AllMorgan | Susan Genealogy RSS

John Frederick Dornette and Barbara Anna (nee Scherzer)

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

John Frederick Dornette was born April 12, 1845 in Hanover, Germany and died February 24, 1923 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He married and Barbara Anna Scherzer.

Barbara Anna Scherzer was born February 24, 1850 in Bavaria, Germany and died August 28, 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her parents were Leonard Scherzer and Ursula Frielein.

Together they raised 13 children. Their children were: Matilda, Lydia Marie, Mayme, Marth, Otto, Paul, Ada, Hilda, Amelia, Edward, Caroline, Mary, and William.

According to the 1880 census, John Frederick Dornette was a cabinet maker, and his family lived on Charlotte St. in Cincinnati., Ohio. The family lived next to Henry Dornette's family (cabinet makers also), and Leonard Scherzer's family (cabinet makers also).

In the 1890-91 Cincinnati, Ohio directory John Frederick Dornette’s business was located at the northeast Corner of Fairmount Avenue and Lucky Avenue. The business name was J. D. & Bro. They are known for their Dornette roll tops desks.

In 1900, his family, which included 10 children, lived on Fairmont Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio.

William Ohlhauser and Matilda (nee Dornette)

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

William Peter Ohlhauser is the son of William Leonard Ohlhauser and Elizabeth Herweh. He was born on March 5, 1879 in Ohio. He married Matilda Margaret Dornette on October 25, 1900.

Matilda Margaret Dornette is the daughter of John Frederick Dornette and Barbara Anna Scherzer. She was born December 25, 1875 and died May 25, 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her father was born in Hanover, Germany. Her mother was born in Bavaria, Germany. Together they raised 5 children: Elizabeth Ann, Lillian M., John William, Ralph O., and Edith.

According to the 1930 census the family resided on Harrison Ave. William and his son John William were meat cutters.

Ralph Balsly

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ralph T. Balsly is the son of Ralph Ernst Balsly and Agnes May Webster. He was born June 18, 1910 in Cincinnati, Ohio and died November 27, 1995 in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father was born in Boone, Kentucky. His mother was born in Covington, Kentucky. He married Edith Ohlhauser, and together they raised 2 children: Patricia and June. Their family resided in Westwood, Ohio.

William U. Morgan

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

William Ulysses Morgan is the son of James Wright Morgan and Helen Marr Lambert. He was born on October 11, 1878 and died on Apr 1969.

His sisters are: Eliza Isabelle, Minnie May, Unnamed Girl, Nellie Aldora, and Nora Alice. Eliza Isabelle married Alfred Lippert. Minnie May married Harry C. Dick. Nellie Aldora married Paul Garrison. Nora Alice and his unnamed sister died as infants.

William Ulysses Morgan married Edith Isabella Atkinson. She is the daughter of Thompson Atkinson and Mary Ann. She was born on May 19, 1877 in England and died December 21, 1953 in Hamilton County, Ohio.

Click here and here to view photos and articles once belonging to William U. Morgan.

Florence Morgan

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Florence is the daughter of Henry H Holzhause and Alma A. Bunselmeier. She was born on February 23, 1909 in Napoleon, Indiana and died on December 31, 1992 in Hamilton County, Ohio.

Florence's sisters are: Hazel, Leora Marie, Naome Alma, Cora Pauline, Geneva, and Ruth. Hazel married a Mr. Schalk. Leora Marie married Clifford J. Rolfs. Naome married Harold A. Schalk. Cora Pauline married Mr. True. Geneva married Donald E. Cheesman. Ruth married Mr. Brunton.

Florence's brothers are: Ezra John Frederick, Bobby Gene, and Frederick. Ezra John Frederick married Edith Bommer. Frederick married Lois.

Jason’s fondest memories of Florence:

Jason and his friends would ride their bikes from Cheviot to Florence’s home on Shepard Road. They would maintain the swimming pool and stay over night in the cabin in the lower woods. There was always lots of grass to cut, flower gardens to manage and chores to do. When the work was done, Florence would always come out with a huge stainless bucket of iced tea or lemonade and ham sandwiches with lots of Helmann’s mayonnaise. Jason remembers watching Florence use a tablespoon to dispense the mayonnaise. Jason and his friends went to Florences’s almost every weekend to work, play and stay in the cabin and make campfires by the creek up until her death December 31st 1992. He also remembers staying the night with Florence many times as a child.

