Explore Your Roots: Recent Episodes
Kurt Crandall
Hey! Here at Explore Your Roots we aim to tell stories about our ancestors and family members in order to inspire others to learn more about their own family!
What begins with a horse-drawn buggy and a clever change of plans becomes a century-long legacy of love. In this episode, we explore the 1924 courtship and marriage of Paul L. Crandall and Barbara Allen, two young sweethearts whose story unfolds along the dusty roads of early Arizona and leaves a lasting mark on their family tree.
Check out the article here to read along or see the accompanying pictures!
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Join us as we celebrate the upcoming birthday of Arizona's statehood with a recap and investigation of James Andrew Woods and his political service in the state of Arizona!
Check out the article for more pictures!
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Have you ever heard about the Territorial Cup, the winners trophy that is battled for every year in football between Arizona State University and the University of Arizona? Well, recent studies have found that this trophy is indeed the oldest such intercollegiate rivalry trophy in the United States! Moreover, it was lost for a time and was only recently discovered! Join us in this short episode where we dive into the inception of the territorial cup, the rivalry that ensued, and even how one of my own ancestors was there in the beginning!
Check out the article for more pictures!
Check out the picture of Frederick Irish's Chemistry Class!
Check out the YouTube video to see the tour!
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Tune in to this episode where we talk about Royal Grant Woods' service station, "Club", and a Coke Machine in rural Arizona! We also talk about how we recently had the Vendo H81B Coke Machine model from the 1950's restored as well as a tour of how it works!
Check out the article for more pictures!
Check out the YouTube video to see the tour!
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On this episode, we take a look at the history of smallpox, the devastation it ravaged on communities, as well as the inoculation of smallpox. We also examine how smallpox inoculation shaped the character of the American Revolution, specifically looking at the situation through the lens of a paternal ancestor of mine named Francis Guiteau. Tune in to learn more about it all!
Additional Resources:
- Dr. Francis Guiteau in the National Cyclopedia of American Biography
- Information and History of Smallpox
- Meeting of Lanesborough, MA where Francis is charged with inoculation
- A Challenge to the Cause: Smallpox Inoculation in the Era of American Independence, 1764 to 1781
- How smallpox devastated the Aztecs
- George Washington and the First Mass Military Inoculation
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Have you ever heard of atherosclerosis??
In this episode, we sit down with a doctor and talk about the condition #atherosclerosis. We talk about what it is, how it is developed, what we can do about it, and how it can be related to genealogy! We also discuss a recently published article looking at this condition in mummies!
For the video version, check out our YouTube or Facebook page! Or if you'd rather the written version, check out the article we posted on our website!
To read along and see amazing pictures:
https://www.exploreyourroots.org/post/the-health-of-our-ancestors-and-our-own-atherosclerosis
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Join us today for this quick episode where we briefly dive into things we can learn about our ancestors through their pets! I also share a story about two of my great-grandmothers and the pets that they had, including a horse and a cat. Let us know what kind of pets your ancestors had! Check out the article post and see pictures for this episode!
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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In today's episode, we talk about the graduation celebrations of my 2nd great-grandfather Alma Morgan Davis in 1901. During that time there was a small pox epidemic and celebrations had to be cancelled and altered. Tune in to hear the details and see the striking similarities between his time over 100 years ago and our time today! Read along and check out the pictures in the article version of this episode on our website!
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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In today's episode, I along with my guest host Dennis Crandall, my dad, go over the academic career of my grandfather Wilford Crandall. My dad tells us a few fun and engaging stories about Wil in his school days. Check out our website article to follow along with pictures!
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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My great grandfather John Francisco Johnson was a Swede, born in Brazil, who immigrated to the United States and fought in World War One. In this episode, we go over the details of his service and experience abroad. For pictures and graphics to go along with this episode, check out the article on our website!
