Week 6: (3 Feb 2025 – 9 Feb 2025)
The theme for Week 6 is “Surprise.” What ancestor dealt with a surprising thing in their life? Any stories of surprise birthday parties? How about the most surprising thing you’ve found or something in a surprising place?

For this week’s topic of ‘surprise’ we will look back into Percy and Lessie (Celestia) Archibald’s children. In my early days of research, I didn’t necessarily keep good records and didn’t really try to document events. Then as I started to document I realized I needed burial information for Percy. I had some census but didn’t have his death info yet. He was listed in the 1900 but by 1910 Lessie was listed as a remarried. I made a phone call down to Lott Cemetery (the city cemetery) in Waycross, Georgia to see if they had any information about Percy since Georgia did not keep death records yet. I was very blessed to have a great employee answer the phone and I asked her saying that “I’m looking to see if my Great Great Grandfather Percy Archibald is buried there – it would have been between 1900 and 1910.” She put me on hold and went to look in her data. After a few brief moments she came back on the line with an odd response. Not only did she find my Percy Archibald 1867-1908 but she found another buried right next to him with the years 1906-1909. What! Surprise there was a child also named Percy Archibald! Here Percy had a son Percy Junior that nobody in the later generations knew about. This little 3-year-old had a such brief life and while I don’t know much more about him other than he’s my Great Grand Uncle. I am proud to introduce little Percy Jr. to the world of 2025.

 

Week 9:
The theme for Week 9 is “Family Secret.” Have you uncovered a family secret? (A reminder that you do not need to post anything publicly.) A secret doesn’t have to be big or negative. (Like my grandpa not telling us grandkids that he was the one playing Santa at the Christmas party.)

Due to the nature of this document I will not be revealing any particular Family Secrets but will be addressing how to deal with them when we do discover them. Family Secrets tend to come out in the process of researching your family tree. Even before DNA analysis was readily available, previous marriages or children born out of wedlock might have surfaced during a thorough investigation of a family lineage.

To say that DNA analysis has changed the way we go about doing genealogical research is not necessarily true, as a good researcher uses both DNA and documentation, but DNA does reveal those secrets hidden behind our paper trails.

Some secrets I have found include a child born and who passed away at the age of 3 in the early 1900s. while this may not have been a purposely kept secret, by the time I came along and started looking into the family, this child had been left out of the family stories.  Another example I found was a family where the first wife of a gentleman passed shortly after childbirth. The man quickly remarried, and all the child’s later documents listed the stepmother as the mother, as she was the one who raised the child. While we cannot be certain whether the child knew about their birth mother, the current generations of the family had not received this information. I have also come across previous engagements that never solemnized into marriage for a myriad of reasons.

Of course, with discussing Family Secrets, it is difficult to avoid the big secrets such as adoptions that were never spoken of.  Now, with DNA analysis we are discovering more cases where our “Nurture family” may not be our “Nature family”

I choose to use the terms “nurturing family” and “natural family” when discussing family secrets involving adoption or cases where a child was born to different parents than those who raised them. These terms are not meant to pass judgment but rather to acknowledge that we are all a product of both nature and nurture.

To illustrate how both nature and nurture shape us, according to my DNA Traits, I am genetically unlikely to play an instrument, a trait I inherited from my mother’s DNA. However, my mother grew up singing after hearing her uncle sing in church, joined choirs at school, and decided that she wanted to be like her teacher, ultimately becoming a music teacher. Because of her influence, I took piano lessons and played saxophone in the marching band. This demonstrates how both genetic predisposition and environmental factors contribute to our skills and interests.

When I work with people analyzing their DNA and discovering that there was an NPE (Non-Parental Event) I emphasize that who they are today results from both the natural and nurturing families. We should not judge our ancestors for decisions they made or actions they took because we do not know their reasons. However, we do know that their choices ultimately led to our existence.

When we think of starting families today – it’s very possible that someone you know has used or was conceived through fertility treatments, whether via IVF, other medical interventions, or surgical procedures. Infertility is not a modern issue; it has existed throughout history.  The first historically rumored case of artificial insemination dates back to the 1400’s, while the first documented case was in the 1790s. Such treatments often occurred discreetly, as people feared social judgment. Before medical advancements, some individuals also conceived children through alternative means, including with a different partner. It is also worth remembering that, historically, women’s primary societal role was to bear children, as they were often unable to work outside the home. As gender roles have evolved, discussions about fertility and reproductive choices have become less taboo.

