Vintage Voices Blog

Exploring my ancestry and its stories has ignited a new interest, even for someone who has never been particularly interested in history.  But there are stories that spark awe, tales of extraordinary bravery that define the human spirit, even in the darkest of times.  One such story hails from the turbulent skies of World War II.  Where my Granduncle, Elmo Dohrman, embarked on harrowing missions as the pilot of a B-24 bomber.  Every flight in the “flying coffin” was a perilous dance with death.  In this blog post, I’ll share a glimpse into the experiences of my granduncle and his crew.  A group of young men whose valor and determination would leave a mark on history.  Join me as we step into the cockpit and soar through the clouds to uncover pieces of his remarkable journey. Ancestor Spotlight - my Granduncle: Elmo Henry Dohrman B. March 16, 1921, Stover, Missouri D. June 12, 2002, Dallas, Texas Elmo’s Early Days: In the year 1921, in the small town of...

Lawrence and Cassandra Southwick (Sethwick) were imprisoned, fined, whipped, starved, and eventually banished from the Colony of Massachusetts in 1659 for their religious beliefs. They were exiled to Shelter Island, New York, where they soon perished due to deprivation and exposure. Their son Daniel and daughter Provided were sentenced to be sold into slavery, but could find no one to take them. Their son Josiah was also banished and later whipped for returning. Ancestor Spotlight - my 10x Great Grandparents: Lawrence Southwick B. 1598 Lancashire, England D. 1660 Shelter Island, New York Cassandra Burnell B. 1598 Worcestershire, England D. 1660 Shelter Island, New York Journey from England to Colonial America: Family lore suggests that Lawrence came to America in 1627 on the 2nd voyage of the Mayflower.  He then went back to England and brought his wife Cassandra and son John, arriving in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630. Their daughter Mary was likely born the same year, so it's pl...