Category Archives: Family

We have well over a thousand people in our family tree, with many family names. You can search through our archives by family name or by topic to read stories and learn about the fascinating lives our ancestors lived. Enjoy!

The Myths and Mysteries and Hunt for Nicholas Knapp

The Myths and Mysteries and Hunt for Nicholas Knapp

A source I return to every few years as I dive into my Knapp family history is Sandie’s Genealogy Pages site by Sandra L. Reynolds-Owens. While my family Knapps closer to my generation came from hardy loggers, she traces the … Continue reading


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GenSmarts: Reminder to Not Assume

GenSmarts: Reminder to Not Assume

In a recent article on using Gensmarts to research a research facility more effectively, I began to look at GenSmarts Genealogy Software differently. Part of my goal in researching my genealogy, and that of others, is to tell the story … Continue reading


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Digging Through Historical Newspapers Online

As my research into the mysteries in and around the conception and birth of Howard W. West Sr., and confirmation of his parents, Walter Ellsworth West and Lula Bell Pinder, I’ve recently discovered that all of the major players, save … Continue reading


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Sharon Knapp Lee 1944-2014

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the death of my dear cousin, Sharon Knapp Lee. The following is her obituary from the Skagit Valley Herald. Sharon Mae Lee of Mount Vernon, born, Sharon Mae Knapp, … Continue reading


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Library of Congress Railroad Maps Collection

The Geography and Map Division, Library of Congress, has put together the Railroad Maps Collection, an amazing collection of more than 600 maps of railroads across the United States. Compiled by Andrew M. Modelski in 1975, these maps go back … Continue reading


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Howard W. West Sr. Timeline

I’ve had some challenges researching long lost relatives, but the mysteries and myths in and around my grandfather, Howard W. West Sr., continue to amaze as I dig through his history. The following is what I have at the time … Continue reading


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Where Were Turbans Worn in the World in 1925?

According to Wikipedia, the Turban first appeared in the history of clothing early on, highlighting turbans called phakeolis worn by the Byzantine army. My question is where was my grandfather, Howard W. West Sr., that he captured this picture of … Continue reading


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Musings of the History Queen of The Dalles, Oregon

Musings of the History Queen of The Dalles, Oregon

I’m trying to research information on news events that happened between 1958 and 1965 in The Dalles, Oregon, and having no luck on the web. However, I did find some resources worth sharing for future reference. In particular is the … Continue reading


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Puget Sound Navy Museum, Bremerton, Washington

Puget Sound Navy Museum, Bremerton, Washington

This is an unconfirmed picture of what I think is the Naval Base at Bremerton, Washington, circa 1926. It was taken by my grandfather, Howard W. West Sr.. He was on the USS Arizona during its stay there for refitting … Continue reading


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Seattle Coast Guard Museum – The History of the Coast Guard and Pacific Northwest Maritime

Seattle Coast Guard Museum - The History of the Coast Guard and Pacific Northwest Maritime

There is a Coast Guard Museum in Seattle, Washington. This will be invaluable as I dig more into the lives of my father and his father, both serving in the Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Ocean. The … Continue reading


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