Visiting with Ancestors

A few years ago, while we were visiting Augusta, Georgia, we decided to take a day trip to Tennille, Georgia.  While I was researching "Landscape of Valor: The Sinclair Legacy", I discovered a man in the family by the name of Francis Tennille. I was fascinated with his life. He joined the 2nd Georgia of the Continental Line and moved up the ranks. He received land grants due to his service.  His brother, Benjamin, lived nearby, and they worked together as state surveyors.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Tennille They ended up in Washington County, Georgia, and owned a considerable amount of land.  Francis was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati.  The town in which he lived became known as Tennille, Georgia.  We went on a journey to find his burial site and explore the charming town of Tennille, Georgia. Although we couldn’t locate his resting place, we thoroughly enjoyed the scenic drive through the beautiful area.  The people we encounter...

Isaac was the son of Isaac and Letitia Sinclair . He was born on 18 July 1773 in Bedford, Virginia, and died on 17 March 1850 in Putnam County, Indiana. Isaac married Anna Morris Patterson.  "Weik's History of Putnam County, Indiana" states that Isaac moved to Kentucky around 1822. Isaac and Anna were the parents of William, John, Isaac , Samuel, Cynthia, Morris, Ann, and Eliza. These children "grew to honorable manhood and womanhood". He was a man of integrity and consistency of conduct. He was a leader in his community.  Isaac was laid to rest in Cloverdale Cemetery in Cloverdale, Indiana.  After his death, Anna, his wife,  lived with their daughter, Eliza, in Jennings Township, Indiana.  Their complete profile, along with the profiles of their children, can be found in my book titled “Landscapes of Valor: The Sinclair Legacy.” The last leader profile for the Sinclair family will be next week. Come back and see his contributions to his community and his famil...

  Today, I’m sharing another “lost photo” that I’d love to reunite with the family. I stumbled upon this photo in an antique store in Colorado. According to Google Images, the dresses worn by the women in the photo date back to around World War I. The shorter hairstyles suggest they belong to the post-flapper era. A handwritten note on the bottom of the photo reads, “two ‘outlaws.’” It seems someone had a great sense of humor. If you notice any clues or have any information about the photo, please leave a comment below. If this is your family, please let me know so I can mail you the photo. 

  In 2023, we went on a family trip to Georgia. While the primary focus was on enjoying the fun and relaxation, we also managed to sneak in a few historical moments. One of my interests is old cemeteries, and we happened upon the Magnolia Cemetery in Augusta, Georgia. The grounds were meticulously maintained and exuded a picturesque charm. As the forecast predicted rain, we took a brief moment to admire the view before hastily leaving. I would love to return and explore the cemetery further.  

Isaac Patterson Sinclair, a family leader featured in my book “Landscape of Valor: The Sinclair Legacy,” was the son of Isaac and Anna Sinclair. He was born on May 24, 1806, in Wayne County, Kentucky. Isaac married America Lawson Martin on August 17, 1826, in Putnam County, Greencastle, Indiana. They resided near Cloverdale, Indiana. Around 1840, Isaac constructed a beautiful brick house for his family. Later, they relocated to Greencastle, Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life. Isaac’s occupation included farming, managing warehouses, and building homes. His son, Lee Wiley Sinclair, took over the management of the warehouses. Isaac Patterson Sinclair passed away on October 25, 1854, at the young age of 48 due to diabetes. He was laid to rest at Cloverdale Cemetery in Cloverdale, Indiana. America, Isaac’s wife, outlived him and passed away on December 9, 1878. In the 1860 census, she was living with their children, Isaac, Samuel, and Elizabeth. Both Isaac and America were ...

Today is another "lost photo" I'm hoping to reunite with its family. I stumbled upon this picture in an antique store in Colorado. Google’s image search suggests it might be taken in a city park, sunken garden, or formal plaza, probably in the Midwest or near a larger city on the East Coast. The back of the photo clearly shows the date: May 4, 1949. If you recognize the women in the photo or have any insights about the location, time period, or other relevant details, please share them with me in the comments below. Any assistance you can provide in helping us reunite this photo with its family would be greatly appreciated.

A few posts back, I shared a memory of my family’s trip to Pennsylvania over three decades ago. During that trip, we made a stop at Gettysburg and spent a day exploring Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I was captivated by the food and the conversations with the people there. I felt a profound connection to them and their way of life. The shoo-fly pie, cinnamon rolls, and strudel were delicious, but it was more than just the food. Watching the farmers in their fields, the buggies passing by, and listening to them speak German stirred something deep within me. It felt like home. Last year, I discovered the reason behind this feeling. I learned that my biological family was Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren, and they hailed from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Walking those roads, savoring those cherished recipes, and observing the gentle pace of their lives felt incredibly like home—because in a way, it was. Years ago, I couldn’t comprehend why it felt so familiar. Now, I understand, and ...

 Before we settled in for the night in our room at West Baden Springs Hotel, we went for a walk on the expansive grounds.  The flowers were so pretty.  The gardeners do a fabulous job.   We thought this would have been a perfect place for an outdoor wedding.  The weather was perfect the night of our walk.  Some of the places on the grounds were old but had such wonderful character. I have read that they have been under reconstruction since our visit.  It was time to return to our room to unwind, relax, and go to bed early for our long drive home.  Thank you, West Baden Springs Hotel, for a wonderful visit. We plan to come back and visit. We want to come back and explore the town and the history that lives there.  Thank you, my readers, for allowing me to share our memorable stay with you. 

    Here’s another photo mystery for you to help me solve. Similar to my previous mystery photos, I discovered this one in Colorado at an antique store. Unlike the previous ones, there are no markings on the back or a date on the edge. Instead, there are old black photo tabs on the edges, indicating that it once belonged to a photo album. I’ve tried searching for the photo on Ancestry, but unfortunately, I haven’t found any results. If you recognize anyone in the photo or notice any clues, such as clothing or background details, please let me know in the comments section below.

 After our trolley ride, we decided to explore the West Baden Springs Museum. I was looking for inspiration for my book, "Landscape of Valor, the Sinclair Legacy".  This photo caught my attention immediately. I had seen this photo on Ancestry. Here was my husband's family.  The museum's photo collection is amazing.  Lee W. Sinclair’s daughter made numerous beautiful additions to the atrium, hotel, and grounds. They have been restored by the Cook Family for guests to enjoy today. The hotel was destroyed by a fire during Lee Sinclair's ownership, but he rebuilt it bigger and better.  Before we left the museum, I noticed this: the Sinclair Coat of Arms. I had heard that it existed, but I had never been able to find it.  Our visit to the museum was a significant highlight of our stay. My husband was able to learn more about his family, which provided me with valuable information for my book.   If you ever visit French Lick, Indiana, ma...

I recently released my book about my adoptive family, who immigrated to Canada and North Dakota from Russia, specifically Germans from Russia---The Schlenkers and the Renks. When I was just entering high school, we took a trip to Canada and North Dakota to see family and take in the sights. It was fun to see the Peace Gardens and visit a living museum in Rugby, North Dakota. I was able to see the land my grandfather farmed, listen to stories, and see the house that my grandparents lived in.

Isaac, the son of Wayman Sinclair (the man I profiled last week), was born around 1744 in Virginia. He married Letitia Douglas. After selling their land in Virginia, Isaac and his wife relocated to Kentucky. Isaac’s presence is recorded in the 1820 census in Stephensport, Breckinridge County, Kentucky. Three of their children accompanied them. Meanwhile, the remaining children either remained in Virginia or moved to Indiana. Isaac is believed to have passed away around 1829, at the approximate age of 87. Their complete profile, along with the profiles of their children, can be found in my book titled “Landscapes of Valor: The Sinclair Legacy.”

  Link to Measure of Their Love My new book went live this morning (June 20, 2026)!

I have another intriguing photo mystery to share. I’m eager to reunite this photo with its original family. I discovered it in Colorado. Google Images suggests that the photo was likely taken in the 1940s or 1950s. The vehicle appears to be a cab-over engine model. The man is dressed in a casual military uniform. They look like a lovely couple. The setting seems to be rural or semi-mountainous, where the photo was taken. If this photograph resembles something you recognize, I would be thrilled if you could leave a clue in the comments. Together, we might be able to identify the couple and return the photo to their family (or even to them). ❤️

In high school, my family embarked on an extended vacation to various parts of the East Coast. My stepfather, who knew my passion for history, suggested that we stop by Gettysburg National Military Park one afternoon. We spent time listening to the guided tour and took a few moments to pay our respects near the cemetery’s entrance. The highlight of my visit was standing on the battlefield and gazing at the monuments. I understood that this was a sacred ground of immense sacrifice and valor. Now, as a genealogist, I have had the privilege of researching men in my husband’s family who fought in that very place. It was an honor that I will cherish forever. Lest we forget…

Wayman Sinclair, born around 1708 in Augusta, Virginia, married Mary Shirley on April 12, 1738, in Prince William, Virginia. They had eight children. Like his father, Wayman was renowned as the largest tobacco farmer in their region. He adopted his father’s surname, “Sinkler,” although the reason behind this choice remains unknown. Wayman’s first wife passed away at a young age, around 33 years old. Subsequently, he married Hester Smallwood. Upon his marriage to Hester, Wayman included her in his will, stipulating that she would receive nothing from his estate upon his death. He also made arrangements for his children, if they were under the age of adulthood at the time of his passing, to be given to his previous mother-in-law. Tragically, Wayman passed away two years later, on July 12, 1762. Instead of going to their grandmother, the younger boys were entrusted to a local businessman, who indentured them as servants. A third son promptly made arrangements to learn the trade of carpent...