Historical Researcher's Blog !

2011 Petteway Family Reunion

2011-08-20T08:00:00.006-05:00

The direct descendents of George Washington and Cecilia Ann White Petteway, both Former Slaves, held their family reunion recently on the grounds of the Edney Primative Baptist Church School house. The Primative Baptist Church and school was established ca. 1872, by George W. Petteway, fellow Former Slaves and local White citizens of Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina. Since 1872, a

Cemetery vandalized in southeastern North Carolina

2011-07-13T07:49:00.003-05:00

Another Onslow County cemetery (southeastern North Carolina) has been vadilized. No information is available at this time.I will post updates as news develop and I am able to this newest endangered cemetery.In the meantime, here is a link my primary Internet site:http://www.resurrection-mission.com

Endangered cemetery dirt storms

2011-04-23T09:18:00.007-05:00

----Recently, I was asked by a land developer to attempt to locate an old cemetery that may have been located within a plot of land that is currently a crop field. Currently, no physical evidence of the late 19th cemetery exists. No headstones, markers or, even the slightest ground depressions.The developer was extremely concerned that, if there was a cemetery, somewhere on the plot of land, he

Brick Mill Cemetery Burial roster

2011-03-13T10:40:00.005-05:00

Richlands, North Carolina:I have finalized the Brick Mill Cemetery burial roster for section "A," only. There are 107 confirmed graves, some unmarked, within this area of the cemetery. There are more but, due to the harsh treatment of the cemetery over the past fifty years, these graves may never be re-discovered.There are another seven sections to re-confirm the marked, unmarked and possible

Time to let off some steam about gas prices

2011-03-03T08:27:00.002-05:00

Tired of the rising, by the hour, of gas prices? Do you have an opinion as to what can be done to lower the need of oil dependency? Visit the Gas Out Day group page on Face Book and express your thoughts to people all over the Nation who are upset about the price of gas.

Tombstone Tuesday--Possible Civil War Vet?

2010-10-05T05:49:00.005-05:00

One of the most recent cemeteries that I have been documenting through Resurrection Mission, the Langley/Burton cemetery; Cauc., ca.1848, contain numerous graves of Civil War Veterans. All appear to be related.Another individual, John L. Langley, is also buried within this small family cemetery. What is interesting in regards to his grave, is the date of his death; 1863.Why is this an interesting

Rising waters along my house! 1 Oct 2010

2010-10-01T12:05:00.003-05:00

For view images: I am safe, dry and well.Jack

Wordless Wednesday~~Recognizing our military K.I.A.

2010-09-15T08:02:00.008-05:00

New K.I.A. "Challenge" coins.I am proud to announce a new joint effort, in recognition to our military K.I.A and the work being done through Resurrection Mission--searching for our "forgotten" veterans; laid to rest in endangered cemeteries.The designer, owner and distributor of the new "K.I.A. remembrance Coin," has donated some of these coins to be used as a fundraiser for Resurrection Mission.

Langley cemetery update; Richlands, N.C.

2010-09-14T06:58:00.008-05:00

Blog post update for: Tuesday, September 07, 2010, --Langley family cemetery; ca.1848Recently, Annie Bishop, direct descendent of individuals laid to rest within the Langley family cemetery; est. ca.1850, was kind enough to visit and spend time with me telling stories of her Ancestors who are laid to rest within this cemetery. Annie provided much needed genealogy information in regards to the

Langley family cemetery; ca.1848

2010-09-07T10:05:00.008-05:00

The Langley family cemetery (caucasian) was established ca.1850. The exact size of the cemetery is not known but, through family oral history, there are at least six American Civil War Veterans, from the same family. James & Susan LangleyNotice the birth and death dates.Images depicted are initial photographs taken when I first went to the graveyard. During the rest of 2010, and through 2011, I

September 3, 2010--day after Hurricane Earl

2010-09-03T06:47:00.002-05:00

I wanted to let people know that I had little problems due to Hurricane Earl. Wind & rain for a few hours. Sun is up now and there seems to be no major property or tree damage around my house. I live on part of the New River waterway so, I will be seeing raising water over the next few days.I would believe since there is little damage in the area; most of the endangered cemeteries that I care

