Audrain County Area Genealogical Society met Nov. 16 at the Mexico-Audrain County Library for its program meeting. The meeting was called to order by President Alta Wilkeson. There were 15 members and two guests in attendance, a news release stated.

Members were reminded about the upcoming annual Holiday Soup Luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 13 in the library’s lower-level conference room.

Committee reports included ongoing work with local newspaper clippings for the Mexico area, which continue to be sorted by year and placed in archival sleeves, and continued efforts to update cemetery burials in Audrain County, with an overall index to all burials currently underway.

Announcements from the meeting included the completion of an evaluation of the society’s current computer and microfilm systems, with recommendations for equipment upgrades. Committee members are reviewing replacement costs and grant opportunities to help fund these improvements. Plans were also shared for a six-month Genealogy Workshop Series for those interested in researching their family history or refreshing their research skills. In addition, a surplus of publications and past newsletters will soon be available for sale, with discounted pricing offered to members.

Members Cathy Cooper, Carol Benskin, and Scott Weber presented a “Show & Tell” program featuring their personal genealogical stories, photos, displays, and heirlooms. A glimpse was given into the life of Catherine Agnes Hudson, born in October 1871 in Vandalia, when the town was still in its infancy. She was the seventh of eight children and did not attend school until age 10, when she began at a one-room schoolhouse. Catherine always wanted to teach and began her career in 1901, teaching in public schools in Audrain County and surrounding areas. To further her education, she attended the University of Chicago, the University of Missouri, Trinity and Loyola Colleges, and St. Louis University, receiving her degree in 1928.

In 1915, at the age of 34, she entered the convent of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Upon
becoming a nun, she took the name Sister M. Winifred, in honor of her mother. Sister Winifred taught school for 64 years, until 1955, in Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana, and Mississippi. She was known for sending holy cards with notes written on the back to her family members. These holy cards, along with her photo in her traditional habit, were shared during the program.

A creative visual family tree was also displayed, using individual photo cards of ancestors. Each card featured a picture on the front and basic information on the back, creating an engaging wall display for all ages. It offered a simple way for family members—especially younger ones—to connect with their heritage through quick snapshots and brief stories of their lineage.

Another portion of the program highlighted a remarkable collection of family history through digitized Kodachrome slides—7,855 in all—carefully scanned and organized over 14 months. Spanning the early 1950s through the mid-1980s, these images were originally captured by three generations: the presenter’s grandmother, Mabel Weber; his father, Randall W. Weber; and the presenter, Scott Weber. This project has been a labor of love, offering glimpses into people, places, and moments that helped shape both their family and the wider community. Through the digitization of these slides, the stories they hold continue to live on, preserved and shared through our collective appreciation for the past.

Anyone interested in attending a meeting can visit either ACAGS’s Website at ACAGS.org or visit the Audrain County Area Genealogical Society Facebook page.