ASHES RETURNED TO FAMILY 18 YEARS AFTER DEATH–Welcome back Harriet!

Left to right - J. Fred Pickard, Ellen Lindsay Pickard, Harry W. Gould and Marie Lindsay - Is the little girl in the front Fred & Ellen's daughter, Harriet?  We think so, but we don't know for sure.

I certainly didn’t have to wonder what I was going to write about in my blog today.  Thanks to online trees, FindAGrave and Facebook, we have located a family member’s ashes, 18 years after her death.
Yesterday I sat down at my computer and opened up Ancestry.com.  I saw the little envelope icon at the top had a 1 next to it, indicating I had a message.  When I opened the message here is what I read:

Re: Harriet M. “Lynn” Pickard Dowdell
“Hi,
How did you know this lady?? I was just asked by a person I went to school with to look up Lynn’s husband and find where he was buried..well it was so easy since you had it on here..He has her ashes and her wishes were to spread them over her husbands grave. Now that I looked here and than found him listed in FAG, he will now carry out her wishes.”

What?  Someone has Harriet’s ashes?  Seriously?  After all these years?
 

Who was Harriet “Lynn” Pickard Cramer Dowdell?

She was my 1st cousin once removed.  That makes her my grandmother’s niece and a first cousin to my Dad.  Harriet and my father, Harry Norman Gould were only a few years apart.  Since neither of them had siblings they grew up close.

I remember hearing about Harriet when I was a little girl in Michigan, but don’t remember meeting her back then.  We left Michigan when I was 7 yrs. old.
 
Harriet was the only child of James Frederick Pickard (1884-1964) and Ellen W. Lindsay (1887-1927) who married 17 Jan 1906 in Detroit, Wayne, Michigan.
 
As to Harriet’s date of birth.  That is a good question. I haven’t been able to locate a birth record.  I can only go by census records, the SSDI and her death certificate.  It seems that she liked to change that to suit her needs.  That is something I remember my Dad and my grandmother talking about.  Not only that, but she went by the name Lynn, not Harriet.  Oh, those ancestors, they do love to confuse us.

Harriet married first Howard C. Cramer on 26 Jan 1929 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.  No children were born to this couple.  They filed for divorce five years later in 1934 in Palm Beach Co., Florida. Volume No. 52, Number 1961

She later married James Alexander Dowdell.  He died 19 Mar 1987 in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan.
 
Just a couple of months after James Dowdell’s death, my father moved back to Michigan, from California to live with Harriet.  My Dad was 74 years old then and in poor health.  He and Harriet thought they would be better off together and could help one another. 

I went back to Michigan from my home in California, in November 1990 to visit my Dad.  Sadly, I didn’t take the time to talk to Harriet while I had the chance.  I wasn’t yet researching my family.  Isn’t this a familiar story to all of us?
 
My Dad died a few months later and I never saw Harriet again.

Fast forward to 2003 when I began doing family research.  I was soon in contact with my 2nd cousin, Paula, and got her interested in family research too.  Eventually, we tried to locate Harriet’s death record or evidence of her still being alive, which would be slim.
In 2013 I located a Public Records Index which I was pretty certain was her.  The address listed in this record in Wixom, Michigan is where she and my father lived.

U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 1
Name:  Lynn P Dowdell       
Birth Date:  30 Jul 1911       
Phone Number:  669-1281       
Address: 2550 Woodrow Wilson 1, Keego Harbor, MI, 48320 [118 Canal St, Milford, MI, 48381-1904 (1994)]  [23175 W Le Bost, Novi, MI, 48375-3410 (1995)] [48210 Pontiac Trail # 1, Wixom, MI, 48393-2503 (1987)]  [PO Box 851059, Westland, MI, 48185-6159]

Next I was able to locate her SSDI
United States Social Security Death Index
Given Name: Lynn
Middle Name: P
Surname: Dowdell
Name Suffix:    
Birth Date: 30 July 1911
Social Security Number: 214-22-7583
State: Maryland
Last Place of Residence: Oakland, Michigan
Previous Residence Postal Code: 48375
Event Date: 16 March 1997
Age: 86

Cousin Paula sent for a copy of Harriet aka Lynn’s death certificate based on the information we had gathered from those indexes.

(CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT) 


As you can see this record lists the correct parent’s names.  The informant was Cecile Vanderhaeghen, who was unknown to us.  Her remains were cremated.

