When you are doing family research, it can be tricky to track all of the relationships. I thought it might be helpful to explain what some of the relationship descriptors actually mean. My software helps me sort it all out, but it’s not too complicated if you know where to start.
Author: Michelle Page 13 of 36
Kenneth Andrew Shively was born on August 4, 1913, to George and Dana Hoel Shively. Dana Hoel was the daughter of John and Lydia Hoel. He was born in Lansing, Michigan. Kenneth is Walt’s first cousin once removed.
The first baby quilt I made in flannel was a jungle themed quilt. I was making it for a co-worker. She was doing a jungle theme for the nursery, so I did my best to come up with a fun quilt. This was another quilt where I didn’t have a pattern, just some sketches of jungle animals.
Mathilda Rose Link, best known as Tillie, was born on July 28, 1915. She is the daughter of John H and Josephine Schulte Link. She was Walt’s 1st cousin once removed.
Arthur Hilbrands and Myrtle Ester Hoel married on July 21, 1936 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Myrtle is Walt’s 1st cousin once removed.

James Anderson Hole was born on July 14, 1809. He is Walt’s great great grandfather. James is the furthest back we have been able to trace on the Hole/Hoel family line.
We’ve written a couple of posts about taking care of your camping and hiking gear (here, here and here). Today I thought I would talk about a fairly common part of gear and clothing that can cause issue. Drawstrings can be found on clothing, packs, stuff sacks and sleeping bags. It’s easy to have a drawstring pull out of the casing if you aren’t careful.
Catherine Wellman was born on July 7, 1892 in Alsage by Ankum in Germany. Her parents were Herman and Mary Brinker Wellman. The family came to the United States in 1897. Catherine is Walt’s 1st cousin twice removed.. Herman and Walt’s great grandfather Gerhard were brothers.
The 4th of July is a big holiday in the United States. It is celebrated by picnics, family gatherings, parades, festivals, and fireworks. I thought it might be a nice time for some reflection on some of the past celebrations.