52 Ancestors: #52 ~ Abraham (Abram) Augustine Webster

This is part of the "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks" Challenge begun by Amy Johnson Crow, author of the blog No Story Too Small.



I did it! Here is the last blog post for the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge. Thank you Amy Johnson Crow for this challenge. And thank you to my wonderful readers for following along. And now to introduce you to this week's ancestor....

Abraham (or Abram) Augustine Webster was the thirteenth and last child born to my 4th great-grandparents, Augustine Webster and Mary Tyler. I've introduced you to four of his brothers in previous posts – Ebenezer, Daniel, Wesley and George.

For some reason there's some confusion about whether his name was Abraham or Abram. In most of the census records I've seen him listed in his name was Abraham. On his Find A Grave memorial page there's a picture of his tombstone. His tombstone lists his name as Abraham.

The inscription on his tombstone is as follows:

Webster
Our Parents
Abraham Webster 1817-1894
Phebe His Wife 1819-1883

According to the book Waterman Family, Descendants of Robert Waterman, Volume 1 by Donald Lines Jacobus, his name was Abraham.¹  The book also states that he was a farmer and had 11 children.  The book History and Genealogy of the Governor John Webster Family of Connecticut. Vol. 1 states that his name was probably Abram.²

Why was he listed in both the Waterman and the Webster genealogy books? Because he married a Waterman, or I should say the descendant of a Waterman.

Regarding his name though, with most of the records stating that his name was Abraham, I think I'll go with that instead of Abram.

Abraham was born on 2 June 1817 in Chester, Meigs, Ohio.

Abraham, who is my maternal 3rd great-granduncle, married my 1st cousin 4 times removed, Phebe Smith, who was the daughter of Jonas Smith and Jerusha Waterman. This is another instance in my family tree where someone in my Webster family married someone in my Waterman family. Another example is the marriage of my 2nd great-grandparents, Ebenezer Perry Carlisle Webster and Cynthia Maria Waterman.

Cynthia Maria Waterman and Abraham's wife Phebe Smith were first cousins. Phebe's mother, Jerusha, and Cynthia's father, Asher, were siblings.

I wrote about Abraham's mother-in-law, Jerusha Waterman, in a previous 52 Ancestors post. She was one of the children of Dr. Luther L. Waterman who was a surgeon in the Revolutionary War. You can read about Jerusha by clicking HERE.

Abraham and his wife Phebe were the parents of eleven children.

1. Martha Caroline Webster (1840-Bef 1910)
2. Antsel Delay Webster (1841-1843)
3. Charles Austin Webster (1843-1863)
4. Sarah Jane Webster (1845-?)
5. Lewis Stanley Webster (1847-1874)
6. Emma Viola Webster (1849-?)
7. Malinda Frances Webster (1853-?)
8. Spencer Ackley Webster (1855-1856)
9. Elma Alvira Webster (1857-?)
10. Eva May Webster (1859-1944)
11. Corwin Webster (1861-1861)

Abraham spent his life as a farmer in Lebanon Township, Meigs County, Ohio. That was his occupation in every census record in which I've seen him listed.

He passed away on 31 January 1894 in Racine, Meigs, Ohio. He was buried in the Bethlehem Cemetery located in Lebanon Township, Meigs County, Ohio.

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

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1 Jacobus, Donald Lines, and Edgar Francis Waterman. The Waterman Family. Vol. 1. New Haven, CT: E.F. Waterman, 1939. 564. Print.^↩
2 Webster, William Holcomb, and Melville Reuben Webster, D.D. "XXVI."History and Genealogy of the Governor John Webster Family of Connecticut. Vol. 1. Rochester: E. R. Andrews Printing, NY. 618. Print.^↩

Merry Christmas ~ 2014

Tomorrow is Christmas Day. And I wanted to share a very special video with you. It's beautiful and moving. I love it! And I hope you will love it too.

This beautiful video includes the musical talents of The Piano Guys, David Archuleta, Peter Hollens, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

In early December, over 1,000 people came together to break the Guinness Book of World Record's title for the largest live Nativity scene. The video I'm sharing with you today shows this record-breaking live Nativity scene. I hope you enjoy this wonderful video.

I am thankful for this time of year that we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for His birth and for His mission here on earth. 

May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

Advent of Christmas ~ The Meaning of Christmas

This is part of the "Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories" by Thomas MacEntee of GeneaBloggers. If you'd like to join in the fun, just click HERE.

23 December – The Meaning of Christmas

If someone dropped out of the sky and was unfamiliar with the concept of Christmas, how would you explain it to them? Can you put the meaning of Christmas into words? What does Christmas represent to you and is it different than when you grew up or from the meaning it had for your ancestors?

Tell us what Christmas means to you and your memories of Christmases past.

I love Christmas. It's a very special time of the year that we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Because He was born in Bethlehem so many years ago, and because He fulfilled His divine mission here on earth, we all have the opportunity to return to live with our Heavenly Father again.

I'm eternally grateful to our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Please enjoy this beautiful video that tells the Christmas Story.

Merry Christmas!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

52 Ancestors: #51 ~ George Kinney Webster

This is part of the "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks" Challenge begun by Amy Johnson Crow, author of the blog No Story Too Small.



This is my maternal 3rd great-grand uncle, George Kinney Webster. He was the sixth child born to my 4th great-grandparents Augustine Webster and Mary Tyler. I recently wrote about his brothers, Ebenezer, Daniel, and Wesley.

George was born on 25 March 1803 in Columbia County, New York. He was married twice. He married his first wife, Polly De Wolf, on 2 September 1831 in Meigs County, Ohio. According to an article in The Democrat (Pomeroy, OH) newspaper, George and Polly were married by George's brother, Ebenezer, who was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church.¹

George and Polly were the parents of ten children.

1. Amanda Maria Webster (1832-1865)
2. Clarrissa Webster (1834-About 1846)
3. Lavina Webster (1836-1858)
4. Aurilla Webster (1838-1869)
5. Louisa Webster (1840-1919)
6. Nancy Webster (1842-1866)
7. Verlinda Webster (1844-1873)
8. Mary Alice Webster (1849-1869)
9. Donnally Darius Webster (1851-?)
10. Homer Horton Webster (1853-1872)

Sadly, most of these children did not survive past about thirty years of age. In fact, most died while they were in their twenties.

George's first wife Polly passed away on 6 May 1861 in Syracuse, Meigs, Ohio.

George married his second wife, Martha Sayers, on 13 October 1861 in Meigs County, Ohio. They were the parents of one child.

1. Melissa Webster (1863-?)

George passed away on 21 June 1878 in Oldtown, Meigs, Ohio. He was buried in Bicknell Chapel Cemetery located in Great Bend, Meigs, Ohio.

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

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1 George K. Webster and Polly De Wolf marriage, "Meigs County News For The Year 1892." The Democrat (Pomeroy, OH) December 22, 1892, Old Time Marriages. Rootsweb. 06 Dec. 2014.^↩

Follow Friday ~ Fab Finds for December 19, 2014

A note to my wonderful readers:

There will not be a Fab Finds post for the next two weeks due to the Christmas and New Year's holidays. My Fab Finds posts will resume on Friday, January 9, 2015. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

My Fab Finds for this week are (in no particular order)

1. Boy, Is My Face Red. The Real Story of Milton Josephs’ Death and a Few Important Research Lessons by Amy, author of Brotman Blog: A Family Journey
2. Christmas Chocolate Sandwich Cookie: Double Crunchers by Vera Marie Badertscher, author of Ancestors in Aprons
3. Announcing the Genealogy Do-Over AND New Celebrities Get the Experience of a Lifetime on New Season of “Who Do You Think You Are?” on TLC by Thomas MacEntee, author of GeneaBloggers
4. 2015 Genealogy Blog Post Planner Now Available by Miriam J. Robbins, author of AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors
5. Tuesday's Tip: When Bad Photos are Good by Emily Kowalski Schroeder, author of The Spiraling Chains: Kowalski – Bellan Family Trees
6. You never know until you ask by Michele Simmons Lewis, author of Ancestoring
7. Facebook delivers a family story detail that I didn't know! by Diane Weintraub, author of Nuts From the Family Tree
8. New AmericanAncestors.org Website by James Tanner, author of Genealogy's Star
9. Great Aunt Claude Freeland by Elizabeth Handler, author of From Maine to Kentucky
10. Saving My Genealogy by Terri O'Connell, author of Finding Our Ancestors
11. Are You My Relative? Family Relationship Chart and Infographic by Crestleaf Blog
12. Announcing 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: 2015 Edition by Amy Johnson Crow, author of No Story Too Small
13. Find A Grave Android Mobile App Release by Michael Lawless for Ancestry.com Blog
14. I Am Not Doing a Genealogy Do-Over by Randy Seaver, author Genea-Musings
15. TRACKS WEST: RAILROAD AND MIGRATION MAPS FOR YOU by Dayna Gooch Jacobs, author of On Granny's Trail
16. Everything Has a Beginning by Midge Frazel, author of Granite in My Blood
17. Do You Remember . . . "He Knows If You've Been Bad or Good" by Michelle G. Taggart, author of A Southern Sleuth
18. Tips for Planning Your Trip to the Family History Library by Shelley Bishop, author of A Sense of Family
19. Genealogy Deep Clean by Erica Madsen, author of Frayed Edge Photo
20. Top 10 Social Media Sites for Family Historians – Revised 2014 by Carole Riley, Social Media and Genealogy

