Friday, November 28, 2008

On This Day in 1877

131 Years Ago Today

November 28, 1877

Margaret Bennett Ritter was born in Burkes Garden, Tazewell County, Virginia. She later married my granduncle, George Robert Sylvester Buckland, brother of Grandaddy Buckland, LW Sr. She was the grandmother of my cousin, John Pratt.


Cousin John Pratt with Aunt Margaret and Uncle Robert
picture taken August 2008

-------------------------------

136 Years Ago Today

November 28, 1872

1st cousin, three times removed, Joseph R. Gregory was born to Richard Shadrack Gregory and wife Julia Ann Higgenbothan. His short life ended on August 7, 1876 and he rests at the Richard Shadrack Gregory Cemetery in Clear Fork, Tazewell County, VA.

-----------------------------------------------

155 Years Ago Today

November 28, 1853

My great granduncle, Egan O. Buckland was the son of Jacob W. Buckland and Martha W. "Patsy" Compton and 8th of 11 children.


Sunday, November 23, 2008

Personal Items...


The first Thanksgiving was a feast that lasted many days, a celebration of gratitude to God for a good harvest and a fervent prayer of hope for a successful winter.

Today we gather with friends and family acknowledging God's blessings, much as the pilgrims did. We enjoy one another's company with plenty of food; talking, sharing, loving. This is a season when I reach into my cluttered cabinets, pulling out family treasures from generations past. Each item brings warmth to my heart with fond memories of the aroma in kitchens of my childhood. Looking for spices, I rediscovered this stove top salt and pepper in jadite with badly bent lids. The set belonged to Grandmother Buckland and causes me to think of her when I see them. I loved going to the big brick house, playing with the round push-button light switches and watching Grandaddy eat his peas on a knife. Can you remember that dining room table full of food... and a childs long wait, until the adults had finished their meal?

Thanksgiving is always good; in fact, it's my favorite holiday. But it is somehow better in the mountains of southwest Virginia. Leaves turn many shades of oranges and reds, become crisp and fall to the ground while the trees hunker down for winter snow. Spring always comes awakening with warmth and growth assuring us that the cycle continues, just as He planned.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

On This Day in 1994

My grand niece, Jenny. And she is grand:)




We love you Jenny, Happy Birthday
Jennifer Leigh - November 22, 1994
-----------------------------------
154 Years Ago Today
November 22, 1854
George C. Tabor, my great granduncle was the 3rd of 7
children born to James Harrison Tabor and
Nancy Moore Runyan.
George was brother to my great grandmother.
  1. Sarah Jane Tabor (my great grandmother) (m. Jacob Alexander Buckland)
  2. Samuel G. Tabor
  3. George C. Tabor (1854-1888)
  4. William B. Tabor
  5. Joseph Wade Tabor
  6. James Robert Tabor
  7. Emily Tabor (married William Jasper Buckland) (sisters married brothers)

Friday, November 21, 2008

Thursday, November 20, 2008

On This Day in 1872

136 Years Ago Today
November 20, 1872
Emma Catherine Hager (McHaffa) was born in Rocky Gap, VA.
She was the father of Nathaniel Ezra McHaffa;
grandmother of my 1st cousins, once removed, Richard & Ruth McHaffa.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

On This Day in 1893

115 Years Ago Today
November 19, 1893
Jasper Lee Fox was born to Lee J. and Ella L. Gregory Fox. My 2nd cousin, twice removed was buried at the T.E. Steele Cemetery, Clearfork, Bland County, VA when his young life ended October 28, 1908.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

A Day With the Dogs

I couldn't find any relatives to celebrate today,
so I'll share some close friends with you that I'm mothering
this week. Our daughter is out of town, so her high energy dog
is at Nana's and Pop's for the week. Our neighbors are enjoying
a week at the Biltmore. We are home with these beautiful
and crazy motley mutts.

Our cherished baby, SOPHIE:)
High energy DRIBBLE!

The one and only adorable PONGO



Sunday, November 16, 2008

A FAVORITE Thanksgiving Recipe

Today I began to write my menu for our eagerly
anticipated Thanksgiving meal. I'll dig through
the pantry in search of items on hand and
make a grocery list for those things I need.
One very special dish at our house is the
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE.
It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving at the Kelly's
without it , so I'll share the recipe,
in case you want to give it a try.

1 lb. sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1 c. white sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 c. milk
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
Mix mashed potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, nutmeg and cinnamon. Pour into buttered 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.

TOPPING:
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup Rice Krispies
1 stick butter
1 c. pecans, chopped

Melt butter. Blend in brown sugar and pour over Rice Krispies. Spread the mixture over the cooked sweet potatoes. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly, hot and browned.

