Vacations

#SaturdayNightGenealogyFun

Here is your assignment, should you decide to accept it (you ARE reading this, so I assume that you really want to play along – cue the Mission Impossible music!):

1)  Think about your genealogy career – have you taken a “genealogy or family history vacation?” 

2)  Tell us about one (or more) of them – where did you go, what research did you do, did you meet family members, etc. 

I don’t think it is a ‘genealogy vacation’ if you only drive 75 miles and don’t stay overnight? However, it is a genealogy road trip.

When I started my genealogical research, I had to travel about 75 miles to do any sort of research. Those road trips included visits to libraries, archives, cemeteries and courthouses. Instead of writing about one or many of those trips I’m going to write about the trips that didn’t happen in 2020.

In April 2020, we had a trip planned to the St. Louis Public Library to use the National Genealogical Society Book Loan collection housed there. On the way home, we were going to slightly detour to visit the Daniel Boone Home National Historic Site.

Then, sometime in the summer, a trip to Kentucky was being planned to research my Crawford family. The itinerary had not been established but visits to the Fort Boonesborough State Park, historical societies in Madison, Garrard and Lincoln counties and the Eastern Kentucky University archives were on the to-do list. Other potential destinations included The Filson Historical Society and the SAR Genealogical Research Library in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort, Kentucky.

In the fall, a trip to Akron, Ohio was being discussed. My husband’s Philbrick research would have dictated the destinations for this trip. A slight detour to the Ohio Genealogical Society library would likely have been included. Of course, I could easily have added stops along the way in Danville, Illinois, Warren County, Indiana and Preble County, Ohio.

Thanks to COVID restrictions, all of those trips have been put on hold.

Plans for this summer will likely be closer to home. In the meantime, I just need to learn to dig deeper to find digital resources and re-learn the art of the SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope).

Brick Wall

#52Ancestors

This week’s 52 Ancestor’s writing prompt is “Brick Wall.” Since I’ve written a LOT about James Crawford, one of my brick walls, I decided to look at the fan chart for my tree on FamilySearch to see what other ‘potential’ brick walls were in my tree.

Looking at that chart, there are 4 spots areas where I’m missing 7th generation ancestors. Because I haven’t put much effort into researching them, I don’t consider any of them potential brick walls. Curious as to how other genealogists define the term ‘Brick Wall,’ I did a quick Google search for ‘brick wall genealogy.’ What I found was some excellent resources to review for tackling a brick wall.

• Solving Tough Research Problems — Overcoming Brick Walls
• Are You Really at a Genealogy Brick Wall?
• Overcoming Roadblocks in Your Research
• What Are Genealogy Brick Walls?

When asked to identify a ‘brick wall’ in my tree, I almost always think of James Crawford (1772-1854). I consider James a brick wall because I’ve done extensive research of James and his descendants but haven’t been able to identify his parents or any siblings.

My records research seems to hit a road block in Garrard County, Kentucky where James marries Sally Duggins in 1799. Thinking I would find something linking James to parents or siblings in this area of Kentucky prior to 1800, I’ve done a lot of research of the various Crawford families in the area. Much of that work has been chronicled on this blog and can be found by using the search box to look for posts about Crawford.

Getting past this roadblock was one of the primary reasons I had my DNA tested at Ancestry. Unfortunately, this might be too many generations back for autosomal DNA to help identify James’ parents. I’m also struggling with an over-abundance of DNA matches. To help make sense of all of these matches and to hopefully connect with that researcher with the answer, I research the descendants of my ancestors, including James Crawford. Thru this research, I have identified DNA matches to support my Crawford paper research.

This roadblock is also why I asked my brother to have his yDNA tested. His BigY results support a theory suggested by all of my paper research: the James Crawfords of early Garrard County, Kentucky are likely related. Currently, the following ancestors have been placed n the R-Y88686 haplogroup:

• James Crawford b 1772 VA m1799 KY d 1854 OH (my line)
• William Nelson Crawford, b 1829 OH and d. 1907 WA
• James Crawford b 1770 VA M Knight 1793 KY d 1833 IN
• James Crawford b1758 VA d 1836 IN

To keep these James Crawfords and others separate, I usually identify them by their wife. Thus the three James from the yDNA Crawford project are the following:

• James Crawford (1772-1854) md Sally Duggins in 1799 in Garrard County, KY; owned land in Preble County, Ohio where he died. His son, Nelson, migrated from Preble County, OH to Warren County, IN. (my line)
• James Crawford (1770-1833) md Martha Knight in 1793 in Lincoln County, KY; owned land in Preble County, Ohio prior to moving to Warren County, IN where he died.
• James Crawford (1758-1836) md Rebecca Anderson Maxwell. James owned land along Paint Lick Creek in Garrard County KY before migrating to Jefferson County, IN where he died.