The 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge by Amy Johnson Crow, author of No Story Too Small -

• 52 Ancestors Challenge: Week 50 Recap

This week's "May I Introduce To You" Interview

• May I Introduce to You . . . Jill Ball

New Blog Discovery

• Genealogist by Night

In Case You Missed Them….My Contributions to the Blogosphere This Week

Jana's Genealogy and Family History Blog

• 52 Ancestors: #50 ~ Rev. Wesley Webster – Following In His Brother's Footsteps
• Advent Calendar – December 15, 2014 ~ Christmas Tree Decorations
• A Wonderful Family History Christmas Gift

Jana's Place

• Molasses Fruit Bars

Thanks for reading!


© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

A Wonderful Family History Christmas Gift

NOTE: This is a repost from January 2014.

On December 25, 2013, I received a very special Christmas gift. This wonderful gift was given to me by my daughter and son-in-law.



Inside this frame is a map showing the route one of my Webster ancestors took when he left the United States sometime in the early 1900s, and the route that branch of the Webster family took as they returned to the United States in 1952.

My regular readers may already know which of my Webster ancestors left the United States in the early 1900s and which Webster ancestors returned in 1952. But, for those who may be unfamiliar with this story, I'll give you a quick recap.

My great-grandfather, Watson Emory (Frederick) Webster, who I affectionately refer to as "The Traveling Dentist" in my blog, was born in Coolville, Athens, Ohio on February 14, 1864. He became a dentist and was awarded a Doctor of Dental Surgery Diploma on April 2, 1896. I have that amazing document and shared it in my blog. If you'd like to see it, click HERE. At some point during his life, Watson changed his name to Frederick. So, when you see the diploma, that's why the name "Fred E. Webster" is on his diploma.

Apparently, my great-grandfather, Frederick, liked to travel. And during those travels, he practiced dentistry. He even practiced dentistry from his Dental Boat at Natchez, Mississippi, and at Lake Charles, Louisiana. Later, Frederick traveled to Mexico and married a beautiful girl named Esther Matus Villatoro. She was my great-grandmother. They moved to Brazil, and that's where four of their five children were born. Their first child was born in Mexico. Esther and Frederick passed away in Brazil.



My grandfather, Debs Warren Webster, was one of their children who was born in Brazil. He later married a beautiful Portuguese woman named Sarah Vasques Madeira. They were the parents of my mom, who was also born in Brazil. Tragically, Sarah passed away suddenly when my mom was only four years old. My grandfather, Debs, remarried a lovely woman named Willis Quillin. They had a son together and then adopted another boy.

In 1950 and 1951, the family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then, in 1952, the family emigrated from Brazil to the United States. So, there we have it! This branch of the Webster family came back to the United States.

I've written several blog posts about my "Traveling Dentist" great-grandfather, Watson Emory (Frederick) Webster. There's a landing page called "The Traveling Dentist" at the top of my blog dedicated to him. If you'd like to check it out, click HERE.

I've also written about the immigration story of my grandfather, Debs Warren Webster, and his family. They arrived in the United States in the summer of 1952. The ship docked in New York, the family bought a car and some camping equipment, and they set off on a cross-country adventure. The family bought postcards and took pictures along their way toward California, which was their final destination. I also have a landing page dedicated to their story at the top of my blog. It's called "The Debs Webster Family Immigration Story." If you'd like to check it out, click HERE.



The photo below is a close-up of this map. My daughter hand-stitched the route onto the map. Isn't it awesome?! I love it!



This hand-stitched map is such a thoughtful gift. And it is truly a family history treasure. Thank you my dear, sweet daughter and son-in-law for this amazing Christmas gift.

UPDATE: This wonderful gift hangs on a wall in our home and has proven to be a great family history discussion starter. I love it!

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

Advent Calendar – December 15, 2014 ~ Christmas Tree Decorations

NOTE: This is a repost from December 2012

This is part of the "Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories" by Thomas MacEntee of GeneaBloggers. If you'd like to join in the fun, just click HERE.

Christmas Tree Decorations

Advent Calendar Prompt from 2014 - Do you have unique decorations that you use each Christmas? How did you get them or were they passed down to you from family members? Do you have certain traditions surrounding Christmas decorations such as purchasing one from every state or country you visit? Describe your favorite decorations!

Tell us about your Christmas decorations and your memories of Christmases past.

Advent Calendar Prompt from 2012 - Did your family have heirloom or cherished ornaments? Did you ever string popcorn and cranberries? Did your family or ancestors make Christmas ornaments?

The special Christmas ornaments I remember most from my childhood were the painted glass birds that clipped onto the Christmas tree branches.  You may be able to see them on our tree in the photo above.  (Yes, that’s me in my nurse’s hat with my two brothers in the background.)  The birds were very pretty and had stiff flat plastic bristle-like tails that were decorated with glitter and other pretty things.  My dad liked the look of silver tinsel, which you can see was used to decorate our tree as well.  And, although it is not a tree ornament, I do remember the paper angel sitting on the mantel.  As I recall, it was made of paper and painted gold.

I don’t know if my Grandma Ingrid Gilberg used tinsel or glass bird ornaments to decorate her Christmas trees when she was a girl.  But, I’ve been able to read about some other decorations she and her family used to decorate their Christmas trees.  In her vocal history, recorded by my father, Grandma Ingrid reminisced about the traditions she and her Swedish immigrant parents shared at Christmas.  Among these were how they decorated their tree.

She recalled,

"It was a tradition that we make garlands for our tree.  We would decorate the ceilings with paper from corner to corner.  We would polish apples and hang them on the tree.  We did not have popcorn at this time, but we would string cranberries and hang them around the tree.  Then when Christmas Eve came, we would light our candles because there were no electric tree lights at this time.  At Christmas Eve, we would all gather around the room and we would dance around the tree and there was a little step we would dance to and we would sing a Christmas song."

"Now it is Christmas again,

Now it is Christmas again,

And after Christmas comes the New Year,

Yes it is so,

Yes it is so,

After Christmas comes the New Year."

So that you can get an idea of how these ceiling decorations may have looked, here’s a photo from Grandma Ingrid and Grandpa Arthur’s wedding reception.  I’m assuming this looked similar to how the ceiling was decorated with paper garlands at Christmas.


 
At this special time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I'd like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

52 Ancestors: #50 ~ Rev. Wesley Webster – Following In His Brother's Footsteps

This is part of the "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks" Challenge begun by Amy Johnson Crow, author of the blog No Story Too Small.



A few weeks ago, I introduced you to Reverend Ebenezer Tyler Webster. He was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to one of Ebenezer's brothers, Reverend Wesley Webster. Like his brother Ebenezer, Wesley also became a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. As far as I can tell, Ebenezer and Wesley were the only ministers among the thirteen children born to my 4th great-grandparents, Augustine Webster and Mary Tyler.

Wesley was nineteen years younger than his brother, Ebenezer. By the time Wesley began his ministry, Ebenezer had finished his. Ebenezer was licensed to preach in 1820 and preached principally in Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio until 1841.¹

Wesley began preaching in 1842. I found the following about him in the History and Genealogy of the Governor John Webster Family of Connecticut. Vol. 1 ²

"…a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church was educated at the Athens University, Athens, O., but did not graduate. Entered the ministry in 1842, as a member of the Ohio Conference, and on the division of that conference, became a member of the Cincinnati Conference. He preached for 28 years and among the places where he preached were, Marysville, Union Co.; West Jefferson Madison Co.; South Charleston, Clarke Co.; Jamestown, Green Co.; Hebron, Licking Co.; Rushville, Fairfield Co.; New Vienna, Clinton Co.; and Miami City, O. He is (1883) on the Superannuated list."

