On The Road with the Mac

Over the past year or so, the primary focus has been the rebuilding and reorganizing of our data base in Reunion.  It has had a learning curve and we've had to re-evaluate the way we do some things but I think we've finally got things to the point where I can say we've made it.

Reunion is such a powerful piece of software, but at the same time is so flexible, that getting it so that it works for you can be a bit time consuming.  BUT, once you get it set so that you have things the way you want them there is no end to the capabilities of this great genealogy software.

I think we've finally got everything set up the way we want it.  We're still occasionally finding an image link that we have to add or a fact that didn't import the way we wanted, but over all I think we're finally on top of it all.

I love using the logs. I use them for to do list, both for the data base as a whole, and for individuals that I want to focus on.  Now with Reunion 11 we are enjoying the sync feature using multiple computers & drop box.  Works so well having Mark typing on the Mac while I have the iPad mini open with the data base & logs while I search for obits or newspaper articles. We also have the Reunion touch App on the iPad mini and the phone.

All of these great features and availability help keep us focused and on track with our research!

Happy Researching!
Karen

Wowsers Wednesday!

Earlier this year I switched from the Windows world to the Mac world.  I must admit quite a change.  Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve, which I think I've managed to handle pretty well.  For those times when I hit bumps I had an awesome son to help me over them. 

When I decided to go from Windows to Mac the biggest change was the genealogy software.  My good friend, Diane has been using Reunion for Mac for quite a while, and her help was just awesome.  Its great knowing I can ask and she's there for me.  I've also joined two great groups on FB for help.  One is Mac Genealogy and the other, which is actually my favorite, is the Reunion Software Users group.  Fabulous Reunion support there.

I figure I am about 80% complete with the cleanup and straighten up of my data after the transfer in off all my information.  I find Reunion to be a bit of a learning curve, but then again, nothing I can't handle. 

I know I've been away for a while from my blogging, but the switch over combined with an office makeover, redoing all my files (remember review review review?) and normal day to day activities, I just figured a break was the thing to do. 

For those who have stuck around thanks!  For the those who just signed on thanks!  

Hoping to get back in the "saddle" and get busy with the blogging again!

Happy researching!

Karen

Overwhelmed? Let's Talk Organization!

Organization is a major issue for a lot of people.  I'm not exception.  I'm working very hard at organizing some things in my life,  but I can tell you right now,  it's not easy.  

Organization covers alot of ground.  It applies to lots of different aspects of our lives.  Things that we need to organize in order not to feel overwhelmed can include all sorts of things - for example -

• Kitchen
• Closets
• Daily Chores
• Computer Files
• Garage
• Collections (in my case my cookbook collection)
• Offices

And the list could go on and on.  But the problem is, we only have so many hours in a day.  So we pick and choose what we choose to work on.  And we stick to those choices and see it thru.

Last year I went thru all my closets (except Mr. Brown Eye's).  One closet a week.  All items taken out, gone thru.  Some stuff donated, some stuff moved to another location, some stuff just tossed in trash.  Deciding what I needed, what I didn't was a major chore.  But I did it.  It's not just about our household organization but our genealogy space organization. So I also did my office closet and desk.

Whether you have a room you call an office or whether you have a corner desk in the living room for your genealogy, organization is a major issue.  There is nothing worse, at least to me, to go to a major repository to research, make a MAJOR find, go to type it in your computer data base only to discover its ALREADY THERE!!!!!!!!!    And I know that you've done that.  We all have.  Because we haven't taken the time to stop digging long enough to dig ourselves out of the mess & clutter we call our "office" or "genealogy desk".    If we stopped researching, just for a week or two, and took the time to get rid of the piles of papers, the clutter, the mass of disorganization, what a difference it would make in your productivity.  Yes, I know its hard!  

Just think if your desk wasn't covered in piles of paper you could have a list of exactly what you want to search for.  Then when you have 15 minutes to sit down and research, you'll know exactly what you want to look and where!  It would make such a difference in how you see things.  With a decluttered desk you won't feel so overwhelmed. 