Reason for not using scotch tape in photo albums

2010-09-02T06:43:00.006-05:00

I have been, for the past two weeks, scanning old photographs, many one-of-a-kind, of the Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina Rhodes family; Caucasian. These images date from ca.1900 to 1960. When I was given these precious jewels; many were simply piled in a small box while most were in an old family photo album.The old photo album was very brittle and had seen it's better days generations

Tombstone Tuesday- WWI Navy Vet

2010-07-20T12:21:00.004-05:00

I was recently informed of two "very old" cemeteries within Onslow County. Family members asked me to visit them and was welcome to document the Veterans who were laid to rest in the two grave yards.The Edens family have taken great pride in protecting their Ancestors. We should all commend them and other families who do the same hard work in protecting cemeteries.One of the many Veterans

Great new Tattoo shop in Jacksonville, N.C. Mall

2010-07-17T15:53:00.005-05:00

I received my first tattoo today, to commemorate my fifteen years of research in regards to the little known histories of Onslow County, North CarolinaGyspy Rose-tattoo and body piercing studio has a strong following of clientele of all ages, since they opened their doors within the Jacksonville, North Carolina shopping mall, located on Western Blvd.Gypsy Rose studio is located to the left, just

Twitter T.C. Thursday- A misplaced family herloom

2010-07-01T07:35:00.011-05:00

You can find them in most "antique" or, "consignment' shops. Vintage photographs rediscovered through various means; not significant to the shop owner but, in the end, suitable to make a small profit.Making money, sadly, is one of the final goals of a shop keeper.The young lady in the photograph below, possibly from the late 1800s and from New York State, is somebody's Ancestor.This image is a

Wordless Wednesday~~Back of images are fun to explore, too

2010-06-24T13:20:00.003-05:00

While on a recent trip to Upper New York I went "picking" through some old "antique" shops. I found some nice old photographs. Some have a patient stamp of ca.1889.When storing photographs for future generations, take a few minutes and write, on the back of each image, vital information. The traditional: who; what; where and when, would be the best inscription.Take a look at the fine

Tombstone Tuesday~~John M. Robinson; Upper New York State

2010-06-22T08:55:00.003-05:00

I took a short trip to Upper New York to visit my family & look around my old hangouts in various small county villiages. One day, I visited my father's grave. He died March 1980.Here are two images of his grave site.John M. Robinson, Pvt.; U.S. Army; WWII My father was a Volunteer Fireman. He worked many years for Kraft Foods in Canton, New York.He loved to bowl and after he became ill,

Broken headstones need some help

2010-05-27T07:29:00.004-05:00

The Half Moon Cemetery, est. c.1875, has been neglected for decades. Through Resurrection Mission this endangered cemetery has been in the process of being stabilized, for the past sixteen months. Nearly all of the original grave makers/headstones, out of an estimated sixty, are either missing or shattered into many pieces by vandals.Listed below are three severly damaged headstones. One, Edgar

Tombstone Tuesday~Cowell family cemetery

2010-05-25T08:55:00.004-05:00

Cowell Family cemetery, Jacksonville, N.C. & is located within the Deerfield subdivision; surrounded by "urban sprawl." Nearly all of the oldest headstones, dating to the late 19th century, were damaged by vandals. Cemetery was established ca.1880.Here are some images of my work at repairing headstones.{Images taken by Cindy Wozniak-award winning photographer}

Upcoming Book signing and fundraiser

2010-04-15T11:15:00.004-05:00

Book signing and fundraiser: Tobacco Country (Jacksonville, N.C.) : http://www.tobaccocountry.comBooks for sale: http://www.jackrobinsonbooks.com

Tombstone Tuesday~Wade family~Brick Mill Cemetery

2010-04-13T12:32:00.007-05:00

These before and after images are of Wade family Ancestors who have been laid to rest within the Brick Mill Cemetery near Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina.This cemetery is the largest all African American cemetery within the county. Unmarked graves are being re-discovered on a monthly basis and preliminary findings suggest in excess of 1000 graves are within this one cemetery. Before

