Researcher – Loganalogy- Your Family Historian

The Importance of Collateral Relatives in Family History

What is a collateral ancestor? In genealogy, collateral relatives are the siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other family members who branch off from your direct line. They may not be your direct ancestors, but they often hold the clues, stories, and records that can help fill in the gaps of your family history.

During the COVID years, I was contacted by a cousin who found me through my blog. She was researching her Logan family and reached out, hoping I might be able to help. At first, I wasn’t sure how much information I could offer. Most of what I knew came from my own research, but we soon discovered we shared an interest in the Logans of Restalrig and had a DNA connection. I shared what I knew about the family, the Logan clans, and a few resources that might help her continue her search.

Several months later, she mentioned that she had old family photographs of some of her Logan relatives. My first thought was that they probably wouldn’t have much relevance to my own line. Fortunately, I was wrong.

I’ve often encouraged researchers to “go sideways” and learn about collateral relatives, not just direct ancestors. This was a perfect example of why. Among her collection was a photograph of my third-great-grandfather, Lemuel Logan (1797–1869). Until that moment, I had never seen a picture of him.

These photographs were found in an old album that belonged to her great-grandfather, who was my second cousin, twice removed. What makes the story even more interesting is that she descends from Lemuel’s first wife, while I descend from his second wife. Without the records, photographs, and stories preserved by another branch of the family, I might never have seen an image of my third-great-grandfather.

This experience is a great reminder of why collateral research matters. Family history is not just about tracing a single line backward. It is about understanding the entire family and the connections between its branches. The relatives who seem unrelated to your immediate research question may be the very people who hold the missing photograph, family Bible, letter, or story you’ve been searching for.

When we research siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and their descendants, we often uncover information that would never appear in our direct ancestral line. In my case, a cousin’s old photograph album provided a priceless glimpse of an ancestor I thought I would never see.

So the next time your research seems to hit a brick wall, consider looking sideways. Your collateral relatives may be holding the piece of the puzzle you’ve been missing all along.

Why Documenting Genealogy Sources is Crucial

If there’s one genealogy habit that can save you countless headaches later, it’s this:

Write down where you found the information.

I know. Source citations are not the exciting part of genealogy.

They’re not the breakthrough discoveries, emotional stories, or surprise DNA matches. They feel more like homework than family history.

But trust me on this. Good genealogy documentation can mean the difference between a strong, reliable family tree and complete confusion six months from now.

And yes… I’m speaking from experience 😄

What Is a Source Citation?

A source citation simply tells:

where you found information
what specific record you used
when you accessed it

That’s it.

Examples might include:

a census record
obituary
marriage certificate
probate file
newspaper article
church register
military pension file

A citation creates a trail back to the original genealogy record.

Without that trail, it becomes very difficult to:

verify information
correct mistakes
revisit records later
explain conclusions to others

Why Source Citations Matter

Genealogy research builds over time.

You might look at:

hundreds of census records
dozens of newspapers
multiple people with the same name
several conflicting dates

After a while, it all starts blending together.

And eventually you’ll find yourself saying:

“Wait… where did I get that date from?”

That’s where citations become lifesavers.

Proper genealogy documentation helps:

improve family tree accuracy
prevent duplicate searches
separate facts from assumptions
track conflicting evidence
strengthen research conclusions

Your Future Self Will Thank You

One of the biggest mistakes beginner genealogists make is assuming they’ll remember where something came from.

You won’t.

None of us do.

Not after twenty census pages, three coffee refills, and a probate record that suddenly introduced five previously unknown children. 😄

Even experienced genealogists regularly revisit older research and realize:

“I should have cited that better.”

Good citations save time later.

Citations Help Prevent Wrong Family Trees

This is a big one.

Online family trees often spread incorrect information because sources were never documented or verified.

One wrong relationship gets copied.
Then copied again.
Then copied fifty more times.

Without genealogy source citations, it becomes difficult to determine:

where the information originated
whether it was accurate
if the researcher interpreted the record correctly

Documenting sources helps separate evidence from guesses.

That matters more than many people realize.

You Don’t Need Perfect Citations to Start

Here’s something important.

Beginner genealogists sometimes avoid citations because they feel intimidated by formal citation formats.

Don’t let that stop you.

Starting simple is far better than recording nothing at all.

Even basic notes like:

website name
record collection
page number
date accessed

…are a huge step in the right direction.

You can always improve citation formatting later as your genealogy research skills grow.

What Should You Record?

At minimum, try to record:

website or archive name
title of the record collection
page number or image number
names involved
dates
where the record was found
date you accessed it

The more specific you are, the easier it becomes to relocate the genealogy record later.

Source Citations Build Trust

Good genealogy research is not just about collecting names.

It’s about building reliable conclusions based on evidence.

When your family tree includes clear citations:

others can follow your work
relatives can understand your conclusions
future generations can continue the research

That documentation becomes part of the legacy you leave behind.

Final Thoughts

Source citations may not be the most glamorous part of genealogy research, but they are one of the most important.

They help protect your work, improve accuracy, and prevent confusion later.

And honestly? Few things are more frustrating than finding an amazing genealogy clue and realizing you never wrote down where you found it.

🙋‍♀️ Been there!

Need more help? Visit Loganalogy.com Research Specialist page! I offer guidance to streamline your research, provide expert tips, and help you build a family tree that future generations will cherish.

How County Histories Enhance Ancestral Research

County histories may not look exciting at first glance.

They’re usually thick books with tiny print, long biographies, and enough local history to make your coffee nervous.

But buried inside those pages can be some of the best genealogy clues you’ll ever find.

Especially for 1800s research.

What Are County Histories?

County histories were often published in the late 1800s and early 1900s to document:

early settlers
local businesses
churches
military service
migrations
community development

Many included biographical sketches of residents and pioneer families.

Some families even paid to have biographies included.

And while that means a little caution is necessary, these books can still provide incredible clues.

Why They Matter in Genealogy Research

County histories often preserve details that may not exist anywhere else.

You might discover:

where a family originally came from
migration routes
names of parents
military service
land ownership
occupations
church involvement
names of children and spouses

Sometimes they even explain why a family moved.

That historical context can completely change how you understand your ancestors.

They Help Place Families in a Community

One of the biggest mistakes in genealogy is researching ancestors in isolation.

County histories remind us that our ancestors lived inside communities.

Neighbors mattered.

Churches mattered.

Local events mattered.

Reading about the county itself often helps explain:

migration patterns
economic opportunities
wars
transportation routes
land availability

And suddenly your ancestor’s decisions start making more sense.

Be Careful with the Details

County histories are valuable, but they are not perfect.

Some biographies were written years after events occurred.

Others relied on family memory rather than official records.

That means:

dates may be wrong
places may be exaggerated
relationships may contain errors

Use county histories as clues and supporting evidence, not unquestioned fact.

Always compare details against:

census records
deeds
probate files
military records
vital records

Where to Find County Histories

Many county histories are now digitized online through:

And honestly, once you start reading them, it’s easy to lose a whole afternoon.

Final Thoughts

County histories do more than list names.

They place your ancestors into the world they actually lived in.

They add context, stories, and connections that basic records alone sometimes cannot provide.

And sometimes, tucked inside one forgotten paragraph, is the exact clue you’ve been searching for.

The Legacy of a Scotch-Irish Pioneer

John Logan was born in 1699 in Ahoghill, Antrim, Ireland¹. (It is referenced that his father was from Restalrig, a suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland.) Restalrig is notable because my mother shared that my father named his ranch in Washington State “Restalrig.”

John Logan arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1717 and married Margaret Carr in 1723. Margaret, born in Massachusetts about 1703, remains a subject of ongoing research. The gap between John’s arrival and their marriage—six years—is a mystery still waiting to be unraveled. Together, they had eight children: seven sons and two daughters.

Service During the American Revolution

Two of their sons, John and Mathew, served under General George Washington during the battle for New York City in the American War for Independence. After the Continental Army became surrounded, Washington orchestrated a strategic nighttime evacuation to Philadelphia. John and Mathew likely endured the hardships of Valley Forge later on.²

Roots in Voluntown, Connecticut

John Logan founded the Logan family in Washington, Connecticut, and was descended from a lineage of Scotch barons. Their ancestral home, Logan, in Ayrshire, lent its name to the family. John immigrated with a group of Scotch Presbyterians led by Reverend Samuel Dorrance, a University of Glasgow graduate. After facing numerous challenges, the group traveled from Marblehead Harbor and Boston to Connecticut. There, they purchased Volunteer Grants in Voluntown and established the Presbyterian church on Ekonk Hill.³

The Scotch-Irish Influence in Connecticut

“John Logan, the founder of the Washington family, was descended from a long line of Scotch barons deriving their name, Celtic in origin, from the ancestral home, Logan, in Ayrshire. He came from the north of Ireland with the Gordons, Kassons, Keigwins, Parkes, Wylies, and other Scotch Presbyterians, under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Dorrance, a graduate of the University of Glasgow.

Their party, after experiencing a great many unusual difficulties, came from Marblehead Harbor and Boston to Connecticut, and buying up the Volunteer grants at Voluntown, forming the nucleus of the Presbyterian church Ekonk hill.”³

The Rising Sun Inn and the Logan Legacy

In 1748, John Logan built the Rising Sun Inn at 6 Romford Road in Washington, Connecticut. Originally a 1-1/2-story, five-bay lean-to house, it underwent significant renovations in the early 19th century. Matthew Logan, John’s son, expanded the house, adding three bays to the north, raising the roof to two stories, and incorporating a ballroom. The surrounding property features a historic barn, and photographs from the Sunny Ridge Historic District highlight additional barns that once stood behind the house.

A black-and-white postcard from July 1913 depicts the Logan Homestead—formerly the Rising Sun Inn—with its clapboard façade, dark trim, and multi-paned windows. The Gunn Historical Museum archives this image, offering a glimpse into the home’s storied past.⁵

Interesting Note: The Rising Sun symbol was associated with Edward III and appears in the arms of Ireland. It also served as a favorable omen for businesses and inns during that era.⁶

*The Church on the Green: The First Two Centuries of the First Congregational Church*
*at Washington, Connecticut*

We are related to the Hollister family. A Hollister Logan lived at the Logan homestead. I have a letter from her (actually, a friend wrote it for her as she was in her 90s.)

*The Church on the Green: The First Two Centuries of the First Congregational Church*
*at Washington, Connecticut*

Family Connections and Tragedy

John married Dorcas Root around 1771 after the death of his first wife, Margaret. Dorcas was previously married to John Royce; he died in 1760. Their daughter, Azubah, married John Logan, Jr. This makes John and Dorcas my double-sixth great-grandparents.

Dorcas died on 07 January 1777, at age 58. John Logan, Sr. passed away on 2 December 1777, at age 77, in Washington, Connecticut, during a year marked by a smallpox epidemic. His grandson, Matthew, also died that year at age 2. While it’s uncertain if smallpox caused their deaths, it remains a likely possibility.

The Logan Lineage

The Gunn Historical Museum in the Washington Green Historic District holds numerous Logan artifacts, photographs, and stories. My connection to John Logan was confirmed through DNA testing, initially via a Yahoo group and later through collaboration with a distant cousin—the President of the Clan Logan Society International. Together, we aim to uncover the link between John Logan and his Scottish origins.

Logan name variations include Loban, Lobban, Loben, Logan, Logane, Logen, Loggan, Loggane, Loggans, and Login.

Discover more about the Lowland Logans by clicking below:

Learn about the Connecticut Logans: https://amzn.to/4cyG14M

The Logans of Scotland by James C. Logan. ↩︎
The Logans of Scotland by James C. Logan. ↩︎
A National Register of the Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Volume 1 ↩︎
A National Register of the Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Volume 1 ↩︎
The Sunny Ridge Historic District archives. ↩︎
Jacob Larwood and John Camden Hotten’s History of Sign Boards, p. 118. ↩︎

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James Lide Coker: From Civil War to Corporate Success

Born in 1837, James Lide Coker, my 5th cousin, 4x removed.

Photo found at https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12291661/james-lide-coker

The company he founded is called Sonoco today, a global provider of packaging products and services. (Not to be confused with Sunoco) He also founded Coker University (which was Welsh Neck High School, then the Coker College for Women, now Coker University).

Wouldn’t he be proud to know that his 5th cousin, 2x removed, Jeanne Wescott (my grandfather’s sister), attended Coker College in 1943? (Jeanne’s grandmother and James were 5th cousins.)

Just a year after he married his wife, the Civil War began and James fought in the Ninth South Carolina Infantry. He rose to the rank of major before getting hurt at Lookout Mountain, Georgia, shattering his leg in 1863. In that battle, he was captured by Union troops. He was released after 10 months.

From the fields of Hartsville, SC to the battlefields of Chickamauga, his journey transformed agriculture and education, leaving a legacy that shaped industries and communities alike.

Watch the video to witness the extraordinary life of James who wore many hats—farmer, soldier, and industrialist—who, despite the scars of war, cultivated a legacy of innovation and education that endures to this day.

In 2002, he was inducted into South Carolina’s Hall of Fame. CHStoday

“He was able to hire so many people in desperate straits after the war that he just uplifted the progress of everybody, black and white, urban or rural. He also was a leader in racial and social progress,”
Dr. Will Joslin (his great-grandson) said.

Uncovering Mat Stephanz’s Roots: A Journey Through Family History

Who Were Mat’s Parents and Family?

Mat Stephanz’s story begins in Kansas City, where he lived from birth until his marriage to Clara in 1920. His journey also included service in the Navy, but where did his family come from? How did they settle in Kansas City?

To uncover this, I started with his last known residence and the most recent record I could access: his Social Security Application. You might have guessed I’d say his death certificate, but because that record is over 50 years old, it’s only available through a family member—possibly among my great aunt’s possessions.

