So King News
South King County Genealogical Society
PO Box 3174, Kent, Washington 98089-0203
http://www.skcgs.org
Volume 29, No. 5
March/April, 2014
Have you seen one of these lately?
They’re everywhere! And you have probably seen some of them
without realizing what they were. At the general meeting they
brought in boxes of books or cds for you to borrow. One made
coffee and delicious goodies. Another pair always set up the video and sound equipment. One greets you at the door and handles
the membership information. Others perform the duties of officers taking meeting minutes or reporting on our finances.
Elsewhere, they spend time at local libraries helping people get
started searching their family histories. Others maintain information on the SKCGS website or help with indexing records for
Washington State Digital Archives or FamilySearch. Some answer requests for information from our memorial publications or
glean information from other societies for the newsletter and
traveling library.
Of course we’re talking about volunteers. Volunteers are the
heart and soul, the lifeblood of organizations such as ours. This
society has a proud history of volunteer projects and accomplishments. Many of our members have gone from one project to another, doing those tasks that needed to be done to keep this organization going.
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month. Let’s celebrate
our volunteers by featuring them and their work at the April general meeting. Calling all volunteers to be on hand so we can take
pictures for our history, maintained, of course, by another volunteer!
Also, please be aware that we are celebrating the continuing opportunity for more people to become involved. There is always
room for more ideas and projects as well as a need for people to
replace some of our present volunteers. Life conditions change
and some people have had to downsize their responsibilities.
Talk to any board
member to see how
you might be able to
help.
Thank you, volunteers, for all you do,
and thank you, potential volunteers, for
stepping in to keep
our society running!
MaryLynn Strickland
Inside This Issue
General SKCGS Info. ................... 2-3
Interest Groups......................... 4 & 5
Library News ..................................... 6
Membership Renewal.....................15
New Traveling CD Library............. 5
News from Exchange
Newsletters ............................... 6—9
Out to Lunch Bunch ........................ 3
Publications For Sale ......................14
Saar Cemetery Project Finale 10-12
SKCGS Activity Calendar .............15
Surname List Data Form ...............13
Upcoming meetings .......................... 3
SKCGS
Serving the communities of
Algona, Auburn,
Black Diamond, Burien,
Covington, Des Moines,
Enumclaw, Federal Way,
Kent, Maple Valley, Pacific,
Ravensdale, Renton,
SeaTac & Tukwila
So King News Vol. 29, No. 5
March/April, 2014
Page 2
South King County Genealogical Society General Information
Officers
Mission Statement
To stimulate interest in genealogy and aid individual
members in compiling their family records.
Seek genealogical and historical knowledge.
Preserve and perpetuate the records of our ancestors.
Promote the preservation of public and private
genealogical material.
President
Vice-President
Janet Camarata
[email protected]
John Eakins
[email protected]
Treasurer
David Liesse
[email protected]
Secretary
Katie Hanzeli
[email protected]
Committee Chairs
Comb Binding
Rich Thayer
[email protected]
About SKCGS
DAR Liaison
Helen Lewis
[email protected]
The fiscal year runs from June 1 through May 31
Education/Training
Winona Laird
[email protected]
The board meets the first Tuesday of the month 7 to 9 p.m.
Genealogist
Barbara Mattoon
[email protected]
General meetings are the 3rd Saturday of each month
except July, August and December. Meetings are at 10:15
a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 11420 SE 248th, Kent
WA. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for socializing, coffee and
cookies.
Historian
Cheri Sayer
[email protected]
Hospitality
Sharon Johnson [email protected]
Interest Groups
Computer (Genealogy) Tamra Ryan & Dave Liesse
[email protected]
Family Tree Maker Users Group
Winona Laird
[email protected]
The Master Genealogist Users Group
Paul Huntress [email protected]
The SKCGS Traveling Library is at each general meeting.
Members can check out books for one month. The
Traveling Library is open one hour prior to the general
meeting.
The SKCGS Research Library is maintained at the Auburn
Public Library, 1102 Auburn Way South, Auburn. Books kept
at Auburn are for use in the library only.
Legacy And Beyond
Heritage Photos
Yearly Membership
Single: $15.00 Dual: 22.50
Applications for membership available upon
request, in this newsletter or on SKCGS’ web site
http://skcgs.org/membership.html
First Baptist Church
11420 SE 248th Street,
Kent WA
MaryLynn Strickland
[email protected]
Librarian
Volunteer needed
[email protected]
Library Volunteers—Coordinator Jan Emerson
[email protected]
Membership
Newsletter
Program
General Meeting Location
[email protected]
Michelle Lyons
[email protected]
MaryLynn Strickland [email protected]
Volunteer needed [email protected]
Publicity
Volunteer needed [email protected]
SKCGS Publications
Sales & Printing
Rich Thayer [email protected]
Audio-Visual Equipment
Sound System Gil Wooden
[email protected]
LCD projector
Glenn Gilbert
[email protected]
Surname File
Michelle Lyons [email protected]
Traveling Library
Books
Cari Crowley
[email protected]
CDs Guy Moellendorf
[email protected]
Webmaster
Glenn Gilbert [email protected]
Inside This Issue
So King News Vol. 29, No. 5
March/April, 2014
Page 3
Early Morning Coffee Hour & General Meeting Topics
Starting at 9 AM, grab a cup of coffee and a pastry and sit down in the foyer or near the
traveling library and visit with fellow genealogists who share your interests. ---Share your
new discoveries and successes. Share the recently discovered internet sources for family
information. Share your frustrations with technology and get good ideas from fellow society members. All of this over a hot drink and a morning treat! At about 10 AM we present
a short Tech Demo before the main business meeting. Have a question or a new discovery? Let us know.
