Wordless Wednesday

 

It's National Genealogy Day!

National Genealogy Day is not to be confused with Family History Month.  The latter is observed during the entire month of October.  It was established by Congress in 2001 and has stuck around since.

National Genealogy Day, on the other hand, was created in 2013 by Christ Church, a United Presbyterian and Methodist parish in Limerick, Ireland, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of that specific church (which was not always associated with United Presbyterian and Methodist).  Church records were brought together from Christ Church, Church of Ireland parishes, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).  People were invited to come and research their ancestors in the church records.

The celebration of National Genealogy Day has carried on and has spread to other areas after the 200th anniversary of Christ Church.  It's one day to focus on researching your genealogy and family history.

I am the family genealogist, and I don't do research on only one day, or during only one month, for that matter.  What I'm celebrating today is that most of my family members know that I'm the family genealogist, and they know they can ask me questions about the family.

Recently my brother asked me about specifics on relatives who died in or who survived the Holocaust.  I learned he was asking because my niece had to do a report on World War II and chose the Holocaust for her specific subject.  I was able to point my brother to my annual blog posts on Yom HaShoah, where I list all of the relatives I know/believe died in the Holocaust, including one cousin who was murdered in Auschwitz.  I also gave him details about several cousins who would be classified as survivors.  I may have drowned him in information, because I didn't hear back again after sending a long message.  I figure that meant my niece had enough for her report.

But I don't do research only on my own family, and even "extended family" members know who to turn to.

My uncle's wife is my aunt by marriage, but I've been researching her family for about 30 years.  A few years ago her sister's daughter, who had previously shown little to no interest in family history, sent me a message out of the blue, asking whether I still had all that research I had done on her family, particularly her father's side.  Of course I did!  And I sent her copies of everything.  She didn't use the information to do research per se, but to connect with people she was matching on DNA tests.  They also shared family information, a lot of which I received, so now I've added more to her tree.

Of course I did research on my ex's family.  Two different times after he was my ex, he called me because someone was asking him about his family history, and he knew I could do a much better job of explaining it.  Once he had me on the phone, he just handed his phone to the person who was asking (the same person both times), and we had a lively conversation about his family.

A more unusual conversation about his family came when I had just landed in the Portland, Oregon airport and was waiting for my luggage.  My younger stepson texted me with a question about his family, which I answered.  Then came another text with a new question, and I responded to that.  This went back and forth for close to ten minutes before I finally just called him and asked what it all was about.  As with my niece, it was for a school project, and he knew I had the information.  I told him that rather than giving him bits and pieces by text, I would wait until I was at my computer and send him all the information then, which worked much better for me than one dinky little text at a time.

So today I am celebrating National Genealogy Day and the fact that I have the opportunity to share family information with so many people!

Significant Anniversaries of 2025

I haven't written about the milestones in my family tree for the past couple of years, but as I try to get back to a regular posting schedule, it's one of the topics I wanted to bring back.  I find it interesting to look at what happened years ago in my family (obviously, or I wouldn't be doing genealogy!), and I like to make sure these people and events are remembered.

200 Years Ago

In January 1825, my 3x-great-grandfather Abel A. Lippincott, son of Stacy B. Lippincott and Alice Parker, was born in New Jersey.  Because New Jersey is the real Quaker state, and because you can't go anywhere in New Jersey without tripping over lots of Lippincotts, I still don't have Abel's complete birth date or where in New Jersey he was born, because Lippincotts are just bloody hard to research.  I wish I could spend a month or two at the New Jersey State Archives and do some in-person research to sort all this out.  And if wishes were horses . . . .

150 Years Ago

Henry Heath, the great-great-grandfather of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul and the 3x-great-grandfather of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams, died December 2, 1875 in Thurman, Warren County, New York.  He was originally from Surrey, England, born roughly between 1816 and 1819 in Haslemere, although I still need to nail that down.  He immigrated to the United States around 1838 and married Eliza Bullock in 1844 in Argyle, Washington County, New York.  I have names for his parents and grandparents but little information beyond that.  More research I need to catch up on!

100 Years Ago

My aunt Dorothy "Dottie" Mae Sellers, daughter of Bertram Lynn Sellers and Elizabeth Leatherberry Sundermier, was born October 29, 1925 in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey.  Technically Dottie was my half-aunt, because she was a child of my grandfather's first marriage.  Grampa was still married to Elizabeth while he and my grandmother were living together and my father came along.  (My father had no full siblings but had seven half-siblings, three from his mother and four from his father.)  I met Dottie when I was about 11 or 12 and then stayed in touch with her the rest of her life, through my moves and hers.  She lived to be 95 years old.  I'm still looking for the son she surrendered for adoption in 1945.

My great-great-grandfather Victor Gordon, originally Avigdor Gershovich Gorodetsky, died January 26, 1925 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.  He immigrated to the United States from the Russian Empire in 1914, bringing his two youngest sons with him but leaving his second wife behind (I was told by cousins that she did not want to come).  He lived long enough to see his second-youngest daughter (of eight children) get married, on December 31, 1924, for which occasion a wonderful oversized family photograph with about three dozen people in it was made.  I have a two-piece photocopy of the photograph; I'm working on getting it scanned and tiled so I can share it.

