Here is a post that really isn't a post, but a reference to a post. OK, got all that? Let me explain. My brother Gene (yah the ugly one) who writes a blog called "Turning the pages of Life" just did a two part post about some of our family history. No, I'm not talking about what grade school we went to or how many cousins each of us has. No this is some really cool stuff!
He was able to get a copy of a letter written about the journey the very first of our family made from Illinois to Oregon way back during the gold rush days of the 1850's. I'd heard some of the bits and pieces of the story during my lifetime, but never this complete of a picture.
Please do go by Gene's place and take a look. I think it's pretty amazing that where I live is just a few miles away from where my ancestors came to live after a long journey on a covered wagon.
Click here to read about it.
29 comments:
It is indeed an amazing story Jeff. I read both parts this morning. What a wonderful family jewel. Have a great day. :)
It was a wonderful story and a great read too! Y'all are so lucky to have that kind of history written down.
Wait...I thought YOU were the ugly one?
I think Jeff's the hairy one. lol
I have read your brother's blog and it's amazing! You both are so lucky to have some amazing history at your fingertips and to know so much about your ancestors' migration across America. I am so jealous! I loved reading it.
Sandee- Amazing what they went through.
Travis- I do realize how lucky I am.
Songbird- Have you been looking at my Jr High yearbook?
Rhea- Ha, right on the money.
What a journey that must have been.
Family history stories are really fun. We've traced our family back to Ireland, but no further than that so far. On my dad's side we go back through Kentucky to North Carolina before heading over to Ireland, but not a lot of written history though. That's really amazing!
I saw that and am planning to read it when I get some time. I mean, more than the usual 5 minutes per blog that I have alloted myself.
Desert Songbird is my hero!
Jeff, that's amazing. Especially for me - my ancestors left Ireland for British India, and then I packed up on a whim and left to live in Australia!
Hey! I am heading over now to read it.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
Jennifer
ha...I just commented at Gene's about how you ended up in Oregon.
What a great piece of family history to have!
now we know where the writing skills and stubborness comes from...and apparently you two look a whole lot alike...smle.
Jeff, I hope you don't mind but I have tagged you on my site to share some interesting things about yourself.
I read it! It's great that you guys have a piece of family history like that to treasure! I didn't see any mention of ugliness in your family history, so I'm wondering........
Peace
Great stuff! My son is in K.C., and we toured a museum there of an unearthed Missouri river steamboat from about that time period. A great slice of their real lives really shows you how it was...
That was some great story Gene posted. I enjoyed reading it. Made me think that I don't really know much of our history. I'll have to ask my cousin if she found anything interesting when working on that sides geneology.
I love that kind of stuff. I'll be sure to swing by, Jeff. Cheers!!
Jay- My advise would be to take the time to write down as much of it as you can gather up from memories and or relitives. Someone will thank you for it.
Nicole- It's worth the time investment when you can.
Gene- Birds of a feather flock together. You're both turkeys.
David- It's fun to see where we've come from.
Jennifer- I think you'll like it.
Katherine- Hahaha...Please take a seat next to Songbird in the heckling section.
Jules- I'll be by later today to check it out.
Odat- The ugliness is a genetic flaw that apparently started and stopped when Gene was born. Bwahahaha
Buffalo- Somehow seeing or reading about events that came from a great, great _______, make a bigger impact than any movie could portray. Glad they got to experience some of that too.
Crystalchick- Even the little details are interesting when its personel. Do ask her.
Matt- Wouldn't that be funny if you were part of the family that stayed in the midwest?
I plan on stopping by and reading when I've got a few minutes, in fact, I wouldn't miss it!!
I read both parts yesterday and found it absolutely fascinating adn what a wonderful piece of history!
Isn't it wonderful to be able to actually read the account of your families journey west? I have been tracing our family for quite a few years. I get so excited when I come across a really good find...like information that isn't skimpy, but a rather complete accounting.
I often think of my ancestors, and wonder are my feet touching the same ground that my ancestors once walked on?
Have a great week Jeff and thanks for sharing your family with all of us.
WOW Jeff...what a fascinating history.
Think how many families did the same as yours, but have nothing written down to savor and pass from generation to generation.
Since Gene's been on my favorites reading list for going on two years now, I'll be getting to his post sometime today -alphabetic order on my reader, ya know. So I'll be reading his posts for sure! I think there must be something genetic about good bloggers, great posts and it sure must run in the Bach family tree.
I'm going to take a trip to read about your family...family history is so enthralling, the further back the better!
Sandi
Dana- It's a pretty cool account of a long trip accross the country.
Akelamalu- Glad you enjoyed it.
Jo- It is fascinating to find something this detailed about the past history.
Bond- That really is a shame that many don't have the history to share with future generations.
Jeni- Ah, such kind words, thanks.
Sandi- It's a pretty cool story.
Hey Jeff,
I went by Gene's and read the story. It was amazingly written by Jane, and so full of detail...I felt as if I was riding the train along with them. What a wonderful piece of family history to have in your posession. A real blessing.
Thank You for sharing with us.
Hugs,
Kimmie
How cool was that?!
Aloha..you have some facinating bits and bobs on your bloggie thing...
I'll check out your brothers next..
(Wait, that didnt come out right..)
sillyness is next to staples..
PEace, Kai
Kimmie- She sounds like she was a pretty tough cookie. Gee, I wonder where I get that stubborn streak from?
Anndi- I was stoked to read it. Gene got a note from one of his buddies with some more info about the Lincoln connection. Way cool.
Kai- Thanks for comming accross the ocean for a visit. Hope to see you again.
Oh I read this at Genes!!!
Flippin amazing! xx
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