Horn Family Heritage

See my Horn/Wharton Ancestry set on Flickr.


Extended Horn Family about 1951.

My sister Ellene's notes:

"Horn Family about 1951
Back - Ellene, Roy, John, Grandpa Frank [I think he is holding Ted], Ed, Ruby's mom [I think it might be Nellie Horn Beeler or Pauline's mom], Pauline.
Front - Pat, Rose, Granny Horn, Ruby, Great Grampa, Nedra, Johnny.
Very front - Ken & Cleo."

Mrs. Link’s Pet Catamounts

Researching my Pennsylvania heritage, I came across this fascinating item. A catamount is a mountain lion. —KH

The New York Times, October 20, 1897

Valued Possessions of a Pennsylvania Woman Who is a Great Hunter.

Reading, Penn., October 19 – The sight of a woman dressed in pretty hunting costume, gun on shoulder, and two wildcats by her side, greeted a party of chestnut hunters on Neversink Mountain, near this city, yesterday morning.

The female Nimrod was Mrs. Helen Link, daughter of Charles Long, the trucker on White House Road, whose little farm produces each year a large amount of the finest truck raised in this section, although it is situated on this side of one of the stoniest hills in this neighborhood.

Mrs. Link derives great enjoyment from the hunt, and has been accustomed for some years to invade, unattended, the wildest haunts on the mountains in this section, in quest of game.

About a year ago, while on one of these trips near Joanna Heights, Berks County, she stopped to rest and inclined her gun against an old oak tree. Noticing a whole in the side of the trunk, she placed her hand into it, and was startled to have it slightly nipped.

Nothing daunted, she continued the investigation, and was rewarded by bringing from the hallow tree two tiny catamounts. She got them home without coming across the parent felines, fed, fondled, and cared for them in every way, and to-day, nearly full grown, they follow Mrs. Link and love her like a faithful dog would.

Her pets are male and female, the former named Josie, the latter Nancy. They are very tame and get along nicely with half a dozen dogs and a number of domestic cats, also pets of the household. Josie and Nancy frequently make trips over the mountains alone, and always return before nightfall. They respond when Mrs. Link calls them and are more than pleased when, one at a time, they are permitted to nestle in her lap.

© copyright 2004-2013 Jane Unger for the Berks County PAGenWeb Project unless explicitly otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
Unless indicated otherwise in a particular page carrying this copyright notice, permission to use, copy, and distribute documents and related graphics delivered from this World Wide Web server (http://berks.pa-roots.com/) for non-commercial use is hereby granted, provided that the above copyright notice appears in all copies and that both that copyright notice and this permission notice appear. All other rights reserved. Jane Unger disclaims all warranties with regard to this information. The information described herein is provided as is without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.

Pintail

Facebook Posters: What I Dislike About Them

Yes, I enjoy the connectedness that Facebook provides. But there are a few things that get my goat. The two that follow have to do with those picture posters — photos with sayings — that circulate in abundance.

1. The Eternal Typo

Typos and grammatical errors in those picture posters can be shared ad infinitum and thus go on forever. I understand typos are inevitable in status updates and comments posted. Most people don’t proof such things (editors usually do, but, alas, editors make mistakes too). But people attach clever sayings or heartfelt statements to photos (which are sometimes theirs and sometimes pirated from the Internet — but that’s another issue) and save them to their FB picture albums to be seen by all their friends and friends of friends.

Thus, I’ve seen an abundance of apostrophes where none belongs — the plural of mom as “mom’s,” for example, and so forth. Or outright misspellings shared over and over and over again. Drives me crazy.

2. Intimidation

But what’s worse is the intimidation of some of these custom posters. This is the Facebook equivalent of the chain email, wherein you are cursed if you fail to forward it. Now, if you don’t share the FB pic you’re in big trouble. Simply by letting your eyes fall across the words on your FB homepage you suddenly are under obligation.

I’m sorry, I don’t buy it. Here’s one that’s in especially poor taste that many have shared (please don’t):

“Do you love Jesus?

If yes click ‘share’

If not keep on scrolling.”

So the fact that I don’t stop and disseminate this verbal intimidation means I don’t love Jesus? I’m sorry. You’ve given me two choices, neither of which I like. I choose option 3: I will keep on scrolling AND love Jesus. (And maybe unfriend you.)

This is bad taste, bad logic, and bad theology. And it leaves a bad taste in my mouth for Facebook. Don’t threaten people with something as precious and sacred as one’s love for Jesus.

