NEHGS - April 2009 Archive

New England Historic Genealogical Society

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April 2009 Archives

4-30-2009
My question concerns a place called Sac Harbor. Do you know where it is located? An ancestor died there during War of 1812. Also, do you know where the pension files for the War of 1812 are located?
4-29-2009
My grandmother had a small hand colored print of a place called “The Tory Den”. Upon close examination it would appear this page was from a book, then hand water colored. Can you tell me where it came from and where it was located perhaps?
4-28-2009
While transcribing a gravestone in Massachusetts I came across a fraternal inscription: U. O. OF. I. O. I. with three stars and a wreath. Do you know what it stands for?
4-27-2009
While looking online at images of a set of 18th century Daggett gravestones I see the location listed as Tishmoo. I can not locate this area, and was wondering if you knew where this cemetery might be.
4-24-2009
In a city directory I noticed my ancestor worked for an "express company". Later he was an operator for a trolley car. Can you tell me what he may have done while working for an express company?
4-22-2009
While reading the Civil War letters of a local soldier who served in the Union Army he mentioned two weapons he fired. One of these I have determined is a Springfield rifle, the other referred to his friend Henry's repeater.
4-21-2009
The other day I was visiting NEHGS and had much success with the Norfolk County Massachusetts probate. The Family History Library microfilmed only the record books not the file papers. Can you tell me if I need to visit the Massachusetts State Archives of the Norfolk County Probate Court in Dedham, Massachusetts?
4-17-2009
Does your library have any collection of manuscripts, papers, etc. of Joseph B. Felt, author of Annals of Salem, or any idea of where they might be? I found in Hartford CTHSM&L a collection of papers of John E. Morris, who compiled the Felt Genealogy (1893), and in his research for that, it appears he had access to J.B. Felt's "extensive collection of family records."
4-16-2009
My ancestor who served in the U.S. Army before the Mexican War supposibly had a pension. I am not certain where to go first.
4-15-2009
While reviewing a probate for my ancestor from Maine I noticed an item in his inventory I don’t recognize. Can you explain what a “driving pyke” is?
4-14-2009
How can I find the following information to meet the requirements of the Mayflower Society? (1) Confirmation of the marriage of William Soule (b. May 19, 1774, Bristol, Maine), to Mary “Polly” Thompson on Oct. 18, 1796, in Avon, Maine, and the date of her death. (2) The birth of their son, William Soule Jr. on Oct. 7, 1803, in Avon.
4-13-2009
The indexes of the Massachusetts marriages has me a little confused. My ancestor and his wife were listed in the index in three communities? I will send you the citations to check. Why would they be listed in so many places?
4-10-2009
My ancestor was Clement Briggs who came over on the Fortune in 1621. I see that his occupation is listed as a “fellmonger”. What is this occupation? Most of my ancestors were simply carpenters and farmers so I am intrigued!
4-9-2009
My ancestor Samuel Heard lived in Quebec, Canada. I understand that his diary was deposited with other papers at NEHGS. I am willing to join as a member to see this. Can you tell me more about it?
4-8-2009
One of the New Hampshire families I am a tracing traveled to Nevada in the era of the Civil War. Are there any 19th century state census for that area?
4-7-2009
Often while reading old deeds I come across the measurement of rods, poles, and chains. Can you tell me what this would roughly translate into feet or inches?
4-6-2009
While visiting at NEHGS I used your in house access to www.ancestry.com and found a reference to my great-grandfather from Massachusetts born in 1879 for a World War II Draft. Why would that be there he was too old? And I can not find another ancestor equally as old living in Florida which is peculiar.
4-3-2009
In a probate for my ancestor it mentions expenses for “funeral gifts”? Can you explain what funeral gifts are?
4-2-2009
In Along the Coast of Essex County, a guide book by the Junior League of Boston, p. 112, it says: "2. Atlantic Avenue [Rockport] This is the cabin which Joshua Norwood is said to have built on Gully Point. It was moved to this location later and has since provided a popular subject for artists." The accompanying photo is of Motif #1. Read the full question.
4-1-2009
Is there a place online for free that I can determine if my ancestor’s cousin served in the Civil War from New Hampshire?