Saturday Night Genealogy Fun: Who Is the Earliest Ancestor in Your Maternal Tree?

I guess I should have expected this to be the topic for today's Saturday Night Genealogy Fun from Randy Seaver, considering that last week's challenge was the earliest ancestor in the paternal tree.

Come on, everybody, join in and accept the mission and execute it with precision.

1.  Today's challenge is to answer the question "Who Is the Earliest Ancestor in Your Maternal Family Tree?"

2.  Tell us about your earliest maternal ancestor in your family tree on your own blog post, in a comment here, or on your Facebook page.  Be sure to leave a link to your report in a comment on this post.

[Thank you to Linda Stufflebean for suggesting this topic!]

I know the answer to this question without needing to check my tree.  But I will need to look at it to verify some years of birth and death (most I do know by heart).

Actually, I can go back the same number of generations on two different lines on my mother's side.  But one of those ancestors was born a little earlier, so I'm going to follow that line.

1.  Janice is the daughter of Myra Roslyn Meckler (1940–1995)

2.  Myra is the daughter of Abram Meckler (1912–1989).

3.  Abram is the son of Minnie (originally Mushe) Zelda Nowicki (about 1880–1936).

4.  Mushe is the daughter of Gershon Itzhak Nowicki (about 1858–1948).

5.  Gershon is the son of Abraham Yaakov Nowicki (?–?).

So I know the name of my 3rd-great-grandfather, but I don't know anything else about him.  I estimate that he died before about 1896, because I have a cousin who was probably named after him, and that cousin was born about 1896.  I know that his wife was named Sirke, but I don't know her family name.  And that's all I have.  Since we're talking about a Jewish family in Grodno gubernia, Russian Empire, I'm lucky to have that.

But as with last week's challenge, I can say that I have total confidence in all of my information.

For the other family line I mentioned above, I can also get to a 2nd-great-grandfather whose father's name I know, but that guy was born about 1863, five years later than Gershon.

1.  Janice is the daughter of Myra Roslyn Meckler (1940–1995).

2.  Myra is the daughter of Lillyan E. Gordon (1919–2006).

3.  Lillyan is the daughter of Joe Gordon (originally Joyne Gorodetsky; about 1892–1955).

4.  Joyne is the son of Avigdor Gorodetsky (about 1863–1925).

5.  Avigdor is the son of Gersh Wolf Gorodetsky (?–?).

I have no idea when Gersh Wolf died, because I know of no grandchildren or great-grandchildren who were named after him.  That could mean that he was alive when those grandchildren were born or that no one liked him and wanted to name a kid after him.  I have a hint that Gersh Wolf's wife was Etta Cohen (which would probably have been Kagan in the Russian Empire), but that's all I know about her.

Now that I think about it, I can do the same exercise on a third line.

1.  Janice is the daughter of Myra Roslyn Meckler (1940–1995).

2.  Myra is the daughter of Lillyan E. Gordon (1919–2006).

3.  Lillyan is the daughter of Joe Gordon (originally Joyne Gorodetsky; about 1892–1955).

4.  Joyne is the son of Esther Leah Schneiderman (about 1867–1908).

5.  Esther Leah is the daughter of Joyne Schneiderman (?–?).

I have an estimate for when Joyne Schneiderman died, because Joyne Gorodetsky was probably named after him.  So he died roughly before 1893.  His wife's name I have from one source as Anna Ida, which might have been Chane Etta.  And that's it for that line!

But wait!  I can do this two more times!

1.  Janice is the daughter of Myra Roslyn Meckler (1940–1995).

2.  Myra is the daughter of Lillyan E. Gordon (1919–2006).

3.  Lillyan is the daughter of Sarah Libby Brainin (about 1885–1963).

4.  Sarah is the daughter of Morris Brainin (originally Mendel Hertz Brainin; about 1861–1930).

5.  Mendel is the son of Solomon (originally ?) Brainin (?–?).

And . . .

1.  Janice is the daughter of Myra Roslyn Meckler (1940–1995).

2.  Myra is the daughter of Lillyan E. Gordon (1919–2006).

3.  Lillyan is the daughter of Sarah Libby Brainin (about 1885–1963).

4.  Sarah is the daughter of Rose Dorothy (originally Ruchel Dvjore) Jaffe (about 1868–1934).

5.  Ruchel Dvojre is the daughter of Joseph Jaffe (?–?) and Anna Binderman (?–?).

So five different lines, and I can take each of them back only to the name of a 3rd-great-grandparent.  I guess the Brainin line should be second, because Mendel Hertz Brainin's very roughly estimated birth year is second after Gershon Ithak Nowicki's.

Oh, the joys of Ashkenazi Jewish research!

Events in My Family Tree: November 30

Whellimina Siemons ("Aunt Bill") died the day after her 64th wedding anniversary.  Still better than the day before your anniversary.

Births

George N. Allen, son of Cyrus Kunze Allen and Hannah Ann Gaunt, was born November 30, 1860 in New Jersey, probably in Burlington County.  He is my 3rd cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Arthur Harley Coward Eckman, son of John Eckman and Martha Johnson Atkinson, was born November 30, 1910, probably in New Jersey.  He is the granduncle of my 1st cousin Albert Lore on his Eckman line.

John Joseph Votaw, son of Verling Milton Votaw and Mary Elizabeth Mount, was born November 30, 1928 in Connersville, Fayette County, Indiana.  He is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Votaws.

Rebecca Lore Lieser was born November 30, 1953 in Virginia.  She is the wife of David Whitman Addis, son of Robert Trenary Addis and Virginia Claire Votaw, who is my 6th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Votaws.

Jeremy R. Keith was born November 30, 1970.  He is my 6th cousin 1x removed.

Andrew John Fettig, Jr. was born November 30, 1987.  He is my 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Marriages

Benjamin Selah Gaunt, son of Hananiah Selah Gaunt and Mary Elizabeth Rose, and Hannah Ann Peters were married November 30, 1843 in Milford (now Kresson), Camden County, New Jersey.  Benjamin is my half great-great-granduncle via the Gaunts.

Charles H. Gaunt, son of James Gauntt and Amelia Gibson, and Mary Emma Berry were married November 30, 1878 in Tuckerton, Burlington, New Jersey.  Charles is my great-granduncle on my Gauntt line.