Some of these even phony up statistics: “97% of you will not share this.” And then some bogus assertion about you being special if you’re in the 3%. Sorry, it’s not a scientific poll!

Unfinished Landmarks Worth A Visit

It's one of five "Unfinished Landmarks Worth A Visit" according to gadling.com. When I saw the title I knew the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, would be on the list. It was at the top of Gadling's list:

Barcelona, Spain: La Sagrada Familia Still under construction after more than a century, The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, which translates to Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family (see image above), is one of the most visited monuments in the country, with nearly 3 million visitors each year. Scheduled for completion sometime between 2026 and 2028 (as a best guess, anyway), the tower and cathedral was visited by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

Peggy and I visited in 2007. Evidence that it was unfinished was quite obvious:

Saint Patrick's Day

Saluting my Irish heritage on St. Patrick's Day. Have 50% Irish heritage but ironically Ireland is not one of the 70+ countries I've been to. Two sets of great-great-grandparents emigrated from Ireland in the 1800s. William and Mary Ann Wharton from County Kerry and Thomas and Rose Mylon from Northern Ireland. The Mylons came to San Francisco and generations stayed there. My grandmother went through the SF Earthquake and Fire as a child, and I was born and raised in the SF Bay Area. ... To Ireland some day.

February 21, 1969, from my mother to my sister Pat:

"Praise the Lord! I'm healed, my ulcer is completely healed …. No sign of ulcer, so no operation.… The report says healed in two places. Daddy is carrying [the report] around for a testimony.… God is good, we both know that from recent experience, don't we."

I've been reading some of the letters my mother sent to my sister who passed away last year, and I came across this unexpected gem. Mother had a terrible time with ulcers, until this! I had forgotten it. Makes me wonder how many of the amazing things I've seen God do have been forgotten. Thanks, Lord, for the reminder.

As I was typing this I felt that someone who will read it needs to hear it. If that is you, don't give up. Lord, I pray that your hope and healing will flow.

In Tiberias Over the Sea of Galilee

Ancestor Slain in King Philip's War

King Philip's War (1675-76) was a reaction by Native Americans to incursions of the Puritans. Charles Hudson, in A History of Marlborough, wrote:

"The horrors and devastation of Philip's war have no parallel in our history.  The Revolution was a struggle for freedom; the contest with Philip was for existence.  The war lasted only about fourteen months; and yet the towns of Brookfield, Lancaster, Marlborough, Medfield, Sudbury, Groton, Deerfield, Hatfield, Hadley, Northfield, Sprigfield, Weymouth, Chelmsford, Andover, Scituate, Bridgewater, Playmouth, and several other places were wholly or partially destroyed, and many of the inhabitants were massacred or carried into captivity.  During this short period, six hundred of our brave men, the flower and strength of the Colony, had fallen, and six hundred dwelling houses were consumed.  Every eleventh family was houseless, and every eleventh soldier had sunk to his grave."

My own eighth-great-grandfather, and my only traceable Native American blood so far in my family tree, Chief Gasesett of the Narragansett tribe, died in battle at the hands of the Mohegans (the tribe immortalized by James Fenimore Cooper's novels, especially, The Last of the Mohicans).

The sachem's daughter, Elizabeth Minnetinka Gasesett, married John Corey, Sr. in 1679. The Corey line descended from here directly to my mother, Rose Adelaide Corey. John was the oldest of the 10 children of William and Mary Earle Corey. John and Elizabeth lived their entire lives in Rhode Island.

This public domain picture shows the capture of Brookfield, Massachusetts, in the war.

Former Attorney General John Ashcroft at the Piano

Attended a worship seminar with former Attorney General John Ashcroft at Evangel University in Springfield on Feb. 12.

Ever felt like you were behind this?

Photo of the Day: Petra

One of my shots from the ancient city of Petra, in Jordan.

#3: Tree-Climbing Goats of Morocco

#3 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. In Morocco (this is outside of Agadir) goats climb argan trees, a main source of income for locals. The argan trees are hardy and grow where little else will, becoming the only food available for goat herds. The argan berries can't be reached from the ground so the goats have adapted, learning to climb and easily balance on thin limbs in order to reach the fruit. A post-digestion gathering process eventually leads to argan oil which is sold for health and beauty. Amazing to see.

#9: Tower of Belém

#9 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. The Torre de Belém was erected in 1515 to guard Lisbon Harbor.

#10: Sarah Palin, Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shop

#10 of my most viewed photos on Flickr.

