25 July 2012
First after landing tried to find my journal. I had packed it in my small bag. I did not know that my youngest Justin had grabbed it. I forgot to mention that turning in the rental car was actually more 'eventful' then I would care to think about much.
While we were "on the Road," we had stopped at a place where a group of Motorcycle riders had parked.
I remember thinking about the movie "Easy Rider," as I was looking at the Harley's.
My husband had recently bought a used 1987 touring Honda motorcycle..but I won't allow him on it until he takes the state required course and test. He is wanting to practice in the rural countryside where we live outside Roseburg, in Dixonville.
I admire his courage, being in 1981 he was hit by a drunk driver. He 'died' on the pavement, was brought back and died again in the ambulance. When he was brought back, she had severed his leg at the hip. A doctor did experimental surgery ( for that time period) and three years later, he was doing the Army PT run!
The driver skipped the state and was never found. 11 years and $61,000 dollars later....his medical bills were paid.
A few years ago, ( in our GMC truck) we were hit by another drunk driver.....The truck is what saved us.
He had recently bought me a small 250 Honda, but I am not ready for That Adventure....if ever!
Although, it seems romantic to be on a bike, traveling back country roads, and I can sense the feelings of freedom, and the exhilaration that bike riders must feel! The freedom of movement....!
.I think for now....I feel safer in a car!
But, I digress.....When we turned in the Rental Car to Hertz, we discovered that someones bike had fallen over and scraped into the car at the level where the handles would have landed.
I was freaked, as we had only used our own personal Car insurance coverage. They were gracious and told us,'" it was not your fault, and unavoidable...we are sending it to our shop."
Other then That little oops....we found the rest of the return home...smooth going.
It was so good to pull up to our home and that night...sleep in my own bed!
>On this trip, I accomplished my Army business that could only be accomplished by traveling from OR to KY! By going there, I was able to get answers, make important contacts, and accomplish much.
My husband and I were given guidance in having our missing records corrected.
>I was able to show my husband and youngest son, sights that Ken and I had visited before..and see it almost new again, through my husbands and younger sons eyes; as they were seeing things for the first time.
>And they were pointing out things, Ken and I had not noticed before.
>I was able to visit an Academic College, where English And History ( my two favorites) are Strong Departments of Study-
>And explore how the Eastern States approach views of higher learning for High School students...with some different approaches than we do on the West Coast.
>Walk where my ancestors walked.
>View for the first time and walk the grounds that played a part in the creation of our Independent country from 1776-1782.
>And feel and see the sights of where our countrymen fought brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor in the Civil War.
>And.....have interaction again with distant, Distant cousins - where all of us have a shared common history around the founding of Jamestown colony, ( Great GF "Sir Thomas Hinton), and the American Revolutionary War. ( Vachel Hinton PVT/Virginia Militia)
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Fort Knox and Home
24 July 2012
We are taking turns driving. I was wishing that I had more time to explore, but we needed to get on to my Army business. I am active duty and there are 32 years of records that needed to be addressed.
We found the weather was not letting up as far as the humidity We pulled into the base. I went to the Welcome center and found this greeting. I reported to the 100th Division and spent hours there. Later we did some shopping and after spending the night there, we checked out and headed back to the CVG Cinn/Northern KY International Airport. The car ride was uneventful. My husband JC was happy to have had the opportunity to come along. He had been stationed at Fort Knox over 30 years ago! We turned in the Rental Car, and on to our hotel. We have an early morning wake up call!
25 July 2012 In the Air Again!
We are taking turns driving. I was wishing that I had more time to explore, but we needed to get on to my Army business. I am active duty and there are 32 years of records that needed to be addressed.
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| An Example of the Gold Bars, under a case in the "Welcome Center" Fort Knox |
25 July 2012 In the Air Again!
Fort Duffield and on to Louisville
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| Ken and Justin taking a break after the hill |
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| COL Duffield named the Fort after his father who was a Pastor |
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| What the buildings look like. They are being maintained by KY park service and volunteers |
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| Kentucky's Best-Preserved Earthern Fortification |
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| In 1861 S. Stuckey invented the "Rifled Gun" for the Union Army |
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| A house we found in downtown Louisville, near where our 98 yrs young Godmother was born and raised. Thomas Brawner build it in 1851. It is believed it was part of the Underground Railroad. |
Civil War and US Fort Duffield
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| Construction was 1861-1862 of Fort Duffield |
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| The Terrain is all up hill, and it was quite a hike to both the Fort and to the Cemetery. Good place for a Fort and lookout! |
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| One can imagine battles down on the Valley floor. |
Fort Duffield Memorial Cemetery and also Original Burial site
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| Memorial Site, no graves here. |
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| Down the road from the Flag pole and Memorial Tombstones, are what are believed to be still the resting places of some. Others were believed to have been removed over time and taken to National Cemeteries or elsewhere. |
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| Railroad connection to Connect Louisville and St. Louis; known as the "Texas Route." |
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| Believed to be the resting place of some of the Fort Duffield Soldiers Flat stones in a small area.....still appear to be in line and/or untouched. |
Washington Baptist Cemetery- KY
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| This sign was easily seen from the street. We pulled the car out and I walked around the cemetery. Some of the earlier graves I walked up to, go back to 1775-1806 |
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| This building is part of the remains,but they had had to rebuild and repair most of it. |
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| Some of the Revolutionary War soldiers are buried' here. This is not far from "Blue Licks Battlefield" |
Newspaper ad on Bell Grove Springs dtd 05/14/1868
This property in my Hinton Family line in the 1820's -1840's became after the Civil War, a vacation resort.
"BREA" a Lovely campus
"Berea College, founded by ardent abolitionists and radical reformers, continues today as an educational institution still firmly rooted in its historic purpose "to promote the cause of Christ." Adherence to the College's scriptural foundation, "God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth," shapes the College's culture and programs so that students and staff alike can work toward both personal goals and a vision of a world shaped by Christian values, such as the power of love over hate, human dignity and equality, and peace with justice"
From their website.
We were taken on a tour of the campus. Cory is in his second year and showed us the sights.
The campus holds many different activities year round. It is a free education for those selected. No matter their religious backgrounds, creed, race and color....
Traveling throughout the South, one is reminded just how devote the people were with their religious and spiritual beliefs. Sunday church is a common occurrence. In many places it is a "dry "county. This means that you can not buy hard liquor on Sunday's. Beer is the only thing you may be able to find.
The famous Southern hospitality is alive and well.
Flemingsburg, Plummers Landing on to:
GODDARD, Kentucky
Traveling through the countryside, I envisioned my 3X great Grandmother Sarah playing with her many siblings, riding in a wagon to go to church, or down by the lake.
My Great Grandparents Hezekiah and Mary had at least 10 children.
The Property they owned was known as Bell Grove ( Springs).
When we got to Goddard, I found a covered bridge across from the pioneer Methodist church.
Cousin Elaine who's Great GF was a brother to Sarah, (Sally) William "Doc" Hinton was very well known in these parts. Our 4x GR GM, their mother was "Mary" nicknamed "Polly"
Sarah had married John Anthony Davis and they had left the state. Civil War broke out. Her family was on the Confederate Side. Some of the Hinton's though were split down the middle. Some for the Confederates, while some were for the Union. We found out that Sally's husband had chosen to fight for the Union. I wondered if following this, there was a break in the family, or they may have rejected Sarah and her family? It appears the Hinton's in KY knew of Sarah, but she was the only one ( and her descendants) they could not account for?
For over one hundred years, our family line was lost to our cousins in KY. Through my research we found one another. Sarah ( Sally) had Molly, who married Charles Smith. They had Abner Smith, who had my maternal Grandmother Mary. Ironically, I once held the last name "Davis," and am now married to a "Smith."
The Goddard Bridge is the last example of a Ithiel town lattice design. The timbers were joined by wooden pegs.
Pictures of Tour of Brea College and on to Goddard, KY
Brea college was started for those children of the Appalachian mountains who would otherwise not have a chance for higher learning. It was free then as it is now, with students working and earning their way, by assignments on campus. We drove around the campus and then my son's Ken and Justin and I took a "walking" road trip throughout the expansive College Campus. I just LOVED the Brick buildings that are bountiful back East!!
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| 100 years of Brea College |
2012
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| Brea College added this tower after the retirement of their last President recently |
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| The Famous KY Goddard "White" Bridge |
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| Ancestral 327 acres including 22 acre lake and most recent a B&B |
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| Where Hezekiah's and Mary(Polly's) Kids played after 1820 Has been out of the Hinton family for abt 150 years. It is now for sell, for almost 1 Million Has hot springs somewhere on the property. |
Kentucky Sunrise- July 2012 Pictures Group 1
21 July 2012
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| We Are On the Road again day after Flight Arrival |
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| Flemingsburg Cemetary in Flemingsburg KY Myself, with two of my five, Ken E. and Justin C. I am behind the Final resting place of my maternal 4X Great Grandparents Hezikiah and Mary ( Polly Bennett Tatum) HINTON To right of Justin is Memorial only of my 5th Gr GF Vachel Hinton Hezikiah's dad. Organizations of "Sons and Daughters of The American Revolution" placed the Tombstone "Memorial" next to Vachel's son and Daughter -in-law since his final resting place is at the bottom of the hill under the two lane highway between Maysville, KY and Flemingsburg. In 1930's they paved over the Pioneer Cemetery. |
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| LTC Daniel Boone Fought this last Revolutionary Battle. Many from Canada came to fight for the British. They brought with them Canadian Indians, and also had Native American Indians from many tribes fighting along with. |
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| This Major Bedinger, who was in the Rev War, served in the US Congress for four years. He opposed slavery and Freed his slaves when they turned 30 years old |
Thursday, August 16, 2012
American Revolution and Daniel Boone
23 July, 2012 ( Monday)
One of the places we stayed at was a Best Western in Maysville, KY. What many people do not know, is that Rosemary Clooney the actress had her big start here, She was born 23 May 1928 in Maysville, Kentucky. She performed at the now famous Russell Theatre, which is under renovation. Her "nephew," George Clooney is rumored to be her son, not her nephew. He was born in Lexington, KY. Ken had I had the ability to go there. Also, right behind the theatre, is the Ohio River. The flood walls extend along the length of the river, between the two bridges. Beautiful wall murial's, many showing the history of KY, have been painted there.
Traveling along the small highways, and country roads, were signs warning of horse and buggies. Amish live all through this area. Many have moved down from Pennsylvania, were they can find farming more profitable. At night, if you are out and about, you can tell those homes that are "English," which is how we are sometimes referred, to those that are Amish. They do not use electricity. You can see the kerosene lamps in the windows and in their living/kitchen areas, if their curtains are pulled open. They have no light poles around their barns or outside areas, as many of the "English" farmers and ranchers do.
Women are seen in their white caps and long floor length dresses, out mowing with the old fashioned lawnmowers our Grandfathers use to push. I found myself feeling sorry for them.
JC and I had done a recon, and found outside Maysville, a sign that said "Blue Licks Battlefield." I had never heard of it. We told the boys to load up, we were going on an adventure. It is off the highway, US 68 in Robertson County between Paris and Maysville. This park is less then 15 miles down the road from Maysville, heading east. It is in Northeastern Kentucky.
We found ourselves, in a state park.
There was a memorial to the American Revolution. It appeared that right here on that very spot, the Last Battle of the American Revolution had been fought. Again, the woods were thick and dense foliage abounded. Song birds were singing, our arrival. The mood was somber. This was were our people, proud Kentuckians had stood their ground against the British and British/Canadians and Indians for our right to be free!
The memorial stated that the battle took place on August 19, 1782.
It appears that some Native Americans and the British allies, first defeated the group of American colonists. Looking up at the memorial, I saw the name of Daniel Boone. He was a Lieutenant Colonel, ( LTC) at the time. He lost his son in the battle. The man who would be the Grandfather to Abe Lincoln's wife Mary Todd, by the name of Levi Todd, was also in this battle.
Captain Caldwell had concealed his British and Indian army along the ravines from the hilltop to the Licking river. The pioneers were outnumbered, walked into the ambush and were forced to flee across the river.
The battle was most difficult for all, mostly because of the terrain. Some pioneers escaped and some escaped only to be re captured, and many were killed.
The area has since 2008, been undergoing archaeological digs. It is known as the " Archaeological Survey of Blue Licks," with the hopes of finding American Revolutionary archaeological finds, like buttons and musket balls and other things.
One of the places we stayed at was a Best Western in Maysville, KY. What many people do not know, is that Rosemary Clooney the actress had her big start here, She was born 23 May 1928 in Maysville, Kentucky. She performed at the now famous Russell Theatre, which is under renovation. Her "nephew," George Clooney is rumored to be her son, not her nephew. He was born in Lexington, KY. Ken had I had the ability to go there. Also, right behind the theatre, is the Ohio River. The flood walls extend along the length of the river, between the two bridges. Beautiful wall murial's, many showing the history of KY, have been painted there.
Traveling along the small highways, and country roads, were signs warning of horse and buggies. Amish live all through this area. Many have moved down from Pennsylvania, were they can find farming more profitable. At night, if you are out and about, you can tell those homes that are "English," which is how we are sometimes referred, to those that are Amish. They do not use electricity. You can see the kerosene lamps in the windows and in their living/kitchen areas, if their curtains are pulled open. They have no light poles around their barns or outside areas, as many of the "English" farmers and ranchers do.
Women are seen in their white caps and long floor length dresses, out mowing with the old fashioned lawnmowers our Grandfathers use to push. I found myself feeling sorry for them.
JC and I had done a recon, and found outside Maysville, a sign that said "Blue Licks Battlefield." I had never heard of it. We told the boys to load up, we were going on an adventure. It is off the highway, US 68 in Robertson County between Paris and Maysville. This park is less then 15 miles down the road from Maysville, heading east. It is in Northeastern Kentucky.
We found ourselves, in a state park.
There was a memorial to the American Revolution. It appeared that right here on that very spot, the Last Battle of the American Revolution had been fought. Again, the woods were thick and dense foliage abounded. Song birds were singing, our arrival. The mood was somber. This was were our people, proud Kentuckians had stood their ground against the British and British/Canadians and Indians for our right to be free!
The memorial stated that the battle took place on August 19, 1782.
It appears that some Native Americans and the British allies, first defeated the group of American colonists. Looking up at the memorial, I saw the name of Daniel Boone. He was a Lieutenant Colonel, ( LTC) at the time. He lost his son in the battle. The man who would be the Grandfather to Abe Lincoln's wife Mary Todd, by the name of Levi Todd, was also in this battle.
Captain Caldwell had concealed his British and Indian army along the ravines from the hilltop to the Licking river. The pioneers were outnumbered, walked into the ambush and were forced to flee across the river.
The battle was most difficult for all, mostly because of the terrain. Some pioneers escaped and some escaped only to be re captured, and many were killed.
The area has since 2008, been undergoing archaeological digs. It is known as the " Archaeological Survey of Blue Licks," with the hopes of finding American Revolutionary archaeological finds, like buttons and musket balls and other things.
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| Daniel Boone was a LTC and survived this Last American Revolutionary Battle of "BLUE LICKS" |
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| Daniel Boone's son was killed. |
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| The Kentucky Heroes found themselves surrounded, but fought valiantly |
LOUISVILLE, HINDERSON, & St. Louis Bridge
23 July 2012 ( late afternoon)
JC pulled over and it was my turn to drive. The weather was hot and humid. Suddenly, as I pulled over to get my bearings, I was transported back to my days in South Carolina. I was that 18 year old girl again, plucked up from her home and transported from a well known environment to a strange and alien country. The culture shock was one thing, but the heat and humidity was another. I hated it. Now, I knew why I had never really sought out living this far East and South.
Beautiful country, but if I had not acclimated after three months back in 1974, and then living three months in Texas, in corpsman school, I knew I never really would.
Years ago, I had spent a week in the month of June, locked up with two of my kids, in their Great Grandmothers home in Pampa, Texas. Lightening storms with bolts of electricity pounding the front lawn and across the street. The boom, Boom...was deafening, drowning out my terrified, screaming babies.
Not safe to go outside; can't turn on the TV or talk on the phone. Heat and humidity was enough to drive me up the wall. Here I was trapped, with their Great Grandmother chain smoking, Two half smoke cigarettes smoldering in an ashtray, one still burning in the bathroom, and I can't even escape with my two babes, ( Ken was a young infant) to the kitchen where another was lighting up. The humidity was stifling.
Kentucky this time of year was no different. I did not remember, and neither did Ken, being this bad in 2009 when we were last here.
As we resumed driving, I was on the alert for tornado's.....Yes, I was worried. This is the time they are present in the South and Midwest.
Give me earthquakes over lightening, or tornado's....
We arrived at some railroad tracks. "Lets see where it takes us," I encouraged my bored 19 year old JD. The 23 year old Ken, just shrugged, hoping to get into the mood, to please me. Mom is the English and History buff. He was sure, I would find a one room schoolhouse, all decked out in the original furnishings, and I would be posing them for pictures. (My husband, and the rest of the family, had coined me the 'shutterbug.')
I was reminded Not to do so, if there was a "Dunce" cap in the corner, like their Grandfathers old school, now turned museum in Columbia State Park, near Angels Camp, California. They weren't little kids anymore, and
would dig their heels to resist certain pictures, they assured me. I smiled at their protest, knowing they were serious. Icecream would no longer work.
The railroad tracks had been " built in 1893 as the "Texas Route," to connect Louisville and St. Louis. A few years later it had been renamed the Louisville Henderson & St. Lewis Railway."
As we explored further, we found that we were at a previous Civil War fort. Fort Duffield had in 2011, celebrated its 150th Anniversary - 1861-2011! We were greeted by a "Welcome" sign that informed us that this was "Kentucky's Largest and Best Preserved Earthen Civil War Fort." We would have to walk 1/4 mile up hill all the way.
I was getting excited, and all worked up! Someday, if I ever got my degree, and teaching credentials, I could trade my stethoscope for seeing the looks on students who may love history the way I do.
If not, I would certainly try to inspire them, the way I wish someone had opened those doors of History and reading and writing for me, way back when!
JC could not walk due to his recent surgeries, and he was content to stay with the car. Ken, Justin and I took off.
At the Fork in the road, one sign said "Fort Duffield," and the other pointed to the cemetery, which was at a smaller incline. Due to my recent knee surgeries, I asked the boys to take one camera and head to the Fort. "Take Lots of Pictures guys!" I had the other digital. Boy, was I glad I had brought both! I prayed they would get good pictures, not knowing what they would find.
I headed the other way. I loved, Loved, LOVED exploring by myself, sometimes. This was One of those times. I knew I could not climb the steeper hill, besides, I felt that going to this sacred place, was where I, a soldier myself, belonged.
The Fort had been built in 1861 as a Homestead area. It was high about the farm lands, and was a perfect vantage point, and perfect security. If the enemy came from down below, they would be seen easily. It was mostly built by 9th Michigan soldiers. Many who died from 1861-1862. They have there, modern VA type
tombstones, but no one is buried beneath them. It is written that perhaps the soldiers appeared to be actually buried, in unmarked graves, about 100 feet from these tombstones, and from the Flag Pole.
They are unmarked, except for flat stones that had been placed there, to mark their graves.. Someone, in Our century had taken button snaps like from an old tent flap, and placed them on each stone, that they thought is marking a soldier. The stones are like walking path cobblestones, and certainly had been dug a long time ago, out of this terrain. They were old and cracked and had seen over a hundred years of wear.
Looking down into the valley floor, I saw in my mind, the South and the North, locked in battle. Brothers and Fathers and relations, fighting for causes they themselves would question later.
While building Fort Duffield, many had died of various diseases.
Here I found a name, "Jessie L. Benson," he was a private with Co B. 9TH Mich Infantry. He had died Nov 29, 1861.
Benson was the maiden name of my maternal Great Grandmother who died during the 1918 Spanish Flu in Tacoma Washington. She had relations that had come from Michigan.
Could he have been a distant relation, before she was born? "Reuben C. Smith," a private in Company K also of the Michigan Infantry. They knew he had died Nov 30, 1861. "Patrick O'Brien." was a private with Co H of the Michigan Infantry. He had died March 29, 1862. These were just a few of 36 known names.
I began to feel sorrow, that 100 feet away from these engraved tombstones, somewhere under those flat rocks covered in grass and moss... may .lay some of these 36 men, in unmarked graves.......It is not really clear. But a historian Richard Briggs who is a West Point, Kentucky historian, says that many of the "Flat stones....were still in neat rows as recent as 1970." Where the exact location of some or all of the remains is not important, only that they are never forgotten.
A marker engraved, says Fort Duffield, 1861 - 1865 "In Memory of our Civil War dead."
It appears that some may have been taken back to Michigan for reburial. Some were taken to the National Cemetery in New Albany, Indiana. But the US Army and the Veterans administration, can find no record of them being moved to another site.
JC pulled over and it was my turn to drive. The weather was hot and humid. Suddenly, as I pulled over to get my bearings, I was transported back to my days in South Carolina. I was that 18 year old girl again, plucked up from her home and transported from a well known environment to a strange and alien country. The culture shock was one thing, but the heat and humidity was another. I hated it. Now, I knew why I had never really sought out living this far East and South.
Beautiful country, but if I had not acclimated after three months back in 1974, and then living three months in Texas, in corpsman school, I knew I never really would.
Years ago, I had spent a week in the month of June, locked up with two of my kids, in their Great Grandmothers home in Pampa, Texas. Lightening storms with bolts of electricity pounding the front lawn and across the street. The boom, Boom...was deafening, drowning out my terrified, screaming babies.
Not safe to go outside; can't turn on the TV or talk on the phone. Heat and humidity was enough to drive me up the wall. Here I was trapped, with their Great Grandmother chain smoking, Two half smoke cigarettes smoldering in an ashtray, one still burning in the bathroom, and I can't even escape with my two babes, ( Ken was a young infant) to the kitchen where another was lighting up. The humidity was stifling.
Kentucky this time of year was no different. I did not remember, and neither did Ken, being this bad in 2009 when we were last here.
As we resumed driving, I was on the alert for tornado's.....Yes, I was worried. This is the time they are present in the South and Midwest.
Give me earthquakes over lightening, or tornado's....
We arrived at some railroad tracks. "Lets see where it takes us," I encouraged my bored 19 year old JD. The 23 year old Ken, just shrugged, hoping to get into the mood, to please me. Mom is the English and History buff. He was sure, I would find a one room schoolhouse, all decked out in the original furnishings, and I would be posing them for pictures. (My husband, and the rest of the family, had coined me the 'shutterbug.')
I was reminded Not to do so, if there was a "Dunce" cap in the corner, like their Grandfathers old school, now turned museum in Columbia State Park, near Angels Camp, California. They weren't little kids anymore, and
would dig their heels to resist certain pictures, they assured me. I smiled at their protest, knowing they were serious. Icecream would no longer work.
The railroad tracks had been " built in 1893 as the "Texas Route," to connect Louisville and St. Louis. A few years later it had been renamed the Louisville Henderson & St. Lewis Railway."
As we explored further, we found that we were at a previous Civil War fort. Fort Duffield had in 2011, celebrated its 150th Anniversary - 1861-2011! We were greeted by a "Welcome" sign that informed us that this was "Kentucky's Largest and Best Preserved Earthen Civil War Fort." We would have to walk 1/4 mile up hill all the way.
I was getting excited, and all worked up! Someday, if I ever got my degree, and teaching credentials, I could trade my stethoscope for seeing the looks on students who may love history the way I do.
If not, I would certainly try to inspire them, the way I wish someone had opened those doors of History and reading and writing for me, way back when!
JC could not walk due to his recent surgeries, and he was content to stay with the car. Ken, Justin and I took off.
At the Fork in the road, one sign said "Fort Duffield," and the other pointed to the cemetery, which was at a smaller incline. Due to my recent knee surgeries, I asked the boys to take one camera and head to the Fort. "Take Lots of Pictures guys!" I had the other digital. Boy, was I glad I had brought both! I prayed they would get good pictures, not knowing what they would find.
I headed the other way. I loved, Loved, LOVED exploring by myself, sometimes. This was One of those times. I knew I could not climb the steeper hill, besides, I felt that going to this sacred place, was where I, a soldier myself, belonged.
The Fort had been built in 1861 as a Homestead area. It was high about the farm lands, and was a perfect vantage point, and perfect security. If the enemy came from down below, they would be seen easily. It was mostly built by 9th Michigan soldiers. Many who died from 1861-1862. They have there, modern VA type
tombstones, but no one is buried beneath them. It is written that perhaps the soldiers appeared to be actually buried, in unmarked graves, about 100 feet from these tombstones, and from the Flag Pole.
They are unmarked, except for flat stones that had been placed there, to mark their graves.. Someone, in Our century had taken button snaps like from an old tent flap, and placed them on each stone, that they thought is marking a soldier. The stones are like walking path cobblestones, and certainly had been dug a long time ago, out of this terrain. They were old and cracked and had seen over a hundred years of wear.
Looking down into the valley floor, I saw in my mind, the South and the North, locked in battle. Brothers and Fathers and relations, fighting for causes they themselves would question later.
While building Fort Duffield, many had died of various diseases.
Here I found a name, "Jessie L. Benson," he was a private with Co B. 9TH Mich Infantry. He had died Nov 29, 1861.
Benson was the maiden name of my maternal Great Grandmother who died during the 1918 Spanish Flu in Tacoma Washington. She had relations that had come from Michigan.
Could he have been a distant relation, before she was born? "Reuben C. Smith," a private in Company K also of the Michigan Infantry. They knew he had died Nov 30, 1861. "Patrick O'Brien." was a private with Co H of the Michigan Infantry. He had died March 29, 1862. These were just a few of 36 known names.
I began to feel sorrow, that 100 feet away from these engraved tombstones, somewhere under those flat rocks covered in grass and moss... may .lay some of these 36 men, in unmarked graves.......It is not really clear. But a historian Richard Briggs who is a West Point, Kentucky historian, says that many of the "Flat stones....were still in neat rows as recent as 1970." Where the exact location of some or all of the remains is not important, only that they are never forgotten.
A marker engraved, says Fort Duffield, 1861 - 1865 "In Memory of our Civil War dead."
It appears that some may have been taken back to Michigan for reburial. Some were taken to the National Cemetery in New Albany, Indiana. But the US Army and the Veterans administration, can find no record of them being moved to another site.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The South is FULL Of History
July 23, 2012 ( Monday)
Cousin Elaine said she would meet us in Flemingsburg for lunch. Then we would show my youngest and my spouse, some of the sights that Ken and I had visited a few years back with Elaine and her sister. After Lunch at the Bowling lane, we drove up to the cemetery. Elaine had my two boys in her car. She had forgotten just where the memorial to Vachel ( Rev War) was located. Finally we found it! HE is not buried there, but just a couple miles down the road on the two lane "Highway," between Maysville and Flemingsburg. It seems that in the 1930's they decided to connect the two towns, which are about 20 miles apart. They just Paved Right Over Vachel's final resting place. We suspect his first wife was also there. His second wife, Nancy Roy ( my Five times Great Grandmother ) had been taken by her sons from a previous marriage and buried out of state. Here in Flemingsburg Pioneer Cemetery, the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, had erected a monument in his honor. Next to Vachel's monument was his and Nancy's son, and daughter in -law. This was Elaine's and my four times Great Grandfather Hezekiah and our Grandmother Mary, (Polly) Bennett Tatum.
Then on the Road Again! We drove to the old covered bridge, crossing it, and out towards the Old Warm Springs.
Our Great Grandparents Hezekiah and Mary, had owned some land between the 1830's and 1840's. Now it was a former Bed and Breakfast on the spot. Ken and I had visited it before with Elaine and her sister. This day found us standing outside an empty house, up for sale, along with 327 acres including the 22 acre lake out front. Only for almost 0ne million dollars!
Two bad, that after almost two hundred years, we could not bring it back into the family!
We said goodbye to our wonderful cousin, and we headed out exploring.......our rental car was taking good care of us!
Cousin Elaine said she would meet us in Flemingsburg for lunch. Then we would show my youngest and my spouse, some of the sights that Ken and I had visited a few years back with Elaine and her sister. After Lunch at the Bowling lane, we drove up to the cemetery. Elaine had my two boys in her car. She had forgotten just where the memorial to Vachel ( Rev War) was located. Finally we found it! HE is not buried there, but just a couple miles down the road on the two lane "Highway," between Maysville and Flemingsburg. It seems that in the 1930's they decided to connect the two towns, which are about 20 miles apart. They just Paved Right Over Vachel's final resting place. We suspect his first wife was also there. His second wife, Nancy Roy ( my Five times Great Grandmother ) had been taken by her sons from a previous marriage and buried out of state. Here in Flemingsburg Pioneer Cemetery, the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, had erected a monument in his honor. Next to Vachel's monument was his and Nancy's son, and daughter in -law. This was Elaine's and my four times Great Grandfather Hezekiah and our Grandmother Mary, (Polly) Bennett Tatum.
Then on the Road Again! We drove to the old covered bridge, crossing it, and out towards the Old Warm Springs.
Our Great Grandparents Hezekiah and Mary, had owned some land between the 1830's and 1840's. Now it was a former Bed and Breakfast on the spot. Ken and I had visited it before with Elaine and her sister. This day found us standing outside an empty house, up for sale, along with 327 acres including the 22 acre lake out front. Only for almost 0ne million dollars!
Two bad, that after almost two hundred years, we could not bring it back into the family!
We said goodbye to our wonderful cousin, and we headed out exploring.......our rental car was taking good care of us!
GOOD Ol' Southern Hospitiality
22 July 2012 ( Sunday)
That Morning, I went down to the store and got some veggie trays. They had said it was going to be a potluck. Of course they had not expected us to bring anything, but I was not going empty handed.
I knew how patriotic they were and had packed some red, white and blue, flag napkins in my bags prior to leaving Oregon.
We arrived at Pride Park, and we were right on time. Only three other families were the first ones there. The sun was getting warmer and everyone headed into the community building. More people started showing....kids and babes in tow!
Some of the historian's in the family had brought materials to hand out. How I had met these "Cousins" of mine, was by accident. This was my Second reunion with them, and mine and my son Ken's Second trip to KY.
It was JC' s and Justin's first!
I had found the last name Hinton from another distant cousin, who had given me the task of finding more on our distant Hinton line. She knew that we had come from a Grandfather who was the last of the Viking age which ended with the Battle he and his brother fought with William the Conqueror, in 1066 AD. Their great Distant grandson, ( our GF) was Sir Thomas Hinton, well known in England and a co founder of Jamestown Colony. He and his son had been personal attendants of King James and Later King George.
Elaine was the GGGGG Granddaughter, ( as am I) of Vachel Hinton who fought in the Rev War at Redstone, with the Virginia Militia. His son from a second marriage, was Hezekiah, and Elaine's and my gr GF. Hezekiah's daughter Sara Ann Hinton had married a " Davis" and left the state of KY prior to the Civil War. Sara's brother was William "Doc" who was Elaine's gr GF. Following the Civil war, no one knew what happened to Sarah Ann ( Sally).
It appears that all the family lines were accounted for, except ours! Now after more then one hundred-forty years, we had found each other, based on my detective work!
We had a wonderful day, with great Southern Cooking. The guys ( and some gals) played a game called "Corn Hole," which is like playing horseshoes, only you toss a Bean Bag into a wooden structure with holes in it. You have a partner and you complete against another couple.
Many of us brought items of Art work home made, or other items, and had a auction. The money from this ended up being over $700.00!! This will be used to clean up the pioneer Cemeteries around KY and elsewhere.
Back to the hotel for a good night sleep.
That Morning, I went down to the store and got some veggie trays. They had said it was going to be a potluck. Of course they had not expected us to bring anything, but I was not going empty handed.
I knew how patriotic they were and had packed some red, white and blue, flag napkins in my bags prior to leaving Oregon.
We arrived at Pride Park, and we were right on time. Only three other families were the first ones there. The sun was getting warmer and everyone headed into the community building. More people started showing....kids and babes in tow!
Some of the historian's in the family had brought materials to hand out. How I had met these "Cousins" of mine, was by accident. This was my Second reunion with them, and mine and my son Ken's Second trip to KY.
It was JC' s and Justin's first!
I had found the last name Hinton from another distant cousin, who had given me the task of finding more on our distant Hinton line. She knew that we had come from a Grandfather who was the last of the Viking age which ended with the Battle he and his brother fought with William the Conqueror, in 1066 AD. Their great Distant grandson, ( our GF) was Sir Thomas Hinton, well known in England and a co founder of Jamestown Colony. He and his son had been personal attendants of King James and Later King George.
Elaine was the GGGGG Granddaughter, ( as am I) of Vachel Hinton who fought in the Rev War at Redstone, with the Virginia Militia. His son from a second marriage, was Hezekiah, and Elaine's and my gr GF. Hezekiah's daughter Sara Ann Hinton had married a " Davis" and left the state of KY prior to the Civil War. Sara's brother was William "Doc" who was Elaine's gr GF. Following the Civil war, no one knew what happened to Sarah Ann ( Sally).
It appears that all the family lines were accounted for, except ours! Now after more then one hundred-forty years, we had found each other, based on my detective work!
We had a wonderful day, with great Southern Cooking. The guys ( and some gals) played a game called "Corn Hole," which is like playing horseshoes, only you toss a Bean Bag into a wooden structure with holes in it. You have a partner and you complete against another couple.
Many of us brought items of Art work home made, or other items, and had a auction. The money from this ended up being over $700.00!! This will be used to clean up the pioneer Cemeteries around KY and elsewhere.
Back to the hotel for a good night sleep.
Kentucky at last!
Saturday 21 July 2012
My husband JC and two sons and I were so exhausted from the trip. If we had only had one stop on the way, it would not have been as bad. And the gates were so far apart. My husband found himself traveling by wheelchair throughout the airport because of his healing foot from the past surgery's. The Delta service was great!
We spent most of Saturday morning, sleeping in our hotel. We went out for a while, traveling around to get our bearings.
The Eco Lodge was not far from where the Family reunion was to be held at Pride Park. This was just a few miles from the CVG - Cinni/Northern KY International Airport. Pride Park was off the Taylor Exit, and I wanted to make sure we knew the day before where it was.
In the hotel lobby, was a pamphlet on many sights of interest. One was the Kentucky Horse Park down the freeway.
Spontaneously we headed that direction. We ended up driving into the most lovely grounds. White vinyl fencing for as far as you can see. Thoroughbred horses grazing everywhere! It was a peaceful and pleasant drive around the grounds.
We kept seeing "Bryer Fest" signs. I had no idea what this meant? We stopped near a large building. It had a sign "Concert tonight." Two ladies came out with a Texas accent. They explained that Bryer were small model horses, like the kind I use to collect as a girl. They are very collectible and can go for thousands. People come from all over the world...once a year for days of trading, and other activities.
They reached in and handed us three tickets to the "Beatle" concert that night. They were not going to be using them.
They gave me a pin to get into all the remaining attractions, and I paid for three more tickets at 2/3 off for my husband and sons. We saw jousting and other shows in the main area. They had a benefit raffle, giving away 25 Bryer horses. I found out later they were the only 25 to be made, and the mold was broken. Those who's names were drawn found themselves the proud owner of a model ( Toy) horse possibly worth in the hundreds, if not close to $1000 from what I was told.
We went into the Horse Museum. "Man of War," and other famous horses are honored here, with their owners and managers. Famous Hollywood Horses are also displayed in pictures and other art forms.
That night we went to the concert, where a couple of ladies from up north, gave me an extra ticket they were not using.
We found ourselves at the "British Invasion," Fest.
Five men in their thirties, from Chicago Illinois, are known as the "Brit Beat." They dress up in various costumes and sing all the popular Beatles Tunes. They have taken on the names of Paul, John, George, and Ringo. They have one other gentleman, who plays with them.
I felt like I was 10 years old again, their music was so good. You could shut your eyes, and feel that it was really the Real Beatles you were listening to, accents and all. Afterwards I spoke to them....the accents were gone.
Met some great people from around the country and the world.....enjoyed the live band, and drove back to our hotel, ready to sleep; and head out the next day, for the family reunion.
My husband JC and two sons and I were so exhausted from the trip. If we had only had one stop on the way, it would not have been as bad. And the gates were so far apart. My husband found himself traveling by wheelchair throughout the airport because of his healing foot from the past surgery's. The Delta service was great!
