Kin and Konnections: A Family History Blog

Mom was on the familysearch.org site last night and found George Champion's parents: George Champion and Eleanor Ellis. We know it's his parents because it lists the same birthplace [Bristol, England] and birth date [24 February 1840]. No other information was found. Originally published on the MyFamily.com website on 2 July 2000. Edited for clarity. Comments are in brackets.

I spent a few hours this afternoon at the Los Angeles Public Library and found the following book: "The History of McLean County, Illinois," published by William Le Baron, Jr., & Company in Chicago in 1879. It contains a history of Normal Township which I will summarize later. In the business directory under Normal it lists Hiram Baker as a dealer in real estate. George Champion is listed as a dealer in hardware and tinware. On page 831 the biographical sketch of HIRAM BAKER states: "HIRAM BAKER, real estate, Normal; was born near Troy, N. Y., Sept. 27, 1818; son of B. and Lucy (Ives) Baker, who were of English descent. During his early life, he obtained a good business education, laying the foundation for future usefulness. He came to Illinois in 1837, locating in Fulton Co.; then, in 1841, removed to Peoria Co. where he was engaged in real estate some twenty-seven years; in fact, Mr. Baker has been a successful dealer in real estate thus far through life. He has im...

Yesterday while I was goofing off on the Internet (at home, not at work!) I found an article entitled, "McNokairds: The Early Sinclairs of Argyll," by Karen J. Matheson. Check it out at [website link has expired]. It quotes part of "The Jolly Beggar," by Robert Burns: "When thus the caird address'd her: My bonnie lass, I work in brass, A tinkler is my station: I've travell'd round all Christian ground In this my occupation; I've taen the gold, an been enrolled In many a noble squadron; But vain they search'd when off I march'd To go an clout the cauldron." Originally published on the MyFamily.com website on 30 May 2000. Edited for clarity. Comments are in brackets.

Many years ago, my family and friends gathered together in a private online community called, "Our Family Site." It was hosted by MyFamily.com, Inc.  We shared family news; wished happy birthdays and anniversaries; and celebrated babies being born, graduations, and weddings. This community lasted for about a decade, until everyone started migrating to other social media sites.  Before shutting it down, I backed up what I could, including several pieces I wrote about discovering our family history. I will be posting some of my family history stories from Our Family Site. They were written from 2000 through 2004. I hope that you will enjoy them and maybe you will discover something new. ~Michele Paplanus