FREE Webinars Starting July 2

The Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree organizers have had a couple hours of sleep following another sussessful "Jam" and are back at work.  Look at the line-up they have for webinar speakers and topics for July and August:

• DearMyrtle: NSDAR, Resources for your Revolutionary War Ancestors
• Mike Booth: Genealogy on the Go
• Maureen Taylor: The Photo Detective
• Marian Pierre-Louis: Cemetery Research for your New England Ancestors

The Genealogy Jamboree Blog: FREE Webinars Coming Up Starting July 2 has all the info.  Enjoy!


Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

101 Best Websites for 2011 - Family Tree Magazine

Family Tree Magazine's annual 101 Best Websites for 2011 - Family Tree Magazine is ready for your perusal. You could probably add a few of your own "bests". Remember though, only a small percentage of research material can be found on the Internet. Happy hunting!

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

New Tab: Daily Blogging Prompts

A new tab has been added to the blog's home page.  The "Daily Blogging Prompts" tab is located at the top of the screen.  Click on it for a list of helpful ideas to frame your next submission to the blog.  This new tab can be used in conjunction with the Blog FAQs tab and the article about the blog in the February 2011 - May 2011 issue of The Preserves.  Submit your content to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

How-To's for the Root Cellar Blog

The new blog for Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society has received a positive welcome.  It will keep you up-to-date on events and activities of Root Cellar as well as other local and national genealogical news.  The blog can also be another useful family history research tool. 

How can you use the blog?  How can you add content to the blog?  Good questions and below are some basic instructions for following or subscribing to blog updates, adding comments and using the blog as a research tool.  Let us know if it helps or you have questions.

What is a blog?  There are several definitions but Wikipedia says, in part, a blog (a blend of the term web log) is a type of website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries [posts] are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Most blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites.  Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject [genealogy]; others function as more personal online diaries.  A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic.

What is Root Cellar's blog address (URL)?  http://rootcellarramblings.blogspot.com

How to Receive Blog Updates

1. Go to http://rootcellarramblings.blogspot.com

2. Choose how you want to receive Blog updates:

a. Under the header “Followers” on the right side of the screen, click the “Follow’ butto

• Sign in using an account you have already created by clicking on one of the icons.

• If you are already logged into that account, you will be prompted to agree to use that account for following the Blog.  Otherwise, you will be prompted to log in, 

• After you click ‘agree’, the photo you use for that account will appear in the Follower Box on the Blog.  If you do not have a photo, a silhouette will appear instead.  Hover your cursor over any photo in the Follower Box and the name of the Follower will pop up.  Click on any photo for information about the Follower.

• If you do not have one of the accounts in the selection box, click on the option to create a free Google account. After creating an account, return to the Blog and complete the steps above.

     b.    Under the header “Subscribe Options” on the right side of the screen, click “Subscribe in a reader or by email" and see the “Subscribe Now! box:

• To use a web-based newsreader*, click on one of the icons or “Choose Your Reader” for other options.

• To use your personal email account, click on “Get Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society delivered by email”.

How to Comment on a Blog Post:

Your feedback is important.  Let it be known if the article was helpful, needs clarification or you have a suggestion, etc.

• Click on the “Comments” link shown below an article and after the “Posted by Denise, Ron or Sandi” line. The “We love getting your comments” box appears.  Type your comments and praises.
• Click on the button for “Comment As”.  Select Name/URL unless you are familiar with the other options.
  Enter your name, first and last please.  The space for can be left blank or enter your own URL if you have one.  Click “Preview” if desired, otherwise click “Post Comment”.  All comments are moderated and will appear on the blog article after reviewed.

How to Forward a Blog Post

• Click on the envelope icon shown after “Comments”.
• Click on one of the icons shown below the “Posted by Denise, Ron or Sandi” line.  Hover the cursor over the icon for its identity to pop up.

How to Use the Blog as a Research Tool

• Attach a photo or image to an email and send to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com which is Root Cellar’s official email address.  The photo or image must be in jpg, gif or png format only.
• In the email, include a brief story about the photo or image.  Include your relationship to the ancestor.
• Indicate if you want your name and/or email address to be used in the blog post. If not, the Root Cellar email address will be used and any feedback will be forwarded to you from the Root Cellar email administrator.
• Draw inspiration for your contribution from any of the Daily Blog Prompts like Mystery Monday (brickwall), Tombstone Tuesday, Wedding Wednesday.  These blog prompts were suggested by Geneabloggers.   

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

---

*Newsreader defined: Either a separate program or built into the Web browser, a newsreader is used to read messages from syndication feeds such as RSS and Atom. Also called an "RSS reader," "news aggregator," "feed viewer" or "headline viewer," some newsreader programs provide a search capability for both newsgroups and feeds as well as local e-mail messages, contacts and other files. Source: PCMagazine Encyclopedia

Wedding Wednesday - Sexton and Freeman



Wedding Day Photo


John T. Sexton, born May 28, 1878 in Salinas, Monterey, California and Hattie L. Freeman, born August 4, 1885 in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, California, were married September 5, 1910 in San Francisco, California.  According to Hattie’s personal correspondence with her sisters, Hattie and John met in San Francisco during the summer of 1910 and had a short courtship.  This was the second marriage for John and the first marriage for Hattie.  They were married for fifty years.  John died January 6, 1961 and Hattie died January 7, 1968.

Mrs. H.E. Stacy
 announces the marriage of her sister
Hattie L. Freeman
 to
 Mr. John T. Sexton
Monday, Septenber fifth
nineteen hundred and ten
San Francisco, Cal

l

SINCE 1910

It was back on September 5, 1910 that Hattie Freeman said "I do" to John T. Sexton. Since then the twosome have travelled thousands of miles together, weathered the storm of a depression, reared three children, and made some friends. In all, it's been a good life together. Now Hattie, who has been in Rebekah Lodge for 50 years, and John, who joined the Odd Fellows in 1912, are being honored by these lodges in Pleasanton . . a tribute to a Golden Wedding Anniverary. Source: The Times, Pleasanton, California; September 7, 1960, Page unknown; Transcribed by Vikki Rubiales, 14 Jun 2011

Contributed by John and Hattie Freeman's grand-daughter,Vikki Rubiales, member of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society.  Contact Vikki if you share these surnames in your family history.

Wedding Wednesday is just one of the daily blog themes suggested on Geneabloggers. Get your ancestors noticed here - submit content to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Sentimental Sunday - Happy Father's Day Jesse Lee GREEN

Loving horses is not just a little girl’s need but it is in my genes – on my father’s side.  My father, Jesse Lee GREEN, was born July 11, 1909 in Lodi, San Joaquin County, California.  He loved and owned horses long before I came along as his first child.  I never did remember if he ever told me why he loved horses and riding so much.  I am sure as a child he was exposed to horses still being used for everyday transportation, farming and enjoyment. 

As an adult my father moved to Sacramento, California and went to work for Pacific Gas & Electric as a mechanic.  He moved into 2711 “M” Street where he boarded with friends of his.  I do not know where he boarded his horse, however I remember him saying he would ride outside the east of Sacramento in what is now called Carmichael. 

One of his horses was named “Teddy”.  Teddy was a 15.3 hand, chestnut gelding with a flax mane and tail.  Teddy was taught to ground tie which means the reins could be dropped to the ground and the horse stays in that place without moving or lowering his head to graze.  On May 4, 1940, a professional photograph was taken of Dad and Teddy in a field with buildings in the background.  The photo of Teddy on the plate was a Father’s Day gift. 

My Dad told me the story about him grooming Teddy one day.  As he was standing in front of Teddy grooming his forelock, Teddy reached out and bit my Dad in the center of his chest!  Needless to say it hurt a lot.  Dad always said “Never stand in front of a horse to groom him.  You will not get bit.”  To this day I have never groomed a horse’s forelock or face while standing in front.  Also, this helps prevent the horse from running over you if it spooks.  Another piece of wisdom my Dad passed on to me was always wear boots around horses.  This is a safety issue since a horse may not realize it is stepping on your foot.  Should the horse step on your foot, the boot, especially if it has steel reinforced toes, helps prevent a severe injury.  Advice taken - I feel unprotected should I be in any other footwear except boots around horses. 

My love of horses endures.  I am not sure what life would be like if I never had horses in my life.  I know my Dad was my inspiration to love and ride horses.  Happy Father’s Day, Dad.

By Carolee Green Jones, Program Chairperson for Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society

Sentimental Sunday is just one of the daily blog themes suggested on Geneabloggers. Get your ancestors noticed here - submit content to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Member Spotlight

FYI - Mary Anne Myers Smith is the next member of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society in the spotlight. 


Click on the Member Spotlight tab to read about Mary Anne.





Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond.

Wedding Wednesday - John and Addie Creighton



John and Addie Creighton Family

This is a photo of the 50th wedding anniversary of John and Addie Creighton, taken in Oakland, California at their son Herb’s home 1 January 1923. 

Aramanda Adilue Cockern and John Robert Creighton were married 1 January 1873 in Vallejo, Solano County, California.

Their five children are standing behind them:  Percy James Creighton, Belle Creighton Clarke, John Henry “Jack” Creighton, Cora Creighton Fitzwater, and Herbert Fredrick Crichton.

Contributed by Glenda Gardner Lloyd, charter member of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society.  Contact Glenda.

Wedding Wednesday is just one of the daily blog themes suggested on Geneabloggers. Get your ancestors noticed here - submit content to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Workshop Reminder

You will not want to miss the next afternoon workshop sponsored by Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society on Wednesday, June 15th.  Visitors are always welcome.

The program will include a step by step guide on how to follow the Root Cellar Blog presented by Ron Setzer and Denise Richmond, plus bring your genealogy brickwalls.

Your host is John Jay.  The workshop is from 1pm - 3pm at the Clubhouse, Country Squire Estates, 5720 Oak Hill Drive, Sacramento.  Contact: John Jay (916) 331-0963

See you there!

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond.

Jamboree - Last Day



Blogger Group Photo - find Ron and Denise

 The June Gloom weather had a strong foothold on the area this morning.  There was a light mist which lasted so long that the Marriott staff set-up the lunch buffet inside the conference center.  Yet Murphy's Law ruled, and by the 11:30 break for lunch, they had relocated everything outside.  The mist cleared but the sun was shy until later in the afternoon.



Local Civil War Re-Enactors
 on hand for Blue and Gray Sunday

 Today's class schedule included English, Scottish and Welsh research; using the iPad and iPhone for genealogy; collateral research; and funeral home and cemetery research.  Toss in a little help at Blogger Island and one last round-about through the exhibit hall and we called it a day. 

We thank the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree Committee led by Paula and Leo, all the volunteers and the Marriott staff for their hospitality.

We also thank Thomas MacEntee of Geneabloggers for organizing and www.Geni.com for arranging for and sponsoring the Blogger Welcome Bags and the ice cream social.

A special tip of the cap goes to Lynn Parmenter and "I'm sorry I forgot her name", the SCGS Volunteer Coordinator, who were caught in the act of kindness which was appreciated.

Enjoy a few more pictures.  Be sure to mark your calendars for June 2012.

Civil War memorabilia



Blogger Nutrition



SCGS Surname Wall



GLO Dept of Interior exhibit was very popular



Ron Arons, Friend of Root Cellar

Root Cellar members



Lynne Parmenter,
SCGS Volunteer




We found one more Root Cellar member

 Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Jamboree - Day One and Two

I don't remember what day it is anymore but this has been my class schedule:

Curt Witcher

• advanced beginning genealogy on free Friday morning (Jennifer Shaw and Sam Ward)
• searching for living people (Thomas MacEntee)
• using veteran's censuses (Leland Meitzler)
• evaluating evidence (John Philip Colletta)
• marketing a genealogical society (Thomas MacEntee)
• using ancestral origins as research tools (Curt Witcher)
• blogger summit part 2 (Thomas MacEntee, panel)




l-r: Kathryn Doyle, Elyse Doerflinger,
Dick Eastman, Joan Miller, the Blogger Summit Panel


• English/Welsh research (Margo McKinstry)



l-r: Denise Richmond, Sandi Benward,
Thomas MacEntee, Ron Setzer at Blogger Summit

• social networking for researchers (Drew Smith)

I have been well-fed at the hotel restaurant, across the street at less expensive cafes and an ice cream shoppe. 

