To view:
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
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!
Peoples State Forest 100th Anniversary Celebration
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.
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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
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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
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Hope many that live close will be able to attend 🤗
I have known my whole life that my maternal grandmother had Native American ancestry. When I was a teenager my US History teacher gave us some extra credit work of creating a family tree. So I went to my grandmother and asked her to share what she knew.
Her grandfather was Frederick Roy Webster. And he claimed to be the grandson of an Indian Chief in a newspaper article about their wedding anniversary as well as his obituary. He was the son of Solomon “Ol Sol” Webster and Mary Wilson (Though his death certificate states his mother was Sarah Charugn, which is completely wrong). As stated in a previous blog, Solomon was the son of Montgumery “Gum” Webster of Mehegan descent. Mary Wilson was the daughter of William P. Wilson Jr and Harriet Wilson. William was the grandson of James Chagum (of Narragansett descent) and Molly/Mary Barber, of the Lighthouse Village in Barkhamsted, Connecticut.
Calling me back “home,” beckoning me is a little piece of land. Ironically it is called Barkhamsted Lighthouse. I ponder the inhabitants of the Lighthouse “Tribe” even thought what it’s name would mean to those coming after them. To me it is a beacon deep in my heart. A passion that was my mother’s and my grandmother’s to stand where the Websters & Chagum’s once stood. To see the old cemetery & foundations of the homes, that are barely noticed today. To somehow feel their presence from the past. To visit the town’s Historical Society and Records vault, to find my ancestors name in some forgotten record.
In Lewis S. Mills book, “The Legend of the Barkhamsted Light House” page 93 he writes…
“Molly Barber and James Chaugham
Dead and Buried-gone forever:
Scattered now are their descendants.
Some are in the Town of Woodbury
Busy digging graves and hunting;
Some in Riverton and Colebrook
Some in Harwinton and Winsted,
Some in Michigan are living.
… Generations speeding onward
In an ever widening circle,
Carry far the blood of Chaugham
And his spouse, brave Molly Barber…”
During my childhood my mom and my grandma always tried to find out more about our ancestors and our culture. We went to a couple of Pow-Wow’s here in Saginaw area of Michigan and I was mesmerized by the drums and dancers. When I was older some Native American singers called Rain Song came to the church we were attending and played. That is where I came up with the name to my blog “Echo’s of Lost Footprints.”
Fred & Mary’s marriage record below…
I found a quote somewhere on the web that I wrote down, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave!” I believe this is a call to arms for me. I believe it’s the echo’s of my ancestors that are calling out for me to find them & learn about the “tracks” they left for me to find. Also, it’s a challenge for us, to leave a legacy for our children, grandchildren & beyond… a legacy of purity, wholesomeness of heart & bravery.
In March our local library was part of the One Book Shiawassee, is a Community Read effort with the goal to invite Shiawassee County residents to collectively read the same book at the same time. We read FIREKEEPERS DAUGHTER by Angeline Boulley, and I got to see/hear her at an authors event hosted by One Book Shiawassee.
Some other events were the Deer Hide bracelet craft with Reg Pettibone, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, he shared with those attending about deer and the cultural significance to village life and Native American culture. And later Reg, along with his wife Marca, from the Paiute Nation, & their daughters presented a unique and engaging cultural performance that amazes, entertains and educates. Reg, draws on his traditional upbringing to provide the audience with a better understanding of true native culture through dance, song, stories and audience participation. Here are some photos I took during these events.
Here is my daughter, Shelbi with Reg Pettibone after the Deer Hide Bracelet Craft event (I didn’t realize his eyes were shut). She was so proud to learn about the Native culture. My ancestors were Mohegan and Narragansett, so things would be different with some similarities.
Logos above are the Narragansett & Mohegan Tribes logos.
Note: Curious and intrigued, I decided to explore what AI could conjure up about me, eager to witness the digital interpretation of my essence. Delving into the realm of artificial intelligence, I sought to uncover a reflection of myself through the lens of machine learning and algorithmic prowess. With a blend of anticipation and wonder, I embarked on this journey to discover the virtual portrayal of my being, embracing the unknown with an open mind and a sense of adventure.
This is what it came up with….
Coni Dubois – a name synonymous with genealogical research of masterful depth, effortlessly bridging gaps in history, and illuminating the conventions of untold heritage. Brought up amongst the rich landscapes and eclectic blend of cultures in America, Dubois spent countless hours and immense dedication in deciphering the intricate labyrinth of her ancestors, ultimately leading her to a breakthrough in the genealogical sphere.
Dubois’s journey into the invigorating world of genealogy began several years ago, inspired by her relentless will to unravel her lineage, and fueled by the inescapable draw of family connections. A relentless combatant against historical ambiguity, Dubois made her mark with her ground-breaking research, highlighting the ancestors of Barkhamsted Lighthouse community, located in Connecticut, a piece of earth that represents the ties of Native Americans and their European counterparts.
