Lancaster County Family Ties

After writing the last post , I dug out my interview notes from Grandma (Reba GARNER) that happened in Oct. 1986.  She rarely discussed her maternal grandparents, and on this day she was telling me about one of her maternal uncles. We grabbed lemonade to drink, and sat down so she could think and I could write. So these are my actual notes from that discussion: Children of Andrew Edwin and Mary C. (REESE) FINDLEY in no order -- Martin Anna Bertha "Bert" who married Frank Y. RESSLER b. 1885 d. 1953 Elmer - a coal dealer Edward, single, served in WW1, died when he fell down an elevator shaft David, single, served in WW1, committed suicide Clayton died of lung trouble Esther, married name was REINHART and died of hard work Joseph, farmer Myrtle, "not right in head", died of old age maybe this year. Had an illegitimate child by one of the Wiggins boys. Married twice after that. She did not want me to take notes on the story she was telling, so I listened only. I did not

Mary C. REESE is a gr-gr-grandmother that I know next to nothing about. I have no photos, and few records.  My grandmother did not say much about her which makes me wonder why. Grandma would have been 20 when Mary died so there should have been memories. Maybe I didn't ask the right questions?  A big part of my research issue is simply that she has a very common name. I have found many Mary Reese/Reise/Reece/Rese in various records in Lancaster County.  If her obit was correct, Mary was the daughter of John and Louise (EFFELMANN) Reese.  The year I have found for Mary's marriage to Andrew FINDLEY is 1881.  I need to really dig into my notebooks of interview notes to see what grandma remembered about her mom's (Anna Bertha) siblings.  The above  gravestone photo is from Find A Grave.  At some point a few years ago, I tracked down many family obits in the Lancaster papers. The one below is for Mary (REESE) FINDLEY. Source: my personal records In the 1910 census, Andrew

Just a quick reminder to those of us interested in family history and genealogy - the 1950 US Census is now open and ready for viewing. Check out Family Search or Ancestry. I remember finding both my parents in the 1940 census and how exciting that was. Ten years later I am still excited about finding them in the census. How many of your relatives can you find in the 1950 census?? It is like a treasure hunt and such an adventure waiting to be taken. Have fun and best wishes in your search.