!

We do tend to have conversational tones on our blogs and that's OK, but what we don't want, is to look like idiots when we're blogging or writing our reports.  There are certainly times when I sit there and ask myself which is correct "affect" or "effect" and I have to check to be sure.

She has great posts...Camel Case (words combined with 2 captials like MySpace), i.e. vs e.g., A Hold or Ahold, etc.

Her podcasts and blog are great.  Her information is not boring...and she takes requests!  Curious about something you've been hearing and you just aren't sure if it's right?  Send her an email and you may find that she'll do a post or podcast on your question.

Give her a shot.  It's not genealogy, but it's significant, and never boring!

Follow Friday - Social Security Numbers Changing

I'm fairly certain that I'm a day late and a dollar short at this time of year.  As I read through the daily blogroll on my feeder I send emails to myself of which blogs I'd like to put down for a "Follow Friday" post.  As a result, I've got an inbox with numerous posts that I wanted to share.

Well, school's out now so after this next week of Cub Scout Day Camp evil-nightmarish-make-the-bad-man-stop-sucking-my-time-away, I'm sure I'll just have oodles of time to catch up on all the things I've been meaning to.  Well, maybe that's a pipe dream, but what can I say...I'm a dreamer.  So I'll most likely do a "Following" each day until I wake up from my self-induced nightmare.  That should put a dent in things!

So my first "Follow Friday" is going to be the wonderful Kerry Scott of Clue wagon.  Kerry is always a great read, but I found her post on how Social Security numbers will be changing very significant, and well written!  So if you haven't heard about the changes coming (and it will certainly effect how future generations search social security numbers), head on over to Clue Wagon and enjoy a great post!  Then you can head on over to the Social Security Administration and check out their FAQ if you've still got any burning questions!

Oh, and Kerry, I am jealous that your kids have the coveted Cheesehead SSNs!  My hubby has his but my children weren't fortunate enough to be born in the great state of Wisconsin.  At least they still have their Cheeseheads for consolation!

Upcoming Events at the NEHGS!

I got an email from the New England Historic Genealogical Society the other day and they've got tons of really great stuff coming up!  I'm seriously jealous that I'm too far away to attend!  If you are lucky enough to be within driving distance of the society, head on over and take advantage of what are sure to be some great programs!  Not within driving distance?  They've got some great trips planned too!

So here it is right from NEHGS:

June New Visitor and Welcome Tour

Make plans to start your genealogy with this great tour.  This program begins with a thirty-minute introductory lecture and will be followed by a tour of the NEHGS library and its vast holdings.

June 1, 2011 from 10:00am-11:00am

99-101 Newbury Street

Boston, MA 02116-3007

Come Home to New England

Dubbed as one of the society's most popular programs, "Come home to New England," is a fun-filled week of family history discovery and education.  This program features research, individual consultations, interesting lectures, group meals, and other exciting activities.

June 13, 2011 9:00am - June 18, 2011 5:00pm

NEHGS

99-101 Newbury Street

Boston, MA 02116-3007

Talking Back to your Ancestors:  Reweaving the Family History

Dr. Barbara B. Reitt will describe what she learned in a four-year search for truths long hidden by the family and what compelled her to respond to her late father's memoirs by researching and writing a biography of his grandmother.

June 22, 1011 6:00pm - 7:00pm

99-101 Newbury Street

Boston, MA 02116-3007

A Tour Through Ireland and Irish History

Please join NEHGS as we explore our Irish immigrant ancestors' native land, the rolling hills of Ireland.  We will discover spectacular scenery, and enjoy legendary Irish hospitality in internationally renowned hotels and restaurants and elegant private homes.

[OK...I'm seriously bummed that I'll be on vacation and can't do this.  I would take this trip in a heart-beat!  It sounds fabulous!]

July 5, 2011 5:00pm - July 15, 2011 5:00pm

Ireland

Please email education@nehgs.org if you wish to be place on a waiting list for the event.

Weekend Research Trip to Albany, New York

Join NEHGS as we explore the vast resources of the New York State Archives.  The weekend includes individual consultations, lectures, and a group dinner.

July 13, 2011 3:00pm - July 17, 2011 11:00am

Albany, New York

English Research Tour

Discover the wealth of information available in London's repositories as NEHGS returns to London in 2011.  Participants will take part in two group dinners, consultations, and guided research tours through the Society of Genealogists (SOG) and the National Archives (UK).

September 25, 2011 3:00pm - October 2, 2011 12:00pm

London, United Kingdom

Like anything you see?  To learn more go to AmericanAncestors.org/Event.  You can register online or print the registration and mail it off to:

NEHGS, Education  & Tours

Attn: Joshua Taylor

99-101 Newbury Street

Boston, MA 02116-3007

If you have any questions you can call 2-888-296-3447 or email education@nehgs.org

Even if you can't go to the programs or on the trips, be sure to check out the great stuff on the American Ancestors website!