Tag Archives: michigan

Digging Through Historical Newspapers Online

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Lorelle VanFossen

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 →


Posted in Family, Family History Research Notes, Michigan, Places, West | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Howard W. West Sr. Timeline

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen

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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Uncovering the Past on Place Names

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen

In another brilliant family history and local history piece, Winquatt of Musings of the History Queen brings us “The mystery of Justin Chenoweth.” In The Dalles, Oregon, Chenoweth’s name (spelled Chenowith by the locals) is plastered all over town. There’s … Continue reading →


Posted in Genealogy Resources, Michigan, Oregon, Places, Washington State, Wisconsin | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Genealogy, Archives, Libraries, and Museums Resources for States in the US

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen

Top 75 State Genealogy Websites of 2012 by Rich Crume of Family Tree Magazine is an extensive listing of US State Archives, libraries, museums, and other online resources to help you with your family history research. For my own research, … Continue reading →


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The Diary of Hannah Pierce (1835-1873), Lenawee County, Michigan

Posted on January 29, 2007 by Lorelle VanFossen

Researching your family history online can be a challenge. But when you find a wonderful gem in your research, it makes all the struggle worthwhile. Such was the discovery of the mention of my West family members in the Diary … Continue reading →


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Biography of Wilbur West (1827-c1900), Son of Benjamin West and Polly Disbrow

Posted on November 19, 2006 by Lorelle VanFossen

The Michigan County Histories has a terrible unedited version of Portrait and biographical album of Lenawee County, Michigan available online, which features biographical biographical sketches and portraits of prominent and representative citizens of the county. Produced by the Chapman Brothers, … Continue reading →


Posted in Disbrow, Family, West | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Lenawee County, Michigan, Online Resources for Local Information, Cemeteries, and Vital Records

Posted on September 7, 2006 by Lorelle VanFossen

My West and Farlin family were brought together in Raisin Township, Lenawee County, Michigan. The term “lenawee” or “lenawai” (Shawnee) cames from the Native American word meaning “man” from the Delaware “leno or lenno”. Lenawee County’s first white settlers were … Continue reading →


Posted in Family, Farlin, Genealogy Resources, West | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments