The newspapers had ads like this.
Cure For Your Manly Failures.
Undertaker and Embalmer For Your Family's Needs
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Missing Links
Knowing you have once walked upon this earth but finding no recorded evidence of your existence. That statement fits my grandmother's father. To think he lived here but did not leave one shred of evidence of his existence behind.
Today, Bill & I went to the Central Library in Center City Philadelphia to research old newspapers. The goal was to find "death notices" of those who lived nearly one hundred years ago. I found the "death notices" of both my great grandmother's parents John G. and Elisabeth Keller who died in the years 1897 and 1905.
I made a major breakthrough on my paternal side of the family too when I discovered that my grandfather John Weleski's (Wisloski) father was named Lewis and that his mother's maiden name was Dalhanceyk. I found Eva Wisloski's "death notice" in a 1932 Philadelphia Inquirer. She died of cancer. With this additional information, I can research other records more accurately and perhaps even solve the mystery and answer the question, "Why Was Eva Not Buried With Her Husband?"
After today, I wonder if I will ever find evidence of grandmom's father's existence. When he died August 9th, 1930, there was not one "death notice" placed in any Philadelphia newspaper even though I heard he died at the old Philadelphia General Hospital once located in West Philaldelphia in that hospital's TB ward and that he was buried with his wife. I have his burial records. This is the only evidence that he even existed. But I have searched census records, directories, military records, death records and now newspapers and still cannot find who he was, where he was from or even if he had any siblings. When he died at age 46 years old in that summer of 1930, grandmom and grandpop buried him and to true family form, grandmom probably buried her father without any notice or fanfare for he left her in the care of others when her mother died in 1915 and if folklore can be trusted was an alcoholic at the time of his death. John McCaffery, how can I find out about you?
Today, Bill & I went to the Central Library in Center City Philadelphia to research old newspapers. The goal was to find "death notices" of those who lived nearly one hundred years ago. I found the "death notices" of both my great grandmother's parents John G. and Elisabeth Keller who died in the years 1897 and 1905.
I made a major breakthrough on my paternal side of the family too when I discovered that my grandfather John Weleski's (Wisloski) father was named Lewis and that his mother's maiden name was Dalhanceyk. I found Eva Wisloski's "death notice" in a 1932 Philadelphia Inquirer. She died of cancer. With this additional information, I can research other records more accurately and perhaps even solve the mystery and answer the question, "Why Was Eva Not Buried With Her Husband?"
After today, I wonder if I will ever find evidence of grandmom's father's existence. When he died August 9th, 1930, there was not one "death notice" placed in any Philadelphia newspaper even though I heard he died at the old Philadelphia General Hospital once located in West Philaldelphia in that hospital's TB ward and that he was buried with his wife. I have his burial records. This is the only evidence that he even existed. But I have searched census records, directories, military records, death records and now newspapers and still cannot find who he was, where he was from or even if he had any siblings. When he died at age 46 years old in that summer of 1930, grandmom and grandpop buried him and to true family form, grandmom probably buried her father without any notice or fanfare for he left her in the care of others when her mother died in 1915 and if folklore can be trusted was an alcoholic at the time of his death. John McCaffery, how can I find out about you?
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Saratoga Springs, New York & Montplier, Vermont
Quebec
Approaching the Canadain Border
Crossing the border.
Signs in French.
Vast flat land.
Approaching the United States Border into Vermont. After our trip into Quebec, it was a very welcome sight.
This sign was at the US Customs at the Border.Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Genealogist's Christmas Eve
'Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even my spouse.
The dining room table with clutter was spread
With pedigree charts and with letters which said...
"Too bad about the data for which you wrote;
Sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat."
Stacks of old copies of wills and such
Were proof that my work had become too much.
Our children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
And I at my table was ready to drop
From work on my album with photos to crop.
Christmas was here, and such was my lot
That presents and goodies and toys I'd forgot.
Had I not been busy with grandparents' wills,
I'd not have forgotten to shop for such thrills,
While others bought gifts to bring Christmas cheers,
I'd spent time researching those birth dates and years.
While I was thus musing about my sad plight,
A strange noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright.
Away to the window I flew in a flash,
Tore open the drapes and yanked up the sash.
