1. About George Geder
I’m the product of those who came before me…
My credo is “Guided by the Ancestors”.
I’m a Family Historian. I have been researching my family since 1977. In 2004, I gave a workshop on ‘Organizing Your Research’ at the Finding Your Roots Family History Conference in Oakland, CA; sponsored by the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I specialize in retouching & restoring old family photographs including Tin-Types and postcards, using the ‘Digital Darkroom’.
Check out our photography and restorations at: http://indigitalphotographicservices.com.
I manage the ‘Books~Authors~Reviews’ forum at http://afrigeneas.com/forum-books.
Interviews and reviews include:
Bennie McRae Jr.’s “Nineteenth Century Freedom Fighters, the 1st South Carolina Volunteers“.
Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s “Finding Oprah’s Roots”
Lisa B. Lee’s “Skin Deep, My Journey to Discover the Black & White Descendants of William Lee”
July 2007, I was featured in a segment of PBS Television’s ‘History Detectives’.
The segment centered around two African American Civil War veterans who were in a group photo of white former soldiers. My 2nd great grandfather, John Stevenson, was in that picture along with members of the GAR or Grand Army of the Republic.
September 2007, I was published in “The Baobob Tree; quarterly journal of the AAGSNC”.
The article titled ‘Ancestors Guided AAGSNC Member to the History Detectives’.
November 2007, I spoke to the students, parents, and faculty at The Lamberton school in Philadelphia, PA. about Family History & Genealogy and how these disciplines can educate and enhance self esteem among students.
December 2007, I spoke at the Santa Fe, New Mexico branch of the NAACP on the Importance of Finding Your Roots.
January 2008, I was published in the journal for the United States Colored Troops Living History Association, USCTLHA. The article titled: ‘Self Discovery Through Military Ancestry, If I knew then what I know now…’
Memberships.
African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC)
Descendants of the 29th Connecticut (Colored) Volunteer Infantry Regiment
United States Colored Troops Living History Association USCTLHA)
NAACP, Santa Fe (Legal Redress Co-chair)
National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP)
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
17 January, 2007 at 9:51 am
Hi George
Excellent pictures!! Your very lucky to have the family bible with the records. I wonder how many times they had to wake Harriet up??
18 January, 2007 at 6:55 am
Hello Geoff,
Thank you!
It’s amazing how much information on our Ancestors we can gather if we keep the channels of communications open with our living relatives.
Last week, I learned of two very senior relatives (one in Florida, the other in Pennsylvania). They are from my Mother’s line. I hope to meet them and uncover some more treasures. LOL
Good luck in your research!
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
24 February, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Great work!!!
24 February, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Maisha,
Thank you for your vote for confidence.
I hope you visit often.
This site is cathartic for me.
I learn about my Ancestors and I learn more about who I am.
Those photos in shoe boxes reveal more than we think! LOL
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
2 July, 2007 at 9:55 am
Dear Mr. Geder,
Ben Hawley forwarded me the note about your episode with History Detectives. I think it’s great-as is your site. Wonderful photos, and fantastic to have that much visual record.
As a historian, would love to speak with you at some point about your 29th ancestor-and any assistance I may give you. Currently working on a history of the USCT-which is entirely the fault of Bennie McRae-who has been friend and mentor for a number of years. Used to be a frequent contributor to the afrigeaneas military site, but haven’t had much time in quite awhile.
Thanks,
Sharon
2 July, 2007 at 10:13 am
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for your kind words.
Since all my parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties are gone, it’s up to my willing siblings and cousins - and photos - to help me put together our family history.
I would be happy to speak with you. My genealogy addy is
geder.genealogy@gmail.com
Bennie J. McRae Jr. is the MAN!
Thanks Ben Hawley!
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
9 July, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Dear Mr. Geder’
I just saw the segment on History Detectives about you great grandfather. My wife and I were very moved. You must be very proud .
Lorenzo Lacovara
Edgewood, NM
(505) 710-9643
9 July, 2007 at 6:39 pm
I would like to say something further.