Links to Florence Morgan Albums:

Click here for photos out of Florence Morgan's photo albums.

Click here to see portraits of Morgan family members.

Click here for images of Florence and Robert.

Click here for images of Shepherds Creek.

Arther E. Morgan, the collectivist in the family

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:26:13 GMT

We Morgan's have some pretty interesting people, in our lineage. From Sir Thomas Morgan, knighted in 1658, who was awarded the original Morgan coat of arms, to John Hunt Morgan (Morgan's Raiders,) Daniel Boone (whose mother was Sarah Morgan,) and other Welsh dignitaries. We had royalty in our lineage, really. Just ask my wife who is the authority on confirming these awesome connections.

We've traced back 100's of years, and together, we truly do love discovering our past. But, you only need to go back to 1878 to find, Arthur E. Morgan (1878-1975). Arthur Morgan was a thinker, a scientist, hydraulic engineer, ethical leader, and was the key figure behind the Tennessee Valley Authority, a project he was called on by Franklin D. Roosevelt himself. He was the de-facto master in hydraulic flood control at that time. He was also president of Antioch College from 1920 to 1936. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in northern Minnesota.

Arthur Morgan was a collectivist, with many social ideas. It was intriguing to me because today, there seems to be a hard line between liberals and conservatives. The word socialism is a taboo word today. It swims in the same pool as Marxism and Fascism, of which I understand as other shades of Communism.

To understand his thinking, we have to put ourselves in the context of life between 1878 and 1940. Liberalism was very different and socialism was not yet stamped with failure. Arthur found many social ideas appealing because of his strict, ethical principles. In 1933, he was astonished when President Roosevelt invited him to the White House and offered him the chairmanship of TVA. “I like your vision,” said FDR. Arthur Morgan dreamt of the perfect society, a utopia. Yeah, what we've all read about in school. He looked at his appointment to the TVA as a way to bring his visions together.

Morgan was famous for two things that might seem to have nothing to do with each other: building efficient dams for flood control, and believing in the perfectibility of humankind.

Reading his diaries and several other books I found on him, he was a genuine individual with good intentions. He believed in hard work and our responsibility to contribute to society. He was good friends with Thomas Edison, Charles Kettering, and he was at the "first flight" launch in Dayton with the Orville brothers. As you can see, his peers offered a lot to measure up to.

Morgan's TVA boasted low accident rates, high worker morale, and ingenious solutions to tame the wild Tennessee River.** However, he butted heads with David Lilienthal, another young director on the committee. David suggested to distribute the power produced by TVA would be better to let a network of local public utilities handle the job. Arthur argued that the TVA enter into an agreement with the existing private utilities to distribute electricity. It seems Arthur he just didn't like David and considered him a political opportunist. Arthur went as far to suggest to the president David not be re-appointed. The fighting went on for quite some time, and when it finally spilled into public view, Arther was asked to substantiate his claims, and either could not, or would not. This is another story in itself.

In the end, President Roosevelt suggested that Arthur resign, and when he refused, he was ultimately fired by FDR for insubordination. He was 60 at this time and most thought he was at the end of his career. But, he returned to Yellow Springs, and lived for nearly four more decades, and maintained a strong interest in Antioch College. He served as a trustee for many years and as a perennial lecturer. In retirement he founded Community Service, Inc., to promote recognition and development of the "small community." The small, self-sufficient community was the vision and desire of Arthur Morgan. He published a string of thoughtful books on topics ranging from the ideas of Sir Thomas More to dam-building by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His last work, “The Making of TVA,” was released in 1974, just a year before his death at age 97. In it he documented the creation of the dream he had done so much to shape, but had seen fulfilled by by others.

I'm blown away by the accomplishments of Arthur E. Morgan and I've not even touched on them all. The point of this blog was to lay out a collection of interesting facts I have been dying to document as well as make a contribution to our Morgan genealogy. Additionally, it has again shown me the importance of while we don't always see things eye-to-eye today (and it's harder than ever today as life has become so complicated,) we should first seek to understand... and then be understood. I look back at a successful man by any standards we use today but I see some flawed visions that may not have been apparent by the standard of thinking during the time. Still, it's something to live up to and it reminds me that the role we play now is likely only the start of something bigger when we are gone. I hope we leave a legacy that our children will be proud of.

Internet Sources:

* http://www.tva.gov/heritage/visionary/index.htm
** http://www.phd.antioch.edu/Pages/APhDWeb_Prospects/arthurmorgan
http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/unitarians/morgan.html

Books I've read and have referenced for this article:

Finding His World, the childhood diaries assembled by Lucy Griscom Morgan
My World, Arthur E. Morgan
FDR's Utopian, Arthur Morgan of the TVA (still reading)
Arthur Morgan Remembered

Get started on your own genealogy research

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Researching my family history was at first very casual and something I thought would be fun to try. There were frustrating periods because I didn't have a lot of information to make connections and verify things. Also, the sites that you would have to pay for to get certain information were annoying. I eventually did pay Ancestry.com for a period of time, but ultimately found I got all the information from them that I was going to get. So now what?

I've found there are many other ways to get information and verify facts. Talking to people on the Internet, visiting local libraries, the courthouse, graveyards and this is not all. If you really want the information, just know that it is somewhere to be had (in most cases) Finding it will be your journey. You only need desire... and a few pointers.

I was able to unfold a story so amazing it kept my attention like a good book that you can't put down. The best part is that my family members are the stars! Take for example, Arthur E. Morgan who was practically FDR's right-hand man during the TVA project.

We have a goldmine in our lineage and here is the reason for this post. Here is some information that I hope you find useful to get started doing your own family research.

1. Stay organized

Keep your genealogy information organized from the very beginning. Have a place ready to store your genealogy information that you are going to receive. Here are some options to help you stay organized:

Use a a big plastic or metal storage container to protect your information you gather. This would help protect your precious information from water damage or any other outside forces. Example, a child or an animal could harm your valuable family tree findings.
Use a family tree software, to store your family tree information, and make back-ups!
Place documents and old family records inside page protectors and insert them in a binder. Have a different binder for each line. If you decide to use a binder, get a large one. This way you won’t run out of room as fast.
Keeping family records inside binders is very useful, because it makes it easier to share with others. If you are going to a family gathering and want to share things that you have found out about the family, all you have to do is grab your binder when you head out the door. It’s not very easy to tote your computer around and you certainly don't want to figure out what you will take on the way out the door!
Use two accordion folders. One for your mother’s side, and one for your father’s side. Label each compartment with different surnames. File all notes that have been entered into your tree. When you are questioned about piece of information already entered, you are able to retrieve it.

2. Ask any living relatives that you know for their information

Have questions ready. When a person is asked a specific question, you get better results. If you just say, “Tell me more about my family,” they won’t know what specific thing to think about. Sometimes people’s memories need to be encouraged a little before they can really start to recall the past. Then, watch out, it'll just start flowing. Every little details counts! Sometimes, I take a video camera so it's all on tape. Those little details could confirm some facts for you later.

Also, don’t put off asking your questions, thinking someone will always be around. Unfortunately, a lot of information is lost when someone dies. Older people are often very useful in identifying old family photos. Every genealogist probably has a stack of old unmarked photos.

3. Send letters to family asking your questions

If you have access to a computer, send an email. Email is much quicker and my preferred way to work. It helps when people have time to sit and think about the questions before responding and they can respond at their convenience. Expect to follow up.

4. Send letters to or visit local libraries where family members lived

Most libraries have an archive section. Some librarians and historians at the library can be very useful and willing to help. When you identify one, pick their brain and you will be surprised! Some things that can be found at the library include: family research already done on your family, old maps, old books, local baptisms listings, marriage listings, death listings, and burial information. You never know what you could find, so it’s worth a visit or writing a letter.

5. Send letters to churches where family members attended

Some churches are more than willing to help and do it for a small donation, or in my experience, free. Information found at a church could include: marriage, death, baptism, and burial. Some church records can be found on a county’s web site, a lot of genealogists have put church records online.

6. Send a letter to an old place of employment of a family member

For example, we have a grandfather that was a teacher and taught for many years. The alumni association at his school went through all the yearbooks for the years he taught at the school and copied the information they found on him. They did this for free and all I did was ask. Although, a small donation is always appreciated.

7. Always remember to back up your work

Computer disks and photo copies are always useful, in case something should happen to this treasured information.

8. Keep your information in a safe place

A basement wouldn’t be the best choice. Moisture or water from a leaking basement could damage old photos, books, or documents. I keep mine in a closet and assessable.

9. Leave directions of what you would like happen to all your research and old photos

When you die, will this info die with you? Try to find a family member that would preserve it and pass it down to other generations! This is extremely important. If you don’t have anyone to pass it on to, consider leaving it to the local historical society or the local library where your ancestors once lived.

10. Refer to the Internet

The Internet is a great source to refer to when doing family tree research. You will be amazed at what type of Information you will find posted on the Internet. Check out these Genealogy sites.

11. Mailing lists on the Internet are great tools for collaboration with other genealogists

Most genealogists love helping other genealogists. To me it’s like finding a new jig-saw puzzle that needs help being pieced back together. Mailing lists are made up of groups of people who all have joined together to research the same region or name. When you send out an email to the group everyone receives it. Many have access to databases and books. When you send out an email asking for help, usually you will get a good response. Signing up on a mailing list is very easy. Search Google or any other search engine by typing in “mailing list” and “the topic” you would like to research. For example, I belong to the Dearborn County, Indiana mailing list. I would simply search for a “Dearborn county mailing list.”

12. Call the courthouse

When looking for a particular record, call the local courthouse where your record should be on file. They will tell you how to address your request, the processing fee, and the information required for the search.

I'll update this post as I discover more ways, and I wish you the best of luck in your search to *really* know who you are.

Susan

Does Anyone Know This Man?

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A photo belonging to our Morgan family has surfaced. It is an older black and white photo of a young man. The name "Gary Morgan" is written on the front of the photo. I have searched our tree and at this point cannot locate a Gary Morgan that would be born early enough to be in this photo. I am certain "Gary Morgan" is a descendant of Benjamin Morgan and Lucy Hathaway. If anyone has any information leading to identification of this man, email me immediately.

Seeking information

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Seeking World War II information on Company A 1258th ENGR.C.BN

Our memorial to Edith Balsly

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:30:46 GMT

Edith was the matriarch of our family... the glue that held our families together and she will forever be an inspiration to us all.

My grandma played a large part of NOT ONLY my childhood, but my entire life. She has always been there... at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays and every other significant event. I am grateful for the time that we have had with her. I'm grateful for the time my children have had with her. I *think* they will remember her when they grow up.

Her sense of humor, and love of travel have carried her far. She was a humanitarian, a role model, the unsung hero in many of our lives, and a gift to us all. While I can't speak for but a fraction of this rich, woman's life, I can say this:

She was Extraordinarily loving: never missing a beat when it came to acknowledging an accomplishment or special event for someone else or having the foresight to know that we had to save so that we can properly take care of our families.

She was Genuinely forgiving: when we messed up, sometimes violating the very principles that she stood for, forgiveness still followed.

She was Uncommonly strong: the discovery of a box of Ralph's old letters to her during the war surely kept her going during his almost 6-year absence. That, along with a diligent exercise regimen for so many years... and even up until this October.

Anyone remotely connected with our family knows of her adventure to California, much of which is documented on video.

Her love of God inspired many years of service in her church from Deacon to Women's Society President and Circle leader for years. We also found notes from circle meetings in 1979 & 1980.

She practically raised her grand children and has influenced everyone she met for the better.

And during the last years of her daughter Pat's career, she shopped and cooked meals for 4 people, 3 nights a week, followed by many Bridge games. She was an avid card player and has requested a deck of cards be in her coffin!

We've all enjoyed numerous photo albums and are grateful for the technology enabling us to share some of them with you today. (in the other room, you'll find almost 400 pictures from birth until death)

Many celebrations were held in her Kreis Ln. home of 64 years. She has been blessed with good health for 95 years and was thankful to enjoy that final birthday celebration in October before her illness was diagnosed. She had a full life and confidentally told everyone "I'm going home to die". She even called her friends to tell them goodbye. All she hoped for, was to go quick and pain free.

Most don't have the opportunity to have "Death and dying parties" and she reveled in them! She told us final words of wisdom... like to count our blessings, and be thankful in all things, and bury any sorrows in doing good deeds to others. Then, we too, can have a legacy like hers. Maybe not as long as the 34,718 days she was on this earth, but hopefully close.

Before she knew she had cancer, she whispered to me at our birthday party that she lost much of her appetite and was concerned about losing 10 pounds. She said, "that's not good for a person my age." ...knowing I don't talk to many other 95 year olds. Only days later, we got the diagnosis.

At one of these "death and dying parties," I told her it would be nice to have her around for the upcoming holidays, and her response was "...oooohhh no, I'm ready to go and in fact, I hope to be with Ralph in time for our anniversary" (This Sat. Nov. 22nd) She expects Ralph to be anxiously awaiting her at the gate and greet her with, "Edie, What took you so long?"

Well, we all know that reunion happened Tues. morning. So, my tears are tears of happiness, and it should be for everyone here. For she's been preparing for this occasion with great fervor and dedication, other traits for which she'll always be remembered.

Michigan City, Our new Beach Vacation Spot!

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our family vacation is going wonderfully. We spent our first night exploring the beach resort. Our house is situated across from "waterfall park," and overlooking Lake Kai, one of the man-made lakes. So that is where we went first. It is a pond surrounded by tall grasses and has a waterfall in the middle and a dock that extends out in the water. While we were there, we spotted a beaver at work, he was pulling sticks across the pond and took them under with him. Then we went to go find Sheridan beach, since we planned to go there in the morning. Along the way, we toured the streets and admired all the beautiful houses. The community is perfect, from the houses to its people. Everybody is very friendly. The community is very diversed and everyone seems to get along well. Nothing like you find in the city. When we arrived at the beach we went across a long board walk that is surrounded by an aray of plant life, trees, and birds chirping. The sounds the birds make are very relaxing and beautiful and is only a prelude to what it is like at the beach. I would never have imagined these freshwater lakes would be like the ocean, and even more breath-taking. We played on the beach some, and then headed back to out house, when it started to get dark.

The next day we went to Beachwalk's community park for children. Hannah wanted to go the night before, but it got too dark. The park has lots of tires, slides, a treehouse, and is equipped with a zip line just for small children. Nicholas likes playing on the tires and Hannah likes the zip line. After the park, we went to the beach. The kids have really got into playing in the sand and water. We have fallen in love with the community and could even imagine living here.

Sunday we woke up and got ready to play on the beach. After the beach we retreated back to our house and ate dinner. We went to the park and headed back home when the bugs started biting. We have played in the houses back yard with their yard toys and of course the red wine has been flowing. We ended the night playing boards games with Nicholas and Hannah.

Monday was pretty much like Sunday, more relaxing times on playing on the beach and at the park. Jason played in the sand with the kids and sculpted a crocodile. The kids loved it. We also brought the ipod for tunes at the beach. The weather and everything couldn't be more perfect.

Tuesday was Hannah's birthday. I woke up and baked a cake for her 6th birthday. I can't believe it has been six years already. We first spent the day playing on the beach. Jason made another crocodile for the kids. I don't know who is enjoying the sand the most. We also brought the ipod back again, so we could enjoy the tunes while we were relaxing on the beach. Then we came back and ate lunch. Hannah wanted to go to the park and Nicholas wanted to go to the swimming pool. So that is what we did. Jason took Hannah to the park, and I took Nicolas to the swimming pool. Jason played hide and seek with Hannah in the park, and Nicholas and I played "going on a shark hunt" in the pool. Nicholas loves the water and can't get enough of it. That night we ate a crock pot dinner along with birthday cake and played in the backyard with their yard games and bubble guns, I packed. After the bugs started to get thick we headed indoors where they all enjoyed playing on the playstation.

Wednesday we went to the beach, it was a little breezy, so we didn't stay as long as the other days. We went out into the water mostly since the sand was really blowing on the beach. Hannah and Nicholas wanted to come back home to the "purple" house, so we headed back and stopped at the heated swimming pool on the way.

There are people across the street who live in Moores Hill, IN. They came over and said hi and they knew a friend of Jason's. They also gave us access to their wireless network, so Jason doesn't have to go into town to check his email. We've used all the amenities of the house fully. Jason sits out on the top deck with his guitar (or laptop) and we've been through the yard toys and games inside. We're only half way through the vacation. We have a lot of pictures and video that we'll get up when we get back.

More in day or two, Susan.

October Water Skiing

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Who'd a thunk it? A beautiful day in October on Brookville Lake. The water was great. Here's some pics of a fine day out on Brookville Lake with Michael and the kids.

September 2007

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We celebrated our six year wedding anniversary and managed to squeeze in a night out alone. Jason's mom and grandma watched the kids. We had a very nice dinner together. The kids enjoyed staying at home and playing with their grandmas.

We celebrated Bill and Shirley's 50th wedding anniversary together at the Canoe Livery. It was great seeing the whole family. We hope to get to see everyone soon.

Hannah continues to work very hard in school and has completed her first grading period.

