Granny's Genealogy

Tuesday’s Tools – Saving an Image from Seeking Michigan

April 27th, 2010 | Posted by Granny Pam in Tools and Information - (5 Comments)

There are a host of professional genealogists who offer tips, shortcuts and tricks to make life easier for the rest of us. Along the way, each of us picks up tidbits of knowledge which help us survive, or at least become our own standard way of accomplishing tasks. Once in a while, when I feel like it, in very irregular fashion, but almost always on Tuesday, I will tell you how I do something related to my genealogy. If this little effort helps you, share with others, so they can be helped to. We all have a little something in our heads that can make life easier for others. One warning: I am a PC user, and I know nothing about Apple, Mac or Linux operating systems and/or computers. This is from a PC user, for PC users.

Today’s tool is a method I used to save, rather than print, records on Seeking Michigan [www.seekingmichigan.org]. I usually prefer to save files, rather than print them, and Seeking Michigan does not have a “save” button.

I conducted a search, and am using my great-grandmother, Lena Yearnd. Here is the result of searching for “Yearnd”.

seeking1

I bet you wish you had an unusual last name now, don’t you? Clicking on the image produces this:

seeking2

I have some choices, but saving the image is not among them. Darn. I click the “printable version” link and see this:

seeking3

Here is the trick, click cancel instead of print, and the print box vanishes, leaving just the image. You can see only part of it, but do not worry. Right click on the image and select “save as” from the shortcut menu:

seeking4

Here is Lena’s death record on my desktop where I saved it:

seeking5

If you are as crazy as me, you won’t want to have the record with the thick black border. That huge black border is another reason not to print, it prints out, too. Just open the image in your favorite photo editing program, and then crop off the black. Some of the images on the site are slightly crooked, you can also straighten if needed.

Here is a link to the resulting file, and nice clean version of my great-grandmother’s death certificate. If you know of any Detman/Detmann families in Michigan between 1870 and 1920, please contact me. Although I have no evidence Lena immigrated with her family, one never knows.

Detman, Detmann, Seeking Michigan, Yearnd, Yournd

DNA, Another Step in the Search

March 29th, 2010 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors - (4 Comments)

This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series DNA in Genealogy Research

If you haven’t read about my search for my great-grandfather’s surname, you can find out more here, here, and here. After I found my grandfather’s family, I was thrilled, and did quite a few happy dances, visited the cemetery, got his will and every record available about him and his family in his hometown of Howell, Michigan. Then the struggle began. 1870 census? Nothing close. Passenger lists? Nothing. I have searched passenger lists and Castle Garden records every way imaginable. I have a list of possible surname spellings that covers two pages, all carefully recorded from soundex and “sounds like” searches of various sources. I have visited the locations where he lived, read the newspaper microfilms, copied his real estate transactions, obtained death records for him and his family, searched for birth records and other records. But I still have a dead end. Boo!

When I realized I was pretty much at a dead end on that branch of the family, I did what my brain and experience told me to do. I searched more, expanding into neighboring counties and my grandfather’s siblings. I found a divorced Baptist minister, and a descendant of the divorced wife’s second husband. I wrote letters to 26 gentleman who were listed in the phone book and have a name which may be connected with another branch, carefully outlining the relationship and asking specific questions. I included a self-addressed stamped envelope in each letter, and my phone number, along with e-mail and postal addresses. I received only replies that were negative, not one from the person I was seeking. Still nothing useful or helpful in identifying the family’s actual origin, or the original spelling of their name. Boo-hoo.

Now, the new “Family Finder” DNA test has become available, and I am taking the plunge. A close male relative of mine is also taking the family finder test, and a YDNA test. It will be interesting to see what the results are, and if it will help me in my search. I have no illusions here, I know this is not a magic bullet. Today I will list the reasons why I have considered the test, and why I am taking it, and in later parts of this series, I will keep you abreast with the process as it unfolds. If my experience helps someone, then I will have a good result, even if it does not help me.

