Will's Genealogy Blog

Treasure Chest Thursday - Logwood from the Mayflower

2011-11-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a photo of some logwood that was possibly brought over on the Mayflower. We have the bundle that is in the photograph stored in an acid free box. There is a note in my grandmother's scrapbook that says: "Logwood for dying clothing brought over in the Mayflower 1620".

Some interesting information about logwood can be found on Wayne's Word website

Logwood

Sunday's Obituary - Lucy Brooks Cabot

2011-09-11T14:31:00.000-04:00

[Transcription]
April 5, 1912
MRS. NORMAN F. CABOT
     Mrs. Lucy Brooks Cabot, 86, wife of Norman F. Cabot, died in her home on Terrace Street this morning about 1.45 o'clock after an illness of about six weeks. She was born in Chesterfield, Factory Village, Dec. 13, 1825, and was a daughter of Capt. William S. and Elinor Forman Brooks. Her father was a native of Medford, Mass., and her mother came from Freehold, N.Y. In 1821 her father went to Chesterfield and in 1839 the family came to this town. Following the death of her mother she went south and there met Norman F. Cabot and they were married in Wetumpha [sic, should be Wetumpka], Ala., Dec. 13, 1853. Previous to the Civil war they came to Brattleboro and had since lived here, Mr. Cabot being for many years treasurer of the Vermont Savings Bank.
   She had two brothers and two sisters, all of whom were prominent in the town during their lives. George J. Brooks was the builder of the Brooks House and gave the Brooks library building to the town. The other brother was Francis W. Brooks and the sisters were Mrs. Francis Goodhue and Miss Malvina Brooks. Besides her husband she leaves two daughters, Miss Mary R. Cabot of this town, and Mrs. Frederick Holbrook of Boston, and one son, William Brooks Cabot of Boston.
   The funeral will be held in the home Monday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock. Rev. R.M. Houghton will officiate and the burial will take place in Prospect Hill cemetery. Friends are kindly requested not to send flowers.

Source: Newspaper clipping, newspaper title and location not included.

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Pets

2011-09-07T19:16:00.000-04:00

Written on back: "Peterkin and his friend Danger, Brattleboro 1900"

from my Grandmother's family photo collection

Children of Eliphalet & Mary (Woodman) Haskell

2011-07-27T19:54:00.000-04:00

I am in the process of transcribing the vital records for the town of New Gloucester, Maine prior to 1892. Today I came across the original birth records for the children of my 4th great grandparents, Eliphalet and Mary (Woodman) Haskell as recorded by Jabez Woodman, who was the Town Clerk at that time. The following image is the page from the original record book, followed by the transcription

Transcription
[page] 68
Moses Haskell son of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife was born in New Gloucester September 8th Anno Domini 1777
Hannah Haskell daughter of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife was born in New Gloucester on the 12th of August AD 1779
Moses Haskell son of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife born in New Gloucester December 12th, 1780
Eliphalet Haskell son of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife born in New Gloucester Jan. 27th, 1782
Jacob Haskell son of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife, born in New Gloucester Octr 30th 1783
Polly Haskell daughter of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife, born in New Gloucester March 4th 1785
Amos Haskell son of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife born in New Gloucester March 26th, 1787
Bethulah Haskell son of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife born in New Gloucester Jany 25th, 1789
Stephen Haskell son of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife, born in New Gloucester Augt 4th 1792
Sally Haskell daughter of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife, born in New Gloucester July 11th, 1794
Peleg Haskell son of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife, born in New Gloucester July 22d, 1796
George Haskell son of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife born in New Gloucester Augt 25th 1798
Louisa Haskell daughter of Eliphalet Haskell and Mary his wife born in New Gloucester April 18th, 1800
Recorded March 18th, 1822, By me Jabez Woodman Town Clerk

My 3rd great grandfather is Amos Haskell.

Does anyone have any information on the name "Bethulah"? I have always thought this to be a female, but the Town Clerk listed this child as a son. I was unable to locate anything definitive based on a quick search on the internet. If anyone has further information, I would be happy to hear from you.

Source: A Book of Record of Births for New Gloucester in County of Cumberland Commonwealth of Massachusets from 1771 to 1865. Image taken from original record book on 12 Apr 2011 by William C. Haskell. Original record book located in Town Office, Town of New Gloucester, Maine.

Father's Day - Father Tree

2011-06-19T15:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day! My wife gave me this cross-stitch several years ago, showing 12 generations of Haskell fathers from my son back to the first William that came to Gloucester, Massachusetts with his two brothers, Roger and Mark back in 1635. I thought it would make a great Father's Day post in remembrance of all the ancestral Haskell fathers in my line.

This Is The Face of Genealogy

2011-06-05T19:36:00.001-04:00

Here are some of my true faces of genealogy.


My great grandfather - Frank Owen Haskell (1863-1931)


my 2nd great grandfather - Alfred Haskell (1817-1906)

my 3rd great grandfather - Amos Haskell (1787-1868)

The reason for this post is here.

Frederick Holbrook - Death Record

2011-06-05T13:27:00.000-04:00

I located the death record for my 3rd great grandfather, Frederick Holbrook on Ancestry.com (accessed on 5 June 2011). Here is a transcription and digital image of the record.

Transcription (bold text is what is entered into the form):
DEATH - MALE
Full Name of Deceased Frederick Holbrook

Usual Residence Brattleboro [stamped]
If in Hospital or Institution, Its Name [BLANK]
Color White
Age 96 Yrs. 2 Mos. 13 Days
Single-Married [BLANK]
Occupation Bank president
Widowed-Divorced [BLANK]
Birthplace Conn.
Father's Name John Holbrook
Father's Birthplace Mass.
Mother's Maiden Name Lady Knowlton
Mother's Birthplace Shrewsbury, Mass
Date of Death April Month 28 Day 1909
Disease Causing Death Senile Exhaustion
Contributing Disease Bronchitis 91
Medical Attendant S.E. Lawton
Town Brattleboro [stamped]
William S. Newton [stamped] Town Clerk

Source Information:

Ancestry.com. Vermont Death Records, 1909-2008 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data:

Vermont. Vermont Death Records, 1909-2003. Vermont State Archives and Records Administration, Montpelier, Vermont.
Vermont. Vermont Death Records, 2004-2008. Vital Records Office, Vermont Department of Health, Burlington, Vermont.

The Goodhue Family - Joseph Goodhue

2011-05-07T18:57:00.000-04:00

Continued from previous post, , as written by Ellen Brooks Goodhue (Mrs. Henry Van Kleeck).

JOSEPH GOODHUE

Joseph Goodhue, m. Abigail Low and had by her seven children.
A second marriage with one child.

Here is some additional information that I have found on Joseph Goodhue.

History and Genealogy of the Goodhue Family in England and America to the Year 1890, compiled by Rev. Jonathan E. Goodhue, A.M. and published by E.R. Andrews, Rochester New York in 1891 provides the following information:

Parents: William and Hannah (Dane) Goodhue. Joseph was the third child born Mar 1676. He m1. 1707-8, Abigail Low; after her decease, 1726, aged 40, he m2. Oct 1727, Mrs Elisabeth Gilbert. His will was proved in 1739, and he probably died that year. His children were: Francis, b. 2 Jun, O.S.; 13 Jun, N.S., 1710; Joseph, b. 14 Aug 1712; William b. 8 May 1715; Abigail b. 7 Aug 1717; David b. 16 Jul, 1719, d. 9 Nov 1741, unmarried; Jonathan b. 16 Jul 1719; Jeremiah b. 14 Feb 1722; Daniel b. 31 Aug, 1728, child of second marriage.

Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2010).

Ipswich Births, page 163
Goodhue, Joseph s. William and Hannah, Mar 8, 1676

Ipswich Marriages, page 190
Goodhue, Joseph and Abigail Low, int. Jan 31, 1707-8, C.R. 4-church record, Chebacco Parish Church

Ipswich Deaths, page 568-569
Goodhue, Abigail, w. Joseph, Nov. 15, 1726, in her 40th y. G.R. 4 - gravestone record, Old Essex Cemetery
[possible death record of Joseph] Goodhue, Joseph, Sergt., of Chebacco, d. July 21, 1739

The Goodhue Family - William Goodhue 2d

2011-05-01T14:20:00.000-04:00

This is a continuation of a previous blog post about the Goodhue family.

WILLIAM GOODHUE 2d

     William Goodhue 2d, b. 1645 at Ipswich m. Hannah Dane, dau. of Rev. Francis Dane of Andover, who founded the Academy, which afterwards became Phillips Academy of that place. After this marriage the name of Francis appears, doubtless in remembrance of Rev. Francis Dane, among the descendants of William and Hannah Goodhue. In the Brattleboro branch of the family it has appeared for seven generations. William Goodhue 2d. was also deacon and a prominent member of the community, respected, useful and beloved.
     He was ensign in 1683, and Captain in Col. Appleton's Regiment. See p. 471 Register of Society of Colonial Wards, 1706-07-08. Verified by W. K. Watkins, Genealogist.
     His minister, the famous John Wise, with five others of his church, William Goodhue, Robert Kinsman (an ancestor of ours on the female line), John Andrews, John Appleton and Francis French, protested against an illegal taxation by Gov. Andros, and were lodged in jail at Boston for three weeks awaiting trial. Rev. John Wise was fined fifty pounds and costs. This was paid by the town of Ipswich, together with fines for the five others, which reimbursed them for expenses incurred during trial.
     The Rev. John Wise is called the Founder of American Democracy, and the one who first developed the idea of "no taxation without representation" one hundred years before the American Revolution.William Goodhue 2d. lived on the farm given to him by his father, consisting of a dwelling house, other buildings, orchards, gardens, and 82 acres of land. These were in Chebacco, now Essex. His grave was visited in September 1903 by Mrs. Henry Van Kleeck (Ellen Brooks Goodhue). It is under an evergreen near the stone table monument to the Rev. John Wise. Although slightly broken, it has fine lines, and unusual ornamentation. Mrs. Van Kleeck's visit to the town of Ipswich was of great interest to her, it being a beautiful old town, full of historic importance in the early days of the Colony. Courtesy and attention were received from Rev. Frank Waters, who as President of the Historical Society, and author of a historical work on Ipswich, is doubtless the best authority on genealogy in the town. The Goodhue family once so numerous in Ipswich has few representatives of the name today, although one of the farms adjacent to town is owned and has been by one of the name in unbroken line since the day when William the first settler bought it from the Indians. The history of the line descended from Francis Goodhue, the first of the name to settle in the Valley of the Connecticut, is derived from the town Histories of Winchendon, Mass., Swanzey, N.H., Fitzwilliam, N.H., and Brattleboro, Vermont, all of which can doubtless be found at the Historical Society rooms, 18 Somerset St., Boston.
     The two generations now follow at Ipswich of which we have no detail beyond dates.

Howdy! - from Texas

2011-04-20T09:06:00.000-04:00

Enjoying a nice vacation at Big Bend National Park in Texas.

Moon set at La Posada Milagro in Terlingua, TX

The Window from Chisos Basin, Big Bend National Park

The Goodhue Family - William Goodhue

2011-04-06T19:00:00.001-04:00

The following typewritten manuscript is from my grandmother's binder on the Goodhue family. At the end of the document there is a handwritten note that says: "written by Ellen Brooks Goodhue (Mrs Henry Van Kleeck)". There is no date on the document. This will be split into several posts.

