My Farthest Memories

I have been thinking...
How Far Back Can I Remember?

I can remember the time before I started going to school. My mother was on the telephone talking with someone. I heard my mother talking about enrolling me in to KG. I went in the afternoon.

I even remember walking to and from school with some of my siblings. It was along walk. We did have buses in those days. We lived about 9 blocks from Mark Twain Elementary School.

I recall playing with blocks in our play area in our classroom. I recall looking out the window onto the playground. I remember the swing set, the monkey bars and jungle gym. I recall the white and yellow circles and squares... drawings on the playground.

I recall the double doors in our classroom to come in our room. We even had a back door to go out to the playground. We had our own private bathroom in the back of our classroom. I thought that that was cool.

I recall that parents came to see their children. My parents did come. It must to have been Parents' Day. The parents came to see our classroom. And to look at what we did.

I recall laying down taking naps on a mat in our classroom. Then one day I was sick and missed school. I heard that Santa came to class that day.

So I missed Santa. I was not too disappointed. I knew who Santa was. Some of my siblings told me.

I recall reading about Sally, Dick, Jane and their dog named Spot. I recall that I was called upon to answer a question from one of our readings. I cannot recall which girl it was but Dick took and hid Jane's or Sally's ribbon. Our teacher, Miss Wise ask me What would Jane or Sally do about Dick taking the ribbon?

Here was my response to the question: I said, She would beat him up! The kids laughed at my answer. Miss Wise said that Dick would not do that. Miss Wise said that Jane or Sally would ask Dick to gave the back ribbon.

I felt "dumb" and "stupid" about my answer. I did not talk much. I was quiet. Yes, I was shy.

I recall hearing about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Assassination. I remember that famous black and white photo. I wondered what those guys where pointing at.

I recall bringing candy to my classmates. It was my birthday four days after Dr. MLK Jr's Assassination. I even remember that I felt strange giving candy to my classmates during a time like that.

I recall seeing the men on the moon on TV. U.S. President Richard Nixon on TV during in his first term in office.

I remember relatives coming over to our Family House. People would be playing cards and talking. I recall that we had a hope chest in one of our rooms. It reminded me of a coffin.

I recall one day that the Hope chest opened up. I saw the lid was close. I ran when I saw the lid opening. I did not like being around coffins when I was a kid.

I recall watching TV shows; The Riffle Man. Other TV programs that some of my siblings would watch.

I recall one of my brothers hanging up my bicycle our swing set. He did this in our back yard and left it there. I was crying. ( I was teased a lot.)

I recall our Family Dog biting me in the stomach. Here is a section that I posted about "Dogs In The Family and Neighbor Dogs":

The First dog that I can remember in my family was "Fido". I don't know what breed of dog "Fido" was. What I remember about "Fido", he was iffy iffy.

He would be good to us. He was a happy dog. And at times turn on us. "Fido" would attack people if he though we were in danger.

Then again, there was a time when I was out in the back yard helping my Father clean up. I bent over to pick up something. All of a sudden "Fido" came running out of his house and charged at me biting my stomach. Boy I was scared. I cried...

Yes,"Fido" was something else. He liked to bit. He loved chasing cars tires. Well, one day our Father was going on his trash route. "Fido" broke loose and went chasing after the truck. This time "Fido" got ran over.

My Father buried "Fido" in our backyard. I was there looking on. Even though "Fido"was a crazy dog, I still like dogs.

I recall some of the games that we played in the house. We played marbles and jacks. We played with "army men". We made paper air planes and toss them in the air.

We played race cars with the orange tracks that made loops and turns. We built houses out of playing cards. We stood dominoes upright until we tapped one letting them fall one by one. (We played cards and dominoes too.)

I recall when our Dad and my brothers enlarged our basement. There was a lot of dirt to dig out. I remember one time there was some things outside the window. Someone one had an idea to lift me up to the window so I could get it. Yeah, I was small enough to go through our basement window.

On my journey of transformation
As I reflected back on my memories of the past, I found out as I was typing this blog, more things came to me. I added more detail. O the memories of what once was.

I had a thought. As the years go by, I lose some things of the past. So I challenged myself to this was a simple exercise. I put some thought into what I did.

