On My Way!

The long-awaited (by me, at least) Colorado Family History Expo in Colorado Springs is finally almost here! I'm making my way there by car, bus, plane and - mini-van!

This Friday and Saturday, June 1st and 2nd, hundreds of family history enthusiasts will gather at the Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs. The Expo will open with a keynote address by Don R. Anderson, Senior Vice President for FamilySearch. 

With the theme of "Your Family History Starts Here!," there will be literally dozens of learning opportunities for the attendees over the course of two days. With presentations ranging from beginner (Let's Get Started! with yours truly) to experienced (English, Swedish, Cherokee, German, to name a few specialties), there is something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner, or you've come up against a brick wall, or are looking to extend a line, this is the place to be.

Holly Hansen, President of Family History Expos, and an ultra-experienced genealogist, will present the closing keynote. Her addresses are always a special treat, as she shares some of her personal research experiences.

The classes are great! The company is fabulous! Come join us!




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Tombstone Tuesday - Thornton

Daniel Thornton

1837 - 1898

Daniel Thornton was born on December 12, 1837, in Lubec, Washington County, Maine. His parents were David and Mary. He was a seaman at the time of his registration for the draft at the beginning of the Civil War. He subsequently served in the 12th Regiment, Maine Infantry. On October 15, 1879, he married Annie Louise Huntley in Cutler, Washington County, Maine. In 1880, they were living there and had an infant daughter, Hattie. In the Washington State Territorial Census taken in May 1887, Daniel was living in Port Gamble, Kitsap County. He was a woodsman. His wife was not listed in the census, though it says he was married. Port Gamble was the home of the Pope and Talbot Lumber Mill. Daniel died on August 28, 1898, and is buried in Port Gamble. His widow was enumerated in the 1900 census in Port Gamble.

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In Memory... Memorial Day, and more family

Originally called "Decoration Day," Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 when General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued his General Order No. 11. The first observation of the Day was 30 May 1868. On that date, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, we observe Memorial Day on the last Monday of May. 

Decoration day crowds at cemetery in Kirkwood, via WikiCommons

The original order suggested that we "gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor.." This year, we will seek out the graves of some of the souls who bravely served us, particularly during wartime. It's never too late to say "Thank you."

Not to be forgotten from among the individuals in my family file, the men listed below also died while serving during the Civil War.

• Myron Emery Avery (1845 - 1864) 6th Regiment, Indiana Cavalry
• Andrew M. Clark (1834 - 1863) 121st Regiment, Ohio Infantry
• William R. Coryell (1842 - 1864) 21st Regiment, New York Cavalry
• William M. Cowger (1845 - 1862) 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry
• Edward Hays (1842 - 1863) Indiana
• Abraham S. Kibler (1809 - 1863) 53rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry
• James Thomas Lindsay (1846 - 1865) Kentucky
• Harrison Runyan (1845 - 1864) 13th Regiment, Iowa Infantry

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In Memory... Albert D. Gibler

At just 19 years old, Albert Delbert Gibler enlisted to serve in the Union Army on August 15, 1862. He lived in Leon, Decatur County, Iowa, the son of James David and Sarah Margaret (Sams) Gibler. He was my husband's second great-granduncle.

Albert was enlisted as a private in Company I, Iowa 34th Infantry Regiment on October 15, 1862, when it was mustered in. Below is a record from the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors website outlining the service of his unit.

"Organized at Burlington and mustered in October 15, 1862... SERVICE.-Sherman's Yazoo Expedition December 22, 1862, to January 2, 1863. Chickasaw Bayou December 26-28, 1862. Chickasaw Bluffs December 29. Expedition to Arkansas Post, Ark., January 3-10, 1863. Assault on and capture of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Post, January 10-11. Moved to Chicago, Ill., with prisoners January 17-February 5. At St. Louis, Mo., till April 1. Guard prisoners to City Point, Va., April 1-20. Moved to Pilot Knob, Mo., and duty there till June 3. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., June 3-10. Siege of Vicksburg June 10-July 4. Expedition to Yazoo City July 12-21. Occupation of Yazoo City July 14. Moved to Port Hudson, ..."

By Kurz & Allison [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

According to a family history, Albert died "of a chill of the brain in an army hospital." His service record says he died of disease on July 27, 1863, at Port Hudson, Louisiana. I add Albert to the list of brave souls to be honored and remembered for their service to our great nation.

John Topping     Isaac Gothard

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In Memory... Isaac Gothard

Isaac Gothard was my Grandpa Epps' great-grandfather. Isaac was a free person of color with a twin brother, John. They were born in Indiana and lived in Iowa, but Isaac's life ended at the infamous Andersonville Prison in Georgia.

By John L. Ransom [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

On July 1, 1863, both Isaac and John enlisted in the 3rd Iowa Infantry, Company B. They were living in  Westfield, Fayette County, Iowa. I do not know exactly when Isaac began his service, but the information below is from the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors website showing the areas in which his unit served until the time of his capture.

"Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 5-10. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. Assault on Jackson July 12. Duty at Vicksburg till November. Moved to Natchez, Miss., November 18. Return to Vicksburg December 16, and duty there till February, 1864. Meridian Campaign February 3-March 2. Veterans on furlough March to May. Non-Veterans on Red River Campaign March 10-May 22. Fort DeRussy March 14. Pleasant Hill April 9. Pleasant Hill Landing April 12-13. About Cloutiersville April 22-24. At Alexandria April 30-May 13. Boyce's and Wells' Plantation May 6. Bayou Boeuf May 7. Retreat to Morganza May 13-20. Mansura May 16. Yellow Bayou May 18-19. Non-Veterans mustered out June, 1864. Veterans moved to Cairo, lll., thence to Clifton, Tenn. March to Ackworth, Ga., via Huntsville and Decatur, Ala., and Rome, Ga., May 5-June 10. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign June 10-September 8. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 6-12. Leggett's, Bald Hill, July 20-21. Battle of Atlanta July 22."

Isaac was captured on July 22, 1864, at Atlanta, Georgia. He died on October 5, 1864, one of approximately 45,000 Union prisoners to die there. I honor Isaac Gothard for his willingness to defend the principles of freedom.

John Topping     Albert Gibler

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