In Feb. 2011 I learned of the first RootsTech conference sponsored by FamilySearch and many other large genealogy corporations. I watched the live streaming sessions and was immediately intrigued because I'd been using some "new" technology--cloud storage through Dropbox and Sugar Sync--in conjunction with my genealogy research. I made up my mind I'd attend this year's conference, if at all possible.
It wasn't until Spring of 2011 that I got a smartphone, however, and learned how much fun and helpful apps could be with genealogy research. My husband and I started taking photos of graves for BillionGraves, and I started using Evernote to keep track of research notes. Early last December I got a Kindle Fire as an early Christmas gift from my husband and discovered so many more things I could use digital tools for in my research. I've downloaded pedigree charts and ancestry reports as pdf files, I've put free Google books on my Kindle Fire that are published family histories. And on my phone I've downloaded such apps a "Bump", "World Card", "EasyBib", a QR Code Reader, and a genealogy database program.
Last week when the syllabi were made available, I downloaded them as pdf files to Sugar Sync and have saved the ones I'll use to my Kindle Fire so I can open them and follow along in the classes I attend. I'll pack my new netbook so I can take notes during the lectures. I plan to put my notes in Evernote. In fact, I'm looking forward to the Evernote class as much as anything on this trip. I want to learn to use it more effectively. I'm an organized person, a list maker and note taker so I think Evernote and I can become really good friends. It can spare me from hauling around that big spiral notebook I've been using to keep my research notes in.
I was happy when the RootsTech app came out because I've connected with some good friends who I want to be sure to meet at the conference. Like distant cousins Lorine Massey, Debra Marsh, Elaine Mayfield, and blogging Facebook friends Randy Seaver and Russ Worthington. I downloaded the list of Geneabloggers at the conference so I can use it as a checklist in my effort to meet most of them in person. I'm not shooting for meeting ALL of them, as Amy Coffin is, but I'll do my best to meet as many as I can.
In my previous post yesterday, I published the information from RootsMagic about how you can enter to win an iPad2, even if you don't attend the conference. I'll be at their booth Saturday at 1:20 pm for the drawing, as I hope to win that new toy...oh I mean tool!
I'm not an "Official Blogger" at RootsTech, but since I'll have my netbook and digital camera with me all week, I plan to post as much about the conference as I have time for. So stay tuned!
This blog is participating in the RootsMagic Treasure Hunt at RootsTech. What's it all about? Here's the message from RootsMagic.
It’s been a tremendous last few months here at RootsMagic. We’ve been busy with the new releases of Personal Historian 2 and RootsMagic 5. We're also excited to participate in one of the largest genealogy events in North America- RootsTech! We want to celebrate these momentous events with you, our loyal users! And what better way to celebrate than with a treasure hunt where you could win one of many prizes including an iPad 2!
Online Treasure Hunt
We've partnered with 15 of the best and brightest genealogy bloggers who will be reporting at the RootsTech conference. Each blogger will place one of 15 clue words on their website From Thursday, February 2 through Wednesday, February 8, 2012, visit http://www.rootsmagic.com/treasure for a complete list of the blogs where the 15 clue words can be found. Visit each blog, collect all 15 clue words, and you could win software, prizes, or an iPad 2!
Enter at RootsTech or at Home
Once you've collected the clues there are two ways to enter. The first is at the RootsTech conference itself. Pick up an entry card at the RootsMagic booth (#224) in the Exhibit Hall. Write the clue words on the back of the card and return it to the RootsMagic booth in the Exhibit Hall by Saturday, February 4 at 1:20 pm. At that time, we will hold the prize drawings. You must be present to win. We didn't want those who aren't able to attend RootsTech in person to feel left out so we're holding a second drawing and giving away more prizes including a second iPad 2. To enter this drawing, visit http://www.rootsmagic.com/treasure anytime betweenThursday, February 2 and midnight MST on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Fill out the online form to be entered into the second drawing. You may enter both drawings but one entry per person, per drawing. Winners will be picked at random and notified via e-mail by Friday, February 10, 2012. Remember, the treasure hunt doesn't begin until this Thursday. Good luck!
I subscribe to the YouTube channel of Seth Adam Smith. This week I was notified by email that he had prepared this video titled "Frances Sargent Osgood---Eminent Women".
I've posted previously about my cousin connections to members of the Osgood family. You can find those posts here and here. To learn more about Frances Osgood, after viewing this wonderful video, I looked her up on Wikipedia. This is part of what I learned: Early life
Frances Sargent Locke was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Joseph Locke, a wealthy merchant, and his second wife Mary Ingersoll Foster. Her father's first wife, Martha Ingersoll was the sister of Mary his second wife. Mary was also the widow of Benjamin Foster by whom she had two children: William Vincent Foster and Anna Maria Wells, who would also become a published poet and close associate of Frances. Joseph and Mary had seven children. Including another writer Andrew Aitchison Locke. She grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts[2] and as a young woman she attended the prestigious Boston Lyceum for Young Ladies.[3] Her poetry was first published when she was fourteen in a bimonthly periodical of children's poetry called Juvenile Miscellany by editor Lydia Maria Child.[2]
Marriage
Osgood's daughters
In 1834, while composing poems inspired by paintings, Frances met Samuel Stillman Osgood, a young portrait artist at the Boston Athenaeum. He asked her to sit for a portrait. They were engaged before the portrait was finished and married on October 7, 1835.[4]
After their marriage, the couple moved to England. On July 15, 1836, their first daughter, Ellen Frances, was born. In 1838, while in England, she published her collection of poems A Wreath of Flowers from New England[5] which included Elfrida, a dramatic poem in five acts. She then published another volume of poetry, The Casket of Fate.
Due to her father's death, the Osgoods returned to Boston in 1839. After the birth of their second daughter, May Vincent, on July 21, 1839, they moved to New York City. Osgood became a popular member of the New York literary society and a prolific writer. Many of her writings were published in the widely popular literary magazines of the time. She sometimes wrote under pseudonyms "Kate Carol" or "Violet Vane".[6] Her book, The Poetry of Flowers and the Flowers of Poetry was published in 1841. Some of her other published works were The Snowdrop, a New Year Gift for Children(1842), Rose, Sketches in Verse (1842), Puss in Boots (1842), The Marquis of Carabas (1844), and Cries in New York (1846).[7]
Although she was successful in her professional life, her personal life suffered. It is speculated that the Osgoods separated by 1843.[8]
In February 1845, Poe gave a lecture in New York in which he criticized American poetry, especially that of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He made special mention, however, of Osgood, saying she had "a rosy future" in literature. Though she missed the lecture, she wrote to her friend, saying Poe was "called the severest critic of the day," making his compliment that much more impressive.[9]
It is believed Poe and Osgood first met in person when introduced by Nathaniel Parker Willis in March 1845 when Osgood had been separated from (but not divorced from) her husband.[10] Poe's wifeVirginia was still alive, but in ill health. Poe may have been attracted to Osgood because they were both born in Boston and possibly due to her childlike qualities which were similar to Virginia's. She may have already been in an early stage of tuberculosis, just like Virginia.[11]
Wikisource has original text related to this article:
Poe used his role as one-third owner of the Broadway Journal to print some of Osgood's poems, including some flirtatious ones. Poe responded with published poems of his own, occasionally under his pseudonym of Edgar T. S. Grey. Most notable is his poem "A Valentine." The poem is actually a riddle which conceals Osgood's name, found by taking letter 1 from line 1, letter 2 from line 2, and so on. Despite these passionate interchanges, the relationship between Poe and Osgood is often considered purely platonic.[12]
Oddly, Poe's wife Virginia approved of the relationship and often invited Osgood to visit their home. Virginia believed their friendship had a "restraining" effect on her husband. Poe had given up alcoholto impress Osgood, for example. Virginia may also have been aware of her own impending death and was looking for someone who would take care of Poe.[13] Osgood's husband Samuel also did not object, apparently used to his wife's impetuous behavior;[14] he himself had a reputation as a philanderer.[13] Others, however, were not as supportive; Osgood and Poe were widely criticized and harassed for their relationship.
