Tag Archives: west

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 →


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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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Puget Sound Navy Museum, Bremerton, Washington

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen
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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Searching for Coast Guard Insignias and Ranks

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Lorelle VanFossen

In this photograph of my grandfather, Howard William West Sr. (tallest) and friend, based upon the US Coast Guard Military History PDF file of ratings, ranks, warrant, marks and insignia (PDF File), my grandfather was a Petty Officer, Quartermaster, 2nd … Continue reading →


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Find an Image that Defines the Life of a Family Member

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Lorelle VanFossen

The New York Times is launching a new project, “The Lives They Lived: Share Your Photos,” asking the public to contribute a photograph representing the life of a family member or close friend who died this past year. For our … Continue reading →


Posted in Anderson, DesRochers, Family, Genealogy News, Knapp, West | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Results and Impact of the Everett Herald News Coverage

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Lorelle VanFossen

I’m humbled and overwhelmed with the results and impact of the Everett Herald story of my West and Knapp Families in Snohomish County, Washington. I’ve a long list of people to email and call and I’m slowly going through the … Continue reading →


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West and Knapp Families Featured in the Everett Herald, Snohomish County, Washington

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Lorelle VanFossen

This morning, an article in the Everett Herald in Everett, Snohomish County, Washington, was published about this blog and my research into my family’s history in the Everett and Snohomish County area of Washington state. Titled “Blogger digs into her … Continue reading →


Posted in Elwell, Family, Family News, Knapp, West | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Everett and Snohomish County, Washington, Research Resources

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Lorelle VanFossen

As I dig into the more recent history of my family, Snohomish County and Everett, Washington, and the surrounding areas played a huge part not just in my life, education, and culture, but also to several branches of my family, … 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 →


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