Tag: history

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 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.)

dvm_LocHist004193-00060-0.jpg
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

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

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How to Research Family History Without Family Stories

Not everyone grows up with Grandma or Grandpa telling wild tales of great-great-aunts or heroic ancestors. Sometimes, your family history is more like a locked treasure chest with no key. But don’t sweat it, you can still build your family tree, even if your parents or grandparents don’t have all the answers (or don’t want to talk about it).

Whether you’re an adoptee, part of a blended family, or just starting from scratch, there are beginner-friendly, free ways to piece together your roots. All you need is some curiosity, a dash of patience, and a willingness to get creative with records and timelines.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Start with What You Know — Even If It’s Not Much

Before you dive into all the fancy records, jot down what you already have. This might be:

  • Your full name and birthdate
  • Names of parents or guardians (even if you don’t know much about their past)
  • Places you or your family have lived
  • Any old family documents, photos, or letters you can find

Think of this as the “base camp” before climbing the genealogy mountain. It’s okay if your info is skinny; this is your launchpad.

Step 2: Use Census Records to Fill in the Blanks

Census records are like family snapshots taken every ten years by the government. They list who lived in a household, ages, occupations, and sometimes even relationships. Best part? Many census records are free and online.

How to do it:

  • Head over to free sites like FamilySearch or the National Archives.
  • Enter what you know—maybe a name and place—and see what pops up.
  • Look for family members, neighbors, or patterns that might clue you in on your ancestors.

If you don’t know exact names, don’t panic. Try searching by location and estimated years instead. It’s like detective work, but without a trench coat (unless that’s your style).

Step 3: Check City Directories for More Clues

City directories are old-school phone books listing people’s names, addresses, and jobs. They’re a big W for filling in gaps between censuses or when records are scarce.

Try this:

  • Search online archives or your local library’s digital collections for directories from towns your family lived in.
  • Look for your family’s last name to see where they lived and what they did.
  • This info helps build a timeline and confirms connections you find elsewhere.

Step 4: Build a Timeline to Connect the Dots

Once you gather bits of info, start organizing them chronologically. Write down birthdates, marriages, moves, jobs, and other key events. This timeline helps spot gaps or inconsistencies and makes your story clearer.

Pro tip: Use free tools like Google Sheets or just good old-fashioned pen and paper. Sometimes, doodling family timelines is more fun than a Netflix binge.

Step 5: Think Outside the Box — Creative Digging

If direct records are missing, look for indirect clues:

  • Newspaper archives for obituaries or announcements
  • Military records, if you suspect an ancestor served
  • Land deeds, wills, or probate records
  • Social media or online message boards for distant cousins who might have info

Every little piece helps—your family tree isn’t built in a day, but every leaf counts.

Final Thoughts

Building your family tree without stories from relatives can feel like assembling a giant jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the box. But with patience and these free tools, you’ll be amazed at what you can uncover. Remember, genealogy isn’t just about names and dates—it’s about reclaiming your story, one record at a time.

Ready to start your detective work? Grab your notebook, boot up your computer, and dig in. Your ancestors might be waiting to be found.

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.

Discovering Ancestors Beyond Names and Dates

Genealogy is more than just a collection of names and dates—it’s about uncovering the real stories of those who came before us. While birth, marriage, and death records provide essential details, they don’t tell us what our ancestors’ lives were truly like. How did they spend their days? What challenges did they face? Where did they travel? By diving deeper into historical records and social history, we can begin to piece together a vivid picture of their world.

1. Follow the Paper Trail Beyond Vital Records

Vital records are a great starting point, but they only scratch the surface. To gain insight into daily life, explore:

  • Census records – These provide occupation details, household composition, and sometimes even literacy levels.
  • Land records – Show where they lived, how much land they owned, and sometimes even details about neighbors.
  • Tax records – Offer clues about financial status and property ownership.
  • Wills and probate records – Reveal personal belongings, relationships, and social standing.
  • City directories – List occupations and addresses, helping track movement between census years.