When what with my wondering eyes should appear,
But an overstuffed sleigh and eight small reindeer.
Up to the house top the reindeer they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys and 'ole Santa Claus, too.
And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of thirty-two hoofs.
As I drew in my head, and bumped it on the sash,
Down the cold chimney fell Santa--KER-RASH!
"Dear" Santa had come from the roof in a wreck,
And tracked soot on the carpet, (I could wring his short neck!)
Spotting my face, good 'ole Santa could see
I had no Christmas spirit you'd have to agree.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filled all the stockings, (I felt like a jerk).
Here was Santa, who'd brought us such gladness and joy:
When I'd been too busy for even one toy.
He spied my research on the table all spread
"A genealogist!" He cried! (My face was all red!)
"Tonight I've met many like you," Santa grinned,
As he pulled from his sack a large book he had penned.
I gazed with amusement--the cover it read
Genealogy Lines for Which You Have Plead.
"I know what it's like as a genealogy bug."
He said as he gave me a great Santa hug.
"While the elves make the sleighful of toys I now carry,
I do some research in the North Pole Library!
A special treat I am thus able to bring,
To genealogy folk who can't find a thing."
"Now off you go to your bed for a rest,
I'll clean up the house from this genealogy mess."
As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee,
I looked back at Santa who'd brought much to me.
While settling in bed, I heard Santa's clear whistle,
To his team, which then rose like the down of a thistle.
And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight,
"Family history is Fun! Merry Christmas! Goodnight!"
--Author Unknown
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even my spouse.
The dining room table with clutter was spread
With pedigree charts and with letters which said...
"Too bad about the data for which you wrote;
Sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat."
Stacks of old copies of wills and such
Were proof that my work had become too much.
Our children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
And I at my table was ready to drop
From work on my album with photos to crop.
Christmas was here, and such was my lot
That presents and goodies and toys I'd forgot.
Had I not been busy with grandparents' wills,
I'd not have forgotten to shop for such thrills,
While others bought gifts to bring Christmas cheers,
I'd spent time researching those birth dates and years.
While I was thus musing about my sad plight,
A strange noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright.
Away to the window I flew in a flash,
Tore open the drapes and yanked up the sash.
When what with my wondering eyes should appear,
But an overstuffed sleigh and eight small reindeer.
Up to the house top the reindeer they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys and 'ole Santa Claus, too.
And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of thirty-two hoofs.
As I drew in my head, and bumped it on the sash,
Down the cold chimney fell Santa--KER-RASH!
"Dear" Santa had come from the roof in a wreck,
And tracked soot on the carpet, (I could wring his short neck!)
Spotting my face, good 'ole Santa could see
I had no Christmas spirit you'd have to agree.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filled all the stockings, (I felt like a jerk).
Here was Santa, who'd brought us such gladness and joy:
When I'd been too busy for even one toy.
He spied my research on the table all spread
"A genealogist!" He cried! (My face was all red!)
"Tonight I've met many like you," Santa grinned,
As he pulled from his sack a large book he had penned.
I gazed with amusement--the cover it read
Genealogy Lines for Which You Have Plead.
"I know what it's like as a genealogy bug."
He said as he gave me a great Santa hug.
"While the elves make the sleighful of toys I now carry,
I do some research in the North Pole Library!
A special treat I am thus able to bring,
To genealogy folk who can't find a thing."
"Now off you go to your bed for a rest,
I'll clean up the house from this genealogy mess."
As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee,
I looked back at Santa who'd brought much to me.
While settling in bed, I heard Santa's clear whistle,
To his team, which then rose like the down of a thistle.
And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight,
"Family history is Fun! Merry Christmas! Goodnight!"
--Author Unknown
Monday, December 18, 2006
Quote Of The Day
"If I hear one more Christmas Carol, I am sure I will go into a sugar coma" as said by Bill on our drive to take the grandchildren home on Saturday.
By the way my Dear William, you only have seven more days to be subjected to my Christmas music.
By the way my Dear William, you only have seven more days to be subjected to my Christmas music.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Seven States In Six Days Plus One Canadian Province
Pennyslvannia is known for its virtue, liberty and independence.
New Jersey is known for its liberty and prosperity.
New York is the state that is ever upward.
