It's Friday

Weatherman says to expect rain this weekend so that's what I'm doing.  Am taking Maddie to track practice in 45 minutes.  She said she cleared 8' on the pole vault yesterday.  Not much new around here.  I'm still working on genealogy research, of course.  Of special interest is that picture of a boy named Perry Banks.  Since I found a Perry in the household of Oliver and Mary Banks, I decided to research those names further to see if Perry was actually related to the Pattons (my great aunt, Henrietta Patton, was the owner of the album I received), instead of the Blankenships.

One problem with research is that EVERY SINGLE PERSON you want to hunt for has other people out there with the exact same name and often close to the same date of birth.  Two girls living in that household were Annie and Daisy Patton, listed as step-children. I figured Mary Banks had to have been married before and brought two of her daughters to this household.  I started looking for Mary in her previous marriage with what clues I had about her so far. (born in 1839 in NY and her daughters born in Washington Territory.)

I did find Issac Patton and Mary in several Washington Territory census records.  I think it was Olympia in Thurston County.  Anyhow, they had a lot of kids so I started to research each kid to see if I could determine for sure if this Mary was the same Mary who married Banks.  The date and place of birth matched and there was an Annie in the family.  No Daisy but nicknames were often listed on census records and there was a girl named Armenia or America who could have been Daisy.  The dad (Issac) was a blacksmith but the last census I found him in listed him as "insane."  Hmmmmm....

As I researched each kid, one of them (Henry) was listed as a resident of a hospital in Steilcoom. This was at an early age so I'm assuming he might have been handicapped or retarded in some way.  In the old days, they sometimes put kids away like that.  Thankfully, we've moved on from such practices.
I'm pretty sure this Mary probably divorced Isaac and married Oliver.  I can't say for absolute sure yet, however, because there are plenty of other Mary Pattons out there.  I'll figure it out, though. One step at a time.

Because the picture I had of this little boy (Perry Banks) was taken at a studio in San Francisco, I'm guessing he's the same Perry Banks who was a silent screen actor along with his wife, Bessie.  I googled the photography studio and even emailed the place to see if I could get any more clues.

Another person I've been working on is Zadock Blankenship.  He was an older brother of my grandpa and all I could find on him was that he was a farm hand in one census and that he died in 1932 in Polk Co, OR.  I wrote the historical society down there and got an email yesterday telling me they found his obit.  Will cost me $10 to get a copy but I'm okay with that. Am just hoping it's a real obit and not just a death listing.  He was only about 57 but he was unmarried so I know there probably won't be much information, if any. I'm mailing off my check this morning.

On the home-front, I noticed those pesky pigeons have come around again.  They were gone so I started putting seed in the feeders in the backyard.  I'll be darned if I'm going to encourage them pigging out (they come in a flock and stay until all the seed is gone).  I moved the two feeders to the front yard as they never seem to find it there.  I think they're stupid.  And I guess I'm stupid too for continuing to play this bait and switch game. ha ha

I'm going to start my exercises today.  I don't think I'm up for getting down on the floor, however, so I'm using my bed with the firmer mattress.  I've got to do something to alleviate this dang back pain. The last couple of days and nights were absolutely miserable.  I don't know if it's a pinched nerve or just plain old body parts wearing out.  Maybe both.  I'm sure my continued sit-down in front of this computer is not helping any so I need to nip that in the bud.  Easier said than done when I start hunting for genealogy clues.

Here's an email I had in my hotmail box this morning:

I am Jimoh Ibrahim, Private attorney to Late Mr.Thomas Blankenship, a national of your country, who used to work as an Oil & Gas servicing and distribution company (SODAMEF SARL) Oil Company in Benin Republic West Africa,Here in after shall be Referred to as my Client. On the 23rd of March 2013, my Client, His wife and their three Children were involved in a car accident  near Cotonou-Lome express-road. All occupants of the vehicle Unfortunately lost their lives.Now I have made this  inquiries from your embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives this is why i contact you. The Deceased had an account valued at about $8.5 million dollars The Bank has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or any family members related to his last name or have the account confiscated. please it is very important that you reply for me to give you more details reply me with your full names, Age, and telephone number
I await your Call  Asap after replying.
Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim
Solicitor & Advocate.

I can't believe there would people out there dumb enough to believe such nonsense.  I guess they're out there, though, as one of these stupid letters shows up in my email every once in a while.

Had a visit from my pal, Mary Gaboury, a couple days ago. Was sure good to see her.

Well, that's about it for now.  Plan on hitting the casino on Monday to have lunch with the girls.