Not only is my James Crawford a brick wall, but the other ancestors in the R-Y88686 haplogroup are also brick walls for the researchers of those lines.

Not only is this a ‘genealogy brick wall,’ but Covid-19 has made it a research brick wall. With last year’s shutdown, my research trip to Kentucky was cancelled and genealogy libraries, archives and family history centers were closed. Thus, I’ve taken a break from my Crawford research to work on other lines in my tree.

In hopes that I might be able to resume this research, I need to

• create a new plan to research the Crawford families of Montgomery and Botetourt Counties in Virginia.
• identify the Kentucky neighbors who arrived in Kentucky about the same time as the Crawfords for further research.
• do more research on the Duggins step-children in hopes of learning more about our common ancestor.
• learn more about Virginia and Virginia records prior to 1800.
• follow the genealogy news for the opening of libraries, archives and family history centers.
• plan a genealogy research trip – even if only for a day of research.

Following the Land

This is the 5th part in a series of posts about the land that my 2nd great grandfather, Noah Briles purchased from his father.

I’m trying to track what happened to the land after the death of Noah Briles. Since I’ve filed the documents for this parcel of land in two different generations of the family, I’m having to go back and try and merge this information into one timeline.

Today, I’m adding a mortgage deed where S. J. Davis obtains a mortgage from R. Waldron

The land in question is the West half of the Northeast quarter of Section Twelve (12) in Township twenty three (23) of Range fifteen (15).

Timeline

• 1866 – Sarah Jane Thompson married Noah Washington Briles in Wapello County Iowa on 9 August 1866
• 1869 – Noah W. Briles purchased the land in question from his father, Alexander Briles.
• 1879 – Noah Briles died leaving his wife, Sarah and two children: Ida Angelina and Edward Grant Briles
• 1886 – In November, Sarah J. Briles mortgaged the land to W. H. Fear for $150.00
• 1888 – In May, Sarah Briles married Jeremiah D. Davis
• 1888 – In November, the mortgage to W. H. Fear was paid off
• 1889 – In January, Ed G. Briles purchase an undivided one fourth interest in the land from Angeline Myers (formerly Angeline Briles) and her husband H. E. Myers
• 1889 – In February E. G. Briles mortgaged an undivided one half interest in the land to W. H. Fear for $250.
• 1889 – In February, W. H. Fear assigned the mortgage for the land to Jacob Cline
• 1889 – In December, S. J. Davis and J.D. Davis and E. G. Briles mortgaged the land for $165 to Angeline Myers (Angeline Briles Myers)
• 1891 – In April, the mortgage obtained by E. G. Briles for an undivided one half interest in the land was paid off.
• 1896 – In July, the mortgage to Angeline Myers was paid off
• 1896 – In August, E. G. Briles and F. A. Briles his wife sell all their undivided half interest in the land to S. J. Davis for $1000
• 1896 – In August, S. J. Davis obtains a mortgage on the land from E. G. Briles (information regarding the cancellation of this mortgage is missing from the deed)
• 1898 – In July, Jeremiah D. Davis sold to Sarah J. Davis two parcels of land for $1,000
  • the parcel in question: the West half of the Northeast quarter of section twelve (12) in township twenty three (23) of range fifteen (150
  • and the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of section thirty six (36) in township twenty two (22) of range fifteen (15)
• 1898 – In September, Jeremiah Davis was granted a divorce from Sarah J. Davis. Sarah J. Davis’ name was restored to Sarah J. Briles
• 1901 – In July, Sarah J. Briles mortgaged the land in section 12 to R. Waldron for $350
• 1910 – In March, the mortgage to R. Waldon had been paid off
• 1910 – In March, Sarah J. Briles sold the land in section 12 to H.E. Myers (first husband of Ida Angeline Briles)

