TERRE HAUTE —
Several years ago, I reported about a website called Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK). This site was up for 11 years, offering volunteers willing to do a good deed for any person visiting and making a request. Sadly, the site was taken off line last November when the founder, Bridgett Schneider, passed away.
A final message was posted at blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2011/11/bridgett-schneider-of-random-acts-of-genealogical-kindness-raogk-rip.html. It says, in part, “Bridgett and her husband Doc began Random Acts of Kindness (RAOGK) in 1999 in their Nebraska home. What they began with a handful of volunteer researchers in 1999 grew to over 4,000 people around the world. … Bridgett’s husband Doc has assured the RAOGK volunteers that Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness will be back online in the future – a promise he has made to Bridgett. For now, some people are helping individuals through the RAOGK Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/33868082803/. Bridgett has brightened the lives of countless people and will be dearly missed.”
Meanwhile, another website dedicated to genealogical volunteerism has recently launched. This is Gen Gathering, the brainchild of Valerie and Dean Bowman of Chandler, Ariz., and located at www.gengathering.com/index.php.
Bowman states, “Our new site is called Gen Gathering. It is a gathering of researchers and genealogists that ‘give and take.’ Do you have resources in your home, or are you willing to do searches at your local court house, library, cemetery, etc.? If so, we would love to have you step up and join us. If you come to our site seeking volunteers to assist with finding a record for you, you have also come to the right place. We are all working together through generosity, cooperation, and willingness to share! Come see what we are all about! Visit us on Facebook at Gen Gathering.”
The site is relatively easy to use. You can set up a free profile, with as much or as little information about yourself as you care to post. After logging on, you can choose from two options: “I want to volunteer,” in which case you post what you are willing to do for others, or “find a volunteer,” where you search through the voluntary acts that others are willing to do for you. An added bonus is the first 250 volunteers to sign up will be awarded “charter member” status on their profile page.
Query
• I am hoping to find a photo of Peter Jacob, Civil War veteran. Peter Jacob was born March 3, 1827, in Hesse, Germany. He married Eva Katherine Oehlenschlager, March 23, 1850, in Rimbach, Starkenburg, Hessen, Germany, and then emigrated to Terre Haute, Vigo County, Ind., arriving in New York City, Aug. 7, 1857. He enlisted Aug. 24, 1861, in Co. E, 32nd Regiment, Indiana Infantry, possibly an all German regiment. He was discharged Sept. 7, 1864, and later was killed in a sawmill accident in Terre Haute on Oct. 8, 1869. According to family lore, a photo of Peter Jacob in his uniform was taken shortly after his discharge and return home in 1864. I confirmed with a living family member that this photo definitely existed, but has been missing for at least 10 years. I have checked the Vigo County Public Library and the Indiana State Archives with no luck. I am hoping that somebody else may have been able acquire this photo or make a copy of it sometime over the years. Thanks for any help or clues. Jerry Jacobs at email jerry_jacobs@comcast.net.
History
GENEALOGY: Sept, 30, 2012: Websites further acts of genealogical kindness
- History
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Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties
The drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties. Both Montezuma and Cayuga were selling record amounts of water to farmers and residents of neighboring towns.
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Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in August
The Federation of Genealogical Societies will stage its 2013 conference Aug. 21-24 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne.
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Historical perspective: Engraver Fahnestock among local headlines in 1856
While perusing antique Terre Haute newspapers, the following story by editor-publisher Robert N. Hudson in the April 2, 1856 issue of the “Terre Haute Daily Express” attracted attention:
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Terre Haute fortunate to have a fine symphony orchestra
We are fortunate in Terre Haute to have a fine symphony orchestra as one of our entertainment venues.
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Looking back: In 1988, the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute opens in Central Christian Church
Eighty persons attended the opening of the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute, housed in the lower level of Central Christian Church, 720 Larry Bird Ave.
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Genealogy: Any community can take advantage of cultural tourism
Cultural tourism is a subset of the tourism industry that focuses on a region’s cultural heritage, lifestyle, history, geography, art and architecture. We may think of it as something elaborate and grand, like traveling to Europe or Africa to experience the culture of our ancestors, but it can take place in almost any community.
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Historic treasure: Fold-up map fit in glove box of Model T
My maternal grandparents used to love to tell the story of how they decided on the driver/navigator orientation on their road trips after their retirement.
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Histori9cal perspective: Mace and Hyde included among significant educators
Since this column was launched in January 1995, it has emphasized notable accomplishments of past and present Wabash Valley residents.
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Historical perspective: The death of newspaper publisher George M. Allen
The name of George Murdoch Allen, editor and publisher of the Terre Haute Express for 16 years, is rarely mentioned today.
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Genalogy: Gen Gathering site a great opportunity to volunteer
Gen Gathering is a website that aims to match volunteers who have access to resources and are willing to do someone a favor, with researchers who need help.
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Looking back: In 2003, Terre Haute Police Department resumes bicycle patrols downtown
In 2003, members of the Terre Haute Police Department resumed bicycle patrols in the downtown area.
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Historical treasures: Horses, buggies and the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company
In her history of the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company, Mae Hunter Weinstein wrote that her father, William Robert Hunter, always had a song in his heart. Maybe that joyful spirit helped Hunter and his son keep the company going from the Civil War through World War I.
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GENEALOGY: Info sought on people buried in Clay County
This week, we have several queries.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: O.C. Simonds’ ideas launched Fairbanks Park
Among the first serious efforts to beautify the landscape near the Wabash River in Terre Haute occurred early in the 20th Century.
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: The Waffle House closes after 21 years
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Treasure: Davis Gardens: Once one of the largest greenhouses in world
Another rainy spring day kept me out of the garden so I decided to research some gardening history at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
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Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties
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