There is a Facebook page for genealogy organization, "The Organized Genealogist".  It is a closed group, meaning you will have to ask to be included.  Keep in mind that reading all the posts can be very overwhelming.  But there is alot there, with the focus being on organizing your genealogy.  No genealogy surnames or such allowed.  Great group. 

So what will you take time to organize this week?  Have you recently reorganized your genealogy space?  Do you wish you had done it sooner?

Overwhelmed? Let's Talk Priorities!

In Monday's post on feeling overwhelmed, my number #1 to help decrease that way of feeling overwhelmed was to prioritize.  Often when you are overwhelmed just figuring out where to start is difficult.  So I'm going to offer some suggestions - elaborate on just how to do the things I suggested. 

The first thing I suggested was to PRIORITIZE your life.   For me it wasn't that hard,  I already knew what my priorities were.  I just needed to see them again.  Remind MYSELF of what they were.  We get so caught up in just being alive that we sometimes let things get out of hand. 

So I sat down and made a list of just what matters to me.  Your list may change as things change in your life.  The list of a retiree will probably be different than that of a new mom or a mom with small children. 

I won't put my whole list up here but an example of my list would be:

1. My family - includes husband, children & grandchildren
2. Our home
3. Genealogy
4. Gardening
5. Reading

As I said this is not my exact list but it gives you an idea of what I mean by prioritizing.   My family WILL ALWAYS come above all else.  Granted there are boundaries on that,  but we won't go into that here.  Last month when our daughter was injured in a car accident everything else went by the wayside while we stepped in to take care of her, the children and home that they share.  They were our priority.

Second on the list was OUR home.  No, OUR home is not all my responsibility, but I take great pride in taking care of our home.  I am a homebody, I love being here at home, surrounded by the photo's and things that make this house our home.  And I like it kept a certain way.  That's important to me.  So I make a window of time each day available for its upkeep.  I'm primarily an early bird so I'm up getting Mr Brown Eyes off to work.  While I'm up and he's headed out,  I plan dinner, toss in laundry, straighten up, make the bed and I'm done with housework and usually in my office by 8:30.  In the summer it might be later because I enjoy weeding and doing gardening when its cooler outside.

Third, fourth and fifth - the genealogy, gardening and reading really are flexible to me.  Alot depends on other factors.  If its going to be a beautiful day outside I might take my laptop and work on the patio, with breaks from typing to pull some weeds.  The only two items on that list that are locked in stone are #1 & #2.

It ALL boils down to PRIORITIES.  It really is that simple.  So what are your priorities?  Have you made your list?  What makes your list? 

Medina, Ohio Research - Marriage Record Klooz & Zacharias (1886)

William Mathias Klooz was born on 2 APR 1859 in Lorain County, Ohio and died 25 SEP 1930 in Liverpool Township, Medina County, Ohio.  Louisa E. Zacharias was born in 1861 and died 09 JUN 1937 in Liverpool, Medina County, Ohio.  They were married 16 FEB 1886, Medina County, Ohio.

William Mathias Klooz

  The death of William Mathias Klooz, Valley City, Ohio took place at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Huttinger, 517 Fifteenth Street, Thursday morning.  He had been in ailing health for some time.

  Mr. Klooz was born in Lorain County, April 2, 1859 and had lived in the county all his life.

  Surviving him are his widow, Mrs. Louise Klooz, seven children: Miss Harriet Klooz of Detroit, Miss Alma Klooz at home, Harley of North Eaton, Harvey of Columbia, Mrs. George Huttinger of Elyria, Mrs. Claude Reusset [sic] of Valley City, and Mrs. Jerry Kritof of Elyria; eleven grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. Mark Dowden of Lakewood, Ohio.

    Funeral services will be conducted Monday afternoon at one o'clock from the home of his son, Harvey Klooz of Columbia Ohio, with the Rev. Muhly officiating.  Burial will be made in Hardscrable Cemetery.

**Chronicle Telegram (Lorain County, Ohio), Friday, 26 SEP 1930, Pg. 2, Col. 3

**Death Certificate, Ohio Department of State, Lorain County, Ohio, Certificate #54975, 29 SEP 1930

**Application for Letters of Administration, Medina County, Ohio Probate Court, 29 OCT 1930

  Mrs. Louise Miller

  Mrs. Louise Klooz Miller passed away at her home in Valley City on Wednesday night.  Mrs. Miller was born in Liverpool township in 1861 and lived her entire life there and in Columbia.  She was united in Marriage to William Klooz, who preceded her in death seven years ago.  To this usion were born six children, Alma Klooz, who passed away six months ago,  Harley Klooz of Valley City, Harvey Klooz of Columbia, Mrs. Irene Huttinger of Elyria, Mrs. Blanche Reusch of Valley city, Mrs. Gladys Kristof of LaPorte.

  She also leaves a step daughter Harriet, her husband, Frank Miller, whom she married June 7, 1932, thirteen grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers.

  Funeral services will be held Sunday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Reusch of Valley City at 1:15 pm and at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Valley City at 1:30.  Burial will be made in Liverpool Cemetery.

**Chronicle Telegram (Lorain County, Ohio) Saturday, 12 JUN 1937, Pg. 2

Tombstone Tuesday

Truman C. Wolf & his wife, Lucille L. Baker Wolf.  

Photo by Mark & Karen Krugman

2009

Truman Wolf (1911-1973) and wife, Lucille Baker Wolf (1914-1971) married 27 SEP 1941, Liverpool, Medina County, Ohio.  Buried in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Valley City, Medina County, Ohio.

See blog entry on 17 JUN 14 for more information on this couple. 

Happy Researching!

    Karen

Medina, Ohio Research - Marriage Record Wolf & Baker (1941)

Truman C. Wolf (son of Charles Wolf & Lydia E. Damman) was born in Valley City, Medina County, Ohio on 10 DEC 1911 and died 5 OCT 1973 in Medina County, Ohio.  His wife, Lucille Baker, was born in 1914 and died 7 JUN 1971, probably in Medina County, Ohio.

 I was searching for a marriage record on this couple, and it was found on the vital records microfilm at the Medina County Library Genealogy Room.  It confirmed what was originally found on FamilySearch.

Truman & Lucille Baker were married 27 SEP 1941, Medina County, Ohio.
**Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.2/993K-5RLZ : accessed 13 Jun 2014), Truman C Wolf and Lucille L Baker, 27 Sep 1941; citing Medina, Ohio, United States, reference ; FHL microfilm 000475471

Truman Wolf

Truman Wolf, 61, of 5247 Fenn Road, Medina, died unexpectedly last night of a heart attack. 

Mr. Wolf was a lifetime resident of Valley City and was employed at the Chevrolet Plant at Brook Park. 

Surviving are his widow, Emma; sons, Ronald of Niles, and Dennis, Columbus; two daughters, Mrs. Laura (James) Gardner, Medina; Mrs. Jacqueline (James) Bishop, Toledo; father, Charles and two sisters, Mrs. Eileen Reed and Mrs. Florence Hill; one brother, Gilbert, all of Valley City; four grandchildren. 

Friends may call Sunday afternoon and evening in the Bauer Funeral Home, 2089 Columbia Road, Valley City. Services will be a 2 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

**Medina County Gazette, (Medina County, Ohio), 6 OCT 1973, Pg. 2

Monday Musings - Are There No Limitations Anywhere?

So here we are!  Day three researching in Ft Wayne.  I've already found quite a bit of stuff.  Good stuff.

But I've got to ask - Are there no limitations anywhere?  I remember growing up and when we were in school and went to the library, we were always told that people were reading or studying and that we were to be quiet.  Fast forward XX years.  Doesn't seem that way anymore.

It would  seem that anything goes anymore.  I will admit that I do my best "studying" when its at least semi-quiet.  Granted you can't always get that.  I do understand its not always possible.  But in a library?  Really?