I moved here from Philly in ‘88. I lived in a “mixed community” Though not Black, I am very aware of the deep, rich and powerful history of Black people in this country. Sadly, far too few have any understanding or apprciation of it. Blacks have an astonishing gallery of heroes that I fear many young Black folk are ignorant of. I don’t know if you are involved or have any inclination to tackle that particular issue, but I think it very important.
Cordially,
Lorenzo Lacovara
9 July, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Hi George…I just saw you on History Dectectives. I really enjoyed the story about the GAR picture. I just love things like that, discovering wonderful things about relatives you never knew and pictures of them you never knew existed. I do have one question though, that’s really bothering me. You mentioned to Elyse Luray, that John Stevenson was your great, great grandfather. However, you mentioned that the picture in which he appears with your Dad (as a small child) on his knee, that John was your Dad’s grandfather. That would make him your Great Grandfather, not Great Great. Also, the tomb stone in NY for John Stevenson seemed to show the year he was born as 1860. This would have made John Stevenson 5 years old at the end of the Civil War. Did I misunderstand that he was to have fought in the Civil War, which in turn, made him eligible for the GAR or did I read the date of birth incorrectly? Please respond…it’s driving me crazy. LOL. Thank you!
9 July, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Hello Lorenzo,
1. Thank you the kind words! You and others are seeing the program before me. I haven’t seen a frame of the footage yet. LOL
2. To a large extent, you have to be AWARE of your history before you can begin to understand and appreciate it. So much has been left out of the history books and the popular consciousness that it has become an upward struggle to educate all of our citizens. It is especially hurtful to witness this tragedy in our youth.
Yes, I tackle this particular issue everyday. Please e-mail me with your concerns; we’ll chat!
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
9 July, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Just saw you on history detectives. Never knew what the GAR was. My hubby attended GAR High school. There is even a small GAR museum in Scranton. Will have to check it out.Great show. Met you a while backon Afrigeneas looking for my Goodall, Terrell, and Grimes lines. Found Goodall and Terrell in Binghamton and Oxford, NY. You knew my cousin Fred from Binghamton.
Your photos are beautiful. I could look at old photos all day long. Am blessed to have a family picture of my granfather, grandmother and 2 uncles. Taken around 1906, my dad was not born yetl. My grandmother’s dress is gorgeous and my uncle had ribbons in his hair and a dress on. He’ s about 1-2 years old. My other uncle has short pants and a hat on.
10 July, 2007 at 6:24 am
Sir
I saw the “History Detectives” last night and the discovery of your ancestor’s portrait in the GAR Photogragh.
The GAR has a successor org.-the SUVCW.
The SUVCW {SOns of Union Veterans of the Civil War} is an org of male descendants
direct or colleteral of Union Soldiers/Sailor of the Civil War 1861-1865.
Membership info can be found at http://suvcw.org/member.htm
Also-a project of the SUVCW is to gather in an online gallery photographs and biographies of Union soldiers/Sailors-which can be found at http://suvcw.org/photos.htm
{Note photographs can be sent by email but must be JPEG format}
A female org of Union Soldiers/Sailors is DUVCW {Daugthers of Union Veterans of the Civil War} which can be found at http://www.duvcw.org/
Hope these links can be helpful to you
Sicnerely
P.F
10 July, 2007 at 6:11 pm
George, I saw the story of your great-great grandfather on History Detectives, and it brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful story!
10 July, 2007 at 6:50 pm
The story of your ancestor on History Detectives was very touching, very interesting. What a find for you, especially as someone working on genealogy.
Are you sure you were at the right grave in Cazenovia? The date of death on the tombstone shown of TV was clearly Nov. 25, 1860. How was that explained? Could that have been a brother instead, with the same initials?
10 July, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Auri and I were fortunate to have seen the episode of your great grandad on History Detectives. I can only imagine how hugely proud and moved you must have been when told of this part of your family’s ever developing story. I got goose bumps when you were taken to his grave site. It was cool that this happened to you, George since you’ve been researching your family for most of your life! It seems you really, truly have been “guided by your ancesters.” I was glad to see you again even if it was just on T.V. Auri gives her regards to Cynthia.
11 July, 2007 at 10:11 am
History Detectives , Civil War Veterans aired on WCNY 7/9/07 Syracuse NY, I too have an ancestor in the now famous photograph. I would like very much to talk to you via e-mail or phone… which ever you prefer. My home phone is 315-656-9729, work is 315-463-7348. Work email is lferris@dlmanufacturing.
Looking forward to hear from you!
11 July, 2007 at 11:11 am
OK George….you have to answer me and Becky E. Please? I thought the tombstone for John Stevenson showed his date of birth as 1860. Above, Becky E. thought it said his death was in 1860. Either way, that could not have been the tombstone of your great-grandfather….not if he was holding your Daddy on his knee in a picture taken in the early 1900’s, not if he fought in the Civil War (it started in 1861), and not if he was born in 1860, because he would have been about 5 years of age at the END of the civil war. I don’t think, even way back then, they let ‘em in that young. I’m just shocked that the History Detective people could have made such a blunder.
11 July, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Hello Melanie and Becky E.,
The tombstone is a rectangular piece with names of many family members that are buried in that plot.
The 1860 date refers to Anna L Stevenson, who died in 1860 and was the first to be interred. Without looking at the show, I suspect that her surname was the most legible or best of the particular footage (camera angles, etc).
The History Detectives didn’t blunder; John Stevenson and most of his family are indeed buried there. I actually saw their names; it was just too cold for me to take pictures with my film camera.
I hope this explains it. You guys have sharp eyes! LOL
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
11 July, 2007 at 3:06 pm
George,thanks so much for posting a reply. I guess you still haven’t seen the show? I did see John Stevenson’s name on the tomb stone, actually, as they panned the camera over it. I think what Becky E and I were questioning is if it was “your” John Stevenson buried under that stone. Well, I guess I’ll see if I can catch the show again. Maybe I missed something. I enjoyed looking the pictures of your great granddaddy and the others!
11 July, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Hello Melanie,
I have seen the show and without seeming too presumptuous, I TIVO’ed it.
I went over the the headstone shot(s) and saw where they did some cuts and dissolves on at least two sides of the marker.
The ‘John Stevenson’ and the ‘1860′ are on different sides of the same stone.
When you view it again, you’ll notice that the ‘1860′ refers to A. L. Stevenson (Anna) who was a daughter who lived less than two years.
The editors, I’m sure, made creative decisions on what frames to use to accompany the voice-over.
Sometimes the initial chosen footage they have isn’t long enough to go with the narrative which, quite often, is created after the scene is shot.
I assure you that it is the grave site of “my” John Stevenson and his family. They certainly checked the records with the cemetery.
In fact, Alberta Robbins, the flag bearer in the GAR photo is buried nearby in the same cemetery.
Again, I see where the confusion comes in; and you have great eyes to catch that on first viewing - as did a few others.
The History Detectives’ integrity is still intact on this point. It is the correct grave site.
When you think about it, why would they send me to the incorrect site; from Santa Fe to Cazenovia?
I’m a family historian and a genealogist, and would have suspected fowl play and not go along with it.
I know I sound defensive, however, I’m just trying to put your doubts or concerns to rest so you can fully appreciate and enjoy this amazing American story.
George
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
12 July, 2007 at 10:11 am
P. Fazzini, Keneta, Rafael & Auri, and Larry,
Thanks for your kind words.
As I may have mentioned elsewhere, the History Detectives, especially Elyse Luray, have taken the investigating of a photograph and unearthed a truly American story.
I’m still digesting its significance!
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
13 July, 2007 at 3:46 am
Hello George !
I truly enjoyed the History Detectives program telling the marvelous story
of your Great Great Grandfather and his courageous belief in this country and all it stood for during those trying and turbulent times. I was winding down after work and was pleasantly surprised to see my friend on TV. I’m glad that your dream has come to fruition and you are doing what you love to do. When I’m in Santa Fe I must come to see you. Your friend, Wayne
27 September, 2007 at 10:34 am
I am a part of the Afrigeneas family and love your work. I am also in the preservation field (aa cemeteries). I will be in the Santa Fe area for 11 days starting Oct 12 and would love to meet you personally. Possible? Looking forward..,
lumoorman@preservationalliance.net
12 November, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Thank God for Google! Seeing you brought tears to my eyes. You’re still a handsome man.