THE GOODHUE FAMILY

William Goodhue

William Goodhue, the first settler of the name, who emigrated in 1635, is supposed to have come from Kent in England, because the name is not found elsewhere, and because his wife, Margery Watson, was from that county. The name in England is spelled Goodhugh and Goodhew, which last method is the way it is spelled on the grave of the 2d William Goodhue in Essex, formerly called Chebacco, a part of the town of Ipswich, Mass. A mile from Seale Church in Kent is an ancient country seat called Stonepit, at one time owned by Goodhughs as was the nearby Manor of Spellhurst, and County Hill near Deptford, Kent. These country seats have passed to descendants of the Goodhughs in the female line, but none of the name were found there when visited by Mr. Jonathan Goodhue of New York in the year 1830. The house occupied in Ipswich by Rev. T. Frank Waters, Minister of the South Congregational Church, and president of the Ipswich Historical Society, was built on the site of the house built by William Goodhue the first settler, about 1639. The surrounding land, nine acres, had been bought by his wife's father--Watson, who remained in England. This was in the South village. Adjoining was the house and land of Rev. Nathaniel Ward, "The Sweet Singer of Agawam." William Goodhue was deacon and a man of importance in the community as shown by the fact of his being Deputy to the General Court in the years 1667-73-76-66-80-83. The last years of his life were spent with his son William at Chebacco, now Essex, after he had given up his Ipswich home and farm to his eldest son Joseph. See Goodhue History [History and Genealogy of the Goodhue Family in England and America to the Year 1890, compiled by Rev. Jonathan E. Goodhue, A.M., published by E.R. Andrews, Rochester, NY, 1891] for further data. Dates of service have been verified by W. K. Watkins, Genealogist, 18 Somerset St., Boston.

Francis Goodhue - The Eminent Brattleboro Man

2011-04-02T19:15:00.000-04:00

My grandmother's family binder on the Goodhue family includes various research notes, pedigree charts, and newspaper articles The following article was apparently originally transcribed from the Vermont Phoenix, June 15, 1866.

FRANCIS GOODHUE

     Not another instance can be named where a man has settled here, with so much risk, who manifested by his actions more real confidence in our future than Mr. Goodhue. He became eminently a Brattleboro man, completely identifying himself with our joys and sorrows, and ever ready to listen to or assist in any project having tendency to advance the welfare of the home of his adoption. We remember his climbing over hills and rocks with the surveyors of the New Haven and Northampton Canal, trying to ascertain the most feasible plan to use West river as a feeder of that canal, the extension of which at that time to this place was contemplated. The great Erie Canal, projected by Gov. Clinton of New York, had just proved a success, and the attention of intelligent men all over the country was directed to this method of communication, as in more modern times their attention has been given to railroads. We make this allusion to show that Mr. Goodhue was awake to the enterprises of the day, and spared no personal efforts to advance them.
     His hopefulness and cheerfulness was a constant inspiration to those with whom he came in contact. The encouraging grasp he have to the hand of industry will be long remembered. He seemed destitute of envy, and wanted every one to succeed in everything useful or needful to human wants. There was always a smile of gratification on this countenance when he saw others prosper. He did not, like some men of wealth, lose all confidence in a young man because he had been unfortunate, but he had a cheerful, encouraging way of saying: " He is young and capable: the world is before him; I hope and believe he will yet do well."
     His calmness and indifference under severely provoking circumstances was remarkable. Some who make great pretences or high claims to saintship, would fall far behind him in heeding the Scriptural admonition, " A soft answer turneth away wrath." The example he has left us in this matter, if universally followed would make more peaceable neighborhoods, prevent many quarrels and resorts to lawyers' offices. A man highly excited applied some severe epithet to Mr. G., in so insulting a manner that most people would, in language or action have indignantly resented it. But Mr. G. simply replied: "There are various opinions about that matter," and passed on, having business of greater importance than adding fuel to a fire already sufficiently hot. Valuable locations on his land on Main Street were freely given for the Unitarian and Orthodox Congregational Churches, and for the old Brattleboro Bank.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Memoirs of Roger Williams

2011-03-31T08:00:00.004-04:00

I recently found a copy of a book in my Dad's bookcase that was apparently owned by my third great grandfather, Amos Haskell (1787-1859). The book is titled Memoirs of Roger Williams, The Founder Of The State Of Rhode-Island by James D. Knowles, published by Lincoln, Edmands and Co., Boston in 1834. My grandfather's name is written inside the front cover and there is also a small slip of paper with his name on it. I believe this is probably the oldest book on my Dad's bookshelf. The book is in remarkably good condition and was likely passed down from Amos to his son Alfred, then to Frank Owen, then to Merrill and finally to my Dad.

This brings up an interesting question as to whether Amos was literate. According to the book The New Century Book of Facts: A Handbook of Ready Reference, published in 1909, New Gloucester, Maine, where Amos was born had a school in 1764. So it is likely that he was literate. Were your ancestors who lived in the 18th and early 19th centuries literate? I am going to do some more digging into this question.

Governor Frederick Holbrook - Letter to Abraham Lincoln

2011-03-27T16:52:00.000-04:00

Frederick Holbrook was the Governor of Vermont during the Civil War years. On July 29, 1862 he wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln. Click on the link to see a digital image and transcription of the letter at the Library of Congress. The letter urges Lincoln to call up more troops to fight for the Union. Governor Holbrook thought that a million more men would be needed; however, Lincoln was calling for 300,000.


Frederick Holbrook, Governor of Vermont 1861-1863

Tombstone Tuesday - Reuben Merrill [Sr]

2011-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Cemetery: Pine Grove, Falmouth, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 30 August 2009
Subject Name: Reuben Merrill
Notes: Father of Reuben Merrill and grandfather of Nathaniel Edwin Merrill. My third great-grandfather. Reuben Merrill [Sr] was born 2 Aug 1765, he married Clarissa Jones about 1794.
Transcription: REUBEN MERRILL/DIED/July 29, 1818, AE. 53.

Strawberry Meadows Farm - Cutting Wood & Miscellaneous

2011-03-20T17:24:00.000-04:00

Saturday 19 March 2011 - I started cutting firewood for next year over at my Dad's. His farm is called Strawberry Meadows Farm - named for the wild strawberries that grow in the fields. Here are a couple photos of the farm and me cutting wood.

Strawberry Meadows Farm

Cruizin'

Will Haskell cutting wood

Will Haskell splitting wood

Wordless Wednesday - Statue of Buddha in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

2011-03-16T12:20:00.000-04:00

Photo Date: 3 Aug 1919

Tombstone Tuesday - Reuben Merrill [Jr]

2011-03-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

Cemetery: Pine Grove, Falmouth, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 30 August 2009
Subject Name: Reuben Merrill [Jr]
Notes: Father of Nathaniel Edwin Merrill. My second great-grandfather. Reuben was born 27 Oct 1795 and married Frances Pope 14 Mar 1819
Transcription: REUBEN MERRILL/DIED/Nov. 25, 1890./AE. 95 yrs./At Rest

Frederick Holbrook - VP of American International Corporation

2011-03-09T12:01:00.000-05:00

I guess civil engineering is in my blood. My great grandfather, Frederick Holbrook, was a civil engineer and a contractor. My great granduncle, William Brooks Cabot was a civil engineer as well and was a partner in Frederick Holbrook's firm, Holbrook, Cabot & Rollins. My dad was also a civil engineer and land surveyor, and now I am carrying on the civil engineering family tradition. Here is a brief article about Frederick Holbrook that was printed in the American International Corporation Argosy in 1919.

FREDERICK HOLBROOK has been a Vice-President of American International Corporation since August 31, 1916. He was placed in charge of the Russian affairs of the corporation and sailed for Petrograd in September of that year to represent A.I.C. in the investigation of Russian propositions, remaining there until August, 1817. Mr. Holbrook is President of Grace American International Corporation, formed earlier this year to engage in Russian business. He is also a Director of American International Steel Corporation and of Allied Machinery Company of America, and from March until December, 1918, was President of American International Shipbuilding Corporation.
Mr. Holbrook was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, July 20, 1861, and his business life has been spent in engineering and contracting work in the United States and Mexico, and for the year before his coming with American International, in Russia. For this work he formed the Holbrook, Cabot & Rollins Corporation some twenty years ago.

Source: American International Corporation. "The American International Corporation Argosy", November 1919, Volume 1, Number 7, page 2. 120 Broadway, New York.

Tombstone Tuesday - Mary Lizzie Haskell

2011-03-08T14:47:00.000-05:00

Cemetery: Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 4 November 2006
Subject Name: Mary Lizzie Haskell
Notes: Daughter of Alfred and Elizabeth (Owen) Haskell.
Transcription: MARY LIZZIE/Daug. of Alfred &/Elizabeth Haskell,/DIED/Feb. 26, 1875/ AE. 27 yrs 11 ms/15 ds

Water Cure Days - Miss Lucy T. Brook's Cure

2011-03-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Wesselhoeft Water Cure in Brattleboro, Vermont was the third water cure in the country. According to the Annals of Brattleboro by Mary Rogers Cabot, the Water Cure opened in 1843-1844 by Dr. Robert Wesselhoeft. A water cure is a form of hydrotherapy, involving the use of water for pain-relief and treating illness. Water cure's were so popular in the mid-1800's, there was even a Water Cure Journal that was published. Many of the journal volumes can be found on Google Books site, such as this one Volume 1. The Brattleboro Water Cure became extremely popular and was visited by many. Several of the more famous guests to the Brattleboro Water Cure, included: ex-President Martin Van Buren; two sons of John C. Calhoun; and Mr. & Mrs. John Stoddard (Cabot, Mary Rogers. Annals of Brattleboro, vol II, page 573-574)

Source: Cabot, Mary Rogers. 1922. Annals of Brattleboro, vol. II

In my grandmother's records, I found a typewritten page for Miss Lucy T. Brooks' water cure, which is transcribed below:

Miss Brooks will

Sweat every morning early in a wet sheet, and after it bathe or wash in water of 72 degrees to 60 degrees.
Drink cold water after it and walk until she becomes warm, --before breakfast.
Breakfast on cold bread with milk or butter.
Walk and drink again after breakfast.
At 11 o'clock take a hip-bath from 10 increasing gradually to 30 minutes in water 72 degrees gradually growing colder daily to 30 degrees.
Drink again and walk until you get well warmed.
Dinner without condiments, pies or rich food. Drink several tumblers of water with dinner and none for 2 hours after dinner.
After 2 hours drink and walk.
At 5 P.M. take a hip bath of same temperature and duration as at 11.
Walk again and after every bath and drinking.
Take supper as early as 6 same as breakfast but quite little.
Take a foot-bath before retiring 10 to 30 minutes, --temperature 73 degrees to 60 degrees as in other baths, and rub the feet and walk until they become warmed.
Take an ear-bath forenoon and afternoon at the Douch house.

R. Wesslehoeft,
(by Secretary)

Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - Last Time You Had Genealogy Fun

2011-03-05T17:15:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday night! Time for Randy Seaver's Saturday Night Genealogy Fun.

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to:

1) When was the last time you had Genealogy Fun? It could be research, conferences, a society meeting, or just talking with friends about your research, a favorite trip, etc.

2) Tell us about it in your own blog post, in a comment to this post, or in a Facebook status or comment.

Here is mine -

I had some genealogy fun today at the Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society meeting. Our scheduled speaker had to postpone her talk due to illness, so I brought in my laptop and projector and we did an online search and strategy session. Lots of fun. We discussed search techniques for Google, Google Books, Ancestry.com, Americanancestors.org, and several other sites of interest. The whole group pitched in with their experiences, hints and tips and we did a few test searches for folks as well.

Ellen Malvina Brooks and George Jones Brooks - Post #2

2011-03-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Continued from Post #1

As we grew older, we began to wonder why she had not married, --speculation among the girls of the family was rife on the subject, --as we were told by members of her generation that she had been much admired, and had received many offers of marriage. Indeed we could realize this for ourselves, as her charm, real gayety [sic] and repartee never entirely waned.
Among the family traditions was a story that, when she was sixteen, she met at the house of her cousins in Medford a young man, George Washington Warren; that he came to Chesterfield, on horseback, to formally declare his affection, which was reciprocated. As Grandfather was going to Boston on business at this time George Washington Warren returned his company. On the journey he extracted a promise from the young man not to write to, or to see his daughter for a year. This was because her father considered her too young to think seriously of love and marriage and he wished to enforce the test of time. Grandfather did not explain, or repeat his conversation with G.W.W. to his daughter. Silently she looked for letters, which never came. When the year of probation was ended and her lover reappeared to claim her hand , she refused to see him. They did not meet again until middle life, after his marriage to another. How much this experience had to do with the very obvious and intense pride of our Aunt Malvina, we do not know. It was also said that her Mother made fun of each of her lovers in turn, and that this unfortunate attitude prevented her marriage in another case. She was excessively sensitive, and gave the impression of one who had suffered from harshness or shock. Her delicate nervous organization was also undermined by the condition of her Father's long and painful illness.

