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SAGINAW GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
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CLICK THE GREEN BUTTON ABOVE NOW!
ALL VISITORS/NEW MEMBERS PREREGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS |
CLICK THE RED BUTTON ABOVE NOW!
TO CONTACT US AT THE SGS THIS GOES TO THE WEB ADMINISTRATOR |
LAST MONTH: Februaryspeaker: Karen Reynolds
Karen found us a really good video to watch from RootsTech on what the FS Wiki is all about. BACK TO BASICS: Using the FamilySearch Wiki with Jennifer Moulder
IT WAS SO COOL! They started this back in 2014...and it has truly GROWN! Do you want to watch it on your own? WELL... HERE IS THE LINK! Get your pen and paper ready!!! AND GET READY TO LEARN! IT'S SIGN-UP TIME!
(ENTRANCE to LAWNDALE ESTATES) Sign-up is at top of this page under MORE (for members only) 6-8 pm
ON TUESDAY, 9 JUNE 2026 
(CLUBHOUSE)
OH, IT'S GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN!!! SPEAKER: TOM TROMBLEY WILL SPEAK ON THE 1893 SAGINAW FIRE.
(HE HAS VIDEOS!!) * MEATS, BOTTLED WATER AND TABLE-WARE IS SUPPLIED BY THE SGS... (just bring a dish to pass and an appetite!) 
(THIS IS THE DINING HALL -SEATS 80)
(THE KITCHEN AREA)
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SPEAKER INFO: APRIL
NEW FEATURES ON ANCESTRY VIDEO 2026 -Bob Szczypka
TUESDAY 14 April, 2026
6 PM sign in for ZOOM Meeting begins at 6:30 PM SHARP! NEW FEATURES FOR ANCESTRY! 1. Rev. War Pensions 2. Record Subscriptions 3. Growth w/Ideas button 4. Christa Cowan Zoom mtgs. Q & A to follow! SPEAKER INFO: MARCH
LIVE!
OPEN FORUM ONLINE HOW CAN WE HELP YOU WITH YOUR FAMILY TREE? WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE AS MEMBERS? PRESIDENT KAREN REYNOLDS, ALONG WITH THE HELP OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WILL TRY TO SOLVE ANY QUESTION OR HELP FIND DOCUMENTS OF DECEASED PEOPLE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR NAME, PHONE AND EMAIL IN THE VISITORS SECTION UNDER MEMBERSHIP. AND SIGN IN FOR TONIGHTS ZOOM MEETING AT 6PM SHARP!
APOLOGIES: YES, THE CALENDAR CHANGED AND I AM SICK, SO KAREN HAS KINDLY OFFERED TO TEACH THIS MONTH AND I TRULY DO APPRECIATE HER. BUT I WANT TO APOLOGIZE...TO YOU...I CONTRACTED SHINGLES AND AM NOW IN ISOLATION DUE TO MY RECENT HEART SURGERY FOR THE NEXT 2-4 WEEKS. DEPENDS ON HOW FAST I HEAL ...Oh, the fun we have!!! (not) DEB SHEETS THIS PAST MONTH: FEB(I couldn't find Karen's video and she is out of state right now, so this is a very close second and a very good video. Apologies.)
This is a very thorough video on HOW TO FIND INFO and WHAT IS THERE TO SEE in the WIKI with DANIELLE BATSON: FamilySearch Wiki: What you Need to Know! (HAVE PAPER & PEN HANDY, YOU'LL WANT TO TAKE NOTES!) LEARN HOW TO USE THE WIKI: OR LINK TO JUST GET TO THE WIKI:
(THE OUTDOOR AREA... IF ITS NICE OUTSIDE)
THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN SMOKE AT
BEFORE THE MEETING (SORRY NO CHILDREN OR PETS PLEASE) |
YOU NEED TO READ THIS...ASAP!
IN MARCH A PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE SGS BY-LAWS WAS PRESENTED:
*PER MEMBER REQUEST*
FOR THE VOTING AGENDA FOR APRIL 2026
PROPOSAL: TO ALLOW THESE CHANGES TO THE SGS BY-LAWS:
PLEASE NOTE: BY-LAWS ARTICLE V #6
"Any member of the Saginaw Genealogical Society (SGS), in good standing,
who wishes to be elected as either a
DIRECTOR and/or a DELEGATE of the Michigan Genealogy Council- (MGC),
Must submit a written request to be added to the voting ballot no later than April 30th. "
___________________________________________
**This has been added to the SGS BY-LAWS **
located at top of EVERY page under NEWS & MORE
hold page open and scroll down to 2026 BYLAWS & CONSTITUTION**
*PER MEMBER REQUEST*
FOR THE VOTING AGENDA FOR APRIL 2026
PROPOSAL: TO ALLOW THESE CHANGES TO THE SGS BY-LAWS:
PLEASE NOTE: BY-LAWS ARTICLE V #6
"Any member of the Saginaw Genealogical Society (SGS), in good standing,
who wishes to be elected as either a
DIRECTOR and/or a DELEGATE of the Michigan Genealogy Council- (MGC),
Must submit a written request to be added to the voting ballot no later than April 30th. "
___________________________________________
**This has been added to the SGS BY-LAWS **
located at top of EVERY page under NEWS & MORE
hold page open and scroll down to 2026 BYLAWS & CONSTITUTION**
SGS MEETING NEWSPLEASE GO READ THE BY-LAWS
...in the regular meeting for MARCH you will be asked to VOTE on the NEWLY corrected BY-LAWS & CONSTITUTION. WHERE: They can be found under the heading NEWS & MORE, and then go down the list to 2026 BY-LAWS & CONSTITUTION. The changes are all highlighted in YELLOW
WHY: Because I realized there were spelling, grammar and one or two sentences that needed to be added or changed. (ABOUT 16 CHANGES) WHAT: On Tuesday March 10th 2026, YOU as the SGS membership, must ratify these changes. (RATIFY means: APPROVE) THEY WERE APPROVED, BUT GO READ THEM ANYHOW 2026 CALENDAR:
ROOTSTECH:
ROOTSTECH VIDEOS...
How long will RootsTech sessions be available on the website after the conference? We will keep most of the classes and keynotes from RootsTech up on our sister site THE HISTORY KEY, for approximately three years. Most classes will be available until the THE FOLLOWING YEAR'S conference. SO...Where do I go to watch them NOW? Well, Check it out below! FREE PHOTO STORAGE:There is ONE safe place to store all your photos and stories... FOREVER.
Safely stored 600 ft. underground. And also
duplicated inside YET another mountain. Yeah...We got you covered! FamilySearch.org is non-profit and totally free! MILITARY SERVICE: CIVIL WARSix Steps To Find Your Civil War Veterans and Their Regiments
To get the most out of Civil War Stories, you need to know who in your tree might have a story! We show you how in just 6 steps to find those people. MILITARY RECORDS:MILITARY RECORDS-ANCESTRY.COM
YOU MAY FIND HELP
HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH! GENEALOGY NEEDS: AT YOUR LOCAL FSC!
WE are the SAGINAW FamilySearch Center, sponsored by the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, an international organization dedicated to helping ALL people worldwide discover their family story.
ARE you looking for help in YOUR Family tree? HERE, you will be shown how to begin a FREE TREE that will be placed online for any of your family members to help share more information about your deceased ancestors. That will enable family around the world to easily retrieve and use this information in search of their family members. FOR over twenty years FamilySearch.org has helped millions of families gather their ancestors. Since it's inception, on May 24, 1999. There are now over 7 million page views each day on www.FamilySearch.org YOU can contribute towards finding your family by starting a FREE ONLINE TREE and gathering and documenting your family for your loved ones. ALWAYS, at FamilySearch we believe connections to our family members past-present-and future can be a source of great joy that helps us to understand our own personal identity and may even help us overcome some of our own challenges in life. WE WANT TO HELP YOU save and share your FAMILY MEMORIES before it’s too late, and they disappear, never to be found again. IT'S FREE, IT'S EASY AS... 1,2,3 ! FOR ONLINE HELP AT:
FamilySearch open 24 hrs./7 days a week! 1-866-604-1830 WHAT'S ON THE TUBE?Want to know about INDEXING?
Check out this YOU TUBE VIDEO, A SELF HELP TUTORIAL ... Enjoy :) PRE-REGISTER PLEASE
ALL VISITORS OR NEW MEMBERS
MUST PRE-REGISTER Please note: Invite LINK is sent the day BEFORE the meetings. SO REGISTER TODAY! SQUARE IS HERE FOR YOU
Pay your SGS membership or donate, with just a few clicks.
