Found a new cousin, Gerry Veley

When you are looking for information about your ancestors, it is good to get the word out there in any outlet you have available.  That is how I found “cousin” Gerry or more correct, he found me.  He is related through the Packard family, which has caused me hissy fits for years.

Who are the parents of Joel Packard and Ebenezer Avery?  I spent a week at the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston looking for their parents.  I know that Joel Packard was born in Massachusetts or Connecticut, depending on what you read.  I know he died in Bradford County, PA and came to this county with his brothers, Silas and William.  He may have a sister, Millie who came with them also, but have found no further record about her.  I did not find anything that proves the parents of Joel, but worked through wills that NEHGS has on microfilm and other records to see if I could locate any record that mentions the three brothers.  The next time I visit Boston, I’ll be looking at any court records beyond the wills and estates for mention of parents.  Any suggestions from my readers would be appreciated.

Some researchers say that Joel’s father was Daniel, some Samuel and from my research at NEHGS, the most likely person is Jonathan.  So what next?  Gerry sent me a copy of a letter he recently acquired that tells of Joel, Silas and William, their children and grandchildren, but doesn’t mention anything about the parents of the original three brothers.  Research in Bradford County helps me fill in the blanks from Joel, Silas and William on down the line, but not going back to place of origin.

I’ll keep working on this brick wall until I locate something that definitively proves their parentage, then I’ll work on Ebenezer.  Do you know how many Ebenezer Avery’s there are in Connecticut?  More than you would think, same with Joel Packard.  Well, until my next blog.

Natalie Marie Blanas Has Arrived in time for the next reunion

Cousins Jim and Ruth (McCord) Blanas are the proud grandparents of Natalie Marie Blanas born 3 February 2015.  She is the daughter of Alex and Jane (Graham) Blanas.  This is the first baby for the Blanas family.  Congratulations to one and all.

Ruth has been so excited to be a grandma.  I doubt this baby will be spoiled.

Ruth and Jim are hosting another McCord family gathering tentatively set for August 15th in Allentown.  Stand by for further news on both.