MyHeritage NBews: Now Live -- 4 Major U.K. and Ireland Collections — Passenger Lists and Nonconformist Vital Records

 I received this information vfrom Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage today:

====================================

4 major U.K. and Ireland record collections are now live on MyHeritage, including rare passenger lists and Nonconformist vital records that open up entirely new paths for British and Irish family history research.

This release includes the complete surviving U.K. and Ireland incoming and outgoing passenger lists from 1878–1960, alongside England & Wales Nonconformist births, baptisms, deaths, and burials dating back to the 1600s. Together, they cover nearly 40 million passenger records and more than 6 million Nonconformist vital records — all with high-quality images from The National Archives, London. With this update, MyHeritage now offers 678 U.K. collections totaling over 2.03 billion records.

 It’s especially valuable for anyone researching migration stories or families who were not part of the Church of England. Feel free to use the graphic above when sharing, and read the full announcement with links to each collection on the blog.

                                =========================================

Disclosure: I receive a complimentary subscription to MyHeritage, and have received other material consideration in past years. I uploaded my autosomal DNA raw data to their DNA product. This does not affect my objective analysis of MyHeritage products. I am a paid subscriber to Family Tree Webinars and love it.

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Copyright (c) 2026, Randall J. Seaver

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The Watchful House on 30th Street Remembers: "The Rock and Roll Years"

  I  have many memories of the upstairs apartment in the two-story house at 2119 30th Street in San Diego where I grew up (from age 4 to 24).  

Did my house "watch" and "hear" and "feel" and "remember" my time living there?

I wrote a description of the layout of the 30th Street house, and the downstairs patio, as I recalled it.  I described each inhabitant (my father, my mother, me, my two brothers) and some of the daily events that happened in each room, and the patio and the block, over my 20 years residing there, plus some memories of specific events. I created a PDF of that document and attached it to the AI tool to use.

1)  The first AI prompt that I used for the free AI tool Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4.5 was for story ideas, along with a short description of each idea. Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4.5 provided twenty wonderful story ideas - here is one of them (lightly edited for accuracy, consistency, and detail).

2)  My prompt today asked "Please write a story by the house about the rock and roll years" and added some detail about those events in my life.  

(AI NotebookLM Infographic - The Rock and Roll Years)

Here is the Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4.5 story (lightly edited):

The Rock and Roll Years

A story from the house at 2119 30th Street, early 1960s

If my walls could complain—and sometimes I wished they could—the early 1960s would have provided ample opportunity. Randy's discovery of rock and roll radio transformed my sun room from a relatively peaceful space into what Fred occasionally called, with barely concealed exasperation, "a continuous broadcast studio."

The radio on Randy's desk in the sun room became the focal point of an obsession that rivaled even his DXing passion. But where DXing was a nighttime pursuit conducted through headphones with minimal disruption to the household, Randy's rock and roll phase was decidedly public, filling my walls with a constant soundtrack of Top 40 hits from the moment he got home from school until bedtime.

The three San Diego stations—KDEO at 910 on the dial (billing themselves as "Radio Kaydio" with the kind of phonetic cleverness that defined early 1960s marketing), KCBQ at 1170, and KGB at 1360—became Randy's constant companions. He knew their formats, their disc jockeys, their signal patterns as intimately as he knew the distant stations he hunted at night. But these were different—these were about the music, about being connected to the cultural moment, about understanding what was popular and why.

I absorbed the names that became familiar through repetition: Shadoe Jackson and Johnny Holliday on KCBQ, disc jockeys whose voices became as recognizable to our household as family members. They'd introduce songs with enthusiastic patter, announce contest winners, count down the weekly Top 40 with dramatic pauses that Randy could predict with uncanny accuracy.

The music itself became the wallpaper of our daily life. The Shirelles' smooth harmonies would drift from the sun room through the hallway into the dining room where Betty was preparing dinner. The Beach Boys' surf rock and the Supremes Motown hits would bounce off my walls with infectious energy that even Fred couldn't completely resist. Neil Sedaka's theatrical pop would provide background for homework sessions that somehow got completed despite the musical distraction.

Elvis, of course, commanded respect even from Fred, who'd grown up in an era of different musical sensibilities but recognized genuine talent when he heard it. The Everly Brothers' close harmonies reminded everyone that rock and roll could be musically sophisticated. The Four Seasons' falsetto-driven hits were impossible to ignore, filling my sun room with Frankie Valli's distinctive voice.

As the decade progressed, the British Invasion arrived in my walls through Randy's radio. The Beatles transformed popular music and Randy's listening habits simultaneously—suddenly rock and roll wasn't just American anymore, and the excitement of this new sound from across the Atlantic was palpable in Randy's enthusiasm. Herman's Hermits, Petula Clark and the Dave Clark Five —each new artist or group added to the rich tapestry of sound that defined the era.

But Randy's favorite song, the one that seemed to capture something essential about romance and longing that appealed to a shy teenager who struggled with girls, was "I Love How You Love Me" by the Paris Sisters from 1961. When that song came on the radio, I'd feel Randy's attention shift completely from whatever homework was in front of him. The dreamy production and heartfelt lyrics seemed to speak directly to his romantic imagination, to the feelings he couldn't yet articulate to actual girls but could safely explore through popular music.

Randy's musical tastes were eclectic for a teenager—he appreciated ballads for their emotional depth, upbeat rhythm and blues for their energy, surf music for its Southern California authenticity. He wasn't loyal to a single genre but followed the quality and the feeling, developing sophisticated musical taste that would serve him throughout his life.

But Randy being Randy, he couldn't just listen to music—he had to collect data about it. Starting in 1960, he began accumulating radio station Top 40 surveys with the same systematic dedication he brought to his DX logging. Every week, he'd travel downtown to newsstands and record shops, gathering the printed surveys that stations distributed to promote their playlists and create listener loyalty.

I'd watch him return home with these paper treasures, carefully organizing them by station and date, studying the rankings and movements with analytical intensity. A song jumping from number 15 to number 8 wasn't just entertainment news—it was data that revealed patterns about musical popularity, regional preferences, and the machinery of how hits were made.

When Randy discovered that the public library carried Billboard magazine with its comprehensive Top 100 list, his weekly trips downtown acquired new purpose. The Billboard charts became his authoritative source, the national standard against which local station surveys could be measured and analyzed. He'd sit at library tables with notebook and pen, carefully recording chart positions and movement, building his own database of popular music trends.

