Echoes of the Past: The Story of My Ancestry (Newberry)

July 10, 2025

Echoes of the Past: The Story of My Ancestry (Newberry)

A Name Written True: The Birth of Virsel Loretaus Newberry

🖋️ Recorded and remembered—official State of Michigan birth certificate for Versel Horatio Wesley Newberry, dated May 5, 1914. Lists father Edward Newberry, a farmer, and mother Minnie Amandy, a housewife, with residence in Lathrop Township. This archival record marks the beginning of a life and the preservation of a name, spelling included.

Welcome to My Journey Through the Past

There are moments in ancestral research that feel less like uncovering facts and more like remembering something your soul already knew.

Today, I held one of those moments in my hands: the birth certificate of my father, Virsel Loretaus Newberry, born April 12, 1914, in Sanborn Township, Alpena County, Michigan.

Although the document was recorded weeks later, and although some historical records contain misnamings and uncertainties, this one confirmed what our family has always known: his name was Virsel Lortaus, but not Versel Horatius Wesley. His middle name he always thought and went by—Loretaus—was not a coincidence. It was a living tribute, inherited from the man who raised him: his grandfather, Loretaus John Franklin Newberry.

His mother is listed clearly as Minnie Amandy, and his father, Edward Newberry, a farmer. The quiet dignity of their names now preserved in ink, not only in memory.

It may seem like a small thing—to see a name spelled as it should be, a birthdate aligned, a mother’s name honored in full—but for those of us tracing stories through weathered paper and whispers, it’s everything. It anchors the truth. It gives the past a spine.

❄️ Frost and Family Captured in the stillness of winter, this photo shows my father, **Virsel Loretaus Newberry**, standing beside my maternal grandfather, **Arthur William Birr, Sr.**, in a snow-blanketed yard. Virsel, dressed in a coat and hat, carries his signature sturdy presence, while Arthur—more formal in a suit and tie—stands with quiet dignity beneath the winter sky. They’re framed by a small evergreen tree and humble buildings in the distance, their breath visible in the crisp Michigan air.
It’s a moment of generational connection—two men rooted in different branches of my lineage, standing side by side in quiet harmony. A snapshot of warmth, even in the cold.

I share this not only for my own children and cousins, but for anyone navigating the winding roads of genealogy: the details matter, and they will find you when you’re ready.

Here’s to honoring the names spoken in love, held in memory, and now, finally, spelled just right.

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🌿 Personal Growth & Reflections, Heirloom Echoes

ancestry, family, Family History, fiction, genealogy, history, poetry, short-story, writing

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Whispering Willow

Welcome, wanderers and dreamers! I’m Michelle Allen—a poet, storyteller, and seeker of the whispered tales hidden in the wind. Growing up in the enchanting landscapes of Hesperia, Michigan (Hesperides), I found inspiration in the quiet strength of nature, the echoes of mythology, and the ever-changing tides of identity and transformation. Through Whispers of the Willow, I weave verses that bridge past and future, blending structured poetic forms with boundless imagination. My writing is a portal to forgotten legends, mystical transitions, and the universal truths that connect us across time and space. When I’m not crafting lyrical narratives, you’ll find me chasing the golden glow of twilight, exploring fantastical realms, or celebrating the wonder of storytelling in all its forms. Poetry is more than words—it’s a journey, a spell, a bridge between reality and dream. Join me in the adventure, where every whisper carries the promise of discovery. 🌿✨ 📩 Connect with me: allenmic6482@yahoo.com 🌎 Explore my poetry: https://Whispering-Willow.net or https://echoesofthewillow.wordpress.com 📖 Follow the journey: #WhisperingWillow #EliosAndLysandra #NatureLovesTales #FantasyJourney

About Me

I am a dreamer, a seeker, and a keeper of stories. My words are more than ink on a page—they are constellations of thought, woven from vulnerability, courage, and the echoes of my heart’s triumphs and trials.

Welcome to Whispering Willow, LLC—a sanctuary where words breathe magic, poetry finds its rhythm, and creativity flourishes. Here, storytelling isn’t just an art; it’s a journey—an exploration of untold tales and whispered truths.

Life has shaped me in many ways, through love, loss, reinvention, and renewal. Raised in the quiet embrace of Hesperia, Michigan, I have always been drawn to the beauty of nature, the wisdom of silence, and the lessons tucked within its stillness. Now, as I split my time between Michigan and Oklahoma City, my experiences weave themselves into my writing, creating a tapestry of memories, reflections, and discoveries.

A proud grandmother, student, and emerging writer, I am currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing at Baker College. My passions extend beyond academia—I am captivated by writing, painting, drawing, reading, and traveling. Each pursuit fuels my creativity, broadens my perspective, and strengthens my ability to connect with the world around me.

Poetry is my deepest form of self-expression, a language through which I explore the silent conversations of nature, the unspoken wisdom of the night, and the whispered secrets of the willow trees. My writing is an ever-evolving journey—a path paved with metaphors and dreams, leading me to profound discoveries with each verse.

But Whispering Willow, LLC is more than just a blog—it’s a haven where words take shape, ideas find clarity, and stories transcend time. Here, you’ll find a collection of my poetry, each piece a reflection of my essence, an imprint of my experiences, and a testament to my growth as a writer.

Beyond storytelling, Whispering Willow, LLC offers essential services to ensure that your words speak with precision and impact. Whether you need online proofreading and editing for resumes, cover letters, or newsletters, or require meticulous notary services, our commitment to excellence ensures that your documents carry the strength of your true voice. With a passion for language and an eye for detail, our goal is to refine and elevate your writing while preserving its authenticity.

I believe in the power of words, their ability to shape understanding, inspire action, and create lasting connections. As I embark on this journey of publishing my first story, I invite you to join me in the ever-changing waters of poetry and creativity. Whether you seek a poetic escape, a thoughtful editor, or a trusted hand to verify your documents, Whispering Willow, LLC stands as your partner in words.

Thank you for being a part of my story—I can’t wait to see where this path leads us!