One of the great things about writing this blog is that I've come in contact with cousins I never knew I had! One such cousin, Leah, found me a few months ago and wrote to tell me that she thought we were related. Not only are we cousins, but she'd already met some of my known (and loved) cousins in Kansas and was looking to reunite with them. I was happy to help her make that connection, and have reaped many rewards in return!
Leah and I both hail from the Veale and Harriman/Harryman side of my family. My maternal GG grandfather, George Elmer Veale, married Margaret Harriman. George's sister, Clara Veale, married one of Margaret's cousins, William Bowles Harriman. Both George and Clara Veale were children of my 3rd great grandparents,
Andrew Jackson Veale and Elizabeth Miller Veale, who migrated from Daviess County, Indiana, to Wabaunsee County, Kansas, in the late 1800s.
Earlier this year, Leah got together with our cousins Wanda and Debbie, and drove out to the Old Stone Church in Maple Hill, Kansas, where several of our relatives are buried. Leah sent me pictures from their escapade, including this photo of George and Margaret's grave, as well as some of the church and grounds.
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| Old Stone Church, Maple Hill, Kansas |
Leah also sent me some more old photos of the Veales and Harrimans, including this wonderful photo of my GG grandmother, Margaret Harriman Veale. She looks feisty, doesn't she!
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| Margaret Harriman Veale - 1850-1932 |
You know, I initially started writing this blog as a way to get my thoughts and family stories out of my head and into print so that I could better share them with the relatives I already know. I had no idea how many new cousins would start popping into my life to say hello and help me flesh out our larger family history. I'm having so much fun getting to know Leah! We're putting our heads together to prove a relationship in our Veale line that will help Leah join Daughters of the American Revolution (and give me a supplemental patriot on my mom's side of the family). She's a tenacious researcher, and I think we're learning from each other as we tear down some bricks in our wall. I'm so tickled that she found me, and I look forward to meeting her in person and continuing our new friendship!
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| Leah (2nd from left) with her brother, George, and our cousins, Debbie and Wanda |
Here's how I'm related to George Elmer Veale and Margaret A. Harriman:
George Elmer Veale (1850-1928) m. Margaret A. Harriman (1850-1932) in 1872 >
Alice A. Veale (1872-1954) m. Joseph Bartram (1860-1930) in 1891 >
John Bartram (1911-1987) m. Donna Marie Madsen (1919-1966) in 1938 >
Rebecca Elizabeth Bartram (living) m. William Lee Brittain (1942-2003) in 1964 >
Me!
CORRECTION: I had mistakenly included the wrong picture of Leah, George, Debbie and Wanda. The photo, above, is the correct photo (sorry, Leah!).
Another very interesting entry, Wendy. I'm learning so much, too. Next time you get in touch with Leah, please tell her how much I loved seeing the picture of Leah, her brother, Wanda and Debbie. Can't wait to see what I learn next.
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