James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray

A little story about my paternal 11th Great-Grandfather, James Stewart, who became the 1st Earl of Moray........brother of Mary, Queen of Scots.  He holds an unique distinction you may find of interest........

Melinda Bradford Durfey Hatch - my 4th Great-Grandmother

A quick story about one of my maternal 4th-Great-Grandmothers.......I find it amazing that it took 6 years from the time she left Nauvoo until she arrived in the Salt Lake Valley!  She was truly a "frontier woman", and even endured being run-over by a wagon!  A very remarkable woman.

A visit to Springfield, MA

Earlier this year I had a chance to visit Springfield, MA - founded by my 9th-Great Grandfather, William Pynchon.  I had a chance to visit Pynchon Park, and view two murals of him.  Very few of my ancestors have left a visible mark like Grandfather Pynchon did - and I'm not likely to leave behind any statues or murals to my memory.  But the collected choices and decisions of our ancestors have brought us each to the points where we are today - and I'm grateful for each of them.

To get a good look at the mural in the Springfield Library, check out--
https://clockhistory.com/setclocks/classical_high/index.html

To get a closer view of the old Post Office mural, visit --
http://postalmuseum.si.edu/indiansatthepostoffice/mural9.html

My 4th-Great-Grandmother, Elizabeth McBride

This is taken from the Church News, dated 26 Oct 2002 under the title, "Hidden Marker".  Grandmother Elizabeth was finally recognized with a burial marker 108 years after her passing in Salina, Utah.  It is a testament to me of the importance the Lord places on each and every one of His children.  I thank Cousin Eunice and Marjorie for sharing their experiences about one of my faithful  ancestors.

Captain John Thomas Rolfe - entrepreneur and colonizer of Virginia

My 10th Great-Grandfather, Captain John Thomas Rolfe, brought a viable strain of tobacco to Virginia and made it a sustainable crop for the Colonists.  Although not a smoker myself, his efforts allowed for the growth and stability of the struggling colonies.  He is also known for his marriage to the "dearest daughter" of Chief Powhatan - a girl known by the nickname of "Playful One", or Pocahontas.  

Chester Southworth 1871 letter exchange with his cousin in Boston

My 4th Great-Grandfather, Chester Southworth exchanged letters with his cousin in Boston in the late 1800's.  I have only this one letter (as of now) that Albert wrote to Chester, but it shows me the value of a "good name".......and we can take pride in being part of the Southworth legacy......

Austin Shepherd Merrill and Laura Wilder Harris - my 4th Great-Grandparents

An interesting story of my 4th Great-Grandparents, Austin and Laura Merrill.  They left all they had twice to eventually end up in Smithfield, Utah.  They sacrificed much to the building of the Nauvoo Temple (where they received their endowments) and were later sealed in President Brigham Young's office (where the Lion House stands today).  They gave up home, land and status to live in an abandoned chicken-coop when they arrived in the Salt Lake valley.  Great examples of faith and devotion.