Peder Olaussen Johnson and the Bear

My Great-Great Grandfather came here from Norway and settled in Cache Valley, Utah.  I found this story about him this past week that I wanted to share.  Be careful when you play tricks on people who know how to use an axe!

Richard More - Mayflower passenger

My 8th Great Grandfather, Richard More, was a passenger on the Mayflower at the age of 6 years.  His story is kind of unique.  Rough beginnings don't always dictate the paths that must be followed.

Here's a photo of the Mayflower Passenger Manifest with Richard More listed in the household of the Brewster family.

Governor George Wyllys - my 9th Great-Grandfather

George Wyllys served as a Colonial Governor in what is now Hartford, Connecticut in 1642.  He played a role in developing the first penal code in Connecticut and laying out what constituted a capital crime - and the punishments were quite severe by today's standards.  Interestingly, there are no known likenesses or portraits of Grandpa George that exist today.  But I think it's neat we have a link to Colonial history here in this country.  Stay safe!

Norwegian Pioneer Song - Kan Du Glemme Gamle Norge?

Olaus and Karen Johnson are my Great-Great-Great Grandparents.  They joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Norway and made their way to Logan, Utah as Handcart Pioneers. 

                        

 I found that one of the songs many Norwegian Saints sang on the prairie was a called "Kan Du Glemme Gamle Norge?"  In English, "How Can You Forget Old Norway?"  

Enjoy!  The link  below will take you to a pretty nice rendition in Norwegian.....

Kan Du Glemme Gamle Norge?

Anne Marbury Hutchinson

In honor of Women's History Month, I share a great story about my 11th Great Grandmother - Anne Marbury Hutchinson.  She was the first to stand for civil liberty and religious toleration in America.

Her statue (above) stands today at the Courthouse in Boston, Massachusetts.  Banished and excommunicated for sharing her religious views, she was officially pardoned by Governor Michael Dukakis in 1987.  She is a great example of standing up for her beliefs and not backing down.  She was murdered in 1643 after living a life of kindness and commitment to serving others.

My 2nd Great Grandmother - Sarah Zurviah Southworth Burbank

My great-great grandmother, Sarah Burbank once wrote a letter to her granddaughter Sarah.  I have no date or other details about this letter, but am guessing she wrote it around the turn of the century.  Grandma Sarah was born in 1835 and passed in 1927.  Thanks to whatever cousin posted this on FamilySearch.org     I really got a kick out of it!

Richard Edwards - My 12th Great Grandfather

A short story about my 12th-Great-Grandfather, Richard Edwards.  He was a noted poet, playwright, composer and songwriter in the 1500's in England during the rule of King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.    There is also a bit of controversy regarding his parentage.......