It seems that some of the "offenders" are people who work here.  One reason I sit where I sit is because I want to avoid alot of chatter.  I want to be able to focus on what I am reading.  On Saturday  a lady managed to make her way into the area where I have set up camp.  She was older and a little slow moving.  She was SO LOUD,  she sent her "son/nephew/grandson" to get a desk worker to help her.  HUH?  She walked right past the desk to get here...  anyway the desk worker was even more loud.  It was impossible to even hear yourself think.   When I went to the desk to inquire about the racket, I was told "this isn't a hush hush library"...  So let me get this straight,  Its okay to be loud and noisy, doesn't matter at all?  Seriously?  I had headphones on and I could hear those two.

Now today, chatty Cathy and her co-worker who are typing in city directories have been chatting quite vocally now for over 45 minutes.  Desk works go by and no one seems to care.  Its almost like the library has taken on a coffee shop type atmosphere.  I must say I'm disappointed.  Cell phones going off, people holding conversations, desk workers who talk so loud you  can hear  them in adjoining rooms?  REALLY?   Maybe that's why alot of people stay home and research on line... they don't want to deal with these sort of things.    I dunno...  what do you think??

FYI - the desk worker did come and apologize for being overly loud.  Apology accepted.

Happy (and noise diminished) Researching!

So What's Next ?

On Friday I wrote about how I finally had the paperless office!  Took me a year and I will admit I still have images to crop, link and transcribe on the flash drive.  While that all was in process I started to look at the information that I do have.

I've come to the realization that there are quite a few things I need/want to do in my data base.  In doing all this linking & transcribing you see holes.  Sometimes in places you really don't want to see them.  Like maybe in the direct line.

I've always told the people who attend my talks that doing your "census homework" was a primary to do for working in genealogy.  While I was cropping & linking I was adding to my to do list.  Simple things like a death certificate here,  an obituary there....  and then it hit me!  So many were still missing some of their census.

I follow all the lines of my ancestors, not just the direct line down to me, but the siblings of my ancestors and their down lines as well.  I find so many times that when I can't find MY ancestor if I go looking for his siblings or other relatives that I find the ancestor as well.  Although I don't consider the census primary (that's another discussion!), I do consider it important.

So my next project is to get on top of all the census I need for those who are missing them.  This should be interesting!

Happy Researching!
  Karen

A Little Apple

Viola May Apple

1888-1889

Viola was the daughter of Moses Apple (1850-1906) and his wife, Kate Francis.

Viola is buried in Zion Cemetery, Moraine, Ohio

*Photo by Mark Krugman, 2005

A Week of Headstones

 Philip Orth

      Philip Orth was born in Kirweiler, Alsace, Europe, on June 12, 1824.  Being of Lutheran parentage he was baptized in infancy, and, according to the custom of his church, he was confirmed when he was about 14 years old.  In 1857 he was joined in holy wedlock with Miss Eva Gangloff.  This union the Lord blessed with five children, three sons and two daughters.  One daughter died in infancy, Philip Orth, Jr., of near Medina, William Orth, Liverpool, Mrs. Louise Whitten, Akron, and Albert Orth of Cleveland, together with their widowed mother  and 12 grandchildren survive to mourn their loss.

   In 1857, shortly after his marriage, Mr. Orth and his young wife left their native country and emigrated to the United States.  First they came to Cleveland where they resided for six years.  In 1862 or 63  they removed to Liverpool township, Medina County and here the deceased resided until his death, which occurred Monday morning April 15.  Thus he reached the good old age of 87 years, 10 months and 3 days.  About 50 years of this long life was spent in Medina County.  Mr. Orth was a respected citizen and a good Christian.  Soon after he came here he connected with Zion's Lutheran congrgation of which church he was an active member up to his death.

   When younger he was a member of the vestry, and for six years he was also the congregation's treasurer.  He lived thru and was helpful in making up the history of his congregation for upwards of half a century.

  The funeral was held from the house and church on Wednesday afternoon, Apr. 17, and burial was made on the congregation's cemetery where Mr. Orth has a plot.  The funeral text was II Timothy4:6-9.

