This post describes a situation that is all too common in genealogy research. What happens when you have two people with the same name at the same place and time? How does one connect them to the right parents, wives, and children? This is a big problem when someone is trying to trace their family… Continue reading The Two-William Problem
Author: Jon Casbon
The Casbon Family Reunion, October 1901, Valparaiso, Indiana
Casbon family reunion 24 October 1901; author’s collection (Please! Click on image to enlarge and see names) I’ve had this photograph for so long that I don’t remember where or who it came from. I believe I was given a copy sometime in the 1990s when I was just starting my genealogy research. Many of… Continue reading The Casbon Family Reunion, October 1901, Valparaiso, Indiana
Occupations
The 19th century was a time of tremendous social and economic change in England. The industrial revolution and growth of the railroads created economic growth, new job opportunities, and shifted segments of the population from their traditional rural homelands to the cities. How did this affect our English Casbon ancestors? We can gain some insight… Continue reading Occupations
Alice Hannah Casbon (1871–1950)
Alice Hannah Casbon was the last child born to James (~1813–1884) and Mary (Jackson, ~1833–187_?) Casbon. There is a family tradition that Alice was born at sea while the family was making the crossing from Liverpool to New York aboard the ship Great Western. Although there is no evidence to support the claim, it is… Continue reading Alice Hannah Casbon (1871–1950)
Herman, Floyd, and Harriet, about 1905
I must start this post with an apology. I’m not sure who sent me the photograph of Herman, Floyd and Harriet Casbon. I believe it was one of my Iowa Casbon cousins. I’m sorry for not giving you proper credit! Left to right: Herman, Harriet, and Floyd Casbon, ca. 1905, probably taken at Valparaiso, Indiana… Continue reading Herman, Floyd, and Harriet, about 1905
Pilgrim
Here’s a research tip: when viewing images of records online, always check to see if there are more pages than the one you are viewing. Case in point: Here is the top of a page from the passenger list of the steam ship Celtic, which arrived at Boston, Massachusetts on 10 June 1928, after departing… Continue reading Pilgrim
Mable Ruth’s Mystery Marriages
Mable Ruth Casbon; scanned image of undated photo; courtesy of Claudia Vokoun Mable Ruth was the only daughter of Thomas S. (1870–1955) and Ella (Downs, 1873–1936) Casbon. She was born at Deep River, Lake County, Indiana on 11 August 1893.[1] Most published records indicate that she never married. However, I have come across evidence that… Continue reading Mable Ruth’s Mystery Marriages
“Trotting Match”
The following article appeared in The Cambridge Independent Press, 4 August 1866:[1] Trotting Match.—On Monday last, the New Road and Cemetery End were thronged with spectators to witness a trotting match against time, Mr. Casbon’s five-year old roan filly Strawberry, by Orton, being engaged to trot one mile in harness, drawing her owner and another… Continue reading “Trotting Match”
Barn Burned
This article appeared in the 18 September 1930 La Porte City, Iowa, Progress Review newspaper.[1] (Click on image to enlarge) The owner of the barn, George W. Casbon (1874–1944), was the patriarch of today’s Iowa Casbons. The fire must have been a terrible blow. 1930 was near the beginning of the Great Depression. I’m told… Continue reading Barn Burned
Four Men—a Postcard
Do you like postcards? I must admit that I haven’t sent one in decades—even before the days of email and social media. And I can’t recall the last time I received one, either. Here’s a postcard that was never mailed. “From right to left: Uncle Lawrence, Mr Williams, Father, Uncle Charley”; courtesy of Claudia Vokoun… Continue reading Four Men—a Postcard