Robinson Cemetery project is under way - Hannibal, MO - Hannibal Courier-Post

2010-04-03T15:13:00.001-05:00

Robinson Cemetery project is under way - Hannibal, MO - Hannibal Courier-PostPosted using ShareThis

Surname Saturday~~ Williford and Futrell

2010-04-03T08:42:00.003-05:00

Williford and Futrell are the two primary surnames from within the most recent endangered cemetery cared for through Resurrection Mission. This graveyard is located directly next to swampy farm land in Catherine Lake region of Richlands, N.C. The property is currently owned by a New York City organization but, unaware that there is a cemetery on the land that is being sold for developement.Issue

Twitter Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T10:22:00.005-05:00

A new endangered cemetery project has commenced through Resurrection Mission, Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina.The below three images show separate graves within the Willi [o, a] ford/Futre [a] l [ l, le] family cemetery. Over the generations; many family members altered spelling of their last names.The Elders of the families, ages 75 -99 years youngdo not know who are buried within

Tombstone Tuesday-Former Slave receives a new headstone

2010-03-02T10:45:00.005-05:00

Cecilia Ann White Petteway's new grave marker recently purchased by her grandson, Odell Petteway of Richlands, N.C.[Her original headstone was damaged beyond repair by hunters] Celia was the wife of George Washington Petteway. Both were Former Slaves near Richlands, North CarolinaThe Petteway Family cemeteryThe largest all African American family cemetery within Onslow County, North Carolina. Est

Wordless Wednesday-Man from PA

2010-02-24T10:37:00.004-05:00

Unknown man from Pennsylvania: Photographer: Shadle & Basser/York, PA I could use help with identifying the time frame as to when this image was taken

Charlie Ruffin-KIA Vietnam War;Bronze star receipient

2010-02-23T09:43:00.004-05:00

Charlie N. RuffinSSG TRP KIA, Vietnam War, 1969Receipient of Bronze Star [Son of Miss. Rose Ruffin, grandaughter of Former Slaves, Daniel and Martha Fisher]

Tweeter Wordless Wednesday~~Lady with book

2010-02-17T10:38:00.003-05:00

Here is another photograph that was located in a very old, dusty, fragile photo album. Scroll down the page to see additional images. Lady in chair holding book Do you have any suggestions as to the time period of this image? I could use some help to identify the time period for this image and the previous ones. Thanks you for taking time to review my site. Jack

Tombstone Tuesday-John Bennett;WWI Veteran

2010-02-16T12:22:00.005-05:00

John BennettAfrican American WWI veteran, who served his Nation with honor.PVT., U.S. Army Quarter Master CorpsBorn: January 15, 1888Died: August 11, 1947 One of many military Veterans laid to rest within Brick Mill Cemetery, on the outskirts of Richlands, N.C.

Twitter Wordless Wednesday~images of the past

2010-02-10T10:09:00.014-05:00

A key solution for identifying individuals, events, dates and locations of photographs is to write the traditional information on the back of images. By giving a very brief: who, what, why, where & when, of the picture, generations later will know the importance & reason for saving the image.Below are two such photographs, located in an old dusty and very fragile photo album. Besides knowing the

Wordless Wednesday- Edney chapel school house. est.ca.1872

2010-02-03T11:58:00.005-05:00

The is the remaining all African American school house from the 19th Century, still standing on original site, left within Onslow County, North Carolina.Established ca.1872, it remained in operation until 1957, when National laws governing education rights were changed; causing the need for the Edney school to end.Odell Petteway, grandson of founder of school & church, is the current caretaker of

Tombstone Tuesday- - African American Spanish-American War Veteran

2010-02-02T09:58:00.007-05:00

____________Image:The late James Blackwell, Pvt, U.S. Army, is the only confirmed African American Spanish-American War veteran known to have lived in Onslow County, North Carolina. He was raised in the Swansboro region of the County.Until officially researched by myself, through Resurrection Mission, his legacy was only known to a few of his direct descendents.Let us take a moment to ponder the

Wordless Wednesday~~Farmer with team

2010-01-27T10:41:00.008-05:00

This series of images, along with other images representing decades of this family's ancestry, was located in an old dried out box during an estate auction. No one attending the auction wanted the box so, it was destined to be thrown away. I adopted the box.Here is a farmer and his team of horses:I hope you enjoyed them as much as I do.Jack

Tombstone Tuesday~Hargett Family cemetery, est. ca.1825

2010-01-24T12:20:00.008-05:00

Hargett Family CemeteryEst. ca.1825{Located on private land, just on the outskirts of Richlands, Onslow County, N.C.}L.W. Hargett was the first official Mayor of Richlands, North Carolina. Due to lack of maintainance and care, this endangered cemetery (image at left) has been unkept. It is now surrounded by "Urban Sprawl," in every direction, just feet from the edge of woods.Image above shows

Twitter Wordless Wednesday~Grandma Norman Price

2010-01-20T10:54:00.004-05:00

One of the many pleasures I have, when conducting my Resurrection Mission cemetery preservation projects, is to meet direct descendents who can provide an oral history of the individuals laid to rest in the cemeteries that I research and maintain.The Price family, from Richlands, North Carolina, provided me with some family heirlooms while visiting with them. These are one-of-a-kind images of

Tombstone Tuesday- Cox family, Onslow County, N.C.

2010-01-19T10:35:00.008-05:00

This grave marker is from the newest, and least researched, Caucasian endangered cemetery. Located on County property, officials were not aware of cemetery.Visible headstones suggest this cemetery was established ca.1885. Image above shows the size and length of this combined headstone Inscription on left side, facing stone Inscription, right side facing headstoneThis cemetery, along with the

Veterans within Brick Mill Cemetery

2010-01-16T10:18:00.006-05:00

Here are a few of the African American Veterans who are buried within the Brick Mill Cemetery, est. ca.1900.As you review the headstones, take a moment to reflect on how it was like for these men to serve, fight, and sacrifice for various American Freedoms, that they were not allowed to enjoy.Then ask yourself the following question: Why did they serve? Clearence E. NicholsonWWII ____________

Wordless Wednesday~~Ladies from Pennsylvania

2010-01-13T10:31:00.003-05:00

Last week's Wordless Wednesday image that I posted brought an array of comments from various genealogists and historians.I have posted today, two additional images of young ladies from Pennsylvania which were in the same rediscovered photo album as last week's image. Unknown lady from Pennsylvania[Date: Unknown; R.J.M. Little, photographer, Columbia, PA]Take a moment and think of what these two

Tombstone Tuesday~~Good and bad

2010-01-12T09:58:00.007-05:00

Here are two images that I hope will allow people who review them to learn about our past American Veterans. We must protect their final resting places. Wade Thomas, (African American) Pvt., U.S. Army, WWIBrick Mill Cemetery, Richlands, N.C.(Cemetery is located on private property & protected) Edgar Parker (Caucacian)Pvt., CSA, North CarolinaHalf Moon Cemetery, Jacksonville, N.C.(Headstone

Wordless Wednesday~~Pennsylvania lady sitting in chair

2010-01-06T11:34:00.014-05:00

I discovered the above image after I purchased a very old, dusty and stained photo album from within a box, located in an old barn style antique shop. The dealer had no interest in the images, only for their monetery value.On the back of this image is a logo: "Buttorff's Photographic-art Gallery-York, PA. Nearly all of the old images that were in this album have a professional service who took

Tombstone Tuesday~~Finding a sunken grave marker

2010-01-05T11:21:00.006-05:00

Discovering a sunken grave marker: Image shows what appears to be a sunken grave. Removing the "known" surface carefully with a metal shovel.Notice the one inch root.Removal of soil reveals a grave marker.Located, roughly, nine inches below "known" surface.Closer view of discovered grave marker.Removal of all soil, by hand, with use of wooden tools.Louisa's grave marker; located roughly eleven