So I thought of How Far Back Can I Remember? It was as though I took a journey in time's past. I had more memories than I thought.

It is good at times to recall the good things of the past. My memory goes back to 40 or 41 years ago. I think that that is good.

From my Book of Thanks and Blessings

Father God, I thank You that You blessed with a memory. I thank You for what I can remember things of the past. I thank You for the idea that came to me, to write things down for future generations.

I thank You for all the PROVISION that I have had in my life time. I thank You the FAITH that is in planted in me. I thank You for the SIGNS and WONDERS that I have witness in my days.

I thank You for the LOVE that surrounded me as I was growing up. I thank You that Your HEALING Hands guard my life. I thank You that DELIVERANCE that is in my life.

I thank You for the Door of HOPE that has been in my life. I thank You that well before I was born, You choose me to have the choice of SALVATION in Jesus' name Amen.

This blog came from my Xanga site 2007

Jordan Blakey: Who Was He?

 In the beginning of my search, I knew very little about Jordan. I read that he passed away in Michigan through family history notes. As I continue to search for family history, I discovered more and more along the journey.

Jordan Blakey was born with a twin sister, Julia on March 1, 1878 in Mississippi. Their parents were Isaac and Rachel (LEPHRIDGE) BLAKEY. Jordan was one of 18 children of Isaac and Rachel.

In November of 2011, I came across info on Jordan's wife Flora Elizabeth (LAWRENCE) BLAKEY in California. I discovered the birth index and two of her children names. I wasn't for sure if they were Jordan's children. But through more searching, I came across more children of Flora.

As I continue to search for Jordan, I came across more info that I wasn't sure of. I have tried to piece together and make the connections with things that I've been finding. I searched the census records, city directors and whatever info that I could.

I'm still trying to piece together info on Jordan. I searched on ancestry.com and came across some info. I had some contact with descendants of Jordan. I have since lost connections with them. One descendant was on Clarence Ollie Blakey. The other one on Verna M. Blakey.

Jordan wasn't listed on the 1880 or 1900 census. What appears unusual on the 1880 census was that his twin Julia was listed. I wondered why Jordan wasn't listed on both of those census. And for 1900, Jordan would have been about 22. He could have been married.

According to 1910 MO census and records Jordan was married to Lizze ?. That would have been about 1903 or 1906.   Lizzie was born about 1882. She passed away before 1915.

Jordan remarried to Flora BENTLEY on Oct 20, 1915 in Yankton, South Dakota. Jordan was listed as a widower. Flora were listed as a widow before they were married.  Jordan and Flora were only listed on the 1920 census together.

On the 1930 census, Jordan was listed with wife, Ruby in Nebraska. Jordan was 25 when he first married. That would have been Lizzie. The year when Ruby and Jordan married isn't known.

Jordan and his 3rd wife Rubenia "Ruby" moved to Ann Arbor Michigan. That could have been sometime between 1930 and 1935. They remind there until their death.

I searched the CA birth index, and other census and came up with Flora's maiden name LAWRENCE. On the CA birth index LAWRENCE was listed with the children Thomas, Flora. and Baby Girl Blakey.

The first three children were born in SD.  Verna and Vernon could have been the same person. Error on the census taker. I don't think that they were twins. Verna wasn't listed with Vernon.

Jordan's 2nd wife Flora. Here is a list of Flora' children with the BLAKEY surname:
Clarence and Verna were born in SD. The others in CA.
Clarence Ollie BLAKEY (1920 - 1988)
Clarence was married had about 10  children

Verna M. BLAKEY (1923 - 1983)
Verna had a son with the DELAHOUSSAYE surname.

Vernon L. Blakey ? Not for sure, this could have been Verna.

Thomas J. "Tom" BLAKEY (1930 - 2013)
Thomas was married.

Flora Stella BLAKEY (1933 - 1976)
Flora was married and had children.

Baby Girl BLAKEY (1935 - 1935) She was stillborn

Jordan was listed as a farmer. I haven't found any additional info on his life. Jordan and Flora did have descendants. I hope someone can see a connection with The  Jordan and Flora BLAKEY's Connections.

