Subject: Results of the Alabama Carden One Day Seminar
Hi All,
The results of the Alabama Carden One Day Seminar on 8/18 in Columbiana,
AL were that all present seemed to have a wonderful time !
The Shelby County Historical Society provided their really excellent
Archives facility for the meeting. Director Bobby Joe Seales and Sandy
Crumpton, his assistant , were at our disposal, helping facilitate the
use of its many records and copy equipment; as well as access and tour
of the Archives' impressive museum. The Archives also provided
'Freebies' packets for each of us at the door.
Rhonda Carden Pickett and her committee did a magnificent job of
organizing the food and other important details, right down to the
beautiful calligraphy that graced the table settings. The yummy snack
trays and other 'goodies' she brought just 'hit the spot' with us all !
Without this cooperative effort our seminar would have been less of a
success. The drawing for the door prize was held and a beautiful SCHS
annual Christmas tree ornament, donated by the Archives, and was won by
Elisa Sanford. Faith Sanford, our youngest attendee and Elisa's grand
daughter, did the presentation honors.
As for our Carden family histories, it was just thrilling to see
everyone and to be able to view their Carden family albums and pix; and
also to hear their Carden family histories and stories ! Some of us
have emailed each other for years, but had never met in person before.
Mrs. Elner Carden Glass, keeper of the Charles Carden, Sr. family Bible,
did us the honor of bringing it for all to see. This historical old
family Bible is over two hundred years old and in very fragile, but in
very much loved & well preserved condition.
Dr. Robert Glenn Carden (St. Clair Co,AL) & his daughter Bethany had a
CD of their Carden family info. ready for each of us, as well as charts
and graphs to hand out. Other participants also had pictures, charts,
graphs, and etc. from their Carden family lines to share. Each one
displayed their materials for all to see. Bill Carden (TN) and Jan
Dunlap (GA/TN) asked that we consider putting together a summary of each
of our Carden family's history, as we know it, for the Shelby County
Historical Society quarterly. One member from each of the four Carden
lines represented volunteered to donate this information soon.
The idea of a Carden male DNA project was brought up and the materials
for finding out more about this new and innovative addition to the
family research 'arsenal' were presented. There were several
testimonials and all agreed that what has been found so far is very
interesting. One or two of the male seminar participants were eager to
become members of the project, which we all hope that they will do in
the near future.
In the final analysis the main point of our discussion was the
possibility of a mutual family line connection for all of us back to the
Robert Carden (1705-1785) of Goochland Co, VA.
After a day spent meeting new friends and Carden family, we agreed that
we had a real need to spend another whole day in some sort of 'round
table' discussions, just presenting our ideas and theories on several
important research topics, including the the possibility of our
connection to Robert Carden of Goochland Co,VA as well !
From all of this apparent interest it seems to me that another
'Carden
Seminar' might be forthcoming... so please 'stay tuned' !
BTW, no one will be intentionally left out, but just in case some don't
get this email, would those of you who do get it please be so kind as to
share a copy with our Carden cousins who were at the seminar, but do not
use the internet at this time?
A picture or two are coming, but I've got to get them off of that
digital camera... <HELP> !!!
Many Blessings and Kind Regards to all.
Until the next time we meet,
Your S.E.L.A. Cousin
[S.E.L.A. = south east lower AL] :)
Martha Smith
Dothan, AL
SEMINAR ATTENDEES (In the order they signed in):
Jerry & Yvonne Willis, Wilsonville, AL
Elner Carden Glass, Jemison, AL
Lynn & Sandra Merrell, Shelby, AL
George & Rhonda (Carden) Pickett , Jemison, AL
ELisa & Faith Sanford, Haleyville, AL
James Lloyd Carden, Calera, AL
Jim A. & Charley Carden, Shelby, AL
Jeff Smitherman, Montevallo, AL
Joe & Rachel Miller, Prattville, AL
Eugene & Lou Carden, Calera, AL
Bruce & Jan (Nickle) Dunlap, Watkinsville, GA
William H. "Bill" (Jr.) & Mildred Carden, Tullahoma, TN
Donna Carden Smitherman, Alabaster, AL
Robert Glenn Carden, Sylacauga, AL
Bethany Carden Alexander, Sylacauga, AL
Martha & Terry Smith, Dothan, AL
p.s. -- To any of you who are interested, I've been in contact with a
couple of Willbanks / Woolbanks family researchers and have included the
info. that one of them (Joann Warmack) sent to me this week on the Will
of Richard Wilbanks, Wilkes Co, NC, 1790. Some of us have thought that
this Richard and his wife Priscilla Hewett could be the parents of the
Phyllis Willbanks / Woolbanks who mar. Robert Carden (1705-1785) of
Goochland Co,VA. I have no real opinion on this, but am just sharing
the info. More research is definitely needed.
Let's Keep Sharing The Truth...
BETTER OLD HISTORY THAN NEW LIES
-----Original Message-----
From: Joann Warmack [mailto:jowarmack@earthlink.net]
Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2007 8:26 PM
To: dixiepeanut(a)comcast.net
Subject: Richard Woolbanks 1790 Wilkes Co NC will
Dear Martha,
The attached 8 page file is more than you asked for -- but includes
Richard Willbank's will . This transcription from Sheffield is
accurate.
Look forward to hearing what you've learned about Phyllis Woolbanks
Cairden. Other Wilbanks' researchers have hypothesized Richard was
born by 1720s -- based on tax records. I haven't done the math or
research on that and can't comment.
Hope this is helpful.
Joann Warmack