Fearless Women - Week One

I mentioned earlier yesterday that Lisa Alzo, at the Accidental Genealogist, has created a list of 31 prompts for National Women's History Month. For some of the prompts this far I have previously written something. I coulda, shoulda woulda written something new but I had a crazy week that left me no extra time. So here I play catch up.

March 1 — Do you have a favorite female ancestor? One you are drawn to or want to learn more about? Write down some key facts you have already learned or what you would like to learn and outline your goals and potential sources you plan to check.

One of the first ancestors that I wrote about was Tamesin Hall Glover, saying "Tamesin is one of my favorite ancestors to daydream about."

March 2 — Post a photo of one of your female ancestors. Who is in the photo? When was it taken? Why did you select this photo?

I have posted most of the pictures I have. I chose this post because I know I am related to these women but I am not certain who they are: Nameless Faces

March 3 — Do you share a first name with one of your female ancestors? Perhaps you were named for your great-grandmother, or your name follows a particular naming pattern. If not, then list the most unique or unusual female first name you’ve come across in your family tree.

I was named for my great-grandmother, Charlotte Hollington Berry Sanders.

I have a few names that I think are unusual in my family. Tamesin, which in later generations became Tamerson, Ruhamah, Zipporah and Relief spring to mind.

March 4 — Do you have marriage records for your grandparents or great-grandparents? Write a post about where they were married and when. Any family stories about the wedding day? Post a photo too if you have one.

I have three marriage certificates from my paternal line.
Kelly - Berry Marriage
White - Kelly Marriage
Craig - White Marriage

March 5 — How did they meet? You’ve documented marriages, now, go back a bit. Do you know the story of how your parents met? Your grandparents?

My parents met in the Navy and I've shared their story here.

My paternal grandparents lived next door to each other.

My maternal grandparents were cousins.

March 6 — Describe an heirloom you may have inherited from a female ancestor (wedding ring or other jewelry, china, clothing, etc.) If you don’t have any, then write about a specific object you remember from your mother or grandmother, or aunt (a scarf, a hat, cooking utensil, furniture, etc.)

This ring, while truly an antique, has very little monetary value but it is invaluable to me. There are two diamond chips in the center of two opals. It is my great-grandmother's engagement ring dating back to 1893. It was passed to me as her namesake. My dad gave it to me when I was 15 or 16 and I wore it all the time until I damaged he band in the back. I looked into having it repaired but any repair might damage the inscription, "J to L 1893," so damaged it will remain. I still wear it occasionally. (She went by Lottie so I was called Charlotte or Charley.)

March 7 — Share a favorite recipe from your mother or grandmother’s kitchen. Why is this dish your favorite? If you don’t have one that’s been passed down, describe a favorite holiday or other meal you shared with your family.

OK, I'm from a line of women who do not like to cook. Growing up we had well done beef and potatoes for most meals with an occasion spaghetti dinner thrown in. Turkey was served only for Thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas with ham at Easter.

While I don't have many memories of my grandmother actually cooking, I have shared memories of her kitchen.