2. Look Into Their Work and Daily Routines

Understanding an ancestor’s occupation provides a window into their daily life. Were they farmers, factory workers, blacksmiths, or shopkeepers? Research industries of their time and location to see what their workday may have been like. Trade directories, apprenticeship records, and union documents can also be helpful.

3. Trace Their Footsteps Through Travel and Migration Records

If an ancestor moved from one place to another, immigration and travel records can explain why. Passenger lists, naturalization documents, and homestead records show where they went and sometimes even why they left.

4. Explore Community and Social History

Your ancestor didn’t live in isolation—understanding their community helps you understand them. Explore:

  • Newspapers – Local stories, obituaries, and even gossip columns can offer incredible insights.
  • Church records – Baptisms, marriages, and burial records can reveal religious affiliations and community involvement.
  • Fraternal organizations and clubs – Groups like the Freemasons or the Odd Fellows played an essential role in social life.

5. Read Personal Accounts from Their Era

Even if you don’t have personal letters or diaries, reading contemporary accounts can be enlightening. Look for:

  • Memoirs or diaries from people in the same region.
  • Local history books detailing daily life in their town or county.
  • Photographs of the area from their time period to visualize their surroundings.

6. Visit Their Hometowns and Historical Sites

If possible, visiting where your ancestor lived can be a powerful experience. Walking the streets they once knew, visiting old cemeteries, and touring historical landmarks can help bring their story to life.

Bringing It All Together

Piecing together an ancestor’s life is like assembling a puzzle. Each record, newspaper clipping, and historical document adds another piece, giving us a richer understanding of their world. By going beyond just names and dates, we can honor our ancestors by truly getting to know them.

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.

📸OpenAI

The Legacy of Lewis Hollister: A Musician’s Role in the Civil War

Lewis Hollister, born on September 6, 1840, in Washington, Connecticut, was the son of Sherman Preston Hollister and Martha “Patty” Nettleton. Raised on a family farm, Lewis developed a profound love for music, mastering instruments ranging from the Jew’s harp to more complex stringed instruments. This musical talent was a cherished gift from his mother.

On August 30, 1862, at the age of 21, Lewis enlisted as a musician in Company D of the 28th Infantry Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, a nine-month volunteer unit. His leadership and musical skills earned him the position of band leader for his regiment.

The 28th Connecticut Infantry played a significant role in the Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana, a critical campaign during the Civil War. Port Hudson was the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. The Union aimed to gain control of the river, effectively splitting the Confederacy and securing a vital transportation route. The siege, lasting from May 22 to July 9, 1863, was marked by intense combat and challenging conditions.

Tragically, during the siege, Lewis suffered a severe injury when a gunshot resulted in the loss of his finger. This injury led to subsequent illness, and he passed away on July 13, 1863. His dedication and sacrifice are remembered as part of the collective efforts that led to the Union’s strategic victory at Port Hudson.

Lewis’s story is a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices made during the Civil War. His musical talents and leadership left an indelible mark on those who knew him, and his service contributed to a pivotal moment in American history.

Lewis’s sister married Seth Logan, a second cousin five x removed.

References

¹ “Lewis Hollister,” Washington Civil War Soldiers, washingtoncivilwarsoldiers.weebly.com.
² “Siege of Port Hudson,” American Battlefield Trust, battlefields.org.

Discovering George’s Hidden Family Story Through DNA Testing

My genealogical journey took an unexpected turn when I stumbled upon a DNA match in Ancestry’s ThruLines®. This match led me down a path that initially seemed illogical. The son of my 2nd great-grandmother’s sister, whom I had already traced, appeared to have another son with a completely unfamiliar surname. The connection was listed as “half 2nd cousin, 2x removed,” which further puzzled me.

Initially, I suspected an error in the DNA match’s family tree. However, upon further investigation, I discovered the tree was accurate. The son, let’s call him George, had adopted his mother’s maiden name. But why?

The reason for this unusual naming choice became clear when I learned more about George’s unconventional upbringing. His parents, let’s call them Sal and Sandra, had him out of wedlock. Sandra, unable to care for him alone, entrusted him to her parents for the first year.

