Welcome!!

I first started doing genealogy research many years ago when a cousin gave me her hand written scribbles of census's pieces. I took on the challenge and discovered microfilm readers.

What a surprise to discover that with each “find” I was led to more names and places. This was getting fun. Awhile later I branched out in my research, writing letters, going to courthouses, visiting cemeteries and any place else where I could find the tiniest bit of information.

Cemeteries, ahhh, I was on a mission. I loved the beauty, the search and the ultimate discovery of tombstones. Courthouses were a joy. I wasn't even experienced enough to look farther than the item I wanted, it was still fun. Each courthouse was run a little differently but still the same. What an exciting moment to open those large books filled with handwritten information. And the people! Along the way on my journey, I met so many wonderful people, and made so many terrific friends.

My searches grew and grew. Of course, when I lived in Illinois, my searching was needed in California and Washington State, and once I moved to Arizona, I found that most of my research was in Illinois. Isn't that always the way!

Over the years, my “few” family members became hundreds, my searching states became many and even reached to Germany and the UK. Research and documentation have changed with the times and my skills have honed as I continue to learn. I love the tools on the internet, yet still favor personal visits to courthouses and cemeteries and societies.

I have learned patience. Often times the answer takes years but the time factor makes the victory so much better. It is humbling to compare my life to that of pioneers and early settlers.  I have learned regret that I found some information too late to share with the one person who would have loved it. I have learned the humility of being one person in a long line of people, each special in his own way. I have learned so much history as it came alive with my research. I have learned hope, that our grandchildren and their families will find an appreciation of their family history.

I enjoy this adventure and hope to share some of it with you. Welcome to my blog. I am excited to begin this new journey of writing about examining and researching genealogy.