Bloggers were welcomed at an ice cream social organized by Thomas MacEntee of Geneabloggers and sponsored by Geni.com.  I can report that no Root Cellar member wore a grass skirt on their head or otherwise...oops I forgot, what happens at Jamboree, stays at Jamboree.



Kim Von Aspern, Sandi Benward,
and Denise Richmond

 We enjoyed meeting Dick Eastman, owner of the Eastman Online Genealogy Newsletter, who was also a panel expert for Blogger Summit. We caught up with Root Cellar member Kim Von Aspern, also a blogger. 



Dick Eastman and Denise Richmond

 

l-r: Ron Setzer, new Blogger Friend, Scott Richmond 




 

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

This is the Face of Genealogy - Don William Rinaldi

This is a photo of my father, Don William Rinaldi in his first car. He was born in 1909, Los Angeles, California.

[Who can tell us about this cool car?]




Credit: Picture taken in Fresno, California.  Image in possession of daughter Nancy Rinaldi-Fiorini, Orangevale, California, member of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society.


The Face of Genealogy blog theme was created by Geneabloggers as a photographic reflection of one's quest for family history.

Jamboree Eve - Writer's Conference

I spent most of today with John Phillip Colletta.  Well, maybe 75+ other people did too - at the Writer's Conference sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS).  John presented four one-hour classes about the 'what, why, for whom and how' are you going to write; turning biographical facts into real life; using good writing principles; and writing narrative family history.  Many excellent and often humorous examples accompanied the technical aspects of writing. 

John may be happy to know that I have already identified someone to serve as my "Elsie" - the "have red pencil and not afraid to use it" editor for my writings.  I have many notes, resources and inspiration.....to clear my calendar for the next year for writing my family history.



l-r: Pam Wiedenbeck, Lisa Alzo, Tom Underhill, Lorretto Szucs

 The last session focused on publishing your writing.  The panel of experts included Lisa Alzo, Tom Underhill and Lorretto Szucs with moderator and SCGS member Pam Wiedenbeck.  They addressed commercial and self-publishing; identifying your publishing goals; and marketing yourself via blog and local newspaper writing.  Their concensus was to consult a publisher early on in your writing.

Thanks John and panel and SCGS for a very informative day!

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Jamboree Eve Eve

From nearby beautiful downtown Burbank, California, it's the day before the day before the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) Jamboree 2011.  Today, my husband Scott and I spent all afternoon at the SCGS Library.  The night before, I made a list of the books to look at by cutting and pasting them from the SCGS Library online catalog.  My focus was on Southern California (native I am), Nebraska and Ohio.  Needless to say, it was an ambitious list.  I only finished combing through four books, all about Highland County, Ohio. My target surnames were Brown and Clark but  I also came across many VanPelts and Swearingens.  Good finds.

 As you can see, I was well-equipped with portable scanner, mobile hotspot, camera, computer and Root Cellar business cards.  I also left a batch of flyers for Family History Day at the California State Archives.  What did my husband do?  He read an audio book about John Adams.

By Denise Hibsch Richmond

Wordless Wednesday

Contributed by Nancy Rinaldi-Fiorini,

member of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society

Wordless Wednesday is just one of the daily blog themes suggested by Geneabloggers. Get your ancestors noticed here - submit content to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Tombstone Tuesday - Smith and Shutzbaugh

Adam and Barbara (Shutzbaugh) Smith came from Nassau, Germany, had daughter Elizabeth Christianne in 1849 in New York, and moved on to Ohio, Indiana, and finally, California. Christianne married in Indiana and moved to Nebraska, where she reared two children, one of whom was the grandmother of my husband, Bob Shumaker. He also grew up in Nebraska. 

In 1870, the Smiths, with their 8-year-old daughter Cassie, were in Sonoma County, California, where they spent the rest of their lives farming. They are buried in the Sebastopol Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

Bob Shumaker never knew he had great-great-grandparents buried in California until we recently traced their history with the help of a photo made in Santa Rosa, California and found among mementos in the Nebraska estate of his maiden aunt, grand-daughter of Christianne.