Thanks for reading,
Susan

A Mini Family Reunion: 2008

This is some what of a re post  from my old Journaling_Susan xanga.com site
Dated on Monday, 21 July 2008

It was a hot day, today. But is was a special day. A brother, his wife and son came for a visit on their way back to Texas. They were going to stay for about 5 hours.

I made the calls to others that our brother and family was here. I manage to get as many as I could to come by. The last time that my brother and family were here was 3 years ago.

I showed my second oldest brothers a family album that one of our brother made for me. I had a family pedigree to show them as well. We got to know our family history.

We all could not meet at once. Some came in and out within the 5.5 hours. The official count for today: 10 brothers, 5 in laws, 3 nephews, a niece and a sister. A brother and a sister made a phone call. I think that is pretty good for a Monday afternoon.

I even took pictures. I couldn't miss out on this historical moment. I noticed some things as we were together. The first 5 brothers were here under the same roof. I had to get them to pose for a photo. They did.

It is hard to get every one together. Some of the brothers live out of town. The elder ones are getting up in years.

I see this week a very special week for our family. We had some what of a mini reunion. It was plain and simple. I served some lemonade and cookies.

I hope that you had a good day.
Blessings to you.

Staying On the Family History Journey,
Susan

The Garden

This was how the garden looked....
Back in the days 1980's and some parts of the 1990's.

This was a big garden.
We have corn, green beans, tomatoes, lettuce,
cucumbers, onions,  cabbage, watermelon.
 I can't think of what all was in the garden.
 

Website Title Change To Family Connections

This website began on  Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The first blog title was In The Beginning...

The first few thoughts on my first blog:
I thought to start a blog on my family history. I have been searching for over 30years. But where do I go from here in sharing what I have discovered? What will I share?
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Sunday, June 30, 2013

When I created this website, I couldn't find a name for my site. So I used the names of my father's lineage. BLAKLEY, BLAKEY / WHITE. Through the years I changed it to BLAKLEY BLAKEY/ WHITE With BARTLETT/ LYLE, WASHINGTON ALLEN WALTERS, DADE - LANKFORD Connections

Ten days  ago, I thought about the name of this website. I thought that it was time for change. Yes, I change the name again. I see that this blog isn't only about the surnames that I have on my family tree. It's from generations to generations that we're connected.

I have a facebook page I created. I call it Family Connections. I thought to use that name for this website. The two sites are connected. I can do more on facebook with photos on other links that show photos.

I'm thankful for the people who have helped me on the journey. I'm discovering more about our family tree. I  hope to found more Family Connections.

It's been a journey searching for info.  I've come across some relatives and family connections on facebook and ancestry.com. I'm hoping to come across more.

Thanks for reading,
 Family Connections

This website can be used for many ways:
I'm trying to locate relatives:

Connect or Re connecting with family members.
The below info is on facebook:

The orginal title of this site was Blakley, Blakey/ White, Bartlett - Lyle, Washington, Allen, Walters, Dade - Lankford Connections is the combination of all my parents' parents' surnames.

My ancestors lived in Coutries of Missouri: Andrew, Buchanan, Chariton, Howard, Linn, Randolph, Lewis, Marion, AND SURROUNDING AREAS

There were some relatives that moved to Yankton, South Dakota areas. St. Paul MN area, Michigan, Wisc, New York, California, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Oregon,

My Father's Siblings: In Laws
Bartlett - Blakley Connections
Lankford
SUGGS / Nelson
CAVE / Smith
Richardson
WILLIAMS / Hinch

My Mother's Siblings': In Laws
Allen - Lankford/ Lankfard Connections
Blakley
Smith
Blakey
Farmer
Thomas
Johnson
Steward
Weston
Walker
Wilson

Hooper - Bartlett Connections
Bartlett - Blakley/ Lyle
Bartlett - Armstrong / Hicks
Some In Laws Unknown

Blakley - Lyle Connections
Lyle - Strange
Lyle - Jones

Allen Washington/Walters Connections
Allen - Lankford
Walters - Nelson

Dade - Lankford:
In Law Connections
Madison
Whitney
Hills
Wright
Peterson
Allen
Smith
Hughes
McDaniels
Nickerson

