MAYFIELD-L Archives

From: "donnachamm" <>
Subject: [MAYFIELD] Cass County, Nebraska and Mayfields
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000 23:11:57 -0500

Hi All,
I decided to venture out today to the Cass County Historical Society Museum
in Cass County, Nebraska - about 8 -10 miles south of me in Plattsmouth. I
found information about it on the US GenWeb / Nebraska / Cass County web
site. I had quite an adventure and am really "psyched" about it. (Is that
the current word for excited, or is that more 70ish? <G>) Anyway, I
figured that I would find tons of information on the Mayfields of Cass
County there. How could I not??? Well......sad to say, they have run
across the name, but said no one they could remember had come in looking for
information on the family and they had no information beyond what I'd
already seen in the Cass County History and the History of Cass and Otoe
Counties that many of you of that line are familiar with. I preceded to
educate them (nicely of course and with a lot of interest and laughs) about
the Mayfield contribution to Cass County and the intermarriages with most of
the families there, etc. I told them it was a real shame that people of
that caliber didn't have some prominence in the books and museum. They said
that it depends on what people submit to them - and challenged me (also in a
very nice, but also an almost pleading way, since they got really interested
as well) to write up something about them. I felt like a lightning bolt had
hit me I was so electrified with energy! I think this amazing family needs
some kind of written tribute there. I'm not talking about a book for sale,
but at least a few pages that people can refer to, and maybe if people can
contribute pictures, they can hang in the museum. (I did notice one of
Emeline's brother I believe hanging in there.) So, I got their interest
going in it and they got mine going in somehow preserving some history about
this family. I had assumed it had already been done long ago. I was amazed
to learn they didn't even know about them. They do have a lot of microfilm
of old newspapers, but I'll probably have to go to Louisville for a lot, but
that's another day and another journey. Only a couple of early hears are
indexed, but I did copy what few I could in the limited time I had and one
in particular is fascinating (and funny in that warped sense of humor way).
If I don't have time to post tonight, I'll try to do it tomorrow, but I'm
trying to type fast to fit in time. (My husband is adamant about his
bedtimes and when he decides it's time, IT'S TIME. <VBG>) I saw several
mentions for Ambrose, Mary, so I'll be back to get those. I don't know if I
have the patience to dig through the unindexed ones, but time will tell.
Now to the rest of my adventure.....

Another lady came in and requested a bit of help and as I was on the
microfilm reader with my back to her, I wasn't paying much attention, but
overheard her say something about having 3 generations of family who had
lived in Cass County and something about putting as much information online
as possible so that others can be able to easily access it. (A kindred
spirit!) I actually didn't even notice her leaving, but as I was leaving
one of the ladies said to me, "Do you realize who that woman was?" I said,
"No." (I was perplexed.) She said, "She's the lady who does the Cass
County web site for GenWeb and she's from Oregon!" (I hadn't mentioned that
I'm originally from Oregon!) I had found the historical museum from that
web site and it is a really good one. I've definitely seen a lot worse! I
wanted to commend her for it and also touch base with another "webfoot" as
some of us Oregonians refer to ourselves. She said that I could probably
catch her as she had headed to the library in Plattsmouth. She gave me
directions and I hurried over and she was showing the librarian her web
site. (I find it sad that neither the historical museum nor the library
appeared to have any knowledge of her web site prior to her visit.) It's a
small library and we were the only ones in it. I introduced myself (pretty
sure she thought I was a nut following her around! <VBG>) I told her how
much I love the site and that I'd gotten really excited hearing that another
Oregonian was here. What are the odds of a such a weird coincidence?? As
we talked, she was telling me she wants to put the two volume Otoe and Cass
County history online on the site and I told her that was a MAMMOTH effort.
She said they're asking for volunteers to type 5 pages each in plain text -
no html. I said, "I'll do it!!" I was so excited, the words were out
before I even realized it. I think this is a great way to ensure that the
Mayfield portions are online and if I can put together enough history to
tell the story without being too long, I'd love to be able to see a Mayfield
family history join the web site along with the other pioneer families. It
would take the permission and probably some participation of the descendants
of these lines, but I think it's a fabulous way to honor this family who did
so much with so little recognition.

As I was telling someone else on the list a little while ago, I have been so
down and "bummed" lately that I couldn't shake it and told my husband I
needed a boost. Yesterday I told my mom that I feel really bad when I don't
feel up to par and the list gets quiet and I feel like I'm letting them
down. So, to awaken to Ken's massive undertaking was certainly an uplifting
and much needed boost!!!! (THANK YOU, KEN!!!) Then my journy added so
much more! I feel all excited and enthusiastic and am anxious to see what
can be put together.

As I often tell my family "My husband just said the B word." It's bedtime
so the newspapers will have to wait until tomorrow.

Have a great night everyone, and Jean, have a safe journey and our thoughts
and love and prayers are with you!

Donna

(Momma, I will write tomorrow. Sorry, ran out of time! Love you!)

This thread:

• [MAYFIELD] Cass County, Nebraska and Mayfields by "donnachamm" <>