Tragedy struck when Sandra’s mother passed away, leaving her father to raise George with the help of his siblings. However, the situation further deteriorated when Sandra’s husband refused to accept George.

At the age of four, George was placed in an infant asylum, a Catholic institution where he was baptized and circumcised. The records revealed that his biological father, Sal, had initially provided financial support but ultimately failed to maintain it. As a result, George was transferred to another orphanage for older children at the age of six.

Life at the orphanage was undoubtedly challenging. George received a basic education, but his academic performance was described as “low to average.” At sixteen, he was placed with a farming family, where he lived and worked until he married at twenty-five.

George rarely spoke about his time in the orphanages, suggesting deeply painful experiences. His mother, who had another daughter with her husband, completely disowned him. The cruelty extended even to the mother’s funeral, where his own half-sister forbade him from attending.

Furthermore, George’s family was deliberately misled about his biological father’s ethnicity. They were told he was of a different nationality, a blatant lie to conceal his true origins.

The discovery of this hidden past through DNA testing has been a profound revelation for George’s descendants. They now have a vast extended family they never knew existed, and I am honored to be able to assist them in connecting with this newfound heritage.

This experience underscores the power of DNA testing in uncovering unexpected family histories and the importance of preserving family stories, even the most difficult ones.

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A Scandalous Love Story: The Common-Law Marriage of John Weskett and Barbara Midgett in 1800s North Carolina

In the early 1800s on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, a romance blossomed that would challenge the social and legal norms of the time. This is the story of my 4th great-grandparents, John Weskett Jr. and Barbara “Barby” Midgett, whose relationship began as a scandal but endured to become a legitimate marriage spanning decades.

The Early Years

Barbara Midgett was born in 1787 and came from a prominent Roanoke Island family. In 1802, at just 15 years old, she married Ambrose N. Dough, an 18-year-old mariner1. The marriage seemed promising at first, with Barbara bringing 76 acres of inherited land to the union2. However, their relationship would soon take an unexpected turn.

A Marriage Falls Apart

While Ambrose was away at sea, Barbara began a relationship with John Weskett Jr., who was born between 1774 and 1780. By 1807, Barbara and John were living together openly, having already welcomed two children. When Ambrose returned from his voyage to discover this new arrangement, he found himself in an impossible situation.

The Failed Divorce Petition

In 1809, Ambrose petitioned the North Carolina legislature for divorce. In his emotional appeal, he described how he had improved Barbara’s land during their marriage but had “declined any further use of the same” after discovering her relationship with Weskett. Despite support from several prominent citizens, including members of the legislature, his petition was denied.

Property and Financial Matters

In an interesting twist, despite his complaints to the legislature, Ambrose had already sold Barbara’s 76 acres to John Weskett in 1804 for 400 silver dollars. This transaction would later become part of a complex web of property arrangements between the three parties.

A Family Grows

Unable to marry legally until after Ambrose’s death, John and Barbara continued their life together, eventually having seven children: Thomas, Samuel, Patrick, Sally, Polly, Harriett, and John (my 3rd great-grandfather). Their relationship, though technically illegal, was accepted enough in the community that they were able to conduct business and own property.

Legal Marriage at Last

On December 22, 1824, John and Barbara were finally able to formalize their relationship. They signed a detailed marriage contract that carefully protected Barbara’s property rights and provided for their children’s inheritance. This contract offers a fascinating glimpse into both the legal complexities of the time and the couple’s commitment to securing their family’s future.

Later Years

By 1830, Barbara had established herself as head of her own household, according to census records. The family owned three slaves initially, though by 1840 this number had decreased to one. The census also notes “1 insane white” in the household, possibly referring to John’s brother James.

Wescott Home.jpg

Home of three generations of Wescott's built around 1810. 
Moved from Manteo Airport in 1942 by D. Victor Meekins

Historical Significance

This family story has attracted scholarly attention, being featured in several academic works examining legal culture and gender relations in the post-Revolutionary South. It provides valuable insights into marriage, property rights, and social norms in early American society.

