It Wasn’t Supposed To Be There

There are always a number of ways to look at some event, especially when we are searching for meanings and reasons why. I intended to write this piece shortly after the event, which was a Saturday evening back in December. In fact, it was around 4:30 the evening of December 3. I can easily determine that date by looking back at a text with someone. I had finished up my Open Studio wreath-making party that day, and was planning to...

Thomas Kennedy

Thomas Kennedy was born about 1821 in Tipperary, Ireland and according to family history, came to the United States prior to twenty-five years old. The Lewis County, West Virginia census of 1850 says he was 29 years old. He died in July 1885. Thomas Kennedy was my maternal great-great grandfather. His daughter was Margaret Jane Kennedy (Carter), whom my mother was likely named after. Margaret Jane bore Mary Effie Carter (Linger), who was my grandmother, who bore my mother, Margaret...

Decatur Distance

Thirteen years ago if someone had told me I would live in Decatur, Alabama I would have not only had to look at a map to see where it was, I would not have believed them. Thirteen years from now, if God gives me the good fortune to see that day, I will probably remember Decatur, Alabama almost like the back of my hand.It can feel emotionally jarring at times, like some time-turned-tornado of my internal world. There are places...

The Carter Family Overview, History and Memorabilia

The following genealogy is adapted from the book The CARTER, ALKIRE, KENNEDY, WILLIAMS and Related Families, by Judge James M. Carter, published 1977. The Family of Jacob Albert Carter and Margaret Jane Kennedy (Carter)1 Jacob Albert Carter, (born September 20, 1850; died December 27, 1893), son of Robert Marshall Carter and Catherine Rebecca Alkire (Carter)2 married Margaret Jane Kennedy (born November 29, 1851; died March 20, 1939), daughter of Thomas Kennedy and Sarah (Sally) Williams. They were married on March...