**Medina County Gazette, Friday, 19 APR 1912, Pg. 8 (Medina County, Ohio
(Compilers note:  A marriage record was found for this couple in Cleveland and the date does not match what the writer of this obituary has shown.)

Research, Research and More...

I've been very diligent about working on getting all my data from our recent research trips to Dayton & Darke County, Ohio put into my database.  But I've also been following alot of the conversations on the Facebook site for the Organized Genealogist.  So much good stuff coming across there that it makes you stop and think sometimes.

Its a closed group, you have to ask to get in, but the stuff you can learn about organizing your files, your heirlooms, photographs and so much more.  Awesome group.

I'm off today to work at the State Library in Lansing.  I've got quite a few pages of people that I need obits from Michigan newspapers on.  My friend Diane and I will research and then stop for dinner on the way home.  Sort of a girls day out genealogy style!

Saturday I'm off to Ft. Wayne again.  This has turned out to be a win win thing for both Mr. Brown Eyes and myself.  He joined the local bridge group in Ft Wayne, has a regular partner and everything.  He's playing there twice a month.  The bonus is that I get to research at the library while he's a few miles away playing bridge.  WIN! 

On a non-genealogy note, we recently had solar installed on our roof.  It's something we've wanted to do for quite a while.  By installing the solar on the roof we're now eligible for the solar lottery - a chance to get paid some dandy funds for our solar in addition to the funds the solar generates, as well as a few bucks back on the installation fees.  Today's the drawings on the lottery, they'll be posted tomorrow.  Cross your fingers for us! 

Happy Researching!

Wedding Wednesday

Married -  Miss Susie Stiver, who at one time was a resident of this city, now of Miamisburg, was wedded on last Thursday, to Mr. Charles Zehring, of Richmond, Indiana.  The ceremony took place at the United Brethren Parsonage and was performed by Rev. W.I.Underwood. Miss Nellie Ogden and Warren Bellman, of Miamisburg, were the attendants.  After the ceremony a wedding supper was served at Maplewood Inn, Chatauqua, and then Mr. and Mrs. Zehring left for their home in Richmond, Ind., where Mr. Zehring is connected with the Starr Piano Company.*

*Germantown Press, 11 JUN 1925, Pg Unk.

Monday Musings

The switch to Reunion has really slowed things down around here as far as genealogy goes.  Many of my facts that I had customized in Legacy really didn't transfer in well at all.  All in all I do believe it will be worth it once we get everything straightened and reorganized. 

Still inputting information from our Dayton, Ohio trip over the 4th of July week.  We do that trip every year and no matter how often I go there are still more obituaries to find, headstone's to photograph and people to meet.  It never gets old.

I'm considering some changes to the blog, mainly mixing things up on different days.  I thrive on change so you just never know what's going to change or when.  For now still in pondering stage.

This coming Saturday we will be researching in Ft Wayne, I've got a to do list there that is actually printed out and comb bound.  Much easier to keep up with all the pages.  Mr. Brown eyes will work with me in the morning and then slip off to go play bridge all afternoon.  We so enjoy these trips together.

Earlier this month I started a reorganize and declutter of my office - it started with getting all those pesky computer wires (you know you have them too!) up off the floors.  I used a very large clip and now all the wires are clipped up in several places to the back of my desk.  Its easy, rather inexpensive and it works!  I also have one of those large clips holding up the power strip on the end of the desk!  I'm cleaning out the cubbyholes on the hutch of desk and then to hit the folder holder with all the file folders.  Its time to get this taken care of!

How about you?  What are you working on this week?

Monday Musings

Happy Monday!   It was a great weekend!  We spent this past Friday & Saturday at the Michigan State Archives enjoying their summer two day conference.

As always there were many great speakers to enjoy, covering a wide range of topics.

I spent some time on Friday at the Michigan State Library gathering some newspaper items off microfilm from their great newspaper collection. 

