My Time at the National Archives

One of the highlights of our trip to DC was the time I spent researching family history in the National Archives. There are National Archives branches spread throughout the US and I have been to branch in San Bruno, CA. So why bother going to the DC location? That's where the original documents for the Civil War pension records are stored. You can request these be copied and sent to you, and I have done so in the past. For $25 staff members will send you "selected" items from the files. You can obtain the entire file for $75 for the first 100 pages and $.65 per additional page. The entire file is pricey, but if you aren't going to DC anytime soon, that's an option. When you chose the $25 package, a staff member will be deciding what to send you. I wanted to go through the files myself, and I wanted to see the actual documents in their real color (not the xerox black and white).

Orientation
This research journey is not for those who don't have the patience to wend their way through a lengthy process. Here's how it went. I arrived about 9:30 am. First stop - security, where I provided my driver's license and filled out an equipment permit for my camera. Next, into the orientation area on the first floor. I reviewed a Powerpoint presentation about the rules and how to handle the records. I was then issued a temporary researcher card, which normally would have included my picture, but the equipment wasn't working and they were waiting for IT to get back to them. (Sound familiar?) From there to the help desk, where I told the worker what I wanted to do. She directed me to a computer and I looked up the pension index numbers using - wait for it - Ancestry.com. Hah! If I had known about this step, I would have done it at home.

Requesting the Files
I completed forms (in duplicate) for four pension files, providing the index numbers from Ancestry.com. I made the 11:00 am deadline (aka "pull time"). Note that you can only request four files during each "pull time." Then I went back and found four more files I wanted, completed four more forms, and submitted them for the 1:00 pull time. It takes at least an hour to get the files and by now I had learned they would hold the files for three days. So I left the archives and spent the afternoon playing tourist with Ray.

Preparing to Enter the Research Room

Next morning, I am back at the archives and ready to enter the fabled Research room where I will be able to look at the files. I store my purse in a locker, and take my camera, cell phone, coin purse, pencil, and one sheet of paper (a list of the files I wanted) into the research room. Notebooks, binders, legal pads, file folders, briefcases, backpacks, purses are not allowed. PCs, scanners, and cameras are allowed. I kept it simple by taking my camera and cell phone. (Note that my entire genealogy database is on my cell phone so I can always check names and dates there if needed.)

Reviewing the Files
I go to the desk in the Research Room and am shown the files I requested. I see a stack of 9 x 15 brown envelopes that are each two or three inches thick. Some of my ancestor's files have multiple envelopes. I am shocked by the amount of material I see and am worried that I have bitten off more than I can chew. Fortunately, a couple of the files, from the War of 1812, have only a very few documents. I am given one file and I start perusing the material. Since I have seen much of this material before (in the form of xeroxes sent to me years ago) I know what I am looking for. There are certain documents - such as a letter my great-great-grandmother wrote - that I want to locate and photograph. And, I am looking for items I haven't seen before, items the staff may have missed. So I actually scan the files pretty quickly, setting aside items I want to photograph. There is a very nice camera stand, but you have to sign up to use it in one-hour increments. The system doesn't really work very well for me. Sometimes I use the camera stand and other times I just take the photos at my desk.

I realized I might not find any new information, but in fact, I did. The files for my great-great-grandfather John Weaver had an affidavit I had never seen before. In this file, he named his father. This is actually highly unusual - you almost never see parents' names in Civil War pension files as the application forms didn't ask for this information. I was thrilled. This wasn't the only piece of new information I found, but it was the most exciting!

The next afternoon, I came back to the Archives to complete my research. I worked my way through the remaining files and took many more photographs. I also made xerox copies of some pages, particularly those which I wanted to make absolutely certain I had a copy of.