The Social Security Application confirmed that Mathias Stephanz and Mary Svegel were Mat’s parents. This wasn’t entirely new information; family trees from my Uncle’s and a paper trail from Clara or Mat had suggested it. However, in genealogy, documentation is key to verifying claims.

For privacy, I edited the document to exclude Mat’s Social Security number.

Knowing his parents’ names wasn’t enough to trace their origins. Census records and connections to Kansas City’s Strawberry Hill provided further clues. The 1900 census listed both Mathias and Mary’s birthplace as “Austria,” while the 1910 census specified “Austria Germany.” According to Marshall’s research, they hailed from Črnomelj, Austria (modern-day Slovenia).

With this foundation, I found more census records: Mathias Štefanc appears in the 1920 and 1930 records, while Mary’s entries span 1920, 1930, and 1940. These documents revealed more about their lives: Mathias’s naturalization in 1900 and the fact that he didn’t finish school. Each census offered a glimpse into their journey as immigrants building a life in a new land.

One interesting article was written by a genealogical cousin, Peter Hawlina.

Slovenia by Peter Hawlina

Slovenia has been an independent country since 1991. Before this, it was a part of Tito’s Yugoslavia. Prior to the second world war it was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. Until the end of the first world war, it belonged to the Austrian Habsburg monarchy for centuries but also for a short time was under the direction of Napoleonic France. More than one thousand years ago the Slovenians lived in a Slavic empire led by King Samo. A more curious reader can read more about this in other publications. As an illustration, I will name just one example from modern history.

My sister was born in 1940 in the kingdom of Yugoslavia. I was born in 1941 under the Italian occupation in Italy. My brother was born in 1943 in Germany after the Italians capitulated, while my next sister was born in 1945 in the Federal Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. We all were born in the same house in the suburbs of Ljubljana, so it is important for a genealogist to be aware of the fact that there were changing religious and civil jurisdictions at various times. These changes are of critical importance when conducting this research. I will not go into details but I will mention those characteristics that would be helpful to the inexperienced researcher.

The local parish church is dedicated to Saint Joseph and belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Novo Mesto. Records from there are Status Animarum Records.

Status Animarum translates as “the state of souls.” They contain names and information about baptism, marriage, burial, and relationship to head of household for everyone living in a parish by house number. Spouses often show the town and house where they were born or moved. They were kept by the parish priests for internal purposes. Handwriting and format vary by priest. Below is the Status Animarum for Matijas’ household.

Now known as Mathias and Mary Stephanz, they lived their remaining lives in Kansas City, Kansas, raising two girls and two boys. Mary was Naturalized in 1895, and Mathias in 1900.

By the 1920s, he was a “Cabinet Maker” at a Cabinet Shop. He took his “Coach Maker” skills to work on furniture. This skill took him to Abernathy Brothers Furniture Store. In 1936, while working as a “furniture packer” with Abernathy, he received an injury that infected and caused Streptococcus in his left hand. It seems it went downhill from there with pneumonia and fluid in his lungs. I wonder if it had to do with Kansas City experiencing one of the worst heatwaves in North America in the same year, causing it not to heal.

He died at only 68 years of age. For an interesting twist to this family, read Hidden In A Letter.

Above is his death certificate. It also lists where he was buried, Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Another interesting tidbit. Had I known about this family in 2012, I might now live in Slovenia! In researching Mathias’ father, I received a Google response:

Matija Štefanc, rojen 17. 2. 1845, nazadnje stanujoč Dolenji Radenci 10, pošta Stari trg ob Kolpi, umrl neznano kdaj, je nedvomno že pokojni, ni pa mogoče dobiti dokazila o njegovi smrti. Poziva se vse, ki kaj vedo o Matiji Štefancu, zlasti o tem, kdaj in kje je umrl, da to sporočijo Okrajnemu sodišču v Črnomlju, najkasneje v treh mesecih po objavi tega oklica, ker bo sodišče sicer po preteku tega roka, imenovanega razglasilo za mrtvega.
Okrajno sodišče v Črnomlju dne 21. 5. 2012

Google translation is:

Matija Štefanc, born 17. 2. 1845, last residing Dolenji Radenci 10 mail Stari trg at Kolpa, died when the unknown is no doubt already late, but it is impossible to obtain proof of his death. It urges all to what they know about Matija Štefanc, in particular about when and where he died, to report this to the Local Court in Črnomelj within three months after the publication of the notice because the court after the expiry of this period, known as declared dead.
The District Court in Črnomlju of 21. 5. 2012

This land was the property of our ancestor, Matija Stefanc. As the Republic of Slovenia built a road through this land and they could not reach the person or next of kin, they proceeded with an act through the court, which proclaimed him dead.