#11: Norwegian Gem in Las Palmas, Grand Canaria

#11 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Norwegian Gem in Las Palmas, Grand Canaria, Canary Islands.

#14: Fortress of Hissar

#14 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Fortress of Hissar (or Hisor, Gissar), Tajikistan. Ancient fort complex near modern Hissar with uncertain history.

#16: Nomads With Camels, Burkina Faso

#16 of my most viewed photos on Flickr.

#21: Evangelical Theological Seminary in Kiev, Ukraine

#21 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Evangelical Theological Seminary in Kiev, Ukraine.

#22: Doris

In the garden at Marian’s Guesthouse, Dushanbe, Tajikistan. #22 of my most viewed photos on Flickr.

#25: Jordanian Woman in Niqab

Amman, Jordan. #25 of my most viewed photos on Flickr.

#28: King in Our Garden

#28 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Our neighbor cat King peers in at our cat.

#32: St. John's Church, Indianapolis, Indiana

#32 of my most viewed photos on Flickr.

#36: Elk Statue, Phoenix

#36 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. This gorgeous statue stands in front of Cabela's in Phoenix, Arizona.

#38: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Indianapolis, Indiana

#38 of my most viewed photos on Flickr.

#39: Valentine's Cat

#39 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Valentine's Day is coming.

Fame on LinkedIn

I have arrived. I received this in an email: "You have one of the top 10% most viewed LinkedIn profiles for 2012." Wow! Coupled with their statement that "LinkedIn now has 200 million members," that means I am in the top 20 million! Be still my beating heart.

#43: Mars Hill, Athens

#43 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. This is Mars Hill, or the Areopagus, where the apostle Paul preached the sermon on the unknown God in the book of Acts:

"Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, “For we are also His offspring.’ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.'" Acts 17:22-31, NKJV

#44: Sarah Palin

#44 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Sarah Palin Rally at Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, Missouri, October 24, 2008.

Kirby VanBurch Signs for Theater on Branson Strip

Peggy w/ Kirby VanBurch & Bambi VanBurch

(Branson MO ~ Tuesday, February 5, 2013) Kirby VanBurch, internationally renowned entertainer and illusionist, announced today that he has signed for permanent residency at a theater on Branson’s world famous West 76 Highway, fondly known as “the strip”. Kirby VanBurch has played at multiple different theaters throughout his 20 plus year career in Branson.  Kirby says, “I’ve long joked about being one of the only entertainers in Branson actually touring Branson; so to be able to say that I’ve found my permanent home is really exciting; especially as me and the cats are ready to settle down.”  Kirby’s new home at 1835 W 76 Country Boulevard will be renamed the Kirby VanBurch Theatre.

Peggy with Bambi VanBurch and Captain the Kangaroo
“This theater is perfect for my show.  I like to have an intimate setting with my audiences so I can interact with them.” VanBurch adds, “This Theater has the space to allow me to do up close and personal magic and at the same time pull off some big illusions.”  The new Kirby VanBurch Theatre (formerly known as Music City Centre) will also be home to Kirby’s famous Big Cats as well as his other furry (and not so furry) friends. “We’re in the process of doing some remodeling on the stage and should be able to open for shows on March 15 at 8:00pm,” says Kirby. “Along with the remodel we’re adapting the illusions to the new stage.  Luckily, we’re quite familiar with the theater as Bambi was signed to do her own show there for three months in 2009 and we created special illusions for her for that run.  Of course she’ll be featured in my show again this year.”

Bambi at her premiere at Music City in 2009, which we attended
Tickets are on sale now for the 2013 season and may be purchased by calling the theater at 417-544-9075.  For more information about Kirby VanBurch, his show, and the theater go to KirbyVanBurch.com

About Kirby VanBurch: Kirby VanBurch, called the “Prince of Magic” by the Princess of Thailand, voted World’s Best Illusionist by the World Magic Awards, named Entertainer of the Year and Magician of the Year (multiple times) by the International Magicians Society has been called one of “America’s Best Magic Shows” by the Travel Channel. His show in Branson has been a top selling show for over 20 years and features exotic animals including Royal white tigers, mind-reading, assistants cut in half, up close and personal sleight of hand, and much more.  Also starring in the Kirby VanBurch Show is Bambi VanBurch, the Princess of Magic and the most awarded female magician of the decade. To learn more about Kirby’s show go to KirbyVanBurch.com.
  

