Robert Scott Duncanson's connection with LaBoiteaux and Marston Allen family.

 

Isaac Newton LaBoiteaux's house in Mt. Healthy, Ohio as painted by Robert Scott Duncanson in the National Gallery, Washington, DC.

This is a portrait by John Jay Aubrey of Marston Allen, Glendale, Ohio. The portrait hung at the downtown Ohio Mechanics Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio for many years until the new building of the University of Cincinnati was built.

This Robert Scott Duncanson painting has been in the Marston Allen's family for many generations.  The painting was in our posesion until the late 1990's until it was sold.  Marston Allen was on a committee that helped Duncanson travel to Europe to England, Sweden, and elsewhere.

The Enduring Influence of Isaac Newton LaBoiteaux Sr. and Marston Allen on Ohio's Cultural Landscape

The family names LaBoiteaux and Allen hold significant historical importance in the communities of Glendale, Mount Healthy, and College Hill, Ohio. Key figures such as Isaac Newton LaBoiteaux Sr. and Marston Allen played vital roles in shaping these areas during the 19th century, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to impact Ohio's cultural landscape.

Isaac Newton LaBoiteaux Sr. (1828-1894) was an influential figure in the College Hill area, having owned and resided in the Octagonal House, an architectural landmark that is now the site of the Hammond North Condominiums and LaBoiteaux Woods. LaBoiteaux's legacy is preserved by the College Hill Historical Society, which maintains photographs and additional information about his family. Additionally, LaBoiteaux Sr. was a member of the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, linking him to Captain John Laboiteaux, who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Marston Allen was another pivotal individual, contributing significantly to the development of Glendale, Mount Healthy, and College Hill.

Bracebridge, Ontario Ojibway 2024 POW WOW

 The Bracebridge, Ontario 2024 Ojibway and Iroquois Indian POW WOW was well attended. 

The 2024 Ojibway Indian POW WOW: Embracing In-Person Experience and Spiritual Connection During Canada Day in Bracebridge, Ontario

The town of Bracebridge, Ontario, is set to host the highly anticipated 2024 Ojibway Indian POW WOW, an event that brings together communities to celebrate and honor the traditions and heritage of the Ojibway First Nations people during Canada Day on July 1st. This annual gathering, held in the heart of the Muskoka region, highlights the importance of cultural identity and tribal life in contrast to secular living while fostering a deeper understanding and connection through in-person experience and spiritual exploration.

The Ojibway Indian POW WOW, scheduled for Canada Day 2024, aims to foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for indigenous cultures. The event features a variety of traditional dances, music, and craftsmanship, offering visitors the chance to experience the vibrant and diverse cultural practices of the Ojibway people in person. To preserve the sanctity of the experience and encourage genuine connection, video recording of the ceremony is not permitted, emphasizing the value of in-person participation.

This celebration serves as a platform for indigenous artists, performers, and craftspeople to showcase their talents and share their stories with a wider audience. As an integral aspect of tribal life, the powwow stands in contrast to the more secular celebrations that typically take place on Canada Day, highlighting the importance of cultural identity for the Ojibway people. By attending the event in person, visitors can engage with the rich, sensory experience of the performances and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate details and energy that permeate the atmosphere.

In addition to the captivating performances, attendees can explore a variety of vendors showcasing authentic indigenous crafts and artwork. The powwow is an excellent opportunity for visitors to engage directly with artisans and learn more about the stories, techniques, and cultural significance behind their creations. From intricate dreamcatchers to hand-carved wooden sculptures and jewelry, there is no shortage of treasures to admire and appreciate at this event.

As attendees witness the powerful performances and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry on display, they are also invited to delve into the spiritual explanations that underpin the event. By gaining insight into the underlying beliefs, meanings, and symbolism associated with the powwow and its practices, visitors can develop a more profound understanding of the connections between these practices and the spiritual worldview of the Ojibway people.

The town of Bracebridge, located on the traditional territory of the Ojibway Nation, is the ideal setting for the powwow. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Muskoka region, the event is a celebration of the deep connection that the Ojibway people have with the land. As participants and spectators come together to honor and celebrate the traditions of the Ojibway First Nations during Canada Day, the event will undoubtedly strengthen ties between indigenous and non-indigenous communities and leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to attend.

In conclusion, the 2024 Ojibway Indian POW WOW promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved, offering a unique opportunity to embrace both the in-person experience and spiritual connection that underscore this vibrant celebration of indigenous culture.

Museum of Appalachia- Northern Georgia- USA

 My trip to the Museum of Appalachia in northern Georgia was educational and enlightening. The museum adds answers to my questions about how and why individuals and families settled in this area and started their own way of living.

This experience shows a very simple way of live. It also bridges a realization that many old time traditions were developed and saved from generation to the next generation. I am focusing on a musical tradition using the dulcimer.  There is a photograph of a Alberta Brewer playing her musical instrument by a fire where the flames move with the sounds of home made songs. 

The Della McNeil's Friendship Quilt is a fine example of what women did in groups. It was a way to talk life out, raising children, food insecurity, and other daily life issues.  Keep in mind that this is a time period that many families of the previous generations had many children, 10,12,18, or more children. Some of these children moved to different areas to start their own families. The McNeils were such a family. This family moves westward with the Ohio Company during the expansion of the Northwest Territory.

This is a photo in the museum that shows a photo of the internationally known author of Roots, Mr. Alex Haley. I remember this mini series on TV in the 1970's. 

This is a photo of the Tree of Life meaning that was past down orally in the community. Usually it was a single person's home that people would go to to catch up and learn meanings of the Tree of Life.

This is a Tree of Life mural that is inside the museum.

This is a lovely photo of Alberta Brewer. Imagine if you will, family stories that have been passed down, both good and bad stories, and set it to music of her own design.

Author at the entrance of Museum of Appalachia.

America 250

America 250

America 250 is a year long event that is planned for the whole year 2026.  This year long celebration of America's history for the last 250 years will include many vantage points of individual and family history.

Cist family blog is a vantage point of history looking or added vantage points to be included. So this blog post is sharing with the readers to talk with cousins, and other family members to ask the questions that you are afraid to ask in order to possibly add your vantage point to add to America 250.

Recomendations: 

1.  Get a library card.

2.  Talk with family members. Write it down.

3.  Possible donation of historical items to museums.

4.  Make a financial donation to America 250

You matter. You count.  Get involved today. 2026 will be here soon.

Thank you readers for considering your involvement.

Andrew

 

Charles Cist letter to Mary Weiss- Philad. Aug 5, 1797

Mrs. Mary Cist

Fort Allen

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Philad. Aug 5, 1797

My Dear,

     It is with the greatest pleasure that I have received the news of your safe arrival and good state of health; I is with equal satisfaction that I can inform you of the wellfam o the whole family. making proper _____am for many health , which however not worse than common; perhaps my _____ ______ inform you that is better , as she has convented to try Dr._______ ______points wherever he has given Mr. Whitehead great relief an d which has _____ many attention______ ____ better than I expected my _____ customer all come in, and not a little work from fresh ones so that I have obliged to the a pressman. As given  sent all _____ in the price which you know! a great comfort  to me-- hope it will continue so ______behave like a little mother  to the children and Eliza deserves credit talk now for her behavior Harmony _____ in the whole family--------Now

Nothing new remains , my dear , for you, but to make you mind perfectly easy, to enjoy yourself and only mind your recovery; for as much as your presence otherwise contribute to my happenings , I would not wish you to return until you are perfectly re-stored to health___attention?  is making that eager  you return before.

Friendly acquaintances are well ---of worthiness happened to inform you of Mrs. Logley and Mr. Mapes for their love? Weiss ? later study his ? few battle token a whatever love with Mapes and ? the ? I could sect. He says I would be 5 days before I come home, otherwise I would have sent a couple of water me bus(?); but separate? would deliver  then to you, they would have been beaten to ? a the behind the new mountains

He has also Mr. Weiss, Portraits to deliver with other drawings include in a tin box. My best respect + love to Both. Mr. Weiss ? and Thomas with Mr. and Mrs. Bird. Remember me kindly to Mr.+ Mrs. Towel. 

                                                                          I embrace you affectionately and I am 

                                                                                                                     Your forever

                                                                                                                      Charles Cist

p.s.   Jacob and Lewis ? arrived from Nazareth ? talk in I must finish my letter; which I was prevented from doing before by unwanted interruption of business 

                                                                                                                    Yours  C. C.

A great deal of love from many, and all the children.  Example any ? and sending Parky Weiss; love to his dim? brother ???brother  + to you ? brothers

This Charles Cist letter shows an affectionate love between Charles and Mary Weiss. It also gives names of individuals to study further. Also, Jacob Cist was in Nazareth, PA. This is another historical research avenue to pursue. 

I welcome other historians to view this letter to assist in decoding other poorly read words due to difficult hand writing from Charles. Furthermore, what are the drawings in this tin box that he discusses in the letter. It is probably in St. Petersburg, Russia.

LaBoiteaux and Cist Antebellum Photo Album

Issac Newton LaBoiteaux, Sr.

 

Tom Thumb and his wife

?

?

Mrs. Issac N. LaBoiteaux, Sr.

?

Total Solar Eclipse- Piatt Castle, West Liberty, Ohio 04/08/2024

 Piatt Castle, West Liberty, Ohio was a great place to view the Total Solar Eclipse. There were outdoor educational classes about the different celestial events during the last one hundred years, a viewing telescope, special certified glasses to look at the eclipse, and a house tour. I purchased a T-shirt to commemorate the day at the castle.

Below are pictures of the eventful day at Piatt Castle.

There were many aspects that made today memorable. The fact that outdoor education is still taught brings a reminder of how individuals and families interacted with each other. There is a present day awareness of how many individuals and families still interact with each other whether they realize a connection of when people came over from Europe to the early British Colonies to start a new life. 

This photo of early Ohio settlements is shown because of the Piatt's involvement with the development of Ohio with many other families including both free men and slaves.

The Cincinnati Observatory Society was also present at Piatt Castle. A special telescope with filters was available for the view public.