His DXing network provided unexpected benefits for his rock and roll hobby. Through correspondence with distant stations, Randy could request and receive Top 40 surveys from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Chicago, Memphis, Boston, Philadelphia, and stations across the country. This wasn't just music appreciation—it was comparative analysis of regional tastes, understanding how the same songs performed differently in different markets.

When he joined the National Radio Club primarily for DXing purposes, Randy discovered that many members also tracked rock and roll stations and song surveys, and the newsletter reports included information about Top 40 formats nationwide. His two hobbies—distance listening and music appreciation—merged into a comprehensive understanding of American popular culture as transmitted through AM radio waves.

The Top 40 countdown shows were appointment listening in my sun room. Every station had them, and Randy would tune in religiously to hear which songs were rising and falling, which new entries were making their debuts, which oldies were making surprising comebacks. The dramatic reveals, the tension of waiting to hear if his favorite song had climbed higher, the satisfaction of correctly predicting the number one position—these became weekly rituals.

But Randy's favorite show was KCBQ's "Battle of the New Sounds," broadcast every week with an innovative format that gave listeners voting power over future hits. The station would play recent releases that hadn't yet made the Top 40, and listeners could call in to vote for their favorites. The winning song would be highlighted on the next station survey, giving it promotional advantage that could launch it toward actual Top 40 success.

Randy took this seriously, listening with critical attention to judge which new releases had hit potential. He'd discuss the contenders at the dinner table, explaining why a particular song had the right hook or production value to become popular. Betty would listen with maternal patience while Fred would occasionally offer surprisingly astute observations about melody and lyrics that revealed his own musical sophistication.

But the event that became family legend happened around 1961, when KDEO "Radio Kaydio" launched a "sweater girl" contest. The premise was simple but brilliant for generating listener engagement—find the sweater girl somewhere in downtown San Diego and win $25. It was the kind of promotional stunt that radio stations loved because it transformed listeners into active participants while generating word-of-mouth publicity.

Randy immediately recruited Stan and their friend Kert for a Saturday downtown expedition. The contest seemed straightforward—how hard could it be to find a young lady wearing a sweater in downtown San Diego? My walls absorbed their planning session, the strategic discussions about which department stores to search, the excitement of the hunt.

They took the bus downtown, three boys on a mission that combined the thrill of treasure hunting with the slightly awkward teenage awareness that they were essentially looking for a girl. They walked through department stores with the systematic approach Randy brought to everything—covering aisles methodically, riding every elevator, checking every floor.

The search stretched into hours. Department stores that had seemed like easy hunting grounds revealed themselves to be vast territories where finding one specific person required patience and luck. They wandered through Marston's and other downtown stores, seeing hundreds of shoppers but no sweater girl, beginning to wonder if the whole contest was impossible or perhaps a hoax.

And then, in an elevator at what Randy thought was Marston's, fate intervened. The elevator stopped at a floor and a young lady wearing a light blue sweater stepped in. Something about her—maybe the way she smiled at them, maybe the slight nervousness in her demeanor, maybe just instinct—made Randy turn to Stan and whisper urgently: "Ask her."

Stan, with the directness that sometimes came easier to younger brothers, spoke up: "Are you the Radio Kaydio sweater girl?"

She smiled and confirmed: "Yes, I am."

Twenty-five dollars! Stan had won! His name would be announced on KDEO as the contest victor! The three boys' excitement was tremendous, the elevator ride suddenly transformed into a moment of triumph. The only regret—and Randy mentioned this ruefully when recounting the story at dinner—was that none of them had brought a camera to document the moment.

When Stan's name was announced on the radio as the sweater girl contest winner, my walls vibrated with family pride. Stan had won through a combination of his boldness, Randy's strategic planning, Kert's companionship, and the sheer luck of being in the right elevator at the right moment. The $25 was significant money for a teenager in 1961, but the bragging rights were even more valuable.

Fred was amused by the whole adventure, appreciating the initiative the boys had shown and the systematic approach to what was essentially a promotional scavenger hunt. Betty was impressed by Stan's boldness in actually asking the young lady if she was the sweater girl—neither she nor Randy had been certain Stan would follow through when Randy whispered the instruction.

The contest victory became part of our family lore, one of those perfect moments when preparation meets opportunity and produces unexpected success. Every time KDEO came on the radio after that, someone would mention Stan's sweater girl triumph, keeping the memory alive through repetition and shared enjoyment.

Randy's rock and roll years taught me about the power of popular culture to define generational identity. While Fred had his Roller Derby and boxing, while Betty had her copper enameling, Randy had Top 40 radio—a constant stream of music that connected him to millions of other teenagers experiencing the same songs, the same excitement, the same cultural moment.

The collection of Top 40 surveys that accumulated in the sun room represented more than just paper ephemera—they were artifacts of Randy's systematic approach to understanding the world. Just as he logged distant radio stations to understand propagation patterns, he tracked chart positions to understand popularity trends. Both hobbies reflected his fundamental nature: observe, collect data, analyze patterns, understand systems.

The music that filled my walls during those years became the soundtrack of Randy's adolescence. "I Love How You Love Me" carried his unspoken romantic longing. The Beach Boys captured the Southern California spirit he lived within but sometimes felt separate from due to his shyness and small stature. The Beatles represented the excitement of cultural revolution, proof that the world was changing and that change could be thrilling rather than threatening.

When Randy's interests eventually shifted more toward serious DXing and away from constant Top 40 listening, I almost missed the noise. The sun room grew quieter, the music replaced by the softer sounds of distant stations heard through headphones. But the rock and roll years had served their purpose—connecting Randy to his generation, teaching him about popular culture, giving him something to share with peers even when his physical size and shyness made other connections difficult.

And we still had the sweater girl story, a perfect encapsulation of the era when radio stations ran contests, teenagers hunted through department stores for promotional prizes, and $25 could make a fourteen-year-old boy a temporary hero whose name was announced to all of San Diego on KDEO "Radio Kaydio."

The walls that "suffered" through years of rock and roll music secretly loved every minute of it. The energy, the joy, the cultural vitality that flowed through my sun room during those early 1960s years became part of what I was—not just a house but a vessel for the sounds that defined a generation growing up, finding their voices, discovering that the world was bigger and more exciting than anything their parents' generation had imagined.

