As I venture forward to understand the Diversity in Me, I have come across a lot of information. The federal and state census is proving interesting. Seeing where relatives lived at various times in their lives is pretty cool. Misspelled names and noticing peoples race changing from time to time is pretty wild. Old newspaper articles on relatives - some good and some no-so good. I was forewarned that there will be surprises that will pop up and to be ready for the good and the bad.

Obituaries have been interesting. The way things were spoken and written in the 1800s and early 1900s would get people fired in today's society. Here is one example concerning the death of my great-grandfather, James Stewart. Article was in the Hutchinson News, Kansas, 14 March 1901. My great-grandfather lived in Stering, Kansas.

He was an "old colored man." He could count 14 pickannies without leaving his own house. I hadn't heard the term "pickannies" in years. I don't believe a lot of people even know what the term refers to. His "race" is superstitious about odd numbers, especially the number 13? Really, and when have you ever hear of someone so getting on their knee and singing Down on the Suawnee River in order to have more kids? I think this was a little journalistic license here.

Anyway, one of many interesting articles to come. Let me know what you think.