James Merritt was born in New York City, New York back in 1824.  He went to work at the age of twelve however, he continued his education on his own.  In 1846, he married Caroline, the couple had six children two sons and four daughters.Caroline was the sister-in-law of Nathaniel who hired him as a bookkeeper in 1852.  By 1857, James had moved up through the ranks where Nathaniel offered him a full partnership in the firm.  His job was to streamline the company to make it more profitable.  He worked there for over forty years until his death in Rye, New York in 1895.  His sons and those of Nathaniel took it over continuing to manage the firm until it went into liquidation in 1907.  By this time, I hope you are wondering who James is writing about today.  You may not know James Merritt b... 08/15/2017

Thomas Toliver was born in Greenville, South Carolina back in 1910 to Thomas and Charlotte. His father was a real estate broker and his mother a concert pianist.He graduated from Furman University in 1931 with a B.S. in physics and a Ph.D. for Cornell University in 1936. After graduation, he became director of research for DuMont Laboratories in New Jersey. He left DuMont in 1966 to become a professor of physics at Furman University, he retired to become an emeritus professor in 1975. He died in 2009 due to a hip fracture leading to infection, he was 99.What you may not know about Thomas Toliver Goldsmith, Jr. is that in 1947 he filed for a U.S. Patent number 2,455,992 making him the co-inventor of the first arcade game using a cathode ray tube. He was awarded five more U.S. Patents inv... 08/07/2017

William Henry Welch was born in Norfolk, Connecticut back in 1850 to William and Emeline. Educated at Norfolk Academy and the Winchester Institute before entering Yale University in 1866. His ambition was to teach the Greek language. He received his A.B. degree in 1870.After graduation, he taught school in Norwich, New York for a short period of time. He went on to study medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in Manhattan. He received his MD in 1875. He studied in Germany after graduation returning to the United States in 1877 opening a lab at Bellevue Medical College.He was the first physician recruited by the newly-formed Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical School in Baltimore. By 1886, he helped establish the first postgraduate training program for phys... 07/14/2017

Gladys Wolf was born in Mason County, Michigan back in 1900 to George and Emma. In 1910, the family moved to Medford, Oregon where she attended Medford High School. Moving again the family settled in San Diego, California where she graduated from San Diego High School.In 1920, she graduated from Occidental College. In 1922, she was offered a job in Inglewood but she didn’t know where the community was. She accepted the position which of course is the rest of the story. She met and married Frances, he died in 1983, Gladys died in 1997 they had no children.What she did do is nothing short of amazing for you see she taught Spanish at Inglewood High School in Inglewood, California for 45 years. She taught some ten thousand youngsters during her tenure at Inglewood. Two of them became lieute... 07/08/2017

Thomas Tudor was born in St. George’s, Bermuda back in 1745 to Henry and Ann.  He studied medicine graduating from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 1770.  He moved to South Carolina in the 1760’s settling in Charleston where he opened his medical practice.In 1781, he joined the Continental Army as a hospital surgeon serving until 1783.  In 1787, and again in 1788, South Carolina sent him as a delegate to the Continental Congress.  After the war, he opposed the United States Constitution believing it gave too much authority to the central government.  He was elected to the United States House of Representatives serving the first two congresses from 1789 to 1793.In 1801, then President Jefferson appointed him as Treasurer of the United States serving until his death in 1828.  Thom... 06/27/2017

Eva Morris was born in Newcastle, Staffordshire, England back in 1885. She worked as a domestic servant in Staffordshire before retirement. She was widowed in the 1930’s, I can’t find were she ever remarried. She had one child Winnie who died of cancer in 1975, she was 62.What you may not know about Eva Morris Sharpe is that she was a supercentenarian. She died in her sleep on 2nd, November 2000 she was 114 years, 360 days young. What you may not know about Eva is that she attributed her longevity to a daily dose of boiled onions and whiskey along with an occasional cigarette. Now, where can I find the nearest liquor store in Maine?Until tomorrow keep that smile on your face, a penny in your pocket and a snort of whiskey each night. Can’t say the same about a cigarette or boiled onions…... 06/23/2017

Isaac Leonard was born in Salt Springville, New York back in 1833. I have no information about his parents or schooling. As a young man, he began selling sauerkraut to help him survive. In 1851, he headed west to the California Gold Rush.After the rush was over he returned to DeKalb, Illinois in 1855 where he opened a hardware and implements store. Being a successful businessman and rising in prominence he began to import Percheron draft horses and land, acquiring around 3,400 acres. In 1874, he saw something that would forever change the west (more on that in a moment).In 1874, with two others he formed the I.L. Elmwood Manufacturing Company.    In 1881, the name was changed, seventeen years later they merged into what would later me known as United States Steel. While he was on a trip... 06/22/2017

Ebenezer Emmons was born in Middlefield, Massachusetts back in 1799 to Ebenezer and Mary.  He entered Williams College at 16 graduating in 1818.  He continued his studies in Albany, New York where he received his M.D.  He set up practice for a few years in Berkshire County, Massachusetts.  Sadly, he died in 1863.  However, what he did for those years he walked among is the reason he will forever be in the history books.  Now, for the rest of the story.Even though he was a doctor his true calling was for geology.  He assisted in preparing a geological map of Berkshire County, Massachusetts.  He named the Adirondack Mountains in 1838 and the Taconic Mountains in 1844.  He was hired by the State of North Carolina for being their first State Geologist in 1851, a position he held until his d... 06/17/2017

I’m leaving on a jet plane shortly, headed to the Northeast. I pulled this one out of my backside. Not my usual post but hopefully you’ll enjoy it. TTFNOliver Charbonneau was born in Aunis, France circa 1613. Nothing is written about his childhood however, he started working as a sewer cleaner. He immigrated to Canada settling in Laval, Quebec. There are only two surviving records of the family name of Charbonneau circa 1659.When he arrived in Quebec he was hired as a “manual laborer” interpretation of this means he did spade work on farms as he did not have his own plough. To pay for his passage and living accommodations he signed a two-year contract.Estimates suggest 97% of the Charbonneau families in North American are descendants of Oliver and his wife. He is the ancestor of around ... 06/12/2017

Grisell Baillie was born in her family home in Scotland back in 1822 to George and Mary.  Her father died in 1841 prompting her to move with her brother to Eidon Hall near St. Boswells. An event happened in 1858 that forever changed her, that of course is the rest of the story.Every Sunday she would leave the house at 9:30AM where she would teach, pray and sing with the children at church returning home at 3:00PM.  She did this for 50 years never missing a day. In 1878, she rad a pamphlet “The National Sin” she gave up her habit of taking a small glass of wine either her meals.  From then on, she embraced total abstinence of alcohol.  She died in 1891, she was 69.  However, in 1888 her whole life changed for it was in December of that year she was ordained as the first deaconess of the ... 06/11/2017

Marinus was born in Jamaica, New York back in 1740.  His father was a school teacher and tavern operator.  I do not have any information about his childhood or upbringing, what I can tell you of course is the rest of the story.He served in the militia during the French and Indian War.  Serving as a 2nd lieutenant in the New York regiment during an expedition to Fort Ticonderoga in 1758. He also saw action during the Battle of Fort Frontenac.  During the early stages of the American Revolution he was considered as an informal leader of the Sons of Liberty.In 1775, he joined the Continental Army as a captain, taking part in the Invasion of Canada.  In 1776, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.  In 1777, he commanded Fort Constitution, later being transferred to Fort Stanwix.  I could go... 06/08/2017

Crystal Bridges is wowing residents and visitors of Northwest Arkansas with the Dale Chihuly exhibit. Tickets are required for viewing but I would highly recommend it!! Read more about it at Crystal Bridges Website             Lenore Cottrell, REALTOR® with The Brandon Group. 479-320-7222 WEBSITE EMAIL 06/06/2017

Daniel Joseph was born in Glen Cove, New York back in 1873. He stood only 5’06” and weighing in at 132 pounds soaking wet. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1899 receiving his initial training at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.He was involved in the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 where in a single battle he defended his position against repeated attacks inflicting causalities of around 200 of the attacking Boxers. Fifteen years later he was fighting with the US forces in Haiti. He was involved in the Battle of Fort Dipitie. A force of 400 of the enemy ambushed the force when he led one group reaching the nearby fort.He was awarded the Navy Cross for repeated deeds of heroism and great service during the Battle of Belleau Wood in WWI. He retired from the Marines in 1929. He died in 1937 a... 06/05/2017

