Tombstones & Books

I've been going line by line thru some cemetery books, I do that occasionally looking for people I have missed and dates that I do not have.  Its a great thing to do especially if a family in a given location has a fondness for a certain cemetery, sometime going thru yields children born between census or possible older ancestors. 

Once you have names & dates you can try to locate obits & death records to prove or disprove relationships. Of all the contributions that genealogy & historical societies make, I think the cemetery readings are one of the most important.

I have found so many leads and so much information by using the cemetery readings that many of the societies have done.  I've also found maiden names in these books.

Beware of the annotations that sometimes come along with the books, without knowing the source of the information that they are including, taking the information with following up with your own research isn't the smartest thing to be doing.  Keeping in mind that humans do make mistakes, either in reading the stones or in transcribing records, follow up on the things you find in the books.  I have a tendancy to use the books where stones have been recorded in order appearing in the cemetery rather than alphabetically.  I like to see who is resting next door.  Never know who you'll find.

 Having cemetery readings for cemeteries where your ancestors rest?  Its a very good thing!

Happy Researching!
Karen

Politics & Genealogy

After the elections of the past few years I sometimes wonder if its really worth the effort.  So much mud slinging, lying - at times its hard to tell who really is telling the truth.  Hopefully everyone took the time to get out and vote regardless of what party you choose.

Personally I think that the family history that we record should also reflect the lives of those still living.  At some point we too will be part of the family history that someone is searching for.  Have you given any thought at all about taking the time to write down your political views?

Just taking the time to record your thoughts on the election of Mr. Obama, not just his election, but the ones who ran with & against him? How about the local elections in your city, county or state? Did you volunteer? Maybe you attended a rally or made phone calls? Recording your thoughts on the political goings on of our generation should be as much a priority as locating a death date or an obituary on one of your deceased ancestors!  Wouldn't you love to find a diary or letter that discusses your ancestors thoughts on the elections that had taken place in his day?  How I wish my female ancestors had recorded their thoughts on the fight for women's rights! 

We are living history - and we owe it to the genealogists & desendants that come after us to leave behind our perspective.  It's either our perspective or some history book with someone else's slant.  Which would you prefer?

Happy Researching!
Karen

Genealogy Societies

Didn't blog yesterday, I've been busy this week with three speaking engagements & babysitting the grandsons. Sure can tell I'm not 25 anymore!

Tonight I'm speaking at my "home" genealogy club - The Ford Genealogy Club, doing one of my favorite talks, Color Your Ancestor Alive! I've been a part of this group since its beginnings many years ago. I enjoy both the genealogy & social parts of this club. Its great to share a find and know that many people there share the excitement!

I am a big supporter of Genealogy societies & the work they do. A great place to learn more, make local connections and give back to the genealogical community. Its winter now, there's snow on the ground and the temps are cold in many parts of the country. But its not going to be like this forever. Soon the temps will warm up & the society volunteers will head out to read more cemeteries -- the very same cemetery books that you use when you go to the library to research. Maybe they'll be off to the courthouse to transcribe records, or to a local funeral home to transcribe records there.

Some will put them in their newsletters, some will publish into books. All to help YOU with your research. I know there is alot on the internet, but there's still alot out there that is not on the internet and may not ever make it to the internet.

Most genealogy societies have memberships that start at less than a good dinner for two, usually in the $20-$25 range. This helps keep the lights on, the copiers going and volunteers a place to come & do YOUR lookups. I've heard all the preaching about genealogy being free, and I do agree to a point, but most monies paid to these societies isn't about lavish buildings and fancy copiers, its about keeping the lights & heat on so YOU can get lookups or come & research. The information in the newsletters - usually records etc., alone should be worth the cost of a membership. As I said not everything is on the internet.

Joining a society in the county your ancestor lived in can get you reduced prices on books & materials, the newsletter which might have more information - and if you are really lucky some connections to living descendants in the area. What more could you ask for?

So why not start the new year off on the right foot - write a check & join a genealogy society - one in your area to support local research - bloom where you are planted, or one in the area your ancestors lived.

I'm sure you'll be glad you did!

Happy Researching!

Karen

**Photo is of some of our Ford Club members at dinner after a meeting. A great time was had by all!