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.
L2R: Sites Archeologist Ken Feder & Light House Descendant Robert StarrPhoto credit: Ken Feder L2R: Ken Feder & Ginny AppleL2R: Ginny Apple & Robert Starr – Photo credit: Robert StarrKen Feder Photo credit: Robert StarrDisplay by: Ginny Apple (based off archeological places of site) Photo credit: Robert Starr
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.
Ruth Ann, Edith and Sherry (unknown date)
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.
Fred Webster Family (I got the photo from my grandmother Edith Webster Lash (daughter of Bert), she told me that this was her father’s family on the day of her mother’s funeral (July 1921) it was with other photos of Berts girls with their cousins, Nora’s daughters. Grandma had all the names right except for Almo & Bryon Judson Price, I sent this photo to Onalee Ordiway Potter (Byron’s granddaughter) & she named the people. Also the date on the photo says “OCT 56” this can’t be, since both Mary & Fred Webster died in 1942)
…Some in Michigan are Living…
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.
Photo from The Legend of Barkhamsted Light House, by Lewis Sprauge Mills, (Lewis Sprauge Mill, publisher. Barkhamsted, CT).
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…”
My family are part of that “…SOME IN MICHIGAN ARE LIVING….”
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.
Got an email from Liz Lightfoot I wanted to share:
Via Liz: (Witness Stones Project) On that note, I wanted to mention that all this week Connecticut Public Radio has been doing a series on Connecticut slavery. Today’s final episode of the series, Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery, focuses specifically on how students have responded to doing Il Witness Stones Project. As you will see, Dennis Culliton (WS founder/executive director), Joy Burns (WS director of outreach), and Jumoke McDuffie-Thurmond (poet, my former teaching colleague/WS collaborator) are featured, as are several remarkable students. Hopefully you’ll get a sense of what this experience meant to the students and how deeply they engaged…
The Witness Stones Project is a non-profit educational initiative whose mission is to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities.
In Sept 2023 I was contacted by Historian Paul Hart of Barkhamsted Historical Society about the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village being featured in one of the Witness Stone projects.
Paul Hart was in touch with one of the project leaders and included them in our email correspondence. Shortly after, I received a message from Laura McCarthy Ed.D., the Director of the Academic Success Center. Having recently visited the Lighthouse site, she expressed interest in learning more about the village and its inhabitants. She asked if I would be willing to assist with the project. Without hesitation, I gladly agreed to help in any capacity needed.
“The Witness Stones Project is a critical necessity for our country. The effort is not critical solely because it restores the humanity that was stolen from the enslaved. It is critical because it can change a student’s empathetic orientation to the hard facts of our country’s past. It is critical because we need a truthful telling of America’s history that acknowledges the contributions of all Americans.“
“Our history is not without pain. Neither is our present. Nor will our future be unless we own our history and grow from it together. Our real history is our children’s right. It is their legacy. And it must be their truth. And if we do this right, the ability to discuss, understand, acknowledge, and reconcile our collective history will be our children’s power.”
Pat Wilson Pheanious, JD, MSW Chair of the Board of Directors Witness Stones Project, Inc.
Hey there, we’re all about diversity, equity, and inclusion! It’s super important to us that everyone feels valued and respected, no matter who they are. We’re committed to creating a welcoming environment where all voices are heard and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Let’s celebrate our differences and work together to make our community awesome for everyone!
The Witness Stones Project’s purpose is to uncover, restore, and honor the history and humanity of enslaved individuals.
We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion must be at the center of how we think and act in order to fulfill that mission.
We value the diversity of the students, educators, parents and families, communities, staff and board members, and funders, and we recognize how each stakeholder contributes to the development of the organization in unique, impactful ways.
We seek to create equitable access to our curriculum and program resources, along with opportunities within and in partnership with the organization.
We prioritize creating spaces where all are recognized, honored, and welcomed.
Approved by the Board of Directors, 2022.
On Sept 13th 2023 they accepted us as one of their projects (super exciting) and started with plans to move forward with project.
Laura McCarty emailed me the rundown of activities:
The Witness Stone Project: We will be following the curriculum of The Witness Stones Project to commemorate the life of those who were enslaved in Connecticut. We’ve chosen to commemorate the life of James Chaugham, as he was enslaved in Rhode Island. https://witnessstonesproject.org/ We will produce two pieces to commemorate James Chaugham’s life, a book and a ceremony. The ceremony will be held in April/May and we will host and event to share our learning’s about his life, share our reflections, and lay a Witness Stone.
The students participating in the project: the students who will be going through this project are from a few different Northwestern Connecticut Community College groups—Team Success Scholars, History Association, and Phi Theta Kappa (the honor society for two-year colleges). The majority of students will be from Team Success Scholars. The Team Success Scholars program has to do Community Action Projects, which is affiliated with Oxford Consortium on Human Rights. Two of the students will be going to Oxford University to talk about their work on the Lighthouse Community in March, 2024.
One group of students will be looking at the genealogy of the Lighthouse Community. I am asking this group to interview three descendants on their connection to the Lighthouse Community. I am hoping that you would help us with this!
