My first big find was purely by accident and a surprise. While I was hunting down the meaning/origin of Leanta, I also Googled Feland. I came across the name Clark Feland, but did not read any of the articles on him. But several months later, while I was working for Talbots in Manhattan Beach, I took a credit card from Diane Feland. I'm not sure I'll ever forget this moment, because it was unbelievable! It's the kind of thing you see on a TV show. I said, something like, oh my Great Grandfather was a Feland. I think we asked each other one or two questions and she had her cell phone out and said, to her husband, I think I am talking to a relative of yours, then she handed me her phone. What I remember after he introduced himself, was Grandfather William Bond Feland was buried with his Great Grandmother Nannie Feland in Phoenix, Arizona. He also mentioned, visiting my Great Grandfather, Uncle Bob while he was living in Hermosa Beach and visiting Leta in Phoenix. I could hardly believe it! Not only was this the Clark Feland from the Google search, his Grandfather William and my Papa (Robert/Bob) were brothers. WOW! Of course, I called my Mom right away and she did not believe it. I total her how and what Clark had said, saying the name Leanta wrong, which happens to be a pet peeve of mine. I told her how everything he said, matched our family history. It had to be true!!!
The following day, my Mom called and asked if Clark had called Leanta, Leta? I said, yes that is what her called her. This was when I found out that my great Aunt Leanta went by her nickname Leta. This confirmed that Clark was family! Several weeks later, I met Clark and his wife while working at Talbots. The one thing I noticed about Clark was how tall was, yep those Feland folks are tall people! Yep, it runs in the family!
No comments:
Post a Comment