And every time I remember those years, I can still hear the Paris Sisters singing "I Love How You Love Me," still feel the excitement when Stan found the sweater girl, still sense Randy's satisfaction when his predictions about chart movements proved correct, still vibrate with the infectious energy of rock and roll music filling a sun room on 30th Street where a shy, small, brilliant teenager was learning about music, culture, and the strange magic of popular songs that could make you feel less alone in the world.

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3) The Google NotebookLM Video Overview of this story is below:  

4)  These events really happened over a period of time and the names and events mentioned are real.  I still love the music from the late 1950s andf early 1960s.

                        ==============================================

Links to my blog posts about using Artificial Intelligence are on my Randy's AI and Genealogy page. Links to AI information and articles about Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy by other genealogists are on my AI and Genealogy Compendium page.

Copyright (c) 2025, Randall J. Seaver

The URL for this post is: 

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post.  Share it on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest using the icons below.  Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.  Please note that all comments are moderated, and may not appear immediately.

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Amanuensis Monday -- 1784 Mortgage Indenture of George Wakeman to Pay Dirick Lefferts For Lots in Albany County, New York

 This week's document for transcription is the 1784 Mortgage Indenture of George Wakeman to pay Dirick Lefferts the money owed to him with interest for lots of land in Albany County, New York.

[Albany County, New York, Mortgages 1785-1789:  pages 36-37, image 59 of 543]:

[Albany County, New York, Mortgages 1785-1789:  pages 38-39, image 60 of 543]:

The transcription of this Indenture is (starting at about 30% of the way down the left-hand page of the first image) with the assistance of FamilySearch Full-Text Search:

[Page 36 starting about 30% down the page):

     Registered for and at the Request of Dirck Lefferts of the City of New

York Gentleman this 3'th Day of August 1785 

     This Indenture made the first day of May and in the year of our Lord 

one Thousand seven hundred and Eighty four Between George Wakeman 

of Ballstown in Albany County and State of New York Yeoman of the one 

part and Dirck Lefferts of the City of New York Gentleman of the other part 

Whereas by Indenture bearing date the 2'd day of February in the year 

of our Lord 1772 made between the said George Wakeman and Abell Jennings 

of the one part and the said Dirick Lefferts of the second part, they the 

said George Wakeman and        Jennings for the Consideration therein 

mentioned did Grant Bargain and Sell Alien Release and confirm un-

to the said Dirick Lefferts And to his heirs and assigns for ever All them

certain Lots of Land Situate lying and being in Ballstown aforesaid being 

perticularly bounded and described as in and by the said Indenture of Mort-

gage Remaining in the Hands of the said Dirick Lefferts R[???]ation being thereun-

to had will fully and at Large appear To have and to hold all and singular 

the said Lots of Land contained and described in the said Mortgage above 

Referred to with the Hereditaments and premisses and every part thereof 

with the Appurtenances unto the said Dirick Lefferts and to his heirs and 

assigns and to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Dirick Lef-

ferts his Heirs and assigns forever In which said Indenture is contained 

a provisoe or condition that if the said George Wakeman & Abell Jennings 

their heirs and assigns shall and well & truly pay or cause to be paid 

unto the said Derick Lefferts his Executors Administrators or Assigns 

[page 37]

the just and full sum of Six hundred pounds with Lawfull Interest for the same 

Specified and now passed then and from thenceforth the same Indenture 

at a certain Day in the same Indenture and very thing herein Contained shall 

cease and be void as by the same Indenture will more fully appear. And whereas 

the said sum of Six hundred pounds was not paid on the said Day in the said 

Provisoe and Condition mentioned according to the same provisoe or Condition  

And Whereas there is now Due and Oweing upon the said Mortgage to the said 

Dirick Lefferts for principle and Interest the sum of Eight Hundred Eighty & 

eight pounds four Shillings: And Whereas the said George Wakeman has the 

whole of the premisses so mortgaged and is therefore solely answerable. Now 

this Indenture Witnesseth that the said George Wakeman for himself 

his Heirs and assigns Doth Covenant grant and agree to and with the said

 Dirick Lefferts his Executors Administrators and assigns shall and will well 

and Truly pay or Cause to be paid unto the said Dirick Lefferts his Executors 

Administrators or assigns the said sum of Eight Hundred Eighty and Eight

pounds four Shillings in Spanish milled Dollars at the rate of Eight Shillings 

Each on or before the first Day of May which will be in the year of our Lord 1785 

with the Lawfull Interest for the same in the like Spanish milled Dollars 

at the rate of Eight Shillings each in full Discharge of the monies now due and 

Oweing upon the said Mortgage and also that the said Mortgaged premisses now 

to be are and shall remain ^to be^ Charged and Chargeable what the payment of the said 

sum of Eight Hundred eighty and eight pounds four Shillings with Lawfull 

Interest for the same in Spanish milled Dollars at the rate aforesaid afore-

said But in case it shall happen that the said sum of eight Hundred eighty 

and eight pounds four Shillings and the Interest as aforesaid shall remain 

due and unpaid on the said first day of May 1785 in the whole or 

in part thereof that then and in such Case it shall and may be Lawful 

for the said Dirick Lefferts his heirs and assigns at any time after the 

first day of May 1785 to Grant Bargain Sell and dispose of the said 

Lots of Land and premisses with the appurtenances to them Be-

longing or in any wise appertaining at Publick vendue agreea-

ble to the power hereby given him and greeable to the Direction 

of a certain act of the Legislature of the late Colony of New York

[page 38]

In such case made and provided for to any person or persons whatsoever to and 

such sum or sums of Money as shall or may reasonably be had & gotten for the same 

and out of the monies so arising by the sale thereof to Retain and keep in his

hands the said sum of Eight Hundred eighty and eight pounds four Shil-

lings and all the Interest to become and grow due thereon together with all just 

& reasonable Charges & Costs of such sale or Sales Rendering the overplus and

may if any there shall be unto the said George Wakeman his Executors

Administrators or assigns which sale or sales so to be made by force and 

Virtue of these presents and agreeable to the said Act shall and are here 

by declared to be from thenceforth and forever thereafter a sure and absolute 

perpetual and Intire Barr both in Law and Equity against him the said 

George Wakeman his Heirs and assigns and all claiming by from or 

under him, them, or any of them and of all Benefits and Equity of 

Reception of the premisses or any part or parcell thereof In Witness

whereof the said George Wakeman hath hereunto set his hand & seal 

the Day and year first within written.

Sealed and Delivered 

before Sealing and Delivery the                  }

words New, between second and                 }

lines in first page and the word                    }

'be' between the Twenty eight & Twen-       }

ty lines of the second page                           }      George Wakeman {LS}

Interlined and the word (or may) , in the     }

Tweint ^ninth^line of the second page & the }

word absolute in the sixth line of                }

the third page write or Erazure                    } 

In the pPresence of us 

also before sealing and Delivery the words Eight , Eighty  }

& Eight in the 2'd 9'th 16 19 31 & 32dd lines of the second ]

page of this Indenture being on Erasure 

                         Thos  Palmer 

                         Beriah Palmer

[page 39]

 Be it Remembered that on the Twenty third day of June One Thous-

sand seven hundred and eighty four personally appeared before me Henry Oot-

out Esquire one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for the 

County of Albany George Wakeman named in the within Instrument who 

acknowledged the he had sealed and Delivered the said Instrument as 

his voluntary act and Deed for the uses therein mentioned and having 

examined the said Instrument and finding no razures Obliterations 

or Interlineations but those acknowledged by the said George Wake-

man to have been before Execution do allow the same to be 

Recorded.

Recorded & Examined 

                                John Bleecker Jun'r Dy Clk   Hen'y Oothoudt

The source citation for this mortgage record is:

"Albany County, New York, United States records," mortgage indenture of George Wakeman to pay Dirick Lefferts, executed 1 May 1784, recorded 30 August 1785; imaged,   FamilySearch   (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9W7-FJTF?view=fullText : accessed Jan 2, 2026), Image Group Number: 007121148, "Albany, Mortgages, 1785-1789," pages 36-39, images 59-60 of 543; New York. County Court (Albany County).

This mortgage indenture by George Wakeman agreed to pay Dirick Lefferts 888 pounds, and four shillings principal and interest (in milled Spanish dollars valued at 8 shillings each) owed to Dirick Lefferts since 1772 when George Wakeman agreed to buy lots of land in Ballstown, Albany County, New York with a mortgage.  George Wakeman signed the Indenture on 23 June 1784, with a due date of 1 May 1785. On 30 August 1785, Dirick Lefferts requested the County Court to register the indenture. It is not clear whether George Wakeman ever paid, fully or in part, what he owed to Dirick Lefferts. 

There are several other records of George Wakeman transactions in Albany County, New Yotk.

George Wakeman (1740-1815) was born before 1 June 1740 in Fairfield, Connecticut, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (--?--) Wakeman. He married Sarah Hill (1742-1832) on 17 June 1762 in Fairfield, Connecticut.  George Wakeman died before 2 January 1815 in Wayne township, Ashtabula County, Ohio.

George and Sarah (Hill) Wakeman are my 6th great-grandparents through their daughter Hannah Wakeman (1763-1814) who married Thomas Partridge (1758-1828) in New York on  2 October 1785.  

=========================================

Read other transcriptions of records of my relatives and ancestors at Amanuensis Monday Posts.

NOTE: Genea-blogger John Newmark (who writes the excellent TransylvanianDutch blog) started a Monday blog theme years ago called "Amanuensis Monday." John offers this definition for "amanuensis:"

"A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another."

The URL for this post is:  

Copyright (c) 2026, Randall J. Seaver

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post. Share your comments on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest using the icons below. Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.  Note that all comments are moderated, and may not appear online immediately.

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Best of the Genea-Blogs - Week of 11 to 17 January 2026

 Scores of genealogy and family history bloggers write hundreds of posts every week about their research, their families, and their interests. I appreciate each one of them and their efforts.

My criteria for "Best of ..." are pretty simple - I pick posts that advance knowledge about genealogy and family history, address current genealogy issues, provide personal family history, are funny or are poignant. I don't list posts destined for most daily blog prompts or meme submissions (but I do include summaries of them), or my own posts.

Here are my picks for great reads from the genealogy blogs for this past week: 

*  The 'AI Artisan Storyteller' Model: by Carole McCulloch on Essential Genealogy.

*  Finding Your Loyalist Ancestors by Aryn Youngless on Genealogy By Aryn.

*  Hidden Newspaper Articles – Gem of the Week: Court Dockets for Minor Cases (Recorder’s Court) by Kenneth R. Marks on The Ancestor Hunt.

*  Sanborn Maps: A Genealogist’s Friend by Linda Stufflebean on Empty Branches on the Family Tree.

*  Types of Records Found in Historical Newspapers (That You’re Missing) by a writer on GenealogyBank Blog.

*  Meet Your New Research Partner, Claude Code and The File That Makes Claude Yours by Steve Little on Vibe Genealogy.

*  Preserving Old Black Paper Photo Albums by Melissa Barker on A Genealogist In the Archives.

*  Strategies to Jumpstart Your Research by Juliana Szucs on Upfront With NGS.

*  Research Notes in Practice: A RootsMagic Perspective by Marcia Crawford Philbrick on Heartland Genealogy.

*  What Happens When AI Analyzes a 160-Year-Old Murder Case—Without the Legend by Jason Duncan on Jason Duncan - webjmd.

*  Debunking a Family Myth and I Finally Know the Source by Alicia M. Prater on GenTales.

*  Family Tree Experts: An Interview with Roberta Estes by the writer of Family Tree DNA Blog.

*  Always Check the Originals: A Case Study on Why You Need to Go Further Than the Index by Lex Knowlton on Knext Gen Genealogy.

*  Getting Ready for RootsTech 2026 by Roberta Estes on DNAeXplained - Genetic Genealogy.

*  Real Genealogical Research from FamilySearch Full-Text Search, Google Gemini and NotebookLM by James Tanner on Genealogy's Star.

*  Ride Along on the Road to RootsTech! by Barbatra Tien on Projectkin.

Here are pick posts by other geneabloggers this week:

*  The Chiddicks Observer Edition 40 (12 January 2026) by Paul Chiddicks on Paul Chiddicks. 

*  Friday’s Family History Finds [16 January 2026] by Linda Stufflebean on Empty Branches on the Family Tree.

*  This week’s crème de la crème -- January 17, 2026 by Gail Dever on Genealogy a la Carte.

*  GenStack [17 January 2026] by Robin Stewart on Genealogy Matters.

Readers are encouraged to go to the blogs listed above and read their articles, and add the blogs to your Favorites, Feedly, another RSS feed, or email if you like what you read. Please make a comment to them also - all bloggers appreciate feedback on what they write.

Did I miss a great genealogy blog post? Tell me! I currently am reading posts from over 900 genealogy bloggers using Feedly, but I still miss quite a few it seems.

Read past Best of the Genea-Blogs posts here.

             ==========================================================

Copyright (c) 2026, Randall J. Seaver

The URL for this post is:  https://www.geneamusings.com/2026/01/best-of-genea-blogs-week-of-11-to-17.html

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post. Share it on X, Facebook, or Pinterest using the icons below. Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.  Please note that all comments are moderated and may not appear immediately.

Subscribe to receive a free daily email from Genea-Musings using www.Blogtrottr.com.

  The AI-assisted ABC Biography of my mother, Betty Virginia (Carringer) Seaver, is in ABC Biography of #3 Betty Virginia (Carringer) Seaver (1919-2002) of San Diego, California. I also  wrote Betty's Story: The First-Year Art Teacher about the start of her teaching career.

The AI-assisted ABC Biography of my father, Frederick Walton Seaver, is in ABC Biography of #2 Frederick Walton Seaver Jr. (1911-1983) of Massachusetts and San Diego, California.  I also wrote Fred's Story: The Three-Day Cross-Country Escape  and Fred's Story: "I Need A Girl" about him coming to San Diego, and then wanting for a girlfriend.

Then I wrote:

•  Betty's Story: "The Dinner That Changed Everything" where Betty met Fred at Betty's student's home and their lives were changed.  
• Betty and Fred's Story: "The First Date" where they got to know each other better.
• Betty and Fred's Story: "New Beginnings" where the romance blossoms a bit.
• Betty and Fred's Story: "Late Summer, Early Fall 1941" - more fun and love.
• Betty and Fred's Story: "Autumn Into Winter 1941" - Thanksgiving, Pearl Harbor and Christmas
• Betty and Fred's Story: Winter 1941/2 ... and Waiting - more fun and love and Valentine's Day - and disappointment
• Betty and Fred's Story: "Winter Into Spring 1942" - bad news, frustration and acceptance.
• Betty and Fred's Story: "The Big Moment" - the proposal
• Betty and Fred's Story: "Racing Toward Forever" - only two weeks to go!
• Betty and Fred's Story: "The Days Before 'I Do' " -  The next two weeks.

And now:

                (AI NotebookLM Infographic - Betty and Fred's Story - The Wedding Day) 

1)  Based on the biographies and the earlier stories, I asked Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4.5 to tell another story - what happened next (I offered some suggestions!)?  Here is the next story (edited for more detail and accuracy):

Betty and Fred’s Story: The Wedding Day

Sunday, July 12, 1942 - Morning

Betty woke at dawn, though she'd barely slept. Her wedding day had arrived—the day she'd been dreaming about, planning for, counting down to for three months.

She lay in her childhood bed, listening to the familiar sounds of the house on Fern Street waking up. Her mother moving around in the kitchen. Her father's footsteps in the hallway. Somewhere in the distance, the carillon from the California Tower began its morning song.

This was the last morning she'd wake up as Betty Carringer. Tonight, she'd sleep in the Hotel Laguna as Mrs. Frederick Walton Seaver Jr.

The thought made her stomach flip with excitement and nerves.

A soft knock on her door, and Emily entered carrying a breakfast tray. "Good morning, bride. I thought you might want to eat in bed today."

"I don't think I can eat anything, Mama. My stomach is doing somersaults."

"You need to eat something. It's going to be a long day, and you can't faint at your own wedding."

Emily set the tray on Betty's lap—toast and jam, scrambled eggs, orange juice. Betty managed a few bites while her mother sat on the edge of the bed.

"How are you feeling?" Emily asked.

"Excited. Terrified. Happy. Like I might throw up."

Emily laughed. "That's exactly how I felt on my wedding day. It's perfectly normal."

"Were you scared? When you married Papa?"

"A little. Not of marrying him—I knew I loved him. But scared of everything changing, of leaving my childhood behind, of becoming a wife. But Betty, it was the best decision I ever made. Your father has been my partner, my best friend, my rock for twenty-three years."

"That's what I want with Fred."

"And you'll have it. I've watched you two together these past sixteen months. You have what it takes—love, respect, friendship, commitment. That's the foundation of a good marriage."

They sat together for a while longer, mother and daughter, savoring these last hours before everything changed. Then Emily squeezed Betty's hand and stood.

"Your grandmothers will be here soon to help you get ready. And Eleanor and the other girls are coming at noon. We need to be at the church by 2:30."

After Emily left, Betty got up and opened her closet. Her wedding dress hung there, white and perfect, waiting. She reached out and touched the satin fabric, still hardly believing this was real.

Today. Today she was getting married.

---

Late Morning

By ten o'clock, the Carringer house was full of women. Georgianna and Della had arrived to help, along with several of Emily’s friends. The kitchen was a flurry of activity as last-minute preparations for the reception were finalized.

Betty sat at her vanity while Georgianna brushed out her hair, preparing it for the elaborate updo they'd planned.

"Your grandfather Austin will love to see this day," Della said softly. "He always said you were special, even when you were just a little girl."

"I wish my other grandfather could be here. And Fred's father too. So many people who should be here aren't."

"They're here in spirit, dear. And they're so proud of you."

Eleanor Steddom arrived at noon, along with the other bridesmaids—Sally Lyons, Phyllis Tazelaar, Marcia Chamberlain, and Edwina Taylor. They all wore their soft blue dresses and were chattering with excitement.

"The bride!" Marcia squealed, hugging Betty carefully so as not to muss her hair. "I can't believe this is really happening!"

"I can," Eleanor said. "I've been watching you two fall in love for over a year. This is exactly right."

The bridesmaids helped Betty with her makeup—light and natural, just enough to enhance her features. They styled her hair in soft waves pinned up elegantly, with little tendrils framing her face. They fastened the veil to her hair with pins and the crown of silk flowers.

Finally, at two o'clock, it was time for the dress.

Emily and Georgianna helped Betty step into the white marquisette gown over satin. It had a bouffant skirt that rustled as she moved and bishop sleeves that made her feel elegant and regal. Embroidered daisies outlined the bodice and waistline. The dress fit perfectly, thanks to the alterations at Marston's.

Emily fastened the buttons up the back while Georgianna arranged the tulle veil—fingertip length, flowing behind Betty like a cloud.

"One more thing," Della said, appearing with a small box. "Something old." She pinned a cameo brooch to Betty's dress—a family heirloom that had been worn by Carringer brides for three generations.