Wesley Webster married Sarah Jane Davisson on 17 June 1845 in Clark, Ohio. She was the daughter of Isaac and Sarah Davisson.

Wesley and Sarah had two children. Tragically, both of them did not survive to adulthood.

1. Daughter Webster (20 June 1846 - 20 June 1846)
2. Francis Asbury Webster (18 August 1847 – 12 October 1848)

Wesley passed away on 25 September 1895 in South Charleston, Clark, Ohio. His wife Sarah passed away on 5 January 1900.

Wesley and his wife Sarah were both buried at Greenlawn Cemetery located in South Charleston, Clark County, Ohio and share a tombstone. Inscribed on the tombstone are the words, "An Abolitionist and a Prohibitionist. Praise the Lord!"

To see Wesley's Find a Grave memorial page, click HERE.

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

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1 Webster, William Holcomb, and Melville Reuben Webster, D.D. "XXVI."History and Genealogy of the Governor John Webster Family of Connecticut. Vol. 1. Rochester: E. R. Andrews Printing, NY. 616. Print.^↩
2 Webster, William Holcomb, and Melville Reuben Webster, D.D. "XXVI."History and Genealogy of the Governor John Webster Family of Connecticut. Vol. 1. Rochester: E. R. Andrews Printing, NY. 618. Print.^↩

Follow Friday ~ Fab Finds for December 12, 2014

My Fab Finds for this week are (in no particular order)

1. My Mother Died Twice! by Valerie Hughes, author of Genealogy With Valerie
2. Who will marry us? by Debi Austen, author of Who Knew?
3. TUESDAY’S TIP–Genealogy Trails History Group–Dedicated To FREE Genealogy by Diane Gould Hall, author of MICHIGAN FAMILY TRAILS
4. PBS Announces Season 2 Schedule for Genealogy Roadshow by Caroline Pointer for FGS Voice Blog
5. My Genealogy Christmas Tree by Lorine McGinnis Schulze, author of The Olive Tree Genealogy
6. So This is Christmas - and what have you done? My Christmas GeneaMeme AND THE LIST SO FAR....So This is Christmas Geneameme Bloggers by Sharn White, author of FamilyHistory4u
7. Learning online AND Yes. No. And maybe. by Judy G. Russell, author of The Legal Genealogist
8. New FamilySearch Indexing Program Delayed by Ancestry Insider, author of The Ancestry Insider
9. 5 Habits for Successful Genealogy Research by Joanne Cowden, author of Researching Relatives
10. Christmas Decorating: Mom’s Influence – The Advent Calendar by Kathy Smith Morales, author of Abbie and Eveline
11. Connecting with a Handler Cousin ~ Blog as Cousin Bait by Elizabeth Handler, author of A Jewish Genealogy Journey
12. Passenger Ship Manifests by ArkivDigital
13. I bet she feels a little cheated. … by generationsgoneby, author of Generations Gone By's Weblog
14. What Will Move You? by Kassie Ritman, author of Maybe someone should write that down…
15. What was Christmas Like for Your Grandparents? by Claire V Brisson-Banks, author of Budding Genealogists
16. DAR - On the Road to Membership by Wendy Mathias, author of Jollett Etc.
17. Creating a search list from tags in Legacy by Shannon Thomas, author of Our Life Picture By Picture
18. Laura Bush and Daughter Jenna to Keynote – RootsTech 2015 by Thomas MacEntee, author of GeneaBloggers
19. Postcards to Pollo by Leslie G. Robertson, author of The People of Pancho

The 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge by Amy Johnson Crow, author of No Story Too Small -

• 52 Ancestors Challenge: Week 49 Recap

This week's "May I Introduce To You" Interview

• May I Introduce to You . . . Kristina Rees

New Blog Discovery

• ADVENTURES OF AN UNTAMEABLE GENEALOGIST

In Case You Missed Them….My Contributions to the Blogosphere This Week

Jana's Genealogy and Family History Blog

• Advent Calendar – December 6, 2014 ~ Santa Claus
• 52 Ancestors: #49 ~ Daniel Bromley Webster
• Favorite Family Recipes ~ Molasses Fruit Bars
• Advent Calendar – December 10, 2014 ~ Christmas Traditions

Grandpa's Postcards

• Vale Do Anhangabau,Sao Paulo, Brazil

Thanks for reading!


© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

Advent Calendar – December 10, 2014 ~ Christmas Traditions

This is part of the "Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories" by Thomas MacEntee of GeneaBloggers. If you'd like to join in the fun, just click HERE.



December 10 – Christmas Traditions

So many of us have family traditions related to Christmas that we learned as children and we still keep to this day. Do you know how your traditions started – is there a “backstory” to each one? What about starting new traditions – how do you start and then keep the tradition going? Are there any traditions which you disliked and that you refuse to keep?

Tell us about your family’s Christmas traditions and your memories of Christmases past.

In this post, I'm not going to share Christmas traditions from when I was a child, but from my own family as a parent. My husband and I have five adult children. When they were young, we would gather together in the family room and read about Christ's birth from the scriptures. Our daughter would dress up as Mary and our four boys would dress up as Joseph, the wise men, and the shepherds. When they got older, they wouldn't dress up, but we'd still read the Christmas Story from the scriptures together. It was a special way to remind our children, and ourselves, of the real meaning of Christmas.

Several years ago, we began another tradition. We started having German Pancakes for breakfast on Christmas morning. These pancakes are baked in the oven and grow puffy as they bake. It's fun to watch them crawl up the sides of the baking dishes as they puff up.
 

They come out of the oven big and puffy, but fall pretty quickly as they are brought to the table. We serve them sprinkled with powdered sugar and covered in maple syrup. They are delicious! And our family looks forward to eating these each year.

Another Christmas tradition we have is making Christmas fudge. I've been making this fudge for years and years. I couldn't even tell you how many pounds of fudge I've made since I started making and sharing this fudge with our family and friends at Christmas.

The recipe was given to my mom when I was a child. It's called See's Fudge. I don't know if it's really a recipe from See's or not. It has a smooth creamy texture and is delicious and quite popular with my family and friends. I'll share the recipe here on my blog in a future post.

What about you?  What are your Christmas traditions?

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

Favorite Family Recipes ~ Molasses Fruit Bars

Molasses Fruit Bars are one of our family's favorite recipes. And it's another recipe that was printed in the Relief Society cookbook called "The Best of Everything." Last year I shared a recipe for Peanut Butter Fingers from this same cookbook.

Relief Society is the women's organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.



This cookbook has been in our family for over 48 years. It first belonged to my mom and she handed it down to me. Here's the cookbook page showing the Molasses Fruit Bars recipe.



Beverly Green originally shared this recipe. As you can see, my mom made notations next to the recipe amounts. The recipe I'm sharing today will fit into a large (approx. 17½" x 11½") cookie sheet.



As you can see from the photo above, these cookie bars contain raisins. If you aren't a fan of raisins, they can be left out of the recipe. Or (and I've done this), prior to adding the raisins, place part of the mixed dough onto the cookie sheet. Spread the dough to fill part of the sheet. Add the raisins to the rest of the dough in the mixing bowl, mix and spread the remaining dough onto the empty part of the cookie sheet. Spread both kinds of dough out so they fill the whole cookie sheet.

Here's a picture to show you what I mean. It doesn't have to be perfect. You can adjust the amount of non-raisin dough depending on how many people don't like raisins.




I hope you enjoy these soft and delicious cookie bars. 

RECIPE

Molasses Fruit Bars

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups shortening (I use butter flavored shortening)
2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup light (golden) molasses
4 cups sifted flour
4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cloves
1-2 cups chopped raisins

Directions

Place shortening, brown sugar, eggs and molasses into large mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer until well blended. Add the following sifted ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves. Blend well.

Stir in 1 to 2 cups chopped raisins (depending on your love of raisins; you can also omit raisins). Grease and flour large jelly roll size (1 inch deep) cookie sheet. Pat dough evenly into pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

While warm, frost whole pan of cookies with:

1-1/2 Cups powdered sugar
Hot water to make paste
Approx. 2 drops of vanilla

Cool. Cut into squares and enjoy. These keep well and have more flavor after being stored.

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

52 Ancestors: #49 ~ Daniel Bromley Webster

This is part of the "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks" Challenge begun by Amy Johnson Crow, author of the blog No Story Too Small.