Twitter Wordless Wednesday--Instant family photos

2009-12-30T09:45:00.008-05:00

The first two images posted below were found, very dusty, in a consignment shop. The owner of the shop suggested if I placed these images into a frame and then hung them on my wall, they would become my "instant family photos."While viewing the photographs below, ask yourself what type of life did these people have.The third image, Elderly African American lady sitting in a chair, was given to me

Recognizing "forgotten" military veteran

2009-12-29T10:30:00.005-05:00

One of the primary goals of Resurrection Mission is to locate, confirm and then recognize "forgotten" military veterans laid to rest within endangered cemeteries.Walter Green, PFC, U.S. Army, WWII, is only one of the military veterans who have been laid to rest within what is referred to locally as the "Diggs" cemetery.This all African American cemetery was formed after 1943, when graves were

WWII 93rd Cal. "RECON - TRP" Soldier

2009-12-15T21:34:00.006-05:00

Edward Rhodes, PFC U.S. ARMY, was a veteran of WWII and served, as etched into his Veteran's headstone, in "RECON - TRP unit. This African American soldier may have seen action in some of the hardest fought battles during WWII.As the exclusive caretaker and historian of the all African American Brick Mill Cemetery, located just outskirts of Richlands, North Carolina, research is ongoing to

Twitter Surname Saturday Post

2009-12-05T10:55:00.002-05:00

Keeping with the Genebloggers' daily postings, here is one of many of the surnames that I am currection researching.The African American Petteway surname was, as family oral history states, started when the Grandfather of Dalton Odell Petteway was freed from Slavery in southeastern North Carolina, within Onslow County.George Washington and Cecilia Ann White Petteway took their Plantation owner's

Fundraising to protect endangered cemeteries

2009-12-03T14:29:00.004-05:00

During the shopping season for the holidays, purchasing on-line items has become an everyday event. Many stores are making donations from your on-line purchases.To help protect endangered cemeteries that I am caretaker and historian, please take a moment to use the below link to raise money for my work in protecting these cemeteries.I am associated with a Florida based non-profit group but, I do

New York State Newspaper database

2009-12-03T06:37:00.005-05:00

One of my close friends ~~Lowcountry Africana~~, does African American genealogy, among many other tasks, posted a valuable link to a database that houses thousands of New York State newspaper articles.I have personally located data from the N.Y. database pertaining to my home town and family with some articles dating as far back as mid-1800s.Take a few minutes to use the search engine to the Old

Rememnbering our Veterans

2009-11-11T08:43:00.004-05:00

Being a "wordless" Wednesday and Veterans' day, it is appropriate that I post the following image:____________Image Background:The late James Blackwell, Pvt, U.S. Army, is the only confirmed African American Spanish-American War veteran known to have lived in Onslow County, North Carolina.Until officially researched by myself, through Resurrection Mission, his legacy was only known to a few of

Rediscovering a Veteran's "Forgotten' Grave site

2009-11-03T09:46:00.004-05:00

Randolph Hall, U.S. Army, was laid to rest in the Brick Mill Cemetery. During recent stabilization of the cemetery by Resurrection Mission staff, his grave was located.Below are a series of images of the process to upright Randolph's Veteran headstone._________________________Official records, as of this date, confirm not-less-then twenty-five Veterans, from WWI to Vietnam Wars are laid to rest

Locating an endangered grave

2009-10-27T09:36:00.004-05:00

While doing preservation work in the endangered "Marshburn" family cemetery (Caucasian), ca.1870, I made an interesting find.I was clearing out the decades of brush, compost and mulch from around a very large tree. What was thought to be simply a fallen headstone being placed next to the tree, done many decades ago, turned out to be a much more meaningful purpose.Pictures were taken as I

Edgy Inspirational Author blog: Now I'm giving away The Lost Mission by Athol Dickson

2009-10-25T19:57:00.004-05:00

Taking a moment out of my normal posting of my endangered cemetery work, to tell people about a good site to visit if, you have the time:Edgy Inspirational Author blog: Now I'm giving away The Lost Mission by Athol Dicksonand,To join with "Twitter's" Wordless Wednesdays, here is an image of my newest research intern:P.s. He likes to sit ON my lap top along with attacking my "mouse."