Vermont is freedom and unity.
New Hamsphire is known as the state to live free or die.
Massaheuttes is the state where by the sword we seek peace but peace only under liberty.
Connecticut is the state where he who transplanted still sustains.
New Jersey is known for its liberty and prosperity.
New York is the state that is ever upward.
Vermont is freedom and unity.
New Hamsphire is known as the state to live free or die.
Massaheuttes is the state where by the sword we seek peace but peace only under liberty.
Connecticut is the state where he who transplanted still sustains.
Conclusion Of A Honeymoon Or Lack There Of
Day 6, "Homeward Bound"
After spending the night in Springfield, Massachusetts we headed southeast through Hartford and into New York as we made our way to interstate 95.
For me the trip was a toss up between agonizing and well just agonizing because the pain in my right shoulder was horrendous and when I say horrendous I mean put me under a bus or throw me in front of a train horrendous. Yes, it was that bad and I even kept the tenz unit on the entire trip. But I lacked drugs, not advil or tylenol (which was like taking nothing) I mean as in narcotics. At one point, my shoulder felt as though it were stuck as in not being able to bring it down without screaming like a cat being tortured by hanging upside down by its tail.
This pain started the very day I returned to work on Nov 20th.
I made it through the eight hour day with eight advils and two tylenols then because I had a vicodin in my purse, I took that after I got home and fell into the comfort of my bed. Instead I went back a second day. Four and a half hours later I asked for permission to leave and then took a personal day that following Friday after Thanksgiving before taking a week off after in vacation time because though I called my physician on that very first day on Nov 20th, I could not get an appointment until Dec 8th and of course I was getting married. I was stalling for time to heal and to avoid the terrible flare-up I knew was my future.
I went to Vermont because we had already paid for the trip. I went to Vermont because it was suppose to be our honeymoon. I should have never went to Vermont because the shoulder went into full fledged flare-up and the only remedy was to come home and see my doctor.
Thanks for the venting opportunity. I wanted to write all this oh for so long and after a shot of Demerol at my local hospital emergency room and a subsequent earlier than scheduled physician appointment that gave me a one, two, three shot combination of drugs, I am able to write once again.
After spending the night in Springfield, Massachusetts we headed southeast through Hartford and into New York as we made our way to interstate 95.
For me the trip was a toss up between agonizing and well just agonizing because the pain in my right shoulder was horrendous and when I say horrendous I mean put me under a bus or throw me in front of a train horrendous. Yes, it was that bad and I even kept the tenz unit on the entire trip. But I lacked drugs, not advil or tylenol (which was like taking nothing) I mean as in narcotics. At one point, my shoulder felt as though it were stuck as in not being able to bring it down without screaming like a cat being tortured by hanging upside down by its tail.
This pain started the very day I returned to work on Nov 20th.
I made it through the eight hour day with eight advils and two tylenols then because I had a vicodin in my purse, I took that after I got home and fell into the comfort of my bed. Instead I went back a second day. Four and a half hours later I asked for permission to leave and then took a personal day that following Friday after Thanksgiving before taking a week off after in vacation time because though I called my physician on that very first day on Nov 20th, I could not get an appointment until Dec 8th and of course I was getting married. I was stalling for time to heal and to avoid the terrible flare-up I knew was my future.
I went to Vermont because we had already paid for the trip. I went to Vermont because it was suppose to be our honeymoon. I should have never went to Vermont because the shoulder went into full fledged flare-up and the only remedy was to come home and see my doctor.
Thanks for the venting opportunity. I wanted to write all this oh for so long and after a shot of Demerol at my local hospital emergency room and a subsequent earlier than scheduled physician appointment that gave me a one, two, three shot combination of drugs, I am able to write once again.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Saturday, December 02, 2006
TOP 10 Reasons Why Patty Married My Brother Billy
10. He’s great with kids…
9. He sings to her, even when she doesn’t ask him to…
8. Billy’s a pretty good cook…
7. He knows how to dress, I mean, he knows how to tie his own shoes…
6. In case Patty ever has a leaky roof, he can fix it…
5. He’s potty trained…
4. He always gets the best parking…
3. He can open a bottle of wine in ten seconds flat…
2. She already knew the in-laws would get along…
And the Number One reason why Patty married my brother Billy is…
1. Fortunately for her, he was still single!!!
written by Best Man, Kenny Cannon (11/25/2006)
9. He sings to her, even when she doesn’t ask him to…
8. Billy’s a pretty good cook…
7. He knows how to dress, I mean, he knows how to tie his own shoes…
6. In case Patty ever has a leaky roof, he can fix it…
5. He’s potty trained…
4. He always gets the best parking…
3. He can open a bottle of wine in ten seconds flat…
2. She already knew the in-laws would get along…
And the Number One reason why Patty married my brother Billy is…
1. Fortunately for her, he was still single!!!
written by Best Man, Kenny Cannon (11/25/2006)
Friday, December 01, 2006
Diary Of A Honeymoon Part III
Day 5 "Beginning Our Trip Back Home"
We left Stowe, Vermont today a day earlier then planned because tomorrow they expect torrential downpours as in rain. Before we left the area, we stopped at the Trapp Family Lodge, Teddy Bear Factory, Lake Champlain Chocolates and a few other little country stores where Bill bought some sort of weird pumpkin ale and some other strange beer that they make there for Shaun and Joey to try. I of course bought chocolates and a stuffed moose for Nikolas and a stuffed lamb for Joey's baby that I was reminded of will not even be born for another seven months. But you know me and those babies????? I still need to get Shaun Patrick something but I did not see any Star Wars or Guns up in those stores. I did see a bear dressed in a military outfit but I was in no way paying one hundred dollars for a stuff bear..........
After leaving Stowe, we began our trip South by driving on Rt 91 that borders New Hampshire with Vermont and stopping for the night in Springfield, Massachusetts. On our way to Springfield, we passed a new road crossing sign, Bear Crossing. Now, how do they come up with where bear actually cross the road or moose, deer or cattle for that matter? Anyway, we drove once again through Bumpkin Ville and it was several off the highway detours before we stopped to eat dinner because I refused to eat in another road-side dive where the waitress has the ass the size of a freight train and was both owner and cook that served your meal on a paper-plate accompanied with plastic forks after being informed that the grill was just fixed and needed to warm up.
Do I sound cranky? That is because I am in pain and have been now for three days. I have been sleeping on a heating pad (yes, I brought one) and using a tens unit in the car on my cock-sucking shoulder. This shoulder is worth foul-language and if you do not think so then you feel this pain that has no problem radiating down my right (dominate) arm and preventing me from fully enjoying anything and making me wish for narcotics. Writing this is plain torture so I will stop now.
We left Stowe, Vermont today a day earlier then planned because tomorrow they expect torrential downpours as in rain. Before we left the area, we stopped at the Trapp Family Lodge, Teddy Bear Factory, Lake Champlain Chocolates and a few other little country stores where Bill bought some sort of weird pumpkin ale and some other strange beer that they make there for Shaun and Joey to try. I of course bought chocolates and a stuffed moose for Nikolas and a stuffed lamb for Joey's baby that I was reminded of will not even be born for another seven months. But you know me and those babies????? I still need to get Shaun Patrick something but I did not see any Star Wars or Guns up in those stores. I did see a bear dressed in a military outfit but I was in no way paying one hundred dollars for a stuff bear..........
After leaving Stowe, we began our trip South by driving on Rt 91 that borders New Hampshire with Vermont and stopping for the night in Springfield, Massachusetts. On our way to Springfield, we passed a new road crossing sign, Bear Crossing. Now, how do they come up with where bear actually cross the road or moose, deer or cattle for that matter? Anyway, we drove once again through Bumpkin Ville and it was several off the highway detours before we stopped to eat dinner because I refused to eat in another road-side dive where the waitress has the ass the size of a freight train and was both owner and cook that served your meal on a paper-plate accompanied with plastic forks after being informed that the grill was just fixed and needed to warm up.
Do I sound cranky? That is because I am in pain and have been now for three days. I have been sleeping on a heating pad (yes, I brought one) and using a tens unit in the car on my cock-sucking shoulder. This shoulder is worth foul-language and if you do not think so then you feel this pain that has no problem radiating down my right (dominate) arm and preventing me from fully enjoying anything and making me wish for narcotics. Writing this is plain torture so I will stop now.
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