Since my sister was here and since we talked of family memories, I have shifted gears and am spending more time on organizing the mountain of family history I have accumulated over the years. I had let it go by the wayside while working on my food storage and on my sewing endeavors. But I need to get back to preparing our family history to share with others in my family. None of my offspring or their offspring are showing signs of taking up where I leave off, but I need to remember that I was well into my 60's before 'genealogy bug' bit me.
When I got to the point where I needed a genealogy computer program to keep track of my findings, I tried out several. Some were too complicated. Others seemed like there was more interest in cool graphics than in entering information. Still others required the family information be sent on to their websites to be used for whatever purposes they wished. And still others stole information that I later found listed elsewhere.
I finally found a program that is free and easy to use and has no restrictions. It is 'Personal Ancestral File' from the Mormon website, 'FamilySearch.org.' In checking the Mormon website before writing this post I found, sadly, that they have discontinued that program and now offer online solutions. Lucky for me, I have saved my original download and when I have entered all I wish to enter, I can put the program and the information on a DVD and send it to any relatives who wish to view what I have entered.
When I first started this journey into researching my family, I found many websites where folks had uploaded their family tree information. I thought I had hit the motherlode of genealogical information until I discovered errors in the family relationships. Not only that, but specific errors were found in many different family trees. People were just copying someone else's work and claiming it as their own. I knew the work was wrong because I had personally known some of the people who were listed in error as to parental relationship or spousal relationships. Birth and death dates were often wrong. As were the names of places where the families had lived.
So I started doing my own research. Many state historical societies have websites that can be searched for birth, marriage and death information. Other websites have searchable Social Security information of the deceased. Another called 'Find A Grave' is searchable to find the burial locations of ancestors. I have found it reliable and useful.
Now I just enter into my program those that I know or knew personally and those for whom I have found to have proof of their existence. This way I know that the information I leave behind is true and accurate.
This research thing may seem as dry as dust to those who have no interest in family history, but I find it fascinating. I found details of one ancestor who, upon his arrival to North America spent a couple of years living in a cave. When he finally obtained a small farm, he was such a disagreeable neighbor that he was literally run out of town. Another has documented statements of his bravery during the Revolutionary War. And another was fined 6 months pay for being drunk on guard duty during the Civil War. It would seem that I have more rogues than heroes.
Not everyone needs to go to the lengths I have in finding my roots, but I think my grands need to know something of their history. They need to know that their great-grandfather on one side of the family carried on his family tradition of farming the land that had been in the family for generations, both milking cows and raising beef cattle. And another great-grandfather (my Dad) spent most of his adult life caring for his invalid wife, sometimes working three jobs in order to do it. Both of those men had a work ethic second to none. This is part my grand's heritage. They need to know.
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I tried using a genealogy site once, but was later warned it was false information. I haven't attempted my family history project since. It sounds like you are on the right track with yours.
ReplyDeleteKristina...I learned the hard way about false information. I was amazed at how many just want to accumulate more names than someone else and also those who take someone else's work and claim ownership without even checking the facts. That's why I only enter what I can prove. That meant having to start over, entering from scratch, but I want my kids and grands to know only truth.
DeleteEven OTHER PEOPLE'S families interest me; thanks for the glimpse into yours. One of my supposed ancestors, Lareyn? Duyts, Came to New Amsterdam (now NYC) in 1637 from Demark. He eventually married another Danish immigrant, Then SOLD her to another man after a few years and married her sister. As punishment, Peter Stuyvesant had one of his ears cut off and banished him from the colony. Yessirree, I come from FINE stock!
ReplyDeleteGorges...I have found there are so many who try to link their families with royalty or someone famous. My Dad was proud of the fact one branch of our family was related to President Buchanan. I never did have the heart to tell him that Buchanan was considered one of the all-time worst presidents. I like finding the rogues much more than finding the heroes. They are more interesting. :)
Deletewe are all related to royalty and we are all related to slaves, who are sometimes the same people depending upon the politics of their times.
Deletedeborah...Sometimes things don't make sense until you delve into what was going on at the time. The politics of the day or the conditions of the time often explain why ancestors did what they did. I expect if a person digs deep enough your theory of royalty and slaves would be proven correct.
DeleteFascinating, really. I have only a basic understanding of some of my Dad's family history. Virtually none on my Mom's side. I'm enjoying these posts very much!
ReplyDeleteWell, it's very hot for us and smokey from forest fires in our province and from the US Pacific Northwest.
The dog and I have been hunkered down all day with the AC running. I 'splurged' two years ago and bought a portable AC unit. It's probably paid for itself by now - he used to see the vet at least once each summer when he'd develop hot spots/skin flares. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Truth be told, I don't do well in the heat either.
Take good care. SJ
This genealogy thing is sort of like an addiction, SJ. Once you get started, it is hard to know when to stop. I am finding new to me information all the time. I think it really kicked in after my Dad died and I realized there was nobody left to answer my questions about my family. They say each generation has at least one who will carry the torch and I hope that eventually one of my descendants will pick up where I leave off.
DeleteYou are scorching with the heat and I am shivering with the cold. It is going on 5 pm and the temp is only 62 degrees. I finally gave in and turned on the heat. I'm not going to complain too much, for I don't do well in the heat, either :)