Contributed by Lois Shumaker, member of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society. Contact Lois.

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond. Submit content to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.  

This is the Face of Genealogy

Thomas MacEntee posted a link to LA Weekly's website promoting the Southern California Genealogical Society's 42nd Annual Genealogy Jamboree. He says "The photo used by LA Weekly was, to say the least, offensive to genealogists everywhere. Click on the link and view the article.  If you want to respond to the article, you may send an email to the editor of the LAWeekly using their online form.

Thomas MacEntee requested "Also, I’m asking that every genealogy blogger put up their favorite ancestor photo with the simple post title “This Is The Face of Genealogy.” Together, hopefully we can turn this offensive piece into a win situation for the genealogy community."

This is my face of genealogy.

Photo: Mary Agnes Beyer Eaton, 1920's, Truckee, California. Digital image in possession of Ron Setzer [address private], Citrus Heights, California.

Posted by Ron Setzer

Geneabloggers Mentioned in Today's USA Today

Thomas MacEntee's Geneabloggers website has been noticed once again in the mainstream media.  The most recent sighting was in the technology column of today's USA Today.  Read Thomas's announcement.

This is good news for Geneabloggers and the 1,900 and counting genealogy blogs that wear the Geneablogger badge like Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society.  This is good news for Root Cellar, providing more visibility to what our society has to offer other researchers.  It also means more people will see the family research members have contributed to the Root Cellar blog.  For members, it could result in a new resource, a new cousin or a breakthrough of a long-standing brickwall.  Could you be the first Root Cellar member to make a new connection via the Root Cellar blog? Contribute content by sending it to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Nevada County Genealogical Society Seminar

Registration is now open for the 18th annual Nevada County Genealogical Society Seminar on Saturday, August 27, 2011 in Grass Valley, California. 

The announcement for Digging for your Roots states that

"There will be two sessions for beginners, consecutively covering topics such as where to start, charts and forms, references, maps, census records, vital records, etc.  For those who don’t need the basics, there will be several classes dedicated to Computer and Internet research.  We are offering several new presentations including: “Eastern European Research”, “Searching For Your Irish Ancestors”, “Work Those Census”, “Message Boards & Mailing Lists”, “Digging It – Parts I & II”, and in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, “Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)”."

Root Cellar past president Marilyn Ulbricht will be presenting “Digging It – Parts I & II”.  The classes are about using archeological resources and coroner's records in your family research.

Located about 60 miles from Sacramento, Grass Valley is a destination by itself, being one of the many historic Gold Rush towns in the Sierra foothills.  Several Root Cellar members carpool to this well-organized and informative seminar every year.

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

June Calendar

Wednesday, June 1
Root Cellar Board Meeting, visitors always welcome
Time: 10am - noon
Location: Raley's Supermarket, 8870 Madison Ave at  Hazel, Fair Oaks; Community Room next to Pharmacy
Contact: Sandi Benward 916-412-3511

Wednesday, June 8
Root Cellar Membership Meeting, visitors always welcome
Program:  Simple Scanners - Mobile Scanning Solutions
Speaker: Dennis Halley
Time: 7pm - 8:30pm
Location: Citrus Heights Community Clubhouse 6921 Sylvan Way, Citrus Heights
Contact: Sandi Benward 916-412-3511

Wednesday, June 15
Root Cellar Workshop, visitors always welcome
Program: To be announced plus Genealogy Brickwalls Help and bring your favorite book or website to share
Host: John Jay
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Location: Clubhouse at Country Squire Estates, 5720 Oak Hill Drive, Sacramento, CA
Contact:  John Jay (916) 331-0963

Wednesday, June 22

Root Cellar Reunion SIG, open to members and non-members

Program: Brainstorming solutions to users’ problems and questions

Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Location:  Family History Center, 2745 Eastern Ave, Sacramento, CA

Contact: Ron Setzer, PreservesEditor@macnexus.org to be added to email list

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday is just one of the daily blog themes suggested by Geneabloggers. Get your ancestors noticed here - submit content to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.