Yum - this is my family's favorite.

If you have a special dish or old family recipe, please click on the comments link below and share with us.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

On This Day in 1857

151 Years Ago Today
Mary Dougherty, my 1st cousin, 4 times removed from Augusta Co., VA.
married Andrew Jackson Pervine on November 15, 1857.
They were parents to at least 4 children
1. Jordan J.
2. Cyrus W.
3. Louise
4. Charles McClellan
Mary was the middle of 10 children born to
Giles Dougherty(Rockbridge Co, VA) and Mary Polly Doak.
Mary is buried at the Zena Cemetery, Polk County, OR.
  1. John M. Dougherty
  2. James W. Doutherty
  3. Walter M. Dougherty
  4. Reace Dougherty
  5. Mary Doutherty
  6. Bolivar Dougherty
  7. Andrew Jackson Dougherty
  8. Isaac F. Dougherty
  9. Charles William Dougherty
  10. E. I. Dougherty

----------------------------------------------

108 Years Ago Today

November 15, 1900 - March 22, 1916
Greenlee D. Letcher, my 3rd cousin, three times removed,
was the grandson of Virginia's Civil War Governor
John Letcher and Mary Susan Holt.
He was the son of Captain Greenlee Davidson Letcher
and Katherine Seymour Paul. Greenlee is buried at the
Jackson Cemetery, Lexington, VA.

Greenlee's parents, G.D. Letcher & Katie Paul
and grandmother, Mary Susan Holt Letcher (widow of governor)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

77 Years Ago Today

Norman Gregory was born in Bluefield, VA
My 3rd cousin, once removed. 1931- 1991


Friday, November 14, 2008

On This Day in 1820

188 Years Ago Today

November 14, 1820
My 2nd great granduncle, Lewis Corder Gregory was born.
He was the 2nd of 15 children born to
John Keatts Gregory and Elizabeth Holland Corder.
  1. Daniel Parham Gregory (myg-g grandfather)
  2. Lewis Corder Gregory (m. Mary Elizabeth Cook)
  3. William Lowery Gregory
  4. Perlina Ledford Gregory
  5. John Henry Gregory
  6. Permelia Clement Gregory
  7. Martha Tucker Gregory
  8. Mary Clay Gregory
  9. Richard Shadrack Gregory
  10. Nancy Reeves Gregory
  11. Elizabeth Holland Gregory
  12. Franklin Clemons Gregory
  13. James Madison Gregory
  14. Thompson Edward Gregory
  15. Doctor Clauton Gregory

-----------------------------------------

133 Years Ago Today
November 14, 1875
Joseph Gratton Peery, my 2nd cousin, twice removed,
was the 2nd of 8 children born to
Charles Henry Peery and Ellen Phoebe Beavers.


  1. John Drew Peery
  2. Joseph Gratton Peery
  3. Lena Devore Peery
  4. Charles Henry Peery, Jr.
  5. Maggie C. Peery
  6. Infant Twin
  7. Infant Twin
  8. Lettie Ward Peery

Once again, thanks to Cuz
Janet Harless Peters for Gregory data.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

On This Day in 1861

147 Years Ago Today
November 13, 1861 - December 10, 1930
Henry J. Tabor, my 1st cousin, 3 times removed
was born to Stephen Paris Tabor and Eleanor " Ellen" Havens.
Most of the family, including Henry's son "Hub" is buried at
the Tabor Cemetery at Mudfork in Falls Mills, VA.
----------------------------------
93 Years Ago Today
November 13, 1915
Thomas Edward Nash, Jr. was born in Graham, Tazewell Co., VA.
He was my 3rd cousin, once removed.
If anyone has pictures of these relatives, please scan and
send to me via email; I'll be glad to post.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

On This Day in 1900

108 Years Ago Today
November 12, 1900
Margaret Baker Tabor was the 3rd of 4 known children
born to Dudley Davis Baker & Sarah "Sallie" Tabor.
  1. Dudley Thomas Baker, Sr.
  2. James H. Baker
  3. Margaret Virginia "Ginny" Baker (my 2nd cousin, twice removed)
  4. Everett Taylor Baker

Margaret married Robert Sisk. The couple adopted
Jack Baker Sisk. Inscription on stone:PFC US ARMY KOREA

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veteran's Day


Honor Roll

Eddie Epperson, a high school classmate, died in the Vietnam War. Eddie was remembered by all as a friendly guy who always made us laugh. We were sadded to hear of his death. Many years later our family visited the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. I discovered his name in the directory and quickly moved to the hard granite panel bearing his name. As I lifted my pencil to record his name etched on paper, I was not prepared for the emotion welling inside me at that moment. May we not forget the huge sacrifice that millions have made for our freedom. Pray for our country, that we not give that freedom away, and the losses be in vain.

Charles Nye Buckland (top right)

Ellis H. Buckland, 82nd Airborne


Larry C. Buckland, US Army

Brian K. Buckland, US Marines


David F. Buckland, US Air Force
Walter E. Buckland, US Navy

Walter Graham

Leman C. Davis

Richard McHaffa

------------------------------------------------------

Originally intended to mark the anniversary of the ending of World War I, a day was established paying tribute to the heroes of that tragic struggle and rededicating ourselves to the cause of peace. Later, the United States was involved in other great military conflicts, which added millions of veterans living and dead to the honor rolls of this Nation. In 1926, Congress called for the observance of November 11 to be known as Armistice Day. Today, we pay homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this Nation. A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.


Veteran's Day - November 11, 2008

Thank you
Wanda said...
I did not get it to you in time, but my cousin Donald Rash also died in Vietnam. Michael, our youngest, and I road the train up to Washington during spring break a few years ago and we found Donald's name and etched it as well. I have pictures somewhere. :) It was a very powerful moment, as you say. His twin brother Ronald was on a hill above the battle when Donald's group was wiped out. They are the sons of my mother's brother Joe Rash. Thanks. WBR

Monday, November 10, 2008

On This Day in 1719

289 Years Ago Today
November 10, 1719
Nance Gregory, my 5th great grandaunt was born in Prince Georges County, VA.
Her parents were Thomas Gregory (1696-1739 Weyanoke, VA) and Elizabeth Nance.

------------------------------------------
66 Years Ago Today
November 10, 1942
Thurman Edward Harless married Mary Shrader in Bluefield, WV.
My 3rd cousin, once removed actually died on this same date in 1990.
Information from Janet Harless Peters

Sunday, November 9, 2008

On This Day

Upon hearing the word Florida, a mental pop-up of snobbish condescending resorts, overly developed west coast beaches and jam-packed tourist attractions comes to mind. However, the Forgotten Coast, as it is often called, is home to the Apalachicola Bay where the long winding river empties into the blue green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and a sleepy little town offers some of the best local seafood known to man. My husband and I road-tripped the 80-mile journey today in the most beautiful sunshine our state has to offer. This time of year, as God tilts the earth on its axis, glistening waters reflect the suns beauty better than at any other time of year. We lazily drifted down deserted old streets in Apalachicola and browsed through unique shops of not-so typical beach and nautical décor. One shop owner’s dog napped atop the checkout counter, rolling over long enough for us to rub his belly, then smiled at us with contentment. The mutt seemed pleased to have us visit for a spell. At the proprietor’s suggestion, we stopped by the Owl Café for a fabulous lunch of fish and chips to the tune of wonderful jazzy music; a respite indeed for any workaholic whose time is ticking away until Monday morning strikes again.

So enjoy our pictures, better than a thousand words, but be assured, being there was better than any picture can tell. If you want to know more about the area, visit http://www.cityofapalachicola.com/

Before the development of railways in the Gulf states, Apalachicola was the third busiest port in the Gulf of Mexico (behind New Orleans and Mobile). In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the sponge trade, led by Greek immigrants, was a major industry in the town. Apalachicola is still the home port for a variety of seafood workers, including oyster harvesters and shrimpers. More than 90% of Florida's oyster production is harvested from Apalachicola Bay. The bay is well protected by St. Vincent Island, Flag, Sand, St. George Island, and Cape St. George Island.

The Forgotten Coast

A view of Apalachicola from the bridge.


A Shrimper's Life


Saturday, November 8, 2008

On This Day in 1930

78 Years Ago Today

James William Gregory
November 8, 1930 - December 19, 1930
3rd cousin, once removed


When a Little Baby Dies
From the book "Rhymes Of Childhood'" ©1924
Edgar Guest


When a little baby dies
And the wee form silent lies,
And the little cheeks seem waxen
And the little hands are still,
Then your soul gives way to treason,
And you cry: "O, God, what reason,
O, what justice and what mercy
Have You shown us by Your will?"

"Oh, there are so many here
Of the yellow leaf and sere,
Who are anxious, aye, and ready
To respond unto Your call;
Yet You pass them by unheeding,
And You set our hearts to bleeding!
Oh how bitterly upon us
Do Your vaunted mercies fall!

"Yet some day, in after years,
When Death's angel once more nears,
And the unknown, silent river
Looms as darkly as a pall,
You will hear your baby saying,
"Mamma, come to me, I'm staying
With my arms outstretched to greet you,
"And you'll understand it all.