My cousin Paula contacted the United Memorial Gardens who handled her cremation.  They indicated the remains were given to RG & GR Harris Funeral Home.   The funeral home wasn’t very helpful (they wouldn’t look in their archives to see what became of the ashes), but said they “probably” went to the informant if no next of kin claimed them.  Further research by Paula revealed that the informant, Cecile Vanderhaeghen had died in March 2013.

That seemed to be the end of the story.  Right?

We thought so, until I received that message on Ancestry yesterday morning.  What a surprise!

I responded to the message immediately.  My cousin, Paula, had also gotten a message from the same person.  Within an hour I was talking to the person who sent the message and within another hour I was speaking with the person who actually has Harriet’s remains.  Turns out this family had kept them because they couldn’t locate next of kin and didn’t want to be disrespectful.
 
HOW AMAZING IS THAT?

The person, James, who has Harriet’s ashes lives in Michigan. Paula and I are in California.  One of our other cousins, Debbie, as it turns out, only lives a mile away from James.  She went over there today and got Harriet’s ashes.  I’m sure it was a relief for those wonderful, kind people who had kept them all those years.  And, let’s not forget Marilyn who did a favor for a friend and got in touch with me on Ancestry.  We can’t thank them enough.

Harriet had no children and died without family around her.  But, apparently she was well liked by the people at the home where she lived her last few years.  That’s good to know.

None of this would have been possible without having family information on Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.  With that information it was possible to get in touch with both me and Paula and find out who we were in relation to Harriet.  A very happy ending for all.

Do you have any similar stories?  I’d love to hear them.

OTHER POSTS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST
DID I FIND OUT WHO JULIA AUSTIN'S PARENTS WERE?  Or not?
IS THAT INDEX CORRECT?  Here's why we need to look at the actual document

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2015   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

PHOTO DUPLICATION REQUESTS ON FAMILY SEARCH – PLUS A LITTLE BIT ABOUT LEGACY AND EVERNOTE

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SERVICE WAS DISCONTINUED BY FAMILY SEARCH - EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 5, 2014.  YOU CAN READ ABOUT IT IN THIS POST 

 http://www.michiganfamilytrails.com/2014/11/photo-duplication-service-to-be.html

You know what they say “you learn or should learn something new every day.”  Well, count this day a success as I’ve learned about a really wonderful source for getting copies of records that you cannot get online.

I belong to several Facebook groups for genealogy.  I’ve written about the incredible advantages to belonging to these groups/pages on Facebook and this is another great example.  Here is a link to my post - Facebook - How it can be very useful in your research

Not too long ago Deidre Erin Denton, mentioned, on the Detroit Genealogy Facebook page, that she had just received 5 records she had requested via Family Search.  I thought to myself “I didn’t know you could do that.”  Apparently, you can request up to 5 records per month.  And the best thing – it’s FREE! Thanks for the info Deidre.

Today, on the same Detroit Genealogy page I was bemoaning the fact that we don’t have images for the Michigan Death Certificates 1921-1952.  I’m thankful to have the indexed transcriptions, don’t get me wrong.  But, you know how it is.  You want to see the actual document.  

Another nice member of the group (thank you Nancy) reminded me that you can request photo duplications of the certificates or any other record not available online or in a book. 
I decided today was the day and I have completed submission of requests for 5 death certificates I’ve been wanting.  I’ll walk you through the process, which is very easy.  This process can be used for records from anywhere, any state etc.  Here is a link to the page on Family Search that explains the criteria - Photoduplication Services on familysearch.org  

You can read for yourself to see if the record you may be wanting will qualify.

I knew that the records I wanted were from the Michigan Death Certificates, 1921-1952.  I also knew that those images were not yet online and, to my knowledge, not in any book.
Let’s walk through the process.

NOTE:  I have received several comments via Facebook and this blog, regarding the death certificates for Michigan.  Some people say that the 75 year rule for privacy will only allow them to release images of deaths prior to 1939.  Others say they have received later years.  Please be aware of this when you are ordering Michigan Death Certificates and probably any other vital records from other states.  
Also, be aware that the Seeking Michigan site is scheduled to release the images for the Michigan Death Certificates 1921-1952, some time this year.  Will they release images for all of them or only up to 1938?  I don't know the answer to that at this time.

Once you are on the Photoduplication Services page click on the green icon that says Photo Duplication Request Form.

(Click on any image to enlarge it)



What you will see next is the actual form for you to fill out.  You don’t even have to print it, you can just fill it out right online and submit it from there.  I always appreciate that.



When you find a record on Family Search you see the indexed transcription.  Sometimes there is a little camera indicating there is also an image for that record.  In the case of the Michigan Death Certificates, 1921-1952, there is no little camera.  However, I had already copied the indexed information from the records I was looking for, into my Legacy database.  

It’s in that indexed information that you will find the Microfilm number and other information you need in order to complete this form.  

Here is what I have from the index for my grand aunt, Ellen Pickard.  I have indicated in RED the items that I need from this text to fill out the request form.
NOTE:  The numbers I am using (ie. GS, Digital Folder etc.) may not be the same ones you have on whatever record you are trying to request.  I would just fill in whatever you can.

Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952

Name: Ellen Pickard
Event Type:Death
Event Date: 31 Mar 1927
Event Place: Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, United States
Gender: Female
Age: 39
Marital Status: Married
Birth Date: 01 Apr 1887
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan
Birth Year (Estimated): 1888
Father's Name: Wm Lindsay
Mother's Name:    
GS Film number: 001972982
Digital Folder Number: 005362579
Image Number: 02341

Here is a copy of the completed form, highlighting certain areas.  I’ve left my personal information out, but, please remember to fill it in when you submit your form.



TIP: I didn’t see an item number or call number in the indexed text, so I submitted the Digital Folder No. instead.  In the space where they ask for Title of record or book and name of parents.  I learned, after my first couple of submissions, that you can put more in that box than just what fits in the space.  I wanted you to see what I submitted so I made a box below the entry area for demonstration purposes.  I didn’t have a page or item number so in that box, I submitted the image number. 

Now, just click on submit request and you’re done. 
  
They say it can take 4-6 weeks.  I’ll be waiting………………

HOW DID I KEEP TRACK OF THE RECORDS I REQUESTED?

In my Legacy 8 database for each individual I made a note of the date & what I had done.  To learn more about Legacy 8, please click on the Legacy icon on the top right of this blog page.

Here is a screenshot of Ellen Lindsay’s Individual Information.



I will click on the plus sign (+) for death notes.  You can see that I copied and pasted the index information from Family Search for the Michigan Death Certificates, 1921-1952 for Ellen Pickard.  And, you can see my note about submitting the photo duplication request.



NOW I WILL MAKE A NOTE IN EVERNOTE FOR ALL THE REQUESTS I SUBMITTED.

This will allow me to keep track of every request I submit and I can even set a reminder in Evernote to tell me when I might start expecting to see the records in my email.  I can also find this note easily (in case I forget where I’ve filed it) because Evernote has such incredible search capabilities. For more information about the use of Evernote for your genealogy research please see my post Evernote - A Very Useful and Free Tool to Help You Organize Your Genealogy and Everything Else



Now the waiting begins.  I will let you know when I receive the records.  Will they send me all 5 of them?  Did I give them all the correct information?

READ THIS POST TO FIND OUT THE ANSWERS
FOLLOW UP TO PHOTO DUPLICATION REQUESTS

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2014   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

BIRTH RECORDS WITH INCORRECT NAMES–WHAT WOULD YOU THINK?

As genealogists we all know that not every record we find will match “exactly” what we have or know about a particular person.  

We gather as much evidence as we can and compile a record of someone’s life. 
I’ve been searching for about 8-9 years now for the birth record of my paternal grandmother, Marie Lindsay, born 1888 and her sister, Ellen Lindsay, born 1887, both in Detroit, Michigan.  

I’ve found their two siblings, Bessie Lindsay, born 1892 and William Lindsay, born 1894 in Detroit, Michigan.

Since family search has the Michigan Births, 1867-1902, you would think the births would be there.  That’s where I located the birth records for their siblings, Bessie & William.

How many ways can you conduct a search?

• All information filled in
• Last name only
• Last name with first initial
• Last name with full first name
• Last name with parents first names
• Last name with only one parent’s first name
• Last name with year of birth or range of years and state or country of birth
• First name only with parent’s first names
• First name only with year of birth and parent’s names

Well, you get the idea.  There are so many ways for us to search.  I had tried all of those listed and several more.

