When I look back at how I started researching genealogy it all came down to a project in Middle School. That started the bug for me. I took time off to have children finish my BA in Education and of course that little thing called life!
My favorite ancestors however have to be the two named Euphemia! That name alone had me hooked. I used to think it was the weirdest name I had ever heard. What parent would name their child Euphemia? Then do it again???
The first Euphemia was Euphemia Brooks. She was born in April of 1830 in Norwich, Chenango Co, NY. In 1850 she was living with the Martin Waite family and by 1852 she was married to Isaac C. Waite. They eventually up and left New York for Spring Valley, Fillmore Co, MN and eventually ended up in Jackson County, MN. They had four daughters together and she passed away 11 April 1893.
This is Isaac & Euphemia Brooks Waite taken some time before she passed away. It was given to me by a relative who had no idea of the date.
One of those daughters was Euphemia Waite. This Euphemia was born 15 May 1868 in Minneota, Jackson Co, MN. She married Fritz (Fred) Guritz on 9 April 1885 in Jackson Co, MN and they preceded to have six children themselves. Unfortunately Euphemia passed away on 8 December 1897 in Jackson Co, MN. She was not even 30 years old. Her oldest child was only 11 years old and the baby was only 2 years old.
Luckily I was able to find her tombstone on a visit to the Loon Lake Cemetery in Jackson County, MN before it disappeared. The cemetery there is very overgrown and has a tendency to be a party place. The party people then throw the tombstones in the lake.
So I guess that is my story about my Euphemia's. Obviously some day I would like to learn more about their life and their struggles but for now I just remember them as I know them!
It is great that you were able to get an image of this tombstone. Hopefully someone will do the whole cemetery (or whats left) for find a grave - especially if markers are ending up in a lake.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Theresa (Tangled Trees)
Hi Theresa!
ReplyDeleteThe Jackson County Historical Society is in the process of putting together who is buried in the cemetery! They are working on re-creating the cemetery from pictures that people have!
Have a great day!
Chris
I love what you said about investigating whatever line jumps out at you at any given time. I'm the same way! Unfortunately, my genealogy ADD nips me in the bum way to often. At least I have fun!
ReplyDeleteIs that what I have genealogy ADD...in other words GADD? Ha we just created a new diagnoses! I agree it is so much fun when you just pick a line and go hunting (or is it dumpster diving??) You never know what you will find!
ReplyDeleteChris