Memory Tree Genealogy Journal

Image Source Two days ago, I received a much-awaited email from an archivist with the Children's Aid Society in New York City in regard to a research request I placed at the end of January.  Just in case you're wondering, I'm finding genealogy to involve a lot of what I call "fishing" for information.  Sent out a baited line (ie: email to a historical society, archive, family member, etc.) and wait for a nibble.  Maybe I'll be lucky enough to land a HUGE fish in the form of a break in a brick wall.  Other times, I might catch a shoe (like this week).  Cast, tug, wait, reel-in, repeat. So, back to the Children's Aid Society. Paul's paternal great grandfather, a gentleman named Joseph W. (William?) Daly {1869-1934}, was an orphan train rider.  Until a few months ago, when we started to suspect that he was in fact an orphan, I had never even heard of the Orphan Train Movement in the United States.  Reaching out to one of Paul's cousins enabl...

(Photo passed along to me from my father.  Photocopy of an original held by his cousin, Vivian Jordan) Instead, should I entitle this post, "Fishing Friday" - since I'm really and truly fishing for more information?  A few long lost cousins with information to share? One of my current puzzles at the moment is my 2nd great-grandmother, Mary Woodcock Hughes.  Mary is the mother of my father's grandfather, Dallas Jackson Hughes.  At this point...I'm fairly "puzzled" about both Mary and her husband William J. Hughes (spelled 'Hughs' in a handful of places).  Not much that I've been able to definitively trace beyond their immediate family.  Some guesses, but nothing concrete.  I've been sidetracked with other projects, and now I have a bit of time to devote to examining what I've heard referred to as the "FAN Club" - Friends and Neighbors.  Taking time to examine each census telling, making note of each of the surrounding ...