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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The Packer Portraits are fascinating heirlooms that have hung in the Groombridge Estate for over 300 years! They are undoubtedly are of the member of the Packer family that lived there, but just which ones? In this episode we go through the evidence and propose a compelling case for just who is featured in the contested portrait. To learn more, check out the article for this episode!
Additional Resources:
- Sotheby Catalog Information
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Do you know your Irish heritage or history? Tune in for a snippet of information to get you in the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day! Also, check out the article on our website where we dive more into this subject!
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 016 - Who was James Tickner Woods and how did he live his life? How do we remember people today? We can remember James as a baker, a genealogist, and a selfless kind human being; he even has been referred to as natures gentleman, but what more is there to his story? Tune in today to learn more about his life and legacy! Check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and more fun graphics!
James Tickner Woods FamilySearch ID: KV5M-1YB
Additional Resources:
- Windermere Voyage manifest mentioning James
- Claire Westlake’s genealogy website; James Tickner Woods highlight
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 015 - Who exactly is Emelia? How did a Swede end up immigrating to Brazil in the early 1900s and what was her time like there? Tune in to this episode to learn about her life and the legacy she leaves! Check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and more fun graphics!
Emelia Wilhelmina Orling Family Search ID: LQ5T-3YJ
Additional Resources:
- Coffee production in Brazil, History
- Emigration from the Nordic countries to Brazil 1880–1914
- Swedish Emigration History
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 014 - Who is Peter Jorgen Christian Jacobson? Maybe you've heard him referred to as PJ? Or maybe neither! Either way, tune in to learn about this Danish immigrant and how he transformed a desert valley into a thriving center of commerce! Check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and fun graphics!
Peter Jorgen Christian Frederichsen Jacobson FamilySearch ID: KWJZ-H9D
Additional Resources:
- Information about Danish religious practices and freedoms
- Claire Westlake’s genealogy website; PJ highlight
- Franklin Ship Immigration record
- “Peter Jorgen Christian Jacobson, pioneer extraordinaire” – Eastern Arizona Courier article
- Photograph of PJ Jacobson Store (1890) – Arizona Memory Project
- Community Walk; Peter Jorgen Jacobson Store (Marker 11)
- Community Walk; Jacobson Saw Mill (Marker 18)
- “Early Danish Pioneers: Southern Arizona Territorial Days” – Book by Avis Evelyn Knudsen Jorgenson (pg 73 – 78)
- My article on the Jacobson Cheese Knife
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 013 - Who is George Harrison? No, not the Beatle's guitarist, but another George Harrison! Tune in to learn more about his life, and the interesting historical documents mentioning him. Check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and more fun content!
George Harrison FamilySearch ID: MQ6K-W3H
Additional Resources:
- England Non-conformist Records Research
- Map of London (1862)
- Topographical Dictionary of London (Galley Quey p 199)
- My article on Working on the Queys
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Welcome to Explore Your Roots! Our platform is to share genealogical stories in meaningful, impactful and fun ways! Tune in to learn tips, cool accounts, and interesting investigations!
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
Explore Your Roots Social Media
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Who is? Series Ep. 011 - Who is Christina Catarina Olsson Wahlstrom, and what can we tell about her life through the small amount of information and records that exist? You may be surprised! Tune in today to learn more about her life and also about much of the mystery that still surrounds who she was. Check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and interesting graphics!
Christina Catarina Olsson Wahlstrom FamilySearch ID: KNBT-KL7
Additional Resources:
- Swedish Surname Article
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 010 - Who is Francis Guiteau? There is much legend and and mystery surrounding this man, but in this episode we dive into the facts to give you a complete picture of his life. In doing so, we even discover an infamous connection, and clarify the biggest family legend surrounding him. Tune in to learn more! Also check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and more interesting graphics!