Grave discovery in endangered cemetery

2009-10-23T11:09:00.012-05:00

Recently, I played a small role in protecting an endangered early African American cemetery in Sumpter County, Florida. I commend each individual, local and non-local, who joined together and successfully saved this Hallowed Ground.Sadly, however, there are many more that also need to be protected from "urban sprawl" and natural encrouchment. As proved during the Sumpter County cemetery project,

Descendent of Former Slaves has passed

2009-10-18T08:16:00.003-05:00

A direct descendent of Former Slaves, George Washington & Cecilia Ann White Petteway has passed. "Margie L. Koonce, 41, of Jacksonville died Oct. 16, 2009, at Onslow Memorial Hospital. Arrangements will be announce by Saunders Funeral Home in Jacksonville." {Jacksonville, NC-Daily

Help protect endangered cemeteries

2009-08-24T13:22:00.003-05:00

Every day, somewhere in the U.S.A., an endangered cemetery is located, damaged, or left unattended. Over time, some of these graveyards become forgotten and then "misplaced."Due to recent National activity and focus on endangered cemeteries, I have been contacted from across the United States to give tips on how to find ways to protect endangered cemeteries.Resurrection Mission is now up and

Update on Mission Resurrection Websites

2009-08-17T16:21:00.008-05:00

Here are some updated Internet sites that I am currently using to promote and raise funds for Resurrection Mission projects.http://www.resurrection-mission.com/http://www.jackrobinsonbooks.com/http://library-thing-thing.blogspot.com/Now on: FaceBook and Tweeter (use jackrobinson@hotmail.com )Images from Resurrection Mission endangered cemetery researchPurchase an item to raise funds for

Products you can purchase to help Resurrection Mission

2009-07-29T08:24:00.019-05:00

Petteway Family Cemetery Largest all African American family cemetery within Onslow County, North Carolina.___________________All profits from the sale of products, from the below listed store, will go directly to the goals of Resurrection Mission~~researching, locating and then preserving endangered cemeteries. In time, members of the local communities will be educated on the need to preserve

Local Ruritan Club donates funds to help protect endangered cemeteries

2009-06-07T07:43:00.005-05:00

News_Richlands, N.C._June 7, 2009Richlands, North Carolina Ruritan Club donates $100.00 to Jack Robinson, Director of Resurrection Mission, an organization that locates, documents and preserves once endangered cemeteries.Pictured (L-R) Jack Robinson; Ted Stamey, President Richlands' Ruritan Club; Dolan Oakley, Liberty Cheverlet and life-long resident of Richlands and Mary Jane Heath, Life-time

Searching for our lost history through Resurrection Mission

2009-06-05T21:32:00.012-05:00

Just a short update as to why I will start an exciting new phase for Resurrection Mission.Our goal, as established by Ssgt. Anthony Goodwin, U.S. Marine Corps KIA, is to locate endangered cemeteries, identify "forgotten" veterans, Slaves & Former Slaves and to ensure these Hallow Grounds will be protected from urban Sprawl.Starting next week, due to two exciting discoveries, I will be on the

Local Custom Woodcrafter assists in stabilizing endangered cemeteries.

2009-05-03T07:12:00.010-05:00

Jason Rice, a gifted local woodcrafter, has become the exclusive woodsman for Resurrection Mission. His talent in creating custom art will be used in making grave markers and other needed wood or stone items, for the numerous cemeteries within Resurrection Mission projects.One of J&B Custom Woodscraft's grave markers within the "Mars Road" Cemetery. This gravyard was established ca.1870. This is

Update & Information

2009-04-20T08:31:00.003-05:00

When you click on either of the two "Facebook" icons you will be taken to updates pertaining to my cemetery preservation project in southeastern North Carolina and other issues.Jack Robinson's Profile | Create Your BadgeJack Robinson's ProfileCreate Your Badge

Discovering research answers

2009-03-22T08:57:00.008-05:00

The quest to finding the solution to the contest dated January 18 2009, within this blog is now complete. Analysing the rusted and worn metal name plate numerous clues have evolved. It can now be said, hopefully, with the help and comments from viewers of this article, that the suggested answer to this puzzle is correct.On 19 March 2009, I escorted Kathy West, noted southeastern multi-family