Ovington - Dade Connections
Dade - Washington
Dade - Madison
Dade - Venoy Adams
Dade - Lankford

Dade - (Love) Washington Connections
Washington - Hendred: In Laws Connections
Robinson
Selby
Carter
Marshall
Manley
Coly or Coby
Brown - Hendred Connections
Hendred In Law Connections
Hazelwood - Tate

Hendred - Madison

Scott - Blakey Connections
Blakey / Blakley

Lephridge - Blakey Connections:
In Laws : SOME SURNAMES UNKNOWN
Kinney
Williams
Fristoe
Lawrence
Holliday
Hayes
Hayes
Bentley
Jackson

White Connections: In Laws
Morris
Rucker - Craig
Guy
Tooley
Hill
Houston
Jones
Terrill
Winfrey
Jackson
Hayes

Hope to find out what others heard on the family history.
Perhaps find out where others fit on the family tree or perhaps can add more names.

This site appears to be more of sharing information than feedback.
Thankful for those who have shared some things.

God bless you.

1st Update on Jan 3,  2012
2nd Update on May 16, 2012 added Intro and MAIDEN names
3rd  Update on June 30, 2013 added Info

The WHITE Connections in Missouri

I'm still searching on The Julia White Connections in Chariton, Howard, and Randolph Counties areas in Missouri.  I received some info.... I have been wondering about some of the things that this cousin shared with me.

There were some things that I'm trying to follow up on.
Here are some questions that have come to me.

How was Laura (PAIGE) WHITE connected to The Whites in Chariton County? I have read some things about her.  She was a godly woman and hard worker. Many people called Laura, Aunt Laura.

I heard that Laura was the sister in law of Richard White. Laura was married to an Andrew J. WHITE. Richard did have a brother named Andrew White.

I have searched for Andrew and Laura WHITE on the census records. One the 1880 they were listed living next to Julia WHITE in Chariton. However, Andrew was listed with his father, Isaac WHITE.

Some thoughts and Questions: Was this Andrew WHITE's father, Isaac's Son or Grandson? Isaac was born about 1800 on that census. On the 1870 Isaac was born about 1810 in VA. Andrew was born about 1852 in MO.

Or was Isaac WHITE, Julia's father in law or brother in law? I do believe that Andrew and Laura were related to Julia WHITE. But how? There are similarities with the family. Andrew and some of Julia's children lived near one another. Mattie White lived near Andrew on the 1900 census.

Here's what I discovered about Andrew and Laura WHITE.

They were married about 1873. They had 6 children. Julia, Mariah, Isaac, Cornelia, William and Wedian WHITE. Cornelia and Wedian were listed as married on a census. Neither of their spouse's names weren't listed.

Cornelia had a daughter with the surname WOODS. Todd WOODS was listed with Andrew WHITE as a nephew. I believe that Todd would have been Cornelia's son. Or related to the WOODS who lived next door to Isaac and Andrew WHITE on the 1870 census. Jordan and Martha (WHITE) WOODS.

Andrew WHITE was listed as the son of Isaac  and Mardy / Mary (BURTON) WHITE.
Andrew was born on  Dec 14, 1852 in Chariton, County.
He passed away on April 16, 1927 in Chariton County.

Laura (PAIGE) WHITE was the daughter of Dennis and Ellen PAGE / PAIGE.
Laura was born on May 13, 1855 in MO.
She passed away on March 27, 1955 at the age of 100.

I'm hoping to find more leads.
I'm thankful for relatives who have been and are sharing  information.

Father's Appreciation Day: Happy Father's Day

May we Honor our FATHERs.

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I thought about what I appreciated about my father of 26 years as he was my father. (His lifespan 1913 -1989.)

While I was growing up, I was a Daddy's girl. I loved my dad. I can say that I am from the seed of David. Here is some of what I appreciated about my father.
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1. My father married my mother.

2. My father was faithful to my mother..

3. My father was kindhearted .

4. My father supported and took care of his family.

5. My father worked and was a hard worker.

6. My father owned and operated his own business.

7. My father (and mother) owned a home and property.

8. My father was my father.

9. My father made provision for his family.

10. My father fathered 19 children with the same woman.

( I'm #19.)

