Nevada Genealogy

Amaryllis

2012-01-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

The inspiration and the polymer clay.

SunOven Muffin Loaf

2011-12-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today was sunny and wind-free, so I tried out the new SunOven. I tried some chocolate muffin mix (just add water) in a small loaf pan. I preheated the oven in the sun until it read 275 degrees at 12:51 PM. The outside temp was 41 degrees. I could tell within a few minutes that it was cooking. The temp in the oven continued to climb to a peak of about 315 degrees. These pics were taken at 1:12pm. I left it to cook for one hour. At 1:51 I pulled it out of the oven and it was done but not over-done. I think it was probably done sooner but there was no problem leaving it in for the full hour. Tasted great.
We are near the shortest day of the year so if it's possible to cook now, we can cook anytime. The sun disappears at 4 pm and the temp in the oven started dropping about half hour before that time.

Siberian Peppers Getting Ready For Christmas

2011-11-26T17:07:00.001-08:00

This small Siberian Pepper plant was in the raised bed until about a month ago. It was blooming and getting little peppers. Now after bringing it inside it is getting ready for Christmas. The peppers are turning red and look very xmasy against the green leaves.

“By a continuous process of inflation, governments can confiscate, secretly and unobserved, an important part of the wealth of their citizens…and while the process impoverishes many, it actually enriches some…. The process engages all of the hidden forces of economic law on the side of destruction, and does it in a manner that not one man in a million can diagnose.” —John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946) From “Economic Consequences of the Peace” 1920

“I have always harbored an exaggerated view of my self-importance. To put it bluntly, I fancied myself as some kind of god or an economic reformer like Keynes….”—George Soros from “The Alchemy of Finance” 1987

Blackberries Oct 1st

2011-10-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Prime Ark-45 Blackberries

2011-09-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

These primocane Ark-45 blackberry plants are a new variety. They just arrived and look good.
We are prepping a trench for them with the hopes that we won't get my usual 80% winter kill.

Book- Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick

2011-09-15T13:54:00.001-07:00

Here is the current book I'm reading. Wow am I ever learning a lot about North Korea.

The satellite photo of North & South Korea by night on page 3 is amazing. South Korea is lit up like a Christmas tree, in contrast to Communist N. Korea's almost total blackness. The movies they were allowed to see were all State produced Socialistic propaganda. The basic theme being:
"The path to happiness was self-sacrifice and suppression of the individual for the good of the collective."

BumbleBees & Berries

2011-09-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

Taken today, these bumble bees seem to be among our most prolific pollinators.
Prime Jim Blackberries. If the weather stays mild we'll have a handful of berries to eat soon.

Hummers at Dusk

2011-08-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

It was too dark to get anything but silhouettes of two humming birds fighting over four drinking spots at the feeder.

Prime Jim Blackberries

2011-08-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

These were planted in Sept 2008.

A-B-C's

2011-08-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

To Achieve Your Dreams Remember Your ABCs
Copyright 1991 By Wanda Hope Carter all rights reserved.

Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits
Believe in yourself
Consider things from every angle
Don't give up and don't give in
Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come
Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches
Give more than you planned to
Hang on to your dreams
Ignore those who try to discourage you
Just do it
Keep trying no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier
Love yourself first and most
Make it happen
Never lie, cheat or steal, always strike a fair deal
Open your eyes and see things as they really are
Practice makes perfect
Quitters never win and winners never quit
Read study and learn about everything important in your life
Stop procrastinating
Take control of your own destiny
Understand yourself in order to better understand others
Visualize it
Want it more than anything
Xcellerate your efforts
You are unique of all God's creations nothing can replace you
Zero in on your target and go for it !

© Copyright 1991 By Wanda Hope Carter, http://InspirationMotivation.com All rights reserved by the author, her heirs and assigns. No duplication, copying or reprint in any form or manner including downloading, e-mailing, or site posting permitted without express written permission! It appears here with permission. This piece is published and available as a poster and other products.

Day Lily

2011-08-04T00:08:00.001-07:00

With a new cheapy close-up lens.

Debt Agreement

2011-08-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Quote by Ron Paul:
This is akin to a family “saving” $100,000 in expenses by deciding not to buy a Lamborghini, and instead getting a fully loaded Mercedes, when really their budget dictates that they need to stick with their perfectly serviceable Honda. But this is the type of math Washington uses to mask the incriminating truth about their unrepentant plundering of the American people. - Ron Paul

Walla Wallas going to seed & Sunchokes

2011-07-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

Bee on Clover

2011-07-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

Ayn Rand

2011-07-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; when you see that men get rich more easily by graft than by work, and your laws no longer protect you against them, but protect them against you...you may know that your society is doomed."
- Ayn Rand - Atlas Shrugged

US Constitution "Living Document?"

2011-07-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this article along with several books about the founders and the amazing document called the Constitution of the United States of America.
The books are:
The Original Argument (The Federalists' Papers) by Joshua Charles & Glenn Beck.
The Five Thousand Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen
Control Freaks by Terence P. Jeffrey
in the to-read pile are several little booklets by David Barton:
The Second Amendment
Impeachment (Restraining an Overactive Judiciary)
Separation of Church & State (What the Founders Meant)
American History in Black & White (Setting the Record Straight)

God Bless America

2011-07-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

1775
....America began to show in her conduct to the mother country, that there is a point beyond which endurance ceases to be a virtue. Actual hostilities commenced at Lexington. Notwithstanding the almost prophetic warnings of Mr Pitt, a blind and headlong policy urged the administration of Britain to the beginning of a warfare, the ending of which was crowned with glory to every true patriot. It was then and there, the torch of liberty was first lighted; the stamps on pieces of blank paper, and the duty on certain shrivelled leaves, called 'Tea, brought about the consumation of the noblest, happiest and bravest nation on Earth, and must ere long promote the cause of liberty over all the enlightened World.... W. W. Livingston (1853)

Ruby Rainbow

2011-06-16T21:58:00.001-07:00

GOALS

2011-06-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Goals are dreams with deadlines. ~Diana Scharf Hunt

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. ~Author Unknown

I don't care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants. ~Zig Ziglar

The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle. ~Author Unknown

Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes. ~Author Unknown

Of course I'm ambitious. What's wrong with that? Otherwise you sleep all day. ~Ringo Starr

Always concentrate on how far you have come, rather than how far you have left to go. The difference in how easy it seems will amaze you.
---Heidi Johnson

Science Fair

2011-03-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

I am very proud of this special girl, she won 2nd at the local School Science Fair for her grade.

Happiness !

2011-03-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

Anonymous;

“When I was five years old, my Mom told me that happiness was the key to life.
When I went to school, the teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.
I wrote down "happy".
The teacher told me that I didn't understand the assignment,
I told her she didn't understand Life...”

Happy Valentines Day !

2011-02-14T11:41:00.001-08:00

From my two faves.

Urge to plant

2011-02-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

I have a big urge to plant seeds.
If I can get in gear I'll try some of the following from Seeds Trust:
Indian Ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides)
Siberian Pepper (Grandpa's Home Pepper)
Bunching Onions (Tokyo Long White)
Siberian Tomato (Sasha's Altai & Red Siberian)
Pole Beans (Titus Magic)
Herbs and flowers said to be good for my climate.

Inflation News

2011-01-05T00:25:00.000-08:00

The top 10 predictions for 2011, from the National Infation Assn.

Beautiful Potholders

2010-12-30T18:03:00.001-08:00

Potholders woven by the sweetest young lady I know. Aren't they colorful and well done? I sure think so.

Today's Carrot Harvest

2010-12-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

30 Dec 2010
With about 6 inches of snow on the raised bed, we decided to pull up a few carrots for a snack. Here is what we found beneath the snow, & straw.
They tasted sweet and good.

Merry Christmas !

2010-12-22T22:41:00.001-08:00

Drawn by my favorite 5 year old.

Glenn Beck

2010-11-29T18:30:00.000-08:00

Glenn Beck's programs online.

"Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period, and pursued unalterably thro' every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematical plan of reducing us to slavery." ~ Thomas Jefferson, 1774

Ben Franklin

2010-11-26T23:25:00.000-08:00

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.

Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.

