If it’s not one thing, it’s my mother! Saturday, May 11 2013 

ancestry and Mother's Day , , , , , , , , , Kelly Deeny 2:03 pm

**UPDATED: May 2015**

I certainly picked my mother well. She’s kind, thoughtful, caring, funny, and strong.  She wants her children to thrive and does what she can to help us achieve independence.  We don’t always agree and there are times when we don’t like one another, but love unites us. We’re related in genetic terms, but that’s not what makes her my Mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Five Reasons I Love My Mom

  1. Her smile:  My mom makes me smile, her joy for life infectious.  She does her best to lift my spirits when I’m down, tells me I’m doing a great job, and boosts my ego about my artistic endeavors.
  2. Perseverance:  By the time she was in her early thirties, my mother had lost her father, step-father, and mother.  She was raising 4 girls, all under the age of 11, without a mother or father to offer support, guidance, or advice.  She learned as she went and did it with a sense of humor, strength, and unconditional love for her daughters.
  3. Family ties:  My mother came from a tight-knit family of aunts, uncles, cousins – all living close to one another.  She grew up with her family around her and while we didn’t have many family near us she would frequently take us back to her hometown to visit her family.  I love those days: staying at my MomMom’s house, swimming at Uncle Lenny’s and Aunt Betty’s, and going to the “K” family reunions.  I think of Hazleton as my second home and that’s thanks to my mother.
  4. Role Model:  I don’t say that I have many role models,; mainly because I believe that you are your own role model.  Having stated that, I look up to my mother in many ways – her strength, her cooking skills, her natural way with kids, her passion for education.  I am proud of my mother and all that she’s achieved, both personally and professionally.  If I have half of the same qualities that I see in her, then I’m truly blessed.
  5. Unconditional love:  My mother loves her girls unconditionally; without prejudice, judgment, or bias.  She doesn’t have a favorite (unless you count the dog) and she doesn’t pit one against the other.  She doesn’t always agree with our choices and lets us know when that’s the case.  But, it’s always done with love at the center of it all.  I know my mother loves me.  I’ve always known, even when I’m frustrated, stubborn, and afraid of letting her down.

I am proud to be my mother’s daughter.  I’m proud of the woman who raised me, who stayed with me at the hospital, supported me when I struggled, and showed me the importance of family.  When she chose my dad, she created a family infused with laughter, love, and individuality.  I thank her for all she’s done for me, my sisters, my brothers-in-law, and her grandbabies – all of whom she adores with equal parts love and devotion.

 

Hollywood Ancestry Sunday, Apr 7 2013 

ancestry and Travel and Writing , , , Kelly Deeny 11:31 am

My ancestors grew up in Hollywood.  No, not that one!  The one in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.  Never heard of it? Neither had I until I delved into my family history.

A lack of information exists about the small PA village known as Hollywood.  From what I’ve learned, Hollywood was a coal mining town (shocking for that area, I know) and according to family members who grew up near there or still reside in the neighboring Hazleton, Hollywood consisted of a small patch of houses off of Route 309.

My mom can recall that Hollywood was at the top of Hazleton Mountain and Angela Park was located at the bottom.  She distinctly remembers school field trips to the park; an amusement park of sorts that had games, rides and even a mini train.  The park has since closed down but it’s got me intrigued to write more about it in a future post.

If you’ve happened by my entertainment blog then you  know that I have a deep appreciation for all things film, television and theatre related.  So, you can imagine my delight upon learning I have relatives that called Hollywood home.  Okay, maybe it’s not THAT entertainment mecca but it made me smile nonetheless.

I’m on a mission to know more about this town.  What it looked like in 1894 when my 2nd great-grandparents married there or thirty years later when their daughter married my great-grandfather.  I have marriage records for both of the aforementioned parties, showing Hollywood, PA as their residence – so I know it existed and that they lived in that particular location.  I just need to see for myself what the environment looked like.  There will be visit in the near future so that I can see for myself what it looks like now.