11. My father loved children.

12. My father called upon the Lord to be saved.

13. My father was the father that God, the Father blessed me with.

14. My father taught me some things about life.

15. My father left a legacy.

16. My father had a caring heart to help people.

17. My father honored his Step father and Father in law.

18. My father prayed for me 12 hours before his passing.

19. My father's blessings.
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Happy Father's Day to all!
Happy Father's Day, Father God!
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I am thankful for all my forefathers. I am thankful for the blood line that God blessed me to come from. I am thankful to be on the lineage of Father God.

Possible Children Of Frances/ Frankie Ovington Dade

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

• Possible Children Of Frances OVINGTON DADE

  As I was searching for information on Louisa Jane/ Jane DADE WASHINGTON and her family, I came across other DADE's where they lived.
  
  On the 1870 Census  Bery DADE born about 1838 in KY
  married to Eliz and Child, Lucy
  
  On the 1880 Census Benjamin DADE born 1829 in KY
  married Lucy. Children Maron, Benjamin, Sarah, Fannie,,Eliz,,Mary
  Bandy,Charles, George
  
  George DADE Born 1840 in KY
  married Ellen
  
  Possible Children Of Frances/ Frankie OVINGTON DADE
  
  Staying On The Family History Journey,
  Susan

Some Questions About The BLAKEY WHITE Connections

I've been searching on new leads on The BLAKEY WHITE Connections. I have been thinking about some questions. I hope to find some of the answers to these questions.

I had a conversation with a cousin on The Rev Richard "Dick" WHITE Sr. and Jane (FERGUSON) WHITE Connections. This cousin got me thinking about some things. I believe that there are others who have info that can add to the family tree. I hope that they are willing to share.

Here are some question and thoughts:

When did Julia WHITE pass away? Heard that she may have lived to be in her 90's. Did she pass away in St. Louis Missouri? Julia was born about 1820. If she was in her about 90 that year would have been about 1910. Checked MO death records for Julia WHITE couldn't find a match.

Update: Julia who was born about 1820 She was not the same Julia who moved to St. Louis. Most likely There was another Julia.

On the Slave Article: Slavery Descendants to have First Reunion, it stated that the great grandmother was buried in Forest Green MO. Was that lady, Julia WHITE? Did Julia have a daughter living St. Louis?
What about Mattie WHITE, daughter of Julia WHITE? Heard that Mattie's first name could have been Martha. Matt or Mattie was her nickname. Did Mattie married? Did she have 5 children? Did Jane White one of Mattie's daughters move to Kansas City MO?

Update on Mattie's children:
She did have more than one child besides Ella Bentley Carr.
Where did Mattie's daughter Ella BENTLEY CARR pass away about 1923? Ella's son was listed with Mattie on the 1930 and 1940 census. Ella's husband Pleas CARR passed away in Kansas City MO in about 1961. Pleas married twice.

Update: On Mattie's grandson, Willard: It appears that Mattie raised her grandson after his mother Ella passed away.


What year did Hester WHITE pass away? Heard that Hester was buried on the family farm. Hester was the youngest child of Tony WHITE.

Update on Hester WHITE:
He passed away in the 1950's.  He may have passed away out of State of Missouri. But was buried in MO.

When did Georgia (LEE) WHITE pass away? Georgia was the 1st wife of Tony White son of Richard ""Dick" White.

What was Clora WHITE's maiden name? She was the 2nd wife of Tony WHITE son of Richard "Dick" WHITE.
Who were Rebecca WHITE's parents from Virginia?Rebecca was listed as Julia WHITE's granddaughter on the 1880 census in MO. Which child of Julia was the parent of Rebecca?

Update on information below:
Still Searching. Believe that they were related. But how?

Possible other WHITE Connections:
Was Rebecca WHITE RUSSELL related to Julia WHITE?Rebecca WHITE father was William WHITE.

There are other questions. Was the Isaac WHITE that lived next door to Julia WHITE related? Isaac had a son named Andrew J. WHITE. Andrew was married to Laura PAIGE WHITE. in Chariton/ Howard County MO.