While researching my families genealogical history I realized something very important. It was a puzzle that someone needed to put together...that someone was me.
Okay, this article is really, really long. So instead of me typing it all out I am going to try something new. Hopefully you will be able to read it, if not let me know so I can get started on transcribing it.
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
Acquitted - Ephraim Weaver, who shot and liked Silas Merchant, formerly a member of the 55th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, at Burlington, Boone County, KY on the 2nd day of April last, the particulars of which were published at the time, underwent his trail in the Circuit Court at Burlington, on Monday last, resulting in an acquittal. John L. Scott, Commonwealth Attorney for the Eighth Judicial District and Colonel J.J. Landrum of Gallatin County, conducted the prosecution. John W. Stevenson, (Pryor and Chambers of Covington) and M. Hamilton of Burlington, conducted the Defense.
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
The following information is from some paperwork my Grandmother had. I am not sure of the source that she had.
Colt Revolver:
The model 1851 "Navy" was a .36 caliber pistol that weighed 2 pounds, ten ounces. Over 200,000 were produced up thru 1865. The "Navy" remained more popular in the south and was the prototype of practically all Confederate mad revolvers. The Navy Colt used to kill Silas Merchant was serial number 154825. It carries Patent number 4825 and the address as follows: "SamL Colt, New York U.S., America".
According to the current owner, the gun remained loaded with the remaining balls and in its holster until the mid 1960's when it was unloaded, cleaned and fired.
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
Like I said last time I am posting more on the murder. This time its an article from the Times Star Evening Edition. It is exactly the same as the previous article, only this time note the first sentence.
Times Star Evening Edition
April 3, 1866
TRAGEDY IN BOONE COUNTY, KY--- A Discharged Federal Soldier Cowardly Murdered By a Rebel Sympathizer.---A man named Silas Merchant was shot and killed at Burlington, the county seat of Boone County, Kentucky, on Monday last, by Ephraim Weaver. The difficulty between the parties which led to the this tragic affair, originated as follows: In January 1865, Merchant, who at this time belonged to the Fifty-Fifth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, was sent with another member of the same regiment to impress one of Weavers horses, near the village of Union. When the Soldiers arrived at Weavers house and informed him of their mission, he protested most vehemently against their taking his horse, and finally got into a fight with Merchant. Weavers' Mother came to his assistance, and during the scuffle was struck on the head. Merchant subsequently declared that if he struck the old lady, it was purely accidental, but that he had no knowledge of having done so. Weaver tried twice at Merchant, but did not hit hime, whereupon the latter struck Weaver on the head with his musket producing a frightful wound, from which it was though at the time, he would never recover. This ended the fracus and the soldiers went away, without the horse, we believe. Weaver no withstanding his severe injuries finally got well. He has declared on many occasions that he would kill Merchant on sight and in fact, sent word to that effect to him. The parties visited Burlington on Monday, and while Merchant was standing in a crowd, looking at a horse which was for sale, Weaver stepped up behind him and shot hime through the head. He fired three times at Merchant, two of the shots taking effect. The last shot was fired after Merchant had fallen. The latter died about on hour afterwards. Weaver was promptly arrested and lodged in jail.
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
TRAGEDY IN BOONE COUNTY, KY---
A man named Silas Merchant was shot and killed at Burlington, the county seat of Boone County, Kentucky, on Monday last, by Ephraim Weaver. The difficulty between the parties which led to the this tragic affair, originated as follows:
In January 1865, Merchant, who at this time belonged to the Fifty-Fifth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, was sent with another member of the same regiment to impress one of Weavers horses, near the village of Union.
When the Soldiers arrived at Weavers house and informed him of their mission, he protested most vehemently against their taking his horse, and finally got into a fight with Merchant. Weavers' Mother came to his assistance, and during the scuffle was struck on the head. Merchant subsequently declared that if he struck the old lady, it was purely accidental, but that he had no knowledge of having done so. Weaver tried twice at Merchant, but did not hit hime, whereupon the latter struck Weaver on the head with his musket producing a frightful wound, from which it was though at the time, he would never recover. This ended the fracus and the soldiers went away, without the horse, we believe. Weaver no withstanding his severe injuries finally got well.
He has declared on many occasions that he would kill Merchant on sight and in fact, sent word to that effect to him. The parties visited Burlington on Monday, and while Merchant was standing in a crowd, looking at a horse which was for sale, Weaver stepped up behind him and shot hime through the head. He fired three times at Merchant, two of the shots taking effect. The last shot was fired after Merchant had fallen. The latter died about on hour afterwards. Weaver was promptly arrested and lodged in jail.
So here is the mystery:
Mr. Weaver was acquitted, but why?
I am going to post more articles and info as the week goes on this, I would like to know why the judge and jury acquitted him.
On Another Note:
Today was the announcement of the winners for the ObitKit book, and guess what!? I won! whoop!
I will post pictures as soon as I get it.
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
Okay this post will be kinda short I just had to share this resource! I found it while doing some research and I just couldn't believe that I had never found this site before its the Chronicling America site its through the Library of Congress and they are digitalizing newspapers from 1836-1922. One search of Eversole and I got dozens of hits. I haven't been through them all but I am really excited to see what I can find.
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
So today GeneaBlogger posted a contest. The challenge is to write your own obituary, the prize is a copy of ObitKit™ – A Guide to Celebrating Your Life!. I did this once in a psychology class in high school so why not do it again?
