Author Archives: Teresa

About Teresa

I am an avid family historian and photographer who enjoys blogging about my ancestors and forefathers and the journey to find them. I also enjoy posting photographs of places I have visited to share the beauty of this world with others.

1877 Illness Remedy Advice from a Farmer

J.M. Lemar, that is James Madison Lemar, was a farmer from Union County, Tennessee. He was not a doctor but was considered one of the state’s best farmers. But circa August 1877 he was asked by Commissioner Killebrew to provide … Continue reading

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Using AI to Discover to Explore Coke Ovens

From the 1910 and 1920 census records, I knew my great-grandfather, James Michael Byerley was employed in the Coke Ovens in Eastern Tennessee. To bring context to his life, I wanted to know more about his time spent working in … Continue reading

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The Parents of James Michael Barley

Finding the parents of James Michael Barley led me to the first two of my second great grandparents. Continue reading

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Which Year Did It Happen? Engraver’s Error?

Find A Grave, especially when there is a photo of the tombstone, is a valuable source for genealogical research.  While a high percentage of the dates on the tombstones may be accurate, there is always the possibility that the dates … Continue reading

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Journey to My Second Great Grandparents

We all have ancestors – we have parents, our parents have parents and so forth. The number doubles with each generation back in time. During our lifetime, we will get to meet a limited number of them. If we are … Continue reading

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It was Malissia! A Family Story Finally Proven

Family stories passed down from generation to generation are always subject to change! When using those stories to support genealogical conclusions, one must tread lightly – looking for something to prove or disprove the story. Such is the case for … Continue reading

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Census Records Can Identify the Children

Using census records to create a preliminary list of children for a particular ancestor! Continue reading

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Civil War Southern Claims Commision Cases

The Southerners who opposed the Civil War came from all social, economic and racial classes.  In East Tennessee many voted strongly against secession with the area being a hot bed for Union activity throughout the war.  The nature of the … Continue reading

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Father and Son in the Revolutionary War

When most think about the American Revolution and what part their ancestor played in the war, most probably think of a patriot set on freeing America from the British.   But that is a misconception.  While, yes, there were many who … Continue reading

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Coal Miners in the Family

Emergence The emergence of the Dayton Coal and Iron Company in then Smith’s Crossroads (later Dayton) in the early 1880’s influenced the life of my ancestors.  They saw their small community explode from 250 to 5000 inhabitants within a short … Continue reading

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