SQUARE is EASY, SAFE, AND NO HASSLE! (click the SQUARE icon above to pay) MICHIGAN GENEALOGICAL COUNCIL
ANNOUNCEMENT!!
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THE SAGINAW FSC IS OPEN!
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TIMBERTOWN LOG
Misplaced the last issue of the Timbertown Log?
CONTACT US AT: [email protected]
Not a member, and curious to see?
TO READ MORE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW
CONTACT US AT: [email protected]
Not a member, and curious to see?
TO READ MORE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW
MORE INTERESTING STUFF
NOW OPEN AND RARIN' TO GO!
CLICK ON PHOTO ABOVE
A PLACE TO ASK QUESTIONS
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This guide shows you how to find BILLIONS of FREE birth, death, marriage and census records!
ANCESTRAL FINDINGS
Oral histories: a valuable genealogical resource. Where to find them, and how to do them yourself on your own tree. Click below to learn.
MICHIGAN LIBRARY CARDS
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FREE!
BENEFITS OF A MICHIGAN LIBRARY CARD
You can now access HUNDREDS of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, recreation areas and campgrounds for either a discounted admission or
FREE!
You can also use it to visit any of the Seven National Park venues in this state!
FOR FREE!
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO
BENEFITS OF A MICHIGAN LIBRARY CARD
You can now access HUNDREDS of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, recreation areas and campgrounds for either a discounted admission or
FREE!
You can also use it to visit any of the Seven National Park venues in this state!
FOR FREE!
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO
SAGINAW PUBLIC LIBRARIES
HOYT LIBRARY
...remembering the past
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< CLICK LIBRARY LOGO
to see the video |
FREE SAGINAW OBITUARIES
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Saginaw Libraries have over
200,00+ OBITUARIES
for you to find.
Click on the link below:
200,00+ OBITUARIES
for you to find.
Click on the link below:
GET ANSWERS
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Brick wall? Stumped?
Lost?
WE ARE HERE, READY TO HELP!
Lost?
WE ARE HERE, READY TO HELP!
With the combined efforts of our
board-members
we try to find answers for
Saginaw County Ancestors.
Click above on the Miss Betty Icon.
OR GO TO: ASK MISS BETTY
and fill out the form.
We don't charge for the help
(but we DO take donations).
board-members
we try to find answers for
Saginaw County Ancestors.
Click above on the Miss Betty Icon.
OR GO TO: ASK MISS BETTY
and fill out the form.
We don't charge for the help
(but we DO take donations).
REMEMBRANCE FUND
PLEASE REMEMBER US,
SO WE CAN REMEMBER YOU!
FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH OR PRESERVATION
THE DONATION IS MADE
IN YOUR NAME. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL TO:
[email protected]
SO WE CAN REMEMBER YOU!
FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH OR PRESERVATION
THE DONATION IS MADE
IN YOUR NAME. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL TO:
[email protected]
MICHIGAN-STATE GENEALOGY
The website for all things pertaining to HISTORICAL RESEARCH
and documents for the
STATE OF MICHIGAN.
CHECK US OUT!
DID YOU KNOW?
NEWSBANK can be used for FREE with your public library card ID number. This website has newspapers to search thru for obituaries!
GIVE IT A TRYAT LINK BELOW!
GIVE IT A TRYAT LINK BELOW!
FREE HELPS |
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17 ALL FREE GREAT
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH. (JUST KIDDING)
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH. (JUST KIDDING)
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
FREE GENEALOGY SITES
LAND SAKES ALIVE! HERE'S 50 MORE!!
CHECK OUT OUR Fb SITE!
IT'S A HOOT!
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NEWS FOR RESEARCHERS!
FREE GENEALOGY WEBINARS!!!
Everything you ever wanted to know about USING FamilySearch
and SO MUCH more!
CLICK BELOW!
Everything you ever wanted to know about USING FamilySearch
and SO MUCH more!
CLICK BELOW!
SGS PIONEER CERTIFICATES
Give a
FOREVER GIFT...
your family will forever remember!
FOREVER GIFT...
your family will forever remember!
YOU RECEIVE:
*A handsome embossed certificate
* ANCESTOR'S VETTED PEDIGREE.
*Your is ancestor noted on our website.
*A handsome embossed certificate
* ANCESTOR'S VETTED PEDIGREE.
*Your is ancestor noted on our website.
MORE HELP: |
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How SideView™ Technology Splits Your DNA Results by Parent
DNA:
When YOU first read your DNA, ...you won’t know which parts of your DNA came from each parent. Ancestry® developed a technology called SideView™ to sort this out using DNA matches. Because a match is usually related to you through only one parent, your matches can help us “organize” the DNA you share with them.
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
When YOU first read your DNA, ...you won’t know which parts of your DNA came from each parent. Ancestry® developed a technology called SideView™ to sort this out using DNA matches. Because a match is usually related to you through only one parent, your matches can help us “organize” the DNA you share with them.
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
NEED GENEALOGY GIFTS?
BEV PALMER used to live in Saginaw, she is a fellow genealogist and has started this business. Lots of cool stuff - from babies to bags, and from T-shirts to tags, she's got it all!
check it out below!
check it out below!
LINKS FOR OUR READERS
CLICK ON BLACK TITLES |
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GENEALOGY HELPS
What is ThruLines?
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be PUBLIC, and linked to your DNA test.
To check this, do these 3 steps:
1. Go to Your DNA Results Summary, and
2. Click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen).
3. Follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the ANCESTRY family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through to your 5th great-grandparents.
SORRY, ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be PUBLIC, and linked to your DNA test.
To check this, do these 3 steps:
1. Go to Your DNA Results Summary, and
2. Click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen).
3. Follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the ANCESTRY family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through to your 5th great-grandparents.
SORRY, ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
FREE WEBINARS
FamilySearch - Family Search Library Free Online Webinars
2025 classes are now online!
No registration is required.
Class size for webinars is NOT limited.
If you could not attend a LIVE EVENT,
most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later at your convenience at the following link:
2025 classes are now online!
No registration is required.
Class size for webinars is NOT limited.
If you could not attend a LIVE EVENT,
most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later at your convenience at the following link:
SEARCH TIPS:
6 Ancestry Search Tips
1. Pinpoint your ancestor’s location from the census, on a MAP, and then look for churches, cemeteries, and other places where your ancestor may have left records.
2. Be sure to locate your ancestor’s ADULT SIBLINGS in census records. It was common for extended family to live in the same household or near other family members. You may find a parent, grandparent, or other family members living either with them or nearby.
3. If you’re having a difficult time locating your ancestor, try searching, using only GIVEN names and other details like birth year, residence, family members, place of birth, etc.
4. Occasionally, census takers only recorded initials in place of the given name. Using only a FIRST INITIAL will bring up these records.
5. Census takers didn’t always have the best penmanship, so if you’re having a hard time locating your ancestor, write out the NAME and try replacing some of the letters, with letters that look similar. (Try an O for an A, try an J for a P, try a F for an S.)
6. The U.S. federal censuses for the years 1900 TO THE 1930 include a DATE OF IMMIGRATION for immigrants. Use that date to narrow your search for your ancestor’s passenger arrival record in the Immigration Collection.
FMH TOOL KIT: |
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How do I keep track of my Family Medical History?
If possible, look at DEATH CERTIFICATES and FAMILY MEDICAL RECORDS. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. How you make your request will depend on your provider's processes. You may be able to request your record through your provider's patient portal. You may have to fill out a form — called a health or medical record release form, or to request for access—send an email, or mail or fax a letter to your provider.
For more info click below on:
https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-get-your-health-record/get-it/#:~:text=How%20you%20make%20your%20request,a%20letter%20to%20your%20provider.
DID YOU KNOW...
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED!
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
MAKE SURE TO RECORD THIS INFO!
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about YOUR family medical history.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for YOUR health. DO IT NOW!
If possible, look at DEATH CERTIFICATES and FAMILY MEDICAL RECORDS. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. How you make your request will depend on your provider's processes. You may be able to request your record through your provider's patient portal. You may have to fill out a form — called a health or medical record release form, or to request for access—send an email, or mail or fax a letter to your provider.
For more info click below on:
https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-get-your-health-record/get-it/#:~:text=How%20you%20make%20your%20request,a%20letter%20to%20your%20provider.
DID YOU KNOW...
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED!
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
MAKE SURE TO RECORD THIS INFO!
