We continued the celebration with a luncheon. Our speaker was Stephen K. Smith, local author. He has written books for young readers: Summer of the Woods, Shadows at Jamestown, and Spies at Mount Vernon, among others. I didn’t take any photos to share except for the program cover.
The Old Dominion Chapter NSDAR hosted their 112th Commemoration of the Birthday of General George Washington today at the Rotunda, State Capitol, in Richmond, Virginia.
The Colors were posted by the Cadet Color Guard and Pipe & Drum Platoon from Benedictine College Preparatory and music was provided by St. Christopher’s School, Beaux Ties. A wreath was placed by members of the Children of the American Revolution. The guest speaker was Dr. Eugene W. Hickok.
It was a beautiful day in Richmond. Here are some photos from the event. As in so many cities around the world, there is a lot of scaffolding to be seen.
Christmas was great. It came upon me suddenly. Vacations in November may not be a good idea since you get home and plunge into Christmas. Our family was together and a good time was had by all. We attended a play “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” at the Swift Creek Mill Playhouse on December 26th. Now, it is time to think about the new year. Do you make resolutions? I don’t but this year my goal is to straighten up my family archives. Today a blog from FamilySearch caught my attention. All of the suggestions are good. Sigh, for me the hardest is “Organizing Your Documents. ”
My grandfather saved all his important papers. My Aunt Connie saved them and then many years ago my Aunt gave me my inheritance. The inheritance included documents, post cards, letters, and photographs. She passed them on to me.
My grandfather was from Palmi, Reggio d’Calabria. He came to the US in 1903 through Ellis Island. He stayed in touch with his family though. There was a lot of family in Italy. Two of his brothers and his nephews went to Argentina. My grandfather owned a print shop in New York City. He printed all sorts of things, pamphlets, flyers, newsletters, and books. I have two of the books printed in his shop. Since I like to experiment I created a web page for my grandfather’s family. I like to share.
Cheers to a great new year. My usual resolution is “Get Organized” but I think it is a losing battle. Suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Today my daughter and grandsons went to Seven Pines National Cemetery to place wreaths on the graves of servicemen from the Civil War to current day. It is not a very large cemetery. This was a great opportunity for the boys to Remember our family members who are no longer with us and Honor their memory. We talked about their great grandfathers, one who served in the Army and one who served in the Navy during World War II. The colors were posted, the pledge said, and after the speakers, there was a rifle salute, and taps. Among the groups that participated in the event to was the Children of the American Revolution. It was a lovely day.
Grandisson L. Philmon also known as Grants was born in 1850 in Anson County, North Carolina to James and Lucinda Pare Philmon. According to Philmon legend he was given that name because his father said “he was the grandest son he had.” On the 1850 census he was six months old but was listed as not named. The family moved to Taylor County, Georgia around 1857. On the 1860 census of Taylor Co. he is listed as Grandisson L. age 10. His siblings were Elijah A. 18, Anna N. 16, John Wesley 14, William E. 12, James L. 7, Temperana E. 5 and Julius A. 1.
He met Mattie (Martha A.), child of Alfred E. Ulm and Elizabeth Ammons Ulm of Lincoln County, Georgia. Grandisson and Mattie were married 4 April 1875 by Martin Brooks, JP in Taylor Co., Ga (marriage Book Z page 198).
Mattie became ill and died in 1883 and shortly after Grants passed away as well. Estate papers show Grants’ estate appraised as 1 buggy & harness, 1 horse, 1 set plow, 1 bridle & saddle, 2 plows and chamber mug, 1 sewing machine, 3 bedsteads, 1 feather bed, 1 watch (Oct. 15, 1883). Est. filed Apr 12, 1883. John W. Philmon was the next friend of the orphans of G.L. Philmon. p. 490
They had three children James A. (Jim) b. 29 Jan 1876, Minnie Lee b. 20 Sep 1877, and Ida Elizabeth b. 1879. Minnie and Ida lived with Grants’ brother Julius and his wife, Lizzie; and son Jim lived with Martha’s brother, Charles Hamilton Ulm (known as Uncle Ham). The Ulm family lived in the neighboring county of Houston.
Ida Elizabeth Philmon, was born on 28 June 1879 in Marshallville, Macon Co., GA, to Grandison (Grants) and Mattie Ulm Philmon. I thought it was interesting that the news headlines in 1879 included the first successful test of the incandescent light bulb by Edison, the first Woolworth 5 cent store and the first cash register.
Tragedy struck the family with the deaths of both parents in 1883. According to Shellie Philmon, in a letter dated 23 January 1969, Ida and Minnie lived with Julius & Lizzie Philmon. They grew up as brother and sisters.
According to the Butler Herald (Published in Taylor Co., GA), Tuesday, Dec 12, 1899,
“At the home of the bride’s uncle, Mr. J.A. Philmon, were united in marriage Mr. Barney Kirksey to Miss ida Philmon on Sunday last. Both parties are of Panhandle district and have a host of friends who wish for them a useful and happy life.”
She and Barney had 5 children, Robert Barnes, Nora, Claude, Horace Lee (Dick), and Helen. Life wasn’t easy though. Their oldest son was born deaf. She enjoyed quilting and talking about the history of the family. That must be a Philmon trait. I have met a number of Philmons who enjoy genealogy.
