tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60488028899874376212024-03-12T21:42:02.086-04:00I Never Knew My FatherThe History Of An African American Taliaferro Family In Georgiasjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-21203058913890031932010-02-12T11:37:00.002-05:002010-02-12T11:41:07.880-05:00Follow Friday: We've Moved!!<em>I Never Knew My Father </em>has moved, and we're sporting a new look. <br />
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You can find me at <a href="http://www.ineverknewmyfather.com/">http://www.ineverknewmyfather.com/</a>. I hope you'll continue to follow me there. I appreciate your patience and support during this transition.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-46365556806670498632010-02-06T22:38:00.002-05:002010-02-06T22:46:07.671-05:00Feeling Restless - Time For A Change<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Well now, I've only been blogging since September 2009, and already I feel it's time for a change. I'm still a newbie, but something tells me it's time to move forward, and take on a few new challenges. <em>I Never Knew My Father</em> is undergoing a major overall; there will be a new look and a new location. It's still a work in progress, but things are moving along. I truly appreciate each and every one of my followers; your comments, support, and encouragement have been invaluable. I hope you'll hang in there with me while the blog goes through a little facelift. I think you'll like the new look.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-59319289852418564842010-02-02T01:19:00.005-05:002010-02-02T01:47:40.762-05:00Tombstone Tuesday: Rock Springs Cemetery - Lest I Forget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbWCO9jM3yPsk-hLRD70DhIcnFMoKIDlCSECsIA69Ws2Zzd36tDHqgTLCThQzdEEXFb328nMcQsHPUzjQl6TbAirSLwQMl21RFcT3jLtuEjSqmSty-zBwuKUuMVmZEyzWvrxIuRhlZ5O0/s1600-h/100_1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbWCO9jM3yPsk-hLRD70DhIcnFMoKIDlCSECsIA69Ws2Zzd36tDHqgTLCThQzdEEXFb328nMcQsHPUzjQl6TbAirSLwQMl21RFcT3jLtuEjSqmSty-zBwuKUuMVmZEyzWvrxIuRhlZ5O0/s320/100_1509.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last year I wrote about my search for <a href="http://ineverknewmyfather.blogspot.com/search/label/Rock%20Springs%20Cemetery">Rock Springs Cemetery</a>, the burial place for my great grandfather John Wesley Taliaferro, his brother Bob Toliver, and Alex Poole another relative whose relationship remains undetermined. I am still trying to confirm the exact location of the cemetery. I thought if I found others who were buried at the cemetery their records might give some clue to the location. I did find other burials, but all that’s stated on these death certificates is the name “Rock Springs” - no exact location. In my November 2009 post I promised to find and honor others buried in Rock Springs Cemetery, specifically those who lived in the same communities as my ancestors. I have searched through hundreds of Georgia death certificates available online in the <a href="http://content.sos.state.ga.us/cdm4/gadeaths.php">Georgia Virtual Vault</a>. So far I have found 15 persons, including my ancestors, whose death certificate indicates the burial place was Rock Springs Cemetery. Not a very large number, but I am proud. I wish I could identify with certainty their burial place. Maybe it is the Rock Springs Cemetery in Henry County, McDonough, GA that was the subject of my November 2009 post. It seems the most likely candidate. Yet, none of these names appear on any of the headstones. There is no finality. Maybe their remains are covered by the soil, weeds, and grass of the many unmarked graves. Maybe they lay beneath the graves marked only with a crude rock or stone. I picked this photo because of the little pink and white flower to the right of the stones that just happened to be there the day of my visit. Maybe it was a sign that someone was buried there...Maybe he was...Maybe she could be...Maybe they are... Maybe....Maybe... Maybe....</div><br />
Here, at the beginning of Black History Month, it seems an appropriate time to honor those buried in Rock Springs Cemetery. No, they are not the “typical” persons we think of during Black History Month. But, that does not diminish their importance as people- as African Americans who shared our history, our culture, our struggle. Each was someone’s child, and probably a mother or father, sister or brother. Some were most likely friends and neighbors. East Point and Hapeville were and still are neighboring communities here in the Atlanta metro area. No doubt some were probably related-Davis...Jackson...Wilson. Definitely, others were-Taliaferro...Toliver...Poole. All were God’s children who lived, loved, laughed, cried, and died. Gone, but remembered and loved by somebody, somewhere:<br />
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<strong>*DAVIS (née Ross), Mary Alice (d. 1926) East Point, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*DAVIS, James A. (D. 1926) East Point, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*DORSEY, Dennis (d. 1922) Atlanta, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*FULLER (née Jackson), Lizzie (d. 1925) East Point, GA </strong><br />
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<strong>*JACKSON, Marry C. (d. 1923) East Point, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*JACKSON (née Johnson), Cornelia (d. 1925) Atlanta, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*JACKSON, Mary (d. 1927) East Point, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*POOLE, Alex (d. 1923) East Point, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*ROSS (née Jackson), Dollie J. (d. 1927) East Point, GA </strong><br />
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<strong>*SEAGRAVES, Rueban J. (d. 1922) East Point, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*TALIAFERRO, J W (d. 1922) East Point, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*TOLIVER, Bob (d. 1920) East Point, GA </strong><br />
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<strong>*WILSON, Ison (d. 1921) Hapeville, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*WILSON, Robert (d. 1923) Hapeville, GA</strong><br />
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<strong>*WILSON, William (d. 1926) Hapeville, GA</strong><br />
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Maybe someone will happen upon this post and reclaim their long lost ancestor. THIS IS MY PRAYER.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-60155802163175129952010-01-27T13:46:00.001-05:002010-01-27T18:06:37.714-05:00Wordless Wednesday-Speechless !!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuq2nwFhgzanpbk34YbuhVKSsssqqo-1bW4ITd5IvoFCNaAxt-_k0aG6cSzIMESP3V5wSdf8VQi-s31aEvrg1xX66GYrLuH5N-R7vBDEvXWQ4jS_SbNoiaMUX3xayvMkrs8NAw2c58MR2/s1600-h/award_bloggersbestfriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuq2nwFhgzanpbk34YbuhVKSsssqqo-1bW4ITd5IvoFCNaAxt-_k0aG6cSzIMESP3V5wSdf8VQi-s31aEvrg1xX66GYrLuH5N-R7vBDEvXWQ4jS_SbNoiaMUX3xayvMkrs8NAw2c58MR2/s320/award_bloggersbestfriend.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Felicia over at <a href="http://www.mynolaheritage.com/">My Nola Heritage</a> and Sherry of <a href="http://www.familytreewriter.com/">Family Tree Writer</a> have honored me with the Blogger’s Best Friend award. I am truly touched by their kind words. Thanks so much ladies for thinking of me for this award. I’m SPEECHLESS!<br />
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I am passing the award on to Lori E of <a href="http://storiesofmyancestors.blogspot.com/">Stories of My Ancestors</a>. Lori comments frequently to my posts, and has offered helpful suggestions for my Taliaferro research. Lori deserves this Blogger’s Best Friend award. Lori’s encouraging words and willingness or help and share make her a shining example of “ A Friend of Friends”.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-21704134806935139672010-01-24T19:47:00.005-05:002010-02-02T01:31:29.317-05:00Sentimental Sunday- Walker Street Elementary School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m_FzPxch0FKGkeGYuoiZBbA26cAR8feav2jkljEd-AC6Dw3uopFLQHpzvnnyQLaoErb_f6u0n-Tq6s8Knw6BcCHf6alNMLQ2cGTvf8XkP8JfUSQU6WrCfBeWGjS6UsvZu-y-pJVSeKqn/s1600-h/WALKER+STREET+SCHOOL++JAN+1983+FIRE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m_FzPxch0FKGkeGYuoiZBbA26cAR8feav2jkljEd-AC6Dw3uopFLQHpzvnnyQLaoErb_f6u0n-Tq6s8Knw6BcCHf6alNMLQ2cGTvf8XkP8JfUSQU6WrCfBeWGjS6UsvZu-y-pJVSeKqn/s320/WALKER+STREET+SCHOOL++JAN+1983+FIRE.jpg" /></a></div>Recently, while searching through the Vanishing Georgia Collection at <a href="http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/">The Digital Library of Georgia</a> I came across this photo of Walker Street Elementary School. Unfortunately, the photo depicts a fire that destroyed the building in January 1983. Walker Street became Atlanta’s third public (white) elementary school in February 1872. The building as it stood when I attended was built in 1911. It was converted to an elementary school for Blacks in the 1930's.<br />