This will be the best security for maintaining our liberties. A nation of well-informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the religion of ignorance that tyranny begins.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a view of the Ruby Mts at sundown.

The Harvest

2010-10-06T21:04:00.001-07:00

Not much actually.
So far we've picked a few carrots a few pears, about a gallon of tomatoes. The total apple harvest, consisted of one little Honey Crisp from a 5 ft tall tree.

Collapse of the US Dollar

2010-10-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

The Economic Collapse of 2010.

and massive inflation as the Fed cranks up the printing presses.

Carrots & Butterflies

2010-08-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

I know you don't see any carrots but these are carrot blossoms. Who knew they were so pretty? I plan to harvest the seeds and should have a pot-full when it's all said and done.

Wild Iris near the Ruby Mts

2010-06-16T08:33:00.001-07:00

Some Fave Quotes

2010-06-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

“The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose ones attitude in any given circumstance.”
Viktor Frankl

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
Mark Twain

“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.”
Mark Twain

“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
Mark Twain

Failure

2010-05-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

Failure is not in falling down, but in refusing to get up. --Chinese Proverb

Mystery Plant Solved?

2010-05-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Master Gardener says the mystery plant may well be a squash or a related family member. Actually that makes sense since the last batch of seeds in the little pots included a few butternut squash. There's a good chance that's it.

Mystery Plant

2010-05-11T12:31:00.001-07:00

Mystery Plant, Can you identify? This baby plant is in a tray of tomato seedlings, but is different. I reuse these little peat pot seed starters when seeds don't emerge. Some possibilities are cone flower, pea shrub, squash, but I really haven't a clue. Any ideas?

Todays Quotes

2010-04-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Today's quotes, all by Benjamin Franklin, are from a Very Special Person.
Thanks Sweetie:

A good conscience is a Continual Christmas.

A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.

A life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things. There will be sleeping enough in the grave.

Ben Franklin

2010-04-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place,
but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”
Benjamin Franklin

Quotes

2010-04-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.
Will Rogers

By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.
Ben Franklin

A difference of opinion is what makes horse racing and missionaries.
Will Rogers

Tomatoes

2010-04-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

Here is a progress report on my tomato plants, so far. Starting plants from seed has never been that productive for me, but seeds are cheap so here I go again.

On Feb 21st, I started a little tray of seeds on top of my dehydrator. Germination was quick (about 3-4 days) and nearly 100%. The temp on top of the dehydrator was about 85 degrees more or less.

I planted 3 varieties including: Large Red Cherry, Ace 55 VF, & Beefsteak.

Unfortunately, when I transplanted them to larger containers, I lost track of which was which, so we'll just wait and see what shows. The containers are in the window now and seem to be doing well. I often leave the blinds down and adjust the louvers so they angle the sun towards the plants. I'm not sure if that's helping but they seem OK so far.

A joyous Easter to all.

Collins portraits

2010-03-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

I need to say that the portrait scans, shown here of Stephen & Mary, are not exactly as received. I touched and tweaked the scans a bit. I'd be happy to provide the untouched versions to anyone who would like that version. I'd also like to ask if anyone out there has any additional information or photos about this or associated families. With the recent new tidbits and wonderful photos, I thought it might be a good time to update what is known about this family. I have some thoughts about the Helfer/Helpher family as well, that I will post soon.

Crayon Portrait - S.L. & Mary Collins

2010-03-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Stephen L. & Mary Marie Collins Photos

2010-03-13T20:18:00.001-08:00

I just received these wonderful photographs from a terrific, sharing cousin. These appear to have been used as the basis of a combined crayon photo, showing the two of them together. I'd be happy to post or send that photo as well to anyone who is interested. Thank you Juanita....

Collins in Andrew County Missouri

2010-03-08T23:03:00.000-08:00

Since learning that S. L. Collins & family lived in Amazonia, Andrew County, Missouri, I have been looking to more precisely learn when they were there. A couple of marriages performed by S.L. in 1868 have provided that confirmation.
Andrew County Missouri Marriages:
Thomas Mason to Jennie Halliday, 17 October 1868.
James T. Thompson to Clarissa Ann Roberts, 5 July 1868.

These are the only two S.L. marriages, I have found so far but they put the family in Andrew County from about July to October and likely longer. We know that S.L. purchased the Dade County MO, property in 1869. I do not know yet precisely where Linnie was born in July 1867. We also know that Christopher, married in Daviess County in Dec 1868, but S.L. may not have been living there at that time and he did not perform the marriage ceremony.
More to find...

Stephen L. Collins as a Methodist minister?

2010-01-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

The Wayne County Ohio Library website has a listing of early ministers who performed marriages in Wayne County. S.L. Collins is listed as a Methodist preacher, no date, with the notation under township location as "fm". I don't know what the "fm" means. I do think he was an itinerant circuit preacher.

From another source, I have that S.L. Collins was a Methodist preacher in "Fred's Circuit" in Wayne County OH in the 1840s. He married Mary Marie Helfer in Wayne County in 1840. The ceremony was performed by George W. Howe who was a Methodist Minister, in Wayne Co, in 1840.

The American Baptist Year-Book, 1870, has the following listed as an Ordained Minister:
Collins, S. L., Amazonia, Missouri [ note: Amazonia is a small town in Andrew County Missouri, north of St Joseph). S.L. Collins does not appear in the 1868 Baptist Year-Book.

We know that by about 1847 he was a Baptist Minister.

S.L. Collins - Baptist Home Missions

2010-01-25T23:38:00.000-08:00

In the Civil War letter written by Stephen L. Collins, he mentions that he is a "Missionary Baptist" preacher. Googling led me to books re: the Baptist Home Missions in North America and the American Baptist Home Missionary Society. A few listings for S. L. have been found as follows in Ohio and Missouri:
Rocky River Association, Church at Seville, Medina Co., OH, 6 Baptisms, 77 members. [note this is where Christopher Royce Collins was born, 11 May 1847, I previously thought it was Leesville, I was wrong).
Rocky River Association, Church at Westfield, Medina Co., OH, 29 members.
Zoar Association, Church at Steubenville, Jefferson Co., OH, 30 members. S.L. was the minister at this church from May of 1851 to about Apr 1852.
In a History of the Baptists in Missouri, a State Convention of Baptists was held in Sept. 1865. Rev. S. L. Collins is listed as being on the executive board of missions. This would mean that the Collins family moved from Nebraska sometime after the birth of John Tim Collins in June of 1864, and before the Missouri Baptist Convention in Sept 1865.
From the Missouri Baptist General Association 50th Annual Session in Marshall MO, Oct 21st, 1884, S.L. Collins is listed as a minister from Greenfield MO.

Collins 1820 Census Jefferson Co. NY

2010-01-15T20:58:00.000-08:00

Speculation has gotten me into trouble before, but here are the Collins families in Jefferson County NY, 1820. Without more evidence, we won't know which, if any, of these are related to Stephen L. Collins. High on my list will be checking for will/probate records. Also, I have not yet determined if any of these 5, were born in Vermont. Only three of these households had a male under the age of 10 years. If S.L. was born after the census (official date for the enumeration was August 7th, 1820), then he would not have been counted. Most records indicate that S.L. was born before that date (most likely in May). Here are all 5 families.

Collins, Clarissa, Henderson Twp: 1 male (0-10), 1 female (0-10), 1 female (16-26)

John Collins, Watertown: 1 male(16-26), 1 male (25-45), 1 male (45+), 3 females (0-10), 3 females (10-16), 1 female(26-45), 1 female (45+)

John B. Collins, Ellisburg: 4 males (0-10), 2 males (10-16), 1 male (26-45), 1 female (0-10), 1 female (10-16), 1 female 26-45)

William Collins, Ellisburg: 1 male (45+), 1 female (0-10), 1 female (16-26), 1 female (45+)

William Collins Jun, Ellisburg: 2 males(0-10), 1 male (26-45), 1 female (16-26)

Stephen L. Collins Civil War part 2

2010-01-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

+++++++ Click to enlarge.
The Civil War Records of Stephen L. Collins, included this handwritten three page letter by S.L., in which he describes the circumstances surrounding his service. He asks that his name be cleared, and mentions a wife and 7 children dependent upon him for support. While not perfect, it was well written and certainly gives a different side to the charge. I'll continue to process the rest of the documents in his folder. S.L. was officially released from service 22 July 1864. The original terms of enlistment only called for 9 months service, but he was not officially discharged until 16 months after volunteering.

Stephen L. Collins Civil War Records

2010-01-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I downloaded copies of 27 pages of Civil War Documents from Stephen L. Collins' service file.
I have known for some time that he was listed as a private in Company "M", 2d Nebraska Cavalry. The indexed listing also indicated he had deserted. The most interesting documents were, the enlistment paper (shown above), and Stephen L.'s, 3 page, handwritten response to his charge of desertion.

His enlistment paper was interesting for a number of reasons, transcribed below:
=
Volunteer Enlistment
Territory of Nebraska, Town of Nemaha City
I, Stephen L. Collins born in Jefferson County, in the state of New York, aged 42 years, and by occupation of Minister of the Gospel, do hereby acknowledge to have volunteered this 16th day of March, 1863, to serve as a soldier in the Army of the United States of America for the period of nine months unless sooner discharged by proper authority. Do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for volunteers. And I, S. L. Collins, do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America, and that I will serve them honorably and faithfully, against all their enemies or opposers [sic] whomever and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War.
Sworn and subscribed to, at Nemaha City this 16th day of March, 1863, before R. W. Furnas, capt Co 2nd Neb Cav.
S. L. Collins
I certify, on honor, That I have carefully examined the above named Volunteer , agreeable to the General Regulations of the Army, and that in my opinion, he is free from all bodily defects and mental infermity [sic], which would in any way, disqualify him from performing the duties of a soldier.
C.F. Stuart (Examining Surgeon)
I certify, on Honor, That I have minutely inspected the Volunteer previous to his enlistment; and that he was entirely sober when enlisted; that, to the best of my judgment and belief, he is of lawful age; and that, in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able-bodied Soldier, I have strictly observed the Regulations which govern the Recruiting Service.
This soldier has Black eyes, Light hair, Dark complexion, is 6 feet - inches high.
S. F Cooper (2nd Regiment Nebraska Volunteers, County? Luet & Recruiting Officer.
=
Of particular interest: he lists his place of birth as Jefferson County, New York and his age (as of March 1863) is listed as 42 (b. abt 1820 if his birth month is May). In later records S.L. indicated he was born in Erie county New York, and his birth year as 1819. His physical description is listed as: 6 ft tall, black eyes, dark complexion, and light hair.

More to follow.

Elko County Hunting & Fishing Licenses 1912

2010-01-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

I am not sure of the history of hunting and fishing license requirements in the state of Nevada, but by 1912, a one dollar license was required. In Elko County, in 1912, 1,275 persons paid their one dollar and obtain licenses. Soon I will have completed the first draft of an indexed copy of these 1912 records. To my knowledge these have never before been made available, and once complete I'd be happy to do free lookups for anyone.

Here is an example of a 1917 Elko County Fish & Game tag.

Missouri State Historical Society Cuts.

2009-11-06T00:36:00.000-08:00

State Historical Society of Missouri Hours and Services Cut

Due to a 25 percent withholding in its fiscal year 2010 state appropriation, the State Historical Society of Missouri is decreasing its hours open to the public to Mondays through Thursdays, 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m., effective immediately. The Society will no longer be open for research on Fridays or Saturdays. The withholding ($364,010), caused by the continued downturn in Missouri state revenues, was made public last Wednesday, October 28. The State Historical Society’s response to the withholding, determined by its board of trustees, was announced at the annual membership meeting in Columbia on Saturday, October 31.

To continue operations and implement the withholding, the Society’s twenty-two staff members have voluntarily taken a 20 percent pay reduction, and three staff positions have been eliminated. These positions included one unfilled position left temporarily vacant due to a 10 percent reduction in the Society’s FY2010 budget on July 1, 2009, one retirement, and one layoff.

The Society will seek private funds to continue its newspaper microfilming program and to print the award-winning Missouri Historical Review. The microfilming program annually preserves over 250 Missouri newspaper titles and adds these papers to the fine collection available for research at the State Historical Society. Missouri newspaper publishers, libraries, and local historical and genealogical societies also rely on purchasing these microfilmed papers for in-house use and to add to their research collections. The Missouri Historical Review is sent quarterly to over 4,800 members of the State Historical Society in Missouri and throughout the United States. Scholars, students, and the public use the journal for the study of the state’s history.

The popular Missouri History Speakers’ Bureau, which furnishes speakers to local civic, historical, and genealogical groups, will be discontinued. The State Historical Society has sponsored 34 Speakers’ Bureau presentations around the state since the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1. A MoHiP (Missouri History in Performance) Theatre production on the life and times of John William “Blind” Boone already scheduled for March 19, 2010, in Columbia will be held. Future performances by MoHiP, the State Historical Society’s reader’s theatre offering original productions based on historical characters and events, will not be scheduled.

“The reduced hours will have a significant impact on genealogists, students, and scholars who make use of the State Historical Society’s collections,” said Gary R. Kremer, the executive director. “And local organizations that have used scholars well-versed on a variety of historical topics will lose access to a much-needed source for speakers.”

The 25 percent withholding reduces the Society’s state funding to 65 percent of the FY2009 appropriation.

Dehydrating with Contact Paper

2009-10-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

The title is a bit deceptive but essentially true. I've been dehydrating for a few weeks now with my new 9 tray Excalibur machine. I've enjoyed it and do a load every few days at a minimum. Currently I'm drying frozen bagged veggies I've purchased on sale for from 80c-1.20 a lb. We don't live in a farm area where there are farmer's markets so produce is generally what comes from my garden or the local grocery store. I discovered that to finish processing my home grown tomatoes I needed some tray liners to keep the juices corralled. The Excalibur non-stick sheets sell for $10.50 ea (x9 plus shipping). That's over $100 and way steep. In my hunt for a substitute, I had the following criteria in mind: 1.) moisture proof, 2.) food safe material, 3.) big enough to cut to size (14"x14"), 4.) able to withstand temps to 150 degrees, 5.) won't break the piggy bank, & 6.) easy to clean.

I recently found the answer at Costco in heavy duty Contact Brand shelf liner. It comes in a roll 18" x 15 feet, for $10.99. This is heavy duty plastic and non-adhesive. This is nothing like the thin paper backed patterned plastic stuff we remember from the 70's. My biggest concerns were, was it food safe plastic, and could it take the heat. I shot an email to Contact to their customer service and was informed that it is indeed food safe. A trial in the dehydrator proved to be successful in the heat department. Although it likes to ripple just a bit at the edge, it seems to work fine. I even tried washing it in the dishwasher (eliminating the heat dry cycle). So far so good. The only down side I have experienced, is that the tomato juices have stained the plastic, which is no big deal. I'm hoping to make some fruit leather soon.

I'm on the lookout for the perfect apple peeler, corer, slicer. I'd like to dry some apples soon. I have been inspired by the following DEHYDRATE2STORE website. To watch her Apples, Apples, Apples how-to video, click HERE. I can't say enough good things about this great website. For anyone wanting to try dehydrating it's a first rate source.

Red Pears & Dehydrating Fun

2009-09-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

I've been trying out my new dehydrator. Here's a pic showing the results, using commercially frozen veggies I found on sale. From left to right 3 lbs of mixed veggies (abt 3 cups dried), 6 lbs of crinkle cut carrots (abt 4 cups dried), 8 lbs of sweet corn (abt 8 cups dried), & 4 lbs of peas (abt 4 cups dried). I vacuum sealed the lids and added the rings. Some say to add an oxygen absorber.
In front are some of the red pears from our tree. They have an excellent sweet taste, and the color of apples. I'm hoping to dry some of these pears soon.

Sunflower in the garden

2009-09-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Taken today.

FDIC Going Broke - Safe Banks? HR 3200

2009-08-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

SurvivalBlog has an interesting article by Dr. Gary North, re: FDIC and how solvent it is (NOT). While the FED will continue to pump money into this - the consequences are sobering.

