Mappy Monday- Little Bedwyn, Wiltshire, England

My 14^th great grandfather John Mildenhall Jr. (1560-1614) was born in Little Bedwyn, Wiltshire, England.

Little Bedwyn, Wiltshire, England

Little Bedwyn (or Little Bedwin) is a village on the River Dun in Wiltshire. It was part of a larger estate during the early Middle Ages, held by the kings of Wessex of England.

How adorable is this town?! I would love to visit someday!

One popular building in Little Bedwyn is the parish church- The Church of England parish church of St. Michael, which is located at the north end of the village. It was built in 1158. Part of the roof dates about 1500, the rest of the roof was redone in 1841 and the spire was dismantled and rebuilt in 1963 after being struck by lightning.

Beautiful church- St. Michael

Cousin Challenge

Cousin Challenge!

Last month, Randy from Genea-Musings (Genea-Musings) posted a challenge about cousins. Caitie from Genealogically Speaking (Genealogically Speaking) took on the challenge, so I thought it’d be fun to try it as well!

Here’s the challenge:

1) Take both sets of your grandparents and figure out how many first cousins you have, and how many first cousins removed (a child or grandchild of a first cousin) you have.

2) Extra Credit: Take all four sets of your great-grandparents and figure out how many second cousins you have, and how many second cousins removed you have. HINT: Make a Descendants Chart with your genealogy software program!

3) Tell us the grandparents and great-grandparents names, but don’t give the name of living cousins unless you want to.

4) Are there any of those lines that you don’t know all of the cousins names? Do you care?

5) Tell us about them in your own blog post, in a comment to this blog post, or in a Facebook or Google+ post of your own. Be sure to drop a comment to this post to link your work.

I know I have a lot of cousins, but here it goes!

Grandparents

1a.     My grandparents Paul George and Dorothy Jean Jeckering had 4 children: Jean, Michael (my dad), Karla and Paul.

         

       ~Jean had 3 children- 2 girls and a boy- and 3 grandchildren that I know of.

       ~Karla has 2 children- a boy and a girl. I’m sure they have children, but I don’t know their names.

       ~Paul has 2 children- a boy and a girl- he has 1 grandchild.

          Dorothy remarried after Paul’s death and they had 4 more children—my father’s half-siblings: John, Carl, William and Frank.

          ~John didn’t have any children.

          ~Carl has 2 children- a boy and a girl- he has 1 grandchild.

          ~William doesn’t have any children.

          ~Frank has 2 children: - a girl and a boy- he has 1 grandchild.

Dorothy and her second husband- John Potchik and 7 of the 8 children. 

1b.     My grandparents Harold Earl and Helen Ruth Mendenhall had 4 children: Nancy, Earl Jr., Neil and my mom.

        

          ~Nancy has 5 children- 4 boys and 1 girl- she has 7 grandchildren.

          ~Earl Jr. has 3 children- 2 boys and 1 girl- he has 5 grandchildren.

          ~Neil has 2 children- 2 daughters- he has 4 grandchildren.

First Cousins: 21

First Cousins 1x Removed: 22 (that I know of)

Great Grandparents

2a.     Gerhard Cletus and Josephine M. Jeckering had 8 children: My grandfather Paul, Richard, Rita, David, Rosemary, Ruth, Joanne, and Joseph.

          ~Richard had 5 children- I don’t know about his grandchildren.

          ~Rita had 4 children- I don’t know about her grandchildren.

          ~David only lived one day.

          ~Rosemary never married or had children.

          ~Ruth only lived one day.

          ~Joanne had children, but I don’t know how many.

          ~Joseph had 5 children and 9 grandchildren, that I know of.

Gerhard Cletus, his wife Josephine and their children. 

Total so far:

First Cousins 1x Removed: 14 (that I know of)

2^nd Cousins: 9+

2^nd Cousins 1x Removed: Unknown

2b.     Isaac and Myrtle May Hendricks had 9 children: Harry Oliver, Grace, Ida Pauline, Mary Kathaleena, Catherine Virginia, Charles Woodrow, Edna Viola, Melvin Clifford, and my grandmother- Dorothy Jean.

          ~Harry Oliver married, but it is unknown if he had children.

          ~Grace died at 13, never married and never had children.

          ~Ida Pauline had 3 sons, I don’t know about grandchildren.

          ~Mary Kathaleena had 3 children- 2 daughters and a son- I don’t know about grandchildren.

          ~Catherine Virginia had 2 sons- 3 grandchild, 3 great grandchild, 4 great great grandchildren, and some 3x great grandchildren (number unknown).