You have to ask yourself what would you put in it? The ones you left behind? How your signature cookies will be missed? or the fact that now someone has to find a home for your 300 cats? How did you die? After thinking about it here is mine. I am using today's date...I really hope I don't end today...ekk!
Brynn Marie Montag
November 25, 1986- October 20, 2011
24 Years 10 Months 25 Days
She died after being pushed down the stairs of her home by an unknown person. Some say it was the ghost of a past relative who was upset over what she talked about on her blog. Brynn was a student at IPFW majoring in Graphic Design, and worked at Chain O' Lakes State Park. She left behind her mother Karen (Orschell) Montag, father James Montag brother Greg Montag, fiancée Chris Phillips,
dog Copper and cat Coco and Aunts, Uncles and numerous Cousins. Her friendship and smile will be greatly missed along with her fabulous desserts. The family asked that instead of flowers that people send crucifixes and that if anyone knows an old priest and a young priest that they have them contact the family.
The dishes and furniture are flying.
If I die today, someone check the my blog, if I win you all know I will be posting it on here!
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
My Paternal Grandpa Joseph Benjamin Montag {1923-1994}
Yellow shirt and dark glasses
My Grandmother Ellen Jean (Smith) Montag {1925-2003}
Across the table
My Step-Grandpa Elmer 'Lee' Leon Brock {1929-2011}
With my Brother Greg and I
My Maternal Grandpa Nathan Edward Orschell {1938- }
With my Brother and I
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
A good friend of mine shared this article with me and I wanted to pass it on, Reporting your family story: A users guide. It is an article written by CNN's managing editor Mark Whitaker, he has a new book out initialed My Long Trip Home: a Family Memoir. The book is about his journey through his family's history and struggles that shaped him. Even if you don't get the book {Which I haven't read, if you do let me know.} read the article, its nice to know that even reporters that make a living from digging into the past find that researching there own family history a learning experience. He also gives a few tips, which I will pass on to you now. {For those folks with a adverse reaction to CNN}
Don't take "I don't remember" for an answer.
Look for every written document you can find.
Explore the surrounding history.
I love his final comment.
"Was it therapeutic?" people ask me, and the answer is yes, but in a different way from conventional treatment. Call it "contextual therapy": the placement of your own story in a wider human narrative, where every family story is utterly unique yet entirely universal.
~ Mark Whitaker~
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
I know its only October but I have started to think Christmas gifts. If your anything like me you have a long list and a short budget. I have finished my Grandmothers gift though, I can show here since I doubt she will see this. {I love her, but she isn't the most tech savvy} I would love to say it was original but I got the design from the free family tree that you can download from Family Tree Magazine. I then hand inked a prepared canvas. I am really happy with how it turned out, except for my hand writing {I have came to the conclusion that it won't ever get better, and I will just have to deal}. The finished piece is on 16 x 12.
I am thinking about doing more, I figure the more I do the better each will be. Maybe the next will be more modern?
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
Back from the reenactment, had a wonderful time with wonderful people. The weather was beautiful and the only thing I can really complain about is my allergies,they acted up all weekend and made it hard to talk, and sleep. I am already looking at sewing patterns for a new dress for next year, and Chris is excited to start on a few wood working projects of his own.
For my research I have lots that I am wanting to work on.
For both sides I want to find as many birth and death Certificates as I can find.
Starting with my Grandparents
Why was the Murder of Silas Merchant acquitted?
Double check the deaths of my Great Grandaunts & Uncles on my mothers side
Do more laundry (okay, has nothing to do with research but it needs to get done)
Spend more time at the library
Get my application in for DAR
One of the biggest topics that came up at the reenactment was proper clothing for women. I am defiantly going to look more into that also. It also brings up what our ancestors wore, was it the stereotypical outfits that pop into our heads or is that just something that a very few wore, are we thinking of a different time period all together?
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
This weekend marks the 3rd year that I will be reenacting at the Mississinewa 1812 reenactment just north of Marion, Indiana. We have so much fun, and I can't wait to report (with photo's) all the going's on at this years event. So far we have packed all of our gear in the the wonderful blanket chest Chris made and I stained and polyurethaned and made 3 pumpkin pies from scratch including the crust (as if there was any other way!). I still have to clean up from all of the pie making, but other then going to class tomorrow we are ready.
Chris is part of the 2nd US light Artillery, he and the other men handle a 3 pounder cannon, while the other ladies and I are considered camp followers. Now I know what you thinking CAMP FOLLOWERS! Wasn't that you know...prostitutes? hahahahaha. No unlike today's conception of the term, at the time of the war the camp followers were the wives of the men in the troop. They stayed at camp and cleaned, cooked, took care of the sick and injured, and did what ever other duties needed to be done, while the men were out fighting. If there husband was killed they have a very limited time (like 2 weeks, maybe less) to find a new husband in the group, if they did not they were literally left on the side of the trail.
What was the war about?
Well at the time Britain and France was at war (imagine that) and Britain had restricted the trade between the USA and France.
Because of the wars Britain needed members for there Royal Navy, instead of recruiting members the navy was taking over US Merchant ships taking the sailors captive and forcing them into employment with the Royal Navy.
And because of the British support of the Native Americans against the expansion of the US.
I watched this video sometime ago, but waited to share it just for this weekend. Hope it puts a smile on the face of those history buffs out there.
While I don't know yet if any of my family was in the war of 1812 I do know I had family in the US Revolution so it is possible, I will just have to keep digging and find out. I am currently trying to figure out the DAR application, so if anyone out there can help that would be amazing.
Much love,
We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott
