It's that dreaded P-word, polygamy. A word that many genealogists groan at and those of particular persuasions try to pretend it didn't happen. But it did. Polygamy (in the United States) was practiced by early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) from 1852 to 1890 when it was officially discontinued... Continue Reading →
Author's Note: This is not an actual letter from Susan Elizabeth Bench to her grandchildren but a historical narrative based off facts from Susan's life as noted in her biography. My Dearest Grandchildren, I write you this letter to clarify some of my life as you have asked. The stories of my life I would... Continue Reading →
Note:Ruby Walker Smith did not actually write this letter, but I am presenting the information in a way that lends itself to storytelling. My Dear Readers, I wanted to take this precious time I have been given in my short life to tell you a little bit about what trials and tribulations I went through... Continue Reading →
The core of my genealogical research is transcription, and I've even built a business around it (Life Stories Transcription Services). So when I get to see images of original handwriting or journals my historian senses get to tingling and I just have to share with my readers. Today's images come from the statement of Hyrum... Continue Reading →
Author's Note: This information is as accurate as found in my current research. Some men had one wife, others 56. Elias Gardner (son of William and Ann Gardner of Massachusetts)  landed somewhere in the middle. He had nine wives -- Harriet, Amy, Betsy, Diantha, Ruth, Ellen, Ann, Emily + Martha.  This is their story. Wife #1:... Continue Reading →
August 27, 1934 Dear Diary, I am sixteen years old and I just made the road trip from Bellingham, Washington to Sumas to cross the border at the Port of Huntingdon in British Columbia. Â I had never been across the border before and have been working as a domestic (housekeeper) before I decided to make... Continue Reading →
My name is Jane Angela Smith (née Dart) and I'm about to tell you my story. I lived a long life -- many of the victims of that horrible storm had barely begun their lives that were lost to the terrible disaster of mother nature in Galveston, Texas in August of 1915. But let us back... Continue Reading →
The Hipster Historian 