          ~Charles Woodrow had 2 children- a girl and a boy- grandchildren are unknown.

          ~Edna Viola died in infancy.

          ~Melvin Clifford married, but I don’t know if he ever married or had children.

Total so far:

First Cousins 1x Removed: 24 (that I know of)

2^nd Cousins: 12+

2^nd Cousins 1x Removed: Unknown

2c.     Earl Dwight and Edna Grace Mendenhall had 3 children: Harold Earl (my great grandfather), Robert Eugene and Ruth E.

          ~Robert had 3 daughters- and at least 3 grandchildren.

          ~Ruth was disowned from the family- it is rumored that she married a doctor in California, but I don’t know if she ever had children.

Total so far:

First Cousins 1x Removed: 27 (that I know of)

2^nd Cousins: 15+

2^nd Cousins 1x Removed: Unknown

2d.     Otto Watson and Ruby Mae Seaver had 2 daughters- Anita M. and my grandmother- Helen Ruth.

          ~Anita had 2 daughters, one of which died in a car crash with Anita in 1957. Her other daughter had children, but I don’t know how many.

Total so far:

First Cousins 1x Removed: 29 (that I know of)

2^nd Cousins: 15+

2^nd Cousins 1x Removed: Unknown

4. There are a lot of missing names and yes, it does bother me- I wish I had all of it filled out but there are some parts of the family that I don’t talk to or I don’t know how to contact them.

Surname Saturday- Jeckering

Surname Saturday

Happy Saturday everyone! Welcome to Under the Nut Tree’s first Surname Saturday!

The earliest documentation of people with the surname Jeckering have been found in Drievorden, Niedersachesen, Germany. 

http://www.online-ofb.de/famreport.php?ofb=emsbueren&ID=I6209&nachname=JECKERING&lang=en

The Link above is a great resource I've found for researching the Jeckering family (and a lot of other Germany surnames from Emsubren, Germany!) All of these facts are great because they are from the Emsburen local heritage book, derived from official documents. 

My 7^th great grandfather, Gerhard Jeckering was born there in 1673. I have yet to find anything about his parents or siblings. I found one other Jeckering who was born in Drievorden, around that same time: Euphemia Jeckering (b. 1660); and Johann Jeckering (b. 1660) was born in Kirchspiel, Hamm, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. I have no idea if these other two Jeckering’s are related to Gerhard or not.

Gerhard Jeckering (1673-1735) was a farmer with lots of land. (His land is still occupied by my distant cousins today!) Gerhard married twice and had a total of 13 children- 10 of which survived childhood.

(This is not their land, just a random picture via Google, but you can see the beautiful landscape of Drievorden)

The Jeckering line remained in Drievorden until the late 1700s-early 1800s when my 5^th great grandfather- Johann Otto Jeckering (1767-1822) moved him and his new family to Hesepe, Germany.

My Jeckering lineage came to America in 1867 and my 3^rd great grandfather- Gerhard J. Jeckering (1829-1898) settled in Dayton, Ohio.

There were other Jeckering’s to move to America and now there are Jeckering’s all over the United States, but the majority are from Ohio.


UPDATE: August 04, 2014: A cousin of mine told me today that- This family in Germany, the spelling varies as follows:

Jeckering- Catholic
Jackering- Jewish

Interesting!!! I didn't know this!!!

Featured!

Hey everyone! 

I'm so excited, Under the Nut Tree will be featured as the highlight blog on Geneabloggers.com this Saturday at 9:00 am Central! :) 

(This is my favorite little excited face!)

Funny Friday

It's FRIDAY!!! WOO HOO!

Happy Funny Friday~

I remember when I was still new at the whole genealogy experience and I found my first "kissing cousins"...I was so confused and thought my research was all wrong! LOL

Ancestry.com Branch Out Contest

Ancestry.com has been holding a contest for a couple of months now-- finally it's ending this month, but you can still enter up until June 30!

http://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2014/06/01/dont-miss-out-enter-for-a-chance-to-win-our-branch-out-contest/?sf3438776=1&o_xid=57458&o_lid=57458&o_sch=Social

Wednesday's Portrait

Happy Wednesday!

So, I've decided to change my Wednesday post from "Wednesday's Child" to "Wednesday's Portrait"...I originally got the child idea from another blog- where they would post pictures of children's gravestones. I thought it was a neat idea and then I realized, I didn't have very many pictures!

Today's Portrait-

Ann Brinkman Karch
b. 27 Feb 1892     Ohio
d. 08 Aug 1936     Dayton, Ohio

How she's related to me-

Ann's parents were Louis Heinrich Brinkman (1866-1922) & Elizabeth Jeckering (1861-1957).
Elizabeth was my 2nd great grand aunt.