Friday, November 7, 2008

On This Day in 1983

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
CHRISTA







25 Years Ago Today
November 7, 1983
Christa Danielle was born in Ohio
to Larry C. Buckland & Gloria Sturgess.


I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14

Thursday, November 6, 2008

On This Day in 1862



146 Years Ago Today
November 6, 1862
Martha Steele & Thompson Edward Gregory
were married in Bland County, VA. Thom was my 2nd g-granduncle,
the 14th of 15 children born to John K. & Elizabeth H. C. Gregory.
(siblings listed in a previous post this week)
Thom was the father of at least 12 children.
  1. Emma E. Gregory
  2. George R. Gregory
  3. Ella L. Gregory
  4. Perlina Belle Gregory
  5. Samuel W. Gregory
  6. Martha J. Gregory
  7. Mary N. Gregory
  8. Obed E. Gregory
  9. Grover Cleveland Gregory
  10. Edward S. Gregory
  11. Dorothy Gregory (mother Lucy Hawley, 2nd wife)
  12. Ruth Gregory (mother Lucy Hawley)

--------------------------------------------

120 Years Ago Today
Mollie E. Harmon November 6, 1888 - June 29, 1889
She was the grandniece of Thompson Gregory.
She rests in the Whitley-Peery Cemetery, Riverside Dr, N. Tazewell, VA
------------------------
My GREGORY genealogy comes from a very generous cousin who shared her research with me. Thank you Janet Harless Peters.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

On This Day in 1771

237 Years Ago Today

on November 5, 1771 in St. James, Goochland Co., VA
Hannah Letcher, my 4th great grandmother, was born the oldest of 9 children to John Letcher and Mary Davidson Houston .

  1. Hannah Letcher
  2. James Letcher
  3. Stephen Giles Letcher
  4. William Houston Letcher
  5. John Letcher, Jr.
  6. Isaac Anderson Letcher
  7. Mary Polly Letcher
  8. Sarah " Sallie" Letcher
  9. Ann Letcher
-----------------------------------------

151 Years Ago Today
November 5, 1857
Richard Shadrack Gregory, my 2nd great granduncle, married
Julia Ann Higgenbothan in Tazewell County, VA.
Richard was the 9th of 15 children born to
John Keatts Gregory and Elizabeth Holland Corder.
  1. Daniel Parham Gregory (my gg-grandfather)
  2. Lewis Corder Gregory
  3. William Lowery Gregory
  4. Perlina Ledford Gregory
  5. John Henry Gregory
  6. Permelia Clement Gregory
  7. Martha Tucker Gregory
  8. Mary Clay Gregory
  9. Richard Shadrack Gregory
  10. Nancy Reeves Gregory
  11. Elizabeth Holland Gregory
  12. Franklin Clemons Gregory
  13. James Madison Gregory
  14. Thompson Edward Gregory
  15. Doctor Clauton Gregory

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Day

CHOOSE LIFE

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.
Psalm 139

-----------------------------------

Happy 39th Lorelei Gregory; my 4th cousin.

Jean Gregory Leffell was born 81 years ago today in 1927 and passed away March 7, 2008. She was my 3rd cousin, once removed. Buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, near Shawvers Mill.

Monday, November 3, 2008

On This Day

Happy Birthday
Edith Ann Patrick
Happy Anniversary
Brenda Hodge & Raymond Aaron Harless

Saturday, November 1, 2008

On This Day in 1818

180 Years Ago Today
November 1, 1818
Nancy Gregory & Wm C. Keatts were married.
Nancy was my 3rd great grandaunt.

183 Years Ago This Month
November 1838
Perlina Ledford Gregory and James Woodson were married.
She was my 2nd great grandaunt.

162 Years Ago This Month
November 1846 in Madison County, TN
Elizabeth Brooks and John Henry Gregory were married.
He was my 2nd great granduncle.


158 Years Ago This Month
November 1850 in Pittsylvania County, VA
Mary Cook and Lewis Corder Gregory were married.
He was my 2nd great granduncle.

150 Years Ago Today
November 1858
William Henry Gregory was born.
He was my 1st cousin, 3 times removed.

133 Years Ago Today
November 1, 1875 in Molalla, Clackamas, Co., OR
Mary Elizabeth Sawtell and Charles William Dougherty were married.
He was my 1st cousin, 4 times removed.

133 Years Ago This Month
November 1875
Ella Martelia Peery and Joseph were married.
She was my 1st cousin, three times removed.

118 Years Ago This Month
November 1890
Dora B. Lowder was born.
She was my 2nd cousin, twice removed.

112 Years Ago This Month
November 1896
Regina R. Johnston was born.She was my 2nd cousin, twice removed.