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Looking at this photo sadden me, but also brought back memories of my old neighborhood. Today, the neighborhood is known as Castleberry Hill; it’s on the west-side of Atlanta, just minutes from downtown. I don’t remember it being called Castleberry Hill when I was a child; I didn’t know it had a name - it was just home. Now the area is being rebuilt with lofts, condos and trendy shops so I guess they had to give it a name or call it something. The famous Pascal’s Restaurant even relocated to Castleberry Hill from its historic location on ML King Drive (formerly Hunter Street). Boy, have things changed! <br />
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I attended Walker Street from kindergarten through the fifth grade. Those were by far the best years of my childhood. My friends and I walked back and forth to school every day; no fears, no threat of harm. Most days on the walk home, we stopped at the little corner store for some two for a penny candy or cookies - Mary Jane was my favorite...Sugar Daddy...Bazooka Gum...coconut bars, and those little cookies shaped like a flower with the whole in the middle. I don’t think they had a name - “just give me a nickel worth of those”. We played hopscotch on the sidewalk, jacks and marbles, kick ball and giant step (May I, Yes You May) in the street, and fell asleep on the porch on hot summer nights. <br />
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We had a milkman who delivered milk, eggs and butter; a vegetable man yelling- “veg- a-bles, git ya veg-a-bles”, and in the summertime we all waited anxiously, with a nickel or dime, for the ice cream man. There was also the ice man, the junk man, the insurance man, the Watkins man, and the Fuller Brush man. Now that I think about it, seems there was a “man” for just about anything you needed. You could go to the grocery store without any money - “my mama said, put it on her bill.” We were carefree and happy. We were not sick often, but when we were the doctor came to our house. Were we poor? I didn’t think so...at least not through my child’s eyes. I never wanted for any thing. There was always plenty of food, a big warm house, nice clean clothes to wear, and above all, lots of love. This is not to say that all was peaches and cream. We took the trolley to town, but had to sit in the back, and ten minutes away doors were labeled “Colored” and “White”...but, those memories are for another time, another post. Today, I have fond memories of Walker Street Elementary School, and the old neighborhood - Castleberry Hill. <br />
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However, there is one ugly memory that I must share, or my recollections of Walker Street Elementary School would be incomplete. As happy as my memories are, I am forever scared by one vivid not so nice memory that haunts me to this very day. I remember it so well....It was the last day of school, a beautiful, sunny day. My friends and I were standing out front in the schoolyard gathering for the walk home, and ready to begin our summer vacation; there was laughter, joking, playing around. All of a sudden out of nowhere this boy runs up to me and plants an awkward kiss smack dab on my cheek. I WAS HORRIFIED!! I won’t say his name, but he will always be remembered by me as the boy who ruined my last day of school - fifth grade. <br />
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That summer we moved and I changed schools. It was sad leaving my friends and all the good times we shared. But, you know, it’s a good thing we did move because I was going be another year older, and ready to kick that boy’s butt if he tried something like that with me again!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
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[Image Source: The Digital Library of Georgia, Vanishing Georgia Collection . <a href="http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/">http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/</a>]<br />
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[School History-Source: <em>Early School Days In Castleberry Hill</em>. The Chronicle, Winter 2007. Assessed 23 January 2010. http://www.castleberryhill.org/chronicle/winter07.pdf]sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-20665051100051886962010-01-15T15:34:00.006-05:002010-01-15T23:26:14.600-05:00A Friend Of Friends: Lessons From The Underground Railroad <br />
One night during the holidays I watched one of my favorite movies, Roots: The Gift. The movie stars LeVar Burton and Louis Gossett, Jr., in their roles as Kunta Kinte and Fiddler from the television series Roots. In this movie, Kunta and Fiddler accompany their owner to another plantation at Christmas time for a party, and become involved in a plan to help some runaway slaves escape via the Underground Railroad to freedom. A simple, yet powerful story. There are many messages and lessons to be learned from Roots: The Gift. <br />
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In one of my favorite scenes, Fiddler and Kunta are helping the group of runaway slaves get to the river where they are to meet a boat that will take them further on their journey to freedom. Along the way they make a stop to pick up other “passengers” on the Underground Railroad. When they come to a farmhouse, Kunta approaches and knocks. The man asks...”who goes”? Kunta responds “Friend of Friends”...in acknowledgment, the man replies “Friend of Friends”. A group of “passengers” exit the house. Kunta, Fiddler, and the group continue their journey. <br />
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This year, I was particularly moved by the Underground Railroad scene, and even more so by the phrase uttered by Kunta- Friend of Friends. The phrase, and variations of it, was used along the Underground Railroad as a password or signal to those assisting runaway slaves on their journey North...to freedom. The traditional response to the “who goes there” password is said to have been “A Friend of a Friend”.<br />
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<em>A Friend of Friends.</em> Say it... <em>A Friend of Friends</em>, again...<em>A Friend of Friends</em>. It evokes such a comforting, welcoming feeling. A feeling of trust, of sharing, of caring, of kindness, and of friendship, however brief. At the same time, it is transient...adjusting and changing with the circumstances. I’m A Friend of Friends....you don’t know me, but I require assistance...I need your help, and guidance...some information to aid me on my journey...then I’ll be moving on...to the next stop along the way.<br />
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The phrase, and the underlying concept, seems particularly appropriate and relevant for those of us in the genealogy community; aren’t we all on some level really just <em>A Friend of Friends</em>? Strangers helping strangers. Friends of friends with a common bond that ties us all together....the desire to know our ancestors, and to tell their stories. A common goal, with different methods, different paths that cross and intersect along the journey. As we travel this road to uncovering our ancestors and their stories we should all embrace the concept...we should be <em>A Friend of Friends</em>. Don’t be afraid or reluctant to share, to care, to guide, or to assist your fellow researcher along their journey.<br />
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As an African American researcher my task is two-fold; I research my family, but inevitably I must also research the family of my ancestor's slave holders if I want to know more about my roots. Often we must seek information (assistance) from those that we do not know to aid us on our journey. It is an unavoidable truth - the descendants of our ancestor’s slave holding families may hold the key to our enslaved ancestor's past. Slavery is an ugly truth of our shared history. I am not angry with you because your ancestor held my ancestor as a slave; don’t be angry with me because I seek those records that may shed more light on the lives of my people, and help me to tell their story more completely. Some who were members of slave holding families assisted passengers along the Underground Railroad. I challenge you to be <em>A Friend of Friends</em>.<br />
