Versailles News

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Last year I stumbled across a public access online website containing listings for cemeteries and graves from around the world. I found it comforting to once again see my mother’s face, obituary and resting place.

The fact that her life and death was recorded online (through no effort of my own) instilled a great comfort within me. I liken it to the veil between heaven and earth, the visible and the invisible; just as God is always with us even if we chose not to acknowledge him, call on him, or praise him. My mother’s presence is forever online, even if no one makes an inquiry, she remains.

Many of us are not interested in our ancestry so for you I have a profound quote from Abraham Lincoln, “I don’t know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.” But for those who enjoy the nostalgia you may discover Find a Grave useful, since they offer a free database which allows individuals to find, record and present final disposition information from around the world. Available content includes such information as photographs of individual graves, biographical information, cemetery and plot information.

Find a Grave has been a valuable tool for individuals searching their genealogy and is growing daily as more people discovery its existence. The site was created in 1995 by Jim Tipton who wanted a site to assist him in his hobby of visiting burial sites of celebrities. Within a few years he incorporated his site and expanded it to allow online visitors to pay their respects to non-famous deceased relatives and friends.

In late 2013 Ancestry.com acquired the company, since burial information is a great source for people researching their family history. To date the site contains over 132 million burial records and 75 million photos worldwide, including Google maps and GPS coordinates to help guide users directly to the physical burial location.

Anyone can search the database and browse burial information without registering, but in order to contribute photos or data you must register. The registration is free, fast, easy, private and necessary for accountability and accuracy. Most of the information collected is a labor of love by research enthusiasts. This online site is accessed at http://findagrave.com along with a wealth of information and the opportunity to become a photo volunteer, (someone who is willing to take photos of headstones within a given zip code).

Upcoming events:

Today is the final day of the Versailles Community Garage Sales in the area. A map and listing of all the participating garage sales in the area may be obtained from the library, village office or the IGA.

This weekend is the sixth Annual VHS Alumni Softball tournament held on the K of C ball diamonds beginning 6 p.m. today with the oldest team comprising of years 1971-77. One of the best fried bologna and hamburger sandwiches can be found at the concession stand this weekend.

Next Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. the library will be hosting a women’s self-defense class presented by Jesse Berry. Registration is required which you can do in person or by calling 526-3416. Women must be 15 years or older.

Birthday wishes to Bill Barga, Brooke Davis, Katie Eilerman, Randy Cohee, Mary Grogean, Lori Yagel, Tony Gehret, Kyle Niekamp, Mitch Eiting, Jason Rhoads, Jeffie Voisard, Joni Robinson, Karen Luthman, Greg Luthman, Jo Langenkamp, Christina Brokschmit, Sherry Dabe, Ronda Stammen, Sharon Barga and Barb Cordonnier as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes Paula and Andy Turpen (25), Donna and Tony Kueterman (28), Gloria and Tim McGlothin (33), Jane and Bruce Stall (45), and Pat and Dick Gigandet (50).

Healing prayers and get well wishes to the Delores Williams, Bill Pepiot, Joe Bailey, James Youngker, John Klipstine, Juanita Gerling, Marilyn Swallow, Freda Banks, John Weidener, Catherine Brunswick, Wayne Pittsenbarger, Thelma Schultz, Madeline Rickett, Kathy and Tom Hamilton, Andrew Kunk, Michelle Ullom, Kyle Rutschilling, Isabella Yakos, Lisa Coate, Brian Voisard, Barb and Jon Agne, Mary Wehneman and all those dealing with life’s challenges, as well the hospitalized or homebound in need of our prayers but not mentioned by name.

Sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Frank Huber and Ralph “Junior” Mayo also remembering the lives of Donna Varner, Sally Clymer Klipstine, Esther Winner, Jerry Reiman, Grace Carey, Hiney Barhorst, John Barga, Bud Spencer, Ann Myers, Sharon Swabb, Mary Simons, Mary Ann Nieberding, David Woodruff, Walter Schulze, Jim Bornhorst, Marion Cox, Margaret Pohl, Delbert Barga, Chester McKinney and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing.

“Family like branches on a tree grows different directions yet their roots remain as one.” ~Unknown

No one owns their family history, rather they simply preserve it for the next generation” ~Unknown

A Vintage Quote: “Why waste your money looking up your family tree? Just go into politics and your opponent will do it for you.” ~ Mark Twain

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—Genealogy is grave business

By Kathy Magoto

Kathy Magoto is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves The Daily Advocate readers weekly with her weekly Versailles community column. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 526-3798. Feel free to contact her with Versailles news and tidbits. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

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