The case of the poisoned coffee......A tale of murder and intrigue........

Debated with myself for several weeks about whether or not to include this story.  It deals with my maternal great-great-great grandfather, Daniel Burbank and his 2nd wife......who killed him....allegedly.  But, we can't choose what stays and goes in our past, it makes us what we are today.  The past is what it is, and it's best we learn from it.

So - my lesson on this is - follow the Word of Wisdom and stay away from the coffee!

 

Joseph Mark and Mary Church - a story of bravery and deception in the face of danger!

Here's a short story from the lives of my maternal 6th great-grandparents, Joseph Mark and Mary Church.  I got a kick out of this one!.......

Martha Ann Henderson Day

My maternal great-great grandmother walked barefoot from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley, arriving in 1847.  She lived a life of faith and sacrifice and is a great example of handwork and determination. Her obituary says she met and knew the first seven presidents of the church!  Hope you have a wonderful Easter!

Thomas Alexander "Lex" Lewis

A short story about my Grandfather, Lex Lewis.  He taught me some things that I am grateful for.....like how to bet on horses and dogs (just kidding).  The twists and turns for our lives are not always understood at the time - but having faith and hope helps get us through times of trials.  I am grateful for the examples of my ancestors.

Alexander and Margaret Hopkins Lewis

My great-great grandparents, Alexander and Margaret Hopkins Lewis.  Leaving a legacy of song and a love of music.

Ellen Matilda Ash Nelson and the Indian

Time has a tendency to alter memories.......this post is a correction of a story I shared earlier.  I had details confused on the story told to me by my grandmother.  This event actually happened to my great-great grandmother, Ellen Matilda Ash Nelson as a little girl.  She was quite a woman.

William Pynchon

Here's an incredible story about my maternal 9th-Great Grandfather - William Pynchon.  Born in England, he came to the Americas with the Massachusetts Bay Company and settled/founded Springfield, MA.  Involved with witchcraft trials 70 years before the Salem Witch Trials, he has the distinction of being the author of the first book banned and burned in the Americas!  Lots of information online for those who would like to spend more time reading about this incredible ancestor -