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We, as researchers of our African American ancestry, must also remember to share, to care, to guide, and to assist our fellow researchers; reach out, take time....no, make time. Can you request and expect the assistance of others, yet not expect the same of yourself? I urge you to stop being selfish with your research. Don’t miss out on a connection or a long lost cousin because of fear or uncertainty. Post It, Blog It, Share It, and Publish It. Many who were passengers along the Underground Railroad returned to assist others on their journey to freedom. I challenge you to be <em>A Friend of Friends</em>.<br />
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True genealogists know all of this, and understand the necessity of it. Indeed, the concept is nothing new in the genealogy community. Random, and not so random, acts of kindness occur every day. So, consider this a wake-up call, my challenge to you. When a fellow researcher comes calling...for info...for guidance...for knowledge...for support - be there - to share, to care, to guide, and to assist.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">KNOCK, KNOCK!?! <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">WHO GOES THERE?<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>A FRIEND OF FRIENDS</em><br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-41939556505564678022010-01-09T22:30:00.003-05:002010-01-13T21:57:47.378-05:00A Happy 101 Award - Just When I Need A Smile!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3Vo0dxy6iOwullH-TRuz_039TRlsTaK8DxnfKALCIkmd-zqVDRZT0NQOimmtjRo-W9s7ec4OEe_nZUBGbtY22p9vn-WvVSQBPSkZGRjVJsPVVLZC-y1kOQVtLHWKUuPJJ6ewjpdbEPYI/s1600-h/Happy_101_Award-1_Sweet_Friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3Vo0dxy6iOwullH-TRuz_039TRlsTaK8DxnfKALCIkmd-zqVDRZT0NQOimmtjRo-W9s7ec4OEe_nZUBGbtY22p9vn-WvVSQBPSkZGRjVJsPVVLZC-y1kOQVtLHWKUuPJJ6ewjpdbEPYI/s320/Happy_101_Award-1_Sweet_Friends.jpg" /></a>My friend Gini over at <a href="http://ginisology.blogspot.com/">Ginisology</a> has gone and done it again. This time she’s awarded me with the Happy 101 Award. Now how did she know I need to be perked-up? Well, I have been in the dumps lately, and this has really helped to cheer me up. Thanks, Gini. You’re the best! Now I have to list 10 things that make me happy, and pass the award on to 10 other blogs. The first one is easy.<br />
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Ten things that make me happy are:<br />
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1. My brother, Bernard. It never fails, he can always put a smile on my face. He's my best friend.<br />
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2. Savannah, my dog. She is just the sweetest thing, and soooo pretty. I’m an animal lover, but puppies and dogs top the list.<br />
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3. Taking with any of my friends on the phone.<br />
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4. Honey Baked Ham...or a Jersey Mike’s club supreme...love em!<br />
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5. Memories of my mom.<br />
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6. Long car rides to nowhere special.<br />
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7. Music, especially oldies on Saturday morning.<br />
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8. Thinking about retirement... coming soon.<br />
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9. Watching my soap operas (my guilty pleasure), and sipping on a Sprite.<br />
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10. A clear blue sky on a sunny spring day. Beautiful!!<br />
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Now, the not so easy part. Ten blogs to pass the award on to. There are many great blogs out there for sure. There are only 7 here, but they are the ones that I read most often, and can honestly vouch for the consistently excellent content. They all have great post, and keep me coming back for more. Here's to you ladies!!<br />
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<a href="http://ourgeorgiaroots.com/">Our Georgia Roots</a>-Luckie Daniels <br />
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<a href="http://justthinking130.blogspot.com/">Into The Light</a>- Renate<br />
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<a href="http://georgiablackcrackers.blogspot.com/">Georgia Black Crackers</a>- Mavis Jones <br />
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<a href="http://msualumni.wordpress.com/">Reclaiming Kin</a>- Robyn <br />
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<a href="http://mycoloredroots.blogspot.com/">My Colored Roots</a>-Darlene <br />
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<a href="http://www.ourfamilyasawhole.com/">Our Family As A Whole</a>- Felicia Mathis <br />
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<a href="http://conversationswithmyancestors.blogspot.com/">Conversations With My Ancestors</a>- Mavis Jones <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
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[ADDENDUM: 13 January 2010. A special thank you to Sharon over at <a href="http://kindredfootprints.blogspot.com/2010/01/happy-101-award.html">Kindred Footprints</a>, who today gifted me with another Happy 101 Award. It was really nice of you to think of me for this award. I truly appreciate it. Thanks!!sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-71105584882831587752010-01-01T04:18:00.000-05:002010-01-01T04:18:08.368-05:002010 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6Cq_uFej2eKLO3foCBJ960ahFOTRs_GZVumptn_4m2uoC5NSDmk9x-qL_he1Yp7jEieGMNWgptf9cC6w3Xq2iwZelu50jhbyJ5MElaop5EN0LaUiDhF8-JL14cco67-TkZXt7DVX8uFC/s1600-h/peach+drop+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6Cq_uFej2eKLO3foCBJ960ahFOTRs_GZVumptn_4m2uoC5NSDmk9x-qL_he1Yp7jEieGMNWgptf9cC6w3Xq2iwZelu50jhbyJ5MElaop5EN0LaUiDhF8-JL14cco67-TkZXt7DVX8uFC/s640/peach+drop+2.jpg" /></a><br />
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ATLANTA PEACH DROP 2010 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!<br />
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Thanks for following <i>I Never Knew My Father</i>. I look forward to sharing my research findings and thoughts with you in 2010. Happy New Year and I wish many BLESSINGS for all of you and your families in 2010. It's going to be a great year! <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
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[Image source: Atlanta Peach Drop 2010. http://www.peachdrop.com]sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-41250005816301209532009-12-23T15:43:00.003-05:002009-12-23T15:50:23.745-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Mama On Christmas Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc5YmtfZEoJHq-6yPGG2w7cJwtpU_lhW52BMX7ZQVeBkxT8dtnzSWVRNXyZ2FNmz0fmmx9KCzPKfljpNvOmDrExeLs-Apck-5ujzgInfCyC2k3ftTrfi8KtsP_ZY3M29aJQ834ek4diOF/s1600-h/ScannedImage-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc5YmtfZEoJHq-6yPGG2w7cJwtpU_lhW52BMX7ZQVeBkxT8dtnzSWVRNXyZ2FNmz0fmmx9KCzPKfljpNvOmDrExeLs-Apck-5ujzgInfCyC2k3ftTrfi8KtsP_ZY3M29aJQ834ek4diOF/s320/ScannedImage-5.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>This is my first Christmas without my mother. I miss my mom more than word can ever express, but I have promised myself that I will not be sad and weepy, and that I will enjoy Christmas as I know she would want me to. My brother Bernard and I will be spending the day at my cousin's house. All of the Middlebrooks family here in Atlanta will be there, and I know my mama's spirit will be there with us.<br />
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My mother did not like to have her picture taken. It was extremely difficult to get her in front of a camera so I have very few photos of her. This is one I have of her from a Christmas long, long ago. It did not have a date on it, but look at that tree... my "go go" boots there on the floor...and where in the world did she get those eyeglasses!! There are tears in my eyes, but a big smile on my face and a warm feeling of love in my heart. Merry Christmas mama. I miss you.<br />
<div align="right"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
</div>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-80931250814157809302009-12-06T17:59:00.000-05:002009-12-06T17:59:02.083-05:00Sentimental Sunday & Monday Madness - Some Days I Just Wanna Cry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrHhHxECfoqybMhGdoRVDsZX6qpN-ofGGNlZ53tFxZAQXpy9ohz4yjqYpHS_jTMf2BAeBAJq-WKz3jkO8jTSnmeq5R-rDdLqxPUumh_vUWP-rvo5flfKMIVwH0usXxJSGybRj04lczUkt/s1600-h/Blue+Monday+Annie+Lee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrHhHxECfoqybMhGdoRVDsZX6qpN-ofGGNlZ53tFxZAQXpy9ohz4yjqYpHS_jTMf2BAeBAJq-WKz3jkO8jTSnmeq5R-rDdLqxPUumh_vUWP-rvo5flfKMIVwH0usXxJSGybRj04lczUkt/s320/Blue+Monday+Annie+Lee.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Researching my family history is a very emotional experience for me, as I’m sure it is for many researchers. Each newly discovered piece of information fills in another piece of the puzzle, but also presents you with more questions and creates even more empty spaces in that puzzle that is your family tree. Our family stories need to be told, and we were chosen by our ancestors to do just that...tell their stories. It is imperative that we record and preserve our family history. No one said it would be easy, but it is necessary. There are highs and lows, jackpot days and empty days, and many brick walls to tackle. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions, and I love it all. Sometimes, however, I can't help but wonder about the things I'll never find, and....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Some Days I Just Wanna Cry!</strong></em><br />
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For all the brick walls I’ll never break through<br />
For all the documents I’ll never find<br />
For all the burned courthouses where ashes held the answers I seek<br />
For all the times no one took the time to write it down<br />
For all those known only by their sex, age and race<br />
For all those that died before anyone knew they were ever alive<br />
For all those who survived with no clues left to trace<br />
For all the photos with no name, date, or place<br />
For all the lost memories, and those too ugly to share<br />
For all the unidentifiable and unmarked graves <br />
For all the cemeteries too unimportant to save<br />
For all those ancestors I'll never know<br />
For all those I find, but can’t prove they are mine....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Some Days I Just Wanna Cry!</strong></em><br />
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<div align="right"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
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[Image Source: Blue Monday. Artist: Annie Lee]sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-89694894709330123822009-11-29T15:38:00.000-05:002009-11-29T15:38:17.207-05:00Sentimental Sunday-Family Reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZHlc-eGJrxRV1Icnc6IviIhIq7IBKh_qdiJGyO1jT6lKf7WLaVYmEKYSxYOO0H0qMGDyynEm2Fa57cKJGoVfFWNvSUetJRHdbdIZ0tGo3o0wBk2jsEWg5BJzA0k8V4WlWqbJv9ZXiDgl/s1600/middlebrooks+family+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZHlc-eGJrxRV1Icnc6IviIhIq7IBKh_qdiJGyO1jT6lKf7WLaVYmEKYSxYOO0H0qMGDyynEm2Fa57cKJGoVfFWNvSUetJRHdbdIZ0tGo3o0wBk2jsEWg5BJzA0k8V4WlWqbJv9ZXiDgl/s320/middlebrooks+family+2.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
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This is a photo of my MIDDLEBROOKS family taken one Christmas in the mid to late 1960's. Whenever I look at this picture it makes me smile and warms my heart. It makes me long for a FAMILY REUNION. When I was a little girl, we would go down to my mother’s hometown of Woodbury, GA in Meriwether County for Homecoming Sunday. Other than the vague memories of these events, I don’t recall attending a family reunion. One of my greatest desires is to have a TALIAFERRO family reunion. I’m talking about an “official” family reunion- meet and greet, cookout at the park, tee shirts, family worship-a weekend of family fun and fellowship. My brother and cousins tell me there has never been a TALIAFERRO Family Reunion. The idea has been bounced around, but no one has actually taken the initiative and put one together. Maybe that someone will be me. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-43998536726176131582009-11-25T22:00:00.002-05:002009-12-06T17:02:27.119-05:00WORDLESS WEDNESDAY SURPRISE-The Coca-Cola Cooperage Facility, Atlanta, GA-Circa 1924<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLWDJT4wCDEJdqzexGjX9bwOa0x9UEhz-2z6EGQkqgutlBK9bIspbhLSn9o0e7XR15CcA_n7vSltyncDjIxNBuymmwh-LZiFEgFcAIU-LTo5Dw4COBrm2LBfZ19iRHz-wGqEyV0vqFcpe/s1600/COKE+BARRELL+FACTORY+CIRCA+1924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLWDJT4wCDEJdqzexGjX9bwOa0x9UEhz-2z6EGQkqgutlBK9bIspbhLSn9o0e7XR15CcA_n7vSltyncDjIxNBuymmwh-LZiFEgFcAIU-LTo5Dw4COBrm2LBfZ19iRHz-wGqEyV0vqFcpe/s400/COKE+BARRELL+FACTORY+CIRCA+1924.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
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My friend Luckie Daniels of <a href="http://ourgeorgiaroots.com/">Our Georgia Roots</a> has given me a wonderful Thanksgiving surprise. Today in my email were pictures of the Coca-Cola Cooperage Facility. This is one of those photos. Luckie has been assisting me in obtaining information on the factory where my ancestor David Toliver (aka David Taliaferro) worked as a barrel maker or “cooper” for the Coca-Cola Company here in Atlanta, GA. I don’t know what years David worked as a cooper for the Coca-Cola Company, or how long he was employed there; the 1910 census indicates that David was working for a cooperage company, and his 1951 death certificate indicates that he was a cooper for the “CoCola Co”. I don't know if David is among the employees pictured here. I’d like to think that he is. I hope to find more evidence to connect David with the Coca-Cola company, and his work as a cooper. In the mean time, I am blissfully happy and thankful to have these photos.<br />
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Luckie and Phil Mooney, the Director of Heritage Communications at the Coca-Cola Company, have come through big time with this one. I cannot thank them enough for this glimpse into my ancestor’s past.<br />
<div align="right"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
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[Image Source: Coca-Cola Archives; courtesy of Phil Mooney, Director of Heritage Communications; email from Luckie Daniels to Sandra Taliaferro, 25 November 2009.]sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-73237733686778442442009-11-24T13:04:00.005-05:002009-11-24T20:38:04.361-05:00Lizzie - Mother of John Wesley TaliaferroEvery Saturday <a href="http://www.geneamusings.com/">Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings</a> presents <a href="http://www.geneamusings.com/2009/11/saturday-night-genealogy-fun-who-is.html">Saturday Night Genealogy Fun</a>. The topic for Saturday, November 21, 2009, was “Who Is Your MRUA”. I’m a few days late, but here goes. The mission:<br />
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1) Who is your MRUA - your Most Recent Unknown Ancestor? This is the person with the lowest number in your Pedigree Chart or Ahnentafel List that you have not identified a last name for, or a first name if you know a surname but not a first name. <br />
2) Have you looked at your research files for this unknown person recently? Why don't you scan it again just to see if there's something you have missed? <br />
3) What online or offline resources might you search that might help identify your MRUA?<br />
4) Tell us about him or her, and your answers to 2) and 3) above, in a blog post, in a comment to this post, or a comment on Facebook or some other social networking site. <br />
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Lizze was the mother of my great grandfather John Wesley Taliaferro. I know this because in his biography my grandfather, John Robert Taliaferro, said his grandparents were Miles and Lizzie Taliaferro; there was no surname for Lizzie. He also indicated that Miles and Lizzie were both born in Georgia. However, this may not be accurate. My research indicates that Miles was actually born in North Carolina, so it’s possible that Lizzie was born elsewhere as well. I do know that John Wesley was born in Georgia about 1844. By the 1870 census, John Wesley was married to Martha Jane Dorsey, and living right next door was his father Miles and wife “Mary” along with three children. Mary was born about 1835 in Georgia, but of course was too young to be “Lizzie” mother of John Wesley. In an 1856 Inventory and Appraisement for the Estate of Richard Taliaferro of Fulton County, Georgia, there is listed among the slaves- “Miles and son John” - there was no Lizzie. <br />
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I believe that Lizzie was probably dead by the time of this inventory. Of course, I cannot rule out the possibility that Lizzie had been sold to another owner. The thought that John Wesley could have been separated from his mother in that way makes me sad beyond words. I am still searching for any earlier Taliaferro slave records that might name Lizzie, and give some clues to her family, but so far I have not had any luck. Since I bellieve that Lizzie died (or was sold) sometime before the 1856 inventory, I need to look for records prior to that date. Prior to 1852 Fulton County was a part of Dekalb County which suffered courthouse fires in 1842 and 1898. There may be no extant records. Unfortunately, I may never find any information about Lizzie- mother of John Wesley Taliaferro.<br />
<div align="right"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/362/8BFC2098EC4136AC455CD3E4588E4F34.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
</div>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-40705877450029612092009-11-17T11:50:00.001-05:002009-11-17T11:54:45.295-05:00Tombstone Tuesday: Another Rock Springs Cemetery...The Search Continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqNZxaDD5_tXx1L4pjJR3RzUCvHpVL7xyQaiA-RRJOPOKBMAyZ1kaBMyUQp58rASehIkl3q0l26s_d36lfz7YRa_w9pHIotgh7HOyGEWPUEJGp1BA-AWdT1_yO7bDNn86IijGZZXk0Grz/s1600/RSC-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqNZxaDD5_tXx1L4pjJR3RzUCvHpVL7xyQaiA-RRJOPOKBMAyZ1kaBMyUQp58rASehIkl3q0l26s_d36lfz7YRa_w9pHIotgh7HOyGEWPUEJGp1BA-AWdT1_yO7bDNn86IijGZZXk0Grz/s320/RSC-4.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>These are photos of the cemetery at Rock Springs Baptist Church located in McDonough, Henry Co., GA. This is an active African American Church and Cemetery. Sadly, there are numerous graves marked only with stones, others with unreadable funeral home markers and, of course, many with no markers at all. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AXojNzLHBbYUXh20HbpFmiZebskeQf_eRRS10pZzIqQPSGgJ9IE-8E3y0FHEtbH-0rtzaUkgtyUFT5wmoPAqTFaIVDWAcEl1BZfr3Evf_zdaCDsUysLXNSFOnEPjmC5cA6L5dk_-X9zT/s1600/RSC-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AXojNzLHBbYUXh20HbpFmiZebskeQf_eRRS10pZzIqQPSGgJ9IE-8E3y0FHEtbH-0rtzaUkgtyUFT5wmoPAqTFaIVDWAcEl1BZfr3Evf_zdaCDsUysLXNSFOnEPjmC5cA6L5dk_-X9zT/s320/RSC-3.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>My search for the burial place of my great grandfather, John Wesley Taliaferro, has become somewhat of an obsession. I have this nagging feeling that just will not go away; I know that cemetery is out there somewhere just waiting for me to find it. My ancestors' Taliaferro slave owners and their collateral families lived and owned land in the McDonough, Henry Co., GA area along Jonesboro Road. Some of my ancestors were born in Henry Co., and many lived on Jonesboro Road, so this cemetery was a real possibility for the burial place of my ancestors. Unfortunately, the transcription for this cemetery did not contain the names of any of my ancestors. Other than the cemetery transcription, I have not found any records on the church or cemetery. A trip to the Georgia Archives did not produce any additional information. I am searching for something to connect my Taliaferro ancestors to this church/cemetery.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP5R9UH7dJcPKEtbOzLd3oSl4z1s0gReKL2r9BTL1PxH5cjvMJxZTqGFNH0LYNfI9Ai0DXWLTLKogk_7jZyORLORSkV6-UyH9opV-M2RMVSVL_eh4HYpBXPZIlc8DlnhZbW-dKdXD2WOL/s1600/RSC-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP5R9UH7dJcPKEtbOzLd3oSl4z1s0gReKL2r9BTL1PxH5cjvMJxZTqGFNH0LYNfI9Ai0DXWLTLKogk_7jZyORLORSkV6-UyH9opV-M2RMVSVL_eh4HYpBXPZIlc8DlnhZbW-dKdXD2WOL/s320/RSC-1.jpg" yr="true" /></a>In September 2009, I posted <a href="http://ineverknewmyfather.blogspot.com/2009/09/tombstone-tuesday-rock-springs.html">Tombstone Tuesday - Rock Springs Cemetery...Not.</a> My brother Bernard and I thought we had found “the” Rock Springs Cemetery, but we were wrong. According to their death certificates, John Wesley, his brother Bob Toliver (aka Robert Taliaferro), and another relative Alex Poole (exact relationship undetermined) were buried at Rock Springs Cemetery. Recently, I discovered that several of their neighbors were also buried there; they are Ison Wilson, Robert Wilson and William Wilson. I’m not sure if my Taliaferros are related to these Wilsons, but you know I’m checking into that as well. So far I have found six people who are buried at Rock Springs Cemetery, including my ancestors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPeh8pOCWBtmCvGFrIvr38cYb9dYJs4G2OwL07HwxoIR_udFsddyMByHVC4JlX9fym7YhJsHz19fhtaD83C2Zl5wi2BNl-7g_ht52la2W9Xv_-LBVsJX2wo9MEZyjEtwTcaLeGEAp8rYi/s1600/RSC-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPeh8pOCWBtmCvGFrIvr38cYb9dYJs4G2OwL07HwxoIR_udFsddyMByHVC4JlX9fym7YhJsHz19fhtaD83C2Zl5wi2BNl-7g_ht52la2W9Xv_-LBVsJX2wo9MEZyjEtwTcaLeGEAp8rYi/s320/RSC-2.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Unintentionally, I think I have made finding this cemetery, and honoring all those who are buried there, one of my research goals. It just doesn’t seem right that these six people, and probably many others are buried in this cemetery and no one knows (or cares) where it is, or who they are. I hope to find out. Wish me luck in my quest.sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-7500611711558804452009-11-14T16:18:00.000-05:002009-11-14T16:18:24.070-05:00SURNAME SATURDAY- WORD MOSAIC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx14x10ypDhb6tMAP-rMurnKnaDuFsECKoCoHnytmZE9tFIscL4rAIbd5hyphenhyphenDdklu4mkYxcnfVEsLqWQZklX2mqhIE79UYX99_bpnk9U0g1IYRJf6EQGXCHNNsCDqwkSEkuKnrAMFpVUJg/s1600-h/SURNAME+IMAGE+(YELLOW).gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx14x10ypDhb6tMAP-rMurnKnaDuFsECKoCoHnytmZE9tFIscL4rAIbd5hyphenhyphenDdklu4mkYxcnfVEsLqWQZklX2mqhIE79UYX99_bpnk9U0g1IYRJf6EQGXCHNNsCDqwkSEkuKnrAMFpVUJg/s400/SURNAME+IMAGE+(YELLOW).gif" /></a><br />
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I got this idea for my first SURNAME SATURDAY post from my friend Gini over at <a href="http://ginisology.blogspot.com/">Ginisology</a>. Gini credits Cindy of <a href="http://genealogybycindy.blogspot.com/">Everything's Relative</a> for turning her on to this fun way to display surnames. My thanks to both of them for this great idea. I played with it for a while before I could get TALIAFERRO to show up large enough to suit me. Turns out TALIAFERRO (my paternal surname) and MIDDLEBROOKS (my maternal surname) ended up with each other in the bottom right hand corner. How cool is that!! Give it a try. It's fun!sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-42132078035142025122009-11-13T23:32:00.000-05:002009-11-13T23:32:55.995-05:00The Kreativ Blogger Award -Thanks, Gini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mA27pSeK0Pcl45G_9k0332wdNkgz6uptal4xqtpTaeUiDmUwwUNqbNYoCDK0T_cIKwXfkGSZpUc60fwRtA-d9u2R8cffuBy9_d5GhXwPgb4GtZ1Rk_RAYIl8dAUfTdfELbNlf1vzpmLf/s1600-h/kreative_blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mA27pSeK0Pcl45G_9k0332wdNkgz6uptal4xqtpTaeUiDmUwwUNqbNYoCDK0T_cIKwXfkGSZpUc60fwRtA-d9u2R8cffuBy9_d5GhXwPgb4GtZ1Rk_RAYIl8dAUfTdfELbNlf1vzpmLf/s320/kreative_blogger.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Gini, my new genea-friend over at <a href="http://ginisology.blogspot.com/">Ginisology</a>, recently gifted me with a Kreativ Blogger Award. What a surprise! As newbie to the world of blogging I am truly touched, and feel honored that Gini thought of me and my blog for this award. I don’t post everyday, or even every week for that matter, so it’s nice to know that when I do someone is enjoying what I write. Gini is really great, and I appreciate this honor. Thank you so much!!<br />
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The winner of the award has to list seven things about themselves and then pass the award along to seven other bloggers. <br />
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<strong>Here are seven thing about me:</strong><br />
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1. I grew up as an only child. I was always a little jealous of my friends who had big families with lots of brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles. My family has never had a family reunion and that makes me really sad. Maybe I should take on the task of organizing our first family reunion. I keep thinking if it’s gonna happen, I’ll have to do it.<br />
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2. I did not know I had a brother until 2005. Now my brother, Bernard, is my soul mate and my best friend. <br />
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3. I love music (oldies..did someone say Motown...The Temptin’ Temptations), books, Food TV, reality shows, and animals. My dog Savannah is my baby girl. <br />
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4. My idea of a perfect day would be fishing and relaxing at a lake in the country. Yes fishing!! Yes, in the country. My brother says the "fishing" part comes natural..our daddy did, and our granny and uncle too. We're still trying to figure out the "country" part because I'm a real city girl.<br />
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5. My life has been richly blessed with loyal and wonderful friends. I believe family and friends are two of the most important things in life. <br />
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6. I tend to be shy and alooft. People sometimes interpret that as meanness, but I really am a very nice person.<br />
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7. Researching my family history takes up most of my spare time. I can’t wait til retirement so that I can spend more time at the Georgia Archives researching.<br />