Fellow poet Elizabeth F. Ellet, whose affection Poe had scorned, spread rumors about Poe and Osgood's friendship, even contacting Virginia about alleged improprieties. Ellet even suggested that Osgood's third child, Fanny Fay, was not her husband's but Poe's. Fanny Fay was born in June 1846 but died in October.[15] Poe biographer Kenneth Silverman says the possibility of Poe as Fanny Fay's father is "possible but most unlikely".[16] Osgood, in an attempt to protect her public character, sent Margaret Fuller and Anne Lynch to request Poe return her personal letters to him to be destroyed.[15] In July 1846 Osgood's husband Samuel demanded Ellet apologize to his wife, lest he sue her for defamation. Ellet responded in a letter, retracted her statements, and put the blame on Poe and his wife Virginia.[17] Osgood and Poe did not interact after 1847.[18]
Poe was not the only man to engage in literary flirtation with Osgood. Several men wrote of their affection for her, including Rufus Wilmot Griswold, to whom Osgood dedicated a book of poetry.[19] She also wrote a Valentine poem that mingled her own name with Griswold's.[12] The competition between Griswold and Poe for Osgood may have led to their infamous rivalry, best exemplified in Griswold's character assassination of Poe after Poe's death.[19]
Osgood and her husband reconciled in 1846, and moved to Philadelphia for a short time to get away from the scandal.[3] Although she was ill, she continued to write. She was confined to her room because of her illness by 1847, when her daughters were eleven and eight years old; much of her poetry from this period reflects her concern for them.[20] Her husband, having difficulty making money as a painter, left her again in 1849 to join the California Gold Rush.[21] He returned shortly before her death.[3]
Osgood died of tuberculosis in 1850 at her home in New York.[22] By then, she had lost her ability to speak; her last word, "angel", was written on a slate to her husband.[23] She was buried in her parent's lot at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[22] In 1851, a collection of her writings was published by her friends and titled The Memorial, Written by Friends of the Late Mrs. Frances Sargent Locke Osgood. It was reissued as Laurel Leaves in 1854[7] and was edited with a biographical introduction by Griswold.[20] The volume was meant to raise money for her memorial headstone. However, Fanny Fern noted that, by 1854, the plot remained unmarked and criticized Samuel Osgood in her book Fern Leaves from Fanny's Port-Folio. Samuel Osgood noted in the New York Evening Post that he had already designed a monument, inspired by her poem "The Hand That Swept the Sounding Lyre", which was soon installed.[22]
Osgood's two daughters died the year after their mother; May Vincent Osgood died on June 26, 1851, and Ellen Frances died August 31.
Writing
Osgood was a prolific writer and contributed to most of the leading periodicals of the time.[1] She was one of the most admired women poets during the mid-1840s.[2] Osgood was very open and personal in her writings, often discussing the relationships she had with others,[24] despite her shy personality.[2] A large portion of her body of work is love poetry but she also addresses poems to her mother, her sister, her husband, and several friends.[25] The poems written to her children are not sentimental, but literary historian Emily Stipes Watts wrote that they "are honest attempts to express thoughts and emotions never so fully expressed before by women in poetry" depicting a sincere concern for their development and well-being.[26]
Griswold once said that she created poems "with almost the fluency of conversation."[27] Poe, in a review of her work, wrote that she was "absolutely without rival, we think, either in our own country or in England."[28] He reviewed her poetry collection A Wreath of Flowers from New England in the September 1846 issue of Godey's Lady's Book, saying that its author exhibits "deep feeling and exquisite taste" and her work deserved wider circulation.[29]
This chart shows my relationship to Frances through her husband Samuel Stillman Osgood.
By attending RootsTech I’ll have the opportunity not only to network with other genealogists, vendors and developers and share the knowledge I currently have, but I’ll also get the chance to learn even more about the latest in technology for family history.
Here’s a look at the technology I currently use and what keeps me rooted in my genealogy research. I also explain why I am using or not using certain technologies and gadgets as well as what skills and knowledge I’m hoping to gain at RootsTech this year.
If you want to join in the fun and show off your own tech cred, here are the rules for the My Rooted Technology meme:
Technology you already use: bold face type
Technology you would like to use or learn more about: italicize (color optional)
Technology you don’t use, have no interest in using or no longer use: plain type
Explain or give opinions in brackets [ ] at the end of each bullet point
I have a tablet computer such as an iPad that I use for genealogy [I have a Toshiba netbook and a Kindle Fire and use both for genealogy].