Henry Crawford, son of Wallace Crawford and Louisa, died April 25, 1925 in Upatoi, Muscogee County, Georgia at the age of about 69.  He is the great-great-grandfather of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams on her father's side.  Henry was Black and born enslaved.  In 1917 he and four family members sued Standard Oil for gross negligence for having misrepresented an explosive for kerosene lamp oil.  Standard Oil settled out of court and they received payment for damages.

75 Years Ago

Richard Wesley Preuss, son of Richard Preuss and Donna Potter, was born March 14, 1950 in Missoula, Missoula County, Montana.  He is my stepfather.  He married my mother December 19, 1977 in Villa Tasso, Walton County, Florida, a small unincorporated community which might have had a grand total of about 200 people living in it.  He used to be a paint and body man, and I learned a great appreciation for car bodywork because of him (although I still don't know why he painted my father's Chevelle BFY).

50 Years Ago

This is one of those years when there was a significant birth, marriage, and death.

In 2021 I wrote about my first cousin Andy Meckler turning 50.  This time around, it's his brother, Todd Meckler, who turns 50.  They're the cousins I knew the most growing up, and it makes me feel really old to know that both of them will have hit the half-century mark.

Also on my mother's side of the family, her 1st cousin Yedida Marcia Amine, daughter of Moshe S. Amine and Florence Meckler, married Richard J. Merrill on December 24, 1975 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California.  Aviva was born exactly one year after my mother, on Armistice Day, so they had a special connection.

The other notable event of 1975 for my family was the death of my grandfather's brother, George Moore "Dickie" Sellers, on March 26.  One day Grampa was out of town, and when I asked why, my mother told me that his brother had died.  To which my stunned reaction was, "Grampa has a brother?"  It was the first I had heard of him.  Several years later I met their youngest sister, Betty, who told me that his nickname Dickie came from the Dickie Do Flicker.  When I Google that, however, nothing comes up.  When I get no results from Google, I tend to think something is wrong.  Maybe it was an inside family joke.

Events in My Family Tree: December 30

Joseph Gaunt and Phoebe Severn were married on Joseph's aunt Ann's 44th birthday.

Births

Ann Gaunt, daughter of Joseph Gaunt and Elizabeth Borton, was born December 30, 1775 in New Jersey, probably in Burlington County.  She is my 4x-great-grandaunt.

Logan Thackeray, son of Selector Thackeray and Louisa Moodey, was born December 30, 1886 in Indiana, possibly in Ripley County.  He is my 4th cousin 3x removed on my Gauntt line through the Thackerays.

Clara Louise Rathert was born December 30, 1888 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.  She was married to Charles Jacob Gaunt, son of Arthur Lee Gaunt and Rachel Lovena Stutsman, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Bertha Florence Gaunt, daughter of James Knox Polk Gaunt and Sarah Naomi Boone, was born December 30, 1892 in Armona, Kings County, California.  She is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Charles E. Wickham, son of Charles E. Wickham and Martha Elizabeth Bowen, was born December 30, 1899 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey.  He is the 1st cousin 2x removed of my half-sister Laurie Sellers and her half-sister Shanyn James on their Bowen line.

John H. Gauntt, son of Thomas Kirkland Gauntt and Jane Dunstan, was born December 30, 1914, probably in Burlington County, New Jersey.  He is my granduncle.

Anna Elizabeth Easlick, daughter of Daniel Leon Easlick and Ella Ritchie Mingen, was born December 30, 1925 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  She is my 4th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Easlicks.

Rose Marie Hise was born December 30, 1970.  She is my 3rd cousin 1x removed.

Geoffrey Philip McStroul was born December 30, 1975.  He is the 1st cousin 1x removed of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul, and the 2nd cousin of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Marriages

Joseph Gaunt, son of Jacob Gaunt and Hannah Holmes, and Phoebe Emily Severn were married December 30, 1819 in Columbiana County, Ohio.  Joseph is my 1st cousin 5x removed via the Gaunts.

James W. Gage and Mary Rosella Hutson, daughter of Thomas R. Hutson and Ruth Thackeray, were married December 30, 1875, possibly in Indiana.  Mary is my 4th cousin 3x removed on my Gauntt line through the Thackerays.

Julius W. Berenoff and Lillian Gordon, daughter of David Gordon (originally David Gorodetsky) and Freeda Alterman, were married December 30, 1939 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.  Lillian is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gorodetsky line.

John Oren Clark, son of Gilbert Lewis Clark and Helen Opal Abbott, and Linda Mabbs were married December 30, 1971 in Barrington, Cook County, Illinois.  John is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Clarks.

Reed Allen Gershwind and Annick Sarma were married December 30, 1998.  Reed is my 3rd cousin.

Death

Joseph Gaunt, son of Hananiah Gaunt and Ann Ridgway, died December 30, 1806 in Evesham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey.  He is my 4x-great-grandfather.

Events in My Family Tree: December 29

It's nice to see another Janice in the family tree.

Births

Carl Thomas Gantt, son of Daniel Taylor Gantt and Phoebe Thomas, was born December 29, 1889 in Nebraska, probably in Jefferson County.  He is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gantts.

Ruth E. Barnett was born December 29, 1891 in Wabash County, Indiana.  She was married to Uz Millard Votaw, son of Millard F. Votaw and Ida Mary Fisher, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Votaws.

Anna Schwartz was born December 29, 1905 in Manhattan, New York County, New York.  She was married to Hyman Gordon (originally Chaim Gorodetsky), son of Avigdor Gorodetsky and Esther Leah Schneiderman, who is my great-granduncle.

