August September 2016

FISHER TALES (of genealogy research)     Issue 3 August/September 2016          

This is a very late report due to travels, summer events and attending a national genealogy conference in Springfield, IL. Would recommend the Lincoln Museum in Springfield to anyone or any family. There are three theater programs that are the quality of Disney productions. Lincoln’s family home and surrounding houses is now a national park. Toured the home at twilight with candlelight. Very nice effect. Went back the next day to see the second floor since that was dark the evening before.

Since I haven’t heard from any of you with stories or photos from your branch of the family, I will continue to share what I have discovered. I borrowed some archival items from the Rock Run Country historical Society in Rock City. One item was the 1932 Talebearer Dakota school yearbook which had my dad, Elvin Fisher in when he was a Junior. The page shows his class officers, and he was vice-president of a class of 12 Juniors. His nickname listed is Buster (who knew).

It also had a page about the Kittenball team with a team photo. Kittenball was an early version of softball using a ball 12 inches (305 mm) in circumference. Defensive players are not allowed to wear fielding gloves. Mike Royoko, former Chicago Daily News columnist, called it the real game.Here’s the description of the Dakota team even though they did not have a good season – winning games:

"First to mention in the lineup is Captain Lawler. our dependable infielder as well as batter. Wells, our first baseman and home-run hitter. together with Lawler. will be missed next year. Lee Meinert, assisted by Kinzer, served the important position of pitcher. Although Kinzer is only a Freshman, he has shown great possibilities at the pitcher's box. Reimer and Fehr held important infield positions. Fisher. Germain, Thoren, Schrademeier. and Zimmerman are worthy of mention as fielders. Schrademeier and Fisher. in particular, performed very creditably in their respective places."

Also, shown to the right is one of  the pages on the Basketball Team which included Elvin Fisher. "though handicapped by size he can play basketball."

Another page in the yearbook listed the 1932 Dakota School Board members.

Another surprise, my grandfather Elmer Fisher was on the board and there are photos of each board member. 
 

I also discovered in the Sylvan school history summary that in 1859 the log school was damaged by a storm. As a result, Hugh Bennehoff and Solomon Fisher had a stone school house built to replace the old school. Bruce Fisher and Emerson Fisher were school board directors there at one time.

The school location is near the Fishers’s property. Sue Fisher was a teacher there in 1872. It’s not clear if she continued to teach until 1901. The next teacher listed is Mr. George Moyer (8 mos.) in 1902. Another fact to track down and which Susan Fisher is it?

So each month, you find new things and information, but you raise new questions!  Please remember to send a few photos and family stories of your family for the next newsletter. I need your help!

Keep exploring family history, Elaine Fisher