Searching for the Holy Grail...
Over the years I have seen a small number of references to what I consider to be the Holy Grail of Germanna research, especially in Boone County KY: that being the journal of Pastor William Carpenter Jr.
H. Max Lentz, in his work "History of the Lutheran churches in Boone County, Kentucky" refers to the journal on page 14 when he says he has the journal open and mentions (ever so briefly) that Pastor Carpenter made a trip to Boone Co in 1804.
Emma Rouse Lloyd, in her Rouse genealogy "Clasping Hands with Generations Past" states (page 161) that at the time (1932) "the diary of 'Father Carpenter' is now in the possession of Mrs. Hattie De Garmo Campbell of Cincinnati, a great-granddaughter. This diary includes notes from the beginning of his ministry until about 1800."
I am not aware of other mentions of the journal outside of these two. However, rumors of its whereabouts continue to swirl. No names are ever mentioned in connection with its location, but it seems to be back home in Boone County.
I believe this journal's contents are too important to continue to let it lie in a dusty closet somewhere. If you know who owns the journal, please try to discuss with them the importance of making the contents available to researchers. We don't need the journal itself. It would be great just to be able to read a microfilm copy or a re-printed edition. I'm sure an anonymous contribution to the Boone Co Public Library would be much appreciated by the staff and patrons alike.
William Carpenter Jr had a large family with lots of descendants. Let's share this valuable heirloom with all of them.
-Jeff Aylor
H. Max Lentz, in his work "History of the Lutheran churches in Boone County, Kentucky" refers to the journal on page 14 when he says he has the journal open and mentions (ever so briefly) that Pastor Carpenter made a trip to Boone Co in 1804.
Emma Rouse Lloyd, in her Rouse genealogy "Clasping Hands with Generations Past" states (page 161) that at the time (1932) "the diary of 'Father Carpenter' is now in the possession of Mrs. Hattie De Garmo Campbell of Cincinnati, a great-granddaughter. This diary includes notes from the beginning of his ministry until about 1800."
I am not aware of other mentions of the journal outside of these two. However, rumors of its whereabouts continue to swirl. No names are ever mentioned in connection with its location, but it seems to be back home in Boone County.
I believe this journal's contents are too important to continue to let it lie in a dusty closet somewhere. If you know who owns the journal, please try to discuss with them the importance of making the contents available to researchers. We don't need the journal itself. It would be great just to be able to read a microfilm copy or a re-printed edition. I'm sure an anonymous contribution to the Boone Co Public Library would be much appreciated by the staff and patrons alike.
William Carpenter Jr had a large family with lots of descendants. Let's share this valuable heirloom with all of them.
-Jeff Aylor
posted by Jeff at 7:05 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home