John Joseph Preisner was born December 29, 1942 in Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois.  He is the husband of Anna Heath McStroul, daughter of Eugene Washington McStroul and Anna Krebs, who is the sister of my aunt Mary McStroul and the aunt of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

David Charles Ellis, son of Harold Levi Ellis and Josephine Fiori, was born December 29, 1950 in New Jersey, possibly in Burlington County.  He is my 2nd cousin on my Gauntt line through the Ellises.

Francis Wickham, son of Raymond Henry Wickham and Janice Kasabula, was born December 29, 1957, possibly in New York.  He is the 3rd cousin of my half-sister Laurie Sellers and her half-sister Shanyn James on their Bowen line through the Wickhams.

Julianna Copestick was born December 29, 2014.  She is my 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Marriages

James Edward Slentz, son of Ephraim Slentz and Zilpha Emily Gaunt, and Caroline Ella Estella Oler were married December 29, 1899 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  James is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Clarence Gilbert Lore, son of Clarence Newcomb Lore and Dorothy Mae Sellers, and Carna Marie Ellis were married December 29, 1979 in Grundy, Buchanan County, Virginia.  Gil is my half 1st cousin on my Sellers line.

Les Perley and Selma Ruth Tennenhouse, daughter of Arnold Tennenhouse and Faye Garfinkel, were married December 29, 1981, possibly in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  Selma is my 4th cousin on my Meckler line through the Garfinkels.

Deaths

Loran Clarence Gaunt, son of Clarence Meridith Gaunt and Mary Grace Stewart, died December 29, 1987 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin at the age of 72.  He is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Wanda Joan Hutson, daughter of Calvin William Hutson and Berdella Martha Elisa Abplanalp, died December 29, 2016 in West Chester, Butler County, Ohio at the age of 84.  She is my 6th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

Events in My Family Tree: December 27

Marla was born on her mother's 37th birthday.

Births

Esther Golub, daughter of Harry Golub (originally Herschel Golubchik) and Dora Sorin, was born December 27, 1932 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  She is my 3rd cousin 1x removed on my Meckler line through the Golubchiks.

Mark E. Gershwind, son of Irving Lawrence Gershwind and Frances Perlman, was born December 27, 1946 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Nowicki line through the Perlmans.

Margaret Ann Allen, daughter of Elwood Allen and Wilma Darlene Givan, was born December 27, 1956, probably in Burlington County, New Jersey.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Marla Dina Minuk was born December 27, 1969.  She is my 4th cousin.

Marriage

Roy Birnboim, son of Menashe Birnboim and Sophie Garfinkel, and Ronna Silverberg were married December 27, 1966 in Winnipeg, Manibota, Canada.  Roy is my 3rd cousin 1x removed on my Meckler line through the Garfinkels.

Deaths

Pauline E. Smoot died December 27, 1867 in Indiana at the age of 40.  She was married to Redden N. Gaunt, son of Joseph Gaunt and Phoebe Emily Severn, who is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Floyd Richard Williams, son of Floyd Richard Williams and Susie Lee Adams, died December 27, 2001 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.  He is the father of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Events in My Family Tree: December 26

Even though December 26 is Boxing Day, I didn't think anyone was going to be named Box or Boxing, and I was right.  Not even a Joe Louis Gaunt.

Births

Jacob Whitacre, son of Joseph Whitacre and Anna Gaunt, was born December 26, 1824 in Columbiana County, Ohio.  He is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Stacy Carrigan Gaunt, son of Benjamin Gaunt and Mary Elizabeth Sever, was born December 26, 1887 in New Jersey, possibly in Burlington County.  He is my half 2nd cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Charles Richard Gaunt, son of Charles Gaunt and Pearl E. Cory, was born December 26, 1905 in Indiana, probably in Wabash County.  He is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Carolyn Mae Gaunt, daughter of Charles Clark Gaunt and Louise F. Stoner, was born December 26, 1932 in Kings County, California.  She is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Deborah Elyce Birnboim was born December 26, 1970.  She is my 4th cousin.

Kristin Bernadette Guy was born December 26, 1978.  She is my 5th cousin 2x removed.

Yonaton Kamil was born December 26, 1988.  He is my 3rd cousin.

Marriages

John Gaunt, son of Reuben T. Gaunt and Mary Budd, and Anna Elizabeth Lehman were married December 26, 1867, probably in New Jersey.  John is my 1st cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

William Sharp Sever, son of Allen Sever and Elizabeth Ann Gaunt, and Margaret D. Curtis were married December 26, 1868 in Southampton, Burlington County, New Jersey.  William is my 1st cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Elizabeth Heath, daughter of Henry Heath and Eliza Bullock, and John Frank Thissell were married December 26, 1871, probably in Warren County, New York.  Elizabeth is the great-grandaunt of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul, and the 2nd-great-grandaunt of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Cheryl Lynn Abell, daughter of Kenneth Leroy Abell and Emma Evelyn Gaunt, and James Donald Tuttle were married December 26, 1965 in Kings County, California.  Cheryl is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Death

Miriam Gaunt, daughter of Walter Clayton Gaunt and Lulu May Sherman, died December 26, 2015 in Arcadia, Los Angeles County, California at the age of 94.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: December 25

I've heard from friends that being a Christmas baby is mostly a disadvantage, because you often don't have a regular birthday party and people want to give you a combined birthday/Christmas present.  This is probably not a big problem when you're Jewish, right?

