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| Judi Wollenziehn (#46620052)
 | member for 11 years, 9 months, 11 days |
| | | [Add to MyFriends] |
| Bio and Links |
Ten years after I was hired as the library media specialist at Jim Bridger Eighth Grade Center in Independence, a neighbor stopped by to chat with my husband, who was mowing the yard. "Guess you folks know that you're livin' on Bridger's old farm," he said. My husband rushed into the house to tell me, igniting a journey that included extensive research, trips to the Old West, new friendships, deep disappointments, and thrilling victories. The startling discovery that I lived on the former farm of my school's namesake fueled my interest in the mountain man who previously was of little interest to me.
I began researching his life, using books and the Internet to find information about this man who had walked on the same ground on which I was walking. As I learned about the intrepid frontiersman who guided more wagon trains out west than all the other scouts combined, I began wondering about his descendants. I discovered that three of his great-grandchildren were still living - one in Modesto, California, one in Belle Plaine, Kansas, and one in Columbus, Kansas.
I joined the Westport Historical Society and met their historian, Peggy Smith, another Bridger enthusiast. She told me that Bridger's granddaughter, Louise Lightle Wachsman, was buried in an unmarked grave at Mount St. Mary's Cemetery. With the support of my principal, G. W. Gelven, I initiated a fund-raising campaign with Bridger students that allowed us to dedicate Louise's headstone within a school year. This event whetted my appetite for more opportunities to educate the community about the unknown hero who had played such a key role in the Westward expansion.
Several years later, two groups of gifted students from Jim Bridger Eighth Grade Center raised $26,000 during a two year period to commission a statue of Jim Bridger by renowned sculptor, Tom Beard. The completed work (at the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence) was unveiled by two of Bridger's great grandchildren at a reception held a few days before the Old Scout's 200th birthday.
I am now the library media specialist at Bishop Miege High School in Shawnee Mission, KS. My history club members are part of the findagrave.com team. For the past several years, the students have adopted the children's section of Elmwood Cemetery in Kansas City. Once a month, they clean the area and raise funds to purchase headstones for children in unmarked graves (http://www.theleaven.com/past_issues/_pdf/v31/Leaven10-30-09.pdf).
Please notify me if any corrections or additions are needed for my entries. | |
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| | | Messages left for Judi Wollenzieh... (93) | [Leave Message] |
AnnieDuckettHundley
 | Mark Mueller
Hi Judi,
LOVED reading your profile, so glad you shared that, nicely written too. I've transferred Mark Mueller's memorial to you. Such a beautiful photo you added to it.
Blessings,
Annie :) | | | Nina Beeson
 | Ruth M. Parrish Morris Transfer
I wish to thank you publically for the transfer of this memorial and thank you for all you do for this Find A Grave community of researchers. | | | SueB
 | questions
hi Judi, I would like to ask you about Elmwood, Olathe, KC, and the Ames memorial you created (Eli B 46425287). May I send you an email?Added by SueB on Feb 19, 2013 10:20 AM | | | Matthew Knaack
 | RE: Manage
Thank you so much! | | | Matthew Knaack
| Manage
Hi!
I would like to manage 11350815 if that's ok - he was my great-great uncle on my dad's side.
Thanks! | | | William E Schaefer
| Karl F. Conrad
Tried to send this as Edit, suggest info. but it wouldn't work. Could you add this information for Karl Conrad?
Thanks
Middle Name: Francis
born in Appleton, Outagamie Co., WI.
died in Sayner, Vilas Co., WI.
Father: Wenzel Conrad 74045681
Mother: Marie Conrad 74045683 | | | Barb OD
 | RE: Walter Johannis Christon Golisch
Thanks, that works.
Are you connected to Walter?
If not you could transfer the memorial to me.
BarbAdded by Barb OD on Dec 25, 2012 8:25 PM | | | hug2atree
| Clara Ella (Martin) Isbell
Hi Judi,
I did forget to give you my member number again. Sorry about that. It's 47582717. I'm Clara Ella (Martin) Isbell 1st cousin. I was asking about the Capps near Harrison, Arkansas and how to find the right info on it!
Donna - hug2atree | | | hug2atree
| Clara Ella (Martin) Isbell
Hi Judi,
You have transfered my 1st cousin Clara Ella (Martin) Isbell to me and I thank you so much. But, I need to find out about the Capps near Harrison, Arkansas from you if you have the info. Her Bio shows Capps near Harrison, Arkansas. I put in Capps and when I looked for Harrison County, Arkansas in the County Finder there is no Harrison County. But it did come up with Boone County for Capps, Arkansas. How can I find the right info out about this? Thats if you know!
Donna - hug2atree | | | Daddy's Girl
 | My DAR Group
Judi, Would you be interested in speaking next year to the Wyandot Chapter of the DAR about Bridger? I know they would be interested in your story. Thanks. I can be reached at carolynclydedolan@rocketmail.com or call me at 913-980-9606. Have a great day!
Carolyn | | | | [View all messages...] |
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