Wake County Genealogical Society Blog

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Upchurch and Allied Families Association Newsletter - December 2025

For those following along, here is the latest Upchurch and Allied Families Association Newsletter.

December 2025

Special congratulations to UAFA Board Director Carla Michaels for winning Cary’s Hometown Spirit Award. A much-deserved accolade!

View past UAFA newsletters here

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Wake Wednesday - Merry Christmas from Raleigh c. 1907

So, I was casting about for a WW post with a holiday theme and happened on this quaint turn of the century Christmas postcard that was featured in the North Carolina Postcards section of the digital North Carolina Collection at UNC.

This is a postcard that B. H. Woodell, of Raleigh, had personalized and printed to send to his friends and colleagues in December 1907. It is a very classic and formal card typical the ones I have seen from that time period.

Source

I am not familiar with Mr. Woodell and wondered what sort of footprint he left in Wake County for that time period.

A Google search turned up several entries for him in an 1887 Raleigh City Directory housed at the NC Archives. This ad from the directory shows that he was a business man in downtown Raleigh at that time.

source

There are several other mentions of Mr. Woodell in this directory. They document his dual occupations of shoe merchant and broker/commission merchant, and his membership in the Odd Fellows, a fraternal and benevolent society. His home address of 118 N. Dawson and business address of 230 Fayetteville Street indicates that Raleigh was truly a walk-able city back then. He could have walked the half mile trip in about 10 or 15 minutes.

The next hit on my Google search turned up several newspaper articles that documented his activities as Grand Secretary in the Odd Fellows, his travels, his visitors, and even an illness. He was active and well known in his community.

Another hit turned up a free ebook on Google books documenting the 1907 Annual Session of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of North Carolina. Mr. Woodell was a busy man! I count more than twenty mentions of him in this book. (If you have ancestors from Wake who were Odd Fellows, you want to check out this free book.)

Next, my search pulled a hit at My Heritage that told me that his daughter Mary married into the Briggs family, also prominent at that time.

I made all these discoveries about someone I am unfamiliar with, and I hadn't even touched Ancestry or FamilySearch yet.

A quick search at Ancestry tells me that Mr. Woodell was born in August 1839. His full name was Burwell Henry Woodell. He married Emily Jane Buchanan in his home county of Chatham in 1868. They were living in Raleigh at least by 1871. They had six children, four of which were born here in Raleigh. They lived at various times on Blount Street and Person Street. B. H. died in Wayne County in 1919, but was buried in Raleigh at Oakwood Cemetery.

A biography Mr. Woodell's life can be found on Ancestry in "History of North Carolina, Vol. 5." It chronicles his early life in rural Chatham County, his military service in the Civil War, and his early entrepreneurial career in Raleigh. There is a very thorough and impressive accounting of his time and activities in the Odd Fellows. As the other sources hinted at, he was a very important man in this organization, not only for Raleigh, but for all of the state as well. From the text:

"Mr. Woodell has personally organized a large per cent of the Odd Fellow lodges in North Carolina, and his voice has been heard in almost every lodge room in the state. In 1885, when he was elected grand secretary, there were forty-two lodges in North Carolina, with 1,208 members. In June 1916, there were 240 lodges with more than 15,000 members, and a large part of this gain in membership may be directly attributed to his faithful and untiring efforts."

Mr. Woodell must have had many, many of those postcards printed up! I suspect the high esteem was mutual many times around.

For me, this exercise was certainly a lesson in being open to non traditional sources to fill in the gaps in your research. I will make every effort to"peek around the corners and under the rugs" for my next search.

Merry Christmas, Mr. B. H. Woodell.

Sunday, December 7, 2025

WCGS Holiday Meet-up Photos - Dinner at Relish - What a good time!

We met at Relish Craft Kitchen on the evening of Thursday, December 4 for the WCGS Holiday Meet-up. We had a great crowd and lots of fun catching up with everyone.

Relish was a great place to meet for a group of almost 30. We had a nearly private spot in the elevated room right off the entry. While not totally enclosed, it was roomy and comfortable and the elevation helped neutralize the ambient noise from outside our dining area. We had a top notch waitress who handled our orders without a blink or a miss! She is obviously a trained professional. The food came out quickly and was fabulous all round. Relish has my vote for future meal centered gatherings!

It was truly great to see everyone and I did not hear a lull in the conversation all evening until the food arrived. Here are some photos we managed to capture of the evening.

Can I just say --

These ladies are bringing the Chrismas Cheer!

Viewing hint - Click on each image for a larger version.

Left to right: Sandra Webb, Carol Stahl, Barbara McGeachy, Cini Gage,

Harriet Jenkins, Mary Ann Loss. Photo by Steve Deal.

Left to right: Don Spitler (friend of Mary Ann from TX), Betty Spitler,
Ed Ruse, Kathy Ruse, Harriet Jenkins, Cini Gage, Ann Ashmore,
Mary Ann Loss, Scott Gagnon. Photo by Barbara McGeachy.

Left to right: John Myhre, Ann Myhre, Carol Kimball Stahl,

Kathleen Condidine, Jessica Conklin. Photo by Barbara McGeachy.

Left to right: Kathleen Considine, Jessica Conklin, Barbara McGeachy,
John Myhre, Ann Myhre. Photo by Carol Kimball Stahl

Left to right: Brian Sweeney, Charlotte Sweeney, Lori Winklestein, Cyndi Deal,

Steve Deal, Sandra Webb, Ed Webb, Marcus Boyd, Jack McGeachy. Photo by

Barbara McGeachy.

Left to right: Marcus Boyd, Jack McGeachy, Brian Sweeny, Charlotte Sweeney,
Lori Winklestein, Cyndi Deal. Photo by Barbara McGeachy.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

2026 Wake County Genealogical Society Virtual Meetings - next - Jan. 27, 2026

click to enlarge text

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 @ 6:30pm – Virtual

Topic: Getting Started in Genealogical Research

Speaker: Renate Y Sanders

This presentation provides a comprehensive introduction to genealogy research! It guides participants through the crucial initial steps of gathering existing family knowledge and documents. You'll learn fundamental research methodology, emphasizing a systematic approach to researching your ancestry. The class also covers a range of suggested resources, both digital and physical, along with an overview of the key types of records essential for successful genealogical exploration. It aims to equip beginners with the foundational skills and knowledge to confidently embark on their personal journey of family history discovery, and to remind experienced genealogists of the basics. Join us!

Join us! Free and virtual!

*Please register by 4pm day of meeting.

*Please save your passcode and link for ease of entry at start time.

*Presentation starts promptly at 6:30 pm.

Link to register at the Wakecogen website events page.

Registration is now open!

Get the video recording to watch on-demand for 30 days and access to our webinar handout library with your WCGS membership!

** At presenters discretion.

Upcoming Events

View events page for details

Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
NC Archives Digital Services: Using the Website Digital Collections and Online Catalog
presented by Anna Peitzman

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Who's your daddy? Exploring North Carolina Bastardy Bonds
presented by A. Danielle Pritchett, MLS

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Researching Your Mom: Don't overlook researching your immediate family!
presented by Diane L Richard

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Preserving Small Family Cemeteries
Presented by Joel Hobby

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Wake Wednesday - Wake Forest Christmas c. 1875

I have shared this before, but I just love this account of Christmas in Wake Forest in 1875.

source

Visit the Wake Forest Museum Blog for the full story of Christmas from the students point of view. It was too difficult for some to travel home at that time and they left to their own devices for merry making! Local residents took them in for the holidays. In addition to the traditional Christmas activities, the students spent their time at Tackey Parties and Night Suppers. Travel back in time here!

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

The Fourth Thursday in November - Just Why is That?

This blog post by Kim Bernard at the UNC Law School blog spells out the details for us. You will find her post here -
https://library.law.unc.edu/2024/11/the-history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday/

When you are finished reading, enjoy these vintage Thanksgiving card images I have collected over the years.

Happy

Thanksgiving!

May you be surrounded by
wonderful food, friends and family!

Give a Gift That Honors the Past and Preserves the Future

Are you looking for a meaningful way to honor someone special—a family historian, a loved one who cherished their heritage, or someone who helped you discover your roots?

The Wake County Genealogical Society (WCGS) invites you to make a donation in your loved one's honor and receive a beautiful, customized certificate to share with them.

Why Support WCGS?

Genealogical societies are the heart of family history preservation. They:

Maintain vital records and historical documents
Provide research assistance and educational resources
Connect people with their heritage
Preserve local history for future generations

Your donation directly supports these efforts in Wake County, ensuring that the stories of our ancestors remain accessible for years to come.

How It Works

It's simple:

Make a donation of any amount at wakecogen.org/donation.php?dc=1
Email President@WakeCoGen.org to request your free customized printable certificate. Note - Certificate arrives as a pdf file that you print.
Present the certificate to honor your loved one or family historian

Perfect For:

Birthday or holiday gifts for genealogy enthusiasts
Honoring the memory of a loved one
Thanking a relative who has documented your family history
Celebrating a genealogical breakthrough or discovery
Recognizing a mentor or researcher who helped you

A Gift That Keeps Giving

Unlike traditional gifts that may be used and forgotten, your donation creates a lasting impact. You'll honor someone meaningful in your life while supporting the preservation of history and helping others discover their own family stories.

Ready to make a difference?

Visit wakecogen.org/donation.php?dc=1 today and honor someone who values the past as much as you do.

For questions or to receive your customized certificate, contact President@WakeCoGen.org.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Wake Wednesday - North Carolina Inspired Thanksgiving Cooking

I am posting early so you have plenty of time to browse. Here is a Thanksgiving cooking collection shared by the NC State University Libraries - Special Collections. I am sure you will find some old treasures, new favorites and a few surprises in the mix. Have fun planning your North Carolina Thanksgiving dinner!

Governor Terry Sanford with turkey "Chef Boy" on leash.
University Archives Photograph Collection. Agricultural Extension and Research services (UA023.007), Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries.

Blog post from NCSU - A Thanksgiving Feast from the Special Collections Research Center

Note there are several collections here. You may find a lag in loading time, but it should be worth it.

Extension Service miscellaneous pamphlets (S544.3 .N8 N657),
Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries, p.14.

I agree with all above but definitely include the celery, nuts, sage and onion!

Hope your Thanksgiving meal is the best!

Monday, November 17, 2025

Have You Tried Researching With Ancestry Library Edition? Here is How!

A reader recently received the following message in an email from Wake County Public Libraries. Access to Ancestry.com Library addition is a great plus to your library services and its availability at any of the 23 library locations is a huge bonus. If you are an occasional researcher or just don't want to invest in a personal subscription at the moment, this is an excellent way to keep your research options open! Call your local branch for details.

Message from WCPL:

As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, many of us may find ourselves sharing stories about our grandparents, great-aunts, great-uncles and generations that came before us. This season of gratitude is the perfect time to explore your own family history, and at Wake County Public Libraries, we can help make that journey possible.
With your Wake County Public Library card, you have free access to one of our many online databases known as Ancestry Library Edition. This is a genealogy resource of military, court, land, probate, vital and church records, directories, passenger lists and more. This resource is available on-site on library PCs only. With your library card, you can uncover stories that bring your family’s past to life and deepen your appreciation for the people and places that shaped you.
We are more than just 23 library locations filled with books; we are gateways to discovery, connection and heritage. This Thanksgiving, as you gather with friends and family, take a moment to celebrate both the stories you know and the ones waiting to be found. Visit your favorite Wake County Public Library and give this resource a try.
Ancestry Library Edition is one of our many databases. While this database is only available in the library, most others can be accessed from home with your library card. Check out the full list of databases and descriptions on our Research Page.
From all of us at the library, Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday be filled with warmth, love and the joy of discovering where your story began.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

WCGS Holiday Dinner at Relish - Dec 4 - 3 Seats Left - Sign Up by Nov 30

Join Wake County Gen Soc Dec 4 for our Holiday Dinner At Relish Craft Kitchen - 3 seats left!

The Wake County Genealogical Society annual holiday dinner is open to everyone, members and non-members alike! This year's dinner will be on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 pm at Relish Craft Kitchen, 5625 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612.

We are not limited to a fixed menu at Relish. Everyone can order to their preference. Here is a peek at the menu.

Up to 30 of us will be seated in a semi-private raised area which is up three steps.

Members and non-members are all welcome so bring your spouse, friends, etc.

Reservation link and details - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044CA9A72CAAFA7-58203190-wcgs

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Wake Wednesday - The loss of the Original State Capitol Building in 1831

Fire gutted the original State Capitol building on June 21, 1831. How did a previous fire, an iron pot and zinc roof shingles factor into Raleigh's near demise as the center of our state government? How did this event seal Raleigh's place as Capital City in North Carolina history?

Read the terrifying and fascinating account in detail at NCPedia here:

The Fires of 1831: Fayetteville and Raleigh in Flames

The remodeled North Carolina State House about 1831 by W. Goodacre. - source
Looking not very much different from today with the exception of its wooden roof.

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Wake Wednesday - Has Raleigh always been the capital of North Carolina?

Not the original capital of North Carolina, in the early days of the colony, Raleigh wasn't even in the running. You will want to check out this NC Archives blog series for the evolution of the state capital in all its iterations.

Great maps, great stories....A Capital Affair. Read here.