So eight years ago I published my first post and it’s been a crazy ride since then. I credit the blog with helping me improve as a researcher, connecting me with friends and family, and giving me a fun outlet–that also pushed me to further explore my roots. And while I haven’t been that consistent–especially in the last couple of years–I still want to keep it open and (ideally) post more often about what’s happening.
On the fun side, I’ve been distracted doing a fair amount of presenting, which has been fabulous! In fact, if you’d like to catch me around Michigan, I’ll be at:
- Ionia County Genealogical Society on September 14th speaking on the Tuberculosis epidemic around the turn of and early 20th century and family history
- Dearborn Genealogical Society presenting “Scandalous Ancestors” on September 26th.
- Ypsilanti District Library presenting “The ABCs of DNA and Genealogy” on September 29th.
I also will freely admit I get pulled down the rabbit hole in my research–which of course has it’s negatives–but it makes for great blog and talk fodder. I’ve been pulling together a new presentation on occupational records. I’ve found coopers, distillers, bankers, Levantine merchants, my share of farmers and more to discuss and use as examples–like the following Barrel And Box article about the fire at H. R. Rothwell’s factory. Rothwell was the widower of my 4th Great Aunt Frederica Massy who later also married her 1st cousin, Julia Hill Alison.
Thanks so much for hanging out with me! Stay tuned for more posts and happy hunting!
Jess
Genie Road Trip 
August 14, 2019 at 9:35 am
My grandmother, Lorna Holden DeBoer, on my mother’s side had TB. Hard to imagine in this day and age.
When you research polio, remember me.
You’re doing great Jess!
Phyllis Dolislager
Author, Writing Consultant
August 15, 2019 at 8:02 pm
Both of Grandma Ethel’s parents had TB which is what started me down that line of research. It is hard to imagine especially when you step back and see the huge numbers affected. Thanks so much for following and commenting, Phyllis!
August 14, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Dear Jess,
My Rothwell’s married into several of the same families; Massy, Alison … the Wisbeach folks. Frederick Wade Rothwell (1816-1886) married Mary Anne Massy (1826-1903). They were my 2X grandparents. Frederick’s older brother was Thomas Wade Rothwell. There is much more information available on Thomas Wade Rothwell (1810-1819) . Likely because he was 6 years older thank Frederick and Thomas was more heavily involved with the local community. They (Frederick & Thomas) immigrated from Ireland together on the same ship in 1832 and both lived in Wisbeach. Both sons of our 3X grandfather, Major Wade etc…….
I would like to send you a manuscript on the Rothwell family that was written by my 3rd great Aunt, Caroline Frances Rothwell, who was a sister to Thomas & Frederick, and Caroline was the daughter of Major Wade.
Can you please send me your direct email? I am not technical enough for blogs, however, I do use Ancestry and FTM. I will be going to Dublin, Meath, Ireland on Friday, August 16. From there my husband Robert and I will sojourn to Kells! (last trips was 2012) We will be there until Aug. 22 and then we take off to Poland for my maternal ancestry. Rothwell is my paternal side.
I will not return to California until August 30 so my emails to you can be more meaningful after that. I have so much to do before we pack & leave! I am originally from Royal Oak, Michigan, and graduated from Oakland University in Rochester Hills.
I will not be taking my computer with me, but I will have my cell phone and will be able to correspond with emails on my iPhone when connected to the internet overseas.
That’s all the time I have for now. Please acknowledge my email and send my yours if you decide to continue connection. I will be very genealogically scattered until September 1, however, I am positive we are related (John Rothwell and Mary Barry of Cannonstown). I am going to the National Library of Ireland on August 20th to read some Rothwell manuscripts regarding Rockfield.
Cheers,
Cousin Janine Rothwell Charlton
August 15, 2019 at 8:08 pm
I emailed you this evening. Thanks for connecting!
December 16, 2019 at 11:26 am
Very sadly, in case you have not heard, Janine passed away suddenly. Please let me know if you would like an invite to the Facebook Rothwell family history group to which she belonged. Daniel.
December 28, 2019 at 12:07 am
Oh, no! No, I hadn’t heard. We’d really only just started talking in August. Thank you for letting me know. I’m more Alison/Massy than Rothwell but the lines are so very tied. I’d be interested in the invite.