2-24 Saratoga Terrace
10 December, 2007 at 12:39 am
George, can’t remember if I had written to you before, but I’m pretty sure that I remember you from the Terrace. I lived at 5-18, and then, as other brothers started to come along, we moved to 5-22. My brothers are Mike (Mouse), David and Jimmie. Our family moved to the Terrace in about 1953. My mother (Eleanor) was there until her death in 1985. Gosh, the stories we could tell!
Phil
11 December, 2007 at 10:07 am
Hello Phil,
I do remember your family, especially ‘Mouse’ as we played basketball a lot.
We lived at 2-28 and yes, the stories we could tell.
-And we do have to tell them!
The early days of Saratoga Terrace were nothing short of remarkable!
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
20 December, 2007 at 1:45 am
Hello, George.
First, I must commend you on the excellent work that you have done on compiling the photographs and history of your family. You are indeed “Guided by the Ancestors” in your endeavors!
I, too, feel a definite bond and kinship to my ancestors, especially my late father’s ancestors, who were from eastern Tennessee. I was not aware of many of their names until one of my dad’s cousins brought a folder full of old photographs to my father’s funeral in Ohio in 1995. This information has lead me to go to Tennessee on a few occasions and uncover my roots. My prized possession from this quest is a photo of my great-great-grandfather, Elbert Thompson, who was born in 1825. My father bore a striking resemblance to him. Sadly, Dad never knew about him.
Ironically, when I read that your father had had a band in Cleveland in the 1930’s, that piqued my interest because my father and aunts were raised there and one of my aunts was married to a man who owned a club there. I’ll have to ask my aunt, who is now 84, if your father’s name sounds familiar.
I proudly display copies of my ancestors’ photos on the wall above my desk and computer and know that they had guided me along my genealogical journey.
May you continue to be blessed and to be a blessing to others.
Sincerely,
Anita Thompson-Snow
Los Angeles, CA
21 December, 2007 at 10:32 am
Hello Anita,
Thank you for your words of encouragement and blessings.
If possible, I’d love to see the image of your 2nd great grandfather, Mr. Elbert Thompson.
I’m also excited by the prospect that someone might know or have a lead in the residency of my father in Cleveland. Let me throw this out into the universe; Dad would have had a 1st cousin-once removed named Elizabeth who was married to a Thomas Harlin of Cleveland.
Blessings abound! And blessings to you!
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
25 January, 2008 at 5:20 pm
I just had to stop in and tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. You’ve definitely given me inspiration for mine!
Amy
26 January, 2008 at 12:09 am
Amy,
Thanks for your words of encouragement!
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
4 March, 2008 at 10:27 am
6 March, 2008 at 4:45 pm
You truly are on the Lord’s errand doing all this work and research! What a marvelous wonder! I am so glad I found your site. I have bookmarked it and will be coming back to read on. I am LDS and as you know, we appreciate the efforts you put forth in genealogy!
9 March, 2008 at 1:42 am
Hello Gina,
Thank you for your kind words.
I really appreciate and am encouraged by them.
I need to get to some of the other stories that are in fragments and put them together!
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”
13 April, 2008 at 11:27 am
dear, mr Geder
I am from lamberton, I am in 8th grade.As you know the fifth and eighth have to do this project as a final project. If we dont do this project it will take enough of our science grade off that the eighth grade cant walk at graduation, because we cant fail one class in our final grade. I am writing to you to tell you that my family is from Jamaica, and the family that kept the records of the rest of the family passed away in jamaica so I have no information about my family. What should I do?
14 April, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Hello Andrew,
I would be delighted to assist you with this great project.
Please contact me at this e-mail address:
geder.lamberton@gmail.com
Peace,
“Guided by the Ancestors”