November 25, 2024
McCracken Antics
With the holiday weekend coming up, it seems like a good time to share some fun short stories of Joe and Nellie (Peelle) McCracken’s kids. On The Roof The younger McCracken kids liked to tell stories about their older siblings. One of them involved the time some of the older kids along with some of their friends decided to have some fun by putting a buggy up on someone’s roof. We aren’t sure whose
November 18, 2024
Statistically Speaking
Family history is about facts and stories. However, it is also interesting to look at it from a statistical perspective. Statistics about a family can include number of direct ancestors, size of family tree, immigration years, longevity, causes of death, military service branches, occupations, political leanings, religious beliefs, and more. This article takes a look at a few set of statistics using both numerical and visual methods. Family Tree Size The chart shows
November 10, 2024
Soldiers And Fireworks
My family has been supporting our country since before it was a country. Therefore, when I think of cultural traditions, I think of soldiers and fireworks to celebrate the birth of this great nation. Soldiers With Veteran’s Day being this week, it is a good time to honor all that have served. Reviewing my Military Honor Wall, over 200 of Rod’s and my direct ancestors and relatives (including spouses of relatives),
November 7, 2024
John Peelle: The Colorful Storyteller
Newspapers reported that although they could report on John Peelle’s stories, a person had to hear them directly from John to properly appreciate them. He told many of the same stories over and over. Yet, it seemed the people of Wayne County, Indiana never grew tired of hearing them. Old Settlers Organization Organizing The Old Settler’s Organization held an organizing meeting on July 21, 1855. John Peelle, son of Passco and Tabitha (Dunigan) Peelle,
October 29, 2024
A Challenging Life
Not a lot is known about my great-great grandfather Joseph Lewis Ellis’ brother Stephen. However, his life and the life of those around him must have been very challenging. Stephen’s Illness Stephen E. Ellis (Elless) was born August 5, 1841 in Ripley County, Indiana. He was the fourth child and third son of David and Lucy Ann (Storms) Ellis. David and Lucy Ann would go on to have 4 more children after Stephen was