Marie Maynard was born in Corona, Queens, New York City back in 1921to Ivan and Helen.  She attended the all-girls school at Hunter College High School and then on to Queens College, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1942.  She received her master’s degree in 1943, from New York University.In 1943, she taught chemistry at Queens College while enrolling for the doctoral program at Columbia University.  In 1947, she earned her PhD in chemistry. After graduation, she worked as a physical science instructor at Howard University.  After Watson and Crick described the structure of DNA, she continued her work as an assistant professor of biochemistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  She was a member of the governor at the New York Academy of Scienc... 06/04/2017

Charity Anne was born circa 1926 (DOB) was not found. She was educated at the Lyng Primary School in Lyng, West Bromwich, England. When she was 14 living on Maud Road she lied about her age to join the Air Raid Precautions service.She worked at an office of the brick works near her home, her job was to deliver messages between depots by bicycle. In 1940, during an air raid an incendiary bomb had lodged in a roof at a local shop. While helping her father pulling the bomb from the roof it gave way and she fell causing minor injuries.Undeterred she borrowed a bicycle making numerous attempts to notify the control room 1.25 miles away. During the ride, she was successful in avoiding bombs and shrapnel at the height of the raid.Charity Anne Bick went on to join the Women’s Auxiliary Air Forc... 05/28/2017

Junko was born in Miharu, Fukushima, Japan back in 1939. Sorry again but I have no information about her parents or early childhood including her education. What I can tell you of course is the rest of the story, so let’s get to it shall we.From 1958-1962 she studied English Literature and education at Showa Women’s University. After graduation, she formed an organization in 1969 and as they say the rest is history. In 2000, she completed postgraduate studies at Kyushu University focusing on environmental degradation. In 2012, she was diagnosed with cancer and died in 2016.Now for the rest of the story. Junko Tabei was the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest and the first woman to ascend all Seven Summits by climbing the highest peak on every continent. Not too shabby for a... 05/21/2017

Karl Friedrich Louis was born in Apolda, Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach back in 1834. Sorry I can’t provide any information as to his parents and childhood however, for this blog it’s not necessary.Records show he was a local tax collector which in those days was a dangerous profession. Anyway, to protect him and the taxes he started breeding dogs that were loyal and protective. It took him 19 years but he accomplished his mission.For those of you who are dog lovers you should enjoy this one. I’m writing about Karl Friedrich Louis Tobermann, who later changed his name to Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. The dog he created of course is the Dobermann Pinscher. Karl died in 1894 the German government dropped the “pinscher” 50 years after his death and the British did the same shortly after. 05/18/2017

Jeanne Deckers was born in Laeken, Brussels, Belgium back in 1933.  She was educated in a Catholic school in Brussels.  In 1959, she entered the Missionary Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Fichermont.She was given the name of (Sister Smile).  As the years went on she found it difficult to live up to “Sister Smile” as was expected for her to always be happy and in a good mood.  Pulled between two worlds she left the convent in 1966 to pursue a life as a lay Dominican of the order.  After she left the order she made a living by giving lesson in music and religion.  Due to financial difficulties, she died by suicide taking an overdose of barbiturates and alcohol in 1985.  Now while you may not know Jeanne Deckers (if your old enough) you’ll remember her by another name that was given to he... 05/05/2017

Stunning home located in NWA in the highly sought after Oak Tree Subdivision. This Payne Construction home has a beautiful brick and stone exterior and is located on a large cul-de-sac lot.It boasts of custom woodwork, breathtaking 2 story great room with fireplace, gourmet kitchen with pull out spice racks, oversized walk-in pantry and elegant granite island. Master bedroom has plenty of space for all your large furniture. Master bath is very spacious with a luxurious jetted tub and large walk in shower, and huge walk in closet with multiple built ins for all your storage needs.All secondary bedrooms have walk in closets and all secondary baths have granite. Spacious media room features granite wet bar and elevated seating.Superb outdoor space perfect for entertaining with covered pati... 05/04/2017

Eli Terry was born in East Winsor, Connecticut back in 1772 to Samuel and Huldah. He began his apprenticeship with Daniel Burnap, it continued until 1792. In that year, he started his own business.In 1801, because of his hard work he was awarded a patent, the first to be awarded for his design by the United States Patent Office. By 1802, his business had grown considerably. In 1802, he purchased a mill to increase the production of his design. In 1806, he signed a contract to produce 4,000 units of his design.He sold his company to two of his assistants and started to concentrate on another idea. His vision was to mass produce interchangeable parts to ease production and cost less. To this end he was successful. Now you may be asking yourself what did Eli do? Well I’m so glad your thoug... 05/03/2017