So, what was it today that allowed me to find, what I believe, are the records for my grandmother, Marie and her sister Ellen?

NOTE:  My grandmother, Marie, lived with us when I was in my late teens.  We had always lived close to her, so I spent a lot of time talking to her.  I know that she always told me she was given the name Mary at birth and later changed it to Marie because that wasn’t as common as the name Mary.

Today I decided to conduct a search on familysearch.org and really try to find this birth record.

I used just the first name “Mary” and the year 1888, plus Michigan as the place of birth.

(Click on any image to enlarge it)



I certainly thought I was going to get so many hits that I’d never find anything.  But here is what came up in the search, right on the first page:



This was exciting as that is her EXACT date of birth and her parent’s names are William & Bessie.  

But wait!!!  That last name is OLENDOSEY, not LINDSAY.  Yes, I know.

I looked at all 316 hits on this search.  The ONLY other Mary born on 8 October 1888 had parents named William & Alice who were born in Canada & Michigan.  So we know that’s not my grandmother, Marie.  

Let’s click on the image of the birth record and look at the actual entry in the birth record.

Page 1                                                                        Page 2
       

Page 1 – Birthdate of Oct. 8, 1888, female.  I see the name Mary and then I see Olendosey, which is exactly how the indexer transcribed it.  I compare another capital “L” on this page in an entry for Lillie Ficher and then for Hazel Lamb.  Certainly not the same.  Now let’s look at the next page of the record.

Page 2 –  Parent’s names are William Olendosey and Bessie Olendosey, both living in Detroit and both born in Scotland.  He is a Laborer.  The first names of the parents are correct and the birthplace and residence are a match.  My great grandfather did work as a Laborer and later as a Machinist.

CONCLUSION:  I have a social security application (SS-5) that gives my grandmother’s birthdate as Oct. 8, 1888 (signed by her), as well as her death certificate, California Death Index and the Social Security Death Index.  Plus, I know that’s the day we celebrated her birthday.  My great grandparents immigrated from Scotland to the United States between 1882 and 1886.  They married in Detroit, Michigan on 21 May 1886.  Having recently (just this past May) traveled to Scotland, I do know that the Scottish brogue of some people we spoke to was so thick that, even though they were speaking English, we were unable to understand what they were saying.  Is this what happened with this record?  Did they give their names when they filed the report and the person taking down the names, just misinterpreted them?  I honestly don’t know.  

However, other than the last name this record is a perfect match.  And coincidentally the last name on the record ends with “sey” which is another common ending to Lindsay.  I believe this is my grandmother’s birth record.  

Tell me what you would think?

A quick look at her sister, Ellen Lindsay’s birth record.

Page 1                                                                           Page 2
    

For this record I don’t have as many pieces of evidence as for my grandmother.  Her sister, Ellen Lindsay Pickard, died in 1927.  I don’t have the death certificate.  There is no Social Security Death Index record for her and no SS-5.  I do have a record from Michigan, but not image.  On this birth record, her father & mother’s names are correct as is their place of birth.  And, it lists his occupation as Laborer, which matches the birth record for her sister, Mary/Marie the following year.  I also know that Nellie and Ellen are names commonly used for each other, like Bessie and Elizabeth.

Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952Name: Ellen PickardEvent Type:Death
Event Date: 31 Mar 1927
Event Place: Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, United States
Gender: Female
Age: 39
Marital Status: Married
Birth Date: 01 Apr 1887
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan
Birth Year (Estimated): 1888
Father's Name: Wm Lindsay
Mother's Name:    
GS Film number: 001972982
Digital Folder Number: 005362579
Image Number: 02341

I’m still going to be looking for other evidence of the birth of Mary/Marie & Ellen.  But, given the years of their birth, there probably won’t be other birth records available.  Maybe a baptismal record?  In the meantime, I will put these records with the other records I have that provide evidence of their birth.  This is just another piece of the puzzle.

What do you think?  What conclusion would you come to?  Have you found records like this?

OTHER POSTS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST

AMANUENSIS MONDAY - BIRTH RECORDS - WHAT INFORMATION DO THEY REVEAL? 

VITAL RECORDS - HOW TO REQUEST THEM & KEEP TRACK OF THOSE REQUESTS 

SURPRISE! A BIRTH RECORD WHERE IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE 



Happy hunting,
 

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2014   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION