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.

Pirates, a Princess and a Knight (probably NOT in shining armor)

Here's a brief story about my 11th Great-grandfather, Sir John Henderson 5th of Fordell.  Born in 1605, he went to Africa as a young teenager, was captured by Pirates - escaped with the help of the Princess of Zanzibar, returned to England to fight with Royalist forces in their Civil War and was Knighted by King Charles I.

You reap what you sow......literally.....

My 10th Great-grandfather, Thomas Hatch, won the heart and hand of my 10th Great-grandmother, Grace Lewis, in a reaping contest in England in the early 1600's.  But he had a bit of help as Grandma Grace "stacked the deck" in her favor!  Hope you enjoy this amusing little story -