Sarah J Briles, Grantor
to
R Waldron, Grantee

Filed for record on the 15 day of July 1901 at 8 o’clock __M
Minnie Gilman, Register of Deeds
By Lillian E. Rogers, Deputy

This Indenture, made this 15th day of July AD 1901 between Sarah J Briles, an unmarried woman of Crandal in the County of Coffey and State of Kansas of the first part and R. Waldron of the second part.
Witnesseth, that the party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Three Hundred and Fifty dollars to her duly paid, has sold, and by these presents does Grant, Bargain, Sell and Mortgage to the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns, forever, all that tract of land in the County of Coffey, and State of Kansas described as follows to wit:
West one half (1/2) of the North-East quarter (1/4) of section twelve (12) township twenty-three (23) range fifteen (15)
With the appurtenance, and all the estate, title and interest of the said party of the first part therein. This Grant is intended as a MORTGAGE to secure the payment of the sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Dollars according to the terms of one coupon note this day executed and delivered by said party of the first part to the said party of the second part; and this conveyance shall be void if such payment be made as in herein specified. But if default be made in said payment, or any part thereof, or the interest thereon, as provided, or if the taxes and assessments levied against said premises are not paid at the time when they are by law made due and payable, then the whole sum hereby secured shall at the option, of the holder hereof, become immediately due and payable; and it shall be lawful for the said party of the second part, his executors, administrators or assigns, at any time thereafter, to sell the premises hereby granted, or any part thereof, in the manner prescribed by law, and out of all the moneys arising form such sale to retain the amount then due for principal and interest, together with the costs and charges of making such sale, and the overplus, if any there be, shall be paid by the part making such sale, on demand to the said party of the first part her heirs or assigns. Appraisement waived.
In Witness Whereof, the said party of the first part has hereunto set her hand, and seal, the day and year above written.
Sarah J. Briles (seal)

State of Kansas, County of Coffey, ss.
On this 15th day of July A.D. 1901 before me, a notary public in and for said County, personally came Sarah J Briles an unmarried woman to me personally known to be the same person whose name is affixed to the foregoing conveyance as grantor and she duly acknowledged the execution of the same.
Witness my hand and official seal, on the date last above written
[Jerrie] F Foster
Notary Public
My commission expires Jany 24 1902

Along left edge of deed
Release
The note herein described having been paid in full this mortgage is hereby released and the lein thereby created discharged
Witness my hand this 18th day of March A.D. 1910
R. Waldron
Attest Alice Gifford
True copy of endorsement on original instrument
Filed for entry March 21 1910
Harrie E Robson, Register of Deeds

Coffey County, Kansas, Deeds, Mortgage book 41 page 349, Sarah J Briles from R Waldron, 16 July 1901; Recorder of Deeds, Burlington, Kansas.

HAPI DNA Dance

Have you ever wished you had your parent’s DNA results? Even though my mom has been tested, I’ve always wished I had my dad’s DNA.

Well, this morning I read about a tool to reconstruct a parents DNA in the blog post, Reconstructing DNA from One Parent with HAPI. The tool requires DNA from a parent and THREE children.

Since I just happened to have tested myself, my two brothers and my mother, we have the required DNA to reconstruct my father’s DNA!

To use this tool, I opted to download new files from Ancestry. To get to Ancestry’s Download option, I selected a DNA test and then I clicked on the Settings wheel while.

I scrolled to the bottom of the Settings screen to get to the Actions box, where I found the Download DNA Data section.

Clicking on the blue Download expanded the screen. I had to enter my password, click on the ‘I Understand’ box and Confirm.

Then I waited. (Yes, I’m impatient when it comes to verification emails!) Once the email arrived, there was a blue ‘Download DNA data’ box that I clicked on.

That took me back to Ancestry where I was able to click on the green Download DNA button to download the file.

This opened Windows Explorer. I migrated to my DNA folder and saved the file. (Knowing where this file is saved is critical!)

Ancestry DNA downloads as a zip file. Normally, this file is left untouched when uploading to other sites. However, with the HAPI tool, a .txt or .csv file is required. Thus, I needed to extract the zip file. Since my computer is a Windows based computer, I right clicked on the file and selected ‘Extract All’ from the menu.