Federal Tax Revenues Plummeting

Here are a couple of links to check the rating of your bank.
The Street.com
and for Credit Unions
Baurer Financial
or
BankRate

The survivalblog is mostly a downer and deals in worst case scenarios, but I'd rather prepare for the worst, than be blindsided. Everyone must decide for him/her self.

I have been reading HR 3200 (the massive Health Care Bill in the House of Reps). I have not gotten far but from what I've read thus far on a personal level, it will almost surely take away my current coverage (free with no premiums), and replace it with something I must pay for (there is no opting out) that may or may not be better. The regulations are massive and to administer this program will be VERY costly. Reid has said that 50 million are uninsured (a number I dispute), but if the estimated tab is 1.5 Trillion, that is 30,000 per uninsured. If they must spend this hideous amount of money, then surely it would be cheaper than $30,000. per person to simply buy them traditional coverage and leave the rest of us alone? Obviously this is not just about providing medical care for the uninsured.

I have already written to my DC reps, expressing my displeasure. A copy of my letter is at:
Opinions & Rants from Elko Nevada
Needless to say I have not received a response from Harry Reid.

I would urge everyone to read at least some of HR 3200. It is a frightening piece of legislation.

Garden Update

2009-07-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few recent photos. In general the tomatoes are doing good. Somewhere I read that they like dried crushed egg shells (for calcium), so along with the Tomato Miracle Grow they are getting egg (shells that is). I ate my first tomato today and it tasted pretty good. I picked another today and they will be ongoing now until freeze. If I end up with more than I can eat I'll try canning some tomato sauce. All of the other tomato plants (6 in the garden) are blooming and I've velcro-ed them to stakes or caged them. The corn is tasseling and the pole beans are climbing the corn along with some stakes. The carrots look OK but not big enough for even baby carrots yet. I peeked under one of the potato plants and see at least one small spud, I'm hoping for a good crop but time will tell. The fruit trees look good. The golden delicious apples are starting to look green (not red) and they have the little bumps on the bottom. The pears (3 types) all look good too, but still small.

Ernst H. W. Schmoe - Julietta Indiana Evangelical Association

2009-07-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

I just chanced upon an interesting reference to Ernst H. W. Schmoe, my G.G. Grandfather and family. Here are a few pages from the book. Click to enlarge.

"Historical data and life sketches of the deceased ministers of the Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Association, 1835-1915"

Some of those mentioned in the article:
Frederick Schmoe [b. 1834 in Germany] is believed to be Ernst H.W. Schmoe's brother. "Father & Mother Ostermeire", were William [b. 1803] & Christine Eleanore Tegtmeier Ostermeier [b. 1805], father and step-mother of Ernst Schmoe's wife, Caroline Ostermeier [b. 1828].

Mysterious Schmoe's in Old City Directories

2009-07-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

There are a number of Schmoes listed in old directories, most of these individuals are known to me, and in predictable places and times.

Below are a couple of mysterious entries from 2 old City Directories.
Both are Schmoes, and I'm not positive yet, who they are. I'll put my guess for one, the other is so far still unknown.

1936 Oklahoma City, OK, Polk city directory page 672.
Schmoe, Lillian, asst chemist Balyeat Hay Fever & Asthma Clinic, r899 NW 18th.

While there were several Lillian Schmoes (both married and unmarried), I cannot positively place this one with any of the known families, especially in Oklahoma. Any Ideas???

1881 Kansas City Missouri, Hoye's City Directory, page 574
Schmoe, Ernst, carpenter, r. ws. Harrison, bet. 21st and 22nd.

I believe this is Great-Great Grandfather. Ernst H.W. Schmoe born 1822 in Germany. In June of 1880 he was living, with his children, in Jennings County, Indiana, listed as a farmer. His married daughter Mary Reinking with husband Carl and family were living nearby. We know that sometime between June 1880 (census), and June of 1881 (birth of Carl & Mary's dau Pearl in Oak Grove MO), the Reinking's moved to Oak Grove, Jackson County, MO. Not far from Kansas City. The family tradition is that the families first went to Kansas City to find work. The Reinking's stayed in Oak Grove the remainder of their days, but Ernst Schmoe and his other children moved to Prairie Center, Johnson County Kansas sometime before the 1st of March, 1885 (KS state census). Ernst died there in 1894.

Canby Red Raspberry

2009-07-07T07:36:00.001-07:00

Garden Pics

2009-07-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of my garden. On the whole it's pretty sad looking. The potatoes aren't too bad, in fact I sneaked a peek and saw a tennis ball sized spud under one plant, today. We spent some time last year building a raised bed with pumped up dirt, so that's where we planted the spuds. The potted tomato has the same dirt. The tomatoes in the garden area are blooming but look a bit spindly. Maybe they will perk up in time? Today I planted more green beans, carrots and a few sun flower seeds. Since I'm watering anyway it seemed prudent to replant the areas where the seeds did not germinate. Hopefully everything will come up.

Celebrity Tomatoes

Red Pear

Golden Delicious Apples

The garden tomato plants are blooming.

My pathetic garden.

My Prime Jim Blackberry plant.

2009-07-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July !

Sunrise over the Ruby Mountains

2008-12-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

27 Dec 2008 - Sunrise

2008-11-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

November
Ancestral Birthdays & Anniversaries

4th Nancy Roxanna Martin Grisso “Roxie”
born: 4 Nov 1876 – in Wild Cherry, Fulton Co., Arkansas
parents: William Enoch Henry Martin & Sarah Elizabeth Wyatt
married: William Austin Grisso – 5 July 1899 in Fulton Co., Arkansas
died: 11 Sept 1948, in Seminole Oklahoma.

5th Mary Law Sturgeon
born: 5 Nov 1770 – Rockbridge Co., Virginia
parents: possibly Michael and Rebecca Law
married: Simpson Sturgeon – about 1795
died: 15 Nov 1857 - Trafalgar, Johnson Co., IN

7th Jennie June Rhoades married A. Mark Collins
married, 7 Nov 1922
Red Oak, Montgomery Co., Iowa

8th Caroline Ostermeier Schmoe married
Ernst Heinrich Wilhelm Schmoe
8 Nov 1852 – Hancock Co., Indiana

11th Nancy C. Beavers Wyatt
born: 11 Nov 1826 in TN
parents: possibly Thomas Beavers? & unknown
married: John J. Wyatt about 1855 perhaps in Arkansas
died: 12 Dec 1900 in Wild Cherry, Fulton Co., Arkansas

12th Rebecca Conner Sturgeon
born: 12 Nov 1831 in Dublin Ireland
parents: unknown
married: John S. Sturgeon – 3 Jan 1856 in Johnson Co., Indiana
died: 26 March 1907 - Coin, Colfax Twp.. Page Co, Iowa

[note - this photo was originally identified as Elizabeth Sheets Rhoades, by June Collins. However, June's Cousin Corine Ehnes identified the photograph as Rebecca Conner Sturgeon.]

12th Elizabeth Maurer married Mathias Grisso
12 Nov 1771 - New Hanover, Montgomery Co, PA

14th Ernest Anton Frederick Schmoe
born: 14 Nov 1865 – Hancock Co., Indiana
parents: Ernst H. W. & Caroline Ostermeier Schmoe
married: Minta Victoria Moon - 27 Aug 1889 - Lawrence, Douglas Co., Kansas
died: 19 Nov 1955 (5 days after his 90th birthday) – Newberg Oregon

15th John S. Sturgeon
born: 15 Nov 1831 Louisville, Jefferson Co, Kentucky
parents: Thomas Law and & Mary Sturgeon Sturgeon
married: Rebecca Conner - 3 Jan 1856 in Johnson Co., Indiana
died: 25 Oct 1890 – buried in Shenandoah, Page Co., Iowa

15th Elizabeth Sheets Rhoades
born: 15 Nov 1823 – Fairfield Co., Ohio
parents: Joseph & Mary “Polly” Jackson Sheets
married: Jacob Rhoades – 17 Jan 1845 – Fairfield Co., Ohio
died: 11 Dec 1899 – Shenandoah, Page Co., Iowa

16th Thomas Law Sturgeon
born: 16 Nov 1799 in Kentucky or Pennsylvania
parents: Simpson & Mary Law Sturgeon
married: Mary Sturgeon – 20 Dec 1821 – Jefferson Co., Kentucky
died: 8 Jun 1850 – Johnson Co., Indiana

25th Lavina Burnside married John Peter Moon
25 Nov 1833 – Richland Monthly Meeting, Hamilton Co., Indiana

27th Rebecca Sanders Rich
born: 27 Nov 1812, near Caesers Creek MM, Clinton Co. Ohio
parents: William & Amy Williams Sanders
married: Moses Rich – 10 March 1836 - Lick Branch MM, Marion Co., Indiana

27th Jane Miller & Peter Burns
married: 27 Nov 1789 – Augusta Co., Virginia

30th Tracie Grisso Schmoe

born: 30 Nov 1901 – Wild Cherry, Fulton Co., Arkansas
parents: William Austin & Nancy Roxanna Martin Grisso
married: Geary E. Schmoe – 25 Oct 1919 – Fulton Co., Arkansas
died: 4 May 1994, Newberg, Yamhill Co., Oregon

Collins Timeline Map 1817-1900

2008-10-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

Click on image to enlarge.