Finley Torrence Gage, son of James W. Gage and Mary Rosella Hutson, and Lillie A. Harding were married November 30, 1920 in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio.  Finley is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

Murray Lederman, son of Gabriel William Lederman and Anna Gordon (originally Chantse Gorodetsky), and Ellen Hazel Duskin were married November 30, 1969 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.  Murray is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gorodetsky line.

Deaths

Ephraim F. Gaunt, son of Reuben Lewallen Gaunt and Jane Weatherby, died November 30, 1868 in Green Bank, Burlington County, New Jersey at the age of 20.  He is my 2nd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Joseph Ridgway Zelley, son of Ridgway Zelley and Rebecca Gaunt, died November 30, 1894 in Alliance, Stark County, Ohio at the age of 54.  He is my 2nd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Anna Waltz Horner died November 30, 1928 in Mount Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey at the age of 54.  She was the wife of Frederick Dunstan, son of Frederick Cleworth Dunstan and Martha Winn, who is my great-granduncle.

Whellimina Siemons died November 30, 1986 in Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey at the age of about 87.  She was the wife of Theodore Allen Gauntt, son of Isaiah Allen Gauntt and Louisa LeMonyon, who is my half 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line.

Harry David Garfield (originally Garfinkel), son of Morris Garfinkel and Mirka Ajzner, died November 30, 1994 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada at the age of 67.  He is my 3rd cousin 1x removed on my Meckler line through the Garfinkels.

Events in My Family Tree: November 29

Some sources say that Ida Hutson was a twin and that her sister was either stillborn or died very shortly after birth, but I can't find documentation for two children, only for one.

Births

Ida M. Hutson, daughter of Bateman Hutson and Lorinda Brown, was born November 29, 1891 in Brookston, White County, Indiana.  She is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

Madeline Rochelle Redtfeldt, daughter of Gordon Ardel Redtfeldt and Lucille J. Vaughn, was born November 29, 1950 in West Covina, Los Angeles, California.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Vaughns.

Carol Patricia Tennenhouse, daughter of Arnold Tennenhouse and Faye Garfinkel, was born November 29, 1953 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  She is my 4th cousin on my Meckler line through the Garfinkels.

Holly M. Gauntt, daughter of John Gottlieb Gauntt and Patricia N. Hendrickson, was born November 29, 1964, possibly in Burlington County, New Jersey.  She is my half 4th cousin on my Gauntt line.

Benjamin Zabinsky was born November 29, 1976.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed.

Adina Bresge was born November 29, 1992.  She is my 4th cousin.

Marriages

Theodore Allen Gauntt, son of Isaiah Allen Gaunt and Louisa LeMonyon, and Whellimina Siemons were married November 29, 1922 in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.  Theodore is my half 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line.

Arthur Podolsky and Harriet Farbman, daughter of Murray Farbman and Etta Millstein, were married November 29, 1958 in Bronx, Bronx County, New York.  Harriet is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gorodetsky line through the Millsteins.

J. Charles Benham, son of John Robert Benham and Bessie Marie Hoyer, and Jeanie Cannon were married November 29, 1969 in Napoleon, Ripley County, Indiana.  Charles is my 7th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Hoyers.

Aviva Zelda Leonard, daughter of Louis Mark Leonard and Elsie Meckler, and David Thomas Stone were married November 29, 1987 in Seattle, King County, Washington.  Aviva is my 1st cousin 1x removed on my Meckler line.

Gregory Allen Maahs, Jr. and Stephanie Marie Hutchison were married November 29, 2016.  Stephanie is my half 1st cousin 2x removed.

Death

George W. Dickensheets, Jr. died November 29, 1932 in New Jersey, possibly in Gloucester, Camden County, at the age of 77.  He was the husband of Albertine P. Gaunt, daughter of Henry Plummer Gaunt and Emma Smith, who is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: November 28

Bonnie Mich married for the second time on her sister Donna's 29th birthday.  And November 28 seems to be an unfortunate date in my Aunt Mary's family.

Births

Almaretta Claycomb, daughter of George F. Claycomb and Hannah Holmes Gaunt, was born November 28, 1848 in Jay County, Indiana.  She is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Margaret A. Gaunt, daughter of John B. Gaunt and Priscilla Dye, was born November 28, 1854 in Indiana.  She is also my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Earl Morris Hutson, son of Bateman Hutson and Lorinda Brown, was born November 28, 1890 in Brookston, White County, Indiana.  He is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

Doris Lavina Rowland, daughter of Joseph Freeman Rowland and Sarah D. Pelham, was born November 28, 1900 in Pennville, Jay County, Indiana.  She is my 4th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Rowlands.

Frederick T. Bordenberg was born November 28, 1918 in Napoleon, Ripley County, Indiana.  He was the husband of Elizabeth Frances Hoyer, daughter of Rollin Henry Hoyer and Bessie Floreen Schwier, who is my 6th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Schwiers.

Donna Jean Mich, daughter of Francis William Mich and Janet Edna Weaver, was born November 28, 1952, probably in New Jersey.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Weavers.

Eric Yao-min Persoff was born November 28, 1979.  He is my 3rd cousin 1x removed.

Robert Christopher Smith was born November 28, 1972.  He is the husband of Shanyn Marie James, the half-sister of my half-sister Laurie Sellers.

Marriages

Ira Gibson and Elizabeth Gaunt, daughter of Samuel Gaunt, Jr. and Ann Horner, were married November 28, 1864 in Woodbury, Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Elizabeth is my 3rd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

George W. Moore and Catherine Fox Owen were married November 28, 1882 in Mount Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey.  Catherine was my paternal grandfather's adoptive paternal grandmother.

Robert Turner and Donna L. Allen, daughter of Thomas Gerald Allen and Doris Filer, were married November 28, 1975 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Donna is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Martin Howard Stein and Harriet Sharon Gordon, daughter of Sidney Gordon and Beatrice Roll, were married November 28, 1976 in Verona, Essex County, New Jersey.  Harriet is my 1st cousin 1x removed on my Gordon line.

Thomas Kernan and Bonnie Lee Mich, daughter of Francis William Mich and Janet Edna Weaver, were married November 28, 1981 in Manahawkin, Ocean County, New Jersey.  Bonnie is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Weavers.