The lock-in on Friday was a first for the Archives, but we had a full house and the staff was awesome!  We did manage to get a prison record for one person in our data base who we knew did some time in the "big house"!  Great seeing the alias' that he used as well as confirming what family lore had said. 

Ended the two day trip late Saturday afternoon with dinner out with some good friends.  All in all a very productive two days!

How was your weekend?

Tombstone Tuesday - Jacob Frank (1823)

J. Jacob Frank who died 12 MAR 1823...

Buried Zion Cemetery, Medina County, Ohio

Do you know how he fits into the Frank line that lived in Medina County?

If so, I'd love to hear from you.

(Yes, I've seen the stuff posted on Ancestry - problem is no has enough documentation to really prove their relationships for me!)

**Headstone photo by Mark Krugman 2006

Monday Musings

We're back! It was an awesome week, and I've got enough typing to do to last me quite a while!

Lots of successes, from obituaries to estates, headstone photo's and so much more!  One of the most memorable was just hanging out in the evening over dinner with good friends.  One of my favorite's is the front porch of our good friends Judy & Bob Welsh!  Just good down to earth friends with a great porch.  Every year we always make time to have an evening to order in dinner and all sit around and talk genealogy.   Never a disappointing time!

On the downside, our good buddy Michael ended up hospitalized and missed most of our visit - here's hoping that they get the depression & diabetes under control soon!   Also upon arriving at home we heard of the death of one of our Ford Genealogy Club friends, Judy Beiting.  One of the sweetest persons you'd ever want to meet,  Judy passed away this past Saturday.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy's husband, Bob. 

This week I'll be working on the things I brought back, typing, scanning and organizing.  Friday & Saturday the Michigan State Archives is hosting a lock in and a two day seminar with lots of great speakers.  We'll be there this weekend and I'm speaking there on Saturday afternoon. 

How about you?  What's on tap for you this week??

Wordless Wednesday - A Family Donation (1940)

Amanuensis Monday - The Will of John Early (1854)

                                                                 Will of John Early

  In the name of the Benevolent Father of all, I John Earley of Miami Township in the County of Montgomery and State of Ohio, do make and publish this my last will and testament.

  Item 1st  I give and beqeath to my beloved wife Magdalena Early, all the property of any kind that I may be posessed of at the time of my decease, to use and possess as long she does remain a widow, out of which she shall pay all my just debts, and in case she should again remarry, then what shall remain of said property after deducting her lawful share of the same to be equally divided amongst my seven children with this exception that my said wife shall pay to my son Isaac Early forty dollars on his arriving to the age of twenty one years. Which is intended to make him equal with his brothers each of them having recieved a horse from me heretofore.

  Item 2nd  I do nominate and appoint my said wife, Magdalena and my son, John Early Excutor of this my last will and testament.

  In testimoney whereof I have herunto set my hand and seal this twenty seventh day of December in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Fifty.     /s /John Early

  Signed and Acknowledged by said John Early as his last will and testament in our presence and signed by us in his presence.

 /s/ Daniel Askins

/s/  William Gowdy

 [Will typed exactly as shown in original, no corrections in spelling or grammar have been made.]

John Early was born 7 Jul 1776 in Pennsylvania and died 15 JUL 1854 in Miami Township, Montgomery County, Ohio.  He was married 1 Aug 1820 Rockingham County, Virginia to Magdalena Byerly.  They were the parents of 7 children - John T., David, Lydia, Joseph, Sarah, Jacob and Isaac Early.  

John & Magdalena were my fourth great grandparents.

The Father's In My Life - Past & Present

Above - My dad, Clarence Ansley and myself (1959)

Mr. Brown Eyes, the father of our two children

Our son, Eric (father of two awesome sons!)

Mr. Brown Eyes with his Bro, Rob - also a dad!

The Krugman Dad's - seated Mel Krugman, father to Mark & Rob, grandfather to Eric

Our Son in Law, Dave Luotonen, father of Jonathon and another son due Sept 2013!

My paternal grandfather, David Ansley

My maternal grandfather, Ray Phillips