Half Past Life

I am standing at the top of the hill, ready to start my descent.

Before I begin the second half of my life, however,

I would like to take the time to tell the story of my life so far.

 

Ida Catherine (Patton) Ardinger

On 27 August 1941, Ida Catherine (Patton) Ardinger passed away. She was my 2nd great-grandmother.

Born on 20 November 1867, she was the daughter of John Patton and Esther Lewis.

Heinrich Wäschenbach

On this date, 24 August, in the year 1696, Johannerich “Heinrich” Wäschenbach passed away. He was my 9th great-grandfather.

Born in 1655, in Freudenberg, Prussia (now part of Germany), Heinrich Wäschenbach (also recorded as Waschenbach, Weschenbach, and Waeschenbach)  was the son of Jacob Wäschenbach.

David Henry Noel

On this day, 20 August 1932, David Henry Noel, my 2nd great-grandfather, passed away.

David Henry Noel was born on 4 February 1857, in Reading Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania. He was the fourth known child of Mathias Noel and Elizabeth Meyer.

Suffering Until Suffrage

I have voted in every election, primary and general, in which I could vote since I came of age many, many years ago. For me, voting is my right and my responsibility as an American citizen. Too many people for too long were denied this right. Who am I to squander it?

Ninety-seven years ago today—18 August 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote.