My grandfather, F.L. Roosa was born about 1880 around Albion, Calhoun Co. MI and died in 1947. For many years, he owned and ran a small store at the corner of Northland Drive and East Main Street in Rockford, MI that sold gas and groceries. After his death in 1947, a man named “Johnnie” ran the store, followed by Rolenhagens, then Dennie Bradley. It’s currently a Vitale’s Pizza.

This is an old family story, which may or may not be true. Given the age of the story, it may be difficult to uncover the truth of the story.

Back during the early days of aviation, two men came to my grandfather’s store after landing a small plane up on a hill east of the store. They said they were out of gas and wanted to buy some. Grandpa refused, since he didn’t have the correct type of gas that would work for the plane. The men then went to another station where they were able to buy gas.

They walked back to the plane, took off, and crashed somewhere west of Rockford shortly after takeoff.

(I’d like to thank my daughter for typing this for me.)

Several months ago, I called the court house in Medina , Ohio. A very nice lady there gave me all the information for Joseph K. Bagley…

J.K. Bagley Died 10 March 1897. There are no parents, cause of death, place of birth, etc. I also asked about his wife Mary, the only thing I could get was she died before 1867, as there are no records for her. Hope this helps.

Does anyone know of the cemetaries, as I haven’t been able to find where they are buried?

Haven’t had time lately to work on my genealogy. Between work and then being laid off, tracing my roots have kind of taken a back seat.

Have been going through all our things to get rid of the junk that accumulates. Its like the pennies in the bottom of your purse and/or pocket… where it all comes from, I have no idea. Got rid of a tent, but have 3 more. I don’t remember the last time we went camping! At my age, the ground is awful far away now. Got rid of a dresser, it held very few clothes… just more junk. Got a Christmas tree, but haven’t put one up in years thanks to the cats. (How many times did I have to stand it back up?)

Been spending more time playing World of Warcraft with my daughter. Its better than sleeping all day and trying to sleep all night. Besides, I can pretend its my former supervisor I’m peppering with arrows and sicking my big (often red) saber-tooth cat on. If that isn’t fun…

Considering moving to either Dallas, TX or Richmond, VA to look for work. Richmond would put me closer to the national archives and provide plenty of internship options for my daughter, a web designer. But Dallas is full of Sally’s and my online friends and would also provide many opportunities. Both would also have warmer winters than Michigan, which is getting harder and harder for me to take each year. We decided to give it until June 15th before we make the firm decision on whether we’re moving.

The waiting is getting difficult. Very few, if any, job prospects regardless of age or experience. With Chrysler and GM poised to enter bankruptcy, I don’t see much of a future… not with the way Michigan has its economy set up.

Thanks to other researchers, and taking another long look at census and marriage and death records, I finally figured where to look for John Burr Bagley’s parents. John B. Bagley and Emma M. Taylor are my Great, Great Grand parents through their daughter, Lois. John B. is the son of Joseph K. and Mary Bagley and was born in Medina, Medina Co., Ohio.

Joseph and Mary had several children: Louisa, George, Sarah, Frank, John, John (Joseph), and Mary. Frank died in the Civil War, one month after enlisting. His father applied for his pension December of 1883.

A week ago my Uncle Forrie passed away. at his home in Texas. His funeral was yesterday 3/10/2005,and is burried in rockford, Mi.. He was only 70 years old. I will miss him greatly!!!

Recently spent some time on usgen web for bradford co. pa. Found O.C. Taylor, mary and sophfrona in 1850 census. Frone is only two years old. He’s a black smith. I think I have her family figured out but am still not positive. I know she was a Merithew by birth, and I think her mother was a Northrup, there are a lot of people by these names all around them. I still can’t find O.C. “s parents. TALK ABOUT PROBLEM CHILDREN!!!!

I also think I found them in 1860 census . One of the names do not match up; but, dates for Charlotte, Charles, and Emma do, and Carrie still has not been born.

Joshua Tennant
B. 18 Aug, 1838, Lanark, Lanark Cty., Onterio
Mar. 15 Aug. 1860 Ramsey Twp., Lanark Cty., Onterio
D. 15 Dec.1899 Carson City, Montcalm Cty., Mi.
Married 1.} Catherine Stewart
B. 1842 D. Dec., 1865 Blyth, Onterio
CHILDREN:
Margaret Ann
B. 6 Jun 1865
D. 28 Dec. 1914

James Stewart
Born abt. 1809 Glasgow, Scotland
married Helen Brown bef. 1832. Helen born Glasgow, Scotland
CHILDREN:
Isabella b.20 May 1932 in Con. 6, Lot 24, Ramsey Twp. Lanark Co. Onterio

Agnes b. 18 Dec. 1834 in Con. 6, Lot 11 Lanark Twp. Lanark Co. Onterio

John b. 1838 Ramsey Twp. , lanark Co. Onterio

CATHERINE b. 1842 , Ramsey Twp., Lanark Co. , Onterio Married 15 Aug. 1860 Bathurst District Onterio, to Joshua Tennant b. 1839 Lanark Twp., Lanark Co. Ontario. She Died Dec. 1865, Blyth, Onterio., six months after giving birth to her daughter Margaret Ann.

Robert b. 17 Aug 1844., Ramsey Twp., Lanark Co., Onterio

All we have to go on is John R. Wheeler, born about 1825, Penn Yan Yates Co. New York, the son of James Wheeler, born New York. John R. married A. Juline Blakeley {Blakely} abt. 1850. Their son Charles E. born abt. 1853 at Buffalo, New york. John R. served in the Civil War… Juline died about seven years after he returned. He then married May {Mary}Burdick who died 1880 in Nebraska.
Military records say he sired 14 children, of which about half survived.

I got this from Parade, December 12, 2004, Page 19 Grand Rapids Press.

KNOW YOUR FAMILY TREE, SAVE YOUR LIFE

Some of the biggest health advanced are in genetics – and finding the best ways to help patients may lie in knowing their family health histories. Top killers like stroke, diabetes, and cancer are produced by genetic and nongenetic factors, so having family with those diseases can heighten your risk. The Surgeon General wants Americans to compile a family health history and is even offering a free computer profram to help guide you along. Go to www.hhs.gov/familyhistory for the new “My Family Health Portrait.”

A cousin came over at about 2 oclock today, she finally left at around nine oclock this evening. Where did the time go? John R refuses to give up any more information. WE WILL BEAT HIM AT HIS OWN GAME!!! More later

Still working on problem child no. 1. John R. Wheeler.
Started going back through some of his pension papers, trying to gleen any more information from them, The gent has absolutely horrid penmanship. but I found some time framesfor when John R. was in certain areas. have started working on a personal time line. Maybe…..