Mary Elizabeth Haskell - Death Record (Delayed)

2011-03-04T19:30:00.000-05:00

Mary E Haskell Death Record - page 1

Mary E Haskell Death Record - page 2

Transcription - Page 1 (only non-blank fields)
Place of Death     Portland
Name     Mary E. Haskell
Sex     F
Age Years 27
Name of Father     Alfred Haskell
Date of Death     Year 1875     Month Feb     Day 26
Cause of Death     Consumption

Transcription - Page 2 (only non-blank fields)
Place of Burial     Deering
Name of Cemetery     Evergreen
Undertaker     J.M. Currier
Source of Record   City Clerk's Office Portland

Downloaded from Ancestry.com on 27 Feb 2011

Source Citation: Maine State Archives; Cultural Building, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084; Pre 1892 Delayed Returns; Roll # 50.
Death Record Source Information:

Ancestry.com. Maine Death Records, 1617-1922 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: Maine Death Records, 1617-1922. Augusta, Maine: Maine State Archives.

Tombstone Tuesday - Augusta G. (Thompson) Haskell

2011-03-01T08:00:00.003-05:00

Cemetery: Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 4 November 2006
Subject Name: Augusta G. Thompson
Notes: First wife of Alfred Haskell
Transcription:AUGUSTA G./wife of/Alfred Haskell,/DIED/May 15, 1842./AE. 23/Also their infant daughter/[epitaph] mostly illegible

Mary Elizabeth Haskell - Birth Record (Delayed)

2011-02-27T15:40:00.000-05:00

Transcription of Vital Data
COPY OF AN OLD RECORD OF A BIRTH
Place of Birth     Portland
Street     [Blank]     No     [Blank]
Child's Name     Mary Elizabeth
Date of Birth     Mar 11 1847
Sex     F     Color    [Blank]
Living or Stillborn     [Blank]
No of Child, 1st, 2nd, etc     [Blank]
Father's Name     Alfred Haskell
Father's Color     [Blank]     Age     [Blank]
Father's Birthplace     [Blank]
Father's Residence [Blank]
Father's Occupation     [Blank]
Mother's Maiden Name     Elizabeth
     Color     [Blank]     Age     [Blank]
Mother's Residence     [Blank]
Mother's Birthplace     [Blank]
Mother's Occupation     [Blank]
Source of Record     City Clerk's Office, Portland

Downloaded from Ancestry.com on 27 Feb 2011

Source Citation: Maine State Archives; Cultural Building, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084; Pre 1892 Delayed Returns; Roll # 50.

Birth Record Source Information:

Ancestry.com. Maine Birth Records, 1621-1922 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: Maine Birth Records, 1621-1922. Augusta, Maine: Maine State Archives.

Sunday's Obituary - William B. Cabot, 91, Engineer, Explorer

2011-02-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

This Sunday's obituary is for, William Brooks Cabot, who was my grandmother's uncle. The following was transcribed from a clipping in my grandmother's Holbrook Family genealogy binder. The obituary date is January 31, 1949.

WILLIAM B. CABOT, 91, ENGINEER, EXPLORER

Special to The New York Times

     BOSTON, Jan. 31--William Brooks Cabot, engineer and explorer, died today at the age of 91. As a young man he served as an assistant engineer during the expansion of the Union Pacific Railroad in Idaho and Montana.
     Born in Brattleboro, Vt., Mr. Cabot attended the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale and in 1881 was graduated from Renasselaer Polytechnic Institute.
     Mr. Cabot conducted explorations in Northern Labrador, where he lived with and studied the Nascapi Indians. Later he published a book on his explorations. In recent years he made a study of Indian place names in New England and collected material which will be published later.
     After returning from the West Mr. Cabot became a partner in the firm of Holbrook, Cabot & Rollins, civil engineers and contractors. He retired from business in 1908.
     He was a member of the Boone and Crockett Club and the Explorers Club of New York, the National Geographic Society and the Royal Geographic Society of London.
     Surviving are a son, Norman Cabot of Providence, R.I., and three daughters, Mrs. Anna L. Coolidge of Sandwich, N.H.; Mrs. Eleanor Lane and Mrs Mary C. Macy, both of New York.

Ellen Malvina Brooks and George Jones Brooks - Post #1

2011-02-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

The text of this manuscript was transcribed from a typescript document in my grandmother's genealogy binder on the Holbrook Family. Ellen M. Brooks was born about 1817 to William S. and Eleanor (Forman) Brooks. She died about 1884. George Jones Brooks was her brother and was born about 1818 and died about 1886. Ellen and George lived in Brattleboro, Vermont. There is no date or author provided with the article. Unfortunately, the end of the document appears to be missing, but I will share the portion that I have.

ELLEN MALVINA BROOKS and GEORGE JONES BROOKS

Eleanor Malvina Brooks

     The importance of "Aunt Malvina" and "Uncle George" to the lives of the children can hardly be over estimated. To those who have inherited the treasure of their love and generosity, it seems a poor family that is without an unmarried aunt and uncle. But for them there would have been little family unity. They held the scattered branches together by their feeling for all.
     While William and Horace Brooks were living in New York, Frank Brooks and his family, practically unknown to us, were for many years in San Francisco at that time a month's journey away. The Cabots' interests were in the South the first years after their marriage, and the Goodhues were the only ones to remain steadily at home. Gradually, there was a more frequent return to Brattleboro, with its early associations, which would not have happened had Aunt Malvina made her home elsewhere.
     New relationships through marriage into other families, and the coming of children absorbed fathers and mothers in what was peculiarly their own, but when there were nieces and nephews in each household living near her, Aunt Malvina's interest in their welfare bound all more closely together. She nursed the sick with remarkable judgment, taking charge of households when mothers needed to go away, and visited her sisters every day with the deepest sympathy in everything that concerned their lives. When children's diseases prevailed, a shelter was found in Aunt Malvina's house for those who wished to avoid contagion. The Horace Brooks children were sent to her care when their parents travelled abroad, --they were in boarding school in Brattleboro, because she was near at hand.
     She shared our joys and burdens and sorrows, as the fairy godmother, and was generosity itself in gift-making. She made a custom of giving us birthday gifts of money in larger sums than our parents could afford, with the request that the amount was to be concealed, and we were to spend it according to our heart's desires. Our luxuries came from her. The eldest daughter in each family received a diamond ring from her at the age of eighteen. Trips were undertaken at her expense, even as far as Europe, although her income never exceeded $3000. She often interceded with parents for larger liberty and opportunity for us, --and her beauty and distinction, her style in dress and living, added to her importance in our eyes.

To Be Continued...

Sunday's Obituary - Mrs Dorcas (Wright) Edwards

2011-02-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

This Sunday's obituary is for Mrs. Dorcas (Wright) Edwards who passed away on 14 March 1810. She was the daughter of Timothy and Ruth (Cook) Wright and was b. 1 Sep 1762. She married Eli Edwards on 8 Aug 1785. I located a transcription of this obituary in my grandmother's (Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell) notes in her Goodhue Family Binder. The newspaper name and date is unknown. Dorcas (Wright) Edwards is my fifth great-grandmother.

DIED - In this town, on Thursday the 15th inst. Mrs. DORCAS EDWARDS, wife of Mr. Eli Edwards, aged 47 years. However averse we may be to eulogy and fulsome panegyric, justice requires that those virtues which stood forth pre-eminent in the deceased ought not to pass unheeded by. If piety, benevolence and virtue, are objects worthy of emulation surely then we behold her while living, the mirror in which they were reflected. During a distressing illness she exhibited a model of patience and resignation to the Divine will. "She sparkled, was exhal'd", and we have reason to believe, is now an inhabitant of those bright abodes, where sorrow and lamentation enter not. And may that Being who "tempers the wind to the shorn Lamb," comfort and console the afflicted family, and mourning relatives.

A Visit to an Old Family Home in Winchendon, Massachusetts

2011-02-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

The following text is transcribed from a handwritten note in my grandmother's Goodhue Family Binder. The note is written in pencil, so I presume it was previously transcribed by my grandmother. In the upper right corner of the page it says "From Goodhue notes". Reverend Joseph Brown, mentioned in this note, is my sixth great-grandfather.

A visit to an old home at Winchendon Mass[achusetts]

On a bright day of July 1914 - as a quest of my cousin Mrs Frederick Holbrook, we motored from Brattleboro to visit the old home of my great grandfather the Rev[erend] Joseph Brown at Winchendon Mass[achusetts] where for 21 years he was minister of the old church.

At Fitzwilliam we stopped at an antique shop which was in one of the 2 old large taverns each of them on the edge of the village common - the importance of the town in stage days was indicated by the size of these taverns.

All that remains of the old church on the common on the hill is a stone marker - Here it was that our gr[eat] grandfather preached during those long years which ended in the famous controversy over possession of the Town records, in which he proved as a writer of the day has stated "too smart for them all."

Here they suffered from the long cold winters & at one time from famine.

Not far from the common stands a fine large square red house, the oldest in Winchendon which was owned by the Rev[erend] Jos. Brown - It stands well along the roadway overlooking a wide view, & is shaded by fine elms. Here grew up a large family of little Browns, one of whom, ~~married~~ Polly (Mary) who married Francis Goodhue living at Swanzy NH, Wethersfield VT & finally in 1811 moving down the Conn[ecticut] R[iver] to Brattleboro. No one knows where Rev[erend] Jos. Brown is buried but his wife lived w[ith] her daughter & family until her death. Here grave is in the old Goodhue lot (Mrs Sarah Brown) at Brattleboro.

In the large red house at Winchendon doubtless stood the fine mahogany clock br[ou]ght from the Brown's home at Lexington wh[ich] was beloved by all the Goodhues in the 2 family homes on Main St[reet] in Brat[tleboro] & which is today in the home of the present senior Francis Goodhue at Church Lane Germantown Pa. (1924).

Ellen B Van Kleeck

Tombstone Tuesday - Mrs Mary Humphery [sic]

2011-02-08T08:28:00.000-05:00

Cemetery: Gray Village Cemetery, Gray, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 3 December 2008
Subject Name: Mrs. Mary Humphery [sic]
Notes: No relation to my ancestors, just liked the stone
Transcription: Here lies the Body/of Mrs Mary the wife/of Mr James Humphery/who Died July the 7th/1787 in the 36th/Year of her/AGE

Sunday's Obituary - Dr. Alfred W. Haskell

2011-02-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

This week's obituary is for Dr. Alfred W. Haskell, who was the nephew of my great grandfather, Frank Owen Haskell. This obituary was transcribed from a clipping in my grandmother's scrapbook and is dated Nov. 29, 1957, newspaper name is unknown.

DR. ALFRED W. HASKELL
     Dr. Alfred W. Haskell, 81, of 142 High St., former director of the Maine Institution for the Blind, died last night.
     Dr. Haskell was one of Portland's earliest medical eye specialists. He was widely known in this field throughout Maine and had a distinguished record in eye surgery in army hospitals in France during World War I. He remained active in the Medical Officers Reserve Corps, achieving the rank of major in 1924.
     He was born in Portland, Feb. 8, 1876, the son of Charles A. and Mary S. Haskell. He attended local schools and graduated from Bowdoin Medical School in 1900. He was a member of the Maine Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Portland Medical Club, the Portland Club, and a former member of the Portland Board of Health.
     Dr. Haskell was a Mason and a former president of the Past Commanders Association of the Harold T. Andrews Post, American Legion.
     He was appointed director of the Maine Institution for the Blind in 1931 by Gov. William T. Gardiner.
     Surviving are a sister, Miss Louise F. Haskell, with whom he lived, and a cousin, Merrill Haskell of Yarmouth.
     Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in the chapel of the State Street Congregational Church. The Rev. James W. Lenhart will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Sunday's Obituary - Frank Owen Haskell

2011-01-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

For this week, I am posting the transcription of the obituary for my great grandfather, Frank Owen Haskell. I located this record on microfilm at the Portland [Maine] Public Library in the 30 May 1931 Portland Press Herald on page 2.