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<strong>Pass the award along to seven other bloggers.</strong> <br />
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Boy, this is a tough task. Every blogger has their own unique Kreativ style. Surely, there are many deserving bloggers out there that I have yet to discover. This time, however, I am breaking with tradition, and spreading the Kreativ Blog love to two very deserving bloggers. (Does this mean I still have five more to pass on later? Hope so.)<br />
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My selections are:<br />
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<a href="http://justthinking130.blogspot.com/">Into the light</a> (formerly Just Thinking) - Renate<br />
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<a href="http://www.mynolaheritage.com/">My Nola Heritage</a> Felicia Mathis <br />
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Please visit these blogs often and enjoy the family stories and research that they share with their readers.sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-48081989687479771432009-11-08T18:40:00.006-05:002009-11-08T20:05:13.807-05:00Blogger’s BlockI am struggling trying to write something to post here on my blog. After only a few months since the debut of my blog, I have Blogger’s Block. I am in a writer’s rut; I am experiencing brain freeze. It is not for a lack of research problems that's for sure. My research is surrounded by brick walls with no signs of a breakthrough. Every corner I turn is a dead end. As a blogger, I am lost in a sea of bloggers who always seem to have something to say and write about. I am inspired by their words, but can find no inspiration of my own. I am a writer with no words; an editor with nothing to edit. I am a perfectionist with nothing to perfect. I am a blogger with nothing to blog. I have Blogger’s Block.<br /><br />Yesterday I read, <em><a href="http://www.genealogywise.com/group/africanancestoredgenealogy/forum/topics/the-value-of-networking-with">The Value of Networking with your Peers</a></em>, the discussion started by Angela Walton-Raji in African Ancestored Genealogy on Genealogy Wise. Angela urged us to network, to find mentors among ourselves, and challenged us to become experts in our own area of research. I am inspired and motivated by her words. Over at Our Georgia Roots, my friend Luckie Daniels’ latest post, <em><a href="http://ourgeorgiaroots.com/?p=1179">So Thankful...</a></em>, was both moving and inspirational. I am thankful to call Luckie a friend; I am always encouraged by her words and research knowledge. Felicia at <em><a href="http://www.mynolaheritage.com/">My Nola Heritage</a></em> is hot on the trail of something big, and I am anxiously awaiting her news. Felicia has been relentless in her search for the slave owner of her Georgia ancestors. I am inspired by her tenacity. Michael Hait has taken on the challenge of putting up at least one post a day during the month of November. Michael’s <em><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-8873-African-American-Genealogy-Examiner?cid=examiner-email">African American Genealogical Examiner</a></em> articles are always well-written and informative; his tips inspire me to become a better researcher and to view sources with a more informed and analytical eye. Renate of <a href="http://justthinking130.blogspot.com/"><em>Into The Light</em> </a>(formerly Just Thinking), another new kid on the blog scene, is moving to another level in her research and blogging, and thus, was inspired to give her blog a new name. All of them and many others inspire and motivate me with their words and their dedication to genealogy. I read, I learn, I absorb, and I am INSPIRED.<br /><br /><br />I know this is not a permanent state - This Too Shall Pass. My research continues- the brick walls will fall, the ideas will form, and the words will return. In the meantime, I am still here and loving every minute of the journey. I will not be defeated by Blogger’s Block.<br /> <br /> sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-50032467523278227432009-10-31T20:39:00.020-04:002009-11-01T20:42:16.718-05:00Taliaferros Sign Petition For New District<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvPQ3rSBe1Yqpc6gt-Fmlojq3ZgBmLqmoBTb10Nit5kedPy9J_M_zDTXNHF0ZQYAwFEZVIeW5J5GMGmfCXxKKNlnm4VPdOGcu3g08V93Wpk5PDuNmRRZLW0QLfNYjBU_daFy6WTkMRUz2/s1600-h/Page+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 64px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398930432863854610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvPQ3rSBe1Yqpc6gt-Fmlojq3ZgBmLqmoBTb10Nit5kedPy9J_M_zDTXNHF0ZQYAwFEZVIeW5J5GMGmfCXxKKNlnm4VPdOGcu3g08V93Wpk5PDuNmRRZLW0QLfNYjBU_daFy6WTkMRUz2/s320/Page+3.jpg" /></a> Proximity of polling place to residence plays a vital role in voter turnout. My voting precinct just happens to be right around the corner from my house in easy walking distance. But, for many of our ancestors such convenience was not the case.<br /> <br />In a September 11, 1881, issue of The Atlanta Constitution, a legal notice from Fulton County, GA, addressing the Commissioners of Roads and Revenues, contained a petition signed by citizens of old Blackhall district asking the Commissioners to sustain the new district laid out by the ordinary of said county. The petitioners were also seeking to have laid out another new district and requested that three commissioners be appointed to lay out the district. The first two names on the petition were S. M. Taliaferro and E.M. Taliaferro. They were Edward Mobley Taliaferro, former slaveholder of my Taliaferro ancestors, and his son Samuel Mobley Taliaferro. Also among the signers were my great, great grandfather Miles Taliaferro, and his sons John Wesley Taliaferro (my great grandfather), and Alex Taliaferro.<br /><br /><br />Edward Mobley Taliaferro was one of the three commissioners appointed to lay out the new district. Two of the commissioners, Samuel Hape and T.A. Poole, objected to the new district stating it would be "a matter of public inconvenience"; they gave their recommendation for a change in the lines between the two districts. Edward Taliaferro disagreed with his fellow commissioners stating "I beg leave to report that, in my opinion, it is the wish of a majority of the people of said part of the county, and it would certainly be to their convenience to have a district laid off,...." and he went on to give his recommendation for the lines of the district. Taliaferro further stated "[t]he reasons for wanting a [n]ew district are that a majority of the voters and the people are remote from the places of holding court and voting, to wit: East Point and West End." The Commissioners approved the new district as recommended by Edward Taiaferro. The new district was known as South Bend district. My research shows that my ancestors and many of their relatives lived in this South Bend district.<br /><br /><br />One can only speculate as to the reasons why Commissioners Hape and Poole objected to the formation of the new district, or why Edward Taliaferro did not side with his fellow commissioners. The politics of this would surely make interesting reading. Considering the time period, a trip from South Bend to either East Point or West End was probably more than a mere "inconvenience". Realistically, the eventual formation of this new district was probably not for the convenience of my ancestors and their African American contemporaries. Nonetheless, I cannot help but feel a certain sense of pride knowing that my people were actively participating in this process during a time when I am sure they continued to face many of the injustices of that era.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p>**Click on image to enlarge.<br /><br />Source:The Atlanta Constitution, 11 September 1881, p.5, digital image, Footnote.com (http://www.footnote.com : accessed 31 October 2009).sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-15448091431453376292009-10-24T18:57:00.015-04:002009-10-31T01:25:55.363-04:00Alexander “Alex” Taliaferro - Running A Blind TigerIn genealogy we research to find out the Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Those are the basics. But, if you are like me, you often wonder what everyday life was like for your ancestors. What did they do; where did they go; and who did they see. We know that they had to work and take care of their families; deal with the struggles of day-to-day living. Of course, many attended church and school, and were probably involved in community activities. I am in constant search of anything that can shed more light on the daily life of my ancestors, and their extracurricular activities. I have found that historical newspapers are an excellent source for conducting this type of research. You never know what you might find.....and, as they say, be careful what you ask for.