Those Places Thursday: Mapping my Family in Marion County, Alabama

I love maps!! Just about as much as I love military pension files. It's so much fun to see where my family lived as well as their migration paths. With Google Maps, you can even see beautiful satellite views of where your folks once resided.

The other day, I was messing around in Ancestry.com, and found that they've recently made available some amazing plat maps in 12 states, including Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Oregon. Plat maps are like candy to a genealogist -- these are the maps that show the exact parcels of land that our ancestors may have owned at a given point in time. I delved into the collection and almost immediately came up with the 1859 plat maps for Townships 12 and 13 in Marion County, Alabama -- right in and around the little town of Sulligent, where a good portion of my Sandlin, Turman and Noe ancestors lived during that time. (Note: as county lines were shifted over time, this part of Marion County eventually became Lamar County).

I've known for a long time that these families resided near each other for years because I consistently see them on the same pages as each other in the US Census documents. They also intermarried quite a bit, and stuck very close to each other. I didn't realize just how close, though, until I was able to view them on the land ownership -- or, plat -- maps for Marion County, Alabama. Here are the two maps, for Range 15, Townships 12 & 13. The Sandlin, Turman and Noe families straddled both maps -- they are at the very bottom of Township 12, and throughout the top half of Township 13 -- above the Buttahatchee River (no fart jokes, please!!).

Marion County, Range 15, Township 12

Marion County, Range 15, Township 13

Here, I've stitched the two maps together, zoomed in a bit, and color coded the land that each of the families owned: Noe is coded as Green, Sandlin is Blue and Turman is Red. By the way, you can click on each map to view it larger (and zoom in to see details).

Three of my 5th great grandfathers, Jesse Littleton Sandlin (1801-1863), Milton Anderson Turman (1802-1890) and Thomas R. Noe (1806-1867), are represented on this map. One of the great things about these maps is that they also included the land patent numbers that were granted when each of these families purchased their land. For example, here's the land patent document (#30112) for my 4th great grand uncle, H. Littleton Sandlin. Can you find his parcel of land on the map, above?

OK, one more map for you to check out. This one is a satellite map I found on Google Maps, and it shows what the area looks like today. Beautiful, isn't it? One of the coolest parts of this map is that it points out two important cemeteries in my family: the Sandlin Cemetery, where Jesse Littleton and Mary Nabors Sandlin are buried, and Pine Springs Cemetery, where my 5th great grandparents, Thomas R. and Mary Fitzgerald Noe, were buried after they were murdered together in their home in 1867.

Can you see the Buttahatchee River winding its way below
Lost Creek Road/County Road 35?

Plat maps and land patent documents are getting easier to find online. I've found a ton of land patent documents at the Bureau of Land Management's website. I have to dig a little harder to unearth plat maps (Google is my friend), and I'm thrilled that Ancestry is making it easier for us to find these gems that help us to tell our families' stories.

I hope you enjoyed this little "tour" of my ancestors' homeland in Marion County, Alabama!

Those Places Thursday: Joseph Rooks in Grundy Co., Missouri

Joseph and Elizabeth Rooks

I have a lot of pioneer ancestors in my family tree, and I admire their spunk and adventurousness. Joseph Rooks, my 5th great grandfather, was one such hearty soul who forged his way through the American wilderness, likely in search of good land and a better life for himself and his family.

Joseph was born in Kentucky in 1772. By 1807, he was in Highland County, Ohio, where he married Elizabeth Jackson (1790-1880). While Joseph and Elizabeth were adding to their family of 14 kids, they migrated to Randolph, Indiana, where they can be found on the 1820 US census. According to the 1881 book, "The History of Grundy County, Missouri: An Encylopedia of Useful Information, And A Compendium of Actual Facts," Joseph and his brothers, Samuel and Uriah, had finally settled in Marion township by the Fall of 1838, and were some of the very first white settlers of Grundy County, Missouri. At around the same time, other names in my family tree, including two more of my 5th great grandfathers, Robert Ishmael and John Holloway, arrived in Marion township. The Brittain family started showing up in area by the 1850s, and my 3rd great grand uncle, Francis McGuire Brittain, is also featured in "The History of Grundy County, Missouri."

The Rooks, Ishmael and Holloway family ended up being somewhat intertwined as the generations progressed. Joseph and Elizabeth Rooks' grandson, Thomas J. Rooks, married Robert and Polly Ishmael's granddaughter, Serena Jane Ishmael -- they were my 3rd great grandparents.