Through careful documentation and family research, we’ve pieced together Mat Stephanz’s story, connecting the threads of his roots to his life in Kansas City. The journey to uncover your family’s past is as much about the process as it is about the stories you discover along the way.

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Love Against All Odds: The Story of Elias Boudinot and Harriet Gold at the Logan Homestead

📸ideogram.ai

I received a copy of a letter from the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum, written in 2008 by Marlene Flanders, a former aide to Mrs. Verna Logan, who passed away in 1987. In the letter, she mentioned a story she had heard about the Rising Sun Inn, also known as The Logan Homestead, which allegedly harbored an “interracial couple”: a Cherokee Indian man and a white woman. I was intrigued by this account, as I had not come across it before. This blog post tells the story.

Letter written in 2008 by Marlene Flanders, former aid to Mrs. Verna Logan., who died in 1987.

The Beginning: Two Lives, Worlds Apart

In 1803, a boy named Killekeenah Oowaite was born into the Cherokee tribe in New Echota, Cherokee Nation (now Georgia, USA). His upbringing was steeped in the traditions of his family, including his father Dutse Oowaite, and his mother, the daughter of High Cherokee Chief Attaculcullah. Their family name was eventually shortened to Watie. Two years later, in Cornwall, Connecticut, Harriet Ruggles Gold was born into the prominent Gold family, whose legacy was rooted in strong Christian values and community leadership.

Education and Encounter

At 18, Killekeenah met Elias Boudinot, a Revolutionary War figure, a friend and counselor to George Washington, and former President of the Continental Congress, who saw potential in the young Cherokee man. Boudinot sponsored Killekeenah’s education, sending him to the Foreign Mission School in Cornwall, where he adopted the name Elias Boudinot. It was here that he met Harriet Gold, whose family often hosted students from the school.

Their friendship deepened into love, but the cultural and racial norms of the time set them on a path fraught with opposition and challenges.

The Challenges of Love

In 1822, Elias returned to the Cherokee Nation due to illness but remained in contact with Harriet and her brother Franklin through letters. By 1824, their correspondence revealed a deepening relationship. When Harriet shared her intentions with her parents, they vehemently opposed the union. The Gold family, known for its standing in Connecticut, was divided. Harriet’s brothers-in-law, both ministers, argued it was her Christian duty to prioritize the mission school’s reputation over her personal happiness.

Harriet, however, stood firm in her convictions. Despite public outcry and even the burning of an effigy depicting Harriet, Elias, and an ally, Mrs. Northrop, Harriet’s resolve did not waver. (Elias’ cousin, John Ridge also attended the Mission School, where he met Sarah Northrop, the daughter of the school’s steward. The two became romantically involved and wed in January 1824.)

The Honeymoon at the Logan Homestead

After enduring months of familial and societal pressure, Harriet’s immediate family softened their stance. In May 1826, Harriet and Elias married at the Gold Homestead and spent their wedding night at the Logan Homestead, which was fortified and protected by Captain Logan and his armed men. This act of defiance by Captain Logan ensured the couple’s safety during a time of heightened tension.

The couple left Connecticut the next day, embarking on a 47-day journey to the Cherokee Nation in Georgia.

A New Life and Tragic Loss

Settling in New Echota, Elias became the editor of the Cherokee Phoenix, the first tribal newspaper in the United States. It was printed in English and Cherokee, using the Cherokee syllabary created by Sequoyah. In her family letters, Harriet described a good life, and that she had been warmly welcomed upon her arrival. Harriet gave birth to six children, but tragedy struck during her seventh pregnancy. In May 1836, Harriet’s child was stillborn, and she passed away three months later at the age of 31. She was buried in New Echota, and Elias erected a tombstone made from marble brought from Connecticut—a testament to her enduring connection to her roots.

Elias Boudinot, formerly known as Killekeenah Oowaite

The Aftermath

The Cherokee Nation’s land was increasingly encroached upon by settlers, culminating in the infamous Trail of Tears. Elias’ eventual support of the Treaty of New Echota, which advocated for Cherokee relocation, marked him and others as traitors in the eyes of many. In 1839, Elias was assassinated for his controversial stance.

Harriet and Elias’ children were sent back to Connecticut, where they were raised by Harriet’s sister Mary Brinsmade. The boys, William, Frank, and Elias, attended The Gunn School in Washington, Connecticut, while the girls were cared for by their aunt.

Legacy of the Logan Homestead

The Logan Homestead, a witness to this extraordinary love story, remains a symbol of courage and resilience. Harriet and Elias’ union defied societal norms, blending two distinct cultures in an era resistant to change. Captain Logan’s decision to protect the couple during their wedding night speaks to the power of individual acts of bravery in shaping history.

Harriet’s grave stands as a poignant reminder of a woman who followed her heart, defied convention, and left an indelible mark on both her family and history.

Threatened by Georgia soldiers for championing Cherokee nationalism yet executed by his own people for treason, Elias Boudinot left a complex legacy.

1800 Photograph of the grave of Harriet Ruggles Gold Boudinot, New Echota, Gordon County, Georgia

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Stephen Bartkus, previous Curator of the Gunn Historical Museum, and Sarah Griswold, previous Curatorial Assistant, for their invaluable contributions to the previous research by Mark Oliver*.

References

*Oliver, Mark B. “ONE New England” Elias Boudinot and Harriet Gold, www.onenewengland.com/article.php?id=356. Accessed Jan. 2025.
Gunn Memorial Library and Museum Archives. (Special thanks to Amy Campanaro and Corinne Tabolt.)
Correspondence of Harriet Gold and Elias Boudinot. To Marry an Indian: The Marriage of Harriett Gold and Elias Boudinot in Letters, 1823-1839. United States, University of North Carolina Press, 2006.
Historical records from the Foreign Mission School, Cornwall, CT.
Cherokee Phoenix archives. “History of the Cherokee Phoenix” Cherokeephoenix.Org, 13 Jan. 2015, www.cherokeephoenix.org/archives/history-of-the-cherokee-phoenix/article_30c25bf9-bc26-5628-9687-75e1be8581ba.html. Accessed Jan. 2025.
Trail of Tears www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/elias-boudinot-ca-1804-1839/. Accessed Jan. 2025.
“[Photograph of the grave of Harriet Ruggles Gold Boudinot, New Echota, Gordon County, Georgia].” 1800/1994. January 25, 2025. https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/vang/do:gor379.

Your Roots: Why Genealogy Isn’t Just for “Old People”

Have you ever heard someone dismiss family history research as a hobby for “old people”? While it’s true that some may associate genealogy with dusty archives and microfilm reels, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there’s a growing fascination with ancestry across all ages.

Shows like “Finding Your Roots” and “Genealogy Roadshow” have sparked a national interest in uncovering our heritage. DNA testing has also become increasingly popular, offering a new avenue for piecing together our family stories.

But DNA is just one tool in the genealogist’s toolbox. Traditional methods, like collecting vital records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and obituaries, remain the cornerstone of genealogical research. These records can provide a wealth of information about our ancestors’ lives, from their places of birth and occupations to their migration patterns and relationships.

Sometimes, traditional research methods reach a dead end, especially when faced with immigration records, name changes, or missing documentation. That’s where genealogical societies come in. These local organizations are treasure troves of historical resources, often staffed by passionate volunteers eager to help you climb over your brick walls. And their fees are often surprisingly affordable!

If you’re curious about your ancestry but lack the time or resources to delve into research yourself, there are family history research specialists like myself available to help. Whether you need a comprehensive family tree compiled or simply guidance on where to begin your research journey, I can tailor a package to fit your needs.

So, if you’ve ever wondered about your roots, don’t be discouraged by the perception that genealogy is a niche hobby for the elderly. The past is waiting to be explored, and there are many resources available to help you on your journey. Visit my website at www.loganalogy.com today to learn more and begin your own adventure into family history!

Thanks for reading, Marlee L. Logan

Private message me at m.me/Loganalogy

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From Clocks to Legacy: The Story of Johann Henrich Heilig and the Rittenhouse Connection

Johann Henrich Heilig, my 6th great-grandfather, was born in 1700 and married Susanna De Wees Rittenhausen in 1729. Susanna’s family was prominent in early American industry, particularly in the Rittenhouse paper mills, which I’ve written about previously. If you’re a descendant or admirer of the Rittenhouse legacy, I recommend exploring the Rittenhouse Family Descendants and Friends Facebook page and learning about their efforts to preserve this rich history. The Rittenhouse Town Board of Directors actively maintains the historic Homestead House (built in 1707), the surrounding village, and a barn constructed during the WPA era.

Henrich’s origins remain debated among historians. Earlier accounts suggest he was born in Hannover, Germany, while newer research points to Baden-Wuerttemberg. What we do know is that Johann arrived in Philadelphia in 1720 aboard the Polly. Since passenger lists weren’t required until 1727, his exact journey is pieced together through indirect evidence.

By April 11, 1747, Johann was officially naturalized as a resident of Pennsylvania, meeting the colonial requirement of seven years’ residency. By this time, he was known as Henry—a clockmaker by trade. Clockmaking was a respected profession during the 18th century, vital for navigation, surveying, and precise timekeeping.

