Facts right under my nose

Sometimes the missing facts that we seek are right under our nose the whole time, just waiting for us to look down and discover them.



When I started researching my family, I was a Boy Scout, eagerly writing down information as given to me by my parents, my grandmother, and any other relatives that I was able to contact either by letter or telephone. I would right down the information, never bothering to give a source, as at that time I didn't realize the importance of sourcing my information. The information was the main thing, not the reliability of the sources.



As I started to input my database onto a computer, first with a Commodore 64 and Rootsoft, then a PC and FamilyTreeMaker, my database continued to grow with each line that was added. The flurry of family trees posted on the Internet helped me to make other connections, or so I thought, and I became a name collector - attaching distant family trees to my own, not considering for a moment whether or not the information was accurate.



Along the way I began to collect a lot of files - so many, in fact, that I had a 5 drawer file cabinet full of family group sheets, census record printouts, and any other tidbit that came my way. As the recognized family historian, others in the family began to send me obituaries, birth notices, etc. over the years until these drawers were overflowing. I had managed to collect much information, but because I had not developed a habit of organization along the way, it was hard to know exactly what information I might have on a family in some instances.



Adding to my dilemma was the fact that I've had a couple of computer crashes along the way that have added to my 'data loss' misery. Backup, backup, backup. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Currently, I'm in the process of going through my scans and updating my database with information that I had in my possession, but didn't input into my files. In some cases, I've found that I've spent time, money and effort researching for facts that I already possessed. For example, I didn't realize that I had information about my 2nd-great granduncle "Mike" Wright's death already tucked away in a family group sheet that I've had in my possession for 10 years, which has led me down other avenues of research I will write about later.

Obituary : Erma M. Johnson (1901-1990)

Source : Anderson Herald Bulletin, September 1, 1990

Erma M. Johnson, 88, 909 Alexandria Pike, died Thursday at Americana Healthcare Center following an extended illness.

She was born Sept. 24, 1901 in Alexandria, and was a lifelong resident of Madison County. She retired in 1967 from Anderson Community Schools after 39 years as a teacher.

A member of Bethany Christian Church for more than 60 years, Loyal Workers Sunday School class, past president of Anderson Business & Professional Women's club; past president of Madison County Home Extension Clubs; 50-year member Order of Eastern Star 154, Madison County Mental Health Association, National, State, Local Retired Teachers Association, past president of Toll Gate Home Economics Club and Anderson Senior Citizens Center.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, John C. Johnson; a son, Jim C. Johnson of Lenoir City, Tenn.; a daughter, Mrs. John (JoAnn) Smith of Anderson; a brother, Paul W. Wright of Alexandria; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Lanis E. Kinneman officiating. Entombment will be at IOOF Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Friends may call from 11 a.m until time of service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Obituary : Anna L. Vinson (1864-1914)

Source : Alexandria Times Tribune, June 8, 1914

MRS. A.M. VINSON DIED SATURDAY EVE

Six Months Illness from Complications of Diseases Results in Death.

Just as the shades of night were beginning to fall Saturday evening, Mrs. Anna L. Vinson, age 50 year, a well known and respected resident of Alexandria, passed to her reward after a lingering illness from a complication of diseases that had kept her confined to her bed for the past six months. For several days in the past week the Vinson home at 702 South Harrison street had been visited by relatives constantly as the death of Mrs. Vinson was expected at almost any moment. The funeral service will be conducted from the First Christian church Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and burial will take place in the Odd Fellow cemetery. Rev. George Winfrey will have charge of the service and the Rev. Wm. G. Smith, of Edinburgh, a former pastor of the Christian church here, and Rev. Whitecotton, of Anderson, will assist.

Mrs. Anna Vinson was born in the State of Ohio and at an early age moved to Madison county. She was married to A.M. Vinson, an Alexandria implement and automobile dealer. Mr. and Mrs. Vinson resided on a farm three miles north of Alexandria for a number of years, finally moving to this city where Mr. Vinson engaged in business. After her removal to this city Mrs. Vinson became active in church and social circles.

Besides the husband Mrs. Vinson is survived by her father, Joseph Wright, south of the city, and one sister, Mrs. Thomas Fox, of Pendleton, and five brothers, James, Edward, John, Charles White [sic] of this city, and Jesse Wright, of Anderson.