bloggers – Loganalogy- Your Family Historian

Smart Content Strategies: Ditch What Doesn’t Work

How I’m Using Pinterest, ChatGPT, and a Bit of Common Sense to Work Smarter (Not Harder)

Lately, I’ve been rethinking how I manage my time, especially when it comes to juggling genealogy research, client work, blog updates, and social media. I’ll be honest: some platforms just aren’t worth the energy anymore. Twitter (or X or whatever it’s calling itself this week)? Noise. Spam. Trolls. Nope. And LinkedIn? A good idea in theory, but it just doesn’t work for my audience.

I gave both another shot recently, but the interactions felt hollow, the effort didn’t match the return, and honestly, I’d rather spend that time untangling a 19th-century census record.

Medium and Fiverr? Same deal. I learned that if I don’t own my content (like on Medium), I’m at the mercy of the platform—and I’m not about to lose hours of writing to a deleted post. Fiverr, while useful for some, didn’t generate leads for my genealogy services. So I walked away from both and haven’t looked back.

Enter: Pinterest, ChatGPT, Claude, and Content Strategy Magic 🪄

One thing I have added back into the mix is Pinterest—and this time, I’m actually seeing results. Thanks to analytics (and some trial-and-error), I’ve noticed Pinterest drives steady traffic to my blog and Etsy shop. It’s not just a place for recipes and DIY crafts anymore. It has become a visual search engine, especially for Gen Z, who now prefer it over Google for daily decisions.

Even better? Pinterest content sticks around way longer than a Facebook post or Instagram story. That’s what we call “evergreen,” baby.

I’ve also been using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, plus content strategist-approved tips to help me plan smarter, not harder. Tools like Canva have made it easier to create posts that look good and connect with the right audience without sucking up all my time. I now batch content, reuse templates, and prioritize engagement over perfection.

To make the most of what I create, I’ve started reposting my Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts—same video, more reach. I’m also on BlueSky, but I use it mostly to network with fellow family historians rather than as a primary platform.

These updates have freed up my time and helped me stay sane.

What’s Working (and What’s Out)

Here’s my current social media + content strategy lineup:

✅ Instagram – Best for connecting with the genealogy community, sharing Reels, and building relationships
✅ Pinterest – Great for evergreen content, traffic, and reaching new audiences (especially younger ones)
✅ Facebook – Still solid for group engagement and community support
✅ YouTube Shorts – I’ve started reposting my Instagram Reels here for more reach without extra effort
☑️ BlueSky – I’m not actively posting, but I do use it to network with other family historians
❌ Twitter/X – Too noisy, too spammy, and too short-lived
❌ LinkedIn – Not the right vibe or audience
❌ Medium + Fiverr – Didn’t bring leads or lasting value

The Bottom Line

Sometimes the best way to grow is to stop doing what isn’t working. Once I let go of platforms that weren’t giving me value, I had the time and energy to focus on what does, and it shows in the quality of my audience connections and my productivity.

I’m keeping things simple, meaningful, and strategic. If it’s not moving the needle for Loganalogy, it’s off the to-do list.

Thanks for being part of this journey—I’ve got more tips, tools, and content updates coming your way. Let’s keep learning, sharing, and building those trees 🌳 together.

👇 Need help managing your genealogy journey or building a tree that actually makes sense?

Visit Loganalogy.etsy.com to explore tools, guides, and research support!

Why Taking Breaks Boosts Genealogy Research

Why Stepping Away Might Be the Best Move You Make

Working with clients means I spend more time climbing their family trees than my own—more than I’d like, honestly. But here’s the unexpected perk: taking a break from your personal research can actually be one of the best things you do for it.

When you stare at the same ancestor profiles day after day, it’s easy to feel stuck… or like you’ve hit the end of the road. But chances are, the road just needs repaving. And maybe a pit stop or two.

🔁 “All the Records Are Gone!” (Spoiler: They’re Not)

One thing I hear a lot from fellow researchers is that sites like Ancestry or FamilySearch have “nothing new.” But that’s just not true. These databases are constantly adding new records—many of them quietly in the background.

Here’s just a glimpse of how often things are updated:

📜 FamilySearch adds ~180 new collections monthly from all over the world
📰 Chronicling America updates hundreds of historical newspapers regularly
📚 Ancestry and FindMyPast both add and update collections weekly
🌍 MyHeritage continues growing by the billions (yep, billions) annually

Moral of the story: if it’s been a while, go back and check again. That “dead end” ancestor may have left a clue behind while you were busy living your life.

💥 Real Talk: My 7th Great-Grandmother’s Will Changed Everything

I recently took a break from my own tree, and when I came back, BOOM—there it was. A will I had never seen before, sitting quietly in my Ancestry hints.

That one document listed her children and grandchildren, which led me to her father’s will, and then her mother and siblings. Just like that, a wall came down, and a whole new branch opened up.

👀 What You Might Be Missing

🧾 Old records, new eyes: Go back and re-read sources you saved years ago. You’re more experienced now—what didn’t click back then might stand out today.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Research sideways: Don’t just follow your direct line. Look into siblings, cousins, and in-laws. They often lead you straight to your missing link.