I'd like to introduce you to my maternal 3rd great-granduncle, Daniel Bromley Webster. He was the fourth child born to my maternal 4th great-grandparents Augustine Webster and Mary Tyler. In last week's 52 Ancestors post, I introduced you to Daniel's older brother Reverend Ebenezer Tyler Webster, who was born in 1795. I also shared a picture of Ebenezer in that post. Sadly, I don't have a picture of Daniel to share with you.

I am in possession of a two-volume genealogy book called History and Genealogy of the Governor John Webster Family of Connecticut by William Holcomb Webster and Rev. Melville Reuben Webster, D. D. I have the print version of this book. I found that the book is now online at the website Archive.org. If you'd like to read it, click HERE. I'm a direct descendant of Governor John Webster. He's my 9th great-grandfather. Within the pages of this wonderful Webster genealogy book I've found information about my Webster family, including Daniel Bromley Webster.

Daniel Bromley Webster was born on 26 September 1799 in Columbia County, New York. At some point in his life, he and his family moved to Ohio. On 11 February 1823 Daniel married Lois Stewart in Rome, Athens, Ohio. Lois was the daughter of Daniel Stewart and Ruth Fulford.

Daniel and Lois were the parents of nine children.

1. Martha Webster (1823-?)
2. Eliza Webster (1824-1842)
3. Hiram Webster (1827-1844)
4. Lucetta Webster (1829-1851)
5. Calvary Morris Webster (1832-1867)
6. Samantha E. Webster (1833-1912)
7. Sarah Lovisa Webster (1837-1887)
8. Julia Ann Webster (1839-1930)
9. Belinda Webster (1840-1843)

Daniel passed away on 15 April 1864 in Athens, Ohio due to smallpox.¹ What a horrible death that must have been. How did he contract this? Was there an outbreak in the community? I'll need to do some research to see if I can find answers to these questions. I haven't found any information indicating that his immediate family also contracted this terrible disease. Daniel's wife, Lois, passed away around thirteen years later in 1887.

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

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1 Webster, William Holcomb, and Melville Reuben Webster, D.D. "XXVI."History and Genealogy of the Governor John Webster Family of Connecticut. Vol. 1. Rochester: E. R. Andrews Printing, NY. 617. Print.^↩

Advent Calendar – December 6, 2014 ~ Santa Claus

NOTE: This is a repost from December 6, 2012

This is part of the "Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories" by Thomas MacEntee of GeneaBloggers. If you'd like to join in the fun, just click HERE.

December 6 – Santa Claus

Advent Calendar Prompt from 2014 - Today is the Feast of Saint Nicholas and the origin of Santa Claus. What are your memories of Santa Claus and waiting for him to come at Christmas? What does Santa mean to you today and how do you pass along that meaning to family and to others? Post your best Santa story and your memories of Christmases past.

Advent Calendar Prompt from 2012 - Did you ever send a letter to Santa? Did you ever visit Santa and “make a list?” Do you still believe in Santa Claus?




As you can see from the photo above, my brother and I did make a visit to see Santa Claus.  Unfortunately, we didn’t look all too happy to see him.  I was three years old and my brother was two years old at the time.

Between the two of us, I’d say my younger brother was the braver child during our visit, as he had the courage to actually look at Santa.  Whether or not I ever gathered up enough courage to look at Santa, I really don't recall.  Oh well, at least we weren’t screaming our heads off.  And for that, I’m sure Santa was very thankful.

At this special time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I'd like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

Follow Friday ~ Fab Finds for December 5, 2014

My Fab Finds for this week are (in no particular order)