Haskell Funeral Sunday

     Funeral services for Frank O. Haskell, 68, assistant treasurer of the Maine Savings Bank, who died Friday morning, will be held at 2.30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at his home, 92 Winter Street.
     Mr. Haskell was a life resident of this City and after his graduation from Portland High School went into the banking business as a clerk. Since 1913 he had been assistant treasurer of the Maine Savings Bank. He was a member of the Portland Club.
     Mr. Haskell is survived by a son, Merrill of Yarmouth, and a brother, Charles of Portland.

SNGF - The Date You Were Born

2011-01-29T19:11:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday Night - time for more Genealogy Fun! courtesy of Randy Seaver at Genea-Musings

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to:

1) What day of the week were you born? Tell us how you found out.
2) What has happened in recorded history on your birth date (day and month)? Tell us how you found out, and list five events.
3) What famous people have been born on your birth date? Tell us how you found out, and list five of them.
4) Put your responses in your own blog post, in a comment on this blog post, or in a status or comment on Facebook.

Here is mine -

1. My birthday is April Fool's Day, 1 April 1966 and this was a Friday. I found the day by using a perpetual calendar in the back of my journal which is published by Lee Valley Tools.

2. Historic events that occurred on April 1 - I used Randy's link for historic events

705 Greek pope John VII chosen as successor to John VI
1793 Volcano Unsen on Japan erupts killing about 53,000
1865 Battle of 5 Forks Virginia, signaling end of Lee's army
1928 Chiang Kai-shek's army crosses Yang-tse
1970 John and Yoko release hoax they are having dual sex change operations

3. Famous birthdays that occurred on April 1 - I used Randy's link for birthday events

1809 Nikolai Gogol, writer
1852 Edward Austin Abbey, U.S., painter, Quest of the Holy Grail
1883 Lon Chaney, CO, man of 1000 faces, actor, High Noon, Phantom of Opera
1939 Phil Niekro, knuckleball pitcher, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves
1966 Odie Harris, NFL safety and defensive back for the Houston Oilers

Marriage Record - Eliphalet Haskell & Mary Woodman

2011-01-26T12:37:00.000-05:00

Yes! I finally found a marriage record for my 4th great grandparents, Eliphalet and Mary (Woodman) Haskell! I've been searching for this record for a long time. My grandmother's notes indicated they were married about 1776 in Kingston, New Hampshire. Kingston is where Mary Woodman was born, so the location was logical. I am in the process of transcribing the town of New Gloucester, Maine vital records and I found the marriage intention for Eliphalet and Mary that states:

The intention of marriage between Eliphalet Haskell of this town and Miss Mary Woodman of Kingstown was entered and published in this town July 1st, 1775

Now, thanks to FamilySearch.org, I have found their marriage date and location - 12 Dec 1775, South Hampton, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. There was no image of the original record in the database, but now that I have a location, I can try and track down the original record. I check and recheck the FamilySearch site regularly and have not found this record before. This time I specifically went to the New Hampshire Marriages database and searched for "Eliphalet Haskell", date 1775. The record popped up even though the record lists his first name as Eliphelet.

South Hampton is adjacent to the southeast corner of Kingston. Wikipedia indicates that Kingston was originally part of Hampton, New Hampshire and its royal charter was granted in 1694. South Hampton was chartered in 1742.

I'm pretty excited about finding this. It has been on my to do list for quite awhile.

Marriage Record Source: FamilySearch, "New Hampshire Marriages 1720-1920," database, Familysearch.org (www.familysearch.org: accessed 22 January 2011), Eliphalet Haskell & Mary Woodman marriage record; citing "New Hampshire Marriages, 1720-1920," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org/). Index entries derived from digital copies of originals housed in various repositories throughout New Hampshire..

Tombstone Tuesday - Rebecca Johnson

2011-01-25T08:00:00.003-05:00

Cemetery: Bowie Cemetery, North Yarmouth, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 30 August 2009

Subject Name: Rebecca (Ross) Johnson

Transcription: REBECCA/wife of/Jasper & David/Johnson,/died Oct. 12, 1844/AEt 88
Comments: Rebecca Ross married first, Jasper Johnson, 23 Dec 1784. Jasper was the older brother of David Johnson. Jasper drowned in the Royal River about April 1795. Rebecca then married Jasper's brother David Johnson after David's first wife, Jenny (Whitney) died about 1797.

Tombstone Tuesday - David Johnson

2011-01-18T08:00:00.003-05:00

Cemetery: Bowie Cemetery, North Yarmouth, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 30 August 2009
Subject Name: David Johnson
Transcription: DAVID JOHNSON/died/Oct. 29, 1849,/AE. 87 yrs. 6 ms.
Comments: David Johnson was the son of James and Hannah (Blake) Johnson. He is my fourth great-grandfather and the father of Sarah "Sally" (Johnson) Haskell.

Governor Frederick Holbrook from Vermont

2011-01-16T10:58:00.001-05:00

I love old newspapers! There is so much information hidden away inside their pages.

Governor Frederick Holbrook was my third great-grandfather. He was the Governor of the State of Vermont during the Civil War. Here is an article I found on the Google News site about Governor Holbrook. The article was originally published in the Mansfield Daily Sheild on March 23, 1901 when he was 88 years old. The Nashua Telegraph published a short article on 15 Feb 1909 indicating that Frederick Holbrook reached his 96th birthday and was the oldest living former governor in the United States. Frederick passed away a couple months after this on 28 Apr 1909 at the age of 96. He is buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont.

New Gloucester History - 150th Anniversary in 1924

2011-01-15T15:36:00.001-05:00

The Town of New Gloucester, Maine was quite prominent in its early days. This town celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1924 and this interesting article in the Lewiston Journal Illustrated Magazine, August 30, 1924 edition describes the celebration activities. There is also a book titled The New Gloucester Centennial, September 7, 1874 by T. H. Haskell, originally published by Hoyt, Fogg & Dunham of Portland, Maine in 1875. This book documents the centennial celebration in 1874. A copy of this book can be found at Google Books. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a copy of this book at an eBay auction several years ago. My copy is signed by the author - it says "Hon Edwin Fox with regard of T.H. Haskell mch. 26, 1875".

I grew up in New Gloucester and attended the 200th anniversary celebration in 1974. I was about 8 years old and I remember my Dad growing a beard for the "Brothers of the Brush" competition to see who could grow the best beard (he didn't win); and my Mom dressed up in a handmade colonial outfit and gave spinning and weaving demonstrations.Somewhere there are some pictures at my Dad's house - I need to try and find those and make sure they are labeled

Old Traveling Salesman

2011-01-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

This newspaper article was transcribed from an old newspaper clipping in Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell's scrapbook. The newspaper title unknown, but based on the death date of Charles A. Haskell, the date of hte article was about June 1931. Charles A. Haskell was the brother of my great-grandfather, Frank Owen Haskell.

OLD TRAVELING SALESMAN

     Charles A. Haskell, who died at his home in this city on Wednesday at the advanced age of 83 years, was a traveling salesman in the days when traveling connoted greater physical difficulties than it does at the present time. The drummer had to sell goods in the old days just as he does now but persuading people to buy was a secondary consideration at the time that Mr. Haskell as a young man, took his sample case in hand and started out to cover Northern New England.
     How swiftly has come the improvement in transportation methods in this and other states is strikingly brought out by the fact that this veteran, whose days on the road covered a period of but little over half a century, was equally familiar with the stage coach and livery rig and with pullman cars and the automobile.
     Mr. Haskell was 17 years old when in 1865 he first went on the road. The railroad had come to Maine before that, but the accommodations it could offer to the traveler were extremely limited. One could then get down to Old Town by train, there was a road to Bath and the Grand Trunk was running up to Island Pond. But beyond that the horse had to be depended on and this form of locomotion while dependable was slow.
     Mr. Haskell had to go down the coast as far as Calais, up into Aroostook county, across Piscataquis and Somerset. He visited as many places as he did later when he could buy a chair in a parlor car or be swept from town to town in an auto, but he had to take much more time for it -- in the Winter frequently much more. As locomotion was slow so were the mails and frequently weeks elapsed when the salesman's house in Portland did not hear from him. But unless storms intervened he, with others like him, made his dates and the counting room here in the city knew that he was pretty certain to be back on time.
     It was the business of old time drummers to sell goods, but for many years those who followed this business formed the connecting link between urban and rural Maine and save for the weekly newspaper like the old Portland Transcript, were about the only connection there was. He brought the news of the business world, generally knew about politics and echoed the gossip of state and nation wide interest that had not reached the town corners.
     The traveling salesman of the old fashioned kind was also an advisor and instructor in business methods and many a country merchant owed his prosperity to the fact that he had these men to consult. Not all these travelers were like Mr. Haskell, who was sound and solid as a rock, but as a whole they exerted a profound influence upon the State and were a powerful factor in moulding the society of the commonwealth in the days when communication was vastly more of a proposition than it is now.

Sunday's Obituary - Miss Mary Cabot

2011-01-09T11:10:00.000-05:00

For this Sunday's obituary, I am posting that of Miss Mary Rogers Cabot, who was the aunt of my grandmother, Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell.

MISS MARY CABOT DIES IN HER HOME
Member of Family Long Prominent in Town
Compiled Annals of Brattleboro-- Although in Ill Health, Prepared Additional Material.
     Miss Mary R. Cabot, 75, member of one of Brattleboro's most prominent families, and who perhaps will be best remembered as the author of Annals of Brattleboro, in two volumes, which she compiled and edited in 1921, died at 7.30 o'clock Saturday morning in her Terrace street home after a lingering illness. For the past month, she had been confined to her bed, and previous to that time she had sat up most of each day and had done a good amount of writing. She possessed a keen intellect and retained her faculties almost to the end.
     Mary Rogers Cabot, the oldest of the four children of the late Norman Franklin Cabot and Lucy T. (Brooks) Cabot, was born in Brattleboro Aug. 20, 1856, in the so-called Felton house, which formerly stood near the corner of Main street and Harris place. Her father was treasurer over 29 years, or until his 82d birthday, of the Vermont Savings bank. He build the present home on Terrace street in October, 1878, and this had since been Miss Cabot's home. It had been her custom until recently, to close the house during the winter months, and during that time she traveled extensively.
     The four children born to her parents were: Mary R.; Horace E., who died at the age of three years; William Brooks Cabot of Boston, who has been for some months with his sister in Brattleboro; and Grace (Cabot) Holbrook, who died Feb. 9, 1929, and who was widow of Frederick Holbrook. Mr. Holbrook bought Naulahka, the home of Rudyard Kipling, which is now the property of his son, F. Cabot Holbrook, and Miss Cabot spent some time there. Norman F. Cabot died in Brattleboro May 6, 1913, in the 93d year of his age and his wife who was a daughter of Capt. William Brooks, died April 5, 1912.
     Miss Cabot leaves her brother, William Brooks Cabot, and several nieces and nephews, among them being F. Cabot Holbrook of Brattleboro and Mrs. Grace (Holbrook) Haskell, wife of Merrill Haskell of Portland, Me. She also leaves several cousins.
     Miss Cabot has been president of the Brattleboro Mutual Aid association since July 8, 1907, the year it was organized, and was deeply interested in its welfare. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and of the Colonial Dames of Vermont. She joined the Centre Congregational church in 1877 and later united with the Episcopal church, but never lost her affection for the Centre church.
     For some time Miss Cabot had been gathering material, as yet unpublished, as an additional contribution to Annals of Brattleboro.
     A set of the Annals is in the Brattleboro Free library. A set in the offices of The Phoenix is considered very valuable for reference purposes. The Annals are by far the most important history of Brattleboro ever published.

Minimalist Blogging

2011-01-06T07:53:00.000-05:00

I have been practicing minimalist blogging lately, due to a number of factors. I hope to get back to regular posting soon. Take care.

Sunday's Obituary - Mrs. Grace Holbrook

2011-01-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

The following obituary for my great-grandmother was in my grandmother's, Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell, scrapbook. The date 2/9/29 is written in pen at the top of the clipping. Name of the paper is unknown. Grace Cabot Holbrook's gravestone in Prospect Hill Cemetery can be seen here on the Find A Grave website.