Endnotes

Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (Currituck, North Carolina: Currituck County Historical Society, 2005), 170; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ: accessed 22 March 2026), entry referencing Barbara Midgett.

“Dare, North Carolina, United States records,” images, FamilySearch ({{FamilySearch Image | 3QSQ-G982-YCQW}} : Mar 23,
2026), image 414 of 668; Dare County (North Carolina). Register of Deeds.
Image Group Number: 007538808

Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (Currituck, North Carolina: Currituck County Historical Society, 2005), 170; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ: accessed 22 March 2026), discussion of Ambrose’s legislative complaint and prior sale of Barbara Midgett’s 76 acres to John Weskett in 1804 for 400 silver dollars.

Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (2005), 170–171; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ
: accessed 22 March 2026).

Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (Currituck, North Carolina: Currituck County Historical Society, 2005), 170–171; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ: accessed 22 March 2026), describing the relationship of John Wescott and Barbara Midgett and naming their children Thomas, Samuel, Patrick, Sally, Polly, Harriett, and John.

“Currituck, North Carolina, United States records,” images, FamilySearch ({{FamilySearch Image | 3QS7-898B-WTH}} : Mar 23, 2026),
image 343 of 582; North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Currituck County). Image Group Number: 007513637

1830 U.S. census, Currituck County, North Carolina, population schedule, John Wescott household; digital images, Ancestry ({{Ancestry Record|8058|185142}}: accessed 22 March 2026); citing National Archives microfilm publication M19.

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Maximize Your Genealogy Success with a Research Log

A well-crafted research log is one of the most effective tools for improving your genealogy results. By maintaining an organized and detailed record of your searches, you can save time, avoid repeat efforts, and uncover connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. Here’s how to create and optimize your research log for maximum success.

Why Use a Research Log?

Key Benefits:

  • Avoid Repetition: Prevent wasted effort by tracking what you’ve already searched.
  • Discover Patterns: Review past work to identify clues and connections.
  • Streamline Collaboration: Allow others (or your future self) to easily pick up where you left off.

If you’re not yet using a research log, now’s the perfect time to start. If you already are, take a moment to ensure it’s as effective as possible.

Choosing Your Research Log Medium

Paper or Digital?

  • Paper Logs:
    • Best for those who prefer handwriting or enjoy a tactile approach.
    • Worked well for generations of genealogists.
  • Digital Logs:
    • Use tools like Excel, Google Sheets, Evernote, or OneNote.
    • Benefits include:
      • Instant search functionality.
      • Easy sorting and filtering by name, date, or keyword.
      • Simple editing and reorganization.

Tip: Choose a medium you’ll consistently use. Digital logs often provide greater flexibility and scalability, especially for long-term projects.

Essential Elements of a Research Log

Your research log should answer this key question: Can someone else (or your future self) retrace my steps based on this log? Include these core components:

1. Ancestor Information

  • Full name of the individual being researched.
  • Approximate birth, death, and other relevant dates.
  • Pro Tip: For digital logs, use separate columns for first and last names to easily sort and filter entries.

2. Search Date

  • Always record the date of each search.
  • Why? New records and database updates occur regularly. Knowing when you last searched helps you decide if it’s time to revisit a source.

3. Research Question

  • Focus each search on a specific, actionable question (e.g., “What was John Doe’s birth year?”).
  • Avoid unfocused searches that lead to wasted time and potential errors.

4. Source Information

  • Record the organization, library, archive, or website where you conducted the search.
  • For online searches, note the website name and any relevant URLs.

5. Full Citation

  • Include a complete citation for each source consulted.
  • Tip: Creating citations immediately saves time later and ensures accuracy.

6. Search Details

  • Record specifics such as:
    • Names (with variants) and filters used.
    • Scope of the search (e.g., “limited to 1850-1900 U.S. Census records”).
  • Depth vs. Usability: While detailed logs are invaluable, find a balance that doesn’t discourage you from logging altogether.

7. Results (Positive or Negative)

  • Document findings, even if the search yields no results.
  • Why log negative results?
    • Avoid repeating unproductive searches.
    • Identify patterns to refine research strategies.