Births

Mary Ann McGowan was born December 25, 1805 in Pennsylvania.  She was married to Joseph Gantt, son of Joseph Gaunt and Mary A. Lobaugh, who is my 1st cousin 5x removed via the Gaunts.

Pauline E. Smoot was born December 25, 1827 in Virginia.  She was married to Redden N. Gaunt, son of Joseph Gaunt and Phoebe Emily Severn, who is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Wilma Elizabeth Norris was born December 25, 1912 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  She was married to Neil Gaunt Clark, son of Oren Wilson Clark and Anna G. Gaunt, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Irene Bassie (Bessai?) Dubensky was born December 25, 1920, possibly in Ohio.  She was the third wife of Harry Herman Mackler, son of Morris Mackler (originally Moishe Meckler) and Minnie (originally Mushe) Zelda Nowicki, who is my granduncle.

Gene Paul Gaunt, son of Clarence Meridith Gaunt and Mary Grace Stewart, was born December 25, 1931 in California.  He is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Melanie Amron, daughter of Eli Morton Amron and Alice Gold, was born December 25, 1952 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.  She is my 4th cousin on my Nowicki line through the Amrons.

Edward James Ellis, Jr. was born December 25, 1977.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed.

Marriages

Nathan Gaunt, son of Samuel Gaunt and Achsah Taylor, and Sarah Coles were married December 25, 1823 in Swedesboro, Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Nathan is my 2nd cousin 5x removed via the Gaunts.

Richard Dunstan, son of James Dunstan and Maria Hilton, and Jane Coleclough were married December 25, 1833 in Manchester, Lancashire, England.  They are my 3x-great-grandparents.

James Andrews and Mary D. Gaunt, daughter of Hananiah Selah Gaunt and Mary Elizabeth Rose, were married December 25, 1841 in Tuckerton, Burlington County, New Jersey.  Mary is my half 2nd-great-grandaunt.

Francis D. Matthews and Susannah H. Gaunt, another daughter of Hananiah Selah Gaunt and Mary Elizabeth Rose, were married December 25, 1876, probably in New Jersey.  Susannah is also my half 2nd-great-grandaunt.

Floyd Richard Williams, son of Preston Frank Williams and Priscilla Crawford, and Susie Lee Adams, daughter of Alma Adams, were married December 25, 1927 in Muscogee County, Georgia.  They are the paternal grandparents of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Deaths

Isaac Gaunt, son of Hananiah Gaunt and Rebecca Mulliner, died December 25, 1864 in Tuckerton, Burlington County, New Jersey at the age of 77.  He is my 3rd-great-granduncle.

James H. Fuller, son of Joseph E. Fuller and Lorina G. Tripp, died December 25, 1929 in Stony Creek, Warren County, New York at the age of 80.  He is the 2nd-great-granduncle of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul, and the 3rd-great-granduncle of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Janet Edna Weaver, daughter of James Henry Weaver and Ada Adelle Allen, died December 25, 2005, possibly in Whiting, Ocean County, New Jersey, at the age of 75.  She is my 5th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Joseph W. Bonifas, son of Charles Dennison Bonifas, Sr. and Georgia Grace Gaunt, died December 25, 2011 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana at the age of 80.  He is my 6th cousin via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: December 24

This day's list includes the three spelling variants of Gantt, Gaunt, and Gauntt that I know of in my family.

Births

Paul Avery Gantt, son of Daniel Taylor Gantt and Phoebe Thomas, was born December 24, 1898 in Steele City, Jefferson County, Nebraska.  He is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gantts.

Joseph Frederick Baer was born December 24, 1914 in Roebling, Burlington County, New Jersey.  He was married to Nellie Elizabeth Sellers, daughter of Cornelius Elmer Sellers and Laura May Armstrong, who is my grandaunt.

Floyd Richard Williams, son of Floyd Richard Williams and Susie Lee Adams, was born December 24, 1930 in Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia.  He is the father of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Chris Eve Meeks, daughter of Donald Wayne Meeks and Mary Lu Sherman, was born December 24, 1954, probably in Indiana.  She is my 6th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Shermans.

Simon Berkowitz was born December 24, 1958.  He is married to Sheryl Millstein, daughter of Irwin Millstein and Julia Baena, who is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Gorodetsky line through the Millsteins.

Linda Sue Gauntt, daughter of David Lester Gauntt and Virginia Carolyn Petersen, was born December 24, 1962, possibly in New Jersey.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line.

Bobby Wollock was born December 24, 1985.  He is my 3rd cousin.

Marriages

Reuben T. Gaunt, son of Hananiah Gaunt and Rebecca Mulliner, and Hannah S. Lewallen were married December 24, 1807 in Waterford, Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Reuben is my 3rd-great-granduncle.

Benjamin Gaunt, son of Benjamin Selah Gaunt and Hannah Ann Peters, and Mary Elizabeth Sever were married December 24, 1868 in Southampton, Burlington County, New Jersey.  Benjamin is my half 1st cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Samuel W. Thackeray and Virginia R. Gaunt, daughter of Benjamin Franklin Gaunt and Elizabeth K. Frazer, were married December 24, 1885, probably in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Virginia is my 2nd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Herbert McGinnis and Mary Jane Gaunt, daughter of James Knox Polk Gaunt and Sarah Naomi Boone, were married December 24, 1902, probably in California.  Mary is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Richard J. Merrill and Yedida Marcia Amine, daughter of Moshe Amine and Florence Meckler, were married December 24, 1975 in San Francisco, San Francisco, California.  Yedida is my 1st cousin 1x removed on my Meckler line.