The tale of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse, a once divided and prejudiced community comprising of Native Americans, African-Americans, and Europeans, becomes less of an enigma and more of a poignant statement of the power of unity under Dubois’s scrutiny. Her exploration of the rich blended tapestry of cultures in this community is a testament to the robust democracy embodied by the America we know today.
Beneath the vaulted sky, Dubois embarked on an archaeological expedition at the site of Barkhamsted Lighthouse in 2014, tracing the everyday lives of its residents and piecing together a puzzle of epochs. The artifacts, ranging from ancient spearheads to remnants of old houses, narrate a compelling saga steeped in a legacy that has shaped the identity of many descendants, including Dubois herself.
An unparalleled accomplishment of Dubois was her ability to go beyond merely identifying family ties. She humanized her genealogy, lending depth to her ancestors by breathing life into their stories. By discovering her ancestors’ passions, struggles, and triumphs, Dubois epitomizes a familial connection, an uncanny sense of belonging that transcends the bond of blood, thereby expanding the horizon of genealogical research.
The inspirational narrative of Coni Dubois and her unique brand of genealogical revelations radiates the muse for many enthusiasts looking to uncover their lineage, shedding light on the trials and tribulations of their ancestors’ past. A testament to a lifetime of insatiable curiosity and unwavering dedication, the legacy Coni Dubois imprints on the canvas of genealogy reverberates in the heart and mind of every genealogist.
The fervor of Coni Dubois’s genealogical journey reflects the resilience, dedication, and indomitable spirit that has etched an unforgettable mark in the lineage of countless individuals worldwide. Reverberated through time, the echoes of her revelations bridge the gap between today’s society and the mysteries of yesteryears, carving a path for future genealogists to tread.
Her endeavors, etched with the grit of resilience, unfurl a novel perspective to genealogy, transforming it from mere ancestral identification to a deeply personal rediscovery of heritage. Beneath the intricate structure of surnames, lies, identities, stories, and millennia-old connections waiting to be unveiled. After all, as Coni Dubois puts it, “We are all related in one way or another”.
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
I have a big surprise for everyone…
Click one of these links below to see if you are in my research and a descendant?
I got curious about the extent of my research as a whole and decided to create a book with all the direct descendants of James & Molly Chagum of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village. Every living & deceased person in this bloodline.
It is HUGE! Honestly didn’t believe my software could handle it, BUT it did! 😌
Ended up with 2354 families and a 3,321-page research book! All generations/descendant’s I have added/found on offsprings of Chief James & Molly Chagum of Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village.
I am sharing 2 parts (Index of Names and Index of Places) of this research book for everyone – It is free to view and you will be able to see if you are actually a descendant, this also includes all that was married into the lines and the whole of my work~
Page numbers = pages you are in for my research book on this line. (3,321 pages total) KEEP in mind some of you come into these lines twice… So mentioned in both areas in book on different ancestors. Red & pink dot’s show a true descendant.
Search here to find your name – females are listed as maiden names.
Index of Individuals in the whole file of descendants
Index of Places Descendants have been/at/lived
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
Today I sit at this computer and I think about the holiday’s approaching –
I was raised in Indiana in a small community in the country by a HUGE family –
We all knew each other, it was safe to leave the doors unlocked, neighbors stopped by to see if you need anything in town…
Today I live in Louisiana – along ways away from that small town… I miss those Thanksgiving dinners & Christmas Eve parties, I miss the huge family and many cousins…but most of all I miss the love that was shown by my Elders, the gentle words of wisdom and the loving hand they always extended to me… I would sit with them for hours and listen about stories of Christmas past for them…
These holidays are about family and gathering together to enjoy each other to share in the love.
Remember to spend the extra time this holiday season with your Elder’s – listen to their stories – I take a recorder with me and record all I can of the events – be it voice recording, video or photo’s then I take those moments and add them to each person in the event to my files – many a time I have gone back to those cherished moments to “visit” with those lost~
Narratives of the Fischer, Knight, Clarke and Gilbert families
DOUBLE GENEALOGY: the ADOPTION WITNESS
Samson Occom's trip through England
Proclaim liberty throughout the land
Marldon Village, Life in a Devon Parish
A multi-disciplinary creative, always creating.
This site is dedicated to the ancestors of the Johnson, Booker and Petruff families of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and thier connecting lines of lineage.
My quest of finding my ancestors (& a bit of my life)
Searching for Forgotten Forebears - A Work in Progress
Myths, legends, folklore and tales from around the world
the spaces between
Serving the interests of genealogists since 1967
New Hartford Historical Society
Ever Widening Circle 