Just dropping a note that I've read Irving Bacheller's Vergilius, A Tale of the Coming of Christ (1904) , and Coming up the Road (1928), his autobiography. Very insightful look at his hardscrabble upbringing and struggle to survive in New York City. Associated with some incredibly famous people such as Mark Twain.
Vergilius ebook: http://manybooks.net/titles/bachelle1649116491-8.html
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Are we related to anybody famous?
Children, know thine ancestors.
Well, at least those we think we may be related to. According to my dad, Madeline Bacheller Downie held that we were related to author Addison Irving Bacheller. I wrote to my Great Aunt Nedra, 2nd wife of Herbert Worden Bacheller, because she had many genealogy books on the Bachellers and she wrote back: "Dear alan, Irving Bacheller was a distant cousin of your grandfathers. I think John Bacheller about 4 generations from Josuha, was married twice. Your grandfather came from the first marriage and Irving from the second, I think his ancestor was Theophilous. but I'm not sure. I have to go back thru and look it up. His father was Paul Bacheller."
As of yet, I haven't had the fortitude to go back and prove this through genealogy research, but that's the fun of genealogy - having brick walls to scale. Suffice it to say he is a distant cousin of our direct Bacheller line. I do have the line back to Joshua, born 1640 in England. I acquired several of Irving's books on ebay and have thouroughly enjoyed his writing. Most of his works take place in New York State and New England.
He was fairly well known. Among his acheivements he founded the first modern newspaper syndicate in the United States, pioneering the idea. It was through the Bacheller Syndicate that he brought to American readers the writings of British authors such as Joseph Conrad, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Rudyard Kipling. He served as a war correspondent in France during World War I. Writing novels primarily concerned with early American life in the North Country of New York State, in 1900 his novel "Eben Holden," subtitled A Tale of the North Country, proved a major success. According to the New York Times, "Eben Holden" was the 4th bestselling novel in the United States in 1900. In 1901 the book was still ranked fifth for the year and his next novel issued that year titled "D'ri and I" was 10th in annual sales. Sixteen years later, Bacheller's work "The Light in the Clearing" was the No.2 best-selling book in America and in 1920, "A Man for the Ages" was fifth.
Well, at least those we think we may be related to. According to my dad, Madeline Bacheller Downie held that we were related to author Addison Irving Bacheller. I wrote to my Great Aunt Nedra, 2nd wife of Herbert Worden Bacheller, because she had many genealogy books on the Bachellers and she wrote back: "Dear alan, Irving Bacheller was a distant cousin of your grandfathers. I think John Bacheller about 4 generations from Josuha, was married twice. Your grandfather came from the first marriage and Irving from the second, I think his ancestor was Theophilous. but I'm not sure. I have to go back thru and look it up. His father was Paul Bacheller."
As of yet, I haven't had the fortitude to go back and prove this through genealogy research, but that's the fun of genealogy - having brick walls to scale. Suffice it to say he is a distant cousin of our direct Bacheller line. I do have the line back to Joshua, born 1640 in England. I acquired several of Irving's books on ebay and have thouroughly enjoyed his writing. Most of his works take place in New York State and New England.
A good biography is here: http://www.online-literature.com/irving-bacheller/
He was fairly well known. Among his acheivements he founded the first modern newspaper syndicate in the United States, pioneering the idea. It was through the Bacheller Syndicate that he brought to American readers the writings of British authors such as Joseph Conrad, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Rudyard Kipling. He served as a war correspondent in France during World War I. Writing novels primarily concerned with early American life in the North Country of New York State, in 1900 his novel "Eben Holden," subtitled A Tale of the North Country, proved a major success. According to the New York Times, "Eben Holden" was the 4th bestselling novel in the United States in 1900. In 1901 the book was still ranked fifth for the year and his next novel issued that year titled "D'ri and I" was 10th in annual sales. Sixteen years later, Bacheller's work "The Light in the Clearing" was the No.2 best-selling book in America and in 1920, "A Man for the Ages" was fifth.
In later years, he served on the board of trustees of both St. Lawrence University and Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida where he built a home, called Gate o' the Isles, and spent his winters from 1919 through 1940. To find the riddle behind this name, read his book "Darryl of the Blessed Isles" - a really humorous and engaging read.
St. Lawrence's Gunninson Memorial Chapel bells are named "The Bacheller Memorial Chimes" in his honor. Additionally, the St Lawrence English department's honorary society is named for him("The Irving Bacheller Society") , and one of the dining halls bears the name "Eben Holden."
http://www.stlawu.edu/chapel/chimes/facts.htm
Bacheller played a key role in the development of Rollins College when, in 1925, he was named head of a search committee to find a new president for the school. He remembered a magazine editor he had known and admired in New York, Hamilton Holt, and he wrote to Holt offering him the job saying, "It's a cinch for a man of your capacity." Holt took the job and changed the face of Rollins College, with the help of Bachellor, from a tiny school with very little money, to a school with a multimillion dollar endowment and a beautiful, thriving campus. In 1940, with Holt still president, Rollins College announced the creation of a professorship of creative writing in Irving Bacheller's name.
Access an audio version of "Eben Holden" here:
Friday, March 19, 2010
Downie/Bacheller Family Trees
Now that we're underway, I took some time to put together the Downie family tree chart as far back as I have it. This starts with Gordon and Madeline (Bacheller). Don't worry Radleys, I will soon publish yours, which goes back even further. I have more facts on some of the ancestors in it, but just included some basic information for these trees.
The "Direct" tree has our ancestors direct line only. The "All Siblings" is expanded to include all the ancestors siblings. I have many more individuals related by marriage (1700+, 546 marriages) and can send you an "all-in-one" family tree if you are interested.
These are in printable jpg format - they can be printed on a regular printer then taped together, or printed on a large format plotter. Now go rock those genealogy term papers.
The "Direct" tree has our ancestors direct line only. The "All Siblings" is expanded to include all the ancestors siblings. I have many more individuals related by marriage (1700+, 546 marriages) and can send you an "all-in-one" family tree if you are interested.
These are in printable jpg format - they can be printed on a regular printer then taped together, or printed on a large format plotter. Now go rock those genealogy term papers.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
OK, it's been awhile. I think I'm waffling about where to start. My grandparents are deceased on both sides, so lets start with them.
J. (James) Gordon Downie Born: Sept 4, 1910 Oneonta, NY Died: March 1, 1990 Oneonta, NY
Married: Madeline Ruth Bacheller Born: Sept 28, 1909 Andes, NY Died: Sept 5, 1990 Oneonta, NY I realize now I do not have a wedding date - will get from Dad.
I was blessed to know both my grandparents on my fathers side, though they separated later in life. My Grandma Downie lived down the road from us, and even though it was about a mile away, my mom used to let me deliver ingredients for sugar cookies to her in my little red wagon, then return triumphantly later in the day, my wagon laden with warm goodies. I learned to play piano on her ancient "player" piano. As a child I was always curious about the player scrolls kept on the bottom shelf of her bookcase, but never got to see the player piano in action - it may have been broken (or at least that's what I was told). Favorite memories include her big white owl cookie jar and when she tried her best to make chocolate milk for us in her blender (for some reason milk got all over the counter and I remember feeling so sorry for her). My brothers and I spent hours exploring her root cellar, small pond, ginormous oak trees, creaky house, cow pasture, apple orchard and gazing ball in the yard. I stopped by the house as my parents were keeping vigil just before she passed away and I saw her for the last time. She had a perpetual smile and always reminded us of Queen Elizabeth in her countenance. Favorite phrase: (said happily, through a grin) "Oh, dear."
Madeline in blue. See what I mean about the Queen Elizabeth resemblance? With Aunt Betty and Uncle Stan at her house on East Street in Oneonta, NY. Grandpa's insurance sign in foreground.
Madeline (Downie), Herbert, Jeanette (Laures) and Lillian (Dartt) Bacheller. Late 1950's/early 1960's?
Gordon in green shirt and Madeline in blue dress (there's the perpetual grin). Madeline's mother Sarah Mae "Sadie" Worden (remarried Fred Bennett) is on far right. We knew her as Grandma Bennett. This must be May 1970 based on the candles and the kids.
I recall playing in my Grandpa's insurance office which was attached to my Grandma's house on East Street in Oneonta. I pretended his staple remover was a rattle snake and his old school eraser wheel was a tropical bird. Measuring office supplies on his letter scale was a favorite activity. He also raised chickens and beef cattle. My most vivid memory of him however is not anything visual, but rather his smokey aroma and deep, gravelly voice - gained from years of smoking unfiltered Camels and pipes. I recall weeping at his funeral over something my brother who hunted with him sent on his flower arrangement card, "I will miss hunting with you on the crisp fall mornings" (my paraphrase). For some reason, that sent me over the top and turned on the waterworks. He owned a maple sugar grove and taught my older brothers how to tap the trees, run the plastic sap lines and operate the boiler in his sugar shack. I was too young to be of any help, but remember meals of chicken and biscuits seated in close quarters around the boiler. Later the shack and grove were sold and a house was built on the property, but the shack and grove are still there.
Great shot of the boiler inside the Sugar Shack. Gordon with my brother, who later took over the reigns of syrup making. I inherited my grandpa's cheek moles and fetish for cool shades.