Deaths

Martha Wickham, daughter of William Henry Wickham and Malvina Fermet, died November 28, 1917 in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey at the age of 5.  She is the 2nd cousin 1x removed of my half-sister Laurie Sellers on her Bowen line through the Wickhams.

Johann Andree died November 28, 1923 in Bronx, Bronx County, New York.  He was the husband of Ernestine Krebs, daughter of Isaac Krebs and Frederika Weiss, who is the grandaunt of my aunt Mary McStroul and the great-grandaunt of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams on their Krebs line.

Phoebe Thomas also died November 28, 1923, possibly in Nebraska.  She was the wife of Daniel Taylor Gantt, son of John Gantt and Rachel Carl, who is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gantts.

William August Heath, son of Henry Heath and Eliza Bullock, died November 28, 1938, probably in Warren County, New York.  He is the great-granduncle of my aunt Mary McStroul and the great-great-granduncle of my not-quite-cousiin Angela Williams on their Heath line.

Don Howard Heath, son of John Timothy Heath and Mary Etta Smith, died November 28, 1959 in Warrensburg, Warren County, New York.  He is the grandfather of my aunt Mary McStroul and the great-grandfather of my not-quite-cousiin Angela Williams.

Events in My Family Tree: November 27

This may be the first time in my family event series that I've noted someone is my cousin two different ways.  The joys of endogamous relatives.

Births

Bernard Garfinkel, son of Eliezer Louis Garfinkel and Doba Ajzner, was born November 27, 1930 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  He is my 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Meckler line through the Ajzners and my 3rd cousin 1x removed on my Meckler line through the Garfinkels..

Elvira Frazer was born November 27, 1931 in Port Norris, Cumberland County, New Jersey.  She is the wife of Paul M. Brainin, son of David Harry Brainin and Rebecca Harbour, who is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Brainin line.

Ken Garfinkel, son of Israel Garfinkel and Marsha Gerb, was born November 27, 1949 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  He is also (see above) my 3rd cousin 1x removed on my Meckler line through the Garfinkels.

Lois Suzanne Gauntt was born November 27, 1970.  She is my 2nd cousin.

Lisa Katherine Gaunt was born November 27, 1974.  She is my 6th cousin 1x removed.

Matthew Russell Ellis was born November 27, 1997.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed.

Aden Sharma was born November 27, 2006, I believe in Mumbai, India.  He is the grandnephew of my aunt Mary McStroul and the 1st cousin of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Marriages

John Gaunt, son of Samuel Gaunt and Achsah Taylor, and Elizabeth Kirby were married November 27, 1816 in Salem County, New Jersey.  John is my 2nd cousin 5x removed via the Gaunts.

Michael Leonard McStroul, son of Darwin Monroe McStroul and Rose Ruth Bloom, and Cathleen Constance Canty were married November 27, 1969 in San Diego, San Diego County, California.  Michael is the 1st cousin of my aunt Mary McStroul and the 1st cousin 1x removed of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Bruce Philip Alexander, son of Phillip Charles Alexander and Jessie Ozley Easlick, and Marilyn W. Ramsey were married November 27, 1976 in Middlesex County, Connecticut.  Bruce is my 4th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Easlicks.

Deaths

Ann Elizabeth Zelley, daughter of Ridgway Zelley and Rebecca Gaunt, died November 27, 1860, probably in Burlington County, New Jersey, at the age of 24.  She is my 2nd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

William Jefferson Fuller, son of Joel C. Fuller and Rachel, died November 27, 1902, probably in Thurman, Warren County, New York, at the age of about 52.  He is the 1st cousin 3x removed of my aunt Mary McStroul and the 1st cousin 4x removed of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams on their Fuller line.

Mirta Mata died November 27, 2004, probably in Broward County, Florida, at the age of 68.  She was the first wife of Max Socherman, son of William Socherman (originally Welwel Szocherman) and Anna Tania Jakowszycka, who is my 4th cousin on my Nowicki line through the Szochermans (and to whom I might also be related through the Jakowszyckas, but I'm still working on that).

Harry Mark Gaunt, Jr., son of Harry Mark Gaunt and Sarah Gayle Kirkendall, died November 27, 2009 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana at the age of 85.  He is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Events in My Family Tree: November 26

My cousin Al shows up three times in today's list!

Births

Bessie May Gaunt, daughter of James Knox Polk Gaunt and Sarah Naomi Boone, was born November 26, 1876 in Indiana.  She is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Joseph V. Gaunt, son of Benjamin Gaunt and Mary Elizabeth Sever, was born November 26, 1885 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  He is my half 2nd cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Claude Gaunt, son of William B. Gaunt and Fannie Rebecca Hall, was born November 26, 1891, probably in New Jersey.  He is my 2nd cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Harry Eldridge Person was born November 26, 1892 in Pennville, Jay County, Indiana.  He was the husband of Hazel Pearl Gaunt, daughter of Ross B. Gaunt and Mary Ann Dale, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Treva Louise Gaunt, daughter of Charles Lee Gaunt and Bertha Wilson, was born November 26, 1907 in Dunkirk, Jay County, Indiana.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Emma Kelley, daughter of Joseph Kelley and Martha W. Lawrence, was born November 26, 1912 in New Jersey.  She is the 2nd cousin 1x removed of my 1st cousin Albert Lore on his Eckman line through the Lawrences.

Rose Gordon, daughter of David Gordon (originally Dovid Gorodetsky) and Freeda Alterman, was born November 26, 1916 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.  She is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gorodetsky line.

Ruth Eckman, daughter of Frank Eckman and Mary Elizabeth Wilbur, was born November 26, 1926, most likely in New Jersey.  She is the 1st cousin 1x removed of my 1st cousin Albert Lore on his Eckman line.

Andrew J. Gordon, son of Charles R. Gordon and Robbin Patricia McStroul, was born November 26, 1962 in San Diego County, California.  He is the 1st cousin 1x removed of my aunt Mary McStroul and the 2nd cousin of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Baby Boy Kent was born November 26, 1975.  He is my nephew.

Stephanie Marie Hutchison was born November 26, 1983.  She is my half 1st cousin 2x removed.

