Let me begin my pages with a brief history of myself. I am Dolores Marlena,and I moved to California from Tulsa ,OK, when I was 14 years old. I have so many fond memories of my home-born state, but I am equally loyal to the state that has nurtured my many years. I was born Dolores Loraine Stilley (but always known as Boots), to John Frederick Stilley and Edna Leslie Tappana - Stilley. I learned that I was going to need an education to pursue my goals. The old song " Jack (Jackie) of all trades, master of ( almost several) some, certainly applied to me. I will briefly mention the ones that were most satisfying.
1. I modestly and humbly accept the label by many authorities as an expert in avian diseases. I spent many years in this field. As a result and without going into detail, I became interested in the field of investigation and as a result was fortunate to have training and working with some of the best. This led to several years of covert work which afforded me the most satisfaction. I finished my working years in security management, retiring early due to advancing Multiple Sclerosis.
2. Because my interests were many and varied, I was afforded some success in writing, art, dancing and Little Theater.
3. I was an enigma I am told to most who knew me as well as myself. A devoted Christian, philosophist, idealist and one who overcame a fair amount of shyness to becoming almost an extrovert, with people stating: " what you see is what you get; "direct but kind, frank, honest." I don't really mind that label.
4. The following pages are a synopsis of the lineage from which I have descended. I have found links to many, but missing many also. I have begun my search for those who have gone before and I'm sure I will never reach the end.
5. If you have information on any of the following names or missing links, I would certainly appreciate any help you are willing to share. I have gathered much information regarding my mothers paternal side that came from Spain. I have now found why the family name was probably changed from Espana to Tappana. I have found my maternal grandmother's story to be exceptionally accurate and I am eternally greatful for the help she gave to an ever inquisitivet kid (me).They first came to Louisiana and at some point one settled in Missouri. The mystery that surrounded this family was unexplained for over 150 years because the earlier family refused to talk about it. They were fiercely patriotic and all Christian, but refused to discuss their coming to America. You will see the Espana/Tappana story unfold in additional pages relating to this family. I always felt a part of this family long before I knew of them.
6. One story has been of special interest and that is of the Silverthorne Legend and the ties to Glastobury. I have not found if the Silverthorne family was related to people who simply lived there or if this family (who has a lady Silverthorne buried beneath the church in a place of honor), was related to Joseph of Arimethea.
7. I have found so many nice people during my search for ancestors and especially want to acknowledge and thank Larry Chesebro, Patricia Nall, Elaine Nall Baye, Will Sigler, Peggy Stilley - Morgan, Van Stilley, Marilyn Tappana McCrosky & sister Kathy Tappana, Connie Schofield & Jerry Prior.
