Keeper of the Records: Ancestor Approved Award

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Ancestor Approved Award - April 4, 2010

These three blog authors have awarded me the Ancestor Approved Award! They also write family history related blogs. Be sure to visit their sites.

Michelle at The Turning of Generations
Carol from Reflections From the Fence
Bonnie/Valentinoswife over at Amore E Sapore di Famiglia

Sometimes you wonder if anyone is even reading what you post! This is confirmation that people are reading my blog and some consider it award worthy - so a big THANK YOU to them!

With the acceptance of this award comes the obligation to "list ten things you have learned about any of your ancestors that has surprised, humbled, or enlightened you” and also to “pass the award along to ten other bloggers who you feel are doing their ancestors proud.”

I really took a long time to tackle this one. Not that I was procrastinating, but because I had house guests last week! Thanks for your patience. So here goes...

The first thing that comes to mind are all of those ancestors of mine who have served in the military, especially during wartime. I am humbled by their service to country, flag, and freedom.
Next I think about all the farmers! I know these first two are somewhat broad, but I can't seem to get anything to grow - did not inherit the green thumb. Everytime I go to the grocery store I am humbled by farmers who grow the food that keeps me and my family alive. I had a lot of ancestors who were general farmers.
My 3rd great grand-uncle, Judge Allen Baskin, was accidentally struck by lightening and died.
Immigrant ancestors come to mind. Specifically, my 9th great grandfather, Col. Thomas Pettus, from Norwich, England. He was the youngest of 12 children - almost certain not to inherit anything from his father. Believed to be a widower (not proven yet) he came to Jamestowne in 1638.
I'm surprised to have many Jamestowne ancestors! Love reading about this time in history and the "starving time", Indian attacks, and other calamities that occurred which people continued to endure to gain freedom and become land owners in their own right.
Having read a lot of accounts about migrations westward, I am truly amazed at what people endured to make a new life for themselves in an often unknown place. Similar to emigrants, I am humbled by their courage.
My great grandfather, Henry Ermon McVicker, lost both his first wife and young twin children during the 1918 flu epidemic.
Hugh Baskin was one of my Revolutionary War patriot ancestors. He rode a horse 394 days from May 12, 1780 to July 12, 1783.
Three of my female relatives married their husband's twice (married, divorced them, then married them again).
I am still astounded that I was able to walk into the Abbeville, SC Courthouse and put my hands on Hugh Baskin's original will from 1790!