Monday, June 23, 2008

Computer Crash of 2008

Well, my PC has crashed over the weekend, and I don't know if it was fatal yet as far as genealogy was concerned.

If you've ever had a crash, you understand the sinking feeling in my gut right now. Even with backups, you never can recover everything.

About 5-6 years ago, I had a crash and lost quite a bit of pictures and a couple of months of data that I had input into FamilyTree Maker. After that experience, I became more diligent about backing up my family data.

I love the benefits of technology and computers to organize and disseminate information, but hate the reality that data can be lost. The same could happen to paper files in a flood or a fire. I'm convinced more than ever that I need to share more data, make more copies and send to libraries, etc. so that in the event of a catastrophe, all is not lost.

Update 7/1/08 : My hard drive lost its' partition, so it was a total loss. Fortunately, my database files were backed up at WorldConnect and I had burned CDs of most of the family pictures, etc. You can believe that I will be even more diligent about backing up my data in the future.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Lawrence Spence household - Madison Co., IN

The Lawrence SPENCE household appears in the 1930 census of Alexandria, Madison Co., IN. Lawrence was my maternal 2nd-great granduncle, husband of Jessie PENNISTEN, and the son of Thomas and Suzan (BERRY) SPENCE.

In 1930, Lawrenece was aged 67 with no occupation, and owned his home that was valued at $2200. He was married at age 56, was born in Indiana, and both of his parents were born in Delaware. His wife, Jessie, was aged 59, born in Indiana, with both parents born in Indiana. She was married at age 49.

Lawrence was retired from a long career in the military. They had no children.

Lawrence SPENCE b. January 18, 1863 Madison Co., IN., d. March 29, 1961 Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN., m. September 24, 1920 Anderson, Madison Co., IN., to Jessie PENNISTEN, daughter of John and Jane Ann (ALDERMAN) PENNISTEN. Jessie b. September 9, 1870 Madison Co., IN., d. February 27, 1948 Alexandria, Madison Co., IN.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Samuel Snively household - Butler Co., OH & Madison Co., IN

The Samuel SNIVELY household appears in the 1870 census of Butler Co., OH and the 1900-1910 census of Madison Co., IN. Samuel was my maternal 3rd-great granduncle, the husband of Mary S. LAMBERTSON.

In the 1870 census of Wayne Twp., Butler Co., OH, Samuel is a 27 year old Farmer, born in Ohio, with a personal estate valued at $1500. Wife Mary was 28 years old, keeping house, born in Indiana. Their son Henry, aged 5, was born in Illinois, and daughter Maude, aged 2, was born in Ohio. Mary's sister, Ella LAMBERTSON, aged 19, was also living with them.

In the 1900 census of Duck Creek Twp., Madison Co., IN., Samuel was a 57 year old Farmer, born August 1842 Ohio, with both parents born in Pennsylvania. He owned his home free of mortgage, and had been married for 36 years. Wife Mary S. was aged 59 years, born December 1840 in Indiana, with both parents born in New Jersey. Their son, Darrell, aged 18, born April 1882 in Ohio, was still living at home.

In the 1910 census of Duck Creek Twp., Madison Co., IN., Samuel was a 67 year old Fruit merchant, born in Ohio, with both parents born in Pennsylvania. Wife Mary was 68 years old, the mother of 6 children; 5 of whom were still living. Son Darrell was a 27 year old horseman, living with them as well.

Samuel SNIVELY b. August 1842 Ohio, d. after 1920, m. November 28, 1863 Butler Co., OH to Mary S. LAMBERTSON, daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON. Mary b. December 25, 1840 Franklin Co., IN., d. after 1920.

Known children of Samuel and Mary S. (LAMBERTSON) SNIVELY are as follows :
i. Darling SNIVELY
ii. Henry H. SNIVELY b. November 28, 1864 Peoria, IL, m. 1891 Madison Co., IN to Maggie GEBHART.
iii. Maude SNIVELY b. ca. 1868 Ohio, m. Paul BURNS.
iv. Thomas SNIVELY
v. Zadie SNIVELY
vi. Darrell SNIVELY b. April 1882 Ohio, d. after April 6, 1910