Marriages

John S. Bowker and Louisa J. Armstrong, daughter of Joel Armstrong and Catherine Stackhouse, were married November 26, 1852 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Louisa is my 3x-great-grandaunt on my Armstrong line.

Albert Lynn Lore, son of Frank Everett Eckman and Dorothy Mae Sellers, and Lucille Fisher were married November 26, 1993 in Kissimmee, Osceola County, Florida.  Albert is my half 1st cousin on my Sellers line.

Deaths

Martha Winn, daughter of Thomas Winn and Mary Parr(?), died November 26, 1884 in Manchester, Lancashire, England at the age of 47.  She is my great-great-grandmother.

Opal Edna Gage, daughter of James W. Gage and Mary Rosella Hutson, died November 26, 1967 in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio at the age of 82.  She is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

Events in My Family Tree: November 25

I am related to both Louis Perlman and Jennie Novitsky, who were 1st cousins 1x removed and who were married 64 years.  When I wrote this post, I realized for the first time that they both died on November 25.  But that's on the Christian calendar.  They were Jewish.  So the important dates for their deaths are the ones on the Jewish calendar, because that's when the yahrzeit is observed.  Amazingly, the yahrzeit is the same for both of them:  Louis died 19 Kislev 5733, and Jennie died 19 Kislev 5744.

Births

Amanda Virginia Easlick, daughter of Jonathan Easlick and Susannah Sever, was born November 25, 1883 in Pemberton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey.  She is my 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Easlicks.

Dean Roger Allen, son of Clarence Allen, Jr. and Grace L. Stagnato, was born November 25, 1955, probably in New Jersey.  He is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Steven Craig Garfield, son of Irwin Garfield and Lenore Schachter, was born November 25, 1964 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  He is my 4th cousin on my Meckler line through the Garfields.

Edwin William Townsend, Jr. was born November 25, 1969.  He is my 5th cousin 2x removed.

Paul David Cucinotta was born November 25, 1970.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed.

Jamie Gennifer Freitag was born November 25, 1983.  She is my 4th cousin 1x removed.

Marriages

Stacy T. Gaunt, son of Samuel Gaunt and Achsah Taylor, and Ruth Townsend were married November 25, 1829 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.  Stacy is my 2nd cousin 5x removed via the Gaunts.

Larry Dean Walworth and Shirley Hunt, daughter of John F. Hunt and Lois Adele Weaver, were married November 25, 1968 in Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida.  Shirley is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Weavers.

Robert Lewis Newman, son of Clarence Robert Laverne Newman and Ruth Anne Appleton, and Lisa Jayne Roth were married November 25, 1992 in Casper, Natrona County, Wyoming.  Robert is my half 1st cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Appletons.

Deaths

Abigail S. Allen, daughter of George N. Allen and Ada E. Mason, died November 25, 1904, probably in New Jersey, at the age of 6.  She is my 4th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Margaret Katherine Winstel died November 25, 1951 in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio at the age of 70.  She was the wife of Clayton Emmert Gage, son of James W. Gage and Mary Rosella Hutson, who is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

John Gaunt, son of Walter Clayton Gaunt and Lulu May Sherman, died November 25, 1957, probably in Indiana, at the age of 52.  He is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Louis Perlman (originally Leiser Perlmutter), son of Maishe Eli Perlmutter and Ethel Nowicki, died November 25, 1972 in Miami, Dade County, Florida at the age of about 85.  He is my 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Nowicki line.

Jennie Novitsky (originally Zlate Nowicki), daughter of Gershon Itzhak Novitsky and Dora Yelsky, died November 25, 1983 in Long Beach, Nassau County, New York at the age of about 98.  She is my great-grandaunt on my Nowicki line.

Janet Sauder died November 25, 1988 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada at the age of about 64.  She was the wife of Edward James Garber, son of Zelig Garber and Ida Mekler, who is my 2nd cousin 2x removed via the Meklers.

Thomas Herbert Gauntt, son of Thomas Franklin Gauntt and Anna Marie Stayton, died November 25, 2001, possibly in Mannington, Marion County, West Virginia, at the age of 62.  He is my 1st cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line.

Events in My Family Tree: November 24

Viola Votaw died on her sister Phoebe's 15th wedding anniversary.

Births

Claudia L. Githens, daughter of Thomas G. Githens and Emma D. Runyan, was born Novembe 24, 1899 in New Jersey.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Githenses.

John Oren Clark, son of Gilbert Lewis Clark and Helen Opal Abbott, was born November 24, 1946 in Indiana.  He is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Clarks.

Zachary Berkowitz was born November 24, 1989.  He is my 3rd cousin.

Amber Lynn Hutchison was born November 24, 1992.  She is my half 1st cousin 2x removed.

Marriages

John Gaunt, son of Hananiah Gaunt and Ann Ridgway, and Jean Satterthwaite were married November 24, 1756, probably in Burlington County, New Jersey.  John is my 5th-great-granduncle via the Gaunts.

William Augusta Heath, son of Henry Heath and Eliza Bullock, and Mary Codner were married November 24, 1879 in Thurman, Warren County, New York.  William is the great-granduncle of my aunt Mary McStroul and the great-great-granduncle of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

William Lewis Baldwin, Sr. and Phoebe Elizabeth Votaw, daughter of Daniel W. Votaw and Louisa Gaunt, were married November 24, 1910 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Phoebe is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Howard Bruce Chesler and Sheryl Debra Gordon, daughter of Sidney Gordon and Beatrice Roll, were married November 24, 1974 in Flushing, Queens, New York.  Sheryl is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gordon line.

Deaths

Effie F. Gaunt, daughter of Charles R. Gaunt and Anna B. Folwell, died November 24, 1895 in Mount Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey at the age of 26.  She is my 3rd cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Albertine P. Gaunt, daughter of Henry Plummer Gaunt and Emma Smith, died November 24, 1913, possibly in Gloucester, Camden County, New Jersey, at the age of 58.  She is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Viola Votaw, daughter of Daniel W. Votaw and Louisa Gaunt, died November 24, 1925 in Wabash County, Indiana at the age of 50.  She is my 3rd cousin 3x removed on my Gauntt line through the Votaws.