<br /><br /><br />A few days ago while on Footnote.com, I came across this interesting notice in the March 24, 1902, issue of the Atlanta Constitution:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jzMKd59iMgvFJbrQXmmfdY8a6GpTLRRpLrpC7hL5wQjFWPkjPsvr67VVBkN4-l8Mkfh20LuXJEgzhdOrNEXVnQ2KbMW1dq4zUwLGZ4Sow1J9gjlA-dvlH0gV2Qt7qHKgLrgJxyvBAWPi/s1600-h/Page+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396305643810498002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jzMKd59iMgvFJbrQXmmfdY8a6GpTLRRpLrpC7hL5wQjFWPkjPsvr67VVBkN4-l8Mkfh20LuXJEgzhdOrNEXVnQ2KbMW1dq4zUwLGZ4Sow1J9gjlA-dvlH0gV2Qt7qHKgLrgJxyvBAWPi/s320/Page+3.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>My Taliaferro ancestors have a history in East Point, GA. The WHERE of this story fit with my research facts. Alexander "Alex" Taliaferro was my great, great uncle; son of Miles Taliaferro, my great, great grandfather; brother of my great grandfather John Wesley Taliaferro; uncle of my grandfather John Robert Taliaferro; and great uncle to my father John Lawrence Taliaferro. Alex was born about 1858 in Fulton, GA, and died sometime after this 1902 incident, probably in or close to East Point, GA. That’s the WHO and WHEN. But, WHAT in the world was a "blind tiger" and WHY was Uncle Alex running one? </div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I had never heard or seen the term "running a blind tiger" before. A quick search on Google revealed the following definitions: <strong>Blind Tiger</strong> - a place where illegal intoxicants were sold; <strong>Running a blind tiger -</strong> selling liquor without a license. So, now I have the WHAT. Uncle Alex and his buddies were selling liquor, illegally!!!! As the old folks say..they were running a liquor house. That really cracks me up, especially considering his brother John Wesley and his nephew John Robert were ministers. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div>All that remains unanswered is the WHY. Why was Uncle Alex selling illegal liquor? Was this a way to make extra money? Probably. Was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Maybe, but maybe not. Or, were dear Uncle Alex and his cohorts just up to no good? Possibly. I wonder if I can find out the outcome of the case. Like so many other questions in genealogical research, the WHY will unfortunately probably remain unanswered. At least I know something about one day in the life of my great, great uncle..Alexander "Alex" Taliaferro. I think I’ll go and have a glass of wine (or two) in honor of Uncle Alex!!</div>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-58162173361969017602009-10-14T21:49:00.013-04:002009-10-14T23:06:02.838-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Another Unknown Middlebrooks?...Maybe, Maybe Not<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uByy7-vzdTIz82GRE6f53bNZ9iiFCy-ihnidSa1J7Lb31EoV47xJd4KPeb5_b0juX4_fWz4ECmXN6FiKvOPtYW1z30OuSzT3nn4b03XbWTkjGuu7ZiNI8bImzGHfeYIrrjYjMlxEC41Z/s1600-h/Middlebrooks+Blog.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 261px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392651876791632274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uByy7-vzdTIz82GRE6f53bNZ9iiFCy-ihnidSa1J7Lb31EoV47xJd4KPeb5_b0juX4_fWz4ECmXN6FiKvOPtYW1z30OuSzT3nn4b03XbWTkjGuu7ZiNI8bImzGHfeYIrrjYjMlxEC41Z/s320/Middlebrooks+Blog.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>This photo was in a scrapbook passed on to me by my cousin earlier this year. He is another unknown relative from my maternal Middlebrooks line of Meriwether County, GA. Or, maybe he isn't- Unknown.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Several relatives, including myself, believe that he may be Gordon R. Middlebrooks born about September 1897 in Woodbury, Meriwether, GA to Sudie Parks and Alexander Middlebrooks. Gordon died in Atlanta, Fulton, GA 31 July 1948. I have only found evidence of Gordon in two documents; his 12 September 1918, WW I Draft Registration Card, and his 1948 GA death certificate. Seems strange; he indicated on his draft registration card that his residence was Woodbury, GA; he was a farmer and was working for Alex Middlebrooks; and he listed Sudie Middlebrooks as his nearest relative. I have not found a Gordon Middlebrooks listed on any census with his parents Alex and Sudie. However, I do find a "Brooks" L. Middlebrooks, also born about September 1897 with parents Alex and Sudie in the 1900, 1910, and 1920 census. Recently, after learning of Gordon from my cousin, it occurred to me that Brooks and Gordon might very well be the same person!! Other than census records, I cannot find any documents for a Brooks Middlebrooks. Seems strange since he is so prominent in the census records. I believe that "Brooks" was probably a nickname for "Gordon". I'm still working on this one, including getting a copy of Gordon's 1948 death certificate to confirm his parents were Alex and Sudie.</div>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-43414407669547152742009-10-04T20:42:00.013-04:002009-10-04T21:47:04.975-04:00I'LL ALWAYS LOVE MY MAMA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8WAU3-S9U7wYzEFtV6r6aKTpll1L55fOAY4oUXO4V9BY89mbpehzJh3Bqt6-yG11JGF_MKoB-6vwKaL5-jE6Vo65Dl2jfRCY6xPXF0qfz534SyWY21CHG_RtK3BWhKNdLE4RNUQhoh0f/s1600-h/ScannedImage-3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 108px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388921555627252786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8WAU3-S9U7wYzEFtV6r6aKTpll1L55fOAY4oUXO4V9BY89mbpehzJh3Bqt6-yG11JGF_MKoB-6vwKaL5-jE6Vo65Dl2jfRCY6xPXF0qfz534SyWY21CHG_RtK3BWhKNdLE4RNUQhoh0f/s200/ScannedImage-3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><em>I'll always love my mama<br />She's my favorite girl<br />I'll always love my mama<br />She brought me in this world<br /></div></em><br /><div>My mother, LILLIAN MIDDLEBROOKS, was born December 7, 1916, in Woodbury, Meriwether County, GA. She passed on Sunday, September 27, 2009, at age 92. It was my birthday.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><em>A mother's loves so special<br />It's something that you can't describe<br />It's the kind of love that stays with you<br />Until the day you die<br />She taught me little things<br />Like saying hello, and thank you, please<br />While scrubbing those floors on her bended knees<br /></div></em><br /><div><br />My mama was an incredible woman. As a child I did not want for anything. Yes, you would probably consider me "spoiled" as they say. As a child I took all of those things for granted; as an adult I realize they were the product of my mama’s love, devotion, and hard work-sometimes two jobs. Many years ago, I was involved in a car accident that left me paralyzed. In the years that followed, my mama was my primary caregiver. Her strength, determination, and encouragement gave me the strength, determination, and courage I needed to continue my education, graduate from college, and pursue a career. I am the person I am today because of my mama. </div><br /><br /><div align="left">In 1991, my mama suffered a stroke, and our roles reversed; I was now responsible for ensuring that both of us had the care we needed to continue to live our lives in our home with minimal disruption. In dealing with the various local and state agencies I realized that now I was considered the primary caregiver for my mama. I refused to put my mama in a nursing facility, as many suggested over the years. It was not even a consideration, just as she had not considered putting me in a facility after my accident. My mama was a proud lady, and continued to do most things for herself. Despite the stroke, she was still an independent and strong woman determined not to let being confined to a wheelchair confine her spirit. I believe I possess those same qualities. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">In early September 2009 my mama was hospitalized. Her health had been rapidly declining over the past few months and her dementia was also getting worse. When it was time for her to leave the hospital the doctors recommended a nursing facility and hospice care. My mama was leaving me and I could see it. She stopped eating, was barely taking any liquids, and almost never opened her eyes. Over the last two weeks, I do not think she knew I was there, or maybe she did. I pray she did. Early on Sunday, September 27, 2009, I got the call that we should plan to come as soon as possible-things were not looking good- my mama was beginning her transition. It was my birthday. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">My brother Bernard by my side we sat there with my mama-waiting, crying, praying. Bernard has been and continues to be my rock and my comforter. God knew that I would need someone, and placed him in my life so that he would be here when I needed him most. Sitting there at her bedside, I had a nagging feeling that my mama needed to hear something before she could leave this world behind and claim the peace she deserved-she needed to know that her baby girl was going to be okay....and so we told her that I was fine; Bernard told her that he would take good care of me and not to worry. I told her that I was fine and that I loved her...she closed her eyes and was gone. Gone from this world, but not from my heart. My mama was an incredible woman....<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>(Talking 'bout mama)<br />Oh, she's one of a kind<br />(Talking 'bout mama)<br />You got yours, and I got mine<br />(Talking 'bout mama)<br />Hey mama, Hey mama,<br />My heart belongs to you<br />Oh, yeah<br />I'll always love my mama, yeah<br />She's my favorite girl<br />You only get one<br />You only get one, yeah<br />I'll always love my mama<br />She brought me in this world </em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Talking 'bout mama..</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>I'll Always Love My Mama</strong></span></div></em><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"> <br />(I’ll Always Love My Mama, Lyrics: Kenneth Gamble / Leon Huff / Gene McFadden / John Whitehead / Victor Carstarphen. Song:The Intruders - 1973.) </div>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-50208618416918915902009-09-23T23:54:00.040-04:002009-09-24T22:02:31.026-04:00John Robert Taliaferro - The Whole Story<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-NBDaD_5AA6YaE6KRBv8VOH4btDTUGztpwFuBB2OFoqghlE_Vit6xmeyQ6uMGBR7k0UjcpIuyotHEgTSmievrNOCs5lIsyX9OZs7yRXNtK734UhRCh5EP8Q-f3IFrfvon_4qRQpOgv-D/s1600-h/TALIAFERRO+pg+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385216525684466322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-NBDaD_5AA6YaE6KRBv8VOH4btDTUGztpwFuBB2OFoqghlE_Vit6xmeyQ6uMGBR7k0UjcpIuyotHEgTSmievrNOCs5lIsyX9OZs7yRXNtK734UhRCh5EP8Q-f3IFrfvon_4qRQpOgv-D/s200/TALIAFERRO+pg+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BNojh1rT7XlQsM0TNYE8nsERqNTpvwS5zRSo6eqaZTCKhn45c6JEPekWtX4v81yvHXYGlQDoXz-ZDcISrrvAmhKkX8XZFYRmaKIO1wmSItuU3GzYrFt8v3L9mFzoHNGMJGhXEUib8jhV/s1600-h/TALIAFERRO+pg+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385216259703104466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BNojh1rT7XlQsM0TNYE8nsERqNTpvwS5zRSo6eqaZTCKhn45c6JEPekWtX4v81yvHXYGlQDoXz-ZDcISrrvAmhKkX8XZFYRmaKIO1wmSItuU3GzYrFt8v3L9mFzoHNGMJGhXEUib8jhV/s200/TALIAFERRO+pg+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHT_ve1PYeCHi4dvJ0_pCYtB78am0-2Enh9CwtcxqdJiYh6z5Act9UDyG2FbfAmk2hT5YYkt7JZD-zHgnXTlRUWQ-r7vzs9TInrLxwFx0ezH1CYCxU2DhP7DUSAOFFLcMZSRF_w0feczu/s1600-h/TALIAFERRO+pg+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 114px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385215954641458418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHT_ve1PYeCHi4dvJ0_pCYtB78am0-2Enh9CwtcxqdJiYh6z5Act9UDyG2FbfAmk2hT5YYkt7JZD-zHgnXTlRUWQ-r7vzs9TInrLxwFx0ezH1CYCxU2DhP7DUSAOFFLcMZSRF_w0feczu/s200/TALIAFERRO+pg+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Last week for Wordless Wednesday I posted a picture of my grandfather John Robert Taliaferro with the following source note: From: Arthur Bunyan Caldwell, ed., History Of The American Negro And His Institutions, Georgia Edition (Atlanta: A. B. Caldwell Publishing Co.,1917), 353 It did not occur to me to post the entire article from the book because it was "Wordless" Wednesday. My intention was only to give credit for the source of the photo. </div><div></div><br /><div>Well, several people were curious and actually googled the book and read the entire feature. My friend over at Our Georgia Roots, encouraged me to step outside the box, make my own rules, and write as much as I want or need to write regardless of theme. Luckie continues to inspire me to become a better researcher, and to be more diligent in documenting my family history. So, I decided to post the entire biography of John Robert Taliaferro from the book <em>History Of The American Negro And His Institutions</em>, Georgia Edition. The book features African Americans who were making significant contributions to their communities, and who otherwise may not have been recognized or even known. As the title implies, there were also editions for other states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. There were a total of seven volumes the Georgia edition was two volumes. If you had ancestors in any of these states, I would encourage you to seek out these books. Unfortunately, the books are very rare and not readily available. The Georgia edition has been digitized and is available online.</div><br /><div></div><div>The article on my grandfather was sent to me by my cousin back in 2005. It was her way of sharing some family history with me. Thinking back on my first reading of the article, I felt as if I was sitting at my grandfather's feet listening to him give me an account of his life up to that point in time. I was AMAZED at the amount of history on those few pages. A researcher’s dream!! I am posting the scanned pages from the original book a copy of which is in the possession of my cousin. It is literally falling apart, but is still a treasured family heirloom. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>**Note: Click on each page image to enlarge.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-67157700253242910282009-09-23T00:37:00.008-04:002009-09-23T07:56:55.616-04:00Wordless Wednesday- Middlebrooks or Parks?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeMLFjs4Zrak3oS92tIWp6cvyohhLJ4RIl6WHyXSJ8bSq6FFHdAN7HpfqKIN1tESMwxoyW7qvuurQ2VNSXfAg3PRNGy6kROHnCi8dyiGa_0eP6kaNHRtaxyeGAo9Qj8UJ_B-frH-CRos5/s1600-h/Middlebrooks+or+Parks+blog.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384519123272817074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeMLFjs4Zrak3oS92tIWp6cvyohhLJ4RIl6WHyXSJ8bSq6FFHdAN7HpfqKIN1tESMwxoyW7qvuurQ2VNSXfAg3PRNGy6kROHnCi8dyiGa_0eP6kaNHRtaxyeGAo9Qj8UJ_B-frH-CRos5/s320/Middlebrooks+or+Parks+blog.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>I found this photo in my mom's dresser drawer. I believe she is from my maternal line; either a Middlebrooks or Parks. I don't know who she is, but I see a lot of living and wisdom in her face. I wish I knew her name. </div>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-24014148596125920962009-09-20T14:46:00.010-04:002009-09-20T15:43:35.099-04:00Black Sheep Sunday - William "Uncle Bill" Middlebrooks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IQSIqZ7YZHOHJZbHQKr5EzDQs3OWoNIYJMhW-Z0wSvTLPF1Wtx8Wrbo0tZjQdjc-dgRvuVK-m7-CPAXq7lIWFcqNRM2ScxF-a8Zt1Etg23CzzEY3-zSbcA2HUY3oLMZriaf45fviZTa5/s1600-h/ScannedImage-2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 308px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383635646738553874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IQSIqZ7YZHOHJZbHQKr5EzDQs3OWoNIYJMhW-Z0wSvTLPF1Wtx8Wrbo0tZjQdjc-dgRvuVK-m7-CPAXq7lIWFcqNRM2ScxF-a8Zt1Etg23CzzEY3-zSbcA2HUY3oLMZriaf45fviZTa5/s320/ScannedImage-2.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>The older gentleman on the left in this photo is my maternal great uncle William Middlebrooks, born circa September 1894 in Woodbury, Meriwether County, GA. Uncle Bill was a real character; suave and debonair- a gambler, a fighter, a drinker. Uncle Bill didn't take NO mess. As the story goes, Uncle Bill had to flee his home in Woodbury under the "cloak of darkness". Family tradition says he was in an "altercation" with a white man over a pair of shoes, and was smuggled out of town with the sheriff "hot on his trail". He was first taken to Griffin, GA, but eventually made his way to Chicago where he changed his name to Bill Sutton. He later returned to Georgia where he died in August 1977.</div></div></div></div>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048802889987437621.post-24605828891374392692009-09-16T01:36:00.008-04:002009-09-16T02:36:46.809-04:00Wordless Wednesday "John Robert Taliaferro"<strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Krm2ZsvrxftUOYPYtrqLSWN4-V8uMJWGB16xWES-mSIrIAdni6gIj9bzg5veUQsfZy6-turjPBqzn0xNxFDQwRquky8PhNyxcIiJTJ7hJtmBWxTGOAYhrL4xMDiDWxkTKhyphenhyphenbMX2c8X5/s1600-h/JOHN+ROBERT+TALIAFERRO-Blog+post.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381943383689701314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Krm2ZsvrxftUOYPYtrqLSWN4-V8uMJWGB16xWES-mSIrIAdni6gIj9bzg5veUQsfZy6-turjPBqzn0xNxFDQwRquky8PhNyxcIiJTJ7hJtmBWxTGOAYhrL4xMDiDWxkTKhyphenhyphenbMX2c8X5/s320/JOHN+ROBERT+TALIAFERRO-Blog+post.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>From: Arthur Bunyan Caldwell, ed., <em>History Of The American Negro And His Institutions</em>, Georgia Edition (Atlanta: A. B. Caldwell Publishing Co.,1917), 353<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>sjtaliaferrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04485340969813958339noreply@blogger.com5