March 15—Review of the Saar Pioneer Cemetery Restoration, presented by Sylva
Coppock
Now that the Saar Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Project Committee has reached its goal of reclaiming this
historic old cemetery on 212th in Kent, it's time to take a look at the overall scope of the project and celebrate
all that we have accomplished in the past ten years. Sylva Coppock, a member of SKCGS and of the project
committee, will show a PowerPoint presentation containing a photo review, along with narrative, detailing the
many facets of the challenge.
Karen Bouton, Chairman of the project, has regularly provided updates for the newsletter. She has faithfully
reported progress at the general meetings. But, until you see ten years of effort compressed into a visual review, it is difficult to understand the magnitude of this accomplishment or to appreciate the hundreds of people who were involved.
Since the presentation was first developed last spring, it has been shown, with the help of Karen Bouton and
Glenn Gilbert, to the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington in Seattle, to the Robert E. Lee Chapter of the
Daughters of Veterans of the Confederacy at the Newport Library, and at the Heritage Quest Research Library
in Sumner.
Sylva Coppock has been a member of the South King County Genealogical Society since the early years, and
has served on many committees during that time. The most notable, perhaps, was as Gene-A-Rama Chairman
for about twelve years. She also chaired two joint-venture seminars, and was a member of the Saar Pioneer
Cemetery Restoration Committee. In that capacity she was instrumental in the research of people buried in the
cemetery and in production of the book "A History of the Saar Pioneer Cemetery And Its Inhabitants."
For a complete biography of Sylva Coppock, please visit the SKCGS website at www.skcgs.org
April 19 and May 17—General Meetings
Due to family obligations and other commitments, previously planned speakers and activities have been postponed until fall and no replacements have been determined. The meetings will still occur; we just don’t know
all the details yet. Watch the website for more information as those dates approach.
Out to Lunch Bunch
SKCGS members who like to go out to lunch once a
month. No special dues - no commitment for every
month - you are more than welcome any time that
you would like to join the group. Everyone is responsible for his own bill at the restaurant. Location
etc. is posted each month on the WA-SKGS-L
(email) mailing list. In general we meet at 1 PM on
the first Wednesday of each month. Hope to see you
at the next OUT TO LUNCH BUNCH lunch. Everyone welcome.
Please let Betty Jasbec know if you plan to come.
We need to let the restaurant know how many to
plan for. E-mail or call Betty at 253-631-0640.
April 2nd: Wild Wheat Bakery
202 1st Avenue South,
Kent, 253-856-8919
May 7th: Yankee Grill & Roaster
1 So. Grady Way, Bottom Floor of Holiday Inn
Renton, 425-255-8543
June 4th: Black Diamond Bakery
32805 Railroad Ave.
Black Diamond, 360-866-2235
Inside This Issue
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Page 4
Computer Interest Group
The SKCGS Computer Users Group meets the third
Tuesday of every month, 6:30 pm. We are always
exploring new gadgets or new ways to use our old
familiar ones. If you have a problem or have a new
solution or gadget, please join us!
Next meetings:
March 18—Note change of location
Auburn Fire Station, 1101 D Street, Auburn
Exterior door to classroom is accessible from the
parking lot on the north (Applebees) side of the
building
April 15—Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S,
Auburn
Heritage Photo Interest Group
Heritage Photo Interest Group features beginner classes using Photoshop Elements. The classes will follow
PSE tutorials introducing the workspace, tools and adjustments available for making your photos look their
best. From simple enhancements to restoring and sharing, you’ll learn basic skills and helpful tips.
Next meetings: March 24 & April 28
Meetings are on the fourth Monday of each month at the Auburn Fire Station, 1101 D Street, Auburn; 6:30
pm. For further information, contact MaryLynn at [email protected]
Family Tree Maker Users Group
This group meets the first Saturday of each month.
Upcoming dates—April 5 & May 3, Covington Library 10 am
Please bring questions and join discussion. Contact Winona at [email protected] for further information.
The Master Genealogist Users Group
The TMG Users Group meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Algona-Pacific Library. Topics
help beginners and more experienced users of The Master Genealogist genealogical software and its companion products. Check the SKCGS website for more complete information and meeting times.
Nat’l Society of Daughters of American Revolution
Lakota Chapter D.A.R. regular meeting time is the second Saturday of each month (except July & August) at
Auburn Fire Station,1101 D Street at 11 am. Prospective members are always welcome to visit.