The YDNA test that my relative is taking will provide me with a tool to find other members of my great-grandfather’s family. Since research is stalled at the point where my ancestor arrived in Howell, Michigan, with only a few clues to his origin and no substantial real evidence, I am hoping that there really may be a magic bullet. The best possible result would tell me his actual origin, Germany, or elsewhere, and what the “more German” spelling of his name was. What I am hoping for, a lucky match to a family who is also actively researching, which may point me to the correct location in Germany, or elsewhere.
The Herrington mystery is another reason. My mother was raised in foster care. Her paternal line originates with a man named “Herrington” who lived near an area where members of the better documented Harrington family lived; however, he does not seem to be closely connected to that family. Since that ancestor came from a large family, I am hoping that some other researchers also take the “Family Finder” test and I may become aware of them and their research.
The Orlando Palmer adoption mystery. My mother’s maternal grandfather was the adopted son of Platt B. Palmer and Angeline Carpenter. His original name was Askey, or Ascha, or similar. The evidence I have found fits the story, but the details are lost in history. Maybe I will connect with a descendant of the family. I have found some, among them a super researcher who is generous and caring. I just want one more…

Since much of this is a shot-in-the dark kind of thing, I thought my readers might be interested in the results. Fishing trips can be fun and challenging, but so are roller coaster rides. Ride along with me as I explore DNA testing, what to expect, and how the process works. Better still, watch me sweat and sit on the edge of my chair while wait to for the results. Best of all, see if the results help me in any way.

Ascha, Askey, DNA, Herrington, Palmer, Yearnd, Yournd

Randy Says: SNGF

October 17th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors - (0 Comments)

The guru of fun, Randy Seaver says, “Hey, genealogy fans, it’s Saturday night! Time for some Genealogy Fun!

Your task, if you decide to accept it (cue the Mission Impossible music), is to:

He goes on to ask that we pick one of our four great-grandparents, the one with the most descendants preferred, create a descendants list, tell how many, living or dead are in each generation. Then, the kicker: “How many are still living? Of those, how many have you met and exchanged family information with? Are there any that you should make contact with ASAP? Please don’t use last names of living people for this – respect their privacy. And: “Write about it in your own blog post, in comments to this post, or in comments or a Note on Facebook.”

This should be a snap, right? Well, not exactly. I picked my g-grandfather, Charles Yearnd/Yournd/Ewuns/Euens, married Lena Detman/Detmann. Their descendents that I know of are:

Children — 6, all deceased. I never met anyone in this generation, even though several died after I was born.
Grandchildren — 10, all deceased. Of these I met my father and his siblings, a total of 5, but never met any of his cousins.
Great-grandchildren — 7, at least 6 of the 7 are living. This is my generation, 4 of the 7 are me and my siblings, 2 others are my first cousins. I have met 6 all of those, but I don’t know anything beyond the name of the seventh.
3rd great-grandchildren — 13 that I know of, 11 or 12 are living. My children and their cousins, I have met 10 of the 12.
4th great-grandchildren — 7 that I am aware of, there are probably several others that I should know about, grandchildren of my first cousins. 5 of the 7 are my grandchildren. There are at least a couple on the way in this generation.

That is 43 descendants. I should make an effort to get information on the grandchildren of my first cousins, but they won’t be able to help me with my genealogical research.

There is one branch of descendants for who I have limited information. Carolyn “Carrie” Yearnd/Yournd married J. Clare Collins on 9 October 1900 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan. I am aware of one daughter of this marriage, Wanetta, who was born about 1904. I have been unsuccessful in contacting any descendants of this branch of the family, who would be descendants of the the person in #4 that I have not met. I am continuing to try to contact that branch of my family.

Facts are facts, and it is unlikely that I will meet a family member who can give me substantial information on Charles and Lena and their family.

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun, Yearnd, Yournd

Lakeview Cemetery, Howell, Michigan Fred and Maybelle Yournd

August 14th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Cemeteries | Granny's Ancestors - (0 Comments)

This entry is part 16 of 60 in the series Cemeteries

Lakeview Cemetery 920 Roosevelt, Howell, Michigan, 48843.

lakeviewsign2

One of my grandfather’s brothers also chose burial in Lakeside Cemetery. Frederick, Fred, Freddie Yournd/Yearnd and some of his family are buried in section A lot 183.

Fred and Mabelle (Daley) Yournd. If the flag was placed correctly, there may be a military record for Fred.
fredmabelleyournd

Maxine Yournd, a child who died in 1919 at the age of 7 months and 15 days. Her death record is among those posted at Seeking Michigan. I found her death certificate was using the advanced search, and putting Maxine as first name criteria, 1918 as birth year criteria, and 1919 as death year criteria. Searching on the last name “Yournd” produced no results. She is indexed as “Yoarnd”, the “u” must have looked like an open “a” to the person who indexed the record.