One of the kickass perks of growing up with Gordon was that we had our own pony to ride. Here is the venerable "King" in my Grandpa's driveway on East Street in Oneonta. Looks like someone forgot to bring in the hay.
Sheesh, bro give someone else a turn on the pony, will ya? Actually I wasn't born yet (@1970)- I put in this picture because it shows my Grandpa's pasture and barn in the background which has been renovated and still remains on Upper East Street in Oneonta. The pond and gazing ball were just down the hill to the right. My brother's face would freeze like that until Spring.
J. (James) Gordon Downie Born: Sept 4, 1910 Oneonta, NY Died: March 1, 1990 Oneonta, NY
Married: Madeline Ruth Bacheller Born: Sept 28, 1909 Andes, NY Died: Sept 5, 1990 Oneonta, NY I realize now I do not have a wedding date - will get from Dad.
I was blessed to know both my grandparents on my fathers side, though they separated later in life. My Grandma Downie lived down the road from us, and even though it was about a mile away, my mom used to let me deliver ingredients for sugar cookies to her in my little red wagon, then return triumphantly later in the day, my wagon laden with warm goodies. I learned to play piano on her ancient "player" piano. As a child I was always curious about the player scrolls kept on the bottom shelf of her bookcase, but never got to see the player piano in action - it may have been broken (or at least that's what I was told). Favorite memories include her big white owl cookie jar and when she tried her best to make chocolate milk for us in her blender (for some reason milk got all over the counter and I remember feeling so sorry for her). My brothers and I spent hours exploring her root cellar, small pond, ginormous oak trees, creaky house, cow pasture, apple orchard and gazing ball in the yard. I stopped by the house as my parents were keeping vigil just before she passed away and I saw her for the last time. She had a perpetual smile and always reminded us of Queen Elizabeth in her countenance. Favorite phrase: (said happily, through a grin) "Oh, dear."
Madeline in blue. See what I mean about the Queen Elizabeth resemblance? With Aunt Betty and Uncle Stan at her house on East Street in Oneonta, NY. Grandpa's insurance sign in foreground.Madeline (Downie), Herbert, Jeanette (Laures) and Lillian (Dartt) Bacheller. Late 1950's/early 1960's?Gordon in green shirt and Madeline in blue dress (there's the perpetual grin). Madeline's mother Sarah Mae "Sadie" Worden (remarried Fred Bennett) is on far right. We knew her as Grandma Bennett. This must be May 1970 based on the candles and the kids.I recall playing in my Grandpa's insurance office which was attached to my Grandma's house on East Street in Oneonta. I pretended his staple remover was a rattle snake and his old school eraser wheel was a tropical bird. Measuring office supplies on his letter scale was a favorite activity. He also raised chickens and beef cattle. My most vivid memory of him however is not anything visual, but rather his smokey aroma and deep, gravelly voice - gained from years of smoking unfiltered Camels and pipes. I recall weeping at his funeral over something my brother who hunted with him sent on his flower arrangement card, "I will miss hunting with you on the crisp fall mornings" (my paraphrase). For some reason, that sent me over the top and turned on the waterworks. He owned a maple sugar grove and taught my older brothers how to tap the trees, run the plastic sap lines and operate the boiler in his sugar shack. I was too young to be of any help, but remember meals of chicken and biscuits seated in close quarters around the boiler. Later the shack and grove were sold and a house was built on the property, but the shack and grove are still there.
Great shot of the boiler inside the Sugar Shack. Gordon with my brother, who later took over the reigns of syrup making. I inherited my grandpa's cheek moles and fetish for cool shades. One of the kickass perks of growing up with Gordon was that we had our own pony to ride. Here is the venerable "King" in my Grandpa's driveway on East Street in Oneonta. Looks like someone forgot to bring in the hay.Sheesh, bro give someone else a turn on the pony, will ya? Actually I wasn't born yet (@1970)- I put in this picture because it shows my Grandpa's pasture and barn in the background which has been renovated and still remains on Upper East Street in Oneonta. The pond and gazing ball were just down the hill to the right. My brother's face would freeze like that until Spring.Thanks to my mom and dad for getting these slides scanned and sharing them!!!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Early Delaware County Maps
Hmm, my links aren't showing up. Here are some early Delaware County Maps. Delaware County was the destination of the John Downie family after landing in Castle Garden, New York City. These maps date from the time they arrived (1829, 1856). But more on that later...
Early New York State Maps
Until I can get the family stuff goin on, here are some interesting old New York State maps to check out. Click on them for larger, more readable versions. They are in descending order: 1846, 1822, 1814, 1812 and 1796.
