I have been working on Genealogy since 1989. It started out as a quest for truth. Then the more I researched the more I found myself becoming apart of my ancesters lives as though I actually knew them.
I also began thinking that, my father only had two people that knew him. (Really knew him) and that was myself and his brother. And once we were gone, there would be no one that would know anything about him. And then I learned that my mother had cancer and would also pass on soon and the same held for her. And I thought no one should ever be forgotten. And I guess it is also my way of holding on to my parents. I'm very proud of who my parents were and that they were my parents. As I would hope
everyone would be proud of their parents.
And my ancesters are the same. A part of who I am and not to be forgotten. To me it is important not only to discover your ancesters but, the facts should be as accurate as possible. I love Genealogy, and have spent hundreds of hours in libraries, court houses, cemetaries as well as gathering every bits and
pieces of information from other researchers. And like a giant puzzle, put all the parts together.
I have a data base program that I have saved my work to. But also have everything hand written as well. And documentation is of the utmost importance. Perhaps, I have gone far beyond most researchers. I believe in the whole tree of ancesters. Not
just a branch. I also believe the bloodline continues even if the
surname changes, through spelling or marriages of daughters. Some
Genealogist list daughters of a surname but, it ends there. Not to me.
It's to bad most people don't realize the importance of Genealogy until later in life if at all. Many, many times I wish I had started 30 years ago. But will do what I can while I can. I know true Genealogist know what I mean.
Those of you that have not dealt in Genealogy--- Come on
what are you waiting for. You'll love it and it is Habit Forming. I never thought I'd see the day I would love to spend not only the whole day in a library but day after day in the library. Courthouse Vaults are open to the public and are available to you. Check them out!