Sincerely, Helen McGreer Lewis [email protected]
Newsletter Subscription Fee
To offset the expense of printing and mailing hardcopy newsletters, members, both annual and lifetime, who
elect to receive their newsletters in the mail are assessed a fee of $2.00 per issue for a total of $12.00 per year.
Hardcopy recipients should remember to add $12.00 to their annual membership fee. Lifetime members
should submit $12.00 in June for the next fiscal year.
Please submit your fees to SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY,
C/O Michelle Lyons
P O Box 3174,
Kent WA 98089-0203
Inside This Issue
So King News Vol. 29, No. 5
March/April, 2014
Page 5
Legacy & Beyond Group
This group meets the first Thursday of the month from 10:00 am to noon at the First Presbyterian Church,
9425 S. 248th Street in Kent. The group will continue with our discussion of the new Version 8 of Legacy.
As we discussed at the December meeting, you can download a copy of Version 8 and play around with it
before actually adding your existing Legacy family tree.
So try Version 8, and bring any questions to be answered as well as your suggestions for future topics to the
meeting.
Contacts:
Michelle Lyons
Janet Camarata
(253) 205-7597
(206) 335-9577
[email protected]
[email protected]
Legacy Webinars-on-CD now in the Traveling Library
SKCGS has a number of the Legacy webinars and training CDs for society members to check out at general
meetings. These will also be available for viewing and discussing at future Legacy and Beyond Group meetings. Note that the subjects are generally not specific to using Legacy software and are usable by all members.
The webinars are by professional genealogists, are of about 1.5 hours in duration, and were produced within
the last 18 months. Some have printable handouts.
For a complete list of CDs in the Traveling Library, go to :
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~waskcgs/library/trav_CDs.html
To DNA or not to DNA, that is the question
With apologies to William Shakespeare, whether to have a DNA test really does involve some questions.
Most of us ask the most obvious, “What’s in it for me?” which begs for someone to prove why you should
take the test. You are unlikely to get a clear answer to such a defensive question. There are too many types of
tests, each producing different results. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
A better question to ask is, “What is your goal?” Answering that question to yourself can help you determine
what sort of DNA test to pursue and, since money is involved, whether you can afford it or not. Here are three
basic types of tests and the results you might expect.
Autosomal if you want to locate/contact possible cousins
Y-DNA extend your paternal line, identify anthropological locations/routes of migration (you'd need to
test a male in your paternal line)
mtDNA identify anthropological locations/routes of migration, possibly extend your maternal line
Family Tree DNA has established a group for SKCGS members who test through their company. You will
find a link on the society homepage.
Mary Katherine Kozy the speaker at our February General Meeting gave a very informative presentation,
“I’ve Had My DNA Tested, Now What?”
And Results?
Have you had your DNA tested? What type of test did you
have and what were the results? Share your story by sending us an email at [email protected].
Inside This Issue
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Page 6
LIBRARY NEWS
“Most people get excited over new cars; I get excited over death certificates.”
― Rett MacPherson
Sno-Isle Genealogical Society “The Beacon”: February 2014
14 Genealogy New Year’s Resolutions
1) Finish inputting your family finds into your genealogy software program.
2) Share your tree online to help other researchers and so distant cousins can help you.
3) Cite a source for everything!
4) Digitize more. The scanner is your friend!
5) Especially digitize those old family photos.
6) Back up your data online or in a different location from your home or both.
7) Join a genealogy society or two - locally and where your ancestors lived.
8) Try a genealogy app on your phone or tablet.
9) Figure out how Facebook (www.facebook.com) can help in your genealogy search.
10) Get swabbed and try DNA testing.
11) Tackle your spouse’s tree or a best friend’s tree, as you have been promising to do for years.
12) Sign up for a genealogy workshop, conference or webinar.
13) Get organized. Really!
14) Renew your genealogy magazine subscription.
“Family Chronicle”: Volume 18, Number 3, January / February 2014
NEWS FROM OUR EXCHANGES
RootsWeb’s Search Thingy
RootsWeb (http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ is the “oldest, free genealogy site on the Web and
host to the largest collection of free genealogical resources available online.” There are eight million user
submitted records, organized into different categories and also grouped by location and ethnic group. There
are over 29,000 genealogy-related mailing lists (including our own!) RootsWeb includes WorldConnect, a
database of thousands of submitted family trees. The “RootsWeb Search Thingy” is a one step search of multiple databases including WorldConnect, vital records and Obituary Daily Times. There is lots more! Don’t
forget about this important, free genealogy website in your research. (And no I didn’t make up the name!)
Yankee Genealogical Society “Newsletter”: Volume 23, Number 1, January 2014
Ready to Write?
Are you interested in writing your family history? Several members of the Clallam County Genealogical Society would like to start a writer’s group that would probably meet once a month to discuss their work
and the best way to share it with family and future generations. If you are interested, please contact Nona Halvorsen at 360-477-2127 or at [email protected].
Clallam County Genealogical Society
In Case You Missed the Free Talk at SKCGS and Want to Hear It Again or Want More:
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2014 - Sno-Isle Genealogical Society - SIGS - is presenting a Mini Seminar featuring speaker Mary Kathryn Kozy. Mary Kathryn will talk on “Integrating DNA Information and
Genealogy”, “I've Had My DNA Tested...Now What?”, and “Using DNA to Indicate Possible Jewish Connections”. Check the SIGS website http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wasigs/. $20 members, $25 nonmembers.
