Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - An Ancestor's School Records

 From Randy (my cousin) over at Genea-Musings:

it's Saturday Night - 

time for more Genealogy Fun!!!

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to:

1)  Do you have any records of your ancestors' schooling, such as report cards, yearbooks, or photos?

2)  If so, please share one (or more) of them and what you learned about your ancestor(s) from them.

3) Please share your post or information as a comment or in your own blog post!

(Thank you to Lisa S. Gorrell for this SNGF idea.)

Here's mine:

Well, since I always have to be extra, I'm going to post about four different people, my great-grandmother, Bessie Alice Carter Ranney (1883-1960); my grandmother, Ethel Irene Ranney Tapley (1913-1973); my mother, Linda Irene Tapley (1942-); and myself (1967-)!

Bessie grew up in Eagle Grove, Iowa.  Following are images of her 1901 High School Graduation Booklet.

    

For my grandmother, a page out of her 1932 Redlands (California) High School Yearbook.  My mother nor I had any idea Ethel was in Glee Club!  We certainly did not inherit any singing ability from her, unfortunately.

My mother was in the 1st Grade at Glenwood in Los Angeles.  Here is her report card from the first semester that year (1948-49). (I believe I got a hold of this when I was a child and added or tried to subtract some check marks from the Subjects section!)  I see she got outstanding marks in Effort and Cooperation.

With her 5th grade class in 1953 in Mentone, California:

Here's my pretty mother in June 1962 when she graduated from San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California.

Finally, here I am in my cap and gown when I graduated from Swainsboro High School, Swainsboro, Georgia in 1985.

I like to share the 4 of us because it is amazing to me how much we all look alike!  The genes are strong on my maternal side!

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - Where were your Ancestors 80 years ago?

 From Randy over at Genea-Musings:

it's Saturday Night - 

time for more Genealogy Fun!!!

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to:

(1)  Determine where your ancestral families were on April 1, 1940 - 80 years ago when the U.S. Census was taken.

(2)  List them, their family members, their birth years, and their residence location (as close as possible).  Do you have a photograph of their residence from about that time, and does the residence still exist?

(2)  Tell us all about it in your own blog post, in a comment to this post, or in a post on Facebook.  

Here's mine:

I have a total of 6 direct ancestors who were living 80 years ago in 1940  One parent, three grandparents, and two great-grandparents.  

*  My father, Gilbert Earl Tapley (1928-2008), along with his mother, Nealie V. Drake (1895-1970), was living on East Church Street in Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia.  He was 11 years old.  Also in the household were a few of my father's siblings:  Lamar, age 24, Russell, age 21, and Irene, age 14.  The odd thing is they have Aunt Irene listed as "Dempsey Irene" when Uncle Dempsey was another brother.  It is obvious they are describing Irene, though, as they list her as a daughter, age 14, and she was 3 years older than my father.  The enumerator also had written "Dorsey" on a line (another of my father's brothers), but crossed through that and put "Gilbert" instead.  I don't know if it was enumerator or my grandmother who was confused.  

My father's family moved around a lot after his father passed away in 1935.  He mentioned living in Sandersville at some point, but he never showed me the house or location.  So I have no pictures and have no idea if the house is still there.  Also, I was unable to discern the house number on the census.

* For some unknown reason, I have been unable to locate my maternal grandparents, Charles Morgan Tapley (1907-1973) and Ethel Ranney Tapley (1913-1973) on the 1940 census.  However, from their California Voter Registration, I know they were living at 15749 Vintage Street, Los Angeles, California in 1940.  When my mother and I visited Los Angeles in 2010, we visited this house, and I took pictures of it then.  However, I do not have any pictures from the time they lived there, so I don't know if it has changed any.  

* My great-grandparents, Luther Boardman Ranney (1870-1943) and Bessie Alice Carter Ranney (1883-1960) were living at 313 S. Sierra Way in San Bernardino, California in 1940.  Included in their household was their middle child, Alice Ranney Williams, who was age 28.  We also visited this location when we were in California, and I took pictures.  This house has been torn down and it was just a lot when we visited.  Unfortunately, I have no idea what the house looked like 80 years ago.