Troutbeck Symposium: The Troutbeck Symposium is the culmination of local history project-based education. This symposium is held the historic Troutbeck Inn, which was the site of two critical meetings of the NAACP. The symposium will be held April 28-30th. Here is a website that hosts the work that has been done to this point: https://coloringourpast.org/
We are kicking off our year tomorrow with a tour of the Lighthouse Community. The WitnessStones Project will share a lecture on the History of Slavery in Connecticut on Sept. 28th, and then the students will be broken into their workgroups to make the plans. They will present their workplans on October 13th at Quinnipiac University. This presentation is part of the Oxford Consortium on Human Rights work.
Thanks! Laura
Email via Laura McCarthy: The students and I toured the Lighthouse Community yesterday to give them a sense of this project. On September 28th from 12:30-1:45pm, we are having Liz Lightfoot from The WitnessStones Project give a lecture on the History of Slavery in Connecticut. This will be in Founders Hall Auditorium and is open to the public. You are welcome to join. This initial work is laying the foundation for the students to conceptualize the life and times of James Chaugham.
Thank you for your assistance! Laura
I was overjoyed to discover that the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village archaeologist and author Kenneth (Ken) Feder was also participating in the project.
Ken is also the founder and director of the Farmington River Archaeological Project which studies the prehistory of the region in northwest Connecticut and author of books on that of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village.
I donated my research & genealogy book I have been working on – of the Lighthouse People. Sent them several files to help the students.
It was at this time, that I was also introduced via email to Liz Lightfoot (Director of Operations – Witness Stones Project), Dennis Culliton (Witness Stones Project), Jessie DePonteand team.
On Oct 23rd 2023 I received an update via email from Laura McCarty
Hi Everyone!
Thank you all for your support with the Lighthouse Project. I feel like we are officially launched. Our students have a firm understanding of the project and its parameters. On October 13th, they presented the project at the Oxford Consortium on Human Rights. It was a real delight to see them be able to communicate the project and its importance to faculty from Oxford University, Quinnipiac University, Bridgewater State University, and Sonoma State University.
We have broken the students into teams—Genealogy, Narrative Writing, and Social Media. We will begin meeting with these teams to launch their individual work in the next two weeks. The students’ goal is to produce a documentary film, with assistance from Ben Willis. Ben is funded through the Troutbeck Symposium and is free to us! We have begun a repository for film documenting our work…. We have aspirations for a social media presents and a book. Of course, all of this will conclude in May with a placing of a WitnessStone in James Chaughum’s memory.
The leads for these projects are: Genealogy—Jessie DePonte, Narrative Writing—Todd Bryda and Laura McCarthy, and Social Media/Event—Maggie Sullivan. We will be reaching out to Liz and Coni for research support with the students’ work. Coni, thank you for your years of dedication to documentation and researching your family. These connections and documents are impressive!Thanks to all your work, I easily located another descendant, who is a former student of mine, Jess Tessman!I worked closely with Jess when she was a student here and having her involved makes this project so much more significant to me personally.
I will be attending a presentation by Kenny Feder on Sunday at the American Indian Studies Institute in Washington, CT. Mr. Feder did the monumental archeological work of uncovering the remains of the Lighthouse Community.
Thanks!Laura
Email from Liz Lightfoot 0n Oct 26, 2023:
Hi again, Coni. I just wanted to say again how terrific it was to speak with you, how grateful we are for your remarkable research and your generosity in sharing it, and how much I admire you for devoting so many years (and so much love) to this important work. What an extraordinary job you do – it’s truly inspiring and vitally important!
All best, Liz
Sometime in November 2023 Ken Feder and I had a video conference with the students.
Feb 2024 I receive an email from Liz Lightfoot:
Coni, your research was beyond helpful! What a phenomenal job you have done, and clearly it’s been a labor of love. I’m so excited to see what the students come up with.
Thank you all for helping me learn about this fascinating man and his family. It’s a story everyone should know.
All best,Liz
Upcoming: I will be Zooming with students this week to answer questions they have prepared for me~
“I feel incredibly privileged to have been a part of this incredible project and its team. Collaborating with the entire team has been an amazing experience and I am eagerly anticipating the final results from the project’s students.“
My final thoughts,
It is crucial to share the entire story, holding nothing back. By allowing others to follow the Barkhamsted Lighthouse narrative, we can present a fresh perspective to younger generations. Witnessing their unique viewpoint on this piece of history will undoubtedly be intriguing. Let’s not shy away from the truth and embrace the opportunity to educate and inspire the future.“ Coni Dubois
We’re currently in the process of finalizing the times and dates for the placement of the Witness Stone at Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village. As soon as they are confirmed, we will make sure to keep everyone informed.
Thank you for your patience.
Books by Ken Feder via Wikipedia
Feder, Kenneth (1998). Lessons From the Past: An Introductory Reader in Archaeology. McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages. ISBN978-0-7674-0453-2.
Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – Michael Alan Park (1989). Human Antiquity: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology. Mayfield Publishing. ISBN978-0-87484-828-1.
Feder, Kenneth (1993). A Village of Outcasts: Historical Archaeology and Documentary Research at the Lighthouse Site. Mayfield Publishing. ISBN978-1-55934-255-1. Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – David A. Poirier (2001). Dangerous Places: Health, Safety, and Archaeology. Bergin & Garvey. ISBN978-0-89789-801-0.
Feder, Kenneth; Coauthor – Thomas R. Hester; Coauthor – Harry J. Shafer (2009). Field Methods in Archaeology, 7th Edition. Mayfield Publishing. ISBN978-1-59874-428-6.
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”.
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.
Ever Widening Circle 