I'm currently reading the Life and Adventures of Frank Grouard who was abducted by the Crow tribe, then adopted by Sitting Bull and lived with the Sioux for many years before transitioning back into civilization and becoming a scout for the army. He is credited with being the first scout to observe the field of Custer's Last Stand after investigating smoke signals from the area and stumbling over the bodies of scalped soldiers in the dark. It's been an eye opening account of the violence and intrigue between the Native Americans and the US Army on the frontier in the late 1800's.
I'm currently reading the Life and Adventures of Frank Grouard who was abducted by the Crow tribe, then adopted by Sitting Bull and lived with the Sioux for many years before transitioning back into civilization and becoming a scout for the army. He is credited with being the first scout to observe the field of Custer's Last Stand after investigating smoke signals from the area and stumbling over the bodies of scalped soldiers in the dark. It's been an eye opening account of the violence and intrigue between the Native Americans and the US Army on the frontier in the late 1800's.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Why Genealogy?
As I've waded into the genealogical realm, I've observed that family pride and historical interest often are the reasons people keep track of family history. For me, the main motivator is the more personal question each of us must grapple with - who am I, why am I here, and where am I headed? OK, that's three questions. In our culture that moves at warp speed, finding time to pass on values and helping the next generation understand who they are is more difficult than it used to be (hey, I'm too busy figuring out who I am!). I often find myself thinking distraction is one of Satan's favorite weapons.
It's 2010 - 10 years ago, we did not have MP3 players, because there weren't any MP3's. PlayStation 1 and Game Cube were cutting edge game systems (is the Wii great, or what?). 5 Gig hard drives were the bomb. We still watched videos, not DVDs, and the Blue Ray wasn't even yet a blueprint. The Internet was staggeringly slow, and don't forget the "ba-bing, ba-bing, ca-ching, staaaaaatic" sound we had to endure each time to log on. Now look at any Sunday sales flyer and bask in the LED glow of all the distractions that call to us. It's not that we don't have time to understand who we are, it's that we fill our schedules with other, temporal things.
Genealogy has taught me about where I come from, who I am, and where I am going. It has inspired me through the stories of my ancestors who literally risked, and at times lost, the lives of their families to escape the desperate conditions in Europe in the 19th century. It has made me realize I am part of something bigger - a legacy - a struggle that started long before I was born, and now that God has given us children, will continue on after I've become an entry in the "Died" column. I now realize that my hands are not my own - they are also the hands that fought for liberty, rebelled against British oppression, crushed a German war machine, worked the soil, milked the cows, and built a free nation. Many of the ills of our country right now can be attributed to forgetting what it cost to get us here. Genealogy is remembering, and in doing so, honoring our ancestors sacrifices, while at the same time giving us inspiration to keep striving to live lives worthy of their dreams, and their hopes for their children.
It's 2010 - 10 years ago, we did not have MP3 players, because there weren't any MP3's. PlayStation 1 and Game Cube were cutting edge game systems (is the Wii great, or what?). 5 Gig hard drives were the bomb. We still watched videos, not DVDs, and the Blue Ray wasn't even yet a blueprint. The Internet was staggeringly slow, and don't forget the "ba-bing, ba-bing, ca-ching, staaaaaatic" sound we had to endure each time to log on. Now look at any Sunday sales flyer and bask in the LED glow of all the distractions that call to us. It's not that we don't have time to understand who we are, it's that we fill our schedules with other, temporal things.
Genealogy has taught me about where I come from, who I am, and where I am going. It has inspired me through the stories of my ancestors who literally risked, and at times lost, the lives of their families to escape the desperate conditions in Europe in the 19th century. It has made me realize I am part of something bigger - a legacy - a struggle that started long before I was born, and now that God has given us children, will continue on after I've become an entry in the "Died" column. I now realize that my hands are not my own - they are also the hands that fought for liberty, rebelled against British oppression, crushed a German war machine, worked the soil, milked the cows, and built a free nation. Many of the ills of our country right now can be attributed to forgetting what it cost to get us here. Genealogy is remembering, and in doing so, honoring our ancestors sacrifices, while at the same time giving us inspiration to keep striving to live lives worthy of their dreams, and their hopes for their children.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Let's Get it Started!
For years I've planned to organize and save all my genealogy information to CD's to distribute to family members, but then it occurred to me that a blog might be a more appropriate medium than the static CD for information that is constantly being updated, revised and corrected. And it allows family members to view it as they wish - instead of at gunpoint. So I've reserved the space, I've got a 55 gallon storage bin of information to transcribe, and now all I need to do is find the time and motivation for this. We'll see how it goes....
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