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about YOUR family medical history.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for YOUR health. DO IT NOW!
GENETICS 101: APRIL
Genetic testing analyzes DNA to identify genetic changes, mutations, or risks for inherited diseases and health conditions or for clearing the way for a line of descent. Typically costing from UNDER one hundred to thousands of dollars, it often involves saliva or blood samples and can inform you of medical care, family planning, or ancestry.
DNA helps in genealogy by bridging gaps in traditional paper records, confirming ancestral links, and uncovering unknown relatives through genetic matches. By testing autosomal, Y-DNA, or mtDNA, individuals can identify shared ancestry, break through "brick walls" in family trees, and refine ethnicity estimates.
Key Aspects of Genetic Testing
Finding Relatives: DNA testing identifies shared matches in databases, helping to connect with cousin matches and find common ancestors.
Breaking "Brick Walls": When records are missing, destroyed, or inaccurate, DNA can provide evidence of parentage, including breaking through issues of illegitimacy or adoptions.
Verifying Paper Trails: DNA can confirm or refute existing genealogical research, proving if your family tree matches your biological reality.
Ethnicity Estimates: Tests provide a breakdown of your ancestral origins by comparing your DNA against global reference populations.
Targeted Research: By testing specific relatives (like parents or cousins), you can pinpoint which branch of a family tree a match belongs to.
DNA helps in genealogy by bridging gaps in traditional paper records, confirming ancestral links, and uncovering unknown relatives through genetic matches. By testing autosomal, Y-DNA, or mtDNA, individuals can identify shared ancestry, break through "brick walls" in family trees, and refine ethnicity estimates.
Key Aspects of Genetic Testing
- Procedure: Generally involves a simple cheek swab, saliva sample, or blood draw.
- When to Consider: Usually recommended if there is a personal or family history of a specific genetic disorder or cancer. Also helps to decide paternity. Can be really helpful when trying to find a bloodline you descend from.
- Benefits: Helps identify risks, guide personalized treatments, inform family planning, and provides peace of mind, proactive management or genealogical descent.
- Types: Options range from targeted panels to whole exome/genome sequencing.
Finding Relatives: DNA testing identifies shared matches in databases, helping to connect with cousin matches and find common ancestors.
Breaking "Brick Walls": When records are missing, destroyed, or inaccurate, DNA can provide evidence of parentage, including breaking through issues of illegitimacy or adoptions.
Verifying Paper Trails: DNA can confirm or refute existing genealogical research, proving if your family tree matches your biological reality.
Ethnicity Estimates: Tests provide a breakdown of your ancestral origins by comparing your DNA against global reference populations.
Targeted Research: By testing specific relatives (like parents or cousins), you can pinpoint which branch of a family tree a match belongs to.
- WANT TO KNOW MORE?
- CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
SO HOW OBSERVANT ARE YOU?
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
19 BASKETBALLS?
no, we are not looking for those...
HOW ABOUT THE 1 TOP HAT?
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
19 BASKETBALLS?
no, we are not looking for those...
HOW ABOUT THE 1 TOP HAT?
SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST
TRUE STORY
Mom asks 3 yr old whats wrong, Child stops crying and says, "MY PEE-PEE HURTS!" Mom says, "Ok let's get it taken care of." The child thinks about it and says, "But I still WANT it!"
YOU'LL FIND THAT LIFE IS STILL WORTHWHILE...
...IF YOU'LL JUST SMILE
A STORY FOR: APRIL
Here's your t-shirt...
A second grader rushed home to tell their Mom the latest development at school.
"MOM! GUESS WHAT WE LEARNED TODAY?" Mom, who had just finished scrubbing the floor and doing the lunch dishes, wearily replied,
"What did you learn?"
Excited, the child eagerly replied, "WE LEARNED HOW TO MAKE BABIES!" Trying not to sound TOO surprised Mom asked, "And how do you do that?" The child proudly exclaimed, "Well Mom, you drop the 'y' and JUST add "ies"!! (DUH)
"MOM! GUESS WHAT WE LEARNED TODAY?" Mom, who had just finished scrubbing the floor and doing the lunch dishes, wearily replied,
"What did you learn?"
Excited, the child eagerly replied, "WE LEARNED HOW TO MAKE BABIES!" Trying not to sound TOO surprised Mom asked, "And how do you do that?" The child proudly exclaimed, "Well Mom, you drop the 'y' and JUST add "ies"!! (DUH)
FOR ALL SGS MEMBERS
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN UP FOR THE PICNIC DINNER, & CHOOSE YOUR MEAT, LET US KNOW HOW MANY ARE COMING, YOUR NAME AND EMAIL (OR PHONE NUMBER) AND WHAT DISH WILL YOU BRING? CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!
SIGN IN AS A MEMBER AT TOP OF ANY PAGE
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN UP FOR THE PICNIC DINNER, & CHOOSE YOUR MEAT, LET US KNOW HOW MANY ARE COMING, YOUR NAME AND EMAIL (OR PHONE NUMBER) AND WHAT DISH WILL YOU BRING? CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!
SIGN IN AS A MEMBER AT TOP OF ANY PAGE
FOOD & FAMILY:
Did you know...family recipes are a tradition!?!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
IN MEMORY OF:
Thomas Shabluk
October 29th, 1949 - April 10th, 2026
Age: 76 years
TOM SHABLUK HUSBAND OF SGS MEMBER COLLEEN
Thomas Shabluk, age 76, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on October 29, 1949, in Saginaw, Michigan.
Thomas grew up in Saginaw Township, graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas School and Douglas MacArthur High School. He earned a BS in Business Administration at Western Michigan University. Thomas was the beloved husband of Colleen Shabluk and a devoted father to his three sons: Jon Shabluk (Amy), James Shabluk (Amy), and Jason Shabluk. He was also a proud grandfather to James, Thomas, and Jada Shabluk.
His siblings survive Thomas, Robert Shabluk (Patricia), Ronald Shabluk (Brenda), Susan McCulloch, and Deborah Foy (James). He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Mary Ann Konieczka Shabluk; his brother-in-law, William McCulloch.
Professionally, Thomas was the owner and Vice-President of Allied Tool and Machine Company in Saginaw, Michigan. His dedication to excellence in his field earned him respect within the industry as well as among his peers in the National Tooling and Machining Association. His work ethic and leadership left an enduring legacy in the business community. Thomas served as a mentor to many young students who worked at Allied Tool & Machining Company. Local students gained precision machining skills as they earned credit from the local Saginaw School District.
A man of deep faith, Thomas was a devout Catholic who followed and served his Lord Jesus Christ. He lived a life marked by devotion to his family. His faith guided him in all aspects of his life.
Thomas found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage in Au Gres, Michigan, where he relaxed. Fishing, boating, cooking, and attending to his gardens were his passions. An avid reader who devoured thousands of books over the years, he also appreciated good movies of all genres. Those who knew him cherished his quick wit, optimism, humor, and unwavering support:qualities that made him a friend to all he met.
Above all else, Thomas treasured time with his family.
Whether working on projects at the cottage or simply enjoying each other’s company, he created countless memories that will be forever cherished by those who loved him. May the memories of Thomas bring comfort to all who knew him as they celebrate a life well-lived and honor the legacy he leaves behind.
A Visitation will be held on April 17, 2026, from 02:00 PM to 07:00 PM at Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd. Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State Street. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Entombment will follow in St. Andrew Mausoleum. Friends may visit at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to
The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., Saginaw.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
MILITARY NEWS: |
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OLD NEWS...IS NEW NEWS AGAIN:
WHO WAS FORT KNOX NAMED AFTER?
WHO WAS FORT KNOX NAMED AFTER?
Did you ever hear of HENRY KNOX? NO? ...Me neither.
So, I looked it up. Henry Knox, it turns out, was George Washington's Artillery Master. Fort Knox is named after Major General Henry Knox (1750–1806),
THE STORY: Back in the day, the British held Boston. Washington needed cannons. Enter 25 year old Henry Knox- a former bookseller who set out on an impossible winter mission to haul 60 tons of artillery, 300 miles through snow, ice, and mountains. Eric Metaxas, author of Revolution, tells the remarkable story of the man who became George Washington’s chief of artillery.
"Knox was a pivotal figure in the American Revolutionary War who served as the first U.S. Secretary of War. He was the Chief of Artillery. He was famous for transporting cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, and was honored when the Kentucky training site (Fort Knox) was established in 1918. Here is how he did it...