I have downloaded one or more apps to a Smart Phone or similar device. [50+]
I belong to a genealogy society that uses social media. [Cornerstone Genealogical Society, Waynesburg, PA]
I use GEDCOM files and understand the various compatibility issues involved [I use them but don't understand the compatibility issues]
I have added metadata to some of my files and digital photos. [Picasaweb]
I have utilized an API from a genealogy-related application or website.
I have taken a DNA test related to my genealogy research.
I use tech tools to help me cite my sources in genealogy research.
I have developed a genealogy-related app for a Smart Phone or similar device.
I use a genealogy database program [RootsMagic].
I use cloud computer resources to store my genealogy data. [Dropbox, SugarSync, Evernote, Springpad, Box.com, and my genealogy database is at Rootsweb and Ancestry]
I have made one or more contributions to the FamilySearch Research Wiki.
I have attended a genealogy webinar.
I have organized and administered a DNA testing group related to my genealogy.
I use apps involving GPS and Geo-caching for my genealogy research. [BillionGraves]
I have a Google+ account and use it regularly for genealogy.
I have created and published a family history e-book. [I've created a dozen print books of family lines, but not eBooks].
I have create a wiki related to my genealogy research.
I have conducted a genealogy webinar as a presenter.
I read genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research.
Last April I posted this story about discovering a cousin (James R. Osgood 1836-1892) through his portrait on the wall of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. In June I attended the Family History Expo in Loveland, CO where I heard the Keynote Address given by Lisa Louise Cooke. She encouraged the participants of the Expo to reach out and meet fellow attendees by introducing ourselves to those we were seated near in our classes. As I attended the first class after that keynote address, I turned to the woman seated beside me and introduced myself. She, in turn, told me her name-Mary Osgood. I told her of my experience with the discovery of James R. Osgood and she was able to tell me of her husband's direct Osgood connection.
Last year Anne Bradshaw published "True Miracles with Genealogy", a compilation of short stories that share happenings of "serendipity" as we research our family history. I submitted a story that was published on page 47 of Volume 1. A few weeks ago Anne's Volume 2 of "True Miracles with Genealogy" was published. I couldn't wait to read the stories in it. And what great timing! For my birthday earlier this month my husband gave me a Toshiba netbook, on which I installed the Kindle app. And "True Miracles" is available as an ebook! (You can find it here). It's the first book I added to the Kindle library in my netbook. After entertaining our family on Thanksgiving Day, I finally had time to dive into my new digital book yesterday. I only got half-way through it before a nap was calling, but I found the 4th story in the book so compelling it brought me to tears. Rebecca Parker Cressman, on-air host at KSFI FM100, shares her story titled "My Mother--Lost and Found". Rebecca tells of the very difficult childhood of her mother Martha Helen Brown in El Paso, Texas. My husband and I just visited El Paso in October as we spent a few days with my twin brother. Rebecca relates events that led to her mother becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which I'm also a member. As her story develops, more family members are introduced to the reader, many of whom are quite engaging because of mysteries involved in their pasts. Her story takes such a surprising twist that I find myself STILL astounded--24 hours after reading it. I went to bed last night thinking about it and woke up this morning with the same story on my mind. I felt so drawn to this story that I read it to my husband, I found Rebecca Cressman on Facebook and have become her "friend", and have spent the past few hours researching more of her ancestry, as laid out in her story in this book. From this web site I learned enough about Rebecca's great-grandfather's ancestry that I was able to draw this relationship chart. It shows that Rebecca Cressman and I are 10th cousins. We share our 9th great-grandparents, William Chandler and his wife Annis Agnes Bayford.
The descendancy of William Chandler to me, M. Rebecca Margheim Jamison and to my 10th cousin, Rebecca Parker Cressman.
I wasn't really surprised to discover this connection to Rebecca and her family members in this story. I think it's all part of the "true miracle of genealogy"....I was drawn to her story and to these characters because they are part of my very extended family too. So far I think it's the best story in the book, but as I said, I'm only half-way through the book. It's a hard one to beat, tho! I encourage you all to read Volume 2 of "True Miracles with Genealogy. The ebook version in only $2.99!! I hope Anne publishes a Volume 3....I'm already thinking about a story that I can submit.