When handling the potential emotional impact of family discoveries I take the ‘secret’ to the next closest relative who may be affected and ask how they want to handle the information. I allow them time to sit with the information before discussing how they would like to approach the topic. However, I make it clear that I will not lie to maintain a secret. If I am asked directly about something, I will divulge the information, but I will not broadcast or proactively share it if the individual chooses to keep it private. This approach has proven effective for the families involved. Eventually, most people find out, whether through their own research or due to medical inquiries.

I recognize that some people could be emotionally impacted by these discoveries, and I am always respectful when discussing these secrets. I encourage individuals to remember that we are all shaped by the generations that came before us—no matter what.

Week 5: (27 Jan 2025 – 2 Feb 2025)
The theme for Week 5 is “Challenge.” Which ancestor has been challenging to research? What ancestor faced an enormous challenge?

Walter Scott Archibald was born in May 1835 in Truro, Colchester, Nova Scotia, Canada, into the well-regarded Archibald family. His father, Alexander Lackie Archibald, and mother, Christiana Nicholson Cock, provided him with a strong foundation in a region deeply rooted in Scottish heritage and agricultural traditions. Growing up in Nova Scotia, Walter likely experienced the hardships and resilience required for life in a rural, developing community.

In 1859, at the age of 24, Walter married Olivia Upham McCurdy in Nova Scotia. Olivia, born in 1839, came from a lineage that emphasized education and civic duty. Together, they built a family and eventually had nine children: Frank Ira, Alfred Gordon, Alice, Percy Scott, Mary Elizabeth, James McCurdy, Sarah, Ettie Mary, and Roy F. Archibald. Providing for such a large family would have been both a joy and a challenge, requiring Walter to seek out opportunities beyond his birthplace.

By 1861, Walter and his family were still residing in Colchester, Nova Scotia. However, like many others of his time, he sought better economic prospects and migrated to the United States. By 1870, he had settled in Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan, an area bustling with trade, particularly in the lumber and shipping industries. The move likely presented challenges—adapting to a new country, establishing himself in a competitive economy, and ensuring stability for his growing family.

On August 31, 1871, Walter was mentioned in The Times Newspaper in Port Huron, indicating some level of community involvement or recognition. The nature of this mention is unclear, but it suggests he was an active participant in local affairs. However, his time in Michigan was not permanent. By 1881, he had relocated again, this time to Essex, Ontario, Canada, where census records place him and his family. This move might have been motivated by economic shifts, family connections, or changing political landscapes in North America.

Walter’s journey was emblematic of the challenges faced by 19th-century migrants. Moving cross-country in the 1880s was a daunting endeavor, requiring careful planning and resilience. Transportation options varied—some traveled by wagon, enduring months of harsh terrain and unpredictable weather, while others took advantage of the expanding railroad system, particularly after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. Railroads like the Union Pacific and Central Pacific made migration faster and somewhat safer, although financial costs and legal barriers remained a concern. For those traveling along major waterways, steamboats provided an alternative means of transport.

Challenges along the way included health risks, such as outbreaks of dysentery and cholera in crowded travel conditions, financial struggles, and social adjustments upon arrival in a new community. Economic opportunities were a major driver of migration, with many seeking work in industries such as railroads, mining, and agriculture. Warmer climates, like those in California and Florida, also attracted individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. Walter’s movements across Canada and the United States suggest that he, too, faced many of these trials while searching for a stable livelihood and a secure future for his family.

In November 1886, Walter left Essex, perhaps in pursuit of better opportunities or due to declining health. Eventually, he moved to Florida, where he spent the last years of his life. Warmer climates often attracted those suffering from ailments aggravated by colder weather, hinting that health issues may have played a role in his relocation.

Walter Scott Archibald passed away in February 1892 in Florida, USA, at the age of 56. His remains were buried in Sumter, Florida. A beneficiary payment recorded on May 25, 1897, in Windsor, Ontario, suggests that his family, particularly his wife Olivia, may have faced financial struggles following his death. Olivia, however, lived a long life, passing away in 1933.

