James Rutledge - It is family oral history that we are connected to the first Governor of South Carolina, John Rutledge. While we have no definitive information to validate this claim, the search for more about the personal life of James Rutledge (1756-1817) has continued. His only known daughter, Narcissa Rutledge, (my 4th great-grandmother) married … Continue reading Unusual Name =Challenge James Rutledge #52Ancestors →

Martha Evelyn - 1915 As we move forward in the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge, I formally introduce to you one of my possible ancestor challenges. The backstory to the photo is quite simple. Mom passed away in 2014, I was given the family bible. As far as we know, it belonged to her … Continue reading #52Ancestors – Challenge →

Carter Road Bridge - Cleveland, Ohio 1939

Aka John P Grace Memorial BridgeNote: The start of Preston Maxwell Appleby’s career as International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Worker.

Preston and Dorothy were married on February 5, 1932 in Wheeling, WV. The search for evidence and information lasted 25 years which goes to prove one should never give up! Preston was born February 3, 1908 in rural Ruffin, South Carolina (Colleton County) to David Earl Appleby, Sr. & Sophia Sheldoyne Smyly. He was the … Continue reading Marriage: Preston Maxwell Appleby & Dorothy Evelyn Westbrook (story) →

Dorothy Evelyn Westbrook’s parents - December 24, 1904Note: Anna was actually only 15 years, 8 months old at the time.Addntionally, she was born in Solon, Ohio. (Cuyahoga County)They crossed the state line and married in West Virginia!

Join me through my blog as I explore the Appleby-Smyly Family History through the 2019 Challenge: 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks. I have been working on my family tree since 1980 when my mom gave me a copy of our family tree. If you have anything to add or share related to my family, it … Continue reading The Journey Begins #52Ancestors →

Grandmother: Dorothy Evelyn Westbrook

My grandfather: Preston Maxwell Appleby