Reviews of “Logan Connections” book pouring in on April 1st

Reviews of Logan Connections: Genealogy, History, and DNA are cascading in on this first day of April for some reason. What do our legions of crackerjack reviewers have to say?

  • A reader from What Cheer, Iowa, writes: “A great cure for insomnia. Thank you.”
  •  A multi-tasker from Enigma, Georgia, pens (figuratively) this comment: “Not only a handy reference, but a super-efficient doorstop, too.”
  • A Paw Paw, Illinois, correspondent is already planning for Christmas: “Boy, are my in-laws going to be surprised THIS Christmas. I’d like 5 more books, please.”
  • A perceptive commentator from Whynot, North Carolina, claims: “The book compares favorably with the best of Hemingway, Faulkner, and Twain. That’s Harold Hemingway, Joe Don Faulkner, and Hank Twain.”
  • A Logan sibling from Bug Tussle, Oklahoma, writes about the book: “It ain’t heavy. It’s my brother’s.”
  •  A scholar from Oatmeal, Texas, points out that “density is the ratio of mass to volume.”
  • An astute observer from Yeehaw Junction, Florida, notes that the book is “filled with words, including many nouns and pronouns. Dates, too.”
  • An anonymous contributor from Possum Trot, Kentucky, enigmatically points out that “you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
  • Writing from West Thumb, Wyoming, a creative thinker suggests the book should have a theme: “Supporting chiropractors since 2016.”
  • A blogger from Zzyzx, California, comments: “‘Pound-for-pound’ is a term usually associated with boxing, not books.”
  • George McFly of Hill Valley, California, says: “This book is my density.”
  • Milly Jones of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, wonders “How long are these [censored] stacks of books going to be in my basement?”

Thank you, loyal readers one and all.

Widow’s pension, Sarah M. Garrison Logan, widow of William A. Logan, 1876, Augusta, Butler County, Kansas

Sarah M. Garrison Logan received a widow’s pension for William A. Logan’s service in the War of the Rebellion (Civil War). He was a corporal in Co. D, 110th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, U.S. (Union). Sarah M. Logan was living in Augusta, Butler County, Kansas, when she filed the paperwork for her pension. Sarah M. Garrison Logan and William A. Logan’s children are listed below: Mahala A., Robert, and Leanore.

William A. Logan is the son of Euclid Washington (E.W.) Logan and Queen Della or Queendilla Benedict Logan. Sarah Mahala Garrison is the daughter of Luther Alexander (Stamps) Garrison and Mahala “Milly” Logan Garrison.

Garrison (Logan) Sarah M., widow's pension.jpg

Drurey (Drury) Logan, chainbearer for survey for brother-in-law Joshua Roberts, Lincoln County, North Carolina, 1791

Robert, Joshua ref to Drury Logan

Lincoln County, North Carolina, plat surveyed for Joshua Roberts, 1791. “Drurey” (Drury) Logan is one of two chainbearers for the survey. Drury Logan and Joshua Roberts were brothers-in-law, married to Moore sisters.

Lincoln County, North Carolina, plat surveyed for Joshua Roberts, 1791. “Drurey” (Drury) Logan is one of two chainbearers for the survey. Drury Logan and Joshua Roberts were brothers-in-law, married to Moore sisters.

Kings Mountain, North Carolina, centennial patch, 1874-1974

Betty Logan, long-time Logan and Herndon researcher, kindly sent along the Kings Mountain, North Carolina, centennial patch pictured below. The Cleveland County settlement was originally called White Plains; however, in 1874 when the community incorporated, the citizens changed the name to Kings Mountain in honor of the Kings Mountain Battleground a short distance away in York County, South Carolina.

Betty attended the 100th celebration in 1974. Along with a parade and other festivities, President Gerald Ford arrived by train and gave a short speech. Betty’s father, George Herndon Logan, and grandfather, Leonidas Marion Logan, along with the Herndon families, lived in White Plains and attended nearby Bethlehem Baptist Church. They are buried in the cemetery there. Thank you, Betty!

King's Mountain Centennial patch

Kings Mountain, North Carolina, centennial patch

10th Generation Visits Spotsylvania County, Virginia

Lance Logan sent us this photo while “on the road” in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, on March 20th, 2016. He and his grandkids are in front of the Spotsylvania County courthouse. They also visited Fredericksburg, former capital of Spotsylvania County. Members of William Logan’s 10th generation came back “home” to visit. Thanks, Lance and kids, and happy travels.

 

Spotsylvania Courthouse

Lance Logan and his grandkids are in front of the Spotsylvania County courthouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tombstone Symbolism

When we walk through older, historic cemeteries, tombstones can reveal stories to us, even if the inscriptions — the details of a person’s birth and death — have faded over time. Sometimes the gravestone materials tell us a certain type of stone was prevalent in the area, perhaps quarried nearby or accessible by rail. Sometimes local customs steered a certain type or shape of tombstone. A particularly talented carver’s work may be evident. We see the evolution of tombstone styles and preferences over time. Even the ground cover, often periwinkle, reveals that an old cemetery is or was here.

But symbols on the tombstones or the shape of the tombstones themselves — a lamb, an open book, an angel, an anchor, a tree stump, an arch — tell us important stories, too. If you’re interested in a quick scan of some common gravestone symbols, here’s a link: http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/a-graphic-guide-to-cemetery-symbolism. If you want a much more detailed listing of cemetery symbols, please visit http://www.graveaddiction.com/symbol.html.