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Archiver > BLACK > 1998-10 > 0909557399


From: "Lucy Bellville" <>
Subject: Re: [BLACK-L] My reason for starting Genealogy
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 01:49:59 -0500


It turns out that my sister, Peggy Nichoson, had posted this some time ago
but for those who requested it, here is the story:

Peggy, my daughter, Pat(another geneanut) and I visited our grandmother,
Elsie Lucetta Black's birthplace of Bucyrus, Crawford County, OH. We found
the family plot, which was so beautifully tended that we just knew there was
family close. Peggy had the idea of leaving a note, enclosed in a plastic
bag to protect it. The note basically introduced us as family and asked the
finder to contact us. About a month later, I received a letter from
Bucyrus, telling of the treasure of family artifacts they had to share and
inviting us to come visit them.

We packed up my sister's copy machine and various other luggage and went at
the first opportunity. When we got there, we were treated like long lost
relatives and given free access to a box of photos and documents relating to
John Porter Black and his wife, Margaret Harruff and others. One of these
was a handwritten letter from John Porter Black to his children. We copied
item after item for hours.

The next day, we were taken to Ada, OH to the daughter's home where the rest
of the treasure was stored. We were shown into a basement room, complete
with a powder room, where the other 15 or so boxes were stored. Each box
was carefully searched and again we copied like mad. We came away with
reams of documents and pictures that we would never have had access to
anywhere else. But the find of the trip, for me, was a small photograph.
On the back were the words, "my grandfather, Col. Thomas Black". Thru our
cousin's husband, we were able to obtain a copy of that photo and some
others.

Now the question of the validity of this photo recently was raised. Was it
possible to take photos in the late 1700s? I really believe the picture to
be as it is represented to be but this is a valid question. So I will pose
it to the list, in case anyone knows anything about the history of
photography.

Well, that's the story, believe it or not somewhat shortened. My point in
telling you this is, don't overlook any opportunity to make a connection
with someone who might be able to help you in your quest. You just never
know what might work, no matter how far out it may sound. Happy hunting!

Lucy

-----Original Message-----
From: <>
To: <>
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 1998 10:29 AM
Subject: Re: [BLACK-L] My reason for starting Genealogy

>Mrs.Bellville:
>
>Please share the story with me.....
>
>Mike
>

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