8. Document Copies

  • Save copies of useful records and assign unique IDs to each.
  • Cross-reference these IDs in your research log for easy retrieval.

9. Notes and Next Steps

  • Add observations, hypotheses, or ideas for future research.
  • Example: “Consider searching land records for John Doe in County X, 1880-1890.”

Tips for Using Your Research Log Effectively

Fill Out the Log Before You Search

  • Include basic details (ancestor, date, research question, etc.) before starting.
  • This habit ensures completeness and reduces the temptation to skip logging.

Customize to Fit Your Needs

  • Add fields that suit your specific research goals.
  • Keep it simple if complexity makes you less likely to maintain the log.

Use Templates

  • Sample templates are available online or via genealogy communities.
  • Examples include templates by genealogy experts like Thomas MacEntee or Family Locket.

Optimizing Digital Research Logs

If you choose a digital medium, here are additional tips to make the most of it:

1. Utilize Spreadsheet Features

  • Sorting and Filtering: Organize by name, location, or date.
  • Color-Coding: Highlight completed searches or priority tasks.

2. Add Hyperlinks

  • Link directly to online records or reference documents.

3. Backup Your Files

  • Regularly save your log to multiple locations (e.g., cloud storage and external drives).

Example Workflow for a Search

  1. Preparation:
    • Record ancestor name, approximate dates, research question, and planned source.
  2. Conduct the Search:
    • Review sources thoroughly.
  3. Log Results:
    • Note findings, including negative results.
    • Save and cross-reference documents.
  4. Reflect and Plan:
    • Add notes and decide on next steps.

Conclusion

A well-maintained research log is an essential tool for genealogists. By tracking your efforts, you can save time, uncover hidden patterns, and collaborate more effectively. Whether you prefer paper or digital formats, the key is consistency and detail. Happy researching!

Looking for a Template? Visit Loganalogy’s Free Templates

AI Tools Help Transcribe Captain Wescott’s Article

For many years, I had a newspaper article about my second great-grandfather, but it was torn into two sections, making it hard to read. Plus, the person who cut it out removed the date, newspaper title, and publisher, so I couldn’t find it. Recently, I discovered the article online, and thanks to some amazing AI tools, I was able to transcribe it! I’m excited to finally share it with everyone so we can all enjoy the story together!

Captain Wescott Preparing For Season On “Dry Body of Water”

The article about Captain Wescott is from The Waynesville Mountaineer, published on June 1, 1939.

“Yes, I was born on Roanoke Island, where Virginia Dare first saw the light, but she had left before I got there,” said Captain John T. Wescott, with a twinkle in his eyes.

The captain, a landmark at the Lake Junaluska Assembly Grounds, has been in charge of the rowboats and has run the launch “Cherokee,” in which he has a third interest, for the past twenty-one years. Prior to his coming to the Lake, the captain had retired from the United States Coast Guard service, after 43 years of active duty.

“But I date back pretty well, even if I didn’t know Virginia,” continued Captain Wescott. “I was born in 1853, and I well recall the days when General Burnside captured Roanoke Island during the Civil War. We had food stored away to do us a year, but the soldiers took everything, and after they left, it looked like starvation. We had forty hogs and forty chickens, and they took them all. One of the Yankee officers, however, took an old hen away from one of the privates and came back and brought it to my mother. She kept it hidden in a barrel in the attic until she was sure the soldiers had left for good.”

“Another thing I remember were the decoy geese my father had and prized so much. They took them all and his guns too. We had been taking care of two Confederate soldiers who were wounded and suffering, and had asked us to give them shelter. So, when the Yankees found out about them, they took my father a prisoner. But what’s the use of recalling such things at this time? Somebody might have hard feelings about it, and I don’t mean it that way. I am just remembering when I was a child.”