This creates a new folder with an AncestryDNA.txt file inside. Since I needed to work with four different Ancestry DNA files, I renamed each of the files so I could identify whose DNA was in the file.

Then I opened the HAPI tool site in my browser. The tool prompted me to upload a file containing my parent’s DNA. Then it prompted me to upload DNA from three children of that parent.

Then I clicked on Run HAPI and waited. It didn’t take long to finish. When finished, I was prompted to ‘Print reconstructed parent’. Clicking on this blue button allowed me to SAVE the file for my dad.

Curious as to how accurate this new DNA might be, I wanted to upload it to GedMatch, where I could do one to one comparisons with known cousins. So on Getmatch.com, I located the menu section, Upload your DNA files.

I entered my dad’s name and an alias and indicated his gender. I then scrolled down to the ‘testing company’ section. I selected OTHER for the source and entered HAPI for the company name. I indicated that my dad is deceased.

Once the data had finished uploading, I did several One to One comparisons. The first comparison was with one of his first cousins on his dad’s side.

The second comparison was with a 1st cousin twice removed on his mother’s side.

I have no idea how accurate the HAPI tool is. However, it is more than I had! Once GedMatch has had time to process the data, I will run a One to Many test to see what I get.

Throwback Thursday

Sarah Jane Thompson Briles

Following the Land

This is the 4th part in a series of posts about the land that my 2nd great grandfather, Noah Briles purchased from his father.

I’m trying to track what happened to the land after the death of Noah Briles. Since I’ve filed the documents for this parcel of land in two different generations of the family, I’m having to go back and try and merge this information into one timeline.

Today, I’m adding a mortgage deed where S. J. Davis obtains a mortgage from E. G. Briles

The land in question is the West half of the Northeast quarter of Section Twelve (12) in Township twenty three (23) of Range fifteen (15).

Timeline

• 1866 – Sarah Jane Thompson married Noah Washington Briles in Wapello County Iowa on 9 August 1866
• 1869 – Noah W. Briles purchased the land in question from his father, Alexander Briles.
• 1879 – Noah Briles died leaving his wife, Sarah and two children: Ida Angelina and Edward Grant Briles
• 1886 – In November, Sarah J. Briles mortgaged the land to W. H. Fear for $150.00
• 1888 – In May, Sarah Briles married Jeremiah D. Davis
• 1888 – In November, the mortgage to W. H. Fear was paid off
• 1889 – In January, Ed G. Briles purchase an undivided one fourth interest in the land from Angeline Myers (formerly Angeline Briles) and her husband H. E. Myers
• 1889 – In February E. G. Briles mortgaged an undivided one half interest in the land to W. H. Fear for $250.
• 1889 – In February, W. H. Fear assigned the mortgage for the land to Jacob Cline
• 1889 – In December, S. J. Davis and J.D. Davis and E. G. Briles mortgaged the land for $165 to Angeline Myers (Angeline Briles Myers)
• 1891 – In April, the mortgage obtained by E. G. Briles for an undivided one half interest in the land was paid off.
• 1896 – In July, the mortgage to Angeline Myers was paid off
• 1896 – In August, E. G. Briles and F. A. Briles his wife sell all their undivided half interest in the land to S. J. Davis for $1000
• 1896 – In August, S. J. Davis obtains a mortgage on the land from E. G. Briles (information regarding the cancellation of this mortgage is missing from the deed)
• 1898 – In July, Jeremiah D. Davis sold to Sarah J. Davis two parcels of land for $1,000
  • the parcel in question: the West half of the Northeast quarter of section twelve (12) in township twenty three (23) of range fifteen (150
  • and the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of section thirty six (36) in township twenty two (22) of range fifteen (15)
• 1898 – In September, Jeremiah Davis was granted a divorce from Sarah J. Davis. Sarah J. Davis’ name was restored to Sarah J. Briles
• 1901 – In July, Sarah J. Briles mortgaged the land in section 12 to R. Waldron for $350
• 1910 – In March, the mortgage to R. Waldon had been paid off
• 1910 – In March, Sarah J. Briles sold the land in section 12 to H.E. Myers (first husband of Ida Angeline Briles)

S. J. Davis, Grantor
to
E. G. Briles, Grantee

Filed for record on the 15 day of August 1896 at 11 o’clock A.M.
J H. Hanna, Register of Deeds