Henry and Susanna initially settled in Cheltenham but later purchased land on the borders of Pennsburg and Upper Hanover Townships in Montgomery County in 1749 and 1750. This property, acquired from surveyor William Parsons (an associate of the Penn family), remained in the family for generations. Passing from Henrich to his son George, and later to George Jr., the land was eventually sold to the Hoch family in the 1860s. Remarkably, the Hoch family still owns the house today—a living testament to centuries of stewardship.

Before 1684, the Lenape Indians roamed the hills and fished the streams of the land on either side of the Perkiomen Creek. In 1684, the Indians lost this land when William Penn purchased it for reportedly “two watch coats, four pairs of stockings and four bottles of cider.” In time, Pennsylvania Germans settled in the area. Around 1840, the area now known as Pennsburg began to appear like a village. The hub comprised a general store, a carpenter and blacksmith shop, and several houses.
Most of the land was owned by the Heilig Brothers. They owned and resided in the oldest house in Pennsburg, located at Seminary and Fourth Streets. The Heilig Brothers took it upon themselves to refer to this village as “Heiligsville.” Residents had their ideas, and out of loyalty to the then Pennsylvania Senator, James Buchanan, wanted to name the area Buchanansville.

As the village grew, a meeting was held in 1843 at the Hilleg family store to decide on a permanent name and layout of boundary lines. After a week-long, bitterly contested battle, it was finally decided to name the village “Pennsburg” after William Penn.
https://www.pennsburg.us/borough-history website

Henrich and Susannah had five children:

i. Heinrich Heilig, b. 1722, ii. Jurg George Heilig, b. 1720; d. 1796, Upper Hanover Township., iii. Johannes Heilig (Source: Willbook I – 1796, 149-150.).
iv. Anna Maria Heilig (Source: Willbook I – 1796, 149-150.), m. Michael Slonaker., v. Susanna Heilig (Source: Willbook I – 1796, 149-150.), b. 1726; m. Henry Deany.

Johannes or John changed the surname to Highley. The other children kept the German spelling of Heilig.

This notation appears on a locally sold postcard by Len Hillegass of the Heilig House: “The Heilig House at 313 W. 4th Street is considered the oldest house in Pennsburg. Wounded and ill Colonial Soldiers were cared for there by the very compassionate Heilig family during the Colonies’ fight for independence from British rule during the American Revolution.” Album by Reid Heilig
You can see other pictures of the house at https://imageevent.com/heilig/heiligheritage/heilighousepennsburgpa?n=1&z=2&c=4&x=0&m=24&w=0&p=0.

Henry was a clockmaker. He passed down the art of his clockmaking skills to his children and nephews. One of the most famous was David Rittenhouse, an avid astronomer; he built complicated astronomical clocks and orreries, or planetary models, that kept time and predicted celestial events.

David Rittenhouse tall case clock. 1984.0416.007.

Henry is listed in the U.S., Craftperson Files, 1600-1995.

With hand made brass works in the German style, it consists of 19 bells, a wooden cylinder with pins that activate 19 hammers to play tunes, a bone wave to switch tunes. Iron frame is dovetailed together. You can read more about each piece on Reid Helig’s site at https://imageevent.com/heilig/hheiligclock/themusicmechanism

Henry was buried along with his wife in the mostly Rittenhouse family cemetery, Methacton Mennonite Cemetery. Click here for a partial list of burials with links to tombstone photographs. Henrich’s and Susannah’s are below. This cemetery is located in Worcester Township, Montgomery County, PA.

Henrich Heilig .. Died May 14, 1775 .. Aged 74 year 11 Mo 12 days

A wonderfully thorough history is written by Linton E. Love, a descendant of the Rittenhouse family. In it are the descendants of Henry and Susannah. Linton has created a database extending from the 17th century up to the 21st century from Claus to his 12,810 descendants as of March 2005!

Johann Henrich Heilig’s story is one of perseverance, skill, and enduring family ties. From his arrival in Philadelphia to the land that remains in familial care, his legacy is woven into the fabric of American history. Whether as a skilled clockmaker or as part of the Rittenhouse connection, his contributions remind us of the resilience and dedication of early immigrants. By reflecting on his life, we not only honor his journey but gain inspiration for preserving our own family stories for generations to come. Do you have a Heilig clock? You might!

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Remembering Emmett Till: A Story of Injustice and the Fight to Preserve History

Image courtesy Carolyn McAdams- Greenwood, Mississippi

The Tragic Story That Demands Retelling

While this is not a story from my own family history, its weight and importance compelled me to share it. The murder of Emmett Till in 1955 remains one of the most harrowing and significant events in American history. Understanding this tragedy is vital to ensuring we do not repeat such an awful chapter.

