If you are a regular visitor to my blog, you have probably heard me mention Uncle Charlie, my Dad’s brother who died in World War II. I wrote about the events that lead to his death in The Sinking of the Liscome Bay. Since I wrote that post, some family stories and new records have…
Category: About My Ancestors
The 1906 Earthquake and Fire: My Great Grandmother’s Story
I’ve been sorting through old letters that my Grandma Shellabarger wrote me. Many are not noteworthy. Hello, how are you? and nothing more. Others contain tidbits of her life. In one particular letter, she shared with me her mother’s recollection of the moment the 1906 San Francisco earthquake struck. It was one moment that change…
How Close Is Ernest Jobson’s Story to Harry Jackson’s?
Now that I know who my great grandfather really is, I’m curious how much the story he invented compares to his real life story. You may know that after 30 years of research I learned that my great grandfather was living in the United States under an alias. Harry Kenneth Jackson was a made up…
A Photo Of My Parents Before Marriage
My parents were married for some 40 years before calling it quits. It wasn’t their first separation, but it was their last. I don’t recall seeing many photos of my parents together before marriage. Then, a few weeks ago, going through an envelope of my mom’s teenaged photos, there it was. A beautiful photo of…
A Replica Of Lindbergh’s Plane: 52 Ancestors
I have so many favorite photos. This one stands out because of it’s historical significance. It shows my grandfather, Joao “Bohne” Pacheco Smith with his nephew, Theodore Souza. And, what’s that in the background? Why, it’s Lindbergh’s plane! Okay, maybe not the real plane but a handmade toy version. A Child’s Toy Airplane Theodore was…