Deaths

Claudia L. Githens, daughter of Thomas G. Githens and Emma D. Runyan, died December 24, 1908, probably in New Jersey, at the age of 18.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Githenses.

Phoebe Emily Gaunt, daughter of Redden N. Gaunt and Pauline E. Smoot, died December 24, 1928 in Perth, Sumner County, Kansas at the age of 82.  She is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

John Clendon Vaughn, son of John E. Vaughn and Bertha Florence Gaunt, died December 24, 1979 in Butte County, California at the age of 69.  He is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: December 23

Barbara Allen was born on her grandfather Elwood Allen's 51st birthday.

Births

Settie Inez Horn was born December 23, 1885 in Pennsylvania Township, Jay County, Indiana.  She was married to Joseph Harley Gaunt, son of David Clinton Gaunt and Martha Sophronia Hartman, who is my 4th cousin 2nd removed via the Gaunts.

Elwood Lambert Allen, son of Cyrus Kunze Allen, Jr. and Clara Barton Shinn, was born December 23, 1895 in Bordentown, Burlington, New Jersey.  He is my 4th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Barbara Lee Allen, daughter of Clarence N. Allen and Mary Elizabeth Stradling, was born December 23, 1946, probably in Burlington County, New Jersey.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Janet E. Brainin, daughter of Samuel Michael Brainin and Blanche Mildred Sax, was born December 23, 1957 in Whittier, Los Angeles County, California.  She is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Brainin line.

Ellen Kardash, daughter of Louis Kardash and Mary Udashkin, was also born December 23, 1957, but in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  She is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Gorodetsky line through the Kardashes.

Christopher James Guy, son of William Thomas Guy and Patricia Claire Gauntt, was born December 23, 1960, possibly in Pennsylvania.  He is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line.

Elliott Garth Feller was born December 23, 1970.  He is my 3rd cousin.

Beth Anne Gordon was born December 23, 1974..  She is my 2nd cousin.

Matthew R. Clark was born December 23, 1978.  He is my 6th cousin.

Marriages

Millard F. Votaw, son of Daniel W. Votaw and Louisa Gaunt, and Ida May Fisher were married December 23, 1891 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Millard is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Calvin William Hutson, son of Conner W. Hutson and Rosa A. Bultman, and Berdella Martha Elisa Abplanalp were married December 23, 1925 in Ripley County, Indiana.  Calvin is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

Anna Heath McStroul, daughter of Eugene Washington McStroul and Elizabeth Almire Heath, and John Joseph Preisner were married December 23, 1967 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.  Anna is the sister of my aunt Mary McStroul and the aunt of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Deaths

William Thomson died December 23, 1904 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania at the age of about 77.  He was married to Almira B. Githens, daughter of Thomas Githens and Mary Gaunt, who is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Mamie Adams, daughter of Harry Adams and Mary Julie McClain, died December 23, 1929 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia at the age of about 26.  She is the great-grandaunt of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Herbert Simon died December 23, 1994, probably in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, at the age of 79.  He was married to Sylvia Pollack, daughter of Isaac Pollack and Bessie Brainin, who is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Brainin line.

Events in My Family Tree: December 21

Gary Lederman was not born on the anniversary of his grandfather's death, because they were Jewish, and the important date for the death is the one on the Jewish calendar, to commemorate the yahrzeit.  Gabriel Lederman died on 15 Tevet, but Gary was born on 5 Tevet, so not the same date.  He was named for his grandfather, though.

Births

Almira B. Githens, daughter of Thomas Githens and Mary Gaunt, was born December 21, 1830 in New Jersey, possibly in Camden County.  She is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Hannah Gaunt, daughter of Uz Gaunt and Sarah Ann Whitacre, was born December 21, 1854 in Ohio, possibly in Wabash County.  She is also my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Veronica Barbara Hudson, daughter of George Richard Hudson and Elizabeth Giacomozzi, was born December 21, 1957, possibly in New Jersey.  She is my 5th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Hudsons.

Gary William Lederman, son of Murray Lederman and Linda Feller, was born December 21, 1963 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Gorodetsky line through the Ledermans.

Aryn Sharma was born December 21, 2005.  He is the grandnephew of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul, the half-nephew of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams, and the son of Angela's half-sister Beth Williams.

Marriages

John Corwin Gaunt, son of Ner Gaunt and Agnes Corwin, and Elizabeth D. McEachern were married December 21, 1871 in  Pana, Christian County, Illinois.  John is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

John Henry Talbot and Elizabeth Jean McStroul, daughter of Eugene Washington McStroul and Elizabeth Almira Heath, were married December 21, 1958 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.  Jean is the sister of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul, and the mother of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams and her half-sister Beth Williams.

Simon Berkowitz and Sheryl Millstein, daughter of Irwin Millstein and Julie Baena, were married December 21, 1985 in Connecticut.  Sheryl is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Gorodetsky line through the Millsteins.