                     

I don't know the year this photo was taken, but it looks like she's in her early- mid- twenties, so probably around 1920 or later. 

Everything about Ann's outfit is stylish for the times- the dress, her hair, her shoes...all very fitting. I think what would top this off would be if she were wearing a hat! :)  

Tuesday's Tip- Genealogy tip for beginners

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Welcome to my first post for Tuesday's Tip! Today's tip is more of a "rule," however, I think it is an important one for people who are just starting their genealogical journey. 

OK, so you're eager and ready to start researching your family history...you have your paper, pens, computer, software, genealogy sites, etc. But where do you start FIRST? NONE of that! 

First things first- you always ask your family. Talk to your parents, your grandparents, your great grandparents (if they are still living). Write everything down that they tell you. Ask them as many questions that you think of-

Where were they born?
Where did they grow up?
What high school or college did they attend?
Who were their parents?
Who were their grandparents/great grandparents, etc?
Ask them to tell you stories of their childhood.

Since I've started doing my own family history (6+years), I've learned SO much about my family and some of it- the stuff I've found out through my own relatives- I wouldn't have been able to find out online or in a library! Ask these questions now, before these important people are gone and that opportunity is missed.

Mappy Monday- Following my Ancestors Steps

Happy Monday!

Welcome to the first Mappy Monday blog post!

Introduction: In the first several "Mappy Monday" posts, I will follow the path that my ancestors followed. My mother's name- Mendenhall- originated in Mildenhall, England, so that's where I'm going to start! :)



Mappy Monday: Mildenhall, England

My maternal grandfather's family- the Mendenhall's- came from Mildenhall, England. Mildenhall is a small town in Suffolk, England with a lot of history. The population (2001 Census) is 10,315. 

Mildenhall is known for the location of the Royal Air Force base (RAF) but it's also a market town. The town center has its 16th century hexagonal Market cross which was used for hanging criminals years ago, as well as the town pump. Piped water wasn't available to the town until the 1940's. 

The market is held there every Friday and was established by the Royal Charter in 1412 which offers fruits, vegetables, clothing, tools and many more. 

Source(s): http://www.visitmildenhall.co.uk/#/mildenhall/4535329506

New Schedule and New Additions!

Hey There!

I will be adding more posts to my blog- starting this week!

This will be my schedule if you’re interested in reading!

Mondays- Mappy Monday

Tuesdays- Tuesday’s Tip

Wednesdays- Wednesday’s Child

Thursdays- 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Fridays- Friday Funny

Saturdays- Surname Saturday

Sundays- OFF J

Also, if you enjoy reading my blog, please subscribe and comment! J

ENJOY!

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 7

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 7   (update at the bottom)

Ruth E. Mendenhall (1927- ?)- My great aunt

Birth:           16 Jan 1927           Dayton, Ohio

Death:           Unknown              Rumored- California

                  Age: Unknown

Parents:       Earl Dwight Mendenhall (1894-1972) &

                              Edna Grace Miles (1894-1934)

Siblings:    

          Harold Earl Mendenhall (1916-1989)

          Robert Eugene Mendenhall (1919-1993)

         

Residences:

1930  (Age 3)        2260 Catalpa Dr, Dayton, Ohio

1940  (Age 13)      129 E. Orchard Springs, Harrison, Dayton, Ohio

Disowned:

When Ruth was 14, she was disowned by her family. The reasons are unknown because nobody would discuss it, but it rumored that she was pregnant. Her family burned all of the family pictures that included her. Only one picture was found- it had fallen behind a dresser. She was never heard from again after she left home.

In the 70's, someone in the family tracked her down with a private investigator. She was found living in California, married to a doctor. She told the investigator she wanted nothing to do with the family.

This is the only picture we have of Ruth. It is from her 3^rd grade picture in 1935 at the Shiloh Springs School in Dayton Ohio. Ruth is in the middle row, 4^th one in from the left- she has a mischievous smile on her face J

The Shiloh Springs School was located at 5816 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio. It was demolished in August 2012.

Death:

If Ruth is still alive today, she would be 87 years old.