So, I looked it up. Henry Knox, it turns out, was George Washington's Artillery Master. Fort Knox is named after Major General Henry Knox (1750–1806),
THE STORY: Back in the day, the British held Boston. Washington needed cannons. Enter 25 year old Henry Knox- a former bookseller who set out on an impossible winter mission to haul 60 tons of artillery, 300 miles through snow, ice, and mountains. Eric Metaxas, author of Revolution, tells the remarkable story of the man who became George Washington’s chief of artillery.
"Knox was a pivotal figure in the American Revolutionary War who served as the first U.S. Secretary of War. He was the Chief of Artillery. He was famous for transporting cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, and was honored when the Kentucky training site (Fort Knox) was established in 1918. Here is how he did it...
So now you know....the rest of the story!
3 VETERAN STORIES OF BRAVERY
STORY # 1.
World War II Veteran and POW Dan Crowley is Finally Recognized for His Bravery.
It’s been over 80 years since Sgt. Dan Crowley first enlisted in the Army at the young age of 18, but the World War II veteran and prisoner of war (POW) was finally recognized for his service and sacrifice in January 2021. Crowley was stationed at Nichols Field in the Philippines before the United States had even entered WWII. However, the day after the U.S. declared war on Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attacked the Philippines and the U.S. Army bases there – including Nichols Field.
Even though Crowley – who was assigned to an aircraft unit – was not trained in combat, he immediately leapt into action. He and his fellow soldiers improvised, using antiquated British machine guns that they had on-hand, creating a powerful air defense attempt. Crowley and the other soldiers who survived the devastating air raid crossed Manila Bay to the Bataan Peninsula in the dark of night to avoid Japanese detection, where they joined other U.S. troops and continued the fight. As Japanese forces closed in, Crowley and his fellow soldiers swam through shark-infested waters to avoid capture, but eventually they were found by the enemy and became prisoners of war.
For approximately three and a half years, Crowley endured terrible conditions and forced labor in Japanese imprisonment. He was eventually released after Japan’s surrender in 1944 and was honorably discharged from the Army in April 1946. Although the Army promoted him to sergeant in October 1945, Crowley was never notified of the promotion.
That all changed in January 2021, when Crowley was officially promoted to the rank of sergeant and presented with the Prisoner of War Medal and an Army Combat Infantryman Badge. Crowley was finally recognized for all of his sacrifice at the age of 99, before passing away just a few months later at his home in Simsbury, Connecticut.
"Courage means to me that when the time came, that you were called upon to do the right thing, and you did it,” Crowley said.
World War II Veteran and POW Dan Crowley is Finally Recognized for His Bravery.
It’s been over 80 years since Sgt. Dan Crowley first enlisted in the Army at the young age of 18, but the World War II veteran and prisoner of war (POW) was finally recognized for his service and sacrifice in January 2021. Crowley was stationed at Nichols Field in the Philippines before the United States had even entered WWII. However, the day after the U.S. declared war on Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attacked the Philippines and the U.S. Army bases there – including Nichols Field.
Even though Crowley – who was assigned to an aircraft unit – was not trained in combat, he immediately leapt into action. He and his fellow soldiers improvised, using antiquated British machine guns that they had on-hand, creating a powerful air defense attempt. Crowley and the other soldiers who survived the devastating air raid crossed Manila Bay to the Bataan Peninsula in the dark of night to avoid Japanese detection, where they joined other U.S. troops and continued the fight. As Japanese forces closed in, Crowley and his fellow soldiers swam through shark-infested waters to avoid capture, but eventually they were found by the enemy and became prisoners of war.
For approximately three and a half years, Crowley endured terrible conditions and forced labor in Japanese imprisonment. He was eventually released after Japan’s surrender in 1944 and was honorably discharged from the Army in April 1946. Although the Army promoted him to sergeant in October 1945, Crowley was never notified of the promotion.
That all changed in January 2021, when Crowley was officially promoted to the rank of sergeant and presented with the Prisoner of War Medal and an Army Combat Infantryman Badge. Crowley was finally recognized for all of his sacrifice at the age of 99, before passing away just a few months later at his home in Simsbury, Connecticut.
"Courage means to me that when the time came, that you were called upon to do the right thing, and you did it,” Crowley said.
Sgt. Dan Crowley is pictured here in uniform before
shipping off to the Philippines in 1940. | Photo credit U.S. Army
shipping off to the Philippines in 1940. | Photo credit U.S. Army
STORY # 2.
Soldier Takes Charge During Fall of Kabul
Whether you join with a passion to serve your country, a determination to learn new skills and bettering yourself, or even a desire to travel the world, everyday people join the Army for all sorts of reasons. However, according to a Task & Purpose interview, U.S. Army Sgt. Breanna Jessop’s inspiration for joining the Army was simply that she did not want to reach the end of her life and realize she hadn’t made an impact. But make an impact she did!
When the 82nd Airborne Division was called to support noncombatant evacuation operations at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, in the fall of 2021, Supply Clerk, Army Sgt. Breanna J. Jessop , a member of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, assumed the role of noncommissioned officer in charge of the Karzai Airport Chapel. Always putting the well-being of soldiers first, Jessop used her ingenuity to ensure 4,000 U.S. military personnel and coalition forces had access to basic hygiene items when resources were limited or nonexistent.
Notably, at the height of the mission, Jessop also provided phenomenal leadership to oversee the operations of a makeshift orphanage, which had been recently formed due to the increased number of unaccompanied minors following the events in Afghanistan. She led the mission to assist in caring for all children in the orphanage, whose ages ranged from seven days old to 17 years old.
She ensured the protection of over 400 displaced children who were safeguarded throughout evacuation operations and enemy attacks. However, she not only protected the well-being of these children but also protected their dignity as human beings. Jessop displayed devotion and selfless leadership under duress during the high-pressure and dangerous fall of Kabul in 2021, carrying out military operations as well as humanitarian efforts. Her work left an indelible mark on the evacuation mission of American citizens and designated Afghans, going above and beyond the mission at-hand, and as a result, Army Sgt. Breanna J. Jessop was recognized as the USO’s 2021 Soldier of the Year.
Soldier Takes Charge During Fall of Kabul
Whether you join with a passion to serve your country, a determination to learn new skills and bettering yourself, or even a desire to travel the world, everyday people join the Army for all sorts of reasons. However, according to a Task & Purpose interview, U.S. Army Sgt. Breanna Jessop’s inspiration for joining the Army was simply that she did not want to reach the end of her life and realize she hadn’t made an impact. But make an impact she did!
When the 82nd Airborne Division was called to support noncombatant evacuation operations at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, in the fall of 2021, Supply Clerk, Army Sgt. Breanna J. Jessop , a member of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, assumed the role of noncommissioned officer in charge of the Karzai Airport Chapel. Always putting the well-being of soldiers first, Jessop used her ingenuity to ensure 4,000 U.S. military personnel and coalition forces had access to basic hygiene items when resources were limited or nonexistent.
Notably, at the height of the mission, Jessop also provided phenomenal leadership to oversee the operations of a makeshift orphanage, which had been recently formed due to the increased number of unaccompanied minors following the events in Afghanistan. She led the mission to assist in caring for all children in the orphanage, whose ages ranged from seven days old to 17 years old.
She ensured the protection of over 400 displaced children who were safeguarded throughout evacuation operations and enemy attacks. However, she not only protected the well-being of these children but also protected their dignity as human beings. Jessop displayed devotion and selfless leadership under duress during the high-pressure and dangerous fall of Kabul in 2021, carrying out military operations as well as humanitarian efforts. Her work left an indelible mark on the evacuation mission of American citizens and designated Afghans, going above and beyond the mission at-hand, and as a result, Army Sgt. Breanna J. Jessop was recognized as the USO’s 2021 Soldier of the Year.
When asked about her efforts in Kabul, Jessop simply said: “I was just taking care of people.”
-This story was originally published on USO.org in 2021.
It was updated in: 2022.
-This story was originally published on USO.org in 2021.
It was updated in: 2022.
A U.S. Army Ranger combat medic conducts routine medical training during
2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment’s task force training August 2019.
2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment’s task force training August 2019.
STORY #3.
Army Ranger Medics Save Lives of Fellow Soldiers
On a hot summer night in Wardak province, Afghanistan, in 2019 a special operations U.S. Army Ranger raid force began an assault on a compound with enemy targets. As enemy fighters fired back at U.S. forces and the Rangers began to close in on a target, there was a huge explosion, injuring three Rangers. Amidst rounds of machine gun fire, rockets and grenades, two Ranger combat medics, Army Staff Sgt. Charles Bowen and Army Sgt. Ty Able, leapt into action to save six American lives that night.