Francis Guiteau FamilySearch ID: LHBP-RXV
Additional Resources:
- Guiteau Family Individuals notes
- The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography Vol 12; Dr. Guiteau Biography (pg 595)
- Report of the Proceedings in the Case of the United States Vs. Charles J. Guiteau; Genealogy told (p454)
- French and Indian War Record (1) 1756
- French and Indian War Record (2) 1756
- History of the town of Cheshire, Berkshire County, Mass. (pg 39, 89)
- History of town of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, 1741-1905 (pg 25, 82)
- Dr. Guiteau Small Pox Inoculation
- Massachusetts Selectmen Information
- Colonial Assessors Information
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 009 - Who is Hans and what can we learn from his life? What more to him is there than his amazing beard? Tune in to this episode to learn more not only about his immigration and transition to American life, but also about who is was and what his life stood for. Check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and fun graphics!
Hans Peder Michael Ipsen FamilySearch ID: KWCV-N3Y
Additional Resources:
- Hans Obituary in the Salt Lake Telegram Newspaper
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 008 - Tune in to learn more about John Weaver and who he was based on the little information we have! Learn more about what he stood for and what we can learn from his life. Check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and more graphics!
John Weaver Family Search ID: LLMS-D1Z
Additional Resources:
- John Weaver mentioned in Centennial History book (pg 140)
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 007 - Tune in today to learn about Esther Harrison, her life, how she emigrated, and how her legacy lives on. Check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and more fun graphics!
Esther Harrison Family Search ID: KWNJ-KQV
Additional Resources:
- Esther Harrison mentioned in William C. Harrison autobiography about pioneer crossing
- Caravan Ship Notes
- ZCMI History
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 006 - Who is Andrew Lee Allen? What did he do in life? What did he tell the Canadians during the War of 1812?? Tune in to find out more! Check out the episode on YouTube for pictures and more fun graphics!
Andrew Lee Allen Family Search ID: K2MS-R8V
Additional Resources:
- Digital History Collections, History of Andrew Lee Allen
- Andrew Lee Allen FindAGrave
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 005 - Who is Phoebe Laura Bentley? What did she do in her lifetime and what legacy did she leave? Tune in to find out more about her life! Check out the episode on YouTube to see pictures and more graphics!
Phoebe Laura Bentley Family Search ID: KWJH-9QM
Additional Resources:
- Liahona article detailing missionary Mason Davis visit and reconnection to his grandmother Phoebe
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 004 - Tune in today to learn who Mary Anne Armstrong is and what her life meant! Check us out this episode on YouTube to see cool pictures and graphics and to find more videos about people and history!
Mary Anne Armstrong FamilySearch ID: L89L-VHV
Additional Resources:
- Mary Anne Armstrong WikiTree page
- Daniel A. Miller/John A. Cooley Company reports and record, 1853
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 003 - Tune in this episode to learn more about John Davies, his life, and his legacy! Check out this episode with pictures and more graphics on our YouTube Video!
John Davies FamilySearch ID: KWVM-62D
Additional Resources:
- Cynosure ship passenger manifest
- Cynosure voyage details and accounts
- John Davies and family migration west documentations
- John Davies FindAGrave profile
Intro/Outro music by BLVK; Begin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 002 - In this episode, we learn who Philip Packer was through an investigation of his life's events, accomplishments, and legacy. Tune in to hear more! To view this episode with pictures and more content, check out our YouTube video!
Philip Packer Esquire FamilySearch ID: L7BN-DRR
Additional Resources:
- Pride & Prejudice Groombridge behind-the-scenes
- Groombridge Estate current website
- Royal Society of London document
- Information about the Packer Family Portraits
- On Footings from the Past (Packer family in Groombridge pg 117 - 155)
- My article about the Packer Family Portraits and their history
Intro/Outro Music:
BLVK Begin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifNI8QZTU08
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Who is? Series Ep. 001 - In this episode, we discuss who exactly is Ulrika Wilhelmina Gustafsdotter by telling her life story, accomplishments, and legacy. Tune in to hear more! Watch this episode with pictures and more visuals on our YouTube video!
Ulrika Wilhelmina Gustafsdotter FamilySearch ID: LZGW-F7J
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