Eagles and Babies

Yesterday in Missouri a farmer found a wounded bald eagle on his property. The eagle had been shot and later died from its wounds despite efforts by wildlife officials. They are now searching for the culprit who could receive up to a $250,000 fine and two years in prison. While I am a nature lover and this absolutely appalled me when I heard it early this morning, I found I couldn’t help but think about a tragic irony. There are multitudes of people who feel the same way I do about the unlawful death of that protected bald eagle, but celebrate those who perform abortions—or keep them legal. They “nobly” call it pro-choice. I call it spiritual insanity. God calls it sin.

#47: Western Tanager, Breeding Male

#47 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. The gorgeous Piranga ludoviciana, shot in Portland, Oregon, on the Columbia River.

Remembering James Blackwood

Yesterday marked 11 years since we lost, and the heavenly choir gained, Mr. Gospel Music, James Blackwood Sr. I was privileged to know him the last few years of his life. James Jr., Jimmy, has been a friend since he first sang for the church I pastored in Davis, California, in the 1980s. Pictured: a vintage Blackwood Brothers Quartet album and a shot I took of father and son in Tennessee. Also provided, links to a tribute I wrote when James passed, and a longer cover feature written during his lifetime. The Blackwoods: A gospel music tradition James Blackwood: End of an era?

It's Time to Go Niners!

They made it close.

It's Groundhog Day

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow at Gobbler's Knob, PA, this morning. Why that means we will have an early spring in Missouri, I know not. The groundhog in this photo would know better. He lives along a nearby trail we walk. Didn't see him today, but he would have seen his shadow, which means more winter for Springfield. (Doesn't it seem it should be the other way around?)

#48: Sundown, Drummond Lake

#48 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Sundown on Drummond Lake in Springfield, Missouri.

Dr. William “Billy” Wilson Elected as Fourth President of Oral Roberts University

TULSA, Okla. -- Board Chair Mart Green and the Oral Roberts University Board of Trustees announced today the election of Dr. William “Billy” Wilson as the fourth president of the Christian educational institution. Wilson, 54, will begin at the university July 1 of this year. "The presidential search committee, Board of Trustees and I are confident we have found the best candidate to lead ORU to a bright and successful future while remaining true to its founding vision and core values,” said Green. “Chancellor Oral Roberts founded this university on big-thinking and innovation. In this day and age where technology and culture are constantly shifting, Dr. Wilson’s global vision, experience and relationships will be a catalyst for growth and transformation.” Wilson is recognized as a global influencer with unwavering ethics and strong business acumen, who has a passion for building Spirit-empowered leaders to impact the world. He currently serves as Executive Director of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal in Cleveland, Tenn. He has forged national ecumenical coalitions with more than 250 denominations and parachurch ministries through the Awakening America Alliance. Wilson has also fostered unique global partnerships through Empowered 21—an initiative launched at ORU that brings together ministry leaders, scholars and next generation voices from the Spirit-empowered movement. Empowered 21 has expanded exponentially and today influences nations through 12 regional cabinets with significant ministry leaders. He served as the executive officer for the Azusa Street Centennial held in Los Angeles, Calif. in 2006, which drew more than 50,000 people from 112 nations. “I am honored and humbled to have been elected to lead ORU at this exciting time in its history,” said Wilson. “I am committed to increasing global access to our excellent, whole-person education that has prepared over 38,000 alumni to be world-changers in business, medicine, arts, ministry and beyond. “ORU is poised to globally engage students to hear God’s voice, excel in academics and go impact their world. We will continue to ‘make no little plans here,’” said Wilson. A native of Owensboro, Ky., Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky University in Secondary Education. He also holds a Master of Arts degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. For more information on Wilson, go to http://www.oru.edu/drbillywilson He was selected as the result of a nine-month search process led by the ORU Presidential Search Committee made up of representatives from the ORU Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni and students. The Board utilized the expertise of CarterBaldwin Executive Search. More than 170 presidential prospects were nominated for consideration.

#49: Rearing Horse & Cart

#49 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Rearing Horse & Cart in Pakistan.

Nik Wallenda Defies Death Again

"Nik Wallenda once again had the world holding its breath as he attempted a death defying tightrope walk nearly 200 feet above U.S. 41 in Sarasota Tuesday." — WWSB He fought nearly 30 mph winds to make the walk shown here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_rtlchIm8E&sns=em I interviewed Nik last year right after his world record walk across Niagara Falls. Here's that video:

And the link: http://agtv.ag.org/pe_connections_wallenda

#51: Athens Street Life: John and Kitten

#51 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. I met John in Athens. He said he was homeless and cared for several cats who roamed among the monuments.