I don’t expect it to be a vision of beauty or elegance like its namesake.  It’s likely it was given such a  name out of a witty sense of humor or a “this is real life” statement.  The reasoning behind the name choice interests me as does having a visual representation of the homes and locations that my ancestors spent their lives.

Being able to imagine them in their own habitat, whatever it may have looked like, provides a window into understanding their choices.  What did they struggle with?  What was a typical day like for them?  Did they have a strong desire to leave Hollywood and venture into the big cities of Hazleton or Wilkes-Barre?  When so many left their small towns to move to Hollywood, CA how many dreamed of leaving the one in PA?

My great-grandparents, after marrying, did call Hazleton home as did the generations that followed.  Did my great-grandmother visit her Hollywood family often?  Was there any type of class/social issues that arose between those in Hollywood and family that moved to Hazleton?  These are the types of questions that peak this writer’s interest and I’m itching to know more.

I will follow-up on this post in the coming months, after I make a visit up to Hollywood.  In the meantime, I can simply imagine!

 

Dear Aunt Liz Saturday, Mar 9 2013 

ancestry , , , , , Kelly Deeny 6:15 pm

In the wee hours of the morning on 1/13/2013 a woman of incredibe strength, determinaton and heart succumbed to the effects of cancer.

My Aunt Liz has parted from the body that housed her spirit. A body that endured tremendous pain in the last four years of her life. She’s now at peace. Most likely having plenty of laughs with her father, mother and brother.

It’s those of us still here who have the challenging task of celebrating her life while missing her terribly. And it’s not only those of us related by blood who share in that grief.  Liz was beloved by so many people and the love she showed to others came back two-fold. Neighbors, friends and those she welcomed with open arms are family too. She’s “Grandma Liz” with a readiness to spoil children and offer life advice when needed.

A woman of such spirit will continue on in some fashion. Whether enjoying the grace of Heaven, journeying on into her next life, or hanging around for a little while to wrap us in comfort.

I love you Aunt Liz. You’re fiery spirit left an indelible impression on my life as I’m certain it’s done for so many others. May you rest, relax and enjoy the peace then continue on and relish the freedom. You’ve earned it!

 

The smallest of movements Saturday, Dec 29 2012 

ancestry and Writing , , , , Kelly Deeny 1:53 pm

As is evident by my delay in posting a new entry I’ve lost a little steam on the ancestry train.

When I first got started on this family history journey there was excitement, exhilaration and anticipation.  What would I find?  How far back could I go?  It’s so easy to get lost in the past.  To become overwhelmed with the history of others that I don’t pay as much attention to myself.  It’s easy to sit at the computer for hours at a time, tracing just one ancestor.  What if I look on this site?  What if I change-up the spelling of their last name?  I can search by their children’s names too.  Maybe I’ll search them to find obituaries or marriage records.  Perhaps I’ll find the smallest of new details.

I follow that path until four hours go by.  I look back on the day and wonder how much more productive activities I could have accomplished.  I could’ve been signing up for a night class, making a new necklace or writing a new blog entry.  I spend 40 hours a week writing on a computer.  Given that I’m sedentary for 8 hours a day why do I choose to remain mostly inactive once I get home?  Whether sitting on the couch watching TV or plopped on a chair doing genealogy research I’m still not moving.  Physically, that is.

I whole-heartedly believe that sometimes moving forward requires looking back.  That we can find strength, hope and inspiration in what’s since passed.  That we may gain insight into the choices someone else made and reflect upon our own decisions.  I have found remarkable insight and inspiration in the smallest of family history details that I’ve learned so far.  There are so many stories I yearn to tell that I get overwhelmed at where to start.

I’m sure I am not alone in this quandary and that many other family researchers stumble upon a similar “block” along their ancestry journey.  I’m moving forward, albeit slowly…but at least there’s movement!

 

The Value of Music: A Timeless Discussion Saturday, Dec 8 2012 

ancestry and Writing , , , , , , , , , , , Kelly Deeny 1:04 pm

Every time I think about the tragedy of my second great-grandfather’s (Elmer Karchner) death it’s now amplified at the knowledge he once labeled himself as a musician yet died a coal miner.  While the necessity of an occupation change is understandable it only aggravates the frustration I have about my own choices.

As a writer I welcome constructive feedback.  I want to know what my strengths are and what areas need improvement.  If a story leaves you confused or moves you I want to know.  I thrive on honest yet helpful criticism.

As a singer, if you tell me I was off-pitch, lagging behind the accompaniment or just plain okay I’m likely to internalize that criticism into “I am not a singer, no matter how much I may want to be.”  I often wonder why there’s such a drastic shift between writing and music, and how I define myself.

Is there some part of me that is terrified of actually defining myself as a singer?  I call myself a writer without hesitation – without doubt of truth.  Plenty of family and friends commend my writing.  They champion my desire of pursuing writing as a career choice.  But, no one has ever told me, “Why aren’t you singing professionally?”  I’ve been told I have a beautiful voice and people are surprised that such a powerful voice comes out of such a tiny individual.  Yet, those around me aren’t apt to tell me to give up writing and pursue music.

I don’t blame them, after all there’s a part of me that believes it too.  Or else I would’ve found the strength and determination to pursue a career in music if that’s truly what I wanted.  Is it enough just to enjoy singing on a smaller scale?  To see the smiles on my niece and nephews’ faces when I sing to them.  To burst out into song with my car windows rolled down on a perfect Spring day.  To blare a musical theatre soundtrack and sing along with it when the house it empty.

I get fulfillment from both writing and singing.  The difference is…I earn money with the prior.  Even though Elmer Karchner may have found just as much passion for music it wouldn’t have earned him enough money to support his family.  Not at the turn of the 20th century anyway.  I hope that he shared his love of music with his children.  That they gathered around on a Sunday afternoon in Hazleton and played.  Whether he played an instrument or sang I like to imagine Elmer, Miss Mattie and their children joined in song during the holidays; their family and friends surrounding them with love and appreciation.

Your life ended too short Elmer, but your love of music has not died!

Love,

Kelly

 

A small world indeed Sunday, Oct 21 2012 

ancestry and Travel and Writing , , , , , , , , , , Kelly Deeny 12:36 pm

That’s how the world seems to me when researching genealogy information.  With ancestors on both sides who immigrated I often wonder if they viewed the world the same.

I live in a suburb of Philadelphia; an area that most wouldn’t know of unless they’re from this vicinity.  So when telling people where I’m from it’s easiest simply to say “Philadelphia”.  But every time those words cross my lips I feel inclined to clarify.  As though I’m doing a dis-service to not only those who actually reside within Philly but to the town in which I live.

Along that same vein, I grew up proud to be Irish and Polish even though I was born and bred right here – in Bucks County, PA.  I’m not Irish; I’m American.  And I’m proud to have been born here.  But I also have a European connection deep down.  One that I have yet to fully comprehend.

I love to travel and have purposefully made it a goal to visit these places I’ve longed to see.  Yet, I find it rather interesting that I have this longing to one day call Europe my home.  And that doesn’t make me any less proud to be American.  It just means that there’s a very strong part of me that wants to know more about the places my ancestors once called home.

My reasons for wanting to go across the ocean may differ greatly from that of my ancestors.  Whether it was a need to escape oppression, poverty, sickness or a desire to pursue their dreams, they had to make the choice to leave their homeland.  They left all that they knew – and started anew.  Sometimes they found success, other times situations as dire as the ones they left behind.

Though they came to embrace the country in which they now resided did they ever let go of the home they once loved so?  And if they did not, then the same holds true the other way; no matter what part of the world I may reside, I’ll still be proud of the American spirit within me.

 

What a difference 9 years makes! Tuesday, Sep 25 2012 

ancestry and Writing , , , , , , , , , , Kelly Deeny 7:48 am

I know I am supposed to be alternating between my maternal and paternal heritage but a recent discovery just won’t let me go!

From a very young age I knew music existed within me.  There was no doubt.  As though the rhythm, melodies and lyrics blended into my very spirit.  I don’t know at what age I started singing but I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t.

As much as I consider myself a writer I am equally a singer.  The passion I have comes from the warmth that radiates in my core, travels up my chest, tingles in my throat and reverberates on my lips.  I feel the music in every single fiber of my being and every cell in my body.  I am a writer.  I am a singer.  I am an artist.  And apparently so was my great, great-grandfather Elmer.

If you haven’t already read my post about Elmer’s coal mining accident in 1902 then a) why not and b) here’s a brief synopsis…he was killed in a tragic accident at the Cranberry mine at the age of 32.  I wasn’t surprised to learn that he was a coal miner.  My mother’s relatives come from upstate Pennsylvania, where coal miners and farmers are a-plenty.  But I was floored up on reading his 1893 marriage record.  His occupation was listed as…just wait…MUSICIAN!

I know!  How amazing is that? I gaped at my computer screen, blinked the clouds from my eyes and felt the chills course through my arms.  As stunned as I was I also started wondering more about his life.  What instrument did he play?  Did he sing?  Did he perform locally with friends or family members?  How did his life change so significantly within a short period of time?  Marriage and children – having to provide for his family was the most reasonable answer I came up with.  Most likely being a musician couldn’t sustain them.  Couldn’t pay bills.  Couldn’t keep food on the table.  What was the inner struggle over giving up a passion?  Were there extenuating circumstances?  An emotional or mental breakdown?  Or was he a pragmatic man who acknowledged the reality of his situation and simply moved forward?

In all my research, I’ve learned about intriguing individuals on both branches of my family tree.  But my connection to Elmer is deeply rooted by more than bloodlines!

to be continued…

 

History was never my favorite subject. Thursday, Sep 6 2012 

ancestry and Writing , , , , , , , Kelly Deeny 7:42 pm

I know…I know…I’m interested in ancestry research so why do I dislike history?

During my school years I loved English and Math but hated Science and Social Studies.  I constantly heard that the pairings were typically Math & Science versus English & Social Studies.  If you liked one subject it was likely you’d do well in the other.  Not me!  I didn’t understand why History was linked with English.  Studying literature was so engrossing.  So creative and based on using your imagination and critical thinking.  On the other hand, History was based on facts.  How many states?  What are their capitals?  When was the Spanish-American war?  Who was the 14th president of the United States?  How did we….Sorry, I just bored myself to sleep.

It wasn’t until I started reading Historical Fiction that I came to appreciate Social Studies/History as more than empty facts.  It was about PEOPLE.  About their experiences, hopes, dreams and struggles.  It wasn’t about knowing the time period of the Civil War but more importantly, why did it occur and what were the reasons behind them?  Who were the individuals involved?  How did they struggle on both sides of that horrendous time?  My third great-grandfather is just one of many young men who fought during the Civil War.  His story leaves me to ponder not only what he experienced but how I perceive my own choices.

Pvt Martin Karchner served in Company K, Pennsylvania 81st Infantry Regiment.  He enlisted in 1861 and was shot in the foot during the Battle of Charles City (also known as Battle of Glendale) in June of 1862 and according to the records I’ve found he was captured by the Confederacy. He returned home in 1862 on a ship carrying sick and wounded soldiers and went on to marry my 3rd great-grandmother.  They went on to have many children; one of which was Elmer who died in a coal mining accident in 1902.

I’m in the midst of doing more research on Martin’s military experience; the results of which will prompt another blog entry at a later date.  The point being, knowing the dates have led to me to know where and when he fought.  That leads me to want to know more.

And that’s a history lesson worth paying attention to!

For more information, please visit…

http://www.angelfire.com/pa3/81stpennsylvania/oroster.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Glendale

 

Elora Valley Friday, Aug 31 2012 

ancestry and Family and Travel and Writing , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Kelly Deeny 3:01 pm

My foray into ancestry research coincided with the writing of my premiere novel – a Young Adult story that’s part fantasy, part coming of age and part spiritual in theme.  The importance of family connections is one of the main components of the book.  How we relate to one another.  How we identify ourselves as individuals and as relations?  Can you truly prosper by running away from your complex family situation or must you confront the issues before becoming an full-fledged member of society?  But most of all, can you move forward without looking back?

My protagonist, Gracie, ultimately finds strength in her own abilities by listening to the wisdom and advice of family members that have long since passed.  Being an artistic soul, I intentionally infused creative outlets throughout the story;  as a vital element of the progression of each character.  In coming up with a name for the fictional world in which Gracie would reside, I struggled.  I started with “Aurora” partly because I’m a big fan of animated princess movies.  Then the name “Alora Valley” came to me while writing one day.  Perfect!  That fit.

Years later, while researching my father’s side of the family, I learned that my relatives came from a town in Canada called Elora!  Wow…just wow. 🙂  I couldn’t make that stuff up.  Well, actually I probably could, but I didn’t!  To top off this wonderful round of synchronicity is the fact that Elora is a village infused with the creative arts.  It just keeps getting better.

I am making plans to head north for a visit to my ancestors hometown, before they moved to Michigan.  After just a brief search I’ve found so many interesting bed and breakfasts to stay in, events/festivals coming  up and scenic spots to photograph.  Visiting Elora has now become my next stop on my Ancestry Travel bucket list!

To learn more about Elora visit their website…http://www.elora.info/

 

Miller-ing around Thursday, Aug 23 2012 

ancestry , , , , , , , , , , , Kelly Deeny 12:03 pm

Perhaps it’s unfair to declare only my father’s side of the family as stubborn…because my mom’s got her own challenging ancestors!

I made mention in an earlier post about the Smiths on my father’s side.  I mean really…John Smith?  Okay, moving on – my mother has a similar challenge in her lineage and that award goes to the Millers of Trenton, NJ!!!!!  Congrats guys on there being so many of you and living in an area where birth and marriage records are scarce.

As soon as I found out my mother’s grandmother’s maiden name was Miller I thought, “Oh Crap! You’ve got to be kidding.”  I don’t remember how I eventually found out her surname or how I stumbled upon the correct census info that listed her parents.  Once I found her parents, Oscar and Bertie, I also found a plethora of siblings.  Thankfully, they had unique first names like Calvin, Carl and Arthur.  No, not that Arthur Miller!  At least, I don’t think they’re one and the same. 😉

Oscar was born in, and lived for some time, in Pennsylvania.  According to the records I have been able to find Oscar, Bertie and their children moved from Hazleton down to Trenton, NJ between 1918 and 1920.  Thank goodness for the WWI draft cards and the 1920 census! My latest search is to find the real estate transaction for the home they purchased on Mulberry St.  One they lived in until at least the late 1940s.  I’ve come up short so far, but I’m continuing on.  I’m determined to find it.  But I think my next stop may involve visiting the local offices to look for records.

But there’s so much more to the story of Oscar and Bertie.  Bertie died in 1926 at a young age, leaving behind at least 8 children.  Four years later, the youngest daughter, Gladys, was living in the home of her mother’s sister; a home that she was still residing in as of the 1940 census.  Obituary records for her siblings and cousins indicate that she became more like a sister to her cousins.  Which makes sense since she literally grew up with them.

I wonder what life was like for them then.  How difficult must it have been for Oscar to have someone else raise his daughter after his wife’s death.  Granted, it was his sister-in-law but still.  It intrigues me to know their story.  Was there hurt feelings between them?  What was Gladys’ relationship like with her father in comparison to the one she had with her aunt and uncle?

But the story that caught me off-guard is this one…I found documentation and newspaper articles indicating Oscar remarried a woman named Delphina Dempster Kemble, sometime around 1945.  Delphina’s husband, Leroy Kemble had passed and Oscar was still a widow.  Here comes the most interesting part…according to the 1940 census Leroy and Delphina Kemble were living in the home of Oscar Miller and his sons (on Mulberry St).  Five years later, Oscar and Delphina were married.  So, my eyes bugged out of my head and the family detective/writer in me yearned to know more.

While I still look for verification of Oscar’s parents and grandparents I’m intrigued to know more about the stories and experiences that shaped them as individuals.

 

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