When you think you've hit a block wall, it is time to think outside the box. I was frustrated researching Ancestry.com and the Internet and coming up with the same information. In the case of the Gaulthair's and Montoya's, I had everything I could find on my own. It was time to come up with some creative new sources.
In desperation, I sent an email to the Superintendent of the La Farge, Wisconsin, school district asking if they had school pictures from the 1940's. I figured that even if they didn't have information, they might be able to provide a picture or two. While it might not further advance my research, a picture provides a visual and makes that person real.
The Superintendent wrote back that she would look into it and said she would talk to her mother who still lived in La Farge. Unfortunately, that was the day of the school shooting and I knew my request would be overlooked as their schools would need to review their safety policies. So, it was with complete shock when later that afternoon, I received a call from Lonnie. He is the editor of the La Farge Newspaper. She had forwarded the request to him.
Lonnie not only knew the Gaulthair's, he is related on the Morgan side. He shared tidbits adding flavor and texture to the story we already know. He put an article in his paper and has had several people contact him. He shares what he learns and we have a running dialog.
In the meantime, I appreciate "FIND A GRAVE". Not only has it given me information, the photos of the grave sites are visible proof I am on the right track. They have volunteers who photograph headstones that are not on the site. I asked for one of the Gaulthair's and several of the Montoya's. In order to do my share, I also signed up to take pictures too and found it rewarding to be able to take four photos in our local graveyard. I was also able to clear up some confusion on a first name that was a stumbling block for the requester.
The Montoya request netted a big find. A very nice lady named Janice emailed me. She has been working on a project to document the graves in the historic San Francisco Church in Golden, New Mexico. Most of my husband's paternal biological family is buried there. She asked if I could help her with the family. Yes, I would definitely help. She sent what she know about one of the family memebers and I was able to make connections that had eluded me. I gave her access to my Ancestry.com tree and she was able to finally put a family together.
Contacting the school district was an inspiration. The "Find a Grave" experience is priceless. Both have more than exceeded my expectations. I wonder where else there is to look. I am taking suggestions.
In desperation, I sent an email to the Superintendent of the La Farge, Wisconsin, school district asking if they had school pictures from the 1940's. I figured that even if they didn't have information, they might be able to provide a picture or two. While it might not further advance my research, a picture provides a visual and makes that person real.
The Superintendent wrote back that she would look into it and said she would talk to her mother who still lived in La Farge. Unfortunately, that was the day of the school shooting and I knew my request would be overlooked as their schools would need to review their safety policies. So, it was with complete shock when later that afternoon, I received a call from Lonnie. He is the editor of the La Farge Newspaper. She had forwarded the request to him.
Lonnie not only knew the Gaulthair's, he is related on the Morgan side. He shared tidbits adding flavor and texture to the story we already know. He put an article in his paper and has had several people contact him. He shares what he learns and we have a running dialog.
In the meantime, I appreciate "FIND A GRAVE". Not only has it given me information, the photos of the grave sites are visible proof I am on the right track. They have volunteers who photograph headstones that are not on the site. I asked for one of the Gaulthair's and several of the Montoya's. In order to do my share, I also signed up to take pictures too and found it rewarding to be able to take four photos in our local graveyard. I was also able to clear up some confusion on a first name that was a stumbling block for the requester.
The Montoya request netted a big find. A very nice lady named Janice emailed me. She has been working on a project to document the graves in the historic San Francisco Church in Golden, New Mexico. Most of my husband's paternal biological family is buried there. She asked if I could help her with the family. Yes, I would definitely help. She sent what she know about one of the family memebers and I was able to make connections that had eluded me. I gave her access to my Ancestry.com tree and she was able to finally put a family together.
Contacting the school district was an inspiration. The "Find a Grave" experience is priceless. Both have more than exceeded my expectations. I wonder where else there is to look. I am taking suggestions.