Lulu Harris, daughter of Robert Miller Harris and Blanche Gaunt, died November 24, 1959 in Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana at the age of 65.  She is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Ida Mekler, daughter of Eliezer Mekler and Esther Baila, died November 24, 1959 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada at the age of about 75.  She is my 1st cousin 3x removed via the Meklers.

Orville James Gage, son of James W. Gage and Mary Rosella Hutson, died November 24, 1975 in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio at the age of 78.  He is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

William Hymell Kelley, son of Joseph Kelley and Martha W. Lawrence, died November 24, 2006, possibly in Seminole, Pinellas County, Florida, at the age of 80.  He is the 2nd cousin 1x removed of my 1st cousin Albert Lore on his Eckman line through the Lawrences.

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun: Who Is the Earliest Ancestor in Your Paternal Tree?

Hmm, I need to figure out how to complete the exercise for tonight's Saturday Night Genealogy Fun challenge from Randy Seaver.

Come on, everybody, join in and accept the mission and execute it with precision.

1.  Today's challenge is to answer the question "Who Is the Earliest Ancestor in Your Paternal Tree?"

2.  Tell us about your earliest paternal ancestor in your family tree on your own blog post, in a comment here, or on your Facebook page.  Be sure to leave a link to your report in a comment on this post.

[Thank you to Linda Stufflebean for suggesting this topic!]

Okay, so I know who the earliest ancestor is in my paternal tree.  It's Peter Gaunt, the earliest Gaunt in Peter Gaunt 1610–1680 and Some of His Descendants by David L. Gauntt, published by the Gloucester County Historical Society.  (Even though I almost definitely also descend from Charlemagne, I don't have that documented.)

It's showing the line of descent I'm having trouble with.  I don't have all the information from the book entered into my family tree.

But the entire line has been entered into FamilySearch's Family Tree.  So I'll use that for my reference after my personal tree has petered out.

1.  Janice is the daughter of Bertram Lynn Sellers, Jr. (1935–2019).

2.  Lynn is the son of Anna Gauntt (1893–1986).

3.  Anna is the daughter of Thomas Kirkland Gauntt (1870–1951).

4.  Thomas is the son of James Gauntt (1831–1899).

5.  James is the son of Hananiah Selah Gaunt (1795–1852).

6.  Hananiah is the son of Hananiah Gaunt (1762–abt. 1799).

7.  Hananiah is the son of Joseph Gaunt (1740–1806).

8.  Joseph is the son of Hananiah Gaunt (1707–1792).
(Up to this point I have been using what I have entered and documented in my family tree program.  After this I'm taking the information from Family Tree, but as far as I know it was taken from David Gauntt's book.)

9.  Hananiah is the son of Daniel Lester Gaunt (1688–1721).

10.  Daniel is the son of Hananiah Gaunt (1646–1721).

11.  Hananiah is the son of Peter Gaunt (1608–1680).

I will mention that the Gaunt line does go further back on Family Tree.  I know the book by David Gauntt is well researched and documented, and I trust the information there.  At the front he included a list of other Gaunts in Lancashire, England at the time of Peter Gaunt but whom he had determined were probably related but had to be from collateral lines, not direct lines.  That notwithstanding, I discovered that several years ago someone had added two of the names from that list as the father and grandfather of Peter Gaunt in the International Genealogical Index.  Since I don't have my copy of the book handy, I can't check the names that are currently connected as Peter Gaunt's father and grandfather against the list in the book.  Given that, I'm choosing not to include them, and I'm stopping at Peter.

I decided to look further up the line that is posted on Family Tree.  Seven generations past Peter, the line goes to John of Gaunt, who didn't have any children who had Gaunt as a family name; they used the name Beaufort.  So I'm definitely not trusting what is posted there.  I guess I'll have to do the research myself.  (Or check with David Gauntt to see if he has continued his own research!)

(As an amusing side note to inaccuracies in Family Tree, my great-great-grandfather James Gaunt is entered as James Kirkland Gauntt and includes a photograph — of my grandmother's brother James Kirkland Gauntt, who lived 1905–1949 and looks quite a bit like a rakish gangster, with the same photo as is posted for his grandfather.  There is a surviving photo of my great-great-grandfather, but that ain't it, and I have never seen his name as James Kirkland Gauntt anywhere but in Family Tree.  It was just James Gaunt.)

This means that while Randy has a line back to his 33rd-great-grandfather, I have to stop at my 9th-great-grandfather.  On the other hand, I am confident in my information.

Events in My Family Tree: November 23

Charles Levy died one day after his 43rd wedding anniversary.

Births

George Washington Gantt, son of John Gantt and Rachel Carl, was born November 23, 1842, possibly in Perry County, Pennsylvania.  He is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gantts.

Sarah Emeline Easlick, daughter of Jonathan Easlick and Susannah Sever, was born November 23, 1867 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  She is my 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Easlicks.

Oscar Moodey Thackeray, son of Francis Marion Thackeray and Emma Sophia Bosch, was born November 23, 1908 in Decatur County, Indiana.  He is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Thackerays.

Barbara Ann Ellis, daughter of Samuel Naglee Ellis and Eleanor Jenee Thomas, was born November 23, 1940 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  She is my 2nd cousin on my Gauntt line through the Ellises.

Gail Madelaine Garfield, daughter of Harry David Garfield and Susan Loffler, was born November 23, 1955 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  She is my 4th cousin on my Meckler line through the Garfields.

Francis Lynn Neborsky, son of Francis Neborsky and Mildred Alice Sellers, was born November 23, 1957 in Elmer, Salem County, New Jersey.  He is my half 1st cousin on my Sellers line.

Ryan Matthew Baker was born November 23, 1983.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed.

Phenix Marie Halbert was born November 23, 2024.  She is my 2nd cousin 3x removed.

Marriages

Herman David Jacobs and Marjorie Louise Clark, daughter of Oliver Franklin Clark and Mildred Blanche Benson, were married November 23, 1953 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Marjorie is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Clarks.

William Richardson Chase, Jr., son of William Richardson Chase, Sr. and Beatrice Bertha Vogel, and Jo-Ann Roberta Oakford were married November 23, 1963, possibly in New Jersey.  William is my 4th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Chases.