This Indenture made this 15 day of July 1896 between S. J. Davis and J. D. Davis her husband of Coffey County, and State of Kansas of the first part, and E. G. Briles of the second part.
Witnesseth, that the parties of the first part, in consideration of the sum of eight hundred & 00/100 dollars to them duly paid, have sold and by these presents do Grant, bargain, Sell and Mortgage to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever all that tract of land situate in the county of Coffey, and State of Kansas, described as follows, to wit: The West half of the North east quarter of Section Twelve (12) township Twenty three (230 Range Fifteen (15) East of the Sixth P.M.
with the appurtenances, and all the estate, title and interest of the said parties of the first part therein. This grant is intended as a Mortgage to secure the payment of the sum of Eight hundred according tot he terms of one note this day executed and delivered by S. J. Davis and J. D. Davis her husband to the said part _ of the second part; and the conveyance shall be void if such payment be made as is herein specified. But if default be made in said payment, or any part thereof, or the interest thereon, as provided, or if the taxes and assessments levied against said premises are not paid at the time when they are by law made due and payable, then the whole sum hereby secured shall, at the option of the holder hereof, become immediately due and payable; and it shall be lawful for the said party of the second part, his executors, administrators and assigns, at any time thereafter, to sell the premises hereby granted, or any part thereof, in the manner prescribed by law, and out of all the moneys arising from such sale, to retain the among then due for principal and interest, together with the costs and charges of making such sale, and $ as attorney’s fee for foreclosure and the overplus, if any there be shall be paid by the party of making such sale, on demand, to the said S. J. Davis
In Witness Whereof, the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seal the day and year above written.
S. J. Davis (Seal)
J. D. Davis (Seal)

State of Kansas, County of Coffey, ss.
On this 24th day of July A.D. 1896, before me a J.S. Covert a Notary Public in and for said County, personally came S. J. Davis and J. D. Davis her husband to me personally known to be the same persons whose name are affixed to the foregoing conveyance as grantor and have duly acknowledged the execution of the same.
Witness my hand and official seal, on the date last above written.
J.S. Covert
Notary Public
My commission expires April 4 1898

Along left column of page:
Assignment: Burlington, Kansas Nov 18 – 1899. For value received I hereby assign to R Watson and his assigns all my right title and interest in the [within] mortgage with no recourse on me.
E G Briles
State of Kansas Coffey County ss
Before me a Notary Public in and for said County personally came E G Briles who is known to me to be the same person who executed and acknowledged the assignment above.
Jesse F. Foster, Notary Public
True copy of endorsement on original mortgage
My com expires Jany 24, 1902
Filed for Entry Nov 20/99
[Winnie] Gilman, Register of deeds
By Mary F. Rogers Deputy

Coffey County, Kansas, Deeds, Mortgage book 34 page 521, S J Davis from E G Briles, 15 July 1896; Recorder of Deeds, Burlington, Kansas.

Following the Land

This is part three of an attempt to follow the land that Noah Briles purchased from his father after Noah’s death. Since I’ve filed the documents for this parcel of land in two different generations of the family, I’m having to go back and try and merge this information into one timeline.

Today, I’m adding a deed where E. G. Briles and his wife sell their undivided half interest in the land to his mother, S. J. Davis.

The land in question is the West half of the Northeast quarter of Section Twelve (12) in Township twenty three (23) of Range fifteen (15).

