Tag: Odell

Irish Cred

Some of you know that both our daughters wed this year. (1) Both grooms have notable Irish heritage, each with a first-generation grandfather, born here to Irish immigrants. One couple has visited Ireland; the other one is already talking about it…

Some of you know that both our daughters wed this year. (1)  Both grooms have notable Irish heritage, each with a first-generation grandfather, born here to Irish immigrants.  One couple has visited Ireland; the other one is already talking about it.  I can’t offer any Irish roots but the Father of the Brides can. Continue reading “Irish Cred”

The Odells of New Hampshire

I have to be upfront about this. I’m married to an Odell and I’ve given birth to a couple of ’em, but I’m not really one myself. That doesn’t prevent me from nosing around the family history with great enthusiasm. I got started two years ago, whil…

I have to be upfront about this.  I’m married to an Odell and I’ve given birth to a couple of ’em, but I’m not really one myself.  That doesn’t prevent me from nosing around the family history with great enthusiasm. Continue reading “The Odells of New Hampshire”

Christmas in July

The focus of research and reconnaissance on the Odell-Berlage side of the tree culminated last week with the arrival of a thoroughly wrapped package of pictures and documents from Aunt Yvonne in Michigan. It really is a treasure trove. There are d…

The focus of research and reconnaissance on the Odell-Berlage side of the tree culminated last week with the arrival of a thoroughly wrapped package of pictures and documents from Aunt Yvonne in Michigan.  It really is a treasure trove. There are dozens of items representing hundreds of stories.  Everthing had notes attached with names, except for two mystery portraits done in Amsterdam; it’s a relief to know that even Aunt Yvonne has pictures tagged, “I don’t know who this is.”

Here are just a few images to give you the idea of the range of riches –  concentrating on Alice Berlage Odell, John’s grandmother, whose romance and wedding was detailed a few weeks ago. Continue reading “Christmas in July”

Forging new connections

So far, Family Epic has mostly been about my family — writer’s prerogative — and function of the old adage “write what you know.” Our Ruffner-Offutt side has been centered in Pennsylvania and in Maryland, and has barely budged. Then there’s the …

So far, Family Epic has mostly been about my family — writer’s prerogative — and function of the old adage “write what you know.” Our Ruffner-Offutt side has been centered in Pennsylvania and in Maryland, and has barely budged.  Then there’s the more mobile Williams-Walling southern contingent – New Jersey-South Carolina-Alabama-Georgia-Arkansas-Texas. Nice geographical contrast between the two sides — not a single overlapping state.

The other half of my children’s heritage presents different challenges and different locales. Continue reading “Forging new connections”

A 1916 Shipboard Romance

[Back to the other half of my daughters’ heritage……] Alice Henriette Pauline, born in Amsterdam in 1898 to Jacobus Berlage and Alice Anslyn Berlage, was only seven years old when her father died in 1905. (1) She was the oldest of three; brothe…

[Back to the other half of my daughters’ heritage……]

Alice Henriette Pauline, born in Amsterdam in 1898 to Jacobus Berlage and Alice Anslyn Berlage, was only seven years old when her father died in 1905. (1)   She was the oldest of three;  brother Thomas was six and sister Cecile was five.  Within a year, their mother married a second time – to Robert J. Fellner, a Boston-born member of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.  Alice Berlage Fellner gave birth to their son, James, in 1907. Continue reading “A 1916 Shipboard Romance”

War and Peace – Updated

I’m headed to Alabama on June 13th for a week-long class on Military Records. The class is one of the offerings of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University, a premier genealogical institute. One of my (self-assigned…

I’m headed to Alabama on June 13th for a week-long class on Military Records.  The class is one of the offerings of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University, a premier genealogical institute.  One of my (self-assigned) preparation tasks is to gather up my clues on ancestral military service so that I have a menu of real-life inquiries to pursue during my week of immersion. 

I had a request to indicate (my) relationship to the ancestors below.  That information appears in brackets.  And I’ve posted a picture of John Kennedy “Jack” Gates, cousin and combat photographer.  It’s a unique shot that includes headline news. Thank you, Susan!

Continue reading “War and Peace – Updated”

To the Other Side –> The 1779 Will of Thomas Odel

This is the earliest document located so far on the Odell side of the tree. And, look, only one “L”! Imagine having to say that’s “small “d”, no apostrophe and only one “L”….Of course, correct spelling was not emphasized in those days, when many…

Thomas_odel_signature_sm

This is the earliest document located so far on the Odell side of the tree.  And, look, only one “L”!  Imagine having to say that’s “small “d”, no apostrophe and only one “L”….Of course, correct spelling was not emphasized in those days, when many could not read or write.  Obviously, Thomas could read and write.  That’s an image of his signature above.

A resident of Stratham, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Thomas also owned property in five other towns.  He died in 1781. Continue reading “To the Other Side –> The 1779 Will of Thomas Odel”