Leaving the Archives
When you leave the research room, you take any xerox copies to the desk. The staff member pages through them to make sure you haven't mixed any original documents in with them. The xerox copies are then placed in a canvas bag which is zipped and locked. My first day, I was scolded about that one sheet of paper I brought in with me as I forgot to have it stamped when I entered the room! Fortunately, it was quite clear that it was not from a pension file. I  passed through security in the Research Room (where the camera permit was reviewed). Then I went down to the lockers and retrieved my purse. Last stop was security at the building exit. My camera and the permit were reviewed again, and the canvas bag with my xerox copies was unlocked. Finally, I turned in my badge and left for the day.

I had wondered before our trip if it would be worth the trouble to go to the National Archives. As you might have guessed, my answer is a resounding "yes!"

What Is the National Archives?

Our Trip to Washington, D.C.

In this post, I want to write about our recent trip to D.C., which was wonderful! We flew in to Washington on Memorial Day, 2011.

Tuesday - I visited my company's DC office, then we came back, changed clothes, and took the Metro to the Air and Space Museum. Perused the exhibits there, then walked across the Mall to the National Archives where we stood in line to see the Charters of Freedom - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Then we returned to our lodging in Columbia Heights where we had dinner at the Heights.

Wednesday - a stop at Starbucks for capps, then on to the Capitol Building. Toured with a bunch of middle school kids. Watched a powerful video about the significance of the U.S. constitutional process. Saw the rotunda, the hall of statues, and the crypt - standard stops on the tour for those without passes to the galleries. We took the underground walkway to the Library of Congress where we wandered around for a while taking in its beauty. Ray enjoyed an exhibit about Jefferson's Library. We started a tour but slipped away about halfway through. Next stop, the Supreme Court where we caught a 3:30 lecture in the courtroom. The docent was very good and we enjoyed her presentation thoroughly. We stopped at the info desk on the way out and asked about where to get some dinner. The woman suggested Union Station so we walked a few blocks and got there just as raindrops began to fall. After dinner, we took the Metro back to our lodging.

Thursday - I headed for the National Archives - this time as a researcher, and Ray went to the Folger Shakespeare Library. We met up for lunch and then walked down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. We couldn't see the front as it was blocked off so dignitaries could arrive. We walked around the back (saw Michelle Obama's vegetable garden) and by the time we got to the other side, the front was open and not crowded so we took some nice pictures. From there, we walked east to the International Spy Museum. Unfortunately, the best parts of the museum are about halfway through and we spent too much time at the initial exhibits so we were brain-dead long before the end. Best visited when one is mentally fresh!

Friday - Another morning at the National Archives for me. We met again at lunch time and purchased Old Town Trolley tickets. We took the trolley to the Jefferson Memorial. From there we went to the Lincoln Memorial, and then took the bus to Arlington. We didn't get off the bus but came back to the Lincoln Memorial and walked our way east through the memorials - the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. We missed the FDR Memorial, which everyone says is wonderful. Next stop, the Washington Monument.

Saturday - We wanted to use our Trolley tickets again so we took the route that goes to the National Cathedral and Georgetown. We walked around Georgetown a bit and saw the university. We also had lunch at the restaurant where JFK proposed to Jackie. Then back on the trolley for a head-spinning tour along embassy row. I spent the afternoon wrapping up my research at the National Archives.

Sunday - Off to Baltimore for the ball game. It was a great time to drive through town, and we easily made our way to Camden Yards, although we did have difficulty finding the parking. We are accustomed to the big signs and clear directions at Dodger Stadium! Camden Yards is a beautiful park and the stadium was packed with kids - it was Little League day. The game was boring but we enjoyed our trip. We then headed to the harbor for dinner.

Monday - Off to the airport. Our drive out of town took us past the Washington Monument, and as we left we began talking about how eager we both were to come back.

Click here for Photos of Our Trip

John Weaver, Brick Mason and Brick Wall*

John Weaver was my Grandma Evelyn's grandfather. John occupies a very special place in my genealogy charts. Of my 16 great-great-grandparents, John is the only one whose parents I am unable to identify. On some lines, I can go back 15+ generations. But with John, I can't get to the sixth generation. Here's why. John Weaver came from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the name Weaver is extremely common. He moved to Iowa as a young man, apparently without his parents. I know a lot about his adult life - he was a farmer and a brick mason, and every one of his six sons who lived to adulthood became brick masons. 