📚 Check offline: Not everything is online (yet). Local archives, libraries, and family history societies often have gems that aren’t digitized. Don’t be afraid to send an email—you’d be surprised what’s free.

📺 Social history & video tutorials: YouTube is full of amazing, free content—walkthroughs, history docs, obscure record set tips. Don’t sleep on the power of context.

🧠 Bottom Line: Take a Step Back to Move Forward

Taking a break doesn’t mean giving up. It means giving your brain space to reset. The records aren’t going anywhere—but when you come back, you might just see something you missed before.

Need fresh eyes on your research? I’d love to help you break through that brick wall.

Visit Loganalogy.com to get started!

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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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Discovering George’s Hidden Family Story Through DNA Testing

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.

References

The Beauty: Mabel Agassiz Wescott

Isn’t she beautiful? This is my great-grandaunt, Mabel Agassiz Wescott Martin. As the youngest child of John Thomas Wescott, she defied the odds, living to be 99 years old, just two months shy of her 100th birthday. Born into a family where her oldest sibling was 20 and my great-grandfather just 17, she might have felt like an only child, but her spirit shone brightly.

Captured in this picture around 1924, Mabel was a student at Trinity College, now Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina. It was at Lake Junaluska, where she met George, that their love story began. In just six weeks, he swept her away to Kentucky, a testament to the power of love and destiny.

Together, they raised four children and celebrated over 50 years of marriage until George’s passing in 1977. Today, her 83-year-old daughter continues to share their legacy, sending me this cherished picture and illuminating their family history. Her father had the vision to own the Surf Ranch Motel in Daytona Beach, and with my great-grandfather, they became partners at the Del-Aire Motel and Sea Winx Motels, creating a lasting impact.

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The Hidden Gems of Strawberry Hill: The Neighborhood That Shaped My Family History

A billboard advertising Strawberry Hill is displayed on the corner of North 6th Street and Central Avenue on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Kansas. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

A Serendipitous Encounter with the Past

My journey into the world of genealogy has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading me down fascinating paths and uncovering hidden stories. One such discovery was the neighborhood of Strawberry Hill, a vibrant and historic community in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Stephanz Family Connection

My initial encounter with Strawberry Hill came about while researching the Stephanz surname in my family tree. In my blog post about Mathias Paul Stephanz, Jr., I mentioned that he resided at the rear of 411 Sandusky Avenue. This seemingly insignificant detail sparked my curiosity and led me on a deeper dive into the history of this particular address.

Unveiling the Past: The Chops and Wolfs

As I delved further, I discovered that the Stephanz family had neighbors with the surnames Chops and Wolfs (or Volf). Intriguingly, these families also shared a connection to 411 Sandusky Avenue, having lived in the same house at different points in time. This revelation piqued my interest even more, prompting me to explore the history of Strawberry Hill in greater detail.

A Fortunate Discovery: Don Wolf’s Blog and Book

While exploring the rich history of Strawberry Hill, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of information: Don Wolf’s blog and book. Don Wolf, a descendant of the Wolf family who were once neighbors to 411 Sandusky Avenue, had dedicated himself to preserving the history of Strawberry Hill. His work provided invaluable insights into the neighborhood’s past, including stories about the Chops and Wolfs, as well as other families who had called Strawberry Hill home.

Click on the photo to purchase “Croatian Love Story.”

The Heart of Strawberry Hill

Through Don Wolf’s writings and other historical resources, I began to piece together the vibrant tapestry of life in Strawberry Hill. I learned about the neighborhood’s diverse community, its rich cultural heritage, and its significant contributions to the history of Kansas City.

A Legacy of Resilience and Community

As I continued my research, I was struck by the resilience and community spirit that defined Strawberry Hill. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout its history, the neighborhood has persevered, maintaining its unique character and cultural identity.

A Personal Connection to History

My journey into the heart of Strawberry Hill has not only deepened my understanding of my family history but also provided a valuable connection to the broader historical narrative of Kansas City. It is a reminder that every place, every street, and every house has a story to tell, and that by exploring these stories, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the past and the people who shaped it.

Most of the children attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School. I found another interesting blog with photos of Strawberry Hill. One of the pictures I like the most is of his mother walking with groceries – one picture is before the highway, and the other is after. Croatian History.

From the Strawberry Hill Neighborhood Association:

Strawberry Hill History & Culture
“Situated in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Kansas, Strawberry Hill is a Slavic American community with a rich and unique history. It is one of overcoming obstacles and pulling together as a community to thrive and carve out a new home in the Heartland.

During the late 1800s, immigrants from Eastern Europe, a large number of them from Croatia, settled along the riverfront in an area known as “The Patch.” Most of these residents worked in the meat packing industry connected with the livestock exchange.

In 1904, a great flood destroyed many of these homes, forcing residents to move uphill from the river. Many of these immigrant families were forced to build their homes from materials salvaged and recycled from the homes destroyed in the flood and could only afford a narrow parcel of land, giving rise to the modest sized homes in close proximity to each other that dominate Strawberry Hill’s streets and avenues. The wild strawberry vines that covered the hillside gave the new community its name.

Over time, many families chose to grow their homes as their savings and income allowed. Some of the elaborate or stately Victorian homes in Strawberry Hill began as single story homes, or even shot-gun houses, while some of these modest houses have been preserved and retain their cottage size and style. The original paver sidewalks connect the turn-of-the-century folk houses, many of which retain their turned spindle work, stained glass windows, and, above all, their welcoming front porches.

Tragically, in 1918 the Spanish Flu arrived on The Hill. The tightly packed neighborhood exacerbated the spread of the deadly diseased which killed many adults in their 20’s and 30’s, leaving behind many orphans and widowed single parents. In 1919, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church purchased the Cruise-Scroggs home on 4th Street and opened an orphanage to help the orphaned children. It continued to operate as an orphanage until 1988, after which it became today’s museum and cultural center.

In 1957, 219 homes were destroyed to make way for the I-70 bridge. 1st street, 2nd street, 3rd street, and parts of 4th street were destroyed as well as the sections of neighborhood avenues that intersected these streets. Members of our association witnessed the destruction of their childhood homes and lost a portion of their heritage for the sake of the viaduct that connects Kansas City, Kansas to Kansas City, Missouri. St. John’s Park was created in the process of the construction and features a spectacular view of the Kansas City, Missouri skyline.

As recently as 2016, pedestrian trails have been improved as a part of the Riverfront Heritage Trail. This system of trails and pedestrian bridges now allows residents to travel by bike or on foot from Strawberry Hill to Kansas City, Missouri or the nearby Kaw Point Park, among other destinations realized by the extensive network of sidewalks and trails. The pedestrian bridge beneath I-70 near 3rd and Armstrong stretches across the river and features sculptures by a local artist.

The unique history of Strawberry Hill is one of perseverance, hard work, and surviving tragedies as a community. Whether natural disasters, epidemics, economic hardships, or certain destruction in the name of progress…our people have pulled together and weathered the hardest of circumstances. We have built a vibrant and beautiful community from the rubble and continue to thrive as an organized neighborhood that advocates for the preservation of our historic homes and the safety and well being of all residents–regardless of race, gender, age, class, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or political preference.

Our neighborhood association invites you to become a part of our bustling community!”

One of the best depictions of Strawberry Hill is by the artist Marijana Grisnick. Check out these links for her fascinating paintings and a glimpse of where our ancestors grew up.

The Traditions of the Old Land

Marijana’s Childhood

Woman of Strawberry Hill

Business and Homes of Strawberry Hill

Religious Influence

Seasons and Holidays on the Hill

The Highway

Thank you to Don Wolf and the Strawberry Hill Ethnic Cultural Society for preserving our rich history. The below photos are from https://www.croatianhistory.net/etf/kansas.html

Strawberry Hill Don Wolf — St. John’s church before the turnpike in the 1940s. All the homes
between the church and the camera were destroyed for the new road.

Strawberry Hill about 100 years ago — Kansas City, 1907-1910 Erica DeCoursey
© 2004

My unexpected discovery of Strawberry Hill has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my genealogical journey. It has opened my eyes to the rich history that surrounds us and the power of personal stories to connect us to the past. As I continue to explore the depths of my family tree, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounters that have led me to this fascinating corner of history.

I encourage you to embark on your own genealogical journey and uncover the hidden stories within your own family history. You never know what fascinating discoveries await you. And if you have any stories or insights to share about Strawberry Hill, please feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s work together to preserve the rich history of this vibrant community.

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From Apprentice to Wheelwright: A Glimpse into 19th Century Virginia

Interior of J Plater’s Cart, Van and Carriage Works, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, 1903. The interior of the workshop with the craftsmen grouped together with their equipment. Two of the apprentices are young boys. (Photo by English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

Robert Emmett Cofer, my third great-grandfather, was born over 187 years ago in the heart of Surry County, Virginia. Though much about his life remains shrouded in mystery, a few key details paint a vivid picture of his existence.

As the fifth child in a family of ten, Robert experienced the challenges and dynamics of a large household, especially after his father remarried and added four more children to the family. Growing up during a tumultuous time in American history, he was raised in a household that included enslaved individuals, an experience that would shape his perspectives and values.

At the tender age of 16, Robert embarked on a journey of apprenticeship, learning the intricate craft of carriage making alongside two of his brothers. By 1860, he had established himself as a “mechanic,” but his skills would eventually earn him the title of “wheelwright” in future census records. This profession required a remarkable blend of woodworking and metalworking expertise, and skilled tradesmen like Robert were invaluable to the Confederate army, assisting in the war effort much like soldiers wielding muskets.

Robert lived through the Civil War, a time marked by significant events such as President Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, as well as the fierce and pivotal Battle of Chancellorsville. After 43 devoted years of marriage to his beloved wife, Martha, Robert faced a tragic end at the age of 67. He spent the last three years of his life battling dysentery, which ultimately claimed him.

Martha, resilient in her own right, lived to the age of 78, passing away from heart disease. Both are lovingly interred in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Norfolk City, Virginia, where their legacies continue to rest.

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