Pulling the critically wounded behind cover from enemy fire, Bowen and Able quickly began performing advanced surgical techniques and providing Rangers with blood infusions with supplies they had on hand.
While the medics stabilized some of the injured, unfortunately, two of the injured Rangers were losing blood, and fast. Unfortunately, Bowen and Able had already utilized all of their blood units for other injured service members. Knowing that this was a life-or-death matter, the two medics decided to attempt the Ranger O-Low (ROLO) Titre protocol, in which a volunteer transfers his or her blood to the injured Ranger on the battlefield, with the assistance and equipment from the medics. The procedure at the time was relatively new and had never been done in the middle of combat, but Bowen, Able and a volunteer blood donor were able to pull it off.
As enemy fire continued to rage overhead, the three worked quickly to transfer large quantities of blood from their volunteer to two injured Rangers, effectively saving their lives. Throughout the procedure and other life-saving techniques, the two medics also continually shielded their patients with their own bodies to prevent further injuries from enemy fire.
As the wounded were loaded onto a helicopter for evacuation, Able kept up a steady attack against the enemy, to provide them with cover. Bowen and Able treated a fatal hemorrhage, triaged two additional casualties and tended to several other injuries that night. Their calm demeanors under pressure, as they worked to save the lives of their fellow soldiers while under fire, demonstrates incredible dedication and valor.
Army Ranger Medics Save Lives of Fellow Soldiers
On a hot summer night in Wardak province, Afghanistan, in 2019 a special operations U.S. Army Ranger raid force began an assault on a compound with enemy targets. As enemy fighters fired back at U.S. forces and the Rangers began to close in on a target, there was a huge explosion, injuring three Rangers. Amidst rounds of machine gun fire, rockets and grenades, two Ranger combat medics, Army Staff Sgt. Charles Bowen and Army Sgt. Ty Able, leapt into action to save six American lives that night.
Pulling the critically wounded behind cover from enemy fire, Bowen and Able quickly began performing advanced surgical techniques and providing Rangers with blood infusions with supplies they had on hand.
While the medics stabilized some of the injured, unfortunately, two of the injured Rangers were losing blood, and fast. Unfortunately, Bowen and Able had already utilized all of their blood units for other injured service members. Knowing that this was a life-or-death matter, the two medics decided to attempt the Ranger O-Low (ROLO) Titre protocol, in which a volunteer transfers his or her blood to the injured Ranger on the battlefield, with the assistance and equipment from the medics. The procedure at the time was relatively new and had never been done in the middle of combat, but Bowen, Able and a volunteer blood donor were able to pull it off.
As enemy fire continued to rage overhead, the three worked quickly to transfer large quantities of blood from their volunteer to two injured Rangers, effectively saving their lives. Throughout the procedure and other life-saving techniques, the two medics also continually shielded their patients with their own bodies to prevent further injuries from enemy fire.
As the wounded were loaded onto a helicopter for evacuation, Able kept up a steady attack against the enemy, to provide them with cover. Bowen and Able treated a fatal hemorrhage, triaged two additional casualties and tended to several other injuries that night. Their calm demeanors under pressure, as they worked to save the lives of their fellow soldiers while under fire, demonstrates incredible dedication and valor.
I’m SO into family trees, I’ve gone out on a limb!
MILITARY SERVICE: |
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The Long Road to The
Medal of Honor Recognition!
Medal of Honor Recognition!
In the heart of America’s military history, tales of valor often came with the shadows of delay. Individuals like Dr. Mary E. Walker patiently walked this path. A Civil War surgeon, her devotion on blood-soaked battlefields went unrecognized for years due to her gender—awarded the Medal of Honor decades later.
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Walker
Walker volunteered at the outbreak of the American Civil War as a surgeon – first for the Army, but was rejected because she was a woman (despite having kept a private practice for many years). She was offered the role of a nurse but declined and chose to volunteer as a surgeon for the Union Army as a civilian.
But at the time in the U.S. Army they had no female surgeons, and at first, she was allowed to practice only as a nurse. During this period, she served at the First Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and at the Patent Office Hospital in Washington, D.C. She worked as an unpaid field surgeon near the Union front lines, including at the Battle of Fredericksburg and in Chattanooga after the Battle of Chickamauga.
As a suffragist, Mary was happy to see women serving as soldiers, and alerted the press to the case of Frances Hook, in Ward 2 of the Chattanooga hospital, a woman who served in the Union forces disguised as a man. Dr. Walker was the first female surgeon of the Union army. She wore men's clothing during her work, claiming it to be easier for high demands of her work.
But at the time in the U.S. Army they had no female surgeons, and at first, she was allowed to practice only as a nurse. During this period, she served at the First Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and at the Patent Office Hospital in Washington, D.C. She worked as an unpaid field surgeon near the Union front lines, including at the Battle of Fredericksburg and in Chattanooga after the Battle of Chickamauga.
As a suffragist, Mary was happy to see women serving as soldiers, and alerted the press to the case of Frances Hook, in Ward 2 of the Chattanooga hospital, a woman who served in the Union forces disguised as a man. Dr. Walker was the first female surgeon of the Union army. She wore men's clothing during her work, claiming it to be easier for high demands of her work.
Similarly, the bravery of Henry Johnson, a World War I hero, was marginalized, overshadowed by racial prejudice. His gallant stand in the Argonne Forrest took nearly a century to be rightfully honored.
For the first few weeks on the frontlines, the 369th saw little combat. On the night of May 15, Johnson participated in some of the regiment’s first combat. Johnson and his comrade, Pvt. Needham Roberts, were on a night patrol near a bridge they were guarding. At the same time, a group of German soldiers prepared to launch a surprise raid on the French lines. Enemy soldiers made their way across the battlefield towards Johnson and Roberts’ position.
The sound of wire cutters alerted them to the enemy’s presence. Johnson opened a grenade box and ordered Roberts to run back and warn their French allies. Johnson threw grenades at the attacking enemy and they returned fire. Shrapnel from enemy grenades wounded Roberts, who had returned to help Johnson. With Roberts wounded, Johnson threw all of his grenades at the Germans, but the enemy still advanced.
Wounded by enemy fire, Johnson returned fire until he ran out of ammunition. He then engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, using his rifle like a club. As he noticed the enemy attempting to capture Roberts, Johnson drew his last remaining weapon, his bolo knife. Johnson used his knife to cut down two enemy soldiers before being shot again.
This still didn’t stop Johnson. He continued to lunge at the Germans, trying to protect Roberts. His frantic attacks broke the German morale and the enemy raiding party retreated. Johnson stopped the enemy raid from approaching the main French line and from capturing Roberts. Killing four German troops and wounding 15 to 20 others, Johnson suffered 21 wounds in the process.
For their heroism, Johnson and Roberts were among the first Americans awarded the French Croix de Guerre, France’s highest award for valor. He became one of America’s heroes in WWI when word of his feat was publicized in the United States. From that point on, Johnson was known as “Black Death.”
When describing the event, he maintained that he was not a hero, stating, “There wasn’t anything so fine about it. Just fought for my life. A rabbit would have done that.” After Allied victory in World War I, Johnson and the 369th, known by then as the “Harlem Hell-fighters” for their tenacity in combat, they were welcomed as heroes. Johnson led the 369th victory parade through New York City and former President Theodore Roosevelt named him one of the five bravest Americans to serve in World War I.
For the first few weeks on the frontlines, the 369th saw little combat. On the night of May 15, Johnson participated in some of the regiment’s first combat. Johnson and his comrade, Pvt. Needham Roberts, were on a night patrol near a bridge they were guarding. At the same time, a group of German soldiers prepared to launch a surprise raid on the French lines. Enemy soldiers made their way across the battlefield towards Johnson and Roberts’ position.
The sound of wire cutters alerted them to the enemy’s presence. Johnson opened a grenade box and ordered Roberts to run back and warn their French allies. Johnson threw grenades at the attacking enemy and they returned fire. Shrapnel from enemy grenades wounded Roberts, who had returned to help Johnson. With Roberts wounded, Johnson threw all of his grenades at the Germans, but the enemy still advanced.
Wounded by enemy fire, Johnson returned fire until he ran out of ammunition. He then engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, using his rifle like a club. As he noticed the enemy attempting to capture Roberts, Johnson drew his last remaining weapon, his bolo knife. Johnson used his knife to cut down two enemy soldiers before being shot again.