Captain Wescott, erect, stocky, and ruddy-faced, denies in appearance and bearing the years he claims make up his age. He shows the clear skin of a person who has lived much in the open. His quarters in the Cherokee Inn, where he lives six months out of the year, are as immaculate as the cabin of a well-scrubbed ship. He showed us about. His closet, cedar-lined and large enough to hold a good-sized trunk, boxes, plenty of shelves, and rows of hooks for hanging garments, is as neat as a pin. Everything is in its place. But one could have guessed without being told where his great interest lay, for there were boat models.

“Yes, for twenty-one years I have run the ‘Cherokee’ on a regular schedule around the lake from 7 to 8 o’clock every evening except Sunday, during the entire season here. I always come early in April to get the rowboats and the launch ready for the summer,” he said.

“But after my years on the sea, I’ll have to admit that Lake Junaluska is the tamest body of water I have ever run a boat on. It’s like taking a broken dose of something for me to run the launch on Lake Junaluska, but then at 86, that’s alright, because I can’t do the work I once did,” said the captain.

“But I don’t like the looks of the lake a bit these days,” he continued. “Right now, it looks like I might have to hoist the old ‘Cherokee’ on wheels, because she has a poor chance of floating anytime soon. We are having a lot of dam trouble down here, but I think the good Methodists are having fun talking about their dam troubles,” he said when speaking of the present condition of the lake.

Lake Junaluska has been drained for work on the lake bed, and it may not be filled until July, which seems to be mighty hard on the captain, who is at work on his boats, getting them ready to float, with a “dry body of water facing the boathouse,” as he says.

The captain’s 43 years of service were seen in the Revenue Cutter, Life Saving, and Inland Service of the Government, and he was located some fifty-five miles from Cape Henry in the coast guard service for 30 years, retiring at the age limit of 65.

After his retirement, two of his daughters, school girls at the time, came to Lake Junaluska, and were so enthusiastic that they persuaded their mother and father to come to this section the next year. They did so, and both liked it. They soon bought the Cherokee Inn, which they owned and operated for many years.

Two years prior to the death of Mrs. Wescott, they rented the Inn to Mr. and Mrs. Claude Medford, who bought the place about three years ago and have since operated it. The captain has continued to make his home at the Inn, during the time he spends in this section.

The rest of the year, the captain spends with his six children, who are scattered from Greenville, Ky., to Richmond, Va. The greater part of the six months out of the mountains is spent with his son, who lives in Norfolk. When his longing for the old life on the coast of North Carolina gets too much for him, he visits his brother down in Manteo.

“I’ll be coming to Lake Junaluska to run the ‘Cherokee’ as long as I live,” said the captain. “I feel more at home here than most any place now.”

Footnote: We, my genealogical cousins and I, have been unable to find any record of John Senior being a POW, but that does not mean he was not one. It could have been an overnight stay in jail, or he had to pay a fine, or he was part of the prisoner exchange.

Read my blog to discover the incredible story of Captain Wescott and uncover the fascinating details about this remarkable man!

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

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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).

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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“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.

Read more at

https://archives.library.sc.edu/repositories/3/resources/40

https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/coker-james-lide-sr/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Lide_Coker

Founded in 1899, Sonoco Products Company is a United States-based international provider of diversified consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and packaging supply chain services and the world’s largest producer of composite cans, tubes, and cores. Wikipedia
Stock price: SON (NYSE) $60.71 +0.07 (+0.12%)
Dec 30, 4:00 PM EST – Disclaimer
Headquarters: Hartsville, SC
Subsidiaries: Sonoco ThermoSafe, MORE
CEO: R. Howard Coker (Feb 2020–)
Number of employees: 21,000 (2017)
Revenue: 5.237 billion USD (Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020)
Founder: James Lide Coker
Founded: May 10, 1899

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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.

Mathias Stephanz SSN Application edit

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.

Mathias Stephanz Naturalization Record 1900.jpg

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.

stari-trg-ob-kolpiThe 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.

Book C ST10 & 06

Deskova vas
Deskova vas, Slovenia

Deskova vas 4 Jozef Svegel Household_Koce

Marriage Record

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.

Stephanz Family Abt 1905

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. Mary Swegel and Matthias Paul Stephanz, Sr. 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.

Death Certificate 1936Above 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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