Within a few years of settling in Missouri, Joseph Rooks was granted two land patents of just over 137 acres acres in Marion, Grundy County, Missouri. Below is one of two documents detailing the land granted to him on April 1, 1843. I found these with a very simple search on the Bureau of Land Management's General Land Office website. The document refers to Livingston County: Grundy County was organized from part of Livingston County in the 1840s.

Click on image for larger view

I was able to enter coordinates from the land patents onto a site called Earth Point which then helped me to translate the information into longitude/latitude. From there, and with just one click of a button, I was able to view the exact location of the Rooks land via the wonders of Google Earth.

Section 18, Township 60, Range 22. The Rooks land was in the
NW 1/4 section, where the arrow is pointing. Theirs were Lots 3 & 4, but I
haven't yet found a map that breaks down the lots. The town of Laredo is just to the west
of this land, and that's where Joseph passed away on May 25, 1868.

Here's a close-up of what may have been the land belonging to
Joseph and Elizabeth Rooks in 1843 Grundy County, MO. I wonder if
that's their farm house up near the top?

Isn't it just gorgeous? Being a farm girl, myself, I appreciate the beauty of this land where my ancestors settled. One day, I'm going to win the lottery and take a road trip to visit all of the homesteads that were settled by my folks.

Finally, here's a map that shows the general migration path of Joseph Rooks: from Kentucky to Ohio to Indiana and then to Marion township, Grundy County, Missouri.

That last stretch, from Randolph County, Indiana (C), to Marion, Missouri (D), is roughly 500 miles. According to Google Maps, that would take about nine hours to drive by today's standards. It makes me wonder how long the journey took for the intrepid Rooks family in their wagons, and it makes me admire them all the more for their adventurous spirit!

Here's how I'm descended from Joseph Rooks:

Joseph Rooks (1772-1868) m. Elizabeth Jackson (1790-1880) in 1807 >
Samuel E. Rooks (1816-1876) m. Elizabeth Holloway (1820-1846) in 1835 >
Thomas J. Rooks (1837-1919) m. Serena Jane Ishmael (1845-1914) in1860 >
Mary Jane Rooks (1862-1904) m. Frederick Harmon Brittain (1859-1921) in 1879 >
Andrew Lee Brittain (1888-1954) m. Jessie Luetta Halstead (1898-1974) in 1919 >
Woodie Leroy Brittain (living) m. Edith Vivian Hunt (1920-1993) in 1938 >
William Lee Brittain (1942-2003) m. Rebecca Elizabeth Bartram (living) >
Me!

Those Places Thursday: Ærø, Denmark

Ærø, Denmark

I'm proud of my Danish heritage, and I've been having fun writing about the Madsen side of my family. I especially enjoy sharing information about my great grandfather, Lars Hansen (Louis) Madsen, who immigrated to California from Ærø, Denmark, as a young boy in 1908.

A couple of years ago, when I was searching for information on my Madsen family (beyond what I already knew), I came across the most wonderful website, Genealogy Ærø. Ib Christensen, who happens to be a distant cousin of mine, has spent years researching his genealogy, as well as others, on the small island of Ærø, which is in the Baltic sea off the southern edge of Denmark. Fortunately for me, he's gone all the way back to my 10th great grandfather, Erich, and has very graciously sent me some amazing information about our Danish ancestory (including smuggers, witch trials, arranged marriages gone awry and other fun stuff that I'll surely write about later!).

Rise (REE-suh) is the little village, noted in
the center, near the farm where my
Great Grandpa Louie grew up.

For anyone interested in Ærø genealogy, or Danish history, Ib's website is a goldmine. He's written it in Danish, but he's already translated many pages into English (and you can always use Google Translate for the pages that aren't yet translated). It includes information on many Ærø families, including Ærø residents (like Great Grandpa Louie) who eventually emigrated away from Denmark. He has detailed the overall history of Ærø, from the Middle Ages (starting in the 13th century) until now. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ærø's smugging past, including my own 9th great grandfather's part in that: Apparently, Bertel Erichsen was a skipper and smuggler who had a history with the law due to his bad temper.

Ib also wrote histories of some of the villages and other historical places. What thrilled me is that he included a photo of the oldest house in Ærøskøbing, one of Ærø's largest villages, which was built in 1645 by my 9th great grandfather, Bertel Erichsen (1617-1701), the ill-tempered smuggler referenced above. The house is called "Kjøbinghus" and appears to have been very well kept all these years.

Kjøbinghus. Photo by Ib Christensen, Genealogy Ærø

Ærø is now a tourist destination for travelers looking for a quiet vacation amongst old villages, thatched-roof buildings and well-tended farms. The island is only about 5-by-19 miles in size, and many visitors rent bicycles to get around and explore. My ancestors' farm, Bakkegaard ("hill farm"), near the town of Rise, is still there. Sadly, I'm told by Ib and another distant Madsen cousin who visited there last year, that it's a bit in disrepair.

I'm hoping to get to Ærø in the next few years so I can set foot on the land where my ancestors farmed, lived and raised their families for so many generations. Meanwhile, I enjoy going back to Genealogy Ærø to see what's new and continue learning about my Danish heritage. I hope you'll also visit Ib's website, especially if your family hails from Ærø. And, if you do have Ærø ancestry, please leave a message for me here so we can compare notes!

Those Places Thursday: Dania Hall, Livermore, California

Dania Hall, Livermore, California

As I've written previously, my great grandfather, Lars Hansen Madsen, immigrated from Denmark to Livermore, California, in 1908. Looking at his ship passenger list, census documents and other historical references (as well as a stroll through the cemetery where Grandpa Louie and Grandma Hannah are buried) it's clear that Livermore has been a destination for a lot of Danes for generations.

One of the gathering places for the close network of Danish immigrants was Dania Hall in Livermore. It was built by volunteers in 1911 and still stands on 2nd Street, between N and O Streets.

Over the years, the Dania Hall has been the Danish cultural center of Livermore and, as a child, I remember spending time there. It was a great place to hold wedding receptions as well as different events from concerts to haunted houses during Halloween. It continues to serve as a rich part of Livermore's history.

Below is a story my Aunt Rae gave me about Dania Hall and it's colorful history. I don't know the name of the publication, but I figure that it was printed in around 1971 because it mentions that my great grand aunt, Maren Christensen Madsen, was 99 years old at time of printing, and she died in 1972. I've transcribed the text below so you can enjoy the history of this great hall and the Danish society that built it!

Centennial Corner

Dania Part of Early Livermore Society

Dania Society was born December 11, 1879, when a group of friends met at a home in Oakland. It was then called “The Danish Social Club of Oakland and Alameda.” After many highly successful social ventures, it was decided that the club was not to be merely a social club, but a beneficiary and benevolent society. Lodge No. Two opened in San Francisco in 1882, and by 1902, the year of the first convention in Livermore, there were 18 lodges in existence.

Livermore’s Dannevang No. 7 was organized July 23, 1892, with 34 members who elected Andrew Simonsen as the first president. Numbered among the charter members were Louis Nielsen, Jes H. Ludvig, Jorgen Peter Olsen, Hans T. Madsen, Chris R. Madsen, William Larsen, Erick Henriksen, Chris H. Groth, M. G. Clausen, P. A. Christensen, Hans Grodt, Hans Mathiesen, Mads J. Moller, and Christian Lilienthal. The Dania banner was made by the Livermore Danish ladies and presented to the men‘s lodge on February 17, 1894, by Mrs. Maren Madsen, now 99 years and still a resident of Livermore. Mrs. Madsen recalls the occasion as “the proudest time of my life – a night I will always remember.”

Livemore’s first Dania Convention, held in 1902, was a gala event, with red and white bunting in the colors of the order decorating the lawn. First Grand President from the Dannevang Lodge was the late Carl Holm who was elected in 1903. Also serving as Grand Presidents were two other Livermore members, Iver Frydendal in 1934 and Conrad Moldt in 1961. Conventions were held in Livermore in 1921 and 1961.

Current 50-year or longer members are John Block, Erik Eriksen, Sam Hauberg, Mads Madsen, Peter Rasmussen, Chris Reuss, Peter Reuss, Chris Svanberg, Louis Thomsen, Louis Banke, Louis H. Madsen and Alfred Petersen. Current membership is 90.

The Dania Hall, as it stands now, was constructed by volunteer labor in 1911. Prior to the construction of the hall, the members met in a building located where the present City Hall now stands.

Danebod No. 16, the Livemore ladies’ organization, was formed October 19, 1905, with Laura Hansen as the first president. There were 73 members then and the group received its charter on July 17, 1920. It will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary next summer. The lodge was named Danebod by the late Mrs. Peter Rasmussen of Dublin. Among the charter members were Mrs. Maren Madsen, Julius Jensen, Mrs. Mika Madsen, Iver and Johanne Frydendal, Mrs. Marie Groth, Soren Hauber, Mrs. Mabel Rees, Mrs. Marguerite Andersen and Mrs. Mary Jensen.

Danebod has two Past Grand Presidents numbered among its members, the late Mrs. Johanne Frydendal who served in 1931 and Mrs. Maren Moldt who served in 1961. Mrs. Victor Hansen, nee Elva Banke, will be the Grand Marshal at the conclusion of the current convention. President of Danebod is Mrs. Rita Post. Delegates attending the convention are Mrs. Kristine Clausen, Mrs. Ada Borch, Mrs. Mette Andersen and Mrs. Ruth Nielsen with Mrs. Lee Austin and Mrs. Sigurd Thomsen as alternates. Attending as representatives of the Dannevang Lodge are Mel Nielsen, Jorgen Clausen, Peter Knudsen and alternates Chris Simonsen, Norman Larsen and Iver Rasmussen. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Moldt are representatives to the Old Age Fund Meeting.

I love seeing my Great Grandpa Louie mentioned in this article, as well as so many of the other names that peppered our family's conversations while I was growing up: Madsen, Christensen, Rasmussen, Thomsen and Groth, to name a few. I grew up with the grandkids of Mr. and Mrs. Sigurd Thomsen and remember the fun we had at Dania Hall!

Mostly, I admire these Danish immigrants to who came to America to find a new life, but never forgot their roots.

Those Places Thursday: John Bruhns' Barn in Tracy, CA

Johann Bruhns (1848-1934)

For the most part, I grew up in Tracy, California. We moved there in 1974 from Livermore (via a very short stint in Wadsworth, Nevada, that I prefer to forget), just before I turned nine years old. It wasn't until I was a sophomore or junior in high school that I learned that some of my maternal ancestors were early pioneers in Tracy. My mom overhead my friend, Sean, and me talking about some other high school friends and casually mentioned that one of them, Andrea, was my cousin. Huh?? Silly me: I thought I knew who all my cousins were.  Well, it turned out that Andrea and I are third cousins: our great grandmothers were sisters and we share the same Great Great Grandfather, John (Johann) Bruhns. We thought that was pretty cool!

Over the last 10 years or so, I've delved deeper into my maternal family history and had the good fortune to learn more about Andrea's and my Great Great Grandpa Bruhns. I've already written quite a bit about him in this blog. He was born in Holstein, Germany, in 1848, and arrived in the United States in 1870. He married Christina Marguerita Schlichtmann in 1881, and they raised five children on their Tracy farm: Matilda, Christina (Andrea's great grandmother), Johanna (my great grandmother), Bertha and John.

John Bruhns and his family farmed in what was then known as the Bethany area of Tracy, which was a few miles south of the main part of town. Johanna went to grammar school at Jefferson Elementary (the "rival" country to school to my alma mater, New Jerusalem Elementary, which was the other country school on the rural south side of Tracy).

The 1930 US Census that shows John & Christina Bruhns living with their son, John Jr. on what was then
known as Carnegie Road. I can see that they are living next to another relative, Johannes Krohn.
(Click on the image for a larger view)

For years, our family have driven past the old Bruhns farm at the corner of Corral Hollow and Valpico roads, but I never paid much attention. Now, whenever I'm in the area, I try to do a drive-by to make sure the big barn is still standing and in good shape. It's now partially hidden between two of the large churches that have sprung up in the area, and I'm always afraid that someone is going to make an offer that the current owner can't refuse and then tear down a piece of Tracy history, and my own family history. This past weekend, I cajoled my boyfriend into driving up the little dirt road between the two churches and take a picture of the barn. The man working there was a bit perplexed by us, and had no idea who John Bruhns was, but allowed me to get out of the car and snap a few shots.  Here's what I saw!

John Bruhns' barn at the corner of Corral Hollow & Valpico Roads in Tracy, CA

Here's a satellite shot (thanks to Google Maps!) of the barn nestled between the two big churches:

John Jr., with his dogs and his ride, along the side of the barn

Given the increase in real estate development in the area, I wonder if the current owners are having to fight off developers wanting to purchase the land for more lucrative purposes. I hope they are able to keep the land, and the barn, for a good, long time. I really do enjoy driving past it and remembering my ancestors' roles as pioneers in my home town of Tracy, California.