Timeline

• 1866 – Sarah Jane Thompson married Noah Washington Briles in Wapello County Iowa on 9 August 1866
• 1869 – Noah W. Briles purchased the land in question from his father, Alexander Briles.
• 1879 – Noah Briles died leaving his wife, Sarah and two children: Ida Angelina and Edward Grant Briles
• 1886 – In November, Sarah J. Briles mortgaged the land to W. H. Fear for $150.00
• 1888 – In May, Sarah Briles married Jeremiah D. Davis
• 1888 – In November, the mortgage to W. H. Fear was paid off
• 1889 – In January, Ed G. Briles purchase an undivided one fourth interest in the land from Angeline Myers (formerly Angeline Briles) and her husband H. E. Myers
• 1889 – In February E. G. Briles mortgaged an undivided one half interest in the land to W. H. Fear for $250.
• 1889 – In February, W. H. Fear assigned the mortgage for the land to Jacob Cline
• 1889 – In December, S. J. Davis and J.D. Davis and E. G. Briles mortgaged the land for $165 to Angeline Myers (Angeline Briles Myers)
• 1891 – In April, the mortgage obtained by E. G. Briles for an undivided one half interest in the land was paid off.
• 1896 – In July, the mortgage to Angeline Myers was paid off
• 1896 – In August, E. G. Briles and F. A. Briles his wife sell all their undivided half interest inthe land to S. J. Davis for $1000
• 1898 – In July, Jeremiah D. Davis sold to Sarah J. Davis two parcels of land for $1,000
  • the parcel in question: the West half of the Northeast quarter of section twelve (12) in township twenty three (23) of range fifteen (150
  • and the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of section thirty six (36) in township twenty two (22) of range fifteen (15)
• 1898 – In September, Jeremiah Davis was granted a divorce from Sarah J. Davis. Sarah J. Davis’ name was restored to Sarah J. Briles
• 1901 – In July, Sarah J. Briles mortgaged the land in section 12 to R. Waldron for $350
• 1910 – In March, the mortgage to R. Waldon had been paid off
• 1910 – In March, Sarah J. Briles sold the land in section 12 to H.E. Myers (first husband of Ida Angeline Briles)

Below is a transcription of this deed between E. G. Briles and S. J. Davis

Coffey County Kansas Book 55 Deeds page 611
E G Briles to S J Davis
Filed for record on the 13 day of August 1896 at 1:30 o’clock p.m J H Hanna, Register of Deeds
This indenture, made this 13 day of July A.D. 1886,between
E. G. Briles and F. A. Briles,  his wife
Of Coffey County, in the State of Kansas of the second part
Witnesseth, that said parties of the first part, inconsideration of the sum of
One thousand and no dollars
The receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged do by these presents grant, bargain, sell and convey unto said party of the second part her heirs and assigns, all the following described real estate, attended in the county of Coffey and state of Kansas to wit: all their undivided one half interest in the west half of the north east quarter of section twelve (12)township twenty three (23) South range fifteen (15) east of the sixth p.m.
To have and to hold the same together with all and singular the [?] and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining forever
And said E. G. Briles and F. A. Briles his wife for their heirs, executors and administrators, do hereby covenant, promise and agree, to and with said party of the second part, that at the delivery of these presents they are lawfully seized in their same right, of an absolute and indefensible estate of inheritance, in fee simple, of and in all and singular the above-granted and described premises, with the appurtenances; that the same are free, clear, discharged and unencumbered of and from all former and other grants, titles, charges, estates, judgements, [?], assessments and incumbrances,of what nature or kind soever.
And that they will warrant and forever defend the same unto said party of the second part, her heirs and assigns and parties of the first part, their heirs, and all and every person or persons whomsoever,lawfully claiming or to [?} the same
In witness whereof, the said parties of the first part has hereunto set their hands the day and your first above written.
E G Briles
F A Briles
State of Kansas, Coffey County, SS
Be it remembered, that on this 15th day of July A.D. 1886, before me, the undersigned a clerk of the district court and for the county and state aforesaid cause
E G. Briles and F A Briles his wife
Who are personally known to me to be the same person who executed the within instrument of
Writing and such persons have duly acknowledged the executives of the same.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, the day and year best above written.
T. A. Wiseman Clerk Notary Public

Coffey County, Kansas, Deeds, Book 55 Deeds Page 611, E G. Briles, 13 August 1896; Recorder of Deeds, Burlington, Kansas.

1950 Prep

Have you seen the Facebook posts or the tweets about the upcoming release of the 1950 census next year. I saw and even shared some of those posts. However, I have to admit that I wasn’t seriously thinking about the preparation I might need to be doing to get ready for next year.

Then I saw the announcement for Dear Myrtle’s study group preparing for the release of the census. Curious about this study group, I watched the April 9, 2021 Wacky Wednesday which discussed this study group. Viewing this discussion helped me realize that I have a lot to learn about preparing for this census. Thus, I have registered for the group.

During one of the upcoming sessions, they are going to discuss using our genealogy programs to create a list of people that should be found in the 1950 census.

Curious about what type of report I could create, I tried creating a report. For the report, I created marked group for those who were born before 1950 but died after 1950.

Then I used the “Who Was There List” to create a report using the individuals in my marked grouped. In setting up the report, I used United States for the place and elected to print the married name and alternate names.

This report provides some very useful information. Because it lists the residence information I have for the individual, it will help me identify exact locations to search for these people.

Because this report is HUGE, I likely will modify the settings to limit the geographic area.

I’m looking forward to participating in the upcoming sessions to learn more about what I can do to prepare for next April.

Following the Land

In trying to follow a parcel of land thru the divorce of my second great grandmother, I’ve found that I need to include the deed records for her son, Edward G. Briles. In this second post on the subject, I’m adding a mortgage record to the timeline.

The land in question is the West half of the Northeast quarter of Section Twelve (12) in Township twenty three (23) of Range fifteen (15).

Timeline

• 1866 – Sarah Jane Thompson married Noah Washington Briles in Wapello County Iowa on 9 August 1866
• 1869 – Noah W. Briles purchased the land in question from his father, Alexander Briles.
• 1879 – Noah Briles died leaving his wife, Sarah and two children: Ida Angelina and Edward Grant Briles
• 1886 – In November, Sarah J. Briles mortgaged the land to W. H. Fear for $150.00
• 1888 – In May, Sarah Briles married Jeremiah D. Davis
• 1888 – In November, the mortgage to W. H. Fear was paid off
• 1889 – In January, Ed G. Briles purchase an undivided one fourth interest in the land from Angeline Myers (formerly Angeline Briles) and her husband H. E. Myers
• 1889 – In February E. G. Briles mortgaged an undivided one half interest in the land to W. H. Fear for $250.
• 1889 – In February, W. H. Fear assigned the mortgage for the land to Jacob Cline
• 1889 – In December, S. J. Davis and J.D. Davis and E. G. Briles mortgaged the land for $165 to Angeline Myers (Angeline Briles Myers)
• 1891 – In April, the mortgage obtained by E. G. Briles for an undivided one half interest in the land was paid off.
• 1896 – In July, the mortgage to Angeline Myers was paid off
• 1898 – In July, Jeremiah D. Davis sold to Sarah J. Davis two parcels of land for $1,000
  • the parcel in question: the West half of the Northeast quarter of section twelve (12) in township twenty three (23) of range fifteen (150
  • and the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of section thirty six (36) in township twenty two (22) of range fifteen (15)
• 1898 – In September, Jeremiah Davis was granted a divorce from Sarah J. Davis. Sarah J. Davis’ name was restored to Sarah J. Briles
• 1901 – In July, Sarah J. Briles mortgaged the land in section 12 to R. Waldron for $350
• 1910 – In March, the mortgage to R. Waldon had been paid off
• 1910 – In March, Sarah J. Briles sold the land in section 12 to H.E. Myers (first husband of Ida Angeline Briles)

Below is a transcription of this mortgage record

E G Briles, unmarried grantor to
W H Fear, grantee
Filed for record on the 6th day of February 1889 at 5:30 o’clock p.m.
W H Rudrauff, Register of Deeds
This indenture, made this 6th day of February 1889, between E G Briles an unmarried man of  —- in the county of Coffey and state of Kansas of the first part and W H Fear of the second part.
Witnesseth, that the party of the first part, inconsideration of the sum of
Two hundred and fifty dollars
To him duly paid has sold and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell and mortgage to the said party of the second part, heirs and assigns, forever, all that tract of land, situate in the County of Coffey,and State of Kansas , described as follows, to wit:
The undivided one half of the west half of the northeast quarter of section no. twelve 12, township no 23 (23) range no fifteen(15)
With the appurtenances, and all the estate, title and interest of the said party of the first part therein. This grant is intended as a MORTGAGE to secure the payment of the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars
According to the terms of one note this day executed and delivered by
The said party of the first part
To the said party of the second part: and this conveyance shall be void if such payment be made as is herein specified. But if default be made in said payment, or any part thereof, or the interest thereon,as provided, or if the taxes and assessments levied against said premises are not paid at the time when they are by law made due and payable, then the whole sum hereby secured shall, at the option of the holder hereof, become immediately due and payable; and it shall be lawful for the said party of the second part, his executors, administrators and assigns, at any time thereafter,to sell the premises hereby granted, or any part thereof, in the manner prescribed by law, and out of all the moneys arising from such sale, to retain the amount then due for principal and interest, together with the costs and charges of making such sale and $___ as attorney’s fee and the overplus, if any there be, shall be paid by the party making such sale, on demand, to the said party of the first part heirs or assigns. Appraisement waived.
In witness whereof, the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above written.
E. G. Briles
State of Kansas, County of Coffee, SS
On this 6th day of February A.D. 1889,before me, a notary public in and for the county, personally came E G. Briles an unmarried man to me personally known to be the same person whose name is affixed to the foregoing conveyance as grantor and who duly acknowledged the execution of the same.
Witness my hand and official seal on the date last above written.
A Peasley
Notary Public
My commission expires Feb 21 1891
Note on side of document: For value received I hereby assign the within mortgage to Jacob Cline This 28th day of February 1889
True copy of endorsement on original note
Filed for entry Apr 13th 1891
The note secured by the within mortgage having been paid in full this mortgage is hereby released
Witness my hand this 13th day of April 1891
Jacob Cline

Coffey County, Kansas, Deeds, Book 23 Mortgages page 362, E G Briles, 6 February 1889; Recorder of Deeds, Burlington, Kansas.

Trailblazers

#Great #52Ancestors

This morning I read Jacqi Stevens post, We Are All Trailblazers. This excellent post made me think about those people that were trailblazers for my family history adventure.

Below are some of those people:

Grace Vanderwilt Crawford – My great aunt, Grace, was the compiler of the Crawford family history. She was one of the first people I contacted for help. I still have a copy of her document, “The Crawford Family” that covered the family of Judson Foster Crawford. This work is being continued by her daughter and several other cousins.

Max Martin Briles – Max is my second cousin twice removed. Max grew up in Coffey County, Kansas, where our common ancestor, Alexander Briles settled prior to 1860. Max’s work, The Briles Family, traced the descendants of our immigrant ancestor, Johannes Broil.

Arthur Leslie Keith – author of The Broyles Family Typescript (or Keith Typescript). This work also traces the descendants of Johannes Broil.

Walter Salts was a local historian in Warren County, Indiana. He patiently answered all of my letters requesting information and would often send me photocopies from his obituary collection. His research was donated to the Illiana Genealogical and Historical Society in Danville, Illinois.

Mrs. Raymond Caron and Brenda Beryl (Harding) Caron for their work on the two volume work: The Harding Genealogy. This work traces the descendants of George and William Harding. George and William Harding were Loyalists who fled to New Brunswick. Without this work, my Harding research would likely still be stuck in Iowa.

Wayne Dawson (and others) for working together to compile The History and Ancestry of Rev. John Foster, 1735-1800.

Frederick Hammond for his work History and Genealogies of the Hammond Families in America.

My great-great great grandfather, Horatio Hammond for his work, The Genealogy of the Family of Horatio Hammond of Ontario, Illinois.

Bill (William) Ricketts of Arizona for sharing his Ricketts research file. This file was basically a one name study of the Ricketts family in America. Because I took a break from genealogy, I lost touch with Bill. However, there is an Ancestral File on FamilySearch submitted by wfrjr2213466 that may be his work.

Margaret Simpson and the Garrard County Historical Society (Kentucky) for all of their help with my Crawford research in early Kentucky.

Doris Ryan for her assistance with my Wells and Mentzer research in Woodson County, Kansas. It is thru Doris that I obtained a copy of the Wells family Bible.

Dave Nicolson for all of his work with the Crawford family yDNA project. Dave works tirelessly to help us figure out the various Crawford family lines.

Amanda Crawford Arbogast Forbes and Lucetta Eggleston Crawford Sammis for their publication, Descendants of Alexander and Mary McPheeters Crawford. It is their excellent work that has helped me eliminate Alexander Crawford as an ancestor not only of my line, but also for several other Crawford lines I’ve researched.

All of my cousins, close and distant, who were willing to spit in a tube or swab their mouth to have their DNA tested. Your willingness to venture into this newer realm of genealogy is greatly appreciated.

This is just a sampling of the people that have made a GREAT impact on the research of my family history. Hopefully, my work will blaze a trail for some future generation.