Posted in Coni Dubois, Ken Feder

100th Anniversary of People’s State Forest Oct 6th, 2024

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut is home to three of the state’s designated State Archaeological Preserves. Ken Feder directed the excavation of two: the metaphorically named Lighthouse community and the 2,850-year-old Walter Landgraf Soapstone Quarry.

On Sunday, October 6th, at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted, FALPS and the State of Connecticut celebrated the true essence of the “Peoples” State Forest. Attendees delved into its founding, participated in forest-related activities, watched oxen pull logs to a portable sawmill and observed the loggers milling the wood. They enjoyed a chain carving contest and witnessed dignitaries plant a ceremonial tree, among many other engaging events.

Both Robert Starr and Ken Feder remarked that it was a splendid day filled with beauty and history.

FALPS : FALPS is a group that works diligently and tirelessly to improve our forests, keep the trails clear, build bog bridges and boardwalks and fun year-round hikes and events to benefit those who visit the area.

Note: I’ll add any newspaper article links or photos of the event as they come in. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the event, but I can’t wait to see all the photos taken.

CT Visit & ct.org

L2R: Sites Archeologist Ken Feder &
Light House Descendant Robert Starr
Photo credit: Ken Feder
L2R: Ken Feder & Ginny Apple
L2R: Ginny Apple & Robert Starr – Photo credit: Robert Starr
Ken Feder Photo credit: Robert Starr
Display by: Ginny Apple (based off archeological places of site)
Photo credit: Robert Starr
Posted in Coni Dubois, Coni's Stuff

Interested in checking out my YouTube channel? I’d love for you to take a look!

Photo AI created/generated @conidubois

To view:

Coni Dubois YouTube Channel

As I prepare for the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering, which marks its 10th year since its inception, I am also revamping and modernizing my various social media channels. My goal is to streamline all of my content and make it easily accessible. Additionally, I am working on creating new research materials for the upcoming occasion.

With that said, I have tons to share and more stories to tell and looking forward to catching up with everyone.

🤗 Coni

Posted in Coni Dubois

🚨 Calling all Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village People

  Mark your calendars for October 5th and 6th, 2024 because it’s going to be a celebration like no other! We are thrilled to announce that it will be the 100th anniversary of Peoples Forest and we want all descendants to be a part of it. Whether you can make it or not, you are welcome to join in on the festivities. It’s going to be an unforgettable event!

Note: Map Date 6/18/2009 (need newer version)

Sunday, October 6th, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Matthies Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS and the State of Connecticut in celebrating what truly is the “Peoples” State Forest. Learn about its founding, watch and participate in various forest-related activities, see Oxen pull logs up to a portable saw mill and watch the loggers mill the wood, watch a chain carving contest, join dignitaries in planting a ceremonial tree and much more. Free and open to all.

Hi everyone 👋

The Barkhamsted Light House Village has been experiencing a lot of great things lately and I am excited to announce an upcoming event that everyone should know about. Although I am not certain if I can attend (it is marked on my calendar as a possibility), I am considering organizing a virtual alternative for event if not going to make it. I hope many will plan to attend this amazing event.

Help Us Celebrate 100 Years!

Barkhamsted forest group receives funding for film, study – By Emily M. Olson, Staff Writer – Oct 31, 2023

_________________________________________

Couple messages sent to family on event:

1. Via Facebook Messenger from Ginny Apple to Coni Dubois

Hi Coni. Hope you’re doing well. I don’t know if you know it or not, but the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests are, in concert with DEEP, planning the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Peoples State Forest on October 6th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest. 

We believe a presence of the Lighthouse Community family would be an important addition to the event.

We have planted around 60 trees already, in Celebration, and will be joined by the Governor and the DEEP Commissioner for a ceremonial tree planting.

We hope that you’ll be able to come and, as such an important part of the history of the Forest, it would be a major presence for us.

Hope all is well. 