1. The Kingston, New Hampshire Throat Distemper Pandemic of 1735 by Heather Wilkinson Rojo, author of Nutfield Genealogy
2. It’s beginning to look a lot like… by Judy G. Russell, author of The Legal Genealogist
3. Spending the Day with Judy~What I Learned from the Legal Genealogist by Cheri Hudson Passey, author of Carolina Girl Genealogy
4. My Evernote To-Do List by Jenny Lanctot, author of Are My Roots Showing?
5. He Ate Himself to Death by Amy Johnson Crow, author of No Story Too Small
6. Figuring out how you’re related by Janine Adams, author of Organize Your Family History
7. Using the Table of Contents in the Swedish Church Books by ArkivDigital
8. CENSUS SUNDAY–WHO WAS LIVING NEXT TO WHOM? AND WHAT DOES THIS RECORD TELL ME? by Diane Gould Hall, author of MICHIGAN FAMILY TRAILS
9. Keeping it all moving by Jen Baldwin, author of Ancestral Breezes
10. My Little Diary by Debi Austen, author of Who Knew?
11. Join the Crestleaf Surname Scavenger Hunt – $250 Top Prize by Crestleaf Blog
12. Genealogy Bargains by Thomas MacEntee, author of GeneaBloggers
13. Finding a Nurse in the Absent Voters' List for Barnsley in World War One by BarnsleyHistorian, author of A Barnsley Historian's View
14. Inspired By Family History Writing Class by Devon Lee, author of A Patient Genealogist
15. Calendars and Journals by Susan Olsen LeBlanc, author of Gopher Genealogy
16. 30 Days to Becoming Unforgettable Challenge by Valerie Elkins, author of Family Cherished
17. National Library of Ireland announces its most significant ever digitization project for Irish genealogy by Gail Dever, author of Genealogy a la carte
18. Nana, why do you write stories about dead people? by Mary Perkinson Nelson, author of Celebrating Family Stories
19. Introducing Historical Insights by Ancestry.com Blog
20. FamilySearch Publishes Find A Grave Index AND Monday Mailbox: Requiring an Email Address by Ancestry Insider, author of The Ancestry Insider
21. Chromosome Browser War by Roberta Estes, author of DNAeXplained – Genetic Genealogy
22. Illinois Adoption Act Changes for 2015 by Debbie Mieszala, author of The Advancing Genealogist
23. Best Seat in the House by Midge Frazel, author of Granite in My Blood

The 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge by Amy Johnson Crow, author of No Story Too Small -

• 52 Ancestors Challenge: Week 47 Recap
• 52 Ancestors Challenge: Week 48 Recap

The last two week's "May I Introduce To You" Interviews

• May I Introduce to You . . . Jenny Lanctot
• May I Introduce to You . . . Susan Donaldson

New Blog Discoveries

• My Journey Back
• The Road Backward
• Melinda's Genealogy Room

In Case You Missed Them….My Contributions to the Blogosphere This Week

Jana's Genealogy and Family History Blog

• Advent Calendar – December 2, 2014 ~ Christmas Cards
• 52 Ancestors: #48 ~ Reverend Ebenezer Tyler Webster

Jana's Place

• A Special Christmas Video

Thanks for reading!


© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved

52 Ancestors: #48 ~ Reverend Ebenezer Tyler Webster

This is part of the "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks" Challenge begun by Amy Johnson Crow, author of the blog No Story Too Small.

Reverend Ebenezer Tyler Webster

This is a photo of Reverend Ebenezer Tyler Webster, my maternal 3rd great-granduncle. He was a brother of my 3rd great-grandfather, Moses Augustine Webster. Moses named his oldest son Ebenezer. That son was my 2nd great-grandfather, Ebenezer Perry Carlisle Webster, who served in the Civil War. Moses must have named his son Ebenezer after his brother. I think that's wonderful. I like seeing ancestors who named their children after family members.

Ebenezer Tyler Webster was born on 27 December 1795 in Columbia, New York to his parents Augustine Webster and Mary Tyler.

Ebenezer married Sarah Sophaniah Lane on 4 October 1824 in Franklin, St. Louis, Missouri. They were the parents of ten children. Sadly, only four of their children survived to adulthood.

1. Barton Augustine Webster (1826-1866)
2. Verlinda M. Webster (1827-1894)
3. Son Webster (1829-1830)
4. Celena Jane Webster (1831-1835)
5. Betsey Elvira Webster (1833-1835)
6. Martha Amelia Webster (1836-1837)
7. Charles Wesley Webster (1838-1917)
8. Mary Elizabeth Webster (1841-?)
9. Fletcher Cook Webster (1843-1845)
10. Joseph Wayland Webster (1845-1931)

It's so tragic that Ebenezer and Sarah lost so many of their children. They lost their two daughters, Celena and Betsey, in August of 1835. Celena passed away only seven days after Betsey. I'm wondering if there was some illness that struck the family or community at that time. I'll need to do research to see if I can find the causes of their deaths.

Ebenezer Tyler Webster passed away on 16 January 1877 in Van Wert, Van Wert, Ohio. He was buried at the Woodland Union Cemetery in Van Wert, Van Wert, Ohio.

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2014 Copyright by Jana Last, All Rights Reserved