Deaths

Joseph William Whitacre, son of Joseph Whitacre and Anna Gaunt, died December 21, 1879 in Pennville, Jay County, Indiana at the age of 45.  He is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Gabriel William Lederman died December 21, 1953 in Manhattan, New York County, New York at the age of about 50.  He was married to Anna Gordon (originally Chana Gorodetsky), daughter of Avigdor Gorodetsky and Esther Leah Schneiderman, who is my great-grandaunt.

Events in My Family Tree: December 20

Almost all of the deaths for this date are very young people.

Births

Mary B. Gaunt, daughter of Clayton Decou Gaunt and Sarah E. Edwards, was born December 20, 1849 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, possibly in Woolrich.  She is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Louis Victor Gaunt, son of William Allen Gaunt and Mary Ann Parrott, was born December 20, 1876, probably in Wabash County, Indiana.  He is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

David Harry Durland was born December 20, 1955 in Nyack, Rockland County, New York.  He was the second husband of Laurie Sellers, daughter of Bertram Lynn Sellers, Jr. and Mary Lou Jocelyn Bowen, who is my half-sister.

Matthew Joseph Garfinkel was born December 20, 1997.  He is my 4th cousin 1x removed.

Dovid Budwick was born December 20, 2005.  He is my cousin in a way I have not yet confirmed, but probably 5th cousins.

Marriages

John Charles Gaunt, son of William Alvin Gaunt and Mamie B. Mitchell, and Mildred Ailene Haddock were married December 20, 1975, probably in Kings or Tulare County, California.  John is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Melvin Cecil Gordon, son of Alexander Gordon and Roslyn Rubin, and Janet Elaine Goldstein were married December 20, 1964 in Jacksonville, Jacksonville County, Florida.  Melvin is my 1st cousin 1x removed on my Gordon line.

Deaths

Alfred Githens, son of Alfred Githens and Margaret Middleton, died December 20, 1853 in New Jersey, probably in Camden County, at the age of 4.  He is my 3rd cousin 3x removed on my Gauntt line through the Githenses.

William Allen Gaunt, son of Uz Gaunt and Sarah Ann Whitacre, died December 20, 1879 in Wabash County, Indiana at the age of 33.  He is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Jonathan Franklin Easlick, son of Jonathan Easlick and Susannah Sever, died December 20, 1930, probably in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, at the age of 53.  He is my 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Easlicks.

Ira Delbert Earehart died December 20, 1933 in Allen County, Ohio at the age of about 73.  He was married to Doris Lavina Rowland, daughter of Joseph Freeman Rowland and Sarah D. Pelham, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Rowlands.

Darwin Monroe McStroul, son of Leo Martin McStroul (originally Moska Leib Strul) and Anna Krebs, died December 20, 1962 in Los Angeles County, California at the age of 43.  He is the uncle of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul and the granduncle of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Events in My Family Tree: December 14

I'm starting to suspect that Elizabeth Atkinson might be related to the Atkinsons in my cousin Albert Lore's father's side of the family.

Births

Mary Gaunt, daughter of David Gaunt and Pamela Plummer, was born December 14, 1825 in Pennsylvania, possibly in Philadelphia.  She is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Selector Thackeray, son of Joseph Thackeray and Mary Dubois, was born December 14, 1844 in Union County, Indiana.  He is my 3rd cousin 4x removed on my Gauntt line through the Thackerays.

Beulah Susannah Easlick, daughter of Allen Severs Easlick and Mary E. Shemeley, was born December 14, 1847 in New Jersey, possibly in Burlington County.  She is my 3rd cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Easlicks.

Patrick Aaron Thomas was born December 14, 1971.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed.

Jason Rothwax was born December 14, 1987.  He is my 3rd cousin.

Joseph Randell was born December 14, 1989.  He is the 3rd cousin 1x removed of my half-sister Laurie Sellers and her half-sister Shanyn James.

Marriages

Samuel T. Gaunt, son of James Gaunt and Amelia Gibson, and Elizabeth S. Atkinson were married December 14, 1894 in New Jersey, probably in Burlington County.  Samuel is my great-granduncle.

Robert Gaunt, son of Walter Clayton Gaunt and Lulu May Sherman, and Mary Evelyn Westbrooks were married December 14, 1946 in Allen County, Indiana.  Robert is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

David Nathaniel Preisner and Tasha Weeks were married December 14, 2002.  David is the nephew of my aunt Mary McStroul, the son of her sister Anna McStroul, and the 1st cousin of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Deaths

Reuben Cooper Gaunt, son of Reuben Lewallen Gaunt and Jane Weatherby, died December 14, 1874 in New Jersey at the age of 29.  He is my 2nd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Sophie Garfinkel, daughter of Yikusee'ael Koifman Gorfinkel and Sora Rivka Mekler, died December 14, 1974 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada at the age of about 66.  She is my 2nd cousin 2x removed via the Meklers.

Adeline E. Pearson died December 14, 1980 in Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas, at the age of 62.  She was the wife of Oren Wilson Clark, Jr., son of Oren Wilson Clark and Anna G. Gaunt, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: December 13

Rhoda was born on her father's 28th birthday.  Another special birthday present!

Births

Caroline Estella Oler was born December 13, 1882 in Indiana.  She was married to James Edward Slentz, son of Ephraim Slentz and Zilpha Emily Gaunt, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Sam Brozovsky was born December 13, 1926 in Ottawa, Ontario Canada.  He was the husband of Ann Kardish, daughter of Dovid Kardish and Etta Gorodetsky, who is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gorodetsky line.