This still didn’t stop Johnson. He continued to lunge at the Germans, trying to protect Roberts. His frantic attacks broke the German morale and the enemy raiding party retreated. Johnson stopped the enemy raid from approaching the main French line and from capturing Roberts. Killing four German troops and wounding 15 to 20 others, Johnson suffered 21 wounds in the process.
For their heroism, Johnson and Roberts were among the first Americans awarded the French Croix de Guerre, France’s highest award for valor. He became one of America’s heroes in WWI when word of his feat was publicized in the United States. From that point on, Johnson was known as “Black Death.”
When describing the event, he maintained that he was not a hero, stating, “There wasn’t anything so fine about it. Just fought for my life. A rabbit would have done that.” After Allied victory in World War I, Johnson and the 369th, known by then as the “Harlem Hell-fighters” for their tenacity in combat, they were welcomed as heroes. Johnson led the 369th victory parade through New York City and former President Theodore Roosevelt named him one of the five bravest Americans to serve in World War I.
These stories illuminate the resilience behind the medal or ribbon, where recognition often lagged behind courage.
I’ve got roots, but NOW they’re showing!
AMAZING STORIES:
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Every Wednesday The Weekly Genealogist provides readers with news and information about NEHGS and the genealogical community. Features include a description of the latest database
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
MONTH BY MONTH: MARCH 2026
The month of March is full of holidays, happenings, observances and awareness days. Topping the list, of course, is the First Day of Spring, which falls on Friday, March 20.
But the Spring Equinox is just the beginning of March's many offerings. There are plenty of other notable dates throughout the month, and we've got them all right here in this comprehensive list of March holidays and observances to mark down on your calendar.
Among them? St. Patrick's Day, Daylight Saving Time and International Women's Day, to name just a few. Along with those happenings, there are also plenty of whimsical holidays to observe including, National Puppy Day, Cuddly Kitten Day, Mermaid Day, not to mention Crayon Day.
For the foodies out there, there are an array of culinary holidays in March including, National Banana Cream Pie Day, National Cereal Day and National Oreo Day, along with many others.
March is one of the longest months of the year and every single day is loaded with observances and reasons to celebrate. So, grab a pen and get ready to jot down this month's offerings because we've got 31 very good reasons to make the most of March in 2026.
March Holidays and Daily Observances...CLICK BELOW
But the Spring Equinox is just the beginning of March's many offerings. There are plenty of other notable dates throughout the month, and we've got them all right here in this comprehensive list of March holidays and observances to mark down on your calendar.
Among them? St. Patrick's Day, Daylight Saving Time and International Women's Day, to name just a few. Along with those happenings, there are also plenty of whimsical holidays to observe including, National Puppy Day, Cuddly Kitten Day, Mermaid Day, not to mention Crayon Day.
For the foodies out there, there are an array of culinary holidays in March including, National Banana Cream Pie Day, National Cereal Day and National Oreo Day, along with many others.
March is one of the longest months of the year and every single day is loaded with observances and reasons to celebrate. So, grab a pen and get ready to jot down this month's offerings because we've got 31 very good reasons to make the most of March in 2026.
March Holidays and Daily Observances...CLICK BELOW
LIFE IS FULL OF LAUGHS
Scottish humor: UH, YES... PLEASE DO!
STORY FOR MARCH
THE STORY OF THE MAD-HATTER
Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” famously features an eccentric character called the “Hatter”, who’s referred to in the story as “mad” and became popularly known as the Mad Hatter. However, the phrase “mad as a hatter,” used to describe someone who’s crazy or prone to unpredictable behavior, didn’t originate with Carroll.
Instead, the expression is linked to the hat-making industry and mercury poisoning. In the 18th and 19th centuries, industrial workers used a toxic substance, mercury nitrate, as part of the process of turning the fur of small animals, such as rabbits, into felt for hats. Workplace safety standards often were lax and prolonged exposure to mercury caused employees to develop a variety of physical and mental ailments, including tremors (dubbed “hatter’s shakes”), speech problems, emotional instability and hallucinations.
In Connecticut, mercury-induced tremors were called the Danbury shakes, after the city of Danbury, which was a leading center for hat making during the 19th century and into the early years of the 20th century (by the 1920s, only a handful of headwear manufacturers remained in the place once billed as the “Hat Capital of the World”). In the U.S., the use of mercury in the production of felt finally was banned in the early 1940s.
Researchers have suggested that Boston Corbett, a hat industry worker who killed John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, might’ve suffered from poor mental health due to mercury poisoning. Corbett, who’d been employed as a hat maker since he was a young man, became a religious zealot and in 1858 castrated himself with a pair of scissors as a way to curb his libido.
He went on to serve in the Union Army during the Civil War, and after Lincoln was shot by Booth on April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., Corbett and his regiment, the 16th New York Cavalry, were sent to track down the gunman, who was on the lam. On April 26, the soldiers surrounded Booth in a Virginia barn; however, Corbett disobeyed orders to capture the fugitive alive and instead shot and killed him.
Corbett was cleared of blame by the military and lauded by many in the public as a hero for his role in avenging the president’s death. Eventually, he resumed working in the hat industry in the Northeast before moving to Kansas in 1878, where he lived a solitary existence as a homesteader.
In 1887, he landed in a mental asylum after threatening a group of people at the Kansas Statehouse with a gun. The following year, this possible “mad hatter,” who was then in his 50s, escaped the facility and soon disappeared for good.
So, there you have it, mercury poisoning was most likely the cause of the instability and origin for the character in Lewis Carrol’s story. CCCCCrazzzzy!
Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” famously features an eccentric character called the “Hatter”, who’s referred to in the story as “mad” and became popularly known as the Mad Hatter. However, the phrase “mad as a hatter,” used to describe someone who’s crazy or prone to unpredictable behavior, didn’t originate with Carroll.
Instead, the expression is linked to the hat-making industry and mercury poisoning. In the 18th and 19th centuries, industrial workers used a toxic substance, mercury nitrate, as part of the process of turning the fur of small animals, such as rabbits, into felt for hats. Workplace safety standards often were lax and prolonged exposure to mercury caused employees to develop a variety of physical and mental ailments, including tremors (dubbed “hatter’s shakes”), speech problems, emotional instability and hallucinations.
In Connecticut, mercury-induced tremors were called the Danbury shakes, after the city of Danbury, which was a leading center for hat making during the 19th century and into the early years of the 20th century (by the 1920s, only a handful of headwear manufacturers remained in the place once billed as the “Hat Capital of the World”). In the U.S., the use of mercury in the production of felt finally was banned in the early 1940s.
Researchers have suggested that Boston Corbett, a hat industry worker who killed John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, might’ve suffered from poor mental health due to mercury poisoning. Corbett, who’d been employed as a hat maker since he was a young man, became a religious zealot and in 1858 castrated himself with a pair of scissors as a way to curb his libido.
He went on to serve in the Union Army during the Civil War, and after Lincoln was shot by Booth on April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., Corbett and his regiment, the 16th New York Cavalry, were sent to track down the gunman, who was on the lam. On April 26, the soldiers surrounded Booth in a Virginia barn; however, Corbett disobeyed orders to capture the fugitive alive and instead shot and killed him.
Corbett was cleared of blame by the military and lauded by many in the public as a hero for his role in avenging the president’s death. Eventually, he resumed working in the hat industry in the Northeast before moving to Kansas in 1878, where he lived a solitary existence as a homesteader.
In 1887, he landed in a mental asylum after threatening a group of people at the Kansas Statehouse with a gun. The following year, this possible “mad hatter,” who was then in his 50s, escaped the facility and soon disappeared for good.
So, there you have it, mercury poisoning was most likely the cause of the instability and origin for the character in Lewis Carrol’s story. CCCCCrazzzzy!
THE BOOK NOOK: FOR MARCH
HISTORICAL, GENEALOGICAL & RESEARCH BOOKS
Genealogies of Long Island Families, from The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, Volume II
by Henry B. Hoff (Compiler)
by Henry B. Hoff (Compiler)
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Since its inception in 1870, "The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record" has been at the forefront in publishing articles on Long Island families, many of them lengthy, definitive studies spread out over several issues. In a number of these articles, the English or Dutch origin of families is established.
No better purpose could be served than to gather these articles together and reprint them in their entirety, thus making available a mass of information on Long Island families that has previously been difficult to locate.