The Hall of Fame and "The Christian Gentleman"

On this date in 1936, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York elected its first members: Ty Cobb, George Herman Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. Mathewson had a strong Christian testimony reflected in his nickname. Johnson was the Big Train, Cobb the Georgia Peach, Ruth the Babe. Mathewson, one of the most dominant pitchers in any era, was known as "The Christian Gentleman." He was one of the earliest superstars to openly and effectively proclaim Christ. "In a time when baseball was known for hard-living, hard-drinking baseball players, there was Christy Mathewson to prove that there was another way for athletes to live. He was the role model after whom every parent wanted their children to shape their lives." (www.christymathewson.com)

#52: Sunset/Sunrise

#52 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Sunset/Sunrise: both are the same on this tributary of the Yukon River in Alaska.

Iran’s “Hanging Judge” Sentences Iranian-American Pastor to 8 Years in Prison

[Press release] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 28, 2013| By USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "The trial and conviction of Pastor Abedini represent an outrageous miscarriage of justice and yet one more damning piece of evidence pointing to the rampant denial of religious freedom and the absence of any semblance of rule of law in Iran, " said Katrina Lantos Swett, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Iran’s “hanging judge” Judge Pir-Abassi on Sunday, January 27, sentenced Iranian-born American pastor Saeed Abedini to eight years in prison for “threatening the national security of Iran” because of his activity starting in 2000 in the Christian house church movement. Pastor Abedini has been in Iran since July to establish an orphanage. “The charges against Pastor Abedini were contrived, the process was irregular and deeply flawed, and the conviction flies in the face of both Iranian and international law,” said Lantos Swett. “Judge Pir-Abassi has been responsible for particularly severe violations of religious freedom. We call on the Iranian government to immediately release Pastor Abedini. In addition, we call on the U.S. and the international community to raise Pastor Abedini’s case in all international fora, including the U.N. Human Rights Council. We reiterate our call for the U.S. government to freeze the assets and deny entry into the U.S. of Judge Pir-Abassi, and other Iranian judges and government officials who have committed violations of religious freedom and related human rights, including the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, who would have had to approve the Pastor’s harsh sentence.” Pastor Abedini was convicted and sentenced four months after he was arrested in September. “Unfortunately, Pastor Abedini’s case exemplifies the Iranian government’s across the board assault on freedom of religion or belief,” said Lantos Swett. “Iran has intensified its persecution of Christians, including lawyers of these victims, such as Mohammed Ali Dadkhah, a prominent human rights defender who was sentenced to 10 years and who most recently defended Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and some Baha'i prisoners. The Iranian government also has intensified its attacks against Baha'is, with an increased number of arrests and detentions, including young mothers and their small children." The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended that Iran be designated a “country of particular concern” or CPC for its systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom. The State Department has designated Iran as a CPC since 1999.

#60: Sentry

#60 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. In Muzaffarabad, a Pakistani guard watches over the rubble of the Neelum Hotel, once a 12-story building, reduced to a pile of rubble. Several people lost their lives here. Though all the bodies had been recovered, the stench of rotting flesh lingered, emitting from human limbs left behind in the debris. I will never forget the smell. I shot this during my trip to cover the devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Pakistan in 2005. Muzaffarabad is in Kashmir state.

#61: Sagrada Familia, the Passion Façade

#61 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Gaudi's masterwork in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, never finished, eternally in a state of construction. As it was in November 2007.

Quest for Six, Super Bowl XLVII

Go Niners!

#62: Ruined Village in Afghanistan

#62 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. In this 2008 shot, an Afghan villager stands in front of the ruins of his home, bombed by the Taliban. A neighbor boy jumped into the picture.

#64: My Favorite Barn

#64 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. My favorite barn, which is now history. I passed it hundreds of times on walks and runs since I moved to Springfield. A few autumns back it was damaged by a storm, then, suddenly, it was gone. I took this several years ago.

#65: Couldn't Get Better

#65 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Fishing bliss, on a tributary of the Yukon River, Alaska.

#69: A Slice of Afghan Life

#69 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. A slice of life in Kabul, Afghanistan, from my 2008 trip.

#70: Northern Cardinal

#70 of my most viewed photos on Flickr. Cardinalis cardinalis in Springfield, Missouri.

#71: Cottontail

#71 of my most viewed photos on Flickr.