An upcoming Thanksgiving gift – with time to order them, too!

My family 2008, not 1620, at Plimoth Plantation
(The real Pilgrims were just as naughty)

In 2008 I was a New Hampshire delegate to the Triennial Congress held by the Mayflower Society. This is an event in Plymouth, Massachusetts and a chance for all the delegates from all over the US and Canada to get together to discuss changes in policy and to elect a new board for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. I can blog about this meeting another time, and I had a great time with my Mayflower cousins, sightseeing and observing the meetings. I also had a chance to meet several authors, including Nathaniel Philbrick, but also another lesser known author named Glenn Alan Cheney.

At this weekend in Plymouth I bought about five or six copies of Glenn’s book, simply titled Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims’ First Year in America, and he graciously autographed them for me. I gave them out at Christmas, but they would have been equally appropriate for Thanksgiving gifts. His book is small, slim (only 291 pages), yet elegantly bound in hardcover with a ribbon bookmarker. It is entertaining for all ages, yet gives many true facts and accounts of the first year of the Plymouth Colony. I enjoyed Nathaniel Philbrick’s Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community and War, yet it weighs several pounds, totals 480 pages and contains daunting footnotes for the average reader. I loved it, but it was not for the average person interested in finding out a few facts on the Pilgrims. Even less “user friendly” is Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs’s Strangers and Pilgrims. I have looked forward to Jeremy’s book for years, and read it cover to cover when it was finally published. I even had a great discussion with him on the subject many years ago. But Jeremy’s book comes in at a whopping 928 pages and is a very scholarly read.

For an entertaining look at the naughtier side of life in Plymouth in 1620, you can try The Times of their Lives: Life, Love and Death in the Plymouth Colony, by James Deetz (former Harvard Archealogist and consultant for Plimoth Plantation Museum), or The Mayflower Bastard: A Stranger Among the Pilgrims, by David Lindsay (about the More children who were four indentured servants under the age of eight) . Both of these books are less than ten years old, and represent a new view of looking at the lives of our formerly sacred founding families.

There are reviews of Glenn’s book on the website below, and in the GSMD newsletters. You can look up reviews at websites like Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. However, as someone who has read all three of the books mentioned above, the latest ones written on the Pilgrims, I would recommend Glenn Cheney’s book for your gift giving list. If you are a true student of history, with a couple of weeks to kill reading a scholarly tome, you can try the Philbrick or Bangs books for yourself. Or tell Santa they are on your wish list.

For the purists, you can still find copies of Mourt’s Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, 1622 or George F. Willison’s 1945 Saints and Strangers. My perennial favorite will always be William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation, the version edited by Samuel Eliot Morison, 1952. There is nothing to equal reading a firsthand account! For genealogists, the book The Pilgrim Migration by Robert Charles Anderson is my recommendation.

http://www.nllibrarium.com/thanksgiving.php to order a copy of Cheney's Thanksgiving or to take the quiz on your knowledge of the Plymouth Colony’s first year. Post the results of your Thanksgiving quiz here in the comments!

-----------------
Copyright 2010, Heather Wilkinson Rojo

Diabetes and Genealogy

Diabetes was first diagnosed in the 17th century when Dr. Thomas Willis of London sampled the urine of patients and found it sweet. This fascinating, yet also disgusting, moment was the historical beginning of diabetes research. It had been recognized as a wasting disease for 2,000 years. Blood sugar levels were not discovered until the 20th century.


And so, tracing a family history of diabetes seems to be difficult. Early records don’t always list a cause of death. Are you recording the “cause of death” when you find death records for your genealogy? Even so, causes were often just guesses like “kidney disease”, “Bright’s disease” or “malnutrition” because the patients died emaciated. There are two types of diabetics, and the records don’t show if they had type 1 (insulin dependent) or type 2.

The first person in the family tree I learned of dying from diabetes was my grandfather’s little brother, Franklin Sherman Allen. He was born on 6 April 1907 and died on 2 December 1914 at age 7. On this same side of the family, my uncle, a diabetic, died in 2003, my aunt (his sister) died of complications of diabetes in 2004. My mother was just diagnosed (their sister) and another brother has it for years. That is four out of seven siblings.

Their mother, my grandmother, also was diabetic, a double whammy for the children. Her great aunt, Melvina T. Hitchings died in 1905 at the Danvers Asylum of nephritis (kidneys) and delirium, which sounds suspiciously like diabetes to me. In 1905 there were no good blood tests to confirm diabetes, like there were just decades later.