Use every option when searching indexes. Try everything you can think of, and then try some more. Yoarnd. Hmmmm.

Lakeview Cemetery Howell MI, Yearnd, Yournd

Lakeview Cemetery, Howell, Michigan – Charles and Lena Yournd

August 13th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Cemeteries | Granny's Ancestors - (0 Comments)

This entry is part 15 of 60 in the series Cemeteries

Lakeview Cemetery 920 Roosevelt, Howell, Michigan, 48843.

lakeviewsign2

I asked as a child where the Yearnds came from, and the answer was “Howell”. When we moved to Detroit in, one of the first things I did was make the short drive to Howell to see what I could find out.

I found the Yearnd family, spelled Yournd in the cemetery indices at the library, so off I went, to section A, lot 17:

The smaller stone is Lizzie, then in order: Charles, Lena, Augusta, here is a close-up view of each.

Lizzie, daughter 1878-1890
lizzie yournd2

lizzie yournd

Augusta Yournd, my grandfather’s sister, my great aunt.

My great-grandmother, Lena Detman Yournd.

My great-grandfather, Charles Yournd.

You can see my reflection on these photos. I do have some from the side where my presence isn’t quite so evident. I’m posting these, to show that everyone can learn something. Since the day I took these I have learned how to keep most of myself out of most photos!

I have also learned how to look for every possible spelling of a surname. Every one, and lots that I would never think of. My story of looking for more information on this family is posted here.

Lakeview Cemetery Howell MI, Yearnd, Yournd

Names, Places & Most Wanted Faces

March 11th, 2009 | Posted by Granny Pam in Granny's Ancestors - (1 Comments)

Joining on a Meme that Craig started, he says: “…List the surnames you are researching and the general localities. Then tell the names of your “Most Wanted Ancestors,” that is, the ones you most want to find behind that brickwall. (You can tag people if you want; I’ve chosen not to do that here so that all readers are included). Let’s see your lists; maybe we can each help someone out!”

Well, this Meme is old, and I’ve had the draft sitting around for a while. I believe it is a good idea, but I’ll just do one brickwall ancestor right now. What I know about this individual is listed here.

My great-grandfather, Charles YOURND was born, according to a date I calculated from his death record, in February, 1844 in “Germany”. According to his obituary, it’s 22 Feb 1840. which also says, he “…came with his wife to America in 1870 , coming directly to Howell [Livingston County, Michigan], where he has lived ever since.”

Charles YOUND purchased land in Ingham County Michigan, and Howell Livingston County, Michigan in 1876. He disposed of his Ingham property almost immediately, but the Howell property was owned by the family after his death as disposed of then.

Charles’s wife was Lena, “Detman” according to her death record. The couple had six children, Frederick, 1872-1959 married, had two daughters; Augusta, 1874-1944, never married; Frank, 1875-1941, married, divorced and remarried, 1 daughter; Lizzie, 1878-1890; Caroline “Carrie” 1882-1958, who married J.C. Collins, one daughter, and my grandfather William H., 1883-1948, five children. All of Charles and Lena’s children claim US birth, making an immigration date 1869-1872 likely.

In 1880, the family appears on the census of Howell, Livingston County, Michigan: EWEN, Charlie, age 32 [making birth 1847-1848], day laborer, born Germany; Lena, 26, day labor, born Germany, Freddie, at school, 8; Augusta, 6, at school, Frankie, 4; Lizzie, 1. Birthplace of all children is given as Michigan, and of their parents, Germany.

On November 20, 1890 the Livingston County Republican, Howell, Michigan reported:
To the Great Beyond.
Lizzie, aged 12 years, daughter of Chas YUENS, died Wednesday morning of diphtheria. It is reported that a younger brother is sick with the same disease. Lizzie “YOURND ” is buried in the family plot, lot 73, Lakeview Cemetery, Howell, Michigan.

In 1900 the family is still in Howell, Chas Yournd, born Feb 1845, 55, married for 30 years, born Germany, as were both parents, immigrated 1860, in the US 40 years, naturalized, a laborer at the condensed milk factory. Lena, born 1852, 47, married 30, mother of 6, 5 living, German birth for herself and parents. Agusta, born 1874, 25, single, saleslady; Carrie, 18, single, solderer condensed milk factory; Yournd Willie, born 1885, 14, at school. Frank, his wife Celia, his mother-in-law and sister-in-law resided next door.

In 1910 Charles and Lena are still in Howell, YOURND, Charles, 66 [making his birth 1843-44], married for 38 years, German birth, immigrated 1870 labour odd jobs. the answers for Lena are consistent with previous census, 5 of 6 children are still living.

On 19 July 1911 the Livingston Republican reported:

Killed This Afternoon
Charles Yournd and Henry Stephenson Caught by Cave In

At about two o’clock this afternoon, Charles Yournd was killed and Henry Stephenson was badly crushed by a cave in of a sewer ditch near the Peer Marquette depot where they were at work. The ditch at this point, near the J.L. Pettibone residence is nearly 10 feet deep but the walls appeared to be firm and the men were working without curbing the ditch. Without warning, one bank gave way, burying Charles Yournd entirely and leaving only the head of Stephenson uncovered. Chloroform had to be administered to the later before he could be extricated. He is a serious condition. His unfortunate fellow worker had not been rescued as we go to press. He was undoubtedly killed outright.

Then, again in the Livingston Republican on 26 July 1911

LAST WEEK’S SAD TRAGEDY
TWO VICTIMS OF NEGLIGENCE AND CARELESSNESS

Charles Yournd Killed-Henry Stephenson Fatally Injured by the Fleming Street Sewer Cave in.

As briefly announced in last week’s issue, Charles Yournd and Henry Stephenson were caught by a sudden cave in while at work in the sewer ditch at the junction of Brooks and Fleming streets, last Wednesday afternoon, and two lives sacrificed upon the alter of carelessness. The body of Mr. Yournd was uncovered a quickly as possible but there was no sign of life and he was probably killed instantly. Henry Stephenson was nearly crushed with the immense weight of the dirt which left only his head uncovered and he was unconscious when finally rescued. An examination showed that he was in a very serious state and his recovery was unlooked for. In spite of all that human skill could do, he quietly passed away Friday.

Charles Yournd was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Feb 22, 1940, and came with his wife to America in 1870, coming directly to Howell, where they have lived ever since. For many years Mr. Yournd was employed at the milk factory where he was one of the best liked workman: Faithful, honest and reliable, and always ready with a good-natured joke. He was one of the old guard at the factory, of them there are but two or three left. The funeral was held at the family residence, Friday and a large attendance gave proof of the high esteem in which the deceased was held by his friends and neighbors and of the sympathy felt for his bereaved wife and children. Rev C.A. Wilkie conducted the service. The children of the deceased are Frederick, of Lansing, Frank of Carlton; William of Cadillac, Augusta, of Lansing and Caroline Collins of Fowlerville. The bereaved widow will probably make her home with one of them.

Charles’ estate was settled in probate court, Livingston County. The estate was probated under the name of YEARND, the spelling used by William, an attorney in Cadillac, Michigan. Each child signed [with the exception of Carrie Collins] “YEARND”, as did the spouses signing off dower rights on a deed in favor of Lena YEARND, widow. Charles and Lena YOURND are buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Howell with their daughters Lizzie and Augusta.

So, Charles YOUND/EWEN/YUENS/YOURND/YEARND was born between 1840 and 1848, but most likely 1844-1845, probably in Germany. He came to the US, between 1860 and 1872, but most likely 1869-1871. I cannot find the family on the 1870 census, nor can I find an arrival or passenger record for Charles and Lena.

I think it would help to have a better idea what the German spelling or pronunciation of the name was, but I don’t have that.

I was told by one relative that the name was “YOURNDT“, certainly a German ending. There are a couple of families, one in Ann Arbor and one in Wisconsin on various censuses with names like Yearnd and Yournd. There was an Elizabeth Jonett who died in Livingston County before the arrival of my family.

Soooo, if you know my guy, or have found his bible, or a photo with his name, or his name on a record I haven’t mentioned here, please contact me right away !

If you can look into his eyes and find out something I haven’t, please let me know, also.

Charles Yournd