Thanks, 

Ginny

________________________________________________

2. Via email from Paul Hart to Coni Dubois

Hi Coni-

Hope all is well with you.  I just wanted to let you know that we are planning for a big celebration for the 100th anniversary of Peoples Forest.  Peoples was dedicated on October 4, 1924. They had a huge event with thousands of people attending back then.  Our plans are coming together for a two day celebration: on Saturday evening, October 5 we will have a kickoff gathering, and then on Sunday October 6 during the day, we are going to have a bunch of programs, exhibits and displays recognizing this important birthday of Peoples Forest, which is a resource much appreciated by the community here.  This will all take place in the Matthies Area (more or less across from Squire’s Tavern).

 Let me know your thoughts and wish you the best.

Paul Hart

Barkhamsted Historical Society

_______________________________________

Hope many that live close will be able to attend 🤗

Posted in Coni Dubois

Unlocking the Secrets of Our Ancestors: Harnessing Determination, Courage, and Resilience for Achieving the Impossible

Our ancestors, although long gone, remain as a source of inspiration and knowledge to us. They have left us with a rich cultural heritage that has shaped who we are today. Through their accomplishments, they have taught us the importance of perseverance, hard work, and resilience.
By studying our ancestors, we can expand our knowledge and gain insight into our past. We can learn about the values, traditions, and lifestyles of those who have come before us. Exploring our family roots can help us connect with our heritage and see the world through their eyes.
To gain a greater understanding of our ancestors’ lives, we can search for family records, study historical documents, and even visit family gravesites. We can also research the places our ancestors lived and learn more about the cultures of our ancestors’ times. This can give us a better understanding of how our ancestors interacted with the world around them.
The achievements of our ancestors can give us a sense of purpose and pride. Our ancestors faced many challenges and difficulties, and it is incredible to think of how they were able to overcome the obstacles they faced throughout their lives. Knowing that our ancestors experienced success and triumphs can inspire us to reach further and push the boundaries of what we believe to be possible.
Our ancestors have left us with a legacy of determination, courage, and resilience. By looking to our past, we can find strength and wisdom to help us reach for our goals and achieve the impossible.

Posted in Coni Dubois

“Uncovering My Story: How I Found Meaning in Genealogy Research”

The sentimental journey of genealogy research has been a passion of mine for several years now. For me, every discovery made is like a puzzle piece that slowly begins to reveal an amazing picture of my family’s past. I feel privileged to be the keeper of the knowledge and stories that I’ve unearthed through my research.
I believe that, for many, genealogy research is more than simply finding names on a page. It’s also about bringing our ancestors’ histories to the surface, uncovering the places that define our family roots, and piecing together clues for tracking our lineage. It’s about giving the people from the past an identity all their own, and connecting us to the generations going back further in time.
I find it truly incredible that I can use online databases and software technology to help me in my search. With access to an array of resources, including census records, death certificates, birth records, newspaper archives, military records, and much more, I’m able to dig up information that’s personalized to my family’s history. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I treasure the new perspectives I’ve gained from my research.
The journey of genealogy research has become a part of who I am. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride when I discover something new about my ancestors, and I can’t help but marvel at how their stories have become mine. I view it as a special responsibility to tell their stories and preserve the facts about their lives.
Genealogy research means more than just gathering data to me. It’s about connecting with my ancestors, understanding the journeys they took, and respecting their place in the timeline of history. It’s about the emotional connection I have to the process and the pride I feel when I uncover new pieces of my family’s past. That’s what genealogy research means to me.

Coni

Posted in Coni Dubois

The Chief Chagum’s Unexpected Union: A Tale of Intercultural Love in Colonial Times – By: Coni Dubois

About: Chief Chagum’s Unexpected Union is a unique story of love and intercultural understanding in colonial times. The story tells a tale of a Chief set in the Farmington, Connecticut area.

Chief Chagum, a rugged and stoic leader of a small mountain village, has lived a life led by tradition and duty since he was a child. So when the English come to set up an outpost near the village, the two cultures must learn to coexist.