On my father’s side of the family, my 3x great grandfather Luther Simonds Munroe died of diabetes at age 46 in 1851. His nephew, Jonas Symonds Munroe, died of it in 1903. These are early diagnoses, but I’ve noticed many men on this side of the family dying before middle age, some in their 20s and 30s. The records are silent on the causes. I don’t know any recent deaths on this side due to diabetes, but I’m sure that those genes are being carried along. One uncle and one cousin on this side have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. How the doctors came up with a cause of death as diabetes in 1851 or 1903 is still a mystery to me.

And so, along with all my medical history, my husband was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We immediately asked his mother and father about the family history. His father’s side doesn’t seem to carry this, but on his mother’s side her double first cousin (two brothers married two sisters) has Type 2. This is not good news for my daughter! However, type 2 diabetes is very correctable with diet, exercise and weight loss. It is a lifetime diagnosis, however today it can be carefully followed with blood glucose monitors, and controlled with medication. It is no longer considered a death sentence.

Are you monitoring your family’s health history in your genealogical records?

----------------------
Copyright 2010, Heather Wilkinson Rojo

Not So Wordless Wednesday- Party at the Wilkinson's 1952

In 1952 my father was in high school. He lived on Dearborn Avenue in Beverly, Massachusetts with his parents and two brothers. Four generations of my family lived there. My great grandfather had bought the house when he emmigrated from England sometime before 1920, my grandparents raised their family there, and in the 1960s I lived there, too, until I was in grade school. Here is a photograph of a teen party in the same house sometime in November 1952. It looks as if they are all enjoying a board game. I love how the teenaged men are all wearing ties!

click to enlarge

The back of the photograph reads:
"Party at Wilkinson's
Nov. 1952
Left to right- Connie Turlow, Beverly Benson, Francis Flashner, Diane Jenson, Dick Woodbury, Pete Bonaparte, Jordan Baker, Dick Wilkinson". Frannie ended up marrying Jordie later.

For a photo and story about this house click here
http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/02/wordless-wednesday.html

------------------------
Copyright 2010, Heather Wilkinson Rojo

Tombstone Tuesday- More Allens from Essex, Massachusetts



Charles B. Allen Family Monument
at the Spring Street Cemetery, Essex, Massachusetts
and your intrepid genealogist blogger



Charles's Children

Charles and his wife, Lizzie

Charles B. Allen was the brother to my 3x great grandfather, Joseph Allen.  They both were the sons of Joseph Allen (1776 - 1861) and Judith Burnham (1782 - 1848). 

Charles B. Allen, born 15 January 1814 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, died on 24 April 1900 in Wenham, Massachusetts.  He was a ship carpenter, a major industry in the little town of Essex.  They resided in a part of town known as "Thompson's Island".  On 28 November 1840 in Essex he married Joanne G. Lowe, daughter of Jeremiah Lowe and Lucy Goodhue of Wenham.  She was born in 1819 in Wenham and died 1890.  Four children:
1. Joanna Augusta Allen, born 19 April 1844 in Essex, died 19 April 1846 in Essex.
2. Charles Otis Allen, born 17 November 1847 in Essex, died 23 October 1853 in Essex
3. Christina Augusta Allen, born 11 June 1853 in Essex, died 13 October 1853 in Essex (ten days after her brother, both died of "diarrhea")
4. Charles Lowe Allen, born 28 March 1858, died 1937.  Married to Lizzie May Andrews in  1879.

---------------
Copyright 2010, Heather Wilkinson Rojo

Amanuensis Monday- More from Rev. I. E. Bill's Memoirs

The Billtown, Nova Scotia Baptist Church
The Little Red Convertible, my daughter and I in 2007

This is the third part of a set of blog posts transcribing Reverend Ingraham Ebenezer Bill's memoirs. In the first two blog posts I included the first sections where he described his genealogy and immediate family in Billtown, Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. In this part of his memoir he describes his young adulthood and his religious conversion to the Baptist faith. There are a few words I could not decipher, marked with ??