Sno-Isle Genealogical Society “The Beacon”: February 2014
Inside This Issue
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Washington State Genealogical Society Seminar
Friday and Saturday, August 15, & 16, 2014. This two day event will feature keynote speaker Josh
Taylor of “Genealogy Road Show” fame. Check out his website: www.djoshuataylor.com. Other breakout
speakers will include Donna Potter Phillips, Mary Kathryn Kozy, and Steven Morrison to name a few. Conference will be held at Arlington High School and the Byrnes Performing Arts Center, 18821 Crown Ridge
Blvd., Arlington. The Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society will serve as host. Details will appear on
the WSGS website in coming months.
Sno-Isle Genealogical Society “The Beacon”: February 2014
Telling Your Stories
We are, by nature, the sort of people that will sit and muse on our past and wish our ancestors had left
us more. What about our descendants? Will they wish we had left them more? When documenting our family history, we must not forget to document our own lives as someday we will be history to our grandchildren.
It is important to preserve our memories for future generations. Here is an article about one person who did
just that. Everyone ought to consider recording their own stories, whether it be with a notebook and pencil, on
a computer or website, or with a video camera. Your memories and stories are as important as your ancestors’.
“Family Chronicle”: Volume 18, Number 3, January / February 2014
Family Tree Builder 7.0
The latest version of this genealogy software from MyHeritage.com is out. It has new search capabilities, various mobility options, synchronized backups across many devices and other new features. There is
also improved search and matching, online merging and syncing with other devices and a revamped interface.
Favorite old features are still there, including printing, charting, multimedia and maps. The new version, as
before, can be easily downloaded from www.myheritage.com/family-tree-builder. The basic program is free,
but upgrades with additional charting options, a larger online site, SmartMatch merging and other options
range in price from $75.00 to $240.00. If you are considering purchasing genealogy software, this program
may be one you’d like to consider.
“Family Chronicle”: Volume 18, Number 3, January / February 2014
The Orphan Trains
We Rode the Orphan Trains, by Andrea Warren, is reviewed in this month’s “Apple Orchard.” The
review discusses the history of the Orphan Trains, the plight of the orphans and the reasons they were adopted
in the Midwest. It also briefly mentions efforts to open the records which will help those with adopted ancestors. It sounds like a good book to read. There are five copies in the King County Library System.
Chelan Valley Genealogical Society “The Apple Orchard”: January 2014
Genealogy & Social Networking
Facebook seems to be counter to serious (or even amateur) genealogy research. And daily scribbles
about your research and findings on your own blog? It’s for kids. Right? Nope! Social media is about connecting and that’s what we genealogists, professional or hobbyist, want to do. There are many possibilities
just waiting to be explored, but it can be a bit daunting, even if you’re computer and internet savvy. This article tells you where to go, what to look for and how to get started with a Google blog and on Facebook. Happy
connecting!
“Internet Genealogy”: Volume 8, Number 6, February/March 2014
Evidence Explained - The Website
No explanation needed - connect here! www.evidenceexplained.com
Mac User Needing Software?
Genealogy software for Macs used to be hard to find and then it could be several generations behind
the Windows version, causing lots of frustrations. Things are much better today due to the booming use of
iPads and iPhones. Even though the Mac version of a program may still be a step or two behind, it’s not as
Inside This Issue
So King News Vol. 29, No. 5
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Page 8
bad as it was. This article reviews nine different programs for Mac. Many offer demos for free and there are a
couple that are open source.
Included in the review is Reunion 10, compatible with the latest O 10.8, Mavericks. Reunion is the
gold standard of Mac genealogy software and has won many awards for it’s excellence. There is a free demo.
The full program costs, for first time purchasers, about $100.00. Full upgrades are rare and cost less. The
program and the demo are available at www.leisterpro.com.
And even better, there is a Macintosh Special Interest Group connected with the Seattle Genealogical
Society which meets every month at the Fiske Library. They use Reunion almost exclusively and they can
help you get going.
“Internet Genealogy”: Volume 8, Number 6, February/March 2014
NEWSLETTERS ADDED TO THE NOTEBOOKS IN THE TRAVELING LIBRARY
“Family Chronicle”: Volume 18, Number 3, January / February 2014: Locating German Parish Records;
Does Anybody Have a Question? The Mysterious Letter; Patricia Evans’ Happy Days; Kook, ‘Krook’ or
Klansman? First Looks: Family Tree Building 7.0; Beyond the Book: Family History Slide Shows; Gifts
From the Grave: Ukrainian Research; Your Family’s Baggage; Getting Payment for a Family History Book:
Resolving the Dilemma; The Back Page: Family History is More Than Just Names and Dates!