Update: Dec 2, 2016- found more information- read Here

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 6

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 6

~Most of my genealogy work is on my paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents, mainly because my husband’s tree is some-what difficult because of the last name SMITH- very difficult to trace. However, throughout these 52 weeks, I do have a couple of Smith’s that I’m going to be writing about J

Francis Morse Smith (1920-1985)- My husband’s grandfather

(a.k.a.- Dr. Walter Morse Smith)

Dr. Walter M. Smith

Birth:           21 Mar 1920         Oakland, Alameda, California

Death:          17 Jul 1985           La Mesa, San Diego, California

                    Age: 65

Parents:       Walter Allen Smith (1884-1926) &

                              Violet Claire Brown (1879-1965)

Siblings:    

Francis had 1 older brother- Walter Allen Smith Jr. (1918-?)

Walter Sr., and sons

Behind the name change:

Francis started going by Walter in grade school when his father died. I don’t know if ever legally changed it to Walter, but since he basically took his brother’s name, Walter Jr. went by his middle name, Allen.

         

Residences:

1920 (birth):         Oakland, California

1930 (age 10):       Mecca, Riverside, California

1945 (age 25):      Berkeley, Alameda, California

1945 (age 25):      Omaha, Douglas, Nebraska

1948 (age 28):      San Diego, California

1985 (age 65):      La Mesa, San Diego, California

Eagle Scout:

Walter received his Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts about 1933 at the age of 13. He was honored and in the local newspaper for his profound achievement.

Eagle Scount- age 13

Education:

Walter graduated from UC Berkeley and then graduated from medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 1945.

Walter at Creighton University

Military:

After graduating from medical school, Walter used his talents as a flight surgeon in the Army Air Corp during World War II.

Family:

Walter married on 19 Jun 1948 in San Diego, California. (Bride’s name is disclosed because she is still alive). They had 3 sons- Walter, Paul and David.

Walter and his bride on their wedding day- Love this picture

More pictures of Walter:

 I unfortunately didn't get to meet Walter, but he seemed like a very ambitious and hard working individual. 

Death:

At the young age of 65, Walter died in 1985 due to a pulmonary embolus due to a cerebral hemorrhage due to diabetic atherosclerosis.

Burial:

Walter is buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery in La Mesa, San Diego, California.

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 5

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 5

I originally had a different ancestor planned for this week, but realized that today is my grandmother’s birthday- so I changed it in honor of her! She would be 88 today if she were still alive.

Dorothy Jean Hendricks (1926-2010)- My Paternal Grandmother

Birth:           09 Jun 1926           Jeffersonville, Indiana

Death:           02 Aug 2010         Dayton, Ohio

                    Age: 84

Parents:       Isaac Hendricks Jr. (1883-1942) &

                              Myrtle May Hyman (1884-1953)

Dorothy's 7th great grandfather- Hendrick Daniel Hendrickson (1636-1677) immigrated to America from the Netherlands. 

Siblings:    

Dorothy was the youngest of 10 children!

          Edna Viola

          Harry Oliver         (1903-1971)

          Grace                     (1904-1917)

          Ida Pauline            (1906-1975)

          Mary Kathaleena  (1908-1976)

          Catherine Virginia (1913-1989)

          Charles Woodrow   (1917-1973)

          Edna Viola            (1919-1919)

          Melvin Clifford     (1920-2002)

         

Residences:

1930 (age 4) - 201 Bainbridge ST., Dayton, Ohio

1940 (age 14) - 66 S. Terry St., Dayton, Ohio

1954 (age 28) - 336 N. Upland Ave, Dayton, Ohio

1956 (age 30) - 5080 Lemoyne Dr., Dayton, Ohio
1966 (age 40) - 1138 Demphie Ave, Dayton, Ohio

Dorothy with her Kindergarten teacher

Dorothy- 1950s

Dorothy with three of her sisters

(from left to right) Dorothy, Catherine, Mary and Ida

Family:

Marriage 1: 02 Aug 1947 in Dayton, Ohio.  (my grandfather)

          Paul George Jeckering

          19 May 1925- 11 Jan 1954

Dorothy and Paul on their wedding day- 02 Aug 1947

Children: Dorothy and Paul had 4 children- (all names disclosed because they are still living)- 2 girls and 2 boys.

Christmas 1953

Marriage 2: 11 Feb 1956 in Dayton Ohio.

          John Potchik

          30 Jan 1926- 15 Mar 1988

Dorothy and John on their wedding day- 11 Feb 1956

Children: Dorothy and John had 4 more children together- 4 boys.

Dorothy, John and 7 of the kids

Death:

Dorothy lost a long fight to Colon Cancer on 02 Aug 2010, at the age of 84.

Burial:

Dorothy and her husband John are buried together in Valley View Memorial Gardens in Xenia, Greene, Ohio- in the Prayer Garden, Lot 124- B, Space 1 & 2.