Nathanial Barker, son of Walter Barker and Carrie Bell Crawford, was born December 13, 1938 in Georgia, probably Muscogee County.  He is the 1st cousin 3x removed of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams on her Crawford line.

Rhoda Brozovsky, daughter of Sam Brozovsky and Ann Kardish, was born December 13, 1954 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  She is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Gorodetsky line through the Kardishes.

Alexis Ann Omichinski was born December 13, 1982.  She is my 4th cousin 1x removed.

Ian Elliot Kardish Levitan was born December 13, 1990.  He is my 3rd cousin.

Marriage

James Pharo, son of Gervais Farrow and Elizabeth Hawkesmore, and Ann Murfin, daughter of Robert Murfin, were married December 13, 1673 in Bawtry, Yorkshire, England.  They are my 8th-great-grandparents.

Deaths

Earl Morris Hutson, son of Bateman Hutson and Lorinda Brown, died December 13, 1947 in Brookston, White County, Indiana at the age of 57.  He is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

Anna Tania Jakowsczyka, daughter of Aaron Samuel Jakowsczyk and Findla Nowinska (probably Nowicka), died December 13, 1980 in Miami Beach, Dade County, Florida at the age of about 73.  She is probably related to me herself (possibly as a 1st cousin 3x removed), but she was the wife of William Socherman (originally Welwel Szocherman), son of Chanania Szocherman and Rojzla Perlmutter, who is my 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Nowicki line through the Perlmutters.

Sarah Clarice Higgins, daughter of Ervie Oscar Higgins and Elizabeth Opal Gaunt, died December 13, 2007 in California, possibly in Butte or Yuba County.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: December 12

The fact that my great-great-grandfather Gershon Novitsky died in 1948, rather than three weeks later in 1949, meant that I was able to obtain a copy of his death certificate much more easily.

Births

William Edward Gaunt, son of Samuel Gaunt, Jr. and Ann Horner, was born December 12, 1832 in New Jersey.  He is my 3rd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

John Timothy Heath, son of Henry Heath and Eliza Bullock, was born December 12, 1855 in Thurman, Warren County, New York.  He is the great-grandfather of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul and the great-great-grandfather of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Rinaldo Wise Gaunt, son of David Wise Gaunt and Margaret A. Williams, was born December 12, 1902 in Jay County, Indiana.  He is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

David Maxwell Votaw, son of Joseph Willet Votaw and Florence E. Barnett, was born December 12, 1906 in Indiana, possibly in Wabash County.  He is my 4th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Votaws.

Mary Udashkin was born December 12, 1915 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  She was the wife of Louis Kardash, son of Dovid Kardish and Etta Gorodetsky, who is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gorodetsky line.

Frank James Zelley, son of Wilmer Egee Zelley and Emma Pearl Lambert, was born December 12, 1917 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.  He is my 4th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Zelleys.

Bernadette Allen, daughter of Raymond Charles Allen and Elizabeth Ray, was born December 12, 1954, probably in New Jersey.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Brandon Mark Horn was born December 12, 1980.  He is my 5th cousin 2x removed.

Marriage

Jay Charles Dubell, son of Charles Barton Dubell and Myrtle Lydle Allen, and Jan Galey were married December 12, 1970 in New Jersey.  Jay is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Deaths

Gershon Itzhak Novitsky (originally Nowicki), son of Abraham Yaakov Nowicki and Sirke, died December 12, 1948 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York at the age of about 90.  He is my great-great-grandfather.

Dustin Tryce Lore died December 12, 2010.  He is my half 1st cousin 1x removed.

Events in My Family Tree: December 11

All three of my father's marriages both took place in Florida, even though he was born in New Jersey and lived in California.

Births

Mary Elizabeth Dunstan, daughter of Frederick Cleworth Dunstan and Martha Winn, was born December 11, 1863 in Gorton, Lancashire, England.  She is my great-grandaunt.

Harold Lee Gaunt, son of Joseph Harley Gaunt and Settie Inez Horn, was born December 11, 1910 in Jay County, Indiana.  He is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Elsie Berezniak, daughter of Sam Berezniak and Anna Perlman (originally Chana Perlmutter), was born December 11, 1926 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.  She is my 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Nowicki line through the Perlmutters.

Rosemary Ann Trindade was born December 11, 1931 in Santa Clara County, California.  She was married to Jack Lowell Gaunt, son of Walter Everett Gaunt and Norma Marguerite Prusso, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

James Frederick Browning was born December 11, 1954 in Harris County, Texas.  He is married to Linda Jean Bowen, daughter of Robert Francis Bowen and Jean Drake, who is the 1st cousin of my half-sister Laurie Sellers.

Lorna Matilda Rayside was born December 11, 1956 in Arouca, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago.  She is the mother of my sister-in-law Sandra Nicole Farrier.

Joseph Gilbert Bonifas, son of Joseph W. Bonifas and Delores Gilbert, was born December 11, 1937 in Indiana.  He is my 6th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Bonifases.

Kevin George Tucker, Jr. was born December 11, 1964 in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio.  He is the third husband of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Luis Casas Szocherman was born December 11, 1972.  He is my cousin in an as yet undetermined way.

Tommy Lucas was born December 11, 1990.  He is the 2nd cousin 1x removed of my half 1st cousin Albert Lore.