Contest and assistance is needed

2009-01-18T13:14:00.006-05:00

Hello to all,I have come up against a brick wall on my most recent find in regards to my cemetery preservation project. I was taken last week to a remote part of our county where a developer located an old Caucacian cemetery on a new plot of land he had recently purchased. He wanted me to walk through and then determine the actual size of his cemetery.While there he pointed out a wooden grave

Taxes season -- local charities needs help

2008-12-25T08:41:00.004-05:00

With 2008 ending and the new tax season starting, check out my pre-1900 cemetery preservation projects to see if it warrents your finacial donations.Click on the links below to find an easy way to help --Resurrection Mission--You can also donate through PayPal by using --jackrobinson@hotmail.com--Have a Happy New Year--My latest stuff for sale onLejeune Yard Sales, that aids in obtaining

Book Signing Thanks to Onslow County Crafters' Guild

2008-11-19T08:46:00.008-05:00

I had a great time selling and signing my self-published books that deal with local southeastern North Carolina "little known" histories. Doing some paperwork before my book signingsDue to the fabulous and hard work of the staff members of the Onslow County Crafters' Guild the books signing and display pertaining to my current and long-term research project was a successful adventure. Wall

Providing a Personal View About My Work

2008-11-11T13:18:00.018-05:00

I do believe in something does happen after death, being with the All Mighty and what we refer to as ghosts. I recently was given a first person account of the non-natural aspect of life, while cleaning up the oldest all African American Cemetery located within Onslow County, N.C. --------------------------------------The following example, is not the first experience I have had during my work. I

Hurricanes put a hold on preservation projects

2008-09-07T12:31:00.004-05:00

HelloDue to the recent heavy rain and winds from Tropical Storms and pending hurricanes, my preservation projects have been put on hold. I will restart my independent work when the tree limbs stop falling and the grounds dry up, hopefully in a few days to a week.Until then, check out some images that I have put together on the most recent cemetery project. It is a Caucacian cemetery that dates

Anthropologist visit to assist in cemetery preservation

2008-07-20T16:40:00.009-05:00

On July 19th, Dr. A. Midori Albert, Associate Professor of (Forensic) Anthropology Department at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and two of her associates, John Navarra and Rebecca Sutphin, assisted me during my stabilization of the Petteway Family Cemetery (ca.1885). I had discovered what was thought to be a shallow grave with various bones lying out in the open. (L to R) Rebecca,

Finding old African American graves in a forgotten cemetery

2008-06-21T11:08:00.008-05:00

I have continued my research dealing with All African American cemeteries that I started in January 2007. I spend, on average, forty hours per week documenting, promoting, and stabilizing seven cemeteries. I pay all expenses, such as, labor, research fees, supplies and equipment. Yes, the cost is a challenge but, the rewards for the community is worth the strainon my limited budget.The hardest

Reviewing my events of 2007

2008-01-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

HelloI started 2007 with new adventures dealing with preserving the "little known" histories of Onslow County, North Carolina (southeastern part of the state).The initial project was simply looking for any evidence of a ca.1930 segregated baseball team that once played in Richlands, N.C. It turned out, the Pepsi-Cola Giants, played ball from Virginia to South Carolina and even defeated one of the

Family reunions are times to preserve your heritage.

2007-08-15T06:52:00.001-05:00

I have had a very busy summer with the all African American cemetery preservation project and research that I have exclusive rights to conduct.I have also been attending some of the largest family reunions held in Richlands, Onslow County, North Carolina this year. The Sanders/Saunders reunion is known to the be largest family reunion of its type in Onslow County. They even hold a street parade

African American Veteran recently located

2007-04-22T07:29:00.000-05:00

First official African American Spanish-American War veteran from Onslow County, North CarolinaThe first official African American Spanish-American War veteran known to have lived in Onslow County, southeastern North Carolina, has been relocated, after his grave site had been "misplaced" for not less then fifty years.James M. Blackwell, lived near Swansboro, North Carolina. He joined, like many

Exciting African American Cemetery Preservation Project (privately funded)

2007-01-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

I have initiated a stabilization and preservation project for an all African American Cemetery that has been in use since c.1895.As my research progresses a more precise date will be determined. Within the Brick Mill Cemetery there are not less than fifteen former slaves and over twenty, confirmed, veterans of four foriegn wars. Many of these veterans served in segregated units while fighting to

Update on book promotion

2006-12-03T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hello:My first book, Captain Otway Burns And His Ship Snap Dragon, has seen a continuous growth in sales over the past six months. Not less than three more confirmed direct descendents have been identified through book signing events. Lectures and newspaper articles have also been a highlight in promoting the adventurous life of Captain Burns.Currently, I am conducting historical research on the

The little known history also counts

2006-10-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

A researcher can not develop a project for every piece of forgotten history that is found, misplaced and forgotten for decades, that sounds interesting or intriguing. What can be done, however, while conducting the original research project, is to reintroduce the secondary data that was found to the public, so they can be at least aware of that particular moment in time. This, hopefully, will

Naval war hero and local legend receives official Recognition!

2006-09-15T10:43:00.000-05:00

I wanted to let everyone to know that after I previously initiated requests in July and August, Beaufort (NC) Mayor Ann Carter and commissioners on September 11th declared a Proclamation for a "Captain Otway Burns Day." The date will be October 25th, 2006. This is his date of death. At this time I do not know if the town of Beaufort, or anyone else will be holding any formal ceremonies on this

New Pod Cast on preserving family history

2006-08-18T08:26:00.000-05:00

Below is a new podcast that I did which discusses the potential of the loss of family history. It is a brief segment of a thirty minute lecture I gave to a Civil War reenactment group in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina on 14 August 2006. More segments will follow in the near future on various other historical related topics.Jackhttp://www.jackrobinsonbooks.com (personal Internet site)

Local Newspaper does report on fast selling book on a local legend!

2006-08-12T02:58:00.000-05:00

The Tideland News, the local newspaper for Swansboro, North Carolina has published a wonderful article on Jack Robinson's fast selling book, Captain Otway Burns and His Ship Snap Dragon.The staff at Tideland News, an print and on-line newspaper service, is dedicated to promote historical events and news related issues within their articles.Captain Burns was born and raised in Swansboro during the

Guerrilla Insight for Authors: Answering Angry Bloggers

2006-07-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

Guerrilla Insight for Authors: Answering Angry Bloggers

Preserving those special images

2006-07-26T13:59:00.000-05:00

Preserving those special imagesWritten by Jack RobinsonI have examined thousands of images throughout my adventures as a historical researcher. Many speak volumes as to what they represented. Some are easier then others to decipher. Christmas time holding a Rubik’s Cube, a graduate in gown, with the year dangling from their cap on a thin chain, or a birthday party scene with a numbered candle on

Communty bookstore begins to sell Historical Researcher's book !

2006-07-12T10:32:00.000-05:00

Captain Otway Burns experienced a life as a determined and hunted War of 1812 American Privateer, highly successful local businessman, and controversial, but misunderstood North Carolina politician.Raised in Swansboro, NC but later in life maintained a home within the city of Beaufort, NC, next to the ocean he loved and sailed upon. His reputation as a stern, overbearing individual is still

Real-Time Website data from Statcounter.com

2006-07-12T09:22:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone:I have spent the past few days fine-tuning my various websites and Blogs. I now have a centralized Blog at http://library-thing-thing.blogspot.com/ where I have my Internet sites linked.Over time, I will put blurps onto my other blogs and have a link to this new one. I came across a tool, while reviewing the Guerilla Marketers Cafe' {GMC} (author's), http://

Historical Researcher's Blog Site!

2006-07-08T07:33:00.001-05:00

I just downloaded LTT and had it done in less then twenty seconds, after reading the directions correctly.Does anyone know how long it takes for LTT to start showing up on LT?Just wondering. I went to LT, but did not see any reference to LTT.Jack Robinsonhttp://www.jackrobinsonbooks.com