"Something new is your dress," Emily said. "Something borrowed..." She fastened a pearl bracelet around Betty's wrist. "This was my mother's."

"And something blue," Georgianna added, tucking a small blue ribbon into Betty's bouquet of white chiffon daisies.

Betty looked at herself in the full-length mirror. The woman staring back at her looked like a bride from a magazine—elegant, beautiful, ready to be married.

"Oh, Betty," Emily whispered, tears streaming down her face. "You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen."

"Mama, don't cry. You'll make me cry, and I'll ruin my makeup."

But Betty was crying too, and soon all the women were crying and laughing and passing around handkerchiefs.

At 2:15, Lyle appeared at the bedroom door in his best suit. He stopped when he saw Betty, his face transforming with emotion.

"Betty-bug," he said, his voice rough. "You look... you look just like an angel."

"Papa." Betty went to him, careful with her dress and veil.

Lyle pulled her into a gentle hug. "I'm losing my little girl today."

"You're not losing me. You're gaining a son."

"I know. And Fred's a good man. He'll take care of you." Lyle pulled back and looked at Betty seriously. "But if he doesn't, if he ever hurts you, you come straight home. You'll always have a home here."

"I know, Papa. I love you."

"I love you too, Betty. More than you'll ever know. Until you have children of your own—then you'll understand."

---

All Saints' Episcopal Church - 2:30 PM

The cars pulled up to All Saints' Episcopal Church at 625 Pennsylvania Avenue. The church looked beautiful in the afternoon sun, its stone facade and stained glass windows glowing.

Inside, the sanctuary was filling with guests. Fred's mother Bessie and his sister Gerry were already seated in the front pew on the right side, along with Mrs. William “Bud” Richmond. The Chamberlain family—Marshall and Dorothy, along with Dorothy's mother Emily Taylor (Fred's aunt).

On the left side, Emily Carringer and Georgianna Auble waited in the front pew, along with Emily's best friend Gladys Taylor, a widow. Austin and Della Carringer (Lyle’s grandparents) and Lyle’s uncle Edgar Carringer were there too.

The out-of-town guests had all arrived—Alfred Franklin Kemp and his wife Ella from Los Angeles (Georgianna's brother), Leroy James. Kemp and his wife Margery from Los Angeles (Georgianna's nephew), Edward and Myrtle Marley from Santa Ana (Georgianna's niece and her husband), William and Nancy Laws with their daughters Estelen and Marie from Riverside, and George and Mrs. Pearson with their children from San Bernardino.

Betty's sorority sisters from San Diego State filled several pews, along with her teaching colleagues from the junior high school where she'd worked. Fred's coworkers from Rohr Aircraft were there, wearing their best Sunday suits. Lyle’s coworkers from Marston’s, and family friends were there. Neighbors from Fern Street, 30^th Street and Brooklyn Heights. Friends from All Saints' Episcopal, where both Betty and Fred had been attending services.

By 2:45, the church was nearly full—not quite the 250 guests invited, but close to 200 people had come to witness the marriage of Betty Carringer and Fred Seaver.

In a small room off the sanctuary, Betty waited with her father and bridesmaids. Through the door, she could hear the murmur of conversation, the shuffle of people taking their seats, the occasional laugh.

"Where's Fred?" Betty asked nervously. "Is he here?"

"He's been here since 2:00," Eleanor assured her. "Marshall said he was so nervous he wanted to arrive early to make sure nothing went wrong."

At 2:55, Father Frederick J. Stevens, the rector of All Saints', appeared at the door. "Everyone's ready. It's time."

The bridesmaids lined up in order: Eleanor as matron of honor, then Edwina Taylor, Marcia Chamberlain, Sally Lyons, and Phyllis Tazelaar. They looked lovely in their soft blue dresses, each carrying a small bouquet of white roses.

Betty took her father's arm, her bouquet of white chiffon daisies trembling slightly in her hands.

"Ready?" Lyle asked.

"Ready."

---

The Ceremony - 3:00 PM

The organist began playing, and the sanctuary doors opened. The congregation stood and turned to watch as the processional began.

First came the bridesmaids, walking slowly down the aisle in pairs—Edwina and Marcia, then Sally and Phyllis, and finally Eleanor alone as matron of honor.

Then the music changed to the wedding march, and Betty appeared in the doorway on her father's arm.

A collective sigh went through the congregation. Betty looked radiant—her white marquisette gown catching the light streaming through the stained glass windows, her veil floating behind her, her bouquet of white daisies held in trembling hands.

But Betty only had eyes for one person.

Fred stood at the altar with Marshall beside him as best man. The groomsmen—Roderick Steddom, George Lyons, Richard Tazelaar, and William “Bud” Richmond—stood in a line, all wearing matching tuxedos.

Fred's face when he saw Betty walking toward him was everything she'd hoped for. His eyes filled with tears, his expression a mixture of awe and love and disbelief that this beautiful woman was about to become his wife.

Betty walked slowly down the aisle, her heart hammering, her eyes locked on Fred's. The church faded away—the guests, the flowers, the music—until there was only Fred, waiting for her at the altar.

When they reached the front, Father Stevens asked, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

"Her mother and I do," Lyle said, his voice thick with emotion. He kissed Betty's cheek, then placed her hand in Fred's before taking his seat next to Emily in the front pew.

Fred squeezed Betty's hand as Father Stevens began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses to join together Frederick Walton Seaver Jr. and Betty Virginia Carringer in holy matrimony..."

Before the vows, Fred’s sister, Gerry Seaver, stepped forward. Her voice was clear and beautiful as she sang "The Lord's Prayer," filling the church with the familiar words. Then she sang "O Perfect Love," a traditional wedding hymn that spoke of love eternal and blessed.

Betty felt tears streaming down her face as she listened to Fred's sister sing. Gerry had traveled three thousand miles to be here, to be part of this day, and her gift of music was perfect.

Then it was time for the vows.

Father Stevens turned to Fred first. "Frederick, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"

"I will," Fred said, his voice steady and sure.

"Betty, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, so long as you both shall live?"

"I will," Betty said, her voice clear despite her tears.

They turned to face each other, hands joined. Fred went first, his eyes never leaving Betty's face:

"I, Frederick, take you, Betty, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge you my faith."

Betty's voice trembled slightly, but she spoke each word with conviction:

"I, Betty, take you, Frederick, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge you my faith."

Marshall stepped forward with the rings—simple gold bands that Fred and Betty had chosen together in April. This was a double-ring ceremony, still somewhat uncommon in 1942, but Betty and Fred had wanted to exchange rings as a symbol of their equal commitment.

Fred took Betty's ring first. His hands shook slightly as he slid it onto her finger, speaking the words: "With this ring, I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Then Betty took Fred's ring and slid it onto his finger: "With this ring, I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Father Stevens smiled at them both. "Forasmuch as Frederick and Betty have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving rings, and by joining hands; I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

He looked at Fred with a twinkle in his eye. "You may kiss your bride."

Fred lifted Betty's veil carefully, his hands gentle. For a moment, they just looked at each other—husband and wife, finally, at last. Then Fred cupped Betty's face in his hands and kissed her.

It was a sweet kiss, appropriate for a church full of witnesses, but it held all the promise of their future together. When they pulled apart, both were crying and smiling.

The organist burst into recessional music, and Father Stevens announced: "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Walton Seaver Jr.!"

The congregation erupted in applause as Fred and Betty turned to face their family and friends as husband and wife. Betty's smile was radiant. Fred looked like he might burst with happiness.

They walked back down the aisle together, Betty's hand tucked into the crook of Fred's elbow, both of them beaming. The bridesmaids and groomsmen followed in pairs—Eleanor with Marshall, Edwina with William, Marcia with Rod, Sally with George, and Phyllis with Dick.

Outside the church, guests threw rice and rose petals as Fred and Betty emerged into the July sunshine. Fred swept Betty into his arms and kissed her again, to the delight of everyone gathered.

"We did it," Fred whispered against her lips. "You're my wife."

"We did it," Betty agreed. "You're my husband."

They stood there for a moment, holding each other, married, while their families and friends celebrated around them.

---

San Diego Woman's Club - 4:00 PM

The reception was held at the San Diego Woman's Club on the corner of Third and Maple Streets. The elegant clubhouse had been decorated simply but beautifully—white roses and blue hydrangeas on every table, white tablecloths, candles waiting to be lit as evening approached.

Fred and Betty arrived first, along with the wedding party. They stood in the receiving line as guests filed in—Betty and Fred, then Emily and Lyle, then Bessie Seaver and Gerry.

Emily wore a gown of chili green crepe with white accessories, looking elegant and proud. Bessie wore smoke blue, sophisticated and dignified. Both mothers had tears in their eyes as they greeted guests and accepted congratulations.

The clubhouse filled quickly with the 200+ wedding guests. Relatives caught up. Friends from different parts of Betty and Fred's lives met for the first time. The Rohr employees talked shop with Lyle Carringer. Betty's teaching colleagues told Fred stories about his new wife. The sorority sisters reminisced about their college days.

After everyone had gone through the receiving line, Marshall Chamberlain stood and clinked his glass for attention. As best man, he had the honor of giving the first toast.

"I've known Fred Seaver for two years now," Marshall began. "He came to San Diego from Massachusetts, stayed with my family, and became like a brother to me. And I watched him go from a lonely transplant to the happiest man I've ever seen. The reason? Betty Carringer."

He turned to look at the bride and groom. "Fred, you found the perfect woman for you. Betty is kind, talented, beautiful, and patient enough to put up with your tendency to worry about everything. Betty, you found a man who will love you faithfully for the rest of your life. Fred is steady, dependable, and completely devoted to you. You're perfect for each other."

Marshall raised his glass. "To Fred and Betty—may your marriage be long, happy, and full of adventure. May you face every challenge together and celebrate every joy together. May you grow old side by side, still holding hands, still in love."

"To Fred and Betty!" the guests chorused, raising their glasses.

Rod Steddom spoke next, telling a funny story about Betty from their college days. His boss shared memories of Fred from Rohr. Edwina Taylor read a poem about love and marriage.

Then the food was served—chicken, roasted potatoes, green beans, fresh rolls. It was simple but delicious, and the guests ate heartily while conversation buzzed around the room.

The wedding cake was brought out—three tiers of white frosting decorated with sugar flowers. Fred and Betty cut the first slice together, their hands joined on the knife, while a photographer captured the moment.

"Don't smash it in my face," Betty warned.

"I would never," Fred promised. He fed her a bite gently, and she did the same for him, both of them laughing.

As evening approached and the light in the clubhouse grew golden, Fred and Betty had their first dance as husband and wife. The small band that had been hired for the reception played "Always," and Fred swept Betty into his arms.

"How are you doing, Mrs. Seaver?" Fred asked as they swayed together.

"I'm perfect, Mr. Seaver. Absolutely perfect."

"Any regrets?"

"Only that we didn't do this sooner."

They danced close together, lost in their own world while guests watched and smiled. Then Lyle cut in to dance with his daughter, and Marshall claimed Betty while Fred danced with his mother. Gerry danced with her cousin Bud.

"Thank you for being here," Fred said to Bessie, his voice thick with emotion. "It means everything to me."

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Your father would be so proud of you today."

"I hope so. I've tried to live up to his example."

"You have, my son. You absolutely have."

The evening continued with more dancing, more toasts, more laughter. Fred's sister told stories about Fred growing up in the Seaver family. Betty's sorority sisters reminisced about college pranks. The bridesmaids and groomsmen started a conga line that wound through the clubhouse.

Around six o'clock, Betty went upstairs to change out of her wedding dress. Eleanor and Marcia helped her into her going-away outfit—a smart traveling suit in navy blue with a white blouse and a jaunty hat.

"I can't believe you're married," Marcia said, hugging Betty tightly. "You're actually married!"

"I can't believe it either. It doesn't feel real yet."

"It will. Especially on your honeymoon." Eleanor wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, making Betty laugh and blush.

When Betty came back downstairs, Fred had changed too—into a regular suit, more comfortable for driving. He was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, and when he saw Betty, his face lit up.

"Ready to go, Mrs. Seaver?"

"Ready, Mr. Seaver."

They made their way through the crowd of guests, accepting hugs and good wishes. Betty threw her bouquet, and Marcia Chamberlain caught it, squealing with delight.

"You're next!" Betty called to her.

Outside, Fred's car was waiting, decorated with streamers and tin cans tied to the bumper. Someone had written "JUST MARRIED" on the back window in white shoe polish.

Betty hugged her mother tightly. "Thank you for everything, Mama. The dress, the reception, all of it. It was perfect."