Marriages

Bertram Lynn Sellers, Jr., son of Bertram Lynn Sellers, Sr. and Anna Gauntt, and Mary Lou Jocelyn Bowen were married December 11, 1956 in Miami, Dade County, Florida.  Lynn is my father (and Mary Lou is my "pre-mother").

Carol Alene Gauntt, daughter of James Kirkland Gauntt and Newita Wanda Scott, and Charles Edward Rundell were married December 11, 1974 in Carson City, Nevada.  Carol is my 1st cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line.

Death

Simeon Purdy died December 11, 1890 in Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey at the age of 82.  He was the husband of Mary A. Gaunt, daughter of Isaac Gaunt and Susannah Webb, who is my 1st cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: December 9

Did Angela realize that she was getting married on her cousin's 12th wedding anniversary?

Births

Marjorie Diane Jacobson was born December 9, 1947, possibly in New York.  She is the wife of Mark E. Gershwind, son of Irving Lawrence Gershwind and Frances Perlman, who is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Nowicki line through the Perlmans.

Forrest Ronald Appleton, son of Jose Ramon Castaneda and Ruth Anne Appleton, was born December 9, 1959 in Miami, Dade County, Florida.  He is my half 1st cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Appletons.

Marriages

Walter Garland Dodge and Lois Elizabeth Higgins, daughter of Ervie Oscar Higgins and Elizabeth Opal Gaunt, were married December 9, 1940, possibly in Sutter County, California.  Lois is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Claire Calvin Mowrey and Gail Carol Dubell, daughter of Charles Barton Dubell and Myrtle Lydia Allen, were married December 9, 1961, possibly in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Gail is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

John Joseph Preisner, Jr. and Sonja M. Cross were married December 9, 1999.  John is the nephew of my aunt Mary McStroul, the son of her sister Anna McStroul, and the 1st cousin of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Shawn Allen Brown and Angela Jean Williams were married December 9, 2011.  Angela is my not-quite-cousin and the niece of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul.

Deaths

Carol Alene Gauntt, daughter of James Kirkland Gauntt and Newita Wanda Scott, died December 9, 2004 in Lavaca, Sebastian County, Arkansas at the age of 71.  She is my 1st cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line.

Mary Lotter died December 9, 2013, possibly in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, at the age of 91.  She was married to Edward Lee Gaunt, Jr., son of Edward Lee Gaunt and Ethyl Fay Davison, who is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: December 7

I was fortunate to have met Mort Perlman before he suddenly passed away.  He was a very nice person and shared a lot of information about my family.

Births

Clifford William Hanner, Sr. was born December 7, 1894 in Illinois.  He was the husband of Sarah Alice Gaunt, daughter of William Alvin Gaunt and Leota Pearl McGinnis, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Lois Elaine McStroul, daughter of Fred Lincoln McStroul and Belle Silberman, was born December 7, 1938 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.  She is the 1st cousin of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul, and the 1st cousin 1x removed on my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Shirley Mae Mantell, daughter of Harold Yorkes Mantell and Gladys Mabel Allen, was born December 7, 1941 in New Jersey, probably in Burlington County.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Gordon Owen Carnie was born December 7, 1951 in San Diego County, California.  He is the husband of Janet E. Brainin, daughter of Samuel Michael Brainin and Blanche Mildred Sax, who is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Brainin line.

Lora Pauline Yandell, daughter of Arnold Lorn Yandell and Myrtle Augusta Higgins, was born December 7, 1952 in Yuba County, California.  She is my 6th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Higginses.

Timothy Reilly, son of Edward Reilly and Eileen Gaynor, was born December 7, 1961.  He is the half 2nd cousin 1x removed of my half-sister Laurie Sellers on her Gaynor line.

Erin Denice Robertson was born December 7, 1984.  She is my 6th cousin.

Andrew Cerone was born December 7, 1992.  He is the 2nd cousin 2x removed of my half-sister Laurie Sellers.

David Maxwell Rudin was born December 7, 1994.  He is my 4th cousin 1x removed.

Marriages

Uz Millard Votaw, son of Millard F. Votaw and Ida May Fisher, and Ruth E. Barnett were married December 7, 1912 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Uz is my 4th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Votaws.

Clarence Gilbert Lore, son of Clarence Newcomb Lore and Dorothy Mae Sellers, and Pamela Jean Knox were married December 7, 1989 in Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware.  Gil is my half 1st cousin on my Sellers line.

Deaths

James Knox Polk Gaunt, son of Uz Gaunt and Sarah Ann Whitacre, died December 7, 1933 in Hanford, Kings County, California at the age of 83.  He is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Watson Edward Thomson died December 7, 1966 in Lewis County, Washington at the age of 78.  He was married to Lillie L. Fuller, daughter of Joseph L. Fuller and Sarah R. Weaver, who is the grandaunt of my aunt Mary McStroul and her sister Anna McStroul, and the great-grandaunt of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Pearl E. Cory died December 7, 1974 in Sonoma County, California at the age of 92.  She was the wife of Charles Gaunt, son of Lewis Cass Gaunt and Mary A. Kindlesparger, who is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Morton Eli Perlman, son of Louis Perlman (originally Leizer Perlmutter) and Jennie Novitsky (originally Zlate Nowicki), died December 7, 1999 in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Florida at the age of 79.  He is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Nowicki line.