Category Archives: Vandyke

Identity – Month 7 of 12 Ancestors in 12 Months

What’s in a Name? In the play, Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare has Juliet say, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Of course, life is a bit more … Continue reading

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Foundations – Month 1 of 12 Ancestors in 12 Months

Dutch Beginnings January 1731 had a frigid start. A few days earlier on December 21, 1730 “vessels were forced back by ice” on the Delaware River. As New Jersey ushered in the beginning of a cold new year, Hendrick and … Continue reading

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Birthdays – Week 46 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Sharing Birthdays Want to have a little fun? Check out the interactive map at https://www.vizwiz.com/2012/05/how-common-is-your-birthday-find-out.html. Just scroll down to the larger map and hover over any date to see the ranking. I was born on May 8 which is ranked … Continue reading

Posted in Coble, Genealogy, Vandyke, Watkins | 2 Comments

Changes – Week 41 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Coming to America Life is full of changes; nothing stays static even when we wish it to. One of the greatest changes in life that a person may experience is moving. It can be very stressful when it occurs because … Continue reading

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On the Farm – Week 37 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

From Farm to Table Back in earlier days, cuisine was determined by geography and climate. The spices, vegetables, and proteins that were readily available were used to develop unique flavor profiles that were handed down. Food preparation traditions and customs … Continue reading

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Working – Week 36 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Old World and New World Sheriffs Several of my ancestors have held the position of sheriff, both in the old world and in the new world.  The role of sheriff, which is the oldest official post in England and Wales, … Continue reading

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Favorite Name – Week 31 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Common or Unusual? The most popular name in my family tree is John. Then there is Stephen, Malcolm, Francis and Frances, Mary, and Sarah. Some of the more unusual women’s names in my tree are: Elvira, Orriminah, Otillia (nicknamed Tilly), … Continue reading

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Favorite Place – Week 17 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Bugscuffle So how did Bugscuffle get its name? The origin began at Tate School. (In the late 1800s, Mr.Tate donated land for a school and a cemetery.) One theory claims that during a pie supper at the school, Homer Coker … Continue reading

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DNA – Week 16 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

“Life is lived forwards, but understood backwards.” Soren Kierkegaard DNA results are most accurate when examined in conjunction with genealogical research. According to https://www.livescience.com, DNA findings are not an exact science because groups of people moved and mixed with other … Continue reading

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Brick Wall – Week 15 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Confusion is Inevitable Brick walls in genealogical research are inevitable. Families tend to remember some things that are not actually factual. Over time, stories may become embellished (I have plans to tell a story later that my great grandfather told … Continue reading

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