The stories in Chapter 4: Discovering Ancestors came about from weaving research (some of it before the internet) with genealogy and pondering old keepsakes and tales.
They were such fun because of my journey of discovery–scrolling through old newspapers on microfilm, requesting esoteric books (Jesse James, Santee Sioux, etc.) through Interlibrary Loan, finding a connection between an old photo and a story from a grandmother’s memoir, and pondering old autograph books.
Mom and I drove over gravel roads to hunt for the area where Patterson’s Ford must have been. We drove up around the Victorian house before the city of Guthrie Center condemned it. And sis Gloria and I visited Audubon to visualize where the Independence Day parade marched decades ago. I hope those of you who enjoy research will relish the stories that resulted.
The Des Moines Register sent a photographer to the Dexter Cemetery for this one. He took a photo of me at the gravestone of my earliest ancestor buried there. (February 1977, a Sunday issue)
In his Foreword for the book, Lee Habeeb said this story, “which chronicles the life of a small hometown cemetery” was his favorite. “It’s a very specific story – and yet such a universal one, too. It reminds us all that we sprang from someone else’s dreams and hopes. We landed where we landed because of choices prior generations made.”
The Immigrant and the Outlaw: A Collection of Stories from America’s Heartland will be released on Amazon.com tomorrow, May 13.
In another week or so, you can find autographed copies at the Urbandale Machine Shed Restaurant, and in person and by mail through Beaverdale Books in Des Moines (515-279-5400).
I guess doing genealogy of necessity creates “wanderers in the graveyards!”
Dennis, we can’t help ourselves! But these days, findagrave helps if you can’t get to the cemetery.
Wow!
I look forward to reading the cemetery story. If it’s Lee Habeeb’s favorite, it has to be good!
It was a surprise pick, Liz. Thanks!
Lovely, Joy.
Thank you, John.
It’s enjoyable to read the details behind the stories you’ve written. You are so thorough! I love the “Wanderer in the Cemetery” headline/clipping. 🙂
Thank you, Nancy. I’m having fun with them as well!
You’re welcome, Joy. 😁
I think you are such a blessing. You bring your family to life, but you also create a love for the area, the history, and the people. Thank you for what you do.
Mary, what a lovely note. Thank you!
The photo made me think of two things Joy. First it made me think it was the start of a 90s music video. Are you breaking out into a song here Joy? It also made me wonder if you hadn’t taken on a second job as cemetery caretaker? Ha ha, good thing research like this is online now! Ha ha!
Good one, Brian! You know, I knew my grandparents were buried there, but I certainly didn’t realize how many ancestors are in that one small cemetery, even immigrants–yes, even THE cover story immigrant who may have sold a horse to that outlaw (Jesse James)!
Lots of stories there in one cemetery!
You bet!
Cemeteries have their stories to tell and the people who research in them collect a few tales of their own!
You enjoy them as well, don’t you, Eilene!