I am in the process of updating the Collins Timeline Map. I have new information to add and a couple of corrections. It will be back soon.

Mary Ellen Collins Morgan Barber 1901 marriage

2008-09-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few days before Mary Helpher Collin's fall, her daughter Mary Ellen married for the 2nd time to John H. Barber. Below is the text of the newspaper notice.

Pierce City Empire [Pierce Missouri]
September 5, 1901 page 3, column 3

Mr. J. H. Barber and Mrs Mary E. [nee Collins] Morgan, of this city, were married at the Mt. Vernon Hotel, in Mount Vernon, August 26th, Rev. John H. Bright, officiating. Mr Barber and his bride returned to their home in this city last night, and will soon go to Joplin to live, where Misses Bertha and Persis Barber are employed as teachers in the public schools. The Empire, together with the many friends of the family extend congratulations to the bride and groom.

Mary Collins injured in Fall

2008-09-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

I just received this from the great people at the Missouri Historical Society, who for a very small fee will do newspaper lookups.

Lockwood Luminary, 30 Aug 1901

The wife of Elder S. L. Collins was quite seriously injured last Monday morning at their home northeast of town. She went to the spring which is a few feet from the door and fell in a swoon partially , in the water and her head struck against a rock in such a manner that blood flowed freely from the wound. Mr Collins went to her assistance as soon as the accident was discovered and the neighbors came to their assistance. Tuesday her condition was better and they were enabled to come to town and visit their son T. Collins. Mr and Mrs Collins are about 80 years of age.

note: Mary Collins died about a year later.

Mary Maria Helfer (Helpher) Collins

2008-08-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

I recently received the following newspaper records from the Missouri Archives.

Mary Maria Helpher (my GG-Grandmother) was the wife of Stephen L. Collins. I have more information about her possible family, I will post separately. Mary may have been the daughter of Christopher & Lydia Helfer who lived in Wayne County Ohio at the time of Mary's marriage (1840) to Stephen L. Collins. The circumstantial evidence supports this but so far there is no proven link.

Mary Maria Helpher Collins Obituaries

(from the Missouri Archives)

Lockwood Luminary 26 Dec 1902

As we go to press we learn of the death of Mrs. Collins, widow of the late S.L. Collins at her home near Lockwood today. Funeral services were held at the residence and the interment at the cemetery in the neighborhood. Mrs Collins was about 78 years of age and was a woman whose life had been spent in well doing. She had resided in Dade County many years.

Lockwood Luminary 9 Jan 1903

Obituary

Mary Maria Collins, nee Helpher, died at her home near Lockwood, Dec. 26, 1902. She was born Feb. 28, 1822, in Ashland Co., Ohio, was married to S.L. Collins, Feb. 27, 1840 and joined the Baptist Church the same year. At the time of her death she was 80 years, 10 months, and 10 days old. She leaves 8 children, 5 boys and three girls, 5 children have preceded her to the better land. The children will always remember her kind words and loving deeds of mother may they all be prepared to meet her in that heavenly home where old age never comes and the inhabitants of that city shall not say I am sick, but will be one unending day of joy, a family reunion never to break up. Funeral services were conducted at her home by the writer from Psalms 116:15. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery nearby to await the resurection morn. J. L. Leonard..

Alpha L. Collins 1844-1881

2008-07-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Alpha L. Collins 1844-1881

Alpha L. Collins was the oldest son of Stephen L. & Mary Marie Helpher Collins. He was born in Ohio 23 Jan 1844.

I have not yet found the family in the 1850 census. If anyone can find them I'd be thrilled to hear.

1860 Nebraska Terr Census Nemaha County, Brownville pages 61 & 62, 29 Jun 1860

Collins, Stephen 44 m Baptist Minister 700 800 New York

Collins, Mary 38 f Ohio

Collins, Alpha 16 m Asst. Farmer Ohio

Collins, Christopher 13 m Ohio

Collins, Maria 10 f Indiana

Collins, Ellen 6 f Indiana

Collins, Charles 3 m Illinois

Collins, Mark 1 m Nebraska

1870 Missouri, Dade Co., Center Twp, p.3

Stephen L Collins 54 b. NY, Minister of the gospel

Mary M Collins 48, b. OH

Alpha L Collins 26, b. OH, farm labourer

Lydia M Collins 20, b. IN

Mary E Collins 15, b. IN

Charles M Collins 13, b. Neb

Ahirah M Collins, 11, b. Neb

Daniel D Collins, 8, b. Neb

John T Collins 6, b. Neb

Emily M Collins 3, b. MO

1880 MO, Center Twp., Dade Co., p.189B

Alpha L. COLLINS Self M Male W 34 OH Pauper OH OH

N. J. COLLINS Wife M Female W 30 TN Keeping House TN TN

Cyrus COLLINS Son S Male W 2 MO OH TN

Alpha married Naomi J. Wright (b. Sept 1849) on the 26th of November 1876 in Dade Co., MO. Alpha's father Stephen L., performed the ceremony. Alpha and Naomi had one child, Cyrus Jerome Collins, He was born, 27 Oct 1878 in Missouri, (and died about Jun 1940). After Alpha's death in 1881, Naomi married, Daniel W. Gamble, 13 Dec 1883 in Dade Co., MO. They moved to Labette Co., KS.

Cyrus Jermoe Collins registered for the WWI draft in 1918 in Labette County Kansas. He lists his birthday as 27 Oct 1878, of medium height, medium build, blue eyes and red hair.

from Lauren Leeman, The State Historical Society of Missouri

rcd 10 July 2008

Greenfield Vedette & the Greenfield Dade Co., Advocate

(same obit ran in both newspapers)

14 July 1881

Obituary

Died of paralysis, June 30th, 1881, in Centre Township, Dade county, Mo., Alpha L. Collins, aged 37 years, oldest child of Elder S.L. Collins and Mary M. Collins, of this county. He leaves a wife, a little son three and a half years old, parents, brothers, sisters and numerous friends to mourn their loss. He professed Christianity at about 14 years of age and joined the Baptist church and was faithful until the end.

Happy Birthday America

2008-07-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

Robin

2008-06-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

Speaking of robins, here is a photo taken a couple of days ago in our yard. We think this robin was injured some weeks back and has nearly recuped. She/he still has a slight limp but otherwise looks pretty good now. Check out the bird on MUDs website, I'm not sure his is a robin but could be a young one?

Click photo to enlarge.

Charles Martin Collins 1857-1941

2008-06-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

Charles Martin Collins was born in May 1857, (his obit says 14 May 1855 but all other records list 1857). Census records indicate he was born in Illinois but I have no idea what county. His obituary states he was born in Buchanan County Missouri but I believe this is incorrect. He was the son of Stephen L. & Mary Marie Helfer Collins, and the brother of my Great-grandfather (Ahira Mark Collins b. 1859 in NE). Charlie would have been about 11 years old when they moved to Dade county Missouri. He spent the rest of his life there. He married Cordelia Jane Harris King on 21 Jan 1877, in Dade County. They had 5 children; Edward R. 1877-1916, Dora Effie (Asher),1882-1902, William Stephen 1884-1921, Frances "Fannie" Leora (Cochran), 1891-1973, and Joseph (who probably died as a child). Either Cordelia died, or they divorced before 28 Nov 1922, which is the date Charley married Cordelia's sister Lillian Ann Harris Cook. Lillian died in 1928. Charley was a farmer his entire life.

This photo is identified as Charley Collins and his brother Ahira Mark Collins taken in the late 30's in Missouri.

Charley died tragically when his home caught fire in December 1941.
His death notice and obituary are from the Lockwood Luminary and supplied by the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Obituaries of Charles M. Collins
Both from the Lockwood Luminary

Friday, 2 January 1942

Chas. M. Collins Meets Horrible Death in Fire
A tragic death occurred to Charley M. Collins, one of Dade County's pioneer residents, Monday morning about eight o'clock. He was 86 years of age and lived alone on his farm about four miles northeast of Lockwood. He had arisen and built a fire in a kitchen stove. In some manner his clothing caught fire and he ran outside to a well where there was a small trough. Apparently he either tore the burning clothing from his body or it was burned and fell from him because near the well there were several pieces of clothing and a pipe which he evidently had been smoking. Either in an effort to return to the house to save some of his belongings or because he was dazed with pain, he returned to the house. The building was enveloped in flames when nearby neighbors arrived at the place and there was nothing they could do to put out the fire.
After the fire died down a search was made for the aged man and what was left of his body was found among the ruins. R.L. Haunschild, undertaker, was called and brought the remains to his home for preparation for burial. Services are announced for Thursday afternoon at the Lockwood Baptist church. Burial will follow at the Collins cemetery, north of Lockwood.

Friday 9 January 1942

Charley M. Collins
Charley M. Collins was born May 14, 1855, in Buchanan county, Missouri, and departed this life December 29, 1941, at nine o'clock a.m at the age of 86 years, 7 months, and 15 days. He was the son of Rev Stephen and Martha Collins. At an early age he came to Dade county with his parents, and spent the remainder of his lifetime in this county.
He was united in marriage to Cordelia Jane Harris in January, 1878. To this union five children were born, Edward, Dora, Effie, William Stephen, Joseph and Fannie Leora. All have preceded him in death except Mrs Fannie Leora Cochran. He is survived by four grandchildren, Gilbert and Maurice Collins, Vera Beisner and Golden Collins, also six great grandchildren.
He was converted at the age of twenty-two and was later ordained a deacon in the Lockwood Baptist church, where he served the remainder of his life.
Funeral services were held at Lockwood Baptist Church, Thursday afternoon, January 1st. The sermon was delivered by Rev Geo Gray. Burial was at the Collins cemetery, north of Lockwood, under direction of R.L. Haunchild.

Clara M. (Collins) Powell 1870-1940

2008-06-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Clara M. Collins was born about March of 1870, the oldest child of Christopher Royce and Esta Jennie Cleavinger Collins, the first cousin of my Grandpa Mark Collins. In 1870 she is living with her parents in Daviess County Missouri. Christopher & Jennie had married there in Dec of 1868. In 1880 she is living with her family in Brownville, Nemaha Co., Nebraska. By 1887 her family had moved to St. Joseph, MO, where she is listed as a seamstress working for Wood Manufacturing Co, and living at 311 Middleton St. With her mother and brother Stephen Moses Collins, they moved to 1208 N. 3^rd St in St. Joe by 1890, she is still listed as a seamstress. 10 years later, the 1900 census has Clara M. Collins born, March 1870 in MO, divorced, a dressmaker, her father born in OH, and her mother born in MO. I cannot find Clara in the 1910 census. Sometime before the death of her father in 1919, Clara married Bertrand B. Powell and moved to Chicago where she and her husband were listed in the 1920 census. By 1930 they had moved to Marion Co., IN, where she died in 1940 of lobar pneumonia. Her residence was listed as 2421 N. Ritter St. in Indianapolis IN. As far as I can tell she had no children.

Sunset to the NW 19 June 2008

2008-06-20T23:01:00.001-07:00

I did brighten this pic since it was getting a bit dark when I noticed the brilliant color to the NW.

June means Roses

2008-06-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

This is the first year we've had many flowers on the hedge roses (rosa woodsii) we planted 3 years ago. The bushes are about 4 feet high now with pretty pink blooms. These were purchased from the Nevada Division of Forestry in little pots and like the lilacs have done great.

Moon Over the Rubies

2008-06-16T23:00:00.001-07:00

Taken at sunset tonight 16 June 2008.

Rabbit Run

2008-06-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

Our resident bunny.

John Timothy Collins 1864-1926

2008-06-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

John Timothy Collins was born the 9th of June 1864 in Nebraska, the son of Stephen L. & Mary Marie Helpher Collins. He was a farmer and shoemaker. In Jan 1884, he married Laura M. Rogers in Dade Co., MO, and they had 5 children. They were: Ira Jacob (b. Dec 1884), Mary F. (b. July 1892), Laura Maud (b. July 1896), Charley (b. 1901), and Linnie L. (b. 1904).

From the good folk at the Missouri Archives.

Lockwood Luminary - 19 Mar 1926
J.T. Collins passed away at his house in Lockwood Monday morning at an early hour, following a grave illness that extended over several months duration. Early last year Mr. Collins was taken to a Springfield hospital for an operation. He was brought home in a short time, his family being advised that he would never be well. A greater part of the time his suffering has been intense. Regardless of the many disappointments, in the face of the fact that he knew his condition was hopeless, he was a patient sufferer. Those who knew him best and saw him most were his best friends. Mr. Collins had maintained a shoe repair shop in Lockwood for years. He submitted to an operation years ago, at which time one of his limbs was amputated near the hip. He was compelled to use a crutch and often working all day at his place of business when others of much better health would have been at home. He was 61 years of age. Funeral services were held at Lockwood Baptist Church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. L. Leonard, of Springfield, a former friend of the deceased. Burial was at Lockwood Cemetery. Mr Collins is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters, other relatives and friends.

Lockwood Luminary
Ira Collins left Sunday morning for Bethany MO, where he has secured employment. Mr Collins spent the past several weeks at this place assisting in the care of his father, J.T. Collins. The later passed away the day following the departure of his son.

Lockwood Luminary
Charley Collins and wife returned to Lockwood Saturday from Kansas City where the former ha been employed since the first of the year. They will remain indefinitely at the home of Mrs J.T. Collins.

Lockwood Luminary
Mr & Mrs Jack Baker were called to Lockwood Monday from their home in Kansas City by a message announcing the death of the latter's father, J.T. Collins.

June 4th Snow in the Ruby Mountains

2008-06-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

Sunset - 4 June 2008 - click to enlarge.

White Lilacs in May

2008-05-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

We were surprised to see that one of our many lilac bushes is producing snowy white flowers. It was one of about 20 small starts we purchased from the Nevada Department of Forestry and planted about 3 years ago. All of the others seem to be the standard common Lilac and producing purple flowers. Fortunately they all have the same great smell.

Memorial Day Tribute

2008-05-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

As Memorial Day approaches we all should reflect and be grateful for the sacrifices and dedication of our Veterans and currently serving Military personal. Here is a link to my previous Veteran's Day post. Thank you for your service !

Christopher Royce Collins update #2

2008-05-19T16:27:00.001-07:00

OBITs and More..

To see the other Christopher R Collins, posts go HERE and Update #1 Here.

Through the kindness of Chester O. Fiene and the State Historical Society of Missouri, we now have the following additional information about Christopher R. Collins

Lexington News - 17 April 1919
C.R. Collins, 71 years old, died of heart disease, at the home of his step son, C. W. Selby, near Lexington, Monday, April 14. Mr Collins was born in Seaville, Ohio, May 11, 1847. He is survived by his wife, one son, S.M. Collins of St. Joseph Missouri, one daughter, Mrs B.B. Powell of Chicago, and one step son, C. W. Selby. He is also survived by three brothers, and three sisters. Before coming to Lexington Mr Collins made his home in Golden City Missouri. The funeral was held at four o'clock Monday afternoon.

Card of thanks - Lexington News (Missouri) 17 Apr 1919
We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved husband and father. We shall never forget you in this hour of sadness. Mrs C.B. Collins, Mrs B.B. Powell, S.M. Collins, Mr & Mrs C W Selby and family.

The Lexington Intellinger , 18 April 1919 (lookup by Chester O. Fiene)

Death of C.R. Collins - C.R. Collins died at the home of his step-son, C.W. Selby, east of Lexington, Monday morning at 12:25 o'clock. His death was due to heart trouble. Mr Collins was born in Ohio and leaves a wife, one son and one daughter. The funeral was held Monday evening at 4 o'clock.

Cemetery listing showing page 168, Machpelah Cemetery, Lexington Missouri, Ewing Addition II. (lookup by Chester O. Fiene May 2008)

Collins, Christopher R. ; 11 May 1847; 14 Apr 1919

From this we now know that

Christopher was buried in Machpelah Cemetery (Ewing Addition II).

Christopher's daughter (Clara) married B. B. Powell, and they lived in Chicago. S. M. Collins is Stephen Moses Collins who later moved from St. Joseph to California.

Christopher and Jenny's daughter Sarah must have died before his death. in fact the only record I have of Sarah is the 1880 census.

Clara must have married between 1900 (census St Joseph MO), and the Apr 1919, death of her father. We still don't know if Clara had children.

We are indebted to Reference Specialist, Lauren Leeman at The State Historical Society of Missouri and Chester O. Fiene, for this great boost to our Collins Family research.

Cherry Blossoms - 18 May 2008

2008-05-18T15:04:00.001-07:00

Tulips in May

2008-05-16T10:08:00.001-07:00

Taken today !

Genealogy Trails - Nevada - Elko

2008-05-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

Genealogy Trails is a relatively new website of volunteers who transcribe and post actual records for free access. The format is similar to the US GenWeb Project, with state then county pages. These are not just links to other websites, but links to actual transcribed data.

The State of Nevada page.

The Elko County page includes transcriptions of: Newspaper Stories, Cemeteries, & Obituaries.

One especially nice feature is that there appears to be NO commercial advertising. This is an increasingly rare but most welcome feature. Searching from the main page does not seem to work with Mozilla/Firefox. The pages however are laid out well and easily navigated.

Worth a look.

FamilySearch Labs

2008-04-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

The FamilySearch Labs is continually expanding it's free genealogical offerings. It requires a free sign-up. Along with the increased offerings, it is getting a very polished look. I just noticed it is now including Baptisims, Marriages, & Burials for Norway 1700-1900. I have recently made good use of several of their searchable and browsable databases. It is amazing what volunteers can accomplish. FamilySearch Indexing is a great place to donate some time.

Christopher Royce Collins update #1

2008-04-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

See my earlier post re: Christopher Royce Collins. As an update I have found a bit more to fill in the picture of his life. I am still looking and welcome any information. Listed below are Christopher's probable marriage record to Jennie Cleavinger, and the 1900 census listing. I've requested an obituary but have not received it thus far. Except for Christopher's son Stephen Moses Collins who migrated to California, I know almost nothing about his children, who would be my grandfather's first cousins.

Probable marriage record: Daviess County MO, P.209, 23 Dec 1868

This document was difficult to read, but is reasonably consistant with the information we have about Christopher & Jennie Cleavinger Collins.

Missouri, Daviess County, on the 23rd day of December 1868, I joined as husband and wife, G. C. R. Colins, Esta J. Clevinger. This given under my hand this the 17th day of January 1869. V. G. Anderson, A member of the Gospel of the M.E. Church.
Filed for Record Feb, 11, 1869
Robert H. Grantham, Recorder

note: The California Death Index listing for Stephen Moses Collins (son of Christopher & Jennie), lists the mother's maiden name as Cleavinger.

*******************
1900 Missouri, Barton County census
Golden City, Dist 20, page 46, 13 June 1900

Collins, Chester: head, born- July 1846 in OH; age 53; married 7 yrs; occupation- harnessmaker; father b. OH; mother b. PA; can -read, write, & speak English; owns his house free of mortgage.

Collins, Annie: wife, b. Jan 1852 in IN; age 48; married 7 yrs; 4 children born - 2 yet living; parents b. IN. can read, write & speak English.

Moore, Mary A: help, b. Aug 1830 in OH; age 69; widow; 8 children born - 7 yet living; parents b. OH; helps in housework; can read, write and speak English.

Elko Nevada Marriages Free at BYUI

2008-04-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

The BYUI Western States Marriage Index includes a great collection of Nevada marriage records.

"For going on three decades, the BYU-I (formerly Ricks College) Arthur Porter Special Collections area of the David O. McKay Library in Rexburg, Idaho has been extracting early marriage records from counties in the western part of the United States. This extraction is called the Western States Marriage Index."

In checking the Western States Marriage Index for Elko County listings it is interesting to note that in part, they used the Chart & Quill [the quarterly publication of the now defunct Northeastern Nevada Genealogical Society] as one of several sources. The Chart & Quill editorial staff obtained its data from various local newspapers, and the Elko County Recorder's office official records. What has never been extracted to my knowledge are the Marriage Applications housed in the Elko County Clerk's office which start in 1889 (according to the C & Q). In every case, the researcher should check the original record for accuracy. In addition to marriages the Chart & Quill record births and deaths for Elko County, from about 1869 to 1913.

Triangular Outhouse?

2008-04-14T19:02:00.001-07:00

Here's a link with an Elko Nevada mention.
I've never seen an outhouse in the shape of a triangle. I wonder if they ran out of wood?

1905 Letter from Toano, Elko Co. NV, Earthquake

2008-04-08T23:27:00.001-07:00

Here is an interesting letter written from Toano Nevada in November 1905. The author "Ches" writes to his wife Miss Jennie Nicholson (in Oakland CA) of an earthquake he felt. This letter is part of the, TNGenWeb.org, Letters From Forgotten Ancestors project. Collection of Fred Smoot, Provenance: David G. Phillips, Miami, Florida (eBay Auction, 2005). Transcription: © Fred Smoot 2005.

There are letters from many different states, so it is well worth a look-see.

Dan Turner's Excellent ElkoRose website has a Toano page with lots of photos and links.

Christopher Royce Collins - I had it wrong!

2008-03-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is a developing story but I thought I'd post a tease until I have all the facts straight.

Christopher Royce Collins was the brother of Ahira Mark Collins. Both were the sons of Stephen L. Collins and Mary Marie Helpher.

From various sources I had the following about Christopher:
He was born abt 1847 in Ohio.
He married Jennie Cleavinger in about 1868, possibly in Daviess Co., MO.
In the 1870 census, he is living in Daviess Co. MO, Monroe Twp p. 359. The listing shows a Samuel Will age 83 born in TN, unknown relationship; Jenny age 20 b. MO; Clara is listed as 2/12 b. MO.; and Christ age 33, b. OH.
He was living in Nemaha Co., Neb in 1880, with wife Jennie & 3 children:
Clara M. Collins b. abt Mar 1870 in MO.
Stephen Moses Collins b. 30 Jun 1872, in Caldwell Co., MO, died in CA.
Sarah Collins b. 1876 in MO.
Christopher was a harness maker.
Various St Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO, directories have the following:
Christopher R. Collins harnessmkr. r. 311 Middleton Saint Joseph MO 1887
Clara Collins Wood manufacturing co works r. 311 Middleton St Joseph MO 1887
Mrs. Jennie Collins r. 311 Middleton Saint Joseph MO 1887
Arthur McCurdy M. G. Post teamster r. 311 Middleton Saint Joseph MO 1887
Collins Clara seamstress Wood Mfg Co. r 1208 n 3d 1890
Collins Jennie (wid Christopher R.) r 1208 n 3d 1890
Collins Moses driver r 1208 n 3d 1890
McCurdy Arthur H. teamster r 1208 n 3d 1890

Database: Buchanan County, Missouri Taxpayers, 1891-95, 1901
Surname Given Name Township Post Office Year
Collins Jennie St Joseph 1895

From the above I assumed that Christopher had died about 1889, possibly in or near St. Joseph Missouri, but... I WAS WRONG. Through FamilyTreeMaker v16's automatic search feature, which searches ancestry.com, I discovered a 1910 listing for a Christopher R. Collins living in Barton Co., MO, with wife Annie, what a surprise. A further hunt has located a marriage record of Annie Ladd to Christopher R. Collins, married 24 Dec 1892, in Barton County MO. Christopher's 1919 death certificate was also found at Missouri Digital Heritage. I am still looking for the details, but suffice it to say that Christopher did NOT die in 1889 and lived another 30 years. Expect an update in the next few weeks.....as details emerge.

Ahira Mark Collins – Serendipity at the cemetery.

2008-03-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ahira Mark Collins was born at Brownville, Nemaha County, Nebraska Territory, 17 Jan 1859.

He was the son of Stephen Loren and Mary Marie Helpher Collins. In an interview (1979) with my grandfather Mark Collins (b. 1901), I asked how his father had decided to move to Oregon. I was told that his dad had been helping his father farm a place in SW Missouri when he had a vivid dream. In the dream the devil told him to go to Oregon and an Angel told him to stay in Missouri. In 1889 A. Mark Collins arrived by train at The Dalles, Oregon. In 1893 he married Julia Porter at The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon.

Their 5 children; Jesse McKinley, Thomas Antone (Ed), Fairy Valentine, Ahira Mark, & Joseph Claude, were all born near Tygh Valley Oregon. A. Mark homesteaded 21 acres, about 1 ½ miles north of Shearer Bridge Road. Joey the youngest died as a baby and may be buried at the homestead, along with his oldest brother Jesse McKinley who drown in about 1914-5. In 1910 Julia become ill and went to stay with her sister in Iowa. Julia died there, 13 March 1910, of tuberculosis, and is buried in Essex, Page County Iowa. The children remained with Julia's sister Jesse who raised them as her own. Ahira Mark Collins died 13 Oct 1939, at The Dalles Oregon, and is buried in the IOOF cemetery.

Five years ago on a trip to The Dalles, with my sister, we visited the IOOF cemetery. Once there, we found two maintenance workers one of whom indicated that Great-Grandpa Mark was buried in a certain section, but that he did not know the exact spot without checking the records in the cemetery office. With a 180 degree sweeping motion of his arm, he indicated where we should start looking. This was a huge area.. I hopped out of the car and my sister with the aid of one of the workers started up and down the rows of graves. Instead, I headed out on foot angling across with no sense of where I was headed or even if there would be a headstone to mark the grave. I walked at a steady pace for a few minutes until I felt the sudden urge to stop. Looking down at that spot, not 6 inches from my foot, was the small flat headstone of my great-grandfather, Ahira Mark Collins. I firmly believe he guided me straight to his grave.

Obituary: "The Dalles Weekly Chronicle" 14 Oct 1939 page 2 – The Dalles, Wasco County Oregon. Mark Collins, 80, resident of Tygh Valley for 52 years, died yesterday at a local hospital. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by C.R. Callaway & Sons. Surviving relatives include, Mrs Abe Fulkerson, Shenandoah IA, and two sons Mark Collins, Dundee, and Ed Collins, Redmond.

The Dalles Daily of Oct 16th 1939
Services Announced - Funeral rites for Mark Collins, long time resident of Tygh Valley who died here Friday, will be held from Callaway's chapel tomorrow at 3:30 pm, it was announced today.

The Dalles Daily of Oct 17th 1939
Funeral serviced for Mark Collins, Tygh Valley man who died last week, were held this afternoon from Callaway's chapel with Rev. W. I. Eck officiating. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery. (The Dalles).

*
Misc records:
BLM records www.glorecords.blm.gov
Ahira M. Collins
Wasco Co. Oregon, Twp 3S, Range 14E, Section 31, lot 2.
Title Issued - 14 Sept 1908
21.13 Acres. Document # 5711
Misc Doc # 8575
Accession/Serial # 13229 BLM serial # ORTDAA 062560

1922-23 Wasco County Oregon Farmers Directory
Collins, A.M. , PO The Dalles; owns 21 acres; sec 31, twp 3S, RG 14; assd. $330; 2 mi NE Tygh Valley.

1905-6 Wasco County Oregon Tax List - R.L. Polk & Co.
Collins, A.M. $525, Tygh.

Yard Visitor.

2008-03-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Digital Librarian

2008-03-02T21:27:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful list of digital content across the web and world.
Digital Librarian.
and a sublink to online books search page.

I did a search there for Nevada and received the following hits:

The Birds of Nevada, by Jean M. Linsdale
- PDF at unm.edu
- DjVu at unm.edu
Birds of the Charleston Mountains, Nevada, by Adriaan Joseph Van Rossem
- PDF at unm.edu
- DjVu at unm.edu
An Excursion to California Over the Prairie, Rocky Mountains, and Great Sierra Nevada (two volumes), by William Kelly (HTML at LOC)
A History of the Comstock Silver Lode and Mines, Nevada and the Great Basin Region, Lake Tahoe and the High Sierras (Virginia, NV: F. Boegle, c1889), by Dan De Quille (HTML at nevadaobserver.com)
Mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada, by Clarence King
- HTML at LOC
- page images at MOA
Preliminary Report Concerning Explorations and Surveys, Principally in Nevada and Arizona (1872), by United States Army Corps of Engineers (page images at MOA)
Preliminary Report Upon a Reconnaissance Through Southern and Southeastern Nevada, Made in 1869, by George M. Wheeler and D. W. Lockwood (page images at MOA)
Reminiscences of Senator William M. Stewart of Nevada (New York and Washington: Neale Publishing Company, 1908), by William M. Stewart, ed. by George Rothwell Brown (HTML at nevadaobserver.com)
Synopsis of a Report on Mining in California and Nevada, U.S.A. (1879), by G. Thureau (illustrated HTML pages at farlang.com)
The Yosemite Book: A Description of the Yosemite Valley and the Adjacent Region of the Sierra Nevada, and of the Big Trees of California, by J. D. Whitney (illustrated HTML with commentary at Yosemite Web)
The Young Engineers in Nevada: or, Seeking Fortune on the Turn of a Pick, by H. Irving Hancock (Gutenberg text)

Sunrise over the Ruby Mountains

2008-02-26T06:31:00.001-08:00

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The view from the porch this morning at 6am - 26 Feb 2008.

Wells Nevada Earthquake

2008-02-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

We were awakened this morning to the sound of our bed banging against the wall. Having previously lived in Southern California, we knew immediately what was happening. The shaking lasted approximately 30-40 seconds. I was amazed at how quickly there were reports on both TV and the internet. A family member who lives in Wells (we live 50 miles away) is fine, but a light fixture fell from the ceiling and flower pots and photos were thrown to the floor. I have a 2nd hand (but reliable) report that the Obama headquarters there is in shambles.

The Elko Daily Free Press has a photo and article.

Here are 2 historic photos of Wells.

Mountain West Digital Library - Gravemarker Photos

2008-02-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

The Mountain West Digital Library, includes a collection of gravemarker photographs by Austin Fife. A search for "Gravemarker", yields 635 hits. Some are from northeastern Nevada, including a few each in cemeteries at; Elko , Battle Mountain, & Winnemucca.

The Winter of 1889-90 in NE Nevada.

2008-02-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

The winter of 1889-90 in Northeastern Nevada was brutal to ranchers. It has been estimated that up to 95% of the cattle in Elko County perished that winter due to the deep snows and frigid temperatures.

From the Daily Nevada State Journal 2 March 1890:
"A.G. Dawley returned last evening from Halleck. He reports a fearful state of affairs in Ruby Valley. In his corrals and about his stables the snow is drifted to a depth of 15 feet. He has two stallions in the stable which cannot be got out as the snow is piled up almost as high as the building, and feed and water is carried in to them through a small opening. During the recent storm about eight inches of snow fell which was fearfully drifted by the hurricane which prevailed during the fore part of the week. Mr Dawley fears this winter will pretty near wind up the stock business in Ruby Valley."

Digital Collections at the University of Nevada at Reno

2008-02-01T23:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy these great digital photographs, maps and images of Nevada,
from UNR's 21 digital collections.
Nevada Digital Conservancy.

My favorite is "Just Passin' Through" The Lincoln & Victory Highways in Nevada.