We spent most of Saturday morning, sleeping in our hotel. We went out for a while, traveling around to get our bearings.
The Eco Lodge was not far from where the Family reunion was to be held at Pride Park. This was just a few miles from the CVG - Cinni/Northern KY International Airport. Pride Park was off the Taylor Exit, and I wanted to make sure we knew the day before where it was.
In the hotel lobby, was a pamphlet on many sights of interest. One was the Kentucky Horse Park down the freeway.
Spontaneously we headed that direction. We ended up driving into the most lovely grounds. White vinyl fencing for as far as you can see. Thoroughbred horses grazing everywhere! It was a peaceful and pleasant drive around the grounds.
We kept seeing "Bryer Fest" signs. I had no idea what this meant? We stopped near a large building. It had a sign "Concert tonight." Two ladies came out with a Texas accent. They explained that Bryer were small model horses, like the kind I use to collect as a girl. They are very collectible and can go for thousands. People come from all over the world...once a year for days of trading, and other activities.
They reached in and handed us three tickets to the "Beatle" concert that night. They were not going to be using them.
They gave me a pin to get into all the remaining attractions, and I paid for three more tickets at 2/3 off for my husband and sons. We saw jousting and other shows in the main area. They had a benefit raffle, giving away 25 Bryer horses. I found out later they were the only 25 to be made, and the mold was broken. Those who's names were drawn found themselves the proud owner of a model ( Toy) horse possibly worth in the hundreds, if not close to $1000 from what I was told.
We went into the Horse Museum. "Man of War," and other famous horses are honored here, with their owners and managers. Famous Hollywood Horses are also displayed in pictures and other art forms.
That night we went to the concert, where a couple of ladies from up north, gave me an extra ticket they were not using.
We found ourselves at the "British Invasion," Fest.
Five men in their thirties, from Chicago Illinois, are known as the "Brit Beat." They dress up in various costumes and sing all the popular Beatles Tunes. They have taken on the names of Paul, John, George, and Ringo. They have one other gentleman, who plays with them.
I felt like I was 10 years old again, their music was so good. You could shut your eyes, and feel that it was really the Real Beatles you were listening to, accents and all. Afterwards I spoke to them....the accents were gone.
Met some great people from around the country and the world.....enjoyed the live band, and drove back to our hotel, ready to sleep; and head out the next day, for the family reunion.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
"FLY, FLY AWAY"
19 July, 2012
Thursday
Spent the day running all over town, trying to make sure that the livestock had plenty of food for the week. A young teenager agreed to come over daily to feed the 11 pygmie goats, Two dogs, Cats, geese and the morning dove. Watering the garden was a Must!
Finally late in the evening, our bags packed, my diary tucked away to record the trip and my husband and two youngest adult sons, and I were off to Medford to get a hotel near the airport. My number three of five chose to stay home this trip.
I had explained that it was a combination of business ( military) and short family vacation. We would be meeting up in KY with some distant cousins on Sunday. He did not want to leave his mother cat or kittens alone, as he was not sure if his roommate would be home.
20 July 2012
Off to the Airport, to find out that my 23 year olds plane ( different flight then ours) was going to be delayed three or more hours. It appeared that one of this two connecting flights to Cinn/ Northern KY international ( CVG) was being halted by air traffic controllers. The San Francisco Airport was fogged in, so the Medford, OR flight to SF was not going to leave for hours....
A nice man working as a supervisor for United, got permission for him to fly with us ( his brother and parents) on Delta.
We took off after lunch time for the long flight to KY. Take offs were always smooth, but the landings were generally rough. No longer do they serve meals, even across country. Not unless you are in "First Class."
So it was expensive Airport terminal food between stops....and nuts and pretzels with soda's and juices in between.
Finally we landed in KY and found our way to our hotel a few miles from the airport! We were exhausted and collapsed in deep sleep!.
Thursday
Spent the day running all over town, trying to make sure that the livestock had plenty of food for the week. A young teenager agreed to come over daily to feed the 11 pygmie goats, Two dogs, Cats, geese and the morning dove. Watering the garden was a Must!
Finally late in the evening, our bags packed, my diary tucked away to record the trip and my husband and two youngest adult sons, and I were off to Medford to get a hotel near the airport. My number three of five chose to stay home this trip.
I had explained that it was a combination of business ( military) and short family vacation. We would be meeting up in KY with some distant cousins on Sunday. He did not want to leave his mother cat or kittens alone, as he was not sure if his roommate would be home.
20 July 2012
Off to the Airport, to find out that my 23 year olds plane ( different flight then ours) was going to be delayed three or more hours. It appeared that one of this two connecting flights to Cinn/ Northern KY international ( CVG) was being halted by air traffic controllers. The San Francisco Airport was fogged in, so the Medford, OR flight to SF was not going to leave for hours....
A nice man working as a supervisor for United, got permission for him to fly with us ( his brother and parents) on Delta.
We took off after lunch time for the long flight to KY. Take offs were always smooth, but the landings were generally rough. No longer do they serve meals, even across country. Not unless you are in "First Class."
So it was expensive Airport terminal food between stops....and nuts and pretzels with soda's and juices in between.
Finally we landed in KY and found our way to our hotel a few miles from the airport! We were exhausted and collapsed in deep sleep!.
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