Maine-ly Lobster

When in Maine -- eat lobster. Drove out to Two Lights to view the lighthouses and, most importantly, try the Lobster Shack lobster rolls. A split bun bursting with fresh picked meat. Serious competition for yesterday's lunch washed down with a splash of bubbly.



Too bad I don't know about any Maine ancestors... yet.

Lobster Roll in Maine

Just had to share... Lunch for the common man.

A Mis-marked Marker?

The quest for family tombstones led to the grave of "Abigail, wife of Josiah French, died May 10, 1790 [5], aged 23 years." The slate marker stands about 3-1/2 or 4 feet tall and features a carved mourning urn across the tympanum. While the numerals are sharp and clear, the number "5" appears to have been carved next to the "0" of 1790. A correction?



It is also curious that to the left of Abigail's grave stands a small slate marker for "Mary, dau. of Josiah and Rebecca French, died May 14, 1795, aged 3 years." Little Mary was born to Josiah's second wife, but buried next to Abigail, his first wife. Perhaps they didn't want her to be alone in her final slumber. Somehow I like that.

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Tombstone hunting in Cavendish VT

"It's just right off the road" has to be what every ancestor-hunter wants to hear from their spouse. Mine insisted we drive out Hwy 2 to see what we could find in Cavendish, home to James Winsor.



Drove past the great old brick building home to the Cavendish Historical Society (open Sundays only 2-4 pm). Drove on and came to Procterville where the Cavendish Library was open and staffed by a delightful and helpful young woman. Found "Cemeteries of Cavendish" listing several members of the French family and where they were buried.



After a quick stop for sandwiches, we made our way to the Cavendish town cemetery. Had our tailgate picnic at the top of the hill overlooking regiments of marble, slate, and granite.



Mr. Curator found Josiah French and second wife Rebecca. My ancestor was his third wife, who died elsewhere. Also found a bit of a mystery in the first wife's stone, will post that pic next. A most fruitful little side trip.

The Family Curator Meets the Next Generation

Made it to Norwich in time to meet our new great-niece, Bridget Bernice. Now we're collecting collateral descendents too!

Treasure at thr Town Clerk's Office

We were driving south to meet our nephew and new grand-niece for dinner when I saw the sign for Sharon. Ohmygosh, gggmother Fanny Brown Childs was from Sharon. Screech, turn, see the Town Clerk's Office, veer right, snap photo of church, reverse to Clerk's Office -- time is 4:25 pm



Leave understanding, sleepy spouse in car, and dash through rain to the Clerk's Office. No appointment? No problem. Takes me to room adjacent to her office fitted with floor to ceiling shelves. Year? 1823? Here are the books; we close at 5.



Find marriage of David Childs, Fanny's father, but no birth records. Slightly distracted by entries of recorded ear croppings -- square notch, penny size, on ear lobe.



No mention of Fanny, but not unusual for the time. I am thrilled to read the fading brown handwriting from 1796 and handle the old books. It is just exciting to BE here.

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Gov Portraits

Most state governors select a stately portrait, not so Howard Dean, or L.L. Dean (as the guard told us). He chose a more casual setting with boat and paddle.

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joes-pond.jpg

Stopped for lunch en route to the Vermont state capitol, Montpelier. Lobster Rolls at Joe's Pond were pretty darn good.

P.S. Couldn't remember if it was "capitol" or "capital"... Our inn host sent us to the house library where we found the 1890 Funk and Wagnals.

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vermonts-northeast-kingdom

It doesn't get much more beautiful than this. No wonder they call it The Northeast Kingdom.

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VT_Hist_Soc.jpg

Success! Today I was able to find Vital Records for James Winsor and Henry M Winsor. Also found info on Mercy Mathewson (wife of James). Sad to realize that our family only had two generations in the Green Mtn State. I wonder...if Mercy and James had not both died leaving Henry an orphan, would the family have stayed and prospered in Vermont?

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Day Progress

Boston has never looked so good for a birthday celebration. Landed 7 hrs behind schedule due to 1) weather, then 2) mechanical, then 3) onboard med emerg with a stop in Chicago for EMTs -- of course I'm glad the airline can do that so quickly -- then 4) crew over time limit, had to wait for new crew, finally 5) broken lavatories. Considering everything, maybe a 7 hour delay isn't too bad.

Now off ancestor chasing. Rec'd an email just this morning confirming family burials in Clarendon, VT.

Day 2 Challenge

Only the second day of the games and already a challenge - flight delayed til midnight. Patience...



I will be mobile bloggung with my games progress and research highlights beginning tonight -- note the new look of the blog for the duration of the GB Games. Fresh and bright like the 08 Olympic Games.



In preparation for the trip I pulled together my notes and goals - find vitals for Henry M. Winsor, wife Fanny and parents James and Mercy Mathewson Winsor. Wish me luck!



I'll be mobile blogging and posting to Facebook from now on, and hope to keep up with the Genea Bloggers Summer Games.