With the articles appropriately consolidated and arranged, and additions and corrections from "The Record" properly appended, this two-volume compilation becomes the single greatest repository of Long Island genealogies in existence. In addition, it is fully indexed and is published with an introduction by Henry B. Hoff, former editor of "The Record."
No better purpose could be served than to gather these articles together and reprint them in their entirety, thus making available a mass of information on Long Island families that has previously been difficult to locate.
With the articles appropriately consolidated and arranged, and additions and corrections from "The Record" properly appended, this two-volume compilation becomes the single greatest repository of Long Island genealogies in existence. In addition, it is fully indexed and is published with an introduction by Henry B. Hoff, former editor of "The Record."
THE BOOK NOOK: FOR APRIL
A BROKEN TREE: HOW DNA EXPOSED A FAMILY'S SECRETS
by STEPHEN F. ANDERSON
by STEPHEN F. ANDERSON
Book Overview:
All families have stories and all families have secrets. Some stories can be hidden forever. Others come out over time, or suddenly through revelation. With the advent of easy to obtain and cheap DNA kits, more and more people are stumbling across biological secrets they never suspected, sometimes with happy outcomes, but sometimes with shocking results.
In this book, the author provides a real-life example of the shocking revelations and aftermath of DNA investigation. Growing up as one of nine children, Stephen Anderson suspected from a young age that something was amiss. A chance accident, and a small crack in the history of his family broke open. More would come to be revealed as the author sets out on a journey to find answers to his questions.
Any reader wondering what a DNA test might reveal will find here one extreme example of family secrets gone awry. As each member learns more about his or her own identity, new family members pop up, fade out, or pass away before relationships can be established or even revealed.
More and more people are undergoing DNA tests and seeking to find long lost relatives though ancestry searches. What they find might upturn all their shared assumptions about family, identity, belonging, and history. Join Stephen as he uncovers his own family's secrets, the impact they've had on his life and his family's, and what they are all doing now to heal fresh wounds.
All families have stories and all families have secrets. Some stories can be hidden forever. Others come out over time, or suddenly through revelation. With the advent of easy to obtain and cheap DNA kits, more and more people are stumbling across biological secrets they never suspected, sometimes with happy outcomes, but sometimes with shocking results.
In this book, the author provides a real-life example of the shocking revelations and aftermath of DNA investigation. Growing up as one of nine children, Stephen Anderson suspected from a young age that something was amiss. A chance accident, and a small crack in the history of his family broke open. More would come to be revealed as the author sets out on a journey to find answers to his questions.
Any reader wondering what a DNA test might reveal will find here one extreme example of family secrets gone awry. As each member learns more about his or her own identity, new family members pop up, fade out, or pass away before relationships can be established or even revealed.
More and more people are undergoing DNA tests and seeking to find long lost relatives though ancestry searches. What they find might upturn all their shared assumptions about family, identity, belonging, and history. Join Stephen as he uncovers his own family's secrets, the impact they've had on his life and his family's, and what they are all doing now to heal fresh wounds.
LEARNING CENTER: NEW ASSISTANT TTL EDITOR
FROM THE SGS BY-LAWS: (we read)
"ASSISTANT EDITOR of the TimberTown Log shall assist the Editor as required and act with full authority in the absence of that officer."
SO PLEASE MEET MY NEW HELPER AND ASSISTANT TTL DIRECTOR:
DEBRA CLOSURDO!!! (APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!)
She has 2 articles appearing in June in the TTL and we are sharing one below for everyone to read RIGHT NOW!!
She is a retired Vet, owns a cat and a dog, and is a member of the SGS for many years. She and her parents came to the 2024 meeting at Lawndale Estates with her. Unfortunaltely, Debra lost her mother later that year. Debra also just went through open heart surgery in 2025 to replace her heart. We are happy to announce that Deb is doing VERY well and looks forward to meeeting everyone in June. We love Debra and hope you enjoy her stories!
Say HELLO to her at the picnic in June!!
Preserving Your Precious Heirloom Books
by Dr. Debra Closurdo
As I am living 108 miles south of Saginaw I don’t visit this area much, but the opportunity to attend the monthly SGS
Meeting and the chance to spend several peaceful morning hours doing genealogy research in the beautiful Hoyt Library was
an offer too good to pass up. While enjoying the vast resources found in Hoyt Library’s Local History and Genealogy
Collection Room I found myself surrounded by hundreds of “antique” publications and discovered among them the very first
Saginaw/East Saginaw City Directory ever published, dated 1868. It suddenly dawned on me with amazement that the precious
book which I was holding in my hands was over 150 years old and surprisingly was in excellent condition. This led me to think
of my own (and rather neglected) collection of precious family heirloom books and my rather massive German family Bible
with all its’ ancestral names written elegantly on the back page with a fountain pen which was passed down to me from my late
grandmother who received it from her grandmother.
All these books I have kept squirreled away from the light of day for some 30 years, stacked either in a plain cardboard sweater box on the top shelf of my guest bedroom closet or just stowed away in a bottom drawer in my bureau stuffed with other miscellaneous papers. One book was even tossed carelessly on a shelf in a plain brown paper bag. It got me to thinking: Was I properly caring for these precious family mementos- these last remaining tangible links to my long lost ancestors; these books that they also treasured and held in their hands over a century ago? Should I be treating these old books any better in order to preserve them for my young niece and nephews to later appreciate?
With this thought in mind, I decided to do a little research and see what library archivists and antique book collectors
have to say on the subject of preserving old and rare books. Maybe you can benefit from my findings too. Now, working as a volunteer in my own local library of Roseville, Michigan, sorting and shelving donated used books for our sale room, I and my fellow workers have seen it all. Just last week we had to throw out several boxes of moldy used books that were stored improperly around too much moisture (leaky basement, attic, shed?) with their covers sadly deformed and buckled from water damage with their tired yellowed pages all stuck together. I thought ruefully, if only the owners had seen fit to treat and store their books properly with care and love, these volumes would have survived to bless another generation of readers!
So, with this worst case scenario in mind, it impresses upon us the wise recommendations of the American Library
Association which can be found on their website (with advise on proper handing of all kinds of old books and photos). The first
and most obvious issue your precious books face is proper STORAGE. Your valuable books must be kept inside the house
(“where the people are”) with a stable temperature and humidity 60-66°F is ideal but can go up to 72°F; humidity is desired at
30-55%. A temperature gauge and hygrometer in the room may be helpful. The National Library of Scotland recommends a
“thermohygrometer” (if you want to get real fancy about it!).
DO: Keep books away from the damaging effects of sunlight and the negative affects of pets (due to dander, dirt, hair and slobber). It is said that if someone is allergic to a pet they will also be allergic to a book which has been around pets and has not been properly protected from them.
DO: Some sources say that storing a book flat is best (rather than upright on its spine which can sag over time). Sometimes
the quality of the book affects its aging, in that a better made book survives longer the tendency for paper documents to turn
acidic over time. There are special products for storage that you can order- “clam shell” boxes or archival tissue papers to wrap
them in that are made acid and lignen-free. Some even have a Calcium Carbonate buffer which also serves to reduce acid.
DON'T: Never EVER seal in a book in plastic (archival plastic is available but is not recommended due to static electricity issues and the fact that a book needs to “breathe”). If it must be in a plastic “wrap” always leave one side open; however, archival paper wraps are always preferred over regular plastic. If you “Google” Archival boxes, they are available in a wide variety of sizes to fit your books’ dimensions (but are not inexpensive). The library also recommends that you attach a small photograph of the book to the outside of the box so you will know exactly what is in the box without having to always open it up.
DON'T: Lastly, when handling your precious OLD book, NEVER lay it open flat on a table, always read the pages at a 90 degree angle to prevent any damage or cracking to the spine. If the book is damaged do not attempt to tape or glue it yourself (as most repair products deteriorate over the long-term); rather consult an archivist or professional book restorer.
Regarding heirloom Bibles especially, the American Library Association had this recommendation: “The best way to protect the Bible and its contents is to get a custom-made clamshell box made. This box can be made from simple corrugated cardboard and purchased from CMI https://archivalboxes.com/ or from Gaylord: https://www.gaylord.com/box-builder.
How to correctly measure a book: When measuring your Book, be sure to measure at three points along each dimension
to ensure you get the tallest tall, the widest wide, and the thickest depth so the box fits. If you want something a bit fancier, you
can have someone make you a cloth covered clamshell box. I recommend contacting your local library conservation
departments at Michigan State or the University of Michigan to find someone who can make this box for you.”
Hopefully these tips have been helpful and eye-opening and will encourage you to store and treat those precious family
heirloom books and Bibles as they deserve so that they can be treasured for future generations to come. Good Luck!
(IN THE JUNE TTL THIS STORY HAS MORE INFO AND PHOTOS OF DEBS OLD BELOVED BOOKS)...(coming in June after the meeting).
by Dr. Debra Closurdo
As I am living 108 miles south of Saginaw I don’t visit this area much, but the opportunity to attend the monthly SGS
Meeting and the chance to spend several peaceful morning hours doing genealogy research in the beautiful Hoyt Library was
an offer too good to pass up. While enjoying the vast resources found in Hoyt Library’s Local History and Genealogy
Collection Room I found myself surrounded by hundreds of “antique” publications and discovered among them the very first
Saginaw/East Saginaw City Directory ever published, dated 1868. It suddenly dawned on me with amazement that the precious
book which I was holding in my hands was over 150 years old and surprisingly was in excellent condition. This led me to think
of my own (and rather neglected) collection of precious family heirloom books and my rather massive German family Bible
with all its’ ancestral names written elegantly on the back page with a fountain pen which was passed down to me from my late
grandmother who received it from her grandmother.
All these books I have kept squirreled away from the light of day for some 30 years, stacked either in a plain cardboard sweater box on the top shelf of my guest bedroom closet or just stowed away in a bottom drawer in my bureau stuffed with other miscellaneous papers. One book was even tossed carelessly on a shelf in a plain brown paper bag. It got me to thinking: Was I properly caring for these precious family mementos- these last remaining tangible links to my long lost ancestors; these books that they also treasured and held in their hands over a century ago? Should I be treating these old books any better in order to preserve them for my young niece and nephews to later appreciate?
With this thought in mind, I decided to do a little research and see what library archivists and antique book collectors
have to say on the subject of preserving old and rare books. Maybe you can benefit from my findings too. Now, working as a volunteer in my own local library of Roseville, Michigan, sorting and shelving donated used books for our sale room, I and my fellow workers have seen it all. Just last week we had to throw out several boxes of moldy used books that were stored improperly around too much moisture (leaky basement, attic, shed?) with their covers sadly deformed and buckled from water damage with their tired yellowed pages all stuck together. I thought ruefully, if only the owners had seen fit to treat and store their books properly with care and love, these volumes would have survived to bless another generation of readers!
So, with this worst case scenario in mind, it impresses upon us the wise recommendations of the American Library
Association which can be found on their website (with advise on proper handing of all kinds of old books and photos). The first
and most obvious issue your precious books face is proper STORAGE. Your valuable books must be kept inside the house
(“where the people are”) with a stable temperature and humidity 60-66°F is ideal but can go up to 72°F; humidity is desired at
30-55%. A temperature gauge and hygrometer in the room may be helpful. The National Library of Scotland recommends a
“thermohygrometer” (if you want to get real fancy about it!).
DO: Keep books away from the damaging effects of sunlight and the negative affects of pets (due to dander, dirt, hair and slobber). It is said that if someone is allergic to a pet they will also be allergic to a book which has been around pets and has not been properly protected from them.
DO: Some sources say that storing a book flat is best (rather than upright on its spine which can sag over time). Sometimes
the quality of the book affects its aging, in that a better made book survives longer the tendency for paper documents to turn
acidic over time. There are special products for storage that you can order- “clam shell” boxes or archival tissue papers to wrap
them in that are made acid and lignen-free. Some even have a Calcium Carbonate buffer which also serves to reduce acid.
DON'T: Never EVER seal in a book in plastic (archival plastic is available but is not recommended due to static electricity issues and the fact that a book needs to “breathe”). If it must be in a plastic “wrap” always leave one side open; however, archival paper wraps are always preferred over regular plastic. If you “Google” Archival boxes, they are available in a wide variety of sizes to fit your books’ dimensions (but are not inexpensive). The library also recommends that you attach a small photograph of the book to the outside of the box so you will know exactly what is in the box without having to always open it up.
DON'T: Lastly, when handling your precious OLD book, NEVER lay it open flat on a table, always read the pages at a 90 degree angle to prevent any damage or cracking to the spine. If the book is damaged do not attempt to tape or glue it yourself (as most repair products deteriorate over the long-term); rather consult an archivist or professional book restorer.
Regarding heirloom Bibles especially, the American Library Association had this recommendation: “The best way to protect the Bible and its contents is to get a custom-made clamshell box made. This box can be made from simple corrugated cardboard and purchased from CMI https://archivalboxes.com/ or from Gaylord: https://www.gaylord.com/box-builder.
How to correctly measure a book: When measuring your Book, be sure to measure at three points along each dimension
to ensure you get the tallest tall, the widest wide, and the thickest depth so the box fits. If you want something a bit fancier, you
can have someone make you a cloth covered clamshell box. I recommend contacting your local library conservation
departments at Michigan State or the University of Michigan to find someone who can make this box for you.”
Hopefully these tips have been helpful and eye-opening and will encourage you to store and treat those precious family
heirloom books and Bibles as they deserve so that they can be treasured for future generations to come. Good Luck!
(IN THE JUNE TTL THIS STORY HAS MORE INFO AND PHOTOS OF DEBS OLD BELOVED BOOKS)...(coming in June after the meeting).
GENEALOGY NEWS: APRIL
America’s Best Genealogy Resource Centers:
An Update
September 30, 2025 by Bill Dollarhide
Back in 1998, the book America’s Best Genealogy Resource Centers, by William Dollarhide and Ronald Bremer, listed the top ten Genealogy Resource Centers as:
In early September 2025, publisher Leland Meitzler of Family Roots Publishing suggested to Dollarhide that a new edition of that book might be useful. He thought that a new updated list of Resource Centers should include Internet links for all facilities; plus adding genealogical & historical societies with libraries to the list.
In response, Dollarhide immediately prepared a list of the top genealogy resources centers today. A whole new focus was established: Review each of the genealogy collections found at locations such as…
If anyone thinks of facilities that should added to this National list, please comment to this post. Please note that the National List is for a facility that has a large Internet presence, and has coverage for the entire United States.
NATIONAL LIST:
An Update
September 30, 2025 by Bill Dollarhide
Back in 1998, the book America’s Best Genealogy Resource Centers, by William Dollarhide and Ronald Bremer, listed the top ten Genealogy Resource Centers as:
- Family History Library, Salt Lake City UT
- National Archives I & II, Washington DC
- DAR Library, Washington DC
- Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne IN
- Heritage Quest, Bountiful UT
- American Antiquarian Society Library, Worcester MA
- Library of Congress, Washington DC
- New York Public Library, NYC
- New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston MA
- The Internet – World Wide Web
In early September 2025, publisher Leland Meitzler of Family Roots Publishing suggested to Dollarhide that a new edition of that book might be useful. He thought that a new updated list of Resource Centers should include Internet links for all facilities; plus adding genealogical & historical societies with libraries to the list.
In response, Dollarhide immediately prepared a list of the top genealogy resources centers today. A whole new focus was established: Review each of the genealogy collections found at locations such as…
- Subscription Genealogy Websites
- National Archives / Library of Congress
- Genealogical / Historical Society Libraries
- State Archives / State Libraries
- City / County Public Libraries.
If anyone thinks of facilities that should added to this National list, please comment to this post. Please note that the National List is for a facility that has a large Internet presence, and has coverage for the entire United States.
NATIONAL LIST:
- FamilySearch.org – Salt Lake City UT
- Ancestry.com – Lehi UT
- MyHeritage.com – Or Yehuda, Israel
- National Archives I & II (Washington DC)
- DAR Library (Washington DC)
- Library of Congress (Washington DC)
- Allen County Public Library (Ft Wayne IN)
- FindMyPast.com – London UK
- New York Public Library – NYC
- New York Genealogical & Biographical Society – NYC
- AmericanAncestors.org – NEHGS, Boston MA
- American Antiquarian Society – Worcester MA
- GenealogyBank.com – Naples FL
- Midwest Genealogical Center, Mid-Continent Library, Independence, MO
- FamilyHistory Research Cntr (Clayton Library), Houston TX
- The Newberry, Chicago IL
- Wisconsin Historical Society – Madison WI
- Dallas Public Library – Dallas TX
- Sutro Library – San Francisco CA
- TBD
NEWS ITEMS OR LINKS CAN BE SENT TO US FOR CONSIDERATION AT :
[email protected]
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