John Weaver and five of his sons. My great-grandfather,
James Baird Weaver is standing behind John.

Last year, when I was in Pennsylvania for a conference, I went to Lancaster where I spent some time at the library and at the Mennonite history center trying to find John's family. No luck there but I did follow up on a lead my mom sent me a couple years ago. Two Weaver families in eastern Lancaster Co. caught my attention. Isaac Weaver, head of one of the families was a brick mason, living on Swartzville Road near other tradesmen such as masons and blacksmiths. In 1850, he had a son about the same age as John. The other family, headed by Henry Weaver, lived only a few miles away, but by 1860 had moved to the same area of Iowa that John did. Perhaps Henry was an uncle or cousin of John - I'll do more research to find out. But as I drove down along the Adamstown and Swartzville Roads, where several Weavers were living in 1875, I found this cute little brick house, which reminded me that my Weavers were brick masons. The photo at the bottom shows a house my great-grandfather James Baird Weaver built for his family in Los Angeles.

A house on the Adamstown Road (Lancaster) in 2010

One of the brick homes James Baird Weaver built for
his family in Los Angeles.
They lived here from 1921 to 1924.

Dear Mother

Below are messages Abbie's children sent her via postcards, as well as photos of some of her children and grandchildren. 

Postmarked Eureka Nevada, May 1908

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves, Englewood RFD No 1 Box 116, Denver, Colo.

Dear Mother,

This is the town in which I live. It has been a great old town and it has all the earmarks of being a good camp next summer.

Your T

C. G. (?) Henderson 

[Charles Henderson]

Charles Henderson

Postmarked Los Angeles, Mar 1910

To: Mrs. A.A. Groves, Monte Vista, Colo.

Dear Mother,

We will be in Los Angeles in a few minutes. Things are fine and dandy. Green peaches and cherry trees in bloom, have cut alfalfa once, flowers are blooming.

Yours with love,

Sarah M. Clark

I am feeling fine. I had colic from drinking ice [following text unreadable]. Oranges are plentiful.

Postmarked Venice, Cal, March 14, 1910

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves, Monte Vista, Colo.

Dear Mother and Father,

We are visiting the coast today, wading, eating, and seeing sights. Take train for Madera tonight. We will stop at Lindsay and will probably reach Madera Tuesday.

Sarah M. Clark

Postmarked Crawford, Colo., April 12, 1910

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves, Monte Vista, Colo.

Dear Mother,

I will drop you a card to let you know how we are. I am in bed sick again. John is feeling quite well. Johnie has had the pneumonia but is well now. Love to all. Hope Will is well. 

C. L. H. 

[Claudia Henderson, wife of John Henderson]

Postmarked 1910, Madera, Cal.

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves

Dear [text unreadable],

We are in Madera Calif now where we think we'll settle.

Yours truly,

A.C. 

[Arthur Clark, son of Sarah Clark]

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves, Monte Vista, Colo.

Madera, Cal

5/15/1910

Dear Ma and Pa G.,

Many happy returns. Everything is lovely here but don't come because we like it for it has its drawbacks but one that sets their heads to make it here can surely do it.

Love and best wishes,

C. K. C. 

[Clifford Clark, husband of Sarah Clark]

No postmark, no date

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves, Englewood RFD No 1 Box 116

Colo.

Dear Mother,

We got your letter but Mary is sick so I have not got time to write now but will write later. John is well. Hope you are all well. Goodbye. Write soon.

Your loving daughter,

Mrs. J. G. Henderson 

[Claudia Henderson, wife of John Henderson]

Crawford, Colo.