Emmett Till: A Life Cut Short

Emmett Till was a 14-year-old boy from Chicago visiting family in Mississippi when his life was brutally taken. His death began with an accusation by Carolyn Bryant, a white woman, who claimed Till made an inappropriate advance toward her. In the racially segregated South of the 1950s, such an accusation carried devastating consequences. Days later, Bryant’s husband, Roy Bryant, and his half-brother, J.W. Milam, abducted, tortured, and murdered Till.

The Role of Media in Spreading the Truth

At the time, print media covered the events based on sections of the country—Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and West Coast., but the magazine Jet played a critical role in exposing the brutal reality of Till’s death. It published shocking photos of his mutilated body, ensuring the story reached a wide Black audience and sparking outrage across the nation. For many, Till’s murder was a stark reminder of the deep-seated racism and violence that permeated the South.

A Flawed Trial and Unjust Verdict

On September 23, 1955, an all-white jury in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, acquitted Bryant and Milam despite overwhelming evidence of their guilt. It later emerged that eight of the jurors, a defense attorney, and the sheriff were all related to the accused men. This was no jury of Till’s peers but a community bound by familial and cultural ties to the defendants.

Even more chilling, Bryant and Milam later admitted to the murder in an interview published in Look magazine. They sold their story for $4,000, openly confessing to the crime, knowing they could not be retried due to double jeopardy laws. Although their admission brought public scorn, neither man faced legal consequences for their actions.

The Impact of Political Rhetoric

Author Wright Thompson’s book, The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi, sheds new light on the forces surrounding Till’s murder. He reveals how the racially charged political climate of Mississippi in 1955 played a significant role. A heated governor’s race focused on segregation and integration created an atmosphere of hostility and fear. Emmett Till’s visit to Mississippi coincided with this volatile period, underscoring how political rhetoric can have deadly consequences.

Efforts to Preserve the Memory

Thompson’s investigation into the barn where Till was killed revealed a disturbing effort to erase this history. He unearthed forgotten records and uncovered key evidence, including the murder weapon in a Greenwood, Mississippi, bank. This work highlights the ongoing battle to preserve history against those who seek to bury it.

The Aftermath for the Guilty

Though Bryant and Milam faced no legal punishment, their lives were forever altered. The Black community boycotted their businesses, forcing them into financial ruin. Both men eventually moved away, struggling to find stability. Milam died of cancer in 1981, followed by Bryant in 1994. Carolyn Bryant, who maintained her false accusations until her death, left behind a legacy of deceit and injustice.

Reflection and Responsibility

As Wright Thompson eloquently states, understanding and preserving stories like Emmett Till’s is essential for reckoning with our collective history. He encourages Americans to examine their own communities and histories, ensuring that the lessons of the past are neither erased nor forgotten.

A Call for Justice and Equality

This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let us honor Dr. King’s legacy by recommitting to the pursuit of justice and equality. The story of Emmett Till reminds us of the cost of silence and the importance of speaking out against injustice. By reflecting on the past, we can work toward a future where such tragedies are no longer possible.

“The white men who lynch Negroes worship Christ. That jury in Mississippi, which a few days ago in the Emmett Till case, freed two white men from what might be considered one of the most brutal and inhuman crimes of the twentieth century, worship Christ. The perpetrators of many of the greatest evils in our society worship Christ. This trouble is that all people, like the Pharisee, go to church regularly, they pay their tithes and offerings, and observe religiously the various ceremonial requirements. The trouble with these people, however, is that they worship Christ emotionally and not morally. They cast his ethical and moral insights behind the gushing smoke of emotional adoration and ceremonial piety,” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Young Emmett Till wears a hat. Chicago native Emmett Till was brutally murdered in Mississippi after flirting with a white woman. Credit: Bettmann Archive/Bettmann

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Mamie Till Mobley family.

By sharing and preserving these stories, we honor Emmett Till’s memory and continue the fight for a just and equitable society.

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What Is a Source Citation?

Why Source Citations Matter

Your Future Self Will Thank You

Citations Help Prevent Wrong Family Trees

You Don’t Need Perfect Citations to Start

What Should You Record?

Source Citations Build Trust

Final Thoughts

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What Are County Histories?

Why They Matter in Genealogy Research

They Help Place Families in a Community

Be Careful with the Details

Where to Find County Histories

Final Thoughts

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The Beginning: Two Lives, Worlds Apart

Education and Encounter

The Challenges of Love

The Honeymoon at the Logan Homestead

A New Life and Tragic Loss

The Aftermath

Legacy of the Logan Homestead

Acknowledgments

References

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The Tragic Story That Demands Retelling

Emmett Till: A Life Cut Short

The Role of Media in Spreading the Truth

A Flawed Trial and Unjust Verdict

The Impact of Political Rhetoric

Efforts to Preserve the Memory

The Aftermath for the Guilty

Reflection and Responsibility

A Call for Justice and Equality

References

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