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Monday, June 14, 2010

Ezra's Girl!

Ezra might have started his morning in a setting such as this:

A bit dreary, no modern conveniences...

I've just recently "met" Ezra Benjamin Tuttle.  My brother started researching our ancestry and oh, my....can one get (sucked in) lost for hours when doing so!  Just ask me what I did yesterday.  I've always loved history and now I can read about my very own!!!

As a kid, it's pretty normal to think you're adopted - I went through that stage.  And then as I grew older I just felt like I was the odd ball in the family.  My Dad is the dashing-Yale educated-great hunter & fisherman-world traveler-somewhat-removed-type of father.   I've mentioned both Mom and Dad here.  Mom and I were as different as two women could be.
And then I have two brothers...that are much like Dad.  I love them dearly; but boys will be boys.
They fish.  I fluff. 

And there's the "religion" thing.  That's what they call it anyway.  I stand pretty much alone in my belief in God.  Not my immediate family; but relatives up and down the family tree.  My Mimi was a staunch Catholic and talked about love and life.  And then I believe an aunt is a believer....but I've never known
much else about anyone else.

Until I met Ezra yesterday.

 
Ezra Benjamin Tuttle, b. 1834 - Great, great, great grandfather

And I now I feel connected.  Genetics are interesting.  For example - in this research I also ran across the dark side of my family.  Perhaps that will be another post.  Today, I am focusing on the good.  The connection that made me tear up this morning....at MY desk.

Wonder if Grandpa Ezra would like an iPhone?  Nah....BUT!

He was 40 years old when my favorite "My Utmost for His Highest" was compiled.  And I have a feeling he may have read it.

Here are some excerpts from an article about dear Ezra:

"Mr. Tuttle is a man of sterling qualities, without ostentation, in spirit genial, considerate and sincere; in MANNERS quiet but courteous."

It really threw me that manners were even mentioned.  See what I mean about connection?  And I learned he was on the board of the American Bible Society, trustee of Drew Theological Seminary, a member of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Church....

Methodist! In the TUTTLE family? Eeegads. LOL! After marrying My Guy I became a Methodist. Wouldn't Grandpa Ezra be happy?

We were born 121 years apart from one another but I love the man.  And I will get to see him in heaven.  What a reunion! 

If you haven't climbed YOUR family tree you might want to.  It's tons of fun!




14 comments:

Pam said...

Oh do I want to do this. Steve's side of the family has books and books of family history..how do you start the research? Online? Ancestory.com? this is so fascinating to me!! Love the photo of Ezra.

Emily said...

Such a timely post for me Vava. One of my cousins called me Friday to let me know she has started the leg work on researching our grandmother. We were always told she was adopted, but we never believed it. Then her half sister and my aunt did some DNA testing, and no relation was found, so now we think the adoption story might be correct. But, her mom, my great grandmother, loved to embellish, so now we are checking out her story and we want to know exactly where my grandmother came from. We've been told Spain, Mexico, or Southern America. At one time, my great grandmother even told people she rescued her from a royal family who were all killed, except my grandmother. Oh the stories get colorful. So here's to Ezra, hope he brings some luck my way while we research!

Joy said...

I've been climbing my family tree too and found a few new limbs recently. Even found a cousin in College Station. We plan to meet in the future.
I'm so glad you found Ezra. What a story. I love his name too. With a Biblical name like that you definitely have a Godly and goodly heritage.
It does suck you in, but I believe it is worth it.
♥ Joy

Vava (aka Virginia) said...

Hi dear ladies!!! Pam - my brother found SO much on "Google books." Lots of records. We may go to ancestry.com; but not yet. Lots of FREE info out there.
Joy - until this find, I didn't think I had a Godly heritage. :) But....I just bet dear Ezra prayed for the generations to come. And I am SO very thankful!!!
Em - can't wait to hear about YOUR most interesting tree! Happy climbing...

jen said...

I also enjoy a little tree climbing. But what I'm loving is that chair and its fabric. You have great taste!

Anonymous said...

I want more! Please delve deeper, and keep it coming! I've got some family tree info, but it only goes back to great great grandparents. There's a Conway Castle in Wales.....hmmmmmm....
I'd love to know if I really was "to the manor born!" lol....great post Va!

Anonymous said...

I have been up the same tree with you. Ezra B. Tuttle's father was Sylvester Smith Tuttle and Sylvester was brother to Ebenezer B. Tuttle and he was my great great grandfather. Sounds like you love this as much as I do:).

Vava (aka Virginia) said...

Anon! Is this someone I already know and you're pulling my leg??? If not, wherefore art thou? And if not, HOW did you find this post? Tell me more...

Dawn said...

Vava...I missed this post...this is fascinating stuff!

annielnb said...

Va, this is fascinating stuff!!! Wow!! My Daniel has been our researcher, and has found some really interesting stuff about our clans too. I just love this!!! Let us know when you find out more!!

Anonymous said...

No you do not no me. I have a lot on the Tuttle Family history. I was looking for more information on the Tuttle's when I ran across your posts. The father of Sylvester Smith Tuttle and Ebenezer B. Tuttle was Rev. Ezra Tuttle and Charity Smith. The Tuttle's came here in 1635 on a ship called the planter from England. My name is Diana.

martha said...

oh i love this topic....my mom's family came over from Finland....one of my uncles has been back there many times....he has lots of stories and some pictures..i would love me alittle tree climbing...

Donna said...

Oh Va ..I am green with envy ...this history is so you .....I researched my family tree some time ago right back to 1400, apart from my Grandfather who was Mayor twice I come from a long line of agricultural labourers !!! Thank heavens that particular line died out ...I wouldn't have a clue which earings to wear for labouring.

Vava (aka Virginia) said...

Maisie.....1400s! That is really something. Is it easy to research in England? I find that we really have to DIG! You certainly LIVE in the perfect setting...for your ancestors to thrive. Your home/property is dreamy! And, please don't forget your earrings, no matter where you are!