Walter’s life was marked by movement and adaptation. From his roots in Nova Scotia to his travels across North America, he faced the challenges of migration, economic shifts, and the responsibility of providing for a large family. Despite these trials, he left behind a legacy carried on by his children, many of whom lived long and full lives, shaping the next generation of the Archibald lineage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“write a narrative of the life of _____ using the following facts:” prompt. ChatGPT, ChatGPT4.0 version, Open AI, February 2024, https://chat.openai.com/

 

Week 4:
The theme for Week 4 is “Overlooked.” It’s close to impossible to research everyone equally. Who is someone in your family tree who you haven’t researched very much? You could also consider those ancestors for whom it feels like you are the only person in the world searching for them.

This week I chose to feature someone who I need to look into some more. Sarah Smith a grandmother of Celestia Woodard featured in week 3. I chose her because I know very little about her and by featuring her here hope to make myself learn as much as I can about her, my 4th great grandmother.

The Life of Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith was born on May 9, 1832, in Georgia, USA, to John Austin Smith (1805–1874) and Mary Mollie Hall (1809–1881). As the daughter of John and Mary, Sarah grew up in a household rooted in the traditions of the rural South. Her early years were spent amidst the landscapes of Ware County, Georgia, where her family likely worked the land and fostered a sense of resilience and resourcefulness that would shape her life.

Early Life and Marriage

At the age of 20, in 1852, Sarah married Jesse Butler (1830–1902). The couple began their life together in Ware County, where they would build a family and navigate the challenges of 19th-century rural Georgia.

Family and Motherhood

Sarah and Jesse were blessed with six children, each of whom contributed to the family’s legacy:

• Elizabeth Butler (1853–1912): The eldest, who likely helped Sarah care for her younger siblings and maintain the household.
• Nancy Smith (1854–): A daughter whose life details remain sparse, but who was undoubtedly part of the family’s close-knit dynamic.
• William Columbus Butler (1856–1920): A son who lived into the 20th century, witnessing the profound changes of the era.
• James Butler (1859–1883): A son whose life was tragically cut short at just 24 years of age.
• Mary M. Butler (1860–1947): A daughter who lived a long life, spanning nearly a century.
• Francis Lee Butler (1862–1883): Another child lost too soon, passing away at 21, likely leaving a mark of sorrow on the family.

Life in Ware County

By 1860, Sarah and her family were living in Ware County. The Civil War loomed on the horizon, bringing uncertainty and hardship to the South. Sarah, then 28, focused on raising her children and supporting her husband as they managed their farm and household.

In 1870, the family lived near the Glenmore post office, a small but vital center of communication for the area. Despite the challenges of the Reconstruction era, Sarah and Jesse worked tirelessly to maintain stability for their growing family.

Later Years in Waycross

By 1880, the family had relocated to Waycross, a burgeoning town in Ware County that would later become a key railroad hub. At 48, Sarah was likely overseeing a household that included her adult children while continuing her role as a guiding presence in the family.

As Sarah aged, she witnessed her children marry, build families of their own, and carry forward the values she had instilled in them. By 1900, at the age of 68, Sarah was still living in Waycross, surrounded by the family and community she had helped nurture.

Final Years and Legacy

Sarah Smith Butler passed away before 1910. She was buried in Waycross, Ware County, Georgia, alongside her loved ones, yet no headstone survives.

Sarah’s life reflects the quiet strength of a woman who dedicated herself to her family and community. She endured the trials of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and personal losses, yet her resilience left an enduring legacy through her children and descendants. Her story is one of love, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to family, a testament to the values that shaped her life.

 

Week 3:
The theme for Week 3 is “Nickname.” Nicknames can hint to a person’s personality, occupation, or appearance. But be careful to not always take them literally! (Think of all the burly guys nicknamed “Tiny!”) Sometimes they have an “origin story” – like “Coco,” a classmate of mine. She got the nickname because her little brother couldn’t pronounce her real name (Colleen). Which of your ancestors had a nickname? Do you know how they got it?

So now let’s meet Percy’s (from week 1) wife. Celestia Dalton Woodard. Celestia was better known by her nickname Lessie.

 The Life of Celestia Dalton "Lessie" Woodard

Celestia Dalton Woodard, affectionately known as "Lessie," was born on August 18, 1876, in the small town of Waltertown, located in Ware County, Georgia. Raised in the rustic charm of the region, Lessie spent her early years surrounded by the love and support of her family.

By 1880, at the age of four, Lessie’s family had moved to Pierce County, Georgia. Her formative years were shaped by this rural community, which instilled in her a sense of resilience and a deep connection to her roots.

At 19, Lessie embarked on a new chapter of her life when she married Percy Scott Archibald on November 20, 1895, in Ware County. Percy, born in 1867, became her devoted partner. The couple made their home in Waycross, residing with her Aunt and Uncle, Willoughby and Mary Cason. Mary, the sister of Lessie's mother Elizabeth Butler, provided a familial haven during this early phase of their marriage.

Lessie and Percy were blessed with four children who brought joy and purpose to their lives:

• Marybelle Archibald (1899–1953)
• Sadie Archibald (1902–1984)
• Willoughby Newton Archibald (1904–1965)
• Percy Archibald (1906–1909), who tragically passed away at a young age.

The loss of Percy in 1908 marked a difficult period for Lessie, but she remained strong for her children.

In 1910, Lessie found love again and married Edward Parker Fairchild on March 31. Edward, born in 1886, was nearly a decade younger than Lessie, but their bond was strong. They celebrated their union with a honeymoon in the beautiful city of St. Augustine, Florida.

Lessie and Edward expanded their family with two more children:

• Pearl Fairchild (1911–1999)
• E Parker Fairchild (1912–1969)

The Fairchild family continued to live in Waycross, where Lessie embraced her role as a wife and mother.

 

Social Life in Waycross, Georgia (1900-1910)

During the early 20th century, Waycross was a bustling hub in southeastern Georgia. As a growing railroad town, it became a focal point for social and economic activity. Social life in Waycross was vibrant, with a strong sense of community and frequent gatherings. Families like the Archibalds and Fairchilds likely participated in church events, which were central to social life. Churches were not only places of worship but also venues for social gatherings, picnics, and charitable events.

Community events often included fairs, parades, and markets, which were opportunities for residents to connect and celebrate local culture. The railroad brought a mix of people and ideas, contributing to the town's dynamic social atmosphere.

For women like Lessie, social clubs and organizations provided a space to engage with other women in the community. These clubs often focused on civic improvement, education, and support for local families. Lessie's involvement in such activities would have helped her maintain a strong network of friends and acquaintances.

The turn of the century was also a time of transition, with advancements in technology and transportation beginning to influence daily life. This era's social fabric was woven with traditional values and a spirit of progress, creating a lively and connected community in Waycross.

As the 1930s began, Lessie remained a cornerstone of her household, supporting Parker and contributing to their home life. By this time, she was in her mid-50s, still living in Waycross, which had become her lifelong home.

Lessie’s life came to a peaceful close on July 31, 1935, in Waycross. She left behind a legacy of love, strength, and family devotion. Her final resting place is in Lott Cemetery, where she remains a beloved figure in the town she called home.

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“write a narrative of the life of _____ using the following facts:” prompt. ChatGPT, ChatGPT4.0 version, Open AI, January 2024, https://chat.openai.com/

 

Week 2:
Week 2’s theme is “Favorite Photo.” Yes, I’ve included this prompt in the last few years of 52 Ancestors, and for good reason: Photos capture our family history like few other things can. Besides, how can you limit yourself to one?! This week, tell the story of a favorite photo: who is in it, where and when was it taken, and – just as important – why was it taken?

This photo taken around 1926 in Tampa, Florida captures 4 generations of the Archibald descendants. Olive McCurdy Archibald, the matriarch (mother of Percy from week 1), seated on the left and next to her, one of her daughters, Mary Elizabeth Clay, standing behind them is Estelle Forsyth, daughter of Mary Elizabeth Clay and the two young girls are her daughters Elizabeth and Annie. I love the photo because the expressions on their faces show true joy. The Archibalds may have scattered but there was always love.

 

Week 1:
This week’s theme is “In the Beginning.” (According to “The Sound of Music,” the beginning is a very good place to start.) Who was the first person you wanted to find when you started your genealogy journey? Was there a family member who sparked your interest, maybe by giving you a bunch of genealogy “stuff”? This would be a great week to write about them!

 

The year is 2004. I just moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Fargo, MI due to my husband’s job. Fargo, MI is a one stop (notice I didn’t say stoplight) town in St Clair County near our current home in Port Huron. We were renting a home while we waited for our house in Ohio to sell. I had not found a job yet and one day as a sit watching tv an ad for Ancestry.com came on and I thought ‘What the heck’. I knew at that point that my grandpa’s grandpa was Percy Archibald and his dad was Walter and mom was Olivia. Given generational timing I knew he would have been born in the 1860s timeframe and I knew Percy was from Georgia. I went to the Ancestry.com typed in the search bar Percy Archibald born 1865 with a plus or minus of 5 years. The first search result was a census record from 1870, when I opened the census record it showed Percy Archibald as the son of Walter and Olivia with other siblings but the kicker was they were living in Port Huron, Michigan.  Port Huron today has a population of around 30,000 and in 1870 a population of less than 6000. What are the odds that the same small town I just moved to was where my family lived for 3 years before they headed south to warmer climes. I was immediately hooked and found out that the Archibald’s were from Nova Scotia, Percy’s father came to Michigan as a Lumberman and then eventually made the trek southward to Georgia and Florida. Following I will introduce you to Percy Archibald:

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Percy Scott Archibald was born on August 14, 1867, in the tranquil town of Truro, Colchester, in Nova Scotia, Canada. His early life was one of migration, as his family sought new opportunities in North America. By 1870, when Percy was just three years old, the Archibald family had moved to Port Huron, St. Clair, Michigan. There, young Percy began to experience the bustling energy of a growing American town. The family stayed only briefly in Port Huron due to Walter (Percy's father) taking a job in Alpena, Michigan in 1873. How long they stayed in Alpena in unknown but by 1878, Percy’s family's journey took him to Essex, Ontario, where he spent his teenage years. The lush countryside and thriving trade of Ontario offered a contrast to his earlier life, shaping his youth with the experiences of both rural simplicity and the promise of industrial progress.

In 1886 the family decided to relocate to central Florida in hope of better opportunities and health. Somehow along the way Percy stopped in Waycross, Georgia and decided to stay.

Percy’s life took a transformative turn when, at 28, he married Celestial (Lessie) Dalton Woodard on November 20, 1895, in Ware, Georgia. Together, they began a life in Waycross, Ware County, Georgia, a bustling railroad hub that likely provided them with opportunities and a vibrant community. Their union was blessed with four children:

• Marybelle Archibald (1899–1953), their eldest, who grew up to carry on her father's legacy into the mid-20th century.
• Sadie Archibald (1902–1984), who lived a long and fulfilling life, witnessing immense societal changes during her lifetime.
• Willoughby Newton Archibald (1904–1965), a son who continued the Archibald name and thrived in the years after his father’s passing.
• Percy Archibald Jr. (1906–1909), the youngest, whose life was tragically brief, passing away just a year after his father's untimely death.

Percy worked hard to provide for his family in Waycross, building a home and life far from the Canadian provinces of his birth. However, tragedy struck in 1908 when Percy’s life was cut short at the age of 40. He died from blood poisoning after cutting himself with a razor, an all-too-common danger in the pre-antibiotic era.

His death, reported in an Atlanta newspaper just two days later, brought sorrow to those who knew him. On the same day of his passing, Percy was laid to rest in Lott Cemetery, Waycross, Georgia, in old section 4, lot 10, grave 7.

The Archibald family carried on after Percy’s passing, with Lessie marrying Edward Parker Fairchild in 1910 and raising the children in the shadow of their father’s memory. Percy’s life, though brief, was marked by resilience, migration, and the enduring connections of family. His journey from Nova Scotia to Georgia encapsulates the spirit of adventure and determination, and his legacy lives on through his descendants, who remember the sacrifices and achievements of a man who bridged nations and generations.