It never ceases to amaze me what comes through the door at 1515. My Cousin was going through boxes at home and found this little gem.
Check out the ornate clasp to open it.
Mary Wilson was my Great Great Grandmother. The inscription in the Bible states September 16, 1860. I assume it was a Wedding present, since she was married on September 6th. I knew what county they lived in but not the town. Through my genealogy research I find every piece is such a new clue to the past about your relatives.
The print date on the Bible is 1854 and it was purchased at a book store in Terre Haute Indiana.
In the back is written about her death during childbirth to her daughter Mary. My Great Grandmother was only 7 years old. Because of this Bible I also know the correct spelling of Mary Lewella the daughter that also died.
I have posted about Mary before
This was the piece of lace she embroidered in 1860 that hangs in the dining room at 1515.
The take away from this story is to SHARE your family heirlooms with your family! I had no idea they had this Bible. I am the family genealogist and these items when I see them bring me to tears with enjoyment and seeing something that my ancestor cherished. Each one of the three families keeps bring things from our homes back to 1515. The sad thing is .....if we did not have 1515 would I of ever seen these bible or known about it?
Our extended family also has our Mitchell family bible from the 1760's. It is not in my possession but when we had a reunion of the family going back to the 1760's I kept thinking how sad that the people in that room did not get a chance to see or touch the Bible that their ancestors carried during the Revolution War and it still exists today. I feel something like that can not belong to just one person? Am I wrong?
So now I am off to look up the date that my Mary Wilson other daughter gave the Bible to my Great Grandmother for Christmas one year.....I know it is in the diaries of my Aunt Annie. I would not be able to do that if my Dad's cousin had not brought them to 1515.
1515 it has changed all our lives.
12 comments:
Oh Ann what a wonderful Family treasure! I have some very old Bibles as well but they were purchased in an Antique shop so I don't have the Family history. Have a great weekend!
Wanda
As a genealogist, I understand the importance of each piece that is discovered, but the most important thing is the information that is contained in each bible. In this day and age, there is no reason why everyone can't have this information.
Anything like this, if I were to have it, would be copied and distributed to all the family, and a copy saved in a safety deposit box at the bank to insure that the information is there for all generations to come.
This is what I did when I archived all the paper items at the Rutherford house here in town.
These items only have a certain number of days, no matter what you do to preserve it, but the information and images can last forever.
Your bible should be stored in a white pillow case in a dark, dry place- not an attic or basement. The same with the diary. Use photo copies for your references.
You have a very important job as the family historian and you are so lucky to have 1515 so everyone can come and enjoy your family history. I am not sure you are fully aware of the importance of what you are doing, but the generations to come in your family will so appreciate all that you have done and will do before you pass this on to them.
You are totally awesome, girl!
Hugs- Tete
Ann..this is such wonderful news! I cannot wait to see the Bible! I am so proud of you and the hard work you do to save our family's heritage and history! 1515 is a "living museum"...full of warmth and love and life.
I have things all over my house that belonged to relatives. I just recently realized my kids don't know who owned these things and I need to teach them. Love how you display the items.
What a wonderful bible -so glad that you finally heard about it! I agree-this kind of thing really needs to be shared-1515 is a wonderful place to house these items!
What a wonderful family treasure! One of my hobbies is geneology and there are so many stories you can learn about your ancestors. It's wonderful that this Bible has come under your care.
That is an amazing bible. I have a few bibles from our family, but all from one side. There is amazingly little history on my Dad's side.
Wow, what an amazing treasure! How lucky you are to have it. And I love the framed embroidered lace, that is really beautiful!!
Hi Ann, That is a beautiful family treasure and to see that it is still in the same family is even better. Thank you so much for the Birthday wishes and am glad you enjoyed the cabinet. Julian is probably going to place a collection of bears on the bottom shelf LOL. Have a great week. Ray
Ann,
What a treasure! I would be so excited, too.
Your Beleek in the last post looks glorious.
Yes, what is it about cats and sleeping on dining room tables?
You are so lucky to have these treasures. What a blessing to have a family Bible.
I too am the family historian. Since dad had children late in life, all my relatives were old when I was growing up. It is so important to share the stories before they are lost forever. Thanks for sharing.
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