“Internet Genealogy”: Volume 8, Number 6, February/March 2014: Connecting Through Social Media;
Evidence Explained - The Website; Hey Mac, Have You Got Any Software? Clooz: It’s All About Detection; Is One Death Record Enough? Do You Have Ancestors from the English Black Country? Digital Maps
of the “The Great War”; Net Notes; Unlocking the Past: Researching the Birth of an Artist; An American
Hero: Captain Charles R. Sloan; The Back Page: Does Anybody Need a Soldier?
“National Genealogical Society Quarterly”: Volume 101, Number 4, December 2013: 2012 Winner:
Editor’s Corner - DNA Standards; Family History Writing Contest “A Love Story Proved: The Life and
Family of Laura Lavinia (Kelley) Combs of Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia”; Did Martha Barnes of Glossop,
Derbyshire, Marry Her Cousin? Ancestors of Henry Tatum of Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana: Migration
and Mistaken Identity; Sippenbücher as Guides to Record Searches in Eighteenth-Century Germanic Towns;
Reviews; Contents Volume 101, 2013; Index to Volume 101, 2013
Minnesota, South St. Paul: Yankee Genealogical Society “Newsletter”: Volume 23, Number 1, January
2014: New at the MGS Library; YGS Purchases; Massachusetts Archives; Rhode Island Archives; Rhode
Island Directory; NEHGS Free Resources; The Pilgrims in Holland; Digitized Minnesota Newspapers;
North Andover, MA Old Burial Ground; New York Death Index, 1957-1963; Online “Microfilms” of Land
Records; Eastman’s Blog, Massachusetts Wiki Guides; 14 Genealogical New Year’s Resolutions
Oregon, Cottage Grove: Cottage Grove Genealogical Society “Trees From the Grove”: Volume 26,
Numbers 1 - 3, January - September 2013: John and Rosetta (Stanton) Beckner - Donation Land Claim;
Obits and Death Notices in Cottage Grove Sentinel, 1961; David Mosby’s Oath of Allegiance for his Donation Land Claim; Gleanings from Cottage Grove Leader, 1889; Mayors of Cottage Grove; Pioneers (Repeat
from 1993); New Books at Cottage Grove Genealogical Society Library; Greenbury and Nancy (Black) Van
Schoiack’s Affidavit for his Donation Land Claim
Virginia, Arlington: Roots Users Group “RUG Newsletter”: Volume 26, Number 1, January 2014:
RUG Silver Anniversary; Down RUG Memory Lane; Getting the Most Out of Roles in TMG; December
Presentations Recap; From Exhibits to Slide Shows; Make Plans To Attend FxGS Annual Conference
Virginia, Arlington: Roots Users Group “RUG Newsletter”: Volume 26, Number 2, February 2014:
Come Celebrate RUG’s Silver Anniversary!! Image Mapping Using TMG Utilities; Make Plans to Attends
FxGS Annual Conference; Down RUG Memory Lane; Seven Vital Cosmetic Steps Before Full Disclosure
Washington, Auburn: The White River Valley Museum “Journal”: January 2014: Auburn’s Carnegie
Library; Things to Do; Displaying Historical Objects
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Washington, Bremerton: Puget Sound Genealogical Society “The Backtracker”: January through
March 2014: Stepping Back in Time; Genealogy Center Report; Milestones; Education Committee Has Been
Busy! Witness Bias & Creeping Bear; A Look Back; Looking Forward; Putting Down Roots: Trial by Fire,
Part II; Putting Down Roots: My Italian Immigrant Mother, Part One; Discovering Family Heirlooms; Meanderings; The Thomas Piano and More
Washington, Chelan: Chelan Valley Genealogical Society “The Apple Orchard”: January 2014: Book
Review: We Rode the Orphan Trains; Letters From the Past; Genealogy Bucket List: Five Must-Do Activities; Sorting Out the DNA Tests Available for Genealogy: Which One Should I Use? Quick Publish Your
Family History Tips; Genealogy Relationship Chart; Chelan Valley Genealogical Society Survey;
Washington, Ellensburg: Kittitas County Genealogy Society “Kittitas Kinfolk”: Volume 27, Number
1, January 2014: RootDig.com and Casefile Clues; Genealogy Off-Line; Funny Tombstones; Joseph and
Mary Roy of Missouri; 12 Millionth Source Attached to Family Tree Challenge; Genealogy Tip #8: Don’t
Neglect to Document Your Source; California Digital Newspaper Collection; RootsWeb’s Search Thingy
Washington, Kent: Greater Kent Historical Society “The Recorder”: Winter 2014: Childhood Memories; 60 Years Ago - Kent New Journal, Winter 1954; Days and Nights at the Bereiter House; Traffic Regulations Excerpt from 1954 Kent Journal; Fort Thomas
Washington, Lynnwood: Sno-Isle Genealogical Society “The Beacon”: February 2014: Save the Date;
SIGS Research Center - What’s New; Writing a Family Story; What’s Going On in the Area
Wisconsin, Sparta: Monroe Juneau Jackson County’s Genealogy Workshop “Newsletter”: Volume 33,
Number 4, February 2014: Tomah Journal 5 June 1982; Be Careful With Your Genealogy Software! Monroe County Local History Room; Lemon Valley School & Church; History - Live! 2014 Public Lecture Series
Exchange Newsletters
Do you receive a newsletter from a genealogical or historical society for some other location, possibly where
your family lived? Have you considered sharing it with others who may have similar roots?