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks (Week 5): So Far Away

Amy Johnson Crow from Generations Cafe is hosting a blog writing prompt this year called 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.  Since I need a swift kick in the you-know-what to get me blogging more regularly again, I thought I'd jump in.  I like that she gives us "permission" to interpret the prompt however we wish and share it however we wish.  It doesn't have to be a blog post; it could be a family video, a letter to a child or grandchild, an e-mail, etc.  I'm actually jumping back a week to address the prompt "So Far Away."

In 1906, my great-grandfather, Luther Boardman Ranney, and my great-grandmother, Bessie Alice Carter, were wed.  They lived in Elsie, Clinton County, Michigan.  They had their first child in December of 1907, but unfortunately he only lived 4 days.  However, they went on to have three more children:  Kenneth, born in 1909, Alice, born in 1911, and Ethel (my grandmother), born in 1913.  They seemed to have a normal, fun childhood. 

 

Then, when Alice was 9 years old, about 1920, the doctor told her parents that she had tuberculosis (TB).  He went on to tell them that Alice would not make it through another Michigan winter.  She needed a warmer climate.

So almost immediately, it appears, the family packed up and moved across the country to Redlands, California.  Why there?  We don't know for sure, but I believe it was because Luther's Uncle Jonathan Hesser (his mother's brother), his wife, Kate, and their son, Otho, along with his wife, Viella, moved out there about the same time.  I'm not sure who followed who.  It looks like Viella was from Yucaipa, California, right up the road from Redlands.  Perhaps she suggested that would be a good area?  Or perhaps the train stopped at the station in San Bernardino (again, right up the road from Redlands and Yucaipa) and they thought the area looked good. 

How much courage it must have taken to move across the country, especially at that time!  The roads were not good and car tires went flat constantly.  I would imagine cars weren't dependable at all that early on.  Or perhaps they took a train.  That would be a challenge in and of itself.  How do you carry everything you own for 5 people onto a train?! 

Then there's the fact that they left everything they knew... their home, family, friends, church... to start over where they knew no one, but an uncle, aunt and cousin.  And Bessie didn't even know them.  The Hessers had lived in Ohio so she had not met them before.  Bessie's parents had passed away by 1920 and she was an only child, so the only family she had were her husband and children.  Luther, however, had three siblings and their families that he probably never saw again.  His parents both died the fall of 1920, so did the family move before or after their deaths?  That would have been incredibly difficult for everyone either way. 

However, just like any other parents in the world, if a doctor tells you that your child will die if you do not get her to a warmer climate... then you move heaven, earth, trains, and automobiles to get her there. 

Even if it is so far away. 

Alice, Bessie, Ethel, Luther, and Kenneth Ranney

Alice Lucille Ranney Thornburg, 1911-1981

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun -- What Family Heirlooms Did You Inherit or Obtain?

From Randy over at Genea-Musings: 

it's Saturday Night - 

time for more Genealogy Fun!!!

 Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to:

1)  The NEHGS Weekly Genealogy newsletter asked an interesting question this week - let's use it for our SNGF this week.

2)  What "family heirlooms" did you inherit or obtain?  What are your most cherished possessions that were owned or created by an ancestor or relative?  They could be photographs, letters or documents, a diary, an audio or video recording, books, jewelry, clothing, quilts, needlework, drawing or painting, toy or doll, collectibles, musical instrument, furniture, something else?

3)  Share your cherished heirloom(s) in your own blog post, on Facebook, and leave a link to it in the comments.

Here's mine:

Oh my goodness! I am blessed to have so many of my family heirlooms.  Since I am the unofficial family historian and my parent's only child, a lot of things have come my way.

From my father's side of the family:

Jewelry, watch, jewelry box, and Bible from my Grandmother Nealie Drake Tapley.  I believe I have told the story on this blog of how these came into my possession.  

My father's Masonic ring.  His handmade quilt.

One of my most cherished possessions is an 8x10" picture of my Uncle Russ and Aunt Elizabeth that always sat on my parent's dresser.  After my father passed, it came to live with me.  

A set of etched glasses Aunt Elizabeth gave my parents.  

My bedroom suite was left to me by my Uncle Dempsey Tapley.  It's not hundred of years old or anything, but it's at least 30 years old.  

From my mother's side of the family:

My grandfather's cameras.  I have an entire case just for them.  Three Polaroid cameras and a Falcon.

My grandfather's teacup collection.  Yes, my grandfather loved teacups!  They are displayed in my china cabinet with their matching saucers.

Several of my grandfather's books, such as Pilgrim's Progress.

My grandfather's genealogy research notes.  Yes, he is who inspired me to do all this research into the wee hours.    

My great-grandmother's, Bessie Carter Ranney, china head doll.  I had it cleaned and repaired many years ago, and it is definitely a prized possession.  The story goes that she had scarlet fever when she was a child, so all of her toys had to be destroyed.  The china head doll is the first toy she received after she recovered.

I have both my great-grandmother's and grandmother's diaries. 

Some jewelry that belonged to my great aunt, Alice Ranney Thornburg.  Plus her name tag from her time employed at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino,  California.  I also have her children's size rocking chair.  

I have a U.S. Navy locket that my grandfather gave my grandmother during World War II.  I also have the military flag from my grandfather's funeral.  It is framed and displayed in my home. 

My great-grandmother's dining room table, which I had refinished and use as my scrapbooking table.   

I have paperwork, too. Reports cards, high school and college yearbooks, funeral books, marriage licenses, death certificates, even some divorce decrees.  

And course, lots of beloved pictures from both sides of the family.  I just wished they had all come labeled!  

Is there anything I wish I had?  Only more pictures, I think.  With notes of who and where they were.  I can dream, can't I?  

Bessie Carter Ranney's 1929 Diary - Week 15, April 14-20

(To read entries from my maternal great-grandmother's 1929 diary, please click on the tab "Posts by Topic" and then go to the topic "California." All posts are listed there.)

  
The Players:

The writer is Bessie Carter Ranney, my great-grandmother.  She was 46 at the time of this writing.

Her husband:

Luther Boardman Ranney, my great-grandfather.  He was 59 at the time of this writing.

 Her children:

Kenneth.  He was 20 at the time of this writing.

Alice.  She was 18 at the time of this writing.

Ethel, my grandmother.  She was 16 at the time of this writing.

  Extras:

Viella Crites Hesser, wife of Luther's first cousin, Otho Hesser

Jonathan Elisha "Uncle Jon't" Hesser & his wife, Sarah Catherine "Aunt Kate" Hall Hesser, Luther's uncle and aunt and Otho's parents.

Sunday, April 14, 1929:  "The girls & I went to Sun. S & rode around Smiley Heights awhile afterwards.  Had dinner then Carly took the girls for a long ride, weren't home until after 6.  Luther & I went out to Pete Engelland's & back to Vespers.  Had to stay at Woessner's in the eve."

Monday, April 15, 1929:  "Washed & cleaned wood work & floor in Kenneth's room.  Got 2 cards & 3 letters from K. in the forenoon.  Alice & I went up town when L. got home from work."

Tuesday, April 16, 1929:  "Varnished K. bedroom floor, & ironed then went to Mrs. Garretson's & quilted until nearly 5.  Stayed at home & made quilt blocks in the eve.  Ethel went to Elsie's with Carley."

Wednesday, April 17, 1929:  "Painted K. bed, chair & table & mowed lawn.  Got first letter from K. after he reached the mine.  Went down to Mrs. Garretson's about 11 to quilt.  Mrs. McLaury & I were there for lunch.  Went up town & met Alice took her to Dr. Campbell for glasses & made date with Dr. Hawkins for treatment for her tonight.  Freda & Lucille were here for supper."

Thursday, April 18, 1929:  "A rainy day.  I went up to Mrs. Raley's to a luncheon, we had a lovely time and a good visit.  Took Alice up to Dr. Hawkins at 4:30 and he examined her.  Found her lungs all right but blood pressure high & nerves bad."

Friday, April 19, 1929:  "Luther went to work at noon. I went down to Mrs. Garretson's & helped finish the quilt.  Called on Mrs. Dickerson on the way home.  Luther, Alice & I went to the Community Sing in the evening."

Saturday, April 20, 1929:  "Got the car & the girls and I went to San Bernardino.  Saw Mrs. McKinney Moran and her mother there and they were coming home with us but we missed them so came home & had lunch then went to Nora's but Mrs. Mc.K. & mother came & called up so we came home.  They were here for supper.  Flo has a new car."

Bessie Carter Ranney's 1929 Diary - Week 13, March 31 - April 6

(To read entries from my maternal great-grandmother's 1929 diary, please click on the tab "Posts by Topic" and then go to the topic "California." All posts are listed there.)
  
The Players:

The writer is Bessie Carter Ranney, my great-grandmother.  She was 46 at the time of this writing.

Her husband:

Luther Boardman Ranney, my great-grandfather.  He was 59 at the time of this writing.

 Her children:

Kenneth.  He was 20 at the time of this writing.

Alice.  She was 18 at the time of this writing.

Ethel, my grandmother.  She was 16 at the time of this writing.

  Extras:

Viella Crites Hesser, wife of Luther's first cousin, Otho Hesser

Jonathan Elisha "Uncle Jon't" Hesser & his wife, Sarah Catherine "Aunt Kate" Hall Hesser, Luther's uncle and aunt and Otho's parents.

Sunday, March 31, 1929:  "The girls and I went to Sun. School & Church in the morning then we went to Dodson's at Highland.  Alice was sick with indigestion so she didn't have much fun.  Went over to Woessner's a few min. in the eve. but mostly read Alice's book to her."

Monday, April 1, 1929:  "Alice was sick so had Dr. Mock to see her.  Went up town & got some medicine for her.  Read her book to her in the afternoon.  Stayed at Woessner's in the eve."

Tuesday, April 2, 1929:  "Alice better so she went to school.  After Luther came home Alice & went up town.  Sec. meeting at Mrs. Garretson's so I was up there all day.  Came home to find Kenneth sick with a cold."

Wednesday, April 3, 1929:  "Kenneth stayed home from school.  I washed & cleaned up stairs.  Kenneth helped me."

Thursday, April 4, 1929:  "Rained hard so Luther couldn't work.  He took the children to school and went after them at night.  I fixed clothes up all day after the ironing was done."

Friday, April 5, 1929:  "Rained again part of the day.  When school was out Alice & I went up town and after supper Kenneth, Alice & I went to West Coast to show at San Bernardino."

Saturday, April 6, 1929:  "Felt awfully blue as Kenneth wants to go work in the mines in Nevada.  The children & I went to San Bernardino in the afternoon & go Kenneth an overcoat & Alice a spring coat.  Got home about 6.  Ethel went to show with her friends.  Alice & I stayed at Woessners awhile in evening."

Bessie Carter Ranney's 1929 Diary - Week 12, March 24-30

(To read entries from my maternal great-grandmother's 1929 diary, please click on the tab "Posts by Topic" and then go to the topic "California." All posts are listed there.)
  
The Players:

The writer is Bessie Carter Ranney, my great-grandmother.  She was 46 at the time of this writing.

Her husband:

Luther Boardman Ranney, my great-grandfather.  He was 59 at the time of this writing.

 Her children:

Kenneth.  He was 20 at the time of this writing.

Alice.  She was 18 at the time of this writing.

Ethel, my grandmother.  She was 16 at the time of this writing.

  Extras:

Viella Crites Hesser, wife of Luther's first cousin, Otho Hesser

Jonathan Elisha "Uncle Jon't" Hesser & his wife, Sarah Catherine "Aunt Kate" Hall Hesser, Luther's uncle and aunt and Otho's parents.

Sunday, March 24, 1929:  "Girls & I went to Sun. School.  Ethel went with Lucille.  Alice & I went to State St. Christian Church to the Dedication.  After church we all went to Viella's for dinner. Came home in time for Vespers then Alice & Luther & I went to Church in the evening."

Monday, March 25, 1929:  "Washed in the forenoon.  Alice went to the Library to work on her theme but couldn't find material so the girls & I went to San Bernardino to the Library in the afternoon.  Stayed at Woessner's in the evening."

Tuesday, March 26, 1929:  "The girls and I left at 9 o'clock on a real estate trip to Capistrano Beach.  Found things moving nicely there.  St. lights in, some curbing & side walks.  6 new houses.  We had a pleasant day & home a little after 7."

Wednesday, March 27, 1929:  "Ironed & Viella & her girls came to an early dinner then we all went to San Bernardino & shopped all afternoon.  Had a good time.  Found an invitation when we got home to visit Laura next day."

E Street, San Bernardino, California, 1920's, courtesy of http://www.ci.san-bernardino.ca.us/about/history/history_of_san_bernardino_%28short_version%29.asp

Thursday, March 28, 1929:  "Laura came for us at 10:30.  Had a good visit with Laura's aunt, Mrs. Munson.  After dinner we went to San Bernardino again.  Got back to Highland a little after 6.  Luther was there to bring us home."

Friday, March 29, 1929:  "Girls and I went to town & stayed until afternoon.  Took care of Chas. an hr. and a half.  Went to Bruce's in the eve. but so late they were all in bed but Bruce."

Saturday, March 30, 1929:  "Ethel & I went up town awhile.  Mrs. Munson came at 11 o'clock.  Laura Dodson came about 4 o'clock & we went over to San Bernardino & she brought us home about 7 o'clock.  Luther worked with some bees & got stung quite a bit."

Bessie Carter Ranney's 1929 Diary - Week 11, March 17-23

(To read entries from my maternal great-grandmother's 1929 diary, please click on the tab "Posts by Topic" and then go to the topic "California." All posts are listed there.)
  
The Players:

The writer is Bessie Carter Ranney, my great-grandmother.  She was 46 at the time of this writing.

Her husband:

Luther Boardman Ranney, my great-grandfather.  He was 59 at the time of this writing.

 Her children:

Kenneth.  He was 20 at the time of this writing.

Alice.  She was 18 at the time of this writing.

Ethel, my grandmother.  She was 16 at the time of this writing.

  Extras:

Viella Crites Hesser, wife of Luther's first cousin, Otho Hesser

Jonathan Elisha "Uncle Jon't" Hesser & his wife, Sarah Catherine "Aunt Kate" Hall Hesser, Luther's uncle and aunt and Otho's parents.

Sunday, March 17, 1929:  "Left Brawley at 8:30, got to Coachella at 11 inquired for Mrs. McKinney but she had gone.  Came on home & got here at 1:40.  Had lunch & just finished as Miss Woodbure came to call.  Luther, Alice & I went to Vespers.  Four Sons was the movie.  Ethel went to Pence's & K. to Espy's as usual.  Came home & had lunch & went to Church in the eve."

Monday, March 18, 1929:  "Washed.  Stayed at Woessner's in the evening."

Tuesday, March 19, 1929:  "Ironed.  Got a spell of indigestion in the evening.  Alice and I went over to Nora's awhile in the evening."

Wednesday, March 20, 1929:  "Was going with Laura to her aunt's but was sick & couldn't go."

Thursday, March 21, 1929:  "Was going to San Bernardino with Viella & Viola but Alice was sick so I couldn't go.  Stayed at Woessner's in the evening."

Friday, March 22, 1929:  "School was out for 1 wk.  Went to the Redlands theatre in the evening."

Saturday, March 23, 1929:  "Girls and I went up town in the forenoon.  Came home about noon.  After dinner Ethel went to Lucille's.  Mr. Suess called for Kenneth's pants to clean & stayed quite awhile.  Mrs. Vogt called.  Alice & I went up town when L. came home from work."