Curiosity killed the cat ...

Shakespeare used a similar quote in his circa 1599 play, Much Ado About Nothing:

"What, courage man! what though care killed a cat, thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care. ”

For many years I knew that my maternal Grandfather had a 'new lady' in his life, and it wasn't Grandma.  This knowledge led me on a journey to find out more.

My journey began with city directories.  I learned where my maternal Grandparents lived, when they stopped living together, and what jobs they held.  You might be surprised by what information can be found in these directories.

Next I made a trip to the York County, PA Archives. It was here that I found the tax records for both my Grandfather and his 'lady.'  Still nothing on a second marriage.

I then visited the York County Courthouse.  My first trip was a total bust.  I was denied entry because I had my cell phone with me.  After parking four blocks away and dealing with rain, I decided to try later.  Just a few days ago, I parked, removed from my purse all forms of electronics including my thumb drive, and tried once more.  The nice officer let me through.

My visit wasn't totally fruitless. I learned that Grandma filed for divorce based on indignities and her divorce was granted in 1948.  However, there was no marriage for my Grandfather in York County.  Could their marriage have been a common law marriage? 

Onward to Adams County.  Nada!  I wasn't totally disappointed, but realized that now I must navigate the Maryland court system.  Was I prepared to pay for this information, or drive to Annapolis or Baltimore?

So, I went home, poured a glass of wine, booted up the laptop, and Googled once more.  Oh, I also sent a message to Grandma in the spirit world that I could use some help!  My find was a  Maryland Vital Records site that has microfilm records online, and it was free.  I skimmed through six years of microfilm data until my goal was accomplished.  Thanks, Grandma!

Long story short ... Grandma and Grandpa Berkheimer divorced in 1948, and he remarried in Maryland in 1960.

The moral to my very long story. and many of you are not related to the Berkheimer family, is this ... if your parents or grandparents are still living, don't do as I did, do as I say - sit down with them and ask your questions to learn more about your family history. 

Searching for roots beats chasing dust bunnies!

I don't know about anyone else, but the dust bunnies tend to take a backseat to my research.  And because of this, I wanted to share with you two bits of information, in the event any of you are researching ancestors who once lived in Hanover, York County, PA, USA, or McSherrystown, Adams County, PA, USA. 

The first is the John Timon Reily Historical Society.  It is located in McSherrystown, PA.  The Society is small but has a nice collection of family reserch and church historical records. 

Another historic place located just outside of Hanover is The Wildasin Meeting House.  I, being a Wildasin, have never been to The Wildasin Meeting House, but knew of it from visiting it online.  Each year there are one or two church services held at The Wildasin Meeting House.  On Sunday, September 18, 2011, a Lutheran church service will be held at 2 PM in the afternoon.  You may drive back to the site instead of walking, and it is held rain or shine.

The Wildasin Meeting House is located off of Bankert Road, in Manheim Township, York County, Pennsylvania.   Bankert Road is off Rte. 216 (also known as Blooming Grove Road).  Parking is available at coordinates: N 39 47.198, W 076 55.921. A three-quater mile (one way) walk down a closed gravel road to reach the meeting house is required.  This is the best I can do as far as the address is concerned.  You may also contact the Codorus State Park Office for better directions.