my family history
Paternal Grandfather: 1880-1972
Grampa Smith’s ancestry was never a mystery. Ontario-born farmer from Renfrew County. Then came a letter, an admission and a DNA sample. I knew my Grampa Smith well. Everyone in the community knew him as "Nide". He was a part of every family occasion and celebration until his death in 1972. Read about my journey.
Father: 1917-1988
Dad was born in Rutherglen, Ontario. He was a farmer until 1968, then left the farm to take a job in Northern Ontario as a Stationary Engineer.
Paternal Grandmother: 1874-1959
My only memory of Gramma Smith was sitting on the floor at her feet colouring. We were in their original home, later owned by my Uncle Emmett. I was maybe 2 years. She died when I was 3. She was the only child of her parents born in Ontario. Pictured above is Alice on the left with her niece, Jane McNamara.
Mother: 1925-2017
My mother was born in Wauchula, Florida. Even though she had a difficult childhood, she was a loving mother to whom I'm forever grateful.
- My own DNA conspiracy theoryI would say I've done an above average amount of reading about ancient history. I do wish I had studied this in post-secondary school however that's a whole other topic. Two things I remember reading about that just seemed weird and creepy were how in the Jewish culture, you were only considered Jewish IF your mother was Jewish and pharaohs married their sisters to keep the blood-line pure which researchers believe lead to genetic problems. My DNA has been with Ancestry for quite some time and I also sent my DNA into 23andMe. Because I could download my raw DNA… Read more: My own DNA conspiracy theory
- The SourceI started a book a few days ago after listening to a few podcasts featuring Dr. Tara Swart, Neuroscientist, Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer at MIT's Sloan School of Management. The book is titled The Source. The first principle is about changing your thoughts from negative "lack" thinking (negative) to abundance (positive). My all-time life-long nemesis is my body image and weight battle. I have 55 years of lack-thinking and I say 55 because I didn't begin to think of myself of fat until I went through puberty around age 12. I don't overeat. In fact, only once in my life… Read more: The Source
- Memorial for a 14-year-oldSince I only know of one person who reads my blogs, I'm feeling quick free to speak my mind, especially today. I went to a memorial for a 14-year-old girl, granddaughter of a friend of mine. How odd to attend one of these where not only were there adult goodies for visitors to snack on, but pizza and containers of gummy bears, Skittles, jubes, M&M mini-chocolates, etc. The place was packed, arranged by the local police who are actively looking into this case of bullying. Sadie died in early January 2024 after ingesting over 100 anti-depressants, prescribed to her. I… Read more: Memorial for a 14-year-old
- Random Memories of Wayne and WendyThere's a few things to point out in this picture. Dad had a push-lawnmower that he obviously hadn't used in awhile. The tub was our "swimming pool". My memories of it were very exciting. As you can see by my face I was totally happy. The "playhouse" is behind us. I'm told, it used to be the chicken coop and it was in a different location. But Dad moved it here for us to use as a playhouse. It also was very exciting. And then there's Buster!! Our fantastic, great dog. Half collie, half husky. The best dog ever. Again,… Read more: Random Memories of Wayne and Wendy
- Gallsons in Endicott, New YorkUPDATED March 27, 2024: Email response regarding an query I made for information from the E-J Tanner and Shoemake Archive: Thank you for contacting the Syracuse University Libraries. I’m copying our Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) on this message, as this department maintains the papers of members of the Johnson family. The SCRC appreciates your interest in our collections and your inquiry has been added to our reference queue. We receive a large number of reference questions and answer all inquiries in the order in which they were received. Please note that we prioritize inquiries from current Syracuse University affiliates… Read more: Gallsons in Endicott, New York