In these paragraphs Reverend Bill recounts his baptism into his new faith, and some of the first religious meetings held in the Billtown Baptist Church (see the photo above). This was when he first began to think about entering the ministry. Rev. Ingraham Ebenezer Bill lived from 1805 to 1891, and preached all over the Canadian Maritime Provinces, Eastern United States and in the United Kingdom.
-------------

"My Conversion

Notwithstanding this early training in Christian doctrine my heart was light in the sight of God. The ?? of my mother were repeated but with a cold heart and thoughtless tongue. I entered upon the social drama at an early age, and with those much older in years than myself, but ?? to perform my part in scenes of worldly mirth and pleasure in a style quite in advance of my years and to an extent that portended fearful results. When about 18 years of age Rev. Edward Manning, then in the full tide of his fulfillment as the Reverend pastor of the Cornwallis Church in the course of his pastoral visits came to our house as he was accustomed to do to spend the night. During the evening he took occasion when in a room by ourselves to speak to me about the concerns of my soul. His words came home to my heart and conscience with such a melting tenderness that I hastened from his side out in the darkness of the night to cry upon ?? and from a broken heart for the first time in my life. “Lord be merciful to me a sinner” this was all I could say but it was enough for it was a full recognition of my vileness in the sight of infinite purity and of the necessity of pardoning mercy. These convictions continued for months, sometimes deep and frequent but occasionally ?? ??? of indulgence in worldly mirth but only to return with redoubled force. In the progress of these varying exercises of ??? I attended a meeting held by Rev. F. H. Harding in a private residence. He preached from the words of ?? the ?? being confident of this very thing that he hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. The sermon was ?? with the Spirits Power and produced a deep impression on my mind. It was in vain that I sought any longer to conceal my concern for my soul’s eternal welfare. I returned to my home resolved no to rest until I should find peace with God. In this frame of mind I retired to my bedchamber not to rest, but to plead with the Lord Jesus for the salvation of my lost soul. The burden of sin was intolerable to bear, but the condemnation was just and if it came in all the permanence of eternal burnings I could only say Amen. The struggle was desperate the agony intense but in an unexpected moment deliverance came and there was calm and peaceful resignation to the divine will. Hope in the all sufficient Saviour took possession of my soul and I felt that God for Christ’s sake had blotted out my sins and accepted me as his own child. It was a new faith a new hope a New World. Old things had passed away and all things had become new.

But I said, this wondrous change, I must keep to myself? I may not be true conversion and I must wait until I know that it is right. But the flame burnt within and could not be long concealed. I ventured first of all to tell a beloved brother while working in the field the substance of what I had experienced, charging him most securely not to mention it to a human being, but with streaming eyes he replied “my brother, that which has been done in secret will soon be proclaimed upon the house top.” And so it came to pass that in a short time I came to long for angelic wings and for a trumpet tongue to proclaim to saints and sinners everywhere the wonders of God’s redeeming love.

A conference meeting was held on Saturday in the Billtown church, a house which had just been erected for the worship of God, and Father Manning the pastor was present. I attended but had ?? to speak. I went from the meeting to my closet to plead with God for support and guidance. It was thought I might come forward the next morning, and therefore a meeting was appointed to hear from young converts. I consulted ??? and the ?? said “Go forward my son and God go with you,” Hundreds came and for the first time in my life I opened my lips in the great congregation to tell what God had done for my soul. In those days it was quite unusual to see a young man who had been so deeply immersed in worldly pleasures standing up for Jesus. The impression was overpowering. The old Christians were filled with joy and gave me a most cordial welcome some were awakened than and there to a sense of their sin and ?? and the good work of God went forward with deepening power.

On that holy Sabbath day I, with 14 others, was, by Father Manning buried in the placid water of the beautiful lake of Billtown, in the likeness of the Saviour ?? and was raised up in the likeness of his resurrection. Joyful day, soul hath it still in remembrance. That was in the summer of 1824. In the joy of my heart I imagined that life henceforth was to the ?? ??? sun shine, but in a far ?? temptations, sharp and severe assailed me. I fell from the heights of Christian joy to the depths of despair. Hope was gone and my profession vain. I tried to pray, but the heavens were ??. There was no access. The soul seemed to rise in rebellion against the God that made me. Why did he allow me to go so far as to make an open profession of a faith which I did not possess? Why did he create me a human being and if he would only allow me to change places with a beast or bird or fish or insect any thing that had no immortal soul. I cared not what. For three days and nights I was in the horrors of despair, but one bright morning as I entered upon the duties of the day sending up a cry to heaven for mercy the light of the knowledge of the glory of God ??….??? Christ came streaming into my darkened soul. Redemption alone by the blood of the Lamb, justification and acceptance alone by the ?? ?? of the Lord Jesus came before me with all the brightness of a morning star. Doubts and fears were scattered to the winds, and the soul was filled with joy unutterable and full of glory.

I now began to feel strange impressions about engaging in the work of the ministry, but conscious want of preparation held me back. My loved pastor had occasion to speak to me on the subject but I told him I was wholly unqualified for the work of such a deep responsibility."

Part one http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/10/amanuensis-monday-reverend-i-e-bills.html
Part two http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/10/amanuensis-monday-more-from-rev-bills.html

--------------

To Cite/Link to this blog post: Heather Wilkinson Rojo, "Amanuensis Monday- More from Rev. I. E. Bill's Memoirs", Nutfield Genealogy, posted November 1, 2010, ( https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/11/amanuensis-monday-more-from-rev-i-e.html: accessed [access date]). 

Halloween Pranks in Derry, 2010

A Civil War Monument appears like the "Headless Horseman"
Halloween 2010

In front of the historic First Church,
 in East Derry, New Hampshire
founded by the original Nutfield Proprietors in the 1720s

---------------
Copyright 2010, Heather Wilkinson Rojo

November 2010 History Events

November2010 History Events - Selected events happening in the Londonderry/Derry area

A Life In Context: Telling Your Story
November 2, 6PM, Derry Public Library, 64 E. Broadway, Derry, New Hampshire
Professional Archivist, Melissa Mannon and professional organizer Sue West team up to present a program about deciding what to keep and what to let go of when it comes to telling the story of your family history. Registration requested, FREE. 603-432-6140

Breakfast with George Washington
November 6, 10AM or 11AM (two seatings), 1 Governor’s Lane, Exeter, NH
George Washington visited Folsom Tavern on November 4, 1789. He is returning to have a special flapjack breakfast with children’s crafts, adult trivia game and a child friendly tour of the American Independence Museum. Reservations are necessary, sign up online at www.independencemuseum.org $10 adults, $8 children, under 4 free. Phone 603-772-2622

A Tribute to Sarah Josepha Hale
November 6, 1PM, Chateau Restaurant, Manchester, New Hampshire
Sharon Wood portrays Ann Wyman Blake of West Cambridge, Massachusetts, who talks about Sarah Josepha Hale, writer, editor, and suffragette. FREE! Sponsored by the NH Humanities Council.

Frost Farm Hyla Brook Reading
November 11, 6:30 to 8:30 Robert Frost Farm, Route 28, Derry, New Hampshire
Featured poet Todd Hearon. FREE. For information email Robert Crawford at bobik9@aol.com or beantownecoffee.com

Preserving your Prized Possessions
November 14, 1 PM to 4PM, Currier Art Museum, Manchester, New Hampshire
How to care for that heirloom silver? How to store family photographs? Bring in one object and get the answers from the experts. Advance registration required by November 8, call 603-669-6144. $10 members, $14 non-members.

An Informal History of Beer in the Granite State
November 16, 7PM Brookline Public Library, 16 Main St., Brookline, New Hampshire
Glenn A. Knoblock presents a history of beer and ale brewing from Colonial Days to modern brewing and brew pubs. Includes illustrations evidential of society’s changing attitudes toward beer and alcohol consumption over the years. FREE! Sponsored by the NH Humanities Council

The 17th Annual Winter Holiday Stroll
November 27, 5 -10 PM in downtown Nashua, New Hampshire
Over 25 venues will host a variety of performances, as well as entertainment in the street. Food will be served outside of Main Street restaurants, and a new beer garden will be located on High Street. Locations available for dropping off canned goods, diapers, and new unwrapped toys for local charities. Most events are FREE! Check the website for complete details http://downtownnashua.org/stroll

Some Spooky New England Tales for Halloween!

My neighbor's annual Halloween display!

Here are some links to spooky stories I have posted in the past year!

A ghost seen in an old burial ground in Londonderry, New Hampshire http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/10/october-24th.html

Bodies are stolen from a graveyard in Essex, Massachusetts in 1819
http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/04/body-snatchers-1819.html

The Civil War era "Lady in Black" can be seen at Fort Warren, on George's Island in Boston Harbor
http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/02/fort-warren-boston-harbor.html

Two local restaurants, in colonial buildings, have resident ghosts
http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/01/coach-stop-restaurant-and-tavern.html
or
http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/01/coach-stop-restaurant-and-tavern.html

Romance, pirates and the ghost of a pirate in Henniker, New Hampshire
http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2009/10/ocean-born-mary-londonderry-character.html

Tammy Younger (1753-1829), the witch of Dogtown in Gloucester, Massachusetts
http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2010/02/tammy-younger-witch-of-dogtown.html

The 1875 murder of schoolgirl Josie Langmaid in Pembroke, New Hampshire
http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2009/10/murder-of-josie-langmaid-pembroke-new.html

------------------
Copyright 2010, Heather Wilkinson Rojo