I have recently been very fascinated with the history of my Grandfather's father Joseph Platte Callister. Most interesting to me is his link to the Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition and the settling of San Juan County, Utah. One interesting source of details in this history is Joseph Platte's cousin Albert R Lyman. He was a amateur historian and kept excellent records of his, and his ancestor's history. He is known as the founding father of Blanding and is a very interesting fellow.
I stumbled onto an online digital archive that contained his Missionary journal (actual scanned pages). I knew he and Joseph Platte had been very close and I was excited to see if he wrote about him at all. Initial browsing through the old cursive font of Albert R revealed no illusion to JP. Before I left the archive I thought I would look at the back of the last page. There was one thing on the page. A little portrait of Joseph Platte Callister. He is looking as sharp as ever in the picture! I had never seen it, and immediately it gave me the same feeling I had when I found my first copy of a rare John Denver bootleg vinyll, or a really big Topaz.. it was awesome.
No one in the family (and extended family) had seen it. Without leaving my kitchen, I was able to do some family history work and come closer to my ancestors.
and THAT is awesome!!
Jake
4 comments:
That is awesome Jake! i have done a little research into joseph platte callister as well. pretty awesome guy. this picture i would assume is around 20 - 25 years old. i actually think you look a lot like this photo.. great work and fun story
I too think you look like this picture of Joseph Platte. Very Handsome!!! That is so fun to discover things about your ancesters...It truly makes them more than just names on paper. So glad that you are so interested in the past, and those that came before. love Mom
I've been to Hole-in-the-Rock! I hiked all the way to the top from the lake, and when I got to the top it was about 120 degrees. I don't know how those Pioneers put up with that kind of stuff.
I love that story! I have been really interested in finding out about my ancestors recently as well! I'm excited to find out who they are and where I come from. Thanks for sharing!
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