Fearless Females: March 17

The Accidental Genealogist is running her annual “Fearless Females” month of March. I got really behind this month due to several weekends of traveling for hockey, but I still think it’s a worthwhile series and I’m hoping to finish it out slowly. If you want to see her blog and prompts you can look here: http://www.theaccidentalgenealogist.com/2015/02/back-for-sixth-year-fearless-females.html

The prompt for March 17:

“Social Butterfly? What social organizations or groups did your mother or grandmother belong to? Sewing circle, church group, fraternal benefit society or lodge? Describe her role in the group.”

My grandmother Peggy Barbour Straughen (1937-2008) was quite the social butterfly. She was very active in our church. She was in the choir (I could always hear her voice over everyone else!). She also was a layperson, which meant she occasionally read scripture at the service if the pastor was away. She was involved in several dinner groups, bible studies and circles at the church as well.

In addition to church activities, Peggy used to be very active. Before she had to have a hip replacement she played tennis and swam regularly. In fact, even after she could no longer swim she would get together with her ‘swim bunch’ for lunch at Wendy’s. Peggy also hosted a bridge group at her home regularly, she loved playing bridge and was very good at it. She had lots of friends from her hometown and was a frequent traveler to visit them. One of these was her high school best friend Kay Chamblis, who lived in California. Peggy visited her for the last time in June 2008.

Peggy was an avid quilter, although I don’t believe she belonged to any sewing circles. For about the last 10 years of her life Peggy was a dedicated genealogist. It is because of her that I am here! At the time of her death her family tree included over 10,000 people. She had even spent some time working on her son-in-law’s (my father) genealogy, which allowed us to join the DAR and First Families of Ohio.