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Now go be happy."

She hugged her father next, and Lyle held her close. "Remember what I said. You always have a home here if you need it."

"I know, Papa. I love you."

"I love you too, Betty-bug."

Fred embraced his mother and sister. "Take care of each other on the trip home. And write to us."

"We will," Bessie promised. "Enjoy your honeymoon. And Fred—be good to her."

"Always, Mother. I promise."

Finally, Fred and Betty climbed into the car. Fred started the engine, and the tin cans rattled loudly. Guests had gathered on the street, waving and cheering.

Fred put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb. Betty waved out the window as they drove off, watching her family and friends recede into the distance.

When they turned the corner and the crowd was out of sight, Fred reached over and took Betty's hand.

"We did it," he said. "We're married."

"We're married," Betty repeated, the words settling into her heart. "Mr. and Mrs. Seaver."

"How does it feel?"

"Like the beginning of everything."

---

The Drive to Laguna Beach - Evening

The drive from San Diego to Laguna Beach would take about two hours, heading north along the coast highway. As they drove, the sun began its descent toward the Pacific, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks.

They talked as they drove—about the ceremony, about how beautiful Gerry's singing had been, about the guests and the toasts and the dancing. But mostly they just held hands and smiled at each other, still hardly believing they were married.

"Your mother looked so happy," Betty said.

"She was. Having her and Gerry here meant the world to me. I just wish my father could have been there too."

"He was there. I'm sure of it. He wouldn't have missed his son's wedding."

They stopped once along the way, at a scenic overlook, to watch the sunset over the ocean. Fred pulled Betty close, his arms around her waist, her back against his chest.

"This morning, I woke up as Betty Carringer," she said softly. "Tonight, I'll go to sleep as Betty Seaver. Everything's different now."

"Everything's better now," Fred corrected. "We're not two separate people anymore. We're a team. A partnership. A family."

"Our family. I like the sound of that."

The sun slipped below the horizon, and stars began appearing in the darkening sky. They got back in the car and continued north, anticipation building as they drew closer to Laguna Beach.

The Hotel Laguna was right on the beach, a charming Spanish-style building that had been operating since the 1920s. Fred had reserved the best room he could afford—a corner suite with ocean views and a balcony.

They checked in at the front desk, Fred signing the register: "Mr. and Mrs. Frederick W. Seaver Jr." The clerk smiled knowingly and handed them the key.

"Congratulations on your marriage. We hope you enjoy your stay."

A bellhop helped them with their luggage—Betty's new suitcase from her trousseau, Fred's worn traveling bag. He led them upstairs and opened the door to their suite.

The room was beautiful—white walls, dark wooden furniture, a large bed with a white coverlet, French doors leading to a balcony. Someone had left flowers on the table with a note: "Congratulations to the newlyweds."

Fred tipped the bellhop, who departed with a wink, leaving them alone.

For a moment, Fred and Betty just stood there, suddenly shy with each other. They were married, but this was new territory—their wedding night, the consummation of their marriage, the physical intimacy they'd been saving for this moment.

"I'm nervous," Betty admitted.

"Me too," Fred said. "But we don't have to rush anything. We have all night. We have the rest of our lives."

He took her hand and led her to the French doors, opening them onto the balcony. The sound of waves crashing on the beach below filled the air. The moon had risen, casting silver light on the water.

They stood on the balcony together, Fred's arms around Betty, both of them looking out at the ocean.

"I love you, Betty Seaver," Fred said.

"I love you, Frederick Seaver," Betty replied.

And then Fred swept his wife into his arms and carried her over the threshold into their honeymoon suite, both of them laughing, both of them ready to begin their married life together.

The door closed softly behind them.

Outside, the Pacific Ocean rolled endlessly to shore. Inside, Fred and Betty Seaver began their forever.

---

Epilogue

The next morning's San Diego Union newspaper would carry the article about their wedding, complete with all the details—the double-ring ceremony, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the reception for 250 guests. The article would note that following a motor trip north, the young couple would make their home at 577 Twin Oaks Avenue in Chula Vista.

What the newspaper couldn't capture was the love between them—tested through Fred's father's death, strengthened through months of planning and anticipation, sealed on a sunny Sunday afternoon in All Saints' Episcopal Church.

What the newspaper couldn't report was that this marriage would last forty-one years, producing three sons and four granddaughters. That Fred and Betty would face challenges—a war deployment, health scares, the ordinary struggles of married life—but would face them together, always together.

What the newspaper couldn't know was that Betty Carringer's decision to say "yes" to dinner at Marcia Chamberlain's house in March 1941 would change the trajectory of her entire life. That she'd found in Fred Seaver not just a husband, but a partner, a best friend, a man who would choose her every day for the rest of his life.

On July 12, 1942, at three o'clock in the afternoon, Betty Virginia Carringer became Betty Virginia Seaver.

And their adventure—the real adventure—was just beginning.

---

To be continued (?)

---

Author's Note:

This story is based on the true events of Betty Virginia (Carringer) Seaver (1919-2002) and Frederick Walton Seaver Jr. (1911-1983), who married on July 12, 1942, in San Diego, California. They had three sons: Randall Jeffrey (Randy), Stanley Richmond (Stan), and Scott Frederick. Betty was a dedicated teacher and talented artist who specialized in enamel work in her later years. Fred worked in aircraft manufacturing at the start of World War II, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and later became an insurance agent. They were married for forty-one years until Fred's death in 1983. Betty lived another nineteen years, surrounded by her three sons, four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, before passing away in 2002.

Their love story—from a matchmaker's dinner party to a wartime wedding to a lifetime together—is a testament to the enduring power of love, commitment, and choosing each other, day after day, year after year.

==========================================

2) Here is the Google NotebookLM Video Overview about Fred and Betty's wedding day on 12 July 1942 in San Diego: 

3)  This story is historical fiction based on real people -- my parents -- and a real event in a real place. I uploaded the newspaper articles about the wedding and ceremony and guests.  I reviewed the silent home movie I have of the event taken by my grandparents. I don't know the full story of these events -- but this is how it might have been. I hope that it was at least this good! Claude is such a good story writer!  I added some details and corrected some errors in Claude's initial version.

Stay tuned for the next episode in this family story.

                           ==============================================

Links to my blog posts about using Artificial Intelligence are on my Randy's AI and Genealogy page. Links to AI information and articles about Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy by other genealogists are on my AI and Genealogy Compendium page.

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