Deaths

Lulu L. Sample, daughter of George W. Sample and Hannah Gaunt, died November 23, 1911, possibly in Indiana, at the age of 28.  She is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

David Stein died November 23, 1991, probably in Nebraska, at the age of 74.  He was the second husband of Ruth Schumeister, daughter of Henry Schumeister and Celia Perlmutter, who is my 3rd cousin 1x removed on my Nowicki line through the Perlmutters.

Charles Levy died November 23, 1996, probably in New York.  He was married to Elaine Gordon, daughter of Morris Gordon (originally Moshe Gorodetsky) and Rose Sopher, who is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gorodetsky line.

The Much-sought-after Jan Peerce Connection to My Family!

Five years ago, I wrote about my maternal grandparents' wedding for a Wedding Wednesday post.  One piece of information I included in my story was my grandmother's comment many years later that the famous Metropolitan Opera tenor Jan Peerce had sung at her wedding (even though she couldn't remember what he sang, but remembered what the cantor's son sang).

Bubbie (Yiddish for grandmother, and what we always called her) said at the time that she thought the reason Peerce sang for the wedding was some connection to my grandfather's brother's wife, Ida Bogus.  Her family was involved in catering, and she was somehow connected to Peerce by family, and that's all Bubbie could remember.  She was married in 1939, so for 60 years later, that's actually remembering a lot.

After being told this, I did quite a bit of research on Peerce's family, including buying a copy of his autobiography and mining it for family history details, trying to find some connection to my family.  I have Perlmans in my family, whose original family name was Perlmutter, which is close to Perelmuth, Peerce's original family name, so that seemed the logical place for the link, even though Bubbie had said it was through Ida.  I didn't find a connection with my Perlmans/Perelmutters or with Ida, however, so I was stuck.

Then, a couple of years ago, I saw someone on one of my genealogy mailing lists with the last name Bogus.  I decided to write because I don't see the name come up often.  I explained my story, and lo and behold, she knew the answer!

The research I had done on Ida Bogus had shown that her parents were Abraham Bogus and Minnie Posner.  My new genealogy friend told me that Minnie's sister Anna married Louis Perelmuth, and they had a catering business.  And Louis and Anna were the parents of Jan Peerce!  So my granduncle's mother-in-law was the sister of Peerce's mother.  That's extended family, all right, but apparently close enough, because I believed my grandmother when she said that Jan Peerce sang at her wedding.  And after looking up more information about Peerce, he was not yet famous in 1939, so it wasn't out of the realm of possibility that he would sing at the wedding.

So thank you, Felice!  I was able to resolve one of my longstanding (about 25 years) genealogy questions!

But I still want to find out one day if the wedding was covered in a Yiddish newspaper that mentioned that Peerce sang.

Events in My Family Tree: November 22

This doesn't happen often:  Half of the events for today are on my mother's side of the family.

Births

William Isaac Gaunt, son of Dellaplain Gaunt and Mary Isaac, was born November 22, 1848 in Orange County, New York, possibly in Blooming Grove.  He is my 3rd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Harold Schneiderman, son of Joseph Schneiderman and Mollie Bernstein, was born November 22, 1936 in Bronx, Bronx County, New York.  He is my 2nd cousin 2x removed on my Schneiderman line.

Isaac James Meckler was born November 22, 2002.  He is my 1st cousin 1x removed.

Marriages

Maynard Dale Upper and Laura Jane Gaunt, daughter of Chauncey P. "Mack" Gaunt and Martha Nora Martin, were married November 22, 1950 in Allen County, Indiana.  Laura is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Charles Levy and Elaine Gordon, daughter of Morris Gordon and Rose Sopher, were married November 22, 1953 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.  Elaine is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gordon line.

Thomas Franklin Gauntt, son of Thomas Kirkland Gauntt and Jane Dunstan, and Grace Eleanor Williams were married November 22, 1979 in De Soto County, Florida.  Thomas is my granduncle on my Gauntt line.

Events in My Family Tree: November 21

I love it when spelling of a family name changes from one generation to the next.  I'm looking at you, Mildred Gauntt!

Births

Benjamin Franklin Gaunt, son of Isaac Gaunt and Susannah Webb, was born November 21, 1817 in New Jersey, probably in Burlington County.  He is my 1st cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Elizabeth Evans Githens, daughter of Thomas Githens and Mary Gaunt, was born November 21, 1832 in New Jersey.  She is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Vera Vanaman, daughter of Charles Milton Vanaman and Julia Ann Gaunt, was born November 21, 1916 in Quinton, Salem County, New Jersey.  She is my half 2nd cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Walter Scott Haines was born November 21, 1917 in Masonville, Burlington County, New Jersey.  He is the husband of Mildred Marian Gauntt, daughter of Mark Lewallen Gaunt, Jr. and May Ethyl Lake, who is my 4th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line.

John Kushner, son of Myrim Kushner and Chaye Golubchik, was born November 21, 1935 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  He is my 3rd cousin 1x removed on my Meckler line through the Golubchiks.

Georgina Corene Ellis was born November 21, 1977.  She is my 2nd cousin 1x removed.

Marriage

Edward C. Ogden and Anna Elizabeth Gaunt, daughter of George Horner Gaunt and Emily A. Miller, were married November 21, 1893 in New Jersey, possibly in Gloucester County.  Anna is my 4th cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Deaths

Lucy Marian Fuller, daughter of Lyman Fuller and Eliza, died November 21, 1891, probably in Stony Creek, Warren County, New York, at the age of about 52.  She is the great-great-grandaunt of my aunt Mary McStroul and the 3x-great-grandaunt of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams on their Fuller line.

Dora Kirtlan, daughter of Homer Astwood Kirtlan and Elizabeth H. Gaunt, died November 21, 1933 in Peru, Miami County, Indiana at the age of 60.  She is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

William Alvin Gaunt, son of James Knox Polk Gaunt and Sarah Naomi Boone, died November 21, 1952 in Kings County, California at the age of 73.  He is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Maud Elizabeth Gaunt, daughter of Jacob B. Gaunt and Sarah C. Plume, died November 21, 1978 in Mendocino County, California, possibly in Ukiah at the age of 84.  She is my half 3rd cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: November 20

I've been learning more about my grandfather's first wife recently and am in contact with relatives on her side of the family.

Births

Elizabeth Leatherberry Sundermier was born November 20, 1905 in Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey.  She was the first wife of Bertram Lynn Sellers, son of Cornelius Elmer Sellers and Laura May Armstrong, who is my paternal grandfather.

Benny Austin Votaw, son of Millard F. Votaw and Ida May Fisher, was born November 20, 1912 in Wabash County, Indiana.  He is my 4th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Votaws.

Mary Helen Burbank was born November 20, 1914 in Peru, Miami County, Indiana.  She was married to James Earl Gaunt, son of Lewis Allen Gaunt and Sylvia Belle Black, who is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Milton L. Barnett, Jr., son of Milton L. Barnett and Ethyl May Votaw, was born November 20, 21 in Indiana, possibly in Wabash County.  He is also my 4th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Votaws.

Randy William Hutchison was born November 20, 1966 in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware.  He is married to Deborah Lynn Lore, who is my half-1st cousin 1x removed.

Jeffrey Alan Moss was born November 20, 1968.  He is my 4th cousin.

Ari D. Schneiderman was born November 20, 1977.  He is my 3x cousin 1x removed.

Yazmine Gabriela Gingras was born November 20, 1989.  She is my 2nd cousin.

Marriage

Frederick Cleworth Dunstan, son of Frederick Dunstan and Anna Waltz Horner, and Mary Emma Richardson were married November 20, 1920 in Mount Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey.  Frederick is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Dunstan line.

Deaths

Benjamin Gaunt, son of Jacob Gaunt and Hannah Holmes, died November 20, 1852 in Ohio at the age of 48.  He is my 1st cousin 5x removed via the Gaunts.

Charles Jacob Gaunt, son of Arthur Lee Gaunt and Rachel Lavinia Stutsman, died November 20, 1941 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana at the age of 61.  He is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Lewis C. Galbraith died November 20, 1968 in Peru, Miami County, Indiana at the age of 93.  He is the husband of Dora Ann Kirtlan, daughter of Homer Astwood Kirtlan and Elizabeth H. Gaunt, who is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Ruth Ellen Hutson, daughter of Conner W. Hutson and Rosa Adeline Bultman, died November 20, 1999 in Fayette County, Indiana at the age of 73.  She is my 5th cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Events in My Family Tree: November 19

Except for one marriage, everything today is all Gaunts, all day long!

Births

Lynden B. Gaunt, son of Elmer Boone Gaunt and Edna Wright, was born November 19, 1915 in San Joaquin County, California.  He is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Clarence Allen, Jr., son of Clarence Allen and Agnes Viola Ledger, was born November 19, 1921 in New Jersey.  He is my 5th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Shirley Ann Freck was born November 19, 1935 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.  She is the wife of Irwin Wilson Gaunt, son of Harry Mark Gaunt and Sarah Gayle Kirkendall, who is my 5th cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Marriages

Everett Elwin Gaunt, son of Walter Everett Gaunt and Norma Marguerite Prusso, and Selma Loretta Larsen were married November 19, 1939 in Livermore, Alameda County, California.  Everett is my 4th cousin 2x removed via the Gaunts.

Rhoda Cohen, daughter of Louis Cohen and Jennie Kardish, and George Caplan were married November 19, 1967 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  Rhoda is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Gorodetsky line through the Kardishes.

Deaths

Sarah E. Edwards died November 19, 1903, possibly in Gloucester County, New Jersey, at the age of 80.  She is the wife of Clayton Decou Gaunt, son of John Gaunt and Elizabeth Kirby, who is my 3rd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Arthur Lee Gaunt, son of Jacob Gaunt and Melvina F. Bennett, died November 19, 1935 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana at the age of 77.  He is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Helen Laverta Slentz, daughter of Andrew Earl Slentz and Bessie Florence Landis, died November 19, 1982 in Henderson, Rusk County, Texas at the age of 69.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Slentzes.

Jacqueline Lee Funk, daughter of Earl C. Funk and Hazel Pauline Gaunt, died November 19, 2004, possibly in Richmond, Virginia, at the age of 79.  She is my 3rd cousin 1x removed via the Gaunts.

Events in My Family Tree: November 18

We saw Louis Kardash and Mary Udashkin in the November 17 list because their son died on that day.

And as of right now I'm caught up on the correct date.

Births

George Horner Gaunt, son of Samuel Gaunt, Jr. and Ann Horner, was born November 18, 1830 in New Jersey, possibly in Gloucester County.  He is my 3rd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

Malinda Mae Allen, daughter of Clarence N. Allen and Mary Elizabeth Stradling, was born November 18, 1941, probably in Burlington County, New Jersey.  She is my 5th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Heather Bijou Alexander was born November 18, 1962.  She is my 4th cousin 1x removed.

Tiara Allen was born November 18, 1975.  She is my 5th cousin 2x removed.

Marriage

Harry K. Gauntt, son of James Gaunt and Sallie Bender, and Anna Bush were married November 18, 1908, possibly in New Jersey.  Harry is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gauntt line.

Deaths

Alma Adams, daughter of Harry Adams and Mary Julie McClain, died November 18, 1872 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio at the age of about 78.  She is the great-grandmother of my not-quite-cousin Angela Williams.

Harry Gerald Sherron, son of Albert W. Sherron and Eveline Stokes Githens, died November 18, 1927 in Salem County, New Jersey at the age of 76.  He is my 3rd cousin 3x removed on my Gauntt line through the Githenses.

Mary Udashkin died November 18, 1983 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada at the age of 67.  She was the wife of Louis Kardash, son of Dovid Kardish and Etta Gorodetsky, who is my 1st cousin 2x removed on my Gorodetsky line.

Elizabeth Almira Heath, daughter of Don Howard Heath and Hattie Lorena Fuller, died November 18, 2000 in Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona at the age of 89.  She is the mother of my aunt Mary Edith McStroul.

Bessie Leone Scifert died November 18, 2010 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina at the age of 91.  She is the wife of Roscoe Freeman Hutson, son of Earl Morris Hutson and Catherine Corenne Utley, who is my 6th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Hutsons.

Events in My Family Tree: November 17

It's nice to see three of my Canadian cousins in today's list.

Births

Mary Emma Gaunt, daughter of Uz Gaunt and Sarah Ann Whitacre, was born November 17, 1859 in Ohio.  She is my 2nd cousin 4x removed via the Gaunts.

William Richardson Chase, son of Alfred Joseph Chase and Emma Naylor, was born November 17, 1917 in New Jersey, possibly in Burlington County.  He is my 3rd cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Naylors.

Etta Marion Allen, daughter of William Daily Allen and Fannie Goldsboro Brown, was born November 17, 1920 in Mansfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey.  She is my 5th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Allens.

Mary Ann Lucas was born November 17, 1936 in New Jersey.  She was the wife of Clayton Boyer Arthur Eckman, son of Frank Eckman and Mary Elizabeth Wilbur, who is the 1st cousin 1x removed of my 1st cousin Albert Lore on his Eckman line.

Ronald Gershwind was born November 17, 1967.  He is my 3rd cousin.

Kim Schneiderman was born November 17, 1968.  She is my 3rd cousin 1x removed.

Daniel Garfinkel was born November 17, 1991.  He is my 4th cousin.

Marriages

Philip Barlett Capin and Amanda B. Gaunt, daughter of Moses M. Gaunt and Margaretta Baucher, were married November 17, 1886 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  Amanda is my 2nd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Jane Lois Gauntt, daughter of Thomas Franklin Gauntt and Anna Marie Stayton, and Ralph Harvey were married November 17, 1968 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.  Jane is my 1st cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line.

Donna Lynn Weinstein, daughter of Irvin Weinstein and Esther Garfinkel, were married November 17, 1984 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  Donna is my 4th cousin on my Meckler line through the Garfinkels.

Deaths

William Leonard Herr, son of Leonard Herr and Dorothy Gaynor, died November 17, 1956 in East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey at the age of 3 weeks.  He is the half 1st cousin 1x removed of my half-sister Laurie Sellers on her Gaynor line.

David Kardash, son of Louis Kardash and Mary Udashkin, died November 17, 1999 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada at the age of 51.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed on my Gorodetsky line through the Kardashes.

Events in My Family Tree: November 16

I am finally restarting the listing of births, marriages, and deaths in my family, from when I left off in 2021!  I am determined to finish it this year.

Births

Carrie Louise Thackeray, daughter of Selector Thackeray and Louisa Moodey, was born November 16, 1879 in Indiana, possibly in Ripley County.  She is my 4th cousin 3x removed on my Gauntt line through the Thackerays.

Alpha E. Thackeray, daughter of Francis Marion Thackeray and Emma Sophia Busch, was born November 16, 1899 in New Point, Decatur County, Indiana.  She is also my 4th cousin 3x removed on my Gauntt line through the Thackerays and is Carrie Louise Thackeray's 1st cousin.

Hyman Gordon (originally Chaim Gorodetsky), son of Avigdor Gorodetsky and Esther Leah Schneiderman, was born November 16, 1899 (November 4 on the Julian calendar) in Kishinev, Besserabia, Russian Empire (now Chisinau, Moldova).  He is my great-granduncle on my Gorodetsky line.

Shelley E. Bonifas, daughter of Joseph W. Bonifas and Delores Gilbert, was born November 16, 1962 in Indiana.  She is my 6th cousin 1x removed on my Gauntt line through the Bonifases.

David Thomas Overlin was born November 16, 1968.  He is my 6th cousin.

Heather McAllister was born November 16, 1978.  She is the 2nd cousin 1x removed of my 1st cousin Albert Lore.

Naomi Aviva Perley was born November 16, 1986.  She is my 4th cousin 1x removed.

Cameron Joachim Rocke was born November 16, 1995.  He is my 2nd cousin 1x removed.

Natalie Desiree Doerner was born November 16, 2005.  She is my grandniece.

Marriage

Harold Ernst Easlick, son of Daniel Leon Easlick and Ella Ritchie Mingen, and Eleanor Braddock were married November 16, 1935, possibly in Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland.  Harold is my 4th cousin on my Gauntt line through the Easlicks.

Deaths

Rebecca Armstrong, daughter of Joel Armstrong and Catherine Stackhouse, died November 16, 1931 in Mount Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey at the age of 85.  She is my 3x-great-grandaunt on my Armstrong line.

Charles Dalton Gaunt, son of Jacob Gaunt and Melvina F. Bennett, died November 16, 1929 in Scarsdale, Westchester County, New York at the age of 69.  He is my 3rd cousin 3x removed via the Gaunts.

Bertram Ruthledge Render died November 16, 1970 in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska at the age of 54.  He was the husband of Ruth Schumeister, daughter of Henry Schumeister and Celia Perlmutter, who is my 1st cousin 3x removed on my Nowicki line through the Perlmutters.

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun: Share Something You Learned from a Probate File or Will That You Wouldn't Have Otherwise Known about

It's amazing what you can learn from probate files, isn't it?  I definitely have a couple of good stories for this week's Saturday Night Genealogy Fun from Randy Seaver.

Come on, everybody, join in and accept the mission and execute it with precision.

1.  Today's challenge is "Share something you learned from a probate file or will that you wouldn't have otherwise known about."

2.  Tell us about your probate or will discovery on your own blog post, in a comment here, or on your Facebook page.  Be sure to leave a link to your report in a comment on this post.

[Thank you to Linda Stufflebean for suggesting this topic!]

So I'm posting a day late.  It's still the Saturday Night challenge, just being reported on Sunday.

Two of the more interesting things I have learned from probate files:

* My grandaunt told me the wrong given and married names of her father's sister.  I used to have the names she told me in my family tree program as a comment, but I can't find it since having upgraded Family Tree Maker.  When I obtained her father's (my great-grandfather's) probate file, I learned she was wrong and that the sister's name was actually Sore (Mekler) Dubiner.  In fairness to my grandaunt, she never met her aunt and I asked her about this several decades after her aunt had died, plus I don't know if my grandaunt ever met any of her cousins.

* When I finally had the complete probate file for my ex's father (which ran to almost 600 pages!!), in the list of heirs I discovered the married name and address of my ex's half-sister.  Even though I had the file more than 20 years after the probate had closed, she was living at the same address, so I was able to meet her and learn more about her.  She even lent me her wedding photo album so I could scan all the photos, which I shared on my blog for a Wedding Wednesday post in 2019.