Henry "Lon" Henderson

Postmarked Colorado
July 30, 1910

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves, 137 W. 25^th Street, Los Angeles, CA

Dear friends,

Your card came all OK. We are well as usual. I found grandma quite poorly. She is failing fast. I think she looks very bad. Mrs. Surkle was over yesterday. Baby not very well. Neither is Mrs. S. Will close. We had a good rain yesterday and last night. Lots of water in the ditch.

Mary E. Anson

Postmarked Monte Vista Aug 9, 1910

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves

Los Angeles

California

137 W. 25^th Street

Madera California

Dear Mother,

I received your letter and am glad to hear that you are feeling better. I am alright. I have been fishing for weeks up to plat and caught a nice lot of fish. It is especially hot here.

Your son

Bill Henderson

William "Bill" Henderson

Postmarked Monte Vista, Sep 28 1910

To: Mrs. A.A. Groves, Madera, Ca

9-24-10

Dear Mother,

Mother I received your letter the other day and was glad to hear from you. So you are undecided whether you will stay there or not. Mother I am alright as far as I know and you don't need to worry about me. I am old enough to take care of myself and I am sure glad to hear that you are feeling better than you were here. So goodbye as ever your son, 

Will Henderson

Postmarked Madera

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves, Monte Vista, Colo.

Dear Mother,

How are you today? We have just come home from prayer meeting where we ask special prayer for you. We hope and pray you are better. With love and many kisses,

Your daughter and family

Postmarked Madera

To: Mrs. A. A. Groves, Monte Vista, Colo.

Dear grandma,

I am in a boys band and the grapes and the watermelon and the figs have grown. And we have 24 little pigs 6 mamma pigs and how are you all and tell me about V.P. good by 

XX from J.C. 

[Jonathan Clark, son of Sarah Clark]

Sarah Mandana Henderson Clark

Postmarked Los Angeles, Jun 22, 1912
To: Mrs. A. A. Groves, Monte Vista, Colo.

June 21, 1912

Dear Mother,

Received your very welcome letter. We'll hope you are resting. We are about to sell out but as yet don't now where we will live. After 2 months in the trade we get 73 acres near Midview. With love to all I will write  [remaining text is unreadable].

[Letter is in the handwriting and purple pencil Sarah Clark always used.]

Postmark Crawford, Colo

To: Mrs. John Groves, Monte Vista, Colo.

Crawford, Colo.

Oct 21, 1912

Dear friend,

Your son John is here in town but they say his wife is going to Denver tomorrow and that he will the next day. They say he has a job over there.

Effie

Postmarked Monte Vista, Aug 28, 1915

To: Mrs. A.A. Groves, Corona, Calif. R.F.D. 181

Dear Folks,

Received your letter and will write in a few days. Everything fine here. Both of us are fine. Bill feels pretty good now, especially since the crop is good.

With love,

Blanche [wife of Bill Henderson]

The depot, Monte Vista, Colorado

Abbie McCloud Henderson Moves On

Boy did Abbie move on! Henry died on December 7, 1897, and Abbie remarried eleven days later on December 18, 1897 in Joplin, Missouri. After many years of caring for a sick husband and large family with very little in the way of resources, I don't blame her. And although a family story says her son Lon left home due to the relationship, Lon and his older brother were still living with Abbie and her new husband, John Fisher, in Monte Vista in 1900. On October 26, 1906, Abbie married again, to John Groves. Over the years, Abbie and John Groves, and her children moved to California. Daughter Sarah Mandana and her husband Clifford Clark were in California by 1910, and Abbie and John by 1916. Eventually Lon, his wife Ruth, and daughter Virginia moved, and finally, Bill moved too.  While the family was apart, Abbie's children sent postcards keeping her apprised of their whereabouts and their well being. Abbie saved the postcards in a simple black album that we still have. Abbie, Sarah, Lon, and their families all ended up living near one other in Pomona. Abbie's granddaughter Virginia, who was born in 1910, spoke of her grandmother with a deep sense of awe and love, and she talked of Grandaddy Groves with great affection. Virginia said that although her grandparents had very little money, she and her parents were welcomed into their home with open arms and abundant generosity. On a lighter note, Virginia also remembered her grandmother teaching her how to heat maple syrup and pour it over snow to make maple candy. In the photo below, which was taken after she married John Groves, Abbie is wearing the GAR star her first husband Henry wore. Did she wear it in memory of Henry? Or as a kind of badge of honor she herself had earned? Either way, I am impressed by her resilience and strength.  

Abbie McCloud Henderson Fisher Groves

John Groves, the beloved "grandaddy"

The Winter Looks Dark and Gloomy

In 1894, when he was about 50, my great-great-grandfather, Henry Henderson was committed to an asylum in Colorado. According to friends and neighbors, who provided affidavits in his pension file, Henry's physical and mental health had been deteriorating for many years, to the point where he required the "constant watchful care of his family." His wife Abbie was made his conservator, and Henry remained in the asylum until his death in 1897. Abbie wrote the following letter to the pension review board a few months before Henry was committed.

Monte Vista

Colo.

Sep 11, 1893

Mr. W. G. Coffin

Dear Sir,

I received these papers but as my husband has lost his mind and is in sein it is impossable to get any further evidents. The Dr. that Doctored in the hospital is dead but his evidence is there. Henry got it when or reit before he drew the pension he is entitled to, and that being the small sum of $4.00 per month. He is as help less as an inphint has to have tow attendents. My health is all broke down and have a fimly of 7 the oldest 15 years of age. We are what you call poverty strickened want and must have aid for I am not able to take care of so larger faimly and him an involid. The board of 3 dr. examined him in April their testimonies is also in Washington.

We can get the neighbors evidence for 18 years if that will be of any good, can get plenty of them. Please attend to this matter promply for the winter loocks dark and gloomy.

And obliged

Yours truly

Mrs. Henry G. Henderson

Ironically, after Henry was committed, and after more exchanges back and forth between Abbie and the review board, a pension of $12 a month was granted. 

The children of Henry and Abbie Henderson, Monte Vista, Colorado, about 1891

Back row: Sarah Mandana, John Grove

Front row, L to R: Charles W., William Chester, Henry Alonzo

The Hendersons in Colorado

Censuses are invaluable sources of the basic facts about a family. The 1880 U.S. census shows Henry Henderson and wife Abbie living in Rio Grande County, Colorado with Myrtle, age 12, Mandana, 5, John G., 4 and Charles, 1. Like most American men of the time, Henry's occupation was "farmer," however, he also worked as a cattleman and a builder. Henry's father John, who was a carpenter, had come to Colorado, too, leaving his wife Nancy in Minnesota. Life in Colorado was not easy for the Henderson family and in 1880, Henry applied for an invalid pension. Henry had been discharged from the army in 1863 due to "opacity of both corneas producing almost total loss of sight," but the review committee asked for proof to back Henry's claim and the process took years. Henry's father and acquaintances provided affidavits stating Henry was healthy upon enlistment, increasingly unable to obtain subsistence by manual labor, and going blind. It appears that in 1885, Henry was granted a $4 monthly pension. In 1886, Henry applied for an increase, stating he had kidney and liver troubles. Meanwhile, the family had grown. Henry Alonzo "Lon" (my great-grandfather) was born at the end of 1880, and George was born in 1882. The children attended school, where Sarah Mandana, John, and Charles are listed on an 1884 attendance roster. In 1887, Abbie had another son, George, but sadly, he died after a few months of illness.

The photo below, taken in Del Norte, Colorado shows Henry wearing a Grand Army of the Republic star, with Abbie, and one child, who I believe is Myrtle. Perhaps this photo signified a significant occasion in Myrtle's life.

Henry G. Henderson, Abbie McCloud Henderson, and possible Myrtle Henderson

Henry Henderson's Grand Army of the Republic Star.
The GAR was a fraternal organization of
Union Army veterans.

The Grand Army of the Republic