The story follows the romance between Chief Chagum and an English woman, Molly. Their love story strikes a chord with readers as it challenges cultural boundaries and demonstrates that love has no boundaries. As Molly and Chagum discover what it means to truly be in love, the two open their hearts and minds to one another, eventually leading to Molly and Chagum marrying.

The story Uniting of Chief Chagum and Molly is a powerful reminder that intercultural understanding is possible despite the tensions of the colonial backdrop. The novel paints an alluring picture of how two different cultures can come together in love and understanding and offers a refreshing look at what is possible in a divided world.

The message of intercultural harmony found in The Chief’s Unexpected Union is perhaps more relevant now than ever before in today’s world. It is a beautiful reminder of how important it is for all of us to recognize the potential beauty in our differences and to strive for a deeper understanding of one another.

The Chief Chagum’s Unexpected Union: A Tale of Intercultural Love in Colonial Times

Written by: Coni Dubois

Once upon a time, in a far-off land, there lived a great chief by the name of Chagum. He was beloved by his people and led them with wisdom and fairness.

Chief Chagum and his people were content to live in harmony with one another and the natural world around them. Everyone had an important role to play in the community and life was good.

One day, however, when Chief Chagum and his people were out gathering food in the forest, they were suddenly confronted by a group of strangers.

These strangers had come from far away – a land called England.

They had long wooden ships, cannons, and strange clothing – nothing like anything the Native Americans had ever seen before. 

The settlers brought with them new ideas, technologies, and systems that were unfamiliar to the people of Chagum’s land.

At first, the Native Americans were scared, but Chief Chagum realized that he must be brave and show no fear.

He welcomed the strangers into his village and shared the stories of his people and their way of life.

The English settlers were amazed by what they saw.

The Colonial people decided to stay and build a settlement of their own based on the Native American traditions of the land.

The tribes taught the settlers how to hunt and fish, grow crops, and care for the land. Soon, they became a thriving community as both peoples shared the riches of the land and formed a lasting friendship.

One of the settlers, a young woman named Molly, was especially taken with Chagum. Molly was enchanted by Chagum’s strength, courage, and kindheartedness, and she soon fell in love with him.

Chagum felt the same way and decided to ask Molly to be his wife. To his surprise, Molly accepted! Soon, the two were wed.

Though many of the people of Chagum’s land disapproved of the union, Chagum and Molly were determined to make it work.

Through hard work and dedication, they were able to bridge the gap between their two cultures, finding common ground and creating a better future for both of their peoples.

The legacy of Chief Chagum and the native people will never be forgotten. The story of the native peoples and the settlers remained strong. No matter where you go in the town, you can still feel the spirit of these two cultures come alive in the streets.

They will always be remembered as the people who welcomed strangers from across the sea and began a new chapter in the history of Farmington, Connecticut & the legacy of Chagum and Molly also lives on, a reminder of the power of love and acceptance.

Posted in Coni Dubois, Coni's Stuff

“Ever Widening Circle” Research by Coni Dubois is NOW officially open 😁

Disclaimer: This research business provides consulting services to people who desire to obtain data about specific Ancestors/genealogy lines. The research consultant (Coni Dubois) gathers information from credible sources and provides an analysis of her findings & also interpret the information for clients.

coni@conidubois.com

conidubois.com

Posted in Coni Dubois

Will of Jean Chogam [Janey Chogam]

Rhode Island Roots Special Bonus Issue 2022

Gleaning from Rhode Island Town Records:

Charlestown Town Council Records 1738-1775

Pg: 82 – The will of Jean Chogam [called Janey Chogam in the will] dated 22 March 1762, was approved by the council on the testimony of the witnesses, Peleg Cross, Jonathan Lock, and John Welch. James Hazzard was given a letter of administration of the estate.

Note from Coni: In my research, I believe that James Hazzard is who comes to be known as Chief James Chogam/Chagum/Chaugham (born between 1702-1715 & died 1789/1790) of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village. He is a Grandson to this Jean/Janey1 (Ninegret) Chogam – he is the son of Janey2 who is the daughter of Great James & Jean/Janey1.

Lines that I believe James Chagum descends from
Research by Coni Dubois

Research by Coni Dubois

Research by Coni Dubois

Research by Coni Dubois
Research by Coni Dubois
Research by Coni Dubois
Research by Coni Dubois

Research by Coni Dubois
Inventory & will of Janey Chogam/Chagum
Posted in Coni Dubois, Coni's Stuff

James Chagum of Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Ancestors – research by Coni Dubois

Starting with the oldest Ancestor/male line – which starts with Chief Sachem Mechoswodt – working down to James Chagum of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village in Barkhamsted, CT.

I have 2 versions of my research books that are available below/online:

1st one is the old format and shows detailed facts and all my notes and markups. (Marked as detailed below) and the 2nd version is of my new formatting and is my new book format – shows photos/records and documents along with place and name indexing in the back of the below research book. (Marked as compressed)

1. Descendants of Chief (Father) Mecohgawodt Research by Coni Dubois – Detailed 7-2022
2. Descendants of Chief (Father)Mecohgawodt Research by Coni Dubois – Compressed 7-2022

BELOW:

1st is a Genealogy chart with their children that I have been able to prove
2nd are facts/records/info that I have been able to find on each individual
1. Children of Chief Sachem Mechoswodt
Chief Sachem Mechoswodt Research by Coni Dubois
2. Children of Mayawetinnemin/Tachapousha
Mayawetinnemin/Tachapousha Research by Coni Dubois
3. Children of Kukkineau/Cockenoe
Kukkineau-Cockenoe Research by Coni Dubois
4. Children of Checoamaug/Shakecum
Checoamaug-Shoakecum Research by Coni Dubois
5. Children of Great James Chagum
Great James Chagum Research by Coni Dubois
Janey1 (Ninegret/Sachem) Chagum – Wife/Mate to Great James Chagum – Mother to Janey2 Chagum
Janey1 (Ninegret/Sachem) – Wife/Mate to Great James Chagum Research by Coni Dubois
6. Janey2 Chagum – Daughter of Great James and Janey1 (Ninegret/Sachem) Chagum – Who I believe is the MOTHER of James Chagum of Barkhamsted.
7. Children of Chief James & Mary/Molly Chagum
Chief James Chagum of Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village – Part 2
Posted in Coni Dubois, Coni's Stuff

What family means to me…

My love for my family is my whole being – every ounce of me… loves every ounce of each of you~

I can’t believe I will be 55 this year.
In short… my life has been a very hard one.
Being a strong-wheeled woman I have had to fight my whole life and in turn, I have some family members to this day who can’t stand me. But that’s ok~ They truly never got to know me, or tried to understand me. We all have those people in our lives…If only they would see…family is everything to me~

THIS post though is for my family & friends that chose to love and care for me, truly…thank you from the bottom of my ❤️ know I love you and will always be here for you – as you have been for me~

In all the bad that happened throughout my life, you all have stepped in to be there to hold me up and to push me forward~

I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life.

You have been my rock…my solid ground…my saving grace~ You are deeply loved by me~

Families have their fights, their sadness & their pain.
But it always has its joys, it’s happiness & it’s wonderful moments~ Family is tied by blood and love… and no matter what happens family should always surround those in need and protect those that need us~

I have spent my life searching for family… And have truly been blessed to find so many cousins and family in my life’s journey. You truly amaze me with all your support throughout my time on this earth. Your amazing love is shown to me daily – I am called, texted, emailed, messaged.. in some form, reminded daily at how many truly love me~

I am humbled by each of you~

PLEASE find forgiveness for those who are nillynallys in your life, move past the hatred and the fighting. We have lost so many family members…life is too short, and we need to find love for one another, and get pasted this separation of family. We truly need to bond together to face this unknown world we have ahead of us… I truly worry for our descendants at the world we are leaving them~

I have found my calling…I was meant to be my family Historian/Researcher/Genealogist. I feel I must record all I can on our ancestors….before it is lost~

This is my purpose in life~

It is my legacy… bound by my love for family~
I will be doing it till the day I die~

Coni Dubois