Why read some other location’s newsletter? You might not find mention of your family, but you could get a
sense of what your family experienced in that place or time. You might find access to data or methods of research you had not considered before.
And you might find interesting stories or amusing anecdotes. Please share those with the rest of us!
Are you missing out? Join the SKCGS mailing list.
The E-mailing list is a forum where members of the South King County Genealogical Society (SKCGS) and
others with an interest in the Society, can discuss the efforts of the Society. It's a great way to keep up with
what's going on in your Society!
It's informational, deals with society-related issues and can address general research questions that may be of
interest to you.
Members ask and answer questions and give feedback on Society issues that you also may be interested in!
The list is open to all those who have an interest in the Society, including announcements, conference and
meeting schedules, membership questions, etc. General questions on genealogy ARE suitable on this list; specific ancestry, family and research queries should be directed to the appropriate forums elsewhere on the web.
see: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~waskcgs/maillist.html
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Saar Cemetery Project
Saving Graves.net: “We believe that the willful desecration or destruction of human burial sites
is unacceptable in a civilized society. All over the globe, cemeteries have been threatened by neglect, insufficient funds, inappropriate development, or insensitive public policy. These cemeteries constitute a memento of great achievements of the common everyday people that lived and
worked there, contributing greatly to both culture and science, leading to the creation of a better
place for those that followed. It is our primary objective to increase the awareness and highlight
the importance of our historic cemeteries as sources of community and state pride, while promoting an attitude of reverence and respect, and encouraging the further preservation of these
unique historical resources for future generations to appreciate and learn from. If society fails to
appropriately and adequately deal with this issue through some definitive action, whether legislative or otherwise, not only will genealogical and historical resources likely be irreparably
harmed, but society will potentially lose a valuable resource for charting its inexorable course
into annals of human history.”
In the fall of 2004 the South King County Genealogical Society voted to save the Saar Pioneer
Cemetery from obscurity after an article was published in the Kent Reporter describing the horrible condition of this historic cemetery. At the next meeting I volunteered to be the Project Coordinator and I obtained written permission from the cemetery owner to restore the cemetery. Now
here it is the winter of 2014 and this will be the last column I write about this project.
So much has been accomplished as you have read in this newsletter throughout these past ten
years. Many major and many small work parties accomplished the arduous task of getting rid of
the blackberries, ivy, underbrush, and trees that engulfed the majority of the cemetery. As you
can see in the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos a dramatic difference was made.
While spending so much time among the residents of the cemetery, I started to become curious –
who are these people? An all-volunteer research team was formed to create a biographical book,
and after six years of hard work A History of Saar Pioneer Cemetery and Its Inhabitants was published. A 4Culture grant paid for the first printing of 65 books and sales from that allowed a second printing of 35
more copies, of which
all have been sold. All
the profit was spent on
the cemetery.
Throughout the restoration project several
artifacts have been uncovered. Barrel slats,
several iron crosses, an
ornate fence piece, a
shovel head, iron fence
poles, and broken pieces of headstones. All of
these artifacts have
been donated to the
Greater Kent Historical
Society’s museum.
Inside This Issue
So King News Vol. 29, No. 5
March/April, 2014
Page 11
The following have
been added to the
cemetery grounds
by volunteer effort,
grant money,
SKCGS fundraisers,
and community donations:
City of Kent Landmark plaque. The
South King County
Genealogical Society and the Greater
Kent Historical Society collaborated to
have the cemetery
named an historic
landmark in 2010.
The City of Kent
obtained and installed the plaque.
Civil War veteran replacement markers: New headstones were obtained for William Button, Elias Clark, Nathaniel Hoag, and Lewis Warren. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs supplied all
of these markers.
Mr. Button did not have any type of marker and his exact burial location is unknown.
The White River Journal dated 15 June 1893 indicated that he was buried in the O’Brien
Cemetery so he is indeed somewhere in this cemetery.
Mr. Clark’s and Mr. Hoag’s original military headstones were eroding and becoming
unreadable. The new military markers were placed next to their burial site.
Mr. Warren’s headstone was being consumed by a large maple tree. Fortunately the genealogical society transcribed this cemetery in 1979 before the front of the headstone
became engulfed so we know who is buried there.
A Veterans Day ceremony will still be held each November to honor these soldiers. It is on the
same day as the Auburn Veterans Day Parade; the parade in the morning and the Saar Cemetery
event at three in the afternoon.
E Clampus Vitus plaque. The ‘Clampers’ installed a plaque that indicates all of the different
names that the Saar Pioneer Cemetery has been known by. It reads: “The Saar Pioneer Cemetery
is named for former King County Councilman Peter Saar, who in 1873 buried his wife on a
small hill on their homestead. Since that time the cemetery has been know by many names. Kent
Cemetery; Kent Methodist Cemetery; M. E. Cemetery; Methodist Cemetery; Nelsons; O’Brien
Cemetery; Peter Saar Cemetery; Peter Saar Memorial Cemetery; Pioneer Methodist Cemetery;
Springbrook; Wilson’s Corner. Plaque Dedicated 12 August 2010/6015 Ancient and Honorable
Order of E. Clampus Vitus Doc Maynard Chapter No. 54-40 CREDO QUIA ABSURDUM.”
Continued on Page 12
Inside This Issue
So King News Vol. 29, No. 5
March/April, 2014
Page 12
New markers were installed for: Caroline, Edith, and Johann Kasbaum; Mary and Hardin Lusk;
Isaac and Nellie Parmenter; Benjamin Pittman; and Margaret Saar.
Caroline, Edith, and Johann Kasbaum’s burial site was in terrible disarray. Johann’s
headstone was found in several pieces and Caroline’s and Edith’s headstones were
completely gone. The pieces were put back together and new markers were engraved
by hand by a dedicated volunteer, Mr. Kimsey Fowler.
Mary and Hardin Lusk’s headstones went missing sometime between 1979 and 2004
so Mr. Fowler engraved new markers for them.
Isaac and Nellie Parmenter’s new marker was recently installed by a family descendant, George Safadago, to fulfill a promise to his mother.
Benjamin Pittman died in 1907 and was buried without a marker. Exactly 100 years
later, his great-granddaughter, Lois Pittman Traynor and her family, purchased a new
marker for him.
Margaret Saar was the first to be interred in this property, her family’s homestead. Her
original headstone went missing sometime between 1979 and 2004, and the committee
acquired a new stone to mark her resting place.
Recovered markers: Three original headstones were recovered and reinstalled: J.S.H. Johnson
and his daughter, Julietta; and Ole C. Hoff.
Unmarked Graves Monument. While researching everyone buried in this cemetery the research
team kept coming across names of folks that were buried there, but had no headstone. The list
of names came to a total of 89! It was impractical to try and make so many individual markers
so one Unmarked Graves Monument was created so those 89 pioneers would not be forgotten.
Many Saar Pioneer Cemetery residents’ descendants, local companies, groups, community volunteers, tribal and government entities, friends and family have been very generous with their
labor, resources, and donations. Without their involvement this cemetery would still be buried
under a blanket of blackberries, ivy, underbrush, and trees – its inhabitants unknown and forgotten to the world.
The owner of the cemetery, the Kent United Methodist Church, has recently hired a landscaper
to regularly mow the grounds, and to keep the cemetery in good condition.
I thank each and every person who was involved in this project.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Bouton
Retired Saar Cemetery Project Coordinator
Editor’s Note: Thank you, Karen for your faithful contribution of articles and pictures to this newsletter as well as community newspapers and organizations throughout this long project.
Comb Binding Service
Comb binding is an inexpensive way to bind your finished books
or collections of papers such as So King News!. This service is
also available to non-members, churches, schools and clubs.
Prices:
Up to 112 sheets (5/8 )—$2.00, non-members $3.00
113-168 sheets (1 )—$4.00, non-members $5.00
We are prepared to handle projects of 1 to 25 copies and binding
of 25 to 168 sheets.
Contact Rich Thayer—[email protected]
Inside This Issue
Baby Family Tree Charts
New baby family tree charts: blue for
boys and pink for girls, are now available
for a $3.00 donation to SKCGS. This is a
wonderful gift to a young family with a
new arrival and encourages them to
maintain their family information. To
obtain these charts, call Sylva Coppock
425-235-8076
So King News Vol. 29, No. 5
March/April, 2014
Surname List Update
One of the more frequently visited pages on our
website is the Surname List. This is the digitized
version of the box of 3 x 5 index cards to which
people have been contributing for several years. A
Page 13
list of this sort is a great opportunity to find others
who are researching the same families as you are.
Website listing is limited to current (annual or lifetime) members who have given specific permission
to be included on the website.
South King County Genealogical Society
Surname Database Information Sheet
Submitter _____________________________________ Telephone ____________________
Street Address ________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________ Zip __________________________
Email Address ________________________________________________________________
Telephone and street address are for SKCGS use only, they will not be available on the website.
Include Email address on
SKCGS Website
Yes
No
Include Email address in
SKCGS Newsletter
Yes
No
List the surnames, locations or migration routes and time period for each family group you are
researching. If you are researching the same surname but different migration routes, list them
separately.
Example: Stowe—NH>VT>WI—1770-1850s
Stowe—NH>NY>IN—1800-1900
Surname
This information is
Locations/Migration
New ________ Updating ________
Inside This Issue
Time Period
So King News Vol. 29, No. 5
March/April, 2014
Page 14
South King County Genealogical Society
PUBLICATIONS FOR SALE
Prices effective June 1, 2008. All books are comb-bound, unless otherwise noted.
MEMORIAL RECORDS OF SOUTH KING COUNTY, WA
VOL. I - Includes St. Patrick Catholic, Saar Pioneer & Mess Cemeteries Indexed, 89 pages, © 1981 $ 9.00
VOL. II - Hillcrest Cemetery - Indexed, 344 pages, © 1988 ............................................................ $20.00
VOL. III - Meridian, Marker & Lagesson Cemeteries - Indexed, 108 pages, © 1995 ....................... $12.00
VOL. IV - Auburn Pioneer Cemetery - Indexed, 47 pages, © 1997 .................................................. $ 8.50
VOL. V - Mountain View Cemetery, Auburn WA (3 Books) © 1997
Book 1, Section A-H (old section) - 346 pages ............................................................................. $25.00
Book 2, Garden Mausoleum & continues through Section T - 369 pages ...................................... $25.00
Book 3, Index - Military burials - History - 211 pages .................................................................. $15.00
VOL. VI- Enumclaw Cemetery Records. 684 pages in 2 volumes sold as a set © 2001 ................... $42.50
Book 1, Section 1-3H Evergreen Memorial Park, 348 pages
Book 2, Section 4A-10 Evergreen Memorial Park; Holy Family Krain Cemetery;
Veteran’s Memorial Park; & full name index to both books, 336 pages
VOL. VII– Maury Island Cemetery & Vashon Island Cemeteries - Vashon Cemetery & Church of the
Holy Spirit Memorial Gardens indexed, 423 pages © 2004 .......................................................... $25.00
VOL. VIII Memorial Records of South King County, Gethsemane Cemetery, Federal Way Washington,
Indexed, 284 pages, © 2006......................................................................................................... $18.00
VOL. IX Maple Valley-Hobart Cemetery, Indexed, 163 pages, © 2007 .......................................... $15.00
KENT AREA OBITUARIES —
FROM EARLY KENT, WA NEWSPAPERS
VOL. I - 1893-1910
Indexed, 216 Pages, © 1988 ................... $15.00
VOL. II - 1911-1920
Indexed, 277 pages, © 1988 ................... $18.00
VOL. III - 1921-1931
Indexed, 444 pages, © 1989 ................... $25.00
VOL. IV - 1932-1934
Indexed, 169 pages, © 1991 ................... $12.00
OBITUARIES FROM THE RENTON WA
RECORD/CHRONICLE NEWSPAPER
VOL. I - 1927-1932
Indexed, 222 pages, © 1991 ................... $15.00
KENT AREA MARRIAGES—
FROM EARLY KENT, WA NEWSPAPERS
VOL. I - 1893-1917 (Misc. Years) ©1991
36 pages .................................................. $7.00
KING COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSE
REGISTERS 1889 - 1895
Volumes 5-10 compiled by Helen McGreer Lewis,
240 pages © 2004 ........................................ $15.00
KING COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSE
REGISTERS Dec. 1916 - Sept. 1917
Volumes 38 and 39, abstracted by
Helen McGreer Lewis, 194 pages........... $13.00
BLACK DIAMOND, WA CEMETERY
RECORDS ............................................................
Indexed, 62 Pages, © 1980...................... $ 9.00
INDEX FOR LAKE COUNTY, CA
MARRIAGE BOOKS 1-6 (1867-1935)
Compiled by Helen McGreer Lewis ©1999
.................................................................... $13.00
Postage & handling: First book: $4.00. Each
additional book: $1.50
Send checks with titles and number of books desired to
South King County Genealogical Society, PO Box 3174, Kent WA 98089-0203
Attn.: Publications
SKCGS is always happy to exchange publications with other societies and libraries on an equal basis
Please contact SKCGS for details.
Inside This Issue
So King News Vol. 29, No. 5
March/April, 2014
Page 15
SKCGS Activities Calendar
Apr Dates
May Dates
Jun Dates
Legacy Users Group-1st Thursday 10:00 am
9425 S 248th, Kent
3
1
5
Board Meeting 1st Tuesday 7 pm
Location to be determined
1
6
3
Out To Lunch Bunch 1st Wednesday 1 pm
See article within
2
7
4
Family Tree Maker Users Group-1st Saturday
10:15 am Covington Branch of King County Library
5
3
7
The Master Genealogist Group 2nd Thursday 1 pm
Algona Pacific Library
10
8
12
General Meeting 3rd Saturday 10:15 am
19
17
21
15
20
17
28
No meeting
Memorial Day
23
11420 248th Ave SE, Kent
Computer Users Group 3rd Tuesday 6:30 pm
Auburn Library 1102 Auburn Way S, Auburn
Heritage Photo Group 4th Monday 6:30 pm
Auburn Fire Station, 1101 D Street, Auburn
SKCGS MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL (June, 2014/May, 2015)
Electronic newsletter: _______Single ($15.00) Dual ($22.50)
Printed newsletter: _______Single ($27.00) Dual ($34.50)
_______$12.00 Annual fee for printed newsletter (Lifetime members)
NAME _________________________________________________________________________________
Last
First
SECOND PERSON _______________________________________________________________________
(If dual member)
Last
First
ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________
Street
City
State
Zip + 4
EMAIL ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________
HOME PHONE __________________________________________________________________________
(AREA CODE) XXX-XXXX
Would you consider including an additional, tax deductible, donation to the society? We are a
501 c 3 corporation.
$10.00
$25.00
$50.00
$100.00
$
MAIL TO: SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, C/O Michelle Lyons
P O Box 3174, Kent WA 98089-0203
Inside This Issue