MRS. GRACE CABOT HOLBROOK DIES.
Daughter of Late Norman F. and Lucy Brooks Cabot Was Widow of Widely Known Civil Engineer.
     Mrs. Grace Cabot Holbrook, daughter of Norman F. and Lucy Brooks Cabot, whose death took place Saturday, Feb. 9, at Naulahka, was born in Brattleboro June 25, 1861. Her education began in the private schools of Brattleboro, followed by three years (1878-1881) at St. Agnes' School. Albany, N.Y., where she made an intensive study of music.
     She married, April 12, 1887, Frederick Holbrook, son of Col. F. F. and Anna Nourse Holbrook of Boston, and grandson of Gov. Frederick Holbrook, in whose family here his boyhood was spent. Mr. Holbrook's civil engineering activities took them at first to Pocatello, Idaho, at that time an Indian reservation, but they soon returned east and lived iin suburbs of New York and Boston, until they made the city of Boston their residence n 1910.
     After the death of Mr. Holbrook in Paris in 1920, Mrs. Holbrook made her home at Naulahka, which under her influence became a place of generous and gracious hospitality. Her musical afternoons with Perabo and Mahn were notable events of the summer season. Her love of children brought the children of relatives and friends to Naulahka, as to a spacious playground all their own. Students from other countries, to whose education she was contributing, found with her a home, for the dominant characteristic of Mrs. Holbrook was an unselfish interest in the lives of others. It is not too much to say of her that she never failed in personal sympathy and practical help to any one in need, or any cause presented to her as tending to promote human well-being.
     Mrs. Holbrook's oldest daughter, Lucy Brooks, died Jan. 28, 1909, at 21 years of age. Her surviving children are a son, Frederick Cabot Holbrook, who lives here with his wife and two children, and a daughter, Grace Ware, now Mrs. Merrill Haskell of Portland, Me., who has a young son. She also leaves a sister, Miss Mary R. Cabot, of Brattleboro, and a brother, William Brooks Cabot of Boston.
     Largely attended funeral services were held at 3 o'clock on Tuesday, at St. Michael's Episcopal church, Rev. Harry R. Pool, rector, officiating. The choir rendered music, with Lucien Howe of Boston at the organ. The honorary bearers were Charles A. Harris, Harry P. Webster, J. Gray Estey and E. C. Cockayne of Wollaston, Mass. Burial took place in the Cabot family lot in Prospect Hill cemetery.
     Those who attended the funeral from out of town were Mrs. Holbrook's daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Haskell of Portland, Me.; Percy Holbrook of New York; Mr. and Mrs. William Brooks Cabot, J. Randolph Coolidge, Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Ware, Richards M. Bradley, A. L. Pattie and Mrs. Hugh Hatfield, of Boston; Miss Alice Waite and Miss Louise Waite of Wellesley, Mass.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Lane and Mr. and Mrs. John Kirkland Clark of New York; Rev. Chalmers Holbrook of Millbrook, N. Y.; Mrs Francis Goodhue of Germantown, Pa.; Mrs. Richard L. Cary of Baltimore, Md.; Dr. A. M. Hurlbutt of Stamford, Conn.; Mrs. Edward Armstrong of Princeton, N. J.; Mr and Mrs. William R. Moody of Northfield, Mass.

Grace Ware Holbrook Ancestral Chart 3

2011-01-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

This chart continues from Grace Ware Holbrook Ancestral Chart 1. This chart begins with Sarah Knowlton b. 2 May 1767. Surnames on this chart include: Goodhue, Holland, Howe, Knowlton, Park, Pitts, and Watson. Note at the top of the page indicates she copied this information from E.M.H.A. or Emerline Mason (Holbrook) Armstrong who was Grace Ware's aunt.

Mary (Woodman) Haskell Portrait

2010-12-28T07:54:00.000-05:00

This portrait of Mary (Woodman) Haskell has been handed down through the generations and is a family treasure. Mary was the wife of Eliphalet Haskell, my fourth great-grandfather. Mary Woodman was b. 30 Mar 1755 to Joshua and Eunice (Sawyer) Woodman in Kingston, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. She d. 29 (or 23?) Sep 1839 in New Gloucester, Cumberland County, Maine and is buried in the Lower Cemetery in New Gloucester. Mary's gravestone indicates her death date as 29 Sep 1839. The New Gloucester Vital Records indicate her death date as 23 Sep 1839. Based on my grandmother's notes, this portrait was painted by an "itinerant artist, probably about 1800".Additional source information is available upon request.

Family Recipe Friday - Holiday (or Anytime) Prune Bread

2010-12-24T12:02:00.000-05:00

Family Recipe Friday – is an opportunity to share your family recipes with fellow bloggers and foodies alike. Whether it’s an old-fashioned recipe passed down through generations, a recipe uncovered through your family history research, or a discovered recipe that embraces your ancestral heritage share them on Family Recipe Friday. This series was suggested by Lynn Palermo of The Armchair Genealogist.

I am not sure when this tradition got started or where the recipe came from, but my family has been making and giving prune bread as gifts at Christmas for some time. Maybe this does not sound appetizing to some, but this is a really tasty quick bread. I am making three loaves this morning. Here is the recipe

1 cup uncooked prunes
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup shortening
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 egg beaten
2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder

Cut prunes into small pieces. Add shortening, water, sugar and spices to prunes and boil for 15 minutes. Cool. Stir in egg, flour sifted with baking powder. Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Advent Calendar Day 24 - Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T10:01:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 24 – Christmas Eve

How did you, your family or your ancestors spend Christmas Eve?

Christmas shopping! And wrapping presents. Well, sometimes. We did not do much different on Christmas Eve while I was growing up. Mostly we spent time preparing for Christmas day - cooking, last minute shopping, wrapping, making, etc. Once I got married, we celebrated Christmas Eve with my wife's family with a mid-afternoon meal and then opening presents around the Christmas tree.

I don't have any information on how any of my ancestors spent Christmas Eve.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

image source: http://www.openclipart.org/browse

Wordless Wednesday (Almost) - Typical Japanese Shop

2010-12-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

My grandfather, Merrill Haskell, was on his way back from Vladivostok, Russia in February 1920 and stopped at Kyoto, Japan. This photograph was labeled "Typical Japanese Shop, Kyoto Feb. 1920"

Current Research - Haskell, Holbrook and Goodhue lines

2010-12-21T12:44:00.000-05:00

I am currently documenting and sourcing birth, marriage and death dates for my Haskell, Holbrook and Goodhue ancestors and their spouses and children. Since I am a member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) , I am taking advantage of their online databases at www.americanancestors.org. Their website was updated and enhanced earlier this fall and it is one of my favorites for online research. Since many of my ancestors are from Massachusetts, I have been using the Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 database a lot. This is incredibly handy and saves me a great deal of time from having to travel to a library that has hard copies of the Massachusetts Vital Record books. I start out using the advanced search, but if I cannot find my ancestor that way, then I can view the scanned pages of the original records and scroll through page by page to see if I can find the person that way. This works well, especially since some of the names had interesting spelling variations. I have a lot of information that was compiled by my grandmother, so I generally have a good idea of where the specific event took place for many of my ancestors.

I have also been having success with some more recent ancestors in the Massachusetts Vital Records 1841 - 1910 and 1911 - 1915 databases. Both of these databases also have scanned copies of the original records.

If you are not a member of NEHGS, I highly recommend joining to take advantage of these great online databases.

Advent Calendar Day 21 - Christmas Music

2010-12-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

Prompt for December 21 – Christmas Music

What songs did your family listen to during Christmas?

We listened to it all. Some of us even played it. I liked playing Christmas carols on my trumpet and sometimes on the piano, although I was not very good on the latter. As I noted in an earlier post, my Mom enjoyed Amahl and the Night Visitors which we had on a record.

Did you ever go caroling?

I remember going caroling the first year we had moved to New Gloucester and one neighbor came out with a gun. They never had carolers before and were suspicious. We became good friends with those neighbors after that. We only had three neighbors that lived close enough to walk to, so I don't remember going caroling very often.

Did you have a favorite song?

I like them all but if I have to choose, then I would say "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing".

Advent Calendar Day 20 - Religious Services

2010-12-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 20 – Religious Services
Did your family attend religious services during the Christmas season? What were the customs and traditions involved?

We generally did not attend church when I was growing up and we still do not. That being said, we periodically attended Christmas Eve midnight services until I was about 8 years old or so. I do not remember much about the services other than getting to stay up later than usual and hoping to get a glimpse of Santa Claus on the way home. He had never eaten the cookies I had left out or left any presents before we got back...

Advent Calendar Day 19 - Christmas Shopping

2010-12-19T10:09:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 19 – Christmas Shopping
How did your family handle Christmas Shopping? Did anyone finish early or did anyone start on Christmas Eve?

I rarely get my Christmas shopping done early. More often my shopping was/is done by making a trip to LL Bean the day before... My Mom was better, but I don't think anyone in my family ever did their shopping before Thanksgiving. These days we have reduced our purchased gift giving significantly, so now I struggle to find time to make gifts. Not sure which is more difficult.

Advent Calendar Day 16 - Christmas at School

2010-12-16T10:26:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 16 – Christmas at School
What did you or your ancestors do to celebrate Christmas at school?
I vaguely remember Christmas parties at school in grade school, but I don't remember the specifics. From 4th grade through 7th grade I remember playing my trumpet in the school band and we always did an annual Christmas concert. Of all the family history artifacts and photos that have been handed down to me, I have very little that indicates what my ancestors did for Christmas or other holidays.

Were you ever in a Christmas Pageant?

I do not remember ever being involved in a Christmas Pageant.

New Gloucester Universalist Church - 100th Anniversary

2010-12-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

More history from New Gloucester, Maine. This article is about the 100th anniversary of the Universalist Church and was published on June 24, 1905 in the Lewiston Evening Journal. I found this article on the Google News site. Surnames in this article include: Albion, Andrews, Barnes, Barton, Byram, Fletcher, Forbes, Gowell, Hamilton, Hammond, Hitching, Locke, Markley, McAllister, Murray, Osgood, Paige, Perkins, Richards, Rogers, Scoborin, Snow, Titus, Wellington, Woodman.

Newspaper Clipping - 58th Wedding Anniversary

2010-12-15T19:43:00.000-05:00

Transcription of newspaper clipping in Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell's scrapbook. Handwritten in pen at the top of the clipping is "1911". Handwritten at the bottom is "12/11/11.

Mr. and Mrs. N. F. Cabot quietly observed their 58th wedding anniversary at their home on Terrace street Wednesday. As the family is scattered this year no attempt was made to celebrate the event. Their health is excellent for persons of their advanced years.

Wordless Wednesday (almost) - Apples from Scott Farm

2010-12-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple undated photos from my grandmother's collection showing some of the excellent apples grown on Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vermont. My guess is that these photos were taken in the early 1900's.

Advent Calendar Day 14 - Fruitcake

2010-12-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Prompt for December 14 – Fruitcake – Friend or Foe?
Did you like fruitcake? Did your family receive fruitcakes? Have you ever re-gifted fruitcake? Have you ever devised creative uses for fruitcake?

Did you like fruitcake? Did your family receive fruitcakes?We used to get a brick of fruitcake in the mail every Christmas when I was growing up. I don't remember who sent it to us or what company made it, but it was the worst. I'm not sure why but that box of fruitcake lived in our refrigerator for several months before we took it to the compost heap. Some archaeologist may uncover those discarded cakes sometime in the future and they will probably still look like they did when we received them. Aside from those fruitcakes, I actually like some homemade fruitcake.

Have you ever re-gifted fruitcake?
I don't think we ever wanted to regift the fruitcakes we received because we did not dislike anyone that much.

Have you ever devised creative uses for fruitcake?Maybe a doorstop...

Advent Calendar Day 13 - Holiday Travel

2010-12-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

Prompt for December 13 – Holiday Travel
Did you or your ancestors travel anywhere for Christmas? How did you travel and who traveled with you? Do you remember any special trips?

I have not done much traveling during the holidays, but what I have done, I sincerely disliked. The times that I did travel was when I was going to graduate school in Colorado and having to fly back to Maine at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think holiday travel increases the normal travel stress by several times. I remember spending far too much time in the airports in Denver, Colorado and Chicago, Illinois because of weather delays. These days we drive about 20 to 30 minutes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to our parents' house in a neighboring town. That is perfect!

Advent Calendar Day 12 - Charitable/Volunteer Work

2010-12-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

Prompt for December 12 – Charitable/Volunteer Work
Did your family ever volunteer with a charity such as a soup kitchen, homeless or battered women’s shelter during the holidays? Or perhaps were your ancestors involved with church groups that assisted others during the holiday?

I have no idea. In recent years we have donated money to local food pantries to assist with holiday meals. I do not remember volunteering or doing charity work around the holidays.

New Gloucester's Big Ones!

2010-12-11T16:01:00.001-05:00

Here is another interesting bit of history about the local New Gloucester and Danville, Maine fair. This article was found on the Google News site in the Lewiston Evening Journal, September 29, 1898 paper. The article is about the "Big Ones", cattle and other things worth seeing at the New Gloucester and Danville Fair. Looks like they grew some big cows, oxen and top-notch veggies back in the day!

Advent Calendar - Other Traditions

2010-12-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 11 – Other Traditions
Did your family or friends also celebrate other traditions during the holidays such as Hanukkah or Kwanzaa? Did your immigrant ancestors have holiday traditions from their native country which they retained or perhaps abandoned?

I do not remember celebrating other traditions during the holidays. The closest thing I remember to another tradition was visiting our neighbors who were German and eating Marzipan candies and singing O' Tannenbaum.

Advent Calendar - Christmas Gifts

2010-12-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 10 – Christmas Gifts
What were your favorite gifts, both to receive and to give? Are there specific gift-giving traditions among your family or ancestors?

My family spent a lot of time outside and I always enjoyed giving and receiving outdoor gear. My favorites were sleds, cross-country ski equipment, snowshoes, fly fishing gear, outdoor clothing, backpacking equipment and books.Tools are another favorite gift to receive and give. I remember saving and buying an high quality set of screw drivers for my Dad one Christmas. I often received some item related to cross-country skiing because that was/is one of my favorite sports.

I don't recall any specific gift-giving traditions in my family or by my ancestors.

New Gloucester Proprietors - Chapter 4

2010-12-09T09:33:00.000-05:00

Here is the fourth chapter of New Gloucester Proprietors continued from my previous post. Lots of surnames in this article, including: Allen, Anderson, Bradbury, Brooks, Browne, Chandler, Deane, Ellery, Fairfield, Foxcroft, Fuller, Harris, Haskell, Hooper, Longfellow, Mason, Merrill, Milliken, Mitchell, Morrill, Noyes, Pike, Smith, Stevens, Stinchfield, Stirling, True, Tufts, Tyler, Warner, Willis, Woodbury. This article was written by Anson Titus in the June 27- July 1, 1908 edition of the Lewiston Journal Illustrated Magazine and was found on the Google News site.

Advent Calendar - Grab Bag

2010-12-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

Prompt for December 9 – Grab Bag
Author’s choice. Please post from a topic that helps you remember Christmases past!

1997

2002

2003

2004

Advent Calendar - Christmas Cookies

2010-12-08T08:00:00.003-05:00

Prompt for December 8 – Christmas Cookies
Did your family or ancestors make Christmas Cookies? How did you help? Did you have a favorite cookie?

Christmas cookies are the best! Spritz, gingerbread, pecan tassies, fudge, jam thumbprints, sugar, molasses crinkles - all my favorites. How can you pick just one? I remember helping to decorate the cookies with frosting, colored sugar, raisins, cinnamon candies, silver dragees.Cutting out the cookies was always fun too.

Wordless Wednesday (almost) - Turnverein

2010-12-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

My great grandfather Frank Owen Haskell was a member of a turnverein in Portland, Maine. He is the one in the lower right of the photo. I would be interested in hearing from others who might have information on this group.

Advent Calendar - Party Time!

2010-12-07T07:43:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 7 – Holiday Parties
Did your family throw a holiday party each year? Do you remember attending any holiday parties?

Our family did not throw Christmas parties. We did have New Year's Eve parties for several years. These parties usually involved sledding on our hill out in the hayfield or skating on the ponds near the house. We always hoped for a clear night with a full moon for these events. These events were a blast! Lots of food, mulled cider and family and friends. The first year we did this was 1971 after we moved to our farm in New Gloucester, Maine. I remember the house was undergoing major renovations and it was cold. I'm not sure anyone made it to midnight at that event because the house was so cold. We had a woodstove in the kitchen and it could not keep up. Over time these get-togethers disappeared. My sisters and I have talked about reviving this event, but it is one of those things that never seems to happen. It seems that in many recent years we have not even had snow or ice on New Year's.

My wife and I just attended my company Christmas party last Friday. This is the only holiday party that we attend regularly these days. For the past few years, this party has taken place at a local restaurant and is generally a pretty low-key event.

The Harris Family of New Gloucester

2010-12-06T08:31:00.000-05:00

Here is some more interesting New Gloucester, Maine history and genealogy news from an April 12-15, 1911 article in Lewiston Journal, Illustrated Magazine Section titled "Maine Families, and their Genealogies". The article is about the Harris Family of New Gloucester. This article was found searching the Google News site. Surnames in this article include: Allen, Bacheldor, Bradbury, Cook, Davis, Foxcroft, Gower, Guptil, Harris, Harrison, Haskell, Hersey, Johnson, Megquire, Merrill, Otis, Parsons, Record, Roberson, Tobie, Tyng, Waterman, White, Witham, Yetton.

Advent Calendar - Santa Claus

2010-12-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

December 6 – Santa Claus
Did you ever send a letter to Santa? Did you ever visit Santa and “make a list?” Do you still believe in Santa Claus?

You bet! Here is one from 1973 when I was 7 years old.

I don't recall getting anything on that list! I know I sent lists to Santa. Here is a letter that I received from Santa.

This is a little tough to read, so here is a transcription:

NORTH POLE
P.O. Box 1923
Portland, Maine 04104

Dear William,
     Thank you for writing to me. I know you've been good most of the year so I'll see what I can do for you. My elves and I have been very busy lately trying to get toys made for you. We even work after supper each night.
     Mrs Claus is helping out this year by dressing all the dolls. Her sewing machine has been going WHRRR-RR for weeks now. She has my red suit all set for me to wear.
     My reindeer are in top shape and all ready for the trip. Rudolph also tells me he's ready to lead my sleigh in case it's a foggy night.
     I flew down over Maine a few nights ago to pick up some toy making supplies. From the looks of all the bright lights, I'd say you people in Maine really have the Christmas spirit this year.
     I hope you'll all remember that Christmas is more than just presents, candy canes, and beautiful trees and decorations. It is also sharing, helping others and being nice to everyone all year long. And most of all, it is the birthday of baby Jesus.
Merry Christmas
Santa Claus

Seems kind of interesting that based on this letter the North Pole address was in Portland, Maine! I wonder if I noticed that before...

Advent Calendar - Outdoor Decorations

2010-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 5 – Outdoor Decorations
Did people in your neighborhood decorate with lights? Did some people really go “all out” when decorating? Any stories involving your ancestors and decorations?

We were minimalists when it came to outdoor decoration. Homemade wreaths on the house doors and sometimes a large 5-foot diameter wreath on the barn was the extent of our outdoor decorations. It was probably because we lived on a rural dirt road and our nearest neighbors were 1/4 and 1/2 miles away. I see many more people going "all out" today than back when I was growing up in the 1970's and 80's.

New Gloucester Proprietors - Chapter 3

2010-12-04T17:15:00.000-05:00

Here is the third chapter of New Gloucester Proprietors continued from my previous post. Lots of surnames in this article, including: Allen, Bradstreet, Chipman, Collins, Dennison, Foxcroft, Hammond, Harris, Haskell, Hayes, Herrick, Marston, Parson, Prince, Riggs, Sturgis, Thompson, Tyler, Ward, Warner, Whitney. This article was written by Anson Titus in the June 13-17, 1908 edition of the Lewiston Journal Illustrated Magazine and was found on the Google News site. Enjoy!

New Gloucester Proprietors - first page

New Gloucester Proprietors - second page

Advent Calendar - Christmas Cards

2010-12-04T09:17:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 4 – Christmas Cards
Did your family send cards? Did your family display the ones they received? Do you still send Christmas cards? Do you have any cards from your ancestors?

My mother was always very good about sending out Christmas cards, although I think it was always a chore. We always displayed up the cards that we received - usually hanging them around the doorway into the living room where we had the Christmas tree. I still send out a few Christmas cards, but the number has reduced significantly over the years. I remember making linoleum block print cards one year which was fun. I saw some copies of these cards at my Dad's house, but I don't have any images of them.

If nothing else, these Advent Calendar blogging prompts make me realize that I have not done a great job documenting some things in my life for future generations...

New Gloucester Proprietors - Chapters 1 & 2

2010-12-03T09:27:00.000-05:00

As I have indicated previously, several of my Haskell ancestors were early residents of New Gloucester, District of Maine. I have found several articles published in the Lewiston Journal Illustrated Magazine in 1908 that provide a very interesting account of how the town was founded. These articles quite interesting to me, as I grew up in New Gloucester and lived there for 15+ years. There is a lot of great genealogy information in this article. The article "The New Gloucester Proprietors: Their Days and Descendants Chapters 1 & 2" written by Anson Titus in the May 16-20, 1908 edition of the Lewiston Journal Illustrated Magazine was found on the Google News site.

Advent Calendar - Christmas Tree Ornaments

2010-12-03T07:39:00.001-05:00

Prompt for December 3 – Christmas Tree Ornaments
Did your family have heirloom or cherished ornaments? Did you ever string popcorn and cranberries? Did your family or ancestors make Christmas ornaments?

We had several old ornaments - mostly glass balls and a couple glass bird shaped ornaments. We never had a star that went on the top of the tree, but we did hang a small comet-shaped metal ornament near the top. I do remember stringing popcorn several times, but we did not do it every year. We made paper chains and often added to them year after year. When I was young I remember large multi-colored lights, but when I got older we bought small multi-color lights for the tree. We now use small white lights on the tree. There were many homemade ornaments made by various members of the family. There are many homemade ornaments on our tree now. My wife has made many cross-stitched and tatted ornaments that fill the branches. I remember making ornaments with my Mom out of dough. These were often farm animals, but they usually broke after a year or two. Some of the older ornaments may have come from previous generations, but, if they were, the history was never passed along to me.

The one thing I like the best was not a tree ornament but a decoration. We had a village consisting of little wooden houses and buildings, farm animals, people, cars, trains and trees. I would spent hours arranging and rearranging this village into different configurations. Some years I would get something new to add to the village.

Unfortunately, I don't seem to have any photographs of the village or of our Christmas tree from when I was growing up.

Advent Calendar - Holiday Foods

2010-12-02T07:48:00.000-05:00

Prompt for December 2 – Holiday Foods
Did your family or ancestors serve traditional dishes for the holidays? Was there one dish that was unusual?

My family generally ate what I would consider as traditional foods at our holiday meals. Christmas dinner usually included turkey or ham, salad, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, assorted vegetables and homemade bread or rolls. Dessert was often a variety of pies. While I was growing up we rotated holiday meals between my aunt and uncle's house and our house. I remember at our house always having to polish the special silverware before the meal. I don't remember any unusual Christmas meals. However, one Thanksgiving we had Japanese food prepared by several Japanese exchange students that were friends with one of my sisters. I'm not sure this was a big hit with most of the family, but it is certainly something I will always remember.

Today we have two Christmas meals. On Christmas Eve we go to my wife's parents house. This meal consists of many finger-type foods, such as shrimp with cocktail sauce, lil' smokies, veggies & dip, bugle snack chips, crackers & cheese, various holiday cookies, pies, etc. On Christmas day we go to my Dad's house for a more traditional mid-day meal.

My Mom always made a variety of Christmas cookies and sweet breads to distribute to neighbors and friends and of course for our own enjoyment. spritz cookies and pecan tassies were always my favorites.

Wordless Wednesday - Goat at Upper Dutton Farm

2010-12-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Advent Calendar Day 1 - The Christmas Tree

2010-12-01T07:39:00.000-05:00

My family always had a real Christmas tree - usually a balsam fir tree. There is nothing better than a real balsam fir tree smell to make you get excited about Christmas! One year we tried a blue spruce tree instead, but it had a very pungent smell and was not very pleasant. It was typically a family event to walk out into the woodlot and pick out the Christmas tree. This expedition was often made while carrying sleigh bells and singing Christmas carols. My Dad's woodlot is full of mature trees, so it seems that we always cut down a 50-70 foot tall tree and lopped the top 6 feet off of it for our tree. The downside to this is that often several branches broke off as the tall tree came down to the ground and sometimes we had to drill holes in the trunk and wire new branches on to avoid having a gaping "hole" in our tree. Other times the trunk was so crooked that we had to wire the tree to the wall to keep it from tipping over. We always lugged back many of the extra boughs for making wreaths, swags, etc to decorate the doors and those of our neighbors. It always took a day or two to get the sticky pitch off of your hands and clothes after the Christmas tree expedition. We always got our tree the Sunday before Christmas and it usually came back down the Sunday after New Years. Before my Mom died in 1980 the whole family participated in decorating the tree, often while listening to Amahl and the Night Visitors on the record player. When we took the tree down, we always put it out back near the bird feeder for the birds to enjoy.

We have continued the tradition of making the annual trek out into the woodlot, although we now try to cut shorter trees. Sometimes I try to scout out some good trees prior too, or else it may take a long time to find one. When I lived out west while going to graduate school and during my first job, we considered getting an artificial tree, but I just never could get myself to buy one. I really enjoy the smell of a real balsam fir tree (the blue spruce I can do without!). Lately we have been considering the possibility of a live Christmas tree.

Merrill Haskell Ancestral Chart No. 20

2010-11-29T08:11:00.000-05:00

Ancestral Chart No. 20, continuing Merrill Haskell's direct family line, compiled by Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell's. Chart 20 continues from Chart 1 with Ebenezer Owen, Jr. who married Abigail Cotton about 1763.

Grace Ware Holbrook Journal Entry - Post 17

2010-11-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

[This is the last entry in the journal]

July 13th [1918] On Monday July 8th camp opened. the first girls to arrive were those from South Vernon and Guilford who were met in Brattleboro & brought here by Cook & Brown. Last year's girls are: Helen Hughes, Gladys Brown, Hattie Johnson, Gertrude Johnson, Irene Fairman and Julia Fairman; and the new girls are Grace Johnson, Winnifred Mead & Virgie Goodnow. They were here for lunch, and in the afternoon settled down in their tents. Elizabeth gathered them together to start stoves while peas were being shelled.
Other girls who arrived in the afternoon were Mildred Taft, Dora Clark & Bernice Dodge from West Dummerston; and Clara Fisher, Florence Merrill, Hazel Fox from West Brattleboro; and Marion Laughton from Dummerston.
The old girls were delighted with the camp site and by supper time many said they knew camp was going to be even better fun than last years. the atmosphere was quite cheerful and the songs about the camp fire went very well - in spite of the cool evening. the beds were all pinned in by Sarah to insure no air spaces after getting into bed for the night.

Caleb S. Haskell - One of the Oldest Twins in the U.S.

2010-11-22T12:26:00.000-05:00

Many of my Haskell ancestors lived in New Gloucester, Maine. I have found several interesting old newspaper articles in the Lewiston Evening Journal at the Google News site that provide some interesting glimpses into the past of this town. Here is an April 16, 1903 article about the death of Caleb S. Haskell who had the distinction of being one of the oldest twins in the United States at the time of his death.

Here is my transcription of the article

ONE OF THE TWINS IS DEAD
Caleb S. Haskell, Was One of New Gloucester's Oldest Citizens.
A Sister Survives Him, Aged Eighty-nine Years.
They Had the Distinction of Being the Oldest Twins in the United States.
     NEW GLOUCESTER, Me. April 16 (Special). -- Caleb S. Haskell of this town died early this A.M. after a short illness. He was stricken on Wednesday with acute kidney trouble. His family was hopeful of his recovery until Monday, when new complications developed.
     Wednesday he showed a marvelous revival of strength. But the power to hold this new condition failed rapidly and he lost his hold gradually on life, passing away quietly as one going asleep. This was just six days after taking his bed.
     Mr. Haskell in personal characteristics was a most affectionate and cherished husband and father.
     By reason of his age and his keen mental faculties Mr. Haskell was considered an authority on local history. Throughout the village he was known for his kindness of heart and benevolence to the poor and suffering.
     Mr. Haskell is survived by a twin sister, Mrs. Judith P. Bradbury, now living in Roxbury, Mass. Before Mr. Haskell's death, they had the distinction of being the oldest living twins living in New England and probably in the United States.
     They were born in New Gloucester, Aug. 14, 1814. Their parents, Caleb and Judith Collins Haskell had 12 children of whom 10 grew to maturity. Five of them were black-eyed and five blue; five right-handed and five left-handed. Their father, who lived to the ripe age of 91, had a twin sister who reached the age of 87.
     Caleb S. Haskell always was a resident of New Gloucester, except for a short time when he worked at the mason's trade in Boston, and was employed in the construction of the Boston custom house. He worked as a carpenter considerably and also devoted much attention to farming. Feb. 10, 1840, he married Martha P. Rowe, a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Pierce Rowe of New Gloucester, who survives him. Both Mr. and Mrs Haskell were for many hears members of the choir of the New Gloucester Congregational church. Mr. Haskell never found it necessary to use glasses. He always totally abstained from the use of both tobacco and intoxicants. Of their three children the only one living is Newell P. Haskell, deputy collector of internal revenue with headquarters in Portland.

Book of Dates (1933) - Post 9

2010-11-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

[Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell Book of Dates, continued]
[Entries entered in the order they are written, which indicates they were probably written after the fact. Some entries entered in pen and others in pencil]

1933
April            Mary Cary & Elizabeth Diament here on way to Bangor
                   Merrill & I in Boston
May 24       Miss Koerster here
                     Miss [blank] Shelburne M[errill] & I
July & August In Brattleboro, GWH, LBH, OH; Lombards in Yarmouth July & Aug
July 3 - 6    C Tarbox at Terrace Street
September    Mrs Curtis came for month to Oct 7
[Sept] 23    Charles Haskell here AM LBH birthday
Owen & Lucy at Waynefleet School
October 1-6 Shelburne Merrill & I
October 8 Miss Alys [?] arrives
Oct 15    Richard L Cary dies in Berlin Germany
[Oct] 19    Owen at Dr Ganthers
[Oct] 30 Merrill at Shelburne hunting
Jan 9            Garden Club slides at Mrs Herbert Paysons
Jan 21          Merrills tonsils out at hospital
May 12        with Louise Haskell to Mrs Tobie's for Birthday
June             Mary deWetter's marriage to St Clair Smith at Roxbury Conn
July 4           MH, H Curtis & WBC to Yarmouth
                    Picnic at Goodhues - Hay barn at Scott Farm
[Jul] 8          Fisher's dinner 7:15 at Rice Farm
[Jul] 10        Robinsons & C Tarbox & G True (?) for day
[Jul] 12        Church fair

Grace Ware Holbrook Journal Entry - Post 16

2010-11-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

June 12th [1918] Heavy rain & thunderstorm through the morning & afternoon. Wrote letters, walked with the Dabneys & Miss Lubovitsky.

June 13th [1918] Cold & overcast in the morning, when all but Miss Lubovitsky, Miss Kehl & I went off to Cornish [?] for the day. I saw Miss Wellman, & we all did errands in the village till lunch time.
We napped, wrote letters, typewrote & played the piano in the afternoon. Later, it cleared off finely, & the afterglow was beautiful - At twilight a bright new moon shone through the clouds over the tree tops over our hill.

Tombstone Tuesday - Charles Alfred Haskell Cemetery Plot

2010-11-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

Cemetery: Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 13 November 2010
Subject Name: Charles Alfred Haskell Family Cemetery Plot
Location: Lot 171-172, Section U, Area 397

There are six people buried in this plot, including Charles Alfred Haskell, his wife, Mary Sophia (Foye) Haskell, Louise F. Haskell, Nellie Marie Haskell, Dr. Alfred W. Haskell, and Julia M. Foye. Charles Alfred Haskell was the son of my great great grandfather Alfred Haskell and the brother of my great grandfather Frank Owen Haskell.

The large monument has "HASKELL" on the front and no other information on any of the other sides. The transcriptions of the small stones from left to right, are as follows:

JULIA M. FOYE/1855 - 1922
ALFRED W. HASKELL/1876 - 1951
NELLIE M. HASKELL/1876 - 1951
LOUISE F. HASKELL/1873 - 1962
MARY S. HASKELL/1846 - 1935
CHARLES A. HASKELL/1848 - 1931

Alfred W. and Louise F. Haskell were children of Charles A. and Mary S. Haskell. Julia M. Foye was the sister of Mary S. (Foye) Haskell. I'm not sure where Nellie M. Haskell fits in to the family. I have not found her living in the Charles A. Haskell household in the 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920 or 1930 censuses.

Newspaper Clipping - Engagement

2010-11-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Transcription of newspaper clipping in Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell's scrapbook. Handwritten in pen at the top of the clipping is "1926". No newspaper name is provided.

Engagements of Interest in Various Cities

Mrs. Frederick Holbrook of Brattleboro, Vt., announces the engagement of her daughter, Miss Grace Ware Holbrook, to Mr. Merrill Haskell of Portland, Me. Miss Holbrook, who attended Milton Academy and was graduated from the Lowthrope School of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture for Women, is a member of the Sewing Circle of 1913. No definite date has been set for her marriage to Mr. Haskell, who received his degree from Dartmouth College in 1915.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Red Address Book

2010-11-11T08:00:00.004-05:00

One of the more interesting source documents handed down by my grandmother, Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell is her red address book. This book is not only packed with addresses, but it also has a wealth of genealogy and family history data, including cemetery lot locations, school graduation dates, military service dates, trip dates, military ranks, health information, dates of major sicknesses, birth dates, death dates, marriage dates, employment dates and locations, holiday gift lists.
I doubt that many people kept this kind of information in their address book, but my advice is don't overlook the address book as a valuable source of information.


This page provides information on schools attended, trips abroad and marriage date for Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell

This page provides information on the Haskell Cemetery Lot at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland, Maine

Newspaper Clipping - Francis Goodhue Leaves For France

2010-11-10T12:20:00.000-05:00

Transcription of newspaper clipping in Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell's scrapbook. Handwritten in pen at the top of the clipping is "Reformer June 19, '12"

FRANCIS GOODHUE LEAVES FOR FRANCE
Grandson of Late Col. Francis Goodhue of Brattleboro Plans to Drive in Ambulance Corps
Francis Goodhue, 3d, of Philadelphia sailed June 2 for France to drive in the Norton Hardges ambulance corps. He had been working for his father, Francis Goodhue, in Philadelphia up to the time of his departure. He is 23 years old and a grandson of the late Col. Francis Goodhue of Brattleboro. He hopes to drive with or near the unit in which Appleton Miles of Brattleboro is working and with whom he has been intimate since they were small boys in Brattleboro.

Newspaper Clipping - Miss Cabot, Historian

2010-11-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

Transcription of newspaper clipping in Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell's scrapbook. Name and date of newspaper not provided.

MISS CABOT, HISTORIAN

Brattleboro Woman Elected to Important Office in Colonial Dames

     The 19th annual meeting of the National society of Colonial Dames in Vermont was held Wednesday in Burlington. Visiting members were entertained at luncheon by Mrs. J. Holmes Jackson, wife of the mayor, and Mrs. H. Nelson Jackson. Mrs. J. A. Mead of Rutland, president, delivered an address.
      During the last year the society has contributed money for a Plymouth memorial and a hospital ship given by the national society to the government. Money was also voted during the year for a women's hospital in France and for the support of French orphans. A resume of the activities of the societies in other states was given by the historian, Miss Mary Rogers Cabot of Brattleboro. The following officers were elected: --
      President, Mrs. John Abner Mead of Rutland; first vice president, Miss Mary Austin of Burlington; second vice president, Mrs. J. Holmes Jackson of Burlington; secretary, Mrs. George Allen Laird of Royalston; treasurer, Mrs. Charles H. Darling of Burlington; registrar, Mrs. Perley Hazen of St. Johnsbury; historian, Miss Mary Rogers Cabot of Brattleboro.

Grace Ware Holbrook Journal Entry - Post 15

2010-11-08T19:05:00.000-05:00

June 11th [1918] - clear
     Michael left for New York and Mrs. Delano, Miss Kehl & I saw him off at the station. After the errands were done, we went across the river to get mountain laurel, and found quantities, although much had already been picked.
     In a beautiful grove, I found maiden hair fern in great clumps, and gathered a small amount of it.
     Mrs. Delano was absorbed in the Boston American headlines, while Miss Kehl & I joined forces on the laurel hunt.
     The others motored, & I wrote letters etc.

Grace Ware Holbrook Journal Entry - Post 14

2010-11-05T18:55:00.000-04:00

June 10th 1918 Overcast & cold.
In the morning I met Miss Eddy to talk over prospects of camp.
We had a picnic lunch at Upper Dutton Farm, & it was great fun getting it ready in spite of excitements not being prepared for it. The planked [?] shad was fine, & all enjoyed the lunch. the Misses Dabney & Miss Lubovitsky walked up the hill, & later Miss Kehl, Michael & I walked home. We went to call on Mrs Miles who was out, & then saw Aunt Molly, as Michael wished to say goodbye to her.

Brooks & Forman Papers - William Forman Brooks

2010-11-02T08:00:00.004-04:00

[William F. Brooks was born 29 Aug 1811 to William S. and Eleanor [Forman] Brooks]

WILLIAM FORMAN BROOKS

     William F. Brooks, the gifted son, was said to be "the handsomest young man in the State of Vermont." He also had fine manners and conversational brilliancy: because of his personal charm and a natural susceptibility to environment, Grandmother evinced anxiety for the future of her eldest son to whom she was particularly devoted. She feared that "William would either be a very good man or a very bad one."
     In 1829- 1830, when he was ten years of age, he began his career as clerk in the store of Gardner C. Hall at Putney, which was at this time a more important town than Brattleboro, and lived with Mr. And Mrs. Hall. He was Captain of the Brattleboro Light Infantry the same year.
     In 1834-36 he entered into business in Manchester, England, with his cousin, Samuel R. Brooks, a man of gentlemanly tastes, but visionary in matters of business. The undertaking was a failure. In 1836, he lived at Waterloo five miles from Liverpool.
     The family have in their possession illustrated books, vases, candlesticks and other household furnishings, all in exquisite taste, sent by William Brooks from England to his people at home, for he was generous to a fault, and a good friend to his brothers and sisters, -- interested in the education of those younger than himself and always ready to give them assistance to the best opportunities of the period.
     On his return to America he made some important inventions, but the money obtained from them accrued to others, as is so often the experience of inventors, so that his life would have been a struggle if it had not been relieved by the practical aid of his brother Horace.
     He was handsome, and charming, and generous to the end.

"From William F. Brooks when in England, came the art of making seamless brass and copper tubing, and patents therefor have been sold to the amount of $500,000." Burnham's History of Brattleboro.

In 1862 he received an order for 10,000 carbines.

Brooks & Forman Papers - Introduction

2010-11-01T18:57:00.000-04:00

My grandmother, Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell's genealogy research binder that focuses on the Holbrook Family genealogy includes a manuscript prepared by Mary Rogers Cabot titled "Brooks & Forman Papers". This document is typescript and undated. There is a note on the front cover indicating this was a copy for GWH. This document provides some interesting information about the Brooks and Forman families, even though there is limited source information provided. Mary Rogers Cabot was the author of the two volume set titled "Annals of Brattleboro [Vermont], 1681 - 1895", published in 1921 and 1922 by the E. L. Hildreth & Co., Brattleboro, Vermont. Mary Rogers Cabot was the daughter of Norman Franklin and Lucy T. (Brooks) Cabot was born in Brattleboro, Vermont on 20 August 1856. She died in Brattlboro on 30 April 1932. I look forward to transcribing and sharing the information from this manuscript over a series of posts in the coming months.

Grace Ware Holbrook Journal Entry - Post 13

2010-10-27T12:29:00.000-04:00

June 9th - Sunday [1918]
We climbed Skyrocket in the morning - Miss Lubovitsky, Michael, Cabot & I, and found quantities of strawberries on the hill. We discussed growing things in general and enjoyed ourselves very much.
Michael received from Miss Follett a letter on democracy which stirred everyone, especially him, by the general attitude with which it was received as much as anything else. We played tennis a little, after Cabot had departed & the letter was read aloud to all by mother, leaving them to discuss matters by themselves.

Tombstone Tuesday - Jabez C. Haskell

2010-10-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

Cemetery: Pond Cemetery, New Gloucester, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 8 November 2009
Subject Name: Jabez C.and Lucinda (Purinton) Haskell

Transcription of Gravestone #1: JABEZ C. HASKELL/DIED/June 27, 1875/AE. 76.
Transcription of Gravestone #2: LUCINDA/wife of/Jabez C. Haskell/Died Sept. 11, 1852,/AE. 45 yrs. 7 mos./[epitaph illegible]

Jabez's gravestone death date conflicts with the New Gloucester Vital Records which includes the following entry: Jabez C. Haskell died January 27th, 1875 aged 76 years.

Lucinda's gravestone death date matches the New Gloucester Vital Records provides the following entry: Mrs Lucinda Haskell died Sept 11, 1852 aged forty-five years.

The New Gloucester Vital Records also provide the following marriage record: Joined in Marriage Mr Jabez C. Haskell and Miss Lucinda Purinton both of New Gloucester Dec 2, 1827.

Gravestone #1 - Jabez C. Haskell

Gravestone #2 - Lucinda Haskell

Amanuensis Monday - Mary C. Diller Letter - Feb. 4, 1943

2010-10-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Here is the transcription of another letter from Mary C. Diller to my grandmother Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell.

Feb. 4th, 1943.
My Dear Cousin: -
     It is a long time since I have heard from you or cousin Nellie Torrey.
     She usually writes me about "Xmas" time; but she did not write me this last "Xmas" and I am afraid she is sick or passed away.
     Will you please write me as I am anxious to know if she is in good health and still living?
     This terrible War so depressing.
     Is your son old enough to be in this World's War?
     How are you all?
     My Eldest son John Cabot Diller is Major in the Air Corpse somewhere over seas.
     I am anxiously awaiting official announcement of his safe arrival.
     His wife and four children are moving from Meridian, Connecticut to a warmer climate in Florida.
     She feels her heavy burden keenly and I do hope she can stem the tide.
     Major John Cabot Diller was at Miami and Busch, Florida six weeks.
     Then sent to Harrisburg, Pa after three weeks stay.
     The Majors were sent to Washington, D.C. 2 1/2 weeks.
     Given a Furlough and son John went home to Meridian, Conn.
     From there he was sent to San Francisco, California awaiting transportation to go over seas.
     After that sent to New Port, Virginia.
     "Xmas" morning a telegram announcing he had sailed for over-seas.
     His wife calapsed [sic] in a Real Estate Car looking up a home to move to.
     She was carried to a stranger's home and a Dr. summoned by the good lady of the house.
     Result a nervous break down.
     However she wrote she must go on and do her part to win this terrible War.
     I do hope she can survive her terrible ordeal.
     Meridian climate too cold for her.
     Hence she is seeking a warmer clime.
     Her four children in school.
     To be placed to another school.
     I do hope and pray that she may be able to stand up under the terrible strain.
     She writes however she shall always love Texas she calls her husband nevertheless.
     I have been in three Wars and shall be so thankful when it is over.
     Please do write all are well. Love, cousin Mary C. Diller

Grace Ware Holbrook Journal Entry - Post 12

2010-10-23T13:12:00.000-04:00

June 8th [1918]
      Yesterday it rained hard, & later in the day it cleared & grew colder. We remained here through the day doing various bits of housework.
     Today Miss Lubovitsky & I drove with Edwards to Brattleboro & stayed to lunch with Aunt Molly. Mr Moffitt met me & we went over the lists for camp candidates.
     Mother & Michael arrived later, with the Dabneys & Cabot in time for afternoon tea. Michael ~~handed~~ He was most excited over his Boston visit & with all that happened there - The Barrys dined with them, also Sarah Bradley & Miss West. Then Michael went to see Gerard's pictures, shopped with Cook, had tea with the Bradleys etc. We played tennis before dinner for a short time - and danced ~~for the benefit of~~ with several spectators about. presented me a huge box of candy with remarks that it was "so very small".

Grace Ware Holbrook Ancestral Chart 2

2010-10-21T11:46:00.000-04:00

This chart continues from Grace Ware Holbrook Ancestral Chart 1. This chart begins with John Holbrook b. July 10, 1761. Surnames on this chart include: Holbrook, Turner, Hunt, Lane, Hersey, Bradford, Rogers, Richards, Pabodie.

Grace Ware Holbrook Ancestral Chart 1

2010-10-20T07:31:00.000-04:00

Here is an ancestral chart that was filled out by my grandmother, Grace Ware Holbrook. Lots of information here that I need to document and source. These old charts are some of my favorite genealogy notes that were handed down by my grandmother. Surnames on this chart include: Holbrook, Goodhue, Knowlton, Edwards, Nourse, Mason, Parker, Ware, Cabot, Rogers, Sabin, Mayes, Brooks, Forman, Tufts, Wyckoff

Tombstone Tuesday - Major Jacob Haskell

2010-10-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

Cemetery: Lower Cemetery, New Gloucester, Cumberland County, Maine
Photo Date: 30 Jun 2007
Subject Name: Major Jacob Haskell
Transcription: In memory of/Majr. Jacob Haskell./died Sept. 29, 1825./AEt. 82.

Jacob Haskell was b. 12 Aug 1745 to Jacob and Tabitha (Day) Haskell in Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts (Gloucester VR to 1849). Based on this birth date and the death date on his gravestone, this would put his age at 80 at time of death not 82. I have also seen an alternate death date for Jacob as 29 Sept. 1820.

Amanuensis Monday - Mary C. Diller Letter , Jan. 1, 1941

2010-10-18T08:00:00.003-04:00

I transcribed this New Year's card/letter from Mary C. Diller to my grandmother Grace Ware (Holbrook) Haskell/

Jan. 1st 1941,
My Dear Cousin:
      So few of us are left. I want to keep in touch with them.
      How are cousin Will Cabot [William Brooks Cabot] and family? Also Dear Nellie Torrey? I fear cousin Nellie must see so lonely in this rushing world; but one should be so thankful we are so fortunate to have a home in the U.S.A. Our President is doing his best to keep us out of War.
      Do you have Relatives in Europe? If so your heart must ache for them.
      These are indeed strenuous times and stands [?] one in hand to be ready to meet our Maker. I hope you all keep well.
      I am enclosing to you a clipping of inquiry so you know of this John B. Cabot of Boston? I suppose cousin Will Cabot of Boston might give one some information but I have never been able to get his address.
      I met him years ago with Dear Uncle Norman Cabot [Norman Franklin Cabot] at the Worlds Fair Chicago, Ill. The year before my marriage.
      My son John has four children. Three boys and a sweet little Lucia. They live at Meridian, Conn. 3186 Emlock Road. Son Roland has no children but a very sweet wife. We are quite well but my eyes poor. A Happy New Year to you all with much love. Cousin Mary C. Diller

Amanuensis Monday - Grace Ware Holbrook Journal Entry - Post 11

2010-10-11T07:25:00.001-04:00

June 6th [1918]
Mother & Michael went early in the car on their way to Boston for two or three days stay. They planned to stop at Camp Devens to see Cabot on the way down. Later, I took the car down to the repair shop - as the shaft & bearing were broken. At the Episcopal Parish House there was a meeting of Public Health workers of the County, to discuss the possibilities of cooperating & organizing with the Red Cross, for a larger field of work & workers. Miss Mary Gardner spoke then & also in the afternoon - in an appeal for the public health work. Miss van Patten & Miss Wakefield gave outlines of their work among others, & all was well & clearly expressed.
I met Mr. Moffit to talk over plans for camp etc - & made beginnings at least toward a settlement of ideas.