Tombstone Tuesday

My files are slowing but surely getting in the binder and being checked off on the individuals list. The organization continues.

Total so far?

 A big ol' FIVE! That's right, five. That's progress anyway. It is great to find some blogs on genealogy organization like Organize Your Family History to get some ideas and insights.

My number five is my second great grandfather Calvin Burke. What a childhood he and his younger brother must have endured with his parents both dying when he was young and his guardian not around by the time he was fourteen. Calvin was  born on August 23, 1866 to John and Ellen Burk (notice no "e" at the end) in Hancock, Co. Ohio. Finding that "e" will be another hunt altogether.

At the age of 4, he and his younger brother William are found with their parents in Bath, Ohio. It is here that a third brother, Elroy was born and soon after died. He and his family soon relocated back to Hancock County where his parents died a few months apart in 1871 and 1872. His mothers brother Edward Hill became their guardian in 1872 but by 1880 Calvin is found in a boarding home working on a farm in the area with no sign of his younger brother William.

Seven years later in 1887 Calvin married Grace Estelle Curtiss of Grafton, Ohio and they had two children, Hazel Edna Burke and Cecil Lynn Burke, my great grandfather. I am not sure how life was for this little family but in November of 1893 Calvin died of consumption ending his short life at age 27.

The Organization Chore

Most genealogists have a plethora of evidence lying about in their work space or just around the house, or all over the house. I can at least say mine is all over my computer in various files or in a big file box. I think I can find what I am looking for if I try but it will take some time.

So this month I am embarking on organizing my piles of evidence and connecting them with the correct person while learning some new computer and excel tricks. Wish me luck!

I have listened to three lectures on organization and can say that two have given me some great ideas on how to link up the computer data to my ancestors as well as all the paper proof I have stored in my files using an excel sheet. Will I accomplish this monumental task? That remains to be seen but I think if I plan on a few people a day and I don't procrastinate (like writing a blog post instead or organizing) I just might get it done.

Who knows what I may find while plowing through all the stuff I have saved on my computer. I might find the proof I need to connect Anson Preston with his father Jacob Preston or at least have a lead to go snooping further. Would that fall under procrastination?

Wordless Wednesday

Handmade spinning wheel by my great grandfather Paul Florentz in WV. One of the many wood carved pieces he created.