Hannah went on her first field trip. Susan went too. They went to an apple orchard. The whole class got to pick their own apple, and later peal and eat it together. They saw how apples are sorted, washed, and stored. The class played games together and had storytime. They even got to go on a hay ride. Hannnah had lots of fun.

We managed to get a few extra swims in at our friend's pool in the month of September. That is one good thing that has came out of all the hot September weather. Hannah and Nic have become quite good getting around in the pool on their own.

Susan, Hannah, and Nic went boating on Susan's brother boat. It was Nic's first time on a boat. We were uncertain how he would react, but he kept saying "faster, faster". Hannah went tubing with her cousins Abby and Andrew. She didn't want to get out of the tube when it was time. It was a wonderfully relaxful Sunday. Too bad we forgot our camera, but we drew a picture when we got home.

Jason has remained busy throughout the month of September working most nights and weekends. Despite his hectic schedule, he is making time to practice with his band to get ready to play at a benefit. If you are interested in attending the benefit and contribruting to a good cause, contact Jason for more details.

August 2007

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The whole family came together to celebrate Nicholas's birthday. We grilled out and played games. Hannah started kindergarten so Susan busily gathered school supplies and clothes for her. Nicholas got a lot of exercise riding his new and much bigger bike he received for his birthday. Hannah continues to read lots of books.

Both of us continue to work around the yard. The garden was our largest, and most successful ever. The grass is officially the worse ever due to the drought. We're glad we didn't pay a lawn service this year.

Here are pictures for August.

July 2007

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

July was a busy month for us. At the beginning of the month, Jason had his neck surgery. He was back at his desk in 4 days but taking it easy. Five days after, we went to a riverside party at a friends.

The following week, we went to Moonlight Gardens at Old Coney to see Old Crow Medicine Show (a concert Jason scheduled his surgery around.) Jason's brother Kyle came in from Korea with 9 of his extended family. We hosted a Saturday at our house, and we prepared about 7-8 American dishes. Most things were grown in our garden and Jason served plenty of homemade wine and beer (dark and light).

For the kids, Susan arranged activities from sack races to roasting marshmallows over the fire. We hoped to provide the real American experience and look forward to seeing our extended Korean family again soon.

Morgan Christmas in Brookville

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The Morgan family Christmas took place at the Brookville Canoe Livery. A White Elephant gift-exchange was thoroughly entertaining and spirits were high and happy.

We remembered June Morgan who we lost in August.

We were happy to see all the family and look forward to seeing those who didn't make it SOON!

November 2006

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Here's photos for November 2006. A lot of photos taken by Susan capture the essence of Fall quite well. Also included are some photos that I left out from October... the pumpkins and Susan in her Raggedy-Ann get-up.

A quick, overdue visit to Louisville to see Andy and Debbie really hung Susan up on the pinball machine. Susan didn't really have a lot of time for small-talk and to socialize since there was a 790,000,000 high score to beat. Great fun.

We hope November finds everyone in good spirits and ready for Turkey. If you stop by the site, sign the guestbook so we know you're still alive. We look forward to seeing everyone for the holidays... or shortly after? Until then, be safe, have fun and hug your family for us.

October 2006

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

October is a busy month for the Morgans. Of special meaning to me is celebrating my Grandmothers birthday. Edith turned 93 this year and she's truly an amazing woman. She still drives to the spa and gets in her workout per the doctors orders. She takes her friends on bus trips through Branson, MI to see stage shows and still watches her grandchildren whenever she can find a free moment. She's an example and inspiration to us all that truly loving life and enjoying your family can bring longevity not known by people half her age. We love you grandma.

October brings birthdays for myself and Aunt June as well. Included in this album is a picture of the October birthday crowd, the kids and happnin's around the house. Hope this month finds you well too.

Coyote Creek Farms

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Friends Freddy and Anna invited us to join them at Coyote Creek Farm (a local trip!) for a family day of pumpkin fun.

Highlights of the day were the pumpkin sling-shot, the corn-cob shooter, buffalo burgers, a hayride to the pumpkin patch, and of course all the animals on the farm! The kids were in heaven. Time was well spent and the weather was perfect!

September 2006

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Finally got that new driveway we've been wanting since we moved into the house. Bit the bullet and did asphalt. Held out so long for cement, but it would have been a cool 12-13k and I knew I'd never spend that kind of cash on a driveway. I found a few flaws already, but the dude is coming back and hopefully squaring things away.

Plenty of pics of the kids and the new driveway in use already! The kids are growing faster then I'd like! Hannah was a natural in preschool and looks forward to every day of it. Here's the pics for September.

Researching the following surnames

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

I am researching the following surnames:

Armitage, Atkinson, Balsly, Boeres, Boone, Capal, Ciner, Dornette, Dovey, Fesler / Fessler, Greiser/ Grieser, Hathaway, Heberger, Helfrich, Heninger, Holzhause, Jarman, Kenderdine, Klapkova, Kopstain, Kopstein, Lambert, Lichtfusz / Lichtfuss, Lienweber, Litzenberg, Lucas, Morgan, Nisonger, Ohlhauser, Oberwitte, Schmaltz, Schmidt, Schneider, Siebert / Seibert, Wright

If you would like to share any information, please contact me via the link below. I am interested in any information you would like to share, family notes, any photos, family recipes, and old records. Susan

Pictures for August 2006

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

An album of pics through August has been put up. August was a hard month. June Morgan (Jason's aunt) died on August 10th. A big surprise. She was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer and died 17 days later. She was a very accomplished woman, wife of Bob Morgan and Morgan's Canoe Liveries, and touched the lives of many. We have placed a memorium on the home page of the site that will link you to her large obituary in the Cincinnati Enquire, as well as a number of photo albums that included June. She will be missed.

Other news in August is that we find outselves rather happy, healthy and fortunate. We hope you can say the same and we look forward to seeing friends and family soon.

Farewell to a Morgan

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

View June's Obituary

June Morgan passed on August 10, 2006, but she remains in our hearts. She was an incredible person who meant a lot to us all. She was a devoted, loving mother and wife and we will truly miss, but never forget, her. May she rest in peace and watch over us from above. God Bless you, June. We love you. -Jason Morgan and Family

June Morgan, age 72, resident of Warren County, Ohio died Thursday, August 10, 2006. Born in Muncie, Indiana, June was the daughter of Virgil and Mildred (Artrip) Dugger. June graduated from Western Hills High School in 1952. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert W. Morgan, on September 11, 1954, when they were both students at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. They are the proud parents of 5 sons.

Bob taught at Sycamore High School and to supplement his income, he and June began "Canoe Trails" in the late 50's, a program which took hundreds of boys from the Greater Cincinnati area on 2-3 week long camping and canoe trips in Canada, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Tennessee. The boys knew June as "Blooming Flower", since she often would find wildflowers and wear them in her hair. On these trips, she was famous for her cooking- especially the yeast doughnuts she would make and let rise on the side of a hot canoe.

Bob and June established their first canoe livery, Morgan's Canoe and Outdoor Center, on the Little Miami River in Ft. Ancient in 1964, where they have resided since the early 1960's.

Throughout June's life, she was always involved with children and nature. She was a 4H Leader and taught children about conservation and nature. She also was instrumental in getting the Little Miami River designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, where she served on the advisory board of the Little Miami Incorporated. She served as president of the Middle Council of the Little Miami Incorporated for a time in the 60's. In 1969, she was the first woman to descend down the Gauley River in West Virginia on a whitewater raft with Bob. In 1970, she was chosen by Family Circle Magazine as Homemaker of the Year, where she was featured with her 5 boys and their pets, along with some of her famous recipes. As the grandchildren started to arrive, she instilled in them this same love of nature and animals. Her 16 grandchildren know and love her as "Jumie".

In the late 1990's, cable station HGTV featured June, Bob and their family on the program, "TheGood Life", which was broadcast nationally. By this time, 4 of their 5 sons had taken over the family canoe and outdoor businesses located in Ft. Ancient, Ohio and Brookville, Indiana. This allowed June and Bob to travel extensively in the Fla. Everglades and Louisiana where Bob would fish, and June would often paint scenes from nature.

Bob and June continued their love of sharing nature with others, by opening a small bed and breakfast eco-lodge called Morgan's Jungle Lodge in the late 1990's on the remote and pristine Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica . National Geographic lists this area as one the most "biologically diverse places on the planet". Here, she acquired yet another name, "Jungle June". June enjoyed the daily visits from the white-faced monkeys, the howler monkeys, macaws and other various rainforest animals. Many area families traveled to the lodge and recognized this as a very special place run by a very special lady.

June was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Nancy (Dugger) Theobold. She is survived by her husband, Bob, and five children, Greg (Tracy) Morgan, Gary (Moira) Morgan, Dirk (Lori) Morgan, Rob (Michelle) Morgan and Randy (Joni) Morgan. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Jon and Drew Morgan; Chas and Mary Cate Morgan; Hunter Morgan, Teisha (Morgan) Widmer, Jessica, Jordan, Joni and Jadey Riewoldt; Ashley, Anne and William Morgan; and Amanda and Randall Morgan.

The visitation was held at the Bolton Lunsford Funeral Home, 3042 Harrison Ave, from 5-8PM on Wednesday August 16th.

A memorial service was held at Westwood United Methodist Church (the church they were married at,) 3460 Epworth Ave, Cincinnati, OH on Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 11 a.m.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider The June Morgan River Sanctuary Fund, c/o Lebanon Citizen's National Bank, 2 North Broadway,

Lebanon Ohio, 45036. This has been set up in June's honor and will provide a place of rest and reflection for paddlers on the Little Miami River.

View June's Obituary

July 2006 Camping at Morgan's Canoe

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Another great trip was had by all. It was good to be with friends and family on this not-so-easy-to-assemble trip. Greg allowed us to take the canoes out and we just headed up river to some sandy banks. The dogs were in heaven.

It was a bright sunny weekend in Brookville and we had the sweetest spot we could imagine on the riverside. We could have easily fit another family or two at our site.

I look forward to doing another trip again whenever people speak up and say they want to. Thanks and love go out to everyone and we look forward to not staying strangers too long.

Email me if you need any hi-res versions on the pics.

Searching for the Kopstein family from Bohemia

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

I have searched and searched and haven't been able to trace back the Kopstein family past Frank James Kopstein, born Feb 1843 in Bohemia Czechoslovakia, and Catherine Mary Klapkova, born about 1853 in Bohemia Czechoslovakia.

My great grandfather was James Steven Capal (Kopstein). He was the son of Frank and Mary Kopstein. He is a very interesting person to research. Just when I think I am finished researching him, I discover something new from his past. He was first married to Emily Valenta in Cook County, Chicago and had two boys, James and Steven. He then moved to Cincinnati, then to Campbell County Kentucky where he married my great grandmother Anna Schmidt. James and Anna had 6 boys, Frank, Raymond, Robert, Daniel, Melvin, and James. I have to say I have enjoyed learning about him and getting to know my aunt Evelyn in the process. My grandma Capal started out helping me, and she passed way in 2003. Evelyn filled in her spot.

If you want to know more information about my search, respond below.

Susan

Gatlinburg, TN 2006

Mon, 08 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Nothing complex.

This year, we wanted to do a vacation that was different from the rest... you know, one of those vacations where upon return, it's not like you slump down on the couch and say "Scccchhheeewwww... it feels good to be home!"

Well, don't get me wrong... we have kids... and it feels good to be home. But this trip rocked. It was just what we set out for. Easy booking... no check-in... impressive accomodations! ...at a great price too, nature so accessible, you jump off the porch into it.

I got to try out the new camera in many of the environments I have been wanted to try. I took the video camera... but it made it as far as a walk-through of the accomodations. I'll probably put that up later for family.

My brother-in-law and I fished the lake just outside. We caught us 7-8 blue-gill and decide to eat them. Alas, I need to refer to my local country einstein for the refresher on cleaning blue-gill. While we managed to get a few slabs and some pop-corn sized bites, still delish, I thought there was a better way to go at it. Scott?

There's something about nature that everyone can relate to... and you've maybe felt that feeling before when you're leaving the forest without having found what you went for in the first place.

Well, that was not me this weekend. A strong chord was struck that the whole family danced... no, not danced... aggressivley "jigged" to.

My little girl was so receptive to the nature around her, it brought a tear to my eye. We did two nice hikes and saw two great water falls. We made it to the aquarium... another thing we meant to do. And despite the Gatlinburg traffic (that we expected :) we still got to and fro.

For future trips to Gatlinburg... the "Gatlinburg By-pass" is a must to remember.

Last but not least... it was Susan's 30th birthday. We had a little party out on the spacious deck with hammock and citronella candle.

Anyway... I could really go on, but I hope these pictures will say it all.

Found! James Capal's draft card!

Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

I found James Capal's draft card on Ancestry.com. It was filled out in Newport, KY in Sept. of 1918. His sister's name is listed and her address. A great find! Susan.